001 Dialog Between Azhar And Jason

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A compilation of dialogues between Muslims Da’ee and Non Muslims from the website eialogue.org gracefully given to us by the website management. This is published in this book as part of resources to study in the objective of improving our Dawah skills.

Hello. How may I help you today?
Azhar

Hello.
Jason

Hi Jason
Azhar

How are you?
Jason

Welcome to our chat on basics of Islam. Good thanks and you?
Azhar

I’m doing good
Jason

Great. So how can we help today?
Azhar

The basics of islam
Jason

Cool. Sure – let’s go through them – it just takes a few mins. Ask any questions along the way
Azhar

Ok.
Jason

Here is the central core of Islam: Belief in one and only one God who has no partners, no children, no sons, no daughters, no mother, no father.
Azhar

Islam means peace acquired by submitting to the one true God and to accept all His prophets and *original* revelations.
Azhar

Ok
Jason

Good! Here’s how forgiveness works in Islam:
In Islam, we ourselves are responsible for asking God for our own salvation and getting forgiveness for our sins – not anyone like Jesus or Mohammed. We simply pray directly to God to forgive us.
Azhar

Also, in Islam no-one can pass on his sins to anyone and no-one can inherit sins from anyone. Nor can anyone take our sins for us.
Azhar

But I’ve read that if people commit a sin because of you, you also get that sin for example you listen to music. And others listen to it following your example
Jason

Yes that’s true. And the flip side
If you show someone how to do a good deed then when they do it you also get reward
Azhar

But that would be bad if somebody listens to music his whole life following your example even if you have stopped you still get the sin!
Jason

Right. So Allah might give you one or more bad deeds but the other person has a mind and is allowed to make choices too – it can’t all be blamed on the one that he followed 🙂
Azhar

But what if you have changed your ways do you still get the sin if he does it? That would be depressing
Jason

Yes – so you would ask Allah for forgiveness and then your sin count may stop even if that other person might continue.
Azhar

Only Allah knows for sure how far it goes
So the best thing is always to tell people to do good things and be a good example
Azhar

So as a back-up if I were in that situation I would repent at least every day
In case he sinned again
Jason

Yes – repent sincerely and then move on. You don’t have to keep repenting for that one.
Azhar

Once you’ve repented sincerely, assume Allah has forgiven you and has stopped sins being counted against you for what that other guy is now doing because of your sin. Understood?
Azhar

I think so
Jason

Otherwise what would happen?
Azhar

But how do you know you are forgiven?
Jason

We’d go mad repenting for every little sin we did again and again and eventually we will not live a normal life.
Azhar

The great thing is that we never know. So once you’ve done repentance sincerely, assume its forgiven and move on.
Azhar

See my above point about going mad or becoming obsessive
Azhar

So you have to assume the best
And hope for the best
Jason

Yes – you have to give Allah the title of being most Merciful and Forgiving
Azhar

Understable
Jason

Cool.. let’s move on 🙂
Azhar

Yes
Jason

Here’s a little about worship in Islam:
In Islam, we have clear purposes in life:
1. Worship one God , and in order to please Him…
2. Work for the welfare (development) of society.
Azhar

Now worship in Islam is not just rituals, it is a complete way of a good life.
For example, if I smile to others, it is a kind of worship. Also if I give water to a dog or a cat in the street it is a kind of worship. Similarly building hospitals and schools is a kind of worship. To do your job or work honestly is also a kind of worship.
Azhar

Pls let me know when you’ve read and if you agree or let me know if you have any questions.
Azhar

But what if for example somebody’s behavior is annoying you
Jason

There is this old guy that always talks to me but he doesn’t know dutch well and when he shakes hands he holds it for too long
Jason

OK… here’s where you can use your brain…
Azhar

Maybe in Arabic culture they hold hands
Also he likes hugging which I hate
Jason

For example… you can make sure you have things in your hands
And keep a few metres away from him
Azhar

To be honest I would not like to talk to him
It is annoying me I like to be alone
Jason

OK then just pass by him, wish him all the best and move on
Azhar

And not have idle talk
Jason

I’m sure you can think of ways
Azhar

The thing is he will get sad
But I guess it can’t be avoided
His dutch is bad so he just asks the same question how are you
Jason

Well… if you can hear him out and help him from getting lonely then you might earn rewards
Azhar

Yeah but I don’t like to hold male hands
Jason

Just tell him
Azhar

Hands and he hugs for too long…
But will he understand?
He also had bad hearing
I will just ignore him it may seem harsh
But it really tires me
Jason

Sometimes honesty is the best policy even if it doesn’t sound good initially
Azhar

Yeah but his dutch is bad so he might misunderstand Ughh
Jason

Well – honestly speaking Jason – there must be lots of books written on this subject. Its not something we can advise on here in this chat
Azhar

Haha yeah
Jason

I’m sure honesty will pay off in the long run
So let’s move on
Azhar

I’ll just say hello
And move on
Ok
Jason

Good idea
Azhar

There are 6 things (called 6 Items of Faith) that every Muslim should believe in. They are:
– Belief in Allah, The Only God
– Belief in the Angels
– Belief in Holy Books
– Belief in the Prophets
– Belief in the Day of Judgment
– Belief in God’s predestination (Fate)
Azhar

Would you like to know more about what any of these mean?
Azhar

Yeah
Jason

Any specific one or all?
Azhar

I’ve read in the quran that satan is doomed to hell
Or cursed
Jason

Yes
Azhar

Why. What if he wants to repent?
Jason

You know what I say?
Azhar

What?
Jason

Don’t worry about what will happen to Satan. Worry about yourself
We can all waste time
Azhar

Haha
Jason

thinking about these things that don’t affect us
Azhar

So should I only care about myself?
Not about family and other people?
Jason

Just curious
Jason

You should care about doing your duty to Allah and all of mankind
Azhar

As for Satan he can worry about himself
Azhar

So he is alive right now?
Jason

Its like someone asked me where will Satan’s soul go when he goes to hell? What do we care, right?
He is indeed alive and leading people astray
Azhar

Like does he sleep and eat?
What is he made of?
Why can’t we see them
Jason

He’s tempting people 24×7
Azhar

Haha
Jason

He whispers to people
and seduces them
Azhar

I mean in today’s society people are so bad he doesn’t even need to do anything
Jason

What he does is he whispers nice things to people to lead them astray then they make a decision to follow his advice. Yes there is much temptation nowadays
Azhar

Yeah especially here
In the west
Jason

Yes. OK so which of the 6 things would you like me to explain?
(also in the east)
Azhar

Yeah
I heard in China
Jason

Yes – sorry to say
Azhar

They force muslims to denounce their religion and imams to dance and sing
Jason

Its tragic yes
Azhar

China is even worse than the west
Jason

So Jason.. we’re diverting from basics of Islam to politics now
Azhar

At least the west has some human rights
Jason

Here we do not usually discuss politics
Azhar

Yeah so explain the day of judgment please
Jason

Sure – most welcome….
Azhar

Day of Judgement: This is where we will all be raised from our graves and face judgment based on what we did in this world while we were alive and we had control over.
Azhar

Then we will go to paradise if we did mainly good things or hell if we did more bad things than good
Azhar

Will we be wearing clothes?
Jason

I’ll check – give me a minute
Azhar

Ok
Jason

People will be gathered on the Day of Resurrection barefoot, naked and uncircumcised.
Azhar

Save and see this link later:
islamqa.info/en/answers/21679
Azhar

Do you want me to explain other items of the 6?
Azhar

Ehmm let me see the predestination only
Jason

That’s one of my favourites to explain 🙂
Azhar

Predestination: Allah gives free choice to everyone to do good or bad. If they do good or bad its for themselves and they are responsible.
Azhar

Imagine you are at a crossroads: You can go direction A, B or C. You decide on C. You had free choice. But Allah knew which one you will decide on even though he left it up to you.
Azhar

Oh well good that I’ve chosen it then haha
Jason

Hahaha… a lot of people do.
Azhar

But I read in the Quran that Allah says
If mankind did not sin he would replace them
With a people who sin
Jason

Right… you know why?
Azhar

So this means he created us as sinners right?
And some people he created to go to hell?
Jason

He created us to be able to do good and bad. And he loves sinners who repent
Azhar

Now it doesn’t matter what he chose for you and me (heaven or hell). All we have to do is do our best in this world to live a straight life according to the Qur’an and Sunnah
We cannot do any more than that
Azhar

To me it matters
Jason

No it doesn’t matter – because what he decided in advance we will never know
Azhar

That’s like hell and paradise
Jason

So worrying about it will get us nowhere
Azhar

One is nice the other is bad
Jason

You know why its better we don’t know?
Azhar

Because we won’t work
Jason

Right!
Azhar

I think.
Jason

If you were guaranteed paradise in this life, almost everyone will stop trying to be good
Azhar

But if it were said that you would go you to a high rank paradise that you cannot attain except with hard work
Then that would mean you will do it
Jason

Yes
Azhar

But if it was said you will achieve a low rank you might get depressed
Jason

Some people might try to work hard !
Azhar

Yes I’ve read that some people were promised paradise
In this life
Jason

Yes I’ve heard that too… but these would have been people that aren’t like you and me
Azhar

Of course we aren’t promised paradise 🙂
I get what you mean
Jason

I think it’s a good thing we are not promised. It stops us getting lazy
Azhar

They have different attributes
Hard working, patience etc.
Jason

Yes.
Allah rewards on efforts and intention. Not necessarily on results
Azhar

What would be really bad is if you were promised hell
In this life
Jason

Yes – right!
Azhar

So in one case one is so good he hears his glad tidings in advance
In the other case he is so bad so he hears it in this world
Jason

Let me give you an example
Azhar

Also the people who lived with the prophet had greater opportunities
Jason

Yes
Azhar

Unlike people who came later but
I think god choses the people he wants
Jason

Right – but it doesn’t necessarily mean all of those who had access to the prophet were better than those who came later and believed thru faith
Azhar

Majority
At least
Jason

Again… what does it matter? Hahaha
Azhar

Well let me give an example
Jason

Worry about yourself and rest of mankind that is alive right now
Azhar

Would you like 5 million dollars or 1 billion?
Jason

It depends what conditions it was given to me with
If its for free I would take a billion
Azhar

The path for that 1 billion is not available because you were not chosen
Jason

Cool – I’m happy with what I have
Azhar

But I mean paradise is paradise
Jason

So what are you saying?
Azhar

Just saying that why is that some people are better and do more and others not?
Jason

Those who are not will be questions about the decisions they took. We are only judged by the things that were in our control.
Azhar

So Jason…let’s move on.
Azhar

When someone is a Muslim or becomes one, he or she needs to do the following 5 things called ‘Pillars’:
Azhar

Pillar 1. Declare faith in One True God & His prophet Mohammed
Pillar 2. Pray 5 times a day
Pillar 3. Fast in Ramadaan for 30 days
Pillar 4. Give in charity
Pillar 5. Pilgrimage (Haj) at least once if you can
(Of course some of these will take time to do properly if you are a new muslim)
Azhar

Ok
Jason

Well that’s it for basics.
How do they fit with your views Jason?
Azhar

My view is that
Jason

If I have to be honest
I have been islam for a time now and have analyzed the evidences they mentioned
Jason

So I know quite a bit already
Jason

You mean you became muslim? Or you are still studying it?
Azhar

What really makes me think it is true
Are the prophecies, linguistical miracle, scientifical miracles and the complete way of life islam offers
Jason

Wow – excellent
Azhar

Because everything it prescribes seems to be good
It is the 21th century and people still drink alcohol
In the Netherlands do drugs and other dumb stuff
Jason

Yes
Azhar

Yet a man 1400 years ago said everything that is good which science today is still figuring out
Jason

Right
Azhar

Some people say luck
I say impossible and that they are deceiving themselves
Jason

Indeed
Azhar

The reason why people don’t want to accept is because it goes against their ideals and way of life
Or they are just not guided
Jason

True
Or it means giving up some of their pleasures or enjoyable things
Azhar

Yeah Money
Fame.
Jason

Drink, Sex
Azhar

Giving up your comfortable life
Jason

Drugs
Azhar

Yeah those things too
Jason

Power
Azhar

Yeah let’s say trump became a muslim
Jason

Politicians hate Islam because it will take away their jobs
Azhar

They would kick him out
True
Haha I didn’t think it that way
Jason

Good – so are you now a muslim or planning to become one?
Azhar

I really hate politicians they constantly ban everything at their own pleasure
They think they are god or something
Jason

Yes indeed
Azhar

I would like to become one
But I fear that I might not be able to follow everything
For example lying to cover up a family member’s bad deeds Or crimes
Jason

No one follows everything but the great thing is we will be rewarded for trying
Azhar

I just feel like if I were asked something that will harm them
They will cut me off and their life might become miserable
Prison
And stuff
Fines
Jason

What do you mean?
Azhar

Like I know lying is a sin
But if the government asks me about if they did this crime or not
Jason

It would be very hard for me not to lie
Because it might affect them big time
Jason

Well these are lesser sins.
The biggest would be to know that Allah and Islam are correct and not to embrace it. As for the other things you can always repent
Azhar

Yeah but it wouldn’t be sincere repentance if I were repenting
And continue to lie so they don’t get harmed
Jason

Well – Allah knows your situation that you are lying to protect
Azhar

My family is deceiving the government to
Get money and stuff
Jason

Many are like this
Azhar

Yeah and if I told the truth they might get a fine, less money or prison
Jason

And I would be in the worst case thrown on the streets but I can always sleep at a shelter
Jason

Just keep quiet but keep reminding the family they are doing wrong. Then your duty is done
Azhar

I did
They are never admitting their mistakes
They say that if they don’t scam them the money goes for war
Jason

So they deceive themselves that way
Jason

Just keep reminding them again and again etc.
Azhar

It may go that way
But that is not their fault
Jason

When you get a chance live away from them
Azhar

I will
I need to save money tho
Jason

For now, better to become a muslim and not waste time… meanwhile keep reminding them
Azhar

Like every day?
Yeah sure
Jason

Yes
Azhar

But I would be repeating myself
Jason

Doesn’t matter – you did your job.
Azhar

So Jason, you know its easy to become a muslim – just say this aloud or in your heart sincerely as best as you can and then write it back to me here:
Azhar

“Ash-hadu an La illaha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu ana Muhammad rasoul Allah”.
(It means: “I bear witness that there is no god worthy of my worship except the One God and I bear witness that Muhammad is the servant and messenger of God”)
Azhar

Like dad and mom pls don’t steal money from the government
Every day
Jason

Yes – until you can move away
Azhar

They will get angry
But I can always try
Jason

Of course if they threaten to beat you physically then stop reminding them
Azhar

They don’t want to give up their non-working life
I think that my mom hitting me won’t hurt
Jason

If my dad hits me then I need to defend myself
Like block the fist, clap or kick
Jason

Anyway – this is somewhat out of scope for what we can discuss here
Azhar

Yeah Ok
I did it
Jason

Did what?
Azhar

What you said
I said it
Jason

Ok! Wow – may Allah bless you. Awesome
Azhar

Can you write it back to me here (“Ash-hadu an La illaha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu ana Muhammad rasoul Allah”)?
Azhar

Ash-hadu an La illaha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu ana Muhammad rasoul Allah
Jason

Brilliant work – may Allah be praised – May Allah bless you, reward you for all your good deeds and continue to guide you along the straight path.
Azhar

Yeah
Jason

Thanks for that.
Azhar

You seem to be very knowledgeable about Islam already – usually we invite new muslims like you to take our free online learning
Azhar

Can I ask a few questions
Jason

Sure – please do
Azhar

The website you gave I am already familiar with
Islamqa.info
I have been reading a lot on it
Jason

Excellent
Azhar

Like on the rulings and other things
But I was wondering they said that during the night prayer is very good
Jason

Yes
Azhar

Reading Quran and other things
Jason

But if you stay awake during the night
When will you sleep and work?
Jason

It’s a great question
Azhar

Because
When I went to high school
Jason

The short answer is to go to sleep just after isha prayer
Azhar

I had to wake up at 6 am
Jason

I understand that as a student there is homework to be done.
Azhar

And school was till 4 pm
Jason

The main thing is to try to make the effort. We are not perfect
Do the best you can whenever you are able
Azhar

So if I were staying awake during the night
Jason

So for example
Night prayer is not obligatory
Azhar

When will I sleep, eat, do groceries
Jason

See above
Azhar

Homework
Yeah but then you would me missing on it
Jason

Let me briefly tell you how your day might go…
(you can’t always do all the extra prayers)
Azhar

Yeah due to time
And duties
Jason

Get up before dawn, pray, go back to sleep til 6am
go to school
at school at lunchtime find a quiet place for 10 mins to pray
Azhar

Yeah I also read that sleeping before sunrise is bad after fajr
Jason

Its OK…. look you are in a country that is not based on Islam
Azhar

Do the best you can but don’t go overboard trying to do the extra prayers if your studies will suffer
Azhar

I understand
Jason

Just do the obligatory ones
Azhar

What if you have free days
Jason

Another example…
(by all means do extra night prayers when you have free days)
Azhar

Like do I stay up the whole night?
I have a prayer table here
Jason

If you go to sleep with the intention to wake for the morning prayer, your sleep will be blessed too.
No need to stay awake all night
Azhar

It says 21:26 is Iesha?
Jason

Be reasonable
OK so here’s what to do
Azhar

And fajr is 05:38
So how many hours do I sleep and when?
If I want to pray the night?
Jason

Go to sleep after isha. Wake up at 5:15 or 5:20am
then pray the night prayer
then wait a little for fajr
Azhar

What about brushing teeth?
Jason

then pray fajr
Brush teeth anytime
(except in Ramadhan)
Azhar

But I feel like 10 minutes is too little…
Jason

You mean 10 mins at school?
Azhar

No before fajr
Jason

It will be fine. Now 10 mins before sunrise? That is a problem and not recommended
I’m saying make it about 20-30 mins before fajr
Azhar

I read in the Quran
That the prophet prays like at least one third
Jason

You can read Qur’an anytime
Azhar

In the night
And a group with them
Or half
Jason

Those people worked for themselves and had own businesses.
You are still studying!
Be realistic
Azhar

No I am not anymore
Jason

OK.. so you have no more school
Azhar

I said back at high school
Jason

?
Azhar

Yeah i was just using it as an example
Jason

Same thing – you are still a student right?
Azhar

Back then
Jason

What are you doing now?
Azhar

Not studying
Jason

OK – do you have a job?
Azhar

I don’t like talking about it
Jason

OK. If you have a job be realistic… you will not be able to fit in a night prayer unless you do it close to fajr time. Its still valid.
Azhar

Let’s say you work for yourself
Jason

Ok
Azhar

So iesha is 21:26
And fajr 05:38
Jason

Would it be ok to not sleep at night?
Or good?
Jason

Like I mentioned… its still OK to wake up at say 5am and do the night prayer
Azhar

So sleeping 8 hours during the day
Jason

You must sleep and lead a normal life
Why do you want to mess with your body clock?
Azhar

Because I’ve read it has a lot of rewards
So I want to use it all if I can
Jason

YOu can get the same reward by fitting it into one night – no need to waste time and daylight sleeping
Azhar

Hmm
Jason

First things first dear brother
First try to do all 5 prayers on time and as best as you can
Azhar

I’ve read a question
On the website
Jason

Work on the other prayers later
Ok tell me
Azhar

If a person stays up all night during Ramadaan, then he prays Fajr and sleeps until Zuhr, and prays and then sleeps until ‘Asr, and prays then sleeps until the time of iftaar, is his fasting valid?.
It says it is valid
Jason

Sure – its valid
Azhar

islamqa.info/en/answers/37886/
Jason

If you can do it do it – we do !
Azhar

But to not waste the day
I wondered then if you don’t waste the day by sleeping and not sleep at night
You won’t sleep at all
Jason

The above link says its OK provided you don’t miss any prayers.
Be realistic and practical
Azhar

Islam doesn’t impose undue hardships on us
Jason, dear brother… do you have more questions?
Its past my bedtime 🙂
Azhar

The thing is that I think not to stay awake the whole night but maybe 1 or 2 hours
Jason

Actually look at it like this…
The person who makes an effort to wake up from deep sleep in order to pray is seen to be making a real effort than the one who stayed up all night
Azhar

True
I want to share just this last thing
after that good night to you
Jason

ok
Azhar

Those who are fasting and others must also adhere to offering the five daily prayers in congregation, and avoid being distracted from them by sleep or anything else. Those who are fasting and others must also do all their duties on time for the government or other duties, and not be distracted from them by sleep or anything else. And they must strive to seek halaal provision which they and their dependents need, and not be distracted from that by sleep or anything else.
Jason

In conclusion, my advice to everyone, men and women, those who are fasting and those who are not, is to fear Allaah in all situations, and to continue to perform duties on time in the manner enjoined by Allaah, and to avoid being distracted from that by sleep or any other permissible thing etc. If the thing that distracts them from that is an act of disobedience towards Allaah, then the sin is greater and more serious.
May Allaah guide the Muslims, enable them to understand their religion and make them steadfast in adhering to the truth, and guide their leaders, for He is Most Generous, Most Kind.
Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 4/15.
Jason

I copied it from the fatwa
Jason

Yes – it’s a good point. The real challenge in Ramadhan is to perform your daily chores and work and also pray when its due
Azhar

So not seeking provision to do night prayer might be a bigger sin
Or seeking knowledge etc.
Jason

So I should first do my obligations, seek knowledge, provision Etc.
after that if I have time to spare then I can do it
Jason

Do the obligations, then seek provision then knowledge
etc
Azhar

True
Thanks
Jason

Have a good night
Jason

Especially if you have a family.
Azhar

Yes
Then it is very important
Jason

Welcome to islam dear brother. Congratulations on your conversion to Islam and may Allah SWT bless you and continue to guide you along the straight path.
Azhar

Yeah
Amen
Jason

You too
Thank you for everything
Jason

Before you go – please share in a few lines why you decided to become a msulim today
Azhar

may Allah grant you jannah firdaws
Jason

Amin. You too
Azhar

Amin
Jason

Because I don’t want to burn in hell
Be a close friend of Allah
Jason

That sounds like a great reason!
Azhar

And attain a high rank
And a close slave
Jason

Jzakallah Khayran for that
Azhar

Yeah Same
Jason

Have a great night praying insha-Allah
Azhar

In sha Allah. Good night
Jason

Fi Amanallah
Azhar

Fi amanallah
Jason

Assalaam Alaykum
Azhar

Alaykum salaam
Jason

001 Dialog Between Azhar And Jason

001 Dialog Between Azhar And Jason

CONTENTS