When a Roman Catholic scholar involved in the Dead Sea Scrolls Project discovers a heretical message contained in one of the Scrolls he hides it. Decades later, a prominent archeologist discovers reference to the scroll in an archeological dig. This discovery spurs the world religions into a dangerous game of cat and mouse, in which all who seek the hidden scroll are mysteriously silenced, leaving the salvation of humankind to a father and son, who must either find the hidden scroll … or die trying.
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Q & A With Dr. Laurence Brown

A brother living in North America emailed me that he has found himself challenged by the arguments of the Atheists to the point where he feels he is losing his faith. He is struggling, but he is tormented by his fear of losing faith. Family members have read Qur'an over him, but to no avail. What can he do?

My answer: If reading Qur'an or having Qur'an read over you hasn't changed anything, your problem is probably not hassad (evil eye). Rather, you are suffering through the same philosophical issues that have tormented many sincere believers over time. So, the bad news is that these issues really do torment a true believer, but the good news is that they only torment a TRUE believer. See what I mean? If you weren't a true believer these arguments would not torment you. If you were weak in faith or deficient in emaan, you would have thrown your Islam away by now. The fact that you haven't done that indicates that you have true love of Allah and true emaan inside you, but you are struggling against the arguments of the disbelievers. Well, welcome to the club!!! All true believers struggle to explain Islam to the disbelievers. But here is the key thing that you need to understand -- most of Islam IS unseen. Islam CANNOT be proven in the way the atheists and rationalists "prove" things. Emaan (belief) is something Allah places in the hearts of those He loves, and true believers CANNOT guide those for whom Allah has written disbelief. The fact that most disbelievers do not come to Islam does not mean your arguments are wrong, it only means Allah has not written Islam for those people. Likewise, the fact that it is difficult to counter the disbelievers' so-called 'rational' arguments does not mean they are right, just that these are issues that cannot be resolved through rational argument. 


Think of it like a headache. If I have a headache, how can I convince you? I might try to show my pain, but for all you know, I could be faking it. You might call me a liar and tell me you won't believe in my headache until I show it to you, or explain where it came from. But there is no way I can do those things, despite me knowing very well that my headache is real. No matter how hard I grimace and complain, I cannot show you my headache. Well, our religion is something like this example. So much of Islam is unseen -- Allah, the angels and jinn, the Hereafter, Heaven, Hell, Qadr, Emaan, etc. If you have belief, you cannot show or prove your faith to others. All you can do is invite them to true faith, lay out the arguments as best you can, and then see if Allah guides them. Understand that few will follow, and the majority will not. Also understand they will try to misguide you. However, if your emaan is strong enough, as is the case with a headache, they will not be able to convince you that it is not real. 

So, to summarize, you need to leave the arguments of the disbelievers and strengthen your emaan. The fact that you are agonizing over this issue basically proves that you are two things: 

1) human, and troubled by our human weaknesses and 

2) a good muslim at heart, but nonetheless one who needs to strengthen his belief as well as his Islamic understanding in order to safeguard his religion. But take care. If you persist upon listening and engaging in argument with the disbelievers, they can weaken or destroy your faith. Allah tells us to leave talks in which He is being disparaged or in which His religion is being disparaged. Learn to walk away from it. So start by leaving the websites and arguments that have brought you to this crisis, and turn to reading EVERYTHING on my website, http://www.realityofgod.com/. Then, watch my videos on the multimedia page of LevelTruth.com.

And lastly, contact me as needed to both tell me how you're doing, and in case you have any questions. And remember, as the prophet taught us, Islam came as a stranger and will return as a stranger, so give good tidings to strangers. Yes, you are strange (as are all true believers) in the society you are living in. But please understand that this is a sign that you are among those to whom the good tidings of true belief are due.

Why Islam?


From a Muslim convert to all seekers of truth

Let's talk frankly. Almost never do non-Muslims study Islam until they have first exhausted the religions of their exposure. Only after they have grown dissatisfied with the religions familiar to them, meaning Judaism, Christianity and all the fashionable "-isms"—Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism (and, as my young daughter once added, "tourism")—do they consider Islam.

Perhaps other religions do not answer the big questions of life, such as "Who made us?" and "Why are we here?" Perhaps other religions do not reconcile the injustices of life with a fair and just Creator. Perhaps we find hypocrisy in the clergy, untenable tenets of faith in the canon, or corruption in the scripture. Whatever the reason, we perceive shortcomings in the religions of our exposure, and look elsewhere. And the ultimate "elsewhere" is Islam.

Now, Muslims would not like to hear me say that Islam is the "ultimate elsewhere." But it is. Despite the fact that Muslims comprise one-fourth to one-fifth of the world's population, non-Muslim media smears Islam with such horrible slanders that few non-Muslims view the religion in a positive light. Hence, it is normally the last religion seekers investigate.

Another problem is that by the time non-Muslims examine Islam, other religions have typically heightened their skepticism: If every "God-given" scripture we have ever seen is corrupt, how can the Islamic scripture be different? If charlatans have manipulated religions to suit their desires, how can we imagine the same not to have happened with Islam?

The answer can be given in a few lines, but takes books to explain. The short answer is this: There is a God. He is fair and just, and He wants us to achieve the reward of paradise. However, God has placed us in this worldly life as a test, to weed out the worthy from the unworthy. And we will be lost if left to our own devices. Why? Because we don't know what He wants from us. We can't navigate the twists and turns of this life without His guidance, and hence, He has given us guidance in the form of revelation.

Sure, previous religions have been corrupted, and that is why we have a chain of revelation. Ask yourself: why would God send another revelation if the preceding scriptures were still pure? Only if preceding scriptures were corrupted would God need to send another revelation, to keep mankind on the straight path of His design.

So we should expect preceding scriptures to be corrupted, and we should expect the final revelation to be pure and unadulterated. If impure, it too is due to be replaced, for we cannot imagine a loving God leaving us astray. What we can imagine is God giving us a scripture, and men corrupting it; God giving us another scripture, and men corrupting it again … and again, and again. Until God sends a final revelation He promises to preserve until the end of time.

Muslims consider this final revelation to be the Holy Qur'an. You consider it … worth looking into. So let us return to the title of this article: Why Islam? Why should we believe that Islam is the religion of truth, the religion that possesses the pure and final revelation?

Oh, just trust me.

Now, how many times have you heard that line? A famous comedian used to joke that people of different cities cuss one another out in different ways. In Chicago, they cuss a person out this way, in Los Angeles they cuss a person out that way, but in New York they just say, "Trust me."

So don't trust me—trust our Creator. Read the Qur'an; read books and study this website. But whatever you do, get started, take it seriously, and pray for our Creator to guide you.

Your life may not depend on it, but your soul most definitely does.



Copyright © 2007 Laurence B. Brown
Permission granted for free and unrestricted reproduction if reproduced in entirety without omissions, additions or alterations.

A graduate of Cornell University, Brown University Medical School and George Washington University Hospital residency program, Laurence B. Brown is an ophthalmic surgeon, a retired Air Force officer, and the medical director and chief ophthalmologist of a major eye center. He is also an ordained interfaith minister with a doctorate in divinity and a PhD in religion, and the author of a number of books of comparative religion and reality-based fiction. His works can be found on his website, www.LevelTruth.com.

Reader's Review: The First and Final Commandment


Take a tour of the Semitic religions from Abraham to Muhammad (peace be with them)

This scholarly tome is a MUST for any students of comparative religion, especially if your area of interest happens to be the Semitic faiths of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

A thoroughly well-researched piece of engrossing scholarship, Dr. Brown has done a commendable job in narrating the evolution of faith from the religion of the Jews through Pauline Christianity and culminating in the global faith of Islam. All the major doctrines are dissected in a scholarly fashion highlighting the differences and similarities between the Abrahamic faiths.

This book is divided into 6 sections, with the first section focussed on the subject of monotheism (belief in one God) which underpins the theological concept in the Abrahamic religions. The Jewish concept of God is contrasted with the Christian Trinity and compared to the Islamic tawheed (absolute monotheism) that proclaims Allah as the One True God worthy of worship.

Section 2 goes into detail on the nature and attributes of God as understood in the 3 religions. Special emphasis is given to the ever controversial mainstream Christian dogma venerating the alleged divinity of Christ as the son of God. This is quite an exciting part of the book packed with tons of references that puts Christology under a scholarly microscope as it dissects all points of view and arguments.

Section 3 explores the origins, composition and transmission of the religious scriptures, namely the Jewish Tanakh, Christian New Testament and the Muslim Quran. It provides an in-depth coverage on the makings of those heavenly texts with a richly documented analysis on the historical reliability and textual integrity of the Qur'an as God's final revelation to the world.

The following section elaborates on the concept of prophethood and divine messenger-ship from Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, John the Baptiser, Jesus Christ and finally Muhammad. Their noble character, mortal existence, miracles performed and the message they preached are given adequate and equal attention.

Next, the discussion revolves around things unseen which are accepted as a matter of faith - the world of angels and eschatology as portrayed in those religious traditions. Dr. Brown does a fine job in explaining this theme backed by solid research. Quite rare for a non-specialist to achieve this feat. The final section neatly summarises the main themes expounded in this book and takes a quick look at some man-made cults and modern-day heresies. Dr. Brown also touches on how to arrive at a correct understanding of faith that accords with common sense and human logic.Quite philosophical and spiritual at the same time.

Obviously much effort has been put into the making of this book and for that Dr. Brown deserves our accolade. For those who wish to acquire a clearer understanding of Islam vis-à-vis the earlier Semitic religions, this book is adequate compensation. It is equally relevant for Muslims who wish to share their faith with their fellow humans among the believing Jews and Christians. Believe me, The First & Final Commandment is worth your time and money. You won't regret it.

Inspiration



In the country of the blind the one-eyed man is king – Erasmus


-----Hmm. So what will the situation be, when the one-eyed Dajjal leads the spiritually blind?

Q & A With Dr. Laurence Brown

EMAILER: I cannot pray like that, I need evidences and justifications before.. I read Quran 3 times, but its verses are inhumane and unreasonable. While I welcome the truth, I hope Islam is not true. Unbelievers who are so nice go to hell while rude believers somehow end up in heaven where they are awaited 72 virgins. I also see plenty verses where violence is encouraged, barely any verses condemn wrongdoing to Muslims.. homosexuals are also a target... I am not trying to rebel, I hate rebelling, but i don't see strong evidences toward this religion or any in fact.. Many components of such religion are hard for me to support like unbelievers going to hell, homosexuals are sinners or praying 5 times a day.. too much.. :((

MY ANSWER: Like I said, I invite you to read my books -- or not. Up to you. How can I convince you if Allah has sealed your heart and your hearing? I can only bear the message. Only Allah can give you the gift of faith. If you cannot pray to your Creator, don't expect an answer from Him.

Final comment: The lesson is that an impolite exchange can still be manipulated into one in which the message is borne, without transgressing into obscenity or rudeness. Has the Emailer gotten the message? If so, I've done my job in front of Allah. Alhumdulillah.

Dr. Brown Discusses his Jihad



Dr. Laurence Brown talks about his acceptance of Islam and how it affected his life. Dr. Brown a former Military Ophthalmologist endured of hardships as a result of his conversion, including losing his family, job, wealth and home.

Dr. Brown discusses how he dealt with these tests and  the positive changes made in his life due to Islam.

Who I Am Not ...

I am not a debater. 

Don't try to engage me in argument. I believe everybody should simply put their material out there for those who are interested. If people want it, it's there for them. If people don't want it, shoving it down their throats isn't going to do anything but antagonize them. Keep it polite, okay?

I'm not an Islamic scholar. 


 Please don't write asking for fatwa (legal ruling). I have an interest in comparative religion, moral outreach and Islamic invitation, but I do not make fatwa under any circumstances.

For the most part, I'm also not available for one-on-one counseling.  


I say "for the most part" because I do answer emails personally, and I post the best question of the week on my blog. However, I have little free time to socialize or get into lengthy exchanges.

And I'm not patient. 


 Please. Read my work before contacting me with questions. I have already covered most of the issues people inquire about, and it's frustrating when people email questions without even looking at my articles and books. There is little or no excuse - the articles are free, the Itunes e-books are less than a dollar in English-speaking nations from America to Australia.

Lastly, I'm not a silver bullet.  


Many Muslims want to see the message of Islam spread, but only if someone else does it for them. As for themselves, they won't lift a finger or spend a dollar on the effort. I receive many requests to talk with husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, friends, etc., and teach them about Islam. Please, study my material, arm yourself with the information, and then talk to them yourself. You will find I have organized my information to be accessible, systematic and convincing. Learn it, use it, teach it. I have spent most of my Muslim life compiling this information, the least others can do is take a couple of weeks to learn it, and then pass it on.

Dear Friend ...

"Last time, I told you that some of my books are under attack! Those who wish to take time for the pleasure of Allah and support my work can do so by giving positive ratings on Amazon.com and on Amazon.co.uk at the following links. 

Best, and salams,
LBrown






A powerful challenge to conventional Judeo-Christian theology, The First and Final Commandment combines the author's two books, MisGod'ed and God'ed, within one cover. The First and Final Commandment begins by defining the internal conflicts that fracture the metaphysical worlds of Judaism and Christianity from within, and indeed, which demand reappraisal of the Judeo-Christian scriptures themselves. Incorporating detailed analysis, this work continues on to document the scriptural evidences that suggest continuity in revelation from Judaism to Christianity and, in the end, to orthodox (Sunni) Islam. Provocative and thought-provoking, intelligent and inspiring, this book enters the melee of two thousand years of religious debate with clarity of vision, accuracy of detail, and common sense conclusions which boldly confront conventional Judeo-Christian conclusions.


The First and Final Commandment


Q & A With Dr. Laurence Brown

EMAILER: WHY DON'T YOU HELP ME?

MY ANSWER: You didn't write for help -- you wrote to rant. If you want help, pray to our Creator for guidance, read the Qur'an, and I invite you to read my books. The concept of the Abrahamic faiths having been based upon hallucinations resulting from using hallucinogenic plants is as infantile as it is laughable.