[BGThomasis]

Two things older generation Muslims are suspicious of:

1) Science

2) Art

[bp9QxekG]

Salams,

The problem is not with science or technology, but with certain attitudes prevalent in the Muslim community, especially with regards to certain groups that originate in countries that experienced the effects of Western imperialism. They see the great advances of scientific knowledge and technology and assume that us Muslims have to dress and act like the non-Muslims in order obtain access to said knowledge and see some sort of advancement in the Muslim World. This is somewhat akin to ritual magic, if you stop and think about it. As far as educating the youth is concerned (and I'm no parent, so take what I say with a grain of salt), one needs to engage with the knowledge itself (i.e. study it and develop your own refutation of those theories that contradict Islam...all the while accepting what does not contradict it...much like Imam Al Ghazali (ra)). Only if you can provide a solid intellectual response, are the most questioning of the youth going to respond positively. One should encourage such reflection and investigation...especially since it can open up the mind to the greatness of Allah (awj). Just my two cents...might elaborate later...

Wa Salam,

Tempest Desh

[corolaelwis]

Who is Malangi Sahab?

Kafirs can be subdivided or not? Some might be hostile towards Muslims, other might be neutral or friendly. Depending on the context of the discussion taking place one would have to define all of these categories. As a shortcut it might be easier to say kaffir or kuffar...but it should be known that it is a shortcut. Just because the Shariah classifies people as kafir or Muslim, it does not mean we can then start using these terms without restriction or nuanced distinction. If this forum is a medium for dawa for example it is not good public relations to keep using the word kaffir all the time, especially when the enemies of the Muslims are trying to create an impression that Muslims are terrorists required by their religion to identify and kill all non Muslims or kaffirs, unless they convert to Islam. And Muslims think kaffirs are sub-human they can be cheated, lied to and killed with impunity. This is what the enemies of Islam are saying...if we use the word kafir in the same way it will reinforce their message.

Allah uses Ya ayu han nas, as well as Ya ayu hal kafirun and the kafirun were those who had heard the message of Islam and were hostile towards it....not the undecided or those who had not even heard of Islam.

Whoever isn't a Muslims is classified as "Kafir" in the Shari'ah.
Whether he may not know enough of Islam and may thus be "justified", is another issue, but is still a kafir according to Shari'ah definition.

As Hadrat Malangi Sahab put it:


[http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/show...=1#post800443]

[Chooriwrocaey]

In todays world where information is exchanged easily, the children have to educated from young with knowledge enough to counter some level of heretical thoughts. The madrasa boards or sschools with islamic studies as subject has to appropriately react to the times.

Its true that atheists uses modern science as a vehicle in their favour and positivist rhetoric. So some basic knowledge of proper logic is necessary for every muslim who are entering the information world, to distinguish information and extract ttruth from falsehood and place scientific opinion at its proper place. Its should also give students the tools to ssee the wonders of nature and see the signs of Allah in them.

All this requires capable scholarly individuals in these subjects preparing syllabus that rational and sound and can be taken in by young Muslims at aage required..