Please know that I thoroughly enjoy "Signs Magazine". I read and reread most of the articles.

I would really like to see an article describing how Islam is misrepresented in the popular media. I believe that I am sufficiently intelligent to challenge false assumptions about Islam; however, many people do not question what they see and hear. An article about this subject would be a great service.
David C. Siedlar, Carlisle. USA.

I to Br. A. Siddiqui's letter in your March issue No.9 of Signs Magazine. He refers to a previous article and asks: "Could the author then provide us with evidence from the Qur'an on how to say salat, e.g. how many raka'at and what to read in these raka'at? Should we say our prayers individually or in congregation behind an Imaam?

From my discussions with other Muslim brothers who posed similar style of questions, I have learned that the answers to those questions are not really relevant at this stage. What is more important now is for the writer to find out for his own sake, the real reasons behind those questions. Is it to sincerely seek the truth and modify current beliefs and practices in accordance with that truth? Or is it to find evidence in the Qur'an that would support already established practices?

There is a world of difference between the two. The former is to have an attitude of being humble, open and in search of truth. When they hear the words of God recited to them, their respond is: "We hear and we obey... "(2:285). But another group of people, they have already taken their current beliefs and practices as correct, complete and therefore no changes are required nor expected. When God's words are recited to them, which contradict their beliefs, they respond with doubts and questions as described in this verse: "Behold! We said to the angels: "Bow down unto Adam"; they bowed down except Iblis. He said: "Shall I bow down to one whom Thou didst create from clay?" (17:61).

Thus if a person approaches the Qur'an with the intention of finding Divine approval for current beliefs and practices, he may or may not find it. If he finds contradictory Quranic evidence, what is he going to do? That is the question! He has only two choices - to accept or reject. And the choice he makes will depend on his purpose in asking those questions in the first place.

So indeed there has come to you clear proof from your Lord, and guidance and mercy.

Who is then more unjust than he who rejects Allah's messages and turns away from them?... (6:157). Nay, but there came to thee My Signs, and thou didst reject them: thou wast haughty, and became one of those who reject Faith. (39:59).

Let us pray to God to remove the veils from our eyes, ears and heart and that He guides us onto the right path.
Salim Shamid, Tullamarine, Australia.

Is Adam Muhammad a true prophet of God?
Dr. L. Brown. Leeds, England.

Thank you for sending some interesting information. This is the first time that I have heard of 'Andrew' who claims to have received new revelation and calls himself Adam Muhammad. As far as the Quran is concerned, it is the final revelation of God and Muhammad (son of Abdullah) is the final messenger of God who came to confirm previous scriptures sent by God. Please refer to Signs issue 3 for information about Rashad Khalifa who also claimed to be a messenger of God. Editor.

I am writing to commend your efforts in making the Quran better understood by you readers.

I am writing on behalf of 'Forward' who have been campaigning against female genital Mutilation for over a decade. Your article in signs issue 9 was very educative. I would be grateful if you could enlighten us on the issue of Family Planning. What does the Quran say about it?
Rahmat Mohammad Dublin Avenue, London E8.

Thank you very much for sending me Signs magazine regularly, I think it is an excellent magazine, though I do not think that I shall ever become a Muslim in this life, though I find there is much in the writing of sufi mystics that is great and enduring value, not to mention the immense majestic Revelation of Truth contained in the Quran.

I would be most grateful if you could remove me from your mailing list. This should not be taken as indication that I am not interested, only that I cannot afford to subscribe and do not wish to encroach on your kindly sending me copies free.
M. N. Fletcher Kent, England.

What an eccentric letter full of paradoxical! ideas! If you did not wish to continue receiving a copy of 'Signs' a simple request to cancel would have been sufficient. The magazine is free and we do not solicit funds from readers and any subscriptions are only on a voluntary basis. Indeed we have no record of ever having requested payment from you and would have been happy to send you copies and it would not have been a burden. However, you have returned a copy of Signs, which in your own words is an excellent magazine; yet despite this you now no longer wish to read it. Having taken this action you enclose 'with it a copy of another magazine. Which you think Signs readers and I might be interested in!

While you consider the Quran to be 'The immense, majestic Revelation of Truth' you don't think you shall ever become a Muslim. Why not? 'Muslim' is an Arabic word describing those who submit to God alone and if you believe the Quran to be the Truth then submitting to God should not be a problem, unless of course you are insincere about what you say.

If you had indeed grasped the 'majestic Revelation of truth' you would also have known that no Muslim is waiting for an 'Imam Mahdi' in the guise of the elusive Maiterya, or anyone else.

Furthermore had you understood the Revelation of TRUTH you would know why it is impossible for a someone to be a 'teacher for all faiths; and anyone who claims to be such is clearly an imposter.

At some point in your life I hope that your conscience will allow you not only to give information but also to accept it. I also hope that you will read the Quran and discover the Revelation of Truth' it really is. Whether you accept it or not the choice remains yours. There is no compulsion.

I have read and found 'the magazine' interesting and as it has been marked FREE SAMPLE COPY' I intend to keep and file it for reference without feeling it as an impingement on your benevolence. Editor.
 
 
 

K. M. Friedmann's letter (Signs issue 10) is confusing as the Quran does not say 'wine and gambling' but intoxicant and gambling' and neither are forbidden but positively discouraged as abominations.
J. A. Hamid Huddersfield, England.
 

  Signs magazine presenting a Quranic perspective for discussion and debate. We would like to hear from you. If you have any news, views or questions please write to us. Signs Magazine Strathyre House P.O. Box 164 Glasgow G3 6LR. (U.K.) Fax No: +44 (0) 141-331 2861 or Can e-mail us at SignsEditor@netscape.net