At a time in our history when some honest people are striving for peace, while others commit horrendous crimes against human life and dignity, let's all of us work to promote the word of God. Our Lord is a generous, loving and forgiving ruler, for those who repent and obey his commands. For the disobedient rebels, He is less kind. He often punishes the disbelievers with "inexplicable" catastrophes, called "Force Majeure" or "Acts of God". Yet, they refuse to heed. They reject His scripture, His own words. The world is malfunctioning because they follow the rebel in a world pretending to be Christian, the vast majority don't follow their own scripture. In a world called Islam, they don't follow the Quran either! And in the world at large, they follow neither scripture, despite's that they confirm each other in spelling out the secret to happiness. I suggest that in order to reduce conflicts to a minimum, the Quran should be studied in parallel with the bible in all schools up to the age of 18.
Erik V. Tornvall
Switzerland.

It seems that you want an Islam that is indistinguishable from the various brands of protestant Christianity. They also place great emphasis on the inherency of a book in their case the Bible. For you thousands of years of Islamic civilisation count for nothing in your desire to integrate yourselves into global Western culture which threatens to turn everywhere into a suburb of Los Angeles. We are asked by the prophet himself to distinguish ourselves, not to imitate the unbeliever, and I take that not only to mean style of dress and culture but ethics and morality too. No doubt there are corrupt Ulemas, doubtful hadith and traditions but there is no reason to reject everything of the tradition. A religion is more than a book, no matter how great that book is. Observe what happened to Western Protestant Christianity with its reductionism. It's now descended to the level of show business. Is this what you want for Islam?
Ahmed M. Ainsworth,
London, England.

I am not surprised by what you say. It appears that you are among the millions who have been duped into accepting, the ulama's version of Islam. You may have observed the due diligence of changing your name, wearing a beard, Arab robes and the hijab for your women folk. Quite obviously your anger and hurt is aimed at Signs for telling the truth. But it will not be enough to console yourself for having pawned your common sense to the ulema in your haste to be their follower. You compare Signs to Protestant Christianity who you say also place great emphasis on a book, their Bible. Yes, all Protestants, Marxists, Swamis, Shiites, Sunnis and Ainsworths all have their own books of reference, which gives them all they want. But these are written by the hands of men (Quran 2.79).

You have eminently answered God's challenge when you say, "A religion is more than a book. " Obviously you have your own traditions where you find the greater part of the your religion. In the Islamic social order (not religion!) The Quran is infallible and a beacon for the righteous. (Quran 2.2) The revealed Quran is from God "in the form of a book consistence, with itself (39.23) Is there any book of traditions which give better guidance?

To justify being an Arab clone you say the Prophet told you to do so. This is a vicious lie against the prophet and you have no proof for what you accuse him of. You are following only conjecture. (Quran 10.36) When you use the logic of the 'ulema' you leave yourself wide open for ridicule. Read the Quran and believe in it and you will find substance in your arguments. (Quran: 6.749, 25.33) Editor.

I came across your publication a few days ago and am interested in knowing more about it.

I also understand that some brothers from Malaysia have printed booklets dealing with different subjects and topics from Al Qur'an. If possible please supply me the relevant address in Malaysia so that I can contact them and obtain further information.

I myself am deeply involved in research on Al Qur'an and further information on this matter can be very useful for me. Furthermore it is the duty of every individual who claims to be a believer to ponder upon the message of God. He reminds us: Do they not ponder over the Qur'an or are their hearts locked up? (47:24).

I understand many of the articles are from Malaysia, are the original publishers of Signs based in Malaysia or are they from the U.K.? Please keep up the good work.
Kashif Ahmed Shahzada
Karachi, Pakistan.

As much of our readership is from South Fast Asia we naturally have a strong content from that part of the world. Our fax number appears on this page and we look forward to hearing from you. Editor.

I have all the copies of Signs magazine except the first issue. Could you please be kind enough to send me a copy. I enclose a contribution towards the postage and packing. It is not easy to exchange Dollars for pounds here as the banks don't seem to stock them. In future I could send US Dollars if it is acceptable.
M. Mahfuzh,
Singapore.

Many thanks to the readers who are continually sending in contributions for postage and packing of Signs magazine, books etc. All this is greatly appreciated. Editor.
 
 
 
 

I was wondering if you were interested in receiving 'quotes' which I have written. I hope you can print the following quote: "The veil of silence is a very quiet one, so listen to it carefully."
Usma Aslam,
Glasgow, Scotland.

Please do not send me any more free Signs magazines. I do not wish to read such a cheap satanic magazine.
Faiza Aslam
Huddersfield, England.

You do not say why you consider Signs to be 'cheap' but I have had a word with our printers and they assure me that the best quality paper is being used and Signs is being printed on some of the most modern presses available. As the magazine is available free, we believe it's priceless - in more ways then one!

All our articles are supported by verses from the Quran, the veritable word of God. Do you use another book? A book, which gives you anything, you want? Reading Signs magazines are not important to your faith but understanding the Quran is. I hope that you will continue to read the Quran. Please read verses 68: 35-38. And verse 68.44. Salam. Editor.

Please know that I enjoy reading Signs magazine. It is high quality in both content and purpose. I would like to make two suggestions. First please address the issue of Islam in history. I feel that the history of Islam is often distorted. Second please discuss monotheism, and how it defines Islam.

You have a devoted reader. Please keep up the good work.
David C. Siedlar
Carlisle, USA.

I take on board you suggestions and perhaps in the near future we can see articles about Islamic history. Editor.    

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