Soul of Islam Radio

The fundamental and central tenet of modern Christianity essentially posits that the key to salvation is essentially the acceptance of Jesus Christ (as) into one's heart as their personal lord and savior, and that it is thus no longer necessary to follow the traditional Judaic Law.



This idea then results in the belief that the criteria for both forgiveness and damnation are but the belief to which one subscribes, relegating one's deeds and actions to what generally becomes an inconsequential role in the eternal state of the human soul.



In light of what is happening is currently happening in the world today (and in reality what has been happening for centuries), particularly with regards to the ongoing ethnic cleansing and genocide in Palestine, as well as the myriad of other illegitimate wars and conflicts that have been perpetrated by the nominally "Christian" western world, I felt it was time to take a closer look at this basic belief upon which modern Christianity is based, as well as to point to the danger of an ideology the divorces deeds from piety by reducing salvation to but one's professed identity.



In this post, I share a clear and unambiguous statement by Jesus (as) from the Gospel of Matthew in which he himself invalidates this specific idea, i.e. that those who simply claim to believe in him will be saved.




Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father Who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity
Jesus (as), Matthew 7:21—23



I reiterate in this post that Islam does not require the conversion of Christians, but only that they actually live up to the principles they claim the faith is based upon, and thereby avoid the descent into hypocrisy that results when our deeds and actions are inconsistent with our professed and stated beliefs.



In truth, the Holy Qur'an states clearly that they who do believe and do righteous works in reality from the People of the Book shall have their share of God's divine mercy and forgiveness in the hereafter.




Verily, they who believe and they of the Jews and Christians and others who believe in God and the Last Day and who act righteously by doing good shall have their reward with their Lord, and no fear shall be upon them nor shall they grieve.
Surah al-Baqarah, 2:62



May Allah Almighty, the Lord of the heavens and the earth, guide us to goodness, to purity, to righteousness and to peace.



Ameen.



To your divine and eternal success.

Jonathan Selwyn also now known as Abdus-Samad since having embraced Islam has spent the bulk of his life upon the spiritual path seeking the way and truth, and has devoted an immense amount of time in mastering meditative and spiritual practice.




Buddhism led me to Islam.
Jonathan Abdus-Samad



As a practicing Buddhist and promising student of his master, he was given the role and responsibility of teaching and leading on behalf of their school and in place of the teacher. Yet his quest and journey for greater levels of development, awakening and connection with the Divine ultimately resulted in profound spiritual vision that then led him directly to Islam, which was the last place he thought to look for truth and spirituality.




Islam was the last religion that I wanted to look into because of the mainstream media bias.
Jonathan Abdus-Samad



In this interview and conversation with brother Abdus-Samad, we discuss his journey and arc towards and into al-Islam, the powerful guiding force of the fitra, or original disposition within, the two fundamental approaches to meditation and meditative practice, the importance of the middle path and way that naturally integrates all aspects of our temporal lives within and into the spiritual path of self-development and awakening, the way of the heart, the human need to seek and appreciate beauty, how Islam uniquely includes encompasses all paths, what to look for in a spiritual guide and mentor, and much more.




In Islam I found the most complete path. Nothing is missing. Islam is the fastest way to peace.
Jonathan Abdus-Samad



May you enjoy and benefit from this conversation, and if you find value herein, please share with family and friends whom you think may also benefit.



To your divine and eternal success.

As human beings we have an innate need for stability that provides the experience of safety and security. We likewise have an innate disposition that finds instability, disorder and chaos unsettling, stressful and difficult. Therefore, we tend to seek control in our lives so as to manage and minimize the stress that we experience as a result of uncertainty.



With what appears to be escalating chaos on the global stage, and with who are clearly incompetent in temporal positions of power, it is only natural for us to be feeling anxious and uncertain with regards to the future.



Yet this state of affairs also provides us a valuable opportunity to practice patience and perseverance through which we can learn how to deepen and strengthen faith in our hearts, and so grow and develop our spirituality which reduces stress and suffering based on the changing circumstances and conditions of the world.



It is important to remember that safety, security and stability originate with and are qualities and attributes of God, and the more connected and attached we are with the Divine Presence of Allah Almighty, the greater the sense of peace we will experience.




Verily, in the remembrance of God do hearts find serenity.
Surah ar-Ra'd, 13:28



By increasingly immersing ourselves in sacred worship such as prayer, meditation, remembrance and supplication, we strengthen our connection with the Divine Presence of God and progressively experience the stability, safety and security that we seek and that can only be found in the presence of our Lord and Creator, He Who is in control.

In this conversation with Shaykh Fadhlallah Haeri, the beloved guide and teacher of faith-based spirituality shares his thoughts and insights regarding the current spiritual crisis that plagues humanity in the modern world, and advocates for a return to the spirit within as the key to reconnecting with the timeless and transcendent source of peace and security.



Shaykh Fadhlallah call for an awakening to the present moment and describes the now as the door and bridge to eternity, and also as the key to experiencing freedom from the fear and grief that otherwise dominates modern man who is typically trapped in an intermediate state of consciousness localized in the mind, which is the seat of the ego.



Shaykh Fadhlallah Haeri explains that the ego will continue to cause discontent and suffering in our lives until we reconnect with the spirit within, making possible a shift in awareness that leads to increasing expansion in our lives.



Additional topics discussed include the importance of spiritual companionship and environments, the necessity of taking personal responsibility upon the path of self-development and spiritual growth, the importance of balance both internally and externally in our lives, and much more.



About Shaykh Fadhlallah Haeri




The moment is eternal. The moment is divine.
Shaykh Fadhlallah Haeri



Shaykh Fadhlallah Haeris it the author of numerous books and works, and although based in South Africa, receives the love and admiration of students and seekers throughout the world.



To learn more about Shaykh Fadhlallah, please visit his website at shaykhfadhlallahaeri.com.

The son of Jewish Holocaust survivors, David Sterling, now also known as Hajji Mustafa, embraced Islam in 1976 in Monterrey, California. A seeker of truth, he has since continued in the quest and search for knowledge, wisdom and enlightenment, leading him to the company of some of the noble and notable servants of God.



He details his adventures and experiences in great detail in his recently published book, Journey in Grace: Gems Gathered from a Life on the Path. Having sought out guidance initially through numerous faith practices, he ultimately found truth in Islam, and Journey in Grace is a remarkable account of spectacular experiences upon the spiritual path.



I recently had the opportunity to meet and discuss with Hajji Mustafa about what led him to Islam, the importance of the way of the heart, the preeminence of meditative spiritual practice in Islam, how suffering, hardships and difficulties are in reality gifts from God, and much more.



I pray you enjoy and benefit from this most recent episode of Soul of Islam Radio, and that you may take guidance, wisdom and inspiration from this illuminating conversation with Sidi Mustafa David (Daud) Sterling.



About David Sterling



To learn more about Hajji Mustafa David Sterling, we highly recommend getting and reading a copy of his book, Journey in Grace: Gems Gathered from a Life on the Path. You can also reach out directly to Sidi Mustafa and email him directly.