Islam 101: Day 8

Not much to say about today. We talked more about surah Naze'at 79 and the angels. We talked about how the work for Allah and their love for Allah. How each one performs different deeds. Some watch over the deeds of humans, some pull the souls at death, some bring revelation, some assist humans etc. All carry out Allah's will. They are really fascinating creatures, I just love learning about angels. My favorite Islamic idea with regards to angels is if you are at the end of a row while praying, an angel will pray next to you. How cool is that?!

Br. S's class was review. He and I ended up scolding the children for not knowing who He-man was. And for not having seen Ace Ventura When Nature Calls (don't ask). We got on a huge tanget about how the cartoons Br. S and I grew up with were so much cooler than the ones now. Thunder Cats, Batman the Animated Series. Common, no contest.

There is not now, nor shall there ever be, a better American animated series than Batman the Animated series. It just can't be done.

Anyway....

One of the local colleges is having an Islam week in a couple of weeks. One of my favorite speakers, Amar Nakshawani, will be speaking one of the days. There will also be a performance of the Hijabi Monologues. So excited.

I'm just so happy today. I feel like...you know when you are in love and you part for the evening and you feel that lightheaded happiness? That is how I feel, that is how I often feel after an Islamic event. Sometimes I feel this way a minute or two after prayer. What it means, I do not know but I am going to sit back and enjoy it.

Salaam!

No god but God - Hadith

pg 164

As rigorous as scholars like al Bukhari and Ibn al Hajjaj were in scruntinizing each hadith for the signs of correct transmission, the fact is that their method lacked any attempt at political or religious objectivity. The bulk of what are considered to be sound traditions were deemed so not because their isnads (chain of transmission) were particularly strong, but becaue they reflected the majority beliefs and practices of the community. In other words, the hadiths were collected, and the Sunna developed, specifically to create a sense of Islamic orthodoxy or othopraxy by legitimizing those beliefs and practices that were already widely accepted by the majority of the Ulama, and eliminating those that were not. While some hadith may in fact contain an authentic historical core that can be taced back to the Prophet and his earliest Companions, the truth is that the Sunna is a far better reflection of the opinions of the ninth-century Ulama than of the seventh-century Ummah. After all, to quote Jonathan Berkey, "It was not Muhammad himself who defined the Sunna, but rather a memory of him."

No god but God - The Shia

pg 129-130

And yet there was still a very large and formidable contingent of Muslims whose unconditional support for Ali had not waned over the years. This faction consisted of members of the Ansar, the Banu Hashim, some prominent members of the Quraysh, a few leading Companions, and several large bodies of non Arab Muslims who together were loosely labeled Shi'atu Ali , the Party of Ali, or the Shi'ah

pg 135-136

In a sermon delievered a few years before his assassination, Ali remarked that "a virtuous man is recognized by the good that is said about him and the praises which God has destined him to receive from others". These were prescient words, for Ali may have died but he was not forgotten. For millions of Shi'ah throughout the world, Ali remains the model of Muslim piety: the light that illuminates the straight path to God. He is, in the words of Ali Shariati " the best in speech...the best in worship...the best in faith."

It is said this heroic vision of Ali that has been firmly planted in the hearts of those who refer to the person they believe to have been the sole successor to Muhammad not as the fourth Caliph, but as something else, something more.

Ali, the Shi'ah claim, was the first Imam: The Proof of God (His presence) on Earth.

Best Hijab Lecture Ever

Ange on Hegab Rehab posted this. its wonderful. Mash'Allah it makes me believe even more in hijab.

My apology to Catholicism

Wresting with Religion's Sarah got me thinking. She just posted a very heartfelt post on what happened with her and Islam. Its beautiful, but full of agony. And at first I miss understood the post then I thought about it again and went "That's how I use to view Christianity".

We try so hard sometimes to make ourselves fit into the wrong part of the puzzle. We push and push and dent the sides of our piece. Sometimes we can shove our piece into the spot only to have it dented and bruised. It looks like it fits, but does it really?

This is what I tried desperately to do with Christianity, particularly Catholicism. I pushed so hard to make concepts work. I kept going "If I can just find a way to justify A B C I can do this, I can make it work." Let me tell you ladies and gentlemen you cannot make a religion work for you. You will only cause yourself great despair. You will feel like you have been torn into a million pieces. Its definitely not pretty.

I remember sitting there with books going "If A B C only worked like D E F then it would be fine. Can I twist it so it will be fine?" Once you start doing that you are really forcing a religion onto yourself. Catholicism and Christianity became so much work for me. So much hard work to make myself believe. It was so hard, so taxing I got to a point where I just wanted it NOT to work so it would be over. I would sit in church and it would pain me because I knew that what I was hearing , saying, doing didn't agree with me. But I wanted it to, oh how much easier life would be if I had just been able to accept Catholicism.

About 2 years ago I officially let go. And although it was sad it was a relief. I was so angry with myself for not being able to believe that I had lost all touch with God. When I finally said "Stop, you can't do this anymore. Let go." the door back to God opened for me. I got so clouded by trying to "make it work" I forgot what I was working for in the first place: A solid relationship with God. I let go and although it has been lonely and frustrating floating through religion limbo I know it is better than forcing a religion upon myself.

Through Islam I gained a greater respect for Catholicism and Christianity. I saw the true beauty behind them. It is a beautiful path, a true path. Perfect for many. I will never belittle these faiths, never run them through the mud. In fact I will defend them because for many they are the truth. And they deserve to be respected and understood.

If Christianity and Catholicism were people I would want to say this: I apologize if I disrespected you. I apologize if I miss represented you. I apologize for the pain I caused, for the arguments we had. I have a great deal of respect for you, I see your true beauty. Although we can never be together, I hope that we can continue to have a friendship that will last a lifetime.

Friday Circle #2

We discussed intentions today. How important good intentions are. We also discussed at great length sin and ighstikar (asking for forgiveness). A young man gave a beautiful speech about how we have to overcome the sins of our lives and we all have them . That we should repent to Allah as soon as possible. He told a story about Imam Jafar (as) and two men. One man came to him and said "I committed a huge sin" the other said "I committed many small sins". Both men wanted to know how to repent for these sins. Imam Jafar told the first man to bring back one large rock. He told the other to bring back many small rocks. Both men did as they were told and brought the rocks back to Imam Jafar. Then Imam Jafar said "Now go return the rocks to the exact place you found them". This was simple for the first man, but not so simple for the second. It is to represent how the little things add up and how we need to be just as mindful of our small sins and ask forgiveness as we are of our large ones.

I felt this weird sense today. I even got teary - eyed for no reason. I just felt so calm and settled. Hard ground beneath my feet. I know I have a ways to go but I really think I am going in the right direction. I think I might actually be happy, who knew? God willing, I will continue in the right direction.

And I came up with something I want to do because well I'm human and I can't completely separate myself from wanting to marry him. I need to have two weddings so I'd like to have two wedding bands made: One that fits under the engagement ring, and another on top. The first on the bottom or the first wedding, the second on the top. The ring becomes whole only after both ceremonies just like I won't feel 100% married till I celebrate with my family as well. I think its cute would help my mom to realize that both weddings are important to me.

Also, the re-remembrance of the days of Ashura have begun. Just like in a funeral, 40 days after the day of Ashura Shia's gather to remember the 10 nights and Imam Hussain (as).

I'm starting to Identify Myself as a Muslim

Its weird, but its true. And I have no right to do so. Islam is starting to become a part of me, of my identity. Bad part is I'm not ready for that. I have too many big issues, I can't possibly make a decision. But there it is and its now part of me.

Christianity never became a part of my identity so to speak. Monotheism did and yes because Christianity is part of my culture it became a part of me. But when people would ask me what religion I was I would say "I'm Catholic by association". Because I never felt I was actually Catholic due to the major issues I have with the Christian religion.

So it seems odd to me despite my issues with Islam, which are currently major ones, I am feeling grounded by the religion. I am feeling a foundation under my feet that i have never had before. Its like the tree is taking root but its still winter so the tree may die before it can truly take hold.

Maybe its because through Islam I have fulfilled so many needs, even beyond religion. Yes it agrees with a lot of my personal views on religion which is what attracted me to it in the first place. Its given me a form of prayer I love. But its also given me a group of women I actually get along with. Its given me the chance to maybe have that female group of friends most have in their lifetime (I never did). Its given me a community to belong to, a place where I feel like I belong. It feeds my need for philosophical study and knowledge. It allows me to have a man who is both wonderful and religious. It allows me to be myself and not struggle so hard to fit in. Yes, I struggle more to fit in with everyday American society than I do the muslims.

But can you base a religious choice on these things? Not really because you still need to agree with the main parts of the religion. And right now, I have a few things to figure out.

But I think of what my life would be like if I said no to Islam and I shutter. It would be pretty bleak. The only good part is I would be able to continue to live my life without people being prejudice against me and my parents won't get mad at me. That is about it. I loose my foundation, my footing. It all goes away and I return to square one floating around trying to find something that fits. Let me tell you that is not a pretty existence.

I never ask this but a can I get a little prayer over here? A little du'a for me? I'm so confused and I'm so tired of being confused. I keep saying "Please, please God just tell me the answer. I can't do this forever." But God has not yet chosen to give me an answer. I just hope that i can hang on until He does.

Patience, Patience....

Why the Sheet?

You've all see these. Better yet, you've seen the women draped in sheets at the mosque. Now, I get using a "sheet" when you are not dressed appropriately for prayer but why use it when you are in an abaya? Isn't that traditionally what one prays in anyway?

Or better yet, why do we need to make sure we are in extra flowy clothing while praying at all? No men are around anyway and most likely the women in Muhammad's time just prayed in their regular clothes. So what is the purpose behind it? I've asked a few women and all they can give me is blank stares because, in the end, they don't actually know why (I'm getting "I don't know" from the people at school a lot lately). I've gotten that its to make sure we are praying in something clean while being in front of our Lord. Ok that I can accept, even I throw an abaya on while I'm home for that reason. But if that is the case then shouldn't it be something nice like an abaya and not a sheet? If we are going back to the idea that we are being clean and presentable for an audience with God then shouldn't we wear something nice? I think so.

I can't stand the sheets. They are so hard to pray in. I won't wear one at school (I wear abaya anyway) but so many of the women will, even with abayas. Maybe it gives them privacy in group prayer I don't know. But no one has been able to adequately explain it.

Anyone here know? Is there a reason that all prayer garments look like bed sheets?

John Borrowman :)

I thought you all should know that my new actor crush is John Borrowman. I have instantly fallen in love with BBC's Torchwood and John Borrowman is AWESOME. That is him above. I love him.

But not as much as Nathan Fillion since Nathan Fillion is of the Whedon universe and is Captain Malcom Renolds and in the greatest television series ever created EVER Buffy.

I'm in a really geeky mood....Ooooo Robin Hood on BBC....I Love BBC.....

Oooo lets make lists because we are suddenly 13!!!!!

Nathan Fillion, John Borrowman, Robert Downey Jr., Christian Bale (As Batman), Johnny Depp and Taylor Lautner (because well, you've seen New Moon).

YOUR TURN!

Ja ne!

No god but God - Hijab

pgs 71-74 discuss the evolution and the importance of hijab in modern society. That indeed, what may have once been used by other societies for opression has become a symbol of power, strength, and faith. That women all over the world are fighting to get back the Islam of the Prophet. The Islam that was equal for both sexes, where both sexes lived in harmony.



Today, throughout the Muslim world, a whole new generation of contemporary female scholars is reengaging the Qur'an from a prespective that has been sorely lacking in Islamic scholarship. Beginning with the notion that it is not the moral teachings of Islam but the social conditions of seventh-century Arabia and the rampant misogyny of male Quranic exegetes that has been responsible for their inferior status in Muslim society.

The so called Muslim women's movement is predicated on the idea that Muslim men, not Islam, have been responsible for the suppression of women's rights. For this reason, Muslim feminists throughout the world are advocating a return to the society Muhammad originally envisioned for his followers. Despite differences in culture, nationalities, and beliefs, these women believe that the lesson to be learned from Muhammad in Medina is a society in which Muhammad designated women like Umm Waraqa as spiritual guides for the Ummah; in which the Prophet himself was sometimes publicly rebuked by his wives; in which women prayed and fought alongside the men; in which women like Aisha and Umm Salamah acted not only as religious but also as political - and on at least on occasion military- leaders; and which the call to gather for prayer, bellowed from the rooftop of Muhammad's house, brought men and women together to kneel side by side and be blessed as a single undivided community.

Islam 101 : Day 7

Not much to report. I had a test so I have no history notes or anything today.

In tafseer we discussed Surah Naza'at 79. We spent pretty much all of class talking about the place of the angels in existence and what they do for God. Its funny, most of the ideas the Qur'an has about angels is in Christianity too. Sr. A kept asking me if Christians had this idea (guardian angels, Gabriel, Azarael etc) and I would say yes they have these concepts too. Angels have a huge legacy in Christianity, it was very interesting to hear the Qur'an speak of them. They are basically those that are created to only serve Allah, that they must in fact obey and carry out Allah's commands. There are angels for everything and if a person is a firm believer in God and does good deeds they will have a special one looking out for them (guardian angel).

Then we had prayer and Br. Bil talked about how we should always repent for our sins and praise God for His blessings upon us.

Then test, then home.

Sorry I'm not in a writing mood. Back is mad again.

Salaam

Surah Ar Rahman Recitation

This girl is amazing!!!!!

Friday Circle #1 - Wudu and Dhikr

I made it to the Islamic philosophical gathering last night. Of course, this was after running frantically around the city looking for somewhere to put on my scarf. I realized I am still terrified to be caught in a scarf by someone I know. I find that sad, but there doesn't seem to be much I can do about it at the time. It doesn't help that I'm having a major religion identity crisis, I don't feel like I should wear it while I'm so confused so that is probably why.

Anywho, I made to the lower part of the city and met up with Sr. N from school. The little mosque (Which is a converted apartment building) is in the center of an adorable Islamic neighborhood. They had abayas in their stores!!!! I'm so going back during the day and doing some shopping. They also had a lot of halal restaurants. YAY!

The first talk was on the importance of Wudu. I apologize, I don't remember a lot as my back was in severe pain and I forgot my notebook. She basically talked about how wudu is our preparation to have an audience with the Most High. When we pray, we are asking for an audience with Allah and we should be in the most pure and clear state we can be in out of respect for Allah. It's sort of like if you are going out to meet an important person the first thing you will do is make sure you are clean and well put together. Focused as well on what you will say to this person. We should use this same focus when asking for an audience with Allah. Wudu wakes us up to the task at hand and prepares us to speak to Allah in our purest of hearts and intentions.

Then we talked about Dhikr or remembering God. She talked about how everyday when we have a free moment we should remember the greatness of Allah. We should say "laillaha illallah" or "Subhannallah" or anything that calls to the greatness of Allah. This will keep us at peace throughout the day and remind us why we are here. The job of a muslim is to praise Allah at all times and to become as close to Allah as possible.

Then we discussed the talks (this is a male and female event) and other subjects related to being a faithful muslim. A lot of it went over my head as by this time I was in so much pain I couldn't concentrate. I remember the Sheikh who came talking about how we need to avoid some of the haram things by peacefully boycotting them. He mentioned that people only do what they are suppose to when they are being watched: for women he mentioned a wedding he went to where the woman did not wear hijab until he walked in the room and she threw a scarf on her head. For the men, only obeying traffic laws when a cop is present (What is with sheikhs being so obsessed with our scarves!?) He said that when you go to a wedding, you should leave if there is alcohol. I later learned from Sr. N that Shias aren't even allowed to sit at a table where alcohol is present. No wonder My Love's parents leave weddings when there is alcohol. Of course, he also mentioned music being haram but I've come to the conclusion all of it is not and I'm just not going to let it ruffle my feathers anymore. Allah knows what is in my heart and I will not believe it can all be bad when 75% of Christian worship is done is song.

On the way home, Sr. N and I talked about how Christianity and Islam are connected. And that the Catholics are the Shias of Christianity (so are, if you are Catholic you know what I mean). She actually did a paper on this comparison and she said what she loved about Catholicism was its use of ritual and how they paralellel a lot of Shia ritual. I had never thought about it before but its pretty true. Some of the thought processes are similar as well. She asked me my issue and of course I told her it was Jesus being God, and that if I was any Christian religion I'd be Unitarian at this point (turns out she had a friend who was a Unitarian and she totally agreed with me). She asked me about the Gospels and how they can be thought as truth. She actually believes though that muslims should read them since without Christianity there would be no Islam (Alhumdillah). And that is when I realized what the Gospels mean to me:

The Gospels are not about whether or not Jesus actually said these words. They are not about their "authenticity". They are not about who wrote them or when. What matters about the Gospels is their message, a message inspired by a truly great prophet. Their goodness and beauty outweigh the few things that seem out of place because the message of Jesus is still there. And that message, even in its imperfect form, is what makes it pure and Word of God. Subhanallah.

I also met a convert!!!!! She actually just texted me to say how nice it was to meet me and hopes to see me again soon and if I ever need to talk she is here. We will call her Nina. Nina has been muslim for a couple of years, from a Hindu family. She is strong, gorgeous, and full of personality. I hope she and I can become friends. I need someone like her.

All the women were actually quite lovely. I can't wait to get to know them

On a side note, my immediate family stopped drinking!!!! Alhumdillah! Mostly for health reasons but still, I find that fantastic.

Islamic History: Events to Karbala Part Two

My test is Sunday (AHHH!) so typing this is helping me study. Again, apologies if they don't make a lot of sense.

Changes made by Muawiya

1) Martyrdom of Imam Hasan

2) Martyrdom of Imam Ali

3) Responsible for the death of Abu Bakr

4) Responsible for the death of the Shahaba

5)Death of Hazarat Hujah

Hujah was very close to the prophet. He often stood up for the Ahlul Bayt with his elegant tongue. Of course Muawiya wanted to get rid of him so he sent for him to be brought to his palace. Muawiya says he will give Hijah half his kingdom if he will curse Imam Ali. Hujah says not even if you gave me your whole kingdom will I defile the name of Imam Ali. He and his sone are taken to their death and Hujah says "Kill my son first so he will be unable to curse the name of Imam Ali to save himself." They kill the son, then Hujah.

Muawiya was a fan of poison. It was discrete and underhanded. Both Imam Hasan and Imam Ali were killed by poison (Ali was with a poisoned tipped sword).

Yazid

Was not present at the death of his father, he was on vacation. Muawiya's advice to him was to use Syria as his base and let the people change the governor as much as they wish.

DO NOT, under any circumstances, kill Imam Husayn. Muawiya was aware that if his son did this, the power would tilt in the Ahlul Bayt's favor.

3 personalities of importance in Mecca that Yazid is to collect acceptance into power:

1)Imam Husayn

2)Abdullah Ibn Zubayr

3)Abdullah Ibn Umar

Yazid knows he can't do this on his own and calls Madawan a man removed from Medina by Muhammad for his trechery and underhanded doings. It was Uthman that actually let him back into the city after the prophet's death.

The men are confused by the letter and ask Imam Husayn for advice. They know, without even being told, that Muawiya must be dead. Imam Husayn says to sit on it for a bit. They wait, but more and more letters pour in saying the people have sided with Yazid. He decides to go with the other 2 men and brings a group of followers with him. He positions them outside the door of the palace and says "if I raise my voice, enter with your swords drawn."

Madawan says he is here to take the oath of allegiance from Husayn. Husayn tells him very plainly that no one will ever believe it is true. He raises his voice and the men come in to protect him. They agree to set up an event in Mecca for it s a safe haven. You cannot kill in the holy city of Mecca.

3 Powers of Imam Husayn

1) Hazarat Muslim Ibn Aquil

2) Abbas Ibn Ali

3)Muhammad Hanafiya (he later becomes the advisor of Imam Zayn ul Abdeen)

The third Betrayal by Kufa:

In Mecca, Imam Husayn gradually receives letters from Kufa, more and more people saying they need his help to stop Yazid. That he needs to come to Kufa. So he sends Muslim to Kufa.

Meanwhile, Yazid sends Ubaydullah Ibn Ziyad with an army of 500 to Kufa to take control. While there, Ubaydullah observes the muslims especially those hiding Hazarat Muslim. Muslim lays siege to the palace of the governor where Ubaydullah is staying. But Ubaydullah is crafty and goes to his connections in the tribes and says "Take this flag and go out into the city. Stand with it and tell your families that whoever comes to stand beneath this flag will not be tried for treason.

This works in Ubaydullah's favor so well, Muslim is left alone. He is captured and brutally killed.

Amar Nakshawani: The Crucifixion of Christ

This is a brilliant lecture by one of my favorite Islamic speakers. It covers the four more popular views of the verse "Jesus was not crucified" in the Qur'an. Also note this is a Muharam lecture and it will get really emotional at the end when he finishes speaking about Jesus and starts the story for this day of Muharam.

Also note, in Arabic Jesus' name is Isa (I can't remember which name he uses. Its been awhile since I watched it.)

Surah Ar-Rahman

"Then which of these favours of your Lord will ye deny?"

Read the entire surah HERE

This might be my favorite so far. Its so poetic and beautiful, full of symbolism and imagery.

Comic: Joseph and Yusra

I adore this comic and thought I would share with you. This is the tale of a young girl named Yusra and her friend Joseph. An odd pair to be sure, these two share an unusual bond that affects both their lives in a variety of ways. Adorable, heartwarming, and sometimes a little crazy it is an absolutely beautiful story with fantastic artwork. You can't help but fall in love with the warm heart of Yusra.

You may read the comic here. Make sure you start from the beginning or it won't make any sense.

The author is not muslim but has taken it upon herself to do a great deal of research on both Islam and Orthodox Judaism prior to writing this wonderful tale. If you have any criticisms or Naseeha for her please leave it in the comments section of this post NOT on her website. I will pass them to her. I want to avoid her accidentally getting attacked. Please leave your suggestions here and I will pass them along.

Enjoy. It's really quite a clever story. Mary is also very intriguing :)

The Sabians

Anyone ever wondered who these people were? Well here is the info straight from wikipedia.org

To read the whole article click HERE Its very interesting. They are a strange mix of Christianity and Islam coming from the line of Noah (AS) with a little mysticism thrown in.

Islamic reference

The recent debate on who the Sabians were is directly connected to how to best translate the following verses from the Qur'an out of the original Arabic. The Qur'an briefly announces the Sabians in three places and the Hadith provide further details as to who they were as people of the book:

• "Those who believe, and the Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabi'in, who believe in God and the Last Day and do good, they shall have their reward from their Lord, and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve." Quran 2:62

• "Those who believe, and the Jews, and the Sabi'un, and the Christians, who believe in God and the Last Day and do good, there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve." Quran 5:69

• "Those who believe, the Jews, and the Sabi'in, Christians, Magians, and Polytheists,- Allah will judge between them on the Day of Judgment: for Allah is witness of all things." Quran 22:17

The Sabians existed before Muhammad, and are said to have read from a book called the Zabur (i.e. the Psalms). The Saabi`ah Hunafa` ΘΕΟ-ΣΕΒΕΙΑΝΟΙ came under Islamicrule about 639 AD. At that time in history they were described as Greek immigrants^{[citation needed]} but were grouped together with the Saabi'ah Mushrikuun Nabataeans.

Under sharia, the Sabians form a protected religious group (along with Christians and Jews), to be subjugated as seen in the Pact of Umar.

Many Islamic writers from the period of about 650 CE onward gave further descriptions of the Sabians. They wrote that the Sabians lived in Iraq around Sawad, Kutha and Mosuland they "wash themselves with water" and had "long hair" and "white gowns"^{[citation needed]}. They had a monotheistic faith with religious literature (the Zabur) and acknowledged the prophets. Their theology resembled that of Judaism and Christianity yet were neither, nor were they Magians.

With regard to their beliefs, Ibn al-Qayyim said: "The people differed greatly concerning them, and the imams were unsure about them because they did not have enough knowledge of their beliefs and religion." Al-Shaafa’i said: "Their case is to be examined further; if they resemble the Christians in basic matters but they differ from them in some minor issues, then the jizya is to be taken from them. But if they differ from them in basic issues of religion then their religion cannot be approved of by taking the jizya from them." And he elaborated elsewhere: "They are a kind of Christian." consistent with a comment about some of them mentioned in Bahai writings.

Ibn al-Qayyim said: "The Sabians are a large nation among whom are both blessed and doomed. They are one of the nations who are divided into believers and disbelievers, for the nations before the coming of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) were of two types, kaafir nations all of whose people were doomed and among whom were none who were blessed, such as the idol-worshippers and the Magians; and others who were divided into those who were blessed and those who were doomed, namely the Jews,Christians and Sabians."

According to Islamic scholars,^[5] they did not reject the Prophets of Islam but neither did they regard it as obligatory to follow them. According to the Hanif Sabians, whoever followed (the Prophets) may be blessed and saved, but whoever follows a path similar to that of the Prophets by virtue of one's own reasoning is also blessed and saved, even if one did not follow the Prophets in specific terms. In their view the call of the Prophets was true but there was no one specific route to salvation. They believed that the universe had a Creator and Sustainer, Who is Wise and above any resemblance to created beings, but many of them, or most of them, (i.e. the Sabians of Harran) said: we are unable to reach Him without intermediaries, so we have to approach Him through the mediation of spiritual and holy who are pure and free of any physical elements and who are above place and time, rather they are created pure and holy.

Marc Edmund Jones, founder of the modern Sabian Assembly ('The Sabian Assembly'), described the Sabians of Harran as a "Mohammedan" group, that is, acceptable in principle, together with the Jews and Christians. Sabaeans as such worshipped God's Names (El-Esmea) as angels in the stars, a practice which the modern Sabian Assembly as whole does not embrace.

Sabi`ah Hunafa` (Hanif Sabians) follow a somewhat disorganized religion^[6][7][8] following the Din of Noah^[3] as a sect who read the Zabur^[9][10] akin to Christianity.^[11] They appear to be between Judaism and Magianism^[12][13] but are in fact closer to Judaism.^[14][15][16] Sābi'ūn recognise the practice of the prophet Muhammad in going to the caves prior to his inspiration, as in accordance with the Sabi quest for Tawheed Hunafa' and, in general, many similarities with the Sabians meant Muhammad and his companions were often considered to have been Sabians.^[17][18] Most specifically this was because of the Sabian shahada “La ilaha ila Allah”.^[19][20][21]

The root-meaning of the word Sabi (deriving from their religion Seboghatullah) means Proselyte, and is identical in usage with the Greek words Sebomenoi or Theosebes and to a lesser extent Phobeomenoi.^[22]