Ashraf Schneider

Sadaqah Jariyah (Continuous Reward) – Please consider donating, to help cover our running costs and future projects. Become a Patreon Donate via PayPal Donate via PayFast I really think this is one of the greatest causes one could support. Mufti Ismail Menk (co-director) To watch video by Mufti Menk or learn more, click here. We ... Read more

In this episode I briefly share my journey from Christianity to Islam and the reasons for Islam as being the path to God. 1 Christian background 2 More similarities between Islam and Christianity than differences. “… He is God – One. God, the Sustainer. He has no offspring and nor was He born. And there ... Read more

This episode unpacks the fundamental belief’s of Jesus (Isa) within the Bible as is echoed within Islamic scripture. 1 Similarity of Jesus to Islam in prayer, manners, dress, etc. 2 Jesus regarding Oneness of God. “One of the scribes/teachers came … (and asked Jesus), “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” Jesus answered, ... Read more

Why I rejected the Trinity and accepted Tawhid 1 Say, “He is God, One; God, The Eternal, The Sustainer. He neither begets, nor was born. And there is nothing comparable to Him.” [Quran 112] 2 Similarities between the Bible and the Quran. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” [Deuteronomy 6:4] ... Read more

This short discussion contrasts salvation in Christianity with salvation in Islam. The Christian understanding of salvation Salvation in the Quran 39:53 – “O my servants who have transgressed against themselves – do no despair of God’s mercy, for God certainly forgives all sins. He is indeed Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” Repentance in Islam Does salvation/repentance in ... Read more

This short audio gives a brief insight into knowing the existence of God. Some of the areas we’ll explore are: In our understanding of existence, God poses fundamental problems in Quran 52:35-36 – “Were they created from nothing or were they themselves the creators? Did they create the universe and the earth – No, they ... Read more

Welcome to the 2nd and final episode of the Son of God series, inspired by my re-reading of MisGod’ed by Laurence Brown. 1 Translating ancient texts 2 Translation: ‘son’ or ‘servant’ 3 Inconsistent translation meaning: literal vs metaphoric 4 Conclusion

Welcome to the 1st episode of a 2-part series inspired by my re-reading of MisGod’ed by Laurence Brown. 1 ‘Son of David’ – literal or honorific/metaphoric? 2 Could God father a son 3 Would God father a son 4 Historical use of ‘son’ as an honor/metaphor 5 Textual Biblical evidence for ‘Son of God’ as ... Read more

In this 12th and final episode of our Dawah Training series, we discuss the final aspect of dawah, the Shahada (testimony). 1 Knowledge, understanding and acceptance God’s existence (All powerful, All Knowing, Self-Sustaining) Uniqueness Oneness (especially for Christians) Quran as revelation and its tenets (guidance, laws, submission of will, etc.) Muhammad’s prophethood 2 Meaning of ... Read more

G – God’s existence O – God’s oneness R – Revelation A P – Prophethood In episodes 8-10, we discussed the first 3 elements of the GORAP dawah method: the existence of God, God’s oneness and the concept of revelation. This sequence is progressive and sets a rational foundation for easier understanding of the final ... Read more

In this 10th episode of Dawah Training, we discuss the ‘R’ element of the GORAP dawah method – Revelation 1 Why is there a need for revelation 2 Criteria for correct revelation: Representation of God (linking to Allah’s attributes) Internal and external consistency (no contradictions) Divinity (established facts, etc.) 3 Good method to introduce the ... Read more

In this 9th episode of Dawah Training, we discuss God’s Oneness as a conversational approach. 1 Using Quran revelation in general Quran arguments for Allah’s oneness “Had there been additional Gods, they would have sought to challenge Allah.” [Quran -17:42] “Had there been God’s besides Allah in heaven or earth, it would be corrupted/disordered.” [Quran ... Read more

In this 8th episode of Dawah Training, we discuss the GORAP dawah method. 1 Engagement (episode 6) 2 Deeper engagement according to assessed level/type of communication i.e. intellectual, non-intellectual, etc. 3 Using rational arguments (for intellectuals) “Were they created from nothing or were they themselves the creators? Did they create the universe and the earth ... Read more

In this 7th episode of our 12 part series, Dawah Training, we discuss how to initiate a conversation with someone. 1 Passive Initiation Passive initiation is when you are approached regarding Islam Foundation building – premise of truth (see episode 4: Downfall of Dawah) 2 Active Initiation Approaching people to give dawah Engaging etiquette – ... Read more

In this 6th episode of Dawah Training, we discuss understanding the nature and characteristics of people in order to better connect. 1 First is to contextualise this aspect by reflecting on some of the learning objectives of the previous episodes: Concept of Dawah Importance of knowing Allah 2 Awakening the fitrah Connecting with others by ... Read more

In this 5th episode in our 12 part Dawah Training series, we discuss some of the hindrances to successful dawah. 1 Establishing the premise of truth. 2 Establishing a foundation of rationale. 3 To make the Quran and Hadith the foundation and criteria of truth rather than reliance on referencing Biblical texts. 4 Conclusion

In this 4th episode, we discuss the some of the personal requirements of the one who invites to Allah’s religion. 1 Being sincere in one’s dawah The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Actions are (judged) by intentions …” ~Bukhari & Muslim~ 2 Knowledge and Sharing Share – The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ... Read more