Mauun min Adheem - May 31, 2020, 6:23 pm
Assalam ‘alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
Greetings, I am blessed to have discovered this channel and the wisdom of Ustadh Taha. I’m a 26 year old living in Anchorage, Alaska, probably much further than the noble teacher might have anticipated his message traveling in only a few decades.
I grew up as a protestant Christian in a house with a lot of love for God, but also with contradiction. My family was deeply spiritual but very liberal; my mother taught us the world could only be 6,000 years old but also was very for ideas we might call progressive. Since I was a child, I valued faith and spent much of my time trying to understand God. I was very taken by the words of Jesus (peace and blessings) and continue to hold him as one of the great teachers of humankind.
As I grew older, I desired to better understand my religion and teach it to the world. I also believed strongly in social justice, that Christianity is meaningless if it is not helping the poor, the oppressed, and the prisoners. But I found myself finding more questions than answers. Learning more about the history of the Church, I realized I had little understanding of my religion. I also was disappointed in my fellow believers, who supported vicious overseas wars and oppressing black and brown people in our country. Many in the Church saw no reason to adjust their views or better support the world; is it a wonder that churches are emptying in the West?
My failure to understand basic doctrine and social practice turned to larger existential problems. Why did we believe in Original Sin (the belief that all of humanity is born condemned because of Adam) even though the Jewish faith and the Bible do not teach something like that? If evil is the creation of humanity, then why did we believe that evil has worn the universe asunder? Why did we believe that Jesus is God even though his words do not blatantly support that doctrine? How can God be all-powerful and all-merciful? What about people who are not baptized? Why are we so incapable of growing as a religion rather than clinging to norms from millennia ago we no longer understand?
My questions largely went unanswered. I went to more conservative churches, but they preached hatred of Muslims and feminists while ignoring any need for change. I discovered more liberal Christian churches, but many failed to answer my problems and largely preached a message of passivity. I turned to atheism and disbelief, declaring that religions were nothing but superstitions. But even as an atheist, I could not run from the God I declared my love and support for. In His mercy, He chased me and called out to me, and I was helpless to avoid Him. For years, I tried out different religions, philosophies, and ways of life, but could find no answers.
As I grew older, I decided to return to someone I really trusted: Jesus of Nazareth (peace and blessings). His words speak a degree of truth that are missing in much of the world. There was one particular verse that offered me advice: that I would know the true servants of God by the fruit they produce. In reality, wise and good people are not hard to find in this world; you need only look to the good deeds. I decided I was going to try and pursue God as best I could, regardless of religious affiliation. But I was still lost and unsure what to trust.
I had read a lot about Islam over the years. I appreciated the simplicity of the message, the ability for people to pray wherever they are, the encouragement of good deeds and discipline, and the importance of modesty and being compassionate. But I had a hard time separating the deeds of ‘Jihadist’ Muslims from a love for God. I was only a small child when 9/11 happened; as the years went on, I saw the deeds of al-Qaeda, the oppression waged on believers by governments such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, the awful genocidal violence of ISIS, and the Imams and Muftis declaring war on all infidels. When I tried to learn more about Islam, I found Youtube videos calling for homosexuals to be thrown off roofs and women to be beaten by their husbands. Though a part of my heart loved something about Islam, I could not accept what I was hearing.
In a strange twist of fate, I discovered someone who could help my understanding: the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings). I read about his life, his honest and upright nature, his complete commitment to justice, his kindness and love of women, children, the elderly, and the strangers. I found a man who chose to reproach people with mercy and understanding, who protected religious minorities even when they did not agree with him. I learned of his noble quest for God, and the passionate faith he spent his life to achieve. In strange leap of faith, I knew I needed Islam. I went to the only mosque in my state and declared my shahada, for I wanted to be like this man.
Unfortunately there were still problems. Every Muslim I have met had been kind and generous to me, but there have also been many who were quick to try and tell me how Islam ‘must’ be practiced. Some chastised me for having a Christian wife; others condemned me for my ‘Christian’ view of things (whatever that means). I learned more about doctrines which call for women to be closeted away, for girls to know nothing but to please men, and the need for jihad against the whole world until Islam is accepted. Much like with my Christian experience, I tried looking to more liberal or progressive interpretations, but often found them unsatisfying with little careful analysis. I knew I had found my God, but I did not know yet how to search for peace.
In the midst of this, I discovered an unusual man from the Blue Nile in Sudan. The name Mahmoud Muhammad Taha had come up in my research about Islam, but I dismissed him after I read the New Yorker article about him (which did not do a good job of explaining his teachings). How could one just cut apart the Qur’an into two parts? It seemed like a bunch of hubbub to me. Still, I continued to see his name show up here and there and decided to investigate; what did I have to lose? I ordered the Second Message of Islam.
I got more than I bargained for. Taha’s writings were like an alarm clock, awaking me from a dream I did not know I was living in. I knew this was a man who really found it, the sort of peace I had been looking for all my life. He answered concerns and questions I had about Islam and modernity. He sorted the teachings of the Prophet in a way that made methodological sense. He answered philosophical questions I did not even know I was struggling with. Why is it that all religions either teach we are living in the best or worst of times? Ustadh Taha explained that this not so, that God is educating and elevating humanity to higher planes with every age. How do we recognize our religion as true when other religions have truth in them too? Ustadh Taha explains that all humanity has a tradition of understanding God, we are all simply at different levels. How can Islam be the primordial religion of humankind when Muhammad (peace and blessings) only lived fourteen centuries ago? Ustadh Taha explains that Islam is more than the third Abrahamic faith; it is the true faith of a heart close to God, that exceeds time, place, or particular teachers. Ustadh Taha has revived the message in a way that is true to the teachings of Rasullah, while also being true to the world we live in. He had achieved such a level of authenticity that he could be martyred unafraid, knowing he was going to meet his Rabb.
I still struggle to be a good Muslim. I am certainly a lowly penitent who has yet to approach peace and discipline. But my teacher has pointed the way for me. I believe in God and I will not easily turn away from him. Mahmoud Muhammad Taha pulled me from a life of confusion, where I surely would have strayed further from the path. Though I am still lost at times, I am found in the Grace of Allah, and my Lord is surely on a straight path.
It is a discouraging time we live in. As calamity grips every corner of the globe, religious people are seeking truth in their faith while also desiring mercy. The reaction of many religious people, be they Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, or New Age, has been mixed at best (and violent at worst). I know that Ustadh Taha’s teachings may be seen as heretical by Orthodox Muslims, but many of the wisest Sheikhs and mystics struggled to be understood by their generation. If it is any consolation, the Second Message of Islam is out there and there will be many who embrace it wholeheartedly. I especially believe that more liberal or confused Muslims living in the West, not to mention non-Muslims seeking answers, would benefit from learning of the message. Please do not stop sharing and know that God is all-knowing, all-wise.
Praise be to God, Lord of all the worlds!
Blessings be on the Messenger and all Messengers before him!
May God guide us, save us, forgive us, and prepare us for the Day of Reckoning!
Omer Hawari - June 25, 2020, 3:32 pm
Dear Brother Mauun min Adheem
We sent your letter to our brother Abdalla Ernest who went through a similar experience as yours a few years back. He talked about that experience in in this lecture: How the Islamic Ideology of Ustadh Mahmoud Mohammed Taha informs the 21st Century?, Here are some comments from him on your moving letter:
Assalam ‘alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
Greetings, I am blessed to have discovered this channel and the wisdom of Ustadh Taha. I’m a 26 year old living in Anchorage, Alaska, probably much further than the noble teacher might have anticipated his message traveling in only a few decades.
I grew up as a protestant Christian in a house with a lot of love for God, but also with contradiction. My family was deeply spiritual but very liberal; my mother taught us the world could only be 6,000 years old but also was very for ideas we might call progressive. Since I was a child, I valued faith and spent much of my time trying to understand God. I was very taken by the words of Jesus (peace and blessings) and continue to hold him as one of the great teachers of humankind.
As I grew older, I desired to better understand my religion and teach it to the world. I also believed strongly in social justice, that Christianity is meaningless if it is not helping the poor, the oppressed, and the prisoners. But I found myself finding more questions than answers. Learning more about the history of the Church, I realized I had little understanding of my religion. I also was disappointed in my fellow believers, who supported vicious overseas wars and oppressing black and brown people in our country. Many in the Church saw no reason to adjust their views or better support the world; is it a wonder that churches are emptying in the West?
My failure to understand basic doctrine and social practice turned to larger existential problems. Why did we believe in Original Sin (the belief that all of humanity is born condemned because of Adam) even though the Jewish faith and the Bible do not teach something like that? If evil is the creation of humanity, then why did we believe that evil has torn the universe asunder? Why did we believe that Jesus is God even though his words do not blatantly support that doctrine? How can God be all-powerful and all-merciful? What about people who are not baptized? Why are we so incapable of growing as a religion rather than clinging to norms from millennia ago we no longer understand?
My questions largely went unanswered. I went to more conservative churches, but they preached hatred of Muslims and feminists while ignoring any need for change. I discovered more liberal Christian churches, but many failed to answer my problems and largely preached a message of passivity. I turned to atheism and disbelief, declaring that religions were nothing but superstitions. But even as an atheist, I could not run from the God I declared my love and support for. In His mercy, He chased me and called out to me, and I was helpless to avoid Him. For years, I tried out different religions, philosophies, and ways of life, but could find no answers.
As I grew older, I decided to return to someone I really trusted: Jesus of Nazareth (peace and blessings). His words speak a degree of truth that are missing in much of the world. There was one particular verse that offered me advice: that I would know the true servants of God by the fruit they produce. In reality, wise and good people are not hard to find in this world; you need only look to the good deeds. I decided I was going to try and pursue God as best I could, regardless of religious affiliation. But I was still lost and unsure what to trust.
I had read a lot about Islam over the years. I appreciated the simplicity of the message, the ability for people to pray wherever they are, the encouragement of good deeds and discipline, and the importance of modesty and being compassionate. But I had a hard time separating the deeds of ‘Jihadist’ Muslims from a love for God. I was only a small child when 9/11 happened; as the years went on, I saw the deeds of al-Qaeda, the oppression waged on believers by governments such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, the awful genocidal violence of ISIS, and the Imams and Muftis declaring war on all infidels. When I tried to learn more about Islam, I found Youtube videos calling for homosexuals to be thrown off roofs and women to be beaten by their husbands. Though a part of my heart loved something about Islam, I could not accept what I was hearing.
In a strange twist of fate, I discovered someone who could help my understanding: the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings). I read about his life, his honest and upright nature, his complete commitment to justice, his kindness and love of women, children, the elderly, and the strangers. I found a man who chose to reproach people with mercy and understanding, who protected religious minorities even when they did not agree with him. I learned of his noble quest for God, and the passionate faith he spent his life to achieve. In strange leap of faith, I knew I needed Islam. I went to the only mosque in my state and declared my shahada, for I wanted to be like this man.
Unfortunately, there were still problems. Every Muslim I have met had been kind and generous to me, but there have also been many who were quick to try and tell me how Islam ‘must’ be practiced. Some chastised me for having a Christian wife; others condemned me for my ‘Christian’ view of things (whatever that means). I learned more about doctrines which call for women to be closeted away, for girls to know nothing but to please men, and the need for jihad against the whole world until Islam is accepted. Much like with my Christian experience, I tried looking to more liberal or progressive interpretations, but often found them unsatisfying with little careful analysis. I knew I had found my God, but I did not know yet how to search for peace.
In the midst of this, I discovered an unusual man from the Blue Nile in Sudan. The name Mahmoud Muhammad Taha had come up in my research about Islam, but I dismissed him after I read the New Yorker article about him (which did not do a good job of explaining his teachings). How could one just cut apart the Qur’an into two parts? It seemed like a bunch of hubbub to me. Still, I continued to see his name show up here and there and decided to investigate; what did I have to lose? I ordered the Second Message of Islam.
I got more than I bargained for. Taha’s writings were like an alarm clock, awaking me from a dream I did not know I was living in.
I knew this was a man who really found it, the sort of peace I had been looking for all my life. He answered concerns and questions I had about Islam and modernity. He sorted the teachings of the Prophet in a way that made methodological sense. He answered philosophical questions I did not even know I was struggling with. Why is it that all religions either teach we are living in the best or worst of times? Ustadh Taha explained that this not so, that God is educating and elevating humanity to higher planes with every age. How do we recognize our religion as true when other religions have truth in them too? Ustadh Taha explains that all humanity has a tradition of understanding God, we are all simply at different levels. existing in different epochs.
How can Islam be the primordial religion of humankind when Muhammad (peace and blessings) only lived fourteen centuries ago? Ustadh Taha explains that Islam is more than the third Abrahamic faith; it is the true faith of any heart and mind seeking to become closer to God, that, at its ultimate level, exceeds time, place, or particular teachers, and at its earthly level presents solutions for individuals and communities. Ustadh Taha has disclosed the second message, which revives the final revelation from the only God, based on a reinterpretation of the Quran applicable to the world we live in. He had achieved such a level of authenticity that he could be martyred unafraid, knowing he was going to meet his Rabb.
I still struggle to be a good Muslim. I am certainly a lowly penitent who has yet to approach peace and discipline. But my teacher has pointed the way for me. I believe in God and I will not easily turn away from him. Mahmoud Muhammad Taha pulled me from a life of confusion, where I surely would have strayed further from the path. Though I am still lost at times, I am found in the Grace of Allah, and my Lord is surely on a straight path.
It is a discouraging time we live in. As calamity grips every corner of the globe, religious people are seeking truth in their faith while also desiring mercy. The reaction of many religious people, be they Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, or New Age, has been mixed at best (and violent at worst). I know that Ustadh Taha’s teachings may be seen as heretical by Orthodox Muslims, but many of the wisest Sheikhs and mystics struggled to be understood by their generation. If it is any consolation, the Second Message of Islam is out there and there will be many who embrace it wholeheartedly. I especially believe that more liberal or confused Muslims living in the West, not to mention non-Muslims seeking answers, would benefit from learning of the message. Please do not stop sharing and know that God is all-knowing, all-wise.
Praise be to God, Lord of all the worlds!
Blessings be on the Messenger and all Messengers before him!
May God guide us, save us, forgive us, and prepare us for the Day of Reckoning!
Muhammad Bilal - January 18, 2016, 10:59 pm
Dear Omer,
As-salamu-alaikum!
My name is Muhammad Bilal and I am an Indian. I recently embraced Islam following an epiphany regarding the nature of Islam. I used to be a fierce critique of the religion, to the point of being mistaken for a racist and an Islamophobe. But the truth is, I am neither. I love life a lot, wherever and in whatever shape I find it. I consider it a gift from God. So I get furious with people who indulge in wanton murder, especially in the name of the God, who is the “Cherisher of the World”, in both the opening surah and in the first surah to be revealed (surah 96: al-khalaq).
However hard I tried to explain away, Islam as an evil, Arabic aberration of mankind, the merciful Lord, At-Tawab – the oft-returning Lord, wouldn’t let go off me and He forced me think through, contemplate the paradox that Islam is, until I solved and reconciled it. So, in my meditation, which people couldn’t see because it happened far from the surface of my life, at the very depths of my being, I had a realization, a stark realization that made me fully, happily and with a whole heart embrace it.
The essence of this realization, though I couldn’t articulate it as clearly or lucidly, was very, very close to the same conclusion that Mahmoud Muhammad Taha had come to, at the end of the three years retreat. I could sense it in my heart that there were two distinct, historically and spiritually separate streams of message within the noble Qur’an and not being an expert at interpretation I couldn’t pin down my insight and conviction as Meccan and Medinan Surah, like Ustad Taha did.
Once I realized it, I searched for similar minded people who held the same view about Islam and Qur’an in particular and I stumbled upon Newyorker article on Ustad, from where I pursued the thread to land here. I am yet to read the Second Message, but I already know what I will find there because I already know it in my heart to be true.
My dear republican brother, I am writing to you with hope that no matter how hard circumstances are, you will not give up Ustad’s work, because it is very important for humanity to know the thoughts of one the greatest Sudanese minds that ever lived. In there is sanity, peace and tolerance – all things the ummah is not today. And know that I am with you and I shall support you, Insha Allah, in whatever little ways possible, words, or even money if that is what is really required to keep the legacy alive. But remember, this work must continue. Be tenacious, just like Ustad himself was.
People like Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, the leader of ISIS and his henchmen are working day and night without rest to make this world a much more miserable place than it already is. Then imagine, how much more effort and toil we must give to this work, we, who are trying to make it a better, much more peaceful place. Consider this my personal requesting on behalf of humanity. Don’t let it die! Allah’s support and mine are with you.
For my part, I will spread this message as much as I can. I have a very close friend who is now an Islamophobe, thanks to my effort and time. I haven’t yet told him of my change of heart and perspective on Islam. He would be too startled and angry with me. But I shall make it a point to inform him of Ustad and his work. It is my duty and sunnah.
With a hug and a handshake
Your Loving
Muhammad Bilal
Omer Hawari - January 23, 2016, 7:28 am
Dear brother Muhammad
I am so delighted to read your message and to learn that you recognized the thoughts of Ustadh Mahmoud Muhammad Taha as the call that satisfies your search for answers amidst the so many false calls that distort what true Islam is all about as a methodology for healing our inner souls and to for connecting us with the source of existence and at the same time providing an understanding and a solution for our socio-economic and political problems.
Ustadh Mahmoud followed a methodology that allowed him to attain inner peace and self-realization and gave him an understanding of the relationship between the individual and the universe and the individual and surrounding communities and he offered that same methodology to every human being and painted a promising future for mankind that would be realized in the very near future despite the gloomy and bloody picture that has been been depicted by fanatics all across the globe in the name of religion.
Please be assured that we will not let go with this great (fikra) because it answered all our questions as well and we found in it what encourage us to stick with it even more as time passes and its proof becomes appearant to many other people. People like you push us towards making extra efforts to avail these thoughts and make them known specially to those who could not appreciate them in their original form due to the language barrier.
Once again thank you for your elaborate and elegant message and please keep in touch
Sincerely,
Omer Hawari
Omer - February 12, 2015, 12:57 am
Alsalmu Aliekum,
I have been trying hardly to find an English translation for The second message (Hard or soft copy), in fact a non Arabic speaker friend is desperately asking about it.
Your help will be appreciated!
Omer Hawari - March 5, 2015, 4:51 pm
Dear Omer
A link to the translation of "The Second Message of Islam" has been provided in the English section of this website:
Unfortunately, this is a copyrighted work and we could not made available through this website but you can order online from Amazon or Barnes and Noble using the aforementioned links.
Regards,
Omer
salaheldin ahmed ibrahim - May 2, 2012, 10:41 pm
Assalamu alaikum,
I was inspirted by Ustadh Mahmoud Mohamed Taha when i was 17 years old,particularly in 1984, one year before his execusion.Sometimes a mere slight incidence may change one's whole life,just by chance a man's whole life can be totally changed I came across a lecture for al uztadh titled as
" Tallamu Kaif Tusalloun" "learn how to pray". That lecture was the main door from which i have entered the garden of freedom of thought,freedom of thinking; for the first time in my life i felt a big relief,a deep sigh. Imagine to laught like a newly born child,a childlike laughter. Infact not as if,but it was a reality that i was born new the day i heard that lecture,all the meanings were new to me.. acually i came to know what even the word "Lecture" meant to me;a totally different meaning from what is written in all dictionaries.
Sudan has fallen apart,because the golden days in which such a real man like al ustadh Mahmoud were lecturing people were gone..gone because he is gone.
Sometimes i have a feeling that the recent suffering of Sudan is nothing but a punishment for the sake of a man who gaved, sacreficed his life for such a country "Sudan".
For those who think that al ustadh is gone and those golden days were gone too,let them know that real men never die,real thought never die,soul remain, but body vanishes... he is still there around us for those who really want to free themselves from the so-called religous people and who want to live a life of dignity.
Salaheldin Falola
Kenny King - August 25, 2011, 10:56 am
Al-Ustadh Mahmoud Muhammad Taha's words inspired me to reflect on the importance of internalizing God's word so that it affects every part of who we are and how we think and act. God did not offer His word to us through His Prophets so that we could build large churches, mosques or temples,or even go to war with one another over our differences, but so we could apply it to our daily lives and become more like Him. The religious rituals we perform in our places of worship should be an outward expression of an inward commitment, not just a thoughtless act we perform out of habit or tradition. I truly believe that God has spoken to man through His holy prophets, to whom He gave His authority to speak and act in His name. I believe that He does this because He loves us, as our Heavenly Father. I pray for the wisdom and ablity to mantain an eternal perspective as I worship Him and that His word, as given to us through his guided Prophets, can motivate us to act, to change, even unto full transformation of our hearts.
Omer Hawari - August 28, 2011, 12:56 pm
Dear Kenny
Greetings
I am so glad and delighted to read your touching message.
I think you got to the essence of Ustadh Mahmoud's message which is that of self-realization through a change process that allows us to achieve inner peace. Religion was meant for the individual, every single individual, and not for institutions. People need to go back to that basic message and start transforming themselves instead of looking for failing institutions to bail them out spiritually.
We as humans share the main essential attributes that make us humans but these have long been tented with misguided ideological dictates that keep us apart but once we tap into them we will sure to find what unite us in this holly journey that we are destined to undertake.
I value your comments and thank you for taking the time to sharing your thoughts with us.
Regards,
Omer Hawari
Dioscorus Boles - August 11, 2011, 5:08 am
I have interest in the religious and political thought of Mahmoud Muhammad Taha. He clearly towers over the rest of Islamic thinkers. Not since the Mu'tazilis has an Arab religious thinker been of the same stature.
His religious thinking offers all Muslim societies the best hope of embracing modernity while remain attached to their religious beliefs.
Omer Hawari - August 17, 2011, 7:37 pm
Dear Dioscorus
Greetings
Thank you for your remarks and kind words about the thoughts of Ustadh Mahmoud Muhammad Taha. We welcome your interest and friendship and we value your comments. Indeed Ustadh Mahmoud's thoughts are the only hope for Muslims to get out of the backwardness and lead the world towards a peaceful future if they understand the true message of their religion which will help unite this small planet not torn it apart.
Omer Hawari
Website Admin
Masoud B Nour - August 7, 2011, 2:29 am
Thanks to all people like ustaz mahmoud, his brothers, for the great contribution to Sudanese,and universal thought.this is agreat step towards enligtment of all beleivers,I wish i can buy some of his books in the near future.
Omer Hawari - August 17, 2011, 7:44 pm
Dear Masoud
Salam Alaykum
Thank you for your encouraging remarks and kind words. We are working on making all works of Ustadh Mahmoud available via this website and were able to upload a number of books in PDF format so they can be easily downloaded and printed by those interested. These are all in Arabic. The only translated book (into English) which is "The Second Message of Islam" is also available from many retailers such as amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com
Regards,
Omer
Osman Abdullah Eladnani - June 23, 2011, 10:19 am
I am a friend of the Republican Brothers since my university years from 1972 to 78. I hope to be in contact with the brothers.
Omer Hawari - June 24, 2011, 5:52 pm
Dear Osman
Greetings
Thank you for your kind words about the website. We value your friendship and welcome your comments and questions.
Please feel free to call me evenings and weekends at 9194049202.
Best regards,
Omer Hawari
Site Admin
Merid Zeru Tseggai - May 27, 2011, 3:17 am
I am an Eritrean who follows Sudance's politics.
Ustazh Mahmoud Muhammad Taha was a great visionary and thinker man of principle but the Sudance's Social Value,Dual Identity,an approprite understanding of Islamic faith,Subjective consciousness ...etc never ever allowed him either to survive or to intervene to tackle the Sudance social politics problems.
Consequence of it we are witnessing Two Sudan. Now is it to stop being only two Sudan or is it going to continuing to more than two Sudan?
Thanks,
Merid Zeru Tseggai
Omer Hawari - June 23, 2011, 5:10 pm
Dear Merid Zeru Tseggai
Thank you for your elegant remarks and kind comments.
Indeed the self-proclaimed leaders of the Sudanese People, ignored Ustadh Mahmoud's wisdom until they banged their heads with the wall of destruction. Unfortunately if they continue to head in the same direction, the Sudan that we all know will seize to exist, specially under the current regime.
Once again thank you and please keep in touch
Omer Hawari
Site Admin
safia ahmed lutfi - February 22, 2011, 7:32 pm
thank you for writing about him to learn about the greatest al Ustaz Mahmoud Mohammad Taha
Sami Aldeeb - August 7, 2010, 11:44 pm
I have the pleasure to indicate that I published an article on Mahmud Muhammad Taha in French:
http://blogdesamialdeeb.blog.tdg.ch/archive/2010/08/07/conflit-entre-l-islam-et-l-occident-billet-12-liberaux-musul.html
Please feel free to reproduce it in French or in any other language.
Omer Hawari - April 4, 2011, 6:06 pm
Dear Mr. Aldeeb
Thank you for a well written article to the French audience.
I don't know French but I managed to read the Google translation.
Best regards,
Omer
Safia Mohamed - March 30, 2010, 5:11 pm
Dear Sir/Madam,
Would you please publish via your website the main Ideas or a summary of Ustaz Mahmoud books. It is very important for people who are involved in such a debate especially resrachers in the areas of geder equlaty in Islam, it is important espacially for non Arabic speakers.
Regards
Safia
Omer Hawari - April 3, 2010, 8:46 am
Dear Safia
Salam Alykum
This is a very good idea and we will put it in our to-do list.
Best regards,
Omer
Isam IDRIS - January 7, 2007, 6:41 pm
Bojour, I will try to write you in English
I want to Know the of the mariage of Ustad Tâh , the number of his children and the year of death of his brother MuKhtar
Has Taha got to Mekka (pilgrmage)and at what
time
?
Waiting for you to read, beeing sincerly yours
I. Idris FRANCE .
Webmaster - January 10, 2007, 9:39 pm
Hello Isam
Ustaz Taha married to Amna Lutfi. They had three children: a boy who died when he was 10 years old, and two daughters (Asma and Sumaya) who are married and have childrens.
I do not have firm information about the time of the death of his brother Mukhtar but will seek that information for you.
I don't think Ustaz Taha ever been to Mecca.
Best regards,
Omer Hawari
Website Admin
Malik Mubashshir - December 3, 2006, 3:50 pm
As Salaam Alaikum. I am an American Muslim deeply concerned about the influence of so-called fundamenatalist Islam on our community here. I am also concerned about the spiritual, social, and cultural malaise that seems to be descending upon the once vital African American Islamic community. I believe that the ritualistic, legalist and spiritually dead interpretation of Islam currently being propagated is sapping the spirit of a young community. Having read the Second Message of Islam I was inspired by its tone and direction. Are there any efforts to spread this understanding of Islam and to build communities based on this vision? Also, is Ustazh\'s book on prayer available in English? My thanks for your response and for your efforts to make Sheikh Taha\'s words available to a wider audience. My Allah reward all that you do of good.
Webmaster - December 4, 2006, 9:16 pm
Dear brother Malik
AsSalam Alaikum
I am really glad to read your thoughtful comment. It is true that Islam has been hijacked by people who are only capable of spreading a distorted and rigid view that does not touch even remotely the soul and heart of this great religion. But unfortunately these are the louder voices in today's world.
Ustazh Mahmoud spent a good part of his life building a community that adheres to the principles and values that he propagated and lived for. He thought this would be a seed for the next Umma which will bring Islam to the next level and spread it to the whole world. An Umma that was foretold by the Prophet peace be upon him, when he said: "Islam started as a stranger, and it shall return as a stranger in the same way it started ... Blessed are the strangers ... They [his companions] said: Who are the strangers, Oh Messenger of God? He [the Prophet] replied: Those who revive my Sunnah after it has been abandoned."
The community started in Sudan but was faced by fierce opposition from traditionalist (Muslim Brothers, Wahabists, and Sectarian Muslims) who often resort to violence to silence the "Republicans" when they fail to face them in the circles of debate. They ended up trying and executing Ustazh Taha in Sudan in 1985 and forcing many of the community members to leave the country. The community is still intact albeit inactive except for individual efforts here and there, and this website is one example.
As far as the translation of Ustazh Taha's book, nothing was really published beyond the mother book, which you read. There are incomplete translations of 5 more books "Treatise on Prayer", "The Path of Muhammad", "Islam", and "The Cultural Revolution". Hopefully they will be published soon.
The book you mentioned is titled "Learn How to pray" (my translation of the title) is a good candidate for translation. I hope a capable brother will pick the task of translating it.
Once again I am glad that you visited the website and found it useful.
Best regards,
Omer Hawari
Website Admin
omer - November 14, 2006, 6:52 am
iwant to thank any supervisore because ifind any book iwant about MR MAHMOOD all sudanese thank him. with my respect
Webmaster - November 16, 2006, 8:08 pm
Dear Omer
Assalam Alaykum
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your comments with us.
We are glad that you found this site of use and we hope that you continue to visit us in the future because we will be adding new material as time goes.
Best regards,
Omer Hawari
Osman - November 3, 2006, 8:48 am
dear brother, i live in Germany and i am student, i need Malim ala tariq alfikra aljamhuria 2.
It is really very important for me to get this book. Please can you help me sending it as PDF or in other way.
best regards
Osman
Webmaster - November 5, 2006, 3:22 am
Dear Osman
Salamat
Thank you for contacting us regarding "Ma3alim". The book was missing from our collection but Dr. Yasir Elsharif was able to locate it and type it for you (and for all of us). I trust that he will contact you with a copy as soon as it is revised. If not we will post it to the website within the next few days.
Please accept my best wishes
Omer Hawari,
Webmaster