Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 31 March 2000 — Page 14
PAGE B4
THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER
FRIDAY, MARCH 3112000
Forgiveness in Al-lslam
Alhh (G-d) says in His final revelation to humanity in the 24th i h.iptcr of he Holy Qur’an titled he Light verse 22, “Let not those among you who are endued with gi.KC and amplitude of means resolve by oath against helping their kinsmen, those in want, and those w ho have lelt theirhomesin Allah’s cause: let them forgive and overlook. do you not wish that Allah 'ipuld forgive you? For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. In Al-Nam. commonly called Islam, forgiveness is a very essential requirement. Repeatedly Muslims are reminded that G-d is '*( MtI orgiving. Most Merciful. ** These two attributes of our ('reator remind the Muslim of two qualities that we. as believers, need t < develop and apply mutually in our lives.
The above Qur’anic passage remind those who have been blessed to remain mindful of those less fortunate, especially mindful of those who are striving in the cause of Allah. By striking a comparative Allah, encourages us to forgiveeach other. Allah asks “do you not wish that Allah should forgive you?” Any right minded person would respond, "Yes my Lord, please forgive me.” Then Allah reminds us
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FOURTH NATIONAL MULTIRACIAL MINISTRY CONFERENCE 2000 April 5-7,2000 • Indpls., IN This year the conference wdl be heM at our college campus located at 601 N. Shortndge Road in Imianapolis. Our evening plenary sessions will be held in (be two thousand-seat sanctuary of nearby Eastern Star Church in order that the general pubic may attend. Our plenary sessions wiH feature Or. Don Banlette, Dr. Paul Diion, Mr. Kan Ham, Pastor Kan Hutcherson, Rev. Charles Lyons, Mr. Crawford Loritts, Mr. Tom Mahairas, Rev. Ales Montoya, Dr. John Parkins, Dr. Charles Ware, A Dr. Raleigh Wsshington. Additionally, over thirty workshop leaders are coming from all over our nation to expound on biblical solutions to today s racial and cultural tensions Facilitated Dialog Sessions wi explore such topics as: Minorities in Majority Ministries, Dealing with Differences in The Church , Racial Reconciliation: What is the Objective, Control: Challenges to Urban/Suburban Church Partnerships, Technology; the World and the Christiane Response to Hate. As a special blessing, Wilberforce University and Cedarville University have |oined forces to form a 100 voice multiethnic choir for the express purpose of ministering m music during our Wednesday evening session
DR. A. CHARLES WARE President Baptist Bible
As •
ALL ARE
to forgive and overlook the faults and short, comings of others. This humbles and balances the pride of those who have been blessed with more from their Lord Creator. Allah taught Muhammed. prayers and peacebe on the Prophet, how to approach the believers. In Chapter 3. verse 159 of the Holy Qur’an Allah (G-d) says, “It is part of the Mercy of Allah that thou dost deal gently with them Wert thou severe or harsh-heartetk they would have broken away from about thee: so pass over (Their faults), and ask for (Allah’s) forgiveness forthem; andconsult them in affairs (of moment).” In the above verse revealed to Prophet Muhammed we can clearly see that G-d wants us to deal kindly with each other. The mercies that accompany forgiveness extend both directions reaching the giver and the receiver. Often when it is our turn to forgive another we forget to impart mercy and kindness with the forgiveness. Instead of forgiving from with our heart we extend “forgiveness” laden with reminders of theirfaults and shortcomings. Or we grant the forgiveness only after we deliver a stem sermon laced with "I told you so.” Such undue sennons and reminders often deny the forgiver the ability to truly forgive and can result in the forgiver becoming the one in need of forgiveness. AllahisOft-Forgivingand Merciful. Allah says that even if our sins mounted up to the size of the
South Calvary Baptist Church needs a Music Director if you are a trained musician with a passion for working with church music groups, and especially children, call 638-7222 South Calvary is an established church located just south ot , - Indianaoofis'* J
earth, He has the capacity to for- ity and submission. The believer give them. In AJ-Islam the only sin ► addresses their Lord properly dethal is not forgivable is to ediv scribing themselves before their sciously associate another g-d with - Lord. We stand, bow, and prostrate Allah. Once we have been blessed upon our faces before our Creator
to ertme into the knowledge and reality that Allah is One. That this Oneness is inviolable. If we, after knowing and understanding this Oneness of G-d, still seek to give G-d a partner - in Al-lslam that is
the unpardonable sin.
G-d says in the Qur'an. "And those who, having done something to be ashamed of, or wronged their own souls, earnestly bring Allah to mind, and ask for forgiveness for their sins,- and who can forgive sins except Allah.- atjd are never,?., obstinate in persisting knowingly in (the wrong) they have done.” | G-d knows that His human creation will stumble as we strive to pattern our lives upon that of tfle prophets. Further G-d knows that we will knowingly commit sins against our better nature. Such acts present opportunities for us to get closer to Allah by seeking forgive-
ness.
In Al-lslam the big problem is not so much in stumbling or doing wrong. The big problem comes when we stumble or commit a wrong and some how do not feel any shame. Allah says that His forgiveness is for those who “are never obstinate in persisting know-ingly-in (the wrong) they have done.” , . When a believer stands before His Lord in prayer it is with humil;
conscious that we are in need of the forgiveness and mercy that Allah
is best give.
Our ability to forgive is a reflection of the Mercy that G-d has bestowed upon us. Our ability to forgi ve serves as a relief-valve that protects the forgiver by releasing unnecessary stress. As we forgive one that may have wronged us, it also relieves us of the undue stress that accompanies anger and dissat-
isfaction.
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Allah created forgiveness to benefit both the forgiver and the one seeking forgiveness. Let us in the spirit and to the letter of Allslam cultivate and practice forgiveness. As the Qur’an says forgive even when you are angry. Forgive the wrong doer even if the law is on your side. Forgive the errors others with the realization that we also want Allah to forgive us of our errors. Ameen! (Amen!). Please submit all questions and comments to: Al-lslam in America, C/O Imam Mikal Saahir, Nur-AI-lah Islamic Center, 2040 E. 46th _ Street, Indpls, IN 46205. Or email;
nur-al lah @ juno.com.
VI
Mrs. Elizabeth S. Porter Mrs. Elizabeth S. Porter a noted religious and civic leader died March 24, 2000. She was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 3500North Graceland Avenue. She was an active leader in the community who founded the Elizabeth S. Porter Retreat Ministries, Inc. This •isanon-denominational bjble study and community service organiza-, tion. In addition she conducted educational workshops. She was a stalwart in the community and a
role model for yowii! women. She. 7 , , . also was the founder of the Good Re v. Lonnie R. Roundtree, Sr. and i
Elizabeth S. Porter
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Jerry Wilson and one daughter-in-
law, Gloria Davis.
1 , ' . : V • ,/U* Mrs. Clymene R. (Brooks) ' Walker ) Mrs. Clymene R. (Brooks) ‘ Walker, 78, Indianapolis' died' March 19 at Winona Memorial
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as “Elizabeth S. Porter Day” along with issuing to her a “Key to the City”. She was the first woman to graduate froth the prestigious Central Theological Seminary. She was
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tired in 1982 after 40 years of ser- ^ vice. Mrs. Walker was a mepiber of Our Savior Lutheran Church- 1 Missouri Synod, where she served
, - ... in the Culinary Department. She dso a graduate of Martin UW 'wasa memberdfthtfT.B.E.W. ahd ' ' sity c«:e»ving-her^acbelor.s i^Gems Social Club. She IS 1 in^reeoSteifeitiheiqpedfor^ effoo ^ sons?>Jt)hm TW cation andsetved as.rol^model for, WatkterJl , KenaethMWalkefT other single women to show them ,, y grandch iidren; 17 great-grand- v ,what r they could do >f tl^y try,. children; 5 s|8|ere . Eunice , Before henllness she was working M j tch ell, Viole|B. Ford.Cydey A.
qn her master s degree. She Will long be remembered for her untiring commitment to make the world a better place. Her entire dedication to the poor will long be re-
membered. J ;
She was an avid lecturer both locally and nationally aind was of-
Alford, Olivia T. Ryles and Merry , N. Brooks; three brothers, William • M. Black, Otis Brooks ^nd Norman - L.Brooks. , q , vt ■ M < : "L. . j• _ L A-M-'J.i » Mrs. Gloria Lee Ford , Brasher _ ’
fr=Ta„d Zror g a„“Sv Wishari Memorial HospiU.. She
b had worked as a clerk ih Retired
Pay for the United States Army Finance Center, where she had
Mrs. Elizabeth S. Porter leaves to cherish her two children, Rev.
James E. Davis and Carolyn E. . .. ......
her in death; one sister, Mary E. Lewis; one brother, Leroy Allen; seven grandchildren; eight greatgrandchildren; two son-in-laws,
■ y I if "iC., . ' ,i . ; t vj ; Dr. ' CAFOLVN KNIGHT C^jestF’rc^ochean . A ifcnrYionarrYrwftxunei T>Ktokj(pu^Cancai-, AtlU'iUk.GA ’■ : >
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Light of the World Christian Church - (Disciples of Christ) 5640 E. 38th St.; Indianapolis, IN ' > For registration information please call: Laura Shaw, Light of the World Christian Church at (317) 543-2275, e-mail: [email protected]
Day Sessions & Evening Services will be held at ■
of Christian Love Baptist Church. ■ She is Survived by three daughters, Karen Lewis, Toni Brasher, and 1 Sharon McElwain; four sisters,' Helen Oliver, Fannie Bunch,Myla * Bradford and Willa Sadler, ,(wo; grandchildren; one great-gtand,- ’ Mrs. Annie B. (Wheat) Robertson, 66, Indianapolis, died March 20 at North CapitoJ Nutajngl & Rehab. She wasian.eduga|of .fpf; the Cleveland Public School,Sys-; tern. Mrs. Robertson was .a member of Eastside Baptist Church; she was also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha. She is survived by her husband, Z. Lewis Robertson; on son, Keith E. Robertson; mother, Annie' Beff (Johnson) Wheat', sistefs,Susie Smith, Emma WilltiVns; 1 Lois
1 Lynch, Naomi Wheat add Doris
Sims; one brdther, Cleophus
•• Wheat.
i • Ci •. Mrs. Marilyn Belinda
• (Baynes) WinstonT s, . > ^ ■ Mrs. Marilyn BelinddfBaynesy Winston, 55, Indianapolis, died March 18 at Methodist Hospital, i ? She had worked as a telemarketer for different firms for,.pine year*; she was also a beautician. Mrs. ,. j,, Winston was a member pf , Murc.hinson Jemplp K C.M.E.
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Church. She is survived by her’ husband, Joe Winston; ttko brothers,' John Lee Baynes Jr. and Stephen Baynes; three sisters,' Leslie Baynes, Amelia Baynes and
Joyce Baynes.