ISLAM
- FACTS ONE MUST KNOW
What
is Islam?
Islam is not a new religion, but the same
truth that Allah revealed through all His Prophets to every
people. For a fifth of the world's population, Islam is both a
religion and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion
of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the majority have
nothing to do with the extremely grave events, which have come
to he associated with their faith.
Who
are the Muslims?
Over one billion people from a vast range
of races, nationalities and cultures across the globe - from
the southern Philippines to Nigeria - are united by their
common Islamic faith. About 18% live in the Arab world; the
world's largest Muslim community is Indonesia; substantial
parts of Asia and most parts of Africa are Muslim, while
significant minorities are to be found in Russia, China, North
and South America, and Europe.
What
do Muslims believe?
Muslims believe in One, Unique,
Incomparable God; in the Angels created by Him; in the Prophets
through whom His revelations were brought to mankind; in the
Day of Judgement and the individual accountability for
actions; in God's complete authority over human destiny and in
life after death. Muslims believe in a chain of Prophets
starting with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael,
Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon,
Elias, Jonah, John and Jesus (peace be upon them all). But
God's final message to man, a reconfirmation of the eternal
message and a summing-up of all that has gone before, was
revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, (peace be on him), through
Archangel Gabriel.
How
does someone become a Muslim?
Simply by saying 'there is no deity apart
from Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.' By this
declaration the believer announces his or her faith in all
messengers of Allah, and the scriptures they brought.
What
does 'Islam' mean?
The Arabic word 'Islam' simply means
'submission,' and derives from a word meaning 'peace.' In a
religious context it means complete submission to the will of
Allah. 'Muhammadanism' is thus a misnomer, because it suggests
that Muslims worship Muhammad rather than Allah.
"Allah" is the Arabic name for God, which is used by
Arab Muslims and Christians alike.
Why
does Islam often seem strange?
Islam may seem exotic or even extreme in
the modern world. Perhaps this is because religion does not
dominate everyday life in the West today, whereas Muslims have
religion always uppermost in their minds, and make no division
between the secular and the sacred. They believe that the
Divine Law, the Shari'ah, should be taken very seriously,
which is why issues related to religion are still so
important.
Do
Islam and Christianity have different origins?
No. Together with Judaism, they go back to
the Prophet and Patriarch Abraham (peace be on him), and their
three Prophets are directly descended from his sons - Muhammad
(peace be on him) from the eldest, Ishmael, and Moses and
Jesus from Isaac. Abraham established the settlement, which
today is the city of Makkah, and built the Ka'bah towards
which all Muslims turn when they pray.
What
is the Ka'bah?
The Ka'bah is the place of worship which
Allah commanded Abraham and Ishmael to build over four
thousand years ago. The building was constructed of stone on
what many believe was the original site of the sanctuary
established by Adam. God commanded Abraham to summon all
mankind to visit this place, and when pilgrims go there today,
they say 'At Thy service, O Lord,' in response to Abraham's
call.
Who
is Muhammad?
Muhammad (peace be on him) was born in
Makkah Al-Mukarramah in the year 570, at a time when
Christianity was not yet fully established in Europe. Since
his father died before his birth, and his mother shortly
afterwards, he was raised by his uncle from the respected
tribe of Quraysh. As he grew up, he became known for his
truthfulness, generosity and sincerity, so that he was sought
after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes. The historians
describe him as calm and meditative.
Muhammad
(peace be. on him) was of a deeply religious nature, and had
long detested the decadence of his society. It became his
habit to meditate from time to time in the Cave of Hira near
the summit of Jabal Al-Nur, the 'Mountain of Light' near
Makkah.
How
did he become a Prophet and a Messenger of God?
At the age of 40, while engaged in
meditative retreat, Muhammad (peace be on him) received his
first revelation from Allah through the Angel Gabriel. This
revelation, which continued for twenty three years, is known
as the Qur'an.
As
soon as he began to recite the words he heard from Gabriel,
and to preach the truth which Allah had revealed to him, he
and his small group of followers suffered bitter persecution,
which grew so fierce that in the year 622, Allah gave them the
command to emigrate. This event, the Hijrah, 'migration,' in
which they left Makkah for the city of Madinah some 420
kilometres to the north, marks the beginning of the Muslim
calendar.
After
several years, the Prophet (peace be on him) died at the age
of 63, and within a century of his death, Islam had spread to
Spain in the West and as far East as China.
How
did the spread of Islam affect the world?
Among the reasons for the rapid and
peaceful spread of Islam was the simplicity of its doctrine -
Islam calls for faith in only One God worthy of worship. It
also repeatedly instructs man to use his powers of
intelligence and observation.
Within
a few years, great civilizations and universities were
flourishing, for according to the Prophet (peace be on him),
'Seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim.' The
synthesis of Eastern and Western ideas and of new thought with
old, brought about great advances in medicine, mathematics,
physics, astronomy, geography, architecture, art, literature,
and history. Many crucial systems, such as algebra, the Arabic
numerals, and also the concept of the zero (vital to the
advancement of mathematics), were transmitted to medieval
Europe from Islam. Sophisticated instruments, which were to
make possible the European voyages of discovery, were
developed, including the astrolabe, the quadrant and good
navigational maps.
What
is the Qur'an?
The Qur'an is a record of the exact words
revealed by Allah through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet
Muhammad (peace be on him). It was memorized by Muhammad
(peace be on him) and then dictated to his Companions, and
written down by scribes, who crosschecked it during his
lifetime. Not one word of its 114 chapters, Surahs, has been
changed over the centuries, so that the Qur'an is in every
detail the unique and miraculous text, which was revealed to
Muhammad (peace be on him) fourteen centuries ago.
What
is the Qur'aan about?
The Qur'an, the last revealed Word of God,
is the prime source of every Muslim's faith and practice. It
deals with all the subjects which concern us as human beings:
wisdom, doctrine, worship and law, but its basic theme is the
relationship between God and His creatures. At the same time,
it provides guidelines for a just society, proper human
conduct and an equitable economic system.
Are
there any other sacred sources?
Yes, the Sunnah, the practice and example
of the Prophet (peace be on him), is the second authority for
Muslims. A Hadith is a reliably transmitted report of what the
Prophet (peace be on him) said, did, or approved. Belief in
the Sunnah is part of the Islamic faith.
Examples
of the Prophet's sayings:
The
Prophet (peace be on him) said:
'Allah
has no mercy on one who has no mercy for others.'
'None
of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what
he wishes for himself.'
'He
who eats his fill while his neighbour goes without food, is
not a believer.'
'The
truthful and honest businessman will be in the company of
the Prophets, the truthful people, and the martyrs on the
Day of Judgement.'
'Powerful
is not he who knocks the other down, indeed powerful is he
who controls himself in a fit of anger.'
'Allah
does not judge according to your bodies and appearances, but
He scans your hearts and looks into your deeds.'
'A
man walking along a path felt very thirsty. Reaching a well
he descended into it, drinking his fill and came up. Then he
saw a dog with its tongue hanging out, trying to lick up mud
and quench its thirst. The man saw that the dog was feeling
the same thirst as he had felt so he went down into the well
again and filled his shoe with water and gave the dog a
drink. Allah forgave his sins for this action.'
The
Prophet (peace be on him) was asked: 'Messenger of Allah,
are we rewarded for kindness towards animals?' He said:
'There is a reward for kindness to every living thing.'
(From
the Hadith collections of Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi and
Bayhaqi.)
What
are the 'Five Pillars' of Islam?
They are the framework of the Muslim life:
faith, prayer, concern for the needy, self-purification, and
the pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able.
1.
FAITH
There
is no god worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad (peace
be on him) is His messenger. This declaration of faith is
called the Shahadah, a simple formula which all the faithful
pronounce.
In
Arabic, the first part is 'La Ilaha Illallah - there is no god
except Allah'; Ilah (God) can refer to anything which we may
be tempted to put in place of God - wealth, power, and the
like. Then comes Illallah: 'except God', the source of all
creation.
The
second part of the Shahadah is Muhammadur Rasulullah:
'Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.' A message of guidance
has come through a man like ourselves.
2. PRAYER
Salat
is the name for the obligatory prayers, which are performed
five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper
and Allah. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam and no
priests, so the prayers are led by a learned person, who knows
the Qur'an, chosen by the congregation. These five prayers
contain verses from the Qur'an, and are said in Arabic, the
language of the Revelation, but personal supplication can be
offered in one's own language.
Prayers
are said at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall,
and thus determine the rhythm of the entire day. Although it
is preferable to worship together in a mosque, a Muslim may
pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories
and universities. Visitors to the Muslim world are struck by
the centrality of prayers in daily life.
3.
THE ZAKAH
One
of the most important principles of Islam is that all things
belong to Allah, and that wealth is therefore held by human
beings in trust. The word Zakah means both 'purification' and
'growth.' Our possessions are purified by setting aside a
proportion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants,
this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.
Each
Muslim calculates his or her own Zakah individually. For most
purposes this involves the payment each year of two and a half
percent of one's capital.
A
pious person may also give as much as he or she pleases as
Sadaqah, and does so preferably in secret. Although this word
can be translated as 'voluntary charity' it has a wider
meaning. The Prophet (peace be on him) said: 'Even meeting
your brother with a cheerful face is charity.'
The
Prophet (peace be on him) said: 'Charity is a necessity for
every Muslim.' He was asked: "What if a person has
nothing?' The Prophet (peace be on him) replied: 'He should
work with his own hands for his benefit and then give
something 'out of such earnings in charity.' The Companions
asked: 'What if he is not able to work?' The Prophet (peace be
on him) said: 'He should help poor and needy persons.' The
Companions further asked: 'What if he cannot do even that?'
The Prophet (peace be on him) said: 'He should urge others to
do good.' The Companions said: 'What if he lacks that also?'
The Prophet (peace be on him) said: 'He should restrain
himself from doing evil. That is also charity.'
4.
THE FAST
Every
year in the month of Ramadhan, all Muslims fast from first
light of dawn until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and
sexual relations. Those, who are sick, elderly, or on a
journey, and women, who are pregnant or nursing, are permitted
to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in
the year. If they are physically unable to do this, they must
feed a needy person for every day missed. Children begin to
fast (and to observe the prayer) from puberty, although many
start earlier.
Although
the fast is most beneficial to the health, it is regarded
principally as a method of selfpurification. By cutting
oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a
fasting person gains true sympathy with those, who go hungry
as well as growth in one's spiritual life.
5.
PILGRIMAGE (Hajj)
The
annual pilgrimage to Makkah the Hajj - is an obligation only
for those, who are physically and financially able to perform
it. Nevertheless, about two million Muslims go to Makkah each
year from every corner of the globe providing a unique
opportunity for people of different nations to meet one
another. Although Makkah is always filled with visitors, the
annual Hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic year
(which is lunar, not solar, so that Hajj and Ramadhan fall
sometimes in summer, sometimes in winter). Pilgrims wear
special clothes: simple, unstitched garments, which strip away
distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal
before God.
The
rites of the Hajj, which are of Abrahamic origin, include
circling the Ka'bah seven times and going seven times between
the hillocks of safa and Marwah as did Hagar during her search
for water. Then the pilgrims stand together on the wide plain
of Arafah and join in prayers for God's forgiveness, in what
is often thought of as a preview of the Day of Judgement.
In
previous centuries the Hajj was an arduous undertaking. Today,
however, Saudi Arabia provides millions of people with all
necessities like foodstuff, water, modern transport, and the
most up-to-date health facilities.
The
close of the Hajj is marked by a festival, the Eid Al-Adha,
which is celebrated with gifts in Muslim communities
everywhere. This, and the Eid Al-Fitr, a feast-day
commemorating the end of Ramadhan, are the main festivals of
the Muslim calendar.
Does
Islam tolerate Other beliefs?
As
for such (of the unbelievers) as do not fight against you on
account of (your) faith, and neither drive you forth from your
homelands, Allah does not forbid you to show them kindness and
to behave towards them with full equity: for, verify, Allah
loves those who act equitably. (Qur'an, 60:8)
It
is one function of Islamic law to protect the privileged
status of minorities, and this is why non-Muslim places of
worship have flourished all over the Islamic world. History
provides many examples of Muslim tolerance towards other
faiths: when the Caliph Omar entered Jerusalem in the year
634, Islam granted freedom of worship to all religious
communities in the city.
Islamic
law also permits nonMuslim minorities to set up their own
courts, which implement family laws drawn up by the minorities
themselves.
What
do Muslims think about Jesus?
Muslims
respect and revere Jesus (peace be on him), and await his
Second Coming. They consider him one of the greatest of God's
messengers to mankind! A Muslim never refers to him simply as
'Jesus', but always adds the phrase 'peace be on him.' The
Qur'an confirms his virgin birth (a chapter of the Qur'an is
entitled 'Mary'), and Mary is considered the purest woman in
all creation. The Qur'an describes the Annunciation as
follows:
'Behold!'
the Angel said, 'Allah has chosen you, and purified you, and
chosen you above the women of all nations. O Mary, Allah gives
you good news of a word from Him, whose name shall be the
Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, honoured in this world and the
Hereafter, and one of those brought near to Allah. He shall
speak to the people from his cradle and in maturity, and shall
be of the righteous.
She
said: 'O my Lord! How
shall I have a son when no man has touched me?' He said: 'Even
so, God creates what He will. When He decrees a thing, He says
to it, "Be!" and it is.' (Qur'an, 3:42-47)
Jesus
(peace be on him) was born miraculously through the same power
which had brought Adam into being without a father.
"Truly,
the likeness of Jesus with Allah is as the likeness of Adam.
He created him of dust, and then said to him, 'Be!' and he
was." (Qur'an, 3:59)
During
his prophetic mission Jesus (peace be on him) performed many
miracles. The Qur'an tells us that he said:
"I
have come to you with a sign from your Lord: I make for you
out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe
into it and it becomes a bird by Allah's leave. And I heal the
blind, and the lepers, and I raise the dead by Allah's
leave." (Qur'an, 3:49)
Neither
Muhammad, nor Jesus (peace be on them) came to change the
basic, doctrine of the belief in One God, brought by earlier
prophets, but to confirm and renew it. In the Qur'an, Jesus
(peace be on him) is reported as saying that he came:
"To
attest the law which was before me, and to make lawful to you
part of what was forbidden to you; I have come to you with a
sign from your Lord, so fear Allah and obey Me." (Qur'an,
3:50)
The
Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) said:
'Whoever
believes there is no god but Allah alone without partner, that
Muhammad is His messenger, that Jesus is the servant and
messenger of Allah, His word breathed into Mary and that
Paradise and Hell are true, shall be received by God in
Heaven.' (Hadith from Bukhari)
Why
is the family so important to Muslims?
The
family is the foundation of Islamic society. The peace and
security offered by a stable family unit is greatly valued,
and seen as essential for the spiritual growth of its members.
A harmonious existence of extended families; children are
treasured and rarely leave home until the time they marry.
What
about Muslim women?
Islam
sees a woman, whether single or married, as an individual in
her own right, and with the right to own an dispose of her
property and earnings. A marriage dowry is given by the groom
to the bride for her own personal use, and she keeps her own
family name rather taking her husband's.
Both
men and women are expected to dress in a way which is modest
and dignified. The Messenger of Allah (peace be on him) said:
'The most perfect in faith amongst believers is he who is best
in manner and kindest to his wife.'
Can
a Muslim have more that one wife?
The
religion of Islam was revealed for all societies and all times
and so accommodates widely differing social requirements.
Circumstances may warrant the taking of another wife but the
right is granted, according to the Qur'an, only on condition
that the husband is scrupulously fair.
Is
Islamic marriage like Christian marriage?
A
Muslim marriage is not a 'sacrament,' but a simple, legal
agreement in which either partner is free to include
conditions. Marriage customs thus vary widely from country to
country. As a result, divorce is not common, although it is
not forbidden as a last resort. According to Islam, no Muslim
girl can be forced to marry against her will.
How
do Muslims treat the elderly?
In
the Islamic world there are no old people's homes. The strain,
of caring for one's parents in this most difficult time of
their lives is considered an honour and blessing, and an
opportunity for great spiritual growth. Allah asks that we not
only pray for our parents, but act with limitless compassion,
remembering that when we were helpless children they preferred
us to themselves. Mothers are particularly honoured: the
Prophet (peace be on him) taught that 'Paradise lies at the
feet of mothers.' When they reach old age, Muslim parents are
treated mercifully, with the same kindness and selflessness.
In
Islam, serving one's parents is a duty second only to prayer,
and it is their right to expect it. It is considered
despicable to express any irritation when, through no fault of
their own, the old become difficult.
The
Qur'an says:
"Your
Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and be kind
to parents. If either or both of them reach old age in your
life, do not say to them a word of contempt, nor repel them,
but speak to them in terms of honour and kindness. Lower to
them the wing of humility, and say, 'My Lord! Have mercy on
them as they did care for me when I was a child." (Qur'an,
17:23)
How
do Muslims view death?
Muslims
believe that the present life is only a preparation for the
next realm of existence. Basic articles of faith include: the
Day of Judgement, resurrection, Heaven and Hell. When a Muslim
dies, he or she is washed, usually by a family member, wrapped
in a clean white cloth and buried with a simple prayer
preferably the same day. Muslims consider this one of the
final services they can do for their relatives, and an
opportunity to remember their own brief existence here on
earth. The Prophet (peace be on him) taught that three things
can continue to help a person even after death; charity which
he had given, knowledge which he had taught and prayers on
their behalf by a righteous child.
What
does Islam say about war?
Islam
permits fighting in selfdefence, in defence of religion, or
on the part of those who have been expelled forcibly from
their homes. It lays down strict rules of combat, which
include prohibitions against harming civilians and against
destroying crops, trees and livestock. As Muslims see it,
injustice would be triumphant in the world, if good men were
not prepared to risk their lives in a righteous cause. The
Qur'an says:
"Fight
in the cause of Allah against those who fight you, but do not
transgress limits. Allah does not love transgressors." (Qur'an,
2:190)
"If
they seek peace, then seek you peace. And trust in Allah for
He is the One that hears and knows all things." (Qur'an,
8:61)
War,
therefore, is the last resort, and is subject to the rigorous
conditions laid down by the sacred law. The term Jihad
literally means 'struggle', and Muslims believe that there are
two kinds of Jihad. The other 'Jihad' is the inner struggle
which everyone wages against egoistic desires, for the sake of
attaining inner peace.
What
about food?
Although
much simpler than the dietary law followed by Jews and the
early Christians, the code, which, Muslims observe, forbids
the consumption of pig meat or any kind of intoxicating drink.
The Prophet (peace be on him) taught that 'your body has
rights over you', and the consumption of wholesome food and
the leading of a healthy lifestyle are seen as religious
obligations.
The
Prophet (peace be on him) said: 'Ask Allah for certainty (of
faith) and well-being; for after certainty, no one is given
any gift better than health!'
How
does Islam guarantee human right?
Freedom
of conscience is laid down by the Qur'an itself: "There
is no compulsion in religion." (Qur'an 2:256)
The
life and property of all citizens in an Islamic state are
considered sacred whether a person is Muslim or not. Racism is
incomprehensible to Muslims, for the Qur'an speaks of human
equality in the following terms:
"O
mankind! We
created you from a male and a female, and made you into
nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one another.
Truly, the most honoured of you in Allah's sight is the
greatest of you in piety. Allah is AllKnowing,
All-Aware." (Qur'an 49:13)
What
the Holy Qur'an says?
Let
there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear
from error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah has
grasped the most trustworthy handhold, that never breaks. And
Allah hears and knows all things. (Qur'an, 2:256)
"Invite
(all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful
preaching and argue with them in ways that are best and most
gracious: For your Lord knows best, who have strayed from His
Path, and who receive guidance. And if you punish, let your
punishment be proportionate to the wrong that has been done to
you: But if you show patience, that is indeed the best
(course) for those who are patient. (Qur'an, 16:125)
Say:
"O men! Now truth has reached you from your Lord! Those
who receive guidance, do so for the good of their own souls:
those who stray, do so to their own loss: and I am not (set)
over to arrange your affairs.
Follow
you the inspiration sent unto you, and be patient and
constant, till Allah does decide: for He is the Best to
decide." (Qur'an 10:108-109)
"Nor
can goodness and evil be equal. Repel (evil) with what is
better: then will he between whom and you was hatred become as
it were your friend and intimate!" (Qur'an, 41:34)
"(They
are) those who, if We established them in the land, establish
regular prayer and give regular charity, enjoin the right and
forbid wrong: with Allah rests the end (and decision) of (all)
affairs." (Qur'an, 22:41)
The
Muslim Journal - Vol.29 No. 4
Last modified:
July 19, 2007
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