Can we find an explanation for the great universe? Is there any convincing interpretation of the secret of its existence? We realize that no family can function properly without a responsible head, that no city can prosperously exist without sound administration, and that no state can survive without a leader of some kind. We also realize that nothing comes into being on its own.
Moreover, we observe that the universe exists and functions in the most orderly manner, and that it has survived perhaps billions of years. Can we, then, say that all this is accidental and haphazard? Can we attribute the existence of man and the whole world to a mere chance? Man represents only a very small portion of the great universe, and if he can make plans and appreciate the merits of planning, then his own existence and the survival of the universe must also be based on a planned policy.
This means that there is a designing will behind our material existence, and that there is an extraordinary power to bring things into being and keep them moving in order. In the world there must be a great force in action to keep everything in order. In the beautiful nature there must be a Great Creator who makes these great pieces of art and produces everything for a special purpose in life.
The deeply enlightened people recognize this Creator and call Him Allah. He is not a man because no man can create or make another man. He is not an animal, nor is He a plant. He is neither an idol nor is He a statue of any kind, because none of these things can make itself or create anything else. He is different from all these things, because He is the Maker and Keeper of them all. The maker of anything must be different and greater than the things that he makes.
There are various ways to know Allah and there are many things to tell about Him. The great wonders and impressive marvels of the world are like open books in which we can read about Him. Besides, Allah comes to our aid through the many Messengers and Revelations He has sent down to humanity. These Messengers and Revelations tell us everything we need to know about our Creator.
The complete acceptance of the teachings and guidance of our Creator as revealed to all His messengers (‘alaihimus salaam) is the religion of Islam. Islam enjoins faith in the oneness and sovereignty of Allah, which makes man aware of the meaningfulness of the universe and of his place in it. This belief frees the human being from all fears and superstitions as it makes him conscious of the presence of Allah Almighty, and of his obligation towards Him.
This faith must be expressed and tested in action, for faith alone is not enough. Belief in one God requires that we look upon all humanity as one family under the universal omnipotence of the Creator, and Nourisher of all. Islam rejects the idea of a chosen people while on the other hand, it approves that belief in the Creator, and doing righteous deeds is the only way to Heaven. Thus, a direct relationship is established with Allah and without any intercessor at that.
Islam is not a new religion. It is, in essence, the same message and guidance which Allah revealed to all His Prophets, like Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, David, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (‘alaihimus salaam). But the message which was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) is Islam in its comprehensive, complete and final form.
The Qur'aan is the revealed words of Allah and the basic source of Islamic teachings and Laws. It deals with the basis of creeds, morality, history of humanity, worship, knowledge, wisdom, man’s relationship with God, and human relationships in all aspects. It contains comprehensive teachings of which, can be built sound systems and social justice, economics, politics, legislation, jurisprudence, law and international relations, all of which are important contents of the Qur'aan.
The hadeeth, which contains the teachings, sayings, approvals and actions of Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) meticulously reported and collected by his devoted companions, explains and elaborates on the Qur'aanic verses.
ARKAANUL-EEMAAN: THE FUNDAMENTAL ARTICLES OF FAITH IN ISLAM (THE BELIEFS)
The true faithful Muslim believes in the following principal articles of faith:
1. Belief in one God (Allah), Supreme and Eternal, Infinite and Mighty, Merciful and Forgiving, the Creator and the Provider, He begets not, nor was He begotten, and there is none equal or comparable unto Him.
2. Belief in all Messengers of Allah (Ar-Rusul) without any discrimination among them, as every known nation had a Warner or Messenger from Allah. They were chosen by Allah to teach humanity and deliver His Divine message. The Qur'aan mentions the names of some of them, and Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) stands as the Last Messenger and the crowning glory of the foundation of prophethood.
3. Belief in all original scriptures and revelations of Allah (Al-Kutub), accepting them as the guiding light that the messengers received to show their respective people the right path to Him. In the Qur'aan,special reference is made to the books of Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus (‘alaihimus salaam), but long before the revelation of the Qur'aan to Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) some of these books and revelations had been lost or corrupted. The only authentic and complete book of Allah in existence today is the Qur'aan, which has been preserved as it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) in its pristine, pure form.
4. Belief in the Angels (malaa-ikah) of Allah, recognizing them as spiritually pure and splendid beings whose nature requires no food, drink or sleep. They are honored servants who are assigned certain functions, and spend their days and nights in the worship of Allah. They do not speak before Allah does, and they act only by His command.
5. Belief in the Last Day (Yaum Al-Qiyaamah) and the Hereafter (Al-Aakhirah), acknowledging that this world will end someday, and that the dead will rise to stand for their final and fair trial. People with good records will be generously rewarded and warmly welcomed to the Heaven of Allah, and those with bad records will be punished and cast into Hell and none will be treated with injustice.
6. Belief in Fate (Qadr), whether good or bad, which Allah, measured and ordained for all creation according to His previous knowledge, and as deemed suitable by His wisdom. And in the timeless knowledge of Allah, and in His power to plan and execute His plans, nothing could happen in His Kingdom against His will. His knowledge and power which are always in action command over His creation. He is Wise and Merciful, and whatever he does must have a meaningful purpose. If this is established in our minds and hearts, we should accept with good faith all that He does, although we may fail to understand it fully, or think it is bad.
Faith without action and practice is a dead end as far as Islam is concerned, for faith by nature is very sensitive and can be most influential. When it is out of practice or out of use, it quickly loses its liveliness and motivational power.
ARKAANUL-ISLAM: THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM (THE ACTIONS)
1. Shahadatain (Testimony): To bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah (The Creator), and that Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) is His Messenger. Muslims are obliged to follow his exemplary life as a model.
2. Salaah: Daily prayers are offered five times a day as a duty towards Allah. They strengthen and enliven the belief in Allah and inspire man to a higher morality. They purify the heart and prevent temptation towards wrong-doings and evil things. They are: Salaatul-Fajr (The Dawn Prayer), Salaatul-Dhuhr (The Noon Prayer), Salaatul-Asr (The Afternoon Prayer), Salaatul-Maghrib (The Sunset Prayer), Salaatul-Isha (The Evening Prayer).
3. Zakaah (Charity): The literal and simple meaning of Zakaah is purity, while its technical meaning designates the annual amount in kind or cash that a Muslim with means must distribute among the rightful beneficiaries from his yearly net savings. But the religious and spiritual significance of Zakaah is much deeper and more valuable than its humanitarian, and socio-political value. rd i
4. Sawm (Fasting): The Muslims during the month of Ramadhaan do not only abstain from food, drink and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset but they are also required to refrain from evil intentions and desires throughout the whole months of the year in general, and during the month of Ramadhaan in particular. It teaches love, sincerity and devotion, and develops a sound social conscience, patience, selflessness and will power as well.
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca): It is to be performed once in a lifetime, so long as one can affo
t financially and physically, and it is the largest annual convention of faith where Muslims meet to know one another, study their common affairs and promote their general welfare without prejudice or bias as to one's color, race, nationality as well as status in life. After all, everyone is equal in the sight of Allah, and so Hajj therefore demonstrates in effect the universality of Islam and the brotherhood and equality of Muslims.
THIS IS ISLAM
THE TRUE WAY FOR SUCCESS
IN THIS LIFE AND IN THE LIFE HEREAFTER
I. WHAT IS THE QUR’AAN ALL ABOUT AND WHO IS MUHAMMAD?
The Qur'aan, the last revealed word of God (Allah), is the primary source of every Muslim's faith and practice. It deals with all the subjects which concern human beings: wisdom, doctrine, worship, transactions, law, etc., but its basic theme is the relationship between Allah and His creatures. At the same time it provides guidelines and detailed teachings for a just society, proper human conduct, and an equitable economic system.
The Qur'aan was revealed to Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) in Arabic language, so any Qur'aanic translation, either in English or any other language, is neither a Qur'aan, nor a version of the Qur'aan. It is rather only a translation of the meaning of the Qur'aan. The Qur'aan exists only in the Arabic in which it was revealed.
Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) was born in Mecca located in the Arabian Peninsula in the year 570 A.D.. Since his father died before his birth and his mother died shortly thereafter, he was raised by his uncle who was from the respected tribe of Quraysh. He was raised illiterate, unable to read or write, and remained so up until his death. As he grew up, he became known as truthful, trustworthy, generous, and sincere. He was so trustworthy that he was addressed as such, Al-Ameen (Trustworthy).
Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) was very contemplative and he had long detested the decadence and idolatry of his society. At the age of forty, Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) received his first revelation from Allah through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). The revelations continued for twenty-three years, and they are collectively known as the Qur'aan.
Hadeeth, being the speech of Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) are also considered a second type of revelation, however these statements are not considered the direct wording of Allah. As soon as he began to recite the Qur'aan and preach the truth which Allah had revealed to him, he and his small group of followers suffered persecution from unbelievers. The persecution grew so fierce that in the year 622 A.D., Allah gave them the command to emigrate. This emigration from Mecca to the city of Medina, some 260 miles to the north, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar.
After several years, Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam)
and his followers were able to return to Makkah where they forgave their
enemies. Before Muhammad
(sallallahu
'alaihi wa sallam) died at the age of sixty-three, the greater part of the
Arabian Peninsula had become Muslim and within a century of his death, Islam had
spread to Spain in the West and as far East as China.
Among the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was the truth and clarity of its doctrine. Islam calls for the faith in only One God, Who is the only one worthy of worship.
The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) was a perfect example of an honest, just, merciful, compassionate, truthful, and brave human being. He was far removed from all evil characteristics and strove solely for the sake of Allah and His reward in the Hereafter. In all his actions and dealings, he was ever mindful of Allah.
WHAT IS LIFE? Man's existence in this world and the creation of this entire universe are not mere accidents or products of a fortuitous nature. This universe, every single atom of it, manifests and leads us to the realization of a Loving, Merciful and All-powerful Creator. Without a Creator, nothing can exist. Every single soul knows that he is existing and that his existence is dependent upon a Creator he knows for sure that he cannot create himself. Therefore it is his duty to know his master, the Creator.
MANKIND: Man is a unique creature. God gave man the ability to govern over all other creatures in this world. He is endowed with the faculty of reason which sets him apart from all other animals. Together with this faculty to discriminate and discern, man is given the freedom (free-will) to choose for himself a way of life worthy of his position or to fall lower than the lowest of all animals or creations. Man is born pure and sinless and is given the choice to do righteous deeds or indulge in sins.
DIVINE GUIDANCE: The Creator, out of His abundant Love and Mercy for mankind has not left us in darkness to discover the right path by trial and error alone. Coupled with our intellectual capability to reason, our Creator bestowed upon us Divine Guidance that outlines the criterion for truth, knowledge, as well as the reality of our existence in this world and the Hereafter.
REVELATIONS: From the beginning of mankind, our Creator sent Prophets to convey His revelation and to invite human beings to the path of true peace and obedience to the One True God. This is Islam. This message is conveyed towards successive generations of man through the different prophets, all inviting mankind to the same path. However all the earlier messages or revelations from God were distorted by people of later generations.
As a result of this distortion, pure Revelation from our Creator was adulterated and polluted with myths, superstitions, idol worship and irrational philosophical ideologies. The religion of God in a sense was lost in a plethora of religions. Human history is a testament of man's drift between light and darkness, but God out of His abundant love for mankind has not forsaken us.
FINAL REVELATION: When mankind was in the depths of the Dark Ages, our Creator sent His final Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) to redeem humanity with the final revelation which represents the ultimate and permanent source of guidance for the whole world.
CRITERIA FOR TRUTH: The following criteria can best serve as a gauge to find out the authenticity of the last revelation (the Qur'aan) as the Word of God:
1. Rational Teachings: Since our Creator bestowed reason and intellect upon us, it is our duty to use it to distinguish the truth from falsehood. True, undistorted revelation from God must be rational and can be reasoned out by all unbiased minds.
2. Perfection: Since our Creator is all perfect, His revelation must be perfect and accurate, free from mistakes, omissions, interpolations and multiplicity of versions. It should be free from contradictions in its narration.
3. No Myths or Superstitions: True revelation is free from myths or superstitions that degrade the dignity of our Creator or man himself.
4. Scientific: Since our Creator is the Creator of all knowledge, true revelation is scientific and can withstand the challenge of science at all times.
5. Factual Prophecy: Our Creator is the Knower of the past, present and future. Thus His prophecies in His revelation will be fulfilled as prophesied.
6. Inimitable By Man: True revelation is infallible and cannot be imitated by man. God's true revelation is a Living miracle, an open book challenging all mankind to see and prove for themselves its authenticity or veracity.
mAY ALLAH PROTECT YOU ALL [AMEEN]