What Does the Quran Teach

 

There is a profound question that each and every one of us reflects on at some point during our lives:

"Why am I here, what is my purpose?"

The Quran puts forward a simple but powerful argument with regards to our origins:

"Were they created without any agent? Were they the creators?" (Quran 52:35)

The Quran engages its audience by inviting us to ponder some rational, logical questions which we can use to arrive at a conclusion about our origins.  The first question that the Quran poses to us is: were we created by nothing? Can something really come from nothing?   This is impossible, as we know from our own personal experiences of life as well as the laws of the universe that we couldn’t have come out of nothing, because out of nothing, nothing comes!

This leads us to the next possibility that the Quran proposes: did we create ourselves? Can something create itself?  This is a self-contradiction, because for you to create yourself you would have to already exist, and you can't exist and not exist at same time.  This would be like saying that your mother gave birth to herself!

Since something cannot come from nothing, and self-creation is absurd, this leaves one final possibility: we have a creator.  This is the best explanation not only for our origins but also the universe and everything in it, because it is intuitive and also agrees with reality: whatever begins to exist has a cause or a creator.

This cause or creator must itself be uncaused due to the absurdity of a never-ending chain of causes.  To illustrate this better, if the cause of the universe had a cause and that cause had a cause and so on and so forth forever, then there wouldn’t be a universe to talk about.  For example, imagine if you were told that you couldn’t read this book until you handed it to someone else, and then this other person would also have to give it to someone else, and this went on forever, then would anyone ever read this book? The answer is no.  If we apply this principle to the universe then we would have to conclude that the cause behind it is uncaused out of rational necessity.  The Quran confirms the uncreatedness of the creator:

"He begot no one nor was He begotten." (Quran 112:3)

Now, having a creator is one thing, but how do we know we have a purpose? Everything in this universe has a purpose.  Even simple things like a chair, a bowl and even the book you are holding in your hands serves a purpose.  Wouldn't it be sad if we didn't too have a purpose? If we reflect and look at the world around us, we can easily come to the conclusion that we must have a purpose.  Think about the vastness of our universe with all its billions of galaxies and trillions of planets.  The Qur'an tells us that God did not create all this for no reason:

"We did not create the heavens and the earth and everything between them playfully." (Quran 21:16)

The sun gives us warmth, the clouds give us rain and the trees and animals give us food.  Since a lot of the systems that God has put in place in our universe are to ensure our survival and wellbeing then God must have a purpose in mind for us, too.  This is what the Quran tells us:

"It is God who created the heavens and earth, who has sent down water from the sky and with it brought forth produce to nourish you; He has made ships useful to you, sailing the sea by His command, and the rivers too; He has made the sun and the moon useful to you, steady on their paths; He has made the night and day useful to you and given you some of everything you asked Him for.  If you tried to count God’s favours you could never calculate them" (Quran 14:32–34)

So that nagging question comes up again, what is our purpose?  Again the Qur'an has the answer:

"I created jinn (Quran spirits) and mankind only to worship Me" (Quran 51:56)

Now, what do you understand about 'worship'? Most will say prayer.  This is correct, however in the Qur'an, worship is much more comprehensive than just praying.  It includes all acts of obedience that are pleasing to our Creator.  Even exercise and eating can be an act of worship if our intention is to stay healthy as we can’t stand up and pray if we are ill!

Why perform worship? It's important to understand that our Creator does not need our worship.  In fact the Qur'an tells us this; it is us who are in need of worship.  We as human beings are more than just flesh and bone, we have a spiritual side that also needs nourishing.  Many people are wealthy materially speaking but unhappy with their lives because they neglect their spiritual wellbeing.  In order for us to experience true peace both our bodies and souls need to be in tune with our Creator:

"Truly it is in the remembrance of God that hearts find peace." (Quran 13:28)

So by converting every aspect of our lives into pleasing our Creator, then we will be in a state of constant remembrance of God and our hearts will be at peace.  This is a revolutionary way of thinking but practically, if someone were to do this, a lot of their actions wouldn’t change; however their thought process behind their actions would and they would find the inner peace so needed in today’s society!

So, the question arises - what is the best way to worship God? Let's think about mobile phones.  Mobile phones are obviously not as sophisticated as human beings, but we share many things in common.  We both have a life span, we both require energy to function correctly, and we can both be damaged if we are not taken care of properly.  When mobile phones develop a problem, the first thing most people do is to refer to the instruction manual for the mobile phone.  Why? Because it has been made to show us the best way of using it and we rightly listen to the experts! The creator of the phone knows the best way to use that phone and they have imparted their knowledge to us in the form of instruction manuals.  Similarly then, the Quran is like an instruction manual for humanity as it is from the one who made us.  God, our Creator, knows us better than we know ourselves and this is why His knowledge, His guidance for how we should live will always surpass any human invented philosophies and ways of life. - islamreligion.com

Who is Allah?

 

Some of the biggest misconceptions that many non-Muslims have about Islam have to do with the word “Allah.”  For various reasons, many people have come to believe that Muslims worship a different God than Christians and Jews.  This is totally false, since “Allah” is simply the Arabic word for “God” - and there is only One God.  Let there be no doubt - Muslims worship the God of Noah, Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus - peace be upon them all.  However, it is certainly true that Jews, Christians and Muslims all have different concepts of Almighty God.  For example, Muslims - like Jews - reject the Christian beliefs of the Trinity and the Divine Incarnation.  This, however, does not mean that each of these three religions worships a different God - because, as we have already said, there is only One True God.  Judaism, Christianity and Islam all claim to be “Abrahamic Faiths”, and all of them are also classified as “monotheistic.”  However, Islam teaches that other religions have, in one way or another, distorted and nullified a pure and proper belief in Almighty God by neglecting His true teachings and mixing them with man-made ideas.

First of all, it is important to note that “Allah” is the same word that Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews use for God.  If you pick up an Arabic Bible, you will see the word “Allah” being used where “God” is used in English.  This is because “Allah” is a word in the Arabic language equivalent to the English word “God” with a capital “G”.  Additionally, the word “Allah” cannot be made plural, a fact which goes hand-in-hand with the Islamic concept of God.

It is interesting to note that the Aramaic word “El”, which is the word for God in the language that Jesus spoke, is certainly more similar in sound to the word “Allah” than the English word “God.”  This also holds true for the various Hebrew words for God, which are “El” and “Elah”, and the plural or glorified form “Elohim.”  The reason for these similarities is that Aramaic, Hebrew and Arabic are all Semitic languages with common origins.  It should also be noted that in translating the Bible into English, the Hebrew word “El” is translated variously as “God”, “god” and “angel”!  This imprecise language allows different translators, based on their preconceived notions, to translate the word to fit their own views.  The Arabic word “Allah” presents no such difficulty or ambiguity, since it is only used for Almighty God alone.  Additionally, in English, the only difference between “god”, meaning a false god, and “God”, meaning the One True God, is the capital “G”.  Due to the above mentioned facts, a more accurate translation of the word “Allah” into English might be “The One -and-Only God” or “The One True God.”

More importantly, it should also be noted that the Arabic word “Allah” contains a deep religious message due to its root meaning and origin.  This is because it stems from the Arabic verb ta’allaha (or alaha), which means “to be worshipped.”  Thus in Arabic, the word “Allah” means “The One who deserves all worship.”  This, in a nutshell, is the Pure Monotheistic message of Islam.

Suffice it to say that just because someone claims to be a “monotheistic” Jew, Christian or Muslim, that does not keep them from falling into corrupt beliefs and idolatrous practices.  Many people, including some Muslims, claim belief in “One God” even though they’ve fallen into acts of idolatry.  Certainly, many Protestants accuse Roman Catholics of idolatrous practices in regards to the saints and the Virgin Mary.  Likewise, the Greek Orthodox Church is considered “idolatrous” by many other Christians because in much of their worship they use icons.  However, if you ask a Roman Catholic or a Greek Orthodox person if God is “One”, they will invariably answer: “Yes!.”  This claim, however, does not stop them from being “creature worshipping” idolaters.  The same goes for Hindus, who just consider their gods to be “manifestations” or “incarnations” of the One Supreme God.

Before concluding… there are some people out there, who are obviously not on the side of truth, that want to get people to believe that “Allah” is just some Arabian “god”[1], and that Islam is completely “other” - meaning that it has no common roots with the other Abrahamic religions (i.e. Christianity and Judaism).  To say that Muslims worship a different “God” because they say “Allah” is just as illogical as saying that French people worship another God because they use the word “Dieu”, that Spanish-speaking people worship a different God because they say “Dios” or that the Jews worshipp a different God because they sometimes call Him “Yahweh.”  Certainly, reasoning like this is quite ridiculous!  It should also be mentioned, that claiming that any one language uses the only the correct word for God is tantamount to denying the universality of God’s message to mankind, which was to all nations, tribes and people through various prophets who spoke different languages.

We would like to ask our readers about the motives of these people?  The reason is that the Ultimate Truth of Islam stands on solid ground and its unshakeable belief in the Unity of God is above reproach.  Due to this, Christians can’t criticize its doctrines directly, but instead fabricate things about Islam that aren’t true so that people lose the desire to learn more.  If Islam were presented in the proper way to the world, it surely might make many people reconsider and re-evaluate their own beliefs.  It is quite likely that when they find out that there is a universal religion in the world that teaches people to worship and love God, while also practicing Pure Monotheism, would at least feel that they should re-examine the basis for their own beliefs and doctrines.

- islamreligion.com

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Footnotes:

[1]Such as the claim propagated by Robert Morey in his work, The Moon-god Allaah in the Archeology of the Middle East. For a discussion of this work, please see the following links:

(http://www.islamic-awareness.org/Quran/Sources/Allah/moongod.html)

The Major Signs of the Day of Judgment : The Last of the Major Signs

 

The Three Landslides

As quoted earlier in a hadeeth (saying of Prophet Muhammad), among the major signs of the Day of Judgment are the three landslides that will occur.  One will occur in the East, one in the West and one in the Arabian Peninsula.  Not much further information has been given concerning these events—and therefore not much can be added.  However, the well-known hadeeth exegete ibn Hajar does note that landslides are a well-known occurrence and have occurred often.  Therefore, he says, it is likely that the nature of these three landslides which will occur shortly before the Day of Judgment will be of a much greater magnitude and severity, setting them apart from what occurs customarily in this world.[1]  And God alone knows best.

The Smoke

Among the major signs mentioned by the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, is that of “the smoke.”  God refers to this event in the Quran, saying:

“Then wait you for the Day when the sky will bring forth a visible smoke, covering the people, this will be a painful torment” (Quran 44:10-11)

Again, beyond what has been stated explicitly by the Prophet, very little comment can be made concerning this sign.  However, there is a hadeeth in which the Prophet said:

“Verily, your Lord has warned you concerning three [matters]: the smoke that overtakes the believer like a cold and overtakes the disbeliever and makes him swollen until it comes out of his ears.”  

The Rising of the Sun from the West

According to a large number of the Quranic commentators, based on the hadeeth of the Prophet, the italicized portion of the following verse is in reference to the phenomenon of the rising of the sun from the West just prior to the Day of Resurrection:

“Do they then wait for anything other than that the angels should come to them, or that your Lord should come, or that some Signs of your Lord should come!  The day that some of the Signs of your Lord do come, no good will it do to a person to believe then, if he believed not before, nor earned good (by performing deeds of righteousness) through his Faith.  Say [to the disbelievers], ‘Wait you!  We (too) are waiting’” (Quran 6:158). 

In an authentic narration, the Prophet recited this verse after mentioning the people see the rising of the sun from the West.  Thus, al-Bukhari records, that the Prophet said:

“The hour will not be established till the sun rises from the West; and when it rises (from the West) and the people see it, they all will believe.  And that is (the time) when no good will it do to a soul to believe then.”  Then he recited the complete verse (6:158).

In numerous narrations, the Prophet has made it abundantly clear that the nature of this sign is such that no one would have any reason to doubt, question or refuse to believe after seeing it.  When an individual experiences a sign of this nature, the reality virtually becomes exposed to him and, therefore, there is no longer any sense of a trial or test.  In fact, at that time, the test is over and the individual is already seeing the results unfolding in front of his/her very eyes.  That is why “conversion” to faith will have no meaning at that time and will not be acceptable by God.[2]

However, before this occurs, the door to repentance to God and His mercy is always open—such is how great the mercy of God is but it is also just and based on wisdom.  Thus, Muslim recorded that the Prophet said:

“He who seeks repentance (from the Lord) before the rising of the sun from the west (before the Day of Resurrection), God turns to him with Mercy.”

The rising of the sun from the West is one of three greatly definitive signs of this nature.  Thus, the Prophet said:

“When three things appear faith will not benefit one who has not previously believed or has derived no good from his faith: the rising of the sun in its place of setting, the Dajjaal, and the beast of the earth.”[3]

Muslim also recorded that the Prophet said:

“The first sign[4]  would be the appearance of the sun from the west, the appearance of the beast before the people in the forenoon and which of the two happens first, the second one would follow immediately after that.”  

This leads directly into the next sign which is the appearance of the Beast of the Earth.

The Beast of the Earth

God says in the Quran,

“And when the Word (of torment) is fulfilled against them, We shall bring out from the earth a beast to them, which will speak to them because mankind believed not with certainty in Our Signs” (al-Naml 27:82). 

This verse referrs to the beast of the earth who will appear shortly before the Day of Judgment.

When the Beast comes, it will distinguish the people and declare who is a believer and who is a disbeliever.  Ahmad recorded that the Prophet said:

“The beast will appear and he will brand the people on their noses.  The people will then go on living with this branding such that a person will buy a camel and when he is asked, ‘From whom did you buy it?’ he will reply, ‘From one of the branded people.’” (Al-Albani)

The Fire that Will Gather the People

This is the last of the great signs.  After this starts the beginning of a new experience and creation.  Muslim records a hadeeth in which the Prophet stated the ten major signs and it concludes with, “at the end of which fire would burn forth from the Yemen, and would drive people to the place of their assembly.”  One can only imagine the intensity of this fire and the shear horror and fear that the individuals alive at that time will experience.  After this, all that will be left is for the masses of humanity to be resurrected and to face the reckoning of their Lord.

Final Words

No one, of course, can say why God has chosen to end this creation in the remarkable and amazing fashion that He has so chosen.  This is truly an amazing and marvelous creation and perhaps it is fitting that it should be brought to an end via amazing and marvelous events.  In any case, a Muslim knows with full certainty that this is what is going to occur, as the Quran and Prophet have described these events.  These events will occur and the Hour will be established.  With the Hour comes judgment and this is what every human should be thinking about and preparing for, especially as he/she is reading about these events that shall occur before that momentous occasion.

- islamreligion.com

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Footnotes:

[1]Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Baari, vol. 13, p. 84.

[2]The classic example of this nature found in the Quran is that of the Pharaoh.  Once it became clear that he was facing his death, he proclaimed his belief.

[3]Recorded by Muslim.

[4]“The first sign” here is understood to mean the first of the extraordinary signs and not of the signs in general, as obviously these will occur after the coming of the Dajjaal and the return of Jesus.

Literacy in Islam : Education for all

 “Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood).  Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous, Who has taught by the pen, He has taught man that which he knew not.” (Quran 96:1-5)

The first word of Quran revealed to Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, was read.  Read in the name of your Lord.  God asks the believers to read, seek knowledge, contemplate the universe and its wonders, and give thanks.  Consequently, from day one Islam has encouraged literacy and education.  Throughout Quran, God repeatedly emphasises the importance of education.

“God will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge.” (Quran 58:11)

“And be not in haste (O Muhammad) with the Quran before its revelation is completed to you, and say, “My Lord!  Increase me in knowledge.” (Quran 20:114)

From its inception, Islam has encouraged learning.  It fosters scientific inquiry; open learning circles; the use of community resources; peer review; problem solving approaches; story telling and free education.  The importance of learning is highlighted by the fact that Prophet Muhammad established education as an integral part of Islam.

Prophet Muhammad established the first Knowledge Sessions at  Dar’ul Arqam.[1]  He would sit in the mosque after prayers, his companions gathered around him, teaching them about the foundations of Islam, the importance of morality and most importantly the Oneness of God.  Prophet Muhammad taught the students in his knowledge sessions verses of Quran and he sent Quran teachers to communities outside Mecca and Medina.

Memorising and understanding the Quran was, and still is the most important subject in Islamic education, followed by learning and memorising the traditions of Prophet Muhammad.  These traditions are transmitted via a chain of narration that guarantees their authenticity, in much the same way that reference lists and bibliographies are used today to guarantee honesty in scholarship.

The teachers closely followed the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him.  They  sat on the ground with their pupils seated in a semi circle in front of them.  Beside the teacher would be his most trusted and learned student, transcribing all that was said.  Education in Islam grew rapidly from small learning circles to schools attached to mosques.  Within a short time, larger schools and universities began to spring up all over the Islamic Caliphate.

As the Caliphate expanded, the Prophet’s method of teaching spread.  Gathering and transmitting Quran and Islamic knowledge was considered a praiseworthy occupation.  Kuttabs (learned men) and mu’allams (teachers) were found in every Islamic city and village.  Ibn Hawqal on his visit to Sicily claimed to have counted about 300 elementary teachers.  Jubayr b. Hayya, who was later to be an official and governor in the early Islamic Caliphate was a teacher in a school in Taif.  Islamic personalities such as al-Hadjadd and the poet’s al-Kumayt and al-Tirimmah are said to have been schoolmasters.[2]

The most renowned and well-respected scholars considered it an honour to teach.  Ibn Muzahim (d. 723CE ) exegist, traditionist and grammarian, is said to have had a school in Kufa attended by more than 3000 children.  In order to supervise all his pupils he  rode up and down between the rows of children on a mule.

Other subjects began to be added to Islamic education.  There were classes in Islamic manners, Islamic law and jurisprudence, mathematics, grammar and medicine, agriculture, ethics, civics, economics, and history.  The teachers, their assistants and their students all took education very seriously.  The method of one teacher is described in the following passage.

“He went several times over the passage from the law book; revised it with the students after they had committed it to memory; called attention to the divergent rulings of Imams Malik and Abu Hanifa in particular, and sometimes of others and to the reservations of the text.  He then quoted the proof texts, then he set forth analogous cases in very clear language, repeating them in different words till they sank into the students minds.”[3]

The mosques and schools were generally charitable foundations.  Literacy and education was encouraged so vigorously that no pupil was turned away.  Lack of money did not mean lack of education.  Remarkable similarities exist between procedures established in early Islamic institutions and educational facilities today.  There were prizes for proficiency, poetry, and oratory contests; examinations were conducted, and degrees granted.

A famous educator was Ibn Sina (known in the west as Avicenna) who was a thinker, doctor, and teacher.  In the 10th century CE, he wrote medical textbooks that were used as primary medical references for more than 800 years.  Ibn Sina developed curriculums and theories of education able to stand the tests of time.

He emphasized the need for children to learn the Quran, poetry, devoutness and ethics.  But he also did not ignore a child’s need for play, movement, and diversion.[4]   He thought the overall aim of education was the physical, spiritual, and moral growth of each individual.  He thought of education as a way of preparing children to make a lasting contribution to their society.

Although unlettered, Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, understood the importance of  literacy and education.  He inspired his followers to seek knowledge and pass that knowledge on to others.  He taught the importance of memorising Quran and acting upon the knowledge it conveys.  He encouraged his followers to look for the signs of God’s magnificence in the world around them.  To love God one has to know Him, Knowing Him comes by understanding the splendour of the world He created.  Knowledge is the key to loving our Creator and worshipping Him in the best way.

- islamreligion.com

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Footnotes:

[1]See part 2 of Literacy in Islam.

[2]http://www.muslimheritage.com/topics/

[3]A. S. Tritton: Muslim Education in the Middle Ages.  London: Luzac and Co. Ltd., 1957, p. 90.

[4](http://www.muslimheritage.com/topics/default.cfm?TaxonomyTypeID=101&TaxonomySubTypeID=129&TaxonomyThirdLevelID=-1&ArticleID=1063)

The Ideal Personality of a Muslim

 

His Attitude Towards God

One of the most distinguishing features of the Muslim is his deep faith in God and his conviction that whatever happens in the universe and whatever befalls him, only happens through the will and the decree of God.  The Muslim is closely connected to God, constantly remembers Him, puts his trust in Him and is obedient towards Him.

His faith is pure and clear, uncontaminated by any stain of ignorance, superstition or illusion.  His belief and worship are based upon the teachings of the Qur’an and the authentic Hadith.  He feels that he is in constant need of the help and support of God.  He also has no choice in his life but to submit to the will of God, worship Him, strive towards the Right Path and do good deeds.  This type of mentality will guide him to be righteous and upright in all his deeds, both in public and in private.

A Muslim also recognizes the signs of the unlimited power of God in the universe, and so his faith in God increases.  God says:

“Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and (in) the difference of night and day are tokens (of His sovereignty) for men of understanding.  They remember God, standing, sitting, and reclining, and consider the creation of the heavens and the earth, (and say): Our Lord!  You did not create all of this in vain.  Far removed are You from every imperfection!  Preserve us from the punishment of the Hellfire.” (Quran 3:190-191)

His Attitude Towards His Self; Mind, Body and Soul

A Muslim pays due attention to his body’s physical need taking good care of it and promoting its good health and strength.  He does this by being active, not eating excessively.  Rather, he eats enough to maintain his health and energy because he understands that a strong believer is more loved by God than a weak believer.  The Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said: “Indeed a strong believer is more beloved to God then a weak believer.  In the both of them are good virtues.”  God, the Almighty, says:

“Eat and drink; but be not wasteful, for God does not love the people who waste.” (Quran 7:31)

He also pays attention to his personal hygiene because the Prophet, placed great emphasis on it.  His appearance is always neat and clean.  His oral hygiene is also very clean because the Prophet encouraged the use of the siwak (tooth-stick from the Arak tree).  However, he does all of this in accordance with the Islamic ideal of moderation; avoiding the extremes of exaggeration and negligence.  God, the Exalted, says:

“Say: Who has forbidden the adornment of God which He has brought forth for His slaves, and the good things of His providing?  Say: Such, on the Day of Resurrection, will be only for those who believed during the life of the world.  Thus do We detail Our revelations for people who have knowledge.” (Quran 7:32)

In addition to taking care of his physical self, a Muslim also takes care of his mental self.  This is done by keeping away from drugs and stimulants.  He also does not forget to exercise regularly to maintain his physical fitness because there is a direct relationship between the physical health and mental health.  He also takes care of his mind by pursuing beneficial knowledge; religious and secular.  God says:

“And say: My Lord!  Increase me in knowledge.” (Quran 20:114)

A Muslim also pays as much attention to his spiritual development as to his physical and intellectual development.  He does so in a precisely balanced fashion which does not concentrate on one aspect to the detriment of others.  For this reason, the life of a Muslim revolves around the worship and remembrance of God; five daily prayers, fasting the month of Ramadan, etc.

His Attitude Towards People

With his parents, the Muslim is an example of sincere obedience and love.  He treats them with kindness and respect, infinite compassion, utter politeness and deep gratitude.  He recognizes their status and knows his duties towards them through God’s command.  God says:

“Worship God and do not ascribe any partner to Him and (show) kindness to the parents.” (Quran 4:36)

With his wife, the Muslim exemplifies good and kind treatment, intelligent handling, deep understanding of the nature and psychology of women, and proper fulfillment of his responsibilities and duties.

With his children, the Muslim is a parent who understands his great responsibility towards them.  He pays attention to anything that may influence their Islamic development and give them a proper education.  This is so that they may become active and constructive elements in the society, and be a source of goodness for their parents and community. 

With his relatives, the Muslim maintains the ties of kinship and knows his duties towards them.  He understands the high status given to relatives in Islam, which makes him keep in touch with them, no matter what the circumstances.

With his neighbors, the Muslim illustrates good treatment and consideration of others’ feelings and sensitivities.  He puts up with their mistreatment and turns a blind eye to his neighbor’s faults while taking care not to commit any such errors himself.

A Muslim’s relationship with his brothers and friends is the best and purest of relationships because it is based upon loving for the sake of God.  He is loving towards them and not cold-hearted.  He is loyal to them and does not betray them.  He is sincere and does not cheat them.  He is tolerant and forgiving.  He is also generous and supplicates for their happiness and well being.

In his social relationships with all people, the Muslim is well-mannered, civil, noble, and characterized by the attitudes which Islam encourages.  Some of these characteristics are: not being envious of others, fulfils his promises, modesty, patience, avoiding slanders and obscenities, not interfering in that which does not concern him, refraining from gossiping, and avoiding stirring up trouble.

These are the qualities and attitudes that every Muslim strives to make as part of their character and personality.  For this reason, a society that has residents with such characteristics is one that will enjoy true happiness and peace. - islamreligion.com

Core Values of Islam

 

It is difficult to limit all of Islam into a few core values.  Nevertheless, the most important beliefs and religious practices were identified by Prophet Muhammad himself.  Thus, there is general agreement on them among all Muslims.  It provides an interesting comparison since modern Jews and Christians do not have similar uniformity in their belief systems.  Christians, for example, have numerous creeds[1] and Jews do not have any agreed upon beliefs.  Modern Jews mostly agree over the 613 commandments that Maimonides, a Jewish rabbi from Muslim Spain, recorded and classified in the 12th century.

Additionally, Muslim scholars, past and present, have also identified and in certain cases agreed on the core teachings of the Quran, of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, and the ‘essentials’ of Islamic Law (Shariah).

Core Islamic Beliefs: Six Articles of Faith

More than a billion Muslims share a common set of fundamental beliefs that are described as "Articles of Faith." These articles of faith form the foundation of Islamic belief system.

1.  Belief in One God: The most important teaching of Islam is that only God is to be served and worshipped.  Also, the biggest sin in Islam is to worship other beings with God.  In fact, Muslims believe that it is the only sin that God does not forgive if a person dies before repenting from it.

2.  Belief in Angels: God created unseen beings called angels who work tirelessly to administer His kingdom in full obedience.  The angels surround us at all times, each has a duty; some record our words and deeds.

3.    Belief in Prophets of God: Muslims believe that God communicates His guidance through human prophets sent to every nation.  These prophets start with Adam and include Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad, peace be upon them.  The main message of all the prophets has always been that there is only One true God and He alone is worthy of being supplicated to and worshipped.

4.    Belief in Revealed Books of God: Muslims believe that God revealed His wisdom and instructions through ‘books’ to some of the prophets like the Psalms, Torah, and the Gospel.  Over time, however, the original teachings of these books got distorted or lost.  Muslims believe the Quran is God’s final revelation revealed to Prophet Muhammad and has been fully preserved.

5.    Belief in Day of Judgment: The life of this world and all that is in it will come to an end on an appointed day.  At that time, every person will be raised from the dead.  God will judge each person individually, according to his faith and his good and bad actions.  God will show mercy and fairness in judgment.  According to Islamic teachings, those who believe in God and perform good deeds will be eternally rewarded in Heaven.  Those who reject faith in God will be eternally punished in the fire of Hell.

6.    Belief in Destiny and Divine Decree: Muslims believe that since God is the Sustainer of all life, nothing happens except by His Will and with His full knowledge.  This belief does not contradict the idea of free will.  God does not force us, our choices are known to God beforehand because His knowledge is complete.  This recognition helps the believer through difficulties and hardships.

Core Religious Practice of Islam: The Five "Pillars" of Islam

In Islam, worship is part of daily life and is not limited to mere rituals.  The formal acts of worship are known as the five "pillars" of Islam.  The five pillars of Islam are the declaration of faith, prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage.

1.    Declaration of Faith: The "Declaration of Faith" is the statement, "La ilaha illa Allah wa Muhammad Rasul-ullah", meaning "There is no deity worthy of being worship except God (Allah), and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God".  The Declaration of Faith is more than just a statement; it must be shown with one's actions.  To convert to the faith of Islam, a person has to say this statement.

2.    Daily Prayer: Prayer is a method by which a Muslim connects to God and gathers spiritual strength and peace of mind.  Muslims perform five formal prayers a day. 

3.    Zakah: A type of charity.  Muslims recognize that all wealth is a blessing from God, and certain responsibilities are required in return.  In Islam, it is the duty of the wealthy to help the poor and needy. 

4.    Fast of Ramadan: Once each year, Muslims are commanded to fast for an entire month from dawn to sunset.  The period of intense spiritual devotion is known as the fast of Ramadan in which no food, drink and sex is allowed during the fast.  After sunset one can enjoy these things.  During this month Muslims practice self-control and focus on prayers and devotion.  During the fast, Muslims learn to sympathize with those in the world who have little to eat.

5.    The Hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca: Every Muslim strives to make once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to the sacred sites in Mecca, in present-day Saudi Arabia.  It is the most intense spiritual experience for a Muslim.  Typically, 2-3 million perform hajj every year.

Core of the Quran: Surah (Chapter)al-Fatihah

Scholars consider Surah al-Fatihah, the first chapter of the Quran, to be the core of the Quran.  It is recited in every formal prayer in the Arabic language.  The translation follows:

"I begin with the name of God, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.   All praise and thanks are for God, the Lord of the worlds.  The Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. Sovereign of the Day of Recompense.  You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help.  Guide us to the Straight Path (of Islam), the path of those You have blessed, not the path of those who have incurred Your wrath nor of those who have gone astray."

To listen the recitation of Surah al-Fatiha click here

Core Teachings of Prophet Muhammad

Classical scholars of Islam have condensed the teachings of Prophet Muhammad into a few statements.  These comprehensive statements touch every aspect of our lives.  Some of them are:

1)Actions are judged by the intention behind them.

2)God is Pure and does not accept anything unless it is pure and God has commanded the faithful with what He commanded the prophets.

3)Part of a person’s good observance of Islam is to leave aside what does not concern him.

4)A person cannot be a complete believer unless he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.

5)One should not harm himself or others.

6)Don’t let your focus in this life be to amass worldly gain and God will love you.  Don’t be concerned with what people have, and they will love you.

Core of Islamic Law or Shariah

The core of Islamic Law is preservation of:

1)Religion

2)Life

3)Family

4)Mind

5)Wealth

6)Some contemporary scholars suggest either justice or liberty to be the sixth category.

In the vision of Islam, they are known as "essentials" because they are considered essential to human welfare.

In conclude, if someone were to ask, what is the core of Islam in the fewest possible words, the answer would be, "it is within the word Islam itself: to serve, worship, and lovingly submit to God."

-  islamreligion.com

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Footnotes:

[1]www.creeds.net

Friday – The Best Day of the Week

 

Friday is a very important day for Muslims.  It is more significant and more beneficial than any other day of the week.  It is the day that Muslims gather together to pray in congregation. Directly before the prayer they listen to a lecture designed to empower them with valuable knowledge about God, and the religion of Islam.  It is a blessed day that has been designated as such by God, Almighty; no other day of the week shares its virtues. 

A believer’s entire life is one of worship; even celebrations are conducted as worship.  While there is no special place or special time to worship God, there are moments, days, or times that God has made more superior; Friday is one of those times. 

From the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, we learn that “The best day in the sight of God is Friday, the day of congregation”.[1]  Congregational prayers (obligatory for men) are one of the most strongly emphasized duties in Islam.  It is a time when Muslims come together to worship One God, and  find strength and comfort by standing shoulder to shoulder and reaffirming their faith and devotion to Him.

“O you who believe! When the call to prayer is proclaimed on Friday hasten earnestly to the remembrance of God, and leave aside business.  That is best for you if you but knew.” (Quran 62:9)

In many predominantly Muslim countries Friday is a weekly holiday, sometimes combined with either Thursday or Saturday.  However there is no mandatory closing of businesses except during the time of the congregational prayer.  In western countries many Muslims try to take their lunch break during the time for prayer, usually in the very early afternoon.

Prophet Muhammad told his followers  that “The five daily prayers, and from one Friday prayer till the next, serves as an expiation for whatever sins have been committed between them, provided one does not commit any major sin.”[2]

It is important that a Muslim not neglect Friday Prayer due to work, study, or other worldly matters.  Believers should make attending this prayer a priority since ignoring it three times  in a row, with no valid reason, will cause a believer to stray from the straight  path.

While it is only men who are obliged to attend the Friday congregational prayer there are also many recommended acts that can be performed by men, women or children during this day.  These acts include, taking a bath and wearing clean clothes, saying numerous supplications to God, sending blessings upon Prophet Muhammad, and reading Chapter 18 of the Quran, which is entitled ‘The Cave’.

Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said, “There is no day more virtuous than Friday.  In it there is an hour in which no one will pray to God except that God will hear his prayer”.[3]

"Friday consists of twelve hours, one of which is the hour where supplications are granted for believers.  This hour is sought during the last hour after Asr (the third prayer in the day).[4]"

"Whoever recites ‘The Cave’ on Friday, God will give him a light to the next Friday."[5]

"The best day on which the sun rises is Friday.  It is the day Adam was created.  It is the day when Adam entered the Heavenly Gardens, the day when he was expelled from it and also the day he died.  Friday is the day on which the Day of Resurrection will take place.”[6]

Friday is also the day on which one of the greatest verses in the Quran was revealed. 

“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion.” (Quran 5:3)

A story from the life of the second Caliph Omar, illustrates the significance of Friday.   A learned person from among the Jews said to Omar Ibn Al Khattab “In the Quran you people read a certain verse; if that verse had been revealed to us, we would have celebrated that day annually.” Omar asked, “Which verse is that?”  The man replied, “This day, I have perfected your religion for you’.  Omar then said, “Verily I remember the day and the place where this verse was revealed.   It was already a double celebration for us.  Firstly it was Friday-a day of Eid (celebration) for all Muslims and secondly, it was the day of Arafat – the most important day of the Hajj.” Omar further stated that this verse was revealed after Asr (afternoon prayer) while Prophet Muhammad was sitting on his camel.

Friday is a special day; the congregational prayer performed on this day holds special significance in the life of a Muslim.  This is well noted and discussed by Islamic scholars both past and present.  Thirteenth century Islamic scholar Ibn Taymiyyah said: “The most excellent day of the week is Friday according to the consensus of scholars” [7]  and his student Ibnul -Qayyim mentions 32 special characteristics of Friday in his book Zad Al- Ma’ad.   Prophet Muhammad said “Verily, this is the Eid day (day of celebration) that God has prescribed for the Muslims”[8].  Believers would be wise to take advantage of the blessings God sends down to His slaves on Friday.  This is a day of congregation, a day of celebration and a day of contemplation and supplication.

-islamreligion.com

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Footnotes:

[1]Bayhaqi, authenticated by Sheikh Al Albani. 

[2]Saheeh Muslim

[3]At Tirmidhi

[4]Abu Dawood,.  An Nasei

[5]Bayhaqi

[6]Saheeh Muslim, Abu Dawood, An Nasei & At Tirmidhi.

[7]Majmu’ah Fatawa

[8]Ibn Majah, authenticated by Sh Al Albani.