THE TRUTH IS ONE (PART 1 OF 2)

 

Often when discussing religion, one hears the statement that none has the right to judge anyone else’s beliefs, or that religion is a person’s private matter and we can not say that it is wrong or right.  Throughout history, societies have based their laws and ethics upon “absolute truths” which they deem to be “right”, and this is either a result of an exterior text regarded as supreme, or of the trait found in the innate nature of humans that causes them to see certain things as good and others as evil.  Humans, to a limited scale, can see certain things as good and evil.  For example, all humans, left to their natural state without perversion of the mind, will see feces and urine as filthy.  Also, certain deeds, like stealing, killing and lying are also known to be evil, while truth, sincerity, and honor are seen to be lofty.  This is a result of a trait that was created in all humans, but as mentioned above, this sense is limited.

If one says that they do not have the right to judge other’s beliefs or actions, they are, in fact, contradicting themselves.  If you were to ask many of these people whether killing infants or suicide is correct and acceptable, they will naturally answer that it is not.  But when we look into certain societies, such as some religions found in Central America, infanticide was seen to be a way to draw near to their gods.  Also today, in Hindu religion, it is praiseworthy for a wife to kill herself after the death of her husband.  If they truly believe that religion is something left to the individual and that none have the right to interfere or judge them, then this would necessitate allowing that killing babies is something which is correct to those who believe it is praiseworthy, and that people have no right to judge them.

If we were to bring this issue to an individual level, we would see that each person has their individual perception of good and evil, whether this perception is based upon religion, law, culture, or individual contemplation.  One might believe that it is perfectly acceptable to commit adultery while another might think it to be wrong.  One might believe that it is permissible for them to indulge in narcotics since it is their own body, and others might believe it to be a crime.  None would be able to say that anything is right or wrong, and all people would be left to their own devices to believe and practice what they perceive as “correct.”

If we were to implement this belief in society, we would have a community based upon anarchy, where no laws could be legislated nor executed, for law is based upon the principle that certain things are to be good and others are evil.  If one were to say that there are certain truths agreed to by all humans which can be used to legislate laws, this statement is true to a certain limit, as we stated that all humans do naturally have a trait to know right from wrong in a limited sense.  But as seen, this trait many times becomes perverted through environmental, psychological, or religious factors, in that certain acts which were at one time seen as evil and immoral are later seen as sound and acceptable, and some things which do not accord to human nature are seen to be the keys to salvation.  This can be clearly observed in democratic societies which base their laws on the majority.  We see that many things which were considered to be outright absurd or immoral are now socially acceptable, to the extent that if one holds a different opinion in regards to the issue, they are seen as outcasts.

For this reason, humans cannot be left to their own accords to legislate what is correct and incorrect.  Even in societies of the same religion which have instituted the separation of religion and state, although they are in agreement to those things which they maintained from their religion, they differ greatly in regards to what is deemed correct and incorrect in their societies.  What is considered as the legal age of consent to sex in France is considered rape in America.  While abortion is legal in one country, it is a crime in another, and when homosexuality is seen as a valid way of life in one society, it is seen as a grave sin in another.

So if we now say that the truth is absolute and one and is not relative to each individual and society, then the next question is what are the morals which make truth manifest and who is to decide them?  What are the laws which should be implemented in society?  Should they be decided by lawyers and judges who have reached a level of “legal enlightenment”, politicians who usually make decisions for their own benefit or the benefit of their own countries, or philosophers which have come to know the universal truths through their own contemplation?  As seen earlier, humans cannot be left to decide these issues, lest there be catastrophic results, as seen today in many societies ridden with numerous ills.  The only One who has the right to legislate right and wrong is the One who created us and knows what is best for us, and that is God Almighty.  It is God who created the world and it is God who set the scales of justice.  It is God who is perfect and it is God who has no faults whatsoever.

Most of our discussion has dealt with the issues of belief which deal with morality and deeds, but what is even more important is those beliefs which deal with God, and this will be discussed in the following article. -islamreligion.com

Remembering Togetherness on Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday

 

Masjid Diraja Tuanku Munawir is also known as the Royal Mosque of Seri Menanti, Negwri Sembilan, Malaysia

The Message of Madinah

As I sit in yet another restaurant waiting for my main course, I dip pieces of the freshly baked gourmet bread into a mix of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This Italian tradition from one of my favorite countries reminds me of the Qur’anic verse encouraging travel around the world.

Wandering through the Doges Palace some years ago, I came across a Muslim flag which was on display from the last major historic naval battle with rowing boats only, in 1571, a campaign between the Holy League – a Christian coalition – and the Ottoman Empire. The Battle of Lepanto.

Deborah Howard, author of ‘Venice and the East’ points out that the Doges Palace itself was designed with Islamic architectural influences: the arch styles heightened domes, relief works on walls, staircase patterns, all taken directly from the Muslim world, which Venice would trade with.

How is it then that businessmen, friends, partners, and traders, could move from mutually beneficial relationships, such that even architectural designs were shared, to a situation where doubt, uncertainty, fear, and lack of trust became the norm, eventually leading to war?

Prophet Muhammad, upon whom be peace, was born in Arabia over 1,400 years ago. A predominantly pagan-idol worshiping community, leading tribes held sway over local economics and politics.

As the historian Ibn Ishaq observed, the tribes kept a fragile peace in the area, enriching themselves as pilgrims made their way to worship the idols.

First as a shepherd, then a trader, Prophet Muhammad’s life revolved around the company of non-Muslims, and even after Islam, he lived amongst and engaged with non-Muslims.

For example, sometimes he would buy his animals from a pagan, he would eat food from Christians and Jews, his abusive neighbors with whom he was patient with were non-Muslims, he even had to chastise Muslims when they behaved immorally towards non-Muslims.

Eventually, as hostilities arose, Prophet Muhammad and Abu Bakr escaped Makkah with the help of a pagan guide from the tribe of Bani al-Dayl. Despite being a pagan, he was a man they both trusted with their life. Together they made their way to the city of Yathrib.

With time, Yathrib was renamed Madinah, meaning, the City of the Prophet. A rich, multi-faith environment in which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that if anyone harms a non-Muslim unjustly, then he will defend the non-Muslim, setting the foundations of a unique city where tribal allegiances were replaced by rights and justice for all.At first, the city was home to the Yemeni tribes of Aus and Khazraj, and later, as Bernard Lewis observed, it became a Jewish settlement whose tribes included the Kunaika, Quraiza, and Nadir; accounting for half the settlements of the area.

Islam’s Success Through Diversity

This happened during the Prophet’s time as well as through different periods of history. Yes, there are issues today in many parts of the world, but generally, we in the Western world are living with the same freedom of religion taught by the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him.Islam flourished not just only because of the message of peace brought by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Qur’an, but also because of the support of non-Muslims – even pagans – who supported, empowered, and lived with Muslims, enabling Muslims and non-Muslims to live in peace.

What better way to remember Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)  than to understand how he lived his life, the company he kept, the challenges he overcame, and that he didn’t live in a ‘Muslim bubble’ as so many would like us to think.

And while the Prophet (PBUH) preached and taught the values of the belief in One God, without partner, as he lived in a multi-faith society, and many of his and his companions relatives were not Muslim, he encouraged everyone, even his wives to visit, support, love, and even exchange gifts with their non-Muslim – sometimes pagan – relatives.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not just ‘tolerate’ non-Muslims, he lived happily and freely in a society of non-Muslims, engaging, interacting, and being involved with their lives too. In one hadith narrated by Bukhari, Prophet Muhammad said that if a person makes their neighbor feel unsafe, they are not a believer.

In his Book of Finances, the Muslim historian Abu Ubayd observed that “…some of his neighbors were non-Muslim and he made a habit of being generous to them: he would give them gifts and accept their gifts in return. He would visit them when they were ill, give them charity, and trust them with commercial transactions. There was a family of Jewish people to whom he would regularly give charity.”

This is the Prophet’s message of togetherness.

Today, as technology and communication allow us to travel faster and interact in real-time better, we as humanity are increasingly closer to each other than before.

Our faith and spiritual relationship with God is not weakened by the different religions around us, rather, our faith flourishes when, as the Qur’an says, there is no compulsion in religion, and people are free to think, to question, to ponder, to compare, to understand,  to build, and grow their relationship with their Creator.

Living the Prophet’s Example

“O God’s Messenger, you were our hopeProphet Muhammad (PBUH) grew up in the same house as his aunt Safiya. When he died, Safiya recited the following:

Today every mourner should weep for you

Alas! Had God kept you amongst us

How fortunate we would have been

But the command of God is not to be said again”

At his death humanity lost a kind, compassionate, merciful man, who did his best to deliver a message from God. Like his companions, he was a human being who smiled, laughed, joked, even raced with his wife Aishah; and when he lost it didn’t deflate his ego, he simply loved her even more.

If we cannot remember the Prophet’s spirit of togetherness, where irrespective of faith we live alongside one another, respect one another, engage with one another, share gifts with one another, do things that everyday people do with one another, with decency and dignity, then relationships will fail. Society will fall. Tensions will rise. And injustice may occur, to the point of fighting one another in wars.

The Muslim flag on the wall of the Doges Palace, lost in a war, is a reminder of a time when the wisdom of Prophet Muhammad’s diversity and inclusivity was forgotten.

If we as Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad (PBHU) was a mercy to humankind, then let us reflect on how he lived and how he interacted with all during his life.

There is a reason why God empowered a non-Muslim pagan to protect and guide Prophet Muhammad and Abu Bakr towards safety.

It is a reminder that even in our most difficult times, we should never discriminate against another person simply because of their faith, and that help and direction may come from a source that we may not have anticipated: someone who believes in the polar opposite to you, but shares a common decency.

Once when Prophet Muhammad’s companion Jabir was entertaining guests, he served them bread and vinegar, saying, ‘Eat up, for I have heard the Prophet say, vinegar is the best dish.’ Back to my olive oil and balsamic vinegar with bread. The cultures and traditions of the world are rich and beautiful, and sometimes they cross.

Who would have thought that this regular pre-starter ritual at a restaurant was also a tradition from Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah? Seems as if we aren’t that different from each other after all.

Happy birthday O Prophet from God, may we all find wisdom from your example, amen.

About Farrukh Younus

Farrukh I Younus has a background in mobile phone strategy across Europe and Asia, and has visited China on more than 25 occasions. Dedicated to understanding and delivering solutions based on new technology, Younus has spoken on the subject to the EU in Brussels, and regularly attends industry-leading conferences. He currently runs a video platform, Implausibleblog, delivering lifestyle content via social media; where his focus is on understanding consumer behaviour with regards to digital content and digital advertising. His interests include travel, nouvelle cuisine, and chocolate.

- aboutislam.net

This Mawlid, Reflect on Prophet Muhammad’s Character

 

As the Muslim world marks the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, upon whom be peace and blessings, we should take comfort in following this celebratory tradition, first established – as some say – by the Fatimids of Egypt.

In his book, “Subh al-asha,” the Egyptian scholar Qalqashandi relays that they would hold a large celebration, which included handing out sweets to everyone. Qalqashandi also pointed out that they celebrated, with equal vigor, the birthdays of other members of Prophet Muhammad’s family, as well as historical personalities, such as Prophet Jesus, upon whom be peace.

Muslims in Britain ascribe to many diverse points of view: some will celebrate the Prophet’s birthday while others will not. Irrespective of any person’s disposition, my view is to mark this occasion with thoughts and reflections on an attribute with which Prophet Muhammad identified in a truly profound way: manners. Specifically, he said, that “a person will raise his/her rank in the next life in according to how good his/his manners were in this life,” and that “the best of people are those with the best manners.”

Over a hundred years after Prophet Muhammad’s death, the scholar al-Jahiz wrote in his essay on women, “We have seen people who revile women, the worst of revilements, and disdain them, and deny them most of their rights. It is true impotence for a man to be incapable of fulfilling the rights of fathers or uncles, unless he disparages the rights of mothers and aunts.”

Prophet Muhammad spent much of his life trying to educate men to honor and treat women with dignity. Throughout his life, he made time to address their concerns, regularly reprimanding men. Sadly, throughout his life and even after his death, negative attitudes regarding women prevailed.

For example, he used to say “Do not prevent women from attending the mosque” and as some scholars such as Ibn Qudmah and al-Qayrawi wrote, “the mosque was so full of women that men who arrived late would form rows and pray behind the women.” Worse, one of the companions, Abdullah ibn Umar, refused to speak with his son (Bilal or Waqid) until he changed his treatment of his wife in stopping her from going to the mosque. Abdullah ibn Umar would say, “I tell you what the Prophet of God said, and you still stop your wife?” Eventually, his son ceded.

Dignity & Rights

Part of manners, however, can be reflected in his statement “Anyone who is not grateful for a little, cannot be grateful for a lot. And anyone who is not grateful to people, cannot be grateful to God. To talk about a blessing is to be grateful to God.” This echoes the Qur’an, wherein God says in Surah Luqman, “Whoever is grateful, does so to the benefit of their own soul.”In one of his speeches on dignity and rights, the Prophet said, “Whoever leads a blind person away from the path they are walking on is cursed.” When we consider that much of what he said was reactionary— something would happen, and he would respond—it’s clear that his statement is a reflection of how some people at the time of Prophet Muhammad behaved in undignified way. The Prophet used to say, “I have been sent to perfect good character.”

To acknowledge not just what we have but the way we behave, to be grateful, and to continually seek to improve ourselves—these are a reflection of another of his statements: “The best of people are those who add value,” meaning that our individual contributions to our families and the societies that we live in, are what will truly define us.

The most beautiful part of any celebration is, of course, the food. Prophet Muhammad said that “If you fulfil a person’s craving for a particular food, your sins will be forgiven.” And “Whoever makes a person happy by providing them with what the crave for, he/she makes God happy.”  Reflecting the importance of providing oneself with sustenance, he also said “If the time for prayer and the time for dinner coincide, start with dinner.”

Adding encouragement towards hygiene, one of the best of manners, the Prophet said “Washing your hands before a meal banishes poverty, while washing your hands after a meal, banishes major sins.” And he qualified this by adding that you shouldn’t over-eat, comparing the desire to eat to “watering a plant, which if over-watered, dies.”

Balancing Life & Faith

A true celebration is about balance, something understood best by the words from another classical scholar, Ibn Rajab, who said, “Love is better than fear. While fear checks us from sinning, it is love which makes us do what is prescribed for us with an open heart.”Balance has always been the cornerstone of faith, anything done in excess leads a person towards exhaustion; and when anything is left out, it leaves a person wanting. The Prophet contextualized this further saying that “The deeds loved most by God are those which are done regularly, even if they are little.”

So whether you celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s birthday or not, consider the notion of manners. Ask yourself, “What can I do to improve who I am, both for myself and for those around me?”

My closing advice is from the Prophet Muhammad in these two statements of his: “God says that if you seek kindness from Me, then be kind to God’s creation (not just people, but animals, etc),” and, “A person will gain with good character, the same reward as someone who fasts all day and prays all night.”

He lived his life trying to teach us all decency and good manners. On the occasion of his birthday, may he and all of us–all of humanity–find success in the next life, amen.

This article was first published on December 11, 2016. 

About Farrukh Younus

Farrukh I Younus has a background in mobile phone strategy across Europe and Asia, and has visited China on more than 25 occasions. Dedicated to understanding and delivering solutions based on new technology, Younus has spoken on the subject to the EU in Brussels, and regularly attends industry-leading conferences. He currently runs a video platform, Implausibleblog, delivering lifestyle content via social media; where his focus is on understanding consumer behaviour with regards to digital content and digital advertising. His interests include travel, nouvelle cuisine, and chocolate.

- aboutislam.net

Why some people accept and some do not accept the celebration of the prophet ( )? What is your opinion?

 

Praise be to Allah.

There is nothing in the Qur’aan to say that we should celebrate the Mawlid or birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The Prophet himself (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did not do this or command anyone to do it, either during his lifetime or after his death. Indeed, he told them not to exaggerate about him as the Christians had exaggerated about Jesus (upon whom be peace). He said: “Do not exaggerate about me as the Christians exaggerated about the son of Maryam. I am only a slave, so say, ‘The slave of Allah and His Messenger.’”

(Reported by al-Bukhaari). What has been reported is that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) made the day of his birth a day of worship, which is different to celebration. He was asked about fasting on Mondays, and he said: “That is the day on which I was born and the day on which I was entrusted with the Mission or when I was first given Revelation.” (Reported by Muslim, al-Nisaa’i and Abu Dawood).

Moreover, we know that the Sahaabah (may Allah be pleased with them) were the people who loved the Prophet most. Was it reported that Abu Bakr, who was the closest of people to him and the one who loved him the most, celebrated the birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)? Was it reported that ‘Umar, who ruled for twelve years, or ‘Uthmaan, did this? Was it reported that ‘Ali, his relative and foster son, did this? Was it reported that any of the Sahaabah did this? No, by Allah! Is it because they were not aware of its importance, or did they not truly love the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)? No one would say such a thing except one who has gone astray and is leading others astray.

Did any of the imaams – Abu Haneefah, Maalik, al-Shaafi’i, Ahmad, al-Hasan al-Basri, Ibn Seereen – do this or command others to do it or say that it was good? By Allaah, no! It was not even mentioned during the first and best three centuries. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said in a saheeh hadeeth: “The best of mankind are my generation (or my century), then those who come after them, then those who come after them. Then there will come a people who will not care if their testimony comes before their oath or vice versa (i.e., they will not take such matter seriously).”

(Reported by al-Bukhaari, Muslim and al-Tirmidhi). The celebration of the Prophet’s birthday appeared many centuries later, when many of the features of true religion had vanished and bid’ah had become widespread.

Thus this celebration became a sign of one’s love for the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)? But can it be possible that the Sahaabah, the imaams and the people of the best three centuries were unaware of it, and it was only those who came later who were aware of its importance?! What the Qur’aan tells us is that love of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is demonstrated by following the guidance he brought. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Say (O Muhammad): ‘If you (really) love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Say: ‘Obey Allah and the Messenger.’ But if they turn away, then Allah does not like the disbelievers.” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:31-32]

The first aayah explains that love is just a claim, but the proof of sincerity is following what the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) brought. The second aayah reaffirms the importance and necessity of obeying Allah and His Messenger. Hence Allah ended the aayah with a very stern warning in which those who refuse to obey are described as kaafirs, and Allah does not love the disbelievers. We ask Allaah to keep us safe from that. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) told us of the danger of not obeying him, and the danger of adding to what he brought. The celebration of Mawlid or his birthday is indeed an addition to what he brought – as all the scholars agree. He said: “The best of speech is the Book of Allah, and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad. The most evil of things are those which are newly-invented (in religion), and every innovation is a going astray.”

(Reported by Muslim and al-Nisaa’i).

We ask Allah to protect us from bid’ah and to bless us by helping us to follow. Allah knows best. May Allah bless our Prophet Muhammad. -islamqa.net

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

What Prophet Muhammed Says about Kindness to Animals

 

When we mention the religion of Islam, often the first word that comes to mind is peace.  The word Islam is derived from the infinitive ‘sa-la-ma‘ which also is the root for the word salam, which means peace.

Islam is a way of life that promotes peace, dignity, respect, tolerance, justice and mercy. All of these qualities are tempered with serenity (calmness) that comes from submission to Allah. Perhaps the greatest of these qualities is mercy.

It is one of the overriding themes throughout the Qur’an.

{Certainly, We have brought them a Book (the Qur’an) which We have explained in detail with knowledge, – guidance, and a mercy to a people who believe.}  (Al-A`raf 7: 52)

Mercy for all

Mercy is that ethereal quality that embodies gentleness, piety, care, consideration, love, and forgiveness.  When these qualities are observable in this world, they are a mere reflection of Allah’s mercy towards His creation.

{And We have sent you (O Muhammad) not but as a mercy for all creatures.}  (Al-Anbiya’ 21: 107)Allah the Almighty said clearly that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was a mercy for all creation, not just for his family and friends, for the Arab nation, for the people of his generation, or for human beings alone.

Prophet Muhammad was the embodiment of mercy. He showed compassion to all those around him, family, orphans, friends, strangers and even enemies.

The Prophet also treated the environment and animals with respect and mercy.  He taught his followers that because animals were part of Allah’s creation they should be treated with dignity and due care.

The traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) remind us that humankind was put on this earth to be the custodian of Allah’s creation.  Treating animals with kindness and mercy is just one of the responsibilities embedded in that custodianship.

How to treat animals

Prophet Muhammad’s words and behavior make it clear that causing defenseless creatures pain and suffering is not only completely unacceptable, but we will also be answerable to Allah the Almighty for such actions.

“If someone kills a sparrow for fun, the sparrow will cry out on the Day of Judgment, ‘O Lord! That person killed me in vain!  He did not kill me for any useful purpose.'” (An-Nasa’i)

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said,

“Whoever kills a sparrow or anything bigger than that without a just cause, Allah will hold him accountable on the Day of Judgment.“

The listeners asked, “O Messenger of Allah, what is a just cause?”

He replied, “That he will kill it to eat, not simply to chop off its head and then throw it away.” (An–Nasa’i)

Islam expects humankind to treat all animals (all living creatures – birds, sea creatures, and insects) with respect and dignity.  Prophet Muhammad continuously advised people to show kindness.

He forbade the practice of cutting tails and manes of horses, of branding animals at any soft spot, and of keeping horses saddled unnecessarily (Muslim). If the Prophet saw any animal over-burdened or ill-fed he would speak mildly to the owner and say, “Fear Allah in your treatment of animals.” (Abu Dawud)

Care for animals’ emotions

Even a bird’s emotional distress should be treated seriously.  One of Prophet Muhammad’s Companions narrates,However, refraining from physical cruelty is not enough; abstaining from mental cruelty is equally important.

“We were on a journey and during the Prophet’s absence, we saw a bird with its two chicks; we took them. The mother bird was circling above us in the air, beating its wings in grief.

When Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) returned he said,

“Who has distressed this bird by taking its chicks?  Return them to her.” (Abu Dawud and Authenticated by Al-Albani)

Cruelty Is Condemned

In pre-Islamic times, pagan superstitions and polytheistic practices included acts of torture and cruelty to animals.  Islam condemned this and put a stop to all such practices.

When Prophet Muhammad and his Companions migrated to Madinah, they noticed that people used to cut off camels’ humps and the fat tails of sheep for food.  The Prophet forbade them from doing this and said,

“Whatever is cut off an animal while it is still alive, is carrion (i.e., unlawful to eat).” (At-Tirmidhi)

In Islam, the rules pertaining to slaughtering animals are very strict.  Protecting animals from pain and undue suffering is paramount:

“Allah has ordained kindness (and excellence) in everything.  If the killing (of animals) is to be done, do it in the best manner, and when you slaughter, do it in the best manner, sharpen the knife and put the animal at ease.” (Muslim)

Humankind must strike a balance in their treatment of animals. All living creatures were put on this earth by Allah for our benefit.  They are not at the same level as human beings but neither should they be treated cruelly.

It is humankind’s responsibility to see that they have food, water, and shelter from the elements.  Living creatures must not be overburdened, abused, or tortured and doing so will surely result in Allah’s just punishment.

A true believer in Allah demonstrates his or her belief by respecting the entire creation, and Prophet Muhammad’s character and actions are a shinning example of respect for all that exists.

---

Taken with slight modifications from: www.islamreligion.com

About Aisha Stacey

Aisha Stacey is the mother of three adult children. She embraced Islam in 2002 and spent the next five years in Doha, Qatar studying Islam and working at the Fanar Cultural Centre. In 2006 Aisha returned to university for a second time and completed at Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Certificate in Writing. Aisha is also a published writer in both internet and print media and in 2009 -10 she was the Queensland editor at a national Australian Islamic newspaper ~ Crescent Times.

-aboutislam.net

HOW DID THE SPREAD OF ISLAM AFFECT THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE?

 

Islam instructs man to use his powers of intelligence and observation.  Within a few years of the spread of Islam, great civilizations and universities were flourishing.  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 the concept of zero (vital to the advancement of mathematics), were transmitted to medieval Europe from the Muslim world.  Sophisticated instruments which were to make possible the European voyages of discovery, such as the astrolabe, the quadrant, and good navigational maps, were also developed by Muslims. islamreligion.com

 

 

 

 

 

The Astrolabe: One of the most important scientific instruments developed by Muslims which was also used widely in the West until modern times.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Muslim physicians paid much attention to surgery and developed many surgical instruments as seen in this old manuscript.

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

REASON VERSUS RELIGION: HOW DOES ISLAM FARE?

 

Religion, or faith, is often considered to be directly opposed to reason.  Many people see reason and religion as completely different concepts.  Faith is usually defined as confidence or trust in a person or thing, not necessarily based on proof, while reason is described as sound judgement, good sense, and the ability to think a problem through logically.  However, we need to look beyond these basic definitions because only then will we discover that Islam considers the faculty of reason to be a fundamental and necessary part of faith.

The first verses of the Quran revealed to Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, urged him to read, thus establishing a link to literacy, and throughout the Quran the reader is constantly advised to think. 

"Read! In the name of your Lord who has created all that exists." (Quran 96:1)

"It is a Book We have sent down to you, full of blessings, so let people of intelligence ponder its verses and take heed." (Quran 38:29)

"…such are the parables that we put forward to humankind so that they may reflect." (Quran 59:21)

Being able to use our reason, and come to logical conclusions is a God-given blessing, and in addition to this, thinking, reasoning and contemplation are essential parts of faith.   Thus, a person is reminded to use rational thought processes to come to logical conclusions.  Without knowledge and understanding a person may not recognize God or worship Him in irrational or forbidden ways. 

Irrationality could be described as one of the characteristics of unbelief, idolatry, or hypocrisy.  Lack of reason hinders a person’s ability to recognize the truth, and the value of religion. 

"They will say: If only we had been listening or reasoning, we would not be among the dwellers of the blazing Fire." (Quran 67:10)

"…Their violence among themselves is severe.  You imagine they are united, but their hearts are divided.  That is because they are people who do not understand." (Quran 59:14)

The fundamentals of Islam are in complete harmony with sound reason.  Islam is not a blind faith.  A non-Muslim is not expected to believe without proof, rather they can look at the proofs Islam offers, use critical thinking and take an informed decision.  Rational thought and logic are essential for understanding God and His relationship to us and the world.   Even for a Muslim, indulging in illogical or irrational thinking could quite possibly lead to sin and destruction. 

The power of rational thought, reasoning teaches us that humankind has inherent limitations.  Thus, there are many things that we cannot intellectually grasp.  There are things that God refers to as the unseen, things that we must take as truths simply because God has informed us about them.  However, it is also reasoning that allows us to know with certainty that God created the world and has subjected it and all who dwell in it to universal laws, His Laws.   

"Verily, in the creation of the heavens and earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, and the ships which sail through the sea with benefits for people, and what God has sent down from the heavens of rain, giving life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness and dispersing therein every creature, and in His directing of the winds and the clouds controlled between the heaven and the earth are signs for a people who use reason." (Quran 2:164)

And it is through reasoning we conclude that if we are convinced that Islam is the true religion of God based on its fundamental teachings and the proofs it offers, then that implies accepting all that it teaches even if we are not able to understand certain things or the wisdom behind them due to our limitations.

For a Muslim it is through reasoning that we understand the laws of God coupled with sincere effort and intention.  Laws that we know have been established in order to make our path to a blissful afterlife clear.  Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ibn Taymiyah (1263 – 1328 CE) explained the link between reasoning and faith. 

Reason is a requirement for acquiring knowledge and performing righteous deeds, through which knowledge and deeds are perfected, but it is not enough on its own.  Rather, it is a faculty of the soul and ability like the ability within the eye to see.  If it is connected with the light of faith and the Quran, then it is like the eye receiving the light of the sun and torch.  If it is left to itself, it cannot gain insight into matters that it cannot know alone… Thus, the circumstances resulting from the denial of reason are defective, and ideas that contradict reason are false.[1]

It was the power of reasoning and logic combined with unwavering faith that allowed the Muslim world to prosper in what is now termed its Golden Age.  In the 8th to 14th centuries CE science, economic development, and culture flourished.  Scientific developments were applauded and investigated with the understanding that they were blessings from God.  Compare this with the way scientific advancement was considered by Christianity in the same period.  The rule of faith dominated reason, and unlike Islam, reason and faith were not thought to complement each other. 

Even now in the 21st century there are aspects of faith and reason, in religions other than Islam that do not bear up well under close scrutiny.  Take for instance the Trinity, one of the core beliefs in Christianity.  The idea that God is a man or that a man is God, is so illogical that it has been the touchstone of many Christians turning to Islam. 

When our reasoning is based on logical conclusions, God’s commandments, and our own moral compass, we feel comfortable and confident in our faith.  Islam allows us to live and thrive in an ever-changing world because God tells us to think.   He tells us to use our own powers of deduction, improve our faith and improve our world through reason and religion. - islamreligion.com

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Majmūʻ al-Fatāwá 3/338