WHAT
IS ISLAM?
Can we find an explanation for the great universe? Is there anyconvincing interpretation of the secret of its existence? We realize that nofamily can function properly without a responsible head, that no city canprosperously exist without sound administration, and that no state can survivewithout a leader of some kind. We also realize that nothing comes into being onits own.
Moreover, we observe that the universe exists and functions in the mostorderly manner, and that it has survived perhaps billions of years. Can we, then, say that all this is accidental and haphazard? Can we attribute theexistence of man and the whole world to a mere chance? Man represents only avery small portion of the great universe, and if he can make plans andappreciate the merits of planning, then his own existence and the survival ofthe universe must also be based on a planned policy.
This means that thereis a Designing Will behind our material existence, and that there is anextraordinary power to bring things into being and keep them moving in order. Inthe world there must be a Great Force in action to keep everything in order. Inthe beautiful nature there must be a Great Creator who makes the great charmingpieces of art and produces everything for a special purpose in life.
Thedeeply enlightened people recognize this Creator and call Him Allah. He is not aman because no man can create or make another man. He is not an animal, nor isHe a plant. He is neither an idol nor is He a statue of any kind, because noneof these things can make itself or create anything else. He is different fromall these things, because He is the maker and Keeper of them all. The Maker ofanything must be different and greater than the things that he makes.
Thereare various ways to know Allah and there are many things to tell about Him. Thegreat wonders and impressive marvels of the world are like open books in whichwe can read about Him. Besides, Allah comes to our aid through the manymessengers and revelations He has sent down to humanity. These messengers andrevelations tell us everything we need to know about our Creator.
Thecomplete acceptance of the teachings and guidance of our Creator as revealed toall His messengers (‘alaihimus salaam) is the religion of Islam. Islam enjoinsfaith in the oneness and sovereignty of Allah, which makes man aware of themeaningfulness of the universe and of his place in it. This belief frees thehuman being from all fears and superstitions as it makes him conscious of thepresence of the Almighty Allah, and of his obligation towards Him.
Thisfaith must be expressed and tested in action, for faith alone is not enough. Belief in one God "Allah" requires that we look upon all humanity as one familyunder the universal Omnipotence of the Creator, and Nourisher of all. Islamrejects the idea of a chosen people while on the other hand, it approves thatbelief in the Creator, and doing righteous deeds is the only way to heaven. Thus, a direct relationship is established with Allah and without anyintercessor at that.
Islam is not a new religion. It is, in essence, thesame message and guidance which Allah revealed to all His prophets, like Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, David, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (‘alaihimus salaam). But the message which was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) is Islam in its comprehensive, complete and finalform.
The Qur’an is the revealed words of Allah and the basic source ofIslamic teachings and Laws. It deals with the basis of creeds, morality, historyof humanity, worship, knowledge, wisdom, man’s relationship with God, and humanrelationships in all aspects. It contains comprehensive teachings of which, canbe built sound systems and social justice, economics, politics, legislation, jurisprudence, law and international relations, all of which are importantcontents of the Qur’an.
Thehadeeth, which contains the teachings, sayings, approvals and actions of Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) meticulously reported and collected by his devoted companions, explainsand elaborates on the Qur’anic verses.
THEFUNDAMENTAL ARTICLES OF FAITH IN ISLAM
(THE BELIEFS):
The true faithful Muslim believes inthe following principal articles of faith:1. Belief in one God (Allah), Supremeand Eternal, Infinite and Mighty, Merciful and Forgiving, the Creator and theProvider, He begets not, nor was He begotten, and there is none equal orcomparable unto Him. 2. Belief in all Messengers of Allah (Ar-Rusul) without any discrimination among them, as every known nation had a warner ormessenger from Allah. They were chosen by Allah to teach humanity and deliverHis Divine message. The Qur’an mentions the names of some of them, and Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) stands as the last messenger and the crowningglory of the foundation of prophethood. 3. Belief in all original scriptures andrevelations of Allah (Al-Kutub), accepting them as the guiding light thatthe messengers received to show their respective people the right path to Him. In the Qur’an,special reference is made to the books of Abraham, Moses, Davidand Jesus (‘alaihimus salaam), but long before the revelation of the Qur’an toMuhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) some of these books and revelations hadbeen lost or corrupted. The only authentic and complete book of Allah inexistence today is the Qur’an, which has been preserved as it was revealed toProphet Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) in its pristine, pure form. 4. Belief in the angels (malaa-ikah) of Allah, recognizing them asspiritually pure and splendid beings whose nature requires no food, drink orsleep. They are honored servants who are assigned certain functions, and spendtheir days and nights in the worship of Allah. They do not speak before Allahdoes, and they act only by His command. 5. Belief in the Last Day (YaumAl-Qiyaaamah) and the Hereafter (Al-Aakhirah), acknowledging thatthis world will end someday, and that the dead will rise to stand for theirfinal and fair trial. People with good records will be generously rewarded andwarmly welcomed to the heaven of Allah, and those with bad records will bepunished and cast into Hell and none will be treated with injustice.6. Belief inFate (Qadr), whether good or bad, which Allah, measured and ordained forall creatures according to his previous knowledge, and as deemed suitable by hiswisdom. And in the timeless knowledge of Allah, and in His power to plan andexecute His plans, nothing could happen in His Kingdom against His will. Hisknowledge and power which are always in action command over His creation. He iswise and merciful, and whatever he does must have a meaningful purpose. If thisis established in our minds and hearts, we should accept with good faith allthat He does, although we may fail to understand it fully, or think it is bad.
Faith without action and practice is a dead end as far as Islam isconcerned, for faith by nature is very sensitive and can be most influential. When it is out of practice or out of use, it quickly loses its liveliness andmotivational power.THERE ARE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM
(THE ACTIONS)1. Shahadatain (Testimony):To bear witness that there is none worthy ofworship except Allah (The Creator), and that Muhammad (salllallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is His Messenger. Muslims are obliged to follow his exemplary life as amodel. 2. Salah:Daily prayers are offered five times a day as a dutytowards Allah. They strengthen and enliven the belief in Allah and inspire manto a higher morality. They purify the heart and prevent temptation towardswrong-doings and evil things. They are: Salatul-Fajr (The Dawn Prayer), Salatul-Dhuhr (The Noon Prayer), Salatul-Asr (The Afternoon Prayer), Salatul-Maghrib (The Sunset Prayer), Salatul-Isha (The Evening Prayer). 3. Zakaah(Charity): The literal and simple meaning of Zakaah is purity, while its technical meaning designates the annual amount in kind or cash that aMuslim with means must distribute among the rightful beneficiaries from hisyearly net savings. But the religious and spiritual significance of Zakaah ismuch deeper and more valuable than its humanitarian, and socio-political value. 4. Sawm(Fasting): The Muslims during the month ofRamadando notonly abstain from food, drink and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset butthey are also required to refrain from evil intentions and desires throughoutthe whole months of the year in general, and during the month ofRamadaninparticular. It teaches love, sincerity and devotion, and develops a sound socialconscience, patience, selflessness and will power as well. 5. Hajj (Pilgrimage toMecca): It is tobe performed once in a lifetime, so long as one can afford it financially andphysically, and it is the largest annual convention of faith where Muslims meetto know one another, study their common affairs and promote their generalwelfare without prejudice or bias as to one's color, race, nationality as wellas status in life. After all, everyone is equal in the sight of Allah, and soHajj therefore demonstrates in effect the universality of Islam and thebrotherhood and equality of Muslims.
THIS ISISLAM
THE TRUE WAY FOR SUCCESS
IN THIS LIFE AND IN THE LIFEHEREAFTER
