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Articles: Islam- General
Contents:
*Islam: A Brief Introduction
*Shahadah:The First Pillar of Islam
*Discover Islam by Mostafa Malaekah
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ISLAM: A BRIEF INTRODUCTION
*ISLAM
Islam is a complete code of life. It tells man about the purpose of his creation and existence, his ultimate destiny, his place among other creatures and more importantly, provides him with the guidance to lead a purposeful life aimed towards his success in the life hereafter.
The Arabic word ISLAM means submission and obedience to the commands of Allah. Allah, an Arabic word is the proper name of God. Muslims prefer to use the name Allah rather than the word God. The Islamic way of life is based on total obedience to Allah. This is the way to obtain peace here and hereafter; hence Islam also means peace.
*MUSLIM
A person, who freely and consciously accepts the Islamic way of life and practices it, is called a Muslim.
*Basic Beliefs
Islam is based on basis beliefs, which shape the Islamic Way of life. They are known as Iman Mufassal; which translated means faith in detail.
There are six basic beliefs in Islam, which are:
1. Belief in the Oneness of Allah
2. Belief in the Angels of Allah
3. Belief in the Books of Allah
4. Belief in the Prophets of Allah
5. Belief in the Last Day
6. Belief in the Powers of Allah that all good and bad come from Allah (Al-Qadr)
The above basic beliefs may be classified into 3 elements. They are Tawheed, Risalat and Akhirat
Tawheed (Oneness of Allah)
Risalat (Prophethood)
Akhirat (Life after death)
TAWHEED (Oneness of Allah) is the most important Islamic belief. It also comprises Al-Qadr, which is the ultimate power of Allah. It implies that everything on this earth originates from the One and Only Creator Who is also the Sustainer and the sole source of guidance. This belief governs all aspect of life.
Islam views human life as a compact whole and rejects any compartmentalization. As the Creator and Source of Guidance are one and the same, so He is the claimant to worship and obedience.
There is no scope for partnership. Tawheed is pure Monotheism. It tells man that Allah is neither born nor is anyone born of Him. He has no son or daughter. Human beings are His subjects. He is the Supreme and ever active Lord of the Universe. He is Allah, the One.
Tawheed brings a total change in the life of the believer. This belief makes him bow down only to the One and Only Creator who is ever watchful of all his actions on earth. He must work for Allah's word in all areas of life and by doing so he achieves the purpose of his life -the pleasure of Allah.
RISALAT (Prophethood) has been the channel of communication between Allah and mankind. Allah, the Creator has not left man without guidance for the conduct of his life. Since the beginning of creation, He has sent down His guidance through selected people to convey it to their fellow men. These chosen people are called prophets and messengers. The chain of Risalat began with Adam (PBUH), included Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Lot, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Jesus, and ended with Muhammad (PBUH). The message of all the Prophets and Messengers is one and the same. They all asked the people of their time to obey and worship Allah alone and none other. It was necessary to send Prophets at different times to bring back straying human beings from deviations to the Right Course (Siratul Mustaqeem). Other channels of Risalah are the Angels who brought Allah's message to the Prophets.
The books of Allah sent to men through the Prophets are: Tawrat, Zabur, Injeel, and the Quran. The Quran revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is the last of the revealed books of guidance.
AKHIRAT (Life after death) The Day of Judgment and Resurrection both fall into this category. On that day all men and women from Adam to the last person will be resurrected from the state of death for judgment. This belief has far reaching impact on the conduct of life of a believer. It introduces accountability of a believer to His Creator on the Day of Judgment. Belief in life after death implies that Allah will judge all our actions in the life hereafter. A person who obeys Allah throughout his life will be rewarded and will be assigned a permanent place of happiness in Paradise, the person judged to be an evil doer will be punished and sent to Hell, a place of suffering.
One who believes in life after death is expected not to work against the Will of Allah. He will always bear in mind that Allah is watching all his actions and the angels are recording them. Many present day problems of the world would disappear if everyone acted fully in accordance with this belief.
*CONTINUITY OF MESSAGE
Islam is not a new religion. It is, in essence, the same message and guidance, which Allah revealed to all His Prophets.
''Say: we believe in God and that which was revealed to us, and that which was revealed to Abraham and Ismael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes that which was given to Moses and Jesus and to the Prophets from their Lord; We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we submit.''(Al-Quran 3:84)
The message, which was to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is Islam in its comprehensive, complete and final form.
*THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM
Every action, which is done with the awareness that it fulfills the Will of God, is considered an act of worship in Islam. Nevertheless, the specific acts of worship, termed the pillars of Islam, provide the framework of spiritual life.
They are the following:
AASH-SHAHADAH (Declaration of faith) the first of the five pillars is to pronounce knowingly and voluntarily the Kalima known as the declaration of faith:
LAILAHA ILLLALLAH MUHAMMADUR RASUL ALLAH
''There is no god except Allah, Muhammad is Allah's Messenger''
This declaration contains within it the two basic concepts of Tawheed and Risalat stated earlier. The other four pillars of Islam revolve round this central pillar.
SALAT (Prayer) is offered five times a day, individually or in congregation. It is a devotional activity to keep man in constant touch with his Creator; to suppress his arrogance, revive his sense of promise and fuel his facilities of goodness, righteousness, courage and fair play. It is a disciplinary measure that makes the fine adjustments and corrections, five times daily, which are necessary to keep a person on the tracks of healthy physical and moral conduct, sanity and goodwill, and allow him to live in peace with God, man and whole of nature.
ZAKAT (Poor-tax) is the means by which the well off and the 'haves' of society can 'preserve' and 'purify' the wealth which God had entrusted them with, having lawfully and deservedly earned it. They are asked to spend a small proportion of their surplus wealth on causes that are beneficial to society as a whole, such as supporting the poor, the needy, the disabled, the oppressed, stranded travelers, aid to Muslim minorities and converts, for Jihad and Dawah (propagation). Sadaqah but not Zakat can finance building mosques and hospitals. It is a self-imposed tax willingly given and publicly collected.
The Zakat based economic system of Islam has yet to be matched in its equity by another system.
SIYAM (Fasting) is an Islamic activity, which is devoted to God alone. From dawn to sunset every day for thirty consecutive days (the whole month of Ramadhan, the 9th month in the Muslim calendar) a Muslim voluntarily gives up eating, drinking and sex and undergoes a deliberate training programme of self-discipline and moral upgrading-all for the one single aim of invoking the pleasure and the grace of God. Improvement in the state of society as a whole. There is a night of special significance in Ramadhan known as LAYLAT UL QADR (Night of power). It occurs in one of the odd numbered nights of the last ten days of the month of Ramadhan. The Quran mentions it as a night ''better than thousand months''.
HAJJ (Pilgrimage) the last of the five pillars is a journey set out for the worship of God to foster the well being of man. Most of the Muslim's actions during the Hajj are symbolic but their significance and effect are most profound. While pursuing his own personal goals in Hajj, a Muslim is brought face to face with the life-size reality of the universality of his way of life and the unshakable brotherhood of his race-the human race. The experience is overwhelming in its physical dimensions (more than two million people undertake the pilgrimage every year) as well as its spiritual and religious content- a unique experience which to be lived to be believed.
*THE QURAN
The Quran is the sacred book of the Muslims. It is the last book of guidance from Allah, sent down to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). Every word of it is the word of Allah. It was revealed over 23 years in the Arabic language. It contains 114 Surat (chapters) and over 6000 verses.
Muslims usually learn to read it and many memorise it. They are expected to understand its meaning and practice its teachings.
The Quran is unrivalled in its recording and preservation. The astonishing fact about this book of Allah is that it has remained unchanged over the past fourteen hundred years.
The Quran deals with man and his ultimate goal in life. Its teachings cover all areas of this life and the life after death. It contains principles, doctrines, and directions for every sphere of human life. The theme of the Quran broadly consists of three fundamental ideas, Oneness of Allah, Prophethood and life after Death. The success of human beings on this earth and in the life hereafter depends on obedience to the Quranic teachings.
*FESTIVALS
These occasions are observed with due solemnity to seek the pleasure of Allah, the corner stone of all Islamic activity. There is no concept of a festival for pleasure's own sake; but there are occasions of joy and happiness. The happiest occasion of a Muslim's life is to see the sovereignty of Allah established in its totality in His land. The two major occasions of joy and happiness in Islam are:
EID UL FITR is observed at the end of the month of Ramadhan. On this day after the month of fasting, Muslims express their joy and happiness by offering congregational prayer preferably in an open field. They express their gratitude to Allah for enabling them to observe fasting, which is a training, programme designed to prepare them to live as practising Muslims. Special dishes are prepared and it is customary to visit friends and relatives and to give presents to children to make the occasion lively and a special one for them.
EID UL ADHA begins on the 10th of Dhul Hijja and continues until the 12th day of the month. This celebration is observed to commemorate the sacrifices of Abraham when he was asked by Allah to sacrifice his own son, Ishmael.
Abraham showed his readiness and Allah was well pleased. A lamb was sacrificed instead of Ishmael on Allah's command. Muslims offer congregational prayer on the day, and after prayer they sacrifice animals like sheep, goats, cows, camels, to seek the pleasure of Allah. The meat of the sacrificed animal is eaten and shared among relatives, neighbours and the poor.
Islamic festivals are observed according to the Islamic calendar, which based on lunar year is shorter by 10 days than the solar year. Festival dates are determined by the appearance of the Moon.
*MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE
Marriage is the basis of family life in Islam. It is a solemn contract between a bridegroom and bride. Parents with the consent of the boy and girl generally arrange Muslim marriages. Marriages are performed in a simple but magnificent ceremony in the presence of relatives, friends and neighbours.
Islam does not allow free mixing of grown up boys and girls; nor does it allow sex before marriage. Extra marital sex is severely punished. No discrimination is made on the basis of sex. Husband and wife are equal partners of the family and play their part in their respective fields. Divorce is permitted but is regarded as the most abominable of lawful acts.
*DIET
There are some regulations regarding diet, which must be observed by all Muslims. A Muslim is not allowed to eat:
-Carrion
-Animals slaughtered in the name of one other than Allah
-Animals strangled to death
-Swine
-Carnivorous animals
-Animals devoured by wild beasts
-The blood of an animal
Fish and vegetables are permitted. Islamic law requires that animal to be slaughtered by a sharp knife penetrating the inner part of the animal's neck to allow maximum drainage of blood. The invocation of the name of Allah is obligatory at the time of slaughter.
All varieties of alcoholic drinks such as beer and spirits are prohibited. These rules aim at rooting out evil effects of food and drink on the health of society.
*DRESS
A Muslim is required to cover his body properly and decently. No particular dress is recommended. Outlines for guidance include:
[i] For men, covered from navel to knee is a must.
[ii] For women, covering of the whole body except face and hands is compulsory. A woman must not wear a dress that arouses man's base feelings, e.g.: A transparent, skin tight or flimsy dress.
[iii] Pure silk and gold are not allowed for men.
[iv] Clothing resembling that of the opposite sex is prohibited.
[v] Symbolic dress of other religions is not allowed.
Simplicity and modesty are encouraged. Dress expressing arrogance is disliked. The style of dress depends on local custom and climatic conditions.
*SOCIAL MANNERS
Islam teaches decency, humility and good manners. A Muslim greets another Muslim saying:
ASSALAMU ALAIKUM (Peace upon you)
And is reciprocated by:
WA ALAYKUM AS SALAM (And upon you be peace)
Honouring one's promises, truthfulness, justice, fairplay, helping the poor and needy, respect for parents, teachers and elders, love of children and good relations with one's neighbours, are the most respected qualities of a Muslim.
Islam condemns enmity, backbiting, slander, blasphemy, ridicule, and use of offensive names, suspicion and arrogance. Muslims must not adopt these bad habits.
IN THE PAST Muslims produced a civilisation, which has left an everlasting influence on the civilisation of mankind. They restored dignity to the human race cultivated positive well-balanced sciences of nature and developed arts which conveyed the human experience in its totality and emulated the natural beauty of the world around in themes that are simple but beautiful, austere but dazzlingly elegant, varied but all embracing.
AT PRESENT, though by today's standards Muslims may be considered technologically, politically and economically backward, they still preserve for mankind sanity and common sense. They constitute the human infrastructure that holds real hope for the healthy survival of mankind.
IN THE FUTURE Islam, with the profundity for its principles and the strength of its traditions and culture, has something really meaningful and positive to offer to the civilisation of our planet, it is the natural religion, Deen'ul fitrah, that brings the souls and aspirations of men together eliminating the alienation of the individual while preserving his freedom and happiness. It holds the promise of rescuing man from the collision course on which he is heading, with a guarantee of success and satisfaction in this world and in the life that is sure to come.
Some useful Books on Islam
* T. B. Irving, et al,
The Quran: Basic Teachings.
*Hamidullah Abdulati
*Islam in Focus
*M.Qutb
* Islam: The Misunderstood Religion
* Abul Ala Maudoodi
Towards Understanding Islam
*Maurice Bucalle
The Bible, The Quran and Science
*Suzanne Haneef
*What Everyone Should Know About Islam
and the Muslims
* Abdul Wahid Hamid
Islam the Natural Way
*Dr. Hassan Hathout:
Reading the Muslim Mind
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Shahadah: The First Pillar of Islam
The first thing required of a Muslim is his expression of faith: “I testify that there is no god but Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”
This is the first and most important pillar of Islam because it is not merely a statement by the tongue, but an oath that must be acted upon, a commitment that affects the person’s entire life.
Islam is not merely a religion. It is a way of life.
If the other four pillars (prayer, zakat, fasting, and hajj) require a temporary expenditure of time and effort, the first pillar (shahadah) covers all of the Muslim’s activities, words and thoughts.
La Ilaha ill-Allah
(There is no god to be worshipped except Allah)
The concept of “no divinity except Allah (God)” is always alive in the heart of a Muslim believer. He recognizes that Allah alone is the Creator, He alone is the Provider, the Controller, and He is the Self-Subsistent, the source of all things, the source of all benefit and harm. This requires that He alone be worshipped and obeyed.
Man, like all creation cannot do without the favours of Allah even for an instant. He is completely dependant upon Allah for his continued existence, much less his daily needs and his many abilities.
It is instinctive in man’s nature to worship something he considers greater than himself, because he is aware of his own weakness and dependence. The prophets were all sent by Allah to direct mankind to the proper worship-of Him only.
Islam emphasises the unity of divinity (tauheed) as opposed to the concept of trinity in Christianity and plurality of gods in other religions. Allah is the original source of all things and actions. He alone is the cause of all incidents which occur in creation. Allah is completely superior to and unlike anything He has created. He is not in anyway a part of his creation, nor is it a part of Him. Therefore, although Allah has revealed to us certain of His qualities, they are not like those found in man. No one is able to imagine Allah because He is completely above and beyond His creation. This uniqueness of God the Creator is found only in Islam. The significance of that uniqueness is that He alone should be worshipped. We as Muslims reject the worship of any idols, natural phenomena, animals, human beings (even prophets) objects or ideals other than the One Almighty God: Allah. In addition, no other creature or human being has the right of intercession between us and Allah. Our relationship with Him is direct and personal.
“No god but Allah” includes the question of authority. The right to govern man justly belongs to the One who created him Men who govern others by laws other than Allah’s law have assumed the divine right for themselves. Willing obedience to them is to associate equals to Allah. Here both the ruler and his followers have committed the grave sin of “shirk” or considering others as partners or equals to Allah. The Muslim obeys those in authority as long as they do not order something contradictory to the divine law.
If a person does not worship, obey, and follow the law of Allah alone, then he is worshipping something else other than Him or along with Him therefore cannot be considered a Muslim (in submission to Him). False gods include: material objects or idols, elements such as fire, heavenly bodies, angels, other human beings, saints, dead ancestors, certain customs and traditions, social systems such as communism, popular fashion trends, and one’s own wishes and desires- in short, whatever governs the way a person lives. When one is guided to the true path of Allah, all other ways lose their place in his heart, and are replaced by desire to please Allah alone.
The knowledge of Allah’s perfect qualities and His power, mercy, justice and all-awareness lead the Muslim to love Him and fear Him at the same time, which results in a strong desire to do what is right and avoid what is wrong, anticipating Allah’s judgment of Him and full compensation in the next life for goodness and for evil.
The true believer lives a highly moral life even when alone, and inspite of the corruption of those around him. He knows that he alone will answer to Allah for his deeds, words and even his intentions.
“No god but Allah” when practiced in full establishes Justice among the people. All are equal in the sight of Allah, the best of men being only the most righteous.
Relationships are based on faith more than blood ties, nationality or mutual interests. Class systems based on wealth or races have no place in Islam. Spiritual values replace material values. This worldly life loses importance when compared to the Hereafter. The Muslim recognises that it is a temporary period of trial and that the goal is the final permanent life.
And finally, the Muslim’s refusal to associate anything with Allah is what will save him on the Day of Judgment and guarantee his acceptance by Allah with the great reward of Paradise. By True and complete worship of Allah alone he earns peace of mind and human dignity on earth in spite of any difficulties he might face, and complete
Satisfaction and happiness in the life to come.
Muhammadur Rasool Ullah
Muhammad is the messenger of Allah
Belief in Allah’s messenger means accepting the Prophet Muhammad as the last apostle at different times to guide and reform them, the “Seal of the Prophets”, Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent with the final revelation (the Qurán) from Allah to all of mankind.
Prophet Muhammad is the spokesman for Allah by His authority. His duty was not only to deliver the message that Allah revealed, but also to explain it and put it into practice as an example to be followed by men. The Qurán (revealed words of Allah) and the Sunnah (sayings and examples) of the Prophet are the two main sources of Islamic law.
In Qurán, Allah has made obedience to the Prophet incumbent on the believers as well. Several verses contain the words “Obey Allah and the Messenger.” Others warn against opposing the Prophet and the consequences of that. Examples from Qurán: “And we have not sent any messenger except to be obeyed by Allah’s permission.”(4:64) “Whosoever obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah” (4:80) “And establish prayer and give zakat and obey the Messenger, that you should receive mercy” (24:56) Allah told the Prophet to say to people: say: If you love Allah then follow me and Allah will love you and forgive you your sins…” (3:31)
The teachings and examples of the Prophet Muhammad are available to us today in the form of “hadith” or sayings and traditions related and recorded by those who witnessed them or heard them. Every detail of the Prophet’s life has been told, even private matters, so that we might follow in his footsteps, seeking the pleasure of Allah. Allah has told us: “Indeed you have in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day…” (33:21). The scholars have carefully screened all of these traditions, accepting as true only those whose chain of narrators is known to be completely reliable and sound. Studying the biography of the Prophet also gives much insight into his extraordinary character.
Our acceptance and reverence for Prophet Muhammad is no way lessens that of the previous messengers. All were sent by Allah to fulfill a purpose and all are held in high esteem by Muslims.
Our acceptance of the Prophet Muhammad as the final messenger sent by Allah to complete His religion upon the earth eliminates belief in any claim to prophethood after him. The Muslim completely rejects the claims of all false prophets as lies. Allah has said “Muhammad is not the father of any of our men, but he is the messenger of Allah and seal of the prophets. And Allah has full knowledge of all things.” (33:40)
The Prophet’s Sunnah takes precedence over the opinion of all men, even Islamic scholars. Along with Qurán, it is considered proof in any cases of doubt or disagreement about what is allowed, prohibited or preferable, because the Prophet’s authority is derived from the Divine Will. Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent to mankind as a mercy from Allah, to teach and demonstrate the true worship of Him.
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DISCOVER ISLAM
Compiled by Mostafa Malaekah
Introducing Islâm
There are few people on earth today who have not heard something about Islam. Yet, one is often surprised to learn that it is really quite different from his initial impression. For Islâm is not as it is represented in the Western media, nor is it Arab culture, nor is it a religion in the sense of mere private conviction (or more often, speculation) concerning the state of existence.
Islâm is very widely known in the West for what it is not! Active slandering and tarnishing of Islâm has become a mission and career for some groups in politics, in the media and the entertainment field. The average person has heard of or has read about Islâm mostly through sources that are critical (even hostile), or writers who have had colonial or missionary motives, which have often given a certain slant to the interpretation of Islâm in the western mind.
Islâm is a voluntary relationship between an individual and his Creator. The outstanding difference between this and other religions is that Islâm refuses to accept any form of creation whatsoever as a deity worthy of worship. It emphasizes the exclusive worship of the One who created the heavens and the earth, to whom all creation will finally return. It is not a new religion but the continuation and culmination of preceding monotheistic religion - the same truth revealed by God to every prophet. Hence, it is for all peoples and all times.
Who are the Muslims?
Over one and a half billion people (about one fourth of the world's population) from a vast range of races, nationalities and cultures across the globe are united by the common Islâmic faith. Of these, about 18 percent live in the Arab world. The world's largest Muslim community is in Indonesia, and substantial parts of Asia and much of Africa are Muslim, while significant minorities are to be found in Russia, as well as China, North and South America, Europe and Oceania. For Muslims, Islâm is both a religion and a complete way of life.
Meaning of "Islâm"
Of all the major religions of the world, Islâm stands apart in that it does not derive its name from a tribe or person or locality; like Judaism (from Judea), or Christianity (from Christ) or Buddhism (from Buddha), or Hinduism (from the land of Hind, i.e., India). And Islâm does not derive its name from the Prophet Muhammad. Muhammad is not worshipped, nor is he regarded as the founder of Islâm or the author of its holy scripture, the Qur'ân. The term "Islâm" occurs in more than one place in the Qur'ân itself. It is derived from the Arabic root (slm) which connotes "peace" or "submission". Indeed, the proper meaning of "Islâm" is the attainment of peace, both inner and outer peace, by submission of oneself to the will of God (Allâh). This means conscious, loving and trusting submission, the acceptance of His grace and following of His path. In that sense the Muslim regards Islâm not as a new religion that came in the seventh century with the advent of the Prophet Muhammad, but as a continuation of the basic mission of all prophets throughout history. That mission was perfected and made universal with the last of those prophets, Muhammad.
Islâmic Monotheism
Muslims do not have a separate god of their own whom they call "Allâh." The name "Allâh" has no connotation at all of a tribal, Arabian or even a Muslim god. "Allâh" simply means the one and only true, universal God of all. "Allâh " is a proper name belonging only to the one almighty God, Creator and Sustainer of the heavens and the earth and all that is within them, the Eternal and Absolute, to whom alone all worship is due. God states in the Qur'ân that His name is Allâh. Hence, Muslims refer to and call on Him by His proper name, Allâh.
What are the basic attributes of Allâh? The Qur'ân mentions the "best names" (or attributes) of Allâh. Instead of enumerating them all, we will examine a few. Some attributes emphasize the transcendence of Allâh. The Qur'ân repeatedly makes it clear that Allâh is beyond our limited perception: "There is nothing like unto Him ."(Qur'ân 42:11) "Vision perceives Him not , but He perceives [all] vision."(Qur'ân 6:103) "Nor is there to Him any equivalent."(Qur'ân 112:4) A Muslim never thinks of Allâh as having any particular image, whether physical, human, material or otherwise. Such attributes as "the all-Knowing," "the Eternal," "the Omnipotent," "the all-Encompassing," "the Just," and "the Sovereign" also emphasize transcendence. But this does not mean that Allâh is a mere philosophical concept or a deity far removed. Indeed, alongside this emphasis on the transcendence of Allâh, the Qur'ân also speaks of Allâh as a God who is close, easily approachable, kind, affectionate, loving, forgiving and merciful. The very first passage in the Qur'ân, repeated at the start of every chapter is "In the name of Allâh, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful…" The Qur'ân tells us that when Allâh created the first human He "breathed into him from His [created] soul ."(Qur'ân 32:9) and that Allâh is "closer to him (the human) than [his] jugular vein."(Qur'ân 50:16) In another beautiful and moving passage we are told, "And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me – indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided."(Qur'ân 2:186)
For the Muslim, monotheism does not mean simply the oneness of God, but the absolute uniqueness of Allâh, which precludes the notion of anyone sharing in the godhead. The opposite of monotheism in Islâm is called "shirk", an Arabic term meaning the association of another with Allâh in some aspect of divinity. It includes polytheism, dualism (one god for good or light and another for evil or darkness), and pantheism, the idea that God is within everything. All forms of god-incarnate philosophies are excluded by Islâm's monotheism, as is blind obedience to dictators, clergy, or one's own whims and desires, rather than to the ordinances of God (Allâh). All these are regarded as forms of "associating" others with Allâh (shirk), either by believing that some creatures of Allâh possess divinity or by believing that they share in the divine attributes of Allâh. To the Muslim, monotheism is not simply a dogma, thought or belief; it is something that deeply influences one’s whole outlook on life.
What do Muslims believe?
Muslims believe in one, unique, incomparable God, in the angels created by Him, in the prophets through whom His revelations were brought to mankind, in the Day of Judgement and individual accountability for actions, in God's complete authority over human destiny , and in life after death.
Allâh is the Creator and Sustainer of this universe. Since man cannot know his Creator through the physical senses, Allâh has revealed Himself through a series of messengers and prophets. We are familiar with some of them through earlier scriptures such as the Torah and the Gospel. Every people on earth was at some time sent a messenger from Allâh, but with the passing of generations men tended to deviate from the true religion, often replacing it with alien ideas and practices. Each prophet was sent to reform his people and turn them back to the worship of Allâh alone. The last of these prophets was Muhammad, through whom Allâh's message was completed. Allâh promised that this final message would be preserved for all mankind. And the words revealed by Allâh through the angel Gabriel to Prophet Muhammad have indeed been passed down to us in their original Arabic text, unchanged since the time of revelation. This scripture is called the Qur'ân.
The essence of Allâh's message through all of the prophets was: "O mankind, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him."(Qur'ân 7:59,65,73,85; Also 11:50,61,84; and 23:23,32) Allâh further states that He made this life in order to test man so that every person may be recompensed after death for what he earned: "[He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed – and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving."(Qur'ân 67:2) Allâh alone is the judge of human righteousness, and it is Allâh alone who rewards and punishes in this life and in the Hereafter.
Allâh is one. His unity is evident in the order, arrangement and symmetry of the universe. He is all-knowing and all-powerful. He is completely just and merciful. Allâh has revealed certain names and descriptions of Himself so that we may have some understanding of His qualities and therefore love, and at the same time, fear Him.
Nothing is worthy of worship except Him who created the universe - not stone idols or fire, not heavenly bodies such as the sun and moon, not animals, not angels, and not other men (including prophets) - for all of these are His creations.
This universe was not formed by chance, nor is it left to chance. Allâh created it for a purpose and subjected it to physical laws for an appointed period of time. Man was created for a purpose as well - to worship Allâh on earth and live according to His law. This is the essence of Islâm. It is Allâh alone (who created us and knows us better than we know ourselves) who has the right to govern our lives. And His law means justice for all people regardless of gender, nationality, colour or social status. Human beings are judged only on the basis of righteousness.
Man has been given a free will and has been left the choice of whether or not he will follow the way of Allâh. Furthermore, he has been given a mind with which he is able to reason and choose wisely. One may, by his own efforts, gain knowledge that enables him to recognize the evidence of Allâh in His creation. By contemplation one may weigh, measure and learn from all situations. And finally, because the human mind and experience is limited, Allâh has revealed the guidance we need through prophets.
After making available the information necessary for one to choose His way, Allâh informs us in the Qur'ân that after passing through a temporary stage of death man will bear the consequences of his choice in a greater life to come: "Every soul will taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as trial; and to Us you will be returned."(Qur'ân 21:35) Every individual is personally responsible for his own deeds - both good and evil. No one else can carry the burden of his sins.
On the other hand, Allâh is always prepared to accept and forgive any servant who has gone astray and then repents and turns back to Him. The compensation for evil will be exact justice, but the compensation for good will be much greater - complete satisfaction and happiness.
This last message revealed by Allâh to mankind through Prophet Muhammad is the final and complete religion and legal code for mankind. Just as a new revised law supersedes and invalidates what came before it, Islâm now nullifies all former religions on earth. It corrects the deviations that had crept into religion previously, in the realm of both belief and practice. The text of the Qur'ân has been preserved by Allâh in order that humanity may no longer have an excuse to deviate and that there may always be men who keep the true religion.
The final prophet sent by the Creator to mankind was an example to be followed and obeyed. Prophet Muhammad patterned his life on the teachings of the Qur'ân, which were revealed to him by Allâh. True Muslims try to follow this noble example. A high moral standard is clearly the goal of Islâm. It is the duty of every Muslim to learn and put into practice all that he can of his religion in order to earn the pleasure of Allâh before returning to Him.
Muslims have two distinct advantages to help them in the practice of Islâm as their way of life:
1. The sacred scripture, the Qur'ân, is the recorded words of Allâh, Himself, dictated verbatim to Prophet Muhammad in instalments through the angel Gabriel over a period of 23 years, between 610 and 633 AD. It was immediately memorised and put down in writing. It is divided into 114 chapters, called surahs. The Qur'ân still remains authentic in its original Arabic text, word for word and letter for letter. This language is used and understood by millions of people in the world today. The Qur'ân is the final revelation of Allâh to all mankind. It contains Allâh's guidance in teachings and commandments, which continue to be valid for all times and places and which encompass all spheres of human life.
2. The example of Prophet Muhammad lives on as well. There is a complete and authentic record showing how he exemplified the teachings and commandments of Allâh and elaborated the principles laid down in the Qur'ân - all in order to provide a sure guidance for their interpretation and application for all later times and societies. The teachings of the Prophet (called "sunnah" or "hadeeth") are based upon the Qur'ân. It is important to emphasize that the Qur'ân was neither written nor composed by Muhammad. Such a view contradicts what the Qur'ân says of itself and of Muhammad: that the Prophet is not speaking on his own but only transmitting the revelation dictated to him by the angel Gabriel (Qur'ân 53:3-5). To suggest that the Qur'ân borrowed from or was copied from previous revelations is an accusation of prophetic plagiarism. The fact that there are similarities between the Qur'ân and previous scriptures is simply due to the fact that the God who spoke through those earlier prophets is the same who revealed the Qur'ân to Muhammad, the one and only true God, Allâh. However, the Qur'ân is the last revealed holy scripture, which supersedes previous ones and is the only one still available in the exact words and language of its revelation.
Worship in Islâm and the inner self
Worship is central to Islâm. Allâh states in the Qur'ân that He created man to be His "khalifah", or trustee on earth (Qur'ân 2:30). Mankind's basic trust, our responsibility, is to believe in and worship Allâh: "And I did not create the Jinn and mankind except to worship Me…"(Qur'ân 51:56-58). Mandatory worship in Islâm comprises five areas, as described by Prophet Muhammad: "Islâm is built on five pillars: The shahadah (declaration of faith), the establishment of salah (regular prayer), the payment of zakah (required expenditure for the needy), siyam (fasting) the month of Ramadhân, and the hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) if one is able to do so." Needless to say, buildings do not consist of pillars alone, rather, pillars exist to support entire buildings. Those who reduce Islâm to the area of ritual worship naturally lack an understanding of its comprehensive and total nature and of the purpose that these acts of worship are meant to serve in moulding the character of the worshipper. The "five pillars of Islâm" are the minimum requirements of worship, while any lawful act performed with the conscious intention of pleasing Allâh is actually worship of Him. Charitable acts are without limit, down to the smallest detail of meeting people with a smiling face or removing harmful objects from the road. Such deeds were enjoined on believers by Prophet Muhammad. Practically all of one's actions can become, with the correct intention, legitimate acts of worship. We will now briefly discuss each of these pillars.
Shahâdah (declaration of faith)
The shahadah (declaration of faith) is the most important pillar of Islâm. The simple statement: "I testify that there is no deity [worthy of worship] except Allâh, and I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allâh" is the password into Islâm. Uttering it with sincerity is all that is required of a person to become a Muslim.
The concept of "no deity except Allâh" is always alive in the Muslim's heart. He recognizes that Allâh alone is the Creator, that He alone is the Provider and Sustainer, that He is the true Reality, the source of all things - of all benefit and harm. This requires that He be worshipped and obeyed.
Islâm emphasizes the unity of divinity (tawheed) as opposed to the concept of trinity in Christianity and plurality of gods in other religions. Allâh is the original source of all occurrences and actions. He is completely superior to and unlike anything He has created. He is not in any way a part of His creation, nor is it a part of Him. Therefore, although Allâh has revealed to us certain qualities of His, they are not like those found in man. No one is able to imagine Allâh because He is completely above and beyond His creation. This concept of the uniqueness of Allâh the Creator is found only in Islâm. The significance of that uniqueness is that He alone can rightfully be worshipped. In addition, no other creature or human being has the right of intercession between man and Allâh. Instead, the Muslim's relationship with Him is direct and personal.
"No deity except Allâh" includes the question of authority. The right to govern man belongs to the One who created him. When one is guided to the true path of Allâh, all other ways of life lose their place in his heart and are replaced by a desire to please Him alone in anticipation of the judgement and full compensation in the next life.
Belief in Allâh's messenger means accepting Prophet Muhammad as the last messenger sent by Him. While previous messengers were sent to peoples at different times to guide and reform them, the "Seal of the Prophets," Muhammad, was sent with the final revelation (i.e., the Qur'ân) to all of mankind as guidance for humanity until the Day of Judgement.
Prophet Muhammad is the spokesman for Allâh by His authority. Muhammad's duty was not only to deliver the message which Allâh revealed but also to explain it and put it into practice as an example to be followed by mankind. Thus, the Qur'ân and the authentic Sunnah (sometimes referred to as hadeeth) are the two main sources of Islâmic law. Sunnah refers to the words, actions and confirmations (consent) of Prophet Muhammad in matters pertaining to the meaning and practice of Islâm. Sunnah is a form of revelation given to Prophet Muhammad, but not verbatim, as is the case with the Qur'ân.
In the Qur'ân, Allâh has made obedience to the Prophet mandatory upon the believers. The teachings of Prophet Muhammad, i.e., his sayings and traditions related and recorded by those who actually witnessed or heard them, have been carefully scrutinised concerning the reliability of their transmitters. Only those are accepted whose chain of narrators is known to be completely reliable and sound.
Acceptance of Prophet Muhammad as the final messenger sent by Allâh to complete His religion upon the earth eliminates belief in any claim to prophethood after him. Thus, a Muslim completely rejects the claims of all false prophets. The Qur'ân states:" Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and seal [i.e., last] of the prophets. And ever is Allah, of all things, Knowing."(Quran 33:40)
Salâh (establishment of regular prayer)
Salah is the Arabic term for prayer, referring specifically to the particular manner in which Muslims perform it by standing, bowing and prostrating. No other form of worship can be compared to salah, for it is the basis of religion. Salah puts Muslims in continuous communication with their Creator, while providing a constant reminder of their higher moral and spiritual mission in life. Salah (prayer) was practised in some form by the earlier prophets and their followers as an essential part of the religion of Allâh. Islâm, which is the final stage, the completion and confirmation of monotheistic religion, considers salah (prayer) essential, and its denial removes one from the ranks of Islâm.
Obligatory prayers are performed five times a day: at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and nightfall and are a direct link between the worshipper and Allâh. The prayer may be performed at any clean place (home, mosque, park, the workplace, etc) by an individual or by a group. There is no hierarchical authority or priesthood in Islâm, so group prayers are led by a person learned in the Qur'ân. These prayers, whether performed in congregation or individually, contain verses from the Qur'ân and are said in Arabic, the language of the revelation. Personal supplications, however, can be offered in one's own language. Islâmic prayer takes a special form and content, in which both body and soul are harmoniously involved; each prayer is practically speaking, an audience with Allâh. Prayer, both obligatory and voluntary, is an immense spiritual treasure to be tapped. It inspires peace, purity and tranquillity, and instils a continuous awareness of and feeling of closeness to Allâh. It amazingly reduces the hustle-and-bustle of life to tame proportions. By their spacing throughout five times a day, beginning at dawn, prayers help worshippers to maintain a therapeutic level of well-being and practically leave no room in their consciousness for mischievous thoughts and deeds.
Zakâh (required expenditure for the needy)
One of the most important principles of Islâm is that all things belong to Allâh and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. Spending money in charity is highly commendable, and Muslims are encouraged to spend as much as they can. But zakah, the third pillar of Islâm, is different because it is obligatory, not voluntary, and it is given in a calculated amount. Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakah individually. For most purposes this involves the payment each year of two and a half percent of the capital in excess of one's basic needs. The same percentage is paid annually by those who are own merchandise for sale. An amount of zakah is also given by those who own livestock and harvest agricultural produce in certain quantities, or extract valuable materials from mines or buried treasures. Zakah is the right of the poor from the wealth of the rich and represents the unbreakable bond between members of the community. The word zakah stands for purification and growth, meaning that one purifies his wealth by giving the needy their just portion of it. When Muslims pay zakah, they have the genuine feeling that it is an investment and not a loss.
Siyâm (fasting the month of Ramadhân)
The month of Ramadhan (which can be either 29 or 30 days) is part of the Islâmic lunar year, , which is eleven days shorter than the solar year, so Ramadhan rotates throughout the seasons, a blessing which insures that Muslims in neither the northern nor southern hemispheres will permanently be required to fast for longer or shorter hours or in hotter or colder weather. From dawn to sunset during each day of Ramadhan, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual activities in obedience to Allâh's command; and during the fast one should not exhibit anger or any other misbehaviour. Those who are ill, travelling, elderly, pregnant or nursing mothers (if there is a risk to their health or their babies') are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later. If they are physically unable to make up the fast, they must feed a needy person for every day missed if financially able. As one conquers the influence of daily habits and endures hunger and thirst, fasting trains Muslims in practicing obedience to Allâh, patience in times of hardship and compassion and responsibility toward the poor. As a form of worship, fasting becomes a very enriching experience as one transcends the needs of his material component and cherishes the spiritual, enabling the conscientious Muslim to deepen his/her relationship with Allâh. The month is a period of spiritual renewal and revitalisation, similar to charging one's batteries for the rest of the year. Intensified worship, charity, and study of the Qur'ân are features of this month.
Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah)
Islâm relates profoundly to the monotheistic mission of Prophet Ibrâheem (Abraham). It's fifth pillar (hajj) is a formal commemoration of the Prophet Ibrâheem's obedience to Allâh. Ibrâheem was ordained by Allâh to build the Ka‘bah (the first house on earth for the worship of Allâh) with the assistance of his first son Prophet Ismâ‘eel (Ishmael), at the site of Makkah over four thousand years ago, and to call the believers to visit or make pilgrimage (hajj) to the Ka‘bah as worship. The Ka‘bah is the center which all Muslims face during their salah (prayer) to Allâh. Followers of Prophet Ibrâheem, and other prophets, made the pilgrimage to Makkah many years before the time of Prophet Muhammad (who is a descendant of Ibrâheem through Ismâ‘eel). The annual pilgrimage to Makkah is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to perform it. Nevertheless, about two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe to pray at the sacred mosque and to stand together on the same day at mount ‘Arafah (near Makkah) to ask Allâh for His forgiveness, in what is often compared to a preview of the Day of Judgement.
Pilgrims wear special clothing - simple garments which strip away distinctions of class and culture - so that all stand equal before Allâh. They mingle together in full brotherhood overlooking and transcending all differences in colour, language, race, ethnicity, degree of education, etc. During hajj the goodness of humanity and purity of the belief that humanity is one family worshipping one God is evident.
Does Islâm tolerate other beliefs?
One function of Islâmic law is to protect the rights and status of minorities. History provides many examples of Muslim tolerance towards other faiths. For example, when the caliph ‘Omar, entered Jerusalem in the year 634, freedom of worship was granted to all religious communities in the city - including Jews, even though they were previously not allowed to reside in Jerusalem under Christian rule. Prior to the Spanish Inquisition, Jews and Christians lived and prospered in Andalus (Spain) for eight centuries under Muslim rule. The Qur'ân states: "Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes – from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly."(Qur'ân 60:8)
Human rights in Islâm
Since Allâh is the absolute and sole master of mankind and the universe, the sovereign Lord, the Sustainer and Nourisher, the Merciful, whose mercy encompasses all beings, and since He has given each person human dignity and honour and "breathed into him from His [created] soul," it follows that all men are substantially the same and that no tangible and actual distinction should be made among them on the basis of superficial differences such as nationality, colour or race. Every human being is thereby related to all others, and all become one community of brotherhood in their honourable and pleasant servitude to the Lord of the universe. In such an atmosphere the Islâmic testimony of the oneness of God stands dominant and central, and it necessarily entails the concept of the oneness of humanity and the brotherhood of mankind.
Although an Islâmic state may be set up in any part of the earth, Islâm does not seek to restrict human rights or privileges to the geographical limits of its own state. Islâm has laid down some universal fundamental rights for humanity as a whole, which are to be observed and respected under all circumstances – whether a person is a resident within the Islâmic state’s territory or outside it, whether he is at peace or at war. The Qur'ân clearly commands: "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness."(Qur'ân 5:8)
Human blood is sacred in any case and cannot be spilled without legal justification. Indeed, if anyone violates the sanctity of human blood by killing a soul without justification, the Qur'ân equates it to the killing of the entire human race: "Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul [i.e., in legal retribution for murder] or for corruption [done] in the land [i.e., that requiring the death penalty] - it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one [or refrains from killing] - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely."(Qur'ân 5:32)
Even during war it is not permissible to oppress women, children, the elderly, the sick or the wounded. Women’s honour and chastity are to be respected under all circumstances. The hungry person must be fed, the naked clothed, and the wounded or diseased treated medically, irrespective of whether they belong to the Islâmic community or are from among its enemies. The life and property of all citizens in an Islâmic state are considered sacred, whether or not a person is Muslim.
Islâm not only prohibits compulsion in the acceptance of religion (Qur'ân 2:256), but it prohibits aggression as well, although it allows fighting in self-defence, against occupation and oppression and on the part of those who have been expelled forcibly from their homes: "Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors."(Qur'ân 2:190) The often misunderstood and overused term jihad literally means "struggle" and not "holy war." Jihad, as an Islâmic concept, can be on a personal level – inner struggle against evil within oneself; a struggle for decency and goodness on the social level; or a struggle on the battlefield when necessary.
Moreover, racism is incomprehensible to Muslims, for the Qur'ân speaks of human equality in the following terms: "O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted."(Qur'ân 49:13)
The status and rights of women
Perhaps one of the most misunderstood concepts of Islâm today is that of the status and role of women in the religion. Many practices in the Muslim world today are only customs and have nothing to do with Islâm. The truth is, Islâm brought sweeping changes of a truly revolutionary nature to women's rights. For the first time, the souls of women were explicitly declared in a sacred book to be equal to those of men. Rewards and obligations are equally bestowed upon them both according to the Qur'ân.
Women were given complete economic independence before and after marriage. They are under no obligation to share in family expenses; the husband bears the full responsibility, regardless of how wealthy his wife may be. The Muslim woman has the right to a gift from her husband at marriage, she determines its value, and she can choose to handle it as she pleases.
Islâmic law gave women the right to choose their own husbands and to initiate divorce. Muslim girls have a right to be educated, and it is the duty of those raising them to provide education.
Politically, Muslim women have always been allowed to participate in elections of leaders, a right Western women only recently obtained. In Islâm, women even have the right to directly question their head-of-state, as is evident in history.
The West has in recent years become fascinated by the Muslim woman's dress code, in particular "the veil." Muslim women wear the "khimar," or "hijab" out of modesty and for the sake of their Muslim identity. In dressing so modestly, a woman forces others to judge her by her intellect, her kindness, her integrity, and her personality, in other words, herself. She is no longer valued only for her looks. The woman who takes on the noble dress of Islâm is certainly not oppressed; rather, she is liberated.
Men are also required to dress modestly; although the extent of covering is less. Western culture teaches that for things to be fair between the two sexes, they must be identical. Although the two are equal in the sight of God, Islâm acknowledges that they are physically, biologically and emotionally different, and therefore some aspects of lifestyle are different for each.
Accountability and salvation
The Qur'ân teaches us that the human race has been given an innate pure nature called "fitrah." Knowledge of Allâh and innate spirituality are inherent in human existence, but this spirituality can betray us if it is not led in the right direction. To depend only on a human sense of the "guiding spirit" is dangerous. Many groups, even cults, claim to be guided by God or by inspiration, yet these groups hold divergent, even conflicting beliefs. We find people behaving in contradictory ways who claim, nonetheless, that they are doing the will of God. "I feel," they say, "that the holy spirit guides and directs me." However, human beings have been endowed with intellect to be used, not put on the shelf. A credible source of revelation is imperative.
The Muslim does not see human existence here on earth as punishment for eating from the forbidden tree. That event is regarded as an experiential lesson for Adam and Eve before they came to earth. The Qur'ân teaches that even before the creation of the first human it was Allâh’s plan to establish human life and civilisation on earth (Qur'ân 2:30). Thus, the Muslim does not view the human as completely evil, nor as completely good, but rather as responsible.
How can we humans, from the Islâmic perspective, overcome sin? The Qur'ân teaches that life is a test and that earthly life is temporary (Qur'ân 67:2). The Muslim believes in resurrection, accountability, and the Day of Judgement. He knows that there is reward and punishment, that there is life hereafter and that reward or punishment do not necessarily wait until the Day of Judgement, but start immediately after burial. To demand perfection in order to gain salvation is not realistic. It is demanding the impossible and is therefore unjust. Islâm teaches a person to be humble and to realize that we cannot achieve salvation by our own righteousness. The reconciliation of the imperfect human being with Allâh is contingent on three elements: the grace and mercy of Allâh, good deeds and correct belief. Correct belief and good deeds are prerequisites for Allâh forgiveness and for rising above our common shortcomings.
How can sin be washed away? The Qur'ân gives the prescription: "And whoever does a wrong or wrongs himself but then seeks forgiveness of Allah will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful."(Qur'ân 4:110) and "Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds."(Qur'ân 11:114) Islâm teaches repentance: stopping evil ways, feeling sorry for what one has done, and determining to follow the path of Allâh as much as humanly possible. There is no necessity for the shedding of blood, much less innocent blood, to wash away sins, only sincere repentance. The Qur'ân puts it clearly: "But My mercy encompasses all things."(Qur'ân 7:156) Another beautiful and moving passage reads: "Say, "O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins [for those who repent and correct themselves]. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful."(Qur'ân 39:53)
Implication for the non-Muslim
Allâh (God) makes it incumbent on the Muslim to convey His message in its final form, the Qur'ân, to all humanity. We are not talking here about conversion, merely enlightenment. Indeed, to turn to Islâm, the religion of all the prophets in its final form, is not to turn one's back on preceding prophets. It does not involve changing one's basic spiritual nature. In the Qur'ân, pure human nature is a "Muslim" nature, which knows its Lord and wishes to submit to Him. The Quran states: "There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong." (Qur'ân 2:256)
How does someone become a Muslim?
To become a Muslim a person simply needs to pronounce the shahadah (declaration of faith) with sincere conviction: " Ash-hadu al-lâ ilâha illa-Allâh, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasűlu-Allâh ". This means, "I testify that there is no deity [worthy of worship] except Allâh, and I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allâh."
References
1. Saheeh International, Introducing Islâm, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Abul-Qasim Publishing House, 1995.
2. Badawi, Dr.Jamal, Bridgebuilding between Christian and Muslim, Halifax, Canada: Islâmic Information Foundation.
3. Hathout, Dr.Hassan, Reading the Muslim Mind, Indiana, USA: American Trust Publications, 1995.
4. Malaekah, Mostafa, What The Bible Says about Islâm and Christianity, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Abul Qasim Publishing House, 1999.
For more information on Islâm visit:
1- www.discoverislam.com
2- www.islam-guide.com
3- www.sultan.org
4- www.beconvinced.com
5- www.islamzine.com
6- www.islamworld.net
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Copyright © 2001 Mostafa Malaekah. All rights reserved.*
*(Reprinting, reproducing, or translating this booklet is permitted on the
condition that absolutely no change, addition or omission is introduced .)
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