Archive for January, 2011


Introduction

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January 22, 2011

I begin with the name of Allah, the Most Benevolent, Most Merciful

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, and may He praise His Prophet, and render him and his household safe from all evil.

This booklet explains briefly the last Divine Religion which abrogated all previous religions. According to the latest surveys, Islam is the religion of over a billion followers worldwide. People are accepting it in large numbers, despite the fact that the callers to Islam receive insufficient financial and morale backing; yet, rarely does one hear of a Muslim apostatizing after accepting Islam!

Before you read this book, you should know that the Quran is not a book of science. In Islam, knowledge and scholars are regarded highly and given prestige in Muslim society. The Quran is the basic law which outlines the details of a Muslim’s life. In it we find mention of political, social, economical, moral and other aspects.

My goal in this book is not to tie every modern scientific breakthrough man has discovered with a verse from the Quran.

I have mentioned some scientific facts in this book, merely to clarify that there are verses in the Quran which contain accurate scientific information, which have only been discovered very recently by modern science.

I invite all to read this book and to contemplate the signs of God and to strive to learn the true religion of God.

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To you, the reader

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January 22, 2011

Praise is due to Allah and may the peace and blessings be upon His Prophet Muhammad, his Companions and followers all until the Day of Resurrection.

I am happy to introduce to all readers this new book by Sheikh and researcher Abdurrahman Al Sheha. This is a book unlike any other of it’s nature. The book is about Islam, but it takes you to a variety of subjects and issues at the same time. You do not have to read it all. But you may enjoy the facts, figures and ideas of one or more of the issues well put into this magazine looking book.

I was not sure of how Mr. Al Sheha wanted his readers to see this book. Yet, he was so confident that people will be attracted to this new style in books supplied with many images and illustrations because of the many pressing questions people have on their minds about Islam and Islamic matters, and still do not have the time to read extensively on those subjects.

The natural religion of God Almighty is so clear in its resources ( i.e. the Quran and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him). Yet many people have not read Islam with open minds and hearts. There are countless false accusations about Islam. Some think that if a Muslim does something wrong, it must be Islam that has asked him to do so. Wrong !! God does not call people to do evil, mischief or commit wrong doings.

We need to discover Islam in its purity, entirety and from its authentic sources.

I am calling every reader to walk around in the gardens of this book and I hope they will rest under a tree or quench their thirst from one of its spring waters.

On to what I found to be a thrilling, fulfilling and smooth trip through the garden of Islam put before us by a dedicated researcher in the Islamic studies.

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What is Islam?

Filed Under: Islam Basics, Islam Basics, Islamic Section, What do they say about Islam? by saquibmalik — Leave a comment
January 22, 2011

Islam is to submit to Allah in His Oneness (Monotheism) to be subservient to Him in obedience, and to shun associating any partners, rivals, and intercessors with Him. It is a religion of tolerance and ease.

Allah says:

Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.(2:185)

Islam is a religion through which one would be spiritually contented and would have peace of heart.

Allah says:

Those who believe, and whose hearts find their rest in the remembrance of Allah - for, verily, in the remembrance of Allah hearts do find their rest. (13:28)

Islam is a religion of mercy and compassion. The Messenger of Allah said:

“The All-Merciful shows mercy to those who show mercy. Show mercy to those on Earth, and you will be shown mercy by the One above the heavens.” (Tirmidhi)

Islam is a religion of love and loving good for others. The Messenger of Allah said:

“The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to others.” (Tabaraani)

Islam is a religion which has no confusion or ambiguity associated with it. Allah says:

“And We sent not before you except men to whom We revealed [Our message]. So ask the people of the message [i.e. former scriptures] if you do not know.” (16:43)

Islam is a religion for all, for it is a call directed to mankind at large, not to a specific race or people. Allah says:

And We have not sent you except to all of humanity, as a herald of glad tidings and a warner. But most of the people do not know. (34:28)

Islam is a religion which effaces all previous sins. The Prophet said:

“Islam effaces all (sins) committed before it.” (Muslim)

Islam is a complete and perfect religion which abrogated all revelations, and it is the last religion. Allah says:

Door of the Kabah

The Door of the ‘Kabah’. It is made from pure gold in reverence of the Kabah. It is only opened once a year, when it is washed before Hajj, and when it is covered with a new ‘Kiswah’ (covering)

This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. (5:3)

Islam comprises a number of acts of worship, among which are verbal, physical and creedal acts of worship.

These acts of worship play an important role in refining one’s manners, purifying one’s soul, reforming an individual, and maintaining the integrity and unity of Muslim society.

What do they say about Islam?

W. Montgomery Watt in his book: ‘What is Islam?’ said:

‘Prejudice is only one of the difficulties to be met by the European or American student of Islam. As soon as he begins to describe Islam as ‘the religion of the Quran’, or ‘the religion of the four hundred million Muslims of today’, he introduces a category which does not fit, the category of ‘religion’.

For what does ‘religion’ now mean to the occidental? At best, for the ordinary man, it means a way of spending an hour or so on Sundays in practices which give him some support and strength in dealing with the problems of daily life, and which encourages him to be friendly towards other persons and to maintain the standards of sexual propriety; it has little or nothing to do with commerce or economics or politics or industrial relationships. At worst it fosters an attitude of complacency in the more prosperous individuals and breeds smugness.

The European may even look at religion as an opiate developed by exploiters of the common people in order to keep them in subjection. How different from the connotations to the Muslim of the verse (3:19): ‘the true religion with God is Islam!’ The word translated as ‘religion’ is Deen, which, in Arabic, commonly refers to a whole way of life.

It is not a private matter for individuals, touching only the periphery of their lives, but something which is both private and public, something which permeates the whole fabric of society in a way of which men are conscious. It is all in one theological dogma, forms of worship, political theory, and a detailed code of conduct, including even matters which the European would classify as hygiene or etiquette.

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Who is the Messenger of Islam?

Filed Under: Islam Basics, Islamic Section, Messenger Of Islam, What do they say about Muhammad? by saquibmalik — Leave a comment
January 22, 2011

He is Abul-Qasim, Muhammad, the son of Abdullah, the son of Abdul- Muttalib, the son of Hashim. He belonged to the Arab tribe of Quraish whose ancestry traces back to ‘Adnaan, one of the children of Ishmael, the Prophet of Allah. Ishmael was the son of Abraham, who was the messenger of Allah, may Allah praise him.

He was born in the year 571 C.E. in the honored city of Makkah. Makkah was the religious center of the Arabian Peninsula, as it housed the Honored Kabah, which was built by Abraham and his son, Ishmael.

Even before he received revelation, he was known amongst his people as ‘The Trustworthy’, and they would entrust him with their possessions when they intended to go on a journey. He was also known as ‘The Truthful” due to what they knew of him from truthfulness. He never lied or acted treacherously. He always desired good for others.

Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Muhammad (peace be upon him)

He received his first revelation at the age of forty and informed his wife, Khadeejah, may Allah be pleased with her, apprehensively:

“Indeed I fear for myself.” Khadeejah replied, “No, by Allah! Allah will never humiliate you. Indeed you maintain ties of kinship, you bear the problems of others, you give wealth to those who do not have it, you honor and feed your guests, and you give support in times of true calamity.” (Bukhari)

He remained in Makkah for thirteen years thereafter, calling people to believe in the Oneness of Allah. He then migrated to the city of Medina and called its inhabitants to Islam, which they accepted. There, Allah revealed to him the remaining legislations of the religion.

He returned and conquered Makkah eight years after his migration, and died at the age of 63 after Allah revealed to him the entire Quran. All the legislations of the religion were perfected and completed and majority of the Arab nation accepted Islam.

What Do They Say About Muhammad?

George Bernard Shaw in The Genuine Islam said:

“I have always held the religion of Muhammad in high estimation because of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion which appears to possess that assimilating capability to the changing phases of existence which make itself appeal to every age – I have prophesized about the faith of Muhammad that it would be acceptable tomorrow as it is beginning to be acceptable to the Europe of today. Medieval ecclesiastics, either through ignorance or bigotry, painted Mohammedanism in the darkest colors. They were, in fact, trained to hate both the man Muhammad and his religion. To them, Muhammad was an anti-Christ. I have studied him, the wonderful man, and in my opinion, far from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the Savior of humanity.”2

Annie Besant3 in The Life and Teachings of Mohammad, said:

It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great Prophet of Arabia, who knew how he taught and how he lived, to feel anything but reverence for the mighty Prophet, one of the great messengers of the Supreme. And although in what I put to you I shall say many things which may be familiar to many, yet I myself feel, whenever I reread them, a new way of admiration, a new sense of reverence for that mighty Arabian teacher.

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Pillars of Faith

Filed Under: Islam Basics, Islamic Section, Pillars of Faith, The Pillars Of Islam by saquibmalik — Leave a comment
January 22, 2011

Creedal acts of worship are called the Pillars of Faith (Iman); and they are as follows:

1. Belief in Allah

Belief in Allah entails belief in His existence, and that He is the only One Who deserves to be worshipped, and He has no partners, equals or rivals in His Ruboobiyah4 , Uloohiyah5 , and His beautiful names and attributes6. He is the Creator of this existence, its Proprietor and the One Who disposes of all its affairs. Only that which He wishes comes to pass and He is the only One who deserves to be worshipped.

114th Chapter

This is the 114th chapter in the Quran. It was revealed when the polytheists asked Prophet Muhammad to describe the Lord of the worlds.

Allah says:

(Say, ‘He is Allah, [who is] One. * Allah As-Samadh (the Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need). * He neither begets nor is born. * Nor is there to Him any equal. ) (112:1-4)

2. Belief in Allah’s Angels

This is to believe that the angels exist. No one knows their exact number except Him (Allah). He created them to worship Him.

Allah says:

(Never would the Messiah disdain to be a slave of Allah, nor would the angels near [to Him]. ) (4:172)

The angels do not share any of Allah’s specific qualities, nor are they His children. Rather, Allah created them to perform certain tasks.

Allah says:

(And they say, ‘The Most Merciful has taken a son.’ Exalted is He! Rather, they (Those they claim to be ‘children’ of Allah, such as the angels, Ezra, Jesus, etc.) are [but] honored slaves. They cannot precede Him in word, and they act by His command ) (21:26-27)

3. Belief in Allah’s Books

It is to believe that Allah revealed Divine Books to His Messengers in order for them to convey to mankind. These Books contained nothing but the truth at the time of revelation. All these Books called people to the Oneness of Allah, and that He is the Creator, Proprietor and Owner, and to Him belong the Beautiful Names and Attributes. Some of these Books are as follows:

Holy Quran

The Holy Quran

  • The Suhuf (Scriptures of Abraham): The Suhuf is the Sacred Scripture which was revealed to Prophet Abraham .
  • The Torah: The Torah is the Sacred Book which was revealed to Prophet Moses .
  • The Zaboor (Psalms): The Zaboor is the Sacred Book which was revealed to Prophet David .
  • The Injeel (Gospel): The Injeel is the Sacred Book which was revealed to Prophet Jesus .
  • The Noble Quran: One must believe that the Quran is the Speech of Allah which Angel Gabriel brought to Muhammad and that it is the last of the Divine Books which abrogated all previous Books.

4. Belief in the Messengers of Allah

It is to believe that Allah chose the finest amongst mankind to be Messengers whom He sent to His creation with specific legislations; to worship and obey Him, and to establish His religion and His Tawheed (oneness). Allah ordered His Messengers to convey the Message to people, so that they would not have any proof against Him after He sent them.

Allah says:

(And We sent not before you, [O Muhammad] except men to whom We revealed [the message] so ask the people of the message [i.e., former scriptures] if you do not know. ) (21:7)

The first Messenger was Noah and the last was Muhammad.

5. Belief in the Last Day

It is to believe that the life of this world will come to an end. Allah says:

(Everyone upon it [i.e., the earth] will perish. And there will remain the Face of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor.) (55:26-27)

Following this, Allah will resurrect all creation, take them to account and reward those who did well, due to their righteous deeds, belief (in Allah) and adherence to their Prophets and Messengers with an everlasting life in Jannah (The Heavenly Gardens).

He will punish those who committed evil deeds, disbelief, and were disobedience to their messengers, with an everlasting life in Hell.

6. Belief in Qada and Qadar (Predestination)

It is to believe that Allah knew everything before it came into being, and what will happen to it afterwards. He then brought them into existence, all in accordance to His Knowledge and Measure.

Allah said:

( and [Allah] has created each thing and measured it with [precise] measure. ) (25:2)

This belief does not contradict the fact that one must strive to attain things. Belief in Divine Measure results in the following:

  • Belief in Qadaa´ and Qadar results in a clear conscience and peace of heart. No room is left for one to feel sad about what results or does not come to be.
  • It encourages knowledge and exploration of what Allah created in this universe. Afflictions, such as diseases drive humans to seek a cure, and this is done by searching for the sources of medicine which Allah, the Most High, created in this universe.
  • It increases one’s dependence upon Allah and removes fear of the creation. Ibn ‘Abbaas said “I was behind the Messenger of Allah one day and he said to me:

‘O young boy, I will teach you some words: Guard Allah’s commandments and He will guard you. Guard Allah’s commandments, you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, then ask Allah, and if you seek help, then seek help from Allah and know that if the whole world was to gather to help you, they would never be able to help you except with something which Allah has already preordained for you. And if the whole world gathered to cause you some harm, they would not be able to harm you except with something which Allah has already preordained for you. The pens have been lifted, and the scrolls have dried.” (Tirmidhi)

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What is the Quran?

Filed Under: Islam Basics, Islamic Section, What do they say about Quran?, What is Quran? by saquibmalik — Leave a comment
January 22, 2011

The Quran is the constitution of the Muslims from which they derive the teachings which organize both their religious and everyday affairs. It differs from the previous Divine Books in the following ways:

  • It is the last Divine Book which was revealed, and for that reason, Allah, the Exalted, promised to protect it from any distortion until the Last Day.
    Allah says:
    (Indeed, it is We who have sent down this Reminder [i.e., the Quran] and indeed, it is We who are its Guardian. ) (15:9)
  • The Quran includes all the legislations which reform society and guarantees happiness for all in its implementation.
  • The Quran has documented the stories of the Prophets and Messengers, and what happened between them and their peoples, from Adam till Muhammad, may Allah exalt his mention.
  • It was revealed to all of mankind so that they would live a life of peace and happiness, and to take them out of darkness and bring them into the light.
  • Reciting, memorizing and teaching it are acts of worship.

What Do They Say About the Quran?

Maurice Bucaille said in his Book:

The Quran, and Modern Science: ‘A totally objective examination of it [the Quran] in the light of modern knowledge, leads us to recognize the agreement between the two, as has been already noted on repeated occasions.

It makes us deem it quite unthinkable for a man of Muhammad’s time to have been the author of such statements, on account of the state of knowledge in his day. Such considerations are part of what gives the Quranic Revelation its unique place, and forces the impartial scientist to admit his inability to provide an explanation which calls solely upon materialistic reasoning.’

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The Fundamental Goals of Islam

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January 22, 2011

The fundamental goals of Islam are:

  1. Preservation of the religion of Islam.
  2. Preservation of life.
  3. Preservation of wealth.
  4. Preservation of mind.
  5. Preservation of the lineage.
  6. Preservation of honor.

The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad said:

“Indeed Allah has made your lives, your wealth, and your honor inviolable, like the sanctity of this day (the Day of ‘Arafah in Hajj), in this [sacred] month (the month of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic Calendar) in this [sacred] locality (Makkah and its surroundings). (Bukhari)

He also said:

“Shall I tell you who a true believer is? A person with whom others entrust their money and lives. A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand others are safe. A true fighter in the path of Allah is one who strives against the inner yearnings of his self in order to obey Allah, and the true emigrant (one who leaves a land of disbelief and immigrates to a land of belief) is one who leaves sins and wrongful acts.” (Ibn Hibbaan)

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Etiquettes, Manners, and Morals in Islam

Filed Under: Etiquettes & Morals, Islamic Section by saquibmalik — Leave a comment
January 22, 2011

Islam forbids all evil and licentious acts, whether in speech or deed.

Allah says:

(Say, ‘My Lord has only forbidden immoralities – what is apparent of them and what is concealed – and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know.) (7:33)

It orders and encourages all good morals and manners. The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad said:

“I have been sent to perfect righteous and honorable manners.” (Haakim)

Allah the Exalted and Almighty said in the Glorious Quran:

(“Say: “Come, I will rehearse what Allah has (really) prohibited you from”: join not anything as equal with Him; be good to your parents; kill not your children on a plea of want – We provide sustenance for you and for them – come not nigh to shameful deeds, whether open or secret; take not life, which Allah has made sacred, except by way of justice and law: thus does He command you, that you may learn wisdom.” ) [Suraat-al-An'am (Cattle) 6:151]

The Messenger of Allah said:

“None of you believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Bukhari)

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Rights in Islam

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January 22, 2011

Islam has prescribed that its followers give people their due rights. Parents, spouses, children, neighbors; all are given specific rights according to their specific roles in this world. Through this, mutual bonds, solidity is set and strengthened between the individuals of a Muslim society. It spreads love and unity and prevents the society from fragmenting.

Allah says:

(And worship Allah [alone], and do not ascribe partners to Him. And do good unto your parents and near of kin and unto orphans, and the needy, and the neighbor from among your own people, and the neighbor who is a stranger, and the friend by your side, and the wayfarer, and those whom your right hand possess. Verily, Allah does not love those who are full of self-conceit and boastful.) (4:36)

The Prophet said:

“Everyone of you is a guardian, and responsible for what is in his custody. The ruler is a guardian of his subjects and responsible for them; a husband is a guardian of his family and is responsible for it; a woman is a guardian of her husband’s house and is responsible for it, and a servant is a guardian of his master’s property and is responsible for it.” (Bukhari)

Also, the paths which people traverse have their rights that must be fulfilled. The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad said:

“Be careful and stay away from sitting on the paths.” They said, “O Messenger of Allah, we have no other place to gather and talk.” So he replied, “If you must do so, then give the path its right.” They said, “And what is the right of the path?” He replied, “Lowering one’s gaze (not looking at members of the opposite sex), not bringing harm to others, replying to salutations, and enjoining good and forbidding evil.” (Bukhari)

Even animals have rights. Showing them compassion and treating them well is a means to attain forgiveness of one’s sins. The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad said:

“Once a man was tending to some business, and became very thirsty. He came across a well, so he descended into it and drank from it. [When he came out], he saw a dog panting and rolling his mouth in dirt (in search of water) due to thirst. The man said, ‘This dog is as thirsty as I was.’ So he descended [once again] filled his boot with water and gave drink to the dog. [Due to that] Allah rewarded him by forgiving his sins.” They said, “O Messenger of Allah, will we be rewarded even due to our well treatment of animals?” He replied, “Yes indeed. For [the well treatment of] every fresh liver (living thing) you will receive reward.” (Bukhari)

Islam has made ill-treating animals, such as confining them [without food or drink] or torturing them, reasons for entering Hellfire. The Messenger of Islam, Muhammad said:

“A woman was punished due to a cat. She imprisoned it until it died, so she entered the Hellfire due to it. She did not feed it nor give it drink when she kept it, nor did she let it free to eat the insects (and other things) of the earth.” (Bukhari)

If this is the mercy Islam shows to animals, how much more mercy would it show to humans, whom Allah has preferred and honored over all other creatures?

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Station of Abraham and Zamzam Well

Filed Under: Islamic Section, Station of Abraham, Well Of Zamzam, What Do You Know About by saquibmalik — Leave a comment
January 22, 2011

Station of Ibraheem (Abraham)

The Prophet said:

‘The Yemeni corner and Station of Ibraheem are two precious stones from Jannah (Heavenly Gardens), and had it not been that Allah removed their light, they would have enlightened all that was between the east and the west.’ (Ibn Hibban)

The Station of Ibraheem is the rock upon which Ibraheem stood while erecting the Kabah. His son Ishmael helped him erect it, by passing him the rocks.

Station of Ibraheem (Abraham)

Of the miracles of Prophet Ibrahim was that the rock he stood on while building the Kabah turned soft and his feet sank in it. Until today, one can see the impressions of the feet of Ibrahim on that rock.

The Well of Zamzam

Zamzam Well

The well is situated 21 meters from the Kabah. It is hand excavated and is about 30 meters deep, with an internal diameter ranging from 1.08 to 2.66 m

Abraham took Hagar and her son, Ishmael to a place near the Kabah; he left them under a tree at the site of Zamzam. No one lived in Makkah back then, yet Abraham made them sit there, leaving them with some dates, and a small water-skin. Thereafter he set out towards home. Ishmael’s mother followed him saying:

‘O Abraham! Where are you going! There is no person whose company we may enjoy, nor is there anything to take pleasure in.’

She repeated that to him many times, but he did not look back at her. Then she asked him: ‘Has Allah ordered you to do so?’ He said: ‘Yes.’ She said, ‘Then He will not neglect us.’ Abraham proceeded onwards, and upon reaching a hill where they could not see him, he faced the Kabah and invoked Allah saying:

(Our Lord, I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near Your Sacred House. Our Lord, that they may establish prayer. So make hearts among the people incline toward them and provide for them from the fruits that they might be grateful.) (14:37)

Hagar suckled Ishmael and drank from the water she had. When the water finished, she and her child became very thirsty, she eyed her child in agony while he cried. So she rushed to the nearest hillock, which was the hillock of as-Safa, she stood there and looked intensely hoping she might see someone, but she could not see anyone. She then descended and once she reached the valley, she tucked up her robe and ran in the valley like a person in distress, until she reached the hillock of al-Marwa. She gazed attentively, hoping to see someone, but she could not. She repeated this seven times.

Ibn Ab’bas said:

The Prophet said, ‘This is the origin of the tradition of Sa’ee (walking and running) between the hillocks of as-Safa and al-Marwa. When she reached al-Marwa (for the last time) she heard a voice and she calmed herself and listened attentively. She heard the voice again and said, ‘O, (whoever you may be)! You have made me hear your voice; have you got something to help me?’ And behold! She saw an angel at the place of Zamzam tapping the earth with its wing till water gushed from that place. Hagar quickly contained the water by making a barrier around it. She filled her water-skin. The Prophet added, ‘May Allah bestow mercy on Ishmael’s mother! Had she let the Zamzam flow without trying to control it or had she not scooped from that water to fill her water skin, Zamzam would have been a stream flowing on the surface of the earth.’ (Bukhari)

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