Islam in brief

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IS]LANfl IN BRIEF BY, MAHMOUDMURAD


ISLA]T'I IN BRIEF ISLAM IN BRIEF IUIurad Mahmoud Murad Mahmoud Printedand Printed Published andPublished By By

Presidencyof The Presidency The Adminstration Adminstrationof lslamlc Researches Researchesand Islamic lfta. and Ifta. Prlntlng and TranslationAgency and Translation Printing Agency Riyadh-- Kingdom Kingdom Riyadh of Arabia of Saudi SaudiArabia


Tebleof of Contents Contents Table Introduction Introduction Who isis Allah? Allah? Who Whatisis Al..Qur'an? Al-Qur'an? . What Authenticityof of AI..Qur'an Authenticity Al-Qur'an Miraculosityof of AI-Qur'an Miraculosity Al-Qur'an ComprehensiveLegislation Legislation Comprehensive Scienceand and AI-Qur'an Al-Qur'an Science The creation creationof the the heavens heavensand and the The the earth earth Humanreproduction reproduction Human Who is is Muhammad? Muhammad? Who What is is Islam? Islam? What .. pillars of Islam The pillars Islam The The articles articlesof faith The faith Suggestedmaterials Suggested materials for reading reading

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Introduction Introduction This isis aa message message This for for every everyfree free thinking thinkingand and broadbroadminded human minded human being. being.It It is is for for every everyseeker seekerof of the the truth truth who might mighthave, have,once who the religion oncewondered, wondered,what what the religionof Islamisis all all about. about,who who Allah Islam Atlah is, is, what what is is the the ultimate ultimate goalof of man's man'sexistence, existence,or goal or what what happens happensafter after death, death, for these questionsand thesequestions and many for many others othersare are prompted promptedat at certainoccasions, occasions, butbrushed brushedaside certain but asideby by various variousfactors. factors. Islamis is indeed indeedaa misunderstood misunderstood and Islam and misrepresented misrepresented religionin in the the West. West.«This misconception is religion is hardly hardlysursur"This misconception prising",remarks remarksthe the French FrenchDr. prising», Dr. Maurice MauriceBucaille, Bucaille,in 1 his book, book, The The Bible, Bible, The The Qur'an his .rwhen and Science. Science.'«when Qurtan and we consider considerthe the way way so so many many generations generationsis the West West we is the were instructed the religious religiousproblems were instructed in the problems facing humanfacinghumanity and the ignorance ignorancein in which which they ity and the they were were kept kept about about anything related to Islam".Hence anything related Islam». Hence Islamic Islamic ideals ideals remains remains obscure from the vast obscure from the vast majority majority of non-Muslims. non-Muslims. This booklet does not claim This booklet does not claim to answer answer all all the the questions questions you would like to be answered. you would like be answered. However, However. this this booklet booklet will open open before before you you a new new dimension dimension of thinking, thinking, and and will enable enable you you to realize realize the the importance importance of your your role role as as a human human being being in this this universe, universe, to help help you you underunderstand stand the the relationship relationship between between you you and and your your Creator, Creator. l. 1. The The Book Book was was originally originally written written in in French, French, entitled'La entitled 'La Bible, Bible, le Ie Coran Coran et et la la Science'. is published published by by American AmericanTrust Trustpublication publication,,!979. 1979. Science' . Its Its English English version version is

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God Almighty Almighty Allah. Allah. ItIt presents presents Islam Islam to to you you in in aa nutnutGod sheU, and and provides provides straightfonvard straightforward answers answers to to many many shell, questions about about Islam Islam and and its its credibility. credibility. questions In this this booklet, booklet, you you will will also also be be able able to to know know Allah, Allah, In last of of His Scriptures, Scriptures, the the last last of of His His Prophets Prophets and and the last Messengers, what what Islam Islam is, the the role role of of man man in in this this life life Messengers, and other related related issues. issues. and Lest one one may may think that there there is an English English version version Lest Qur'an, II would like to drawthe reader's reader's attention attention of the Qur'an, the only language language of of the Qur'an. Qur'an. the fact fact that that Arabic is the to the Although the Qur'anic Qur'anic quotations quotations and and Prophetic Prophetic traditAlthough tions cited cited in this this booklet booklet are are preceded preceded with <Allah ÂŤAllah tions quoted. are saysÂť, only the meaning meaning of such such quotations quotations are quoted. only the says>>,

ll. llurad M.Murad ffirr J41' lll0 w",. 1fr9 Seateri&*r 1." September

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Who WhoIs fs Allah? Allah? Allah isis the the proper proper name Allah nameapplied appliedto to the the only only true true God Who who exists necessarily existsnecessarily God by by Himself~ Himself,comprising comprisingall all theexcellent excellent Divinenames namesand the Divine andattirbutes attirbutesof perfection. of perfection. AllahisisOne one and andUnique; unique;He Allah He has hasno partneror no partner or equal. equal. He is the sole soleCreator Creatorand He is the and sustainer sustainerof of the universe. the universe. Everycreature creaturebears bearswitness witnessto Every to His His Oneness. oneness.Divinity, Divinity, Lordship and the the uniqueness uniquenessof His Lordship and His attributes attiibutes and and names. Allah's essence essence names. Allah's does doesnot not resemble resembleother other eses..There sences; is none nonelike like unto sences; ÂŤThere is untoHimÂť. Him". He He is is the the One, one, the sole, the Indivisible. Indivisihle.He the Sale. the He is is the rheGod God without withoutWhom whom no affairs are accomplished, no affairs are accomplished, and and to to Whom whom Lordship Lordship ultimately pertains. He neither ultimately pertains. He neither begets begetsnor nor is is begotten. begotten. He does doesnot not inhere inherein in anything, anything,nor He does anything nor doesanythingininherein in Him. Him. All creatures creatures of Him, but here stand need standin in need Him. but He stands standsin in need needof none. none. He Allah is is the the Omnipotent, Omnipotent,the the Omniscient, Omniscient. Whose Whose Allah knowledgecomprehends knowledge comprehends in the the most most perfect perfect manner manner all all things,hidden manifested. But But He is is far far greater greater than than things. hidden or manifested. to be be encompassed encompassed by by the the knowledge knowledge of His His creatures. creatures. Allah is the the Creator Creator of everything, everything. for He Allah the the Supreme Supreme is has has a free free hand hand in the the disposal disposal of all affairs. affairs. He is the the most most Merciful, Merciful, whose Whose unhounded unbounded mercy mercy encompasses encompasses everything.He is far far removed removed from from injustice injustice and and everything. He is tyranny. order in in the the universe, universe, tyranny. Allah's Allah's justice justice ensures ensures order which is no no one one to to share share His His dodowhich has has no defect. defect. There There is main. nor does does He He take take aid aid or or support support from from His His creacreamain. nor

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tures. He is is the the God God of of the the worlds. worlds. Yet, Yet, He He is is nearer nearer tures. He .to ¡to man man than than man's man's jugular jugular vein. vein. Whenever Whenever aa believer believer 'calls in need need or distress distress calls on on Him, Him, He He respondsresponds. He He is is above the the Seven Seven Heavens Heavens mounting mounting His His throne throne is is the the above manner which which suits suits His grahdure. grandure. manner Allah has has revealed revealed His final final Scripture, Scripture, al-Qur'an al-Qur'an to to the last last of His Messengers, Messengers, Muhammad, Muhammad, peace peace be be on the him, to convey convey the the Message Message of Islam Islam to mankind. mankind. He him, is the the Exalted Exalted Allah; Allah; Glory Glory be be to Him Him. is

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What Whatis is the the Qur'an? Qur'an? <<Qur'an'is The word word ÂŤQur'anÂť The is understood understoodin in its its general generalconconnotationto to mean mean the notation the speech speechof of Allah Allah which which is is neither neither created. The is the created. The Qur'an the real real word word of of Allah, Allah, which Qur'an is which was delivered by the" was delivered by the angel angel Gabriel Gabriel to to Muhammad, Muhammad, peace be on him. peace be on him. Prophet Prophet Muhammad, Muhammad, peace peace be be on on him, memorized him, memorized the theverses verseshe he received receivedand andrecited recitedthem them to his his companions, companions,who who happened to with him. happenedto be be him. He then ordered ordered them them to to immediately immediately write then write the the verses verses down. He himself himself used used to to keep down. of the revealed keep aa copy copy the revealed portionsin in his his house. house.The The Qur'an is the last portions Allah's Qur'an is the last of Allah's Scriptureswhich which Allah revealed revealedin instalments Scriptures instalmentsover over a period of twenty-three twenty-threeyears. years.It surahs period [t is is divided divided into 114 114surafts (chapters)of unequal unequallength length. (chapters) . It is is one one of the the fundamenfundamen, tal sources sourcesof the the Islamic Islamic teachings. teachings.Some tal its surafis surahs Some of its and verses verses were were revealed revealed at Makkah, and and the the rest rest Makkah, and thereof were were revealed revealedat at Madinah. Madinah. The Makkan thereof Makkan surahs surahs verses are and verses are concerned concerned mainly with the issues and issues of of tawhid, or the tawhid, the belief belief in the the oneness Oneness of Allah, the signs signs existenceof of the existence of Allah, Resurrection, Resurrection, and and life after death. creed of the the oneness Oneness of of Allah was was the focal focal death. The creed prophets point of the messages of messages with which all the Prophets and Messengers Messengers were were sent sent to mankind, beginning beginning with Adam and ending and ending with Muhammad, Muhammad, peace peace be on them them all. The surahs surahsrevealed revealed at Madinah at a latter latter period period of the life of the Messenger of of Messenger of of Allah, Allah, peace peace be be on on him, him, are concerned with legislations, of worship, worship, and and are concerned legislations, rites rites of transactions related to of life. life. transactions related to all all aspects aspects of 9


Authenticity of the the Qur'an Our'sn Authenticity There has has been been no nation nation which which cared cared about, about, holified holified There and preserved preserved its its Divine Divine Scripture Scripture as as the the Muslim Muslim and Ummah (nation) (nation) cared cared about, about, holified holified and and preserved preserved Ilmmah the Qur'an. Qur'an. Unlike the the Divine Scriptures Scriptures which which preprethe is not not kept kept in the the hands hands of a particuparticuceded it, the the Qur'an Qur'an is ceded group or clan clan of Muslims Muslims so so that one one may may suspect suspect lar group alterated; rather, rather, it was was within within be tampered tampered with with or alterated; it to be the reach reach of all Muslims. Muslims. The The Muslims Muslims are are commanded commanded the to recite their prayer prayer and and refer refer to it in all all their their recite it in their judgment. disputes The Qur'an Qur'an was was compiled compiled final judgment. The disputesfor aa final at who committed memory were were committedit to memory thosewho whenthose time when at aa time preserve the to still alive. Allah has promised preserve the Qur'an, Qur'an, haspromised still alive. Day of Judgment. Judgment. The The and the Day preservedtill the will be be preserved and it will texts recite Muslims that the Qur'anic and recite the read and today read Qur'anic texts that Muslimstoday Prophet of the lifetime were the lifetime the Prophet recitedduring duringthe andrecited readand wereread hiscompanions: companions:No him, andhis Muhammad, peace be on him, and peace be on Muhammad, from it. deletedfrom the Qur'an letter beenadded addedto the hasbeen Qur'anor deleted letterhas asBucailleasMauriceBucaille After examining the Qur'an, examiningthe Qur'an, Dr. Maurice the authenticity,the ..Thanksto certains: its undisputed undisputedauthenticity, to its certains:ÂŤThanks the books books placeamong amongthe uniqueplace text holdsaa unique theQur'an textof the Qur'anholds '. of revelationÂťl. revelationt

scientific in the thescientific greatinterest interestin whohas takengreat hastaken 1.l. Dr. Bucailleisisaa surgeon surgeonwho Dr. Maurice MauriceBucaille in the Qur'an to study studythe and managed managedto Qur'an in Arabic and aspects He learnt learntArabic of the the Qur'an. aspectsof Qur'an. He of a As result data.As a result of preciscscientific its precise scicntificdata. with its He was wasamazed its amazedwith tcxt. He iu original originaltext. Islam. to Islam. Bucailleconverted convertedto this Dr. Bucaille study.Dr. thisstudy.

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Miracufosity Miraculosity of of the theQur'an Qur'an Allah,the theExalted Exaltedhas haschallenged challenged Allah, the theArabs Arabsand andnonnonArabs to produce a qur'an Arabs to produce a qur'an similar similarto to the the Divine Divineone. one. The challenge was then reduced The challenge was then reduced to and to ten tensurahs, surahs, andyet yet theyfailed failedto to do do so. so.Finally, Finally,Allah they them Allah challenged challenged themto to produceaa single singlesurah surahcomparable comparableto any of His. Alproduce to any of His. Although they they were were masters mastersof of eloquence though eloquenceand and rhetoric rhetoric during that that period, period, the the Arabs Arabs were during incapable were still still incapableof of taking up up the the challenge. challenge.They taking They realized realizedthat rhat itit could could neverbe be from from anyone anyoneother other than never Lord than Allah, Allah, the the Lord of the worlds. worlds. the Thedifference differencebetween betweenmiracles The miraclesof the theprevious previousMesMessengers,which which proved provedtheir their veracity, veracity,and sengers, and those thoseof the the Messenger Allah, peace peacebe Messenger of Allah, be on on him, him, is is that that their their preprevious miracles were effective effective during vious miracles were during the the lifetime lifetime of everyone them, whereas whereasthe everyone of them, the eur'an Our'an the miracle miracleof the remains effective, remains effective, everlasting everlasting and and unchallenged unchallenged until the Day of the Day Judgment. Judgment.

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Comprehensive Legislation Legislation Comprehensive Besides the the finesse finesse of of its its rhetoric, rhetoric, the the Qur'an Qur'an consticonstiBesides of Islam Islam on on the the tutes the most comprehensive comprehensive concept concept of tutes or the laws laws and legislation. legislation. practical level, leveL the shari'ah, shari'ah, or practical Our'an is comprehensive comprehensive because because itit includes includes law, The Qur'an moral principles principles and and the the creed creed which which every every Muslim subsubmoral 'ah shari'ah is suitable suitable not only for the scribes. The Islamic Islamic shari scribes. Muslims, but for all mankind mankind at all times. times. The Islamic Islamic Muslims, private-duties governs all all human human acts, acts, public public or private-duties law governs towards Allah and and duties duties towards towards man man. towards Man-made laws laws are are subject subject to alteration alteration and and are are Man-made legislators based on theories; theories; whenever whenever a new new body body of legislators based country or a new new assumes non-Muslim country authority in a non-Muslim assumesauthority laws the laws government,the theory its government, and appeals appealsto its appearsand theory appears on the other the other laws,on Divine laws, are The Divine accordingly.The changedaccordingly. are changed One the One perpetual because becausethe hand, and perpetual unalterableand hand, are are unalterable God. He EverlastingGod. Who and Everlasting Everlivingand is Everliving madethem them is Who made ordained for and ordained is mankind and createdmankind is the Creator Who created the Creator reason. thisreason, For this time.. For them theend endof time till the themtill whatsuits suitsthem themwhat last of the last to the revealed to the last revealed the last being the the Our'an, Qur'an, being previousScripScripall previous Prophets abrogates abrogatesall Messengers. and Messengers. Prophetsand tures. tures. the to the fulfilled to are fulfilled Many in the the Our'an prophesiesin Many prophesies Qur'an are good and did did good believeand who believe letter. thosewho promisedthose Allah promised letter. Allah onearth. earth. themsuccessors successors deeds on makethem will surely surelymake He will thatHe deedsthat many vastland landencompassing encompassing The many ruledaa vast Muslimsruled The early earlyMuslims victory the victory foretoldthe countries The Our'an world.The in the the world. countriesin Qur'anforetold

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2 of the the Romans Romansover over the the Persians Persianst. • Allah of <The Allah says: says:«The Romans havebeen beendefeated, defeated,in Romans have in the the land landnearby, nearby,and and they aftertheir theirdefeat, defeat,will they after will be be victorious». victoriouso. personwho A person who reads readsthe A the Qur'an objectivelyshall shall Qur'an objectively realize prophesies that the the prophesies realize that in in itit are far removed are far removedfrom from conjuncture or speculations. speculations. or This conjuncture Thisisisdue dueto to the thefact factthat that who revealedthem is the them is Who revealed the One one who who predecreed predecreedall all events until the the Day Day of Judgment. events until Judgment.

2. The reference reference to to this prophesy prophesy is found in surah surah #30 #30 entitled 'Arrum' 'Arrum' or or the Z. Romans. This refers to to the battle battle which which took took place place between between the Persian Persian and Romans. 614 A.D. A.D. when when the Roman Roman were were defeated. defeated. Eight years years after that. Roman in 614 the Roman the Roman Roman defeated defeated the the Persians, Persians, and and the the prophesy prophesy to to the the Qur'an Our'an was was fulfilled fulfilled the to to the the letter. letter.

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Science and and the the Our'an Our'an Science Along with with the the fact fact the the Muhammad, Muhammad, peace peace be be on on Along he write, nor read him, was was illiterate; illiterate; he he could could neither neither read nor write, he him, grew up in Makkah where there were no no schools, schools, and and grew up in Makkah where there were he was was far far away away from from the the scientific scientific circles circles which which existed existed he in Syria, Syria, Alexandria, Alexandria, Athens Athens and and Rome. Rome. Moreover, Moreover, the the scientific facts facts mentioned mentioned in in the the Qur'an Qur'an were were not not known known scientific in the the seventh seventh century. century. Having Having studied studied and and examined examined the Arabic Arabic text text of the the Qur'an, Qur'an, Dr. Bucaille Bucaille marvels: marvels: the Qur'an. II ÂŤI could could not find find a single single error error in the the Qur'an. ..I had to stop stop and and ask ask myself: myself: if if a man man was was the the author author had Qur'an, how how could could he he have have written written facts facts in of the the Qur'an, that today today are are shown shown to the centuryA.D. that Seventhcentury the Seventh scientificknowledge? be knowledge? modern scientific keepingwith modern be in keeping me: front of me: evidencein front the evidence I had the acknowledge too acknowledge hadtoo that statementthat singlestatement the containaa single not contain did not the Qur'an Qur'an did point of scientificpoint modern scientific was from aa modern assailablefrom was assailable TestaOld Testathe Old for the test for view. sametest the same repeatedthe view. I repeated same the same preserving alwayspreserving ment the Gospels,always the Gospels, andthe mentand even not even did not former, 1I did the former, objective In the outlook. In objectiveoutlook. find tb find Genesis,to book,Genesis, first book, have thefirst gobeyond beyondthe to go haveto cast-iron thecast-iron with the keepingwith of keeping statements totally out of totallyout statements facts science>>. modernscienceÂť. of modern factsof that factsthat scientificfacts thescientific of the manyof Dr. studiedmany Bucaillestudied Dr. Bucaille of creationof the creation asthe suchas are the Qur'an, in the Qur'an,such mentionedin arementioned aniastronomy,aniincludingastronomy, topicsincluding the othertopics andother universe,and theuniverse, other andother reproductionand humanreproduction mal plantkingdoms, kingdoms,human andplant maland

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relatedissues. issues. Forthe thesake"of sake'ofbrevity, related For brevity,two twoof ofthe theabove above issues will be be discussed discussed in order orderto will in draw the re-ader's issues to draw the reader's attentionto to one oneof of the theobjectives objectives attention of of this thisbooklet. booklet.

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The Creation Creation of of the the Heavens Heavens and and the the Earth Earth The HMan's knowledge knowledge of of the the origin origin of of the the universe universe is is "Man's considerably limited. limited. The The scientists scientists have have proposed proposed considerably hypotheses and and theories theories of of evolution evolution that that are are centred centred hypotheses around one one theme: theme: the the radiation radiation era, era. the the premordial premordial around fireball and and the the premordial premordial matter matter and and antimatter. antimatter. The The fireball theories state state that that the the universe universe consisted consisted mainly mainly of of theories matter and and strongly interacting interacting particles. particles. Premordial Premordial matter strongly antimatter. according according to Encyclopaedia Encyclopaedia Britannica' Britannica. antimatter, eventually annihilated annihilated each each other; other; and and the the remaining remaining eventually universe"~. The The Qur'an Qur'an particles formed formed the the present present universe"'. particles relatively in presents the the development development of the the universe universe relatively presents simple terms. Allah Allah says, says. directing directing His His Messenger Messenger iimpte terms. unbelievers: the unbelievers: ask the to ask him, to Muhammad, on him, be on peacebe Muirammad,peace earth the earth createdthe Who created Him Who "Say: denyHim ye deny that ye Is it that "Say: Is join equals Him? with Him? equalswith in ye join do ye Days?And do two Days? in two the on the seton He set (all) The Worlds.He The Worlds. He Lord of (all) The Lord is The He is and it, and aboveit, high above firm, high (earth) Standingfirm, MountainsStanding (earth)Mountains therein measured andmeasured bestowed blessings on therein earth,and theearth. on the blessings bestowed ask' who ask. (all)who for (all) its in alikefor Days,alike four Days, in four sustenance itssustenance (as) been(as) had been sky,and Then and itit had the sky. to the turnedto He turned ThenHe yetogether, together, earth:"come theearth: :He come ye smoke tothe andto toitit and saidto Hesaid smoke: willingly unwillingly". or unwillingly". willinglyor obediwillingobediin willing (together),in we do They said: come(together), docome They said:"we ence". gnce". H

H

3. Macropedia. Vol. 18. p. 1008.

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So He He completed completed them them aS as seven seven firmaments firmaments in in two two So Days~ and and He He assigned assigned to to each each heaven heaven its its duty duty and and Days, command. and and We We adorned adorned the the lower lower heaven heaven with with command. lights~ and and (provided (provided it) it) with with guard. guard. lights, is the the Decree Decree of of (Him) (Him) The The Exalted Exalted in in Might, Might, Such is Such Knowledge"-l. Full of Knowledge"*. ~~Do the Unbelievers Unbelievers see see that that the the heavens heavens and and "Do not the the earth earth were were joined joined together together (as (as one one unit unit of Creation), Creation). the before We clove them asunder? asunder? clove them before We made made from from water water every every living living thing. thing. Will they they not not then then believe?"''. believe?":;. "The concept concept of rending rending of one one unit unit into into two two or more, more. "The the colestial colestial {<Smoke}> «smoke» aS as referred referred to in the the above above verses verses the scientificdata. factualscientific are which corresponds the factual data. the corresponds fact to which arefact Sir astronomerSir «Smoke», the English English physicist and astronomer physicistand <Smokerr,the as Newton Newton that, as James found that. have found We have wrote: We Jeanswrote: JamesJeans gasof approximately approximately first massof gas chaoticmass conjectured,aa chaotic first conjectured, be would be great extent extent would uniform very great and of very density and uniform density it, in it, Formin to Form tendto dynamically unstable: wouldtend nuclei,would unstable:nuclei, dynamically conwouldultimately ultimatelyconaround matterwould wholeof matter thewhole whichthe aroundwhich proposed Newtonproposed dense". theoryNewton this theory basisof this the basis On the dense".On process of fragfragthat objects by aa process originatedby objectsoriginated all celestial celestial that all mentation. mentation. discover helpeddiscover programhelped Needless spaceprogram the space to say saythe Needlessto moon, whichthe the moon, of which the of of substances thesubstances of the homogeniety the homogeniety stateformed'«Such the are formed. planetsare otherplanets and other earthand the earth "Suchstate4.4 . Our'an 41 12. 10,11, 11,12. 41:: 9,9,to, Qu r'a n 5.5. Our'an 30. 2l ::30. Qur'an21

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mentsin the Our'an in the ments concerningthe creationwhich the creation Qur'an concerning whichapappeared nearly fourteencenturies centuriesago», peared nearly fourteen agon,Dr. Dr. Bucaille Bucailleconcon.robviouslydo cluded,«obviously do not cluded, themselves to a human not lend lend themselvesto a human 6 explanationnu. • explanation»

6. 6. Macropedia. Macropedia. Vol. Vol. 18. 18. p. p. lfXf8. 1008.

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Human Reproduction Reproduction Human The complexities complexities of human human reproduction reproduction were were dedeThe the coded and and understood understood only only after after the the invention invention of the coded microscope which which was was hundreds hundreds of years years after after the the death death microscope of Muhammad, Muhammad. peace peace be be on on him. him. However. However. the the Qur'an Qur'an refers to the the stages stages of development development that that human human embryo embryo refers undergoes. Allah Allah says: says: undergoes. HMan We We did did create create from from a quintessence quintessence (of clay); clay); "Man we placed placed him him as as (adrop (adrop of) sperm sperm in a place place Then Then we of rest, fixed; Firmly fixed; rest,Firmly congealed Then the sperm into a clot clot of congealed sperminto we made made the Then we blood; made a a (foetus) (foetus) lump; lump; then then We made clot We that clot thenof that blood;then hones and and clothed clothed the the bones bones We lump hones that lump out of that madeout We made with creature. anothercreature. out of it another we developed developedout thenwe with flesh; flesh;then So he to create!,,7. create!"'. Bestto Allah,The The Best be Allah. blessed So blessed proven, the the stages stagesof As scientificallyproven, has been been scientifically As it has ovule an ovule human 1- Fertilization Fertilizationof an are: ÂŤ"lreporductionare: humanreporduction The fertilizing fertilizing tubes.The which placein Fallopiantubes. in the the Fallopian whichtakes takesplace the implantationof the agent The implantation 2- The male sperm. the male sperm.2is the agentis spotin in the the precisespot placeat at aa precise fertilized takespla~e whichtakes eggwhich fertilizedegg the uterus uterus into the female system: into descends system:itit descends reporductive femalereporductive the uterus. and uterus. bodyof the in the the body lodgesin and lodges naked thenaked to the beobservable observable Once to beginsto to be emhryobegins theembryo Oncethe growsthere there flesh.It grows eye, smallmass massof flesh. like aa small lookslike eye,itit looks today; well known knowntoday; verywell whichare in stages arevery stageswhich in progressive progressive

1. Qur'an 23 : 12. 13. 14.

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leadto they the theylead thebone tothe bonestructure, structure,the themuscles, muscles, thenervous nervous R. system. and the viscera. etcÂť system,the thecirculation. circulation,and the viscera,etcrr*. In Dr. ÂŤMore In conclusion, conclusion, Dr. Bucaille ,.Morethan Bucailleascertains: ascertains: thanaa yearsbefore thousand years thousand beforeour ourtime. time,at ataaperiod periodwhen whenwhimwhimsicaldoctrines doctrinesstill prevailed,men sical had a knowledge still prevailed, men had a knowledgeof theQur'an. Thestatements the itit contains express in statements contains Qur'an.The express in simple simple termstruths premordialimportance truthsof man terms of premordial importancewhich which rnanhas has takencenturies centuries taken to to discoverÂť. discovertr.

L8. The Bible, Bible, the Qur'an Our'an and and Science, Science. p. p. 199. 199.

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Who is Muhammad? Muhammad? Who Muhammad, peace peace be be on him, him, is is the the last last of Allah's Allah's Muhammad, Messengers and and Prophets. Prophets. His His name name is is Muhammad Muhammad son son Messengers Abdullah. He was was born born in Makkah Makkah 570 570 A.D. Due Due of Abdullah. the fine fine reputation reputation he he enjoyed enjoyed among among his his people, people, to the 'the Trustworthy'. At the the age age of they nicknamed nicknamed him him 'the Trustworthy'. they 40, he he was was endowed endowed with with the the prophethood prophethood when when Allah Allah 40, the Exalted, Exalted, revealed revealed to him, him, through through the the angel angel Gabriel Gabriel the the first first Qur'anic Qur'anic verses, verses, Muhammad, Muhammad, peace peace be be on on him, him, the was asked asked to preach preach the the belief belief in the the Oneness Oneness of Allah was and people against polytheism. warn people againstpolytheism. and warn The polytheists opposed peace Muhammad,peace opposedMuhammad, Makkan polytheists The Makkan be on but that that did did his few few followers followersharshly, harshly,,but be on him, and his him.,and nor did did not nor waiverhis hissteadfastness, nor waiver steadfastness, faith nor not shake shakehis hisfaith preaching. his preaching. it stop to his peoplefrom from responding respondingto stop more more people Madinah people Finally, when the majority of the people of Madinah majority the Finally, when the to embraced flight to took flight Makkan Muslims Muslimstook the Makkan Islam, the embracedIslam, himself Madinah, Allah himself oD, the the Messenger Messengerof Allah Madinah, Later Later on, Few migrated the IslarnicState. theIslamic State.Few Madinahto to establish establish to Madinah migratedto allies years their allies polytheistsof Makkah Makkah and and their yearslater later the the polytheists Muslims,and and succumbed to the Muslims, growingpower powerof the to the the growing succumbed yearsafter after the the Makkah thirty years was conquered. Somethirty conquered.Some Makkah was peacebe him, death be on on him, Muhammad,peace the Prophet ProphetMuhammad, deathof the world sweepsweepIslam the world spreadthroughout throughoutthe had already Islamhad alreadyspread Persian ing the the Persian in existence; existence; greatestempires empiresin ing the two greatest the two and Roman. the Roman. andthe

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Whatis What is Islam? lslam? 'Islam', meaning ..submissionn, The Arabic Arabic term The term 'Islam', meaningÂŤsubmissionÂť, pointsto to the thefundamental fundamental points religious religiouscreed whichdictates creedwhich dictates that aa Muslim Muslimsubmit to the that submitto the will will of Allah, Allah, conforming conforming inwardlyand andoutwardly outwardlyto inwardly to His His laws. laws. The religion religion of Islm Islm lays greatemphasis The laysgreat emphasison on uncomuncompromisingmonotheism monotheismand promising to and strict adherence strict adherence to certain certain creedsand andacts actsof worship. creeds worship.It enjoins enjoinssubmitting submittingto to the the will of Allah Allah and and following followingthe will the exemplary way of the exemplaryway the life of Muhammad, Muhammad,the life lastof the thelast the Prophets Prophetsand andMessenMessengers.,may peacebe may peace be on gers, on them them all. all. Allah, the the Exalted Exaltedcreated Allah, createdthe the universe universeand and what what is is in it that that He He be be recognized recognized in as as the the One One and only God. and only God. He created createdman man and and jinn only He only to celebrate celebrateHis praise His praise and worship worship Him. Him. His words signify: "f have and His words signify: "I have only only createdlinns created Jinnsand and men, men, that that they they may may Serve Me"o. ServeMe"\). The ways waysand and acts The actsof worship worshipare not left left to man's are not man's option or choice. choice.Allah option Allah is is the the One One Who Who ordains ordainsand and decreesall all acts decrees actsof worship worshipand and the the means meansin whichthey in which they must must be be observed. observed. Since Islam deals in every aspect Islam Since deals everyaspectof life.' spiritualand life, spiritual and physical, physical, its its jurisprudence jurisprudence is is based based on on creeds, creeds, acts acts of worship worship and and ordinances ordinances regarding regarding social, social, economical economical and and political political transactions. transactions. Because Because Islam Islam is is a perfect perfect way way of life, it enjoins enjoins mainmaintaining taining a refined refined code code of manners. manners. The The Messenger Messenger of 9. 9. Qur'an Qur'an 51 51 : 56. 56.

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"Verily, I have Allah the Allah said: said:HVerily, havebeen sentto beensent to accomplish accomplish the fine praisedthe fine manners manners".Allah Allah has haspraised the fine fine manners mannersof "And His Messenger saying: ..And surely thou hast His Messengersaying: surelythou hastsublime sublime mora)s"w. of Allah. Allah, wifeof the morals""'.A'ishah, thewife A'ishah.the the Messenger Messenger on him, was asked about his manners. peace be peacebe on him, was askedabout his manners.She She "His HHis manners were al-Qur'an". A'ishah meant said: said: mannerswere al-Qur'an".A'ishahmeant that peacebe thatthe theProphet, Prophet,peace on him, be on him, clung clungto the Qur'an, to the Qur'an, it rules of discipline. its commands. its prohihitions, and rules discipline. its commands. and itsprohibitions, the graciousthings beautifuland and gracious thingscomprised the excellent., excellent,beautiful comprised in the to For this reasonAllah Allah commands the helievers to in it. it. For thisreason commands believers peace peace be be follow life of His His Messenger, follow the the exemplary exemplarylife Messenger, on haveindeed indeedin in the Messenger of him. saying: saying:"Ye have the Messenger on him. Allah exempler"I'. exempler"". Allah an an excellent excellent goodmanners seekIslam seekmannersfor occasion: Islamen.loins enjoinsgood for every everyoccasion: permission, greeting,sitting, ing greeting., teachlearning,teachingpermission, sitting,eating, eating.learning, visiting.sleeping. sleeping. ing. sporting.travelling. travelling.dressing. dressing.visiting. ing. sporting. particularlyrelatives marriage, people, particularly marriage,treating treating people., relativesand and great with kindness, suchgreat neighhours with etc. neighbours Codesof all all such kindness. etc.Codes in both manners mannersare arefound boththe the Qur'an andthe Prophetic foundin the Prophetic Qur'anand peacehe heon traditions of the of Allah. him. theMessenger Messenger Allah.peace on him. traditions The family highstatus Islam.It is core The the core familyenjoys enjoysaa high statusin in Islam. is the healthvsociety. societv. family means meansaa healthy of society; society;aa healthy healthyfamily henceAllah., Allah, the the Exalted commands treatthem hence to treat \\!ith Exaltedcommands themwith gentleness and suhmissiveness submissiveness saying: and saying: gentleness "Thy ye worship worship none Lord hath hath decreed decreedthat HThy Lord none but but that ye ye he he kind parents. that ye Him, Him, and and that kind to to parents. H.

4. 10.Qur'an 68 : 4. 10. Qur'an68 :21. 11.Qur'an t3 33 : 21. 11. Qur'an

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Whether them attain attain old age age in thy Whether one one or both of them life. life, say not to them them aword contempt,nor repel repel them them saynot aword of contempt. but address them, in terms addressthem, terms of honour. honour. And. out of kindness, lower to them the wing wing of And, out kindness.lower them the humility, humility, and say: and say: "My Lord! bestow "My bestowon on them them thy Mercy Mercy even even as as they they cherished me in childhood" 12. cherishedme childhood"''. Next Next to family kindred.The family comes comesthe the kindred. The Messenger Messengerof peacebe Allah, peace promised be on on him, him, said has promised said that that Allah has to he he kind kind to him him who who hehaves kindly to his kindred, hehaveskindly his kindred. and to sever and his kindred kindred by sever him who who severs bv unkind unkind severshis hehaviour. behaviour.

12. Qur'an 17 : 23. 24.

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The Pillars Pillars of lslam Islam The Messenger of Allah, peace peace be on him, said: said:" Islam Islam The Messenger is built on five five pillars: pillars: is '1,ash-Shahaadah (the 1. (the profession profession of faith) which which must must . ash-Shahaadafr be recited recited by anyone anyone embracing embracing Islam Islam.. (La ilaha iJaha illallah, iJ/alJah. be Muhammad Rasoolullah) RasoolulJah) meaning: meaning: "There ÂŤThere is is no true true Muhammad god except except Allah, Muhammad Muhammad is is the Messenger Messenger of god AllahÂť. This This means means that that there there is is no god god worthy worthy of being being Allah". worshipped but Allah, and and that that He must must be be worshipped worshipped worshipped His Messenger Messenger only teaching of His the teaching according to the only according Muhammad. peace bee on o n him. him. e a c eb M u h a m m a d ,p (prayer).which performedfive five times times 2. which must must be be performed 2. Salat Salat(prayer). (units)];~ rak'aat 'aat (units)] aa day. prayer.. [two is Fajr prayer The first first is day. The [two rak sunrise. which dawn and and sunrise. hetween dawn performed hetween may be he performed which may just afternoon. The The rak'aatf.The Dhuhr, just afternoon.[four The second. second. Dhuhr. [four rak'aat]. The third Asr. rak'aatl. The afternoon, [four the later afternoon. Asr. in the [four rak'aat]. sunfourth. 'aat] immediately immediatelyafter after sunrak'aatJ fourth . Maghrib. Maghrib, [three [three rak redsun'sredIsha '. [four 'aat]. after set. after the the sun's rak'aat), set. The The fifth. fifth.Isha', ffour rak however, Prayer, however, ness the horizon. horizon. Prayer, from the ness disappears disappearsfrom washinghands. hands. which is is washing must precededhy by ahlution ahlution which must he he preceded and forearmsand face, washingthe the forearms head, washing the head, wiping over over the face.,wiping the t h e feet. feet. is the the greatestpillars pillarsof Islam. Islam. It is Prayer is one the greatest one of the Prayeris on be asked askedon first which man man shall shallhe about which worshipahout act of worship first act then Allah, then the by Allah, acceptedby is accepted Day of Reckoning. Reckoning.If it is the Day

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the rest rest of man's man's good good deeds deeds are are accepted accepted too''. too 13 • the

3. Zakaf Zakat (the (the poor-due) poor-due) is is one one of the the greatest greatest financial financial 3. Islam, literally literally meaning'purification', meaning 'purification', inininstitutions of Islam, institutions that such a payment payment makes makes the the rest rest of the the MusMusdicating that dicating sucha lim's wealth wealth pure pure.. Zakat Zakat is is levied levied annually annually on on certain -certain lim's food grain, grain, cattle cattle and and cash cash possessed possessed for one one types of food types lunar calendar calendar year year to be be given given out out to the the poor, poor, the the lunar needy and and other other specified classes of people. people. specifiedclasses needy (fasting)to 4. be observed month 4. Sawm observedduring duringthe the month Sawm(fasting) to be (theninth of Ramadan lunarcalentheMuslim Muslimlunar calenRamadan(the ninthmonth monthof the (dawn),and dar). begins at at sunset. andends endsat sunset. at daybreak daybreak(dawn), dar). It tt begins Eating, drinkingl~ and wife with one's one'swife and sexual activitieswith Eating, drinking't sexualactivities are forhidden. are forbidden. gainsthrough Besides throughfastfasthealthbenefits whichone onegains benefitswhich Besideshealth ing, it is whichhelps who observes observes worshipwhich helpsone one who ing,it is an an act actof worship it attain piety, humbleness the feelings the humblenessand and share sharethe feelingsof the attain piety, beret Fastingalso alsoallows allows community.Fasting beret and and hungry hungry in the the community. one to be more benevolent and charitable. and charitable. one be more benevolent prescribedfor those (pilgrimage)to Makkah, those 5. Makkah, prescribed Hajj (pilgrimage) 5. Hali Muslims who can afford the trip financiallyl5 and health financially''and health Muslimswho can afford the he does, and shall 13. thing he does, and shall accountablefor every minute minute and and thing be held held accountable for every 13.Man Man shall shall be questioned by be stand all by himself on the Day of Judgment or Reckoning to be questioned by Reckoning himself on the Judgment stand all the shall he for his own deeds. deeds. he held held accountahle his own Almighty Allah. Allah. Everyone Every one shall accountablefor the Almighty The or everlasting Hereafteris is either everlastinghappiness everlastingtorment. torment. in the eithereverlasting happiness life in the Hereafter The life juices and drinks; 14. water, fruit juices and other and soft soft drinks; refers to other non-alcholic non-alcholicand to water, 14.Drinking, Drinking, refers prohihitedin liquour in Islam. Islam. smokingare are prohihited and smoking liquour and journey and for his his and for 15. provisionsfor his journey one must have enough that one must have enough provisions for his meansthat This means 15.This family his absence. absence. during his family during

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wise, once once in a lifetime. lifetime. The Hajj Hajj rites rites take take place place during during wise, the Islamic Islamic or lunar months months of Shawwal, Shawwal, Dthul-Qi'dah the only. It is is a preconpreconand the the first first ten ten days days of Dthu-Hijjah only. and Ihram J6 at a the pilgrim to enter enter the the state state of lhratn'o dition for the Makkah. certain point point before before entering entering the the boundries boundries of Makkah. certain

piece of cloth cloth wrapping aa piece 16. 16. Ihram Hajj or Umrah hy wrapping is the the intention to perform Hajj Ihram is covering down. Another piece pieceof cloth coversthe the upper upper covering his his hody hody from the the chest chestdown. cloth covers wearsewed hody: pilgrim to wear sewed makesit unlawful unlawfulfor the the pilgrim hody: excluding head. Ihram excludingthe the head. Ihram makes wife. to hunt hunt and garments. garmcnts.shoes. his wife. and the the like. like. shoes.to have sexualactivities activitieswith his have sexual stateof Ihram. lhram. he may Under normal once the state he may once aa Muslim Muslim enters entersthe normal circumstances. circumstances. not break rituals. But if one one is held is held hascompleted completed all break it until he he has all Hajj or Umrah rituals. great hack reason.fear fear of enemy enemyor great from completing health reason. back from completingHajj or Umrah. Umrah. for health goat. cow danger. camel sheep.goat. quit his lhram and and sacrifice sacrificeaa sheep. cow or camel he may may then then quit his Thram danger. he as as an expiation. an expiation.

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The Articles Articles of Faith Faith The There are are also also articles articles of faith which which include include beside beside There believing in the the Oneness Oneness of Allah: Allah: believing 1. Believing in the the angels. angels. Allah has has created created them them 1. Believing and tasked tasked them them to undertake undertake numerous numerous duties duties beside beside and praising Him. They They are are His His obedient obedient salves. salves. "They stand stand praising awe and and reverence reverence of His His [glory]"17. in awe [gloryJ"". that they 2. werefree Beliveingin Allah's they were free 2. Beliveing Allah's Scriptures, Scriptures,that from at the time of their their the time any imperfection imperfectionor errors errors at from any revelation. preceded the the Qur'an that preceded have All Scriptures revelation.All Scripturesthat Qur'anhave while been tampered by their people, while their people, with or distorted distortedby been tamperedwith protected by by Allah from the from change tamperchangeor tamperis protected the Qur'an Qur'anis Isma'il, ing. Abraham, Isma'il, ing. Allah Allah sent down Scriptures sent down Scripturesto Abraham, Moses, Is'haq, (Jacob)and twelve sons, sons,Moses, and his his twelve Is'haq, Ya'oob Ya'oob (Jacob) Jesus, and Muhammad, Muhammad. Jesus,and 3. Believing Among whomthe Among whom the Messengers. Allah's Messengers. 3. Believingin Allah's most prominent and steadfast are Noah, Abraham, most prominent and steadfastare Noah, Abraham, peacebe Moses, be on on them. They them.They Moses,Jesus andMuhammad, Muhammad,peace Jesusand are EveryProphet Prophetor MesMesand slaves Allah. Every are human humanand slavesof Allah. peacebe senger be on on him, him, was wassent Muhammad,peace sent sengerbefore beforeMuhammad, peacebe to people,but be on on him. him. but Muhammad, Muhammad,peace to his his own own people, "Blessedis is He He was all mankind. mankind. Allah Allah says: says:"Blessed sent to all was sent that it Who CriterionTo His His Servant, down the the Criterion Servant,that Who Sent Sentdown May all Creatures;-"l~. Creatures;-"'*. an admonition admonitionto to all May be be an

17. Qur'an 21 : 28. 1R. Our' an 25 : 1.

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None or Prophets Prophetsclaimed None of Allah's Allah's Messengers Messengers claimedto be part-god.Allah god or part-god. Allah says: says:"No son son did did Allah be aa god beget, god along with Him: is there any god alongwith there beget,nor nor is there any Him: (if there were taken god would were many gods),behold, behold,each would have havetaken manygods), eachgod away wouldhave awaywhat whathe hehad hadcreated, created,and andsome somewould haveLorded Lorded it over the (He is is free) over others! to Allah! others!Glory Glory to Allah! (He free) from from the (sort (sortof) Him!"'n. of) things they attribute attributeto to Him!,,'9. thingsthey 4. theLast D"y, the Resurrection. 4. Believing Believingin in the LastDay, the Day Day of Resurrection. aa term a Allah predecreed for each creature,and and a haspredecreed term for eachcreature, Allah has term life of this this world. world's termination for the world. The The world's termination term for the life then will the Trumpet, will be markedby by the the sounding Trumpet, then be marked souhdingof the the be rerewill sound againand mankindshall the trumpet trumpetwill soundagain and mankind shallbe be surrected worldsto be standbefore beforethe the Lord the worlds to stand Lord of the surrectedto questioned who questionedabout deedsin in this world. Those Thosewho their deeds this world. abouttheir go to to Jannah believed wereobedient will go believedin Allah and and were obedientwill Jannah in Allah (Paradise), or (Paradise), and will end up in and those thosewho who disbelieved disbelieved end up Hell-Fire. Hell-Fire. predestination. S. Allah Believingin hascreated createdev5. Believing in predestination. Allah has evdecree, predestination, erything in accordance with His decree, predestination, with in accordance His erything will, and in due due proportion. proportion.His determinatdesire desireand andwill, andin His determinatwas established fiftytion nature of things establishedfiftytion of the the nature things was yearsbefore the Heavens Heavensand thousand the thousandyears beforeHe He created createdthe and the 20 takes shape Nothing occurs occurs or takes within the earth • Nothing the eaffhr". shape within with His the earth earth but but with His knowledge knowledgeand and by heavensor the heavens by order. His His order. 2n 3 : 991. 1. 1 9 Qur'an . Q u r ' a23 19. Abdullah Bin Amr reported reported that that the 20.Abdullah the Messenger Messengerof Allah, peace peace be be on him, him. 20. "Allah had predecreedthe said: "Allah had predecreed the creation creationfifty fifty thousand thousandyears yearshefore said: he hrought hrought hefore he and the the earth earth into into existence", (lmam Muslim, the heavens heavensand existence".(Imam Muslim, Ahmad and at-Tirthe and at-Tirmidrhi). midthi).

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that you you read read this this booklet, booklet, the the decision decision is yours. yours. Now that is heading heading for the the same same end, end, but may may choose choose Everyone is Everyone any other other route. route. Allah is is so so merciful; merciful; Allah is far reany "Nor would would we we punish punish moved from from injustice; injustice; He says: says: "Nor moved until. We had had sent sent A A messenger messenger (to give give warning)"t'. warning) ,,21. until. concern for you, you, wâ‚Ź we have have prepared prepared this this Out of our concern message. message.

21.0ur'an 1 7:: 1Itl. 6. 2 1 .Q u r ' a n17

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Suggested Suggestedbooks books for for reading: reading:

-- The of the (Englishtranslation TheHoly HolyQur'an, translation themeaning) meaning) Qur'an,(English by Al-Hilali. hy T. T. Al-Hilali. -- Sahih Sahih al-Bukharri, al-Bukharri, aa collection collection of the the authentic authentic Prophetic Prophetictraditions. traditions. --Sahih Sahih Muslim, Muslim,aa collection collectionof the the authentic authenticProphetic Prophetic traditions: traditions: ** The The book book of Prayer Prayerby by A. Saqib. Saqib. ** General Prescripts of Islam. GeneralPrescripts Islam. Fasting. ** Fasting. ** Exegesis of the Exegesis the opening openingchapter chapterof the the Qur'an. Qur'an. ** The The Fundamentals of Islam. Fundamentals Islam. The life life and the Aqeadah Aqeadahof Ash-Sheikh. ** The Muhamandthe Ash-Sheikh. Muhamlhn Abdul Abdul Wahab. Wahab. mad mad Ibn

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