Islam its foundation and concepts by Islamic Library

ISLA]UI Its Foundation And Concepts

Dr, Muhammed bin Abdullah As-Suhaym

daarulatedfo Abdur-Raafi Adewale lmaam

@Muhammad Abdullah AhSuhaym, 2OOs K ng Fahad NationalLibrary Cataloging-in-PublicationData AIS uh aym, Muham mad Abdul lah. lslam:lts FoundationAnd Concepts./Muhammad AbdullahAl-Suhaym.Riyadh,2005 224p 14x21cm ISBN:996047-538-7 1- lslam-GeneralPrinciples l-Title 210dc 142611239 LegalDepositNo. 1426/1239 ISBN:9960-47-538-7

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lslaam: Its Foundationsand Concepts

Dr. Muhammadbin AbdullaahAs-Suhaym

Translated by Abdur-Raafi Adewale lmaam Translationand PublicationDivision, lslaamic Propagation And Education Committee, Al-MadeenahAl-Munawwarah www.alharamainonline.org

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

I n t h e N a m eo f A l l a a h ,th e Gra ci o us,the M er ciful Translator'snote: All praiseis due to AllaahlMay peaceand blessingsbe upon tne Messenger, his household and companions. This book is undoubtedly a commendable attemptat showingthe beautiesof lslaamto mankind,drawinga comparison betweenthis great religionand other world religionsin spiritual,moral,social and intellectual aspectsand acquaintingmankindwith rts principles and fundamentals in a logical,unambiguous, convincing, frankbut graciousmanner. We would howeverlike to call the attentionof the readerto some pointsas regardsthe translation of someof the quotesand foreign names in this book.The authorquotedsome passagesfrom the Bibleand otherbooks,whichare not originally Arabic.Thoughwe believethat the proper academicmethod in translatingthese passagesis to referto theiroriginalsourcessincemost of them are in English, we could not however do so because of therr unavailability to the translator.lt is thereforehopedthat,translation of the passages rendered here are as close as possible in meaning,to the originaltexts. As for the namesof someauthorsmentionedin the Bookin Arabic letters,we exertedefforts to know the correct spellingof these names in their originallanguages.But due to the fact that the '

In transliterating Arabic words, the translatorchoseto use the double vowel 'aa', 'ee'and'oo' to indicatemadd [stretching]with fathah, kasr, a n d d a n t mr e s p e c t i v e lays i t i s i n ' A l l a a h ' , ' l s l a a m ' , ' T a w h e e d ' , ' s o o r a h ' , etc., because;usingthis methodrnakesit easierfor non-Arabicspeaking readersto pronouncethe words as closely as possibleto the way the Arabic speakersdo. This way has becomestandardway of transliteration by nranyfamousMuslim writersand translatorsIike Dr Bilal Philipsand others.

Islsam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts authorquotedexcerptsfrom their booksfrom secondarysources, which are in Arabic, we could not have access to the original from Arabic. books;hencethe nameswere transliterated Equally,the namesof foreignreferencesmentionedin this book in Englishmay not be the exactnamesgivenby theirvariousauthors. Mostof theseare translatedfrom Arabic. the meaningsof the versesof the GloriousQur'aan,I ln translating completelyreliedon the translationdone by Al-Hilaliand M. M. Khan and printedby King Fahd Complexfor the Printingof the as it is withoutany additionor HolyQur'an.I quotedthe translation omission. if As for the hadeeths,I largelyreliedon M. M. Khan'stranslation the hadeeth is reported by Al-Bukhaareeand Muslim or AlBukhaareealone.lf the hadeethis reportedby Muslim,I quoted from Siddiqi'stranslation.Otherwise,the hadeethsare translated by my humble self. In the footnotehowever,I deem it enough to mentiononly the collectorof the hadeefhin the footnote.I add the 'AA' at the end of the footnotesadded by me to distinguish initials betweenthem and thoseof the author. May Allaah make this book beneficialfor all and reward its author abundantlyin this worldand the Hereafter. Abd ur-RaafiAdewale lmaam lslaamicPropagationAnd Education Committee, Al-MadeenahAl-Munawwarah www.alharamainonline.org

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

Author's preface All praise is due to Allaah.We praise Him and seek for His assistanceand forgiveness. We seek refugewith Him from evilsof our souls and our misdeeds.No one can misleadwhosoever Allaahguidesand nonecan guidewhosoeverAllaahcausesto go astray. I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah alone. He has no partner.I also testifythat Muhammadblessings and peacebe uponhim,is Hisslaveand Messenqer. Allaahsent Messengers to mankindin orderthat peoplemay not have any plea againstHim after He has sent these Messengers. He alsorevealedBooksas guidance,mercy,lightand healing. In the past, Messengerswere especiallysent to their peopleand entrustedwith the preservationof their book. That was why their writingsbecameforgottenand their laws becamealtered,because they were sent tot a specificnationon a limitedperiod. Thereafter,Allaah chose His ProphetMuhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him, and made him the last of all prophetsand Messengers. He says, -

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"Muhammadis not the father of anyone among you, but he is the Messengerof Allaah and the last(end) of the Prophets.',1

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Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts Allaahhonouredhim wtth the best RevealedBook which is the gloriousQur'aan;He took it upon Himselfto preserveit and did not to any of His creatures.He assignthe obligationof its preservation SAVS.

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"Verily,We it is Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e., Qur'aan)and surely, We wilt guard it (from corruption)."1 He also makes the Law of Muhammad,blessingsand peace be He explained uponhim,the lastingone tillthe Day of Resurrection. that the perpetuityof his Law necessitatesthe belief in it, calling unto it and being patientwith it. Hencethe path of the Prophet, blessingsand peace be upon him, and his followersis that of Whilemakingthis callingto the way of Allaahwithsureknowledge. way clear,Allaahsays, of

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"Say (O Muhammad).Ihls is my way; I invite unto Allaah with sure knowledge,I and whosoeverfollowsme. And Glorifiedand Exalted be AIlaah.And I am not of the polytheists.'" and peacebe uponhim, the Prophet,blessings Altaahcommanded he in the cause of Allaah with harm suffered to bear whatever patienceand says,

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Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

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"Thereforebe patient (O Muhammad) as did the Messengersof strong will."' He alsoenjoinspatienceon Muslims, .|i ,'t(-' ' ./ L(+u+ f' .Jt-+r 'f

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1,,-:-'irJ.>..l.o-l "O you who believe!Endure and be more patient and guard (your territory by stationingarmy units permanenily at the places from where the enemy can attackyou) and fear Allaah,so fhat you may be successful."' In accordancewith this graciousDivineWay, I write this book to invitepeopleto the religionof Allaah,derivingguidancein doing so, from the Book of Allaahand the Sunnahof His Messenger.I brieflyexplainedhereinthe story of the creationof the Universe, the creation of man and how he was favoured by sending Messengers to him and acquainting him with the situations of past religions.Afterwards,I made an introductionto lslaam as per its meaningand pillars In this book, I have providedevidencestor those who are lookingfor guidance,explainedthe way for those who are lookingfor salvation,showedthe pathto thosewho desire to follow the track of the Prophets,Messengersand righteous people. As for those who turn away from their path, such only befoolthemselvesand take to the erroneousoath.

rAl-Ahqaaf46:35 2 A a l ' l r n r a a n3 : 2 0 0

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts It is a matterof fact that adherentsof each religioncall othersto it and they believethat truthonly abidesin theirreligion.lt is also a fact that adherentsof each beliefcall othersto follow their leader and extolhim.As for the Muslim,he does not call peopleto follow his own ideology.His religionis the religionof AllaahwithwhichHe is pleased.Allaahsays,

4 )rr\i ^i "+ 3)"Aiilb "Truly,the religionwith Allaah is lslaam"' He also does not call people to glorifya human being, for all human beings are equal in the Religion of Allaah; nothing one from anotherexceptpiety.A Muslimrathercalls distinguishes people to follow the path of their Lord, to believe in His Messengersand follow His Law which He revealedto the last of His MessengersMuhammadblessingsand peace be upon him, and whichHe commandedhim to convevto all mankind. It's on this accountthat I wrote this book in order to call peopleto the Religionof AllaahwhichHe is pleasedwith and with whichHe sent His Last Messengerin orderto guidethosewho are looking By AllaahlNo humanbeingcan have for guidanceand happiness. through this religionand nonecan haverest happiness except real of mind exceptby believingthat Allaahis the only Lord (worthyof worship),that Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him, is His Messengerand that lslaamis the only acceptablereligionof Allaah. Thousandsof those who embracedlslaam have testifiedthat they did not knowreallifeuntilaftertheyembracedlslaamand thatthey did never tasted happinessexcept under the shade of lslaam. Since it is a fact that every human being looks for happiness, peaceof mind and truth,I preparethis work to helpthem achieve I

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Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

that. I pray that Allaahmakesthis work purelyfor His sake and let it be well-accepted and make it one of those righteousdeeds that will benefitits doer in this worldand the next. I givepermission to translate and publishthisbookin any language to whoevermay want to do so with a conditionthat the personact honestlyin translatingit and to do me a favourby sendinga copy to me to avoidunnecessary repetitionof efforts. I equallyrequestfrom whoeverhas any observationor correction either on the Arabic text of this Book or any of its translateo versions to kindly send it to me through the below-mentioned address. All praiseis due to Allaahfirstlyand lasfly,outwardlyand inwardry. All praiseis due to Him publiclyand secrefly.All praiseis due to Him in the beginning and the end.All praiseis due to him as much as can fill the heavensand the earth and whateverelse that Our Lord may wish. May Allaahbestowpeaceand much blessingon our ProphetMuhammad,his companions and all thosewho follow his pathtillthe day of reckoning The author, Dr.Muhammad bin Abdullaah bin SaalihAs-suhaym Riyadh, Shawwaal13,1420 P. O. Box 1032Riyadh1342,P O. Box6249 Riyadh1r1442

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

Where is the Way? things,many questions When man growsand startsunderstanding Where I from? Why did I come (to am come to his mind like: existence)? What will be my end?Who createdme and createdthe universearoundme? Who owns and controlsthis universe?And otherouestionslikethese. However,he is unable to providehimselfwith answersto these questions.Even modern science is not capable of providing answers to them because these issues fall within religious domains That is why there are numerousnarrationsand different superstitionsand tales about them that only add to man's confusionand distress.lt is impossiblefor man to get a satisfying answerto thesequestionsunlesshe is guidedby Allaahto the true religionthat is capableof providingfinal decisionon these and similarissues;for, theseissuesare amongthe divinesecretsthat onlythe true religioncan givecorrectand accurateanswersto and that is the only religionthat Allaahrevealedto His Prophetsand Messengerslt is then incumbentupon man to learn the true religionand have beliefin it in order to have his confusionand doubtsremovedand in orderto be guidedto the StraightPath. In the followingpages,I inviteyou to followthe StraightPath of Allaah and I presentto you some evidencesand proofsthat you may carefullyand patientlyreflecton.

Islsam: Its Foundations And Conc

Existenceof Allaah, His Lordship (over alt creation), His Onenessand His being the only God worthy of worship 0Manypeopledo worshipman-madedeitiesliketrees,stonesano even humanbeings;that is why the Jews and idolatersaskedthe Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peacebe upon him, aboutthe characteristics of his Lord.In replyto this questionAllaahrevealed,

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{â&#x201A;Ź:3;i Gh";j< "Say (O Muhammad).He r's Altaah, (the) One, Attaah, the Self_ sufficient Master (whom all creatures need, He neither eats nor drinks). He begets not nor is He begotten.And there is none co_ equal or comparableunto Him."1 He alsosavs. ti

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Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

"lndeed your Lord is Allaah Who created the heavens and the earih in Sx Days and then He lstawa (rose over) the Throne (really in a manner thaf suifs His Majesty).He bringsnight as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly,and (He created)the sun, the moon, the starssubjectedto His Command.S/essedbe Allaah, the Lord of all the world!"' He alsosays, . - -',7

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{ jqlr JJr "Allaah is He, Who raised the heaven without pillarsthat you can see. Then He lstawa (rose above) the Throne (really in a manner that suits His Majesty).He has subjectedthe sun and the moon (to continue going round)! Each running (its course) for a term appointed.He regulates all affairs, explainingthe Aayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, /essons,slgns, revelations,etc.) in detail, that you may believe with certainty in the meeting with your Lord. And it is He who spread out the earth, and placed therein firm mountains and riversand of every kind of fruits He made in pairs.He brings the nightas a coverover the day..."untilHe says,

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{ rCJt;lii "Allaahknows what every female bearsand how much the womb falls short (of their time or number) or exceed. Everything with Him is in due proportion.AII-Knowerof the unseenand the- seen, the Most Great,the Most-High."1 Allaahalsosays,

{e-tri "Say (O Muhammad): Who is the Lord of the heavens and the earth? Say: (lt is) Allaah. Say: Have you then taken (for worship) protectorsother than Him, such as have no power either for benefit or for harm to themselves? Say. ts the btind equat to the one who sees? Or darkness equal to light? Or do they assign A)taah parrners who created the like of His creation, so that the creation '

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Islasm: Its Foundations And Concepts

(which they made and His creation)seemed alike to them? Say: Atlaahis the Creatorof altthings.He is the One, the trresistibte."l for mankindHis signsas evidencesand proofs, Whileestablishing He says, -'

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"And from among His signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Prostratenot to the sun or the moon, but prostrate to Allaah who created them, if you really worship Him. But if they are too proud (to do so), then those who are with your Lord (angels) glorify Him night and day, and never are they tired. And among His s4lns (in this), that you see the earth barren, but when We send down water (rain) to it, it is stirred to life and growth (of vegetations). Verily, He Who gives it life, sure is Able to give life to the dead (on the Day of Resurrection).lndeed He is Able to do all things.'' He alsosays, ' A r - R a ' dI 3 :I 6 2 F u s s i l a4t l : 3 7 - 3 9

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

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t -'t\^Jr-l "And among His signs is the creationof the heavens and the eafth, and the differences of your languages and colours. Verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge. And among His slgnsls your sleepby nightand by day..."' While describingHimselfwith Attributesof beauty and perfection He says, '

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"Allaah!None has the right fo be worshippedbut He. The EverLiving, the One Who sustainsand protectsall that exisfs. Neither slumber nor sleep oveftakes Him. To Him belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoeveris in the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His permission? He knows what happens to them (His creatures)in this world and what wiil happen

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Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Conce. to them in the Hereafter.And they will never compassanythingof Hisknowtedgeexceptthat whichHe wills."' He alsosays,

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"The Forgiver of sins, the Acceptor of repentance' the Sfern ln punishmeht,the Bestower(of favours)-Ld ilAha illa Huwa None has theright to be worshippedbut He.To Him is thefinat retttrn.'2 He - may His praisebe exalted-also says, ii

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He is Ail6h besldes whom L6 itaha illaHuwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defecfs, the Giver of security,the Watcherover His creatures,the (High is Atl-Mighty,the Competter,the Supreme.Glory be to All^hl '' partners with Him as associate they He) a-Ooieatl that This Wise and omnipotentLord who made Himselfknownto His slaves and established for them His signs and proofs and described Himself with attributes of perfectionhad prophetic ordainments,humanwisdomand naturetestifyto His existence,to His Lordshipand being the only one having the right to be I 2:255 Al-Baqarah r G h a a f i r4 0 : 3 I A l - H a s h 5r 9 : 2 3

Islaam: Its Foundations And worshipped.I wiil -God wiiling-show that to you in the foilowinq pages. As for proofsof His existenceand Lordship,they are: One: Creation of this universe and its wonderful design O man! All this universethat surroundsyou, the heavens, tne stars,the galaxiesand the earth that is spread in which there are neighbouringtracts out of which differentprantsgrow bearinoail fruits,and on which you find ail creaturesin pairsl.. tni, *iuEr"u did not createitselfand could nevercreateitself.lt must then have a creator.who then is that creatorwho createdit in this wonderful design and perfectionand made it a sign for those wno can se" save Allaahthe one, the subduerwhom there is no Lord oi o"ity worthyof worshipbesideHim. He says, '

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"Were they created by nothing or were they themsetvesthe c.reators?Or did they create the heavens and t'heearth? Nay,but they have no firm betief."l Thesetwo versesimplythreequestions: 123-

Were they createdfrom nothing? Did they createthemselves? Did they createthe heavensand the earth?

lf their creation was not accidentarand they had not created themselvesor createdthe heavensand the earth;it shourd then be affirmedthat thereexistsa creatorwho createdthem as weil as the '

At-Toor 52:35-36

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Conc heavens and the earth. That Creator is Allaah, the One, the Subduer. Two: The nature All creaturesare naturallyinclinedto believein the existenceof the creator; to affirm that He rs greaterand mightierthan all things. This inclinationis more well-rootedin the naturethan elementary mathematicsand does not need to be proved by any evidence except for him who has an abnormalnature; a nature that has been exposed to circumstancesthat turn it away from what it shouldadmit.'AllaahsaYs,

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So sef you (O Muhammad(peacebe upon him))your face towards the religion (of pure tstdmicMonotheism) Hanif (worship none but Attah itone). Attdh's Fitrah (i.e. Attdh'slsl1mic Monotheism)with which He h'as createdmankind. No change let there be in Khalqiilah (i.e. the religion of All6h - lsllmic Monotheism):that is the straightretigion,but mostof men know not'* The Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peacebe upon him, said' ,,Everychild is born with naturalinclinationto lslaamicMonotheism and it is his parentswho make him a Jew, a christianor a Magian3 young whole,whereinyou find fust as the animalgives birthto its (who is the narratorof this Hurayrah Aboo no mutilation."Then (Allaah's words): "Recite you like if hadeeth)said:

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"All6h'sFitrah (i.e. Attah'ststamicMonotheism) with which He has created mankind. No change ret there be in Kharq-irtdh(i.e. the religionof Attah - lstamicMonotheism).that is the siraight'retigrcn, but most of men know not "'1 He also said, "Verily,my Lord commandedme to teach you what you do not know of that which He has taughtme today:,Art rnon"y that I endoweda slavewith, is raMur(for n-iry.t createomy slaves naturallyinclinedto lslaamic Monotheismand it were thL devils wno came to them, led them away from their religion, made -on forbiddenfor them what I made lawiul and enjoineo inem to asso,cj?lepartnerswith Me in worshipof whichi diOnot send any oroof.'"' Three: Consensus of all people All past and modernnationsare in consensusthat this universe has a creatorwho is Allaahthe Lord of all the worrds,that He is the creator of the heavensand the earth and that He has no partner among His creatures as He does not have a partner in His Sovereignty. No beliefhas ever been reportedfrom any of the past nationsthat their false deities took part with Allaah in the creation of the neavensand the earth.Rather,they all believedthat it was Allaan who createdthem and their goos, that there was no creator or sustainerbesidesHim and that He aloneowns the powerto brino

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Islaom: Its FoundationsAnd C, benefitor inflictharm.tAllaahinformsus in the followingversesof the idolaters'affirmationof His Lordshipand guardianship, o,i1

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"lf you were to ask them: "Who has created the heavens and the earth and subiectedthe sun and the moon?" They will surely reply: "NEh." How then are they deviating (as polytheists and disbetievers)?AIIAhenlargesthe provisionfor whom He willsof His s/aves,and straitensit for whom (He wills). Verily,Alldh is the AllKnower of everything.If you were to ask them: "Who sends down water (rain) from the sky, and gives life therewith to the eafth after its death?" They will surely reply: "All6h."Say: "All the praisesand thanksbe to Altdh!"Nav! Mostof themhave no sense''"

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"And indeedif you ask them, 'Who has createdthe heavensand 'The All-Mighty' the All-Knower the earth?' They will surely say: 'u createdthem.'

' M a . l n r o oF' a t a w al 4 : 3 8 0 - 3 8 i t A l - 'A n k a b o t 2 9: 6 1- 6 3 j A z - z u k h r u f9

Islaam: Its Foundations And Ct Four: The reason Human reasoninevitablyconfirmsthat this universehas a great creator;for the sound reasonagreesthat this universeis a creited thing that did not bring itself to being, hence, it must have an originator. Also, man knowsthat he falls into crisesand afflictionsand when he is unable to prevent them or remove them, he faces the heavenswith his heart and seeksfor His Lord'said to removehis distresseven thoughhe may denouncehis Lord and worshiohis idols in his normaldays. This is an undisputable fact. Even tne animal raises his head up and looks at the sky wheneverit is visited by an affliction.The AlmightyAllah informs us that man, wheneverhe is afflictedwith harm, hastensto his Lord and asks Him to removethe harm.Allaahsays,

d',? ./-:

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{,,1!1;6i-:ef ;UfW "And when some hurt touches man, he cries to his Lord (Altah Alone), turningto Him in repentance.But when He bestowsa favor upon him from Himself, he forgets that for which he cried for before,and he sefs up rivals to NEh.'r He alsosaysaboutthe idolaters,

Az-Zunar 39:8

Islaam: Its Foundations And

6 \&, 9K ,f c t{i r^;t;r!4c bt ltv \\r:i"** t

;-P

c:1oui (a

;-E t; 64-6+;

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u;tt*,a3tit4i y

'i-".

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/ ,;=; ) -' . / .

,-'.)

i":

r.l.p

"He it is Who enablesyou to travel throughland and sea, till when you are in the ships, and they sail with them with a favorable wind, and they are gtad therein, then comes a stormy wind and the waves come to them from all sides, and they think that they are encircled therein. Then they invoke All6h, making their Faith pure for Him Atone, (saying): "lf You (Neh) deliver us from this, we shall trutybe of the grateful."But when He deliveredthem, behold! They rebet (disobey All6h) in the eafth wrongfully. O mankind! Your rebetlion (disobedienceto AIl6h) is only against your own se/ves, a brief enjoyment of this worldly life, then (in the end) unto Us. is your return,and We shaltinformyou that whichyou used to do."' He alsosays,

4.:1':2F ]1i JEit u* .n;.t v:'3 ,^':'i "And when a wave covers them like shades (i.e. like clouds or the mountains of seawater), they invoke Aileh, making their ' Yoonusl0:22-23

Isluum: Its Foundations And Concepts

invocations for Him only. But when He brings them safe to tand, there are among them those that stop in between (Betief and disbelief). But none denies Our Signs except every perfidious ingrate."' This Lord who broughtthis universeto existence,createdman In the bestform,embeddedin his natureservitudeand submission to Him, subjectedhumanreasonto the beliefin His Lordshioand His exclusiveworthinessof being worshipped.lt is Allaah whom all nationsunanimously testifyto His guardianship... as He should inevitably be One in His Lordship and worthiness to be worshipped.As He has no partnerin creatingHis creatures,He shouldalso have no partnerin His worthinessof beingworshipped. Thereare numerousevidencesfor this,-some of whichare: 1- Thereis only in this universeone God Who is the creatorand the sustainersof all. None bringsharm or benefitexceptHim. Had there been any other god besidesHim, that god would have had his own work, creationand commandand none of bothwould have allowedanotherto sharethe creationwith him. Hence,one of them must have overpoweredand subduedthe other. In that case, the subduedcould not have been a god and the Subduershouldbe the real God with whom none can sharethe rightto be worshipped just as noneshareswith Him His guardianship and lordship. Allaah says,

iJ- q ll S.-;'i,il'El;

,:^;:Jrt;

t -rlb n Ai ii Cy

4 :l' J)r,-a,_& ii :i*'uzl

jo -fi;

,1,;,

"M son (or offspring)did AlEh beget, nor is there any il6h (god) along with Him; (it there had been many gods), then each god I Luqmaan 3l:32 *For rnoreof theseevidences, seeKitaabut-Tawheed by Muharnrnadlbn AbdulWahhaab.

Isluam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

woutd have taken away what he had created, and some would have tried to overcome others!Glorifiedis Allah above all that they attributeto Him!"1 2- None deservesto be worshippedbut AllaahWho createdthe heavensand the earths;for, man seeks to gain the favourof the Lord Who brings him benefit and prevents harm, evils and calamitiesfrom him and none but the One Who owns the heavens and the earth is capableof doing all these. Had there been any other lords as the idolatersdo claim, human would have taken ways that leadto the worshipof AllaahWho is the True Sovereign. This is because,all false deitiesthat are worshippedbesidesthe True Lord, they themselves,used to worship Allaah and seek nearnessto Him alone. Therefore,those who want to seek nearnessto Allaah,Who has the power to give benefitsand bestow harm, should worshipthe True LordWhom all that is in the heavensand the earth-including the false deities-do worship.Let those who are searchingfor the truthread (thefollowingverse):

O"it \e:i -tsy <| 'lt .-' r.* o: re 'l Yi {i

L^e+J ui.r)\r -

,<ti -.i 4 ,"J:r)1,--l

4 )j '':jp-:Jt '

'iJ ,i.r:c a'lJl

ti::

Say:(O Muhammad(peacebe upon him) to those polytheists, pagans)"Caltupon thosewhomyou assert(fo be associategods) beiraes Attah,theypossessnot evenan atom's(or a small ant's) weight,eitherin the heavensor on the earth,nor have they any sharein either,nor there is for Him any supporterfrom among

' A l - M u ' m i n o o2n3 : 9 1

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

them. lntercesslon with Him profits not except for him whom He permits."l These verses and others keep the heart from incliningtowards otherthingsbesidesAllaahthroughfour factors. One: That those whom the polytheistsworshippossessnot even the weight of an atom with Allaah, and he who possessesnot a weight of an atom cannot benefitnor harm and therefore,is not worthyof beingworshipped or beingtakenas Allaah'sassociatein worship lt is AllaahaloneWho ownsthemand controlsthem. Two: That they possessnothingin the heavensand the earth ano they do not even havean atom weightof sharein them. Three:Allaahhas no helperamong His creatures.Rather,He is the one who helps them in what is of benefitfor them and drives away from them what harms them. For, He completelyhas no need of them; it is they who are ratherwho are in absoluteneed of Him. Four: That these so-called associates are not capable of intercedingwith Allaahon behalfof theirfollowersand thev will not even be given permissionto do so. Allaah does not qtve permission to intercedeexceptto His friends,and His friendsSlso cannot intercedeexcept on behalf of the one whom Allaah is pleasedwith his sayings,deedsand belief2 3- systematicarrangementand preciseexecutionof the affairsof this universeis the strongestindicationthat its controlleris one Lord, one (King),besideWhom there is no other creator.As it is impossiblefor this universeto havetwo creators,so it is impossibre for it to havetwo Lords.Allaahsavs.

' saba'34:22-23 r Sec 'uyoonil-muwalihideen p.100 Qurratu

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

e cii

4,i#

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-'i

r77

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"t "Had there been therein (in the heavens and the earth) alihah (gods)besrdesAttah,then verilyboth wouldhave been ruined."' Had it been assumedthat there was in the heavenand the earth another god besides Allaah, they would have been ruined. Because;had there been anothergod besidesAllaah,both [Allaah and the other godl would need to be autocrattcand have the right of free disoosal.That would have then lead to contentionand fightingand the ruin of the heaven and the earth would have occurredas a result. lt is impossiblefor the body to have two - how souls;if that happensthe bodywill be destroyed controlling greater, is should which universe, that this imagined then can it be havetwo lords? 4- Consensusof the Prophetsand Messengers:All nationsagree that the Prophetsand Messengersare the wisest,most intelligent, of what Allaah best in morality,most sincere,most knowledgeable wants and the most rightlyguided of all people,because,they receivedrevelationfrom Allaahand conveyedit to people.And all Prophetsand Messengers- right from Adam to the last Prophet who is Muhammad,peacebe uponthem all - haveall calledthelr peoplesto the belief in Allaah and abstentionfrom worshipping anythingbesidesHim and that He is the only True Lord.Allaah says, ,a/

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A l - A n b i y a2al : : 2

Islaam: Its Foundations And Conc And We did not send any Messengerbefore you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) but We revealed to him (saying): La itahaitta Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but | (NEh)) so worship Me (Aloneand none else)' He also says aboutNoah- Peacebe upon him - that he told his peopre,

{tg- i,7 ' ,tn "64;ovi;17r sti;i5 { ,ri} "T.hatyou worshipnone but Allah;surely, I fear for you the torment of a painfulDay.'' Allaah - may He be glorified- says about the last of all Messengers, Muhammad,

r :jr Jj>:l-; ;i

-raiil r-i jl 3A"L iUl

,g i r^rlA y

"Say (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) "tt is revealed to me that your ll6h (God) is onty one ttdh (God - NEh) Wiil you then submit to His Will (become Muslims and stop worshipping others besidesNEH?'S This God ,, ,n" On" who wonderfullycreatedthe universefrom naught;He createdman in the bestform and perfectedhis creation and impressedin his naturethe affirmationof His Lordshipand His exclusiverightto be worshrpped.He lets him have peace of mind throughhis submissionto Him and followingHis path and He ordainedit on his soul not to be at rest until it surrendersto its creator and be in continuouscontactwith Him. He also makes rt impossibleto contactwith Him exceptthroughHis straightpath, I Al-Anbiyaa 2l:25 I H o o < iI l : 2 6 t A I - A n b i y a2al : 1 0 8

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

)'7

which the honourable Prophets conveyed. He gave man which only becomesuprightand functionsproperly intelligence, when he believesin Allaah,Glorvbe to Him' When one has an uprightnature,a peacefulsoul and a believing heart, one achieveshappiness,securityand peace in this world and the Hereafter.But when man refusesall that, he will live in the alleys of this world disorganisedand dividedamong its gods, ignorantas to who can benefithim or preventharm from him. lt is in order that true faith may be establishedin the heart and the uglinessof disbeliefmay be exposedthat Allaahmakesa parable - for parablesbring meaningscloserto understanding. He makes a parableof a man whoseaffairis dividedbetweennumerousgods and a man who worshipshis Lord alone.He, may He be glorified, says,

'J:'4;i:Li+* "All6h puts fofth a similitude: a (slave) man belonging to many partners (like those who worship others along with All6h) disputing with one another, and a (slave) man belonging entirely to one master(like those who worshipAll6h Alone). Are those two equal in comparison?Allthe praisesand thanks are to All6h! But most of them know not."' Allaahlikensthe slavewho is a polytheistto a slavewho is owned by differentassociatesand over whom they all contendwith each other.He is dividedamongthem and everyone of them directshim to him. He is confusedamong them and assigns responsibilities and rs always unstable.He is unableto satisfytheir differentand desiresthat tear his energyand directionsapart. contradicting

' Az-7,tntar 39:29

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

He also likens the slave who is a monotheistto a slave who rs owned by a single master.He knows what his masterwants and the assignmentshe gives him. He is therebycomfortableand settledon a clear path. Both of these two slavescannotbe equal. For, one submitsto a single master and enjoys the pleasureof uprightness, knowledge and certaintyand the otherone submitsto differentand disputingmasters and is thereby punishedano distressed. He is not stableon a conditionand cannotpleaseeven one of them let aloneall of them. After proofs on the existenceof Allaah, His Lordship and His exclusiveright to be worshippedhave become clear, we should then acquaintourselveswith His creationof the universeand man and knowHis wisdombehindthat

Islaam: ItsFoundationsAnd Concepts Creationof the Universe

This universe,with its heavens,earth,stars,galaxies,seas,trees by Allaah- the and all livingthingsare createdfrom non-existence Glorifiedand ExaltedHe savs, i:-

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{-;, *IJt ',.Jt "Say (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) "Do you verily set disbelievein Him Who createdthe earlh in two Days? And you 'Alamin Lord of the is the up rivals (in worship) with Him? That (mankind,|nn and attthat exisfs,).He placed therein(i.e. the earth) firm mountainsfrom above it, and He blessedit, and measured therein lfs susfenance(for its dwellers)in four Days equal (i.e. all these four days were equal in the length of time) for all those who ask (about its creation) Then He (rose over) lstawâ&#x201A;Źttowards the heaven when it was smoke, and said to it and to the earlh: "Come both of you willingly or unwillingly " They both said: "We come, wittingty."Then He completedand finishedfrom their creation(as) seven heavens in two Days and He made in each heaven its affair. And We adorned the nearest(lowest)heaven with lamps (stars)to be an adornment as welt as to guard (from the devils by using

Islasm: Its Foundations And Concepts

them as miss/es against the devils).Such is the Decreeof Him the All-Mighty. the All-Knower."1 He alsosavs. 'r

. t,-r. \-lJ>q

";i;{i;

r^., u:t+ r4\5 ,:,'+^:li Li ir; *i-;

eiri'nt

tu-a;:;-ti

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ut;;; I) .r-r-ui.fet-l lt^: aW uAu-t;.; ttl"t* 4.'.V't:

,, Qyl; Oo

Have not those who disbelieveknown that the heavens and the earth were joined together as one united piece, then We parted them? And We have made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe? And We have placed on the eafth firm mountains, lest it should shake with them, and We placed therein broad highways for them to pass through, that they may be guided. And We have made the heaven a roof, safe and well guarded. yet they turn away fromits srgrns(i.e. sun,moon, winds, clouds,etc.).'2 Allaahcreatedthe universefor manygreatpurposes.Thereare tn everypartof it greatwisdomand dazzlingsrgns.lf you ponderover a singlesign thereof,you wrllsee wonders.Beholdthe wondersof the creationof Allaahin the plantsin whichalmosteveryleaf,stem and fruit is full of benefit that human intellectcannot fully comprehendand understandits details.Beholdthe watercourses of thosetenderand weak stems,whicheyescan hardlysee except by carefulobservation,how they are able to draw water from tne bottom to the top and the water then moves in those courses accordingto their acceptability and capacitieslt then breaksinro particlesthat cannotbe perceivedby human eyes. Then behold ' F u s s i l a4t l : 9 - 1 2 ' Al-Anbiyaa 2l:30-32

Isluam: Its Foundations And Concepts

the fruit of a tree and how it movesfrom a stageto anotherlike the invinciblemovementof the conditionsof a foetus.You see a tree growingfrom a mere naked wood with no coveringon it, then its Lord and Creator covers it with leaves in the most beautiful manner.He then bringsout its fruit tenderand weak after He has broughtout its leaf in order to preserveit and make it like ctothing for that weak fruit so as to protectit againstheat, cold and other harmfulphenomena.He then providessustenancefor these fruits through their stems and watercoursesso that that can nourish them, as an infantis nourishedby the milk of its mother.He then nurturesthe fruitsand developsthem untilthey becomecompletely ripe. He therebybroughtout that deliciousfruit out of that lifeless wooden-likeparticle. When you look at the earth and how it was created,you will see that it is one of the greatestsigns of its Creator.Allaahmakes it a resting place and as a bed, and subjectedit to His slaves. He makes their sustenance,provisionand sourcesof livelihoodthere and created therein for them ways and paths so that they can move about to meet their needs.He fixed it firmlywith mountains and makesthem as pillarsin orderto protectit againstshaking.He flattensit, extendsit and spreadsit, makes it a receptaclefor the living that brings them together on its surface and makes it a receptaclefor the dead that bringthem togetherin its interiorafter theirdeath.lts surfaceis a placeof dwellingfor the livingand its interioris the placeof abodefor the dead. Then look at its revolvingorbit, with its sun, moon, stars and revolvesaroundthis world zodiacsand beholdhow it continuously proper succession and see the in and this order of time till the end differencesin the night, day, seasons,heat and cold which are resultsof these wonderfulmovements,and the benefitsthey give to all kindsof animalsand plantsand all thatexistson the earth. Then reflectover the creationof the heavenand take anotherlook at it; you will see that it is one of the greatestsigns of Allaah in Thereis no pillarunderneath and stabilitv. altitude.exDansiveness

Isluum: Its Foundations And Concepts

it and there is no suspenderover it but held by the infinitepowerof Allaahwhich holdsthe heavenand the earth lestthey fall asunder. When you also look at this universe,the compositionof its parts and its best arrangement- that show the perfectomnipotenceof their Creatorand His perfectknowledge,wisdom and grace - you will find that it is like a constructededificein which all rtstools ano requirementsare provided.The heavenwas erectedwith its roof raisedabove it; the earth made like a placeof rest and a carpetfor its dwellers;the sun and moon which are like lamps illuminatethe earth; and the stars which are its lanternsand adornmentgive directionsto the travellerin the paths of the universe.The iewels and mineralsthat are hiddenin the earth like preparedtreisures are all made for the purposethat best suits them. All kinds of plantsand animalsare also preparedfor what they are good for. Some animalsare good for riding,some are good for milking; some are good for food and some are betterused as guards.And He made man theircontrollerand like an authorisedking above all of them. lf you also ponderover this universeeitherin every respector in a partof it, you will see a lot of wonders.lf you deeplyreflectand you are sincere with yourself and free yourself from the noose of whims, capricesand blind imitation,you will know with certainty that this universewas createdby the All-Wise,All-powerfuland AllKnower,Who measuredit in the best manner and arrangedit in the best form. You will atso know with certaintythat it is simply impossiblethat the Creatorshould be two; He is only One Lord besideWhom there is none other worthy of worshipand that hao therebeen any othergod in the heavensand the earth,theiraffarrs would have been corrupted,theirorder disruptedand theirwelfare brokendown. lf you howeverinsiston attributingthe creatronto othersbesidetne Creator,whatwillyou say of the mechanismthatrevolvesarounda river whose tools and composrtionhave been perfected and excellentlymeasuredthat the observerdoes not see any defectin it or its picture.This riveris situatedin the middleof a longgarden

Islaam: Its Foandations And Concepts

in whichthereare differentkindsof fruitsthatget theirwaterfrom this river,and thereis in this gardena caretaker who bringsits disunitedparts togetherand perfectlytakes care of it so that nothingof it becomesdefectedand nothingof its fruitsbecomes decayed.This caretaker then portionsout its partsto the outlets according to man'sneedsand necessities, givingeachgroupwhat it deserves andportioning it outin thiswaycontinuously. Will you thensay that all this happened withoutthe handof any creator,whohasfreedomof choiceand is a planner? Willyousay thatthe existence of thatmechanism andgardenis just accidental withoutanycreatoror planner? Canyouimaginewhatyourreason will tell you if all thesewereto cometo beingaccidentally? Can you imagineas to whereyourreasonwill directyou and counsel youabout?' Theunderlying reasons: Afterall thesereflections over the creationof the universe,we deemit fit to mentionsomeof the reasons for whichAllaahcreated thesehugebeingsandastounding signs. 1. To subjectthem to man: WhenAllaahdecreedto createa successor on thisearththatwouldbe worshipping Himandinhabit the earth;He createdall thesethingsfor him,thathe mighthave an uprightlifeand havemattersof his presentlifeand thatof his finalabodeputrightforhim.Allaahsays,

I This

sectionis expungedfrom differentplacesfionr the book, "Miftaahu d a a r i s - s a ' a a do a t2. 5 1- 2 6 9 .

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

And has subjectedto you all that is in the heavens and allthat is in the eafth; it is atlas a favor and kindnessfrom Him.n He also says,

'6_?G',c ,:c-ai3: Jlis u..,{ri o"iAi * ,y -,

,sfr i'i y

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( r'g)it"=- lrt'hJ 'All6his He Whohascreatedtheheavensandtheeafthandsends down water(rain)from the sky,and therebybroughtforth fruitsas provisionfor you; and He has made the shrpsto be of serviceto you, thattheymay sailthroughfhe sea by His Command;and He hasmaderivers (also)to be of serviceto you. And He has made the sun and the moon, both constantlypursuingtheir courses,fo be of serviceto you; and He hasmadethe nightand the day, to be of serviceto you. And He gaveyou of all thatyou askedfor, and if you countthe Blessingsof All6h,neverwill you be able to count them. Verily!Man is indeedan extremewrong-doer,a disbeliever (an extremeingrate,whodeniesAll6h's8/essrngs by disbelief, and by worshippingothersbesrdesAll6h,and by di2obeyingAlldhand (peacebe uponhim)).'" HisProphetMuhammad 2. To make the heavensand the earth and all that is in the universeproofsof Allaah'sLordshipand signsof His Oneness. Because, the greatestthingin thislife,is to affirmthe Lordshipof Allaahand His Oneness.And becauseof the fact that. it is the ' A l - J a a t h i y a4h5 :l 3 2 lbraaheem14.32-34

Islaam: Its FoundotionsAnd Concepts

greatest matter, Allaah has establishedin its support greatest evidencesand signsand provedit with the most convincingproofs. So, Allaah createdthe heavens,the earth and all other beingsto make them evidencesfor that.That is why statementslike, "Among His srgns"are mentionedin the abundancelike in the following verses. ar-

4u.l{i ?';-ui Jtt -:;-t; us ) "And among Hls SrErns ls fhe creationof the heavensand the eafth."

4 zQi;,FV*c '*'r; a:\ "And among Hrs Srgns is the sleep that you take by night and by day." '..ai') , rr l - i . , 1 . , , OrCt e=.t-t t t'4JaJ tif

',- ' . -a:+te glJ f\

"And among His Signs is that He shows you the lightning,for fear and for hope." |

a-J

4 ':r\J6\tr:Cat

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"AndamongHis Srgrns ls fhaf the heavensand the earth standby HisCommand."' 3. To make them evidencesof the existenceof the Day of sincethelifeis two lives,a lifeof thisworldanda life Resurrection,

' Ar-Roorn30:22-25

Islaam: Its Foundations,And

Concepts

of the Hereafterthoughthe life of the Hereafteris the real.Allaah says, 't

t ,. -.i'i i'll c--tl

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ittJult.

"And this life of the world is only amusement and ptay! Verily, the home of the Hereafter - that is the life indeed (i.e., the eternat life that will never end), if they but knew."I This is because the home of the Hereafter is the home of recompenseand reckoningand there is there eternal bliss for those who deserveit and eternaltormentfor thosewho deserveit. Since man cannot reach that home except after he dies and is resurrected;its existenceis denied by those whose relationship with their Lord has been cut, whose naturehas suffereda relapse and whosesenseof reasoninghas beendamaged.lt is becauseof this that Allaah establishedproofs and evidencesin order that souls might believe and hearts might have conviction; for reproductionof the soul is much easier than its first creationand the creation of the heavens and the earth is greater than the reproduction of man.Allaahsavs,

'+'

j!.i

,^t ,1.;-I ,tt;Ji\i"+ s. *i y

"AndHe it is Whooriginatesthe creation,therywillrepeatit (afterit hasbeenperished)and thisr'seasierfor Him.'" Healsosays,

' Al-Ankaboot2g:64 2 A r - R o o m3 0 : 2 7

Islaam: Its Foundotions And Concepts

! r6i ;oi

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"Thecreationof the heavensand the eafth is indeedgreaterthan thecreationof mankind.vet mostof mankindknownot."l He alsosays, -:.

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,-4 SG,;i<ji w. ;tri';'j' ,# Ft 6A?5 4':t>'o*;'&t ttl

"All6h is He Who raised the heavens without any pillars that you can see. Then, He rose above (lstawd) the Throne (really in a manner fhat suifs His Majesty).He has subjectedthe sun and the moon (to continue going round), each running (its course) for a term appointed. He regulates all affairs; explaining the Ay6t (proofs, evidences, yerses, /essons, signs, revelations, etc.) in detail,^thatyou may believe with ceftainty in the meeting with your Lord.'* After all this O man! lf this entire universehas been subjectedto you and all its signs and proofshave been shown to you, you will testifythat there is no Lord worthy of worshipexceptAllaahAlone Who has no partner.When you have knownthat your resurrection and life after death is easierthan the creationof the heavensand the earth, that you shall meet your Lord Who will call you to accountfor your deeds and you have known that all this universe I G h a a f i r4 0 : 5 7 t A r - R a ' dl 3 : 2

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

worships its Lord that all His creatures glorify their Lord with praisesas confirmedby Allaah, /

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"Whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the eafth glorifies Allah, the King (of everything), the Holy, the All-Mighty, the Att-Wise."1 That,they all prostratefor His Majestyas He says,

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"Seeyou not that whoeveris in the heavens and whoeveris on the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the mountains, and the trees, and Ad-Dawab (moving (iving) creatures, beasfs,),and many of mankind prostrate themselves to Allah. But there are many (men) on whom the punishment is iustified. And whomsoeverAll6h^disgraces,none can honor him. Verily!Allahdoes what He wills.'' Even these beingsworshiptheir Lord in a way that suits them as explainedby Allaahin this verse,

A l - J u m u ' a h6 2 : l

'at.lr.aiizz:tt

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

'4"^i lii ii ; V lL i "S-;-i* fuii *r{tr,.r"*ai a c*n

"See you not (O Muhammad(peacebe upon him)) that All6h, He it is Whom glorify whosoeveris in the heavens and the eafth, and the birds with wings out-spread (in their flight). Ot each one He (AlEh) knows indeed hls Sa/df (prayer) and his glorification, (or everyoneknows hls Sa/df(prayer)and his glorification)."' lf your entire body does actuallywork in order accordingto the the heart,the lungs,the liver decreeof Allaahand His regulation: parts of the bodysubmitand surrendertotheirLord... and all other your decision after all this be betweenbelief in your optional Will Lord and disbeliefin Him? Will your decisionbe antipathytowards and deviationfrom this blessedpath of the world aroundyou and even of your body? Actually,the completelysane man will considerhimselffar above choosing antipathyand deviationin the vastness of this great universe.

A n - N o o r2 4 : 4 1

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

Creatingand Honouring Man It was a decisionof Allaah to createa creaturethat could inhabit this universeand His choicefell on man. lt is also in accordance with His Divine Wisdom that the matter from which man was createdwas the earth. He originatedhis creationfrom clay and then mouldedhim on this beautifulshapethat he has now.When he has becomecompletelyperfectin that shape,He breathedlife Into him through His Spirit (Angel Jibreel-Gabriel)and He made him becomeman in the best form; providedhim with the abilitvto hear, see, move and speak. Then his Lord made him live rn Paradise,taught him all that he neededto know, made lawfulfor him all that was in Paradiseand forbadehim from a sinqletree as a test for him. Allaah wanted to show man's positionand standing;so He commandedHis Angels to prostratefor him. All of the Angels prostrated but Satan arroganfly and obstinately refused to prostrate.So Allaah became angry with him for his disobedience and expelledhim from His Mercy becauseof his arrogance.Satan asked Allaahto extend his life and give him respitetill the Day of Resurrection.So, Allaah extended his life till the Dav of Resurrection Satanbecameenviousof Adam becauseof the preferencehe and his childrenwere given over him. He swore by His Lord that he would mislead all the childrenof Adam, that he would come to them from their front and rear, and from their left and from their rightexceptthe sincere,piousand truthfulslavesof Allaahamong them,for suchAllaahhas protectedagainstthe evil plansof Satan. AllaahwarnedAdam of the evil plan of Satan,but Satan tempted Adam and his wife Hawwain orderto get them out of paradiseano to uncoverfor them that that was hiddenfrom them of their orivate parts. He swore by Allaah to them that he was a srncerewellwisher for them and that Allaah had not forbiddenthem from that tree savethey shouldbecomeangelsor becomeof the immortals.

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

Having been influencedby the deceptionof Satan, Adam and Hawwa ate of the forbiddentree and the first punishmentthat of Allaah'scommandwas that, afflictedthem for theirdisobedience which that was hidden from them of their private parts became exposedand Allaahremindedthem of His warningaboutthe tricks of Satan. Adam then sought for the forgivenessof his Lord. So Allaah forgaveHim, acceptedhis repentance,chose him and guidedhim. He then orderedhim to descendfrom the Paradisewhere he was living,to the earthwhereintherewas his abode and his enjoyment for a time. He also told him that it was from earth that he was created,that on it he would live and die and that !t is from it that he would be resurrected. Adam and his wife Hawwa then descendedto the earth and their childrenprocreatedand they all used to worshipAllaah, because their father Adam was a Prophet.Allaah tells us this story in the gloriousQur'aanwhereHe says, -i

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Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

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And surely, We created you (your father Adam) and then gave you shape (the noble shape of a human being); then We told the angels, "Prostrate yourselves to Adam", and they prostrated themselves,except lblis (Satan), he refused to be of those who prostrated themselves.(NEh) said: "What preventedyou (O lblis) that you did not prostrateyourself, when I commandedyou?" lbtis said: "l am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire, and him You created from clay." (NIeh) said. "(O lblis) get down from this (Paradise),it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you are of those humiliated and disgraced." (lblis) said: "Allow me respite till the Day they are raised up (i.e. the Day of Resurrectrbn)."(All6h) said: "You are of those resplted." (tbtis) said: "Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path. Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and You will not find most of them as thankfut ones (i.e. they will not be dutiful to You) " (Neh) said (to tbtis) "Get out from this (Paradise) disgraced and expelled. Whoever of them (mankind) will follow you, then surety I wiil fiil Heil with you att." "And O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in Paradise,and eat thereof

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

as you both wish, but approach not this tree othervviseyou both will be of the Zdtim1n(unjustand wrong-doers)."Then Shaitdn(Satan) whispered suggesflons to them both in order to uncover that which was hidden from them of their privafe parts (before); he said: "Your Lord did not forbid you this tree save you should become angels or become of the immortals."Andhe (Shaitdn(Satan))swore by All6h to them both (saying):"Verily,I am one of the sincerewell-wishers for you both." So he misledthem with deception. Then when they tasfed of the tree, that which was hidden from them of their shame (private parts)became manifestto them and they began to cover fhemse/ves with the leaves of Paradise (in order to cover their shame).And their Lord called out to them (saying): "Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you: Verily, Shaitdn (Satan) is an open enemy -unto you?" They said: "Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves.lf You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall ' certainty be of the /osers. (Aileh) said: "Get down, one of you an enemy to the other (i.e.Adam, HawwA'(Eve), and Shaltdn(Satan)) On earth witl be a dwelling-place for you and an enioyment for a time." He said: "Thereinyou shall live, and therein you shall die, and from it you shallbe broughtout (i.e. resurrected)."' Considerthe greatnessof Allaah'swork in man. He createdhim in the best form, clothed him with traits of honour like intellect, knowledge,eloquence,art of speaking,beautifulfigure,moderate body, ability to acquire knowledgethrough analogicaldeduction and thinking and ability to acquire noble characteristicslike, acts of obedienceand submissionto Allaah.Far is righteousness, his conditionwhile he was just a drop of spermkept in the womb of his motherfrom his creationwhilethe Angel will enter upon him in the Paradise.

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Islaam: Its Foundations And C, "So b/essedbe Atl6h,the Bestof Creators."l This world is a villageand man is its inhabitant.All is preoccupied becauseof him and all is made to work for his interests.All oiher creaturesare made to serve him and providefor his needs. The angels are chargedto protecthim duringday and night.Those of them.who are chargedwith provisionof rain and pllnts strive to providehim with his sustenance;orbits are made to surrenderto him and revolvein his services;the sun, moon and stars are all subjectedto move in line with his time reckoningand for the bettermentof his food arrangement. The aerialwortowitn its winds, clouds,birds and all that it containsis also subjectedto him. so is the lower world with all its seas and rivers,its trees and fruits.its plantsand animalsand allthatis in it. Allaahsays, ',

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ik=- t!-hJ { ;1E,} "Alldhis He who has createdthe heavensand the earth and sends down water (rain) from the sky, and thereby brought forth fruits as provision for you; and He has made the shrps to be of service to you, that they may sail through fhe sea by His Command; and He has made rivers (also) to be of serviceto you. And He h?s ffiade the sun and the moon, both constanttypursuing their courses, to be of seruiceto you; and He has made the night and the day, to be of service to you. And He gave you of att that you askedfor, and if you count the Blessingsof All6h, never will you be abte to count '

Al-Mu'minoon23:14

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

them. Verily! Man is indeed an extreme wrong-doer, a disbeliever (an extremeingrate,who denies Allah's8/esslngsby disbelief,and by worshippingothers besides All6h,and by disobeyingAll6h and His ProphetMuhammad(peacebe upon him))."' To completeHis honour on man, He createdfor him all that he needsin his worldlylife and all that he needsthat can make him attainthe highestpositionsin the Hereafter.He as such, revealed to him His Books and sent to him His Messengersexplainingto him the Law of Allaahand callinghim untoit. Then Allaah created for him from his own self - meaningfrom Adam himself- a wife,so that he mightenjoythe pleasureof living with her, in responseto his natural needs, be it psychological, intellectual and physical. He then found with her comfort, tranquillityand stability and both of them found in their togethernesspeace, contentedness,love and mercy; becauseof their physical, psychologicaland nervous composition,both of them are made to respondto the desiresof each other and both are made to be in harmony in the process of producingnew generations. The soulsof both are enrichedwith thesefeelingsand their relationshipis filled with comfort for the soul and nerves, peace for the body and mind, stabilityfor the life and subsistence, for the man for souls and conscienceand a tranquillity familiarity and womanon an equalbasis. Allaahthen chosethe believersamong mankindand made them his frrends.He madethem obey Him and work for Him accordingto his Laws in order to make them qualifyto live in His Paradise.He choseamong them Prophets,Messengers,saintsand martyrsand blessedthen in this world with the best favourthat human souls to can enjoy:worshippingAllaah,obeyingHim and supplicating that others great favours them with him. He also distinguished and happiness, cannotget - amongwhich are: peace,tranquillity truththat was know the greater is fact that they all the than this and keepsfor then in it. Allaah Messengers and believe the by brought I

Ibraaheernl4:32-34

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

them - in the Hereafter- the everlastingbliss and great success that befit His generosity,glory be to Him. He will atso rewardtheir beliefin Him and theirsincerityto Him and willgive them moreout of His Bounty. The position of woman: In lslaam,the womanis accordeda high position,whichshe was not accordedin any of the previousreligionsand which no nation will accordher but lslaam.This is because,both man and woman on equalbasissharethe honourthat lslaamconferredon mankind. Humansare equal beforerulesof Allaah in this world as they will be equalas regardsHis rewardand recompenseon the Last Day. Allaahsays,

4.i:r; A, Lf tdt o y "And indeed, We have honouredthe chitdrenof Adam."1 He alsosays,

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"Thereis a share for men and a sharefor women from what is teft by parentsand those nearestretated.'2

6ii t" 33y ' A I - l s r a al 7 : 7 0 . 2 A n - N i s a a4 : 7

Isluam: Its Foundations And Concepts

"And they (women)have rights (over their husbandsas regards living expenses)slml/ar(to thoseof their husbands)over them (as and respect)to whatis reasonable."' regardsobedience | ' ..tii. ' t '.tli, tt,.' . ' t i , r . f . -ie-b-r'. / ,$ c*-'t)tt Of i"Jl : Y u4r.t ;Q)l t

"The betievers,men and women are Auliy6' (helpers, suppofters, friends,protectors)of one another.'"

(t" e;;t il'it; Ltil..llr;',n1i,4: ;es'o Y lt 4 Ai r-';;t Si*i-;f Jii >nr;U tiUei e:i ci;-i -,,j *i *:'ti b J:ri tvt ,:4 6a-it,@ ('"f ,,ort...1.1.1.' 4 :+=)'tri-p rtq.i G{

"Andyour Lord hasdecreedthatyou worshipnonebut Him And thatyou be dutifulto your parents.lf one of themor bothof them nor attainotd agein your life,saynot to thema wordof disrespect, shoutat thembut addressthemin termsof honour.And lowerunto them a wing of submissionand humilitythroughmercy, and say; 'My Lord! Bestowon them Your Mercy as they did bring me up whenI wasyoung.u ,,:l-i.t

{ ('i;i ft J 6" **

' Al-Baqarah2:228 2 A t - T a w b a h9 : 7 1 t A l - l s r a a1 7 : 2 3 - 2 4 .

i^ 'V, l - !' : t , - " - - ' i . . r ' i . ir,t+;tr F .,ri+i i+r

Islaam: Its Foundations And C, "So their Lord accepted their supptication and answered them (saying); 'Never will I allow to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female.'1 ta.

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"whoever works righteousness- whethermale or female- while he (or she) is a true believer (of rslamicMonotheism) veriry,to him we will give a good life (in this wortd with respect, contentment and lavvful provision), and we shail pay them ceftainly a reward in propottion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. paradise in the Hereafter).2 '.

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4 ri) t4 t AL:.,ti'tai "And whoeverdoes righteousgood deeds,mate or female,and is a (true) believer (in the oneness of Aildh (Muslim)) such will enter Paradiseand not the least injustice,even to the sizeof a speckon the back of a date-stone,will be done to them.',3 This honourthat the womanenjoysin lslaamhas no equalin any other religion,creed or law. Roman civilizationhad it established that womanshouldbe a slaveand a subordinate of man and that she-shouldabsolutelyhas no rightsat all. Therewas even a great conferencein Rome where affairsof the woman were discuised. The conclusionreachedat the conferencewas that, the woman ' A a l - l m r a a n3 : l 9 5 t A n - N a h ll 6 : 9 7 3 A n - N i s a a4 : 1 2 4

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

was a lifelessbeingand as such could not have share in the life of the Hereafterand that she was impure. In Athens,woman used to be regardedas a scrap. She would be sold and bought like any other commodityand she was being regardedan abominationof Satan'shandiwork. Accordingto the ancient lndian statutes,the plague, death, hell, poisonof serpentsand fire are betterthan woman.Her rightto live used to end with the deathof her husband- who was regardedas her master.When she saw the corpseof her husbandbeingburnt, she must throw herself into it and if she did not, she would be accursed. As for Judaism,the followingjudgementwas passedon her in the Old Testament. "l appliedmine heart to know and to search and to seek out the wisdom and the reasonof things and to know the wickednessof folly even of foolishnessin madness..and I find more bitterthan death the woman and whose hearth is snares and nets and her handsas bandswhoso pleasethGod shallescapefrom hell but the sinnershallbe takenbv her."' Such was the conditionof woman in the ancienttimes. As for medieval and contemporarytimes, the followingevents explain that.

1:25-26.It is knownthat the Old Testamentis hallowedand Ecclesiastes believedin by both the Christiansand the Jews. but Note: Christiansof past and presentageshallow the two testaments nowadays,they only regardthe old testamentas a holy book which they are not obliged to follow. As for the Jews,they never regardthe New Testarnentas a holy book for they never believedin the Prophet[i.e. Jesuslto whornit is ascribed.=AA.

Islaam: Its Foundations And C, The Danish writer,Wieth Kordstenexplainedthe positionof the CatholicChurch as regardswoman when he said, ,,Duringthe medievaltimes, the concern that was had for Europeanwoman was very limited and this is in conformitywith the view of the Catholic creed that used to regard woman as a second-class humanbeing." In France,a conferencewas held in the year 586 A.D. where the issue of woman was discussedas to whether she should be regarded as a human being or not. At the end of the discussion, the discussantsconcludedthat she was a human being but that she was createdfor the serviceof man. ln Frenchlaw, article217 says;"The marriedwoman- even if her marriageis based on separationbetweenher right of ownership and that of her husband-shouldnot give anyone ownershipof anythingof her propertywith or withoutcompensationexceptwith the participationof her husbandin the transactionor his written consentto that." In England,Henry the Vlll prohibitedthe Englishwoman from readingthe Holy Book, until 1850, women were not considered citizensof Englandand up till 1882,theyhad no personalrights.l As for the conditionof woman in contemporaryEurope,America and otherindustrialnations,she is regardedas a commoncreature that shouldbe utilizedfor commercialpurposes,for she is a part of commercialadvertisement.This has even reached a situation where she is strippednaked in order to advertisecommoditieson her body.Her bodyand honourhave becomedesecratedbasedon regulationslaid down by men in order to make her an object of enloymenteverywhere. The contemporarywoman is an abject of care and attentionas long as she is able to give out her wealth,intelligence and body. But when she becomesold and loses her means of giving,the '

S i l s i l a t um u q a a r a n a tai d l y a a n- D r . A h m a dS h a l a b y3 1 2 1 0 - 2 1 3

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

society individuallyand collectivelyabandons her and she lives lonelyin her houseor in the sanatorium. Comparethe above - althoughthey cannot be equal - with what the NobleQur'aansays, t

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"And they (women) have rights (over their husbands as regards tiving expenses)slml/ar(to those of their husbands)over them (as regardsobedienceand respect)to what is reasonable.'"

"Andyour Lord hasdecreedthat you worshipnonebut Him.And thatyou be dutifulto your parents.lf one of them or both of them attainold age in your life, say not to thema wordof disrespect,nor shoutat thembut addressthemin termsof honour.And lowerunto them a wing of submisslonand humilitythroughmercy, and say; ' A t - T a w b a h9 : 7 1 2 Al-Baqarah2:228

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

'My

Lordl Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was young.'t "And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents.lf one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect,nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour.And lower unto them the wing of submr'sslonand humility through mercy, and say: 'My Lord! Bestow on them your mercy as they did bring me up when I wasyoung." WhileAllaahhonourswoman,He makesit clearto all mankindthat He created her to be mother, wife, daughter and sister; and ordainedfor these roles, special regulationsthat are peculiarto her.

' A l - l s r a a1 7 : 2 3 - 2 4 . ' Al-lsraall:23-24

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

Why was man created? It has been discussedin the previouschapterthat, Allaahcreated Adam and createdfor him his wife, Hawwa and made them live in Paradise.Then Adam disobeyedhis Lord and later soughtfor His forgiveness.Allaahthen acceptedhis repentanceand guidedhim. Allaah then ordered him to go orit of the Paradiseand descend unto the earth.Allaah,glory be Him and He be exaltedhas in that, a wisdom which human intelligence cannot perceiveand which their tonguecannotdescribe.We are going to mentionhere some of thosewisdomsand underlying reasons. 1. Allaahcreatedthe creationfor the purposeof worshipping Him. He says, -

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"And | (AlEh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worshipMe (Alone)."' It is also knownthat the perfectionof the worshipthat is requiredof man cannottake place in the abodeof blissand eternitybut in the abode of trialsand tribulation.The abodeof eternityis that of bliss, not that of testsand commandments. 2. Allaahwantedto take among mankindProphets,Messengers, friend and martyrswhom He would love and who would love Him. He then left them alone with his enemiesand put them to trial by them. So when they preferredHim above all other things and sacrificedtheir lives and propertiesin order to gain His pleasure and love, they attainedof His love and pleasurewhat they could not have attainedwithoutthat initially.So the statusof prophethood and martvrdomis of the best deqreesbeforeAllaahand could not '

A d h - D h a a r i y a a5 tl : 5 6

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

have attained that except by the way decreed by Allaah that Aadamand his offspringhad to descendto the earth. 3. Allaahis the only True and EvidentKing.The King is the One Who commandsand forbids,rewardsand punishes;disgracesand honours;strengthensand debases.Allaah'ssovereigntytherefore necessitatesthat he sends Adam and his offspringto an abode in which the rules of sovereigntywill be implementedon them and then move them to an abodewherethere is rewardfor all that they did. 4. AllaahcreatedAdam from a handfulof all soilsof the earth:and there is good and bad and low and high in the land.Allaahknows that there are among - the childrenof Adam - those who are unsuitableto stay with Him in His House; therefore,He made Adam descendto an abode where He distinguishesbetweenthe good and bad ones. Then Allaah chose for them two distinct abodes:He made the righteousones dwellersof His Abode (made them enter Paradise),and made the evil ones dwellers of the abodeof misery(Hell-Fire). 5. To Allaah belongthe BeautifulNames.Among His Names are: Al-Ghafoor(the Oft-Forgiving),Ar-Raheem (the Most-Gracious). Al-Afuww(Oft-Pardoning), Al-Haleem(Most-Forbearing). Since the impacts of these names must manifest,the Wisdom of Allaah necessitates that Adam and his childrenmust descendto an abode where the impacts of the Beautiful Names of Allaah could materialiseon them. So that He might forgivewhoever He wills, have mercyon whomeverHe wills,pardonwhosoeverHe wills and forbearfor whosoeverHe wills and other differentways in which His Namesand Attributescan be manifest. 6. AllaahcreatedAdam and his childrenfrom a compositionthat is naturallyinclinedto good and evil, responsiveto the causes of lustsand temptationsand to the causesof reasonand knowledge. He createdin him reasonand lust and createdin both necessary factorsso that His Will might be accomplishedand that He might show to His slaves His greatnessin Wisdom, Might; and His

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

f,f,

Mercy, Kindness and Benevolence in His Authority and Sovereignty.He then, out of His Wisdom sent Adam and his childrento the earth so that the test might take place thereinand impacts of man's preparedness for these factors and his to them might become manifest,and Allaah may responsiveness to awardhonouror disgraceto whom it is due. that basis then use 7. Beliefin the Unseenis the useful belief.As for the beliefin the seen, everyonewill belreveon the Day of Resurrection.lf people were createdin the Abodeof Bliss(Paradise),they would not have attainedthe degreeof beliefin the Unseenthat ends in enjoyment and honour.lt is for this reasonthat Allaahsent them to the abode in whichthey could haveopportunityto believein the Unseen. 8. Allaah wants by that, to show His slaves on whom He has bestowedHis favour,the perfectionof that favour and its greatness so that they might thank Allaah and love Him the most and have the fullestenjoymentof the bliss, which Allaah has bestowedon them. Allaah therefore,shows them what He did to His enemies and the punishmentthat He has preparedfor them. He also makes them witnessthe highestkindsof bliss,which He has bestowedon them, so that their joy might increase. This is an aspect of completrngHis favourson them. Therefore,to make them achieve all this, He must send them to the earth,put them to test and then make whosoeverHe wills to succeedout of mercy and kindness from Him,and disgracewhosoeverHe willsamongthem out of His All-Wise. wisdomandjustice,for He is All-Knower, 9. Allaah wants Adam and his childrento go back to the Paradise whilethey are in the beststate.So beforethey enter it, He wantsto make them taste of the hardship,sorrowand distressof the world so that the value of enteringParadisein the Hereafterwill be great in their gstimation,for it is the oppositeof an objectthat shows its beauty.'

I / 6-l I See:Miftaahdaaris-Sa'aadah

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts After the originof man has been made clear,it is now appropriate to explainhis needfor the true relioion.

Isloam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

Man's Need for Religion Man's need for religion is greater than his need for other necessittesof life. For, man must know the things that please Allaahas well as those that displeaseHim. He must also carry out activitiesthat can bringhim benefitsand othersthat can avertfrom him harm. So, it is the DivineLaw that distinguishesbetweenthe deeds that benefit and those that bring harm. That is Allaah's justice in Hrs creationand His Light among His servantsand it is not possiblefor peopleto live withoutDivine Law with which they can differentiatebetween what they should do and what they shouldnot do. lf man actuallyhas a will, he must then know what he wants.Does he want what will benefithim or what will harm him? Does he want what will reformhim or what will corrupthim? Some peopleknow of their senseof this naturally,some know it throughapplication reasoningand some yet do not know it exceptthroughexplanation and theirguidance.' by the Messengers However the atheistic and materialistic thoughts may be widespreadand adorned;and ideologiesand theoriesthrive, individualsand societieswill never do withouttrue religion.For can neverprovidefor man'sspiritualand physical theseideologies needs. And the more man goes deeper in them, the more he is convincedthat they cannotglve him securitynor satiatehis thirst and thatthe truereligionis unavoidable. ErnestRinansaid,"All thingsthat we hold dear can dwindle,and knowledgeand expertisecan freedomof usingone's intelligence, becomeworthless.But it is impossiblefor religionto be effaced.lt wiil rather remaina living proof on the futilityof materialideology

I b n T a y m i y y a hp . 2 1 3 - 2 1 4 , by Shaykhul-lslaam S e eA t - T a d m u r i y y a h / 2 3 8 3 a n dM i f t a a h ud a a r i s - S a ' a a d a h

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

that wantsto restrictman into despicable narrowsof the earthly life."1

Muhammad Fareed Wajdee said: "lt is impossiblefor religious thinkingto vanish,for it is the highestand noblestof humanmind,s inclinations,not to mention the fact that it is an inclinationthat elevates man. Rather than dwindle, this inclinationshall be increasing. Religiousnatureof man willalwayspursuehim as long as he can discernwhat is beautifuland what is ugly and this nature shall continue to increase in him accordingtg sublimityof his mentalfaculties and progressin his knowledge."' So if man keeps away from his Lord, it is throughthe sublimityof his mental faculties and wideness of his knowledge that he recognizesthe greatnessof his ignoranceabout his Lord and what is due to Him, and his ignoranceof his own self, what is good for him and what is harmful to him; what gives him happinessand what will cause him misery.He will also recognisehis ignoranceof scientificdetails like astronomy,science of galaxies,reckoning, nuclearsciencesand so forth.lt is then that the worldwill abandon the stage of delusion and arrogance to that of humility and submissionand then believethat there is behindthese sciencesa knowledgeable and Wise One and that there is behindthe nature an Able Creator.This realitywill then force the impartialscholarto believein the unseen,to surrenderto the uprightreligionand to respondto the call of natural instinct.But when man withdraws from this path,his naturewill relapseand he will come down to the levelof dumbanimals. We concludefrom all the above, that the true religiosity- that dependson beliefin the Onenessof Allaahand performingacts of worshipaccordingto His injunctions- is a necessaryelementof life, so that man actualizesthroughthat, his servitudeto Allaah, Lord of all the worldsand attainthroughthat, happinessand safety from destruction,hardship and misery. lt is also necessaryfor ' S e eA d - D e e nb y M u h a m r n a d A b d u l l a hD a r a a zp . 8 7 . t t b i d .8 8 .

Islsam: Its Foundations And Concepts

perfectingthe theoreticalaptitudein man. lt is only throughit that the intellectualhunger can be satiated, and its highest goals attained. Equally,religionis a necessaryelementfor purificationof the soul and refinementof emotionalpower,for noblesentimentsfind in the religionan abundantspaceand a springwhose water does not dry up where noblesentimentsfind theirgoals attained. It is a necessaryelementfor the perfectionof will power because of the supportit gives it throughgreat impetusand majormeansof resistingelementsof desPair. In view of this, if there are some who say that man is civil by nature,we must also say: "Man is religiousby nature",for man has two powers: scientific speculativepower and will power. His completehappinessdependson perfectinghis scientificand will power and the perfectionof his scientificpower cannot take place exceptby knowingthe following: 1. Knowingthe True Lord Who is the Creatorand the Provider, Who createdman from nothingnessand bestowedon him favours. 2. KnowingHis Names and Attributesand all that is due to Him the impactsof theseNameson His slaves. and understanding 3. Knowingthe way that leadsto Allaah,may He be glorified. 4. Knowingthe hindrancesand harms that preventman from knowingthe way and the greatblissthat the way leadsto. 5. Having a real cognisanceof your own soul, its needs, recognisingwhat is good for it and what is harm to it, and knowing its oualitiesand defects. It is by knowingtheseftvethingsthat man can perfecthis scientific power.And perfectionof his scientificand will power cannotoccur except by respectingthe rights of Allaah upon His slaves and carrying out these rights sincerely,truthfully,accordtngto the Sunnahof the Prophet,blessingsand peacebe upon him, and as

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd a testimonyof His favouron him. There is no way to perfectionof these two powers except by His help. He thereforeneeds to be gurdedto the StraightPathwhichAllaahguidedHisfriends.l After we have known that the True Religionis the Divinesupport for differentpowersof the soul,we shouldalso know that religionis the protectiveshield for the society.This is because humin life cannot be alright except through mutual cooperationand this cooperationcannot take place except through a system that regulates human relationships,defines their obligations and guaranteestheir rights.This system is also in need of a curbing and restrainingauthoritythat can preventthe soul from violating the system,encourageit to preserveit, guaranteesits relevance and preventsmen from desecratingit. What then is this power? There is not on the face of this earthany powerthat can matchthe power of religiosityor even close to that in guaranteeingthe respect for order, societalcohesion,stabilityof it,s system and harmonising the meansof comfortand tranquillity in the society. The underlyingreason for this is that, man is distinguishedfrom otherlivingthingsin that,all his voluntarymovementsand actions are controlled by an inaudible and invincible element.Thatelement is faith, which refines the soul and purifiesthe limbs. Man, is therefore,alwayscontrolledby a true or false belief.lf his beliefis correct,everythingin him will be correct,but if his beliefis corruot. everythingin him will be corrupt. Faith is a spontaneouswatcherover man; and it is - as noticedin all men - of two types: - Belief in the value of moral excellence,human dignity and other ordinaryconceptsthat high-mindedpeople will feel shy to violate even if they were free from externalconsequencesand materialrecompense.

A l - F a w a a i d| 8 , 1 9 .

Islgam: Its Foundations And Concepts

- Beliefin Allaah- may He be Glorifiedand Exalted- and the of the secretsand knows all that is fact that He is Ever-Watchful the lslaamic and prohibitions hidden;fromWhoseCommandments Law derivesits power and beforeWhom the sensesprofuselyfeel mortifiedout of love for Him or fear of Him or both. There is no doubt that this type of faith is the stronger of both in exerting authorityover human mind. lt is also the strongerin resistingthe of sentimentsand quickerin tornadoesof whims and inconsistency people and their leaders. minds of the leavingimpactson It is because of this that religion is the best guarantorfor the among peopleon the basisof justice of relationships establishment and impartiality,which is a necessityin any society.There is no wonder then that religion occupies in the human society the positionof the heartin humanbody.' lf this is the positionof religiongenerally- and what we see in today's world is multiplicityof religionsand creeds, where each group rejoicesin its beliefand holdstenaciouslyto it - what then is the true religionthat can achieve for the human mind what it yearnsfor? And what are the generalcriteriaof the True Religion?

' S e e :A d - d e e np . 9 8 , 1 0 2

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd ConcEtts Criteriafor ldentifyingTrue Religion

Every adherentof a creed believesthat his creed is the true one, and all followersof a religionbelievethat their religionis the ideal one and the most upright path. When you ask the followersof adulteratedreligionsor followersof man-madecreeds about the proof for their belief,they argue that they found their fatherson a faith and are just followingtheir paths.They then relatenarrations and storieswhose chainsof transmittersare not soundand whose texts are not free from faults and defects.They only depend on inheritedbooks whose authors,recordersand even their original languagesand theirsourcesare unknown.They are onlymixed-up stories concocted together, magnifiedand inheritedgeneration aftergenerationwithoutany scholasticverification of theirchainsof transmittersand precisecheckingof theirtexts. These unknownbooks, narrationsand blind imitationscannot be taken as evidencesin matters of religionsand beliefs.Or is it possiblethat all theseadulterated religionsand man-madecreeds are true or false? It is impossible that all thesereligionsare true,for truthis only one and cannot be numerous.lt is also impossiblethat all these adulteratedreligionsand man-madebeliefsare all from Allaahand thereforetrue. Then, since there are numerousreligionsand the true is only one, which of them is then the true religion?There should,therefore,be criteriafor distinguishing the true religionfrom the false. lf we find that these criteriafit a religion,we know that it is the truereligion;and whenall or one of thesecriteriais lackingin any religion, we knowthat it is a falsereligion. The criteriaby which we distinguishthe true religionfrom the false onesare: One: That the religionmust be from Allaah,revealedthroughan angelto one of His Messengersin orderto conveyit to mankind. For the true religionis Allaah's,and it is He Who will recompense

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

His slavesand take them to reckoningon the Day of Resurrection the religionthat He revealedto them.He says, concerning (

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> ('i:'r;'r'o+;: t 4 {32ti} ; !,'3r "Verily,We have sent the revelationto you (O Muhammad(peace be upon him)) as We sent the revelation to N1h (Noah) and the Prophets after him; We (also) sent the revelation to lbrdhim (Abraham), lsm6'il (lshmael), lshdq (lsaac), Ya'qlb (Jacob), and '/sd (Jesus), Ayylb Al-Asbat (the twelve sons of Ya'qlb (Jacob)) (Job), Y1nus (Jonah), Hdrin (Aaron), and Sulaimdn (Solomon), and to Dawld (David)Wegave the Zablr (Psalms)."' He, may He be glorifiedalsosays,

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"And We did not send any Messengerbefore you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) but We revealed to him (saying) LA il6ha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshippedbut I (NEh)) so worship Me (Aloneand none else).'" Basedon the aboveversesand criteria,any religionthat is brought to himselfand not to Allaahis definitely by any man and attributed a falsereligion. I A n - N i s a4a: 1 6 3 2 Al-Anbiyaa 2l:25

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

Two: That the religionshouldcall to the worshipof Allaahalone; shouldprohibitShtrk(polytheism of any form)and all that can lead to it. This is because:the call to the Onenessof Allaah is the primarymissionof all Prophetsand Messengers.Every Prophet toldhis people,

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Worship Allah! You have no other ll6h (God) but Him. (Ld il6ha iltaltdh:none has the right to be worshippedbut NeD.'r Three: lt shouldbe in agreementwith the principlesunto which all the Messengerscall their peoplewhichare to worshipAllaahalone and to avoid polytheism,unrulinessto parents,killingof a person unjustlyand all otherimmoralthings,be they hiddenor apparent. Allaahsays, 'i-i

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"And We did not send any Messengerbefore you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) but We revealed to him (saying): Ld ildha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshippedbut I (NehD so worship Me (Aloneand none else).'" He alsosays,

' A l - A ' r a a fL l 3 t Al- 2r:25

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

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"Say (O Muhammad(peacebe upon him)) "Come,lwill recite what your Lord has prohibitedyou from. Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and dutiful to your parents; kill not your children becauseof povefty - We provide susfenancefor you and for them; come not near to Al-Fawdhish (shameful sins, illegal sexual intercourse) whether committed openly or secretly; and kill not anyone whom All6h has forbidden, except for a just cause (accordingto lsldmic law). This He has commandedyou that you may understand."' And He says, ut*lt J.

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"And ask (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) those of Our Messengerswhom We sent beforeyou: "Did We ever appointaliha (gods)to be worshippedbesidesthe Most Gracious(NEh)?* Four: lt shouldnot be self-contradicting by commanding something and contradictingit by another.lt shouldalso not forbidsomething

I A l - A n ' a a r6n: l 5 l 2 Az-Zukhruf 43:45

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

and then allowwhat is similarto it withoutany reasonor prohibit somethingfor some groupand permitit for others.Allaahsays, c,

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"Do they not then consider the Qur'6n carefully?Had it been from other than All6h, they would surely have found therein many a contradiction."' Five: The religionshouldincludewhat can preservefor people, their belief, honour, properties,lives and offspring through its prohibitions, deterrents and moralsthat it ordains commandments, to protectthesefive generalfactors. Six: lt should serve as a mercy for mankindand save them from their own injusticesand the injusticesthey commit against one anotherthroughusurpingothers'rightsand the generalamenities the weak at the handsof the strong.Allaah or throughmisleading says whileexplainingthe mercythat the Torah,whichwas givento ProphetMoses,entails, .

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I A n - N i s a a4 : 8 2 2 A l - A ' r a a f7 : 1 5 4

Islasm: Its Foundations And Concepts

He also says informingus aboutthe messageof Jesus,peacebe onhim.

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He said. "O my people! Tell me, if I have a clear proof from my Lord, and there has come to me a Mercy (Prophethood)from Him, who then can help me againstAlEh, if lwere to disobeyHim?"" He says aboutthe Qur'aan, ,.

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"And We send down from the Qur'6nthat which is a healing and a '3 mercy fo fhose who believe(in lstilmicMonotheismand act on it) Seven: lt shouldentailguidanceto the Law of Allaah,and teach man the intentionof Allaahby that Law. lt shouldalso be able to Allaahsays aboutthe tell man his originand his finaldestination. Torah, I M a r y a ml 9 : 2 1 2 H o o dI l : 6 3 I A l - t s r a al 7 : 8 2

Islaom: Its Foundations And Concepts

4.'jj: u'"^ WL-,?i uS;i-(,yy 'Verily, We did send down the Taurlt (Torah) (to MIsA (Moses)), thereinwas guidanceand light."' He says aboutthe lnjeel(the Bookgivento Jesus),

4 ih u"^ * kti';+tib "And We gave him the lnjeel (Gospel),in which was guidance and tight.'" He saysaboutthe Qur'aan,

4 4i u,-;:'.st/: .\,i*: J4i--:f * F "lt is He Who has senf His Messenger (Muhammad (p^eacebe upon him)) with guidanceand the religionof truth (lsl6m).'' The true religionis the one that includesguidanceto the Law of Allaah,gives peaceand tranquillity to the mind,protectit from all answersall its questions insinuations, and resolveseveryproblem. Eight: lt should call to noble characters and deeds like honesty,modesty,chastityand generosity.lt should truthfulness, also prohibitbad conductslike disobedienceto parents,killing innocentsouls,all kindsof immoralities, lies,injustice, aggression, and sins. stinginess

I A l - M a a i d a h5 : 4 4 2 A l - M a a i d a h5 : 4 6 r A t - T a w b a h9 : 3 3

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

Nine: lt shouldbe ableto providehappinessfor thosewho believe in it. Allaahsays,

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"Te-Ha. We have not sent down the Qur'6n unto- you (O Muhammad(peacebe upon him)) to cause you distress."' It shouldalsobe in harmonywith uprightnature.Allaahsays, "That (lslaamic Monotheism)is the nature upon which Allaah has createdmankind.'It shouldalso be in harmonywith sound reason,becauseAllaah ordainsthe true religionand createsthe soundreasonas well.lt is thereforeimpossiblethat the Law of Allaah and the creatureof Allaahshouldcontradict eachother. Ten: lt should lead to the truth, warn against falsehood,keep peopleaway from error and lead them to the StraightPath where there is no crookedness. Allaahspeaksaboutthe jinn that when they heardthe Qur'aanbeingrecited,someof themtoldothers, tl

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"They said: "O our people! Verily, we haue heard a Book (this Qur'an) sent down after Mlsa (Moses), confirming what came before it: it guides to the truth and to a StraightPath (i.e. lslam)."'

tTaaHaa2}:l-2 r A r - R o o m3 0 : 3 0

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

It shouldnot call to what will bringmiseryupon people,as Allaah says aboutthe Qur'aan, ,i.

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"Te-He. We have not sent down the Qur'dn unto^ you (O Muhammad(peacebe upon him))to causeyou distress.'" The true religionshouldnot enjoinon peoplewhat can causethem destruction. Allaahsays, /

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4 :i>? &'ei3l\6*i ;,i'-tK?i "O mankind! We have createdyou from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes,that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you with All6h is that (believer) who

'Al-Ahqaaf 46:30 2 Taa Haa20:l-2 r A n - N i s a a4 : 2 9

Islaam: Its Foundotions And Concepts

has At-Taqw6 (i.e. he is one of the Muttaq.0n(fhe pious. See V.2:2).Verily,AllAhis All-Knowing,All-Aware."' Therefore, the recognised criterionfor givingpeopleprecedencein the truereligionis piety. After mentioningthe criteriafor distinguishing betweenthe true religionand the falseones and citingevidencesfrom the Qur'aan that these Criteria are general in the case of all truthful Messengerssent by Allaah,it is then very appropriate to mention typesof religion.

A l - H u j u r a a4t 9 :l 3

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts Types of Religions

Mankindare dividedas far as their faiths are concernedinto two categories: There are a people who have a Book that was revealed to them like the Jews, the Christians and the Muslims. As for the Jews and the Christians,the Books that were revealedto their Prophetshave been lost as a resultof their ignoranceof what was in their Books;theirtakingof men as gods besideAllaahand the long time that had passedbetweenthem and their acquaintance with these Books. So their priestswrote some books, which they claimedto be from Allaahwhile they were not from Allaahbut only wrongassumptionsof liarsand distortionof fanatics. As for the Book of the Muslims(the NobleQur'aan).it is the last DivineBook to be revealedand the strongestand firmest.Allaah Himselfguaranteedits preservationand did not delegatethat to mankind.He says,

4@|rtL:!L'i ib tli ai ut etr 'Verily We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qufan) and surely, We willguard it (from corruption)."' The Qur'aan is thereforepreservedin the people'shearts and in the Book,for it is the last Book,which Allaahhas guaranteedfor the guidanceof mankind.He has made it a proofagainstthem till the Last Hour and has decreedits perpetuity.He providesfor it in everyage thosewho willobserveits limitsand words,act by its law and believein it. Furtherexplanations aboutthis Bookwill be qiven in a latersection.

' A l - H r 1lr5 : 9

Islaam: Its Foundstions And Concepts

There is another section of religious adherentswho have no revealed Book from Allaah, even though they possess an rnherited book,whichis attributed to the founderof the religionlike Hindus,Magians,Buddhists,Confuciansand Arabs before the adveno t f Muhammad. There is not a nation that does not have some knowledgeand carry out some activities by which their worldly interests are achieved.This is the generalknowledgewhich Allaahendowed everyhumanbeing,even animals;for the animalis alsoguidedas to how to attain what benefitsit like food and drink and to avert what harmsit; and Allaahhas createdin it the lovefor the former and aversionfor the latter.He savs,

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"Glorifythe Name of your Lord, the Most High, Who has created (everything),and then proportioned it. And Who has measured (preordainmentsfor everythingeven to be b/essed or wretched); then guided (i.e. showed mankind the right as well as fhe wrong paths,and guidedthe animalsto pasture)."' He also says,informingus of what ProphetMoosaa(Moses)told Pharaoh / ..- ,

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( A b r a h a mt )h a th e A l l a a ha l s oi n f o r m su s a b o u tP r o p h eltb r a a h e e m saidof His Lord, I A l - A ' l a a 8 7 :l - 3 r Taa Haa 20:50.

Islaom: Its Foundations And Concepts

{ rOu;+# ,A:- a'it,Y "Who hascreatedme and it is He Who guides me."l It is knownto everysane person- who has the leastreflectionand sense of thinking- that adherentsof religionsare betterin useful sciencesand righteousdeedsthan those with no religion.There is therefore,no good thingfoundwith non-Muslims amongadherents of other religionsexcept that the Muslims possesswhat is better and more perfect,so the adherentsof religionspossess what othersdo not possess.For sciencesand deedsare two types: First: That whichis achievedthroughintelligence and reasonlike astronomy,medicalsciencesand vocations.Though adherentsof religionsand atheistsare equalin possession of thesethings,the adherentsof religionsare better in them. As for those things that cannot be known throughmere reason like theologyand religious sciences,theseare prerogatives of the followersof religions.There are amongthis kind of knowledgethat which logicalevidencescan prove. lt is the Messengerswho guided men unto how logical evidencesproofthat;which is both logicaland legal. Second: Things that cannot be known except through the informationgiven by the Messengers.This kind of knowledgeand deeds cannotbe achievedthroughhuman reason,like knowledge about Allaah,His Names and Attributes,the bliss that is in the Hereafterfor whoeverobeys Allaah and the punishmentfor those who disobey Him, the explanationson His injunctionsand the informationaboutthe past Prophetsand theirpeoplesand so on.'

' A s h - S h u a r a a 2 6 1 8S,e e :A l - J a w a a b A s - S a h e e4h, P a g e 9 7 2 S e eM a j m o o ' I . a t a a w aSah a i k h ulls l a a m4 p . 2 1 0 - 2 1 1 .

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

Gonditionsof the existingreligions Great religions,their old books and ancientlaws have become easy preysto frivolousand fraudulentpeople,an objectof mockery for distortersand hypocritesand targetsof bloodyincidencesand great calamitiesso much so that they have lost their spiritand shape.lf their first adherentsand prophetswere to be resurrected now, they would surely have denied them and proclaimedto be ignorantof them. Judaism.- today- has becomea set of ritualsand traditionswith no spiritor life.Apartfrom this,it is an racialreligionpeculiarto a particularrace and carries no message for the world, nor any missionfor the peopleor any mercyfor mankind. This religionhas been afflictedin its fundamentalcreed, which is its motto among other religionsand nations.And it has been a noble religionwhile it was the religionof monotheism,which Prophetslbraaheem(Abraham)and Ya'qoob(Jacob)commanded theirchildrento follow.The Jews had adoptedmany conceptsfrom the beliefs of corrupt nations with whom they shared or underwhose authoritythey had been subjected. neighbourhood They had also adopted a lot of pagan customsand traditionsof these people.UnbiasedJewishhistorianshave confirmedthis. In Jewish Encyclopaedia,we can read in it what approximately means, "The prophets'wrath over the worshipof imagesdoes indicatethat worshippingidols and false deitieshad crept into the heartsof the lsraelites and that they had embraced the polytheisticand

For further reacling,see the book, "lfhaam al-Yahood"by Samuelbin YahyaAl-Maghrabi.He was a Jew who revertedto Islaam.

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

superstitiousbeliefs.The Talmud also testifiesto the fact thar paganismhas a particularattractionfor the Jews."1 The BabelTalmud2- whichthe Jews extremelyhallowand prefer to the Torah,was widelycirculatedamong the Jews of the Sixth Century,and whichcontainsa lot of strangemanifestations of their simple-mindedness, absurd sayings,insolentbehaviourtowards Allaah,scorningthe realityand gamblingwith religionand human - showsthe extentto whichthe Jewishcommunityof this intellect age hasdegenerated intellectually and religiously." As for Christianity", it is also afflictedsince its earliestdays with distortions of extremists, alterations of the iqnorantand paqanism of the Romanswho claimedto be ChristiansJ All these distortions, alterations and paganismhave becomethe heap underwhichall greatteachingsof Christwere buriedand the light of Monotheismand sincereworshipof Allah were hidden behindtheseclouds.

I S e eJ e w i s hE n c y c l o p e d iVao l . X L L . P 5 6 8 - 5 6 9 ' The word 'Talmud' means, 'Jewish book of religious and moral teachings'.It is a compilationof footnotesand cornmentaries on their b o o k ' M i s h n a ' w h i c h m e a n s ,' t h e l a w ' a c c o r d i n gt o J e w i s hs c h o l a r so f differentgenerations. ' R e a d f o r i n f o r r n a t i o n",A l - Y a h o o d a l a a H a s a b a l - T a l m u d " ,b y D r . R o h l a n g ea n d i t s t r a n s l a t i o nf r o r n F r e n c h t o A r a b i c i n " A l - k a n z u l marsoodfee qawaaidit-talrnood" by Yoosuf HannaNasrullaah. For details,read,"Al-jawaab as-Saheeh liman baddaladeenal-maseeh" by Shaykhullslaam Ibn Taymiyyah;"lzhaar al-Haqq" by Rahmatullaah Al-Hindee and "Tuhfatul-Areebfee radd 'alaa ubbaadAs-Saleeb",oy AbdullahAt-Turjumaanwho was a Christianreverl. " S e e " T h e S t r u g g l eb e t r v e e nR e l i g i o na n d S c i e n c e " (, p . a 0 - a l ) b y t h e well-known Europeanauthor Draper ( Note: The translatordoes not k n o w t h e a c t u a ln a m eo f t h i s b o o k i n i t s o r i g i n a ll a n g u a g n eo r t h ec o r r e c t s p e l l i n go f t h e n a m e o f i t s a u t h o r b e c a u s eb o t h w e r e t r a n s l a t e da n d transliterated respectively from Arabic).

Islaom: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

A Christianwriterspeaksabout the extent,to which the trinityhad gone in the Christiansocietysincethe end of the FourthCentury afterChrist 'The beliefthat one God consistsof threedifferentgodheads had penetratedinto the innerlife of the Christianworldand its thoughts since the last quarterof the fourth centuryand had become the officialrecognisedcreedin all partsof the Christendomever since. Also, the developmentof Trinityand its secretwere not revealed untilin the lasthalfof the nineteenth centuryA D."1 A contemporary Christianhistorian2 discussesin a book,"History of Christianityin the Light of Modern Science",about the appearanceof paganismin the Christiansocietyin differentforms and shapesand the Christians' diversityin adoptingreligiousrites, customs and pagan heroes of nationsand religionsthat are ancientin idolatryunder the pretextof imitation,admirationor ignorance. He said, "Paganismhas ended but has not been completelyeliminated. Rather,it has penetratedthe heartsand everythingin it has been tolerantlyallowedto continuein the name of Christianity and under its cover.Thosewho abandonedtheirgods and heroestook one of their martyrsand gave him the title of their former gods then erecteda statue in his name. This is how polytheismand idol worshipare transferreduntotheselocalmartyrs.By the end of that century,worshipping of the martyrsand saintsspreadall over the Christendomand formeda new creedthat teachesthat saintshave Thesesaintsand hallowedmen were thus made divineattributes. intermediariesbetweenGod and man and pagan festivalswere given new namesuntilthe ancientpaganSun festivalwas turned to Christmasin the vear400 A.C."

' S e eN e w C a t h o l i cE n c y c l o p a e d iTah, e H o l y t r i n i t yV o l . l 4 P . 2 9 5 . I Rev JarnesHouston Baxier, History of Christianityin the Light of ModernKnowledge",Glasgow1929p. 407.

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

As for the Magians,they havebeen knownsincetime of old to oe worshippers of naturalelements,the greatestof whichis fire.They havelatelyadheredto its worshipand builtfor it altersand temples so much so that fire houseshave becomewidespreadin all places in theircountryand all otherreligionsand faithsdisappearexcept fire worshipand hallowingof the sun. The religion,accordingto these people has become mere rites and traditionsthat are practisedin specialplaces' The Danishauthorwho wrotethe book, "lran duringthe reign of Sasanids",describestheir religiousleadersand their functions, "These functionaries must worshipfire four times in a day. In additionto this, they also worshippedmoon, fire and water. They had an order that they shouldnot let the fire die out or let the fire and water meet each other or let the metalrust,becausethev also hallowthe metal."2 These Magianshave practiseddualismall the time and that has becometheirmotto.They believedin two gods;god of lightor god of good which they called"ahurmazda"or "Yazdan"and the other god is god of darknessor evil,and this they called:"ahur man". The war and conflict are continuouslygoing between both of them.3 As regardsBuddhism,the religionthat is widespreadin Indiaand MiddleAsia, it is a paganismwhereofits adherentscarrywith them idols whereverthey go. They build templesfor these idols and erectthe statueof "Buddha"whereverthev qo and settle.a

' Read the book, "lran during the reign of Sasanids"by Professorof EasternLanguagesat CopenhagenUniversity,Denmark,and a specialist on the historyof lran. Seealso,"History of lran" by the Magian,Shaeen Makareus. 2 Iran duringthe reignof Sasanids, p. I 55 ' l r a n d u r i n gt h e r e i g no f S a s a n i d s p. . 1 8 3 - 2 3 3 . ' S e e " T h e A n c i e n t I n d i a " , b y A i s h u r a T o b a , a p r o f e s s o ro f H i n d u C i v i l i z a t i o na t t h e U n i v e r s i t yo f H a y d r a b a d a; n d " T h e D i s c o v e r yo f

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

the religionof India,it has beenpopularwith a As for Brahmanism lot of deities.Their paganismhad reachedits peak in the sixth centurvA.C. when the numberof theirdeitiesreached330 million gods.1-Everything according to Brahmanism has become wonderfuland everythinghas becomeusefuland a deity to be Duringthat age, the art of rdolmakingbecamehighly worshipped. profitableand many idol stylistscarvedso many idols in different shapes The Hindiwriter,C. V. Vidya,wrote in his book,"The Historyof the era of KingHarash(606-648 MedievalHindu"whilediscussing A.D.),whichis the era thatfollowsthe adventof lslaamin Arabia, "Hinduismand Buddhism are equally pagan religion though The origin BuddhismmighthavesurpassedHinduismin paganism. of Buddhismwas denialof existenceof any Lord but it gradually adopted Budciha(its founder) as the greatestdeity. lt later on Paganismhas reachedits added other deitieslike Bodhistavas. name Buddha became the that so so much oeak in India lt is languages." eastern in some statue idol or with synonymous without doubt that Paganism has become widespreadin the contemporaryworld.The whole world from the Atlanticsea to the Pacific ocean is greatly immersed in Paganism. The matter the Semiticreligionsand Buddhism becomesas if the Christianity, glorification and hallowingof idols like racing are competingin horses.' thatthe Hinduism", AnotherHindusaid in his book,"The Prevailing to idols continued yet, but small art of makingidolshad not ended 'deities great throughout numbers in complex' join the existing

India" by Jawaharlal Nehru, the former Indian Prime Minister. p 20 l202. I S e e" A n c i e n tI n d i a " b y R . D i t , 3 1 2 8 7a n d " T h e P r e v a i l i n gH i n d u i s m " , b y L . S . S . OM. a l l e y p . 6 - 7 . t l i n d u V o l . I ( P o o n el 9 2 l ) C . V . V i d y a :H i s t o r yo f M e d i e v aH

Isluam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

differenthistoricalperiodsthat they have becomean innumerable and an uncountable thongof deities.l This is the conditionof the worldreligions. As for civilizedcountries where great governmentswere estabrished, where many sciences flourishedand which were the bedrock of civilization,iniustry and arts, they have becomecountrieswith no rerigions;countriei tnat had lost their origin and power, in which theie are no righteous reformersand teachers,where atheism is publicly proclaimeo, corruption of all kindproliferated, all standardshavebeenchanoed and the man has becomevarueress to his own serf.That is rirrrv there are many cases of suicide, severanceof family ties, disruptionof socialrelations,increasein the numberof patienrs who visitpsychologists' clinicsand establishment of the marketof magictricksters. In these so-calledcivirizednations,man tries out every enjoyable thing and followsevery inventedand innovatedcreed, seeiing to satiatethe demandof his soul,to make himselfhappyanO live himselfpeace of mind. But ail these enjoyments,and a[ these creedsand theoriesfailedto achievethesegoalsfor him, and he shall continuein this psychological misery and spiritualtorment untilhe establishes relationship with his creatorand worshipsHrm accordingto the way He is pleasedwith and with which He sent His Messengers. Ailaahsays,whiredescribing the conditionof the one who turns away from his Lord and seeks for guidancefrom othersbesidesHim, -ii : i1 "'-' A^:-_eJl -t32 tor.z.3g ,,4-9

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"But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e., neither believesin this Qur'annor actson its teachings).Verity,for him is a I

S e e" A s - s e e r a t u n - n a b a r v i y yba1h,", A b iH l a s a nA n - N a d w i p . l 9 - 2 g .

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

life of hardshipand We shalt raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection."l Allaah,may He be glorified,also informsus aboutthe life of the and theirhappinessin thisworldlylifewhen He says, truebeltevers .

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"lt is thosewho believe(in the Onenessof Allah and worshipnone but Him Atond and confusenot their belief with Zulm (wrongi-e. by worshipping others besldes NEh), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided.'" He,Whosepraiseis greatalsosaYs,

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"As for those who are b/essed, they will be in Paradise, abiding therein for atl the time that the heavens and-the eafth endure, exceptas your Lord witts;a gift withoutan end.'' lf we applythe criteriaof the true religronto all these religions exceptlslaam,we willsee thattheyare shortof all thesecriteriaas it is clearfromthe aboveexposition. The greatestelement,which all these'religionsare short of, is othergods with For theiradherentshave associated Monotheism. religionsdo not these fact that the to in addition in worship Allaah I T a a H a a2 0 ' . 1 2 4 . r Al-An'aar6 l :82 'Hood ll:108.

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

providepeoplewith a law that can be applicablein all placesano at all times and that can protectthem, their lives,faith, honour, offspringand properties. Thesereligionsalso do not guidepeopre to the Law of AllaahwhichHe ordersto be followedneitherdo they give theiradherentspeaceof mind and happiness,as a resultof theirinherentcontradictions. As regardslslaam,you wiil come to know in the followingchapters that it is the true religionof Allaahwhich He is pleasedwith and whichHe has chosenfor mankindas theirreligion. At the end of this section, it is appropriatethat we define the essence of prophethoodand the need of mankind for it, and explainthe foundations of the missionof the Messengers and the realityof the lastand everlastingmessageof lslaam.

Islaam: ItsFoundationsAnd Concepts The essence of ProPhethood

The greatestthingthat man mustknowin this lifeis the knowledge aboui his Lord,Who createdhim from nothingand showeredhim with blessings.And the greatestpurposefor which Allaahcreated the creationis to worshipHim alone. But how can man know his Lordas it is due? What are the duties and obligationsbindingon him? How can he worshiphis Lord? of life,provide Man can find who will assisthim duringvicissitudes for his needslike treatmentfor an ailment,givingsome medicine, assistingto builda house and so on and so forth;but he cannot find amongordinarypeoplewho can make him knowhis Lordand exolain to him how to worship Him This is because human know what Allaah intends,he cannot independently intelligence of his fellow human being perceive intention the cannot even How can he then knowwhat intends. he what him he tells before Allaah means? Further,it is also because,this matter is only restrictedto the Messengersand Prophets whom Allaah has chosento conveythe Messageand to those who come afterthem amongthe rightlyguidedleadersand the heirsof the Prophet,who follow their way, take to their Path and help to convey their message. This is because, human beings cannot receive directlyfrom Allaahas its bearingis beyondtheirability. revelation says, Allaah i.

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"lt is not given to any human being that All6h should speak to him unless (it be) by Revelation,or from behind a veil, or (that) He

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sends a Messengerto reveal what He witts by His Leave. Verily, He is Most High, Most Wise."1 There shouldthereforebe an intermediaryand an envoy who can conveythe law of Allaahto His slaves,Those intermediaries ano envoysare the Messengersand prophets.The angelwill carry the message to the Prophet and the prophet will convey it to the people.The Angels do not carry the messageto men direcfly,for the world of angelsis naturallydifferentfrom that of humanbeings. Allaahsays, tt

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"Allah choosesMessengersfrom angels and from men.'" The wisdom of Allaah necessitatesthat the Messengershould come from the raceof thosewhom he is sent to, so that thev could understandhim because of their ability to speak witn nim. lf Messengershad been sent to mankindfrom among the angels, they could not have been able to face him or learnanvthinoirom him.Allaahthe exaltedsavs. , i- ..,-o ,.

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"And they say: "Why has not an angel been sent down to him?,, Had We sent down an angel, the matter would have been judged at once, and no respite would be granted to them. And had We ' Ash-shoora a 42:5l.

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Islaam: Its Foundotions And Concepts

appointedhim an angel, We indeed would have made him a man, and We would have certainly confused them in which they are alreadyconfused(i.e. the Messageof Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him))."' He alsosays,

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"And We never sent before you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) any of the Messengersbut verily,they ate food and walkedin the markets And We have made some of you as a trial for others: witl you have patience? And your Lord is Ever All-Seer (of everything).And those who expect not a Meeting with Us (i.e. those who deny the Day of Resurrection and the life of the Hereafter),said: "Why are not the angels sent down to us, or why do we not see our Lord?" lndeed they think too highly of fhemse/ves,and are scornfulwithgreat pride.'* H e a l s os a v s . ' -L . tt s x dl uy lQ: {t"le - . uL;,lciY "

' Al-An'aar6 n:8-9. t A i - F u r q a a n2 5 : 2 0 - 2 1

Islaam: Its Foundutions And C, "And We sent not (as Our Messengers/before you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) any but men, whom We inspired,(to preach and invitemankind to believein the Onenessof Attah)."1 He alsosays,

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"And We sent not a Messengerexcept with the tanguage of his people, in order that he might make the Messageclear to them.'2 These Messengersand Prophetspossessedcompleteand perfect reason, sound nature, truthfulnessin words and deeds, and sincerity in conveying what was put in their trust. They also possessedDivine immunityfrom all that could tarnish human conductand physicalappearancesthat are free from all thingsthat are repugnantto sights and repulsiveto sound human taste.3 Allaah purifiedthem in their personsand manners.They are the most perfect in manners, purest in souls and most generous. Allaahcombinedin them good mannersand excellentconductas He combinedin them deliberateness, knowledge,magnanimiry, generosity,bravery and justice. By these qualities,they were distinguished amongtheir peoples.The people.ofprophelSaalih told him as Allaahinformsus in His Book, .!:-

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Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

"They said: "O Selih!You have been among us as a figure of good hope (and we wished for you to be our chief) till this (new thing which you have brought that we leave our gods and worshipyour God (Allah)Alone)! Do you.(now) forbid us fhe worshipof what our fathers have worshipped?"' He alsoinformsus of whatthe peopleof ProphetShu'aibtold him, -.

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"They said: "O Shu'aib!Doesyour Sal6t(prayer)commandthat we give up what our fathersused to worship,or that we give up doing what we like with our propefty? Verily,you are the forbearer, right'* minded!"(They said this sarcastically). The Messengerof Allaah, Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him, was also popularamong his peoplewith the title "AlAmeen" (the trustworthy)even before he receivedthe revelation, His Lorddescribeshim saying,

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"And verily, you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) are on an exaltedstandardof character.'u The Messengersand Prophetsare therefore,the best ones among Allaah'screatures.He selectedthem and chosethem to carry His Messageand conveyit to mankind,and, ' H o o dI l : 6 2 . 2 H o o dI l : 8 7 . r A l - Q a l a m6 8 : 4 .

Islasm: Its FoundutionsAnd Concepts

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"AllAhknows besf with whom to place His Message."l Allaahsays,

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"Allah chose Adam, N?h (Noah), the family of lbr1him (Abraham) and the familVof 'lmrdn above the 'Alamin (mankind and jinn) (of their times).'" These Messengersand Prophets- in spite of lofty qualitieswith which Allaahdescribedthem and the excellentconductsfor which they were known - are neverthelesshumanswho sufferedwhat other humans suffer; they suffered hunger and sickness; they slept, ate, marriedand died. Allaah says, addressingprophet Muhammad.

x Z:oji *';L-*"r lY "Verity,you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) wilt die and verily,they (too) willdie.'r Allaahalsosays,

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' Al-An'aarn 6:124 r Aal 'lrrrraan 3:33 t Az-Zumar39:30.

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

"And indeed, We sent Messengers before you (O Muhammad) and maclefor them wives and offspring."' They were even subjectedto persecution;many of them were killed or expelled from their homes. Allaah says addressing ProohetMuhammad, *,tl

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"And (remember) when the disbelieversplotted against you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) to imprison you, or to kill you, or to get you out (from your home, i.e. Makkah); they were plotting and All6h too was plotting; and Alldh ls fhe Eesf of those who plot.'" But to them were the end, victoryand authorityin this worldlylife Allaahsays, and the Hereafter.

4;:;;;, "All2thwitl help thosewho hetp His(cause).'3 He alsosays,

' A r - R a ' d1 3 : 3 8 . 2Al-Anfaal 8:30.

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Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts "All6h has decreed: 'Verily! lt is I and My Messengerswho shallbe the victorious." Verily,AltAh is Att-Powerful,All-Mighty.m

'Al-Muiaadilah 58;21.

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Conce

Signs of Prophethood Srnce Prophethoodis a means by which the noblest of all knowledgecan be acquiredand the greatestand most honourable deeds can be carried out; it is of Allaah's mercy to give these Prophetsthe signs by which they could be known and through which they could be identified,though, every one of those who claimedto have a missionhas some signs and conditionsthat could indicatehis truthfulnessif he is truthfulor otherwiseif he is a of whichare: liar. Thesessignsare many,the mostimportant 1 The Messengershouldcall to the worshipof Allaahaloneand othersbesidesHim. For this is of worshipping to the abandonment the purposefor whichAllaahcreatedthe creation. shouldcall peopleto believein him, and put his 2. The Messenger practice. Allaah commands His Messenger, message into blessings and peacebe uponhim,to say, Muhammad, '

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"O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Nteh.'t 3. He must be supported by Allaah with various signs of prophethoodAmongthesesignsare the versesthat the Prophet Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him, broughtfrom or produceits like. Allaahand whichhis peoplecouldnot repudiate Anotherexampleis the sign of ProphetMoosaawhen his rod turnedto a snake;the sign of ProphetEesaa(Jesus)who healed of Allaah,and the signof the blrndand the leperby the permission M u h a m m a db l e s s i n gasn d p e a c eb e u p o nh i m ,w h i c hi s t h e G r e a t

A l - A ' r a a7f : 1 5 8

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

Qur'aan, in spite of the fact that he was an illiteratewho could neitherreadnor writeamongmanyothersignsof the prophets. Amongthesesignsis the clearand vividtruthwhichthe prophets and Messengersbroughtand which their opponentscould not disproveor deny. Rather,their opponentsknew that what the Prophetshad broughtwas the truththat could not be resisted. Among the signs also are perfectconditions,beautifultraits and magnanrmousconduct with which Allaah distinguishedthe Proohets. 4. His messageshouldagreein principles withthe fundamentals to whichall Messengers and Prophetscalled.l 5. He shouldnot call othersto the worshipof himselfor to direcr any act of worship to him. He should also not call to the glorification of his tribe or clan. Allaah commandsHis proohet Muhammad,blessings and peacebe uponhim,to tell people,

4U6;cstui "Say. I do not tell you that with me is the treasure of Ailah, nor (that) | know the Unseen; nor^l tell you that I am an angel. I but follow what is revealedto me."' 6. He shouldnot ask from peopleany of the thingsof thisworldas a wage for his mission.Allaah says, informingus about His ProphetsNoah,Hood,Saalih,Lootand Shu'aib,thatthevtotdtheir people,

'See: M a l r n o o ' F a t a a wI ban T a y r n i y y aVh o l . 4 p . 2 1 2 - 2 1 3 . 'Al-An'aam 6:50.

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

{ ::':cnj;iiq J'it'sii'ul ri:r 4" t't;iu; Y "No reward do t ask of you for it (my Message of lsllmic 'Alamin Monotheism); my reward is only, from the Lord of the (mankind,jinn and all that exlst$. "' and peacebe uponhim,alsotold ProphetMuhammad,blessings his people,

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"Say (O Muhammad(peacebe upon him)) "No wage do I ask of you for this (the Qur'6n),nor am I one of the Mutakallifln (those who pretend and fabricatethings which do not exist).'" These Prophetsand Messengerswhom I have told you something are many.Allaah of theirqualitiesand signsof their prophethood, says,

"And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (communitY, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming):"WorshipAll6h (Alone),and

' A s h - S h u ' a r a2a6 : 1 0 9 ,1 2 1 ,| 4 5 , 1 6 4 ,l 8 0 . 2 S a a d3 8 : 8 6 .

Islaam: Its Foundetions And Concepts

avoid (or keep away from) Tagh0t (all false deities,etc. i.e. do not worshipTAgh0tbesrdesAlEh).""' These Messengershave made mankind happy; the history recorded their stories and the injunctionsof their religionwere repeatedlytransmitted,that they are the truth and just. Likewise, repeatedly narratedis the victorywithwhichAllaahhonouredthem and destruction of theirenemies,likethe destruction of the people of Noah with flood, drowningof Pharaoh,punishmentfor the peopleof Loot;and the victoryof Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him, over his enemiesand the spread of his religion. Whoever knows this will know certainlythat they broughtfor mankindgood and guidance;that they directedthem to all that couldbenefitthem and warnthemagainstall thatcouldbe harmful. The first of them is Adam and the last is Muhammad.oeace be u o o nt h e ma l l .

A n - N a h li 6 : 3 6

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Co Mankind's

need for the Messengers

The Prophetsare Allaah'sMessengersto His slaves,they convey to them, they give them glad tidingsof the His commandments bliss which Allaah has preparedfor them if they obey His Commandments,warn them of the everlastingpunishmentif they disobeyHim and tell them the storiesof the past nationsand what befellthem of the punishmentand tormentin this world because of theirLord. the commandments theydisobeyed cannotbe known and prohibitions These DivineCommandments by human reasoning,that is why Allaahordained independently as a honourfor and prohibitions and prescribedcommandments mankindand to protecthis interests.For peopletend to obey their desires,therebyviolatingforbiddenthings,attackingother people and usurpingtheir rights.lt is thereforeout of the utmostwisdom too that Allaahshouldsend Messengersamong mankind,every of now and then,who would remindthem of the commandments them recite to disobedience, Allaah, warn them against admonitions and tell them the stories of past generations. Because, when wonderful stories are heard and marvellous conceptsawakenthe psyche,the sense of reasonembracesthat, The more man increasesin knowledgeand has right perception. listensthe more he thinks;the more he thinksthe more he reflects; the more he reflectsthe more he understandsand the more he understandsthe more he acts. So, sending Messengers is inevitableand there is no alternativefor them if the truth is to be established.l Shaykhul lslaam lbn Taymiyyah2said, "Divine Message is necessaryfor reformationof man in his worldly life and his final for him in his Hereafterif he abode.As therewill not be well-being ' e. 33. A ' l a a n .A, n - N u b u w w ab y ' A l e e b i n M u h a m m a dA l - M a w a r d e p t H e i s A h n r a db i n A b d u l - H a l e e mp,o p u l a r l yk n o w n a s l b n T a y m i y y a h . H e r v a sb o r n i n t h e y e a r6 6 I A . H a n d d i e d i n t h e y e a r7 2 8 A . H . H e w a s one of the greatIslaarnicScholarsand the authorof many valuablebooks.

Islaum: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

does not followthe message,there will also not be well-beingfor him in his worldly life if he does not follow the Message.He is therefore,bound to follow the Law of Allaahfor he lives between two movement:a movementby which he seekswhat benefitshim and anotherby which he wards off what harmshim The Law of Allaah is then the light that shows him what can benefitor harm him. That is the Light of Allaahon the earth, His justice between His slavesad His fortresswhichprovidessafetyfor whoeverenters it. What is meant by the Law of Allaah is not physicaldistinction betweenthe harmfuland useful;for even the animalscan do that. The donkeyor camel can differentiatebetweenbarleyand sand. What that means is to be able to distinguishbetweendeeds that can harm theirdoer in his worldlylife and his Hereafterand deeds that can benefithim in his woddly life and his Hereafter.Like the benefit of faith, belief in the Oneness of Allaah, justice, righteousness,kindness,honesty,chastity,courage, knowledge, perseverance, enjoiningall that is good,forbiddingall that is evil, beingkindto the kithand kin,beingdutifultoparents,beingkindto neighbours, fulfilling purifyingdeedsfor Allaah,putting obligations, trust in Him, seekinghelp from Him, beingpleasedwith His predecrees, submissionto His rule, believingin Him and His Messengers in all thatthey informhim and all otherdeedsthat are beneficialto man in his worldly life and his Hereafter.In the oppositeof the above lies his miservand harm in his worldlvlife and his Hereafter. Had it not been because of the Divine Message,the human intellectwould have not been guidedto the detailsof what could benefitor harm him in his worldlylife.Among the greatestfavours of Allaahupon His slavesis that He sent His Messengers to them, revealedto them His Booksand showedthem the StraightPath. Had it not been for this, humanswould have been like catile or even worse. So, whoever accepts the message of Allaah and standsfirm on that is amongthe bestof all creation.But whoever relects it and deviatesfrom it, such is among the worst of the creationand worsein conditionthanthe dog and pig and the most contemptible creature.Thereis no way the inhabitants of the earth can surviveexcept by the effectsof the messagethat is existent among them, for when the impacts of the messaqe become

Islasm: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

exterminatedfrom the earth and the signs of their guidance becomewiped off, Allaahwill dismantlethe heavenand the earth and bringforththe Resurrection. Further,the dwellerof the earth'sneedfor the Messageis not like their need for sun, moon,air and rain,and it is also not like their need for their own soulsor like the need of the eye for the light;or like that of the body for food and drink. Ratherthe need for the Messengeris greaterthan all that and all otherthingsone could think of or assume.The Messengersare the intermediarybetween Allaah and His creatures as far as His commandmentand prohibitions they are the envoysbetweenHim and are concerned; His slaves.The last of them,theirleaderand the dearestof them Allaahsenthim as mercyfor mankindand to Allaahis Muhammad. all that exists.He makes him a proof for the followersof the right path and a proofagainstall creatures.He commandedHis slaves to follow, love, respect and honour him, and to give him all obligations due to him.Allaahtook covenantsand pledgesfrom all other Prophetsand Messengersthat they would believe in and followhim (if they were to meet him or hear of him) and He also ordered them to take the same covenant from their believing followers.Allaahsent him at the thresholdof the Hour.With him, He guided many from error,rescuedmany from ignorance,and opened throughhis Messageblind eyes, deaf ears and sealed hearts. He lightenedthe earth through his message,after it had been in darkness and united with it the separated hearts. He straightened with the Messengerthe crookedfaith and explained through him the bright path Allaah opened for him his heart, removedfrom him his burden,raisedhigh his fame and subjected and disgrace.He sent thosewho were againsthim to humiliation him after a break in the successionof the sent Messengersand extermination of the impactsof the previouslyrevealedBooks; when words had been twisted and the law altered,when every nation relied on injustice in their opinions, made decisions regardingAllaahand betweenHis slaveswith their own corrupt sayings and desires.lt was then that Allaah guided mankind throughhim and showedthem the rightway, He broughtpeople with him, from darknessto lightthroughhim and made distinction betweenthosewho deservesuccessand thosewho were sinners.

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

Whoeverfollowshis guidancewill be rightlyguidedand whoever deviatesfrom His Path will go astrayand such has only oppressed himself.May Allaahbestowpeace and blessingson him and all otherMessengers and Prophets.' We can now summarise man's need for the messaoe in the followingpoints. 1. That man is a nurturedcreatureand it is inevitable for him to know his Lord and Creator;to know what He wants from him and why He created him. Man cannot however know all that independentlyexcept by knowing the Prophets and the Messengersand knowing the guidanceand light, which they brought. 2. Man is a componentof bodyand soul.The nutrition for bodyis whateveris availableof food and drink,but the nutritionof the soul has been prescribedby the One Who created the soul; that nutritionis true religionand righteousdeed. So it is the Prophets and Messengers who broughttrue religionand guidedto righteous deed. 3. Man is religiousby natureand he must havea religion,which he must practice,and this religionmust be the true one. So, there is no way to know the true religionexcept through belief in the Prophetsand Messengers and to believein all thattheybrought. 4. Man is in need of knowingthe way that can lead him to the oleasureof Allaahin thisworldand to His Paradiseand blissin the Hereafter.And no one can guide to this way exceptthe Prophets and Messengers alone. 5. Man is in himselfweak and manyenemieslay in wait for him. makebadthingsfairSatanwantsto misleadhim,evilcompanions seemingto him and his base self inciteshim to do evil.Hence,he needswhat can protecthim againstthe evil plansof his enemies

rQaa'idah f e e w u j o o b i ll ' t i s a a mb i r - r i s a a l abhy I b n T a y r n i y y a hS, e e :A l Fataawaa19 p.99-102.

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

who guidedman to thatand and it is the Prophetsand Messengers clearlyexplainedit to him. 6. Man is civilby nature,his meetingwithpeopleand his relations with them thereforeneed a law by which justice and equalitycan be establishedamong people- the absenceof which can make humanlife be likethat of the jungle.Also,this law must be ableto protect the right of every one without excessivenessand negligenceand none could bring such perfect law except the and Prophets. Messengers 7. Man needs to know what can give him tranquillityand psychological securityand guide him to means of real happiness. This is what the Prophets and Messengersguided to. After explaining why the creation is in need of Prophets and Messengers,it is now appropriateto discussthe final returnand thatsupportthat. explainthe proofsand evidences

100

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

The Final Return Everyman knowswith certaintythat deathis inevitable.But what is his fate afterdeath?Will he be happyor miserable? Many peopleand nationsof the world believethat they will be resurrectedafter death and called to accountfor all their deeds; that they will.earngood rewardif they do good and punishmentif they do evil.' This issue- the Resurrection and accountability are confirmedby sound reasonand supportedby DivineLaws.lt is basedon threefundamentals: 1. Confirmationof the perfectknowledgeof the Lord, may He be glorified. 2. Confirmation of His perfectOmnipotence. 3. Confirmation of His perfectWisdom.2 There are many textualand logicalevidenceson the confirmation of the final returnsome of which are: 1. Drawingevidenceon the resurrectionof the dead throughthe creationof the heavensand the earth.Allaahsavs,

V le

J$A G. lr,;4\tj

-''r^1r

,-p '+ ; \ , _ , J - - t: JeJy 9 c , ) .

ufr 6i ii i;; a3iy ,!

D ,,t9

-'.L

-z-

,.l J i'41 Gl ol

"Do they not see that All?th,Who created the heavens and the earih, and was not wearied by their creation, is Able to give life to the dead? Yes, He is surely Able to do all things."' I S e e : A l - J a w a a b u s - S a h e e hV o l . 4 o . 9 6 . i S e e :A l - F a w a a i d b y I b n a l - Q a y y i m p . 6 - 7

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

101

He also says, '

,. (

)4 &

,a,

.t,.

a -..

jJ;t >dr. C1, Ul ,.Jr 212 ue)\t3 ->-t^a)t +tt ,-S+Jt .;-t;tirjJj*ll , - , . 4

{

I 1 -

"ls not He Who created the heavens and the earth, is Able to create the like of them? Yes, indeed. He is the All-Knowing SupremeCreator.'2 2. Drawingevidenceof Allaah'sabilityto reproducethe creation once more from His abilityto originatethe creationwithout any previousexample.So, He, Who is able to bring somethinginto existence,should be able to reproduce it with greater reason. Allaahthe Exaltedsays,

'11 '

, --: , ,-'i'i, { ;:!) i-s,J I i;'Jt,*s

i::

;)\t1,>"t:Jrr

"And He it is Who originatesthe creation,then will repeat it (afterit has been perished); and this r.seasier for Him. His is the highest description(i.e. none has the right to be worshippedbut He, and there ls nothingcomparableunto Him).'" He alsosays,

rAl-Ahqaaf46:33. 2Yaa S e e n3 6 : 8 1. 3 A r - R o o m3 0 : 2 7 .

102

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts t

,.r,io,

. .iii \-j-- U .i. i,$ ,!) *.t-.r, ,-r'- ,/ gv ,aA-- At

',?

.r ..-^ t'^ -'ti t '.Ei-l;Je,/" ,h.7i" - . " . ri'

vJ,tJ+i ,

'rt(1:1',.i

"Jrl tatsl &-{l

"And he (man) puts forth for Us a parable, and has forgotten the factsof his own creation.He says, Who will give life to these bones after they are rotten and have become dust. Say (O Muhammad): He will give life to them Who created them at the first! And He is the All-Knowerof every creation."l 3. He created man in the best shape and in this perfect and complete form. He endowed him with limbs, power and with flesh, bones, veins and nerves;with outlets, characteristics; tools. sciences.wishes and industries.There is in all this the greatestevidenceof His abilityto resurrectthe dead. 4. Drawingthe proof of His abilityto resurrectthe dead in the Hereafter,from His raising up of the dead in this worldly life. Storieshave been narratedof this in the DivineBookswhichAllaah revealedto his Messengers.Examplesof this is raising up the dead by the permission of Allaah at the hands of Prophets lbraaheemand 'Eesaa,may peace be on them - among many others. 5. Drawingevidenceof His abilityto resurrectthe dead from His abilityto bring about thingsthat are similarto the scenesof the Day of Congregation and Resurrection like: a. Allaahcreatedman from a drop of spermthat was scatteredall over the body - that is why all parts of the body enjoy the intercourse- Allaah collectsthis drop from all parts of the body, then makesit go to the womb and createdtherewiththe man. lf all these parts were scatteredand He gatheredthem togetherand createdfrom them that man, then if they become scatteredonce again after death, what can prevent Him from bringingthem togetheronce more.Allaahsays, '

Yaa Seen36:78-79

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

103

t :ir iril.li i<"ri;n*tA*i; :ZilF y e;ji > "Then tell Me about the semen that you emit. ls it you who createit (i.e., make fhis semen into a perfect human being)? Or are We the Creator?"' b. When the plant seeds - regardlessof their shapes- fall into the fertile land and water and soil overwhelrnthem; the logical consequenceis that they becomerottenand decayed;for, any of the water and soil is enough to make the seed rotten and the combinationof both will can it so with greaterreason.But the fact is that, the seed will not decay but remainspreserved.When the humidityincreases,the seed breaksopen and from it comes out a plant. Does that not point to a perfectpower and comprehensive wisdom? Will this All-Wise and All-Able Lord be incapableof his limbs?Allaahsays, collectingpartsof man and reconstituting

"Then tell Me about the seed that you sow in the ground. ls it you that make it grow, or are We the Grower?'" A similarversein meaningis Allaah'ssaying,

J+ u: ;Aii,:-i5 c';.^i ;tti 8k uslil:1t{; ti ,' all\i ,s}: h \ .e.ff /

' A l - W a a q i ' a 5h 6 : 5 8 - 5 9 2 A l - W a a q i ' a h5 6 : 6 3 - 6 4

z-\

Q))

t04

Islasm: Its Foundations And Concepts

"And you see fhe eafth barren, but when We sent down water (rain) on it, it is stirred,(to life) and rt swe//s and puts fofth every lovely kind (of growth)."' 6. The All-Able, All-Knowledgeableand All-Wise Creator is deemedfar from producingthe creationfor fun and leavingthem in vain.He says, u..

,-hP

'3+; 1r''r'uiy # eu;t c6;. c, .pr1'tii;c-ai uat ttt , ,

.;-

,717.

', t12'

4 :I) _,,LJt vtsF

.t,'

uN.

"We creatednot the heaven and the earth and att that is between them without purpose! That is the assumption of those who disbelieve! Then woe to fhose who disbetieve (in lslimic Monotheism)from the Fire.'2 Allaahcreatedthe creationfor greatwisdomand loftypurpose.He says, t,t'-r

' '.i:

z..is .. J, ii ,. (':f),.r:'t"'J. )].F)lj. . i 7 . JJ'l{-,aIti }

"And I (NEh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worshipMe (Alone).'" It is thereforenot becomingof thisAll-WiseLordto regardas equal thosewho obeyHim and thosewho disobey.He says,

' etuaiizz:s

2 Saad38:27. 3 Adh-Dhaariyaa 5 t| : 5 6 .

105

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts t..'.'

S.e ,t.,,,.;jt

'.ti-a

i:l

.! .y-+t-;'lS

. r.

i,,

v>J;dt

,.,.

| I lrl^-ei t),1;

t,-'i

1: sr--rjt-[,a -.1 b

y 1V'; r*aK'*s:5i "Shall We treat those who believe (in the Oneness of AllAh lsllmic Monotheism)and do righteous good deeds, as Mufsid1n (those who assoclate paftners in worship with All6h and commit crimes) on earth? Or shall We treat the Muttaqln (the plous - see V.2:2),as fhe Fujjar (criminals,disbelievers,the wicked)?"' Therefore,it is of His PerfectWisdomand Great Powerto raise up the creationon the Day of Resurrectionin order to recompense every human beingfor his deed; and to rewardthe good-doerand punishthe evildoer.Allaahsays, .

-,t

.',:

J-:{Jr

Gjil

,rrt..^.

etet

t! 'oJ1L

_.-

, "', ,p;jert

ur.i

o: Otri

i::,,'.... tj-ta

'.,,.,

t) i-4

,', t+tl

L '

La>

.- (

JlJl)

a: alll

-r-ei

,z'

j-t urn -e'-r'

dJl U

.rz

T ri,,i;..i b-Li)t{ t-.:-'.l:;"Jl \tt*t ty-t;

4 r-? \-1 ,.'ii i i{ 6\i \

\-_n

_rJ

"To Him is the return of all of you. The Promise of All6h is frue. /f rs He Who begins the creation and then will repeat it, that He may reward with justice those who believed (in the Oneness of All6h Isl1mic Monotheism) and did deeds of righteousness. But those who disbelieved will have a drink of boiling fluids and painful tormentbecausethey used to disbelieve.'"

I S a a d3 8 : 2 8 . t Y o o n u sl 0 : 4 . F o r a l l t h a th a sb e e np r e v i o u s l ym e n t i o n e dA, l - F a w a a i db y e ol. 2, p. I b n a l - Q a y y i mp . 6 , 9 ; a n dA t - T a f s e eAr l - K a b e e rb y A r - R a a z e V I 1 3 - l1 6 .

106

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

Belief in the Last Day - the Day of Resurrection - has great impacts on individuals and the society. Among its impacts are: 1 lt makes man endeavourto obey Allaahseekingfor rewardof that Day and keeps him from disobeyingHim out of fear of the punishment of thatDay. 2. Beliefin the Last Day consolesthe believeron the bliss and pleasureof thisworldthat he misseswith the pleasureand reward of the Hereafter,whichhe hopesfor. 3. lt is throughthe beliefin the Last Day that man knows his fate after deathand knowsthat he will get good rewardfor his deed if it is good, and get punishedif it is evil. He knowsthat he will be made to standfor reckoning;that revengewill be taken on him for those he wrongedin this world and the rightsof those he wronged or oppressed wouldbe takenbackfrom him 4. Belief in the Last Day actualisespeace and securityfor mankindespeciallyin this time that there is inadequatesecurity and wars ragewith no end - because,beliefin Allaahand the Last Day makes man abstain from doing evil to others privatelyand publicly.That belief even penetrateshis heart and makes him -if he has any. dismissevilintentions 5 Beliefin the Last Day detersman from doinginjusticeto others and violatingtheirrights.lf peoplebelievein the LastDay,they will be safe from wronging one another and their rights will be orotected. 6. Beliefin the LastDay makesman lookat thisworldlyabodeas just one of the stagesof life and that it is not the reatlife in itself. To concludethis section,let us quote the words of "Win Bet" the AmericanChristianwho used to work in one of the churchesano then embracedlslaamand foundthe fruitof beliefin the Last Day. He says,"l now knowanswersto the questionsthat had very much

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

t07

occupiedmy life.The questionsare.Who am l? What do.l want? Why did I cometo thisworld?And what is my destination?"'

A d - D a ' a w a hM a g a z i n eN o . 1 7 2 2 ,1 9 - 9 ' 1 4 2 0p . 3 7 .

Islaam: Its Foundations And Con

Fundamentalsof the Messengers'Mission All Prophetsand Messengerswere unanimousin their call to generalfundamentals' like beliefin Allaah,His angles,His Books, His Messengers;beliefin the Last Day and in pre-decree,its good and bad; and like command to worship Allaah alone without ascribingany partnerto Him, to followHis path and not to follow dissentingpaths; like prohibitingthe four kinds of sins: all evil deeds, the apparentand the hidden; sins; unjust oppression; associatingpartnerswith Allaah in worshipand worshippingidols. They also agreed on deeming Allaah far from having a wife, children,associate or equalas theyagreedon prohibition of saying about Him what is not true; on prohibitionof infanticide,kiiling unjustly,eating usury; usurpingof orphan'swealth.Thev were unanimouson enjoiningthe fulfilmentof covenantsand giiing full scale and weight, being dutifulto parents;doing justice between people; being truthful in sayings and deedi; prohibitionof squandering and arroganceas well as eatingup people'swealth unlustly. lbn Al-Qayyim2said, "All Divine Laws are unantmousin therr fundamentals- even if they differ in any other things. The goodnessof theselawsare firmlyrootedin the humaninteiectand had the lawsnot come in thisform,theywouldhave been unwise, unbeneficial and mercilessthoughit is impossiblethat thev should comein any otherform.Allaahsays,

\ :-84 .r:,r.t\:

,-''tAi

p't*i 7;19i 3:ti 61 ;: V

T h e s eg e n e r aflu n d a m e n t aal sr ei n d i c a t e d i n S u r a t uB l aqarah 2.2g5,2g6, a n dA l - A n ' a a m6 : 1 5 1 ,1 5 3 ;A l - A ' r a a7f : 3 3 ; A l - l s r a laj : 2 3 , 3 : - . H i s n a m ei s M u h a m m a db i n A b e eB a k r b i n A y y o o bA z - Z a r , e eH . e was b o r n i n 6 9 1 A . H . a n d d i e d i n 7 5 I A . H . . H e w a s o n e o f t h e q r e a rI s l a a m i c scholarsand he authoredmany greatbooks.

109

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

"And if the truth wouldhave been in accordancewith their deslres, verily, the heavens and the eafth, and whosoever is therein would have been corrupted."' that the Law of Allaah How can a wise man deem it permissible Who is the Best of judges shouldcome in a form differentfromits presentform?'" This is why all Prophetspracticedone religionas confirmedby Allaahwhen He says,

ib :::.:* u& ; ;r"au

\Szit n \f ,l-ii +P.Y ";Ai

r?'

"et { :I) 9Fb

..i

ltl

Lt<l

bryag'j Lti-s':'r 'c1-a

"O (you) Messengers! Eat of the TaiyibAt(all kinds of Hal6l (lawful) foods (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk producfs, fafs, vegetables,fruits,etc.), and do righteousdeeds. Verily!I am Well' Acquainted with what you do. And verily! This, your religion (of lsllmic Monotheism),is one religion,and I am your Lord, so keep your duty to Me.'' He alsosays,

L:>

G)Jtraj-y,i",cu..^iGEt;"y

' A l - M u ' m i n o o n 2 3 l..1 2 ao h l . 2 , p . 3 8 3 . S e ea l s o :A l - J a w a a b u s - s a h e e h M i f t a a h ud a a r i s - s a ' a a dV a yr A s - S a f a a r e e nVeoel . 2 , p . 2 6 3 . V o l . 4 p . 3 2 2 , L a w a a n i ' u l - a n w ab I A l - M u ' m i n o o 2n 3 : 5 1 - 5 2 .

110

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

"He (Alldh) has ordained for you the same religion (tst6mic Monotheism)which He ordained for N0h (Noah), and that which We have revealedto you (O Muhammad(peacebe upon him)) and that which We ordainedfor lbrahim (Abraham),M1sa (Moses)and '/sii (Jesus/ saying you should esfab/ish religion (i.e. to do what it orders you to do practically), and make no divisions in it (religion) (i.e. varioussecfs rn religion)."' The purposeof religionis to make mankindattainwhat they are created for: to worship their Lord alone without associatingany partnerwith Him.2He ordainedfor them riteswhich they mus-tfulfil and guaranteedfor them obligations. He also gave them means that can make them attainthat good, so that they can achievethe pleasureof their Lord and happinessin this world and the Hereafteraccordingto a DivineWay that does not tear up man or afflict his person with deadly diseases that can cause a clash betweenhis natureand souland the worldaroundhim. All Messengerscalled to the Divine Religionthat presentsman with creedai foundationin which he shou'idbelieve,and the law which he shouldfollowin his life.That is why Torahwas a creedas well as a law and its followerswere requiredto make it judge betweenthem.Allaahsays, .

J- rlJ l"Jl

gr"-ilt5_rr;t

'r?J':|''.

,5"^ W

-^J')tli

LJrrt bt I

4 jr->iii;t;jji;\r3r; "Verily, We did send down the Taurdt (Torah) (to Mlsa (Moses)) therein was guidance and light, by which the prophets, who submittedthemselvesto All6h'sWill,judged for the Jews. And the

' A s h - s h o o r a4a2 : 1 3 . ' Majrnoo' Fataawaa Y ol.2, p.6.

111

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

rabbis and the priesfs (too iudged for the Jews by the Taurat (Torah)after those ProPhets),"' Then came the christ who broughtwith him the Gospelin which therewas guidanceand lightand in confirmationof the Torah that precededit. AllaahsaYs,

. t

t,"

4.3i: ,St^ 1., _[+jl '/sd (Jesus), son of Maryam "And in their footsteps, We sent ('ana Mail,confirmingtheTaurdt(Torah)thathadcomebeforehim, in which was guidanceand rye gave hii the tnieel(Gospe/), light.'" Then Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him' came with the final Divine Law and the completereligionas a witnessover the laws that had come before it and to abrogatethem. Allaahgave him the Qur'aanas a confirmationof the Divine Books that had come beforeit. AllaahsaYs, ,z -.!.

L.....,t

1r+ 3;.

. , . 1. . t .

{ j;Ji e !;;

-^!'.'-.),i 1 v

-,;..(.4:

e'e;lFl

d.5i;:

'i7

"<ii;ii,f,i'..i' iJt-, i'*5Jt ':'LJt uJ;:tj I

j.o,4;i.r..(t,

g- )j

'-.,

).i.^-."JL + atttJ}t L'j,'+'r. r:?v

"And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) the Book (this Qufan) in truth, confirmingthe scripture that camie before it and Muhaymin (trustworthy in highness and a wltness) over it (old Scriptures).So iudge among them by what

' A l - M a a i d a h5 : 4 4 . 'z A l - M a a i d a h5 : 4 6 .

rt2

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

All6h has revealed, and fottow not their,vain desires,diverging away from the truth that has come to you.,' Allaah also explainsthat Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him, and the believerswho were with him believein Him as all Prophetswho were beforethem had done.He says, '',2''..:

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"The Messenger (Muhammad (peace be upon him)) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers.Each one betievesin Att6h,His Angets,His'Books,and His Messengers.They say, "We make no distinctionbetweenone another of His Messengers"- and they say, ,,Wehear, and we obey. (We sbek) Your Forgiveness, our Lord, and to you is the return (of all).'n

I A l - M a a i d a h5 : 4 8 . 2 A l - B a q a r a h2 : 2 8 5 .

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

r13

The EverlastingMessagel of Judaism, of the conditions explained All that has beenpreviously situation of shows the Zaradashtiyah Christianity,Mazdaism, became religion when the A.D. 6th century in mankind2 the socialand economicalconditionswere corruptedand all political, also corrupted;at a time when bloodywars becamewidespread, emergedand mankindlived in stark darkness.This dictatorship situationled to the darknessof the heartsas a resultof disbelief honoursand rights and ignorance.Moralsbecamedegenerated, were violatedand mischiefbecamethe orderof the day in the land and on the sea. The situationwas so terriblethat if any wise man were to ponderover it, he would have realisedthat mankindin that age - were dying and that they were headingfor abyss of no returnhad Allaahnot rescuedthem with a great reformerwho was and the lightof guidancein order bearingthe torchof Prophethood the way for mankindand guidedthem to the Straight to illuminate Path. At that time, Allaah permitted that the everlasting light of shouldemanatefrom Makkahin which there is the Prophethood had beenlikeotherhuman GreatHouse.The Makkanenvironment environmentsin terms of polytheism,ignorance,injusticeand from other place with autocracyexceptthat it was distinguished manyqualitiessome of whichwere: 1. lt was a pure environmentthat had not been affectedby the stainsof Greek,Romanor India philosophy.lts nativesused to enjoy deep-rooted eloquence, lively minds and exceptional dispositions. 2. lt is situatedin the heartof the world.lt is in the middleplace betweenEurope,Asia and Africa,an importantfactorthat makesit easy for the everlastingmessage to spread quickly and reach in a shortperiod. thesecontinents I b rynM u b a a r a k p u r i F o r d e t a i l e dr e a d i n gs e e :A r - R a h e e q u l - M a k h t o o 2 ' C o n d i t i o no f t h e e x i s t i n gr e l i g i o n si'n t h i sb o o k . S e es e c t i o n :

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Islaam: Its Foundqtions And Concepts

3. lt is a secured place. Allaah protectedit when Abraha (the AbyssinianKing) wantedto invadeit. The neighbouring Roman and Persian empires also were unable to conquer it. Even its commercewas securedin the north and south.That was a herald for the advent of this Noble Prophet.Allaah has reminded the inhabitants of thiscityof thisgreatfavourwhen He says,

a..e$ L; il ;'+ t-v e| ;i Si tii > "HaveWe nof esfab/lshed for thema securesanctuary@akkah), to whicharebroughtfruitsof allkinds.'l

It is a desert environmentthat has preservedmany of her good and commendabletraits like generosity,good neighbourliness, earnestconcernfor honouramongotherqualitiesthat qualifiedher for beingthe best suitableplacefor the clan of euraysh which was well known for eloquence,oratoryand honourabletraits and held the positionsof honourand leadership.Allaah chose His prophet Muhammad,blessingsand peacebe upon him, to make him the lastof all Prophetsand Messengers. He was bornin Makkahin the 6'" centuryA.D. approximately in the year 570. He grew up an orphan,for his father died while he was still in the womb. His motherand paternalgrandfatherlaterdied while he was six years old. So, his uncle took care of him and he grew up an orphan. Signsof extraordinary brilliance manifested on him;and his habits, manners and traits were differentfrom those of his people. He never lied in his speech and never hurt anyone. He became popularwith truthfulness,chastityand sincerityso much so that manyof his peoplewouldentrusthim withtheirvaluableproperties and he would keep them as he would preservehis own life and wealth. This made them confer on him the tifle "At-Ameen',(the trustworthy).

A l - Q a s a s2 8 : 5 7

Islasm: Its Foundations And Concepts

ll5

He was modestand shy and nevershowedhimselfnakedin front of anyonesincehe came of age. He was innocentand piousand idols,drinkingalcohol felt hurtwhen he saw his peopleworshipping and sheddinginnocentblood.He relatedwith them only in those deeds of theirs which he loved and was pleasedwith and kept away from them when they indulgedin their shamelessacts and sins. He would help the orphansand the widows and feed the hungry. When he was close to forty years of age, he became seriously by the corruptionthat was around constrainedand inconvenienced him and started going for seclusionto worship his Lord and he wouldask Him guidanceto the StraightPath.Whilehe was on this one of the angelsdescendedupon him with a revelation condition, from his Lord and he commandedhim to convey this religionto mankind;to call them to the worshipof Allaahaloneand to shun the worshipof othersbesideshim. Then Revelationof ordainments and rules continuedday after day and year after year untilAllaah perfectedthis religionfor mankind and completedHis favour on them with this perfection.After the Messengerof Allaah,blessings and peacebe uponhim,had fulfllledhis duty,Allaahcausedhim to die. He lived for sixty-threeyears; forty before prophethoodand twenty-threeas a Prophetand Messenger. Whoeverpondersover the conditionsof the Prophetsand studies their historywill know with certaintythat therewas no way in which exceptthat the of any Prophetwas established the Prophethood peace be upon him, and Prophethoodof Muhammad,blessings you on how the reflect lf more. that way the was establishedin 'Eesaawas transmitted,you will know Moosa and of Prophethood that it was transmittedin succession.But the successionin which the Prophethoodof Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him, was transmittedwas greater, stronger and more recent Likewise,the successionin which their miraclesare transmitted were similar but that with which the miraclesof Muhammad, is greater,for blessingsand peacebe upon him, were transmitted greatest is the Glorious of that and the his miraclesare many

Islaam: Its Foundotions And Con Qur'aanwhichis continuedto be transmitted successively in voice and in letter.l Whoever makes a comparisonbetweenwhat prophets Moosaa and 'Eesaabroughtand what was broughtby prophetMuhammad, blessings and peace be upon him, of sound belief, wise ordainments and usefulknowledge, will knowwith certaintythat all of them emanatedfrom a singlelamp:the lamp of prophethood. Whoevercomparesbetweenthe conditionsof the followersof the Prophetsand followersof Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him, will knowwith certaintythat the followersof Muhammad, blessingsand peacebe upon him,were the bestof all peopleano the most of the Prophets'followersin impacton those who came after them. They have spread the lslaamic Monotheism. propagatedjusticeand were mercifulto the weak and destitute.2 lf you want additionalevidencesof Muhammad'sprophethood, I will quote to you the proofsand signsthat were found by ,Aleebin Rabbanat-Tabareewhen he was a Christian.He later embraced lslaambecauseof thosesigns.Theyare: 1. The Messengercalled to the worshipof Allaah alone and shunningthe worshipof othersbesideHim. In this,he agreedwith all otherProohets. 2. He showed clear signs which only prophetsof Allaah can snow. 3. He predictedthe future eventsand they came to pass as he had predicted. 4. He predictedthe occurrenceof many eventsof the world ano its countriesand theseeventscame to passas he had predicted.

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Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

tl7

That the Book broughtby Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him, - the Qur'aanis a sign of Prophethoodfor it is the most eloquentBook, sent down unto an illiterateman who could neitherread nor write, but yet challengedthe oratorsto produce the like thereofor the likeof a Soorah"in it, and becauseof the fact preservedthe correctbelief that Allaahguaranteesits preservation, with it, guaranteed it as the perfect divine ordainment and withit the bestcommunitv. established 5. That he is the seal of all Prophetsand that had he not been sent, propheciesof the past Prophetswho gave glad tiding of his adventwouldhaveturnedfalse. 6. That all Prophetshad prophesiedabout him beforehis advent sincea longtime. They had describedhis mission,his countryand submission of othernationsand kingsto him and his nation.They alsomentioned the spreadof his religion. 7. His victoryover nationsthat waged war againsthim as a sign of his Prophethood;for it would be impossiblefor a man who falselyclaimsto be a Messengerof Allaahand yet be strengthened by Allaahwith victory,authority,prevalenceover enemies,spread of his messageand abundanceof his followers;for all this cannot happenexceptin the hand of a truthfulProphet. 8. His religious rites and acts of worship, his decency, mannersand ordinances. All character, truthfulness, commendable thrscannotbe foundtogetherexceptin a Prophet. After mentioning theseproofs,this guidedman then said,"These are illuminatingtraits and sufficientproofs.Whoever is endowed with them must be a Prophet;such a personhas hit the targetand prospered;and the belief in him is mandatory.Whoever rejects 'Soorah

literarymeansdegree.Islamically,it is a sectionof the glorious Qur'aanthat containsa group of versesthat may or may not be relatedin meanings.Some translatorsdo translateit as a chapterwhich is quite i n a c c u r a tb e e c a u s ea c h a p t e ri s a c o m b i n a t i o no f p a r a g r a p hisn w h i c h r e l a t e di s s u e a s r ed i s c u s s e dA.A

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Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

these proofsand deniesthem has incurredloss in his effortsand losthis worldlylifeand Hereafter."l At the end of this section,I will narrateto you two testimonies:that of the former roman King who was a contemporaryof Prophet Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him, and that of our contemporary ChristianEvangelist JohnSaint. The First Testimony: That of Heraclius: Al-Bukhaareereportedthe storyof Abu Sufyaanwhen the Roman Kingcalledhim.Abu Sufyaansaidthat Heracliussentto him in the company of some Qurayshee riders who went to Syria for commerce,at a time that the Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peace be upon him, was in a trucewith Abu Sufyaanand euraysh pagans.They cameto Heraclius whiletheywere at llya.' Heraclius invitedhim to his court and with him were great men of Rome. He calledthem and his interpreter. He then askedAbu Sufyaanand his company:"Whichone of you is closestto this man who claimsto be a Prophet?" Abu Sufyaansaid,"l am the closestto him in blood." Heracliusthen told his retinue,"Bringhim closeto me and let his companionsstand behindhim."He then told his interpreter, "Tell them.I will ask this(AbuSufyaan)aboutthe man who claimsto be a Prophet,so, if he liesto me, you shouldrefutethat." Abu Sufyaansaid, "By Allaahl lf not becauseof the shame of havinga lie being recordedagainstme, I would have lied about him. The first questionhe asked me about him was: How is his

Ad-deenwad-dawlafee ithbaatinubuwwatiMuhammad,by ,Alee bin R a b b a nA t - T a b a r a n e pe . 4 7 . A l s o s e e :A l - l s l a a mb y A l - Q u r t u b e ep . 3 6 2 . 'A townin Syria.

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

ll9

lineageamongstyou?" Abu Sufyaananswered,"He is of noble lineageamongus." He then asked,"Has anybodyamong you ever utteredthis word beforehim?" I s a i d ," N o . " beena king?" He said,"Hadanyoneamonghis forefathers I s a i d ," N o" He said,"Are his followersnoblemen or weak people?" I said,"Weakpeople." He said,"Do they increaseor decrease?" I said,"Theyincrease." He said,"Did any of them renouncehis religionin annoyanceafter havingembracedit?" I said,"No" He said,"Doeshe betray?" I said "No. But we are now in a trucewith him and we do not know what he is goingto do " Abu Sufyaanadded,"Thrsis the onlystatementlcould say against him." furtherasked,"Drdyou go to war withhim?" Heraclius I s a i d ," Y e s l "

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Conce He said,"Howwas yourwar withhim?" I said,"lt was an alternatevictory.He won sometimesand we won sometimes." He said,"Whatdoeshe commandvou to do?" I said,"He sard,'WorshipGod aloneand do not associateanything in worshipwith him and shun what your fatherssay.' He enjoined on us prayer,truthfulness, probityand kindnessto the kithand kin." Heraclius "Tellhim. thentold his interpreter, I askedyou of his lineageand you saidthathe has a noblelineage among you. That is the case with the Messengers.They were sent fromthe noblelineageamongtheirpeople. I askedyou: Had anybodyamongyou claimedwhat he claimsand you said, No. And I say: lf anyonehad said beforehim what he says now, I would have said that, he was repeatingwhat others have said beforehim. I askedyou: Had any of his ancestorsbeena king?And you said, No. lf any of his forefathershad been a king,I would have sardthat he is askingfor the Kingdomof hisfather. I asked you: Have you ever suspectedhim of tellinglies beforehe said what he said and you answered,No. I then knowthat h could not haveshunnedlyingto peopleand tell lie againstGod. I asked you whetherthose who followhim are noble men or weak people,and you answeredthat his followersare weak people yes, thoseare the followersof the Messenqers. I askedyou if they increaseor decreasein numberand you said that they increase.That is how faith does until it becomes completed.

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

l2l

l a s k e d y o u , i f a n y o f h i s f o l l o w e r sr e n o u n c e dh i s f a i t h i n annoyanceafterhavingembracedit and you said,No. Yes' that is how faithdoes afterhavingpenetratedthe hearts. I askedyou if he betrayand you said,No. That is how Messengers do. Theydo not betraY. And I asked you about what he commandedyou to do and you saidthat,he enjoinedthat you worshipAllaahaloneand associate nothingwith Him in worship,that he enjoinedon you prayers, chastity;that he forbidsyou from worshippingidols.lf truthfulness, all that you told me is true, he shallcontrolwhere I am standing now.I knowthat sucha Prophetwillemergebut I did not thinkthat he would be from amongstyou. Had I known that I would meet him, I would have sufferedhardshipto meet him. And had I been with him,I wouldhavewashedhis feet." He then calledfor the letterof the Messengerof Allaah,blessings and peacebe upon him, which he sent with Dihyato the rulerof Basra. He presentedthe letter to Heracliusand he read it. There was in the letter; ln the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.From Muhammad,the Messengerof Allaah,to Heraclius,the ruler of Rome. Peacebe upon him who followsthe guidance.I am inviting you with the invitationof lslaam.Acceptlslaam,you will be safe and Allaahwill give you your rewardtwice.But if you turn away, you will bearthe sinsof Yarisin. "O peopleof the Scripture!Come to a word that is just betweenus and you, that we worshipnone but Allaah (atone)and that we associateno partnerwith Him, and that none of us shall take othersas lordsbesidesAllaah.Then, if they turn away,say: Bear witnessthatwe are Muslims."'

A l - B u k h a a r e et h, eb o o ko f b e g i n n i n go f r e v e l a t i o n .

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The Second Testimony: Thatof the contemporary ChristianEvangelist John Centwho said, "Aftercontinuousreadingabout lslaamand its principlesthat serve individualsand society,and its justice in establishinga society based on foundationsof equalityand monotheism,I found myself embracinglslaam with all my sense an spirit and I pledgedto Allaah,may He be glorified- that I would be a propagatorof lslaam,and an evangelist to its guidancein all partsof the world." This man has arrived at this certainty after having studied Christianityand beecamewell-versedin it. He found that it could not provide answers to many questionsof human life. So he starteddoubtingit. Later, he studiedcommunismand Buddhism but yet could not find what he wanted there, he finallv studied lslaamdeeply,then believedin it and calleduntoit.1

Ad-Deen Al-Fitree Al-Abadee by Al-Mubashshir At-Taraazee AlHusaynee 2 p.319.

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The Seal of Prophethood the discussed, It is clearto you from what he has been previously realityof Prophethood,its signs and proofs and the signs of Prophethoodof Muhammad.Beforewe start discussingon the you must knowthat,Allaahdoes not send a seal of Prophethood, for except one of thesefollowingreasons: Messenger meantfor a 1 That the messageof the Prophetis specifically peoplein whichthe concernedMessengeris not obliged particular nations,and thatAllaah to conveyhis messageto the neighbouring message to anothernation. with special a sendsanotherProphet 2. That the messageof the previousProphethas becomeextinct, in which case Allaahsends anotherProphetwho will reformfor peopletheirreligion. 3. That the Law of the previousProphetis validonly for its time and no longersuitablefor subsequentperiods,then Allaahsends anotherMessengerwith another Law that will be suitablefor the anotherparticulartime and place.The Wisdomof Allaahhowever, that He sendsMuhammad,blessingsand peace has necessitated mankindwith a Messagethat is suitablefor all him, all to be upon timesand placesand to protectit againstalteringand interpolating hands,so that it can remainHis LivingMessageby which people will live and that will be pure and free from stainsof interpolations lt was for this reasonthat Allaahmade it the seal and alterations. of all Messages.l Among things with which Allaah distinguishedMuhammad, blessingsand peacebe upon him, is that He made him the sealof all Prophetsafter whom there would be no Prophet.This is because,Allaahcompletedwith him all Messages,endedwith him

r A l - A q e e d aA h t - T a h a a w i . vpy a1 5 6 ;l - a w a a r n i ' a , p . 2 6 9 , 2 1 1, un l w a a r2 a n dM a b a a d i ' u l - l s l a aPm.6 4 .

Islaam: Its Foundations And C, all Laws, perfectedwith him the structureand actualisedin his Prophethood the Prophecyof JesusChristwhen he said,,,"1 The ReverendlbrahimKhaleel- who has become a Muslim_ regardedthistext as an equivalent of the sayingof the Messenger of Allaah,blessingsand peacebe upon him,,,lndeed, the example of me and that of the Prophetsbeforeme is like that of a man who has perfectlybuilt a house and adornedit except the place of a brick in a corner which he left unfilled.people went round it and admiredit and said:Why not fix up this brick?He said,,l am the brickand I am the sealof the Proohets.' "2 It is for this reason that Allaah made the Book brought by Muhammad,blessingsand peacebe upon him, as a witnesl over all previousBooksand an abolisherfor them all. Just as He made the Law of Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him, the abolisherof precedingLaws. Allaah guaranteesthe protectionof his Message,hence,it was transmittedsuccessfully.The eur'aan was transmittedin succession.The practicalimplementation of the teachingsof this religionand its acts of worship,sunnahand rules were also transmittedin succession. Whoeverreadsthe biographyof the prophet,blessingsand peace be upon him, and his Sunnahwill know that the companionshad preservedfor humanity all situations,sayings and deeds of Muhammad.They transmitted his acts of worshipfor his Lord,his strifein His cause,his remembrance of Him and his seekingfor His forgiveness. They transmitted his generosity, courage, his relationship with his companionsand those visitinghim. They transmittedhis joy, sorrow, journeys, sojourn, manners of his eating,drinkingand clothingand how he kept awake and slept. When you know all this, you will know with certaintythat this religionis guaranteed by Allaah'sprotection and you willthenknow I Matthew2l:42. : S e e ," M u h a m m a d in the Torah,Gospeland the Qur'aan" by Ibraheem K h a l e e lA h m a d , p . 73. The hadeethis reporled by Al-Bukhaareeand Muslirn.

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that he is the last of all Prophetsand Messengers;for Allaah has He says, toldus thatthisMessengeris the lastof all Prophets. i

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Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him, also said about himself,"l ,amsent to all mankindand I was made the seal of all Prophets"' Now let us definelslaamand explainits essence,sources,pillars and degrees.

I A l - A h z a a b3 3 : 4 0 . I A h m a da n dM u s l i m .

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Meaningof the Word: lsfaam When you consultthe dictionaries, you will find that the word lslaam means submission, obedience,surrenderand compliance with the command and prohibitionof the commanderwithout objections. Allaahhas namedthe true religion,'lslaam'for it is an obedienceto him, submissionto His Commandswithout any resistance,purifyingacts of worshipfor Him, believingin His words and havingfaithin Him. lslaamthen becamea propername for the religionbroughtby Muhammad. Definitionof lslaam Why this religionwas named 'lslaam'?Adherentsof various religionsall over the world have namedtheirreligions,eitherwith the name of a man or a particular race likeChristianity, whichwas named after JesusChrist;and Buddhismnamedafter its founder Buddha; and Zaradashtismnamed after its founder and flag banner, Zaradasht.Judaism also emergedamong the tribe of Judah and so on. lt is only lslaam that is not attributedto any particular man or nation.lts nameindicates a specialcharacteristic that the meaningof lslaamdenotes.lt is evidentin this name that no man has any rolein bringingthis religionintoexistenceand that it is not peculiarwith any nationto the exclusionof others.lts only goal is to make all people of the earth have characteristics of lslaam So, whoeveris characterised with the qualitiesof lslaam among ancrentpeopleand contemporary peopleis a Muslim,just as he shallbe calleda Muslim,anyonewho possessesits qualities amongthe cominggenerations The realityof lslaam It rs knownthat everything in thisworldsubjectsto a particular rule and established norm.The sun,the moon.the starsand the earth are all subjectedto a generalrulewhichtheycannotmarchagainst or deviate from even for a hair's breadth Even man, when you ponderover him verywell,rt will be clearto you that he absolutely

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submitsto the Laws of Allaah.He cannotbreathor feel a need for water, food, nourishment,light and heat except accordingto the DivineDecreethat regulateshis life; and all parts of his body submit to this Decree, The functionsthat these parts perform cannot be carried out except accordingto what Allaah has prescribed for him. DivineOrdainmentwhich man surrendersto This comorehensive and from which none in this universe-right from the planetin the heavento the smallestseed in the sand of the earth- can escape the from obeyingis the Divine Ordainmentof the Magnificent, in heavens is the lf that Lord. all All-Powerful the Sovereignand and the earth and all that is in betweenboth surrendersto this that means the whole world submitsto and DivineOrdainment, obeysthat All-PowerfulSovereignWho createdit. In this aspect,it is then clear that lslaam is the religionof the whole universe.For and obedienceto the commandof the lslaammeans,submission withoutobjectionas it has been Commanderand His Prohibitions and the earthall surrender moon previouslyasserted.The sun, the heat, all surrenderto Him; and darkness light, water, to Him. Air, the tree, the stone and the animalsall surrender.Even the man and signsor who does not knowhis Lordand deniesHis existence worshipsothers besides Him, or associatesothers with Him in by natureto Him. worshipsurrenders lf you haveknownall that,let us now havea lookat man,you will find that two factorsare strugglingto wtn his attention. like submissionto Allaah,lovingto One: His naturalinclination; to Him, lovingwhat He loves of nearness seeking Him, worshrp truth, good and honesty;hatingwhat He hates of falsehood,evil, injusticeand wrong;and other naturalfactorslike:love for money, family and childrenand desire for food, drink and sex and physicalfunctionsthatfollowthat. necessary to Two: Man'sfree will and choice.Allaahhas sent Messengers betweentruth hrmand revealedBooksso that he mightdistinguish and falsehood,guidanceand error;good and evil. He gave him

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Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

mental power and understanding so that he can make his choice with sure knowledge.lf he so wills, he takes to the good path that leadshim to truthand guidance;and if he so wills,he takesto the evil paththat leadshim to evilandperdition. lf you therefore,look at man in the perspectiveof the first factor, you will find that he is createdto submit to Allaah,conditionedto adhere to that submission without making any deviation just likeany othercreature. whatsoever, But if you look at him in the perspectiveof the secondfactor,you will find him as a free creature,who chooseswhat he wants. He may choose to become a Muslim or to become an infide,... "Whetherhe be gratefulor ungrateful."l Hence,you find peopledividedintotwo categories: A man who knowshis Creator,and believesin Him as his Lord and God whom he worships alone and follows his Law in his life voluntarily.He is also conditionedto submitto his Lord,from Who he cannotdeviateand Whose ordainmentshe follows-such a man is the complete Muslim whose lslaam is perfect and whose knowledgeis sound; for he knows Allaah, his Creator and Fashioner, Who sent Messengersto him and endowedhim with the powerof knowledge and learning.Suchhas had soundreason and correctopinion;for he has made use of his thoughtand then decided not to worshrp but Allaah Who blessed him with understanding and soundopinionsin matters.His tonguespeaks onlythe truth;for now,he only believesin One LordWho is Allaah, the Exalted,Who gave him powerto speak. lt now becomesas if nothing remains in his life but the truth; for he follows and surrenders to the Law of Allaahin that whichhe has free will;and there existsbetweenhim and othercreaturesin the universebond of familiarity and friendliness, for, he worshipsnonebut Allaah,the All-Wise,All-Knowledgeable, Whom all creaturesworship,and unto Whose Commandments and Ordainments all surrenderano '

A l - l n s a a7 n6 : 3 .

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submit.And Allaah has subjectedall these creaturesto you, O man!

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Isloam: Its Foundations And Concepts

Realityof disbelief On the contraryis anotherman, who was born in submissionto Allaahand livedall his life in submissionto Allaahbut neverfelt this submissionor had any idea of it. He knew not his Lord,nor believedin His Law or followedHis Messengers.He did not use the knowledgeand intellectthat Allaahgave him to recognizehis CreatorWho carvedfor him his ears and eyes. He ratherdenied His existence,he disdainedHis worshipand refusedto submitto His Laws in mattersof his life in which he is given the right of dispositionand choice. Or he associatedothers with Him in worship and refused to believe in His signs that indicate His Oneness.Such a man is a Kaafir,For the meaningof 'Kufl in the language,is'to coverand conceal'.So this man is calleda'Kaafil for he conceals his nature and covers it with ignoranceand insolence;and the natureof the world and that of his own self are hiddenfrom him. You therefore, see him usinghis intellectual and logicalpoweronly in that which contradicts his nature.He would not see anythingbut that whichcouldcorrupthis nature.lt is now left to you to estimate the extent of deep error.and clear transgression to whichthe disbeliever has degenerated.' This lslaam which you are requiredto practiceis not a difficult matter,but very easyfor whomsoeverAllaahmakes it easy. lslaam is the reliqionwhichthisentireuniversefollows.

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Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

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"So if they disputewith you (Muhammad(peacebe upon him)) say: "l have submittedmyself to All6h (in lsl6m), and (so have) those who follow me.'' The Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peacebe upon him, also the meaningof lslaamwhen he said,"lt is to submityour explained heartto Allaah,to directyourfaceto Allaah(in worship)and to give the obligatoryZakaah"' A man asked the Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peace be 'Whatis lslaam?' uponhim.: The Messengerof Allaah, blessingsand peace be upon him, 'lt answered, is to surrenderyourheartto Allaah;and that Muslims shouldbe safefromthe harmof yourtongueand hand.' The man said.'Whichlslaamis best?' 'TheFaith(Eemaan)' He answered: He asked.'Whatis Faith?' I A a l ' l r n r a a 3n : 1 9 . 2 'lmraan Aal 3:20. I A h r n a da n d I b n H i b b a a n

L32

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

'To believein He answered: Allaah,His angels,His Books,His Messengersand to believein Resurrection afterdeath.'' The Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peacebe upon him, also said, "lslaam is to testifythat there is no deity worthy of worship exceptAllaahand that Muhammad,blessingsand peacebe upon him, is the Messengerof Allaah,to observethe prayers,to give the Zakaah, to fast in the month of Ramadaan and to perform pilgrimageto the Houseif you are able to."2 He also said,"The Muslimis the one from the evil of whosehano and tongueall Muslimsare safe."3 This religion- the religionof lslaamis the one besideswhich Allaah accepts no other religion,not from former generationsor later generations.For all Prophetswere Muslims.Allaah says aboutProphetNoah, -'z .

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"And recite to them the news of N?h (Noah). When he sald to hrs people: "O my people, if my stay (with you), and my reminding (you) of the AyAt (proofs, evidences, yerses, /essons, signs, revelations,etc.) of Allah is hard on you, then I put my trust in AtEh." Till He says,

A h m a d .S e e :F a d l u lI s l a a mb y I m a a mM u h a r n m a db i n A b d u l - W a h h a a b o. 8. l Muslim. t A l - B u k h a a r eaen d M u s l i m .

Isloam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts ,.'i-i z

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"...and I have been commandedto be of the Muslims(i.e.those Will)."' who submitto Al16h's The AlmightyalsosaysaboutAbraham,

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"When his Lord saidto him, "Submit(i.e.be a Muslim)!"He said,"l have submitted myself (as a Musltm) to the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind,jinn and all that exlsts)."'" He saysaboutMoses, ' . t 1 2 . , ' , . i 2 . - ' , : . 1 , . 1: ' , . : 2 t .f. Ja.J-J,i,.S ol t>Sr.=l'r +t-.'a-'; .5.tl

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"And M1sa (Moses) said: "O my people! lf you have believed in Allah, then put your trust in Him if you are Muslims (those who '' submit to All6h'sWill) He has the followingto say aboutJesusChrist, :'!t',

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t34

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

"And when I (NEh) revealed to Al-Hawdrieen (the disciples)(of 'lsi (Jesus)) to believe in Me and My Messenger, they said. "We believe.And bear wifnessthatwe are Muslims."' This religion- lslaam- derivesall its laws,beliefsand rulesfrom the DivineRevelation. the Qur'aanand Sunnah.I will give you a briefinformation aboutthem.

A l - M a a i d a5h: l I l .

Islaom: Its Foundations And Concepts

135

Sources of lslaam It has been a habitfor adherentsof abrogatedreligionsand manmade creeds to hallow their inheritedbooks, which were written sinceancienttimes and whose authorsor translatorsor the time of their writing may not really be known. They were just written by some people who used to suffer from what other human beings suffer from like weakness. defect. whimsical desires and forgetfulness. As for the Qur'aan,it is differentfrom all other books in that, it dependson the true sourcewhich is the DivineRevelation. the Qur'aanand Sunnah.Followino is the briefintroduction of both: A. The GloriousQur'aan: You have known previouslythat lslaam is the religionof Allaah, that was why Allaah revealed the Qur'aan to His Messenger, Muhammad,blessingsand peacebe upon him, as a guidancefor the pious,a Law for the Muslims,a healingfor the diseasethat is in the heartsof those whom Allaahwants to heal and a lightfor those whom Allaah wants to give success. lt .contains the fundamentals for whichAllaahsentthe Messengers.' The Qur'aan was not the first Book to be revealed nor was Muhammad, blessingsand peace be upon him, the first Messengerto be sent. Allaah has revealedthe Scripturesto Abraham;Torah to Moses and the Gospel to Jesus. All these Books were revelationsfrom Allaahto His Prophetsand Messengers. But the contentsof most of these Books have been lost and have becomeextinct,and interpolation and alterationshave enteredthem. As for the Qur'aan,Allaah Himselfguaranteesits protectionand makesit the witnessand abolisherof earlierBooks.He sayswhile addressing the Prophet,blessingsand peacebe uponhim, '

A s - s u n n a hw a r n a k a a n a t u h af iat - t a s h r e e ' iIls l a a m i b v M u s t a f a A s S i b a a ' e pe . 3 7 6 .

136

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

, . rs*

"And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) the Book (this Qufdn) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and Muhaymin.(trustworlhy in highness and a witness)over it (old Scriptures)."' He describesthe Qur'aanas an explanation of everything,

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"And We have sent down to you the Book (the Qufan) as an exposition of everything.'2 He callsit guidanceand mercy, a

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"So now has come unto you a clear proof (the Qufan) from your Lord, and a guidanceand a mercy.'u He describesit as thatwhichguidesto uprightness when He says, ',,

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this Qulan guides to that which is most just and right."l

I A l - M a a i d a 5h : 4 8 . t An-Nahl 6:89. I Al-An'aam 6:157.

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

137

The Qur'aanguides mankindto the most righteouspath in all asoectsof theirlife. Whoeverreflectson how the Qur'aanwas revealedand how tt was preservedwill give the book its due estimationand purify his intention for Allaahalone.Allaah,the Exaltedsays, ,

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"And truly, this (the Qur'6n) is a revelation from the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exisfs), Which the trustworthy R?h (Jibril (Gabriel)) has brought down Upon your heart (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) that you may be (one) of the warners,'* So the One Who revealedthe Qur'aanis Allaah,Lord of all the worlds;and the one who broughtit is the trustworthy spiritGabriel; and the one in whose heart it was revealed is the Prophet, blessings and peacebe uponhim. The Qur'aanis an everlastingmiraclefor Muhammad.lt contains signsthat shall abidetill the Day of ResurrectionThe signs and miraclesof previousProphetsusedto end at the terminationof the Prophets'lives,but Allaahhas made the Qur'aanthe everlastinq proof. lt is the extensiveproof and dazzlingsign. Allaahchallengesthe mankindto producethe likethereofor ten soorahslikeit or even a singlesoorahthat resemblesit, and they are unableto do that in spite of the fact that it is composedof lettersand words and the

' A l - l s r a al 7 : 9 . t A s h - S h u a r a 2I69.2 -l g 4 .

138

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

people on whom it was first revealedwere people of eloquence Allaahsavs, and rhetoric.

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4.8>tu*{ "Or do they say: "He (Muhammad(peacebe upon him)) has forged it?" Say: "Bring then a S?rah (chapte) like unto it, and call upon whomsoeveryou can besrdes Altdh,if you are truthfu!!."1 Among the things that testify to the fact that the Qur'aan is a revelationfrom Allaahis that it containsstoriesof the past nations, prophesiedfutureeventsthat came to happenas it has prophesied and the fact that it mentionsmany scientificfacts that have not been discovereduntilrecently.Anotherproofof its beinga Divinely revealedBook is that the Propheton whom it was revealedwas unknownwith anythingsimilarto that or reportedto have known anythingsimilarto the Qur'aan.Allaahsays, .,/tt

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"Say (O Muhammad(peace be upon him)) "lf All6h had so willed,I should not have recitedit to you nor would He have made it known to you. Verily, I have stayed amongst you a life time before this. Haveyou then no sense?'" He was ratheran illiteratewho neitherread nor wrote. He did not also,visitany Shaykhor men to producethe like of the Qur'aan. Allaahsavs. I Y o o n u sl 0 : 3 8 r Y o o n u sI 0 : | 6

139

Islaam: Its Foundotions And Concepts .

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"Neither did you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) read any book before it (this Qu/6n), nor did you write any book (whatsoever) with your right hand. ln that case, indeed, the followersof falsehoodmight have doubted."l

man who has beendescribedin the Torahand the This unlettered Gospelthat he would not read nor write,was visitedby Jewishad Christianmonks- who had some remnantsof the Torah and the Gospel- and asked about issuesby which they differed,and they would request for his arbitration in matters in which they the description of Muhammad, contended.Allaahsays,explaining blessingsand peacebe uponhim,in the Torahand the Gospel,

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Those who follow the Messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write (i.e. Muhammad (peace be upon him)) whom they find written with them in the Taurat(Torah)(Deut,xviii, 15) and the tnjeel (Gospel) (John xiv, 16), - he commands them for Al-Ma'rlf (i.e. lslamic Monotheismand all that lslam has ordained);and forbids them from Al-Munkar (ie disbelief,polytheismof all kinds, and att that lslam has forbidden);he allows them as lawful AtTaiyibdt((i.e. all good and lawful) as regardsthings,deeds, beliefs, '

A l - ' A n k a b o t 2 9. 4 8

140

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

persons, foods), and prohibitsthem as unlawfulAl-Khab6'ith(i.e. all evil and unlawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs,persons, foods)."1 Allaahalso says,whilespeakingaboutthe questionthe Jews and the Christiansasked the Prophet,blessingsand peace be upon him, ' < i 1' r - i - r t 1 : - ' . 'l ; i - ' r / . ' - < J- t - ' t : ! . i t .L^Jl ,r L.i fdo U Ul--6Jl J'^l -t-.ll:^.^.rF "The People of the Scripture ask you to cause a book to descend upon them from heaven.'"

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"And they ask you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) concerningthe R?h (the Spirit).'"

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I A l - A ' r a a7f :1 5 7 2 An-Nisa4 a:153 I A l - l s r a al 7 : 8 5 . t Al-Kahf I 8:83.

t4l

Islaom: Its Foundations And Concepts

"Verily, this Qur'6n narrates to the Children of lsrael most of that in which they differ."' Reverend Abraham Philips, has had a failed attempt, in his doctoratethesis to underminethe Qur'aan.The Qur'aan rather overuvhelmed him with its proofs,evidencesand signs. The man proclaimedhis own weakness,surrenderedto his Creator and embracedlslaam.' When one of the Muslims presenteda translatedcopy of the meaningof the Noble Qur'aanas a gift to the Americandoctor, Jeffrey Lang, he found that this Qur'aan was addressinghim, answeringhis questionsand removingthe barrierbetweenhim and His own soul. He said,"lt seemsthat^HeWho revealedthe Qur'aan knowsme morethan I knowmvself."" Yes, the One Who revealedthe Qur'aanis the Creatorof man, and He says, He is Allaah,may He be Glorified. .

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{ ,:i.r;+t. ;.l-Ul,tJ &r J" d4 )l } "Shouldnot He Who has createdknow? And He is the Most Kind and Courteous(to Hiss/aves)Alt-Aware(of everything).'A So, the man's readingof the translationof the meaning of the NobleQur'aanled him to lslaamand to the writingof his bookfrom whichI am quoting.

I An-Naml27:76. ' See: Al-Mustashriqoonwal-rnubashshiroon fil-'aalamil 'arabeewal Islaamee,IbrahimKhalil Ahmad. 3 "struggle in the Causeof Faith",by Dr. Jeflley Lang; Arabic translation b y M u n d h i rA l - ' A b s e ep 3 4 . " A l - M u l k6 7 : 1 4 .

142

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

The Qur'aanis comprehensive to all that man needs.lt containsall fundamentals of faith, legislations, human interactions and manners.Allaahsays, L

4.',Jrot r;<i c ufi C Y "We have negtectednothingin the Book."l In the Qur'aan,thereis call to beliefin the Onenessof Allaah,and mentionof His Names,Attributes and deeds.lt callsto beliefin the authenticityof what the Prophets and Messengersbrought. lt affirms the Resurrection,reward and reckoningand establishes evidences and proofs for that. lt narrates the stories of past nations,the punishmentmetedout to them in this world as well as the torment and exemplarypunishmentthat awaits them in the Hereafter. It also containsmany proofs and signs that dazzle the scientists and that is suitablefor all generationsand ages; and in which many scholarsand researchersfind what they look for. I will give only threeexamplesthat revealsome of thesefacts. 1. Hissaying,

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"And it is He Who has let free the seasi one palatable and sweet and the other salty and bitter; and He has sef a barrier and a completepartitionbetween them."1

Al-An'aam 6:38.

143

Islaam: Its FoundutionsAnd Concepts He alsosaYs, . t t '( Jr *lr.b{s .1

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is like the darknessin a vast deep "or (the stateof a disbeliever) topped by waves, topped by dark waves with sea, ovenrvhelmed upon darkness:if a man stretchesout darkness of) (layers clouds, he for whom Alldh has not it! And see hardly can ie hand, his '' appointedlight,for him thereis no ligh. It is well-knownthat Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him, nevertravelledby sea on a sea neitherwas therein his time the materialinstrumentsthat could have helped to discoverthe deoths of the sea. who else could have providedMuhammad, blessingsand peacebe upon him,with this data if not Allaah? 2. AllaahsaYs, z4

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"And indeed We created man (Adam) out of an extract of clay (water andearlh). Thereafterwe made him (the offspringof Adam) 'as a Nutfah(mixeddrops of the male and female sexualdischarge I 25:53. Al-Furqaan r A n - N o o r2 4 : 4 0 .

144

Islaam: Its Foundotions And Concepts

and lodged it) in a safe lodging (womb of the woman). Then We made the Nutfah into a crot (a piece of thick coagutatedbtood), then we made the clot into a titile tump of flesh,the-nwe made out of that little lump of ftesh bones,then we ctothed the boneswith flesh,and then we broughtit lorth as anothercreation.So g/essed is Allah, the Bestof creators.',1 The scientistsdid not discover these subile details about the stagesof embryonicdevelopmentuntilrecenflv. 3. Allaahalsosays, .'ii..41 t'i ;4tt /t J t'.0

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"And with Him are the keys of the Ghaib (ail that is hidden), none knows them but He. And He knows whateverthere is in t'he tand and in the sea;not a reaf farts,but he knows it. Thereis nota grain in the darknessof fhe eafth nor anything freshor dry, but is iritten in a Ctear Record.'2 Mankinddid not have this all-encompassing knowledgeand hao neverthoughtaboutthesethingstet aloneh-aving tne loitity to oo it. lf a groupof scientistsobservea plantor insectand they record their findingsand discoverieswe all become dazzledwith that, though we know that what is hiddenfrom these scientistsin thrs plantor insectis morethan what they observein it. The French schorarMaurice Bucairehas maoe a comparison betweenTorah,the Gospeland the eur'aanand betweenmodern ' A l - M u ' m i noon 2 3 : 1 2 - 1 4 2A l - A n ' a a m 6:59.

145

Isloam: Its Foundations And Concepts

scientrficdiscoveriesconcerningthe creationof the heavens,the earthand man and foundout that these moderndiscoveriesagree with what is in the Qur'aan.On the otherhand,he foundout that the Torah and the Gospel that are in circulationtoday contain many erroneousinformationaboutthe creationof the heavens,the earthm , a n a n da n i m a l s . ' B. The PropheticSunnah: Allaahrevealedthe Qur'aanto the Messengerand revealedto him like thereof which is the Propheticsunnah that explainsthe Qur'aan.The Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peace be upon "2 him, said, "lndeed,t im given the Qu/aai and iis like with it particular Allaah has permittedhim to explain the general and versesof the Qur'aan.AllaahsaYs, .

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"And We have also sentdown unto you (O Muhammad(peace be upon him)) the Dhikr (reminder and the advice (i.e' the Qu/6n)) thatyou iay exptaincleartyto men what rs sent down to them, and that theymay give thought.'' The sunnah is the second source of the religionof lslaam. lt means all that is reportedfrom the Prophet,blessingsand peace and authenticchain of be upon him, - with well-connected and qualities-lt confirmations deeds, sayings, of his transmitters Muhammad, His Messenger to Allaah from revelation a is also blessingsand peacebe upon him, for the Prophet,blessingsand peacebe uponhim,did not speakof his own desire'Allaahsays'

See: "The Torah, the Bible and the Qur'aanin the light of modern s c i e n c eb" y M a u r i c eB u c a i l ep . 1 3 3 - 2 8 .3He was a Christianrevert. r Ahmad and Aboo Dawood. t A n - N a h ll 6 : 4 4 .

146

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

'Nor

does he speak of (his own) desire. tt is onty a Reveration revealed.He has been taught (this eufan) by one mighty in power (Jibril (Gabriel))"1 The Prophet,blessingsand peace be upon him, only conveysto peoplewhathe is commanded to convey.Allaahsaysabouthim,

{ ,.,)i+r }-* 1l t:ic't 'X1 b;. tt il Ei ol I "l only follow that which is revealed to me, and I am but a plarn warner.'n The pure sunnah is the practicalimprementationof the rules, beliefs,acts of worship, kinds of relationshipand manners that lslaamenjoins.The Messengerof Ailaah,bressingsand peace be upon him, exemplified what he was commanded,explainedit to the people and commandedthem to do like he did. He says, for instance,"Prayas you see me praying."3 The All-MightyAllaah has commandedthe believersto emulate him in all his deedsand sayingsin orderthat theirfaith mightbe complete.He says, . 2 1 . . . . s ; 1. . . i 1 . . 1 . 1. , , - . . . r .i,!), -t )r ltr3 a)t tf J Jb JJ- 4:*

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' An-Najm 53:3-5. - Al-Ahqaaf 46:9. 'Al-Bukhaaree.

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Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Conc "tndeed in the Messengerof Allah (Muhammad(peace be upon him)) you have a good exampte to fottow for him who hopes for (the Meeting with) Atlahand the Last Day, and remembersAllah much."t The Proohet'snoble companionstransmittedhis sayings and deeds to those who came after them, and these also transmitted them to those who came after them. lt was then recordedin the books of sunnah. The sunnah transmittershad been strict with those from whom they transmittedit and would make a condition of those from whom they themselves that they be contemporaries reoortedthat Sunnah,till the chain of transmissionwould be connected right from the narratorto the Messengerof Allaah, blessingsand peacebe upon him.2They also made it a condition that all-the men involvedin the transmissionmust be trustworthy, just,sincereand peopleof integrity. of The sunnah,as it is regardedas the practicalimplementation and it, on comments makes the Qur'aan, explains lslaam.it also explainsversesthat have generalmeaningsThe Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peace be upon him, used to do all this, sometimes with his words, sometimes with his deeds and sometimeswith both. The Sunnah may' in some cases, glve independentexplanationsof some rules and legislationsthat are not in the Qur'aan. one must havebeliefin the Qur'aanand Sunnahthat they are the primarysourcesof the religionof lslaamthat mustbe followedand iurnedto. The commandof bothmustbe obeyed,theirprohibitions must be abstainedfrom and theircontentsmust be believedone must also believein what both containof the Names, Attributes ' Al-Ahzaab 3 3 : 2 1. 2 As a result of this unique acade*ic 'rethodologyand accuracyand p r e c i s i o ni n t r a n s m i t t i ntgh e S u n n a ha, s c i e n c ew a s i n t r o'di lumc e ad m o n gt h e ' i l m u l - j a r hw a t - t a ' d e eal 'n d mustalahulM u s l i r n s t. h a t a r e k n o w n a s q u a l i t i e so f t h e t h e e x c l u s i v e h a d e e t h 'T. h e t w o s c i e n c e sa r e a m o n g t h e n l p o s s e s s e b d e f o r e M u s l i r n sw . h i c hn o n e

Islaam: Its Foundations And C, and Works of Allaah; what He has providedfor His believinq friends and that with which He threatenedHis disbelievini enemies.He savs.

ci:4

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"But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith,until they make you (o Muhammad(peacebe upon him))iudge in att dispu{esbetween them, and find in themselvesno resistanceagainstyour decisions, and accept(them)with full submission."l He alsosays,

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"And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad (peace be upon h.tm))gives you, take it; and whatsoeverhe farb'idsyou, abstain (from it).'" Aftergivingan introduction aboutthe sourcesof this religion,it rs appropriatefor us to discussabout its degreeswhich are: lslaam, Eemaanand lhsaan.we are also going to talk on the pillarsof thesedegreesin brief.

' A n - N i s a a4 : 6 5 . 2 A l - H a s h5r 9 : 7 .

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

t49

The First Degreel lslaam:lts pillarsare five,they are: Testifyingthat there is no deity worthy of worshipbut Allaah and that Muhammad,blessingsand performingprayer,paying peacebe upon him, is His Messenger; Zakaah,fastingtn the monthof Ramadaanand Pilgrimage. One: Testifyingthat there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad, blessings and peace be upon him, is His Messenger. The first part of the testrmonymeansthat,there is no rightfuldeity in the earthor in the heavensbesideHim alone.He is the onlytrue God and all deities besides Him are false ones.' lt also means, purifyingall acts of worship for Allaah alone and keepingthem away from othersbesideHim. The uttererof this statementcannot benefitfrom it untilhe has two things: 1. To say it out of belief,knowledge,convictionand lovefor it. besidesAllaah.Whoever in all that is worshipped 2. To disbelieve in all that is disbetieve not does and statement says this ' will not benefithim besidesAllaah,thisstatement worshipped

"Al-Usooluth-Thalaathah", For more detailssee, "Kitaabut-Tawheed", "Aadaabul-mashyiilas-Salaah"by Shaykh Muhammad bin AbdulWahhab. See also: "Deenul-Haqq"by Abdur-RahmaanAl-Umar; "Maalaabudda 'Alee al-Arfaj; "Arkaanul min ma'rifatihianil lslaam"by Muhammadbin "SharharkaanilIslaamwal Eemaan" lslaam"by AbdullahAl-Jaarallaah; by a groupof studentsandreviewedby ShaykhAbdullaahAl-Jibreen. 2 D e e n u l - H a qpq. 3 8 . Q u r r a t u ' u y o o n uml u w a h h i d e e np,. 6 0 .

150

Islaam: Its Foundations Ancl Concepts

Testifyingthat Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him, is the Messengerof Allaah means, to follow him in all that he commands,to believein all that he informs,to abstainfrom all that he prohibitsand warns against and to worship Allaah with only what he legislates. one must also know and bear it in mind that Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him, is Allaah's Messengerto all people,that he is only a slave of Allaah and should thereforenot be worshipped,but rather be obeyed and followed,that whoever follows him enters paradiseand whoever disobeyshim entersFire. one must also know and bear it in mind that, lslaamicinjunctionsin mattersof belief,acts of worshipwhich are commandedby Allaah,systemof law and mattersof leqislation and moralsin area of buildinga family,or in area of alldwingor forbiddingthings cannot be receivedexcept through this noble Prophet, blessingsand peace be upon him, for he is the Messenger of Allaah,who conveysHis Law to mankind.l Two: Prayer.2 Prayerrs the secondpillarof lslaam.lt is ratherthe pillarof lslaam, for it is the link betweenman and his Lord.He repeatsit five times in a day with which he renewshis faith,purifieshimselffrom stains of sins and which stands betweenhim and obscenethings and sins.When he wakesup from sleepin the morning,he appearsin front of his Lord pure and clean before he starts engaging in mattersof this world. He magnifieshis Lord, affirmsHis absolure rightto be worshippedby prostrating, standingand bowingfor Him five timeseach day. Before he starts performingthis prayer,he must purifyhis heart, body, clothesand place of his prayer.The Muslim must perform this prayercongregationally with his fellowMuslims- if that is easy for him - whilethey all face their Lordwith their heartsand face the honouredKa'abah,the Houseof Allaahwiththeirfaces.praverhas '

F o r r n o r ed e t a i l s ,r e a d , " K a y f i y y a t u lS a l a a t i n - N a b i y yb"y S h a y k hb i n Baaz. 2 D e e n u l - H a qpq. 5 l - 5 2 .

Islaam: Its FoundotionsAnd Concepts

l5l

been prescribedin the best form in which the CreatorrequiresHis creationto worship Him; for it contains His glorificationwith all parts of the body; from word of the tongue,deeds of the hands, legs,head,sensesand all otherpartsof his body,each parttaking his shareof this greatact of worship. The sensesand limbs take their portionfrom it and the heartalso takes its share. Prayercomprisesof exaltationof Allaah,praising Him, glorifyingHim, extollingHim. lt also containsgiving the testimonyof the truth,recitattonof the Qur'aan,standingin front of the Lord Who controlshim, then humiliatingoneselffor Him in this positionby beggingHim with devotionand seekingHis nearness. He then goes to bowingposition,prostrationand then sits down,all in submission,humility and showing helplessnessfor His greatnessand His Might.The heartof this slave becomesbroken, his body becomes humble and all his limbs surrenderswith humility to his Lord. He then concludeshis prayer with giving thanks to Allaah and praisingHim, and invokingpeace and blessingson His Prophet,Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him, and finallyasks his Lord of the good thingsof this world and the Hereafter.' Three: Zakaahz Zakaah - obligatorycharity - is the third pillar of lslaam. lt is compulsoryon the rich Muslimsto pay Zakaahfrom his wealth.lt is a very littlepart of his wealththat he gives to the poor and needy and othersamongthosewho are entitledto it. Muslimsmust pay Zakaahto its due recipientswillingly'He should neitherremindthe recipientof that nor harm him in whateverway on accountof it. He must pay it seekingfor the pleasureof Allaah; not desiring by that any recompenseor thanks from men' He

For more, read "Risaalalaanifiz-zakaatiwas-siyaam" by Shaykh lbn Baz. 2 2:384. Miftaahdaaras-sa'aadah

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd shouldratherpay it for the sakeof Allaahnot for showingoff or for any fame. Paying Zakaah brings blessingsand gladdensthe hearts of the poor, the destituteand the needy.lt preventsthem from begging and it is a compassionon them and protection againstnegligence and povertythat could have afflictedthem if they are left by the wealthy.Paying Zakaahwhen it is due is a qualityof generosity, magnanimity,altruism, philanthropyand compassion.lt also means freeing one self from traits of stingy, avaricious and valueless people. lt is by Zakaah that Muslims support one another,that the wealthyshows mercy on the poor, so that there will not remain in the community - if this rite is properly implemented- a poor destitute,a subdueddebtor or a traveller who has no moreprovisions withhim. Four: Fasting It is to fast in the monthof Ramadaanfrom the dawnto the sunser. The fastingMuslimabandonsfood, drink,sexualintercourse and similarthingsas an act of worshipfor Allaahand curbs his own soul from fulfillingits desires.Allaah has relievedthe sick, the traveller,the pregnantwoman,the nursingmotherand a woman who hasjust delivereda babyfromfasting.He ordainedfor eachof them rulesthatsuithim or her. In thismonth,a Muslimcurbshis own selffrom his desiresand thrs act of worshipwill bringhis soul out of the animal-like worldto the worldsimilarto that of angelswho are nearto Allaah.The situation of a fastingMuslimmay reacha stagethat he thinkslikesomeone who has no need in thisworldmorethanto achievethe oleasureof Allaah. Fasting enlivens the heart, makes one renounce the world, encouragesone to seek what is with Allaah,and remindsthe wealthyof the poor ones and theirconditionsso that their heans may have sympathyfor them and know that they are livingin the favourof Allaahand thereforeshouldincreasein qratitude to him.

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Fasting purifiesthe soul and creates in it the fear of Allaah. lt makes individualsand the socretyfeel the control of Allaah on them in bliss and hardshipand in publicand secret;where the societyspends a whole month observingthis act of worship and being consciousof its Lord; while being spurredby the fear of Allaah,the Exalted,by a belief that Allaah knows what is hidden standbeforeHima day in which and secret,thatman willinevitably He willask him aboutall his deeds:minorand major.' Five: Hajj2 Pilgrimageto the Houseof Allaahin Makkahis obligatoryon every Muslim who is adult, sane and capable;who possessesor can afford to hire means of transportationto Makkah and also possesseswhat is sufficientfor him to live on throughouthis journeywith a conditionthat his provisionshould be an excess of He shouldalso be the provisionof thosewho are his dependants. sure that the road is safe and must ensure security of his dependantswhile he is away. Hajj is compulsoryonce in the lifetimefor whoeveris able to performit. Onewho intendsto do Hajjshouldrepentto Allaahin orderthat his soul can be free from filth of sins. When he reachesMakkahand otherholy sites,he carriesout the ritesof hajj as an act of worship for Allaah.He mustknowthat the Ka'abahas well and glorification as other sites shouldnot be worshippedbesideAllaah,for they neitherbenefitnor harm.He shouldalso know that had Allaahnot to that House,it commandedthe Muslimsto embarkon pilgrimage wouldnot havebeenproperfor any Muslimto do that. the pilgrimwearstwo white garments.The Muslims In pilgrimage, gather from all parts of the world at one place, wearing one garmentand worshippingOne God;with no differencebetweenthe ' 2, p. 384. See"Miftaahdaaras-sa'aadah" 2 " D a l e e l u l - H a jwj a l m u ' t a m i r "b y a g r o u p o f s e e : r e a d i n g d e t a i l e d For scholara s n d " E x p l a n a t i o ni sn m a n y i s s u e sp e r l a i n i n gt o l l a j j a n d U m r a h " b y S h a y k hl b n B a z .

154

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leaderand the led; the rich and the poor;the white and the black. All are creaturesof Allaah and his slaves.There is no superiority for a MuslimoveranotherMuslimexceptby pietyand gooddeeds. By Hajj,Muslimsachievecooperation and mutualrecognition, they rememberthe Day that Allaahwill raiseall of them up ad gather them at a singleplacefor reckoning,they therebypreparefor what is afterdeaththroughacts of obedienceto Allaah. Worship in lslaam:1 It is to worshipAllaahin meaningand reality.Allaahis the Creator and you are the creature;you are the slaveand He is the One that you worship.lf that is the case, man must then followthe Straight Path of Allaah in this life and follow His Law and the Path of his Messengers.Allaah has ordainedgreat laws for His slaves like belief in His Oneness, performing prayers, paying Zakaah, observingfastingand performingHajj. However,the above mentionedare not the only acts of worshipin lslaam.Worshipin lslaam is more comprehensive. lt is all that Allaahlovesand is pleasedwithof deedsand sayings,apparentor hidden.So, every work or sayingthat you do or say that Allaah loves and He is pleasedwith is worship.Even, every good habit that you do with an intentionto pleaseAllaahis worship.Yourgood relationshipwith your father, family, spouse, children and neighboursif you seek by that the pleasureof Allaahis worship. Your good conductat home,in the marketand office,done for the sakeof Allaahis worship Fulfilling the trust,beingtruthfuland just, abstentionfrom harmingothers,giving assistanceto the weak, earning from lawful means, spendingfor family and children, consolingthe poor,visitingthe sick,feedingthe hungryand aiding the wrongedare all acts of worshipif done for the sake of Allaah. So, all deedsthat you do eitherfor yourself, familyor the societyor your countryin whichyou intendto win the pleasureof Allaahare actsof worshio. '

S e e" A l - u b o o d i y y a hb" y S h a y k h uIl s l a a r nI b n l ' a y r n i y y a h

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

155

Evento fulfilyour personalpassionin a lawfulway is worshipif you The Messengerof Allaah,blessings do that with a good intention. and peacebe upon him, said,"Evenif anyoneof you satiateshis sexualdesires,that is an act of charity." The companionssaid, "O Messengerof Allaah!Would any of us satiatehis own lust and stillget a reward?" He answered,"Tell me if he had done that in an unlaMulway would not he have sinned?Likewise,if he does it in a lawfulway, he wouldget a reward."' The Prophet,blessingsand peacebe upon him, also said,"Every Muslimmustpay charity.' He was asked,"How if he doesnot findwhatto paycharitywith?" He said,"He works with his two handsbenefitshimselfby that and then pay charity." He was askedagain,"Buthow if he is not able?" He said,"He shouldassistthe needywho is wronged." He was againasked,"Buthow if he is not able?" "He enjoinsall thatis good." He answered, And he was asked once more, "But how, if he is not able to do that?" He answered,"He refrainsfrom doingevil,for that also is for him, an act of charity."l

Muslim

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Islaam: Its Foundations Ancl Concepts

The Second Degree2

Faithand its six pillars:Beliefin Allaah,His angels,His Books,His Messengers,beliefin the Last Day and beliefin pre-decree. First: Beliefin Allaah. You must believein His Lordship;that He is the Lord,the Creator, the Possessorand the Controllerof all things. you must also believe in His right to be worshipped,that He is the only True Deity,that all deitiesbesides Him are false. You must believein His Names and Attributes,that He has Beautiful Names and perfectSublimeAttributes. You must also believein His Onenessin all that.you must believe that He has no partnerin His Lordship,nor in His right to be worshippedor in His Namesand Attributes.He says, 'J

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\ .:, ** "Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, so worship Him (Alone) and be constant and patient in His worship. Do you know of any who is similar to Him? (of course none is similar or co-equal or comparable to Him, and He has none as ' Bukhaareeand Muslim. t For more, read,"Sharhusool al-eeman"by Ibn 'Uthaymeen;"Kitaabul eernaan"by Ibn Taymiyyah;"Aqeedatulahlissunnah waljamaa'ah,' by Ibn 'Uthayrneen.

157

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pariner with Him). (Thgre is nothing like unto Him and He is the AIIHearer,the Att-Seer)."1 You must also believethat neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him; that He knowsall that is hiddenand evident;and that to him of the heavensand the earth.He says, belongsthe sovereignty

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"And with Him are the keys of the Ghaib (all that is hidden), none knows them but He. And He knows whatever there is in the land and in the sea:not a teaf falls,but he knows it. Thereis not a grain in the darknessof the earth nor anything fresh or dry, but is written in a Ctear Record.'2 You must also believethat He - may He be exalted- rose high over His Throne above His creation,and that He is with them by His knowledgeand He knows their conditions,hears their utterances,sees their placesand controlstheiraffairs.He provides for the poor, gives rellefto the dejected,gives authorityto whom He wills,withdrawsit from whom He wills and that He is Able to do a l lt h i n g s . " Amongthe benefitsof beliefin Allaahare the following: 1. lt lets man love Allaahand glorifyHim and as such carry out and abstainfrom all that He forbids.lf man His commandments

I M a r y a ml 9 : 6 5 . 2 A l - A n ' a a m6 : 5 9 . 3 ' A q e e d a t ual h l i s s u n n awha l j a m a a ' a"h p . 7 ' I I S e e :"

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does that, he attains perfect happinessin this world and the Hereafter. 2. Beliefin Allaahcreatesin the mind self-esteemand dignity,for through it, man will know that it is only Allaah who is the True Possessorof all that is in this universe,that thereis no bringerof harmor benefitexceptHim.This knowledgemakeshim dispenses of all that is besidesAllaahand removesfrom his heartthe fear of others besidesAllaah and he will not hope exceptfor Allaah and willnot fearexceptHim alone. 3. Beliefin Allaahcreateshumblenessin the heart;for man will know that whateverfavourhe has is from Allaah.Satanwill not be able to deceivehim, nor will he becomeoverbearingand arrogant or boastwith his poweror wealth. 4. The believerin Allaahwill have certainknowledgethat there is no way to successand salvationexceptthroughgood deeds that pleaseAllah. Some people,howeverhave false beliefthat Allaah commandedthat His son be crucifiedas an atonementfor the sins of mankind;some have a beliefin false deitiesbelievingthat these will do for them what they want while actuallythey can neither benefitnor harm; while some are atheists,who do not believein the existenceof Creatorat all. All these beliefsare mere wishful for whenthosewho holdthesebeliefsmeetAllaahon the thoughts; and they see the reality,they will realisethat Day of Resurrection have been in clear error. they 5. Belief in Allaah createsin man great power of determination, steadfastness and trust in Allaahwhen he courage,perseverance, strugglesin lofty mattersin this world to achievethe pleasureof Allaah.He will be on perfectcertaintythat he is puttinghis trust in the Possessorof the heavensand the earth and that He will help him and guide him. He will then be firm like mountainsin his and in histrustin Allaah.l oatience. steadfastness

S e e :' A q e e d a t ual h l i s s u n n awha l j a m a a ' a hp . 4 4 a n dM a b a d i u Il s l a a mp . 8 0 .8 4 .

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159

Two: Beliefin the angels: A Muslimmust believein the angels,that,it is AllaahWho created them and describes themas,

i 3&- -:ru,et )ii'n+r5.'i g -al *"'A y' lr et ;e'i 4 1 i;ia.'ti "ri* L;'r,r*i,;; , ., {:'!i e+ij' 'They (whom they call children of All6h i.e. the angels, 'lesa (Jesus/ son of Maryam (Mary), 'Uzair (Ezra)) are but honored s/aves. They speak not until He has spoken,and they act on His Command. He knows what is before them, and what is behind them, and they cannot intercede except for him with whom He is pleased.And they standin awe for fear of Him."I of the Angels,Allaahsays, In anotherdescription

{ .:i 'They (i.e. the angels) are not too proud to worship Him, nor are they weary @f His worship).They (i.e. the angels) glorify His Pralsesnight and day, (and) they never slacken(to do so).'' Allaahconcealsthem from our eyes,so that we do not see them. But Allaah sometimesshows some of them to some of His Prophetsand Messengers. ' A l - A n b i y a a2 l : 2 6 - 2 8 t 2l:19-20 Al-Anbiyaa

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

160

Angels have functionsassignedto them. Jibreel is assigned to Revelationswhich he bringsfrom Allaahto whosoeverHe wishes of His Messengers.Among them is also an angel assignedto takingthe souls,amongthem are thoseassignedto the foetusesin the wombs, among them are those assignedto the protectionof mankindand among them are those assignedto recordingof their deeds. Every person has two angels "one sittingon the right and one on the left (to note his or her actions)not a word does he (or she) utter but there is a watcher by him (or her) ready (to record it)"' Benefits of belief in angels for 1. lt purifiesthe beliefof the Muslimfrom stainsof polytheism, when a Muslim believesin the existenceof angels whom Allaah assignswith thesegreatfunctions,he will be free from beliefin the existenceof imaginarycreaturesthat some people claim have a sharein the runningof the affairsof the universe. 2. lt lets the Muslimsknow that, the angelsneitherbenefitnor harm, but that they are honouredslaves,who disobeynot Allaah when He commands them but rather do what they are commanded.He will not worship them, nor direct his affairs to themor dependon them. Three:Beliefin the Books To believe that Allaah revealed Books to his Prophets and Messengers,in orderto explainthe truthand call to it. Allaahsays,

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Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

16l

"lndeed, We have sent Our Messengers with ctear proofs, and revealed with them the Scripture and the Balance (justice), that mankindmay keep up justice."' These Booksare many.Among them are the Scriptureof prophet lbraaheem,the Torah of ProphetMoosaa,the psalms given to ProphetDavid and the Gospel which was broughtby prophet JesusChrist,rnaypeacebe upon all of them. Beliefin the PreviousBookslies in betievingthat it is AllaahWho revealedthem to His Messengersand that they containedthe Law that Allaahwantedto be conveyedto peopleat that time. All these Books,which Allaahinformsus about have all become extinct.The scriptureof Abrahamdoes no longerexist.As for the Torah,the Gospeland the Psalms,even thoughthey do exist by name in the hands of Jews and Christians,they have become altered, interpolatedand adulteratedand many of their original contentsare missing.That which are not part of them have been includedin them, and they are attributedto thosewho are not their authors. The Old Testamentfor instance,has more than forty books,and only five of them were attributedto Moses.As for the existinggospelsof today, nothingof them is attributedto Jesus. The last Book revealed by Allaah is the Qur'aan which was revealedto ProphetMuhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him. lt has always been and still is protectedand preservedby Allaah. No change or alterationhas crept into any of its letters, words,vowelsor meaninqs. The Qur'aanis differentfrom all previousBooksin manyways: 1. The past Books have been lost; changes and interpolations have crept into them, they have been attributedto those who are not their rightfulowners;many commentariesand exegesishave been addedto them and they containmany thingsthat contradict DivineRevelation, the reasonand nature.As for the eur'aan it rs I

A l - H a d e e 5d 7 : 2 5 .

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still being protectedby Allaah,with its lettersand words in which nor addition Allaahrevealedthemto Muhammad.Neitheralteration has crept into it; for Muslimshave been eagerto let the Qur'aan remainfree from all defects.They do not mix it with anythingfrom the Prophet'slife history,or the historyof his companionsor to acts of worship of the Qur'aanor rulespertaining commentaries and humanrelations. 2. Today, there is no known historicalauthorityfor the ancient books. Even, nothingwas known about those on whom some of them were revealedor in which languagethey were revealed. Some of them are even attributedto others beside those who actuallybroughtthem. it from Muhammad, As for the Qur'aan,Muslimshavetransmitted blessingsand peace be upon him, in a successivemanner, verballyand in writtenform. And at every age and country,there are thousandsof Muslimswho know this Book by heartas there are thousandsof its copiesas well. lf the oral copiesdo not agree with writtencopies,the divergentcopieswill not be recognised,for what is in the memoriesof peopleshouldalwaysbe in agreement with what is in the writtencoPies. orallyin a way that nothing Aboveall, the Qur'aanwas transmitted method Even this particular of the booksof thisworldhad enjoyed. The alone. Muslims among except found cannotbe of transmission The goes way: student this preserving the Qur'aan of methodology learnsthe Qur'aanby heartat the handof his teacher;who had in turn learntit by heart at the hand of his own teacher.The teacher also gives the student a certificatecalled"ljaazah"in whtch the teachertestifiesthat he taughtthe studentwhat he himselflearnt from his own teachersone after another,each and everyoneof these teachers will name his teacher from whom he learnt the Qur'aan in successiontill the chain reaches the Messengerof Allaah himself.This is how the chain of teachersgo in oral successiontill it reachesthe Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peacebe uponhim.

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There exist many strong evidencesand historicalproofs - with connectedchains of transmitters- on the knowledgeof every soorah and every verse of the Qur'aan as regardswhere it was revealedand when it was revealedto Muhammad. 3. The languages in which past Books were revealed had becomeextinctsincea long time. No one in this age speaksthe languagesand very few peoplecan now understandthem.As for the languagein which the Qur'aanwas revealed,it is a living languagespokentoday by tens of millionsof people.lt is taught and studiedin every countryof the world. Even the one who does not study it will find everywherethose who can teach him the meaningof the Qur'aan. 4. Each of the previousBooks was meant for a particulartime and sent to a particularnation;that was why it containedrulesthat were peculiarto that nationand that time. Whateverbook that has is not suitablefor all mankind. thesecharacteristics As for the Great Qur'aan,it is a Book meantfor all times and all places lt comprisesof ordainments, ruleson how humansshould relate with one anotherand manners that are suitablefor every age,for it is addressedto mankindin general. In view of the above, it becomesclear that it is not possiblethat Allaah'sproofagainsthumanityshouldbe in bookswhoseoriginal copiesno longerexistand whoselanguagesno one in the worldof today speaks,after they have been altered.Allaah'sproof against His creationshouldbe in a Book,protectedand safefrom addition, defector alterationlts copiesshouldbe spreadin every placeand writtenwitha livinglanguagethat is readby millionsof people,who can conveythe Messageof Allaahto all mankind.This Bookis the MagnificentQur'aan which Allaah revealed to Muhammad, blessingsand peacebe upon him, and that is the witnessover all the previous Books and it confirms them - before they were interpolated. lt is the Bookthat all mankindmust follow,so that, it can be for them,light,healing,guidanceand niercy.Allaahsays,

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

164

4,'*r.r#l "5:,1\pii$u 3t;J "tsi:-.s ri;; F "And this ls a b/essed Book (the Qufan) which We have sent down, so follow it and fear All6h (i.e. do not disobey His Orders), that you may receive mercy (i.e. be saved from the torment of Hell)."' He alsosays, '-

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"Say (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) "^Omankindl Verily, I am sentto you alt as the Messengerof Allah.'" Four: Belief in the Messengers To believethat Allaahsent Messengersto His creationin order to give them glad tidings of Paradiseif they believe in Allaah and believein the Messengers,and to warn them of punishmentif they disobey.Allaahsays,

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"And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): "Worship All6h (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) TdgQ1t(all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worshipTAgh0tbesrdesNEh).'"

I A l - A n ' a a m6 : 1 5 5 . 2 A l - A ' r a a f7 : 1 5 8 .F o r a l l t h e a b o v e s, e e :A l - A q e e d a t u - s - s a h e e hpa h a h l i s - s u n n awha l j a m a a ' a hp . 2 2 ; M a b a a d i uIls l a a mp . 8 9 . Aqeedatu r An-Nahl 6:36.

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

165

He alsosays, ,t4r7'-.t!'t i1', ,.,,. i..,.,. J+ 4"* 9l Je .rU- o-f" tf. q*: " J*_ll

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as bearers of good news as well as of warning in order that mankind should have no plea againstNEh after the (comingof) Messengers."' These Messengersare many.The first of them was Noah and the last of them is Muhammad.There are many among them, those whom Allaah told us storiesabout like Abraham,Moses, Jesus, David, John, Zakariahand Saleh. There are also some about whomAllaahtellsus nothing.Allaahsays,

fri {t " u 6 "r?:.-X, I l-:i & u -1)L "&;28 u y-:i y 4 :-y)t:"=14J.; "And Messengers We have mentioned ^to you before and MessengersWe have not mentionedto you.'" All these Messengerswere humans created by Allaah. They possessed nothing of the qualitiesof Lordship or Godship. Therefore,no act of worshipshould be directedto them; for they could avail themselvesof any harm or benefit.Allaah says about ProphetNoahthat he said.

'1;i 'Js 4.", (t:.j) Jli 'li i-li ;ri bi,- ,.s)+ E 3roi,i: h

I An-Nisaa 4:165. 2 A n - N i s a a4 : 1 6 4 .

166

Islanm: Its Foundations And Concepts

"And I do not say fo you that with me are the Ireasures of All.ah, northat I know the Ghaib (unseen),nor do I say I am an angel."' Allaah also commandedMuhammad,blessingsand peace be uponhim,to say,

-i j)3 3ji7i;3i '&i7i 4,iJJ? Ls).tK l,r;f U I 4-'3iL k.

'l "Say (O Muhammad(peace be upon him)) don't tell you that with me are the treasuresof AIl6h, nor (that) | know the Unseen;nor I tellyou that I am an angel.'" And to say,

4i,i ;G c 7162'ti fr ;o.jr-J-.JU I Say (O Muhammad(peace be upon him)) "lpossess no power of benefitor huft to myselfexcepf as All6h wills'" The Prophetsare thereforehonouredslaves,whom Allaah chose and honouredwith the Message and describedas His slaves. Theirreligionis lslaamand Allaahwill not acceptany otherreligion besidesit. Allaahsays,

"Truty,the retigionwith Altdhis ls!6m.'a

I H o o dI l : 3 l . 2 A l - A n ' a a r n6 : 5 0 . I A l - A ' r a a f7 : 1 8 8 . 4 A a l ' l m r a a n3 : 1 9 .

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

167

The basic messagesof the Prophetswere one but their Laws differ.Allaahsavs.

{Aq"'ti;;"S,

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"To each amongyou We have prescribeda Law and a clear way."1 The final of all these Laws is that of Muhammad.lt abrogatesall otherpreviouslaws.His Messageis the lastof all DivineMessages and he is the last of all Messengers.Whoever believes in a Prophetamong them should believein all of them and whoever deniesanyoneof them has deniedall of them;for all Prophetsand Messengerscall to the beliefin Allaah,His angels,His Books,His Messengersand the Last Day and becausetheir religionis one. So, he who disbelievesin othershas disbelievedin all of them; for everyone of them calledto beliefin all Prophetsand Messengers.t Allaahsays, -^5.-*t

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.'tefto

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4 -4:3; ti 3;:t",'i 't -4:li -*5i "The Messenger (Muhammad (peace be upon him)) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers.Each one believesin All6h, His Angels, His Books,and Hls Messengers.They say, "We make no distinctionbetween one anotherof His Messeneers.'u He alsosays,

I A l - M a a i d a h5 : 4 8 . ' See, Al-Aqeedatus-saheehah p w a l j a r n a a ' a hp . 2 5 . " Al-Baqarah 2:285.

17; Aqeedatu ah lus-sunnah

168

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

-,tt 'orft oi J_r:L.j: -l::, 4i l_r.. V ',;a4 34'tt;i;\ri$, oi itr-.; oi ij*_i ,;i "4. + :l !y' (rn s-;5JJ.6iii)'u-sr';Ki *. ri,=:

-l:":i ,4,iA i;'i v

'Verily, fhose who disbelieve in All6h and His Messengersand wish to make distinction between All6h and His Messengers (by believing in All6h and disbelieving in His Messengers) saying, "We believe in some but reject others," and wish to adopt a way in befuveen.They are in truth disbelievers.And We have preparedfor the disbetieversa humiliatinatorment."l Five: Belief in the Last Day: Sincedeathis, inevitably, the end of everybeingin thisworld,what then is the fate of man after death?What is the end of the unjust people who escaped the punishmentin this world? Will they escape the consequenceof their injustices?What about the righteouspeople who missed their share of the reward of this world,are theirrewardsgoingto be wasted? Indeed,mankindshallcontinueto die, generation aftergeneration, untilwhen AllaahgivesHis permission that thisworldshouldcome to an end and all creatureson the face of the earthdie. Allaahwill thereafterresurrectall creaturesin a day that will be witnessedby all; a day in which Allaah will gather all former and later generations. He will then call men to accountfor all their deeds either good or bad which they had earned in the world. The believerswill be led to Paradise and the disbelieverswill be marchedto Fire.

A n - N i s a4a: 1 5 0 - 1 5 1 .

Islsam: Its Foundstions And Concepts

169

Paradiseis the abode of peace which He has preparedfor His believingfriends.Thereare in it all kindsof blisswhichno one can describe. lt has degrees and every degree will have dwellers accordingto the degreeof theirbeliefin Allaahand theirobedience to Him. The lowestin degree of the dwellersof Paradisein bliss will be equal to tenfoldof the Kingdomof one of the kings of this world. Hell is the abodeof punishment whichAllaahhas preparedfor him who disbelievesin Him. lt has all kinds of tormentwhose mere mention is terrifying.lf Allaah will allow anyone to die in the Hereafterthe dwellersof the Firewill certainlydie at mere sightof it. - what every man will do or Allaahknows- by His Pre-Knowledge say of good or evil, secretlyor publicly.He assignedto every man two angels:one recordshis good deedsand the other his evil ones and nothingescapesthem.Allaahsays,

( r:l)j.* (*.: i.-t I )i o, L4- Cy "Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it)."1 All his deedswill be recordedin a bookthatwill be oivento man on the Day of Resurrection. Allaahsays, ,r

i:.. l-i:-a JL U)1L- 63J9at * 1

'" ,

tt.V

iJr.g t- lyqjj

.,.

.'i1

--?' t^: U-'h4-W.7*ll

^,-.

k:.e-l

-::

,.2i1

LiF.l"r5Jl

i. ayl 6J4r' \ja,jte

Q a a f5 0 :l 8

t , . . r ,yj j;tv \r:41

t .,=,_r/,. q ,r_l r..p

ge:i

. i i 1!. t 111 | -44) .rJJ,-!

170

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

"And the Book (one's Record) will be placed (in the right hand for a believer in the Oneness of All6h, and in the left hand for a disbeliever in the Oneness of All6h), and you will see the Mujrimln (criminals, polytheists, sinners), fearful of that which is (recorded) therein. They will say: "Woe to us! What sort of Book is this that leaves neithera smallthing nor a big thing,but has recordedit with numbers!" And they will find all that they Qid,placed before them, and your Lord treatsno one with injustice."' The man will then read his record and will not deny anything thereinand whosoeverdenies anythingof his deeds, Allaah will give power of speechto his ears, eyes, hands,legs and skin, so thattheycouldcontradict him.Allaahsays,

'e'1r )^J ,.;,*'"Jt',-tbti&+lt ;irt t,;l-.,ii;Jti t1J! Cerp.\jsiy -

ni#"#

-':ra1

'1'.4'

+.- oi'o;#'*

c't:;poi-; lp i, J:ti'6.ilb

tt w tlii6i'bi ril g#:j+'t3-â&#x201A;Ź'tri 4t:toitrt:.'And they will say to their skins, "Why do you testify against us?" They will say: "Alldh has caused us fo speak - He causes all things to speak: and He created you the first time, and to Him you are made to return. And you have not been hiding yourselves (in the world), lestyour ears, and your eyes,and your skinsshould testify againstyou; but you thought that Alldh knew not much of what you were doing.'" - was preachedby all Beliefin the Last Dayt - Day of Resurrection Messengers and Prophets. Allaahsays,

' A l - K a h fl 8 : 4 9 . 2 Fussilat4l:21-22. 'i l-or moreevidences aboutresurrection, seepages84-90ofthis book.

tll

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

'-,-.i7

JlJl

-';,.,,"(-

.rzJ

LaFl

" (.5Jl

"AndamongHrs Srgns(in this),that you seethe eafth barren;but when We senddownwater(rain)to it,it ls sffred to life and growth (of vegetations)Verily,He Whogivesit life, surely,is Able to give lndeedHe is Able to life to the dead(on the Day of Resurrection). do allthings."l He alsosays, r',.

Jt y+

- i 1^ - , . . :

i:-

e lt.fi'lt't

.. .i.' -!.i.. . . f i'airl - q . ir . i -1-,'*-i;)t.y'-.sr{t gl fler2ljl }

{ itsr ,f

,tt

"Do they not see that Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, and was not wearied by their creation, is Able to give life to the dead?'' This is what the Divine Wisdom necessitates:for Allaah did not create His creation in vain or leave them for fun. The weakest personin intelligencecannotcarry out any importantactionwithout having a purposefor it. How can this not be imaginedin case of man and then think that Allaah only created His creationfor fun and that He shall leave them in vain. Far and HighlyExaltedis Allaahaboveall thattheysay.Allaahsays,

I F u s s i l a4 tl : 3 9 . 2 A l - A h q a a4f 6 : 3 3 .

L72

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

"Do you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose)and that you would not be broughtback to tJs?"l He alsosays, nt..:

_hp

(',

,'.2 -

..i

2i . l3r"e5u,-Jl *,!X-'t

'iy;

;5. C-,;t\ri

;-G-riua, L,t y t'.i'

,z,tt7. i (t r:!r:JLJ| ;t: ts.6 uru.

"And We created not the heaven and the earth and all that is between them without purpose! That is the assumptionof those who disbelieve! Then woe to those who disbelieve (in lslimic Monotheism)from the Fire.'2 All wise men testifyto the necessityof beliefin the Last Day; for that's what the intelligenceand reason necessitateand what the soundhumannatureagreesto. When man believesin the Day of Resurrection,he knows why he should abstainfrom what he is orderedto leave and do what he is orderedto do, hopingfor what is with Allaah. He will also know that, he who does injusticeto people will inevitablyhave his recompenseand that those he wrongs will take revengeon him on the Day of Resurrection.He will also know that man must havea reward:good rewardfor good deeds and commensuratepunishmentfor evil deeds,so that each soul shall be rewardedfor what it strivedfor and DivineJusticecan be established. Allaahsavs,

I A l - M u ' n t i n o o2 ni : I 1 5 . 2 S a a d3 8 : 2 7 .

173

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

"So whoever does an atom weight of good sha// see it; and whoeverdoes an atom weightof evil shall see it."' No one amongmankindknowswhen the Day of Resurrection will come.This is a Day that is knownto neithera sent Prophetnor a favouredAngel. Allaah keeps the knowledgeof that to Himself alone.He says, -

it qy-ttq,# i jt -'.+& a

6lA-etl

vai q djr;.y os.i L,

(i, "They ask you about the Hour (Day of Resurrection): 'When will be its appointed time?' Say: 'The Knowledge thereof is with my Lord. Nonecan reveal its time but He.' 'n He also says,

, -.,zirr 4-eLJl

t. 'cJ+

."al.rlU 4, _, ,

"VerilyAll6h,withHim (Alone)is the knowledge of the Hour.'r Six: Beliefin Pre-decree: You must believethat Allaahknowswhat happensand what shail happen;that He knows the conditions,deeds, life spans and provisions of His slaves.He says,

{ :n1j; ,3, 5.'Ai'olY 'Az- Zalzalah99:1-8 2 Al-A'raaf 7:187. r L u q m a a3nl : 3 4 .

174

Islaam: Its Foundotions And Concepts

"Verily, All3his theAll-Knower "' of everything. Healsosays, L,, t'ui J

.'lt. t u r a.

.'ll pl J

' .

--\

t i.Iil+:'!-$-

"And with Him are the keys of the Ghaib (all that is hidden), none knows them but He. And He knows whatever there is in the land and in the sea;not a leaf falls,but he knows it. Thereis not a grain in the darkness of fhe earth nor anything fresh or dry, but is written in a Clear Record.'2 He registersall that in a Recordwith Him. He also says,

'Al-'Ankaboot29.62. t Al-An'aam6:59. Had not therebeenin the Qur'aanbut only this verse,it would have beenenoughas a clearevidenceand decisiveproofthat it is fiom Allaah; for mankind, in all their ages- even in this age, where knowledge is widespreadand man grows arrogant- have not thought of this comprehensive encompassment, let alonehavingthe ability to do any of that. The highestextentto which their efforts could carry them is to closely observea tree or insectin a particularenvironment,in order to revealto us a part of its mysteries.But what is hiddenfrom them in that tree or insectis greater.As for comprehensive think and encompassment, it is a matterthat mankindhavenot known or havethe abilitv to know.

t75

Islaam: Its Foundutions And Concepts

"And all things We have recorded with numbers (as a record) in a

ClearBook."1 He says,

.-u;t'ol"?s A 3!;:''",r) ._r.4":-,.

( .l) -,o*:'-*ur Jt

Know you not that All6h knowsall that is in heavenand on the eafth?Verily,it is^(all)in the Book(Al-LauhAl-Mahf1z).Verilythat ls easyfor All6h.'' He alsosays,

( ,:Di,(i,f

;L'rit^:1Y 'I;ta oi fo' sr'ril;t

'Verily, His Command, ^when He intends a thing, is only that He 'Be'and it is!'" says fo it, As it is Allaah Who preordainedall things, it is also He Who Createdallthings.He says,

4.t:'il*'^At

'Ja S ij1Y

"Verily, We have created all things with Qadar (Divine of all thingsbeforetheir creation,as writtenin the Preordainments "' Book of DecreesAl-LauhAl-Mahf0z).

Y a a s e e n3 6 : 1 2 .

2 tt-uailzz:lo.

3 Y a a s e e n3 6 : 8 2 .

176

Islaom: Its FoundntionsAnd Concepts

He alsosays, ,o

.',

'rl.

,r.

t6-

t '..f J-4 6L> urt y "Allahis the Creatorof all thinqs.'2 He createdmen in order to worshipHim and made that clear to them. He commandedthem to obey Him, forbiddenthem from disobeyingHim and made that clear to them. He gave them power and will by which they could carry out the Commandmentsof Allaahand get reward;and by which they could perpetrateacts of disobedience, and get punished. lf man believesin the DivinePreordainment, he will achievethe following: 1. He will dependon Allaah while makinguse of the means;for he knows that the means and its causes are all by Divine predecreeof Allaah. 2. Peaceof mind and tranquillity; for when he knows that it is Allaah Who gives that and that the preordaineddetestablething shallhappenno matterwhat,he will have restof mind and he will be pleasedwith the decisionof Allaah.Therewill not be anyone who will be more pleasedand have more peaceof mind than him Who believesin DivinePreordainment. 3. He wilt not be arrogantwhen he attainswhat he aims; for he will knowthatthe attainment of thatblessingis fromAllaahthrough the means of good and success He has pre-decreed.He will thereforethankAllaahfor that. 4. He will not be sad or distressedwhen the desired goal is missedor when the unwantedhappens;becauseof his knowledge that it happensthroughirresistible Decreeof Allaah.For no one can resistHis Commandor appealHis judgement.What he has ' A l - Q a r n a5r 4 : 4 9 . 2 Az-Zunar 39:62.

177

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

pre-decreedwill inevitablyhappen.He will thereforebe patientand get the rewardthereoffrom Allaah.Allaahsays,

oi F , -i'+ ,., jl 'S-Lie 'li u.t'lt C i=; o: +Vi C y q \;i.i; Fd (. & \;U iK. r.:i,>"*+. ;ri JL s.t:;:'o1'Gif, '"est; 4,a.E) t-*' 96 5lj't

:uit

"Nocalamitybefallson the earlhor in yourselvesbut is inscribedin the Book of Decrees(Al-LauhAl-Mahflz), before We bring it into existence.Verily,that is easy for All6h. ln order that you may not grieveat thingsthatyou fail to get, nor reioiceoverthat whichhas ."7 beengivento you And Attdhtikesnotpridefulboasters.

5. Completedependenceon Allaah.For the Muslimknows that, it is only AllaahWho has the powerto cause benefitor harm. He will then not fear any powerfulperson becauseof his power and will not hesitateto do good deedsout of fear of any man. The Prophet, blessingsand peace be upon him, told lbn Abbaas:"Know that if all mankindare unanimouson benefitingyou, they cannotbenefit you with anythingexceptwith that which Allaah has pre-decreed for you. lf they are also unanimouson harmingyou, they cannot harmyou exceptwith thatwhichAllaahhas pre-decreedfoi you."2

I Al-Hadeed57:22-23.See:Al-Aqeedahas-saheehah p. l9; Aqeedah l aqq p. 18. a h l i s u n n aw h a l j a m a a ' a hp . 3 9 a n d D e e n u H 2 Ahmad and At-Tirmidhee.

178

Islasm: Its Foundations And Concepts

The Third Degree The thirddegreeis "/hsaan"(utmostsincerityand perfectionin acts of worship).lt implieswhich meansthat you worshipAllaahas if you are seeingHim, and if you do not see Him, He sees you. One must worshiphis Lord with this quality.That is, to bear it in mind that Allaahis closeto him; that he is standingbeforehis Lord.This conditionmakes man have awe, fear and great honourfor Allaah. It makes man sincerein acts of worshipand gives him courageto strivemore towardsits oerfection. The slave is consciousof his Lord while observingact of worship and remindshimselfof His nearnessto him as if he is seeingHim. lf he cannot do that, let him be consciousof the fact that Allaah sees him and knows his secretand publicaffairs,and that nothing is hiddenfrom Him.1 The slavethat has reachedthis stageworshipshis Lordsincerely, not lookingto others besidesHim. He neitherexpectspeople's praisenor fears theirblame;for it is enoughfor him that his Lord is pleasedwith him and praiseshim.This is a man whosepublicand privatedeeds are the same. He worshipshis Lord in privateand publicwith certainfaiththat Allaahknowsall that is in his heartand goes on in his mind. The faith has overpoweredhis heart and the consciousness of his Lord is manifeston him; his limbs then surrender to Allaah;for he will not use them exceptin what pleases Allaahand in thatwhichHe lovesand in submission to Him. Sincehis hearthas beenattachedto his Lord,he will not seek help from any creature,for Allaah sufficeshim; he will not complainto any man,for he has approached Allaahwith his needsand enough is He as a Helper.He does not feel lonelyin any placenor does he fear anyone, for he knows that Allaah is with him in all hrs conditions. He is enoughfor him and He is the BestHelper.He will not abandonany order that Allaahcommandshim to carry out and will not perpetrate any sin,for he is ashamedbeforeHim and hates I

J a a m i u 'lu l o o mw a l - H i k a m o . 1 2 8 .

r79

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

that He findshim wantingin what He Commandshim to do or finds him where he forbids him. He will neitheroppress nor wrong anyone or take anyone'sright for he knows that Allaah is seeing him,and that He shallcallhim to accountfor all his deeds. He will not cause mischiefin the land; for he knows that all good things that are in the earth are propertiesof Allaah which He subjects for His Creation. He will take of these good things accordingto his needs and thank his Lord for facilitatingthem for him. All that I havetold you and presentedto you in this bookletare only importantmattersand great pillarsin lslaam.Whoeverbelievesin thesefundamentalsand acts by them has becomea Muslim.lf not, lslaam- as I have told you - is both religionand worldly;a worship and perfectDivineOrder and a way of life. lt is the comprehensive that encompassesin its ordainmentsall that the individualand the societyneed in all aspectsof their religious,political,economical, social and security life. Man will find therein principles, fundamentalsand rules that regulatepeace and war and binding duties; and preservesthe dignity of man, bird, animals and the environmentthat surrounds him. They also explain to him the realityof man, the life and the death; and the Resurrectionafter death.He also finds in lslaamthe best methodologyof relatingwith peoplearoundhim;suchas the sayingof Allaah,

,7bt nr:tiii'V "And speakgood to peopte"l And His saying, ,

,1,i

t._r-U'

2:83 Al-Baqarah

.,'i1. r

iJe etrttJtJ f

180

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

"And thosewho pardon men."' And His saying,

J:]i ; \S*i'\ ; )i *i ln ti',oLr "".::"-ur't, y 4.u'jr1x. "And let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety; and fear All6h.'" After we have discussed the degrees of this religion and the fundamentalsof each degree, it is appropriatethat we discuss brieflythe beautiesof lslaam.

I A a l ' l m r a a n3 :| 3 4 . 2A I - M a a i d a h 5:8.

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

181

Some of the Beautiesof lslaaml

The beautresof lslaam are beyondwhat pens can fully write and enoughexpressionscannotbe foundto describethe virtuesof this religion;becauseit is the religionof Allaah.Just as the eye cannot encompassthe perceptionof Allaah and man cannot encompass His Realityon Knowledge, so can the pen not encompassHis Law in description.lbn Al-Qayyimsaid, "lf you reflecton the dazzling wisdom in this Upright Religion,this pure faith and the Law enactedfor mankind,which no expressioncan perfectlydescribe, whose descriptioncannot be perfected,the likenessof which the wisdomof the wise cannotpropose- even if all wise men are to be as perfectlywise as the wisest one among them, whose beauty and virtues are perceived and attested to by the perfect and honourableintelligence, that the world had not known a law better and greaterthan it even if the Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peace be upon him, had not broughtany proof in supportof it, all that would have been enough an evidencethat it is from Allaah. Every aspect of this religion shows perfect knowledge,perfect wisdom, expansivenessof mercy, righteousnessand kindness, absolute inclusionof all that is hidden and manifest and the knowledgeaboutthe beginnings and ends.lt also showsthat it is one of the greatest favours that Allaah has bestowed on His slaves,for He bestowsnot on them a favourgreaterthan the fact that He guidedthem to this religion,madethem its adherentsand chosen it for them. Hence,He remindsHis slavesof the fact that He ouidedthemto it. He savs.

fee For moredetailon this section,read Ad-Durratulmukhtasarah m a h a a s i n i d d e eInsil a a m e eb,y S h a y k hA b d u r - R a h m a aAns - S a ' d e ea; n d M a h a a s i n ul sl l a a m b, y S h a y k hA b d u l A z e e zA s - S a l m a a n .

182

Isloam: Its Foundations And Concepts

44r,'r;,L l$- 4;i

c.eJ:-i'rg c-;il ,*ii

JL':'i o. a y

"lndeed All6h conferred a great favor on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger(Muhammad(peace be upon him)) from among themselves, reciting unto them His Verses (the Qu/6n), and purifying them (from sins by their following him), and instructing them (in) the Book (the Qu/6n) and Al-Hikmah (the wisdom and the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) (i.e. his legal ways, statements,acts of worship)) while before that they had been in manifesterror."' He also says, makingHimselfknownto His slaves,remindingthem of His great favour on them, and callingthem to thank Him for makingthem amongits adherents,

( ;a; ,st JjKt i'Ai Y "Thisday, t have perfectedyour retigionfor you.'2 It is thereforepart of showinggratitudeto Allaahon this religion,to mentionsome of its beauties: 1. lt is the religion of Allaah which He has chosenfor Himself. sent with His Messengersand by which He allowedHis slavesto worshipHim. His religionis not comparableto human statutesand man-madereligions.As Allaah possessesthe qualityof absolute perfection,so does His religion has an absolute perfectionin providingordainmentsthat reform the worldly and eternal life of mankind;encompassesthe rightsof the Creatorand obligationsof

I A a l ' l m r a a n3 : 1 6 4 . 2 A l - M a a i d a h5 : 3 , S e e :M i f t a a h ud a a r i sS a ' a a d a hV . l , p . 3 7 4 - 3 7 5 .

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

183

His slaves towards Him; obligationsof one towards anotherand the rightsof each one of them upon another. 2. Comprehensiveness:One of the most prominent

beautiesof this religionis that it takes care of every aspectof humanlife.AllaahsaYS,

r v ?4i ad"j (. > 4.-,. "We have negtectednothingin the Book."1 This religionencompassesall that has to do with the Creatorlike His Names,Attributesand rights;and all that has to do with the creatureslike laws, obligations,manners and relationship.This religion also encompasses the stories of former and latter generation,stories of angels, Prophetsand Messengers.lt tells aboutthe heaven,the earth,the orbits,the planets,seas,treesand the universe.lt mentionsthe goal and aim of creationand its end; talks about Paradiseand the final abode of the believersand Fire and the finalabodeof disbelievers. 3. lt links man to his Creator:Everyfalsereligionand creedhas the characterof linking man with another man that is prone to death,weakness,incapacityand diseases.Some even link man to a person who has died since hundreds of years ago and had becomemere bones and dust. lslaam,on the other hand, has the quality of linking man to his Creator directly;with no priest nor reverendand no holy secret.lf this directconnectionbetweenthe Creatorand the created;a connectionthat links the heart with its Lord and it thereby gets light, guidanceand loftiness;seeks for perfection;and deems itselfhigh above insignificantand debased things. For every heart that has no link with its Lord is more thananimals. erroneous

A l - A n ' a a m6 : 3 8 .

184

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

It is a communicationbetween the Creator and the creatureby which he knowsthe wish of his Creatorand then worshipHim with the knowledge, and gets to knowthingsthat pleaseHim and seek for that, and things that annoys Him and shun them. lt is a communication betweenthe All-MightyCreatorand the weak and destitutecreature,that enableshim seek for aid, assistanceand successfrom Htm,and ask Him for protectronagarnstevil planners and evildeedsof devils. 4. lt caters for the benefits of this world and those of the Hereafter.The lslaamicLaw is basedon protectionof the benefits of this world and the Hereafterand on perfectionof good morals. As for the explanationof the benefitsof the Hereafter,the religion of lslaamhas explainedall that and left nothingof it untakencare of. lt explainsit in detail so that nothingof it may be unknown. lslaam promisesthe bliss in the Hereafterand warns aqainst its torment. Concerningthe benefitsof this world, Allaah ordainedin this religion what can protect for man his religion, life, property, posterity, dignityand intelligence. Concerninghonourableconducts,lslaamenjoinsthat overtlyand covertlyand forbidsdebasingmanners.Amongthe apparentnoble conductsthat lslaamenjoinsare cleanliness and purification from all kinds of impuritiesand dirt. lslaam recommendsusing of perfumeand outwardadornment;it forbidsfilthy behaviourslike adulteryand fornication, consumingalcohol,eatingdead animals, bloodand pork flesh,and enjoinseatingof lawfulgood things.lt wastefulness alsoprohibits and extravaqance. lslaamprohibitsundesirable As for innerpurification, conductsand encouragescommendableones. Among the forbidden manners are: lies,obscenity,anger,jealousy,stinginess, debasingoneself, love of prestige and this world, arrogance,haughtrnessand hypocrisy. Amongthe commendedbehaviours are good conduct, good companionship to all peopleand beingkind to them,justice and fairness, humility, truthfulness,magnanimity,generosity,

185

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

dependenceon Allaah,sincerityin acts of worship,fear of Allaah, patienceand showinggratltude.' 5. Easiness: Easinessis one of the unique qualitiesof this religion.ln everyritualis easinessand in everyact of worshipis easiness.Allaahsays, ,'

'''i ' '2""

4 Cr ut J.'.lJtC5)'

i''

t-j "' )

"He has notlaiduponyou in religionany hardship'a

The firsteasinessin lslaamis that;anyonewho wantsto becomea or a confessionof Muslimdoes not need a human intermediary past sins. He only needs to cleanse himself and utter the statement:I testifythat there is no deity worthyof worshipexcept Allaahand I testifythat Muhammad,blessingsand peacebe upon him, is the Messengerof Allaah;and to believein the meaningsof this statementand act by its implications. by easinessand Further,every worshipin lslaam is characterised alleviation.lf a man travelsor is sick, the rewardof the deed that he usedto do when he was at homeor healthywill continueto be recordedto his credit.The whole life of the Muslim is easy and filled with tranquillity,while the life of a disbelieveris conversely filledwith hardshipand toil. Also, the death of a Muslimis easy where his soul comes out of his body as a drop of watercomes out of a vessel.Allaahsavs,

minal fasaadwal-awhaam,by See:Al-'l'laambimaafee deenin-nasaaraa A l - Q u r t u b e ep . 4 4 2 - 4 4 5 .

'l.t-uaiizz:lt

186

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

'&; 'u: j* is ,- ";Ai i j-",i :,

*+t<l:ii

rr-jiI

"*;

,r..=-'. i"l

(

':;

tJj'r.g

"Those whose lives the angels take while they are pious saying (to them):peace be on you, enter ParadL'se becauseof that (the good) which you used to do (in the world)."1 As for the disbeliever,the sternand harshangelswill be presentat his death beating him with lashes. Allaah says about the disbeliever,

t;;t

-a,

4-*t

2 t.-

....

rlt-U .(jLJt: yiit ?*

A ;r ;ri J' fj*

A 3rr:L,Et ;1 [s; ]: \

fs q 6;i,ti.tn Jr-r; 7pi''4;Li ( rOij^<i -*.v ft';-si

"And if you could but see when the Zdlimln (polytheists and wrong-doers) are in the agonies of death, while the angels are stretching forth their hands (saying): "Deliver your souls! This day you shall be recompensed with the torment of degradation because of what you used to utter against Alldh other than the truth. And you used to reject His Aydt (proofs, evidences, yerses, /essons, signs, revelations,etc.) with disrespect!'' He also says,

' A n - N a h lI 6 : 3 2 . 2 A l - A n ' a a m6 : 9 3 .

187

Islsam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts .'

.-(- . ,.

t ,

r^t>ts f<n:.j

' - . . t - r -- ' , - i ' i ' ' , , : i "/S+tJl trj-4 J--,y-rtn-

U-lt S*

t! [S; rt Y ,

{ :i.t;p"y.lt l't.t-o tg:i

"And if you could see when the angels take away the sou/s of those who disbelieve (at death); they smite their faces and their backs (saying):Tastethe punishmentof the btazingFire."1 is Allah 6. Justice:The one who ordainsthe lslaamicinjunctions alone.He is the Creatorof all people:blackand white,male and female. Men are equal before His judgement,justice and mercy. He ordainsrules that suits each of the male and female. lt then becomesimpossiblethat the Law of lslaam favours male at the expenseof femaleor gives female preferenceand do injusticeto male. lslaamalso does not endow white man with qualitiesand deny that to the blackman.All are equalbeforethe Laws of Allaah and no differencebetweenthem except by piety. 7. Enjoining all that is good and forbidding all that is evil: which is enjoining The religionof lslaamhas noblecharacteristics, all that is evil.This duty is incumbent all that is goodand forbidding on everymaleor femaleMuslimwho is an adult,sane and able to to his or her abilityand accordingto the enjoinand forbidaccording degrees of the enjoiningand prohibition.He or she should commandor forbid with hand, if not able to do so then with the tongueand if not able then with the heart.By this all membersof in the community. willbe supervisors the Muslimcommunity shouldcommandwhoeveris negligentto do good Everyindividual deed,and forbidwhoeverdoes wrongto desist,be he eithera ruler or ruled; each accordingto his ability and in accordancewith thatcontrolthis matter. lslamicregulations

upon individual This matter- as yoL can see - is compulsory accordingto his ability Comparethisto whatthe contemporary rAl-Anfaa 8 l: 5 0 .

188

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

political orders proudly claim that they give opportunity to oppositionpartiesto monitorthe governmentactivitiesand carry out officialfunctions. These are some of the beautiesof lslaam.Had I wantedto go into details,I would have stoppedat every rite, every obligation,every commandment and every prohibitionin order to explain the extensivewisdom,decisiveordainment,impressive,unique and matchlessperfectionthat lie therein.Whoever ponders over the ordainmentsof this religion,he will know with certaintythat it is from Allaahand that it is the truth that is free of any doubt and a guidancefrom error. lf you thereforewant to go back to Allaah,to follow His Law and to follow the path of His Prophets and Messengers,the door of repentanceis open beforeyou and your Lord is Oft-Forgiving,Most -Merciful. He calls you in order to forgiveyou,

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

189

Repentance The Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peace be upon him, said, "All childrenof Adam do commitsins and the best of the sinners are thosewho repent."' Man by natureis weak; he is weak in his aim and resolutionand is unable to bear the consequencesof his sins and misdeeds.So Allaah out of kindness, makes matters easy for man and He prescribedfor him repentance. The essenceof repentanceis to abandonthe sin becauseof its ugliness- out of fear for Allaah- and out of desirefor His Mercy;to regretover what one has done, to determinenot to go back to the sin againand to spendwhateveris left of one's life in good deeds.2 As you can see, repentanceis a deed of the heart that is only betweenthe slave and his Lord.lt is not a difficultjob for him. lt is just a deed of the heart:to abandonthe sin, and not to go back to it. There is actuallywell-beingand peace of mind in abstaining from all that Allaahforbids."' You do not need to repentat the hand of a man who will reveal your secret and manipulate your weakness. lt is only a communicationbetween you and your Lord; you seek His forgivenessand guidanceand He forgivesyou. There is nothing like inheritedsin in lslaam,nor is thereanythinglike an expected mankindsaviour.lslaam,is as discoveredby the AustrianJewish revert to lslaam, MuhammadAsad who said, "l could not find it anywherein the Qur'aanany mentionof man'sneedfor salvation. In lslaam,there is no conceptof the first rnheritedsin that stand betweenman and his fate, because,

' a n dl b n M a a j a h . A h m a d ,A t - T i r m i d h e e 2 Al-Mufradaatfee ghareebil Qur'aan,p. 76, quotedfreely. 3 I b n A l Q a y y im. b y Al-Fawaaid

190

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

{,O.i; u itu-Y A Y 'Man

can have nothingbut what he does (good or bad).'1

lslaam does not require from man to presenta sacrificeor kill himselfin orderto havethe door of repentanceopenedfor him and to be savedfrom sins."'Allaahsays,

{ :iD.sii ta'ai1'r,j1i Y "No burdened person (with sins) shall bear the burden (sins) of another.'u Repentancehas greatbenefitsand impacts,someof whichare: 1. lt makes man know expansivenessof Allaah'sforbearance, and magnanimityin concealinghis misdeeds.Had He willed,He would have hastenedto punishhim and disgracedhim in front of peopleso that he would not be able to live comfortablywith them. But Allaah honouredhim by concealingfor him his sins, covered him by His forbearanceand endowedhim with energy,provision and sustenance. 2. lt lets him know his real self, that it is inclinedto evil and that whatever comes from it of sins, misdeedsor negligenceis an indicationfrom forbiddendesires,and that, it cannot dispenseof Allaah - for even a twinkle of an eye - for its purificationand guidance. 3. Allaah prescribes repentance in order to seek with it the greatestcauses of happinessfor man, which is creating refuge with Allaahand seekingHis assistance; and also to bring about different kinds of supplication;showing one's submission, ' A n - N a j n r5 3 : 3 9 . 2Road t o I s l a a mb y M u h a r n m a A d sad p. 140 r An-Na.;m 53:38

191

Islaam: Its FoandationsAnd Concepts

helplessness to Allaah,showingone'slove to Allaah,one'sfear of and hope in Him; then the soul moves closerto its Creatorin a specialway which will not occur to it without repentanceand escapingto Allaah. 4. lt makesAllaahforgivehim his pastsins.Allaahsays, .

.',.

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"Say to those who have disbelieved,if they cease (from disbelief) their pastwittbe forgiven."' turnsone'sevildeedsto goodones.Allaahsays, 5. Repentance

ri.q- ni J*

3:$L a\* t;

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"Except those who repent and believe (in lsldnic Monotheism), and do righteousdeeds; for those,All6h will change their sins into good deeds, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving,Most Merciful.'" 6. lt makesman treathis fellowhumans,when they harm him,as he wouldloveAllaahto treathim as regardshis own misdeedsand with the type of deed.So, if is in accordance sins;for recompense people good he will also be treated by manner, rn this he treats Allaahin the like mannerand Allaahwill be kindto him regardless of his evil deedsand sins,just as he does with his fellowhuman beings. 7 . lt enableshim to knowthat he is full of faultsand defects;this will makehim refrainfromspeakingaboutthe faultsof otherpeople

I A l - A n f a a 8l : 3 8 . 2 A l - F u r q a a n2 5 : 7 0

192

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

and will be preoccupiedwith reforminghis own self instead of thinkingaboutthe faultsof others.' I would like to concludethis sectionwith the story of a man who came to the Prophet,blessingsand peace be upon him, and said, "O Messengerof Allaah! | have not left any small or big sin but I had committedit." The Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peacebe upon him, said, "Don't you testify that there is no other deity worthy of worship exceptAllaahand that Muhammad,blessingsand peacebe upon him,is the Messenger of Allaah?" He asked him this questionthree times and the man answered eachtime,"Yes." He then said, "yqrr testimonyhas erased all that (you have committedof sins)"' In anothernarration, the man came to the Prophet,blessingsand peacebe upon him,and said,"Tellmel lf a man committedall sins but has not associatedanythingin worshipwith Allaah,and yet did not leaveany smallor big sin uncommitted, can his repentancebe acceoted?" The Prophet,blessingsand peacebe upon him, askedthe man, "haveyou embracedlslaam?" The man answered,"As for me, I testify that there is no deity worthyof worshipexceptAllaah,that He is One and has no partner and thatyou are the Messenger of Allaah."

' M u f t a a h ud a a r i s - s a ' a a d V a ho ,l . l , p . 3 5 8 - 3 7 0 . 2 Reportedby Aboo Ya'laa;At-Tabaraanee; and Al-Maqdisee

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

193

The Prophet,blessingsand peace be upon him, said, "yesl Do good deedsand refrainfrom evil ones,so that Allaahmav turn all thoseevildeedsto goodonesfor you." The man said,"Evenmy actsof treacheryand my sins?!" The Prophet,blessings and peacebe uponhim,said,"Yes." The man said,"AllaahuAkbar (Allaahis the Most-Great) and he kepton sayingthatuntilhe disappeared."r lslaam therefore erases whatever sin one might have committed and sincere repentance also erases whatever sin one might have committed as authentically reported from the Prophet, blessings and peace of Allaah be upon him.

Ibn Abee'Aasim:At-Tabaraanee and Al-Bazzaar.

194

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts Repercussions of Rejecting lslaam

As it has been made clear to you in this book that lslaamis the religionof Allaah,that it is the true religion;that it was the one preachedby all Prophetsand Messengers;Allaah has prepared greatrewardin this world and the Hereafterfor whoeverbelievesin it and threatenedwhoeverdisbelievesin it with severetorment. Since Allaah is the Creator, the Possessor and Disposer of this entire universe,and you, man, are just one of His creatures;He createdyou, and subjectedto you all that is the universe,ordained His Law for you and commandsyou to obey Him, lf you therefore believe,obeys His Commandmentand abstain from all that He forbidsyou, you will attainwhat He promisesyou of the everlasting bliss in the Hereafterand you will be happy in this world with all that He will endow on you of all kinds of favours;you will then be like the wisest men and the purestof them in soul; the Prophets, Messengers,righteouspeopleand the favouredangels. But if you disbelieve,and disobeyyour Lord;you will lose your worldly life and your Hereafterand expose yourselfto His wrath You will then be and ounishmentin this world and the Hereafter. like the most wicked of all creatures,the most defective in intelligenceand the most debased in mind: the devils, corrupt just to mentiona few. peopleand falsedeitiesand transgressors, Let me now tell you somethingof the consequencesof disbeliefin detail: 1. Fear and lack of security. Allaahpromisescompletesecurity in this world and the Hereafterfor those who believein Him and He says, followHis Messengers.

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

195

"/t is fhose who believe (in the Onenessof Alldh and worshipnone but Him Alone) and confusenot their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e. by worshipping others besrdes NEh), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided-"' Allaahis the Giver of security,the Watcherover His creatures,the Possessorof all that is in the universe.lf He loves a slave of His becauseof his belief,He gives him security,tranquillityand peace, but if a slaveof His disbelieves in Him, He withdrawstranquillity and securityfrom him and you will not see such a personbut afraid of his fate in the Hereafter,afraidfor his own self from calamities and diseasesand afraidfor his futurein this world.That is why the insurancemarket insureslives and propertiesfor lack of security and lackof havingtrustin Allaah. 2. Difficult life: Allaahcreatedman, subjectedto him all that is in the universe and portion out for every creature his share of sustenanceand lifespan Hence you see the bird going out of its nest to look for its provisionand then picks it. lt moves from a branch of the tree to anotherand sings in most melodioustone. Man is also one of these creaturesfor whom Allaahhas oortioned out his provisionand lifespan.lf he thereforebelievesin his Lord and standsfirm on His Law, Allaahwill give him happinessand stabilityand He will make his matterseasy for him, even if he does not possessmorethanthe leastmeansof livelihood. lf he howeverdisbelievesin his Lord and feels too big to worship Him, He will make his life straitenedand make him suffer from sorrow and distress even if he has all means of comfort and enjoymentat his disposal.Don't you see the great numbers of suicide victims in countriesin which all means of affluenceare guaranteedfor their citizens?Don't you see all kinds of furniture and mats used for the enjoymentof this life? The cause of all this extravaganceis the vacuity of the heart from faith, feeling of constraint and hardshipand an attemptto dismissall theseworries with all differentmeans.Allaahsaysand truthreallyis HisWord, '

A l - A n ' a a r n6 : 8 2

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

196 ..-i-...i'i.-. '.,^sl ll*J.Jl ty

.. " l - i . 2 : K,..a iij-; 'or:3j

,'t.,: : ,"J .r,G G r4t

. ..4".. ,to ,.er"l V:

1,.-\.

"But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believesin this Qur'dnnor actson its teachings.)verily,for him is a life of hardship,and We sha//ralse him up blind on the Day of Resurrection."' 3. Life in perpetualwar with self and the world around: Thisis because; man'ssoulis createduponlslaamicMonotheism. Allaahsays,

4.'\loj"di'*t a.,;,i;p.V "All6h'sFitrah (i.e.^All6h'slsldmic Monotheism)with which He has createdmankind.'n Man's body surrendersto its Lord and it moves accordingto His order. The disbeliever,however,insistson going againsthis own nature,and living his voluntarylife in rebellionagainst his Lord. Althoughhis body surrendersto the will of the Creator,his own voluntarywill is in oppositionto the will of his Lord. He will be in constantwar with the world aroundhim in the sense that, all this universeright from its greatestgalaxy to its smallest insect,moves accordingto the way which Allaah has ordainedfor it. Allaahsays,

' TaaHaa20:124. 2Ar-Room30:30

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

197

q':,Dctt:',U'qji "Then He (rose over) lstawd towards the heaven when it was smoke, and said to it and to the earth: "Come both of you willingly or unwillingly."They both said:"We come, willingly.'"' The universeloves him who agreeswith it in submissionto Allaah and hateshim who opposesit. The disbelieveris the recalcitrantin this universefor he makes himselfan opponentto his Lord and contenderwith Him. That is why it is appropriatefor the heavens and the earth and all other creaturesto hate him and his disbelief and atheism.Allaahsays,

6:r) r(j Jryi iiilqy r6;,L,.rai 3t4 '.a61G,*'& 't

-t

r:Ftl

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,. ''rii !', :- '.'

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g-l:uj :1-;lr-i1; "+1 c.,r ,

t :D r-q' "And they say: "The Most Gracious(Alldh) has begottena son (or offspring or children) (as the Jews say: 'Uzair (Ezra) is the son of All6h, and the Christianssay that He has begotten a son ('lesa (Christ) (peace be upon him)) and the pagan Arabs say that He has begotten daughters (angels and others.))" lndeed you have brought forth (said) a terribleevil thing. Whereby the heavens are almost torn, and the eafth ls splt asunder,and the mountainsfall rn ruins, That they ascribe a son (or offspring or children) to the Most Gracious (NEh). But it is not suitable for (the Majesty of) the Most Gracious (AlEh) that He should beget a son (or offspring or I

F u s s i l a4 tl : I l .

Islaam: Its Founclations And Concepts

198

children). There is none in the heavens and the earth but colnes unto the MostGracious(Atlah)as a slave."I He saysaboutPharaohand his hosts,

\ .Il .rI-J ir( t3.Pt\iS is''i'&'S-':t

"And the heavens and the eafth wept not for them, nor were they given a respite.'z 4. A life of ignorance: Disbeliefis ignorance.lt is ratherthe greatestignorance;because the disbelieveris ignorantof his Lord. He sees this universethat was createdby his Lord in the most wonderfulway, he sees in himselfthe greatnessof Allaah'sdeed and yet he is ignorantof the Creatorof this universeand the Constructorof his own self; is this not the greatestignorance? 5. A life of one who wrongs oneself: This is because;he subjectedhis own self to purposesother than that for which he was created.He does not worship his Lord but worshipothers.lnjusticeis to put a thing in a placeto which it does not belong;and whichtype of injusticeis greaterthan directingacts of worshipto those who do not deservethem. Luqmaanhas told of polytheism, the avvfulness his sonwhileexplaining

4;:D'+L',.tt:A;;i :-;fii

' M a r y a ml 9 : 8 8 - 9 3 . t A d - D r k h a a n4 4 : 2 9

t*'t '(#-Y

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

199

"O my son! Join not in worship others with Altah. Verity joining others in worship with All6h is a great Z0lm (wrong) indeed.,,1 It is also injusticefor the peopleand other creaturesaround him; becausehe does not acknowledgethe right of Him to Whom right is due. On the Day of Resurrection, eveiy man or animalhe has wrongedwill stand beforehim askingAllaahto avengefor him. 6. Exposing oneself to Allaah's wrath. He exposeshimselfto the calamitiesand afflictionsas immediate punishment for his disbelief. Allaahsays, .

t tt..ii

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: t

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tq.1 .,

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:'^

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i ,..",i i:i Ol grl';;iJl ljrfu r/-dl ;,1tjl F

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3:ti'&j'by *? ;* 4.r:g':,=J "Do then those who devise evil plots feel secure that All6h wilt not sink them into the earth, or that the torment will not seize them from directions they perceive not? Or that He may catch them in the midst of their going to and fro (in their jobs), so that there be no escape for them (from All6h'spunishment)?Or that He may catch them with gradual wasting (of their wealth and-health). Truly! your Lord is indeed full of Kindness,Mosf Merciful?'r' He also says,

'Luqmaan3l:13. t A n - N a h l1 6 : 4 5 - 4 7

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

200

"And a disasfer will not cease to strike those who disbelieved becauseof their (evil) deeds or if seff/es close their homes, until the Promiseof All6hcomes to pass. Certainly,All6h breaksnot His Promise."l He says in anotherverse,

oiu.ai S^ioiti Y { :DirJ 4 ,# u::('&+.U "Or did the people of the towns then feel secureagainst the coming of Our punishmentin the forenoonwhile they were playing?'' This is the fate of every man who turns away from Remembrance of past nationswho of Allaah.Allaahtells us of the punishments were disbelievers, , -. ' ;

,:1 '.

'1 . t.

i i ^>-.4)tr ' attetv,+1J+v

A;JL1i'i 3;a

'i-^

, .i. .1 -,

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l-p

t .. .

: 1 . ' .i ' . r ? a . -a-i-r.,,t-:j;t )Si F

vr'vs;i v -++i 3r'li -'..i*; :-l 'ei a.";":1-/L,-,?Ai\ie #i

"So We punishedeach (of them) for hls srns; of them were some on whom We sent Hasib(a violentwind with shower of sfones) (as the people of LIt (Lot)) and of them were some who were overtaken by As-Saihah (torment - awful cry. @s Thamld or ' A r - R a ' dI 3 : 3I . 2 A l - A ' r a a f7 : 9 8 .

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Conc Shu'albb people)) and of them were some whom We caused the earth to swallow (as Qdrln (Korah)) and of them were some whom We drowned (as the people of N?h (Noah), or Fir'aun (pharaoh) and his people). lt was not All6h Who wronged them, but they wrongedthemseIves."1 7. Failure and loss will be his lot: Becauseof his wrong, he looses the greatestthing with which the heartsand souls enjoy, which is knowingAllaah,meditating in Him and feetingtranquiltity with Him. He also loosesthe world,for he livesthere a wretched and confused life and he looses his own soul for which he amassesthe wealth of this world;for he subjectsit for a purpose differentfrom that which it was createdfor. He therebydoes not attainwith it happinessin thrsworld,for he makesit livedin misery and causedit to die in miseryand it shallbe raisedup amongthe miserable. Allaahsays, '.

'11' r.

lr,' Lj+q, . ily6 Ur rl*r:t"

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trlt

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{ :::) "And as for those whose scalewittbe light, they are those who witt lose their own selves (by entering Hell) becausethey denied and rejected Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, yerses, /essons, signs, revelations,etc.).'' He will also loosehis family,for he livedwith them on disbeliefrn Allaahand they will also be like him in miseryand hardshipand theirfate will be Fire.Allaahsavs.

I A l - A n k a b o o4t 0 : 9 . I A l - A ' r a a f7 : 9 .

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

202

"Ihe /osers are those will loose themselves and their families on the Day of Resurrection."l they will be led to Fire,and evil is it as On the Day of Resurrection, a restingplace.AllaahsaYs, t

t-i:

:..

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Uj'f&?'illt

I F

(,ef.rJ t'tu ;-)) '(lt witl be said to the angels): "Assemble those who did wrong, together with their companions (from the devils) and what they used to worship insteadof Alldh,and lead them on to the way of flamingFire (Hell).'8. A life of disbelief in Allaah and denial of His favours: Allaah created him from nothingand showered on him favours, how can he then worship,befriendand thank othersbesidesHim? Whichingratitudeis greaterand more heinousthan this? 9. Being deprived of a real and purposeful life: This is becausethe man who deserveslife is the one who believesin his Lord, knows his goal, recognizeshis fate and is certain of his He therebygives rightto whom it is due. He does not resurrection. suppresstruth nor harm a creature.He then livesthe life of happy peopleand attainsgood life in this wodd and the Hereafter.Allaah says, t/.

- (,'s

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,:l-i

,-:..; :,.. ,a-a.:,:J3Uy*i J"tit ht t a.=,"o3,=>

Jt'A\;

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- whethermaleor female- whilehe "Whoeverworksrighteousness (or she)is a truebeliever(of lsl6micMonotheism)verily,to him We ' Az-Zumar39:15,Shooraa42'.45 2 As-saaffaat37:22-23.

Islaam: Its Foundations And will give a good ljte (in this world with respect, contentment and lawfulprovision)."' And in the Hereafter,his rewardwill be, ,i.i

.. . . i.-; t ,-- t r. l- :i.i .,r.1 ,/ { ':!l i:F t jtsJI rll-', ,ti-pci} C + ;<:-.t y

"Pleasant^dwellings in Eden Paradise;that is indeed, the great '' success. Butwhoeverlivesin thisworldlikeanimals, suchdoesnot know hisLordor hisgoalandfate.Hisonlyaimis to eat,drinkandsleep. Whatthenis the difference betweenhimandotheranimals?He is evenin greatererrorthananimals. Allaahsays,

"And surely, We have created many of the jinn and mankind for Hell. They have heafts wherewith they understand not, and they have eyes wherewiththey see not, and they have ears wherewith they hear not (the truth). They are like c?ttle, nay even more astray; Those! They are the heedlessones,'' He also says,

' A n - N a htl6 : 9 7 . ' A s - s a f f 6'l1 2 . t Al-A'raaf7:179

Islsom: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

204

"Jr&.;i <r;;.i;-f e-J $3:\({t e il

Li : :,z7iy .

!. . i

4 -Il )t".- -l.;t

"Or do you think that most of them hear or understand?They aye only like cattle - nay, they are even further astray from the path."' 10. Living in an infinite torment:This is becausethe disbeliever moves from a tormentto another.He goes out of this world- after he has tasted all its agoniesand afflictions- to the Hereafter.In the firststageof the Hereafter,the angelsof deathcome upon him and beforethem come the angelsof tormentwho will give him his Allaahsays, deservedpunishment. , .,..-i..

{ 1,r;rt;

t. t -'4^t

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U-r$ Jr-r5l i.S; }t>

"And if you could see when the angels take away the souls of those who disbelieve (at death); they smite their faces and their backs.'2 Then his soul departsand when he is put in the grave , he meetsa greatertorment.Allaahsaysaboutthe Peopleof Pharaoh,

3y13t;

t1f >t a-ctAt1tt: 1V-t Qbi

l.9-'r-i, VJ" {t:**

)at b

''i"'i ( '!) '-'l't''J | -t ' t

The Fire, they are exposed to it, morning and afternoon.And on the Day when the Hour will be esfab/ished(it will be said to the

' Al-Furqaan 25:44. 2 A l - A n f a a l8 : 5 0 .

Islasm: Its Foundations And Concepts

20s

angels): "Cause Fir'aun's (Pharaoh)people to enter fhe seyeresf torment!"' On the Day of Resurrection, when the creaturesare raisedup and the deeds are exposedand the disbelieversees that Allaah has accuratelyenumeratedall his deeds in that book about which He says, rt-,'a '. :

rt' r'i'. ejt- u"4*

or*t

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ti'i

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ry k:-it

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\ "

"And the Book (one's Record) will be placed (in the right hand for a believer in the Oneness of All6h, and in the left hand for a disbelieverin the Onenessof Alldh),and you will see the Mujrimln (criminals, polytheists, sinners), fearful of that which is (recorded) therein. They will say: "Woe to us! What sort of Book is this that /eayes neither a small thing nor a big thing, but has recorded it with numbers!"2 Here,the disbeliever willwishto be dust.Allaahsays,

( :::)L; .-s cri lrri J*.ii6;:'it

t- i?i j'itry

"The Day when man will see that (the deeds)which his hands have sent forth, and the disbeliever will say: 'Woe to me! Would that t were dust.' 'u Becauseof the horrorof that Day, man will wish that he owns all that is in the earth,so that he can ransomhimselfwith it from the tormentof thatDay.Allaahsays, I Ghaafir40:46. t Al-Ka'f r8:49. t A n - N a b a7 8 : 4 0 .

Isluum: Its Foundations And Concepts

206 \-.iiJit

,!na,'iJ\iG-9*1'li Ct i#

().N.-oi-liy

"And those who did wrong (the polytheistsand disbelieversin the Onenessof AllAh),if they had all that is in earth and therewithas much again,they verily,wouldofferit to ransom."' Allaahalsosays, 4L i----...'

Lt.J-

')i :

.1. v.

:.. tCJ:-t)

"Ji

t - t1i a'--Jl \ J .

)$,

Wa"*"

( ii3)*::' a-r g-e'i â&#x201A;Źt *ii "The Mujrim, (criminal, sinner, disbeliever) would desire to ransom himselffrom the punishmentof that Day by his children, and his wife and his brother, and his kindred who sheltered him, and all that are in the earth,so that it might save him.'" For, that abode is that of recompenseand not of wishfulthinking. Man must therefore,get a rewardfor his deed, if it is good he gets good reward and if it is evil, he gets rewardedwith punishment. And the worst punishmentthat a disbelievermay meet on the Day is that of Fire in whichAllaahhas provideddifferent of Resurrection kinds of retributionfor its dwellers so that they can taste the tormentof theirdeeds.Allaahsays, .

t.ri'i..,1.?t

...

-fi'1 ..,.i ,,.t..r'"..1!. (, . -:I.' ,:t;;+ ! . .uui a. i*:b.. .!'.oyi)r t +F dl 19- -:*, F

' Az-Zumar39:41. r Al-Ma'aar7 i j 0 :I l - 1 4 .

207

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

'This is Hell which the Muirimln (polytheists,criminals, sinners) denied. They will go between it (Hell) and the fierce boiling water!."1 He alsoinformsus of the garmentsof the dwellersof Hell, -, '.='. 4t

.i1

t:;',i;;

t . r,'.' t rr.'-ti''ii.i tt t-l. g=:i) gf .t: :-p; )L Jt Qq e c--+; t,f-+

\ ,| *P b F

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fi :D:tv.tiCP 4L '",''i:'J-

"As for those who disbetieved,garments of fire will be cut out for them, boiling water witt be poured down over their heads. With it wilt mett (or vanish away) what is within their bellies,as wel/ as (their) skins. And for them are hooked rods of iron (to punish them).'"

' Ar-Rahmaan55:43-44 t Rt-Ha.2 12 . 1: t 9 - 2 1 .

208

Islaam:IttFour@

C o n cl u si o n O man! You were beforea non-existent. Allaahsays,

( :!l 6j, .t; )t J1 .,:'t*

ti 3;li e*,tii

"Doesnot man rememberthat We createdhim before whitehe was nothing?"1 Then He createdyou from a mixtureof male and femaledischarqe and madeyou hearing,seeing.Allaahsays, t

t.1.s,r.,

-a,-,.u

,-i1 2.,i l=., ofi d;-""^l)r[il-; bl ;;].tt.l.eS-u il r^*l' G-;9 dr*)i.p

... .i.-

J U^ I

111(*r(*:'^a8 -A nCf yb n t

"Has there not been over man a period of time, when he was nota thing worth mentioning? Verily, We have created man from Nutfah (drops) of mixed semen (sexualdischargeof man and woman),in order to try him: so We made him hearer and seer.,2 Then you moved graduallyfrom a state of weaknessto strenqth and you shall be returnedto a state of weaknessaqain. nttaln sdv5.

)7 b t;1{:i.#

I Maryan 19:67. t Al-lnsaa7 n7:l-2.

â&#x201A;Ź6 citij,ioy 4.:!)r-ai:,-Fii:, t^"c,gL"*s fu fi )1;b J+ l#;

Isluam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

209

"Altdhis He Who createdyou in (a state of) weakness,then gave you strength after weakness, then after strength gave (you) weakness and gray hair. He creates what He wills. And if is He Who is the Atl-Knowing, the AlFPowefful (i.e. Able to do all things)."1 Then the end is death and you, throughthese stages,move from weaknessto weakness;you cannotavertevil from yourselfnor can you bring about benefitfor yourselfexcept by using the strength and provisionthat Allaahgave you. You are, by nature,poor and needy.Manyare the thingsthat you need to keepyou alivewhich you do not possessor whichyou sometimeshaveand sometimes are deprivedof. Many are also those thingsthat are usefulto you and you wouldliketo haveand whichyou achievesometimesand do not achieveothertimes.Many are thingsthat harm you, ditch and your hope, waste your effortsand bring on you tribulations calamitywhichyou wouldlike to avert;and whichyou sometimes succeedin avertingand which you fail sometimesto avert.In view and yourneedto Allaah? of this,do you not feelyourhelplessness Allaahsays, b

,( :i::-r=*;ji.,:i;

ait {J Jlll};i l:i'o6i

4.ti * I

O mankind!it is you who standin need of Allah. But All6h is Rich (Freeof attneedi),Worthyof all praise.'2 You are exposedto a weak virus which you cannotsee with your nakedeyes,and that causesyou painfuldiseasewhichyou cannot preventand you then go to a weak human being like yourselfto treat you. Sometimes the medicineworks and sometimesthe doctorfailsto cure you and both you and your doctorthen become confused.

I -

A r - R o o r n3 0 : 5 4 . haatlr J): | ).

Islaam: Its Foundations And Conce O man! What a weak creatureyou are when the fly snatches somethingfrom you and you cannottake back from it! Allaahsavs the trLfthwhen He savs,

t q +qiJi'&s"ot, ,:nt;-Gi li 61',Iri&j v L2l-+.:,. (;=).:iLiii<s.af 'l+

"O mankind! A similitude has been coined, so /lsfen to it (carefulty): Verily those on whom you callbesrdes AllAh,cannot create (even) a fly, even though they combine together for the purpose. And if the fly snafches away a thing from them, they will have no power to release it from the fly. So weak are (both) the seeker and the sought."1 lf you cannot take back what the fly snatchesaway from you, which then of your affairsdo you have controlover? Your forelock is in the hand of Allaah,so is your soul. Our heart is betweentwo of His fingerswhich He turns round as He wills. Your life, death, happiness and miseryare all in His Hand. Your undertakings and sayingsare by the permissionof Allaahand His Will. You do not move exceptwith His permissionand you do not performany act exceptby His Will. lf He leavesyou to yourself, He leaves you to weakness,negligence,sin and misdeed;and if He leavesyou for others,He leavesyou with the one who cannot avail you of any benefit, harm, death, life or resurrection.you cannotdispenseof Allaahfor a twinkleof an eye. You ratherneed Him in every aspectas long as you live.You inviteHis wrath with sins and disbeliefthoughyou seriouslyneed Him in all aspects.

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Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

You forgot Him though,your return is to Him and it is in front of Him thatyou shallstand.' O man!As a resultof yourweaknessand your inabilityto shoulder the consequences of your sins, "A//aah rlrrishesto lighten (the burden) for you and man was created weak.'" He sent Messengers,revealed Books, ordained Laws, establishedthe Straight Path before you and established signs, proofs and evidencesand made in everythinga sign that shows His Oneness, But in spiteof all this, Lordshipand His solerightto be worshipped. you block the truth with falsehood,take Satan as a friend besides Allaahand arguewith falsehood.Allaahsays, t-..

t :!:'i.-

-,1..i

it.

.,i-rj-+t,i;)t

Sf-; )

"Man is ever more quarrelsome than anything'g Allaah's favours in which you move and enjoy have made you forgetyour beginningand end! Don'tyou rememberthat you were createdfrom a mixedsexualdischarge,that your returnwill be to a grave and that final destinationafter Resurrectionwill either be Paradiseor Fire?Allaahsays,

l'ri t;Ai cir

L.-^>r

, 19 '

'^Ji,'Jt . li '.^i 'o'; I: -"\ - -. ._' J tJ y y ; r '

' From Al-Fawaaidby lbn Al-Qayyirn 2 A l - N i s a a4 : 2 8 . t A l - K a h fl 8 : 5 4 .

212

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

"Does not man see that We have created him from Nutfah (mixed male and female sexualdischarge- semen drops) yet behold he (sfands forth) as an open opponent.And he puts forth for LJsa parable, and forgets his own creation. He says: "Who will give life to thesebones after they are rotted and have became dust?,,Say: (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) "He witt give tife to them Who created them for the first time! And He is the All-Knower of everv creation!"1 He alsosays,

1itpji

et"',a* c r';!i 4A.y {;.';4i;a

C2:r* Gi

"O man! What has made you careless about your Lord, the Most Generous? Who created you, fashionedyou perfecily, and gave you due proportion. ln whatever form He willed, He put you together.'' O man! Why are you denyingyourselfthe joy of standingbefore your Lord,meditating with Him, so that He can enrichyou out of poverty,heal you from your ailment,relieveyou of your sorrow, forgiveyour sins, remove your harm, help you when you are wronged,guide you when you are confusedor go astray,give you knowledge when you are ignorant, give you securitywhen you are frightened,show mercy to you when you are weak, drive away yourenemiesand providefor you yourlivelihood." O man!The greatestblessingthat Allaahendowedman with after that of the religionis the blessingof intelligence, so that he can distinguish with it betweenwhat benefitshim and what harmshim, I Yaa seen36:17-79. 2 M i f t a a hd a a r i s - s a ' a a dla, hp . 2 5 1 . r M i f t a a hd a a r i s - s a ' a a dla, hp . 2 5 1 .

213

Islaam: Its FoundutionsAnd Concepts

and prohibitions to understand the commandments of Allaahand in order to know by it, the greatestgoal which is to worship Allaah aloneWho has no partner.Allaahsays,

-i:s t:rI '.=;:'"t'e ;y;ai 6:: 6lt

-i,ir,* .

-"|,jJ(-!ur) .v. \- , -

L.t .. ,.t :,:,-2 zt { :I: uf.r+'ir 54 e.; rs15'^s-'}ztt

"And whatever of b/essrngsand good things you have, it is from All6h. Then, when harm touches you, unto Him you cry aloud for help. Then, when He has removed the harm from you, behold! Someof you associateothersin worshipwith their Lord (Allah)."' O you man! The wise person loves lofty matters and abhors debased ones. He loves to emulate every righteous and magnanimous amongthe Prophetsand pious peopleand yearns to join them even if he cannot reach their status.The only way to that is what Allaahdirectsus to when He says,

"lf you (really) love Allah then follow me (i.e. accept lsllmic Monotheism,follow the Qulan and the Sunnah),Allah will love you and forgiveyou your sins."' lf man can do this, Allaah w i l l make him join the rank of the Prophets,the Messengers,t h e Martyrs and righteous people. Allaahsays,

' A n - N a h ll 6 : 5 3 - 5 4 r A a l ' l r n r a a3 n: 3 1 .

214 . -ir1

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Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts ..

-i._ ,l.i

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drl

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r-l

. . 1 1. .

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.r_i.l: e4J:tr Jyjti

;r.i

( :l:6:; i))'ri #t'|vtX"Ji5 ]J$ir'ei4ii "And whoso obey All6h and the Messenger(Muhammad(peacebe upon him)) then they will be in the company of those on whom AIl6h has bestowed His Grace, of the Prophets, the Siddiqln (those followers of the Prophets who were first and foremost to believe in them, like Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him), the martyrs, and the righteous. And how excellent these companionsare!"' O you manl I advise you that you go into seclusionwith yourself and think deeplyof the truth that has come to you reflectover the proofs and evidences;if you find it to be truth hastento follow it and do not be a slave of customsand traditions.Know that your own soul is dearer to you than your friends, companionsand heritage of your fore-fathers. Allaah has admonished the with this and calledthem to it. He says, disbelievers

t-t

YZ ty

"l exhort you to one (thing) only: that you stand up for All6h's sake in pairs and singly, and reflect (within yourselves the life history of the Prophet (peace be upon him)) there is no madness in your companion (Muhammad (peace be^uponhim)) he is only a warner to you in face of a severe torment.'n O man!When you acceptlslaam,you standto losenothing.Allaah says, I A n - N i s a a4 : 4 6 . 'saba34:46.

215

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

a/ 1.-=\ | 6ll* 4

"And what /oss have they if they had believed in Allah and in the Last Day, and they spend out of what Allah has given them for sustenance?And Alldh is Ever All-Knowerof them."' lbn Katheer said, "What would have harmed them had they believed in Allaah, followed the praiseworthyway, believed in Allaah hopingfor His promisein the Hereafterfor him who did good deeds and spent out of what He has given them in ways which He loves and is pleasedwith? He knowstheir good and evil intentions;he knows who deservedsuccessamong them so that He might give him successand show him guidanceand appoint him for good deeds with which he is pleased.He also knowswho deservesdisgraceand expulsionfrom His DivineAffectionwhich whoever is expelledfrom the door of Allaah has failed and lost in thisworldand the Hereafter."2 Your lslaam does not stand betweenyou and anythingthat you want to do or to have among the things that Allaah has made lawfulfor you. Rather,you will be rewardedfor any good deed you do in which you seek the pleasureof Allaah even if that is in the rnterestof your worldly life or increasesyour wealth or portionor fame. As for the lawful things that you use, when you restrict yourselfto them and you abstainfrom unlawfulthings,you will be rewardedfor that. The Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peace be upon him, said, "There is an act of charity in satiatingyour of Allaah!Will said,"O Messenger sexualdesire."The companions anyone of us satiate his desire and still get rewardfor that?" He answered."Tell me. if he satiatesit in an unlawfulwav, will he be

' A n - N i s a a4 : 3 9 . r S e el b n K a t h e e rl . 4 9 7

216

Islsam: Its FoundotionsAnd Concepts

committinga sin by that? Likewise,if he satiatesit in the lawful way, he will have rewardfor that."' O manl The Messengershave broughtthe truth and conveyedthe will of Allaah,and man needsto knowthe Law of Allaahso as to live his lifewith sure knowledgeand to be amongthe successfulin the Hereafter.Allaahsavs.

\rls: 6g"-ii t';; \;tt E u: ,- :,L, J;')i f;

j . L>'

': , ,t,'i ,,t(-. , -19 *LjJ I L-LrJ- S , rv

' uA'ii : .2"t;-aiA C $.'iy

"O mankind! Verily, there has come to you the Messenger (Muhammad (peace be upon him)) with the truth from your Lord. So believe in him, it is better for you. But if you disbelieve, then certainlyto All6h belongs all that is in th^eheavens and the earth. And All6his EverAtl-Knowina. All-Wise.'" He alsosavs.

6).; ttp

': . -.--i d-u-6r JAr

-2., *,

{r,

t-',1 d'-rl

'&r;

i' 'r-Ai 4i U y

Say: "O you mankind! Now truth (i.e. the Qur'dn and Prophet Muhammad(peacebe upon him)) has come to you from your Lord. So whosoeverreceivesguidance,he does so for the good of his own self,and whosoevergoes astray, he does so fo his own /oss,

'Muslirn. I A n - N i s a4 a: 7 0 .

Islaom: Its Foundations And Concepts

217

and I am not (set) over you as a Wakil (disposerof affairsto oblige you for guidance)."' O manl lf you embracelslaam,you benefitnone but yourself,and you harm none but your own self.Allaahis in no if you disbelieve need of His slaves.Sin of the sinnersdoes not harm Him nor do acts of obedienceof the obedientones benefit Him. He is not disobeyedunlessby His knowledgeand He is not obeyed except with His permission.Allaahsays in what was reportedfrom Him by His Prophet,"O My Slaves! | have made injusticeforbiddenfor myselfand I have also made it forbiddenamongstyou, so do not wrong one another.O My slaves!You are all in error except him whom I guideso seek guidancefrom Me, I will guideyou. O May slaves!All of you are hungryexceptwhom I feed so seek food from Me, I will feed you. O My slaves!All of you are naked except him who I clothe;so seek clothingfrom Me, I will clotheyou! O My slaves!You commitsins by day and night,but I forgiveall sins.So seekforgiveness from Me, I witlforgiveyou.O My slaveslYou can never be able to harm Me; and you can never be able to benefit yourselves,let alonebenefitingMe. O My slaves!lf the firstand the lastof you,and all the jinn and mankindamongyou were to be as pious as the most pious one among you, that adds nothingto My Kingdom.O My slaves!lf the firstand the last amongyou, and all the jinn and mankindof you are to be as sinfulas the most sinful one amongstyou,that decreasesnothingfrom My Kingdom.O My slavesl lf the first of you and the last among you were to stand at one place and ask Me and I grant to each and everyone his request,that decreasesnothingfrom My Kingdomexceptlike what a thread reducesfrom the ocean when it is dipped inside it and then withdrawn.O My slaves! These are only your deeds that I enumerateaccuratelyfor you, and upon which I give you reward. So whoeverfinds good reward,let him thank Alliih, but whoever findsanythingelse,let him not blamebut himself."'

' Y o o n u sl 0 : 1 0 8 . I Reportedby Muslim

218

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

All praiseis due to Allaah,Lordof the worlds.Peaceand blessings be upon the noblestof all Prophetsand Messengers,our Prophet Muhammad.Peacealso be uponhis householdand companions

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

219

Table of contents

Translator's note...

. .. ... ..2

Author'spreface. Where is the way? Existenceof Allaah,His Lordship(overall creation),His Oneness and His being the only God worthy of worship. ....10 Creation o f t h eu n i v e r s e . . . . .

The underlingreason.

Creatingand honouringman

The positionof woman

W h yw a s m a nc r e a t e d ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.53

Man'sneedfor religion Criteriafor identifying the truereligion T y p e so f r e l i g i o n s

.62 . . .. . . . 7 2

Conditions of the existingreligr o n s . . .

The essenceof Proohethood.

Signsof Prophethood.

Mankind'sneedfor the Messenoers

220

Islaam: Its Foundutions And Concepts

T h e F i n a lR e t u r n . . Mission. Fundamentals of the Messenoers' T h e E v e r l a s t i nMge s s a g e ....... T h eS e a l o fP r o p h e t h o o d . . . . . M e a n i n go f t h ew o r d :l s l a a m .

. . .1 0 0

108 . .. . .11 3 .......123 .......126

Realityof disbelief

. . . ..130

S o u r c e so f l s l a a m .

.. 135

D e g r e e os f R e l i g i o n . -The FirstDegree. - T h eS e c o n dD e g r e e . - T h eT h i r dD e g r e e . S o m eo f t h e b e a u t i eos f l s l a a m - l t i s t h e o n l yr e l i g i o cnh o s e nb y A l l a a h -Comprehensiveness. -lt linksman to his Creator

..........149 ....149 ........156 ............178 . . . .. . .1 8 1 .....182 . . .. . .. 1 8 3 . . .1 8 3

- l t c a t e r sf o r t h e b e n e f i tos f t h i sw o r l da n d t h e H e r e a f t e. r. . . . . . . . . 1 8 4 -Easiness... -Justice.

....185 ........187

Islaom: Its Foundotions And Concepts

221

- E n j o i n i nagl lg o o da n df o r b i d d i nagl le v i l . . .

.......187

Repentance..

189

Repercussions of rejectinglslaam.. -Fearandlackofsecuritv... - D i f f i c u| li tf e . . . . . . -Lifein perpetual war withselfand the worldaround.. - A l i f eo f i g n o r a n c e . . . - A l i f eo f o n ew h o w r o n o sh i m s e .l f. . Exposingoneselfto Allaah'swrath...

. . . . .. 194 .

.......194 ........195 ...196

. . . . .. . .. . . 1 9 8 . . . .. . .. 1 9 8 199

-Failura e n d l o s s . ... - A l i f e o f d i s b e l i e fi n A l l a a h

-Beingdeprivedof a realand a purposeful life....

.. . .. . .. . . 2 0 2

202

-Livrngin an infinitetorment

208

Conclusion.

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