Islam and Muslims

AND MUSLIMS DISCOVERISLAM ISLAM SERIES ISSUE #1

ISLAM and MUSLIMS

DISCOVER ISLAM P.O. Box 10901, Manama, Kingdom Of Bahrain Phone: 17537373, fax: 17533244 info@discoverislam.net www.discoverislam.net

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

PREFACE There is variety of introductory literature on Islam already existing. In this booklet, however, an attempt is made to introduce Islam in the format of simple questions and answers in a conversational sequence for reaching out to lay persons of different backgrounds. It includes only some of the most important issues – those which deserve the attention of the curious non-Muslim mind. This is intended to serve as a backdrop for anyone who wants to go on to further literature on Islam and, insha Allah, would help establish a good foundation for understanding this universal faith and its followers.

May Allah reward Shaikh Esam Eshaq for going through the draft and suggesting necessary corrections. This publication is the first in a series of issuances from “Discover Islam”.

Nothing from us except with the help of Allah.

Syed R. Ali Bahrain, 1.1.92 This edition is an updated version of the booklet which was first published by Discover Islam over fifteen years ago. Dr. Linda Thayer had been kind enough to help us by editing it.

Syed R. Ali Bahrain, 6.6.2007

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

1.’ISLAM” and ‘MUSLIM’ DEFINITION & DESCRIPTION 1. What is your religion?

A. Islam.

2. Who is a Muslim?

A. One who is a follower of Islam.

3. Where do the names ‘ISLAM’ and ‘MUSLIM’ come from?

A. These are God-given names, found in the Qur’an – the Holy Book of Islam, believed to be the final revealed scripture from God. The only [true] way of life (or religion) in the sight of God is ISLAM. (Qur’an, Chapter 3, verse 19) ... It is He Who has named you MUSLIMS, both before and in this [Revelation]; ... (Qur’an, 22:78) 4. Can Islam also be called ‘Mohammedanism’, and termed ‘Mohammedans’?

Muslims be

A. No. These are inaccurate terms coined by non-Muslim Western scholars, on the model of Christ – Christian – Christianity. Muslims reject these terms, since they offend the very spirit of Islam. Muslims do not worship Muhammad (peace be upon him1) but regard him as a human being who was a Prophet and Messenger of God. Nor is Islam limited to the historical Muhammad (pbuh) alone, but goes much beyond, as it recognizes all other earlier prophets, messengers, or guides, raised up by God to guide mankind to the path of God.

1

Muslims express their respect and gratitude for all prophets by adding this comment after the mention of the name of every prophet.

1

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

5. Why are you a Muslim?

A. Because ISLAM is the original religion of God that appeared from the time man was created. Secondly, it is a natural way of life. To be MUSLIM means to be in harmony with nature. Thirdly, it is the only attitude on the part of man (religion) acceptable to God: If anyone desires a way of life (or religion) other than ISLAM, never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he shall be among the losers.

(3:85) O you who believe! Be conscious of God with all the consciousness that is due to Him, and die not except in a state of ISLAM (i.e. as a MUSLIM).

(3:102) 6. How can you say this?

A. This point will be clear if one understands the meaning of ‘ISLAM’ and ‘MUSLIM’.

7. Do the words ‘ISLAM’ and ‘MUSLIM’ have any meaning?

A. Yes. These Arabic language words are not mere identification labels, but carry some meanings. These are descriptive titles.

‘ISLAM’ means total submission or self-surrender to the will of the One True God. It has a further shade of meaning: peace, security, well-being, wholeness. In fact, these meanings are not separate, but are related to each other. Thus, ‘ISLAM’ is the attainment of deep personal and community fulfillment through a loving and total submission to God’s will.

‘MUSLIM’ means one who is in a state (condition) of submission to God’s will. Thus, we say that any person, anywhere in the world, at any time in history, whosoever submits to the will of the One True God, would be termed a MUSLIM. 8. What do you mean by ‘submission to the will of the One True God’?

A. It means: accepting the one and only True God, the Creator and Sustainer of all, as our Lord and Savior, worshiping none other than Him, and organizing one’s life in accordance with His will, since it is for Him alone to command and direct His creation and decree what is good and what is bad for them.

2

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

However, this submission is not in a negative sense; it is a loving, willing and conscious attitude which is indeed needed for one’s own good. It is not a lip service of devotion to an authority figure, but rather a “way of life” that reflects ‘submission’ in the thoughts and deeds of a person, manifested in the actual practical life.

9. What do you mean by ‘way of life’?

A. It refers to every activity in one’s life – morning to evening, birth to death, whether on day-to-day basis or on specific occasions, whether at an individual level or at a societal and community level. Thus, the Islamic concept of ‘religion’ as an ‘all-encompassing way of life’ accommodates a much wider meaning than the usual understanding of this word, since it is far more than the ritualistic and spiritualistic facets of life. Even ordinary worldly and non-ritual activities, if performed in the light of divine guidance, take on spiritual dimensions.

10. One meaning of ISLAM is “Peace”. What does this denote?

A. It denotes peace in a broad and comprehensive sense: peace of mind, peace at heart, peace with the Creator, peace with other humans, and in fact, with the entire creation. It refers to both an inward and an outward peace.

11. If ‘submission to the will of God’ is called ISLAM, then can that even other creatures are also ‘MUSLIMS’?

we say

A. Yes. This submission can be recognized at two levels: 1- One level is “compulsory” submission, where there is no question of freedom of choice. All creation (the sun, the moon, the ocean, plants, animals, etc.) submit to the laws devised by God – “the laws of nature”. So they are all ‘muslims’. A stone thrown up in the air, for example, cannot choose to remain up, or come down after a little more time. Even those persons who deny the existence of God submit to the laws set by God in the biological aspects (e.g., their heart-beats or blood pressure or any other biological system), have no choice but to go along with the laws set by God. So, at this level they are also ‘muslims’.

2- At the second level there is freedom in choosing to do, or not to do, in some aspects of life (like moral laws, obedience to the commands of God), which is enjoyed by human beings. If a person chooses to obey God’s laws in his/her daily life, it will be a “willing” or “conscious” or “voluntary” submission. With a natural alignment

3

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

between the ‘compulsory submission’ and the ‘submission by choice’, a person gets total harmony in this universe, and will be ‘at peace’. So, we could say that Islam is a ‘natural’ way of life, or it is the surest means to aligning oneself with the natural order that God has set up. The Qur’an says: Do they seek for other than the religion of God? – While all creatures in the heavens and on earth have, willingly or unwillingly, bowed to His will [in Islam], and to Him shall they all be brought back. (3:83) 12. Can we also say that children too are MUSLIMS? A. The Islamic concept is that every child, even born in a non-Muslim or atheist family, is a MUSLIM. Till he reaches the age of discretion (to be able to choose between the right and the wrong path) he is in a state of “compulsory submission”. So he is also a MUSLIM; if he dies, he will not be held accountable for his deeds and will go to paradise. As Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: The pen records not the deeds of three: of the child until he becomes a youth, of the unconscious until he awakes, and of the insane until he regains sanity.

13. Is it not true that every child is born with ‘original sin’, as most modern-day Christians believe?

A. No. Muslims believe that children are born without the taint of sin. They do not inherit sin, because sin is something that is acquired by an individual, as a consequence of his/her actions. We can say that even the Bible rejects this concept of 'original sin' as it is contrary to the teachings of Jesus (peace be upon him). To quote the Bible, for example: The person who sins shall die. A child shall not suffer for the inequity of a parent, nor a parent suffers for the inequity of a child; the righteousness of the righteous shall be his own, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be his own. (Ezekiel 18:20) But all shall die for their own sins ... (Jeremiah 31:30) Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3) But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs. (Matthew 19:14)

4

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

14. How about a non-Muslim who embraces Islam?

A. By embracing Islam, in fact, a person comes back to his/her original religion (hence is better referred to as a “revert” rather than a “convert” to Islam), and receives the greatest blessing of God. The All-Forgiving and Most-Merciful God forgives all the past sins and mistakes of such a person and he/she starts his/her life with a clean slate, as if born a new person. The Holy Qur’an says: Say to the unbelievers, if [now] they desist [from unbelief], their past would be forgiven. (8:38) Say: ‘O my servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the mercy of God; surely God forgives all sins; verily He is OftForgiving, Most Merciful. (39:53) According to a saying of the Prophet (pbuh): If a person embraces Islam sincerely, then God shall forgive all his past sins, and after that the reward of his good deeds will be ten times to seven hundred times, and an evil deed will be recorded as it is, unless God forgives it.

15. Will a new Muslim be inferior to a person born to Muslim parents?

A. No. On the contrary, a new Muslim could be better than many ‘born Muslims’. Islam teaches that no person is superior to any other person on the basis of birth, race, tribe, nationality, language, color, wealth or gender. The Holy Qur’an says: ... Verily, the most honored of you in the sight of God is the one who is most God-conscious ... (49:13) Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said in his historical farewell sermon: O people! Verily your Lord and Sustainer is One and your ancestor is one. All of you descend from Adam, and Adam was made of clay. There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab, nor for a non-Arab over an Arab, neither for a white person over a black, nor a black person over a white, except through God-consciousness. Indeed the noblest among you is the one who is most God-conscious.

5

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

2. ISLAM BEFORE MUHAMMAD (PBUH) 16. Who was Muhammad (pbuh)?

A. Muslims believe he was a prophet and messenger of God, the last and final in a long chain of Prophets, through whom God revealed His guidance to mankind. He was born around the year 570 C.E. into a noble family in the Arabian city of Makkah. At the age of 40, he was commissioned with his prophetic mission as he started receiving divine revelation through the medium of angel Gabriel, and the process continued for another 22 years, until he breathed his last in the year 632 C.E. Muhammad (pbuh) was a direct descendant of Prophet Abraham (pbuh) through his first son Ishmael (pbuh). Muhammad’s (pbuh) advent, in fact, can be seen as the fulfillment of a Biblical prophecy that God would bless Ishmael (pbuh): And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into great nation. (Genesis 17:20) Come, lift up the boy and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make a great nation of him. (Genesis 21:18) and an answer to Abraham’s (pbuh) prayer, as the Qur’an mentions: Our Lord! Raise up in their midst a Messenger from among them who shall convey unto them Your messages, and impart unto them revelation as well as wisdom, and cause them to grow in purity; for, verily, You alone are the Almighty, the Wise. (2:129) 17. Was there ISLAM before Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)?

A. Yes. ISLAM did exist before Muhammad (pbuh), although we cannot say the same thing with reference to other prophets/religious figures (e.g., no Christianity before Christ, no Buddhism before Buddha).

Though “Islam”, as commonly understood, refers to a historically recognized religion emerging from the time of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the 7th Century, the Qur’an uses the term ISLAM always in its functional sense, irrespective of time and place.

6

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

18. Wasn’t Islam founded or started by Muhammad (pbuh)?

A. No. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) never claimed that he brought to his people a new religion. On the contrary, the Qur’an emphasizes the continuity of the same original religion: The same religion He has established for you as that He enjoined on Noah – that which We have revealed to you (O Muhammad) – that which We enjoined on Abraham, and Moses, and Jesus, that you should remain steadfast in religion and make no divisions therein. (42:13) Say: ‘We believe in God, and that which has been revealed to us, and that which was revealed to Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob and the Tribes, and that which was given to Moses and Jesus, and to the Prophets from their Lord; we make no distinction between one and another of them, and to Him we submit [in Islam]’. (3:84) ) 19. Does this mean that ISLAM was the religion of all the Prophets of God? A. Yes, of course. We believe all the Prophets of God, as well as their followers, were MUSLIMS, because they recognized, accepted and submitted to the will of the One True God. The Holy Qur’an says: Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but a strict MUSLIM. (3:67) Noah addressed his people saying: ‘... I have been commanded to be one of those who submit to God’s will [in Islam].’ (10:72) The sons of Jacob replying to him said: ‘We shall worship your God and the God of your fathers – Abraham and Ishmael, and Isaac – the One God; to Him we bow [in Islam]’. (2:133) In English language usage, the word "Muslim" refers to a person belonging to a historically recognized religious community starting from the time of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), but in the Qur’anic usage, it is applied in an abstract sense. The Arabic language, by the way, does not have capital letters to make a distinction between “MUSLIM” and “Muslim”; the distinction made today, for reasons of convenience in historical book-keeping, is thus not a Qur'anic one.

20. Do you mean that the religion of Jesus (pbuh) was likewise ISLAM? A. Yes, we believe that his religion was no other than ISLAM. In fact, no

7

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

Muslim is a Muslim if he does not believe in Jesus Christ (pbuh).

Consider the following points: 1- The religion of Jesus (pbuh) was neither ‘Christianity’ nor ‘Judaism’.

He was a Jew by race, and was calling his fellow Jews back to the authentic religion of Abraham and Moses, but was not preaching what is today called Judaism.

He never claimed that he was preaching ‘Christianity’. In fact, the word “Christian” appeared for the first time decades after Jesus (pbuh) had left this world. The Bible states: ... And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (Acts 11:26).

As for the word “Christ”, it is an English derivative from the Greek word “Kristos”, meaning “the anointed one” (‘messiah’ in the Hebrew language). Jesus (pbuh) spoke neither English nor Greek; his language was Aramaic, a sister language to Arabic and to classical Hebrew.

2 - As Jesus (pbuh) submitted his will to the will of the One True God, by definition, he was a “MUSLIM”. In the Bible we find many references indicating that Jesus (pbuh) was teaching his followers ‘to believe in the One True God and to keep the commandments of God’, and ‘to do the will of God’. The single word (in the Arabic language) for this concept is “ISLAM”. Some examples of Jesus’ (pbuh) teachings from the Gospels: My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to complete His work. (John 4:34) I can do nothing on my own. As I hear I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek to do not my own will, but the will of Him who sent me. (John 5:30) And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the Only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (John 17:3) ... There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments. (Matthew 19:17) For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother. (Matthew 12:50) Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. (Matthew 5: 17, 18)

8

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

3 - Also, we find Jesus (pbuh) adhering to Islamic observances, such as: praying, fasting, greeting others, etc. Examples: a - He prostrated in prayer, as Muslims do.

And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, ...

(Matthew 26:39) b- He fasted for forty days. (See Matthew 4:2) c- He greeted people saying: “peace be unto you”, which means Assalam Alaikum in Arabic, as Muslims do. ... came Jesus and stood in the midst, and said unto them, Peace be unto you. (John 20:19) 21. What do Muslims believe regarding Jesus Christ (pbuh)?

A. Muslims believe that he was conceived ‘miraculously’, that is, without a human father, through the same power which brought Adam (pbuh) into being. We believe that, by God’s power, he performed miracles, including giving life to the dead and healing the blind and the lepers, by God’s power, as signs of his authenticity as a prophet and messenger sent

by God. We also believe in his second coming before the end of time.

We respect him and revere him as much as we do Abraham, Moses and Muhammad (pbut). We respect and revere his mother Mary (pbuh), and believe that she was chosen by God above the other women of all nations.

Muslims believe that Jesus (pbuh) was one of the foremost resolute Messengers of God. We feel that Jews and Christians have gone to extremes regarding the nature of Jesus (pbuh). Jews reject him as a representative of God and call him an impostor with illegitimate parentage. Christians, at the other extreme, raise him to the position of divinity. Muslims believe him to be neither impostor nor God incarnate.

The Muslim standpoint agrees in fact with the Bible. (See the following verses: Isaiah 43:10-11, 44:6, John 5:30, 7:16, Luke 13:33, Mark 10:18, Matthew 10:40-41, 12:50, 21:11, Acts 2:22).

22. What about the Muslim position regarding the Hindu Lords Rama and Krishna, and also regarding Gautama Buddha?

A. These persons could also be Prophets of God who were raised up in their respective parts of the world (India), since according to the Qur’an, God has sent Prophets and Messengers to every nation in the world throughout history. According to a saying of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) the number

9

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

of Prophets raised up in the world was around 124,000, but only 25 have been mentioned by name in the Qur’an, perhaps because these were familiar to the Arabian peoples who received the revelation.

To every people [was sent] a messenger. ‌(10:47) Of some messengers We have already mentioned unto you, of others We have not. ‌ (4:164) However, we face some problem concerning the accuracy of the written records available to us today about the life histories and teachings of these religious figures, since these documents were written down many generations after their time. Myths and stories about Rama, Krishna and Gautama Buddha, circulating among their followers now, bear no authenticity or authority from God, by Muslim standards of evidence.

This is understandable when we consider that in those ancient times writing materials were not developed or readily available, communication was primitive, and perfect preservation of the original material for a long time was very difficult. Even the languages had not been fully developed. The preaching was limited to oral preservation until much later. The purity or the originality of the teachings was thus partially lost, forgotten, or misunderstood, especially in the areas where human speculation comes into play (such as the concept of God, life after death, etc.). When we can notice similar problems at the time of Jesus (pbuh) who lived only 2000 years ago, no wonder there has been much more severe distortion in the original teachings and life accounts of the actual personalities of the earlier Prophets with little authentic historical record.

The same thing can also be said about other Prophets elsewhere, such as China, where a great civilization was thriving in the past. Confucius could also be a God-sent messenger in that part of the world.

23. If ISLAM is the oldest religion and all the Prophets were MUSLIMS, then why are there so many religions in the world?

A. The MUSLIMS believe in one God, one source of guidance and one basic message for all of mankind (that there is none worthy of worship except the One and Only God). Being the caring Creator and Sustainer of all mankind, God cannot be partial so as to choose one nation to the exclusion of all others for revealing His messages. He raised up prophets in every nation to guide each people to the path of truth and righteousness.

10

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

With the passage of time the followers of earlier prophets gradually started deviating from the original teachings. Ideologies and practices that were strange to the original teachings crept into the religion, unintentionally or deliberately, and the purity of belief in God was lost.

However, God kept sending prophets from time to time to remind them of the truth in order to bring them back to the right path. But none of these prophets claimed that they were starting a new religion. Some people (the truth-seekers) listened to them, corrected themselves and became MUSLIM, while others remained stuck in their false pride adhering to their innovated practices and traditions.

24. Then how do you explain the existence of religions with different names?

many

A. We can notice that the names of other religions are essentially identification titles.

1 - These names have no particular intrinsic significance or sanctity.

These were simply derived from the name of a person, (e.g., Buddhism was named after Buddha, Christianity after Christ); or from the name of a tribe (like Judaism after the tribe of Judah); or after the name of a place, (like Hinduism after Hind, referring to the land of India, a variation of Sindh, Indus in English). By contrast, the name “ISLAM” does not have any such attachments, but rather focuses on God, representing the central principle of God’s religion: submission to the will of God. In its 7th century historical sense 'Islam' (with a capital “I”) distinguishes the followers of Muhammad (pbuh) from the followers of other localized prophets.

2 - These names were not given by God, or by the prophets of God, or even by their followers; these were adopted by the people outside the faith (e.g., the name Christian was first employed by pagans and dissenting Jews in a derogatory manner), whereas the name “ISLAM” was given by God and recorded in its holy scripture.

3 - These names were adopted not during the lifetime of the respective Prophets, but appeared at a much later time: Buddha, for example, did not say that his religion. was Buddhism, or that he was the founder of Buddhism 25. How do Muslims regard other religions?

A. Muslims do not dismiss other major religions of the world, but consider them as stages or links and strands in one human story, one attitude of

11

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

faith in the One Creator. They do not regard them as religions (plural), but rather the same original religion of God (ISLAM) which later lost its purity in various forms, at various times and places, and took different names because of various historical factors.

Therefore, the Islam that appeared in its last and final phase with the advent of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), should not be seen as competing with any of these so called religions, but rather Muslims view Islam in its corrective role, as the true and purified form of all these religions, representing the uncorrupted ISLAM. 26. If Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was sent for all the people of the world, shouldn’t his coming have been prophesied in earlier Scriptures?

A. Yes. Though the earlier Scriptures are not preserved in their original form and have undergone changes with the passage of time, still we find recognizable glimpses of such prophecies pointing to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Examples: 1 - In Jewish & Christian Scriptures: There are references both in the Old Testament and the New Testament: Deuteronomy 18:18, Genesis 21:13,18, Isaiah 42:1-13, John 16:7-14, John 14:16 2 - In Hindu Scriptures: The Prophet is mentioned as “Mahamad” in Bhavishya Puran (Prati Sarg Parv III:3,3,5-8), and as “Narashansaha” in Atharva Veda (20th chapter, Kuntap Sukt), which literally means ‘the praised one’ in English, equivalent in meaning to the Arabic name “Muhammad”.

3 - In Buddhist Scriptures: The Prophet is mentioned as “Maitreya” or “Mettaya” (Miroku in Japanese, Mei-ta-li-ye in Chinese, Mahitreja in Tibetan) which means ‘Mercy-unto-all’, as the Qur’an calls the Prophet (pbuh) (Qur’an 21:107).

4 - In Zoroastrian (Parsi) Scriptures: The Prophet to come is mentioned as “Soeshyant” (the Mercy-unto-all) and “Astvat-ereta” in Zend Avesta and also in Dasatir, epistle of Sasan I, 55-61. (See ‘Muhammad in Parsi, Hindoo and Buddhist Scriptures’ by A. H. Vidyarthi & U. Ali, published by Islamic Book Service, New Delhi, India.)

Prophecies about the advent of Muhammad (pbuh) in earlier Scriptures world-wide indicate that:

12

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

a - The source of all the revealed religions is the same, or in other words, the religion of all the earlier Prophets was the same (‘ISLAM’). b - The awaited Prophet, i.e. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), is the universal Prophet. All people now are called upon to examine his history and to follow his teachings.

27. Was the type of ‘ISLAM’ of the earlier Prophets the same as that of the present day?

A. Basically and essentially, ISLAM has been the same throughout the history of mankind. The fundamental teachings, i.e., belief in one God, adherence to a life of piety, goodness and peace, belief in life after death and ultimate reward or punishment, were the same. However, since all the Prophets earlier than Muhammad (pbuh) were sent locally to warn and teach their own people and not for the whole world, the legal codes varied according to the needs and the stage of development of the society and civilization.

These differences, however, were relatively minor and superficial, while the fundamentals were the same all through. ISLAM as preached by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is in its final, uncorrupted and incorruptible, complete and comprehensive form; it is for all the people of the world and for all times to come. No wonder, its basic source of teachings – the Qur’an – is preserved intact in its exact original form and in its original language, which is not the case with any other previous Scripture.

3. MUSLIMS AND ISLAM TODAY 28. Is it not correct that Islam is an Arab religion and all Arabs are Muslims?

A. No. Islam is neither an Arab religion, nor are all Arabs Muslims. There are Arabs who are Christians, and there are Jews. Arabs constitute 1518% of the total Muslim population in the world.

However, it is true that the Islam brought through Muhammad (pbuh) historically came first in the social-economic-political context of Arabicspeaking Arabia to Arabs, the descendants of Abraham’s first-born son, Ishmael (pbut). In the Arabian world was a memory of the stories of Prophet Abraham (pbuh), and the remnants of traditions associated with him.

13

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

29. If Islam is a universal religion, then do we find Muslims all over the world?

A. Yes. Around 1.3 billion people from a vast range of races, ethnic groups, nationalities, and cultures are Muslims (i.e., more than a fifth of the world population). Muslim majority populations are found in about 50 countries worldwide, while as minority communities they are spread over nearly every continent.

30. Which country has the largest Muslim population?

A. Indonesia, with over 200 million Muslims. Pakistan is second with about 150 million.

31. Are there Muslims in the former USSR and Communist China?

A. Yes. The Muslim population in the former Soviet Union (Commonwealth of Independent States) is 20%. Six states of the CIS have a Muslim majority.

Islam had reached China as early as the 7th Century. The number of Muslims in China today is debatable. The estimates range between 20 and 100 million.

32. Is there any European country with a majority Muslims population?

A. Yes. Turkey (98%) and Albania (70%). Bosnia and Herzegovina is home for a large population of Muslims (about half of the total population).

33. What about the U.S.A.?

A. Muslims in the USA are less than 5% but it is the fastest growing religion there.

34. Did Muslims ever contribute to the development of human civilization?

A. Yes, quite a lot. During the medieval times Muslims were the leaders of the intellectual world. Their contributions to the scientific, cultural and spiritual progress of humanity were unparalleled, at a time when Europe was still in her dark ages. Arab civilization in Spain represented the highest culture in Europe from the 10th to the 13th century.

Muslims made a two-fold contribution to knowledge: they preserved the knowledge and learning of the ancient world through translation of important books into Arabic, and they also made their own pioneering contributions. In a number of cases, only the Arabic translation of the

14

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

ancient books survived. Their achievements in medieval times are now recognized as a bridge between the civilizations of antiquity and those of the present day.

They contributed in diverse fields: astronomy, geography, mathematics, medicine & surgery, the physical sciences, philosophy, history, political science, art, literature, etc. Baghdad (Iraq), Cairo (Egypt), Cordova (Spain) and Samarqand (Azerbaijan) were the centers of scientific research and produced many renowned personalities in their fields. The universities in Muslim lands were the greatest centers of learning, and those in Spain particularly, were attended by scholars from Europe.

Muslims were the first to manufacture paper in its modern form (794 C.E., the first paper mill in Baghdad), glass from stone (Spain) and soap. The telescope, astrolabe, pendulum, marine compass, photography, etc., were invented by Muslim scientists.

35. Can you give examples of Muslim contributors?

A. A handful of brief examples illustrating the famous Muslim contributors: – Ibn Sina, known to the West as Avicenna, (980–1037 C.E., Christian Era or Common Era). He was a multidimensional personality with varied interests, ranging from natural sciences to art. He wrote on diverse fields like philosophy, medicine, geometry, astronomy, theology, philology and art. His famous works include: “Kitab al Shifa” (Book of Healing) and “Qanun fil Tibb” (The Canon of Medicine), a medical encyclopedia which was for over 500 years a standard medical text at many European universities –

Al-Razi, known to the West as Rhazes, (865–925 C.E.), was a great physician, philosopher, and scholar, who made remarkable contributions to the fields of medicine, alchemy, and philosophy. His classic work “Al Hawi” (The Large Comprehensive) is a medical encyclopedia of nine volumes. He was the first physician to write a book on pediatrics. He also wrote “Kitab ul Asrar” (The Book of Secrets), a classic of Chemistry. He is credited with the discovery of alcohol.

-

Al-Khwarizmi, known to the West as Algorizm (Algorithm), (780– 850 C.E.), a celebrated mathematician, remembered as the “Father of Algebra”, combined the Greek and Indian traditions of mathematics and introduced the Arabic numerals to Europe. His book “Hisab al Jabr wal Muqabla” (Calculation by Completion and Balancing) is an outstanding work on algebra. He was a celebrated geographer as

15

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

well. His work on geography: “Surat ul Ard” (The Shape/Image of the Earth) was an advancement of Ptolemy’s work. He was responsible for the production of the first map of the world (830 C.E.).

–

Ibn al-Haytham, known to the West as Alhazen, (965–1039 C.E.), was a mathematician, astronomer, and physicist who revolutionized the science of light. He was the forerunner of the modern science of optics. His book “Kitab al-Manazir” (The Book of Optics) was translated into Latin in the Middle Ages. He wrote 62 treatises on different subjects. The Alhazen crater on the Moon was named after him.

–

Jabir Ibn Hayyan, known to the West as Geber, (721–815 C.E.), was the “Father of Chemistry”, who was credited with the discovery of several chemical compounds and wrote about a hundred books on chemistry and pharmacology. Until the 18th Century his treatises were most influential in Europe and Asia.

–

Al-Baytar, (1197–1248 C.E.), was the greatest botanist and pharmacist of Spain. His books on pharmacology “The Complete Book of Simple Drugs” and “The Ultimate in Materia Medica” are regarded as landmarks in the development of pharmacology.

–

Al Jahiz, (776–868 C.E.) wrote the most famous book on zoology “Kitab al Haywan” (The Book of Animals), and was the first scientist to note changes in birds’ lives through migration.

-

Al Kindi, known to the West as Alkindus, (801–873 C.E.), wrote 265 treatises on subjects like physics, arithmetic, astronomy, medicine, pharmacy, philosophy, comparative religion and politics.

-

Ibn Rushd, known to the West as Averroes, (1126–1198), wrote at least 67 original works, which included 28 works on philosophy, 20 on medicine, 8 on law, 5 on theology, and 4on grammar, in addition to his commentaries on most of Aristotle's works and his commentary on Plato’s “The Republic”. According to Phillip K. Hitti: `Ibn Rushd belonged more to Christian Europe than to Muslim Asia or Africa. To the West, he became the commentator as Aristotle was `The Teacher'.... his writings became prescribed studies in the University of Paris and other institutions of higher learning. With all its excellence and other misconceptions collected under its name, the intellectual movement initiated by Ibn Rushd continued to be a living

16

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

factor in European thought until the birth of modern experimental science'. The asteroid "8318 Averroes" was named in his honor.

–

Al Jazari, (1136-1206 C.E.) He was an important scholar, inventor, and mechanical engineer of his time. His book “The Book of Knowledge and Mechanical Contrivances” became a standard work on mechanics.

–

Ibn Khaldun (1332–1406 C.E.), is regarded as a forefather of demography, historiography, philosophy of history, and sociology, and is viewed as one of the forerunners of modern economics. His monumental work in seven huge volumes entitled “The Book of Examples and Collections from Early and Later Information Concerning the Days of Arabs, Non-Arabs and Berbers” is a reference work concerning the rise and decline of civilizations.

–

Ibn Battuta (1304–1369) was a famous traveler and explorer from Morocco, who started his travels at the age of 20, set out for pilgrimage to Makkah and began a journey of three decades and 75,000 miles, covering North Africa, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, the Nile, the Red Sea, the Crimea, Constantinople, Afghanistan, India and China.

36. Can you give examples of the influence of the Arabic language on English?

A. In the process of transmission of learning through translations, numerous Arabic words were introduced into the vocabulary of Europe. Commonly known examples: Alchemy, alcohol, admiral, alembic, algebra, alkaline, arsenal, azimuth, borax, caliber, camphor, candy, check, cipher, coffee, cotton, elixir, gazelle, giraffe, henna, magazine, nadir, ream, syrup, tariff, zenith, zero

4. SOME MISTAKEN NOTIONS 37. Why is Islam so little known and so grossly misunderstood in the world, especially in the West?

A. There are many reasons for this. The main reasons are: 1 - Many people assume the innate superiority and rightness of their own way of life such that they do not consider it necessary or important to be accurately informed about others’ view points and

17

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

way of life. They simply keep following what their parents and their society have taught them.

2 - Many people judge any religious system in terms of their own ethnocentric concepts and values, or in terms of the concepts of Western civilization, which often do not fit with or apply to Islam.

3 - Historically, Muslims and Christians confronted each other during the Inquisition, the Crusades and afterwards. The propaganda against Islam, its beliefs and way of life, was common during times of conflict, and this continued after many Muslim countries were colonized by the Western super-powers. This biased attitude has persisted in the Western world.

4 - The behavior of the people, who call themselves Muslims but do not practice the faith, is largely responsible for a confused and distorted picture of Islam. Some Muslims profess this faith but do not live by it, doing everything which it does not permit and doing nothing which it requires.

5 - Quite often the media unfairly projects the wrong doings of some Muslims selectively or blown out of proportion. (For example, when someone commits a crime, the individual’s religion is not mentioned, but when a person with a Muslim name does it, for whatever reason, the media is inclined to mention the religion.)

6 - Many people are misled about Islamic history, teaching and modernday movements because they base their understanding 38. Then how can Islam be properly understood in the non-Muslim world?

A. a - On the part of non-Muslims: 1 - They should be open-minded, fair and objective in approaching Islam. They should clear their minds of any preconceptions they may have had about Islam.

2 - They should look into the direct, authentic and basic sources of knowledge about Islam. (The sources are: The Qur’an and the Traditions of the Prophet, called hadith.)

3 - They should not rely on the indirect and unauthentic sources of information, particularly the news & views media, howsoever neutral and unbiased these may present themselves.

18

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

4 - They should not base their judgment on the behavior of a few, media-selected Muslims but try to understand that Muslims are also human beings, and are liable to commit mistakes for various personal reasons, especially youth when confronted with a secular, permissive society. b - On the part of Muslims: 1 -It is necessary for them to abide by the teachings of Islam and present themselves as an example of good practicing Muslims.

Nothing can be more effective than setting an example.

2- They should be more interactive with non-Muslims socially and educationally, and communicate with them wisely and graciously to inform and explain about their faith and its relevance to mankind.

39. If it is claimed that Islam is a peaceful religion, then how is it that we find bad examples among Muslims in the news?

A. This is unfortunate. But this is the case in all societies throughout the world, where we also find similar bad examples. It has something to do with the nature/behavior of the people itself – their human weakness, rather than with the religion. Muslims are also human beings, not supernaturals. They too are prone to committing mistakes and to going the wrong way, falling prey to devilish temptations.

The bad behavior found among Muslims is mainly due to a lack of proper Islamic knowledge, the influence of the materialistic societies, and weak faith in their hearts. Their bad conduct is in spite of Islam, and not because of Islam. Therefore, it is not correct to judge Islam by the behavior of Muslims, but rather, Muslims should be judged by the values of Islam.

40. Does Islam advocate freedom of faith?

A. Islam guarantees peaceful freedom of faith and forbids compulsion in religion, since the truth has its own inherent strength. To quote the Holy Qur’an: There is no compulsion in religion; Truth stands out clear from error; whoever rejects evil and believes in God has grasped the most trustworthy handhold, that never breaks; And God hears and knows all things. (2:256) And say: ‘the truth [has now come] from your Lord’; let, then, him who wills believe in it, and let him who wills, reject it ... (18:29)

19

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

Had your Lord so willed, all the people on earth would have believed.

Would you then compel people against their will to believe? (10:99) Not only does Islam forbid employing force in the propagation of Islam, but it also commands the use of the most peaceful methods: Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious; for your Lord knows best who have strayed from His path and who receive guidance.

(16: 125) Revile not those whom they invoke beside God, lest they, in their hostility and ignorance, revile God. (6:108) 41. But it is generally believed in the West that Islam spread by the sword. How far is this correct?

A. This is a gross misinterpretation of historical conditions and events.

Neither community nor personal faith can be forced at the point of sword.

For a religious system to take root, the interplay of cultural factors of a people must bring them to the point of submission to divine law. If faith does not emerge from deep conviction, from within, it is not acceptable to God, nor does it help the community or person who accepts this faith. It is true, however, that Muslim rulers responded to the military systems and political powers of their time and place in ways deemed appropriate and necessary to bring about an atmosphere of social stability and peace, a situation where Islam could be freely practiced and, on the other hand, other people were free to hold to their old religions, if they so chose, but to coexist under the same political governance.

If it were true that Islamic religion spread at the point of sword, then: 1 - Why were there no mass desertions from Islam after the removal of force, if force had been the reason for the spread of Islam?

2 - How is that the Far East countries, like Indonesia and Malaysia, have embraced Islam en masse?

3 - How is it that Islam is still growing all over the world, and is the fastest growing religion in the U.S.A.? Where is the sword?

4 - How is it that there are a good number of non-Muslims still enjoying their religious freedom even after centuries of Muslim rule in their countries?

20

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

5 - How is it that the non-Muslim barbaric Mongols embraced Islam after conquering the Muslim lands? (It is a unique and remarkable event in world history that the conquerors have adopted the faith of the conquered ones 42. What is the Islamic position concerning “fundamentalism” terrorism?

and

A. The word ‘fundamentalism’ is generally used in a loose, ill-defined sense. § When the term ‘fundamentalism’ is used referring to fanaticism and terrorism, then it is totally opposed to the Islamic principles and teachings; terrorism and Islam are poles apart. Violent behavior such as hijacking planes, exploding bombs, harassing and killing innocent persons, has nothing to do with Islam. Islam is a religion of peace with justice, of tolerance, and of law and order. § One may understand that such violence is, in reality, a reaction on the part a section of society, in response to their oppressive sufferings or to the denial of their demands. Therefore, these acts of violence have to be viewed in their respective local circumstances, and in the economic, political and historic context. It is not fair to blame Islam for this. § Terrorism is found at various levels the world over, but unfortunately, when Muslims are involved, the media is often identifying it as Islamic fundamentalism, while they do not use the words ‘Zionist fundamentalism’ or ‘Catholic fundamentalism’ or ‘Protestant fundamentalism’ when Jews or Christians are involved in similar acts. § If the word is used in the sense similar to that in Christianity, which implies the Bible to be entirely the word of God, maintaining interpretation of the traditional beliefs of Christian religion as opposed to more modern teachings, then it can be said that every Muslim is a ‘fundamentalist’. This is because a Muslim believes, for unambiguous logical and historical reasons, that the Qur’an in his hand is the very word of God, asoriginally revealed in its entirety and completeness; it is the source of guidance in all aspects of his life; and it provides him with peace and fulfillment in this life, and with the key to salvation in the Hereafter.

43. What about “jihad” and ‘holy war’?

A. Jihad is another misunderstood and misinterpreted term. Generally people take ‘jihad’ to mean religious intolerance or terrorism, with the

21

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

end of waging a ‘holy war’ against non-Muslims. § Jihad is certainly not ‘holy war’. In fact, the word ‘holy-war’ (harbmuqaddasah in the Arabic language) does not occur either in the Qur’an or in the Prophet’s traditions – the basic sources of Islamic teachings. War is never called “holy” even when fought defensively in the face of aggression or oppression. The ‘holy war’ perception is foreign to Islam. Rather, it comes from a concept first used to justify the Crusades by the Christian Church during the middle Ages. § As for religious intolerance, this is totally against the teachings of Islam. Islam protects the freedom of faith and worship for the followers of other religions (as explained earlier) and upholds the sanctity of all human life: If anyone slays a human being – unless it be [in punishment] for murder or for spreading corruption on earth – it shall be as though he had slain all mankind; whereas, if anyone saves a life, it shall be as though he had saved the lives of all mankind. (5:32) …And take not life, which God has declared to be sacred, except by way of justice and law: this has He enjoined upon you, so that you might use your reason. (6:151) The meaning of the Arabic word jihad is “to strive, to struggle, or to exert (oneself)”. The primary jihad, as the Prophet (pbuh) explained it, is at the level of one’s own inner ‘self’, meaning the struggle against one’s own evil intentions and inclinations, and with a view to self- purification. At another level, it is a struggle in the community or society to remove evil, indecency and oppression, but this is to be done by using wisdom and means that are just and fair.

There is yet another level of struggle within a wider scope wherein force is allowed, but to be waged only under certain conditions and restrictions, observing Islamic ethical norms.

And fight in God’s cause with those who fight against you, but do not commit aggression, for verily, God does not love aggressors. (2:190) If anyone of the [combatant] pagans seeks your protection, grant it to him so that he may hear the word of God, and then escort him to where he can be secure: that is because they are men without knowledge.

(9:6) This military jihad is aimed at establishing or restoring justice and

22

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

peace in society, and is not to be intended for material or political gains, nor is it properly motivated when carried out with ethnic or nationalistic prejudices. Jihad at this level would actually be a fight against terrorism, not a fight using terrorism. § To defend oneself against an evil or against oppression is, after all, a basic human right; likewise every nation in the world has the right to safeguard itself against oppressive powers.

44. How about the matter of four wives – the question that is commonly associated with Islam?

A. To have more than one wife was not invented or introduced by Islam. It has been, and still is, a nearly universal practice among the ethnic groups of mankind. Even in countries which are proponents of a “one-wife” theory, the practice of a man having extra-marital relations with more than one woman (a ‘girlfriend’ or ‘mistress’) does exist unofficially even if it is not called polygamy.

The misunderstanding on this issue develops if the marriage to more than one wife is somehow considered as a religious requirement or involves a licentious and irresponsible behavior towards a woman. The fact is that Islam has permitted polygamy as an optimal solution to certain social or individual problems, allowing a certain latitude to human nature but only within a strictly defined framework of the law.

We find in the Bible that a number of prophets are known to have had more than one wife, and that no prophet has prohibited this practice. We do not find that Jesus (pbuh) himself ever uttered a single word against polygamy, although he did respond to several questions concerning marriage and divorce.

The Islamic viewpoint, in brief, is as follows: 1 - In Islam, marriage is not a business deal negotiated by two parties. It is something solemn and sacred. It is a contract to which God Himself is the first witness or the first party, and it is concluded in His name, in obedience to Him, and in accordance with His commands. Its major elements are chastity, social integrity, human stability, spiritual elevation, love, peace and mercy. The Qur’an states: ... He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you

23

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between you (or your hearts); verily in that are signs for those who reflect. (30:21) 2 - For a man to marry more than one woman is not an injunction or a requirement; it is a “permission” or a “concession” which is given with certain ‘conditions’ to be fulfilled by a man who is willing to marry more than one woman, such as dealing justly with all of them in providing food, housing, clothing, kind treatment, etc. It is not an open-ended permission; it puts restrictions on the number of women to be taken in marriage – up to four, as well as on the overall situation. In fact, Islam is the only religion that has put such restrictions on plurality in marriage, while asking to marry only one. ... Marry women of your choice, two or three or four, but if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly [with them] then only one, (4:3) 3 - This permission is given for a man to “marry”, and not to “buy” or “seduce”. Nor is it a license given for lewdness and lust. ... Provided you seek [them in marriage] with gifts from your property – desiring chastity, not lust ... (4:24) 4 - Willingness on the part of the woman is an essential requirement for the marriage to be lawful. No one can force a woman to marry a married man, or any other man, for that matter.

5 - Islam is the religion for all people and for all times. So, it has to be flexible enough to suit all situations in human life, in all places; it has to offer solutions to all human problems. Thus, when women outnumber men in a society (e.g., as a result of war or natural disasters), or when a woman is not capable of bearing children, so as to continue a man’s genealogical line, or when a widowed or divorced woman needs protection for herself and for her young children, etc., a man’s taking her as an additional wife would be a humanitarian gesture and a good solution for all concerned.

Then she can enjoy full social status and respect rather than becoming a victim of unhealthy and immoral circumstances or of loneliness.

6 - Islam is a practical and a balanced religion. It recognizes male’s

24

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

polygamous tendency, and instead of going against it, it rather moulds it in such a fashion that is not harmful to himself or to the society. On the one hand, Islam allows him to have more than one wife, making him responsible for his conduct towards each one, and on the other hand it prescribes severe punishment for extra-marital relations.

5. THE ISLAMIC BELIEFS AND PRACTICES 45. Is ‘Allah’ the God of Muslims?

A. There is nothing like a “God of Muslims”. Rather, God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, is the same for all, whether one is a Jew, a Christian, a Hindu, or anything else. It is the people who have come to conceive of God differently, who have given differing names to Him, and have got into dividing themselves into differing faiths and religions. The Muslims’ concept of God is based upon what God Himself has revealed to mankind, according to the Islamic primary sources.

‘Allah’ is simply the Arabic language personal name of God. Muslims prefer to use this word because it preserves the pure monotheistic concept of God, with no linguistic variation lending to plurality or feminine gender, as is the case with the word God (–gods, goddess). Nor does ‘Allah’ refer to Muhammad (pbuh), as some people have suggested.

Even the Arab Christians and Jews use the word ‘Allah’ for God in their Bible in Arabic language translation.

46. What is the core belief in Islam?

A. The bedrock of the Islamic faith is the belief in the singularly One and utterly Unique God, incomparable, transcendent, eternal, and absolute, who does not share His divinity and powers with anyone/anything.

Consequently there is nothing divine or worthy of being worshipped except God. He is God, the One and Only. God, the Eternal Absolute, the Independent, the eternally besought of all. He begets not, nor is He begotten. And there is nothing that could be compared with Him. (112:1-4) There is nothing like unto Him. (42:11)

25

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

Your God is the one God; there is no god except Him, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. (2:163) Utterly remote is God, in His limitless glory, from anything to which men may ascribe a share in His divinity! (59:23) O mankind! Worship your Guardian-Lord, who has created you and those before you, so that you might remain conscious of Him. (2:21) The ‘Oneness’ of God is in fact a dynamic belief that entails, as a corollary, belief in an underlying unity of mankind, and thus implies keeping His commandments in all the dealings in one’s life in regard to fellow humans, other creatures, environment, and even to one’s own self.

47. What are the other fundamental articles of faith?

A. Apart from the belief in God, i.e., belief in His existence, in His unique attributes, and in His exclusive rights (including His right to be worshipped, to be respected and loved, and to be attentively listened to and obeyed), the other fundamental articles of faith in Islam include the following, as mentioned in the Qur’an and the Prophetic Traditions: 1. Belief in all the prophets and messengers of God who conveyed the divine message of guidance to mankind, including those who are not mentioned by name in the Qur’an or the Bible. Only 25 of them are mentioned in the Qur’an, such as, Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jacob (Israel), Moses, David, Jesus, and finally Muhammad (peace be upon them all).

2. Belief in the Scriptures revealed by God (the Quran, the Gospel, the Torah, and others before) for the purpose of guiding mankind to righteous living.

However, since the previous Scriptures were not recorded and preserved during the life time of the respective prophets/messengers, and the ancient manuscripts available now are generally not in the original languages, their authenticity in certain respects is open to doubt. The role of the Qur’an – the last and final Scripture in the series – is therefore to present a corrected, complete and final message of truth to all mankind and for all times. Accordingly, it has been preserved intact both in memorization and in writing; there is overwhelming evidence to establish the authenticity of the present-day Qur’anic text as the original document given to Muhammad (pbuh).

26

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

3. Belief in God’s angels (including Gabriel, Michael, and others).

Belief in human accountability before God, including concepts of life after death, the Day of Judgment, Heaven & Hell.

4. Belief in the divine decree, that is, the final authority of God in determining what will, and what has to, come about.

48. Are there any obligatory practices in Islam?

A. Islam is a religion of both ‘faith’ and ‘action’. Thus, in a Muslim’s life, faith is reflected in his behavioral actions and devotional practices. The following practices, as obligatory acts of worship, are basic to the Islamic teachings and way of life. These building blocks of Islamic spirituality are known as the ‘pillars of Islam’: 1. The profession of faith: The simple confession, with conviction, that “there is none worthy of worship except God, and Muhammad is [a further and the final] Messenger of God”.

2.

Prayers (Salat): The performance of the five daily ritual prayers, each one taking. about 5-10 minutes. They engage body, mind and soul, and preferably they are offered in congregation whenever possible. Regular prayers help one to establish and maintain a direct link with God, serving as a means of purifying the intents of the heart and removing the taint of past wrongs.

Charity (Zakat): An annual charitable payment amounting to a minimum of 2.5% of one’s net yearly savings, to be distributed among the poor or other rightful beneficiaries. The word zakat means purification and growth, implying that one's wealth is not sufficiently pure for one's own use until it has been shared with those less fortunate.

3.

Fasting (Saum): Abstaining completely from eating, drinking, and other sensual pleasures, as well as avoiding wrong behavior of any sort, from the break of dawn until sunset, during the entire month of Ramadan (of the Islamic lunar calendar). Fasting in Ramadan teaches self-restraint and empathy for the poor, it builds willpower and Godconsciousness, and it is a time during which Muslims strengthen their ties with the community and with their Creator.

4.

Pilgrimage (Hajj): The journey to Makkah (in Saudi Arabia) at least once in a life time, if one is physically and financially in a position to make it. The Hajj rites relate to the trials and tribulations of Prophet

27

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

Abraham, his wife Hagar and his elder son Ishmael (pbut). Hajj strengthens the bonds of brotherhood of the international community of Muslims coming from every corner of the world, and it prepares the pilgrim for the profound journey from this earthly life to the next.

It is significant to know that: a. The Islamic ritual acts of worship are not ends in themselves; these are the means for a person to develop and strengthen Godconsciousness, to discipline his/her life, and thereby become a good human being, fulfilling the rights of the Creator on the one hand, and the rights of creatures on the other. b. Thus, the Islamic concept of “worship” is not limited to rituals alone; it has a wider and comprehensive meaning. Anything done in a lawful way in the light of divine guidelines, and with good intentions, becomes an ‘act of worship’. Accordingly, even a mundane act (such as eating, playing, smiling, etc.) gets spiritual dimension, and is rewarded for its goodness.

6. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 49. Can you briefly mention some of the distinctive features of Islam?

A. Islam, the only present-day religion remaining true to mankind’s innate and divinely-mandated nature, has critically unique features; some significant ones are as follows: 1- The Name: “Islam” is the original name, given by God and mentioned in the holy Book. It is a meaningful name, submission to God, which reveals the outlook on life which mankind is encouraged to internalize and maintain. As the name is not linked with any person, tribe, geographic location, or time, it reflects the universal character of Islam as a system of life.

2- Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) – as Historic Figure: The person who brought the final message of Islam – his life, his teachings and his achievements are all in the full light of history. There is no mythology or mystery surrounding him; concerning his life, such a detailed and complete account has been preserved, as has probably not been kept concerning any other individual in human history.

28

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

3- The Holy Qur’an – a Uniquely Presented and Preserved Scripture: The Qur’an is the only Scripture in the world which is existing today in its original form and in the original language (and still part of a living language tradition), preserved intact for the last fourteen centuries not only by writing but also passed along by chain of individuals who have memorized the entire text. It is inimitable, complete and unique in its content and style. Muslims believe, based upon convincing internal claims and historical attestation, that the Qur’an contains the literal “Words of God”, revealed through Angel Gabriel, and no content originating from the Prophet himself or from any other human being or historical tradition. On the other hand, its teaching about God, and about what He requires from us, agrees with the prophetic voices recorded in the Bible and in other world scriptures which came before.

4- Purity and Clarity in Concepts: Islam is the only religion which is not marred by myths, superstitions and irrational philosophical ideologies. The teachings are simple and straight forward, and the concepts are clear and pure. There are no doctrinal confusions and no philosophical complications. This does not mean that the ineffability of God is laid out for the unattentive seeker, but rather that the path to pleasing and understanding God is available through faith and obedience.

5- Most Complete and Comprehensive: Islam is a total way of life which excludes nothing – a complete system governing all aspects of man’s existence, individual as well as social. There is no compartmentalization of life into secular and religious; every activity in life is intended to be meaningful, goal-oriented and sacred.

6- Practical: Islam is a practical religion, within the reach of every person. It has a great deal of flexibility and practicability to cope with any arising situation. It is for all people and for all times, no matter their levels of sophistication, education, modernity or other characterization as judged by current Western standards.

7- A Well-balanced and Moderate Approach: It has a balanced approach to life and it avoids extremes – a balance between physical and spiritual aspects, between individual and social aspects, between God’s grace and human responsibility, a balance in all directions. It presents a happy blending of body and soul, of law and love, of mind and heart.

8- Satisfies the Human Intellect: It is a religion in which there is no

29

ISLAM AND MUSLIMS

conflict between faith and reason, between the purposes of God and the efforts of obedient believers, between science and religion (between the ‘work of God’, creation, and the ‘Word of God’, the Qur’an). It invites man to think and reflect, and to strengthen trusting faith.

9- Universal Brotherhood: Islam goes far beyond all barriers of race, color, status, wealth, gender, etc., and ensures the rights of equality and brotherhood for all human beings. The most honored person in the sight of God is the one who is most God-conscious.

10- Free from Erosion: Among the world religions, Islam alone has remained well-entrenched, deep-rooted and unaffected in the place of its origin, by would-be supplanting outside forces and no erosion throughout its history.

11- Ever-Growing: Despite the fact that there is no organized Islamic ‘missionary’ work among non-Muslims, Islam is making headway in all parts of the world. It has never witnessed any large scale desertions from its fold. On the contrary, Islam has attracted conquerors like the Mongols (13th century) to adopt the faith of the conquered Muslims – a unique example in history.

50. What might be your concluding remark to sum up the attraction of Islam for modern people?

A. Islam could be characterized as a course in self-management and in interpersonal conduct, focusing all the while on responding to God’s presence and submitting to His guidance, thereby attaining peace and fulfillment in life, and making clear the meaning to our existence in this world.

This way of life, prescribed by God, can be attained by all who seek to know and please their Creator on His terms.

30