2. THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM
orship in Islam is an all-inclusive term encompassing all of the actions and statements that Allah loves and approves of. Every virtuous action that is performed with the intention of carrying out His commandments and seeking His pleasure is considered to be an act of worship. Islam is built on five acts of worship that make up the foundation on which all other deeds rest. These five pillars have a high importance in Islam; learning and practicing them are priorities for every Muslim, whereas everything else can be learned gradually, with patience and dedication. These five pillars stand as the framework of spiritual life, on which the structure of Islam rests:
2.1 The declaration of the two testimonies of faith
“I testify that there is no deity12 worthy of worship except Allah, and I testify that Muhammad (bpuh) is His slave and messenger.”13 The sincere declaration of this double testimony (also referred to as the testimony of monotheism) and adherence to this teaching automatically brings one into the fold of Islam, and dying while believing it guarantees a place in paradise. That is why this testimony is considered to be the cornerstone of Islam. The acceptance of this belief distinguishes the Muslim from the non-Muslim, so all actions depend upon this pillar; good deeds (no matter how great) are of no avail to anyone who does not utter this testimony. On the other hand, there are many actions that contradict this declaration, automatically taking one outside the fold of Islam. The most serious of those acts is worshipping other than Allah, whether through supplication, prayer,
12 deity: an object of worship.
13 In Arabic: Ash-hadu al-la ilâha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Abduhu wa Rasooluhu.
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36 The beautiful teachings of Islam
or any other act that signifies worship or belief in an entity other than Allah.
2.2 Prayers
Formal prayers are prescribed five times daily as a duty to Allah, the Exalted, at the following times: dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and nightfall. Prayer provides people with regular contact with Allah, which helps them avoid evil. This act of worship compels the believers to remember their Lord night and day, no matter where they are. These prayers take place continuously, so that at any given moment, people are praying somewhere in the world. Muslim males are enjoined to pray in congregation in a mosque, while females are encouraged to pray in their homes, but a Muslim may offer formal prayers almost anywhere as long as the location is clean. Furthermore, it is symbolic of equality among the poor and the rich, the ruler and the subjects, the dark-skinned and the fair-skinned. Human beings from every conceivable background stand together shoulder to shoulder, united in rows, prostrating themselves before Allah. Prayer strengthens the belief in Allah and elevates people to a higher morality. It helps to purify the heart and to prevent them from giving in to temptation to engage in wrongdoing and evil.
2.3 Zakah (obligatory charity)
Every Muslim whose net annual savings are above a certain specified minimum must pay 2.5% of those savings annually to the poor or needy people in the community.14 Zakah fosters generosity and helps purify the soul of selfishness and greed. Zakah also helps reduce resentment and envy between the poor and the rich members of the
14 There are also different amounts due for livestock, crops, inventory, etc.; the details are beyond the scope of this book.
The five pillars of Islam 37
society. Islam is a practical religion. Not only does it safeguard the average individual and his or her rights, but it protects the rights of the weaker members of the community as well.
2.4 Fasting the month of Ramadan
In Islam, fasting means abstinence from food, drink, and marital relations from dawn to sunset. It is an annual obligation during the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Fasting was imposed on former communities of believers in earlier divine religions. The Quran states that the main purpose of fasting is to help us be more conscious of Allah and more obedient to Him. It teaches sincerity and engenders devotion. It helps us develop a sense of social conscience, patience, self-restraint, willpower, and compassion for needy members of the society.
Someone might ask: Why has Allah, in His wisdom, prescribed fasting for many nations?
The answer is that the purpose of fasting is clearly defined as being for the development of Allah-consciousness (piety) in the believer’s heart, since only Allah knows who is actually fasting and who is not. Consequently, the one who is fasting refrains from eating and drinking based on an awareness of Allah. Regular fasting enhances that awareness, which subsequently leads to the implanting of righteousness in the heart of the individual.
As a secondary benefit, fasting is very good for one’s health. It purifies the body of toxins; it is a rest from the useless waste cluttering the body. It allows the body to recuperate and heal. It trains the body, as well as the mind, to function with an amount of food that is sufficient. Also, the needs of basic instincts of survival are kept in check, and when the individual is able to control these, other needs are easier to control. In return for this sacrifice, Allah grants the believers great rewards and forgives their sins.
38 The beautiful teachings of Islam
2.5 Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah)
The Hajj is obligatory for every Muslim once in a lifetime, if one can afford it financially and bear it physically. During the Hajj, Muslims from all corners of the world meet in an international congregation dedicated to the worship of Allah. The Hajj lasts for days (not including travel to and from Makkah), during which several million pilgrims perform certain rites in specific places at specific times; as such, it is a great lesson in patience but also brings magnificent spiritual rewards. The huge gatherings for the Hajj are a reminder of the Day of Judgement, when all of humankind will gather for their reckoning. It emphasizes the belief that all Muslims are brothers and sisters, irrespective of their geographical, cultural, racial or social origins.
3. MAIN ASPECTS OF THE MORAL SYSTEM IN ISLAM
slam has unique moral teachings that call for strengthening the relationship between humans and their Lord, as well as with one another. They also call for us to correct and improve ourselves, both inwardly and outwardly.
3.1 Relationship with the Lord
In the Quran, Allah calls us to correct and strengthen our relationship with Him and to draw close to Him through spiritual and physical acts of worship such as prayer, Hajj,15 supplication, and charity. In addition, the Quran calls us to seek knowledge about Allah through His names and attributes. This instils fear and awe of the Lord in our hearts and establishes discipline in applying Allah’s commands and prohibitions.
The Prophet (bpuh) also instructed us to remember Allah at all times and in every situation. This creates a permanent connection between our Lord and us, and it instils stability, strength and tranquillity in our hearts. It is one means of protecting against evil and vice, since Muslims will be reminded constantly that Allah is watching our every action. The Prophet (bpuh), for example, taught specific invocations to be uttered when going to sleep; before entering the lavatory; before sexual intercourse; while travelling; when in a state of fear; upon entering or leaving one’s house; the first thing in the morning and in the afternoon; when afflicted by distress, anxiety, or misfortune; when burdened by debt or poverty; upon entering a
15 Hajj: the major pilgrimage to the Sacred Mosque, site of the Kaaba in Makkah, to be undertaken by every able Muslim once in his or her lifetime.
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40 The beautiful teachings of Islam
graveyard; when stopping for a rest or setting up camp; and in many other situations.
3.2 Relationships with people in general
The Quran promotes behaviour that strengthens and reinforces social relationships; for example, it places great importance on the role of the family. Treating parents kindly, maintaining good relations with other family members, seeing to the rights and needs of spouses and children and dealing with them with love and mercy, and supporting orphans and the weaker members of society are all obligatory. Conversely, disobeying parents, severing family ties, neglecting or abusing spouses and children, and isolating oneself are all prohibited.
In addition, the Quran teaches that we should treat others with high moral behaviour and noble manners. We are encouraged to smile, forgive, return harm with good, and have patience when dealing with others. Since this high code of moral behaviour can be quite trying, Allah has promised immense rewards for those who achieve it.
The Prophet (bpuh) instructed us to adopt good manners when in gatherings, such as not raising our voices, respecting elders, being gentle with youngsters, and greeting those present by saying Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu (May the peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you). Islam also demands that we guard our tongues against saying negative things about others, even if what we want to say is true.
Islam also enjoins that agreements and contracts be fulfilled, entrusted items returned, and rulers obeyed. It enjoins noble characteristics just as it forbids vileness, baseness, crime, oppression, hostility, aggression, and all other blameworthy and reprehensible qualities.
Main aspects of the moral system in Islam 41
3.3 Relationships with parents
Islam highly recommends kindness to parents. This command is mentioned eight times in the Quran. In one of the verses, Allah said to Prophet Muhammad (bpuh):
{And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], ‘uff’, and do not repel them, but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say: My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.} (Quran 17: 23-24)
«A man asked Prophet Muhammad (bpuh): Whom should I honour most?
The Prophet (bpuh) replied: Your mother.
The man asked: And who comes next?
The Prophet (bpuh) answered: Your mother.
The man inquired again: And who comes next?
The Prophet (bpuh) responded: Your mother.
The man queried again: And who comes next?
The Prophet replied: Your father.»
(Recorded by Bukhari and Muslim)
3.4 Relationships with other relatives
Kindness towards relatives has been promoted by most major religions, but Islam takes this aspect to a new dimension. We are obliged to assist our relatives through economic as well as social means. Relatives have specific rights laid out by the Sharia (Islamic law); these are based on the nearness of the blood relationship. This can be seen mostly in the rights of inheritors, which are specifically laid out in the Quran. Certain relatives receive shares of the
42 The beautiful teachings of Islam
inheritance, and a Muslim may bequeath up to one-third of the estate to relatives (or others) who are not assigned a share. When it comes to charity, one must fulfil the rights of relatives before donating money to others, so that members of one’s own family are not forced to go elsewhere to seek help.
Muslims must treat all relatives―whether or not they are Muslims―with utmost respect and kindness; they must not boycott their relatives or cut off relations with them. They are encouraged to stay in contact even if these relatives abandon them. Indeed, maintaining family ties is of such great importance that Muslims are rewarded greatly for any good actions that promote this.
3.5 Relationships with neighbours
Islam encourages treating neighbours very kindly. There is a verse in the Quran that sums this all up:
{...and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler...} (Quran 4: 36)
Also, the Prophet (bpuh) said:
«(The angel) Gabriel continued to urge me to treat neighbours kindly and politely, to the extent that I thought he would order me to make them my heirs.» (Recorded by Bukhari and Muslim)
The Prophet (bpuh) also said:
«Anyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbour, and anyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day should entertain guests generously, and anyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day should say what is good or keep quiet.»
(Recorded by Bukhari and Muslim)
Remember, kindness to neighbours is rewarded by Allah.
Main aspects of the moral system in Islam 43
3.6 Food — moral conduct
The Prophet (bpuh) taught many practical good manners, including the virtue of adopting the correct manners for eating and drinking. These include eating with your right hand and being satisfied with the food rather than finding fault with it. If you like the food, you should eat it, but if you have no appetite for it, simply leave it in the dish without criticizing it. This is both out of respect for the blessing of the food and in order to avoid hurting the feelings of the person who has cooked and/or offered it. It is also preferred to eat with others and not alone, either by eating with your family or by inviting a poor person to join you. Say Bismillah (In the name of Allah [I start]) before beginning to eat, and say Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah) after the meal, in order to remember the blessing that you have been given and also the One Who provided it. The Prophet (bpuh) prohibited people from blowing on food or drink or breathing onto it, out of respect for others who may be sharing it and to avoid the spread of contagious diseases.
3.7 Hygiene — Islamic moral conduct
Islam also enjoins both physical and spiritual cleanliness. It encourages us to keep our bodies clean, along with our clothes and shoes. Islam has guided Muslims for our own well-being, down to the minute details. For example, we are encouraged to wash thoroughly after using the toilet, to clean the teeth often (especially with the siwak, a natural toothbrush), and to shower after having sexual relations.
3.8 Spiritual — Islamic moral conduct
In regard to spiritual purity, the Quran instructs us to straighten and correct our souls and to purify our hearts from spite, malice, jealousy, pride, and inequity. The Quran calls for integrity of the heart and for
44 The beautiful teachings of Islam
love, affection, and humility towards people; it instructs us to purify our tongues from lying, backbiting, slander, and insult, and the enormity of such sins is emphasized in many of its verses. Chapter 104 (The Slanderer) is dedicated to slander and backbiting, which should be replaced by truthfulness and softness in speech. Islam encourages unity, so much so that we should give as many excuses as we can for suspected bad behaviour or speech on the part of fellow Muslims. The wealth, property, and life of a Muslim are held sacred; no one has the right to interfere with these without the individual’s express permission.
We should restrain our eyes from looking at what they are not entitled to (such as the private parts of others), and we should keep our ears from listening to loose and immoral talk, including lewd song lyrics.
The Quran praises and encourages knowledge and criticizes ignorance, saying that it leads to destruction. It commands people to action and dynamism, while prohibiting wasteful talk and laziness.
3.9 Family structure and rights
Islam teaches that children should be born within a legal marriage and that sexual desire should be controlled and contained within these parameters.
To uphold the family structure and the well-being of society, the Quran prohibits fornication because it is one of the worst assaults on a person’s honour and dignity. It can cause disease and produce children who are looked upon by society as ‘illegitimate’. Likewise, the Quran forbids everything which leads to fornication, so it prohibits behaviour like looking at pornographic pictures and being alone with members
Main aspects of the moral system in Islam 45
of the opposite sex who are not mahrams.16 It also commands that men lower their gaze and not look or stare at women whom they have no right to look at. Muslim women thus enjoy protection and security and can be confident that Muslim men will not even look at them if they are not permitted to. Likewise, women should not gaze at men unlawfully.
3.10 Decency and veiling
With this same reasoning, Islam enjoins morality in behaviour and appearance. Fashions that reduce women to sex objects are not acceptable, and Islamic veiling is a means of protection from unwanted external attention. Allah says in the Quran:
{O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused...}
(Quran 33: 59)
In the privacy of their own homes and in the presence of their husbands, when they will receive only the type of attention they desire, women may wear whatever they wish.
3.11 The rights of the wife
Islam urges men to be kind to their wives. Allah says in the Quran:
{...He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy...} (Quran 30: 21)
Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) said:
16 mahram: a man with whom marriage is not permitted; for example, a woman’s brother or father. Non-mahram men are those whom a woman is permitted to marry.
46 The beautiful teachings of Islam
«The best of you are those who are kindest to their wives.»
(Recorded by Ibn Majah with a sound chain of narration)
Some people are kind in public where everyone is watching, yet they are mean and cruel at home. Islam holds Muslims accountable even in this situation, where their true nature may be revealed. This is the true test of moral behaviour.
In Islam, the wife retains her independent legal status and family name. She is not the property of her husband in any way, but she has many rights due from him, as he does from her.
The husband must give his wife a gift at the time of marriage, and this is hers to keep even if she is later divorced. The wife does not give a dowry to the husband, and she is never obliged to act as a co-provider for the family, although she may do so voluntarily. It is the husband’s sole responsibility to support his family financially. Islam gives women (whether married, divorced, or single) the right to inherit and own property and to conduct business.
3.12 Polygyny
Polygyny (a man’s having more than one wife) is permitted in Islam, especially to alleviate social problems such as the plight of orphans and widows who need support. It is also a way to safeguard honesty and matrimonial trustworthiness (especially within the family) for those who have a desire or need for more than one sexual partner; instead of having an extramarital affair, the man is required to take responsibility for his actions. Islam limits polygyny to a maximum of four wives at one time, and it requires the husband to treat them equally, caring for his wives financially and emotionally in the exact same manner. It should be noted that if a woman is unhappy in this situation, and she fears that she will be unable to fulfil her responsibilities to her husband as well as to Allah, she can opt out of the marriage. A man is not allowed to force his wife to stay married.
Main aspects of the moral system in Islam 47
3.13 Divorce rules
Islam is a religion of moderation. Although divorce is allowed when necessary, family unity is encouraged. For example, in the event of a divorce, the two spouses are encouraged to bring arbitrators from their family members to help reconcile them. Islam discourages divorce, yet it recognizes the rights of both partners to end their matrimonial relationship if circumstances dictate it. Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) said:
«A believing man should not hate a believing woman. If he dislikes one of her traits, he will be pleased with another.»
(Recorded by Muslim)
Therefore Islam is realistic about the option of divorce, but it also encourages attempts to resolve any conflicts and hold the marriage together.
3.14 Protection of life
The Quran also calls for the protection and sanctity of human life, specifically mentioning that the taking of an innocent life is one of the worst and most hideous crimes. The Prophet (bpuh) forbade breaking the bones of a dead person, so what about the taking of an innocent life? The Quran prescribes ‘a life for a life’ and ‘an eye for an eye’ for all killings and injuries (large or small) respectively, unless the victims or their families agree to accept financial compensation instead.
3.15 Protection of property
The Quran declares that a person’s property and wealth are safe and inviolable; therefore, it prohibits theft, bribery, usury, and deception. It calls for moderation in spending; hence it forbids extravagance, lavishness, and squandering money, while at the same time forbidding the hoarding and amassing of wealth. It calls for balance; people
48 The beautiful teachings of Islam
should neither be greedy, stingy, and covetous nor extravagant and wasteful. It encourages people to seek their livelihoods and provisions through lawful activities that bring financial or material benefit to all parties concerned, such as buying, selling, and leasing.
3.16 Animal rights
The Prophet (bpuh) ordered that animals be treated fairly and with kindness, instructing that they should be fed and given water. He promised that such actions would be rewarded on the Day of Resurrection. He also instructed that they should not be made to carry a burden more than they can bear, tormented or caused undue suffering, or killed (unless they were harmful). If an animal is to be slaughtered as food, it should not be slaughtered in front of other animals since this would cause them anguish.
3.17 Maintaining health
Islam promotes good health and therefore commands that only wholesome and nutritious food be eaten, and eaten in moderation. Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) warned against overeating, saying:
«No man fills a container worse than his stomach. A few morsels that keep his back upright are sufficient for him. If he has to, then he should keep one-third for food, one-third for drink, and one-third for his breathing.» (A sound hadith recorded by Tirmidhi)
Islam prohibits the consumption of all harmful food and drink such as pork, carrion, tobacco, alcohol and other intoxicants (mind-altering substances), and so forth.
{He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah. But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit], there is no sin upon him. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.} (Quran 2: 173)
Main aspects of the moral system in Islam 49
In the past, pork was known to carry the risk of trichinosis, a disease caused by parasitic roundworms usually found in undercooked pork. Today, some consider this risk to be low, since food safety standards are more advanced, but in fact, pork still may be harmful. In its January 2013 issue, Consumer Reports published an article titled, “Pork Chops and Ground Pork Contaminated with Bacteria,” which began:
Our analysis of pork-chop and ground-pork samples from around the U.S. found that yersinia enterocolitica, a bacterium that can cause fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, was widespread. Some samples harbored other potentially harmful bacteria, including salmonella...
Some of the bacteria we found in 198 samples proved to be resistant to antibiotics commonly used to treat people. The frequent use of low-dose antibiotics in pork farming may be accelerating the growth of drug-resistant “superbugs” that threaten human health.
The dangers of tobacco are well known. A fact sheet at the World Health Organization website states that tobacco kills six million people a year (including 600,000 from the effects of second-hand smoke, which causes “serious cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including coronary heart disease and lung cancer”). Up to half of all tobacco users will die from a tobacco-related disease.
{O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone altars [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.} (Quran 5: 90)
As for alcohol, its dangers are also well documented. The World Health Organization’s fact sheet on alcohol explains that, “Worldwide, 3.3 million deaths every year result from harmful use of alcohol, this represent [sic] 5.9% of all deaths.” Alcohol is also described as “a causal factor in more than 200 disease and injury
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conditions,” including “a range of mental and behavioural disorders, other noncommunicable conditions as well as injuries” and infectious diseases. Current medical advice often refers to “moderate drinking” as being safe for some people, and news reports even cite some benefits from “moderate” drinking. Allah addressed this argument when He informed us:
{They ask you about wine and gambling. Say: In them is great sin and [yet, some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit...} (Quran 2: 219)
Islam also prescribes fasting, which has many benefits for the body, especially the digestive system.
3.18 Rights of the deceased
Islam maintains respect for a person even after death. When a Muslim dies, he or she must be buried according to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (bpuh). The body of the person is washed and perfumed. After that, it is wrapped in an unstitched white cloth shroud, and the body is buried facing the Kaaba (the House of Allah in Makkah, originally built by Prophets Abraham and Ishmael).
We are advised to hold the deceased’s body gently to ensure that its bones do not break. Before and after the burial, people are encouraged to pray that Allah forgive the deceased and admit him or her into paradise. Islam prohibits sitting on or walking over a grave, in another sign of respect for the dead.
4. FEATURES OF ISLAMIC TEACHINGS
llah has made the message of Islam easy to understand and to follow. He annulled some previously prescribed rites and practices, while he affirmed others, according to His wisdom. As a result, the Islamic creed and law are suited to people’s spiritual, psychological, social, and economic needs, for all of humankind and for all eras. Islamic teachings have the following unique features:
4.1 Rationality
The truth should be clear and obvious. It should be so simple that anyone is capable of seeing it, and this clarity is the most compelling feature of Islam. One should not have to work through a series of complicated logical proofs in order to derive a fundamental principle, only to arrive at something that he or she is unsure of―yet this is often the case with other religions or philosophies.
4.2 Perfection
Since Allah is perfect, His teachings must also be perfect and free from any contradiction or error. The Quran challenges its readers to find any errors in it if they do not believe it is really from Allah:
{Then do they not reflect upon the Quran? If it had been from [any] other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction.} (Quran 4: 82)
Dr Maurice Bucaille, a French surgeon, found many scientific facts mentioned in the Quran that were not known by humans at the time Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) was conveying these verses to those around him. Dr Bucaille wrote, “I could not find a single error in the
A
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Quran.”17 As a result of his findings, he left Christianity and embraced Islam.
4.3 Clarity
Allah is the Most Compassionate. He therefore guides people through clear and simple revelations that are free of myths, superstitions, and mysteries.
4.4 Scientific validity and accuracy
It is not surprising to find in the Quran, and in the statements of Prophet Muhammad (bpuh), information that has only recently been discovered by modern science. This indicates that the Quran is the word of Allah and that Muhammad (bpuh) is His messenger. On the other hand, the religious views which the church presented concerning God, the Bible, and the individual’s relation to God forced people into an unfortunate choice: either science or God. Many educated people have concluded that one cannot be a scientist or an educated person and be a true Christian at the same time. Many philosophers and scientists, and the majority of lay people, have lost hope of reconciling religion and science; thus, the ideology of secularism was developed and has since flourished. This dichotomy would not have arisen if the original scripture that was revealed to Jesus (pbuh) had not been distorted. Islam, the pure religion, raises no contradictions whatsoever between religion and science. This is naturally obvious because both religion and true scientific knowledge are from the same source: Allah, the Exalted, who does not contradict Himself.18
17 Bucaille, The Quran and Modern Science.
18 For more information on the many scientific facts that are referenced in the Quran, see The Quran and Modern Science by Dr Maurice Bucaille
Features of Islamic teachings 53
4.5 Prophetic fulfilment
Many of the events prophesied in the Quran and in the Prophet’s statements have come to pass. This is further proof that Islam is not a man-made religion, because it would be unimaginable for an uneducated man who was living isolated from other civilizations to make up such prophecies; they must have been revealed to him by Allah.
4.6 Moderation
In Islam, there is no conflict between spiritual and worldly life. Rather, it provides a balance among all aspects of human life, taking into account the needs and wants of individuals and society. Therefore, secularism, materialism, monasticism, and extreme asceticism are all rejected by Islam, which provides a middle way to achieve harmony and balance between the spiritual and material needs of people. This is why Allah has called the Muslim nation a:
{...just community [moderate nation]...} (Quran 2: 143)
4.7 Comprehensiveness
Islamic teachings provide people with definite guidelines to follow in all aspects of life: spiritual, individual, social, moral, political, economic, and so on.
4.8 Uniqueness
Some have claimed that the Quran is man-made; Allah challenges them to:
and A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam by I. A. Ibrahim (available online at www.islam-guide.com).
54 The beautiful teachings of Islam
{...produce a chapter the like thereof...} (Quran 2: 23)
Indeed, the entire Quran—its language, its elegance, its miraculous nature—is unparalleled. The ancient non-Muslim Arabs tried to construct a verse yet failed, even though their language and poetry were very highly developed in that era. Even many recent non-Muslim scholars admit that the Quran is one of the greatest books known to humankind. This point ultimately leads to the fact that Muhammad (bpuh)—the illiterate—was a true prophet to whom the Quran was revealed.
4.9 Justice
All of humankind descended from one man and one woman (Adam and Eve). Islam teaches that the criterion by which all human beings are judged is righteousness, not the colour of their skin or their status in society. In the view of Allah, the best person is the most righteous. A verse of the glorious Quran reads:
{...Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you...} (Quran 49: 13)
CONCLUSION
he various aspects of the Islamic moral system are amazing. This is because, as we said in the introduction, it is based on revealed teachings, as opposed to teachings developed by human beings.
Many volumes have been written on this subject. As an author, I hope I have given you enough insight to encourage and enable you to read more and more about this great religion.
May the light of truth shine in our minds and in our hearts. May it lead us to peace and certitude in this life and eternal bliss in the hereafter.
T
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Abdul Razak, Imam Jamil. Study Guide, Comparative Study — Islam and Christianity. Washington, USA: Center of Seattle, 1978.
Bucaille, Maurice. The Quran and Modern Science. Riyadh: International Islamic Publishing House, 2001.
Caraballo, Simon (Muhammad bin Abdullah Caraballo). My Great Love for Jesus Led Me to Islam. Jubail, KSA: Dawah & Guidance Centre.
Ibrahim, I. A. A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam. Houston, TX: Darussalam, 1997.
Philips, Dr Abu Ameenah Bilal. The True Message of Jesus Christ. Riyadh: International Islamic Publishing House.
al-Rassi, Majed. The Amazing Prophecies of Muhammad (bpuh) in the Bible: Twenty-Eight Proofs from the Bible of Muhammad’s Prophethood. http://www.saaid.net/The-clear-religion/06.pdf.
______. Who Deserves to Be Worshipped? http://www.saaid.net/The-clear-religion/017.pdf.
Saheeh International. The Quran: Arabic Text with Corresponding English Meanings. Jeddah: Abul Qasim Publishing House, 1997.
al-Uthaymeen, Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih. Explanation of the Three Fundamental Principles of Islaam. UK: Al-Hidaayah Publishing and Distribution, 1997.
APPENDIX
For Further Information about Islam
❖ Ata ur-Rahim, Muhammad and Ahmad Thomson. Jesus: Prophet of Islam. Riyadh: International Islamic Publishing House, 2008.
❖ Baagil, M. Christian-Muslim Dialogue. Riyadh: International Islamic Publishing House.
❖ Khan, Maulana Wahiduddin. God Arises. Riyadh: International Islamic Publishing House, 2005.
❖ Khan, Abdul Waheed. The Personality of Allah’s Last Messenger, 2nd ed. Riyadh: International Islamic Publishing House, 2007.
❖ LeBlanc, Abdul-Malik. The Bible Led Me to Islam. Toronto: Al-Attique Publisher.
❖ Liepert, David. Choosing Faith. Riyadh: International Islamic Publishing House, 2011. (Available online at http://www.choosingfaith.com/.)
❖ Philips, Dr Abu Ameenah Bilal. The Purpose of Creation. Riyadh: International Islamic Publishing House.
58 The beautiful teachings of Islam
Online Information about Islam
❖ islam-guide.com
❖ iera.org
❖ islamtomorrow.com
❖ discoveritsbeauty.com
❖ edialogue.org (live chat)
❖ islamhouse.com/en/ (thousands of free books)
❖ iera.org/shop/ (free downloads)
❖ iiph.com
GLOSSARY OF ISLAMIC TERMS
alhamdulillah
all praise is due to Allah
bismillah
in the name of Allah
hadith
a statement or action of Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) that was remembered and recorded by his Companions and followers
Hajj
the major pilgrimage to the Sacred Mosque, site of the Kaaba in Makkah, to be undertaken by every able Muslim once in his or her lifetime
Kaaba
the House of Allah in Makkah, originally built by Prophets Abraham and Ishmael
mahram
a degree of consanguinity precluding marriage; a man whom a woman may not marry due to the close blood or marriage relationship, e.g., her father, brother, son, uncle, or father-in-law
Sharia
Islamic law derived from the Quran and the statements and actions of the Prophet (bpuh)
siwak (or miswak)
a small twig (usu. of the arak tree) used as a natural toothbrush
19 If a word has become part of the English language (i.e., is found in a dictionary of Standard English), that spelling is used in this book.
