Islam’s revival of the basic teachings of Jesus 31


Revival of various other beneficial practices


Along with the doctrinal teachings about the nature of Allah and Jesus that were revived by the religion of Islam, some of the detailed practices pertaining to everyday life, which Jesus and the earlier prophets had taught by example, were revived as well. Our list continues with a few examples of those teachings.


13. Revival of ablution before prayer


The significance of ablution is evident when we recall that it is a form of preparation for prayer, whereby worshippers cleanse themselves before they stand before Allah, the Creator.


Jesus used to wash his limbs before performing the prayer, in compliance with Old Testament teachings. Moses and Aaron have been recorded as doing the same:


He set the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it for washing, with which Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet… as the LORD commanded Moses. (Exodus 40:30-32)


Islam revived ablution for prayer; the Quran has instructed:


{O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles…} (Quran 5: 6)


Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) taught his followers (through his statements and his example) that ablution includes washing the hands, rinsing the mouth, washing the face, washing the arms, wiping the head, and finally washing the feet.


32 Islam’s revival of Jesus’ teachings


14. Revival of performing prayers physically


Jesus performed his prayers physically, not just through supplication. Mark 14:32 states, “And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he [Jesus] said to his disciples, ‘Sit here, while I pray.’”


Luke 5:16 says, “But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.”


Islam revived prayers as a main act of worship. In numerous Quranic verses, Allah, the Exalted, has instructed believers to perform prayers. For example:


{And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].} (Quran 2: 43)


Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) taught his followers (through words and actions) that performing prayers includes standing up, bowing, and prostrating. Interestingly, the manner of performing prayer that Jesus taught is more in line with the way Muslims pray than with what Christians do today. According to Isaiah 45:23, God is reported to have said, “To me every knee shall bow.”


Jesus is described in the Gospels as prostrating during prayer. The method of prostration in prayer followed by Jesus was not of his own making. It was the mode of prayer of the prophets before him. In the Old Testament, Genesis 17:3, Prophet Abraham is recorded to have fallen on his face in prayer; in Numbers 16:22 and 20:6, both Moses and Aaron are recorded to have fallen on their faces in worship; in Joshua 5:14 & 7:6, Joshua fell on his face to the earth in worship; in I Kings 18:42, Elijah bowed down on the ground and put his face between his knees. This was the way of the prophets.13


13 Philips, The True Message of Jesus Christ, 87-88.


Islam’s revival of the basic teachings of Jesus 33


“Christians today kneel down, clasping their hands, in a posture which cannot be ascribed to Jesus or others.”14


In many of his statements, Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) taught his followers the manner of prayer, including bowing down and prostrating to Allah.


15. Revival of compulsory charity (zakah)


Jesus (pbuh) confirmed the institution of compulsory charity known as ‘the tithe (tenth)’, which was required from the annual harvest. “You shall tithe all the yield of your seed that comes from the field year by year.” (Deuteronomy 14:22)


The Quran is a revival of Jesus’ teachings. It teaches Muslims to pay charity at the time of harvest. Allah has mentioned:


{And He it is who causes gardens to grow, [both] trellised and untrellised, and palm trees and crops of different [kinds of] food and olives and pomegranates, similar and dissimilar. Eat of [each of] its fruit when it yields and give its due [zakah] on the day of its harvest.15 And be not excessive. Indeed, He does not like those who commit excess.} (Quran 6: 141)


The system of charity is well-organized; it sets different rates for cash, precious metals, various trade goods, agricultural products and cattle.16 The purpose of charity is very well-defined; it is to provide


14 Philips, The True Message of Jesus Christ, 87.


15 The zakah due is one-tenth if the field is naturally irrigated (e.g., by rain) and one-twentieth if it is artificially irrigated (by the farmer’s own efforts). This obligatory charity is levied on other material resources, like trade and livestock, as well.


16 For example, the amount of zakah for cash that has been held for at least one year is 2.5%.


34 Islam’s revival of Jesus’ teachings


social support to the needy people in the community, not to provide a comfortable living for clerics.17


The categories of those who are eligible to receive such charity have also been clearly defined in the Quran. (See 9: 60.)


In Islam, the zakah is obligatory, but voluntary charity is also highly promoted and encouraged. Often, Muslims voluntarily give far more from their wealth than the obligatory minimum amount. Allah promises great rewards for donors who give charity based on sincere intentions. Throughout the history of Islam, there are many accounts of people who gave their entire wealth to the poor, seeking Allah’s pleasure through this remarkable act of charity.


16. Revival of fasting


According to the Gospels, Jesus fasted for forty days. Matthew 4:2 says:


And he fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry.18 This was in accordance with the practice of the earlier prophets. Moses is also recorded in Exodus 34:28 to have fasted. It says: And he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights, he neither ate bread nor drank water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments.19


The Quran is a revival of many of the teachings of Jesus and Moses. It teaches the believers to fast during the month of Ramadan. Allah has mentioned in the Quran that fasting is enjoined on the Muslims as it was enjoined on previous nations.


17 Philips, The True Message of Jesus Christ, 92.


18 See also Matthew 6:16.


19 Philips, The True Message of Jesus Christ, 92.


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{O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you, that you may become righteous.}


(Quran 2: 183)


In addition, Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) affirmed that Prophet David used to fast regularly; he said:


«The best manner of (voluntary) fasting is that of my brother David, who used to fast every other day.»


(Recorded by Bukhari and Muslim)


17. Revival of greeting with the supplication of peace


The greeting of peace was mentioned in the Old Testament:


So David sent ten young men. And David said to the young men, “Go up to Carmel, and go to Nabal and greet him in my name.6 And thus you shall greet him: ‘Peace be to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you have. (1 Samuel 25:5-6)


According to the New Testament, Jesus greeted his followers with a greeting of peace.


As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” (Luke 24:36)


Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (John 20:21)


Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:26)


Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ (Luke 10:5)


36 Islam’s revival of Jesus’ teachings


Followers of Judaism have continued to use this as a greeting (in Hebrew: Shalom aleichem). Christians do not use this as a greeting, but some denominations have a rite of peace as part of their church services. In 1969, the Catholic Church introduced the “sign of peace” during the Mass, when churchgoers turn to those around them, shake hands, and say, “Peace be with you.”


As a religion of peace and respect for others, Islam revived this noble greeting. The Quran instructs all those who enter homes to give the greetings of peace, and Allah has instructed the believers to greet each other with peace as well.


{And when those come to you who believe in Our verses, say: Peace be upon you....} (Quran 6: 54)


Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) also taught his followers to give this greeting whenever they met each other. The greeting of peace extends even to the heavens; the angels will greet those who enter paradise with the same greeting of peace. To this day, Muslims around the world ̶ no matter their national origin or native language, and no matter whether or not they know each other ̶ greet one another with the Arabic phrase Assalamu alaykum (Peace be upon you).


18. Revival of veiling (hijab) for women


The women around Jesus veiled themselves according to the practice of women around the earlier prophets. Their garments were loose and covered their bodies completely, and they wore scarves which covered their hair.20


And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she dismounted from the camel and said to the servant, “Who is that man, walking in the field to meet us?” The servant said, “It is my master.” So she took her veil and covered herself.


20 Philips, The True Message of Jesus Christ, 88.


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(Genesis 24:64-65)


Islam encourages decency and modest dress for both men and women. Muslim women are instructed to cover their bodies and to wear veils that cover their heads and chests. Allah has mentioned:


{And tell the believing women to reduce [some] of their vision and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap [a portion of] their head covers over their chests and not expose their adornment…}


(Quran 24: 31)


Veiling, as a part of modest dress, protects women from possible social harm and discourages males from approaching females with dishonourable intentions. Allah instructed:


{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. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.} (Quran 33: 59)


In today’s society, disregard for the hijab―and for modesty in general―is one factor that has led to women being treated as objects, whereby their bodies are used as commodities from which to acquire pleasure. It is no surprise then that many companies use women as advertising props to entice customers into purchasing their products. The fact remains that even in the eyes of those who use women as objects, only those who keep more of their bodies covered and hidden from the public eye are regarded as modest.


19. Revival of polygyny


There is no record of Prophet Jesus opposing polygyny. The Old Testament records a number of examples of polygamous marriages among the prophets, including these:


38 Islam’s revival of Jesus’ teachings


So, after Abram [Abraham] had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife.


(Genesis 16:3)


And David lived with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, and David with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel, and Abigail of Carmel, Nabal’s widow.


(1 Samuel 27:3)


Solomon is said to have “…had 700 wives, who were princesses, and 300 concubines.” (1 Kings 11:3)


Solomon’s son Rehoboam “took eighteen wives and sixty concubines.” (2 Chronicles 11:21)


The Old Testament even specified laws regarding the division of inheritance in polygamous circumstances, which indicates that the practice was a normal one in the society.21 (See Deuteronomy 21:15-16.) Jewish law actually requires polygyny in some situations. If a man dies without children, his wife is required to marry his brother even if the brother is already married; the reason is to produce an heir for her deceased husband, and her first child is considered to be his heir.


Islam revived polygyny, this practice of the earlier prophets, but it imposed stringent restrictions. It permits a man to marry to up to four women, with strict conditions stipulating justice and equal treatment among the wives as the basic condition for polygyny. Allah has stated:


{…marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses…} (Quran 4: 3)


The only restriction on polygamy (polygyny) recorded in earlier scriptural teaching was the ban (in Leviticus 18:18) on taking a wife’s


21 Philips, The True Message of Jesus Christ, 94.


Islam’s revival of the basic teachings of Jesus 39


sister as a “rival wife”.22 This law is applied in Islam as well, as stated in Quran 4: 23.


20. Revival of male circumcision


Jesus was circumcised. According to Luke 2:21:


And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.


Prophet Abraham (pbuh), whom the Quran tells us was neither a Jew nor a Christian, was the first to be circumcised, according to the Old Testament:


And God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations. This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you. He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised.” (Genesis 17:9-12)


Today circumcision is not widely treated as a religious or legal requirement among Christians, and rates of circumcision vary across different countries. Although it is a controversial topic for some, the medical benefits have been documented. In 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics website published its “Circumcision Policy Statement,” stating:


Evaluation of current evidence indicates that the health benefits of newborn male circumcision outweigh the risks and that the procedure’s benefits justify access to this procedure for families who choose it. Specific benefits identified included prevention of urinary tract infections, penile cancer,


22 Philips, The True Message of Jesus Christ, 95.


40 Islam’s revival of Jesus’ teachings


and transmission of some sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.


According to the World Health Organization website:


There is compelling evidence that male circumcision reduces the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV infection in men by approximately 60%.


Islam revives male circumcision and makes it a requirement.23 Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) said:


«There are five practices which correspond with the natural human inclination: shaving pubic hair and underarm hair, (male) circumcision, trimming the moustache, and trimming fingernails and toenails.» (Recorded by Bukhari, Muslim and others)


Conclusion


Islam revived the faith of the prophets, which is based upon the belief in one God (Allah). Along with belief, they revived many rules and practices related to morality, justice and pure living. Hence, the Islamic way of life is much closer to that of Jesus and the previous prophets (peace be upon them all) than that of any other group of people who claim to be their followers.


23 Although circumcision is highly recommended for a man who becomes Muslim, Islamic scholars say that if he is unable to do it, it should not be insisted upon, and this does not affect the validity of his embracing Islam.


WHY ISLAM?


very person should revert to Islam because it is the birthright of every person and the original imprint on every human soul at birth.


Every person should revert to Islam because Allah has sealed and superseded all previous messages with Islam. Allah has mentioned to all people:


{…This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion…}


(Quran 5: 3)


Every person should revert to Islam because people in every era must worship their Lord (Allah) according to the law prescribed by Him as revealed to His Prophet (bpuh). The tribes of Israel, for example, were ordered to worship Allah according to the law of Moses. When Prophet Jesus was sent to them, they were ordered to worship Allah according to what was prescribed in the Gospel. Then when Allah sent Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) with the message of Islam to all people, it became incumbent on all people, the tribes of Israel and all others, to enter Islam.


After all, what could be more serious than the rejection of the religion which the Creator and Sustainer of everything has enjoined upon all people? Indeed, this is the greatest injustice committed by human beings. It is sad but true that if a person dies in this state, he or she will be punished and cast into the hellfire to live there for eternity. This concept has been emphasized hundreds of times in the Quran and in the statements of Prophet Muhammad (bpuh). Allah has mentioned:


{And whoever desires other than Islam as religion—never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the hereafter, will be among the losers.}


(Quran 3: 85)


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42 Islam’s revival of Jesus’ teachings


Also, Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) said:


«Whoever among the Christians and Jews hears of me, does not follow what I have brought, and dies in this state will be among the inhabitants of hellfire.» (Recorded by Muslim)


Note that Allah was reported to have said in a prophecy, “And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him.” (Deuteronomy 18:19)


Since it has been proven that the prophet referred to here is Muhammad (bpuh), this means that whoever believes in the Bible must believe in this prophet and in what this prophet says; otherwise, they will be called to account for that. After they realize who this prophet is, it follows logically that they must adhere to his teachings.


There are those who may not accept Islam because they think that becoming a Muslim means turning one’s back on all the previous prophets sent by Allah. This is a false concept because of the following:


Firstly, belief in all the prophets of Allah is a pillar of Islamic faith; hence, one is not a believing Muslim unless he or she believes in Jesus, Moses and all the other prophets (peace be upon them all).


Secondly, belief in the prophets is a part of what each prophet taught. (In other words, every prophet called his people to believe in the prophet who would come after him and to follow that prophet whenever he appeared.) Therefore, rejecting a prophet amounts to rejecting his predecessor.


Thirdly, rejecting any prophet amounts to rejecting the One Who sent him: Allah.


Fourthly, Islam promises great rewards to the followers of previous faiths if they believe in Islam in addition to their previous faith.


The Messenger of Allah (bpuh) said:


Why Islam? 43


«Three people have a double reward: a person from the People of the Scriptures (the Jews and the Christians) who believed in his prophet (Jesus or Moses) and then believes in Prophet Muhammad (by embracing Islam)...» (Recorded by Bukhari)


The first reward is for believing in their previous religion (before knowing about Islam); the second reward is for recognizing the truth of Islam and following it.


From the Islamic perspective, the relationships among the prophets are like the relationships among the links in a chain; rejecting one of them amounts to rejecting all of them. Likewise, becoming a Muslim means having the honour of believing in all the prophets who came before Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) and not turning one’s back on any previous prophets.


Finally, we have to accept Islam because Islam has revived the eternal divine teachings that had been either forgotten, lost, or distorted in the previous messages. Islam retains and maintains the practical teachings mentioned in the previous scriptures (as originally revealed), which are part of the birthright of all people until the end of this world.


A CALL TO REASON


concluding suggestion: consider what everyone has in common. Come, let us reason together:


{Say: O People of the Scripture, come to a word that is equitable between us and you—that we will not worship except Allah and not associate anything with Him and not take one another as lords instead of Allah. But if they turn away, then say: Bear witness that we are Muslims [submitting to Him].} (Quran 3: 64)


In the noble Quran, {People of the Scripture} is the respectful title given to the Jews and the Christians. Muslims are being commanded to invite them with noble and respectful words: O People of the Book, O learned people, O people who claim to be the recipients of divine revelation of a holy scripture, let us gather onto a common platform: that we worship none but Allah, because none but Him is worthy of worship and because He is our Lord and Cherisher, our Sustainer and Evolver, worthy of all praise, prayer and devotion.


These truths are basic and an integral part of any human being’s intellect. Sort through the layers of indoctrination that hide this simple fact, and one will be able to see that deep down, every human being retains the simple and obvious concept of Allah. In essence, every human being agrees that there is only One God worthy of worship, One God Who is free of partners, helpers, and anything that is ascribed to Him falsely.


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THIS IS IT


n this book, you have been shown the right path, and Allah has given you the ability to distinguish right from wrong. He has also given you the freedom of choice as to whether or not to accept the message of Islam. If you accept His call, you will be warmly welcomed into paradise. If you reject it, you will end up with the biggest loss ever imagined: the loss of paradise and the guarantee of dwelling in hellfire for all eternity. Take a moment to comprehend what eternity really means. It is a very frightening realization.


To those who have been faithful Christians, you are warmly welcome to embrace Islam because:


❖ Jesus asked his followers to follow Muhammad (bpuh) whenever he appeared.24


❖ When Jesus comes back before the end of this world, he will follow Muhammad (bpuh) and abide by his teachings.25


Yes, since Jesus called his true followers to follow it while he was on the earth, and he will follow Islam when he comes back, all faithful Christians should follow Islam as well.


To those who have been believing Jews, remember that Abraham and Moses surrendered themselves completely to their Lord, whether they called Him Elohenu, God, or Allah. All pride in ethnicity or ancestry is vain; what will matter in the end is your individual relationship with your Creator. This means total submission: Islam.


24 See al-Rassi, The Amazing Prophecies of Muhammad (bpuh) in the Bible: Twenty-eight Proofs from the Bible of Muhammad’s Prophethood.


25 See al-Rassi, Eleven Facts about Jesus and His Mother (Mary) in the Islamic Teachings.


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46 Islam’s revival of Jesus’ teachings


To those of other faiths or those who, until now, did not feel that they had any faith at all, consider this message now, without any reluctance or hesitation, before it is too late―before death overtakes you. It could be soon. Who knows?


A WHISPER


ome people are not able to find the truth because of their blind commitment to their beliefs. Their tenacious adherence is usually not based on an intellectual understanding of the teachings but on powerful cultural and emotional influences. Because they were brought up in a particular family or society, they firmly cling to the beliefs of that group, believing that they are upholding the truth.


There are others who are convinced about the religion of Islam and are mentally ready to embrace it. However, when they contemplate the drastic changes it will bring to their lives, changes that might not please their families and communities, they hesitate, and even after taking the decision, they sometimes go back and change their minds later.


It is whispered in their ears that no matter how much money, prestige, status, and power an unbeliever may have possessed in this life, he or she will never have enough to buy entrance into paradise. In the hereafter, the poorest inhabitant of Earth who has testified to the truth of Islam will be far happier and more dignified than the richest person who did not accept the message of Islam.


Rejecting Allah’s message is the biggest sin that one can commit. For this reason, while the soul is still in his or her body, the wise individual should take this opportunity; he or she is still alive to accept Allah’s message before it is too late. The time for repentance is limited because once death arrives, it is no longer possible to obtain forgiveness.26 Allah has mentioned:


{[For such is the state of the disbelievers] until, when death comes to one of them, he says: My Lord, send me back that I might do


26 Compiled from Caraballo, My Great Love for Jesus Led Me to Islam.


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48 Islam’s revival of Jesus’ teachings


righteousness in that which I left behind. No! It is only a word he is saying…}27 (Quran 23: 99-100)


Religion is, without question, the most important aspect of a person’s life, for it determines whether or not a person is rightly guided. It follows, therefore, that choosing the true faith is the most important personal decision one must make, and this decision needs to be based on clarity and total conviction. When it comes to matters of religion and creed, nothing must be left to chance because the one who is truly guided—as opposed to the one who is not—will surely find eternal happiness in the hereafter!


Having been presented with the previous proofs, we should use our intellect to analyse and reason. A crossroad has been reached, and Allah (Glorified is He) calls on all people to follow the clear, straight road and avoid all the murky, dubious ones. The right path has now become distinct from the wrong path, as Allah has mentioned:


{There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong, so whoever disbelieves in taghoot and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.}


(Quran 2: 256)


It is my duty and responsibility, as a resident of this great planet, and as one who has submitted my free will to the law and commandments of the Supreme Being, to urge all human beings to stay away from the worship of false deities—to stop putting their faith in statues, sphinxes, figures, amulets, talismans, horseshoes, and any other objects that have been manufactured by humans or created by


27 The unbelievers will ask for a ‘second chance’ when they see the angels ready to punish them, but it will be too late; they were given the time, the intellect and the guidance, but they neglected it for years until time ran out.


A whisper 49


God. After first repenting, a person should submit completely to the will of Allah, the Only God of the universe.


HOW TO BECOME A MUSLIM


very religion has its own requirements for conversion.


Someone who wants to become Jewish must pledge all of the following:


1) To enter the ‘eternal covenant’ between God and the people of Israel and to become a Jew of his or her own free will;


2) To accept Judaism to the exclusion of all other religious faiths and practices, which means to deny the prophethood of Jesus and Muhammad (bpuh) and to deny the revelations that God sent to humankind through them;


3) An undivided loyalty to Judaism and to the Jewish people under all circumstances;


4) To commit to learning the Torah and other Jewish knowledge; and


5) To raise his or her children as Jews.


To be a Christian, one must:


1) Believe that God (Allah) has a partner, a mother, and a son;


2) Believe that every new-born baby is born sinful;


3) Believe that God became a man and descended to Earth to die for the sins of the people;


4) Deny the prophethood of Muhammad (bpuh) publicly; and


5) Deny that the Quran is a revelation from Allah, the Exalted.


However, to become a Muslim is simple. One must:


1) Bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah (in other words, disown all false gods),


2) Bear witness that Muhammad (bpuh) is His messenger,


3) Believe in all the six articles of faith, and


4) Worship Allah as taught by Prophet Muhammad (bpuh).


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How to become a Muslim 51


Hence, becoming a Muslim is a simple and easy process. If anyone has a real desire to be a Muslim and has full belief that Islam is the true religion of God, all he or she needs to do is to pronounce the shahadah, the testimony of faith.28 Pronunciation of this testimony with a sincere heart brings the person into the fold of Islam. It is the main gateway to Islam.


Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) said:


«Whoever testifies that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, Who has no partner; that Muhammad is His slave and messenger; that Jesus is the slave of Allah, His prophet, and His word29 which He bestowed in Mary and a spirit created from Him; that paradise (heaven) is true; and that the hellfire is true—Allah will eventually admit him into paradise, according to his deeds.»


(Recorded by Bukhari)


The first part of the testimony consists of the most important words of truth that Allah has ever revealed to His noble prophets, “There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah.” He has stated:


{And We sent not before you any messenger except that We revealed to him that: There is no deity except Me, so worship Me.}


(Quran 21: 25)


Bearing this testimony implies that all forms of worship—whether praying, fasting, supplicating, seeking refuge, or offering an animal as sacrifice—must be directed to Allah and to Him alone. Directing any form of worship to other than Allah (whether to an angel, a prophet, Jesus, Muhammad [bpuh], a saint, an idol, a statue, the sun, the moon,


28 The words of the shahadah are: Ash-hadu al-la ilahailla Allah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Abduhu wa Rasooluhu. (I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is His slave and messenger.)


29 It means that Jesus was created when Allah said the word “Be”; when He said it, Jesus was created in the womb of his mother, Mary.


52 Islam’s revival of Jesus’ teachings


a tree, a cross, or anything else) contradicts the fundamental message not only of Islam but of all the prophets; it is an unforgivable sin in the hereafter, so one must repent before death.


The second part of the testimony means that Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) is the slave and the chosen messenger of Allah.30 This implies that a true Muslim obeys and follows the commands of the Prophet (bpuh) as mentioned in the collections of his hadiths. One must believe in what he has said, practice his teachings, and avoid what he has forbidden because the hadiths were, in fact, revelations and inspiration conveyed to him by Allah.


As mentioned earlier, Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) was sent in order to implement the Quran in a practical way through his sayings, deeds, and legislation, as well as all other facets of his life. When his wife Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) was asked about his character, she replied:


«His character was that of the Quran.»


(Recorded by Muslim and Abu Dawood)


Hence, to truly adhere to the second part of the shahadah is to follow his example in all walks of life. Allah has mentioned:


{Say [O Muhammad]: If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.} (Quran 3: 31)


A true Muslim must strive to mould his or her life and character to emulate the Prophet (bpuh), for he was a living example for human beings to follow. Allah has said to His Prophet (bpuh):


{And indeed, you are of a great moral character.} (Quran 68: 4)


30 The meaning of worship is, simply, total submission and complete obedience to Allah’s commandments in belief, intentions, statements and actions. This is what is meant by ‘slavery to Allah’ in Islam.


How to become a Muslim 53


Allah has also said to all people:


{There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.} (Quran 33: 21)


When one enters the fold of Islam, all previous sins are forgiven; one starts a new life of piety and righteousness since he or she, in essence, has repented from the ways and beliefs of the previous life. One man told the Prophet (bpuh) that he would accept Islam only under the condition that Allah would forgive his sins; the Prophet (bpuh) asked him:


«Do you not know that accepting Islam destroys all sins that came before it?» (Recorded by Muslim)


As soon as a person accepts Islam, he or she is free of all previous sins. The person’s record is wiped clean, as if he or she was born that very day. One should try as much as possible to keep his or her records clean and strive to do as many good deeds as possible; the more good deeds, the more he or she will be elevated in paradise.


It should be emphasized again that accepting Islam does not mean turning your back on the messages of previous prophets (peace be upon them all). Indeed, it is a fulfilment of those messages. Therefore, if you are a Jew or a Christian, accepting Islam and following Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) is a fulfilment of the messages which Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them) brought, as has been clearly described and proven in my book The Amazing Prophecies of Muhammad (bpuh) in the Bible: Twenty-Eight Proofs from the Bible of Muhammad’s Prophethood.


On the other hand, rejecting Islam means turning your back not only on Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) but also on Prophets Moses and Jesus. Doing so is actually a clear violation of their messages, and it diminishes your hope of paradise in the hereafter.


54 Islam’s revival of Jesus’ teachings


It is now up to you to decide where your own future home will be. I wish you all the best!


REMEMBER THIS


o accurately identify the true religion, you must maintain an objective point of view, one which does not allow your emotions to cloud your vision and thereby blind you to the truth. Indeed, you must look at all issues rationally so that you can separate truth from falsehood; then make a judgment and follow it with sincere prayers asking the Almighty to guide you to the right path.


Now that you have read this book and examined the evidence regarding the truthfulness of Islam, I pray to God Almighty that you can and will make the right choice! I invite you to choose Islam as your way of life and to get yourself on the right path! La ilaha illa Allah (There is no deity worthy of worship except God), Muhammadan Rasool Allah (Muhammad is the Messenger of God).


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 to eternal bliss in the hereafter.


Kind regards,


Majed S. Al-Rassi Phone: 966 50 5906761 e-mail: majed.alrassi@gmail.com


T


BIBLIOGRAPHY


Caraballo, Simon (Muhammad bin Abdullah Caraballo). My Great Love for Jesus Led Me to Islam. Jubail, KSA: Dawah & Guidance Centre.


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.


______. Eleven Facts about Jesus and His Mother (Mary) in the Islamic Teachings. http://www.saaid.net/The-clear-religion/04.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.


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.


❖ Bucaille, Maurice. The Quran and Modern Science. Riyadh: International Islamic Publishing House, 2001.


❖ Ibrahim, I. A. A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam. Houston, TX: Darussalam, 1997. Also available at www.islam-guide.com.


❖ 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.


❖ al-Uthaymeen, Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih. Explanation of the Three Fundamental Principles of Islaam. UK: Al-Hidaayah Publishing and Distribution, 1997.


58 Islam’s revival of Jesus’ teachings


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


abu (or abi)


father (of)


hadith


a statement or action of Prophet Muhammad (bpuh) that was remembered and recorded by his Companions and followers


hijab


veil ordained by Allah for believing women


jinn (plural of jinni)


non-human, rational beings created by Allah from fire, often referred to as ‘demons’ or ‘devils’. They have free will like humans: some are Muslims, others disbelievers; some are obedient to Allah, others disobedient. Satan is a jinni. Some people try to ‘foretell’ the future by contacting a jinni. Some disobedient jinn mislead people into thinking that they can tell them what will happen in the future, near or far, or that the jinn can provide people with riches or some sort of power.


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


Ramadan


the ninth month in the Islamic calendar; the month of obligatory fasting


shahadah الشهادة testimony, esp. the Islamic testimony of faith: Lâ ilâha the Islamic testimony of faith: Ash-hadu al-la ilaha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Abduhu wa Rasooluhu. (I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and I testify that


31 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.


60 Islam’s revival of Jesus’ teachings


Muhammad is His slave and messenger.)


Sharia


Islamic law derived from the Quran and the statements and actions of the Prophet (bpuh)


taghoot


idols; everything evil that is worshipped


zakah


obligatory charity payable by Muslims, to be distributed to poor Muslims who qualify as recipients