Introduction to Islam in light of Holy Quran and Hadith:

The first thing that one should know and clearly understand about Islam is what the word Islam itself
means. The religion of Islam is not named after a person, or a place, a tribe, a mountain or a river.
Nor is the name just another –ism among the many that exist in the world today. The Arabic word
Islam means the submission or surrender of one's will to the only true god worthy of worship, Allah
(God in Arabic). A Muslim is the one who submits or surrenders his will to Allah. Hence, it was not a
new religion brought by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Arabia in the seventh century, but only the
true religion of God re-expressed in its final form.

Islam is a religion, but not in the western meaning of religion. The western connotation of the term
"religion" is something between the believer and God. Islam is a religion organizes all aspects of life
on both the individual and national levels.

Islam organizes your relations with God, with yourself, with your children, with your relatives, with
your neighbor, with your guest, and with other brethren. Islam clearly establishes your duties and
rights in all those relationships.

Islam establishes a clear system of worship, civil rights, laws of marriage and divorce, laws of
inheritance, code of behavior, what not to drink, what to wear, and what not to wear, how to worship
God, how to govern, the laws of war and peace, when to go to war, when to make peace, the law of
economics, and the laws of buying and selling. Islam is a complete code of life.

Islam is not for the mosque only, it is for daily life, a guide to life in all its aspects: socially,
economically, and politically.

Islam is complete constitution. Thus Islam keeps the Muslim away from confusion, because Islam is
logical and rational. Allah is one. Allah is one Allah has no sons. Allah is not trinity. Allah does not kill
to save. No mediation is required between Allah and man. Islam organizes human nature, but does
not go against it. There is not a class of clergy in Islam; nor is there celibacy. Islam is complete code
of human life.

Some people think that to live an Islamic life is "restrictive". Islam however, was revealed as a
balanced way of living.

Allah (The Most High) created all the humans with what is called 'A Fitrah' (a natural state/desire)
( This can be explained as, the inborn or innate nature of mankind to recognise the Truth about the
Creator [Allah]; that he is the only one who truly and sincerely deserves to be worshipped.)

Islam recognises that within this Fitrah there are motivations that influence a man's role on earth e.g.
a desire for good food and drink, to have a home, a desire for love and sex, to protect and be
protected and to be successful and strong. Without some form of control and limit, all of these
legitimate motives could prove very dangerous.

So what constitutes the perfect control for the Fitrah? It must be a method that provides an organised
yet practical demonstration of how to balance all these natural human desires. It cannot be something
that goes against the Fitrah, by placing on it extra burdens. Likewise, it cannot be something that
allows the human desires to run wild without any form of control.

Islam is the perfect control for the Fitrah. It provides a divine method that elevates man above
animals and the rest of creation.

Limited Wisdom
Humans lack perfect knowledge as well as perfect wisdom. No matter how hard we try, we will never
attain the perfect way of life by our own thinking and interpretation. This is the reason why Allaah
being the Most Wise, sent us the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam,)
(i.e. The peace and Blessings Of Allah Be upon him (the Prophet). We as Muslims have been
commanded to say this every time the Prophet's name is mentioned. This is done as a mark of respect
and the honour which he deserves. )

to show us this practical and organised way of life.

Allaah, being Perfect, in His Wisdom and Knowledge, perfected a complete way of life for us. He has
set His limitations and rules, all of which are beneficial to mankind, and therefore, do not need
changing:

"These are the limits (set) by Allaah, so do not approach them" The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2,
Verse 187.

"These are the limits set by Allaah, so do not transgress them" The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2,
Verse 229.

This is why Islam does not allow celibacy, because it is against the Fitrah, i.e., the desire for sex.
Celibacy goes beyond the limits required by humans, and is something that cannot be fulfilled because
humans are designed to procreate. As humans we are not expected to fast every single day for the
rest of our lives (for most 30 days of the year provides an up-hill struggle). It is also from ignorance to
say that 'I shall not sleep during the night, but rather I shall pray!' ( This is not to say that prayer at
night is not important, but if you don't get enough sleep how are you going to fulfil your other
obligations, e.g. going to work in order to provide for your family. The times of praying at night have
been explained by the Prophet (PBUH) as being in the last 3rd of the night before the Fajr prayer. )

Humans have not been created by Allah to live life in such a manner. There is a balance which must
be observed.

The following incident describes the Islamic stance towards such behaviour, Anas reported that
some of the Companions of Allaah's Messenger (PBUH) used to say: "I will not marry
women"; someone else said: "I will not eat meat"; and someone else said: "I will not lie
down in bed". (On hearing this): The Prophet (PBUH) praised Allaah, and glorified Him and
said: "what has happened to these people that they say so and so, whereas I observe
prayer and I sleep too. I observe fast and I break my fast; I marry women also. And he who
turns away from my Sunnah (i.e., my example or lifestyle), he has no relation with me"
[Narrated in Saheeh Muslim vol. 2. p703. no. 32361].

Islam on the other hand, does not allow the person to surrender themselves to lust and desire, as in
contemporary 'civilisation'. Islam recognises the love a man has for women, children, gold, silver, and
other possessions. But it provides a limit for the amount of this worldly pleasure which we require, and
reminds us of the life in the hereafter.

"Beautified for men is the love of things they desire: Women, Children, much of gold and
silver (wealth), branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of
the present world's life, but Allaah has the excellent return (Paradise)" The Holy Qur'an,
Chapter 3, Verse 141.

The inclinations and desires of the Fitrah are not to become the objective in life. Rather they are to be
taken in a stabilised manner. The way to deal with them is real and Allaah (The Most High) has given
us the detailed descriptions of a levelled approach. This levelled approach gives mankind the perfectly
balanced pleasure in this worldly life. The method of maintaining a well-balanced life is not an
endurance test to see who lasts the longest. Allah has revealed Islam, to show us how to attain this
balance in a real manner. Life is not a torturous spiritual test, where you are ordered to Iive in
mountains and trees. Fasting all year round is not obligatory. Marriage is permissible and you do not
have to beat yourself senseless to purify your soul! Rather as Muslims, we must try to follow the
Prophet and his balanced teachings of life and living. As Allah says in the Qur'an:
"Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), you have a good example to follow.." The Holy
Qur'an, Chapter 33, Verse 21.

Restrictive Rules
The use of the word "restrictive" often comes from those who think they live a "free- life". But the fact
of the matter is that, wherever you go you will find rules and regulations. For example, in the
workplace, in colleges and universities and more obviously on the roads, i.e. the highway and green
cross codes. Wherever you are, there are rules and regulations.

Islam forbids us to follow many of the rules which are held by western culture and subcultures. Yet
people in the west are more than willing to obey them, because they believe that these rules will
protect them. How wrong they are! Rave subculture is a classical example of this. Informal dance floor
rules dictate to us ". . . . to drink lots of water, have frequent breaks and don't take too many pills in
one go!" Despite these "recommendations", young people are still dying (The death of the teenager
Leah Betts a few years ago [in England], has shown how such rules work to destroy the very society
which forms them. )

Western society is obsessed with 'safe sex', in order to 'prevent the risk of catching AIDS'. Despite the
wide availability of contraceptives, AIDS is still on the increase, and people are dropping like flies from
this killer epidemic.

Do we think of these rules as being restrictive? If anything you would expect them to bring about a
sense of control and order, as well as increasing the pleasure. Without realising, people are ready and
willing to accept many man-made rules. Rules that are invented by one group of people and to be
obeyed by the rest of society. These rules are not perfect because man is imperfect, yet people accept
them and hope and believe that they will benefit from them.

A Better Offer!
So when the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth is offering a reward which is high, and the Benefit
is eternal, shouldn't we at least see what's on offer?

"You desire the good of this world, but Allaah desires (for you) the Hereafter. And Allaah is
Almighty, All Wise" The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 8, Verse 67.

". . . in a lofty Paradise. Therein will be a running spring. Therein will be thrones raised
high. And cups set at hand. And cushions set in rows. And rich carpets (all) spread out" The
Holy Qur'an, Chapter 88, Verses 10-16.

This worldly life has many good things in it. Things that Allah has created for us to utilise. But the
reality is all of these luxuries and benefits of the world will come to an end. For example, a person's
good looks may do them many favours during their youth, but will it hold them on good ground when
they are 60. Such is the reality of old age.

Likewise with wealth. Islam allows you to gain wealth as long as you do not oppress other people, and
transgress the limits set by Allaah (The Most High). An example of this is making people pay back
more money than they actually borrow, through usury or interest payments.

However wealth can not benefit you when you die, as it only passes on to your family as inheritance.
Such is the civility of modem society, that many people are even killed, just so that inheritance can be
gained sooner rather then later!!

Thus, we should see ourselves as travellers on a journey. A traveller is one who is constantly on the
move. He will only take essential provisions, and not all his life's possessions. Likewise, a person must
realise that Allah did not design the luxuries of this world to last forever. They only exist to aid our
worship of Allah, which will take us to the journey's end, the hereafter. Being human, we must one-
day die, and our worldly benefits and luxuries will also perish. The true wealth is indeed with Allah in
the next-life. As Allah says:
"Seeking the perishable goods of the worldly life. There are much more profits and booties
with Allah" The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 4, Verse 94.

Man-made restrictions exist in all aspects of western society. Industry, travel and leisure, are just a
few of the sectors which are dominated by human restrictions. Humans automatically assume that
these restrictions are there to protect them. In part this may be true, but what about the restrictions
set by Allah which can save the whole of man-kind? Such restrictions come from the One Who is
Perfect, and not man, who is imperfect! The so-called 'freedom' of 'modern civilisation', is one which is
defined for you, by another human. We are often told what is 'politically correct' and what is not. We
are told that this is what everybody will be wearing this Summer, and that this is the film to watch.
Those are the new Hollywood stars to emerge. You shouldn't be seen 'dead' in this dress and you
should paint your finger-nails this colour. The list is endless. All of this is then redefined to fit in with
the next wave of fashion trends.

Those who do not conform are labelled bigamist, narrow-minded, backward, out-dated and so on.

Modern civilisation allows you so much freedom, that you can even waiver the law if you are 'well
connected'. Laws are often defined by a small group of people, with everyone else conforming to what
they consider right and wrong. What kind of justice is this? This would be more acceptable to those
who accept the concept of man being divine. A concept where men decide what is moral and immoral
even if it contradicts what God has already laid out for us. God has no part to play in such a
civilisation, because man has adopted the role of god for himself. History bears witness to this as it
was the way of the civilisations before the advent of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as Allah says:

"They (Jews & Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allah
(by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own
desires without being ordered by Allah)" The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 9, Verse 31.

The true freedom of man is found in a civilisation that has a divine value system. A civilisation in which
man submits to his Creator alone. A civilisation that reacts with the life of this world and links it to the
Day of Judgement. On that Day, everyone will be held accountable in front of ALLAH, the Creator and
The True Master of the universe.

The Purpose
Allaah created man and man belongs to Him. Allah decreed that one day man shall die and return to
Him. The world is just a temporary period. We are born, we live in this world and then we die.

So while we are on this earth Allaah has given us the instruction manual to shape our lives according
to what He has decreed. This is the meaning of worship. It requires absolute obedience, humility and
love for Allaah, the way He has prescribed it.

We cannot love Allaah the way we want to, especially if we do not know what Allaah loves or hates in
the first place.

So through Allaah's Perfect Wisdom and Infinite Knowledge, He sent us the Qur'aan and the Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH), and told us how this love is to be expressed:

"Say (O Muhammad (PBUH) to mankind): If you really love Allaah then follow me (i.e. the
Prophet (saw), and accept that Allaah is the one truly deserving of worship, follow the
Qur'an and the Sunnah). Allaah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allaah is Most
Forgiving, Most Merciful" The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 31.

The Problem with Human Law

Humans by themselves cannot determine what is good and bad for each other for all of the time.

Man-made laws are often defined by a person's personal motives, emotions, limited intellect, beliefs
and prejudices. Thus, they are designed with these built-in flaws. This is why human law has so many
loop-holes and deficiencies. It is always requiring change, modification and re-modification, time after
time!

So when Allaah (The Most High) revealed the Qur'an and the example of the Prophet (PBUH), all the
details about good and bad, or right and wrong, were not left for the limited nature of mankind to
define for themselves. Allaah (The Most High) says:

"And We have sent down to you the Book (Qur'an) as an EXPLANATION of EVERYTHING and
a GUIDANCE, a Mercy and glad tidings for those who have surrendered (to Allaah as
Muslims)" The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 16, Verse 89.

So What is Islam saying?

The message of Islam fits the Fitrah of man. Allaah (The Most Wise) created man in the best form. He
gave his Fitrah the ability to believe in the unseen. Thus, man's soul and its horizons are broader and
more open than that of the rest of creation - like the animals, bird's and insects. In nature we can see
the signs of Allah:

"Do they not look at the camels, and how they were created? And at the heavens, how it is
raised? And at the mountains, how they are rooted and fixed firm? And at the earth, how it
is spread out?" The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 88, Verses 17-20.

In ourselves we can see Allah's signs through the diversity of our languages, colours and nationalities.

"O mankind! We have created you from a male and female, and have made you into nations
and tribes, that you may know one another" The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 49, Verse 13.

Having been told this, we must now recognise the Perfect way our Creator has chosen for us to follow,
which is:

"Indeed, in the Messenger (Muhammad [PBUH]), you have a good example to follow" The
Holy Qur'an, Chapter 33, Verse 21.

We have been commanded to worship Allah alone without partners. We must recognise and
understand that He is the Only True God who deserves to be worshipped;

"So know (Muhammad [PBUH]), that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah" The
Holy Qur'an, Chapter 47, Verse 19.

To help us do this, Allaah (The Most High) sent the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH), to deliver and explain
the Final Message of Islam, and to help us recognise and worship our Lord in the best manner. We
have been told to form our lives' according to this Message, by following and imitating the Final
Messenger who is our only guide to worshipping our Lord: Allah.

This is what is meant when we say: Laa-illaa-ha il-Allaah, wa Muhammadur Rasool-Allah.

"There is no true God worthy of worship except Allaah, and Muhammad is the Final
Messenger of Allaah"

[3]

[4] The death of the teenager Leah Betts a few years ago [in England], has shown how such rules
work to destroy the very society which forms them.

5 pillars
1) Belief in God – Islam lays a very important stress on Belief in One and Only incomparable God. In
Islam monotheism in not restricted only to words. Islam is a pure monotheistic religion. As
Encyclopedia Britannica puts it “No religion has interpreted monotheism in a more consequential and
literal way than Islam”. God has no son, partners, human forms and none has the right to be
worshipped but Him alone.

2) Belief in Angels – Muslims believe in Angels. The angels worship God alone, obey Him, and act
only on his commands. Among the angels are Gabriel and Michael.

3) Belief in His revealed Books – God has revealed books to his messengers as proof and guidance
to mankind. Some of the Books revealed are Taurat, Zaboor(PSALMS), Injeel(Gospel) and The Quran.
The Quran is the last and final revelation of God revealed to Prophet Muhammed (pbuh).

4) Belief in His Messengers – Muslims believe in prophets and messengers of God. Muslims believe
in Prophets like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus (peace and blessings be upon them all). The
last and final messenger was prophet Muhammed (pbuh) who came as an reconfirmation of the
eternal message. Prophets were human beings with no divine qualities, nor do Muslims worship
Prophets.

5) Belief in the Day of Judgment – Belief in the day of Judgment where all the people will be
resurrected for God’s judgment according their beliefs and deeds in this world.

6) Belief in Al-Qadar – Belief in Divine Pre Destination, i.e. God knows everything, He knows what
will happen and what happened. Whatever God wills to happen will come to pass and whatever he
does not will to happen will not come to pass.

…………………………………….
Some features of ISLAM
Uniqueness of the Name
The name for the religion of Islam is much more than just a name because it expresses a deep
spiritual meaning as well as an overall outlook on life and concept of worship. The word "Islam" is an
Arabic word which means "complete submission to the will of Almighty God".

Other religions are named after their founders, such as Christianity and Buddhism; after a tribe or
ethnic group, such as Judaism; or after a specific geographical region, such as Hinduism. Islam,
however, is unique because its name represents its outlook on life and reflects its universal nature.
Additionally, the name "Islam" was not thought up by its followers or applied by other people, as is the
case with the names of other religions, but was revealed by Almighty God. This name expressed
nothing new, because submission to the will of God, i.e. "Islam", has always been the true religion of
God. Due to this fact, and since the teachings of Islam are straightforward, profound and logical, Islam
is the "Natural Religion" of all human beings. The name of no other religion carries any significant
message, or conveys the true sense of its outlook on life, as does the name "Islam".

Universality & Continuity of the Message

The command to worship none other than Almighty God and to submit to His will has been revealed
by God to all of His prophets throughout mankind's long history. The pure essence of the beliefs and
teachings that were revealed by God to the Prophet Muhammad are the same as God taught to
Abraham, who was one of the earliest and greatest prophets. So actually, Muhammad is the final
prophet of Islam -- not the first. Additionally, Islam is the true "religion of Abraham", because
Abraham completely submitted himself to the revealed will of Almighty God. Islam is truly unique
among the religions of the world because it is addressed to all of mankind. The scripture of Islam,
called the Qur'an, repeatedly addresses all human beings by saying: "O mankind!" Additionally, in the
Qur'an, Almighty God is never addressed as the God of a particular people or nation. From the very
beginning of the mission of Prophet Muhammad, his followers came from a wide spectrum of
individuals -- there was Bilal, the African slave; Suhaib, the Byzantine Roman; Ibn Sailam, the Jewish
Rabbi; and Salman, the Persian. Since religious truth is eternal and unchanging, and mankind is one
universal brotherhood, God's revelations to man have always been consistent and universal.
Submission to the will of God, and worshipping Him alone without intermediaries, has always been the
only religion acceptable to Almighty God.

A Straightforward Concept of God

Unique among the religions of the world, the concept of God in Islam is completely based upon Divine
Revelation. Not only is the concept of God in Islam characterized by purity and clarity, but it is also not
marred by myths, superstitions or man-made philosophical ideas. In the pure and straightforward
teachings of Islam, Almighty God has clearly revealed His unique nature and qualities to man in the
way which He wants them to be understood. While other religions have either mixed man-made
doctrines with divine revelation, or ignored the divine revelation almost completely, Islam's concept of
God is based totally on what God has said about Himself. Islam's concept of God can be called pure
and straightforward because there is a clear distinction made between the Creator and the created. As
such, there is no ambiguity in divinity -- it is made clear that there is nothing divine or worthy of being
worshipped except for Almighty God. In Islam, calling someone other than Almighty God "Lord" or
"Savior" is completely prohibited because such terms compromise God's uniqueness and because all of
our trust should be put in Almighty God -- who is the Most Merciful and the Controller of all affairs.
The only Creator -- Almighty God -- is Unique, Eternal and Transcendent above His Creation.
Everything else besides Almighty God -- meaning anything that you can see or even imagine -- is part
of God's creation, and thus not worthy of worship. Almighty God, as He has described Himself in the
Qur'an, is Absolutely One and "the Most Merciful of those who show mercy". Even though God is
transcendent above His creation, due to His infinite Mercy He is constantly involved with the affairs of
His creatures. Even though God is infinite, unique and incomprehensible, in the Holy Qur'an He has
revealed Himself in a way suitable to the finite and limited human mind. By reaching out to man and
sending revelations through all of His prophets, God has allowed Himself to be known through His
unique and most-beautiful attributes. Because the concept of God in Islam was sent by God
specifically for mankind, it appeals to the innate nature of the human being. Due to this fact, Islam
does not ask man to accept irrational, ludicrous or man-made doctrines about God. The Islamic
concept of God strikes a unique balance between various religions an because is avoids reducing God
to just being some remote and impersonal "First Cause" or "Higher Power", while on the other hand it
also teaches that a direct and personal relationship with God can be maintained without believing God
to be like His creation or incarnate in it.

Direct Relationship with God

In other religions, even the ones which claim belief in "One God", people often approach God through
an intermediary, such as a saint, an angel, the Virgin Mary or Jesus. However, it is only in Islam that a
person is required only to pray to God. Some people also nullify a truly proper and direct relationship
with Almighty God by mistakenly believing that they have a special relationship with Him simply
because they are members of a certain ethnic group, tribe or "chosen people". Additionally, in Islam
there are no priests or clergy -- each worshipper, man or woman, has a direct relationship with their
Merciful Creator -- Almighty God. Since God is the Owner and Sustainer of everything, as well as the
only one who can provide true and complete forgiveness, it is completely futile to try to approach Him
through anyone else. According to the teachings of Islam, praying to or worshipping anything or
anyone besides Almighty God is the greatest sin a person can commit. Even though other religions
believe in God, they nullify this belief by making the grave mistake of not always approaching Him
directly. Some religions even go so far as to say that human beings, due to their sinfulness, cannot
approach God without an intermediary -- which mistakenly implies that God is unable or unwilling to
forgive human-beings directly. Islam teaches that Almighty God has the power to do all things and
that no one should ever despair of His mercy. According to the teachings of Islam, God is always ready
to bestow His abundant Grace and Mercy on anyone who turns to Him in repentance. Even people who
used to commit the worst sin of worshipping others besides God will be forgiven if they realize what
they are doing is wrong and repent. Having a direct relationship with God, and understanding that He
alone deserves worship and praise, goes hand-in-hand with the Islamic concept of God. This is
because once a proper concept of God is established in the heart and mind, submission to God and
complete reliance on Him alone comes naturally.

Unique Concept of Worship

According to the teachings of Islam, everything that a human being does with the pure intention of
pleasing God is an act of worship. Due to this, Islam has an all encompassing concept of worship
unlike any other religion. Almighty God has revealed in the Holy Qur'an that His purpose for creating
human beings was to worship Him and Him alone. Like other religions, Islam has required acts of
worship, however worship in Islam is not limited to rituals. Since Islam is an all-encompassing religion
with guidance for all aspects of life. almost every action in a Muslim's life becomes an act of worship if
it is done to build a better relationship with God. Since man's purpose in life is to worship and submit
to God, worship in Islam has been defined by God Himself in an all-encompassing way. This is special
uniqueness can also be seen in the fact that most other religions only require formal worship once per
week, while Islam requires it five times a day. Even more importantly, all rites of formal worship in
Islam are based on Divine revelation, while the modes of worship in other religions are a mixture of
Divine revelation, man-made traditions, opinions of clergymen and religious councils. Additionally, in
Islam acts of worship such as prayer and fasting have been described by God and His Prophet in such
detail that it gives human beings a feeling of assurance that the way they are worshipping God is
pleasing to Him.

Based on Authentic Sources

The preservation of the scripture of Islam -- the Holy Qur'an -- is unique among world religions. No
other religion has a scripture which is both as old and as well-preserved as the one possessed by
Muslims today. Even scholars who are hostile to Islam admit that the Qur'an that exists today is
exactly the same as the one that existed in the time of the Prophet Muhammad. Even though many
people mistakenly assume that the Qu'ran was written by Muhammad, it is actually the literal Word of
God. Not only was Muhammad known by his people to be unable to read and write, but the Holy
Qur'an clearly and repeatedly exclaims that it is from Almighty God - the Lord of the Universe. Unlike
other religions, the followers of Islam have always considered their scripture to be the Word of God in
toto. The scriptures of other religions are made up of writings that were not considered to be scripture
until many years after they were written - the letters of (St.) Paul are a good example of this.
Additionally, the Holy Qur'an has always been in the possession of the common believer, and as such
was circulated very widely. In this way, Muslims know that their scripture is authentic, unlike other so-
called "scriptures" which are still claimed to be scripture even though their authors are unknown. The
Qur'an also remained pure and authentic because unlike other scriptures, it was written down and
memorized in the lifetime of the prophet that it was revealed to. Also, its wide circulation prevented
scholars, clergy and religious councils from deciding what should and should not be part of the
scripture -- since it was already in the hands of the people in its complete form. It has always amazed
people to find out that the entire Qur'an was not only memorized word-for-word by hundreds of the
companions of Prophet Muhammad, but that it has been memorized verbatim by thousands upon
thousands of people until this very day in its original language of Arabic. It was only natural for
Almighty God to preserve the scripture revealed to Prophet Muhammad, because he was the last
Prophet and Final Messenger of God. In short, the Qu'ran is a unique scripture that has come down to
us in its original form and unique language. Due to its pristine teachings and unquestionable
authenticity, the Qur'an removes the need for man to wonder for himself how to worship and please
God, since God Himself has clearly described these things.

An Eternal Message
Islam has just as much meaning and is just as applicable to people living in today's "modern world" as
it did for people living 1400 years ago. Since the message of Islam is eternally true it is also very
robust, and as such still has a strong spiritual impact on millions of people living in the world today.
The Pure Monotheism of Islam, as well as its universal brotherhood, strong morals and positive
outlook on life, is still very relevant and meaningful to modern man. The continued relevance and
applicability to both the spiritual and worldly life of human beings from all around the word is just one
of the many proofs of the Divine origin of the message of Islam. Unlike the teachings of other
religions, the teachings of Islam don't need to be updated or watered-down in order to appeal to a
human being living in today's troubled world. Since the teachings of Islam are both spiritually true and
eternally practical, they can be lived and implemented in the daily life of a person in order to make
their life more fulfilling. In short, unique among world religions, Islam has not had to sacrifice its
integrity in order to be both applicable to "modern life" and to have enough spiritual impact to change
people's lives.

A Complete Way of Life

Islam not just a "religion" in the traditional sense, because it is not just confined to acts of worship,
morality and other aspects of personal piety. The teachings of Islam, even though they do cover
religious rituals and morality, also encompass all other aspects of life. The Prophet Muhammad's
mission encompassed not only spiritual and religious teachings, but also included guidance for such
things as social reform, economics, politics, warfare and family life. Thus due to the diversity and
success of Muhammad's mission, Muslims have clear guidance from God and His Final Prophet on all
aspects of life. This goes hand-in-hand with the Islamic belief that Almighty God does not leave human
beings without guidance in their daily lives -- thus His guidance is all-encompassing. Due to God's
wisdom, and because Islam is the final revealed religion, the guidance that God has sent is applicable
for all times and for all places. This can be seen in the fact that the guidance for some aspects of life is
much more broad and flexible than others. Additionally, in the Qur'an, Almighty God has revealed to
mankind that the purpose of our creation is to worship and remember God in all aspects of our life,
and to follow His guidance in everything that we do. Thus Islam does not accept a secular view of
government and society, but only one based on the Law of God. Nor does Islam leave it to human
beings to decide what is right and wrong, good and bad, moral and immoral based on their whims,
desires or man-made idea. In short, Islam does not teach people to "Render unto Caesar the things
which are Caesar's" because, according to Islam, everything belongs to God. Like all of its other
teachings, Islam's view of other religions is balanced, realistic and moderate. Islam doesn't view other
religions as being either completely true nor completely false, but believes that all true religions were
at one time divinely revealed. However, over time the teachings of the various religions, due to a
variety of reasons, have become distorted and mixed with made-man ideas. But nonetheless, Muslims
are required to be tolerant of other revealed religions since the Qur'an clearly says: "Let there be no
compulsion in religion".

Moderation
The teachings of Islam, since they are divinely revealed, are balanced in all of their aspects. Even
though Islam is an all-encompassing way of life, it preaches moderation and rejects extremism. On
the one hand, Islam does not preach complete rejection of all worldly pleasures in view of the life
hereafter; and on the other hand it does not teach that earthly life is just for pleasure and enjoyment.
In Islam, wealth and worldly pleasures can be partaken of in this life as long as they are enjoyed in a
way that is in obedience to God. However, Muslims are taught to keep in mind that the life hereafter is
their ultimate goal, and therefore one should be charitable and not become too attached to worldly
things. By maintaining a balance between man's spiritual and physical needs, the teachings of Islam
are best suited for the needs of human beings in particular and society in general. Since Islam is
based on clear guidance from God, it rejects all man-made religious excesses, such as certain forms of
monasticism where people try to completely "reject the world" and other forms of extreme self-denial.
Islam teaches that human beings have responsibilities at all levels -- to other individuals, to their
families and to society as a whole. By maintaining a unique balance between the physical and
spiritual, and between the individual and society, Islam maintains a balance in all directions.

A Positive Outlook
Most people will agree that having a strong self-esteem and a positive outlook on life is conducive to
achieving happiness and success. Unique among the religions of the world, Islam's view of both the
nature of the human being and the purpose of life are extremely positive. Islam's view of the nature of
the human being is balanced. On the one hand they are not viewed as being inherently evil, but on
the other they are not considered to be perfect - nor are they expected to be so. According to the
teachings of Islam, every human being, man or woman, is born with a clean slate and is equally
capable of both good and evil. Since God has bestowed limited free-will on human beings, they will
ultimately be held responsible for their actions. Believing that "salvation" is based on "faith alone"
reduces human life to a near meaningless and fatalistic existence. The teachings of Islam make it clear
that human beings, since their nature is basically good, are capable of positive action in this life, and
that the best way to achieve a balanced, happy and fulfilled life is complete submission to Almighty
God. Certainly, no person can completely submit to God by simply wanting to do so, but by first
realizing that none has a right to be worshipped and obeyed except for Almighty God, and then
making a reasonable effort to follow God's commands, all human beings can fulfill their reason for
existence - which is to worship God alone. . The Holy Qur'an tells us that "man was created weak" and
thus falls into sin often. On the other hand, man is not to think of himself as so evil and corrupt so as
to despair of God's mercy. As a recourse to this, and since Islam condemns self-righteousness, a pious
life can only be lived by trusting in God -- since there is no power or strength except through God. As
such, spiritual felicity is achieved by a combination of both faith and action. As such, the most
righteous person is not one who thinks that repentance is unnecessary, but the one who admits and
realizes his mistakes - and then repents. According to the word of Almighty God as revealed in the
Holy Qur'an, mankind is God's trustee on earth; and as such the life of this world is a test, not a
punishment. Even before God created the first man, He knew that he would sin, however God created
man in spite of this. According to the Qur'an, God has bestowed on human beings a great trust and
given them dignity. It is only by worshipping Almighty God, directly and without intermediaries, that a
human being can fulfull their true innate nature and purpose of existence. In short, Islam is realistic.
It portrays human beings just as they are and the life of the world just as it is. Since the outlook of
Islam is divinely revealed is not based on wishful or negative thinking, but simply on reality. Islam also
has a positive view of mankind in general, since it teaches that the best person in the sight of God is
the one who is most God-conscious. In this way the truth of Islam and the universality of God's
message transcends all of the barriers of race, nationality, ethnic group and economic status.

The Cure for Racism

When he was in Makkah, Al-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X) wrote a letter to his loyal assistants in
Harlem... from his heart:

America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the
race problem.

"Never have I witnessed such sincere hospitality and overwhelming spirit of true brotherhood as is
practiced by people of all colors and races here in this ancient Holy Land, the home of Abraham,
Muhammad and all the other Prophets of the Holy Scriptures. For the past week, I have been utterly
speechless and spellbound by the graciousness I see displayed all around me by people of all colors.

"I have been blessed to visit the Holy City of Mecca, I have made my seven circuits around the Ka'ba,
led by a young Mutawaf named Muhammad, I drank water from the well of the Zam Zam. I ran seven
times back and forth between the hills of Mt. Al-Safa and Al-Marwah. I have prayed in the ancient city
of Mina, and I have prayed on Mt. Arafat.

"There were tens of thousands of pilgrims, from all over the world. They were of all colors, from blue-
eyed blonds to black-skinned Africans. But we were all participating in the same ritual, displaying a
spirit of unity and brotherhood that my experiences in America had led me to believe never could exist
between the white and non-white.

"America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its
society the race problem. Throughout my travels in the Muslim world, I have met, talked to, and
even eaten with people who in America would have been considered white - but the white attitude was
removed from their minds by the religion of Islam. I have never before seen sincere and true
brotherhood practiced by all colors together, irrespective of their color.

"You may be shocked by these words coming from me. But on this pilgrimage, what I have seen, and
experienced, has forced me to rearrange much of my thought-patterns previously held, and to toss
aside some of my previous conclusions. This was not too difficult for me. Despite my firm convictions,
I have always been a man who tries to face facts, and to accept the reality of life as new experience
and new knowledge unfolds it. I have always kept an open mind, which is necessary to the flexibility
that must go hand in hand with every form of intelligent search for truth.

"During the past eleven days here in the Muslim world, I have eaten from the same plate, drunk from
the same glass, and slept on the same rug - while praying to the same God - with fellow Muslims,
whose eyes were the bluest of blue, whose hair was the blondest of blond, and whose skin was the
whitest of white. And in the words and in the actions and in the deeds of the white Muslims, I felt the
same sincerity that I felt among the black African Muslims of Nigeria, Sudan and Ghana.

"We were truly all the same (brothers) - because their belief in one God had removed the white from
their minds, the white from their behaviour, and the white from their attitude.

"I could see from this, that perhaps if white Americans could accept the Oneness of God, then
perhaps, too, they could accept in reality the Oneness of Man - and cease to measure, and hinder, and
harm others in terms of their 'differences' in color.

"With racism plaguing America like an incurable cancer, the so-called 'Christian' white American heart
should be more receptive to a proven solution to such a destructive problem. Perhaps it could be in
time to save America from imminent disaster - the same destruction brought upon Germany by racism
that eventually destroyed the Germans themselves.

"Each hour here in the Holy Land enables me to have greater spiritual insights into what is happening
in America between black and white. The American Negro never can be blamed for his racial
animosities - he is only reacting to four hundred years of the conscious racism of the American whites.
But as racism leads America up the suicide path, I do believe, from the experiences that I have had
with them, that the whites of the younger generation, in the colleges and universities, will see the
handwriting on the walls and many of them will turn to the spiritual path of truth - the only way left to
America to ward off the disaster that racism inevitably must lead to.

"Never have I been so highly honored. Never have I been made to feel more humble and unworthy.
Who would believe the blessings that have been heaped upon an American Negro? A few nights ago, a
man who would be called in America a white man, a United Nations diplomat, an ambassador, a
companion of kings, gave me his hotel suite, his bed. Never would I have even thought of dreaming
that I would ever be a recipient of such honors - honors that in America would be bestowed upon a
King - not a Negro.

"All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the Worlds.

…………..
ISLAM VS TERRORISM

The word "Islam" is closely related to the word "salam or silm" which means peace.
Muhammad(pbuh), himself had a very peaceful nature, was extremely tolerant, and highly protective
of the non-Muslim minorities living in the Muslim state. However, there are times when states find war
inevitable, but Islam only permits war in specific and dire circumstances. It keeps warfare at a level of
mercy and respect for the enemy that no other army has been able to reach. The Prophet sometimes
had to fight for the mere survival of his people and message, but once their security was ensured, he
immediately reverted to peace and diplomacy.

There is a rigid code Muslims must abide by in deciding when they can fight and how the fighting
should be conducted. War itself is despised, and is only a last-resort option when all other attempts at
peace have been made. A Muslim is never allowed to initiate hostilities.
"And fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but transgress not the
limits. Surely, Allah likes not the transgressors."The Holy Qur'an,Chapter 2,Verse 190.
The only times in which believers are allowed to take up arms are when they are defending their own
lives and the lives of their people, when they see the weak being oppressed in acts of tyranny, and
when they are prohibited from practicing their religion: "And slay them wherever ye find them,
and drive them out of the places whence they drove you out, for persecution is worse than
slaughter. And fight not with them at the Inviolable Place of Worship until they first attack
you there, but if they attack you (there) then slay them. Such is the reward of disbelievers."
The Holy Qur'an,Chapter 2, Verse 191.

"They question thee (O Muhammad) with regard to warfare in the sacred month. Say:
Warfare therein is a great (transgression), but to turn (men) from the way of Allah, and to
disbelieve in Him and in the Inviolable Place of Worship, and to expel His people thence, is
a greater with Allah; for persecution is worse than killing. And they will not cease from
fighting against you till they have made you renegades from your religion, if they can. And
whoso be cometh a renegade and dieth in his disbelief: such are they whose works have
fallen both in the world and the Hereafter, Such are rightful owners of the Fire: they will
abide therein," The Holy Qur'an,Chapter 2, Verse 217.
Aside from these circumstances, there is no legitimate fighting in Islam.

The conditions placed upon the soldier in battle are of utmost respect for the enemy and for human
life. Islam makes a clear distinction between combatants and noncombatants, forbidding soldiers to
harm defenseless civilian in any way. The Prophet said: "Do not kill the women, children, aged or the
ill." He also prohibited Muslims from harming monks in their monasteries or hermits in their caves.
Cutting down trees, destroying livestock, wells, homes or land of the enemy is likewise forbidden.
Upon seeing the corpse of a woman in a battlefield, Prophet Muhammad asked his companions why
she had been killed, and condemned it. There is no excuse for any expedition or attack resulting in the
killing of civilians, no one has the right to take innocent lives.

For those enemies active in combat and those taken prisoner of war, the list of rights is lengthy. There
is no torture, no killing of the wounded or defenseless, and the return of corpses to the enemy is
honored. There is no mutilation of the enemy bodies. Even after Hind bint Utbah, a powerful lady of
Makkah, chewed the liver of the Prophet's uncle, Hamzah, after he was killed in a battle between
Muhammad and her non-Muslim people, Muhammad still forbade his men from disrespecting a
creation of God in such a way The Prophet commanded the believers to treat the prisoners of war with
kindness. One prisoner by the name of Abu Aziz told how surprised he was to see the Muslims giving
the better part of their meal-the bread-to the prisoners while they themselves just had dates. "Not a
crumb of bread would fall into their hands without them giving it to me," he narrated, "and I would be
so embarrassed that I would reject it. But then they would return it back to me." The Qur'an lays
down strict guidelines for the declaration of war by a Muslim army, and Muslims are prohibited from
breaching any treaty to which they have agreed.
"If you fear treachery from any people throw back (their covenant) to them (so as to be) on
equal terms (that there will be no more covenant between you and them), Certainly Allah
likes not the treacherous.The Holy Qur'an,Chapter 8,Verse 58.

The extent of the Prophet's mercy can be seen in the Muslim conquest of Makkah, which happened
towards the end of his life. The Makkan tribe of Quraish had blatantly violated the significant "Treaty of
Hudaybiyya" by supplying men and arms in an effort to attack a Muslim-allied tribe. They had
slaughtered ruthlessly, even killing inside the Holy Sanctuary, and knew they could expect retaliation
for such a weighty crime. Muhammad, upon learning of the raid, set out for Makkah at the head of a
colossal army of 10,000 men. Everyone wondered how he would conduct this expedition; if he wanted
revenge for all the mockery, persecution, and murders of his companions, now was certainly the time.
His forces humiliatingly outnumbered his enemies.

When the army reached the outskirts of Makkah, they came upon the chief of Quraish, the archenemy
of Islam, Abu Sufvan. Several Muslims were furious and wished to see him dead, but the noble
Prophet received him. Muhammad asked his uncle, Abbas, to take Abu Sufyan ahead to a high gorge-
giving him a full view of the Muslim army approaching Makkah. The leader must have felt his heart
leap to his throat as he watched group after group, tribe after tribe pass in front of him. Finally, he
turned to 'Abbas and asked incredulously, "Oh Abbas! Who are all these people?" Abbas's reply was
plain and powerful: "This is the Apostle of Allah and his Companions."
When Abu Sufyan approached the Prophet Muhammad begging for pardon and forgiveness, it was not
revenge he heard coming from Muhammad's blessed lips. Instead, the Prophet simply said: "He who
takes refuge in Abu Sufyan's house is safe; whosoever confines himself to his house, the
people therein will be in safety; and he who enters the Sacred Mosque is safe." With these
words Muhammad gave a full pardon and amnesty to the city of Makkah, and it was conquered in
peace. To Wahshi, the murderer of Muhammad's uncle Hamzah; a pardon. To Hind, who mutilated his
body and chewed his liver, absolute clemency. To Habar, who had attacked the Prophet's daughter so
brutally that she eventually died, forgiveness.

After seeing this, the people started to accept Islam in crowds, as long before, God had promised
Muhammad they would. " When comes the Help of Allah (to you against your enemies) and
conquest (of Makkah), And you see that the people enter Allah's Religion (Islam) in crowds,
So glorify the Praises of your Lord, and ask for His forgiveness. Verily, He is the One Who
accepts the repentance and forgives"The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 110,Verse 1-3.

As families were reunited and the Muslims celebrated being back in the sacred city, Muhammad had
other things in mind. After offering prayers to God for the victory, he proceeded directly to the House
of God, the Ka'bah, that had been polluted by the 360 man-made idols. The Prophet of God proceeded
to knock them to the ground with his bow. As he did, he recited the Qur'anic verse: "And Say: Truth
(Islamic Monotheism) has come and falsehood (Polythesm) has vanished. Surely!
Falsehood is ever-bound to vanish."The Holy Qur'an,Chapter 17,Verse 81.

"Al-Amin" returned to Madinah, where he spent the last years of his extraordinary life in worship and
devotion to his Lord. He continued to stand in prayer for hours throughout the night until his ankles
were swollen and his wife asked him to stop.
Although he was a ruler of a vast empire in his last years, he continued to sleep on a
modest straw mat, with no desire for carpets, or luxuries of any kind. He became ill and
passed away in the arms of his wife, Aisha, at the age of 63. He left behind a stunning
legacy, a blameless example and a religion that changed the world forever.

…………………………………………………..
Why should I embrace ISLAM?
Most non muslims are of the opinion that following any religion will lead to salvation. The Qur`an
clarifies on the most common questions asked by them.

Allah says: { Oh, you people! Worship your Lord Who created you and those before you that
you may become pious, God-fearing }The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 21

Allah has commanded us to worship Him. But some might ask: Why can`t I worship Him as a Jew, or
a Christian, or Hindu or a Sikh? Why can`t I worship Him according to my own personal preference?
Allah answers:{ Verily, the Religion with Allah is Islam: Nor did the People of the Book
dissent therefrom except due to envy of each other, after knowledge had come to them. But
if any deny the Signs of Allah, Allah is swift in calling them to account } The Holy Qur'an,
Chapter 3, Verse 85.

And He, Most High says: { Today, I have perfected for you your Religion, completed My Favour
upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your Religion } The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 5,
Verse 3.

Thus, Allah, the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe has made it plain that the only religion
acceptable to Him is Islam. And it is the only way to achieve success and felicity in the Hereafter. Allah
says: { To those who reject Our Signs, and treat them with arrogance, no opening will there
be for them of the Gates of Paradise, nor will they enter Paradise until the camel can pass
through the eye of a needle: Such is Our Reward for those who sin } The Holy Qur'an,
Chapter 7, Verse 40.
But weren`t Abraham, Ishmael, Isaaq, Jacob and the other Old Testament Prophets Jews? Wasn`t
Jesus a Christian? Allah says: { Or do you say that Ibraaheem, Ismaa`eel, Ishaaq, Y`aqoob
and the tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: `Do you know better than Allah?`} And He,
Most High says: { When `Eesaa found unbelief on their part, he said: `Who will be my
helpers to [the work of] Allah?` The Disciples said: `We are Allah`s helpers. We believe in
Allah, so bear witness that we are Muslims } The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 52.

"But," it might be said, "I follow the religion of my parents. It would be a dishonour to them for me to
adopt another religion." Allah says: { When it is said to them: "Follow what Allah has
revealed," they say: "No! We shall follow the ways of our fathers." What! Even though their
fathers were devoid of wisdom or guidance? ] The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 170

"But my family and friends will be angry with me." Isn`t it better that they be angry with you, than
that Allah be angry with you? He, the Almighty, the All-powerful says: { In the name of Allah, Most
Beneficent, Most Merciful: All praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, the Most
Beneficent, the Most Merciful, Owner of the Day of the Judgement, it is You Whom we
worship and Your Aid we seek, guide us to the Straight Path, the Path of those upon whom
You have bestowed Your Grace, not those upon whom is [Your] Wrath, nor those who are
astray } The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 1, Verse 1-7.

"You should realise that on the Day of Judgment, everyone will be held accountable for his
deeds."

Ibn Katheer, the great Muslim scholar of tafseer (explanation of the meanings of the Qur`an), says:
"Those upon whom Allah has bestowed His Grace are those who worshipped and obeyed Him from
amongst the angels, the Prophets, the Believers and the righteous ones." And concerning those upon
whom is Allah`s Wrath, he said: "(They) are the Jews." And concerning those who are astray, he said:
"They are the Christians."

You should realise that, on the Day of Judgment, everyone will be held accountable for his deeds.
None will be excused and none will be able to blame others for leading him astray. Allah says: { And
behold! Allah will say: "Oh, `Eesaa, son of Maryam! Did you say unto men: "Take me and my
mother for two gods beside Allah."? He will say: "Glory be to You! Never could I say what I
had no right [to say]. Had I said such a thing, You would surely have known it. You know
what is in myself, although I know not what is in Yours. For You know in full all that is
hidden. Never did I say anything to them except what You did command me to say, to wit,
"Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord." } The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 5, Verses 116-117.

And the Prophet has informed us that on the Day of Judgement, when the Prophets are asked to
intercede with Allah, all of them will refuse, saying: "Myself! Myself!", except Prophet
Muhammad(pbuh) who will intercede on behalf of the believers. (Narrated by Al-Bukhaari)

So clearly, on that Day, you will be alone: Neither your parents nor your friends nor those whom you
worship beside Allah will be able to help you at all. All of them will be in a state of fear and trembling.
Allah says: { That Day, shall a man flee from his own brother, from his mother and from his
father and from his wife and children. Each of them that Day will have enough concern [of
his own] to make him indifferent to others } The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 80, Verses 34-37. So
be prepared for that Day, for it may be nearer than you think; Allah says: { Verily, they see it [the
Day of Judgement] as far distant, but We see it as [very] near. The Day that the sky will be
like molten brass, and the mountains will be like wool, and no friend will ask after a friend,
though they may be put in sight of each other } The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 70, Verses 6-11

Article posted by: Yasir Sabir, student of International Islamic University, Islamabad,
PAKISTAN.
E-mail: yasir_0092@yahoo.com
Thanks for reading; I warmly welcome your feedback on my email address.