THE ISLAMIC GOLDEN AGE Chahrazade Belamine

THE ISLAMIC GOLDEN AGE Chahrazade Belamine Foreword: Although the intention of this ebook is genuine and the purpose is to inform, the content is based on my personal opinion, research and knowledge. More information can be sought after from the renowned Muslim scholars who have dedicated their whole life acquiring Islamic knowledge. May God forgive me for any omissions or mistakes!
Copyright 2013 Chahrazade Belamine. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this work, in whole or in part, in any form.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1. About Islam Chapter 2. The Islamic Golden Age Chapter 3. Hot Topics Chapter 4. Quranic quotes Chapter 5. Universal values

Chapter 1. ABOUT ISLAM

In human history, Islam is the last religion sent to mankind. The Quran is the last Holy book revealed, sent in the Arabic language, to confirm the previous messages and revelations. It is translated in all languages, although the translation may not give the full sweetness and richness of the Arabic language.

The Quran is a living book, it talks to your heart! It mentions numerous prophets including Adam, Moses, Jesus the Messiah, Ibrahim, David, Joseph and of course Muhammad (praise and blessings be upon them). There are several stories in the Quran to be studied and learnt from, full of divine praise, rich in descriptions of the unseen world, with plenty of parables and exhortations addressed for the people, for the believers, for the children of Israel (Bani Israel) and for those who use their mind and open their heart. It is a book that is being memorized worldwide with the beautiful embellishment of the tajweed reading as per the prophetic tradition. The Quran is in Arabic, it is a deeply meaningful text with different levels of understanding, it is a healing for the heart, and as the 2nd verse of the 2nd sourate mentions: it is the book where there is no doubt about. The Quran confirms the purpose of life when it says that God only created men and jinns (spirits, genies) so that they worship Him. Therefore the Quran mentions the existence of the following creatures: animals and living beings (such as plants, trees), humans, jinns and angels (both in the unseen world).

The prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the last prophet, a mercy sent to mankind (while previous prophets were sent to their people), also called the seal of the prophets, meaning that no other prophets will follow. He is the only prophet who will be able to intercede for his community on the Day of Resurrection. In his rich life experience, he displayed an exceptional character of the upmost standard. A model of humbleness, good morals and ethics, truthful, kind, trustworthy, generous, strong, helpful, clever, brave, modest, patient, ascetic, just, humanitarian, etc. and fully dedicated to Gods worship. All his actions and his behaviour have been meticulously recorded in order for us to benefit from his role model and his traditions (Sunnah) have
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been brought to us by the main compilers of sayings called hadiths (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi to name a few).

The wisdom behind the 5 pillars of Islam. 1. The testimony of faith or Shahada: To testify in Arabic that there is only One God worthy of worship and that Muhammad is His Messenger is a confirmation of your faith. Not only do you say it with your tongue but also with your limbs, your mind, your heart and your body as they act as your witnesses on the Day of Resurrection. This testimony of faith is enough for someone to become Muslim as long as the sincerity of the intention matches the action. 2. The prayer or Salat: the Muslims pray five times a day. The wisdom in the prayer frequency is essential to keep the ultimate focus on the Creator. In the world of distractions we live in, it is a must to check your connection to the Lord frequently. 5 times per day, the Muslims are in communion in their prayer. Praying on time is very important as it unites the believers. At a set time, millions of Muslims are performing the same gestures and honouring God wherever they are geographically, being spiritually connected to the Higher Power. To increase the divine awareness, it is important to nurture the night prayer and the supplementary acts of worship. 3. The pilgrimage or Hajj: the Muslims visit the house of the Lord in Mecca at a set time of the month in the lunar calendar. It is a reminder for the death (men wear white clothing similar to the white shroud) and the day of Resurrection, the day when all will be assembled facing the Creator. The trials that one faces during the journey: the amount of people, the test of patience, etc. is another reminder of the tribulations of life. 4. Giving money to the poor or Zakat: it is the right of the poor to be given zakat, and this is how the rich Muslims purify their wealth. Zakat is the act of charity destined for the less fortunate.

5. The fasting or Ramadan: it is the ultimate test of discipline when the believer leaves the food and drink for the sake of the Lord during one full month from sunrise to sunset. It increases the spiritual awareness and humbles the ego, it is a time of internal purification and it is the month of remembrance and seeking forgiveness. It is a sacred month for building ones faith and an opportunity to increase the good deeds. The six pillars of faith They are the major components of the Islamic faith. 1. Belief in Allah: belief in the oneness of God, without partners, who does not beget, nor was He begotten. 2. Belief in the angels: living beings created from light that are not visible to our eyes. 3. Belief in the revealed books: those mentioned in the Quran include the scrolls of Moses and Abraham, the Zabur of David, the Torah of Moses, the Gospel of Jesus and the Quran of Muhammad, praise and blessings be upon them all. 4. Belief in the prophets: 25 mentioned by name in the Quran including Adam, Noah, Enoch, Heber, Methusaleh, Lot, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Jethro, Job, Ezekiel, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Elisha, Jonah, Zachariah, John the Baptist, Jesus and Muhammad, praise and blessings be upon them all. 5. Belief in the day of Resurrection when all the humans will be assembled and recreated from their tailbone (the only bone that does not decay!) to face the Creator. 6. Belief in the predestination (Qadar) and the decree of Allahs wisdom and His will. Whatever God has ordained will come to pass.

Chapter 2. THE ISLAMIC GOLDEN AGE

At the time of the medieval dark age in European history, the Muslim civilization was at its peak. It started with the Abbasid period from the mid-7th century to the mid-13th century and it witnessed the largest empire in history. The Muslim rulers contributed to the development of major industries and discoveries including arts and literature, science and technology, agriculture, philosophy and sociology, law and economics. The Muslim world became the intellectual hub of science, philosophy, medicine and education. Major cities like Baghdad, Cairo and Cordoba became the striving intellectual centres where Muslims and non-Muslims gathered to study and translate ancient works from previous civilizations. A stream of people from China, India, Middle East, North Africans and Europeans was converging to those cities to learn and exchange knowledge, bringing a universal dynamic to that community. The Muslims witnessed an exponential growth in many areas including -the merchant trade (Africa-Arabia / Arabia-Asian trade route), -the paper-making system and the topography, -the development of great scholars like Avecinna and Averroes, -the urbanization and sewage improvement, -the scientific development (astronomy, mathematics, chemistry, medicine, physics), -the arts and literature development (arts, literature, music, philosophy), -the institutions (public hospitals, universities, libraries, legal and charitable trusts), -the Arab agricultural system (seasonal crops, crops variety, irrigation techniques), -the monetary economy within a capitalist system, -hydro power and wind power were used to power mills and factories, -the industrial economy boomed with major discoveries and technological inventions. The decline of the Muslim empire is explained by various factors -beyond the political and
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economical factors- that include the early Caliphs (10th century), the Crusades (11th century), the Mongol Empire (13th century), the Reconquista (15th century) and the European colonial empires (19th century) and it follows Ibn Khaldun famous concept of Asabiyyah (the rise and the fall of civilizations). A famous exhibition called 1001 Inventions: Discover the Golden Age of Muslim Civilization is showcasing some of the extraordinary discoveries of that period.

Chapter 3. HOT TOPICS

Why muslim women cover themselves (hijab and niqab)?

The function of the muslim dress code is first and foremost an act of obedience to the Creator, then to promote modesty, shyness, to shun away from the woman-object culture, to acknowledge the female intellect and inner qualities beyond the plastic beauty, to preserve the female beauty to the eyes of her legal guardian or husband, not to display her best features to mens lust, to be respected, to prevent the first step of seduction and reduce the unnecessary temptation that can lead to major sins, to interact with others without needing to display the flesh, to remain under Gods protection and ultimately to communicate beyond the primal human instincts. In fact, the muslim dress code along with the modest behavior is a recognition of the existing and instinctive male/female attraction. It helps prevent the seduction/infatuation that might lead to unlawful relationships and it reduces the risk of promiscuity. Human interaction within the scope of respect and dignity is encouraged whether in business, in education, in health services, in institutions or in the daily life activities.

Why do Muslim men grow beards? Historically, men have always grown beards. It is a sign of manhood, masculinity, beauty, a distinctive masculine trait that symbolizes wisdom. The wise and old man is often portrayed with a beard. In fact, some men have admitted that the stroking of ones beard is quite relaxing. It follows the tradition of the prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) who encouraged men to trim moustache and grow the beard. In fact. beard growing is a personal grooming choice that has no real implications to the other human beings. Why is polygamy allowed? This has been a controversial matter in Islam. In fact, the Quranic verses are quite clear on the rulings: marry preferably one, more if you can provide and be just with all of them and a maximum of four wives with strict rules on fairness and women rights. It gives a respectful status to the other woman (rather than the hidden girlfriend, mistress, etc. left in the shadow) and it provides a status to the children that might be born from that extra relationship. There should be no abuse in polygamy, the system is setup in fact to give respect and status to the woman, providing a legal framework behind the relationship. The man has to take responsibility for the woman/women he is choosing to marry, rather than treating her as a disposable object of pleasure without implications. The prophet Muhammad showed the example by marrying divorced women, widowed women, poor women, etc. so that they would benefit from his guardianship and his protection. Some may inquire about polygony but this goes against the intrinsic nature of the gender. A man is able to love more than one partner and is physically able to father multiple children even at an older age without needing to prove fatherhood. A woman with multiple partners would need DNA testing to prove the paternity of the children, bringing confusion in the home. The physiology of the woman slows down at the menopause and generally speaking, the woman is more emotionally involved when in a
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relationship. Polygony would bring more confusion than benefits, destructuring the family unit. Some feminists have questioned the higher status of men in islam, but in fact, they are both equal in front of God, equally accountable for their actions, both required to seek knowledge, support each other and fulfil their duties. The fact that women give birth, breastfeed and rear the children as well as look after the home, means that men need to bear the main responsibility as providers. Of course, when the right conditions are met, the Muslim woman is allowed to work within a respectable framework.

Extreme punishments in Islam

There are some extreme punishments in Islam such as hand cutting and whip leashing to name a few, but this has to be taken as a last resort option, and forgiveness and repentance is still preferable. While the previous scriptures authorized eye for eye and tooth for tooth, the Quran highly values forgiveness. The best option is always to forgive. The more we forgive peoples shortcomings, the more God will forgive our shortcomings. The extreme punishments are in fact deterrents to prevent people from taking the wrong actions.

Violence in Islam

The root word for Islam means to submit, to surrender (to God) and the word salam means peace, while the word saleem means to escape from danger. Islam is a religion of peace. In human history, there have always been violent acts that have been using the banner of religion. Any extremist actions which are being made in the name of a religion do not represent that religion. The best actions are always the
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softer action of the heart. And of course, self-defence is acceptable.

The prophet married a young girl ... The marriage of the prophet Muhammad to the young Aisha (peace and blessings be upon them all) is always mentioned. This was a divinely inspired act.The marriage means that she was able to be educated by the best human in history and benefit from his teachings earlier on. The girl was allowed to play with toys as per her age, even racing with the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Therefore, we must look at what was the purpose of that union? For her to benefit from the prophets teachings with a fresh and innocent mind, learn wisdom earlier on, memorize facts and enjoy a close relationship with the prophet Muhammad. Lady Aisha (peace and blessings be upon them all) has been very prolific in providing us with force details and personal accounts on the Prophet Muhammads life (peace and blessings be upon him). As she was not granted any children, her own life was dedicated to knowledge, perpetuating the message and instructing the companions. Her contribution was priceless. Jihad or struggle The word has now taken a negative connotation due to misuse. The literal meaning of jihad means struggle or effort. The major jihad of the Muslim is the spiritual struggle, which is the purification of the heart and the soul. The Quran elevates the status of the believers with a pure heart (qalb saleem) and the people of understanding (ulul albab) who develop a high level of piety, who fulfil their covenant with the Lord, who sincerely connect with the Creator, who reflect on the creation of the Heavens and the Earth, who see the reality of the life of this world as transitory, who take heed of the warnings and the guidance, who are dutiful in their
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worship and their human relationships, who follow the example of the prophets and who work towards purifying and perfecting themselves. To strive for the way of the Lord is the inner struggle of the believer.

Chapter 4. QURANIC QUOTES

Everyone can be curious enough to read the Quran as my words have no match compared to the words of the Lord. Please find some extracts below. O mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (Not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the most Righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted with all things. (Quran 49.13) "Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clearly from error; whoever rejects evil and has faith in God has grasped the most trustworthy, unfailing handhold. And God hears and knows all things. God is the Protector of those who have faith: from the depths of darkness He will lead them forth into light." (Quran 2:256-257)
And if you are in doubt concerning that which We have sent down (i.e. the Qur'n) to Our slave (Muhammad Peace be upon him ), then produce a Srah (chapter) of the like thereof and call your witnesses (supporters and helpers) besides Allh, if you are truthful. (Quran 2. 23)

And be afraid of the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly. (Quran 2.281)

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Chapter 5. UNIVERSAL VALUES

There is no doubt that the dual world we live in is either pushing us to our dark side or to our good side. We all have our inner gremlin along with a wonderful and inspiring light. It is a daily inner struggle, but there are universal values that can be shared and developed such as love, human brotherhood, gratitude, forgiveness, respect, exchange, equality, dignity and working towards making the world a better place. For each of us, the best option is to pray for Gods guidance to the true path and seek His help in all matters. As ultimately, God guides whomever He wishes. The blessings of this life includes a righteous partner that gets you closer to God and help you raise pious children. While we should love life and enjoy every moment with our partner, our children, our family, our parents, our relatives, our friends, our belongings, our wealth, our home, they will leave us at the cemetery. It is a matter of finding the balance between living life in respect and obedience to the Lord and thinking of the hereafter. We will surely be left alone to face the Lord with our actions. Therefore we should race to multiply the good deeds during the transitory journey of life.

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