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ISLA]UI

Its Foundation
And Concepts

Js
Dr, Muhammed bin Abdullah As-Suhaym

daarulatedfo
Abdur-Raafi Adewale lmaam
@Muhammad Abdullah AhSuhaym, 2OOs
K ng Fahad NationalLibrary Cataloging-in-PublicationData
AIS uh aym, Muham mad Abdul lah.
lslam:lts FoundationAnd Concepts./Muhammad
AbdullahAl-Suhaym.- Riyadh,2005
224p 14x21cm
ISBN:996047-538-7
1- lslam-GeneralPrinciples l-Title
210dc 142611239

LegalDepositNo. 1426/1239
ISBN:9960-47-538-7

lst, Edition
- 200sA.c.
1426A,H.

All Rlghlr Rererved

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lslaam:
Its Foundationsand Concepts

9y

Dr. Muhammadbin AbdullaahAs-Suhaym

Translated by

Abdur-Raafi Adewale lmaam


Translationand PublicationDivision,
lslaamic Propagation And Education Committee,
Al-MadeenahAl-Munawwarah
www.alharamainonline.org
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

I n t h e N a m eo f A l l a a h ,th e Gra ci o us,the M er ciful

Translator'snote:

All praiseis due to AllaahlMay peaceand blessingsbe upon tne


Messenger, his household and companions.

This book is undoubtedly a commendable attemptat showingthe


beautiesof lslaamto mankind,drawinga comparison betweenthis
great religionand other world religionsin spiritual,moral,social
and intellectual
aspectsand acquaintingmankindwith rts principles
and fundamentals in a logical,unambiguous, convincing, frankbut
graciousmanner.

We would howeverlike to call the attentionof the readerto some


pointsas regardsthe translation of someof the quotesand foreign
names in this book.The authorquotedsome passagesfrom the
Bibleand otherbooks,whichare not originally Arabic.Thoughwe
believethat the proper academicmethod in translatingthese
passagesis to referto theiroriginalsourcessincemost of them are
in English, we could not however do so because of therr
unavailability
to the translator.lt is thereforehopedthat,translation
of the passages rendered here are as close as possible in
meaning,to the originaltexts.

As for the namesof someauthorsmentionedin the Bookin Arabic


letters,we exertedefforts to know the correct spellingof these
names in their originallanguages.But due to the fact that the

'
In transliterating Arabic words, the translatorchoseto use the double
vowel 'aa', 'ee'and'oo' to indicatemadd [stretching]with fathah, kasr,
a n d d a n t mr e s p e c t i v e lays i t i s i n ' A l l a a h ' , ' l s l a a m ' , ' T a w h e e d ' , ' s o o r a h ' ,
etc., because;usingthis methodrnakesit easierfor non-Arabicspeaking
readersto pronouncethe words as closely as possibleto the way the
Arabic speakersdo. This way has becomestandardway of transliteration
by nranyfamousMuslim writersand translatorsIike Dr Bilal Philipsand
others.
Islsam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

authorquotedexcerptsfrom their booksfrom secondarysources,


which are in Arabic, we could not have access to the original
books;hencethe nameswere transliteratedfrom Arabic.

Equally,the namesof foreignreferencesmentionedin this book in


Englishmay not be the exactnamesgivenby theirvariousauthors.
Mostof theseare translatedfrom Arabic.

the meaningsof the versesof the GloriousQur'aan,I


ln translating
completelyreliedon the translationdone by Al-Hilaliand M. M.
Khan and printedby King Fahd Complexfor the Printingof the
HolyQur'an.I quotedthe translationas it is withoutany additionor
omission.

As for the hadeeths,I largelyreliedon M. M. Khan'stranslation if


the hadeeth is reported by Al-Bukhaareeand Muslim or Al-
Bukhaareealone.lf the hadeethis reportedby Muslim,I quoted
from Siddiqi'stranslation.Otherwise,the hadeethsare translated
by my humble self. In the footnotehowever,I deem it enough to
mentiononly the collectorof the hadeefhin the footnote.I add the
'AA' at the end of the footnotesadded by me to distinguish
initials
betweenthem and thoseof the author.

May Allaah make this book beneficialfor all and reward its author
abundantlyin this worldand the Hereafter.

Abd ur-RaafiAdewale lmaam

lslaamicPropagationAnd Education
Committee,
Al-MadeenahAl-Munawwarah
www.alharamainonline.org
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

Author's preface

All praise is due to Allaah.We praise Him and seek for His
assistanceand forgiveness.We seek refugewith Him from evilsof
our souls and our misdeeds.No one can misleadwhosoever
Allaahguidesand nonecan guidewhosoeverAllaahcausesto go
astray.

I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah


alone. He has no partner.I also testifythat Muhammadblessings
and peacebe uponhim,is Hisslaveand Messenqer.

Allaahsent Messengers to mankindin orderthat peoplemay not


have any plea againstHim after He has sent these Messengers.
He alsorevealedBooksas guidance,mercy,lightand healing.

In the past, Messengerswere especiallysent to their peopleand


entrustedwith the preservationof their book. That was why their
writingsbecameforgottenand their laws becamealtered,because
they were sent tot a specificnationon a limitedperiod.

Thereafter,Allaah chose His ProphetMuhammad,blessingsand


peace be upon him, and made him the last of all prophetsand
Messengers. He says,

t - ( '"3
' ' ' '
J;3 Fi, - i . -"t6i
2,,'- '
u *\ t:\ rr L; F
- 4 1 . z
^JL>q 4Il

+r l ; _ ') . = J l

"Muhammadis not the father of anyone among you, but he is the


Messengerof Allaah and the last(end) of the Prophets.',1

rAl-Ahzaab
33:40
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

Allaahhonouredhim wtth the best RevealedBook which is the


gloriousQur'aan;He took it upon Himselfto preserveit and did not
assignthe obligationof its preservation
to any of His creatures.He
SAVS.

/ .z<'. t . .r ti 6 c t t

#fit,'l^h6t<)4)
vi-r'v/ /
ulr -) tU'

"Verily,We it is Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e., Qur'aan)and


surely, We wilt guard it (from corruption)."1

He also makes the Law of Muhammad,blessingsand peace be


uponhim,the lastingone tillthe Day of Resurrection.He explained
that the perpetuityof his Law necessitatesthe belief in it, calling
unto it and being patientwith it. Hencethe path of the Prophet,
blessingsand peace be upon him, and his followersis that of
callingto the way of Allaahwithsureknowledge. Whilemakingthis
way clear,Allaahsays,

of
,;a;l
\-> ,'ra j t-rI 0 /'.a-)
Je 4r Jr rje)r ,F':t- LIJF
, ( . .;.;=r'- . aYl ,:r;,^3
do'
1 ,!_; -
v-l!
r) r;^atr ,1c bl l-i
l). t - v

"Say (O Muhammad).Ihls is my way; I invite unto Allaah with sure


knowledge,I and whosoeverfollowsme. And Glorifiedand Exalted
be AIlaah.And I am not of the polytheists.'"

Altaahcommanded the Prophet,blessings and peacebe uponhim,


to bear whatever harm he suffered in the cause of Allaah with
patienceand says,

' A l - H i . ;lr5 : 9
I Y o o s u l1' 2 .1 0 8
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

4.,t;1ib;iiilri;; si+" y
"Thereforebe patient (O Muhammad) as did the Messengersof
strong will."'

He alsoenjoinspatienceon Muslims,

./ .|i ,'t(-' '


.Jt-+r L(+u+ f'

./ I
'f .3'- l --

1,,-:-'irJ.>..l.o-l

"O you who believe!Endure and be more patient and guard (your
territory by stationingarmy units permanenily at the places from
where the enemy can attackyou) and fear Allaah,so fhat you may
be successful."'

In accordancewith this graciousDivineWay, I write this book to


invitepeopleto the religionof Allaah,derivingguidancein doing
so, from the Book of Allaahand the Sunnahof His Messenger.I
brieflyexplainedhereinthe story of the creationof the Universe,
the creation of man and how he was favoured by sending
Messengers to him and acquaintinghim with the situations
of past
religions.Afterwards,I made an introductionto lslaam as per its
meaningand pillars In this book, I have providedevidencestor
those who are lookingfor guidance,explainedthe way for those
who are lookingfor salvation,showedthe pathto thosewho desire
to follow the track of the Prophets,Messengersand righteous
people. As for those who turn away from their path, such only
befoolthemselvesand take to the erroneousoath.

rAl-Ahqaaf46:35
2
A a l ' l r n r a a n3 : 2 0 0
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

It is a matterof fact that adherentsof each religioncall othersto it


and they believethat truthonly abidesin theirreligion.lt is also a
fact that adherentsof each beliefcall othersto follow their leader
and extolhim.As for the Muslim,he does not call peopleto follow
his own ideology.His religionis the religionof AllaahwithwhichHe
is pleased.Allaahsays,

4 )rr\i ^i "+ 3)"Aiilb


"Truly,the religionwith Allaah is lslaam"'

He also does not call people to glorifya human being, for all
human beings are equal in the Religion of Allaah; nothing
one from anotherexceptpiety.A Muslimrathercalls
distinguishes
people to follow the path of their Lord, to believe in His
Messengersand follow His Law which He revealedto the last of
His MessengersMuhammadblessingsand peace be upon him,
and whichHe commandedhim to convevto all mankind.

It's on this accountthat I wrote this book in order to call peopleto


the Religionof AllaahwhichHe is pleasedwith and with whichHe
sent His Last Messengerin orderto guidethosewho are looking
for guidanceand happiness. By AllaahlNo humanbeingcan have
real happiness exceptthrough this religionand nonecan haverest
of mind exceptby believingthat Allaahis the only Lord (worthyof
worship),that Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him, is
His Messengerand that lslaamis the only acceptablereligionof
Allaah.

Thousandsof those who embracedlslaam have testifiedthat they


did not knowreallifeuntilaftertheyembracedlslaamand thatthey
did never tasted happinessexcept under the shade of lslaam.
Since it is a fact that every human being looks for happiness,
peaceof mind and truth,I preparethis work to helpthem achieve

I ' l m r a a n3 : 1 9
Aal
8 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

that. I pray that Allaahmakesthis work purelyfor His sake and let
it be well-accepted and make it one of those righteousdeeds that
will benefitits doer in this worldand the next.

I givepermissionto translate and publishthisbookin any language


to whoevermay want to do so with a conditionthat the personact
honestlyin translatingit and to do me a favourby sendinga copy
to me to avoidunnecessary repetitionof efforts.

I equallyrequestfrom whoeverhas any observationor correction


either on the Arabic text of this Book or any of its translateo
versions to kindly send it to me through the below-mentioned
address.

All praiseis due to Allaahfirstlyand lasfly,outwardlyand inwardry.


All praiseis due to Him publiclyand secrefly.All praiseis due to
Him in the beginning and the end.All praiseis due to him as much
as can fill the heavensand the earth and whateverelse that Our
Lord may wish. May Allaahbestowpeaceand much blessingon
our ProphetMuhammad,his companions and all thosewho follow
his pathtillthe day of reckoning

The author,

Dr.Muhammad
bin Abdullaah
bin SaalihAs-suhaym

Riyadh,

Shawwaal13,1420

P. O. Box 1032Riyadh1342,P O. Box6249 Riyadh1r1442


Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

Where is the Way?

When man growsand startsunderstanding things,many questions


come to his mind like: Where am I from? Why did I come (to
What will be my end?Who createdme and createdthe
existence)?
universearoundme? Who owns and controlsthis universe?And
otherouestionslikethese.

However,he is unable to providehimselfwith answersto these


questions.Even modern science is not capable of providing
answers to them because these issues fall within religious
domains That is why there are numerousnarrationsand different
superstitionsand tales about them that only add to man's
confusionand distress.lt is impossiblefor man to get a satisfying
answerto thesequestionsunlesshe is guidedby Allaahto the true
religionthat is capableof providingfinal decisionon these and
similarissues;for, theseissuesare amongthe divinesecretsthat
onlythe true religioncan givecorrectand accurateanswersto and
that is the only religionthat Allaahrevealedto His Prophetsand
Messengerslt is then incumbentupon man to learn the true
religionand have beliefin it in order to have his confusionand
doubtsremovedand in orderto be guidedto the StraightPath.

In the followingpages,I inviteyou to followthe StraightPath of


Allaah and I presentto you some evidencesand proofsthat you
may carefullyand patientlyreflecton.
Islsam: Its Foundations And Conc

Existenceof Allaah, His Lordship (over alt creation),


His Onenessand His being the only God worthy of
worship

0Manypeopledo worshipman-madedeitiesliketrees,stonesano
even humanbeings;that is why the Jews and idolatersaskedthe
Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peacebe upon him, aboutthe
characteristics
of his Lord.In replyto this questionAllaahrevealed,

dy,-Dii lt 1'l g; L.zti Xni 'A y


O "Li ni i
{€:3;i Gh";j<
"Say (O Muhammad).He r's Altaah, (the) One, Attaah, the Self_
sufficient Master (whom all creatures need, He neither eats nor
drinks). He begets not nor is He begotten.And there is none co_
equal or comparableunto Him."1

He alsosavs.

ti tri -t .ti t-. i t 2t, /,t


n' jUt y-: JJl
la ei-Ul f-., . rl Jr

,4.' ttl,'. -,,<,7 l'? 't


ry :4)b -t|+t ,-Ht G:* i'-
q,.Pl L-Y Gfit
t .la
i:- r< ,-.?-
i
;\t3 $rr 4 y1 :1r\
'6 ..l ' 'l
t, - tt.
Q'J;4 P c>T-J Iq *-Q.J Iq
l-

,/ ..=4,
'ryutiL,
8\ ) ( - ) l
se-/.

'
A l - l k h l a a s1 1 2 :l - 4
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts ll

"lndeed your Lord is Allaah Who created the heavens and the
earih in Sx Days and then He lstawa (rose over) the Throne (really
in a manner thaf suifs His Majesty).He bringsnight as a cover over
the day, seeking it rapidly,and (He created)the sun, the moon, the
starssubjectedto His Command.S/essedbe Allaah, the Lord of all
the world!"'

He alsosays,

t'
. - -',7
6,;ttAi y
i' .' .'i z
,fF' ,)e 6Yt I
,
w";lr';'i J3 ,;\ 6?r,F*.fr9;Ai.fu3
'U
,bS e'.,'.lt ,s;fr
i: @t*;'E; ,q,rJ,ieJ$
.:i)
L.)- ,b g$i ,5 ,r:',1*is e3i W
L ....1.

{ jqlr JJr

"Allaah is He, Who raised the heaven without pillarsthat you can
see. Then He lstawa (rose above) the Throne (really in a manner
that suits His Majesty).He has subjectedthe sun and the moon (to
continue going round)! Each running (its course) for a term
appointed.He regulates all affairs, explainingthe Aayaat (proofs,
evidences, verses, /essons,slgns, revelations,etc.) in detail, that
you may believe with certainty in the meeting with your Lord. And it
is He who spread out the earth, and placed therein firm mountains
and riversand of every kind of fruits He made in pairs.He brings
the nightas a coverover the day..."untilHe says,

I
A l - A ' r a a f7 r 5 4 .
t2 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

r,..' t.. l:.: 'l t t 'i


rtr;r ,t-j
. tt ,.1., ,a.i
fL-rYl e+ u'r Gt lp W L; & Ai F
'*z:i
r/,lr

{tali, , =ii * f,A )t31r; ,i'*o 2,J ,p-,

{ rCJt;lii
"Allaahknows what every female bearsand how much the womb
falls short (of their time or number) or exceed. Everything with Him
is in due proportion.AII-Knowerof the unseenand the- seen, the
Most Great,the Most-High."1

Allaahalsosays,

{e-tri
"Say (O Muhammad): Who is the Lord of the heavens and the
earth? Say: (lt is) Allaah. Say: Have you then taken (for worship)
protectorsother than Him, such as have no power either for benefit
or for harm to themselves? Say. ts the btind equat to the one who
sees? Or darkness equal to light? Or do they assign A)taah
parrners who created the like of His creation, so that the creation

'
A r - R a ' dl 3 : 2 ,j , 8 , 9
Islasm: Its Foundations And Concepts 13

(which they made and His creation)seemed alike to them? Say:


Atlaahis the Creatorof altthings.He is the One, the trresistibte."l

for mankindHis signsas evidencesand proofs,


Whileestablishing
He says,

' ' t
-' . , J t.'.i-i. t .a.,1, tr'ti .r.
rr"-*rt) jptr ))t t+ti Ui y
,,,2r7,
IJJ--.1j ) pti
".^^r^tl-
."ia.,tt-7.
.gtlr 14tr#.t)Fu- ij
.i-
t.'lt. I lr
)\-^Jlq UJLJ
J I J V'

'-'^-i7 _ .1: < r- . - €..i .l .i.i


JPr .#
- r', ,-.i.
L^ti-'- I cS+lt o! c'-'s9,->j,-al;t^Jl t?e ali
'}i
{ (A ".,-r,)si.k 'i)
"And from among His signs are the night and the day, and the sun
and the moon. Prostratenot to the sun or the moon, but prostrate
to Allaah who created them, if you really worship Him. But if they
are too proud (to do so), then those who are with your Lord
(angels) glorify Him night and day, and never are they tired. And
among His s4lns (in this), that you see the earth barren, but when
We send down water (rain) to it, it is stirred to life and growth (of
vegetations). Verily, He Who gives it life, sure is Able to give life to
the dead (on the Day of Resurrection).lndeed He is Able to do all
things.''

He alsosays,

' A r - R a ' dI 3 :I 6
2 F u s s i l a4t l : 3 7 - 3 9
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

urtl\t: ,2'3-:li i q'f.>

t vl 17,
t -'t\^Jr-l

"And among His signs is the creationof the heavens and the eafth,
and the differences of your languages and colours. Verily, in that
are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge. And among His
slgnsls your sleepby nightand by day..."'

While describingHimselfwith Attributesof beauty and perfection


He says,

' 'r'v ' / ( t''.'.i:'i't r t '1 -'112


t'-if !'7't
.g t- ,oi Ct YJ ij* ,o-rit-,Y (Pl GJt -* i] "J] Y ;frty
t
.=., (r, -r.. t: ?. .oi ,., . o
. .iil . r..
-9ri\ )] ,.rrt g;-tll lr g-. ,.f-,,yt
Cl-i- C Ui ,>,'3>"11
- . t
i
-)+)t G ".& itbo.
, j,*.,:i, r..
r-6-.- -s 4-*i 3; clr
"
r:.,{r
L _,
/ .1.
( cL"1

"Allaah!None has the right fo be worshippedbut He. The Ever-


Living, the One Who sustainsand protectsall that exisfs. Neither
slumber nor sleep oveftakes Him. To Him belongs whatsoever is in
the heavens and whatsoeveris in the earth. Who is he that can
intercede with Him except with His permission? He knows what
happens to them (His creatures)in this world and what wiil happen

' Ar-Room
30'.22-23
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Conce.

to them in the Hereafter.And they will never compassanythingof


Hisknowtedgeexceptthat whichHe wills."'

He alsosays,

4) .,^{1n\ 7- ,;'rut,s: v$i *+ vFi gst -":i ;6 Y


'ii
t .1- !
& ;) /'.2^)l

"The Forgiver of sins, the Acceptor of repentance' the Sfern ln


punishmeht,the Bestower(of favours)-Ld ilAha illa Huwa None
has theright to be worshippedbut He.To Him is thefinat retttrn.'2

He - may His praisebe exalted-also says,

' 't. ' ' <


v---s- 6i*y
'
"2" lt
ii 4Jl
",'ii
.r:tN' .-Jl iJi'l i-b )l

a"LA.;'
4,:V) ;',ii;:-,; ti iYAii-1i

He is Ail6h besldes whom L6 itaha illaHuwa (none has the right to


be worshipped but He) the King, the Holy, the One Free from all
defecfs, the Giver of security,the Watcherover His creatures,the
Atl-Mighty,the Competter,the Supreme.Glory be to All^hl (High is
''
He) a-Ooieatl that they associateas partnerswith Him

This Wise and omnipotentLord who made Himselfknownto His


slaves and established for them His signs and proofs and
described Himself with attributes of perfectionhad prophetic
ordainments,humanwisdomand naturetestifyto His existence,to
His Lordshipand being the only one having the right to be

I 2:255
Al-Baqarah
r
G h a a f i r4 0 : 3
I
A l - H a s h 5r 9 : 2 3
Islaam: Its Foundations And

worshipped.I wiil -God wiiling-show that to you in the


foilowinq
pages.

As for proofsof His existenceand Lordship,they are:

One: Creation of this universe and its wonderful design

O man! All this universethat surroundsyou, the heavens,


tne
stars,the galaxiesand the earth that is spread in which
there are
neighbouringtracts out of which differentprantsgrow
bearinoail
fruits,and on which you find ail creaturesin pairsl.. tni,
*iuEr"u
did not createitselfand could nevercreateitself.lt must
then have
a creator.who then is that creatorwho createdit in this wonderful
design and perfectionand made it a sign for those wno
can se"
save Allaahthe one, the subduerwhom there is no Lord
oi o"ity
worthyof worshipbesideHim. He says,

'
,,- . ,. t.

,,.)\\,_,.;ili iit (i :i: 3;Ai j ii ,n * o \Eu ?iy


(,O.,*i {
"!
"Were they created by nothing
or were they themsetvesthe
c.reators?Or did they create the heavens and t'heearth?
Nay,but
they have no firm betief."l

Thesetwo versesimplythreequestions:

1- Were they createdfrom nothing?


2- Did they createthemselves?
3- Did they createthe heavensand the earth?

lf their creation was not accidentarand they had


not created
themselvesor createdthe heavensand the earth;it shourd
then be
affirmedthat thereexistsa creatorwho createdthem as
weil as the
'
At-Toor 52:35-36
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Conc

heavens and the earth. That Creator is Allaah, the One, the
Subduer.

Two: The nature

All creaturesare naturallyinclinedto believein the existenceof the


creator; to affirm that He rs greaterand mightierthan all things.
This inclinationis more well-rootedin the naturethan elementary
mathematicsand does not need to be proved by any evidence
except for him who has an abnormalnature; a nature that has
been exposed to circumstancesthat turn it away from what it
shouldadmit.'AllaahsaYs,

.t)A- "t ll
cti+: 4i3Y
J"6i }u"a: ;ri /P"G-+ u.-rY.
4:7>oitl)'t oai ;ei 5;;t3 4i tli -!).5'$i

So sef you (O Muhammad(peacebe upon him))your face towards


the religion (of pure tstdmicMonotheism) Hanif (worship none but
Attah itone). Attdh's Fitrah (i.e. Attdh'slsl1mic Monotheism)with
which He h'as createdmankind. No change let there be in Khalq-
iilah (i.e. the religion of All6h - lsllmic Monotheism):that is the
straightretigion,but mostof men know not'*

The Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peacebe upon him, said'


,,Everychild is born with naturalinclinationto lslaamicMonotheism
and it is his parentswho make him a Jew, a christianor a Magian3
young whole,whereinyou find
fust as the animalgives birthto its
no mutilation."Then Aboo Hurayrah (who is the narratorof this
hadeeth)said: "Reciteif you like(Allaah's
words):

' Majmoo' FatawaIbn Taymiyahl'.41-49,'73


I A r - R o o mJ 0 : 3 0
I AA
Magiansarethosewho worshipfire and othernaturalphenomena.
Isloam: Its Foundations And Conc

.ibJ- i
"lr+!
r{:.} ge.1ii r-Ai Ai g^1 -r;.ij.li <U;'*i

"All6h'sFitrah (i.e. Attah'ststamicMonotheism)


with which He has
created mankind. No change ret there be in Kharq-irtdh(i.e. the
religionof Attah - lstamicMonotheism).that is the siraight'retigrcn,
but most of men know not "'1

He also said, "Verily,my Lord commandedme to teach you


what
you do not know of that which He has taughtme today:,Art
rnon"y
that I endoweda slavewith, is raMur(for n-iry.t createomy slaves
naturallyinclinedto lslaamic Monotheismand it were thL devils
wno came to them, led them away from their religion, made
-on
forbiddenfor them what I made lawiul and enjoineo inem to
asso,cj?lepartnerswith Me in worshipof whichi diOnot send any
oroof.'"'

Three: Consensus of all people

All past and modernnationsare in consensusthat this universe


has a creatorwho is Allaahthe Lord of all the worrds,that He is
the
creator of the heavensand the earth and that He has no partner
among His creatures as He does not have a partner in His
Sovereignty.

No beliefhas ever been reportedfrom any of the past nationsthat


their false deities took part with Allaah in the creation of the
neavensand the earth.Rather,they all believedthat it was Allaan
who createdthem and their goos, that there was no creator
or
sustainerbesidesHim and that He aloneowns the powerto brino

'
A I - B u k h a a r eaen d M u s l i n r
2A h r l a d
a n dM u s i i m .
Islaom: Its FoundationsAnd C,

benefitor inflictharm.tAllaahinformsus in the followingversesof


the idolaters'affirmationof His Lordshipand guardianship,
o,i1 . i:- ..,1 .',. .. t.',i'
.i ,t.-.1 i.
*, J*: : . i . . r-':
..i1.
PI ,^-3 rJb)\ltc)9-At,lt i fFU- ,*l-l I
: 'u;. 'Jri
-t

v
t /

l}J
,
" , ' l
cljl , tl ;i )+: -DV ,rt l;;- t o:li ,.1.,'
iK';:- SIJ
.:- .i -1'I'zti z .r1 . a:ii- ..i.-..-:ilt'-
4 q-t ?u 'L-Jt -:--r Jt O^ ,4:JL-.41J :r)l ** zg
et -r-,it !
. - ' 1..,1 -tt:4^,'oo,"i1
{ r:!i'oy'+ Y i-,r=-t Jq 4J r^!l att't ! : - i , ' - .W;'
f " - t ' 1 ' i J>a '

"lf you were to ask them: "Who has created the heavens and the
earth and subiectedthe sun and the moon?" They will surely reply:
"NEh." How then are they deviating (as polytheists and
disbetievers)?AIIAhenlargesthe provisionfor whom He willsof His
s/aves,and straitensit for whom (He wills). Verily,Alldh is the All-
Knower of everything.If you were to ask them: "Who sends down
water (rain) from the sky, and gives life therewith to the eafth after
its death?" They will surely reply: "All6h."Say: "All the praisesand
thanksbe to Altdh!"Nav! Mostof themhave no sense''"

; .. i-rrii,;li:#)> i* Ut$tt,-'';ai'4> J -ea {rV

"And indeedif you ask them, 'Who has createdthe heavensand


'The All-Mighty' the All-Knower
the earth?' They will surely say:
'u
createdthem.'

' M a . l n r o oF' a t a w al 4 : 3 8 0 - 3 8 i
t
A l - 'A n k a b o t 2 9: 6 1- 6 3
j
A z - z u k h r u f9
Islaam: Its Foundations And Ct

Four: The reason

Human reasoninevitablyconfirmsthat this universehas a great


creator;for the sound reasonagreesthat this universeis a creited
thing that did not bring itself to being, hence, it must have an
originator.

Also, man knowsthat he falls into crisesand afflictionsand when


he is unable to prevent them or remove them, he faces the
heavenswith his heart and seeksfor His Lord'said to removehis
distresseven thoughhe may denouncehis Lord and worshiohis
idols in his normaldays. This is an undisputable fact. Even tne
animal raises his head up and looks at the sky wheneverit is
visited by an affliction.The AlmightyAllah informs us that man,
wheneverhe is afflictedwith harm, hastensto his Lord and asks
Him to removethe harm.Allaahsays,

d',? :"-.1-rt' , . . .t ,i
,2,, i e 1., - ,t..- -i,,, ,.. .
./-: -tr-*
5- "P Je -Lj4J l:l-rrl *\. J.?i Ji ,y 4) tp4 jg

{,,1!1;6i-:ef
;UfW
"And when some hurt touches man, he cries to his Lord (Altah
Alone), turningto Him in repentance.But when He bestowsa favor
upon him from Himself, he forgets that for which he cried for
before,and he sefs up rivals to NEh.'r

He alsosaysaboutthe idolaters,

I
Az-Zunar 39:8
Islaam: Its Foundations And

6 \&, 9K ,f c t{i r^;t;r!4c bt ltv \\r:i"**


t

;-P -b.-l

c:1oui (a .V')
u"f*ri
, 'i-".
;-E t; 64-6+; u;tt*,a3tit4i y A*"irr Jte

/ ,;=; ) -' . / . i":


&\ ,-'.) vJ
r.l.p

"He it is Who enablesyou to travel throughland and sea, till when


you are in the ships, and they sail with them with a favorable wind,
and they are gtad therein, then comes a stormy wind and the
waves come to them from all sides, and they think that they are
encircled therein. Then they invoke All6h, making their Faith pure
for Him Atone, (saying): "lf You (Neh) deliver us from this, we shall
trutybe of the grateful."But when He deliveredthem, behold! They
rebet (disobey All6h) in the eafth wrongfully. O mankind! Your
rebetlion (disobedienceto AIl6h) is only against your own se/ves, -
a brief enjoyment of this worldly life, then (in the end) unto Us. is
your return,and We shaltinformyou that whichyou used to do."'

He alsosays,

4.:1':2F ]1i JEit u* .n;.t v:'3 ,^':'i

"And when a wave covers them like shades (i.e. like clouds or the
mountains of seawater), they invoke Aileh, making their

' Yoonusl0:22-23
22 Isluum: Its Foundations And Concepts

invocations for Him only. But when He brings them safe to tand,
there are among them those that stop in between (Betief and
disbelief). But none denies Our Signs except every perfidious
ingrate."'

This Lord who broughtthis universeto existence,createdman In


the bestform,embeddedin his natureservitudeand submission to
Him, subjectedhumanreasonto the beliefin His Lordshioand His
exclusiveworthinessof being worshipped.lt is Allaah whom all
nationsunanimously testifyto His guardianship...as He should
inevitably be One in His Lordship and worthiness to be
worshipped.As He has no partnerin creatingHis creatures,He
shouldalso have no partnerin His worthinessof beingworshipped.
Thereare numerousevidencesfor this,-some of whichare:

1- Thereis only in this universeone God Who is the creatorand


the sustainersof all. None bringsharm or benefitexceptHim. Had
there been any other god besidesHim, that god would have had
his own work, creationand commandand none of bothwould have
allowedanotherto sharethe creationwith him. Hence,one of them
must have overpoweredand subduedthe other. In that case, the
subduedcould not have been a god and the Subduershouldbe
the real God with whom none can sharethe rightto be worshipped
just as noneshareswith Him His guardianship and lordship.
Allaah
says,

iJ- q ll S.-;'i,il'El; ,:^;:Jrt; t -rlb n Ai ii Cy


4 :l' J)r,-a,_& ii :i*'uzl jo -fi; ,1,;,

"M son (or offspring)did AlEh beget, nor is there any il6h (god)
along with Him; (it there had been many gods), then each god

I
Luqmaan 3l:32
*For
rnoreof theseevidences,
seeKitaabut-Tawheed
by Muharnrnadlbn
AbdulWahhaab.
Isluam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 23

woutd have taken away what he had created, and some would
have tried to overcome others!Glorifiedis Allah above all that they
attributeto Him!"1

2- None deservesto be worshippedbut AllaahWho createdthe


heavensand the earths;for, man seeks to gain the favourof the
Lord Who brings him benefit and prevents harm, evils and
calamitiesfrom him and none but the One Who owns the heavens
and the earth is capableof doing all these. Had there been any
other lords as the idolatersdo claim, human would have taken
ways that leadto the worshipof AllaahWho is the True Sovereign.
This is because,all false deitiesthat are worshippedbesidesthe
True Lord, they themselves,used to worship Allaah and seek
nearnessto Him alone.

Therefore,those who want to seek nearnessto Allaah,Who has


the power to give benefitsand bestow harm, should worshipthe
True LordWhom all that is in the heavensand the earth-including
the false deities-do worship.Let those who are searchingfor the
truthread (thefollowingverse):

O"it \e:i -tsy


'lt
<|
L^e+J ui.r)\r 4 )j '':jp-:Jt
.-' r.* o: re 'l Yi {i "r
- ' 't r t"
,<ti -.i 'iJ ,i.r:c a'lJl
4 ,"J:r)1,--l ti::

Say:(O Muhammad(peacebe upon him) to those polytheists,


pagans)"Caltupon thosewhomyou assert(fo be associategods)
beiraes Attah,theypossessnot evenan atom's(or a small ant's)
weight,eitherin the heavensor on the earth,nor have they any
sharein either,nor there is for Him any supporterfrom among

' A l - M u ' m i n o o2n3 : 9 1


24 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

them. lntercesslon with Him profits not except for him whom He
permits."l

These verses and others keep the heart from incliningtowards


otherthingsbesidesAllaahthroughfour factors.

One: That those whom the polytheistsworshippossessnot even


the weight of an atom with Allaah, and he who possessesnot a
weight of an atom cannot benefitnor harm and therefore,is not
worthyof beingworshipped or beingtakenas Allaah'sassociatein
worship lt is AllaahaloneWho ownsthemand controlsthem.

Two: That they possessnothingin the heavensand the earth ano


they do not even havean atom weightof sharein them.

Three:Allaahhas no helperamong His creatures.Rather,He is


the one who helps them in what is of benefitfor them and drives
away from them what harms them. For, He completelyhas no
need of them; it is they who are ratherwho are in absoluteneed of
Him.

Four: That these so-called associates are not capable of


intercedingwith Allaahon behalfof theirfollowersand thev will not
even be given permissionto do so. Allaah does not qtve
permission to intercedeexceptto His friends,and His friendsSlso
cannot intercedeexcept on behalf of the one whom Allaah is
pleasedwith his sayings,deedsand belief2

3- systematicarrangementand preciseexecutionof the affairsof


this universeis the strongestindicationthat its controlleris one
Lord, one (King),besideWhom there is no other creator.As it is
impossiblefor this universeto havetwo creators,so it is impossibre
for it to havetwo Lords.Allaahsavs.

' saba'34:22-23
r Sec 'uyoonil-muwalihideen
Qurratu p.100
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 25

. ,'t.'. -'i r77


e cii 4,i# U,L-.-oJ 4tJl \r
"lt;
;A.

"t

"Had there been therein (in the heavens and the earth) alihah
(gods)besrdesAttah,then verilyboth wouldhave been ruined."'

Had it been assumedthat there was in the heavenand the earth


another god besides Allaah, they would have been ruined.
Because;had there been anothergod besidesAllaah,both [Allaah
and the other godl would need to be autocrattcand have the right
of free disoosal.That would have then lead to contentionand
fightingand the ruin of the heaven and the earth would have
occurredas a result. lt is impossiblefor the body to have two
controllingsouls;if that happensthe bodywill be destroyed - how
then can it be imagined that this which
universe, is greater,
should
havetwo lords?

4- Consensusof the Prophetsand Messengers:All nationsagree


that the Prophetsand Messengersare the wisest,most intelligent,
best in morality,most sincere,most knowledgeableof what Allaah
wants and the most rightlyguided of all people,because,they
receivedrevelationfrom Allaahand conveyedit to people.And all
Prophetsand Messengers- right from Adam to the last Prophet
who is Muhammad,peacebe uponthem all - haveall calledthelr
peoplesto the belief in Allaah and abstentionfrom worshipping
anythingbesidesHim and that He is the only True Lord.Allaah
says,

,a/
Y ,arl f;Jl
-
,>9
; \ll
Jl
t J a
,lr* - r .'-r
/t
r-t.
zrr.i
--2JJJ
.'
.'.e
v'
ur4i c; y
{,.. 93i5ti

'
A l - A n b i y a2al : : 2
Islaam: Its Foundations And Conc

And We did not send any Messengerbefore you (O Muhammad


(peace be upon him)) but We revealed to him (saying): La itahaitta
Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but | (NEh)) so worship
Me (Aloneand none else)'

He also says aboutNoah- Peacebe upon him - that he told his


peopre,

{tg- i,7 ' ,tn "64;ovi;17r sti;i5 { ,ri}


"T.hatyou worshipnone but Allah;surely, I fear for you the torment
of a painfulDay.''

Allaah - may He be glorified- says about the last of all


Messengers,
Muhammad,

-raiil r-i jl
r :jr Jj>:l-; ;i 3A"L iUl ,g i r^rlA y

"Say (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) "tt is revealed to me


that your ll6h (God) is onty one ttdh (God - NEh) Wiil you then
submit to His Will (become Muslims and stop worshipping others
besidesNEH?'S

This God ,, ,n" On" who wonderfullycreatedthe universefrom


naught;He createdman in the bestform and perfectedhis creation
and impressedin his naturethe affirmationof His Lordshipand His
exclusiverightto be worshrpped.He lets him have peace of mind
throughhis submissionto Him and followingHis path and He
ordainedit on his soul not to be at rest until it surrendersto its
creator and be in continuouscontactwith Him. He also makes rt
impossibleto contactwith Him exceptthroughHis straightpath,

I
Al-Anbiyaa 2l:25
I
H o o < iI l : 2 6
t
A I - A n b i y a2al : 1 0 8
)'7
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

which the honourable Prophets conveyed. He gave man


which only becomesuprightand functionsproperly
intelligence,
when he believesin Allaah,Glorvbe to Him'

When one has an uprightnature,a peacefulsoul and a believing


heart, one achieveshappiness,securityand peace in this world
and the Hereafter.But when man refusesall that, he will live in the
alleys of this world disorganisedand dividedamong its gods,
ignorantas to who can benefithim or preventharm from him. lt is
in order that true faith may be establishedin the heart and the
uglinessof disbeliefmay be exposedthat Allaahmakesa parable
- for parablesbring meaningscloserto understanding. He makes
a parableof a man whoseaffairis dividedbetweennumerousgods
and a man who worshipshis Lord alone.He, may He be glorified,
says,

'J:'4;i:Li+*

"All6h puts fofth a similitude: a (slave) man belonging to many


partners (like those who worship others along with All6h) disputing
with one another, and a (slave) man belonging entirely to one
master(like those who worshipAll6h Alone). Are those two equal
in comparison?Allthe praisesand thanks are to All6h! But most of
them know not."'

Allaahlikensthe slavewho is a polytheistto a slavewho is owned


by differentassociatesand over whom they all contendwith each
other.He is dividedamongthem and everyone of them directshim
and assigns responsibilitiesto him. He is confusedamong them
and rs always unstable.He is unableto satisfytheir differentand
contradictingdesiresthat tear his energyand directionsapart.

' Az-7,tntar 39:29


28 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

He also likens the slave who is a monotheistto a slave who rs


owned by a single master.He knows what his masterwants and
the assignmentshe gives him. He is therebycomfortableand
settledon a clear path. Both of these two slavescannotbe equal.
For, one submitsto a single master and enjoys the pleasureof
uprightness, knowledge and certaintyand the otherone submitsto
differentand disputingmasters and is thereby punishedano
distressed.He is not stableon a conditionand cannotpleaseeven
one of them let aloneall of them.

After proofs on the existenceof Allaah, His Lordship and His


exclusiveright to be worshippedhave become clear, we should
then acquaintourselveswith His creationof the universeand man
and knowHis wisdombehindthat
Islaam: ItsFoundationsAnd Concepts 29

Creationof the Universe

This universe,with its heavens,earth,stars,galaxies,seas,trees


by Allaah- the
and all livingthingsare createdfrom non-existence
Glorifiedand ExaltedHe savs,

',,,'.t, :..; i-:. i:- ..'rl'.'!2:r.?r(-rt"'


) ril-ul ,"J ,4)'ct w-y- a.f-,it;L
..:-fJ "
.S-ilt?,rrfu u oF
15.-1?l
'^-)i L.:;';tiAiL1
A +'*iW ,'ui W !;t t{i ,,: e'i) W fi
't
,rr:\iti ,:rtt"ov3,ei r-uii J){t'yti
q" A,>rr-- {- "fr*i

{-;, *IJt ',.Jt

"Say (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) "Do you verily


disbelievein Him Who createdthe earlh in two Days? And you set
'Alamin
up rivals (in worship) with Him? That is the Lord of the
(mankind,|nn and attthat exisfs,).He placed therein(i.e. the earth)
firm mountainsfrom above it, and He blessedit, and measured
therein lfs susfenance(for its dwellers)in four Days equal (i.e. all
these four days were equal in the length of time) for all those who
ask (about its creation) Then He (rose over) lstaw€ttowards the
heaven when it was smoke, and said to it and to the earlh: "Come
both of you willingly or unwillingly " They both said: "We come,
wittingty."Then He completedand finishedfrom their creation(as)
seven heavens in two Days and He made in each heaven its affair.
And We adorned the nearest(lowest)heaven with lamps (stars)to
be an adornment as welt as to guard (from the devils by using
30 Islasm: Its Foundations And Concepts

them as miss/es against the devils).Such is the Decreeof Him the


All-Mighty. the All-Knower."1

He alsosavs.

. ";i;{i;
-
'r t,-r.
\-lJ>q r^., u:t+ r4\5 ,:,'+^:li Li ir; Uitt; ;:li y
*i-; ,u" ,F ,t;i
eiri'nt tu-a;:;-ti ut;;; I) .r-r-ui.fet-l lt^: aW uAu-t;.;
,,
ttl"t*
4.'.V't: Qyl; Oo

Have not those who disbelieveknown that the heavens and the
earth were joined together as one united piece, then We parted
them? And We have made from water every living thing. Will they
not then believe? And We have placed on the eafth firm
mountains, lest it should shake with them, and We placed therein
broad highways for them to pass through, that they may be guided.
And We have made the heaven a roof, safe and well guarded. yet
they turn away fromits srgrns(i.e. sun,moon, winds, clouds,etc.).'2

Allaahcreatedthe universefor manygreatpurposes.Thereare tn


everypartof it greatwisdomand dazzlingsrgns.lf you ponderover
a singlesign thereof,you wrllsee wonders.Beholdthe wondersof
the creationof Allaahin the plantsin whichalmosteveryleaf,stem
and fruit is full of benefit that human intellectcannot fully
comprehendand understandits details.Beholdthe watercourses
of thosetenderand weak stems,whicheyescan hardlysee except
by carefulobservation,how they are able to draw water from tne
bottom to the top and the water then moves in those courses
accordingto their acceptabilityand capacitieslt then breaksinro
particlesthat cannotbe perceivedby human eyes. Then behold

'
F u s s i l a4t l : 9 - 1 2
'
Al-Anbiyaa 2l:30-32
Isluam: Its Foundations And Concepts 31

the fruit of a tree and how it movesfrom a stageto anotherlike the


invinciblemovementof the conditionsof a foetus.You see a tree
growingfrom a mere naked wood with no coveringon it, then its
Lord and Creator covers it with leaves in the most beautiful
manner.He then bringsout its fruit tenderand weak after He has
broughtout its leaf in order to preserveit and make it like ctothing
for that weak fruit so as to protectit againstheat, cold and other
harmfulphenomena.He then providessustenancefor these fruits
through their stems and watercoursesso that that can nourish
them, as an infantis nourishedby the milk of its mother.He then
nurturesthe fruitsand developsthem untilthey becomecompletely
ripe. He therebybroughtout that deliciousfruit out of that lifeless
wooden-likeparticle.

When you look at the earth and how it was created,you will see
that it is one of the greatestsigns of its Creator.Allaahmakes it a
resting place and as a bed, and subjectedit to His slaves. He
makes their sustenance,provisionand sourcesof livelihoodthere
and created therein for them ways and paths so that they can
move about to meet their needs.He fixed it firmlywith mountains
and makesthem as pillarsin orderto protectit againstshaking.He
flattensit, extendsit and spreadsit, makes it a receptaclefor the
living that brings them together on its surface and makes it a
receptaclefor the dead that bringthem togetherin its interiorafter
theirdeath.lts surfaceis a placeof dwellingfor the livingand its
interioris the placeof abodefor the dead.

Then look at its revolvingorbit, with its sun, moon, stars and
zodiacsand beholdhow it continuously revolvesaroundthis world
till the end of time in this orderand proper
succession and see the
differencesin the night, day, seasons,heat and cold which are
resultsof these wonderfulmovements,and the benefitsthey give
to all kindsof animalsand plantsand all thatexistson the earth.

Then reflectover the creationof the heavenand take anotherlook


at it; you will see that it is one of the greatestsigns of Allaah in
altitude.exDansiveness and stabilitv.Thereis no pillarunderneath
32 Isluum: Its Foundations And Concepts

it and there is no suspenderover it but held by the infinitepowerof


Allaahwhich holdsthe heavenand the earth lestthey fall asunder.

When you also look at this universe,the compositionof its parts


and its best arrangement- that show the perfectomnipotenceof
their Creatorand His perfectknowledge,wisdom and grace - you
will find that it is like a constructededificein which all rtstools ano
requirementsare provided.The heavenwas erectedwith its roof
raisedabove it; the earth made like a placeof rest and a carpetfor
its dwellers;the sun and moon which are like lamps illuminatethe
earth; and the stars which are its lanternsand adornmentgive
directionsto the travellerin the paths of the universe.The iewels
and mineralsthat are hiddenin the earth like preparedtreisures
are all made for the purposethat best suits them. All kinds of
plantsand animalsare also preparedfor what they are good for.
Some animalsare good for riding,some are good for milking;
some are good for food and some are betterused as guards.And
He made man theircontrollerand like an authorisedking above all
of them.

lf you also ponderover this universeeitherin every respector in a


partof it, you will see a lot of wonders.lf you deeplyreflectand you
are sincere with yourself and free yourself from the noose of
whims, capricesand blind imitation,you will know with certainty
that this universewas createdby the All-Wise,All-powerfuland All-
Knower,Who measuredit in the best manner and arrangedit in
the best form. You will atso know with certaintythat it is simply
impossiblethat the Creatorshould be two; He is only One Lord
besideWhom there is none other worthy of worshipand that hao
therebeen any othergod in the heavensand the earth,theiraffarrs
would have been corrupted,theirorder disruptedand theirwelfare
brokendown.

lf you howeverinsiston attributingthe creatronto othersbesidetne


Creator,whatwillyou say of the mechanismthatrevolvesarounda
river whose tools and composrtionhave been perfected and
excellentlymeasuredthat the observerdoes not see any defectin
it or its picture.This riveris situatedin the middleof a longgarden
Islaam: Its Foandations And Concepts 33

in whichthereare differentkindsof fruitsthatget theirwaterfrom


this river,and thereis in this gardena caretaker who bringsits
disunitedparts togetherand perfectlytakes care of it so that
nothingof it becomesdefectedand nothingof its fruitsbecomes
decayed.This caretaker then portionsout its partsto the outlets
according to man'sneedsand necessities, givingeachgroupwhat
it deserves andportioningit outin thiswaycontinuously.

Will you thensay that all this happened withoutthe handof any
creator,whohasfreedomof choiceand is a planner? Willyousay
thatthe existence andgardenis just accidental
of thatmechanism
withoutanycreatoror planner? Canyouimaginewhatyourreason
will tell you if all thesewereto cometo beingaccidentally? Can
you imagineas to whereyourreasonwill directyou and counsel
youabout?'

Theunderlying
reasons:

Afterall thesereflectionsover the creationof the universe,we


deemit fit to mentionsomeof the reasons for whichAllaahcreated
thesehugebeingsandastounding signs.

1. To subjectthem to man: WhenAllaahdecreedto createa


successor on thisearththatwouldbe worshipping Himandinhabit
the earth;He createdall thesethingsfor him,thathe mighthave
an uprightlifeand havemattersof his presentlifeand thatof his
finalabodeputrightforhim.Allaahsays,

I This
sectionis expungedfrom differentplacesfionr the book, "Miftaahu
a t2. 5 1- 2 6 9 .
d a a r i s - s a ' a a do
34 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

And has subjectedto you all that is in the heavens and allthat is in
the eafth; it is atlas a favor and kindnessfrom Him.n

He also says,

'6_?G',c
,y -, ,:c-ai3: Jlis u..,{ri o"iAi * ,sfr i'i y

E ;i"-t.;=i ii a &e. <ffin e;i"E Grty'Ai


/"' 'gt
:A,FIJ JJI t *i" itit';:1 ;Ai ;i,A'A3'tl
,.i,f z tti(,,,.rt .
jrj)l -_t! t6t;!r J - . i qi . . ji'l{--.4
"=. i..-_i2.ti.,.Lt
ls-i; OIt ;}:,:JL L 2:
vll^ Ot ftul;i
- - .. a / D t. /
( r'g)it"=- lrt'hJ

'All6his He Whohascreatedtheheavensandtheeafthandsends
down water(rain)from the sky,and therebybroughtforth fruitsas
provisionfor you; and He has made the shrpsto be of serviceto
you, thattheymay sailthroughfhe sea by His Command;and He
hasmaderivers (also)to be of serviceto you. And He has made
the sun and the moon, both constantlypursuingtheir courses,fo
be of serviceto you; and He hasmadethe nightand the day, to be
of serviceto you. And He gaveyou of all thatyou askedfor, and if
you countthe Blessingsof All6h,neverwill you be able to count
them. Verily!Man is indeedan extremewrong-doer,a disbeliever
(an extremeingrate,whodeniesAll6h's8/essrngs by disbelief,
and
by worshippingothersbesrdesAll6h,and by di2obeyingAlldhand
HisProphetMuhammad (peacebe uponhim)).'"

2. To make the heavensand the earth and all that is in the


universeproofsof Allaah'sLordshipand signsof His Oneness.
Because,the greatestthingin thislife,is to affirmthe Lordshipof
Allaahand His Oneness.And becauseof the fact that. it is the

'
A l - J a a t h i y a4h5 :l 3
2
lbraaheem14.32-34
Islaam: Its FoundotionsAnd Concepts 35

greatest matter, Allaah has establishedin its support greatest


evidencesand signsand provedit with the most convincingproofs.
So, Allaah createdthe heavens,the earth and all other beingsto
make them evidencesfor that.That is why statementslike, "Among
His srgns"are mentionedin the abundancelike in the following
verses.

ar-
4u.l{i ?';-ui Jtt -:;-t; us )

ls fhe creationof the heavensand the


"And among Hls SrErns
eafth."

4 zQi;,FV*c '*'r; a:\


"And among Hrs Srgns is the sleep that you take by night and by
day."

'..ai') ',- ' .


, rr l - i . , 1 . , , -a:+te glJ f\
t t'4JaJ tif OrCt e=.t-t

"And among His Signs is that He shows you the lightning,for fear
and for hope."

| .a a-J ', t. a .

4 ':r\J6\tr:Cat f* 6t '1;'l; asb

ls fhaf the heavensand the earth standby


"AndamongHis Srgrns
HisCommand."'

3. To make them evidencesof the existenceof the Day of


sincethelifeis two lives,a lifeof thisworldanda life
Resurrection,

' Ar-Roorn30:22-25
36 Islaam: Its Foundations,And Concepts

of the Hereafterthoughthe life of the Hereafteris the real.Allaah


says,

't
.a t ,. -.i'i 'r;-ti
.v i'll c--tl
.l

s.P {r Wi1 :+- c 5 Y


,t..-\ / 'i" ittJu-
lt.
( ,':r: .-r.,jp.lr?

"And this life of the world is only amusement and ptay! Verily, the
home of the Hereafter - that is the life indeed (i.e., the eternat life
that will never end), if they but knew."I

This is because the home of the Hereafter is the home of


recompenseand reckoningand there is there eternal bliss for
those who deserveit and eternaltormentfor thosewho deserveit.
Since man cannot reach that home except after he dies and is
resurrected;its existenceis denied by those whose relationship
with their Lord has been cut, whose naturehas suffereda relapse
and whosesenseof reasoninghas beendamaged.lt is becauseof
this that Allaah establishedproofs and evidencesin order that
souls might believe and hearts might have conviction; for
reproductionof the soul is much easier than its first creationand
the creation of the heavens and the earth is greater than the
reproduction of man.Allaahsavs,

'+'
t j!.i ,^t ,1.;-I ,tt;Ji\i"+ s. *i y

"AndHe it is Whooriginatesthe creation,therywillrepeatit (afterit


hasbeenperished)and thisr'seasierfor Him.'"

Healsosays,

'
Al-Ankaboot2g:64
2
A r - R o o m3 0 : 2 7
Islaam: Its Foundotions And Concepts 37

! r6i ;oi ,*S *L:J | ,'.i,;


,'Ai O.t{i.2,'e-:ti ,p V
. t-.,.

t::l \).}.!l

"Thecreationof the heavensand the eafth is indeedgreaterthan


thecreationof mankind.vet mostof mankindknownot."l

He alsosays,

-:. .ti ,47 ,


4irr f
CJ t9+r
',ziit*Ai
,-4 SG,;i<ji w. ;tri';'j' ,# Ft 6A?5
ttl

4':t>'o*;'&t
"All6h is He Who raised the heavens without any pillars that you
can see. Then, He rose above (lstawd) the Throne (really in a
manner fhat suifs His Majesty).He has subjectedthe sun and the
moon (to continue going round), each running (its course) for a
term appointed. He regulates all affairs; explaining the Ay6t
(proofs, evidences, yerses, /essons, signs, revelations, etc.) in
detail,^thatyou may believe with ceftainty in the meeting with your
Lord.'*

After all this O man! lf this entire universehas been subjectedto


you and all its signs and proofshave been shown to you, you will
testifythat there is no Lord worthy of worshipexceptAllaahAlone
Who has no partner.When you have knownthat your resurrection
and life after death is easierthan the creationof the heavensand
the earth, that you shall meet your Lord Who will call you to
accountfor your deeds and you have known that all this universe

I
G h a a f i r4 0 : 5 7
t
A r - R a ' dl 3 : 2
38 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

worships its Lord that all His creatures glorify their Lord with
praisesas confirmedby Allaah,

.i :t7 ! ,i.: ,,1: i :r . . t


/ ,-, z.i .- z rl ,.
{ :,t.-=!cl-t J;)t ,J-J|A1 .:-ttli;,r)i 4 t4 ,>''931 C Y * &;-y

"Whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the eafth


glorifies Allah, the King (of everything), the Holy, the All-Mighty, the
Att-Wise."1

That,they all prostratefor His Majestyas He says,

';a1
3Ai, a n ,:"i ..J'-f-fii:rri ,r ,i y
u.r'lt g;p3,->,'9^ai
"crii
*:; -si o1i G"i4,L. rittii';uii Jaji i$ii
' 'i,-:,41 -.
)t '
-," t '\. ,.r, ral L+J a! | .' * .. J tI
z v. vr-v

"Seeyou not that whoeveris in the heavens and whoeveris on the


earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the
mountains, and the trees, and Ad-Dawab (moving (iving)
creatures, beasfs,),and many of mankind prostrate themselves to
Allah. But there are many (men) on whom the punishment is
iustified. And whomsoeverAll6h^disgraces,none can honor him.
Verily!Allahdoes what He wills.''

Even these beingsworshiptheir Lord in a way that suits them as


explainedby Allaahin this verse,

I
A l - J u m u ' a h6 2 : l
'at.lr.aiizz:tt
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 39

'4"^i lii ii
lL i "S-;-i* fuii *r{tr,.r"*ai a c*n ; V

"See you not (O Muhammad(peacebe upon him)) that All6h, He it


is Whom glorify whosoeveris in the heavens and the eafth, and
the birds with wings out-spread (in their flight). Ot each one He
(AlEh) knows indeed hls Sa/df (prayer) and his glorification, (or
everyoneknows hls Sa/df(prayer)and his glorification)."'

lf your entire body does actuallywork in order accordingto the


decreeof Allaahand His regulation: the heart,the lungs,the liver
and all otherparts of the bodysubmitand surrendertotheirLord...
Will your optionaldecision after all this be betweenbelief in your
Lord and disbeliefin Him? Will your decisionbe antipathytowards
and deviationfrom this blessedpath of the world aroundyou and
even of your body?

Actually,the completelysane man will considerhimselffar above


choosing antipathyand deviationin the vastness of this great
universe.

I
A n - N o o r2 4 : 4 1
40 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

Creatingand Honouring Man

It was a decisionof Allaah to createa creaturethat could inhabit


this universeand His choicefell on man. lt is also in accordance
with His Divine Wisdom that the matter from which man was
createdwas the earth. He originatedhis creationfrom clay and
then mouldedhim on this beautifulshapethat he has now.When
he has becomecompletelyperfectin that shape,He breathedlife
Into him through His Spirit (Angel Jibreel-Gabriel)and He made
him becomeman in the best form; providedhim with the abilitvto
hear, see, move and speak. Then his Lord made him live rn
Paradise,taught him all that he neededto know, made lawfulfor
him all that was in Paradiseand forbadehim from a sinqletree -
as a test for him.

Allaah wanted to show man's positionand standing;so He


commandedHis Angels to prostratefor him. All of the Angels
prostrated but Satan arroganfly and obstinately refused to
prostrate.So Allaah became angry with him for his disobedience
and expelledhim from His Mercy becauseof his arrogance.Satan
asked Allaahto extend his life and give him respitetill the Day of
Resurrection.So, Allaah extended his life till the Dav of
Resurrection

Satanbecameenviousof Adam becauseof the preferencehe and


his childrenwere given over him. He swore by His Lord that he
would mislead all the childrenof Adam, that he would come to
them from their front and rear, and from their left and from their
rightexceptthe sincere,piousand truthfulslavesof Allaahamong
them,for suchAllaahhas protectedagainstthe evil plansof Satan.
AllaahwarnedAdam of the evil plan of Satan,but Satan tempted
Adam and his wife Hawwain orderto get them out of paradiseano
to uncoverfor them that that was hiddenfrom them of their orivate
parts. He swore by Allaah to them that he was a srncerewell-
wisher for them and that Allaah had not forbiddenthem from that
tree savethey shouldbecomeangelsor becomeof the immortals.
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 4l

Having been influencedby the deceptionof Satan, Adam and


Hawwa ate of the forbiddentree and the first punishmentthat
of Allaah'scommandwas that,
afflictedthem for theirdisobedience
which that was hidden from them of their private parts became
exposedand Allaahremindedthem of His warningaboutthe tricks
of Satan.

Adam then sought for the forgivenessof his Lord. So Allaah


forgaveHim, acceptedhis repentance,chose him and guidedhim.
He then orderedhim to descendfrom the Paradisewhere he was
living,to the earthwhereintherewas his abode and his enjoyment
for a time. He also told him that it was from earth that he was
created,that on it he would live and die and that !t is from it that he
would be resurrected.

Adam and his wife Hawwa then descendedto the earth and their
childrenprocreatedand they all used to worshipAllaah, because
their father Adam was a Prophet.Allaah tells us this story in the
gloriousQur'aanwhereHe says,

-i '-t t t '-.'r:
r* i "e
t .7 -;-:,",, ,-it- rt, 2:-s' ot, -
i! r]r*--3
"
p:) l.e.r*;t is.fi"ll- t B t "frf ""i.
F
"!i
1.i.,.:".,'-'i:. . t -: t,t .,. . .. ...'. zi 2- -- -i
l,rlJtr JX;l 5l r--J ll..:1't t- Jt-ii!) a_t-)-:!At d/._,fu ) H)
i.,ir 1.,.i,." r.".,.' , t.-.',. ,t -".i. t.'r-
Ol .rU otsv L.r qy L."r'UJLi ':ltt,* J. 'a;Art * s: ,tsil- ^'a -;;
....' . . ,..: - .
c-[] Ju '.t",6;-la-rr2JIU],\ Jti :D rt"],-Aie,tL) i;u W ;5i
.: t'ia .: ,1 . . t1'11 -. - t: ,"1

e :!.' 6:;;'.:*lt gL'/" p trr;) e?t Li9 Jt i:!) cp-lh:Jl


"
;

w t** & Lt; us"t1r-i tiri.- q, tli J6 r313.6i


'1,t^r; * '*;i
; <K'tei eLi:t .t"i ki ii6J; r1'3) :.<.
42 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

cl A#.,iu.ni Ct a*i ;D',gLsij, vr<tt';Ai y- \p


6i-'j1i**j :y u" ti?i tka u Js'r4r* o, c+-eG,j (

;Ab rt;,+ u+i ui',* Ci a- rvAi st:tJ'/+ siii


'ol
6 ,*ii ;ei ,;* * k;i if 1; c+tui"-4-i4:i or
u^;;, a '*; i obu-:Lir* t,J:lr! ,?=)"q.3iL
,:K jJ:hi
e.t.. ,,.,. - . i. 1: L.i
. ",r ,2t. i i ".,! -
,r)\ c F3 Je ud.>4r,
".
lqb^.al JU :,;fi g_74;Jl U UF
, .J- . - . I t. -a

{ ::!)i;} q4ii;* t<+:i't+ wJ6;!) J) yi"";u


f
And surely, We created you (your father Adam) and then gave you
shape (the noble shape of a human being); then We told the
angels, "Prostrate yourselves to Adam", and they prostrated
themselves,except lblis (Satan), he refused to be of those who
prostrated themselves.(NEh) said: "What preventedyou (O lblis)
that you did not prostrateyourself, when I commandedyou?" lbtis
said: "l am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire, and
him You created from clay." (NIeh) said. "(O lblis) get down from
this (Paradise),it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out, for you
are of those humiliated and disgraced." (lblis) said: "Allow me
respite till the Day they are raised up (i.e. the Day of
Resurrectrbn)."(All6h) said: "You are of those resplted." (tbtis)
said: "Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait
against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path. Then I will
come to them from before them and behind them, from their right
and from their left, and You will not find most of them as thankfut
ones (i.e. they will not be dutiful to You) " (Neh) said (to tbtis) "Get
out from this (Paradise) disgraced and expelled. Whoever of them
(mankind) will follow you, then surety I wiil fiil Heil with you att."
"And O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in Paradise,and eat thereof
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 43

as you both wish, but approach not this tree othervviseyou both will
be of the Zdtim1n(unjustand wrong-doers)."Then Shaitdn(Satan)
whispered suggesflons to them both in order to uncover that which
was hidden from them of their privafe parts (before); he said: "Your
Lord did not forbid you this tree save you should become angels or
become of the immortals."Andhe (Shaitdn(Satan))swore by All6h
to them both (saying):"Verily,I am one of the sincerewell-wishers
for you both." So he misledthem with deception. Then when they
tasfed of the tree, that which was hidden from them of their shame
(private parts)became manifestto them and they began to cover
fhemse/ves with the leaves of Paradise (in order to cover their
shame).And their Lord called out to them (saying): "Did I not forbid
you
-untothat tree and tell you: Verily, Shaitdn (Satan) is an open enemy
you?" They said: "Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves.lf
You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall
'
certainty be of the /osers. (Aileh) said: "Get down, one of you an
enemy to the other (i.e.Adam, HawwA'(Eve), and Shaltdn(Satan))
On earth witl be a dwelling-place for you and an enioyment for a
time." He said: "Thereinyou shall live, and therein you shall die,
and from it you shallbe broughtout (i.e. resurrected)."'

Considerthe greatnessof Allaah'swork in man. He createdhim in


the best form, clothed him with traits of honour like intellect,
knowledge,eloquence,art of speaking,beautifulfigure,moderate
body, ability to acquire knowledgethrough analogicaldeduction
and thinking and ability to acquire noble characteristicslike,
righteousness, acts of obedienceand submissionto Allaah.Far is
his conditionwhile he was just a drop of spermkept in the womb of
his motherfrom his creationwhilethe Angel will enter upon him in
the Paradise.

(,'C cn-r,ri;;i'Ai tr(','l

I
A l - A ' r a a7f : l l - 2 5
Islaam: Its Foundations And C,

"So b/essedbe Atl6h,the Bestof Creators."l

This world is a villageand man is its inhabitant.All is preoccupied


becauseof him and all is made to work for his interests.All oiher
creaturesare made to serve him and providefor his needs. The
angels are chargedto protecthim duringday and night.Those of
them.who are chargedwith provisionof rain and pllnts strive to
providehim with his sustenance;orbits are made to surrenderto
him and revolvein his services;the sun, moon and stars are all
subjectedto move in line with his time reckoningand for the
bettermentof his food arrangement. The aerialwortowitn its winds,
clouds,birds and all that it containsis also subjectedto him. so is
the lower world with all its seas and rivers,its trees and fruits.its
plantsand animalsand allthatis in it. Allaahsays,

'" l: '-' -'rri 'r..t. .. -i;i-


', ,l*,
- .. - zi -i- .'i,t-
,y (_Pv',t' 4 oJ'J.f)tr1 9"2:^JJl dI; cj+Jl tii )
'?i 'L' .^*
-:fV
^''r. : -ii - 1 t z -, r - i- , . . - * - i 1 , r - .
<-u;rr
d.r F-i 4t O 64 E ;i iKl u.,;,r'Ai
. = . n- v r r i - i'11 '2i .'. - -o -. ,- . -'-if. .1,-t t)i ,. . -
:T itillj JJr -<t r-_, eH.t) r4-artr
r-*-.Jt E *i (:D ifry1
. l ' /

ir-"), ,_r! l^raa j ,iJtj^^! ts^i; olj ;;jL t_ J4


n 6i,ri
. - ../
{ ;1E,}
ik=- t!-hJ

"Alldhis He who has createdthe heavensand the earth and sends


down water (rain) from the sky, and thereby brought forth fruits as
provision for you; and He has made the shrps to be of service to
you, that they may sail through fhe sea by His Command; and He
has made rivers (also) to be of serviceto you. And He h?s ffiade
the sun and the moon, both constanttypursuing their courses, to
be of seruiceto you; and He has made the night and the day, to be
of service to you. And He gave you of att that you askedfor, and if
you count the Blessingsof All6h, never will you be abte to count

'
Al-Mu'minoon23:14
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 45

them. Verily! Man is indeed an extreme wrong-doer, a disbeliever


(an extremeingrate,who denies Allah's8/esslngsby disbelief,and
by worshippingothers besides All6h,and by disobeyingAll6h and
His ProphetMuhammad(peacebe upon him))."'

To completeHis honour on man, He createdfor him all that he


needsin his worldlylife and all that he needsthat can make him
attainthe highestpositionsin the Hereafter.He as such, revealed
to him His Books and sent to him His Messengersexplainingto
him the Law of Allaahand callinghim untoit.

Then Allaah created for him from his own self - meaningfrom
Adam himself- a wife,so that he mightenjoythe pleasureof living
with her, in responseto his natural needs, be it psychological,
intellectual and physical. He then found with her comfort,
tranquillityand stability and both of them found in their
togethernesspeace, contentedness,love and mercy; becauseof
their physical, psychologicaland nervous composition,both of
them are made to respondto the desiresof each other and both
are made to be in harmony in the process of producingnew
generations. The soulsof both are enrichedwith thesefeelingsand
their relationshipis filled with comfort for the soul and nerves,
peace for the body and mind, stabilityfor the life and subsistence,
for souls and conscienceand a tranquillity
familiarity for the man
and womanon an equalbasis.

Allaahthen chosethe believersamong mankindand made them


his frrends.He madethem obey Him and work for Him accordingto
his Laws in order to make them qualifyto live in His Paradise.He
choseamong them Prophets,Messengers,saintsand martyrsand
blessedthen in this world with the best favourthat human souls
can enjoy:worshippingAllaah,obeyingHim and supplicating to
him. He also distinguished them with great favours - that others
cannotget - amongwhich are: peace,tranquillity and happiness,
and greater all
than this is the fact that they know the truththat was
brought by the Messengers and believe in it. Allaah then keepsfor

I
Ibraaheernl4:32-34
46 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

them - in the Hereafter- the everlastingbliss and great success


that befit His generosity,glory be to Him. He will atso rewardtheir
beliefin Him and theirsincerityto Him and willgive them moreout
of His Bounty.

The position of woman:

In lslaam,the womanis accordeda high position,whichshe was


not accordedin any of the previousreligionsand which no nation
will accordher but lslaam.This is because,both man and woman
on equalbasissharethe honourthat lslaamconferredon mankind.
Humansare equal beforerulesof Allaah in this world as they will
be equalas regardsHis rewardand recompenseon the Last Day.
Allaahsays,

4.i:r; A, Lf tdt o y

"And indeed, We have honouredthe chitdrenof Adam."1

He alsosays,

914'ii!'; ti L+i ,s;ts; o]j.fii 9t4-;,i!; 6 e.ei Jt;1).y


/ ' 'il'-
(/ i-,:,jjlj

"Thereis a share for men and a sharefor women from what is teft
by parentsand those nearestretated.'2

6ii t" 33y

'
A I - l s r a al 7 : 7 0 .
2
A n - N i s a a4 : 7
Isluam: Its Foundations And Concepts 47

"And they (women)have rights (over their husbandsas regards


living expenses)slml/ar(to thoseof their husbands)over them (as
regardsobedience and respect)to whatis reasonable."'

. ' t i , r . f . -ie-b-r'.
tt,.' | ' ..tii. ' t '.tli,
/
,$ u4r.t ;Q)l c*-'t)tt Of i"Jl : Y
t

"The betievers,men and women are Auliy6' (helpers, suppofters,


friends,protectors)of one another.'"

(t" e;;t il'it; Ltil..llr;',n1i,4: ;es'o Y


lt 4 Ai r-';;t Si*i-;f Jii >nr;U tiUei e:i
ci;-i -,,j *i *:'ti b J:ri tvt ,:4 6a-it,@ ('"f
4 :+=)'tri-p rtq.i G{
,,ort...1.1.1.'

"Andyour Lord hasdecreedthatyou worshipnonebut Him And


thatyou be dutifulto your parents.lf one of themor bothof them
nor
attainotd agein your life,saynot to thema wordof disrespect,
shoutat thembut addressthemin termsof honour.And lowerunto
them a wing of submissionand humilitythroughmercy, and say;
'My Lord! Bestowon them Your Mercy as they did bring me up
whenI wasyoung.u

,,:l-i.t 2 'V, l - !' : t , - " - - ' i . . r ' i . ir,t+;tr


i^
{ ('i;i ft J 6" ** ,Y .,ri+i i+r F

'
Al-Baqarah2:228
2 A t - T a w b a h9 : 7 1
t A l - l s r a a1 7 : 2 3 - 2 4 .
Islaam: Its Foundations And C,

"So their Lord accepted their supptication and answered


them
(saying); 'Never will I allow to be lost the work of any of you, be he
male or female.'1

ta. tt: .-t

; tt+; J+ cf >
. , .t- ,:t:.i
'4+--.D
tf)- *s ,;;t 5t fs
, =- ,,.--,, t.' --a t..,
,. tt, .
( Lg--;"
o'^a l;la L. J;L, ;<-_i!;
.^ii

"whoever works righteousness- whethermale or female- while he


(or she) is a true believer (of rslamicMonotheism) veriry,to him we
will give a good life (in this wortd with respect, contentment and
lavvful provision), and we shail pay them ceftainly a reward in
propottion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. paradise in
the
Hereafter).2

'. '.' ': 'q


il :, -i,la a zt .' . .' a .
olI;J:.rtsit-, Uy *i &i :i .+t n,:,-Lt/:i o "S;,a__r_rj)

4 ri) t4 t AL:.,ti'tai
"And whoeverdoes righteousgood deeds,mate or female,and is
a
(true) believer (in the oneness of Aildh (Muslim)) such will enter
Paradiseand not the least injustice,even to the sizeof a speckon
the back of a date-stone,will be done to them.',3

This honourthat the womanenjoysin lslaamhas no equalin any


other religion,creed or law. Roman civilizationhad it established
that womanshouldbe a slaveand a subordinate of man and that
she-shouldabsolutelyhas no rightsat all. Therewas even a great
conferencein Rome where affairsof the woman were discuised.
The conclusionreachedat the conferencewas that, the woman

'
A a l - l m r a a n3 : l 9 5
t
A n - N a h ll 6 : 9 7
3
A n - N i s a a4 : 1 2 4
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 19

was a lifelessbeingand as such could not have share in the life of


the Hereafterand that she was impure.

In Athens,woman used to be regardedas a scrap. She would be


sold and bought like any other commodityand she was being
regardedan abominationof Satan'shandiwork.

Accordingto the ancient lndian statutes,the plague, death, hell,


poisonof serpentsand fire are betterthan woman.Her rightto live
used to end with the deathof her husband- who was regardedas
her master.When she saw the corpseof her husbandbeingburnt,
she must throw herself into it and if she did not, she would be
accursed.

As for Judaism,the followingjudgementwas passedon her in the


Old Testament.

"l appliedmine heart to know and to search and to seek out the
wisdom and the reasonof things and to know the wickednessof
folly even of foolishnessin madness..and I find more bitterthan
death the woman and whose hearth is snares and nets and her
handsas bandswhoso pleasethGod shallescapefrom hell but the
sinnershallbe takenbv her."'

Such was the conditionof woman in the ancienttimes. As for


medieval and contemporarytimes, the followingevents explain
that.

I 1:25-26.It is knownthat the Old Testamentis hallowedand


Ecclesiastes
believedin by both the Christiansand the Jews.
Note: Christiansof past and presentageshallow the two testaments but
nowadays,they only regardthe old testamentas a holy book which they
are not obliged to follow. As for the Jews,they never regardthe New
Testarnentas a holy book for they never believedin the Prophet[i.e.
Jesuslto whornit is ascribed.=AA.
Islaam: Its Foundations And C,

The Danish writer,Wieth Kordstenexplainedthe positionof the


CatholicChurch as regardswoman when he said, ,,Duringthe
medievaltimes, the concern that was had for Europeanwoman
was very limited and this is in conformitywith the view of the
Catholic creed that used to regard woman as a second-class
humanbeing."

In France,a conferencewas held in the year 586 A.D. where the


issue of woman was discussedas to whether she should be
regarded as a human being or not. At the end of the discussion,
the discussantsconcludedthat she was a human being but that
she was createdfor the serviceof man.

ln Frenchlaw, article217 says;"The marriedwoman- even if her


marriageis based on separationbetweenher right of ownership
and that of her husband-shouldnot give anyone ownershipof
anythingof her propertywith or withoutcompensationexceptwith
the participationof her husbandin the transactionor his written
consentto that."

In England,Henry the Vlll prohibitedthe Englishwoman from


readingthe Holy Book, until 1850, women were not considered
citizensof Englandand up till 1882,theyhad no personalrights.l

As for the conditionof woman in contemporaryEurope,America


and otherindustrialnations,she is regardedas a commoncreature
that shouldbe utilizedfor commercialpurposes,for she is a part of
commercialadvertisement.This has even reached a situation
where she is strippednaked in order to advertisecommoditieson
her body.Her bodyand honourhave becomedesecratedbasedon
regulationslaid down by men in order to make her an object of
enloymenteverywhere.

The contemporarywoman is an abject of care and attentionas


long as she is able to give out her wealth,intelligence
and body.
But when she becomesold and loses her means of giving,the

'
l y a a n- D r . A h m a dS h a l a b y3 1 2 1 0 - 2 1 3
S i l s i l a t um u q a a r a n a tai d
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 51

society individuallyand collectivelyabandons her and she lives


lonelyin her houseor in the sanatorium.

Comparethe above - althoughthey cannot be equal - with what


the NobleQur'aansays,

. .,t11-.- t -.rfi.;
t .". ri.t-,t- tt...,
(-.fr-? ;t!^gt g-6-.ar4\:.r:'.t-tt OtJi4tt,

"Thebelievers,men and womenare Auliya'ftelpers, suppofters,


friends,protectors)
of oneanother."'

, . ...1.1 , -',' .oi t,, .ti. ,


4.qtFV,J#' 6rtJt,-F: #s f

"And they (women) have rights (over their husbands as regards


tiving expenses)slml/ar(to those of their husbands)over them (as
regardsobedienceand respect)to what is reasonable.'"

"Andyour Lord hasdecreedthat you worshipnonebut Him.And


thatyou be dutifulto your parents.lf one of them or both of them
attainold age in your life, say not to thema wordof disrespect,nor
shoutat thembut addressthemin termsof honour.And lowerunto
them a wing of submisslonand humilitythroughmercy, and say;

'
A t - T a w b a h9 : 7 1
2
Al-Baqarah2:228
52 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts
'My
Lordl Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up
when I was young.'t

"And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him.
And
that you be dutiful to your parents.lf one of them or both of them
attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect,nor
shout at them but address them in terms of honour.And lower unto
them the wing of submr'sslonand humility through mercy, and say:
'My
Lord! Bestow on them your mercy as they did bring me up
when I wasyoung."

WhileAllaahhonourswoman,He makesit clearto all mankindthat


He created her to be mother, wife, daughter and sister; and
ordainedfor these roles, special regulationsthat are peculiarto
her.

' A l - l s r a a1 7 : 2 3 - 2 4 .
' Al-lsraall:23-24
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 53

Why was man created?

It has been discussedin the previouschapterthat, Allaahcreated


Adam and createdfor him his wife, Hawwa and made them live in
Paradise.Then Adam disobeyedhis Lord and later soughtfor His
forgiveness.Allaahthen acceptedhis repentanceand guidedhim.
Allaah then ordered him to go orit of the Paradiseand descend
unto the earth.Allaah,glory be Him and He be exaltedhas in that,
a wisdom which human intelligence cannot perceiveand which
their tonguecannotdescribe.We are going to mentionhere some
of thosewisdomsand underlying reasons.

1. Allaahcreatedthe creationfor the purposeof worshipping


Him.
He says,

- tt" . a. ia a ?' ,
"..
t I) o-r't='J-)l ;)lj Jtt c--hJ; ui ,

"And | (AlEh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they
should worshipMe (Alone)."'

It is also knownthat the perfectionof the worshipthat is requiredof


man cannottake place in the abodeof blissand eternitybut in the
abode of trialsand tribulation.The abodeof eternityis that of bliss,
not that of testsand commandments.

2. Allaahwantedto take among mankindProphets,Messengers,


friend and martyrswhom He would love and who would love Him.
He then left them alone with his enemiesand put them to trial by
them. So when they preferredHim above all other things and
sacrificedtheir lives and propertiesin order to gain His pleasure
and love, they attainedof His love and pleasurewhat they could
not have attainedwithoutthat initially.So the statusof prophethood
and martvrdomis of the best deqreesbeforeAllaahand could not

'
A d h - D h a a r i y a a5 tl : 5 6
54 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

have attained that except by the way decreed by Allaah that


Aadamand his offspringhad to descendto the earth.

3. Allaahis the only True and EvidentKing.The King is the One


Who commandsand forbids,rewardsand punishes;disgracesand
honours;strengthensand debases.Allaah'ssovereigntytherefore
necessitatesthat he sends Adam and his offspringto an abode in
which the rules of sovereigntywill be implementedon them and
then move them to an abodewherethere is rewardfor all that they
did.

4. AllaahcreatedAdam from a handfulof all soilsof the earth:and


there is good and bad and low and high in the land.Allaahknows
that there are among - the childrenof Adam - those who are
unsuitableto stay with Him in His House; therefore,He made
Adam descendto an abode where He distinguishesbetweenthe
good and bad ones. Then Allaah chose for them two distinct
abodes:He made the righteousones dwellersof His Abode (made
them enter Paradise),and made the evil ones dwellers of the
abodeof misery(Hell-Fire).

5. To Allaah belongthe BeautifulNames.Among His Names are:


Al-Ghafoor(the Oft-Forgiving),Ar-Raheem (the Most-Gracious).
Al-Afuww(Oft-Pardoning),Al-Haleem(Most-Forbearing). Since the
impacts of these names must manifest,the Wisdom of Allaah
necessitatesthat Adam and his childrenmust descendto an abode
where the impacts of the Beautiful Names of Allaah could
materialiseon them. So that He might forgivewhoever He wills,
have mercyon whomeverHe wills,pardonwhosoeverHe wills and
forbearfor whosoeverHe wills and other differentways in which
His Namesand Attributescan be manifest.

6. AllaahcreatedAdam and his childrenfrom a compositionthat is


naturallyinclinedto good and evil, responsiveto the causes of
lustsand temptationsand to the causesof reasonand knowledge.
He createdin him reasonand lust and createdin both necessary
factorsso that His Will might be accomplishedand that He might
show to His slaves His greatnessin Wisdom, Might; and His
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts f,f,

Mercy, Kindness and Benevolence in His Authority and


Sovereignty.He then, out of His Wisdom sent Adam and his
childrento the earth so that the test might take place thereinand
impacts of man's preparedness for these factors and his
responsiveness to them might become manifest,and Allaah may
then use that basisto awardhonouror disgraceto whom it is due.

7. Beliefin the Unseenis the useful belief.As for the beliefin the
seen, everyonewill belreveon the Day of Resurrection.lf people
were createdin the Abodeof Bliss(Paradise),they would not have
attainedthe degreeof beliefin the Unseenthat ends in enjoyment
and honour.lt is for this reasonthat Allaahsent them to the abode
in whichthey could haveopportunityto believein the Unseen.

8. Allaah wants by that, to show His slaves on whom He has


bestowedHis favour,the perfectionof that favour and its greatness
so that they might thank Allaah and love Him the most and have
the fullestenjoymentof the bliss, which Allaah has bestowedon
them. Allaah therefore,shows them what He did to His enemies
and the punishmentthat He has preparedfor them. He also makes
them witnessthe highestkindsof bliss,which He has bestowedon
them, so that their joy might increase. This is an aspect of
completrngHis favourson them. Therefore,to make them achieve
all this, He must send them to the earth,put them to test and then
make whosoeverHe wills to succeedout of mercy and kindness
from Him,and disgracewhosoeverHe willsamongthem out of His
wisdomandjustice,for He is All-Knower, All-Wise.

9. Allaah wants Adam and his childrento go back to the Paradise


whilethey are in the beststate.So beforethey enter it, He wantsto
make them taste of the hardship,sorrowand distressof the world
so that the value of enteringParadisein the Hereafterwill be great
in their gstimation,for it is the oppositeof an objectthat shows its
beauty.'

' I / 6-l I
See:Miftaahdaaris-Sa'aadah
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

After the originof man has been made clear,it is now appropriate
to explainhis needfor the true relioion.
Isloam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 57

Man's Need for Religion

Man's need for religion is greater than his need for other
necessittesof life. For, man must know the things that please
Allaahas well as those that displeaseHim. He must also carry out
activitiesthat can bringhim benefitsand othersthat can avertfrom
him harm. So, it is the DivineLaw that distinguishesbetweenthe
deeds that benefit and those that bring harm. That is Allaah's
justice in Hrs creationand His Light among His servantsand it is
not possiblefor peopleto live withoutDivine Law with which they
can differentiatebetween what they should do and what they
shouldnot do.

lf man actuallyhas a will, he must then know what he wants.Does


he want what will benefithim or what will harm him? Does he want
what will reformhim or what will corrupthim? Some peopleknow
this naturally,some know it throughapplication of their senseof
reasoningand some yet do not know it exceptthroughexplanation
by the Messengers and theirguidance.'

However the atheistic and materialistic thoughts may be


widespreadand adorned;and ideologiesand theoriesthrive,
individualsand societieswill never do withouttrue religion.For
theseideologies can neverprovidefor man'sspiritualand physical
needs. And the more man goes deeper in them, the more he is
convincedthat they cannotglve him securitynor satiatehis thirst
and thatthe truereligionis unavoidable.

ErnestRinansaid,"All thingsthat we hold dear can dwindle,and


freedomof usingone's intelligence, knowledgeand expertisecan
becomeworthless.But it is impossiblefor religionto be effaced.lt
wiil rather remaina living proof on the futilityof materialideology

I by Shaykhul-lslaam I b n T a y m i y y a hp . 2 1 3 - 2 1 4 ,
S e eA t - T a d m u r i y y a h
2 /
a n dM i f t a a h ud a a r i s - S a ' a a d a h 3 8 3
58 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

that wantsto restrictman into despicable


narrowsof the earthly
life."1

Muhammad Fareed Wajdee said: "lt is impossiblefor religious


thinkingto vanish,for it is the highestand noblestof humanmind,s
inclinations,not to mention the fact that it is an inclinationthat
elevates man. Rather than dwindle, this inclinationshall be
increasing.Religiousnatureof man willalwayspursuehim as long
as he can discernwhat is beautifuland what is ugly and this nature
shall continue to increase in him accordingtg sublimityof his
mentalfaculties and progressin his knowledge."'

So if man keeps away from his Lord, it is throughthe sublimityof


his mental faculties and wideness of his knowledge that he
recognizesthe greatnessof his ignoranceabout his Lord and what
is due to Him, and his ignoranceof his own self, what is good for
him and what is harmful to him; what gives him happinessand
what will cause him misery.He will also recognisehis ignoranceof
scientificdetails like astronomy,science of galaxies,reckoning,
nuclearsciencesand so forth.lt is then that the worldwill abandon
the stage of delusion and arrogance to that of humility and
submissionand then believethat there is behindthese sciencesa
knowledgeable and Wise One and that there is behindthe nature
an Able Creator.This realitywill then force the impartialscholarto
believein the unseen,to surrenderto the uprightreligionand to
respondto the call of natural instinct.But when man withdraws
from this path,his naturewill relapseand he will come down to the
levelof dumbanimals.

We concludefrom all the above, that the true religiosity- that


dependson beliefin the Onenessof Allaahand performingacts of
worshipaccordingto His injunctions- is a necessaryelementof
life, so that man actualizesthroughthat, his servitudeto Allaah,
Lord of all the worldsand attainthroughthat, happinessand safety
from destruction,hardship and misery. lt is also necessaryfor

'
S e eA d - D e e nb y M u h a m r n a d
A b d u l l a hD a r a a zp . 8 7 .
t
t b i d .8 8 .
Islsam: Its Foundations And Concepts 59

perfectingthe theoreticalaptitudein man. lt is only throughit that


the intellectualhunger can be satiated, and its highest goals
attained.

Equally,religionis a necessaryelementfor purificationof the soul


and refinementof emotionalpower,for noblesentimentsfind in the
religionan abundantspaceand a springwhose water does not dry
up where noblesentimentsfind theirgoals attained.

It is a necessaryelementfor the perfectionof will power because


of the supportit gives it throughgreat impetusand majormeansof
resistingelementsof desPair.

In view of this, if there are some who say that man is civil by
nature,we must also say: "Man is religiousby nature",for man has
two powers: scientific speculativepower and will power. His
completehappinessdependson perfectinghis scientificand will
power and the perfectionof his scientificpower cannot take place
exceptby knowingthe following:

1. Knowingthe True Lord Who is the Creatorand the Provider,


Who createdman from nothingnessand bestowedon him favours.
2. KnowingHis Names and Attributesand all that is due to Him
the impactsof theseNameson His slaves.
and understanding
3. Knowingthe way that leadsto Allaah,may He be glorified.
4. Knowingthe hindrancesand harms that preventman from
knowingthe way and the greatblissthat the way leadsto.
5. Having a real cognisanceof your own soul, its needs,
recognisingwhat is good for it and what is harm to it, and knowing
its oualitiesand defects.

It is by knowingtheseftvethingsthat man can perfecthis scientific


power.And perfectionof his scientificand will power cannotoccur
except by respectingthe rights of Allaah upon His slaves and
carrying out these rights sincerely,truthfully,accordtngto the
Sunnahof the Prophet,blessingsand peacebe upon him, and as
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd

a testimonyof His favouron him. There is no way to perfectionof


these two powers except by His help. He thereforeneeds to be
gurdedto the StraightPathwhichAllaahguidedHisfriends.l

After we have known that the True Religionis the Divinesupport


for differentpowersof the soul,we shouldalso know that religionis
the protectiveshield for the society.This is because humin life
cannot be alright except through mutual cooperationand this
cooperationcannot take place except through a system that
regulates human relationships,defines their obligations and
guaranteestheir rights.This system is also in need of a curbing
and restrainingauthoritythat can preventthe soul from violating
the system,encourageit to preserveit, guaranteesits relevance
and preventsmen from desecratingit. What then is this power?

There is not on the face of this earthany powerthat can matchthe


power of religiosityor even close to that in guaranteeingthe
respect for order, societalcohesion,stabilityof it,s system and
harmonising the meansof comfortand tranquillityin the society.

The underlyingreason for this is that, man is distinguishedfrom


otherlivingthingsin that,all his voluntarymovementsand actions
are controlledby an inaudible and invincible
element.Thatelement
is faith, which refines the soul and purifiesthe limbs. Man, is
therefore,alwayscontrolledby a true or false belief.lf his beliefis
correct,everythingin him will be correct,but if his beliefis corruot.
everythingin him will be corrupt.

Faith is a spontaneouswatcherover man; and it is - as noticedin


all men - of two types:

- Belief in the value of moral excellence,human dignity


and
other ordinaryconceptsthat high-mindedpeople will feel shy to
violate even if they were free from externalconsequencesand
materialrecompense.

I
A l - F a w a a i d| 8 , 1 9 .
Islgam: Its Foundations And Concepts 61

- Beliefin Allaah- may He be Glorifiedand Exalted- and the


fact that He is Ever-Watchful of the secretsand knows all that is
hidden;fromWhoseCommandments and prohibitionsthe lslaamic
Law derivesits power and beforeWhom the sensesprofuselyfeel
mortifiedout of love for Him or fear of Him or both. There is no
doubt that this type of faith is the stronger of both in exerting
authorityover human mind. lt is also the strongerin resistingthe
tornadoesof whims and inconsistency of sentimentsand quickerin
leavingimpactson the minds of people and their leaders.

It is because of this that religion is the best guarantorfor the


establishment among peopleon the basisof justice
of relationships
and impartiality,which is a necessityin any society.There is no
wonder then that religion occupies in the human society the
positionof the heartin humanbody.'

lf this is the positionof religiongenerally- and what we see in


today's world is multiplicityof religionsand creeds, where each
group rejoicesin its beliefand holdstenaciouslyto it - what then is
the true religionthat can achieve for the human mind what it
yearnsfor? And what are the generalcriteriaof the True Religion?

' S e e :A d - d e e np . 9 8 , 1 0 2
62 Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd ConcEtts

Criteriafor ldentifyingTrue Religion

Every adherentof a creed believesthat his creed is the true one,


and all followersof a religionbelievethat their religionis the ideal
one and the most upright path. When you ask the followersof
adulteratedreligionsor followersof man-madecreeds about the
proof for their belief,they argue that they found their fatherson a
faith and are just followingtheir paths.They then relatenarrations
and storieswhose chainsof transmittersare not soundand whose
texts are not free from faults and defects.They only depend on
inheritedbooks whose authors,recordersand even their original
languagesand theirsourcesare unknown.They are onlymixed-up
stories concocted together, magnifiedand inheritedgeneration
aftergenerationwithoutany scholasticverification of theirchainsof
transmittersand precisecheckingof theirtexts.

These unknownbooks, narrationsand blind imitationscannot be


taken as evidencesin matters of religionsand beliefs.Or is it
possiblethat all theseadulterated
religionsand man-madecreeds
are true or false?

It is impossible that all thesereligionsare true,for truthis only one


and cannot be numerous.lt is also impossiblethat all these
adulteratedreligionsand man-madebeliefsare all from Allaahand
thereforetrue. Then, since there are numerousreligionsand the
true is only one, which of them is then the true religion?There
should,therefore,be criteriafor distinguishing the true religionfrom
the false. lf we find that these criteriafit a religion,we know that it
is the truereligion;and whenall or one of thesecriteriais lackingin
any religion, we knowthat it is a falsereligion.

The criteriaby which we distinguishthe true religionfrom the false


onesare:

One: That the religionmust be from Allaah,revealedthroughan


angelto one of His Messengersin orderto conveyit to mankind.
For the true religionis Allaah's,and it is He Who will recompense
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 63

His slavesand take them to reckoningon the Day of Resurrection


concerningthe religionthat He revealedto them.He says,

( -ct'ri -61
J] t> rlq aoJl
., |
'v' +
. .ari.
':--r)ta
v, - 7+)
I'
t
J) u;ii tx s:t ' F
t
. t /- , | ,. - 2',,
t)t,/AJ etlY-J ?rtJ

> ('i:'r;'r'o+;: t
4 {32ti} ; !,'3r

"Verily,We have sent the revelationto you (O Muhammad(peace


be upon him)) as We sent the revelation to N1h (Noah) and the
Prophets after him; We (also) sent the revelation to lbrdhim
(Abraham), lsm6'il (lshmael), lshdq (lsaac), Ya'qlb (Jacob), and
'/sd (Jesus), Ayylb
Al-Asbat (the twelve sons of Ya'qlb (Jacob))
(Job), Y1nus (Jonah), Hdrin (Aaron), and Sulaimdn (Solomon),
and to Dawld (David)Wegave the Zablr (Psalms)."'

He, may He be glorified-


alsosays,

",ji-il ill { ,:;i 4) t t t


.,-; {l
ztt,i
,lu ' tt t ' . . + -i-IlJ
-'
.s
a)'
LiLrt t-, F
/t

-. tt.a'
'i) ,'rrJ^-sLi
'-'
:J

"And We did not send any Messengerbefore you (O Muhammad


(peace be upon him)) but We revealed to him (saying) LA il6ha illa
Ana (none has the right to be worshippedbut I (NEh)) so worship
Me (Aloneand none else).'"

Basedon the aboveversesand criteria,any religionthat is brought


to himselfand not to Allaahis definitely
by any man and attributed
a falsereligion.

I
A n - N i s a4a: 1 6 3
2
Al-Anbiyaa 2l:25
64 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

Two: That the religionshouldcall to the worshipof Allaahalone;


shouldprohibitShtrk(polytheism of any form)and all that can lead
to it. This is because:the call to the Onenessof Allaah is the
primarymissionof all Prophetsand Messengers.Every Prophet
toldhis people,

4.,tJ;oA; e v ii Uiii y

Worship Allah! You have no other ll6h (God) but Him. (Ld il6ha
iltaltdh:none has the right to be worshippedbut NeD.'r

Three: lt shouldbe in agreementwith the principlesunto which all


the Messengerscall their peoplewhichare to worshipAllaahalone
and to avoid polytheism,unrulinessto parents,killingof a person
unjustlyand all otherimmoralthings,be they hiddenor apparent.
Allaahsays,

'i-i -' -'".i'i,


3t o, ur3i q y
- l.ir t'z
,s1i9l3 trl )l 4-Jl\ ,*t +)t.-fy, )J l*j U
'l 'L\
F r,. )'
\ \ii_2

"And We did not send any Messengerbefore you (O Muhammad


(peace be upon him)) but We revealed to him (saying): Ld ildha illa
Ana (none has the right to be worshippedbut I (NehD so worship
Me (Aloneand none else).'"

He alsosays,

'
A l - A ' r a a fL l 3
t
Al- 2r:25
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 65
b

it,iU €i -yii$Sr "4


EE

ti* \: euS'Qi rh ,ii^,)


- . r r i i ' r a . .j .. *: - i . , . . , . .
: . i i . i , ' . 1 , 1 . , . _ ' r i- ..\.,...
__i-.jt,:1 ^, lF JJI -- *njJl trUa: )j -'. ,b. Ui 4: P U ;r,Fll
, . 'ftJ
ta 2 t t . L

{ i€) i+;: -- ,<'*t fi;:

"Say (O Muhammad(peacebe upon him)) "Come,lwill recite what


your Lord has prohibitedyou from. Join not anything in worship
with Him; be good and dutiful to your parents; kill not your children
becauseof povefty - We provide susfenancefor you and for them;
come not near to Al-Fawdhish (shameful sins, illegal sexual
intercourse) whether committed openly or secretly; and kill not
anyone whom All6h has forbidden, except for a just cause
(accordingto lsldmic law). This He has commandedyou that you
may understand."'

And He says,

ut*lt J. ,ll-r #

,t -.-\

"And ask (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) those of Our


Messengerswhom We sent beforeyou: "Did We ever appointaliha
(gods)to be worshippedbesidesthe Most Gracious(NEh)?*

Four: lt shouldnot be self-contradicting


by commanding something
and contradictingit by another.lt shouldalso not forbidsomething

I
A l - A n ' a a r6n: l 5 l
2
Az-Zukhruf 43:45
66 Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

and then allowwhat is similarto it withoutany reasonor prohibit


somethingfor some groupand permitit for others.Allaahsays,

c, ,z-. t.... ../

v-4 Jt;?t otJ4 Ytl F

t ('.4J-

"Do they not then consider the Qur'6n carefully?Had it been from
other than All6h, they would surely have found therein many a
contradiction."'

Five: The religionshouldincludewhat can preservefor people,


their belief, honour, properties,lives and offspring through its
commandments, prohibitions,
deterrents and moralsthat it ordains
to protectthesefive generalfactors.

Six: lt should serve as a mercy for mankindand save them from


their own injusticesand the injusticesthey commit against one
anotherthroughusurpingothers'rightsand the generalamenities
or throughmisleading the weak at the handsof the strong.Allaah
says whileexplainingthe mercythat the Torah,whichwas givento
ProphetMoses,entails,

/, . .i-.
. .1;y.. ., ,. .. -: .-t.,-i(ii , . i , j:ii r ,ri.
J-Na{i.g-r-a [-; .g! Cltil -rtl -^;jjl si uo (5- LJ; F

(,.Di#i de
"And when the anger of M1sd (Moses) was calmed down, he took
up the Tablets;and in their inscriptionwas guidanceand mercy for
thosewho fear their Lord."'

I
A n - N i s a a4 : 8 2
2
A l - A ' r a a f7 : 1 5 4
Islasm: Its Foundations And Concepts 67

He also says informingus aboutthe messageof Jesus,peacebe


onhim.

<6 r;rt q(t qr;;'rl;A:b

"And (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy


from Us."'

He saysaboutProphetSaalih,

.Ft;: ji rr * J' ,: *4 ol A;;i 4'-*+Ju y


tt ' .i 1.".t'
Jt*4.t^3 +4 o+

4,:[,;t 4;ri J_,

He said. "O my people! Tell me, if I have a clear proof from my


Lord, and there has come to me a Mercy (Prophethood)from Him,
who then can help me againstAlEh, if lwere to disobeyHim?""

He says aboutthe Qur'aan,

,. !.- t: . -'i1 ,,-.'


4.;:t:j^1.^-r)t;LLa
",i .5ot 3t;Pt 3r Ji.:b

"And We send down from the Qur'6nthat which is a healing and a


'3
mercy fo fhose who believe(in lstilmicMonotheismand act on it)

Seven: lt shouldentailguidanceto the Law of Allaah,and teach


man the intentionof Allaahby that Law. lt shouldalso be able to
tell man his originand his finaldestination.
Allaahsays aboutthe
Torah,

I
M a r y a ml 9 : 2 1
2
H o o dI l : 6 3
I
A l - t s r a al 7 : 8 2
68 Islaom: Its Foundations And Concepts

4.'jj: u'"^ WL-,?i uS;i-(,yy


'Verily, We
did send down the Taurlt (Torah) (to MIsA (Moses)),
thereinwas guidanceand light."'

He says aboutthe lnjeel(the Bookgivento Jesus),

4 ih u"^ * kti';+tib
"And We gave him the lnjeel (Gospel),in which was guidance and
tight.'"

He saysaboutthe Qur'aan,

.\,i*: J4i--:f * F
4 4i u,-;:'.st/:

"lt is He Who has senf His Messenger (Muhammad (p^eacebe


upon him)) with guidanceand the religionof truth (lsl6m).''

The true religionis the one that includesguidanceto the Law of


Allaah,gives peaceand tranquillity to the mind,protectit from all
answersall its questions
insinuations, and resolveseveryproblem.

Eight: lt should call to noble characters and deeds like


honesty,modesty,chastityand generosity.lt should
truthfulness,
also prohibitbad conductslike disobedienceto parents,killing
innocentsouls,all kindsof immoralities,
lies,injustice,
aggression,
and sins.
stinginess

I
A l - M a a i d a h5 : 4 4
2
A l - M a a i d a h5 : 4 6
r
A t - T a w b a h9 : 3 3
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 69

Nine: lt shouldbe ableto providehappinessfor thosewho believe


in it. Allaahsays,

{(!, JA.6t;';ti ct* a}iL iO 4t }

"Te-Ha. We have not sent down the Qur'6n unto- you (O


Muhammad(peacebe upon him)) to cause you distress."'

It shouldalsobe in harmonywith uprightnature.Allaahsays,

"That (lslaamic Monotheism)is the nature upon which Allaah has


createdmankind.'-

It shouldalso be in harmonywith sound reason,becauseAllaah


ordainsthe true religionand createsthe soundreasonas well.lt is
thereforeimpossiblethat the Law of Allaah and the creatureof
Allaahshouldcontradict eachother.

Ten: lt should lead to the truth, warn against falsehood,keep


peopleaway from error and lead them to the StraightPath where
there is no crookedness.Allaahspeaksaboutthe jinn that when
they heardthe Qur'aanbeingrecited,someof themtoldothers,

t'-" . t
lri Ci+ ur; (,1u-F+i-,rtiI
\. t
tl
LlIa.*v
et )-: ee

4,Aft *y iy:-ti Jte+


"They said: "O our people! Verily, we haue heard a Book (this
Qur'an) sent down after Mlsa (Moses), confirming what came
before it: it guides to the truth and to a StraightPath (i.e. lslam)."'

tTaaHaa2}:l-2
r
A r - R o o m3 0 : 3 0
70 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

It shouldnot call to what will bringmiseryupon people,as Allaah


says aboutthe Qur'aan,

,i. . ...,. i. i _.

{ .!; ,ra-:;J-st;'till *$r U;:t u ::)


"t }

"Te-He. We have not sent down the Qur'dn unto^ you (O


Muhammad(peacebe upon him))to causeyou distress.'"

The true religionshouldnot enjoinon peoplewhat can causethem


destruction.Allaahsays,

/ ,. :..71r.L L.tltt.t" l
{,:D 1.".j i! 16 al ,.rl ff--a:l l-+-ij lj }

"And do not kill yours-elves


(nor kill one another).Surely,Allah is
MostMercifultoyou.''

It shouldnot distinguishbetweenits adherentson the basisof


race,colouror clan.Allaahsays,

'\irt;1.
,..I
Ju, G."f-r;j Ai, ft ; i;it 61u1i (.i- y
4 :i>? &'ei3l\6*i ;,i'-tK?i
"O mankind! We have createdyou from a male and a female, and
made you into nations and tribes,that you may know one another.
Verily, the most honorable of you with All6h is that (believer) who

'Al-Ahqaaf
46:30
2 Taa Haa20:l-2
r
A n - N i s a a4 : 2 9
Islaam: Its Foundotions And Concepts 7l

has At-Taqw6 (i.e. he is one of the Muttaq.0n(fhe pious. See


V.2:2).Verily,AllAhis All-Knowing,All-Aware."'

Therefore,the recognised criterionfor givingpeopleprecedencein


the truereligionis piety.

After mentioningthe criteriafor distinguishing


betweenthe true
religionand the falseones and citingevidencesfrom the Qur'aan
that these Criteria are general in the case of all truthful
Messengerssent by Allaah,it is then very appropriate
to mention
typesof religion.

I
A l - H u j u r a a4t 9 :l 3
72 Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

Types of Religions

Mankindare dividedas far as their faiths are concernedinto two


categories:

There are a people who have a Book that was revealed to


them like the Jews, the Christians and the Muslims. As for the
Jews and the Christians,the Books that were revealedto their
Prophetshave been lost as a resultof their ignoranceof what was
in their Books;theirtakingof men as gods besideAllaahand the
long time that had passedbetweenthem and their acquaintance
with these Books. So their priestswrote some books, which they
claimedto be from Allaahwhile they were not from Allaahbut only
wrongassumptionsof liarsand distortionof fanatics.

As for the Book of the Muslims(the NobleQur'aan).it is the last


DivineBook to be revealedand the strongestand firmest.Allaah
Himselfguaranteedits preservationand did not delegatethat to
mankind.He says,

4@|rtL:!L'i ib tli ai ut etr


'Verily We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the
Qufan)
and surely, We willguard it (from corruption)."'

The Qur'aan is thereforepreservedin the people'shearts and in


the Book,for it is the last Book,which Allaahhas guaranteedfor
the guidanceof mankind.He has made it a proofagainstthem till
the Last Hour and has decreedits perpetuity.He providesfor it in
everyage thosewho willobserveits limitsand words,act by its law
aboutthis Bookwill be qiven
and believein it. Furtherexplanations
in a latersection.

' A l - H r 1lr5 : 9
Islaam: Its Foundstions And Concepts 73

There is another section of religious adherentswho have no


revealed Book from Allaah, even though they possess an
rnheritedbook,whichis attributed
to the founderof the religionlike
Hindus,Magians,Buddhists,Confuciansand Arabs before the
advenot f Muhammad.

There is not a nation that does not have some knowledgeand


carry out some activities by which their worldly interests are
achieved.This is the generalknowledgewhich Allaahendowed
everyhumanbeing,even animals;for the animalis alsoguidedas
to how to attain what benefitsit like food and drink and to avert
what harmsit; and Allaahhas createdin it the lovefor the former
and aversionfor the latter.He savs,

\ .? Gl t':-os. : i.E S':'* d- S.

"Glorifythe Name of your Lord, the Most High, Who has created
(everything),and then proportioned it. And Who has measured
(preordainmentsfor everythingeven to be b/essed or wretched);
then guided (i.e. showed mankind the right as well as fhe wrong
paths,and guidedthe animalsto pasture)."'

He also says,informingus of what ProphetMoosaa(Moses)told


Pharaoh

/ ..- , ,i",-1. - ' . . , ) , ; ' i - . 1 :, - t ,


aira j r+n-t> l.r .IS .rLr \5-il1 t,,j )

"OurLordis He Whogaveto eachthingsitsformand nature,then


nr rirlarl if arinhl "2

( A b r a h a mt )h a th e
A l l a a ha l s oi n f o r m su s a b o u tP r o p h eltb r a a h e e m
saidof His Lord,

I
A l - A ' l a a 8 7 :l - 3
r
Taa Haa 20:50.
74 Islaom: Its Foundations And Concepts

{ rOu;+# ,A:- a'it,Y


"Who hascreatedme and it is He Who guides me."l

It is knownto everysane person- who has the leastreflectionand


sense of thinking- that adherentsof religionsare betterin useful
sciencesand righteousdeedsthan those with no religion.There is
therefore,no good thingfoundwith non-Muslims amongadherents
of other religionsexcept that the Muslims possesswhat is better
and more perfect,so the adherentsof religionspossess what
othersdo not possess.For sciencesand deedsare two types:

First: That whichis achievedthroughintelligence and reasonlike


astronomy,medicalsciencesand vocations.Though adherentsof
religionsand atheistsare equalin possession of thesethings,the
adherentsof religionsare better in them. As for those things that
cannot be known throughmere reason like theologyand religious
sciences,theseare prerogativesof the followersof religions.There
are amongthis kind of knowledgethat which logicalevidencescan
prove. lt is the Messengerswho guided men unto how logical
evidencesproofthat;which is both logicaland legal.

Second: Things that cannot be known except through the


informationgiven by the Messengers.This kind of knowledgeand
deeds cannotbe achievedthroughhuman reason,like knowledge
about Allaah,His Names and Attributes,the bliss that is in the
Hereafterfor whoeverobeys Allaah and the punishmentfor those
who disobey Him, the explanationson His injunctionsand the
informationaboutthe past Prophetsand theirpeoplesand so on.'

'
A s h - S h u a r a a 2 6 1 8S,e e :A l - J a w a a bA s - S a h e e4h, P a g e 9 7
2
S e eM a j m o o ' I . a t a a w aSah a i k h ulls l a a m4 p . 2 1 0 - 2 1 1 .
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts /f

Gonditionsof the existingreligions

Great religions,their old books and ancientlaws have become


easy preysto frivolousand fraudulentpeople,an objectof mockery
for distortersand hypocritesand targetsof bloodyincidencesand
great calamitiesso much so that they have lost their spiritand
shape.lf their first adherentsand prophetswere to be resurrected
now, they would surely have denied them and proclaimedto be
ignorantof them.

Judaism.- today- has becomea set of ritualsand traditionswith


no spiritor life.Apartfrom this,it is an racialreligionpeculiarto a
particularrace and carries no message for the world, nor any
missionfor the peopleor any mercyfor mankind.

This religionhas been afflictedin its fundamentalcreed, which is


its motto among other religionsand nations.And it has been a
noble religionwhile it was the religionof monotheism,which
Prophetslbraaheem(Abraham)and Ya'qoob(Jacob)commanded
theirchildrento follow.The Jews had adoptedmany conceptsfrom
the beliefs of corrupt nations with whom they shared
neighbourhood or underwhose authoritythey had been subjected.
They had also adopted a lot of pagan customsand traditionsof
these people.UnbiasedJewishhistorianshave confirmedthis. In
Jewish Encyclopaedia,we can read in it what approximately
means,

"The prophets'wrath over the worshipof imagesdoes indicatethat


worshippingidols and false deitieshad crept into the heartsof the
lsraelites and that they had embraced the polytheisticand

-
For further reacling,see the book, "lfhaam al-Yahood"by Samuelbin
YahyaAl-Maghrabi.He was a Jew who revertedto Islaam.
76 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

superstitiousbeliefs.The Talmud also testifiesto the fact thar


paganismhas a particularattractionfor the Jews."1

The BabelTalmud2- whichthe Jews extremelyhallowand prefer


to the Torah,was widelycirculatedamong the Jews of the Sixth
Century,and whichcontainsa lot of strangemanifestationsof their
simple-mindedness, absurd sayings,insolentbehaviourtowards
Allaah,scorningthe realityand gamblingwith religionand human
- showsthe extentto whichthe Jewishcommunityof this
intellect
age hasdegenerated intellectually
and religiously."

As for Christianity",
it is also afflictedsince its earliestdays with
distortions
of extremists, alterations of the iqnorantand paqanism
of the Romanswho claimedto be ChristiansJ

All these distortions, and paganismhave becomethe


alterations
heap underwhichall greatteachingsof Christwere buriedand the
light of Monotheismand sincereworshipof Allah were hidden
behindtheseclouds.

I
S e eJ e w i s hE n c y c l o p e d iVao l . X L L . P 5 6 8 - 5 6 9
' The word 'Talmud'
means, 'Jewish book of religious and moral
teachings'.It is a compilationof footnotesand cornmentaries on their
b o o k ' M i s h n a ' w h i c h m e a n s ,' t h e l a w ' a c c o r d i n gt o J e w i s hs c h o l a r so f
differentgenerations.
'
R e a d f o r i n f o r r n a t i o n",A l - Y a h o o d a l a a H a s a b a l - T a l m u d " ,b y D r .
R o h l a n g ea n d i t s t r a n s l a t i o nf r o r n F r e n c h t o A r a b i c i n " A l - k a n z u l
marsoodfee qawaaidit-talrnood" by Yoosuf HannaNasrullaah.
For details,read,"Al-jawaab as-Saheeh liman baddaladeenal-maseeh"
by Shaykhullslaam Ibn Taymiyyah;"lzhaar al-Haqq" by Rahmatullaah
Al-Hindee and "Tuhfatul-Areebfee radd 'alaa ubbaadAs-Saleeb",oy
AbdullahAt-Turjumaanwho was a Christianreverl.
" S e e " T h e S t r u g g l eb e t r v e e nR e l i g i o na n d S c i e n c e " (, p . a 0 - a l ) b y t h e
well-known Europeanauthor Draper ( Note: The translatordoes not
k n o w t h e a c t u a ln a m eo f t h i s b o o k i n i t s o r i g i n a ll a n g u a g n
eo r t h ec o r r e c t
s p e l l i n go f t h e n a m e o f i t s a u t h o r b e c a u s eb o t h w e r e t r a n s l a t e da n d
transliterated respectively from Arabic).
Islaom: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 77

A Christianwriterspeaksabout the extent,to which the trinityhad


gone in the Christiansocietysincethe end of the FourthCentury
afterChrist

'The beliefthat one God consistsof threedifferentgodheads


had
penetratedinto the innerlife of the Christianworldand its thoughts
since the last quarterof the fourth centuryand had become the
officialrecognisedcreedin all partsof the Christendomever since.
Also, the developmentof Trinityand its secretwere not revealed
untilin the lasthalfof the nineteenthcenturyA D."1

A contemporary discussesin a book,"History


Christianhistorian2
of Christianityin the Light of Modern Science",about the
appearanceof paganismin the Christiansocietyin differentforms
and shapesand the Christians'diversityin adoptingreligiousrites,
customs and pagan heroes of nationsand religionsthat are
ancientin idolatryunder the pretextof imitation,admirationor
ignorance.He said,

"Paganismhas ended but has not been completelyeliminated.


Rather,it has penetratedthe heartsand everythingin it has been
tolerantlyallowedto continuein the name of Christianity
and under
its cover.Thosewho abandonedtheirgods and heroestook one of
their martyrsand gave him the title of their former gods then
erecteda statue in his name. This is how polytheismand idol
worshipare transferreduntotheselocalmartyrs.By the end of that
century,worshipping of the martyrsand saintsspreadall over the
Christendomand formeda new creedthat teachesthat saintshave
divineattributes.Thesesaintsand hallowedmen were thus made
intermediariesbetweenGod and man and pagan festivalswere
given new namesuntilthe ancientpaganSun festivalwas turned
to Christmasin the vear400 A.C."

'
S e eN e w C a t h o l i cE n c y c l o p a e d iTah, e H o l y t r i n i t yV o l . l 4 P . 2 9 5 .
I
Rev JarnesHouston Baxier, History of Christianityin the Light of
ModernKnowledge",Glasgow1929p. 407.
78 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

As for the Magians,they havebeen knownsincetime of old to oe


worshippers of naturalelements,the greatestof whichis fire.They
havelatelyadheredto its worshipand builtfor it altersand temples
so much so that fire houseshave becomewidespreadin all places
in theircountryand all otherreligionsand faithsdisappearexcept
fire worshipand hallowingof the sun. The religion,accordingto
these people has become mere rites and traditionsthat are
practisedin specialplaces'

The Danishauthorwho wrotethe book, "lran duringthe reign of


Sasanids",describestheir religiousleadersand their functions,
"These functionaries must worshipfire four times in a day. In
additionto this, they also worshippedmoon, fire and water. They
had an order that they shouldnot let the fire die out or let the fire
and water meet each other or let the metalrust,becausethev also
hallowthe metal."2

These Magianshave practiseddualismall the time and that has


becometheirmotto.They believedin two gods;god of lightor god
of good which they called"ahurmazda"or "Yazdan"and the other
god is god of darknessor evil,and this they called:"ahur man".
The war and conflict are continuouslygoing between both of
them.3

As regardsBuddhism,the religionthat is widespreadin Indiaand


MiddleAsia, it is a paganismwhereofits adherentscarrywith them
idols whereverthey go. They build templesfor these idols and
erectthe statueof "Buddha"whereverthev qo and settle.a

'
Read the book, "lran during the reign of Sasanids"by Professorof
EasternLanguagesat CopenhagenUniversity,Denmark,and a specialist
on the historyof lran. Seealso,"History of lran" by the Magian,Shaeen
Makareus.
2
Iran duringthe reignof Sasanids, p. I 55
'
l r a n d u r i n gt h e r e i g no f S a s a n i d s p. . 1 8 3 - 2 3 3 .
'
S e e " T h e A n c i e n t I n d i a " , b y A i s h u r a T o b a , a p r o f e s s o ro f H i n d u
C i v i l i z a t i o na t t h e U n i v e r s i t yo f H a y d r a b a d a; n d " T h e D i s c o v e r yo f
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 79

As for Brahmanism the religionof India,it has beenpopularwith a


lot of deities.Their paganismhad reachedits peak in the sixth
centurvA.C. when the numberof theirdeitiesreached330 million
gods.1-Everything according to Brahmanism has become
wonderfuland everythinghas becomeusefuland a deity to be
worshipped. Duringthat age, the art of rdolmakingbecamehighly
profitableand many idol stylistscarvedso many idols in different
shapes

The Hindiwriter,C. V. Vidya,wrote in his book,"The Historyof


MedievalHindu"whilediscussing the era of KingHarash(606-648
A.D.),whichis the era thatfollowsthe adventof lslaamin Arabia,

"Hinduismand Buddhism are equally pagan religion though


BuddhismmighthavesurpassedHinduismin paganism. The origin
of Buddhismwas denialof existenceof any Lord but it gradually
adopted Budciha(its founder) as the greatestdeity. lt later on
added other deitieslike Bodhistavas. Paganismhas reachedits
oeak in India so much so that the name Buddha became
synonymous with idol or statue in some eastern languages." lt is
without doubt that Paganism has become widespreadin the
contemporaryworld.The whole world from the Atlanticsea to the
Pacific ocean is greatly immersed in Paganism. The matter
becomesas if the Christianity,the Semiticreligionsand Buddhism
are competingin glorificationand hallowingof idols like racing
horses.'

AnotherHindusaid in his book,"The Prevailing


Hinduism", thatthe
art of makingidolshad not endedyet, but smallidolscontinuedto
join the existing'deitiescomplex'in great numbers throughout

India" by Jawaharlal Nehru, the former Indian Prime Minister. p 20 l-


202.
I
S e e" A n c i e n tI n d i a " b y R . D i t , 3 1 2 8 7a n d " T h e P r e v a i l i n gH i n d u i s m " ,
b y L . S . S . OM. a l l e y p . 6 - 7 .
t l i n d u V o l . I ( P o o n el 9 2 l )
C . V . V i d y a :H i s t o r yo f M e d i e v aH
80 Isluam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

differenthistoricalperiodsthat they have becomean innumerable


and an uncountable thongof deities.l

This is the conditionof the worldreligions. As for civilizedcountries


where great governmentswere estabrished, where many sciences
flourishedand which were the bedrock of civilization,iniustry and
arts, they have becomecountrieswith no rerigions;countriei tnat
had lost their origin and power, in which theie are no righteous
reformersand teachers,where atheism is publicly proclaimeo,
corruption of all kindproliferated,
all standardshavebeenchanoed
and the man has becomevarueress to his own serf.That is rirrrv
there are many cases of suicide, severanceof family ties,
disruptionof socialrelations,increasein the numberof patienrs
who visitpsychologists' clinicsand establishment of the marketof
magictricksters.

In these so-calledcivirizednations,man tries out every enjoyable


thing and followsevery inventedand innovatedcreed, seeiing to
satiatethe demandof his soul,to make himselfhappyanO
himselfpeace of mind. But ail these enjoyments,and a[ these live
creedsand theoriesfailedto achievethesegoalsfor him, and he
shall continuein this psychological misery and spiritualtorment
untilhe establishesrelationshipwith his creatorand worshipsHrm
accordingto the way He is pleasedwith and with which He sent
His Messengers. Ailaahsays,whiredescribing the conditionof the
one who turns away from his Lord and seeks for guidancefrom
othersbesidesHim,

: i1 - -ii "'-'
,,4-9 A^:-_eJl -t32 tor.z.3g

+;.,
\ 1i-?

"But whosoever turns away from My Reminder


(i.e., neither
believesin this Qur'annor actson its teachings).Verity,for him is a

I
S e e" A s - s e e r a t u n - n a b a r v i y yba1h,", A b iH
l a s a nA n - N a d w i p . l 9 - 2 g .
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 8l

life of hardshipand We shalt raise him up blind on the Day of


Resurrection."l

Allaah,may He be glorified,also informsus aboutthe life of the


and theirhappinessin thisworldlylifewhen He says,
truebeltevers

. '.-, ' t'i:'i,,i..,-i,l l,l ,..,i-ri',i-i,','..-,1i


le:l;..1-rlr!
R .:. JJ-!# eriryt &rr:tt, *4.^.-tt-r+)i

"lt is thosewho believe(in the Onenessof Allah and worshipnone


but Him Atond and confusenot their belief with Zulm (wrongi-e. by
worshipping others besldes NEh), for them (only) there is security
and they are the guided.'"

He,Whosepraiseis greatalsosaYs,

i):p't{', L';iiirj t W ,s.4; tL| ,p \t'i *fr f r;* }


"
\ .i') >!,i ;b',-tbi'eli ;tt

"As for those who are b/essed, they will be in Paradise, abiding
therein for atl the time that the heavens and-the eafth endure,
exceptas your Lord witts;a gift withoutan end.''

-
lf we applythe criteriaof the true religronto all these religions
exceptlslaam,we willsee thattheyare shortof all thesecriteriaas
it is clearfromthe aboveexposition.

The greatestelement,which all these'religionsare short of, is


Monotheism. For theiradherentshave associated othergods with
Allaahin worshipin to
addition the fact that thesereligionsdo not

I
T a a H a a2 0 ' . 1 2 4 .
r
Al-An'aar6 l :82
'Hood
ll:108.
82 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

providepeoplewith a law that can be applicablein all placesano


at all times and that can protectthem, their lives,faith, honour,
offspringand properties.Thesereligionsalso do not guidepeopre
to the Law of AllaahwhichHe ordersto be followedneitherdo they
give theiradherentspeaceof mind and happiness,as a resultof
theirinherentcontradictions.

As regardslslaam,you wiil come to know in the followingchapters


that it is the true religionof Allaahwhich He is pleasedwith and
whichHe has chosenfor mankindas theirreligion.

At the end of this section, it is appropriatethat we define the


essence of prophethoodand the need of mankind for it, and
explainthe foundations of the missionof the Messengersand the
realityof the lastand everlastingmessageof lslaam.
Islaam: ItsFoundationsAnd Concepts 83

The essence of ProPhethood

The greatestthingthat man mustknowin this lifeis the knowledge


aboui his Lord,Who createdhim from nothingand showeredhim
with blessings.And the greatestpurposefor which Allaahcreated
the creationis to worshipHim alone.

But how can man know his Lordas it is due? What are the duties
and obligationsbindingon him? How can he worshiphis Lord?
Man can find who will assisthim duringvicissitudes of life,provide
for his needslike treatmentfor an ailment,givingsome medicine,
assistingto builda house and so on and so forth;but he cannot
find amongordinarypeoplewho can make him knowhis Lordand
exolain to him how to worship Him This is because human
intelligence cannot independently know what Allaah intends,he
cannot even perceive the intentionof his fellow human being
before he tells him what he intends. How can he then knowwhat
Allaah means? Further,it is also because,this matter is only
restrictedto the Messengersand Prophets whom Allaah has
chosento conveythe Messageand to those who come afterthem
amongthe rightlyguidedleadersand the heirsof the Prophet,who
follow their way, take to their Path and help to convey their
message. This is because, human beings cannot receive
revelation directlyfrom Allaahas its bearingis beyondtheirability.
Allaah says,

i. ' . t.i -i,,'.Jrt'i,1 ''i"'.i ','r.(t-t


\y,
1..
cAl;l .s" st t-s )l 4rrl4;-5j ul 4;6 U; o p
,)-t"Ji ye.
' t(^ ,',L,1'.',' i, - ''.
r .-, u /
t .l.i,.ir-> dw
ra;] rL;J- U -!).1: .l-t+

"lt is not given to any human being that All6h should speak to him
unless (it be) by Revelation,or from behind a veil, or (that) He
9! hltt^t Itt f"""a,

sends a Messengerto reveal what He witts by His Leave. Verily,


He is Most High, Most Wise."1

There shouldthereforebe an intermediaryand an envoy who can


conveythe law of Allaahto His slaves,Those intermediaries ano
envoysare the Messengersand prophets.The angelwill carry the
message to the Prophet and the prophet will convey it to the
people.The Angels do not carry the messageto men direcfly,for
the world of angelsis naturallydifferentfrom that of humanbeings.
Allaahsays,

tt -ft -i,i a
,e arr =;-.rl, ' q-UJi
e:4- ::-e)

1 -!\
S.i*)
\ \___-2

"Allah choosesMessengersfrom angels and from men.'"

The wisdom of Allaah necessitatesthat the Messengershould


come from the raceof thosewhom he is sent to, so that thev could
understandhim because of their ability to speak witn nim. lf
Messengershad been sent to mankindfrom among the angels,
they could not have been able to face him or learnanvthinoirom
him.Allaahthe exaltedsavs.

t1 '. -o,'. t:
, i- ..,-o ,. ,i. , / ' ':, -,,
.'r ,.(:: ;l t. .. -1 ! .
l: ,!. cs3)a \ ; 2\t,:+nJ KL d';t j: e,X-,,)e Jri j! itu; F
'
{ O -ar:{ e -+"tLe-lii Lt*i tei'^tt+

"And they say: "Why has not an angel been sent down to him?,,
Had We sent down an angel, the matter would have been judged
at once, and no respite would be granted to them. And had We

' Ash-shoora
a 42:5l.
t dt-uailzz]s.
Islaam: Its Foundotions And Concepts 85

appointedhim an angel, We indeed would have made him a man,


and We would have certainly confused them in which they are
alreadyconfused(i.e. the Messageof Prophet Muhammad(peace
be upon him))."'

He alsosays,

c 3-;r .: (ui Strtil re,l VrJr|:Fi b <w u;ri v, y

' '; -a<rtJl


t'- '" ' l -" 1 ' - t'

I V-t ,.es;i u* J,\ lrl t!;ul 7r;1r! s"-rltJtrj


/ .- .t, .. ,, . t,1. .

4 :!: t-*5 tzft'fti"s1,=;tt g taS;t

"And We never sent before you (O Muhammad (peace be upon


him)) any of the Messengersbut verily,they ate food and walkedin
the markets And We have made some of you as a trial for others:
witl you have patience? And your Lord is Ever All-Seer (of
everything).And those who expect not a Meeting with Us (i.e.
those who deny the Day of Resurrection and the life of the
Hereafter),said: "Why are not the angels sent down to us, or why
do we not see our Lord?" lndeed they think too highly of
fhemse/ves,and are scornfulwithgreat pride.'*

H e a l s os a v s .

-L . tt s '

x dl uy lQ: {t"le - . uL;,lciY


"

'
Al-An'aar6 n:8-9.
t
A i - F u r q a a n2 5 : 2 0 - 2 1
Islaam: Its Foundutions And C,

"And We sent not (as Our Messengers/before you (O Muhammad


(peace be upon him)) any but men, whom We inspired,(to preach
and invitemankind to believein the Onenessof Attah)."1

He alsosays,

I 1 );: o ut*;it; y
n ..--, <'' i7,'i7.' .'ri'.'
\ .,.t-":u.J t -tl, S^S 'qJ- 6)+-J

"And We sent not a Messengerexcept with the tanguage of his


people, in order that he might make the Messageclear to them.'2

These Messengersand Prophetspossessedcompleteand perfect


reason, sound nature, truthfulnessin words and deeds, and
sincerity in conveying what was put in their trust. They also
possessedDivine immunityfrom all that could tarnish human
conductand physicalappearancesthat are free from all thingsthat
are repugnantto sights and repulsiveto sound human taste.3
Allaah purifiedthem in their personsand manners.They are the
most perfect in manners, purest in souls and most generous.
Allaahcombinedin them good mannersand excellentconductas
He combinedin them deliberateness, knowledge,magnanimiry,
generosity,bravery and justice. By these qualities,they were
distinguished amongtheir peoples.The people.ofprophelSaalih
told him as Allaahinformsus in His Book,

'o
.!:- t

4 u;Lr,';c
tt.. . .t-/
ii ,ti un;ii i.,-,;E t+? u4c-s * d;iiju y

'
A n - N a h ll 6 : 4 3 .
2
lbraaheeml4:4.
r
S e e :L a w a a m i ' ual n w a a ra l b a h i y y a hV o l . 2 p p . 2 6 5 a n d , , , A l - l s l a a mb'y,
A h r n a dS h a l a b epe. I 1 4 .
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 87

"They said: "O Selih!You have been among us as a figure of good


hope (and we wished for you to be our chief) till this (new thing
which you have brought that we leave our gods and worshipyour
God (Allah)Alone)! Do you.(now) forbid us fhe worshipof what our
fathers have worshipped?"'

He alsoinformsus of whatthe peopleof ProphetShu'aibtold him,

-. 1'..
J, Jt-" / ' |\ ,i efiv '\i; c $ ui a):tt Ai;i {;;i'lri y
'rt '.' ''
z .=* 1 t t'ii
-rjrJt;=t*Jlc!)
"tti <- ' abl' E "ljiS
t '', -'i
l- t-,J'il
{:';)

"They said: "O Shu'aib!Doesyour Sal6t(prayer)commandthat we


give up what our fathersused to worship,or that we give up doing
what we like with our propefty? Verily,you are the forbearer, right-
'*
minded!"(They said this sarcastically).

The Messengerof Allaah, Muhammad,blessingsand peace be


upon him, was also popularamong his peoplewith the title "Al-
Ameen" (the trustworthy)even before he receivedthe revelation,
His Lorddescribeshim saying,

{t;)-$,!, J; dltY

"And verily, you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) are on an


exaltedstandardof character.'u

The Messengersand Prophetsare therefore,the best ones among


Allaah'screatures.He selectedthem and chosethem to carry His
Messageand conveyit to mankind,and,

' H o o dI l : 6 2 .
2 H o o dI l : 8 7 .
r
A l - Q a l a m6 8 : 4 .
88 Islasm: Its FoundutionsAnd Concepts

4.|J;r'J+* 4;i ii y
"AllAhknows besf with whom to place His Message."l

Allaahsays,

{ :i: jyiii * u-: Jt;i ^t'r) Jt;i 6r,-riir; :il*i iti 3l }


"
"Allah chose Adam, N?h (Noah), the family of lbr1him (Abraham)
and the familVof 'lmrdn above the 'Alamin (mankind and jinn) (of
their times).'"

These Messengersand Prophets- in spite of lofty qualitieswith


which Allaahdescribedthem and the excellentconductsfor which
they were known - are neverthelesshumanswho sufferedwhat
other humans suffer; they suffered hunger and sickness; they
slept, ate, marriedand died. Allaah says, addressingprophet
Muhammad.

x Z:oji *';L-*"r lY
"Verity,you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) wilt die and
verily,they (too) willdie.'r

Allaahalsosays,

q'r.)"5a'iri l u:;r, jttT n \:j ur;')i y


"":S

'
Al-An'aarn 6:124
r
Aal 'lrrrraan3:33
t
Az-Zumar39:30.
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 89

"And indeed, We sent Messengers before you (O Muhammad) and


maclefor them wives and offspring."'

They were even subjectedto persecution;many of them were


killed or expelled from their homes. Allaah says addressing
ProohetMuhammad,
*,tl
,.L..- t)"..''., , :t -l'.,i'--'.i .,t i-,,', ,.2. ..? '2..1-1.
t,
;!r5-ri osf-ts !:.f jt A*1:t -l*l trr,cSrt-iltJ-tF"e ).5 )
, 'ii '. : 'r'
\ .:.,.(./-r:'-o- ali

"And (remember) when the disbelieversplotted against you (O


Muhammad (peace be upon him)) to imprison you, or to kill you, or
to get you out (from your home, i.e. Makkah); they were plotting
and All6h too was plotting; and Alldh ls fhe Eesf of those who
plot.'"

But to them were the end, victoryand authorityin this worldlylife


Allaahsays,
and the Hereafter.

4;:;;;, i,i i-i^;ty

"All2thwitl help thosewho hetp His(cause).'3

He alsosays,

' A r - R a ' d1 3 : 3 8 .
2Al-Anfaal 8:30.
' l.t-uaiizz:lo.
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

"All6h has decreed: 'Verily! lt is I and My Messengerswho shallbe


the victorious." Verily,AltAh is Att-Powerful,All-Mighty.m

'Al-Muiaadilah
58;21.
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Conce

Signs of Prophethood

Srnce Prophethoodis a means by which the noblest of all


knowledgecan be acquiredand the greatestand most honourable
deeds can be carried out; it is of Allaah's mercy to give these
Prophetsthe signs by which they could be known and through
which they could be identified,though, every one of those who
claimedto have a missionhas some signs and conditionsthat
could indicatehis truthfulnessif he is truthfulor otherwiseif he is a
liar. Thesessignsare many,the mostimportant of whichare:

1 The Messengershouldcall to the worshipof Allaahaloneand


to the abandonment othersbesidesHim. For this is
of worshipping
the purposefor whichAllaahcreatedthe creation.

shouldcall peopleto believein him, and put his


2. The Messenger
message into practice. Allaah commands His Messenger,
Muhammad, and peacebe uponhim,to say,
blessings

' ', ' -,


-'. -1, .i ' ,.,1..!:-'.,'-
( tl.n'*^lt gt Js*s U] -rtJt t{ti -p }

"O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of


Nteh.'t

3. He must be supported by Allaah with various signs of


prophethoodAmongthesesignsare the versesthat the Prophet
Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him, broughtfrom
Allaahand whichhis peoplecouldnot repudiate or produceits like.
Anotherexampleis the sign of ProphetMoosaawhen his rod
turnedto a snake;the sign of ProphetEesaa(Jesus)who healed
the blrndand the leperby the permission of Allaah,and the signof
M u h a m m a db l e s s i n gasn d p e a c eb e u p o nh i m ,w h i c hi s t h e G r e a t

'
A l - A ' r a a7f : 1 5 8
92 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

Qur'aan, in spite of the fact that he was an illiteratewho could


neitherreadnor writeamongmanyothersignsof the prophets.

Amongthesesignsis the clearand vividtruthwhichthe prophets


and Messengersbroughtand which their opponentscould not
disproveor deny. Rather,their opponentsknew that what the
Prophetshad broughtwas the truththat could not be resisted.

Among the signs also are perfectconditions,beautifultraits and


magnanrmousconduct with which Allaah distinguishedthe
Proohets.

4. His messageshouldagreein principles


withthe fundamentals
to
whichall Messengers
and Prophetscalled.l

5. He shouldnot call othersto the worshipof himselfor to direcr


any act of worship to him. He should also not call to the
glorification
of his tribe or clan. Allaah commandsHis proohet
Muhammad,blessings and peacebe uponhim,to tell people,

4U6;cstui
"Say. I do not tell you that with me is the treasure of Ailah, nor
(that) | know the Unseen; nor^l tell you that I am an angel. I but
follow what is revealedto me."'

6. He shouldnot ask from peopleany of the thingsof thisworldas


a wage for his mission.Allaah says, informingus about His
ProphetsNoah,Hood,Saalih,Lootand Shu'aib,thatthevtotdtheir
people,

'See:
M a l r n o o ' F a t a a wI ban T a y r n i y y aVh o l . 4 p . 2 1 2 - 2 1 3 .
'Al-An'aam
6:50.
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 93

{ ::':cnj;iiq J'it'sii'ul ri:r 4" t't;iu; Y

"No reward do t ask of you for it (my Message of lsllmic


'Alamin
Monotheism); my reward is only, from the Lord of the
(mankind,jinn and all that exlst$. "'

and peacebe uponhim,alsotold


ProphetMuhammad,blessings
his people,

{ :lr ;+5ii 3r\i ct ri :-, ;L l'tit :P}

"Say (O Muhammad(peacebe upon him)) "No wage do I ask of


you for this (the Qur'6n),nor am I one of the Mutakallifln (those
who pretend and fabricatethings which do not exist).'"

These Prophetsand Messengerswhom I have told you something


are many.Allaah
of theirqualitiesand signsof their prophethood,
says,

"And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (communitY,


nation) a Messenger (proclaiming):"WorshipAll6h (Alone),and

'
A s h - S h u ' a r a2a6 : 1 0 9 ,1 2 1 ,| 4 5 , 1 6 4 ,l 8 0 .
2
S a a d3 8 : 8 6 .
94 Islaam: Its Foundetions And Concepts

avoid (or keep away from) Tagh0t (all false deities,etc. i.e. do not
worshipTAgh0tbesrdesAlEh).""'

These Messengershave made mankind happy; the history


recorded their stories and the injunctionsof their religionwere
repeatedlytransmitted,that they are the truth and just. Likewise,
repeatedly narratedis the victorywithwhichAllaahhonouredthem
and destruction of the people
of theirenemies,likethe destruction
of Noah with flood, drowningof Pharaoh,punishmentfor the
peopleof Loot;and the victoryof Muhammad,blessingsand peace
be upon him, over his enemiesand the spread of his religion.
Whoever knows this will know certainlythat they broughtfor
mankindgood and guidance;that they directedthem to all that
couldbenefitthem and warnthemagainstall thatcouldbe harmful.
The first of them is Adam and the last is Muhammad.oeace be
u o o nt h e ma l l .

'
A n - N a h li 6 : 3 6
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Co

Mankind's need for the Messengers

The Prophetsare Allaah'sMessengersto His slaves,they convey


His commandments to them, they give them glad tidingsof the
bliss which Allaah has preparedfor them if they obey His
Commandments,warn them of the everlastingpunishmentif they
disobeyHim and tell them the storiesof the past nationsand what
befellthem of the punishmentand tormentin this world because
theydisobeyed the commandments of theirLord.

These DivineCommandments and prohibitionscannotbe known


independently by human reasoning,that is why Allaahordained
and prescribedcommandments and prohibitions as a honourfor
mankindand to protecthis interests.For peopletend to obey their
desires,therebyviolatingforbiddenthings,attackingother people
and usurpingtheir rights.lt is thereforeout of the utmostwisdom
too that Allaahshouldsend Messengersamong mankind,every
now and then,who would remindthem of the commandments of
Allaah, warn them against disobedience, recite to them
admonitions and tell them the stories of past generations.
Because, when wonderful stories are heard and marvellous
conceptsawakenthe psyche,the sense of reasonembracesthat,
increasesin knowledgeand has right perception. The more man
listensthe more he thinks;the more he thinksthe more he reflects;
the more he reflectsthe more he understandsand the more he
understandsthe more he acts. So, sending Messengers is
inevitableand there is no alternativefor them if the truth is to be
established.l

Shaykhul lslaam lbn Taymiyyah2said, "Divine Message is


necessaryfor reformationof man in his worldly life and his final
for him in his Hereafterif he
abode.As therewill not be well-being

'
A ' l a a n .A, n - N u b u w w ab y ' A l e e b i n M u h a m m a dA l - M a w a r d e p
e. 33.
t H e i s A h n r a db i n A b d u l - H a l e e mp,o p u l a r l yk n o w n a s l b n T a y m i y y a h .
H e r v a sb o r n i n t h e y e a r6 6 I A . H a n d d i e d i n t h e y e a r7 2 8 A . H . H e w a s
one of the greatIslaarnicScholarsand the authorof many valuablebooks.
96 Islaum: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

does not followthe message,there will also not be well-beingfor


him in his worldly life if he does not follow the Message.He is
therefore,bound to follow the Law of Allaahfor he lives between
two movement:a movementby which he seekswhat benefitshim
and anotherby which he wards off what harmshim The Law of
Allaah is then the light that shows him what can benefitor harm
him. That is the Light of Allaahon the earth, His justice between
His slavesad His fortresswhichprovidessafetyfor whoeverenters
it. What is meant by the Law of Allaah is not physicaldistinction
betweenthe harmfuland useful;for even the animalscan do that.
The donkeyor camel can differentiatebetweenbarleyand sand.
What that means is to be able to distinguishbetweendeeds that
can harm theirdoer in his worldlylife and his Hereafterand deeds
that can benefithim in his woddly life and his Hereafter.Like the
benefit of faith, belief in the Oneness of Allaah, justice,
righteousness,kindness,honesty,chastity,courage, knowledge,
perseverance, enjoiningall that is good,forbiddingall that is evil,
beingkindto the kithand kin,beingdutifultoparents,beingkindto
neighbours, fulfillingobligations,purifyingdeedsfor Allaah,putting
trust in Him, seekinghelp from Him, beingpleasedwith His pre-
decrees, submissionto His rule, believingin Him and His
Messengers in all thatthey informhim and all otherdeedsthat are
beneficialto man in his worldly life and his Hereafter.In the
oppositeof the above lies his miservand harm in his worldlvlife
and his Hereafter.

Had it not been because of the Divine Message,the human


intellectwould have not been guidedto the detailsof what could
benefitor harm him in his worldlylife.Among the greatestfavours
of Allaahupon His slavesis that He sent His Messengers to them,
revealedto them His Booksand showedthem the StraightPath.
Had it not been for this, humanswould have been like catile or
even worse. So, whoever accepts the message of Allaah and
standsfirm on that is amongthe bestof all creation.But whoever
relects it and deviatesfrom it, such is among the worst of the
creationand worsein conditionthanthe dog and pig and the most
contemptible creature.Thereis no way the inhabitantsof the earth
can surviveexcept by the effectsof the messagethat is existent
among them, for when the impacts of the messaqe become
Islasm: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 97

exterminatedfrom the earth and the signs of their guidance


becomewiped off, Allaahwill dismantlethe heavenand the earth
and bringforththe Resurrection.

Further,the dwellerof the earth'sneedfor the Messageis not like


their need for sun, moon,air and rain,and it is also not like their
need for their own soulsor like the need of the eye for the light;or
like that of the body for food and drink. Ratherthe need for the
Messengeris greaterthan all that and all otherthingsone could
think of or assume.The Messengersare the intermediarybetween
Allaah and His creatures as far as His commandmentand
prohibitions are concerned; they are the envoysbetweenHim and
His slaves.The last of them,theirleaderand the dearestof them
to Allaahis Muhammad. Allaahsenthim as mercyfor mankindand
all that exists.He makes him a proof for the followersof the right
path and a proofagainstall creatures.He commandedHis slaves
to follow, love, respect and honour him, and to give him all
obligations due to him.Allaahtook covenantsand pledgesfrom all
other Prophetsand Messengersthat they would believe in and
followhim (if they were to meet him or hear of him) and He also
ordered them to take the same covenant from their believing
followers.Allaahsent him at the thresholdof the Hour.With him,
He guided many from error,rescuedmany from ignorance,and
opened throughhis Messageblind eyes, deaf ears and sealed
hearts. He lightenedthe earth through his message,after it had
been in darkness and united with it the separated hearts. He
straightened with the Messengerthe crookedfaith and explained
through him the bright path Allaah opened for him his heart,
removedfrom him his burden,raisedhigh his fame and subjected
thosewho were againsthim to humiliation and disgrace.He sent
him after a break in the successionof the sent Messengersand
extermination of the impactsof the previouslyrevealedBooks;
when words had been twisted and the law altered,when every
nation relied on injustice in their opinions, made decisions
regardingAllaahand betweenHis slaveswith their own corrupt
sayings and desires.lt was then that Allaah guided mankind
throughhim and showedthem the rightway, He broughtpeople
from darknessto lightthroughhim and made distinction with him,
betweenthosewho deservesuccessand thosewho were sinners.
98 Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

Whoeverfollowshis guidancewill be rightlyguidedand whoever


deviatesfrom His Path will go astrayand such has only oppressed
himself.May Allaahbestowpeace and blessingson him and all
otherMessengers and Prophets.'

We can now summarise man's need for the messaoe in the


followingpoints.

1. That man is a nurturedcreatureand it is inevitable


for him to
know his Lord and Creator;to know what He wants from him and
why He created him. Man cannot however know all that
independentlyexcept by knowing the Prophets and the
Messengersand knowing the guidanceand light, which they
brought.
2. Man is a componentof bodyand soul.The nutrition for bodyis
whateveris availableof food and drink,but the nutritionof the soul
has been prescribedby the One Who created the soul; that
nutritionis true religionand righteousdeed. So it is the Prophets
and Messengers who broughttrue religionand guidedto righteous
deed.
3. Man is religiousby natureand he must havea religion,which
he must practice,and this religionmust be the true one. So, there
is no way to know the true religionexcept through belief in the
Prophetsand Messengers and to believein all thattheybrought.
4. Man is in need of knowingthe way that can lead him to the
oleasureof Allaahin thisworldand to His Paradiseand blissin the
Hereafter.And no one can guide to this way exceptthe Prophets
and Messengers alone.
5. Man is in himselfweak and manyenemieslay in wait for him.
Satanwantsto misleadhim,evilcompanions makebadthingsfair-
seemingto him and his base self inciteshim to do evil.Hence,he
needswhat can protecthim againstthe evil plansof his enemies

rQaa'idah
f e e w u j o o b i ll ' t i s a a mb i r - r i s a a l abhy I b n T a y r n i y y a hS, e e :A l -
Fataawaa19 p.99-102.
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 99

who guidedman to thatand


and it is the Prophetsand Messengers
clearlyexplainedit to him.
6. Man is civilby nature,his meetingwithpeopleand his relations
with them thereforeneed a law by which justice and equalitycan
be establishedamong people- the absenceof which can make
humanlife be likethat of the jungle.Also,this law must be ableto
protect the right of every one without excessivenessand
negligenceand none could bring such perfect law except the
Messengers and Prophets.
7. Man needs to know what can give him tranquillityand
psychologicalsecurityand guide him to means of real happiness.
This is what the Prophets and Messengersguided to. After
explaining why the creation is in need of Prophets and
Messengers,it is now appropriateto discussthe final returnand
explainthe proofsand evidencesthatsupportthat.
100 Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

The Final Return

Everyman knowswith certaintythat deathis inevitable.But what is


his fate afterdeath?Will he be happyor miserable?

Many peopleand nationsof the world believethat they will be


resurrectedafter death and called to accountfor all their deeds;
that they will.earngood rewardif they do good and punishmentif
they do evil.' This issue- the Resurrectionand accountability -
are confirmedby sound reasonand supportedby DivineLaws.lt is
basedon threefundamentals:

1. Confirmationof the perfectknowledgeof the Lord, may He be


glorified.
of His perfectOmnipotence.
2. Confirmation
of His perfectWisdom.2
3. Confirmation

There are many textualand logicalevidenceson the confirmation


of the final returnsome of which are:

1. Drawingevidenceon the resurrectionof the dead throughthe


creationof the heavensand the earth.Allaahsavs,

V le J$A G. lr,;4\tj -''r^1r j; ufr 6i ii i;; a3iy


,! -'.L . -z- ', a
,-p
'+ ;
\ , _ , J - - t: JeJy 9 c , ) . D ,,t9 ,.l J i'41 Gl ol

"Do they not see that All?th,Who created the heavens and the
earih, and was not wearied by their creation, is Able to give life to
the dead? Yes, He is surely Able to do all things."'

I
S e e : A l - J a w a a b u s - S a h e e hV o l . 4 o . 9 6 .
i
S e e :A l - F a w a a i d b y I b n a l - Q a y y i m p . 6 - 7
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 101

He also says,

' ,. ( ,a, .t,. a -.. . i


)4 & >dr. C1, Ul ,.Jr 212 ue)\t3 ->-t^a)t +tt ,-S+Jt
jJ;t I
.;-t;tirjJj*ll
, - , . 4 1 -

"ls not He Who created the heavens and the earth, is Able to
create the like of them? Yes, indeed. He is the All-Knowing
SupremeCreator.'2

2. Drawingevidenceof Allaah'sabilityto reproducethe creation


once more from His abilityto originatethe creationwithout any
previousexample.So, He, Who is able to bring somethinginto
existence,should be able to reproduce it with greater reason.
Allaahthe Exaltedsays,

'11 ' t i::


, --: , ,-'i'i,
{ ;:!) i-s,J I i;'Jt,*s ;)\t1,>"t:Jrr

"And He it is Who originatesthe creation,then will repeat it (afterit


has been perished); and this r.seasier for Him. His is the highest
description(i.e. none has the right to be worshippedbut He, and
there ls nothingcomparableunto Him).'"

He alsosays,

rAl-Ahqaaf46:33.
2Yaa
S e e n3 6 : 8 1.
3
A r - R o o m3 0 : 2 7 .
102 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

-
t .r . .i- ii . t ,.r,io,
\-j-- U .i. i,$ ,!) *.t-.r, ,-r'- ,/ gv ,aA-- At \t vJ,tJ+i ,
,t ',? 'rt(1:1',.i -,
.r ..-^ t'^ -'ti "-
t '.Ei-l;Je,/" ,h.7i" - . " . ri' Jrl tatsl &-{l

"And he (man) puts forth for Us a parable, and has forgotten the
factsof his own creation.He says, Who will give life to these bones
after they are rotten and have become dust. Say (O Muhammad):
He will give life to them Who created them at the first! And He is
the All-Knowerof every creation."l

3. He created man in the best shape and in this perfect and


complete form. He endowed him with limbs, power and
with flesh, bones, veins and nerves;with outlets,
characteristics;
tools. sciences.wishes and industries.There is in all this the
greatestevidenceof His abilityto resurrectthe dead.
4. Drawingthe proof of His abilityto resurrectthe dead in the
Hereafter,from His raising up of the dead in this worldly life.
Storieshave been narratedof this in the DivineBookswhichAllaah
revealedto his Messengers.Examplesof this is raising up the
dead by the permission of Allaah at the hands of Prophets
lbraaheemand 'Eesaa,may peace be on them - among many
others.
5. Drawingevidenceof His abilityto resurrectthe dead from His
abilityto bring about thingsthat are similarto the scenesof the
Day of Congregation and Resurrection like:
a. Allaahcreatedman from a drop of spermthat was scatteredall
over the body - that is why all parts of the body enjoy the
intercourse- Allaah collectsthis drop from all parts of the body,
then makesit go to the womb and createdtherewiththe man. lf all
these parts were scatteredand He gatheredthem togetherand
createdfrom them that man, then if they become scatteredonce
again after death, what can prevent Him from bringingthem
togetheronce more.Allaahsays,

'
Yaa Seen36:78-79
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 103

t :ir iril.li i<"ri;n*tA*i; :ZilF y e;ji >


"Then tell Me about the semen that you emit. ls it you who createit
(i.e., make fhis semen into a perfect human being)? Or are We the
Creator?"'

b. When the plant seeds - regardlessof their shapes- fall into


the fertile land and water and soil overwhelrnthem; the logical
consequenceis that they becomerottenand decayed;for, any of
the water and soil is enough to make the seed rotten and the
combinationof both will can it so with greaterreason.But the fact
is that, the seed will not decay but remainspreserved.When the
humidityincreases,the seed breaksopen and from it comes out a
plant. Does that not point to a perfectpower and comprehensive
wisdom? Will this All-Wise and All-Able Lord be incapableof
collectingpartsof man and reconstituting his limbs?Allaahsays,

"Then tell Me about the seed that you sow in the ground. ls it you
that make it grow, or are We the Grower?'"

A similarversein meaningis Allaah'ssaying,

J+ u: ;Aii,:-i5 c';.^i ;tti 8k uslil:1t{; ti ,' all\i ,s}: h


\ .e.ff
/ z-\

Q))

'
A l - W a a q i ' a 5h 6 : 5 8 - 5 9
2
A l - W a a q i ' a h5 6 : 6 3 - 6 4
t04 Islasm: Its Foundations And Concepts

"And you see fhe eafth barren, but when We sent down water
(rain) on it, it is stirred,(to life) and rt swe//s and puts fofth every
lovely kind (of growth)."'

6. The All-Able, All-Knowledgeableand All-Wise Creator is


deemedfar from producingthe creationfor fun and leavingthem in
vain.He says,

'3+;
1r''r'uiy # eu;t
u.. 'L

,-hP c6;. c, .pr1'tii;c-ai uat ttt ,


, .;- ,717. ', t12' .t,'
4 :I) _,,LJt
vtsF uN.

"We creatednot the heaven and the earth and att that is between
them without purpose! That is the assumption of those who
disbelieve! Then woe to fhose who disbetieve (in lslimic
Monotheism)from the Fire.'2

Allaahcreatedthe creationfor greatwisdomand loftypurpose.He


says,

t,t'-r - r ' '.i:


z..is .. J, ,. -
(':f),.r:'t"'J. )].F)lj. . i 7 . JJ'l{-,aI-
ii
ti }

"And I (NEh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they
should worshipMe (Alone).'"

It is thereforenot becomingof thisAll-WiseLordto regardas equal


thosewho obeyHim and thosewho disobey.He says,

' etuaiizz:s
2
Saad38:27.
3
Adh-Dhaariyaa
5 t| : 5 6 .
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 105

t..'.' .: i:l '.ti-a . r. - ,.,. t,-'i 'f


i,, | I 1:
S.e ,t.,,,.;jt .! .y-+t-;'lS v>J;dt lrl^-ei t),1; sr--rjt-[,a -.1 b

y 1V';
r*aK'*s:5i

"Shall We treat those who believe (in the Oneness of AllAh -


lsllmic Monotheism)and do righteous good deeds, as Mufsid1n
(those who assoclate paftners in worship with All6h and commit
crimes) on earth? Or shall We treat the Muttaqln (the plous - see
V.2:2),as fhe Fujjar (criminals,disbelievers,the wicked)?"'

Therefore,it is of His PerfectWisdomand Great Powerto raise up


the creationon the Day of Resurrectionin order to recompense
every human beingfor his deed; and to rewardthe good-doerand
punishthe evildoer.Allaahsays,

, L '
. .',: -,t t! ,', . a: ,z'
J-:{Jr Gjil 'oJ1L "',
,p;jert
i::,,'....
tj-ta t+tl La> alll -r-ei urn -e'-r'
j-t
dJl U

,rrt..^. '.,,., .- ( .rz t.


_.- ur.i T ri,,i;..i
etet :* o: Otri 4 t) i-4 JlJl) b-Li)t{ t-.:-'.l:;"Jl \tt*t ty-t;

4 r-? \-1 ,.'ii i i{ 6\i


\ \-_n _rJ - J

"To Him is the return of all of you. The Promise of All6h is frue. /f rs
He Who begins the creation and then will repeat it, that He may
reward with justice those who believed (in the Oneness of All6h -
Isl1mic Monotheism) and did deeds of righteousness. But those
who disbelieved will have a drink of boiling fluids and painful
tormentbecausethey used to disbelieve.'"

I
S a a d3 8 : 2 8 .
t
Y o o n u sl 0 : 4 . F o r a l l t h a th a sb e e np r e v i o u s l ym e n t i o n e dA, l - F a w a a i db y
I b n a l - Q a y y i mp . 6 , 9 ; a n dA t - T a f s e eAr l - K a b e e rb y A r - R a a z e V e ol. 2, p.
I 1 3 - l1 6 .
106 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

Belief in the Last Day - the Day of Resurrection - has great


impacts on individuals and the society. Among its impacts
are:

1 lt makes man endeavourto obey Allaahseekingfor rewardof


that Day and keeps him from disobeyingHim out of fear of the
punishment of thatDay.
2. Beliefin the Last Day consolesthe believeron the bliss and
pleasureof thisworldthat he misseswith the pleasureand reward
of the Hereafter,whichhe hopesfor.
3. lt is throughthe beliefin the Last Day that man knows his fate
after deathand knowsthat he will get good rewardfor his deed if it
is good, and get punishedif it is evil. He knowsthat he will be
made to standfor reckoning;that revengewill be taken on him for
those he wrongedin this world and the rightsof those he wronged
or oppressed wouldbe takenbackfrom him
4. Belief in the Last Day actualisespeace and securityfor
mankindespeciallyin this time that there is inadequatesecurity
and wars ragewith no end - because,beliefin Allaahand the Last
Day makes man abstain from doing evil to others privatelyand
publicly.That belief even penetrateshis heart and makes him
dismissevilintentions-if he has any.
5 Beliefin the Last Day detersman from doinginjusticeto others
and violatingtheirrights.lf peoplebelievein the LastDay,they will
be safe from wronging one another and their rights will be
orotected.
6. Beliefin the LastDay makesman lookat thisworldlyabodeas
just one of the stagesof life and that it is not the reatlife in itself.

To concludethis section,let us quote the words of "Win Bet" the


AmericanChristianwho used to work in one of the churchesano
then embracedlslaamand foundthe fruitof beliefin the Last Day.
He says,"l now knowanswersto the questionsthat had very much
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts t07

occupiedmy life.The questionsare.Who am l? What do.l want?


Why did I cometo thisworld?And what is my destination?"'

'
A d - D a ' a w a hM a g a z i n eN o . 1 7 2 2 ,1 9 - 9 ' 1 4 2 0p . 3 7 .
Islaam: Its Foundations And Con

Fundamentalsof the Messengers'Mission

All Prophetsand Messengerswere unanimousin their call to


generalfundamentals' like beliefin Allaah,His angles,His Books,
His Messengers;beliefin the Last Day and in pre-decree,its good
and bad; and like command to worship Allaah alone without
ascribingany partnerto Him, to followHis path and not to follow
dissentingpaths; like prohibitingthe four kinds of sins: all evil
deeds, the apparentand the hidden; sins; unjust oppression;
associatingpartnerswith Allaah in worshipand worshippingidols.
They also agreed on deeming Allaah far from having a wife,
children,associateor equalas theyagreedon prohibition of saying
about Him what is not true; on prohibitionof infanticide,kiiling
unjustly,eating usury; usurpingof orphan'swealth.Thev were
unanimouson enjoiningthe fulfilmentof covenantsand giiing full
scale and weight, being dutifulto parents;doing justice between
people; being truthful in sayings and deedi; prohibitionof
squandering and arroganceas well as eatingup people'swealth
unlustly.

lbn Al-Qayyim2said, "All Divine Laws are unantmousin therr


fundamentals- even if they differ in any other things. The
goodnessof theselawsare firmlyrootedin the humaninteiectand
had the lawsnot come in thisform,theywouldhave been unwise,
unbeneficial
and mercilessthoughit is impossiblethat thev should
comein any otherform.Allaahsays,

\ :-84 .r:,r.t\: ,-''tAi p't*i 7;19i 3:ti 61 ;: V

'
T h e s eg e n e r aflu n d a m e n t aal sr ei n d i c a t e d
i n S u r a t uB l aqarah 2.2g5,2g6,
a n dA l - A n ' a a m6 : 1 5 1 ,1 5 3 ;A l - A ' r a a7f : 3 3 ; A l - l s r a laj : 2 3 , 3 : - .
-
H i s n a m ei s M u h a m m a db i n A b e eB a k r b i n A y y o o bA z - Z a r , e eH . e was
b o r n i n 6 9 1 A . H . a n d d i e d i n 7 5 I A . H . . H e w a s o n e o f t h e q r e a rI s l a a m i c
scholarsand he authoredmany greatbooks.
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 109

"And if the truth wouldhave been in accordancewith their deslres,


verily, the heavens and the eafth, and whosoever is therein would
have been corrupted."'

How can a wise man deem it permissible that the Law of Allaah
Who is the Best of judges shouldcome in a form differentfromits
presentform?'"

This is why all Prophetspracticedone religionas confirmedby


Allaahwhen He says,

ib :::.:* u& ; ;r"au \Szit n \f ,l-ii +P.Y


r?'
";Ai
' t ..i /. ltl Lt<l -
"et bryag'j Lti-s':'r 'c1-a
{ :I) 9Fb

"O (you) Messengers! Eat of the TaiyibAt(all kinds of Hal6l (lawful)


foods (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk producfs, fafs,
vegetables,fruits,etc.), and do righteousdeeds. Verily!I am Well'
Acquainted with what you do. And verily! This, your religion (of
lsllmic Monotheism),is one religion,and I am your Lord, so keep
your duty to Me.''

He alsosays,

L:> rr G)Jtraj-y,i",cu..^iGEt;"y

' A l - M u ' m i n o o n 2 3 l..1


2 h l . 2 , p . 3 8 3 . S e ea l s o :A l - J a w a a b u s - s a h e e h
M i f t a a h ud a a r i s - s a ' a a dV
ao
V o l . 4 p . 3 2 2 , L a w a a n i ' u l - a n w ab a yr A s - S a f a a r e e nVeoel . 2 , p . 2 6 3 .
I
A l - M u ' m i n o o 2n 3 : 5 1 - 5 2 .
110 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

"He (Alldh) has ordained for you the same religion (tst6mic
Monotheism)which He ordained for N0h (Noah), and that which
We have revealedto you (O Muhammad(peacebe upon him)) and
that which We ordainedfor lbrahim (Abraham),M1sa (Moses)and
'/sii (Jesus/
saying you should esfab/ish religion (i.e. to do what it
orders you to do practically), and make no divisions in it (religion)
(i.e. varioussecfs rn religion)."'

The purposeof religionis to make mankindattainwhat they are


created for: to worship their Lord alone without associatingany
partnerwith Him.2He ordainedfor them riteswhich they mus-tfulfil
and guaranteedfor them obligations. He also gave them means
that can make them attainthat good, so that they can achievethe
pleasureof their Lord and happinessin this world and the
Hereafteraccordingto a DivineWay that does not tear up man or
afflict his person with deadly diseases that can cause a clash
betweenhis natureand souland the worldaroundhim.

All Messengerscalled to the Divine Religionthat presentsman


with creedai foundationin which he shou'idbelieve,and the law
which he shouldfollowin his life.That is why Torahwas a creedas
well as a law and its followerswere requiredto make it judge
betweenthem.Allaahsays,

. , ,. / ar
'r?J':|''. -^J')tli
J- rlJ l"Jl gr"-ilt5_rr;t q ,5"^ W LJrrt bt I

4 jr->iii;t;jji;\r3r;

"Verily, We did send down the Taurdt (Torah) (to Mlsa (Moses))
therein was guidance and light, by which the prophets, who
submittedthemselvesto All6h'sWill,judged for the Jews. And the

'
A s h - s h o o r a4a2 : 1 3 .
' Majrnoo'
Fataawaa Y ol.2, p.6.
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 111

rabbis and the priesfs (too iudged for the Jews by the Taurat
(Torah)after those ProPhets),"'

Then came the christ who broughtwith him the Gospelin which
therewas guidanceand lightand in confirmationof the Torah that
precededit. AllaahsaYs,

t, it
. t i t,"
4.3i: ,St^ 1., _[+jl

'/sd (Jesus), son of Maryam


"And in their footsteps, We sent
('ana
Mail,confirmingtheTaurdt(Torah)thathadcomebeforehim,
in which was guidanceand
rye gave hii the tnieel(Gospe/),
light.'"

Then Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him' came with


the final Divine Law and the completereligionas a witnessover
the laws that had come before it and to abrogatethem. Allaahgave
him the Qur'aanas a confirmationof the Divine Books that had
come beforeit. AllaahsaYs,

'' ' 'i7


,z -.!. - "<ii;ii,f,i'..i'
iJt-, i'*5Jt ':'LJt uJ;:tj I
.
wJ -^!'.'-.),i 1 v 1r+ 3;. d.5i;:
L.....,t . , . 1. . t . -,;..(.4: j.o,4;i.r..(t, '-.,
).i.^-."JL
e'e;lFl g- )j atttJ}t L'j,'+'r. r:?v +
{ j;Ji e !;;

"And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad (peace be upon


him)) the Book (this Qufan) in truth, confirmingthe scripture that
camie before it and Muhaymin (trustworthy in highness and a
wltness) over it (old Scriptures).So iudge among them by what

'
A l - M a a i d a h5 : 4 4 .
'z
A l - M a a i d a h5 : 4 6 .
rt2 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

All6h has revealed, and fottow not their,vain desires,diverging


away from the truth that has come to you.,'

Allaah also explainsthat Muhammad,blessingsand peace be


upon him, and the believerswho were with him believein Him as
all Prophetswho were beforethem had done.He says,

'',2''..: 'i,.r.l;.
.1.i -',.
. - ? f , ' - j!9
LAD\.:).t i ' i i - -!). . . 't '.t7 ,.,,
Crr' ,p ,Jr"pti o: e) JSt 4 J;}t Cr.t; b
. , - , - - 1. o , . - ; i . , . . - 1 1 , . . - ' ...f ,2.
$t-ft u'l2rj f'i:-., tll3) 4);i, r t -.irr",r" rjr.
O: l-l ::-^t o"p J -{_j: -*:

.r ..-..' .r'ii,. ''r.


4, ,::)J1+Jt " r i -Jr=JU u4)

"The Messenger (Muhammad (peace be upon him)) believes in


what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the
believers.Each one betievesin Att6h,His Angets,His'Books,and
His Messengers.They say, "We make no distinctionbetweenone
another of His Messengers"- and they say, ,,Wehear, and we
obey. (We sbek) Your Forgiveness, our Lord, and to you is the
return (of all).'n

I
A l - M a a i d a h5 : 4 8 .
2
A l - B a q a r a h2 : 2 8 5 .
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts r13

The EverlastingMessagel

All that has beenpreviously explainedof the conditionsof Judaism,


Christianity,Mazdaism, Zaradashtiyah shows the situation of
in
mankind2 the 6th century A.D. when the religion became
corruptedand all political,socialand economicalconditionswere
also corrupted;at a time when bloodywars becamewidespread,
dictatorship emergedand mankindlived in stark darkness.This
situationled to the darknessof the heartsas a resultof disbelief
and ignorance.Moralsbecamedegenerated, honoursand rights
were violatedand mischiefbecamethe orderof the day in the land
and on the sea. The situationwas so terriblethat if any wise man
were to ponderover it, he would have realisedthat mankind- in
that age - were dying and that they were headingfor abyss of no
returnhad Allaahnot rescuedthem with a great reformerwho was
bearingthe torchof Prophethood and the lightof guidancein order
to illuminate the way for mankindand guidedthem to the Straight
Path.

At that time, Allaah permitted that the everlasting light of


Prophethood shouldemanatefrom Makkahin which there is the
GreatHouse.The Makkanenvironment had beenlikeotherhuman
environmentsin terms of polytheism,ignorance,injusticeand
from other place with
autocracyexceptthat it was distinguished
manyqualitiessome of whichwere:

1. lt was a pure environmentthat had not been affectedby the


stainsof Greek,Romanor India philosophy.lts nativesused to
enjoy deep-rooted eloquence, lively minds and exceptional
dispositions.
2. lt is situatedin the heartof the world.lt is in the middleplace
betweenEurope,Asia and Africa,an importantfactorthat makesit
easy for the everlastingmessage to spread quickly and reach
thesecontinents in a shortperiod.

I b rynM u b a a r a k p u r i
F o r d e t a i l e dr e a d i n gs e e :A r - R a h e e q u l - M a k h t o o
2 ' C o n d i t i o no f t h e e x i s t i n gr e l i g i o n si'n t h i sb o o k .
S e es e c t i o n :
tt4 Islaam: Its Foundqtions And Concepts

3. lt is a secured place. Allaah protectedit when Abraha (the


AbyssinianKing) wantedto invadeit. The neighbouring Roman
and Persian empires also were unable to conquer it. Even its
commercewas securedin the north and south.That was a herald
for the advent of this Noble Prophet.Allaah has reminded the
inhabitantsof thiscityof thisgreatfavourwhen He says,

a..e$ L; il ;'+ t-v e| ;i Si tii >


"HaveWe nof esfab/lshed for thema securesanctuary@akkah),
to whicharebroughtfruitsof allkinds.'l

It is a desert environmentthat has preservedmany of her good


and commendabletraits like generosity,good neighbourliness,
earnestconcernfor honouramongotherqualitiesthat qualifiedher
for beingthe best suitableplacefor the clan of euraysh which was
well known for eloquence,oratoryand honourabletraits and held
the positionsof honourand leadership.Allaah chose His prophet
Muhammad,blessingsand peacebe upon him, to make him the
lastof all Prophetsand Messengers. He was bornin Makkahin the
6'" centuryA.D. approximately in the year 570. He grew up an
orphan,for his father died while he was still in the womb. His
motherand paternalgrandfatherlaterdied while he was six years
old. So, his uncle took care of him and he grew up an orphan.
Signsof extraordinary brilliance
manifested on him;and his habits,
manners and traits were differentfrom those of his people. He
never lied in his speech and never hurt anyone. He became
popularwith truthfulness,chastityand sincerityso much so that
manyof his peoplewouldentrusthim withtheirvaluableproperties
and he would keep them as he would preservehis own life and
wealth. This made them confer on him the tifle "At-Ameen',(the
trustworthy).

I
A l - Q a s a s2 8 : 5 7
Islasm: Its Foundations And Concepts ll5

He was modestand shy and nevershowedhimselfnakedin front


of anyonesincehe came of age. He was innocentand piousand
idols,drinkingalcohol
felt hurtwhen he saw his peopleworshipping
and sheddinginnocentblood.He relatedwith them only in those
deeds of theirs which he loved and was pleasedwith and kept
away from them when they indulgedin their shamelessacts and
sins. He would help the orphansand the widows and feed the
hungry.

When he was close to forty years of age, he became seriously


constrainedand inconvenienced by the corruptionthat was around
him and started going for seclusionto worship his Lord and he
wouldask Him guidanceto the StraightPath.Whilehe was on this
condition,one of the angelsdescendedupon him with a revelation
from his Lord and he commandedhim to convey this religionto
mankind;to call them to the worshipof Allaahaloneand to shun
the worshipof othersbesideshim. Then Revelationof ordainments
and rules continuedday after day and year after year untilAllaah
perfectedthis religionfor mankind and completedHis favour on
them with this perfection.After the Messengerof Allaah,blessings
and peacebe uponhim,had fulfllledhis duty,Allaahcausedhim to
die. He lived for sixty-threeyears; forty before prophethoodand
twenty-threeas a Prophetand Messenger.

Whoeverpondersover the conditionsof the Prophetsand studies


their historywill know with certaintythat therewas no way in which
the Prophethood of any Prophetwas established exceptthat the
Prophethoodof Muhammad,blessings and peace be upon him,
was establishedin that way the more. lf you reflect on how the
'Eesaawas transmitted,you will know
Prophethood of Moosa and
that it was transmittedin succession.But the successionin which
the Prophethoodof Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon
him, was transmittedwas greater, stronger and more recent
Likewise,the successionin which their miraclesare transmitted
were similar but that with which the miraclesof Muhammad,
blessingsand peacebe upon him, were transmitted is greater,for
his miraclesare many and the greatest of that is the Glorious
Islaam: Its Foundotions And Con

Qur'aanwhichis continuedto be transmitted


successively
in voice
and in letter.l

Whoever makes a comparisonbetweenwhat prophets Moosaa


and 'Eesaabroughtand what was broughtby prophetMuhammad,
blessings and peace be upon him, of sound belief, wise
ordainments and usefulknowledge, will knowwith certaintythat all
of them emanatedfrom a singlelamp:the lamp of prophethood.
Whoevercomparesbetweenthe conditionsof the followersof the
Prophetsand followersof Muhammad,blessingsand peace be
upon him, will knowwith certaintythat the followersof Muhammad,
blessingsand peacebe upon him,were the bestof all peopleano
the most of the Prophets'followersin impacton those who came
after them. They have spread the lslaamic Monotheism.
propagatedjusticeand were mercifulto the weak and destitute.2

lf you want additionalevidencesof Muhammad'sprophethood, I


will quote to you the proofsand signsthat were found by ,Aleebin
Rabbanat-Tabareewhen he was a Christian.He later embraced
lslaambecauseof thosesigns.Theyare:

1. The Messengercalled to the worshipof Allaah alone and


shunningthe worshipof othersbesideHim. In this,he agreedwith
all otherProohets.
2. He showed clear signs which only prophetsof Allaah can
snow.
3. He predictedthe future eventsand they came to pass as he
had predicted.
4. He predictedthe occurrenceof many eventsof the world ano
its countriesand theseeventscame to passas he had predicted.

'
S e es p e c i asl e c t i o na b o u t h eQ u r ' a a ni n t h i sb o o k . p .
-.,
1
M a l n o o ' a l - l - a t a a w aVa o l . 4 p . 2 0 1 . 2 l l ; a n d I f h a a r n uyl a h o o db y
S a m a w ' aAl l - M a g r i b ip . 5 8 - 5 9 .
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts tl7

That the Book broughtby Muhammad,blessingsand peace be


upon him, - the Qur'aan- is a sign of Prophethoodfor it is the
most eloquentBook, sent down unto an illiterateman who could
neitherread nor write, but yet challengedthe oratorsto produce
the like thereofor the likeof a Soorah"in it, and becauseof the fact
that Allaahguaranteesits preservation, preservedthe correctbelief
with it, guaranteed it as the perfect divine ordainment and
established withit the bestcommunitv.

5. That he is the seal of all Prophetsand that had he not been


sent, propheciesof the past Prophetswho gave glad tiding of his
adventwouldhaveturnedfalse.
6. That all Prophetshad prophesiedabout him beforehis advent
sincea longtime. They had describedhis mission,his countryand
submission of othernationsand kingsto him and his nation.They
alsomentioned the spreadof his religion.
7. His victoryover nationsthat waged war againsthim as a sign
of his Prophethood;for it would be impossiblefor a man who
falselyclaimsto be a Messengerof Allaahand yet be strengthened
by Allaahwith victory,authority,prevalenceover enemies,spread
of his messageand abundanceof his followers;for all this cannot
happenexceptin the hand of a truthfulProphet.
8. His religious rites and acts of worship, his decency,
truthfulness,
commendable character,mannersand ordinances.
All
thrscannotbe foundtogetherexceptin a Prophet.

After mentioning theseproofs,this guidedman then said,"These


are illuminatingtraits and sufficientproofs.Whoever is endowed
with them must be a Prophet;such a personhas hit the targetand
prospered;and the belief in him is mandatory.Whoever rejects

'Soorah
literarymeansdegree.Islamically,it is a sectionof the glorious
Qur'aanthat containsa group of versesthat may or may not be relatedin
meanings.Some translatorsdo translateit as a chapterwhich is quite
i n a c c u r a tb e e c a u s ea c h a p t e ri s a c o m b i n a t i o no f p a r a g r a p hisn w h i c h
s r ed i s c u s s e dA.A
r e l a t e di s s u e a
ll8 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

these proofsand deniesthem has incurredloss in his effortsand


losthis worldlylifeand Hereafter."l

At the end of this section,I will narrateto you two testimonies:that


of the former roman King who was a contemporaryof Prophet
Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him, and that of our
contemporary ChristianEvangelist JohnSaint.

The First Testimony: That of Heraclius:

Al-Bukhaareereportedthe storyof Abu Sufyaanwhen the Roman


Kingcalledhim.Abu Sufyaansaidthat Heracliussentto him in the
company of some Qurayshee riders who went to Syria for
commerce,at a time that the Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand
peace be upon him, was in a trucewith Abu Sufyaanand euraysh
pagans.They cameto Heraclius whiletheywere at llya.' Heraclius
invitedhim to his court and with him were great men of Rome. He
calledthem and his interpreter.

He then askedAbu Sufyaanand his company:"Whichone of you


is closestto this man who claimsto be a Prophet?"

Abu Sufyaansaid,"l am the closestto him in blood."

Heracliusthen told his retinue,"Bringhim closeto me and let his


companionsstand behindhim."He then told his interpreter, "Tell
them.I will ask this(AbuSufyaan)aboutthe man who claimsto be
a Prophet,so, if he liesto me, you shouldrefutethat."

Abu Sufyaansaid, "By Allaahl lf not becauseof the shame of


havinga lie being recordedagainstme, I would have lied about
him. The first questionhe asked me about him was: How is his

'
Ad-deenwad-dawlafee ithbaatinubuwwatiMuhammad,by ,Alee bin
R a b b a nA t - T a b a r a n e pe . 4 7 . A l s o s e e :A l - l s l a a mb y A l - Q u r t u b e ep . 3 6 2 .
'A
townin Syria.
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts ll9

lineageamongstyou?" Abu Sufyaananswered,"He is of noble


lineageamongus."

He then asked,"Has anybodyamong you ever utteredthis word


beforehim?"

I s a i d ," N o . "

beena king?"
He said,"Hadanyoneamonghis forefathers

I s a i d ," N o"

He said,"Are his followersnoblemen or weak people?"

I said,"Weakpeople."

He said,"Do they increaseor decrease?"

I said,"Theyincrease."

He said,"Did any of them renouncehis religionin annoyanceafter


havingembracedit?"

I said,"No"

He said,"Doeshe betray?"

I said "No. But we are now in a trucewith him and we do not know
what he is goingto do "

Abu Sufyaanadded,"Thrsis the onlystatementlcould say against


him."

furtherasked,"Drdyou go to war withhim?"


Heraclius

I s a i d ," Y e s l "
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Conce

He said,"Howwas yourwar withhim?"

I said,"lt was an alternatevictory.He won sometimesand we won


sometimes."

He said,"Whatdoeshe commandvou to do?"

I said,"He sard,'WorshipGod aloneand do not associateanything


in worshipwith him and shun what your fatherssay.' He enjoined
on us prayer,truthfulness,
probityand kindnessto the kithand kin."

Heraclius "Tellhim.
thentold his interpreter,

I askedyou of his lineageand you saidthathe has a noblelineage


among you. That is the case with the Messengers.They were sent
fromthe noblelineageamongtheirpeople.

I askedyou: Had anybodyamongyou claimedwhat he claimsand


you said, No. And I say: lf anyonehad said beforehim what he
says now, I would have said that, he was repeatingwhat others
have said beforehim.

I askedyou: Had any of his ancestorsbeena king?And you said,


No. lf any of his forefathershad been a king,I would have sardthat
he is askingfor the Kingdomof hisfather.

I asked you: Have you ever suspectedhim of tellinglies beforehe


said what he said and you answered,No. I then knowthat h could
not haveshunnedlyingto peopleand tell lie againstGod.

I asked you whetherthose who followhim are noble men or weak


people,and you answeredthat his followersare weak people yes,
thoseare the followersof the Messenqers.

I askedyou if they increaseor decreasein numberand you said


that they increase.That is how faith does until it becomes
completed.
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts l2l

l a s k e d y o u , i f a n y o f h i s f o l l o w e r sr e n o u n c e dh i s f a i t h i n
annoyanceafterhavingembracedit and you said,No. Yes' that is
how faithdoes afterhavingpenetratedthe hearts.

I askedyou if he betrayand you said,No. That is how Messengers


do. Theydo not betraY.

And I asked you about what he commandedyou to do and you


saidthat,he enjoinedthat you worshipAllaahaloneand associate
nothingwith Him in worship,that he enjoinedon you prayers,
truthfulness, chastity;that he forbidsyou from worshippingidols.lf
all that you told me is true, he shallcontrolwhere I am standing
now.I knowthat sucha Prophetwillemergebut I did not thinkthat
he would be from amongstyou. Had I known that I would meet
him, I would have sufferedhardshipto meet him. And had I been
with him,I wouldhavewashedhis feet."

He then calledfor the letterof the Messengerof Allaah,blessings


and peacebe upon him, which he sent with Dihyato the rulerof
Basra. He presentedthe letter to Heracliusand he read it. There
was in the letter;

ln the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.From


Muhammad,the Messengerof Allaah,to Heraclius,the ruler of
Rome. Peacebe upon him who followsthe guidance.I am inviting
you with the invitationof lslaam.Acceptlslaam,you will be safe
and Allaahwill give you your rewardtwice.But if you turn away,
you will bearthe sinsof Yarisin.

"O peopleof the Scripture!Come to a word that is just betweenus


and you, that we worshipnone but Allaah (atone)and that we
associateno partnerwith Him, and that none of us shall take
othersas lordsbesidesAllaah.Then, if they turn away,say: Bear
witnessthatwe are Muslims."'

'
A l - B u k h a a r e et h, eb o o ko f b e g i n n i n go f r e v e l a t i o n .
122 Islaam: Its Foundstions And Concepts

The Second Testimony:

Thatof the contemporaryChristianEvangelist John Centwho said,


"Aftercontinuousreadingabout lslaamand its principlesthat serve
individualsand society,and its justice in establishinga society
based on foundationsof equalityand monotheism,I found myself
embracinglslaam with all my sense an spirit and I pledgedto
Allaah,may He be glorified- that I would be a propagatorof
lslaam,and an evangelist
to its guidancein all partsof the world."

This man has arrived at this certainty after having studied


Christianityand beecamewell-versedin it. He found that it could
not provide answers to many questionsof human life. So he
starteddoubtingit. Later, he studiedcommunismand Buddhism
but yet could not find what he wanted there, he finallv studied
lslaamdeeply,then believedin it and calleduntoit.1

'
Ad-Deen Al-Fitree Al-Abadee by Al-Mubashshir At-Taraazee Al-
Husaynee
2 p.319.
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 123

The Seal of Prophethood

It is clearto you from what he has been previously


discussed,the
realityof Prophethood,its signs and proofs and the signs of
Prophethoodof Muhammad.Beforewe start discussingon the
seal of Prophethood, you must knowthat,Allaahdoes not send a
Messenger except one of thesefollowingreasons:
for

1 That the messageof the Prophetis specifically meantfor a


peoplein whichthe concernedMessengeris not obliged
particular
nations,and thatAllaah
to conveyhis messageto the neighbouring
sendsanotherProphet with a message
special to anothernation.
2. That the messageof the previousProphethas becomeextinct,
in which case Allaahsends anotherProphetwho will reformfor
peopletheirreligion.

3. That the Law of the previousProphetis validonly for its time


and no longersuitablefor subsequentperiods,then Allaahsends
anotherMessengerwith another Law that will be suitablefor the
anotherparticulartime and place.The Wisdomof Allaahhowever,
has necessitated that He sendsMuhammad,blessingsand peace
be upon him, to all mankindwith a Messagethat is suitablefor all
timesand placesand to protectit againstalteringand interpolating
hands,so that it can remainHis LivingMessageby which people
will live and that will be pure and free from stainsof interpolations
and alterations. lt was for this reasonthat Allaahmade it the seal
of all Messages.l

Among things with which Allaah distinguishedMuhammad,


blessingsand peacebe upon him, is that He made him the sealof
all Prophetsafter whom there would be no Prophet.This is
because,Allaahcompletedwith him all Messages,endedwith him

r A l - A q e e d aA
h t - T a h a a w i . vpy a1 5 6 ;l - a w a a r n i ' a
un , p . 2 6 9 , 2 1 1,
l w a a r2
a n dM a b a a d i ' u l - l s l a aPm.6 4 .
Islaam: Its Foundations And C,

all Laws, perfectedwith him the structureand actualisedin his


Prophethood the Prophecyof JesusChristwhen he said,,,"1

The ReverendlbrahimKhaleel- who has become a Muslim_


regardedthistext as an equivalent of the sayingof the Messenger
of Allaah,blessingsand peacebe upon him,,,lndeed, the example
of me and that of the Prophetsbeforeme is like that of a man who
has perfectlybuilt a house and adornedit except the place of a
brick in a corner which he left unfilled.people went round it and
admiredit and said:Why not fix up this brick?He said,,l am the
brickand I am the sealof the Proohets.' "2

It is for this reason that Allaah made the Book brought by


Muhammad,blessingsand peacebe upon him, as a witnesl over
all previousBooksand an abolisherfor them all. Just as He made
the Law of Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him, the
abolisherof precedingLaws. Allaah guaranteesthe protectionof
his Message,hence,it was transmittedsuccessfully.The eur'aan
was transmittedin succession.The practicalimplementation of the
teachingsof this religionand its acts of worship,sunnahand rules
were also transmittedin succession.

Whoeverreadsthe biographyof the prophet,blessingsand peace


be upon him, and his Sunnahwill know that the companionshad
preservedfor humanity all situations,sayings and deeds of
Muhammad.They transmitted his acts of worshipfor his Lord,his
strifein His cause,his remembrance of Him and his seekingfor His
forgiveness. They transmitted his generosity, courage, his
relationship with his companionsand those visitinghim. They
transmittedhis joy, sorrow, journeys, sojourn, manners of his
eating,drinkingand clothingand how he kept awake and slept.
When you know all this, you will know with certaintythat this
religionis guaranteed by Allaah'sprotectionand you willthenknow

I
Matthew2l:42.
: S e e ," M u h a m m a d
in the Torah,Gospeland the Qur'aan" by Ibraheem
K h a l e e lA h m a d , p . 73. The hadeethis reporled by Al-Bukhaareeand
Muslirn.
Islsctm: Its FoundutionsAnd Concepts 125

that he is the last of all Prophetsand Messengers;for Allaah has


toldus thatthisMessengeris the lastof all Prophets.He says,

i .. . ., '; . . i.:.a, t.t


a7., zi, -.!-,,..- ;t,.
{ J,ifJi;rit *\t Jt-|,f,i"E|i,tt t-r Lr J3 or u }

"Muhammad(peace be upon him) is not the father of any of your


men, but he is the Messengerof AIl6h and the last (end) of the
, ,,1
Proones.

Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him, also said about


himself,"l ,amsent to all mankindand I was made the seal of all
Prophets"'

Now let us definelslaamand explainits essence,sources,pillars


and degrees.

I
A l - A h z a a b3 3 : 4 0 .
I A h m a da n dM u s l i m .
126 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

Meaningof the Word: lsfaam

When you consultthe dictionaries, you will find that the word
lslaam means submission, obedience,surrenderand compliance
with the command and prohibitionof the commanderwithout
objections.Allaahhas namedthe true religion,'lslaam'for it is an
obedienceto him, submissionto His Commandswithout any
resistance,purifyingacts of worshipfor Him, believingin His words
and havingfaithin Him. lslaamthen becamea propername for the
religionbroughtby Muhammad.

Definitionof lslaam

Why this religionwas named 'lslaam'?Adherentsof various


religionsall over the world have namedtheirreligions,eitherwith
the name of a man or a particular race likeChristianity,
whichwas
named after JesusChrist;and Buddhismnamedafter its founder
Buddha; and Zaradashtismnamed after its founder and flag
banner, Zaradasht.Judaism also emergedamong the tribe of
Judah and so on. lt is only lslaam that is not attributedto any
particular man or nation.lts nameindicates a specialcharacteristic
that the meaningof lslaamdenotes.lt is evidentin this name that
no man has any rolein bringingthis religionintoexistenceand that
it is not peculiarwith any nationto the exclusionof others.lts only
goal is to make all people of the earth have characteristics of
lslaam So, whoeveris characterised with the qualitiesof lslaam
among ancrentpeopleand contemporary peopleis a Muslim,just
as he shallbe calleda Muslim,anyonewho possessesits qualities
amongthe cominggenerations

The realityof lslaam

It rs knownthat everythingin thisworldsubjectsto a particular


rule
and established norm.The sun,the moon.the starsand the earth
are all subjectedto a generalrulewhichtheycannotmarchagainst
or deviate from even for a hair's breadth Even man, when you
ponderover him verywell,rt will be clearto you that he absolutely
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 127

submitsto the Laws of Allaah.He cannotbreathor feel a need for


water, food, nourishment,light and heat except accordingto the
DivineDecreethat regulateshis life; and all parts of his body
submit to this Decree, The functionsthat these parts perform
cannot be carried out except accordingto what Allaah has
prescribedfor him.

This comorehensive DivineOrdainmentwhich man surrendersto


and from which none in this universe-right from the planetin the
heavento the smallestseed in the sand of the earth- can escape
from obeyingis the Divine Ordainmentof the Magnificent, the
Sovereignand the All-Powerful Lord. lf all that is in the heavens
and the earth and all that is in betweenboth surrendersto this
DivineOrdainment, that means the whole world submitsto and
obeysthat All-PowerfulSovereignWho createdit. In this aspect,it
is then clear that lslaam is the religionof the whole universe.For
lslaammeans,submission and obedienceto the commandof the
Commanderand His Prohibitions withoutobjectionas it has been
previouslyasserted.The sun, the moon and the earthall surrender
to Him. Air, water, light,darkness and heat, all surrenderto Him;
the tree, the stone and the animalsall surrender.Even the man
who does not knowhis Lordand deniesHis existence and signsor
worshipsothers besides Him, or associatesothers with Him in
worshipsurrenders by natureto Him.

lf you haveknownall that,let us now havea lookat man,you will


find that two factorsare strugglingto wtn his attention.

One: His naturalinclination; like submissionto Allaah,lovingto


worshrp Him, seeking nearness to Him, lovingwhat He loves of
truth, good and honesty;hatingwhat He hates of falsehood,evil,
injusticeand wrong;and other naturalfactorslike:love for money,
family and childrenand desire for food, drink and sex and
necessary physicalfunctionsthatfollowthat.

Two: Man'sfree will and choice.Allaahhas sent Messengers to


hrmand revealedBooksso that he mightdistinguishbetweentruth
and falsehood,guidanceand error;good and evil. He gave him
t28 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

mental power and understanding so that he can make his choice


with sure knowledge.lf he so wills, he takes to the good path that
leadshim to truthand guidance;and if he so wills,he takesto the
evil paththat leadshim to evilandperdition.

lf you therefore,look at man in the perspectiveof the first factor,


you will find that he is createdto submit to Allaah,conditionedto
adhere to that submission without making any deviation
whatsoever, just likeany othercreature.

But if you look at him in the perspectiveof the secondfactor,you


will find him as a free creature,who chooseswhat he wants. He
may choose to become a Muslim or to become an infide,...
"Whetherhe be gratefulor ungrateful."l

Hence,you find peopledividedintotwo categories:

A man who knowshis Creator,and believesin Him as his Lord and


God whom he worships alone and follows his Law in his life
voluntarily.He is also conditionedto submitto his Lord,from Who
he cannotdeviateand Whose ordainmentshe follows-such a man
is the complete Muslim whose lslaam is perfect and whose
knowledgeis sound; for he knows Allaah, his Creator and
Fashioner, Who sent Messengersto him and endowedhim with
the powerof knowledge and learning.Suchhas had soundreason
and correctopinion;for he has made use of his thoughtand then
decided not to worshrp but Allaah Who blessed him with
understanding and soundopinionsin matters.His tonguespeaks
onlythe truth;for now,he only believesin One LordWho is Allaah,
the Exalted,Who gave him powerto speak. lt now becomesas if
nothing remains in his life but the truth; for he follows and
surrenders to the Law of Allaahin that whichhe has free will;and
there existsbetweenhim and othercreaturesin the universebond
of familiarity
and friendliness,for, he worshipsnonebut Allaah,the
All-Wise,All-Knowledgeable, Whom all creaturesworship,and
unto Whose Commandments and Ordainments all surrenderano

'
A l - l n s a a7
n6 : 3 .
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 129

submit.And Allaah has subjectedall these creaturesto you, O


man!
130 Isloam: Its Foundations And Concepts

Realityof disbelief

On the contraryis anotherman, who was born in submissionto


Allaahand livedall his life in submissionto Allaahbut neverfelt
this submissionor had any idea of it. He knew not his Lord,nor
believedin His Law or followedHis Messengers.He did not use
the knowledgeand intellectthat Allaahgave him to recognizehis
CreatorWho carvedfor him his ears and eyes. He ratherdenied
His existence,he disdainedHis worshipand refusedto submitto
His Laws in mattersof his life in which he is given the right of
dispositionand choice. Or he associatedothers with Him in
worship and refused to believe in His signs that indicate His
Oneness.Such a man is a Kaafir,For the meaningof 'Kufl in the
language,is'to coverand conceal'.So this man is calleda'Kaafil
for he conceals his nature and covers it with ignoranceand
insolence;and the natureof the world and that of his own self are
hiddenfrom him. You therefore, see him usinghis intellectualand
logicalpoweronly in that which contradicts his nature.He would
not see anythingbut that whichcouldcorrupthis nature.lt is now
left to you to estimate the extent of deep error.and clear
transgressionto whichthe disbelieverhas degenerated.'

This lslaam which you are requiredto practiceis not a difficult


matter,but very easyfor whomsoeverAllaahmakes it easy. lslaam
is the reliqionwhichthisentireuniversefollows.

4.t^"h'rGra;,'r{6.-''e^ii 4ti ;ai b

"And to Him submittedall creaturesin the heavens and the eafth,


wittingly or unwittingty'2

Allaahsays,

'
M a b a a d i uIls l a a r n3 , 4
2
A a l ' l r n r a a 3n : 8 3 .
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts l3l

'''t
(;.t;ii ;'i :-:",'ti'blY

'Truty, thereligionwith Attahis tstAm."1

It is man's total submissionto Allaah as He, Great is His praise


asserts,

,!+L byy
, t -. L t/

(J{>Jc-J-l Jlor

"So if they disputewith you (Muhammad(peacebe upon him)) say:


"l have submittedmyself to All6h (in lsl6m), and (so have) those
who follow me.''

The Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peacebe upon him, also


explained the meaningof lslaamwhen he said,"lt is to submityour
heartto Allaah,to directyourfaceto Allaah(in worship)and to give
the obligatoryZakaah"'

A man asked the Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peace be


'Whatis lslaam?'
uponhim.:

The Messengerof Allaah, blessingsand peace be upon him,


'lt
answered, is to surrenderyourheartto Allaah;and that Muslims
shouldbe safefromthe harmof yourtongueand hand.'

The man said.'Whichlslaamis best?'

'TheFaith(Eemaan)'
He answered:

He asked.'Whatis Faith?'

I
A a l ' l r n r a a 3n : 1 9 .
2 'lmraan
Aal 3:20.
I A h r n a da n d I b n H i b b a a n
L32 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts
'To believein
He answered: Allaah,His angels,His Books,His
Messengersand to believein Resurrection
afterdeath.''

The Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peacebe upon him, also


said, "lslaam is to testifythat there is no deity worthy of worship
exceptAllaahand that Muhammad,blessingsand peacebe upon
him, is the Messengerof Allaah,to observethe prayers,to give the
Zakaah, to fast in the month of Ramadaan and to perform
pilgrimageto the Houseif you are able to."2

He also said,"The Muslimis the one from the evil of whosehano


and tongueall Muslimsare safe."3

This religion- the religionof lslaam- is the one besideswhich


Allaah accepts no other religion,not from former generationsor
later generations.For all Prophetswere Muslims.Allaah says
aboutProphetNoah,

, .1.:. t'-i 2",. a -'z .


GA.J') d:ti- _;.=lcF ob o| :>"+ -yrd. Jl" t) t+
f-rJr Jtj o )
f_,
qJi;i ;,i J* ini;;6

"And recite to them the news of N?h (Noah). When he sald to hrs
people: "O my people, if my stay (with you), and my reminding
(you) of the AyAt (proofs, evidences, yerses, /essons, signs,
revelations,etc.) of Allah is hard on you, then I put my trust in
AtEh."

Till He says,

I
A h m a d .S e e :F a d l u lI s l a a mb y I m a a mM u h a r n m a db i n A b d u l - W a h h a a b
o. 8.
l Muslim.
t
A l - B u k h a a r eaen d M u s l i m .
Isloam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 133

,.'i-i z '2.:,.1.
I At \2)4tJ
t ._- en_rt-*--l , _j-r" Jt 4

"...and I have been commandedto be of the Muslims(i.e.those


who submitto Al16h'sWill)."'

The AlmightyalsosaysaboutAbraham,

t :' ;j;'i'-l'l -*ri Jd iri -'L)'4 lv\) t

"When his Lord saidto him, "Submit(i.e.be a Muslim)!"He said,"l


have submitted myself (as a Musltm) to the Lord of the 'Alamin
(mankind,jinn and all that exlsts)."'"

He saysaboutMoses,

' . t 1 2 . , ' , . i 2 . - ' , : . 1 , . 1: ' , . : 2


t .f. Ja.J-J,i,.S ol t>Sr.=l'r +t-.'a-'; .5.tl f'.a-2.r*r, Jt3: !

"And M1sa (Moses) said: "O my people! lf you have believed in


Allah, then put your trust in Him if you are Muslims (those who
''
submit to All6h'sWill)

He has the followingto say aboutJesusChrist,

:'!t',
L-1, ItLe J;-fi
L,L -r-":-19 - t ti:I, Sl O.i;tr>)l Jl {---Jl i5 f

.tJ
+ sl r )L.ad

' Yoonusl0:71-12
2A l - B a q a r a2h:l 3 l
r Y o o n u ls0 : 8 4 .
t34 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

"And when I (NEh) revealed to Al-Hawdrieen (the disciples)(of


'lsi (Jesus)) to believe in Me and My Messenger,
they said. "We
believe.And bear wifnessthatwe are Muslims."'

This religion- lslaam- derivesall its laws,beliefsand rulesfrom


the DivineRevelation. the Qur'aanand Sunnah.I will give you a
briefinformation aboutthem.

'
A l - M a a i d a5h: l I l .
Islaom: Its Foundations And Concepts 135

Sources of lslaam

It has been a habitfor adherentsof abrogatedreligionsand man-


made creeds to hallow their inheritedbooks, which were written
sinceancienttimes and whose authorsor translatorsor the time of
their writing may not really be known. They were just written by
some people who used to suffer from what other human beings
suffer from like weakness. defect. whimsical desires and
forgetfulness.

As for the Qur'aan,it is differentfrom all other books in that, it


dependson the true sourcewhich is the DivineRevelation. the
Qur'aanand Sunnah.Followino is the briefintroduction
of both:

A. The GloriousQur'aan:

You have known previouslythat lslaam is the religionof Allaah,


that was why Allaah revealed the Qur'aan to His Messenger,
Muhammad,blessingsand peacebe upon him, as a guidancefor
the pious,a Law for the Muslims,a healingfor the diseasethat is
in the heartsof those whom Allaahwants to heal and a lightfor
those whom Allaah wants to give success. lt .contains the
fundamentals for whichAllaahsentthe Messengers.' The Qur'aan
was not the first Book to be revealed nor was Muhammad,
blessingsand peace be upon him, the first Messengerto be sent.
Allaah has revealedthe Scripturesto Abraham;Torah to Moses
and the Gospel to Jesus. All these Books were revelationsfrom
Allaahto His Prophetsand Messengers. But the contentsof most
of these Books have been lost and have becomeextinct,and
interpolation
and alterationshave enteredthem.

As for the Qur'aan,Allaah Himselfguaranteesits protectionand


makesit the witnessand abolisherof earlierBooks.He sayswhile
addressing the Prophet,blessingsand peacebe uponhim,

'
A s - s u n n a hw a r n a k a a n a t u h af iat - t a s h r e e ' iIls l a a m i b v M u s t a f a A s -
S i b a a ' e pe . 3 7 6 .
136 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

, . r-
s*

"And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad (peace be upon


him)) the Book (this Qufdn) in truth, confirming the Scripture that
came before it and Muhaymin.(trustworlhy in highness and a
witness)over it (old Scriptures)."'

He describesthe Qur'aanas an explanation


of everything,

a.'.,yt64J.i<i u,ii us;iy

"And We have sent down to you the Book (the Qufan) as an


exposition
of everything.'2

He callsit guidanceand mercy,

a
'4^>)i
. - , t - . t. .

\ 'gttj'"4'),y :1;V r-ai f


?

"So now has come unto you a clear proof (the Qufan) from your
Lord, and a guidanceand a mercy.'u

He describesit as thatwhichguidesto uprightness


when He says,

. ,.1i - ',, ., .
... ,..:ii,1
t CiirIe C. s*,rt''Pt ri; rl )

'Verily,
this Qulan guides to that which is most just and right."l

I
A l - M a a i d a 5h : 4 8 .
t
An-Nahl 6:89.
I
Al-An'aam 6:157.
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 137

The Qur'aanguides mankindto the most righteouspath in all


asoectsof theirlife.

Whoeverreflectson how the Qur'aanwas revealedand how tt was


preservedwill give the book its due estimationand purify his
intention
for Allaahalone.Allaah,the Exaltedsays,

, . t., . , ",: ,.,. - t i-:7 t t,-i .. .'i.l t. .i tl


or o:5.::.J4-1,J" i!\ gsYl C:)t i J-r :D ut{:nt o) J'-l'l ,r): y

F r. ,P)-\-:-AJ|

"And truly, this (the Qur'6n) is a revelation from the Lord of the
'Alamin (mankind, jinn
and all that exisfs), Which the trustworthy
R?h (Jibril (Gabriel)) has brought down Upon your heart (O
Muhammad (peace be upon him)) that you may be (one) of the
warners,'*

So the One Who revealedthe Qur'aanis Allaah,Lord of all the


worlds;and the one who broughtit is the trustworthy
spiritGabriel;
and the one in whose heart it was revealed is the Prophet,
and peacebe uponhim.
blessings

The Qur'aanis an everlastingmiraclefor Muhammad.lt contains


signsthat shall abidetill the Day of ResurrectionThe signs and
miraclesof previousProphetsusedto end at the terminationof the
Prophets'lives,but Allaahhas made the Qur'aanthe everlastinq
proof.

lt is the extensiveproof and dazzlingsign. Allaahchallengesthe


mankindto producethe likethereofor ten soorahslikeit or even a
singlesoorahthat resemblesit, and they are unableto do that in
spite of the fact that it is composedof lettersand words and the

'
A l - l s r a al 7 : 9 .
t
A s h - S h u a r a 2I69.2 -l g 4 .
138 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

people on whom it was first revealedwere people of eloquence


and rhetoric.
Allaahsavs,

'Llti
61$i yi ; ;tr:i n \e;ii -& i:r:\;U A ilsj;7i y
4.8>tu*{
"Or do they say: "He (Muhammad(peacebe upon him)) has forged
it?" Say: "Bring then a S?rah (chapte) like unto it, and call upon
whomsoeveryou can besrdes Altdh,if you are truthfu!!."1

Among the things that testify to the fact that the Qur'aan is a
revelationfrom Allaahis that it containsstoriesof the past nations,
prophesiedfutureeventsthat came to happenas it has prophesied
and the fact that it mentionsmany scientificfacts that have not
been discovereduntilrecently.Anotherproofof its beinga Divinely
revealedBook is that the Propheton whom it was revealedwas
unknownwith anythingsimilarto that or reportedto have known
anythingsimilarto the Qur'aan.Allaahsays,

.,/tt -

.), i.no'f4 c-i.J i-aj -t fii)l \5"ra* ,o;'y' U 4!l ;L: ,J ,I, F

{ :!r:-a-F y-l -rtr


t _. ,.,-

"Say (O Muhammad(peace be upon him)) "lf All6h had so willed,I


should not have recitedit to you nor would He have made it known
to you. Verily, I have stayed amongst you a life time before this.
Haveyou then no sense?'"

He was ratheran illiteratewho neitherread nor wrote. He did not


also,visitany Shaykhor men to producethe like of the Qur'aan.
Allaahsavs.

I
Y o o n u sl 0 : 3 8
r
Y o o n u sI 0 : | 6
Islaam: Its Foundotions And Concepts 139

z o
. -a . tta
j,S
-.'tjr! lil -4.* ':,EA \J ;S- ;, -* crt \rt" w_t I

I ... / it -'ii
\ .:, .--JJff''

"Neither did you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) read any


book before it (this Qu/6n), nor did you write any book
(whatsoever) with your right hand. ln that case, indeed, the
followersof falsehoodmight have doubted."l

man who has beendescribedin the Torahand the


This unlettered
Gospelthat he would not read nor write,was visitedby Jewishad
Christianmonks- who had some remnantsof the Torah and the
Gospel- and asked about issuesby which they differed,and they
would request for his arbitration in matters in which they
contended.Allaahsays,explaining the descriptionof Muhammad,
blessingsand peacebe uponhim,in the Torahand the Gospel,

u;*
t.
tt7Jf
t '^
(j)r
.'i 'J\i 'ati t;li
J ?t*
;--$i A J-- hAi ," ;<-+::q:AL er ,l-c'li; *ryLi
'i' '-'
/ : .".i'i t
{ e-;-*lt -<* C'f:

Those who follow the Messenger, the Prophet who can neither
read nor write (i.e. Muhammad (peace be upon him)) whom they
find written with them in the Taurat(Torah)(Deut,xviii, 15) and the
tnjeel (Gospel) (John xiv, 16), - he commands them for Al-Ma'rlf
(i.e. lslamic Monotheismand all that lslam has ordained);and
forbids them from Al-Munkar (ie disbelief,polytheismof all kinds,
and att that lslam has forbidden);he allows them as lawful At-
Taiyibdt((i.e. all good and lawful) as regardsthings,deeds, beliefs,

'
A l - ' A n k a b o t 2 9. 4 8
140 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

persons, foods), and prohibitsthem as unlawfulAl-Khab6'ith(i.e.


all evil and unlawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs,persons,
foods)."1

Allaahalso says,whilespeakingaboutthe questionthe Jews and


the Christiansasked the Prophet,blessingsand peace be upon
him,

. 'l ; i - ' r / . ' - < J- t - ' t : ! . i ' < i 1' r - i - r t 1 : - '


t .L^Jl ,r L.i fdo U Ul--6Jl J'^l -t-.ll:^.^.r- F

"The People of the Scripture ask you to cause a book to descend


upon them from heaven.'"

4 rii, p Z:,iu;:y
\ tt'2t v 2

"And they ask you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him))


concerningthe R?h (the Spirit).'"

4 cfr';ti6>f zEru;ty

"Andthey askyou about Dhut-Qarnain.'A

.-. ,7;r"rs +e? s, ;-+i "krn").r. .F ,ha or;ii ri; it l'

I
A l - A ' r a a7f :1 5 7
2
An-Nisa4 a:153
I
A l - l s r a al 7 : 8 5 .
t Al-Kahf
I 8:83.
Islaom: Its Foundations And Concepts t4l

"Verily, this Qur'6n narrates to the Children of lsrael most of that in


which they differ."'

Reverend Abraham Philips, has had a failed attempt, in his


doctoratethesis to underminethe Qur'aan.The Qur'aan rather
overuvhelmedhim with its proofs,evidencesand signs. The man
proclaimedhis own weakness,surrenderedto his Creator and
embracedlslaam.'

When one of the Muslims presenteda translatedcopy of the


meaningof the Noble Qur'aanas a gift to the Americandoctor,
Jeffrey Lang, he found that this Qur'aan was addressinghim,
answeringhis questionsand removingthe barrierbetweenhim and
His own soul. He said,"lt seemsthat^HeWho revealedthe Qur'aan
knowsme morethan I knowmvself.""

Yes, the One Who revealedthe Qur'aanis the Creatorof man, and
He says,
He is Allaah,may He be Glorified.

. - , .?a r ,1,. t .'.. -. t.,.. <a


{ ,:i.r;+t. ;.l-Ul,tJ &r J" d4 )l }

"Shouldnot He Who has createdknow? And He is the Most Kind


and Courteous(to Hiss/aves)Alt-Aware(of everything).'A

So, the man's readingof the translationof the meaning of the


NobleQur'aanled him to lslaamand to the writingof his bookfrom
whichI am quoting.

I
An-Naml27:76.
fil-'aalamil 'arabeewal
' See: Al-Mustashriqoonwal-rnubashshiroon
Islaamee,IbrahimKhalil Ahmad.
3 "struggle
in the Causeof Faith",by Dr. Jeflley Lang; Arabic translation
b y M u n d h i rA l - ' A b s e ep 3 4 .
" A l - M u l k6 7 : 1 4 .
142 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

The Qur'aanis comprehensiveto all that man needs.lt containsall


fundamentals of faith, legislations, human interactions and
manners.Allaahsays,

4.',Jrot r;<i c ufi C Y

"We have negtectednothingin the Book."l

In the Qur'aan,thereis call to beliefin the Onenessof Allaah,and


mentionof His Names,Attributes and deeds.lt callsto beliefin the
authenticityof what the Prophets and Messengersbrought. lt
affirms the Resurrection,reward and reckoningand establishes
evidences and proofs for that. lt narrates the stories of past
nations,the punishmentmetedout to them in this world as well as
the torment and exemplarypunishmentthat awaits them in the
Hereafter.

It also containsmany proofs and signs that dazzle the scientists


and that is suitablefor all generationsand ages; and in which
many scholarsand researchersfind what they look for. I will give
only threeexamplesthat revealsome of thesefacts.

1. Hissaying,

Ls{t r^i Q >


t ..)s t/ "7 ,' )t >
' ) - ,4 :.'
\ ,!)')t> @)J

"And it is He Who has let free the seasi one palatable and sweet
and the other salty and bitter; and He has sef a barrier and a
completepartitionbetween them."1

'
Al-An'aam
6:38.
Islaam: Its FoundutionsAnd Concepts 143

He alsosaYs,

t t '( - t.. t .,',' ';


. - u,. ..i
Jr *lr.b{s -ep J L, -**- - : o: ir ;'t4 I f d -s;1Lf rr }
'.?' '-',' t:"
" "
.1
.t t ti ta1
t"'^ -'t
6 tii '"J 'ht j'e ) vj t+,r ,5" -/" i '04 e)-t
"'
D)oe4 oP
"-: "ur^'.

t
d':),;.u,li
\ ,-t v.
/J

"or (the stateof a disbeliever)is like the darknessin a vast deep


sea, ovenrvhelmed with waves topped by waves, topped by dark
clouds,(layers of) darkness upon darkness:if a man stretchesout
his hand, ie can hardly see it! And he for whom Alldh has not
''
appointedlight,for him thereis no ligh.

It is well-knownthat Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon


him, nevertravelledby sea on a sea neitherwas therein his time
the materialinstrumentsthat could have helped to discoverthe
deoths of the sea. who else could have providedMuhammad,
blessingsand peacebe upon him,with this data if not Allaah?

2. AllaahsaYs,

t -.i t'
z4 .' ,.t '.i.. ti '.!', , r' tj-il;
""
"'i
rlr )
.= *s- /l C'"*f"'^-L; i; * r: .J- irr Jr-')l

6';K 6b''{A-Ii uAt'{A ';tii uAt t


",rrli vL:.t'^1k

"And indeed We created man (Adam) out of an extract of clay


(water
'as andearlh). Thereafterwe made him (the offspringof Adam)
a Nutfah(mixeddrops of the male and female sexualdischarge

I 25:53.
Al-Furqaan
r
A n - N o o r2 4 : 4 0 .
144 Islaam: Its Foundotions And Concepts

and lodged it) in a safe lodging (womb of the woman). Then We


made the Nutfah into a crot (a piece of thick coagutatedbtood),
then we made the clot into a titile tump of flesh,the-nwe made out
of that little lump of ftesh bones,then we ctothed the boneswith
flesh,and then we broughtit lorth as anothercreation.So g/essed
is Allah, the Bestof creators.',1

The scientistsdid not discover these subile details about


the
stagesof embryonicdevelopmentuntilrecenflv.

3. Allaahalsosays,

' <
.'ii..41
t'i ;4tt
t'.0
u )L-: * jt ii"q 't
/t J ir-, ,1",o,o y
..1' r. ri- r.-.i. -i:1 ,t.t "Ji. r 1 t .
t. . t'uit .
.9 :l,.r:q iJ >-bi U,_;l)l c-:.lL C t"- \r (-iJ,'.2jt *js u :.s
. --- ! 'z
t '-'' cn:'!-'"r,)

"And with Him are the keys of the Ghaib (ail that is hidden),
none
knows them but He. And He knows whateverthere is in t'he tand
and in the sea;not a reaf farts,but he knows it. Thereis nota grain
in the darknessof fhe eafth nor anything freshor dry, but is iritten
in a Ctear Record.'2

Mankinddid not have this all-encompassing knowledgeand hao


neverthoughtaboutthesethingstet aloneh-aving tne loitity to oo
it. lf a groupof scientistsobservea plantor insectand they record
their findingsand discoverieswe all become dazzledwith that,
though we know that what is hiddenfrom these scientistsin thrs
plantor insectis morethan what they observein it.

The French schorarMaurice Bucairehas maoe a comparison


betweenTorah,the Gospeland the eur'aanand betweenmodern

'
A l - M u ' m i noon 2 3 : 1 2 - 1 4
2A l - A n ' a a m
6:59.
Isloam: Its Foundations And Concepts 145

scientrficdiscoveriesconcerningthe creationof the heavens,the


earthand man and foundout that these moderndiscoveriesagree
with what is in the Qur'aan.On the otherhand,he foundout that
the Torah and the Gospel that are in circulationtoday contain
many erroneousinformationaboutthe creationof the heavens,the
earthm, a n a n da n i m a l s . '

B. The PropheticSunnah:

Allaahrevealedthe Qur'aanto the Messengerand revealedto him


like thereof which is the Propheticsunnah that explainsthe
Qur'aan.The Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peace be upon
"2
him, said, "lndeed,t im given the Qu/aai and iis like with it
Allaah has permittedhim to explain the general and particular
versesof the Qur'aan.AllaahsaYs,

,2:.'- ,'r'i.. -ir'14 r' ttn "'t-r'z' t,ti',ii


. /
x .!, 3-::f';c'- $ t e) oJ u .f*- +3- -+/t ':-Ul iulltj
i',..it
)

"And We have also sentdown unto you (O Muhammad(peace be


upon him)) the Dhikr (reminder and the advice (i.e' the Qu/6n))
thatyou iay exptaincleartyto men what rs sent down to them, and
that theymay give thought.''

The sunnah is the second source of the religionof lslaam. lt


means all that is reportedfrom the Prophet,blessingsand peace
be upon him, - with well-connected and authenticchain of
transmitters- of his sayings,deeds, and qualities-lt
confirmations
is also a revelation from Allaah to His Messenger Muhammad,
blessingsand peacebe upon him, for the Prophet,blessingsand
peacebe uponhim,did not speakof his own desire'Allaahsays'

I
See: "The Torah, the Bible and the Qur'aanin the light of modern
s c i e n c eb" y M a u r i c eB u c a i l ep . 1 3 3 - 2 8 .3He was a Christianrevert.
r Ahmad and Aboo Dawood.
t A n - N a h ll 6 : 4 4 .
146 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

'Nor
does he speak of (his own) desire. tt is onty a Reveration
revealed.He has been taught (this eufan) by one mighty in power
(Jibril (Gabriel))"1

The Prophet,blessingsand peace be upon him, only conveysto


peoplewhathe is commanded to convey.Allaahsaysabouthim,

{ ,.,)i+r }-* 1l t:ic't 'X1


b;. tt il Ei ol I
"l only follow that which is revealed to me, and I am but a plarn
warner.'n

The pure sunnah is the practicalimprementationof the rules,


beliefs,acts of worship, kinds of relationshipand manners that
lslaamenjoins.The Messengerof Ailaah,bressingsand peace be
upon him, exemplified
what he was commanded,explainedit to the
people and commandedthem to do like he did. He says, for
instance,"Prayas you see me praying."3

The All-MightyAllaah has commandedthe believersto emulate


him in all his deedsand sayingsin orderthat theirfaith mightbe
complete.He says,

. 2 1 . . . . s ; 1. . . i 1 . . 1 . 1. , , - . . . r - .i,!- .:..i
i: , . _ i , . - . . i j;
), -t )r ltr3 a)t tf J Jb JJ- 4:* 6j;l *l
)-, J p ,16- ;

. /€ ,Z-
;i
|
t^:)
./",
4lJt

' An-Najm
53:3-5.
- Al-Ahqaaf
46:9.
'Al-Bukhaaree.
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Conc

"tndeed in the Messengerof Allah (Muhammad(peace be upon


him)) you have a good exampte to fottow for him who hopes for
(the Meeting with) Atlahand the Last Day, and remembersAllah
much."t

The Proohet'snoble companionstransmittedhis sayings and


deeds to those who came after them, and these also transmitted
them to those who came after them. lt was then recordedin the
books of sunnah. The sunnah transmittershad been strict with
those from whom they transmittedit and would make a condition
that they be contemporaries of those from whom they themselves
reoortedthat Sunnah,till the chain of transmissionwould be
connected right from the narratorto the Messengerof Allaah,
blessingsand peacebe upon him.2They also made it a condition
that all-the men involvedin the transmissionmust be trustworthy,
just,sincereand peopleof integrity.

The sunnah,as it is regardedas the practicalimplementation of


lslaam.it also the
explains makes
Qur'aan, comments on it, and
explainsversesthat have generalmeaningsThe Messengerof
Allaah,blessingsand peace be upon him, used to do all this,
sometimes with his words, sometimes with his deeds and
sometimeswith both. The Sunnah may' in some cases, glve
independentexplanationsof some rules and legislationsthat are
not in the Qur'aan.

one must havebeliefin the Qur'aanand Sunnahthat they are the


primarysourcesof the religionof lslaamthat mustbe followedand
iurnedto. The commandof bothmustbe obeyed,theirprohibitions
must be abstainedfrom and theircontentsmust be believedone
must also believein what both containof the Names, Attributes

' Al-Ahzaab 3 3 : 2 1.
2 As a result of this unique acade*ic 'rethodologyand accuracyand
p r e c i s i o ni n t r a n s m i t t i ntgh e S u n n a ha, s c i e n c ew a s i n t r o'di lumc e ad m o n gt h e
' i l m u l - j a r hw a t - t a ' d e eal 'n d mustalahul-
M u s l i r n s t. h a t a r e k n o w n a s
h a d e e t h 'T. h e t w o s c i e n c e sa r e a m o n g t h e e x c l u s i v eq u a l i t i e so f t h e
M u s l i r n sw . h i c hn o n e p o s s e s s e
b d
e f o r t
e h e n l
Islaam: Its Foundations And C,

and Works of Allaah; what He has providedfor His believinq


friends and that with which He threatenedHis disbelievini
enemies.He savs.

\ al-
'l
ci:4 f' '-&r* 4ti >s y
-a,.-
.: ..+. r/,-ii'i't-
L-ir-J t)o.J-JJrJ.z,at" 'g1't:tt a
\ .:. l.a V7

"But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith,until they make you
(o Muhammad(peacebe upon him))iudge in att dispu{esbetween
them, and find in themselvesno resistanceagainstyour decisions,
and accept(them)with full submission."l

He alsosays,

'6+ yrLr.s-t
4irprv';L J;-|i $l[ c5 y

"And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad (peace be upon


h.tm))gives you, take it; and whatsoeverhe farb'idsyou, abstain
(from it).'"

Aftergivingan introductionaboutthe sourcesof this religion,it rs


appropriatefor us to discussabout its degreeswhich are: lslaam,
Eemaanand lhsaan.we are also going to talk on the pillarsof
thesedegreesin brief.

'
A n - N i s a a4 : 6 5 .
2
A l - H a s h5r 9 : 7 .
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts t49

The First Degreel

lslaam:lts pillarsare five,they are: Testifyingthat there is no deity


worthy of worshipbut Allaah and that Muhammad,blessingsand
peacebe upon him, is His Messenger; performingprayer,paying
Zakaah,fastingtn the monthof Ramadaanand Pilgrimage.

One: Testifyingthat there is no deity worthy of worship except


Allaah and that Muhammad, blessings and peace be upon
him, is His Messenger.

The first part of the testrmonymeansthat,there is no rightfuldeity


in the earthor in the heavensbesideHim alone.He is the onlytrue
God and all deities besides Him are false ones.' lt also means,
purifyingall acts of worship for Allaah alone and keepingthem
away from othersbesideHim. The uttererof this statementcannot
benefitfrom it untilhe has two things:

1. To say it out of belief,knowledge,convictionand lovefor it.


besidesAllaah.Whoever
in all that is worshipped
2. To disbelieve
says this statement and does not disbetieve in all that is
'
worshippedbesidesAllaah,thisstatement will not benefithim

' "Al-Usooluth-Thalaathah",
For more detailssee, "Kitaabut-Tawheed",
"Aadaabul-mashyiilas-Salaah"by Shaykh Muhammad bin Abdul-
Wahhab.
See also: "Deenul-Haqq"by Abdur-RahmaanAl-Umar; "Maalaabudda
'Alee al-Arfaj; "Arkaanul
min ma'rifatihianil lslaam"by Muhammadbin
lslaam"by AbdullahAl-Jaarallaah; "SharharkaanilIslaamwal Eemaan"
by a groupof studentsandreviewedby ShaykhAbdullaahAl-Jibreen.
2 D e e n u l - H a qpq. 3 8 .
-
Q u r r a t u ' u y o o n uml u w a h h i d e e np,. 6 0 .
150 Islaam: Its Foundations Ancl Concepts

Testifyingthat Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him, is


the Messengerof Allaah means, to follow him in all that he
commands,to believein all that he informs,to abstainfrom all that
he prohibitsand warns against and to worship Allaah with only
what he legislates. one must also know and bear it in mind that
Muhammad,blessingsand peace be upon him, is Allaah's
Messengerto all people,that he is only a slave of Allaah and
should thereforenot be worshipped,but rather be obeyed and
followed,that whoever follows him enters paradiseand whoever
disobeyshim entersFire. one must also know and bear it in mind
that, lslaamicinjunctionsin mattersof belief,acts of worshipwhich
are commandedby Allaah,systemof law and mattersof leqislation
and moralsin area of buildinga family,or in area of alldwingor
forbiddingthings cannot be receivedexcept through this noble
Prophet, blessingsand peace be upon him, for he is the
Messenger of Allaah,who conveysHis Law to mankind.l

Two: Prayer.2

Prayerrs the secondpillarof lslaam.lt is ratherthe pillarof lslaam,


for it is the link betweenman and his Lord.He repeatsit five times
in a day with which he renewshis faith,purifieshimselffrom stains
of sins and which stands betweenhim and obscenethings and
sins.When he wakesup from sleepin the morning,he appearsin
front of his Lord pure and clean before he starts engaging in
mattersof this world. He magnifieshis Lord, affirmsHis absolure
rightto be worshippedby prostrating, standingand bowingfor Him
five timeseach day.

Before he starts performingthis prayer,he must purifyhis heart,


body, clothesand place of his prayer.The Muslim must perform
this prayercongregationally with his fellowMuslims- if that is easy
for him - whilethey all face their Lordwith their heartsand face the
honouredKa'abah,the Houseof Allaahwiththeirfaces.praverhas

'
F o r r n o r ed e t a i l s ,r e a d , " K a y f i y y a t u lS a l a a t i n - N a b i y yb"y S h a y k hb i n
Baaz.
2
D e e n u l - H a qpq. 5 l - 5 2 .
Islaam: Its FoundotionsAnd Concepts l5l

been prescribedin the best form in which the CreatorrequiresHis


creationto worship Him; for it contains His glorificationwith all
parts of the body; from word of the tongue,deeds of the hands,
legs,head,sensesand all otherpartsof his body,each parttaking
his shareof this greatact of worship.

The sensesand limbs take their portionfrom it and the heartalso


takes its share. Prayercomprisesof exaltationof Allaah,praising
Him, glorifyingHim, extollingHim. lt also containsgiving the
testimonyof the truth,recitattonof the Qur'aan,standingin front of
the Lord Who controlshim, then humiliatingoneselffor Him in this
positionby beggingHim with devotionand seekingHis nearness.
He then goes to bowingposition,prostrationand then sits down,all
in submission,humility and showing helplessnessfor His
greatnessand His Might.The heartof this slave becomesbroken,
his body becomes humble and all his limbs surrenderswith
humility to his Lord. He then concludeshis prayer with giving
thanks to Allaah and praisingHim, and invokingpeace and
blessingson His Prophet,Muhammad,blessingsand peace be
upon him, and finallyasks his Lord of the good thingsof this world
and the Hereafter.'

Three: Zakaahz

Zakaah - obligatorycharity - is the third pillar of lslaam. lt is


compulsoryon the rich Muslimsto pay Zakaahfrom his wealth.lt is
a very littlepart of his wealththat he gives to the poor and needy
and othersamongthosewho are entitledto it.

Muslimsmust pay Zakaahto its due recipientswillingly'He should


neitherremindthe recipientof that nor harm him in whateverway
on accountof it. He must pay it seekingfor the pleasureof Allaah;
not desiring by that any recompenseor thanks from men' He

'
For more, read "Risaalalaanifiz-zakaatiwas-siyaam" by Shaykh lbn
Baz.
2 2:384.
Miftaahdaaras-sa'aadah
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd

shouldratherpay it for the sakeof Allaahnot for showingoff or for


any fame.

Paying Zakaah brings blessingsand gladdensthe hearts of the


poor, the destituteand the needy.lt preventsthem from begging
and it is a compassionon them and protection againstnegligence
and povertythat could have afflictedthem if they are left by the
wealthy.Paying Zakaahwhen it is due is a qualityof generosity,
magnanimity,altruism, philanthropyand compassion.lt also
means freeing one self from traits of stingy, avaricious and
valueless people. lt is by Zakaah that Muslims support one
another,that the wealthyshows mercy on the poor, so that there
will not remain in the community - if this rite is properly
implemented- a poor destitute,a subdueddebtor or a traveller
who has no moreprovisions withhim.

Four: Fasting

It is to fast in the monthof Ramadaanfrom the dawnto the sunser.


The fastingMuslimabandonsfood, drink,sexualintercourse and
similarthingsas an act of worshipfor Allaahand curbs his own
soul from fulfillingits desires.Allaah has relievedthe sick, the
traveller,the pregnantwoman,the nursingmotherand a woman
who hasjust delivereda babyfromfasting.He ordainedfor eachof
them rulesthatsuithim or her.

In thismonth,a Muslimcurbshis own selffrom his desiresand thrs


act of worshipwill bringhis soul out of the animal-like
worldto the
worldsimilarto that of angelswho are nearto Allaah.The situation
of a fastingMuslimmay reacha stagethat he thinkslikesomeone
who has no need in thisworldmorethanto achievethe oleasureof
Allaah.

Fasting enlivens the heart, makes one renounce the world,


encouragesone to seek what is with Allaah,and remindsthe
wealthyof the poor ones and theirconditionsso that their heans
may have sympathyfor them and know that they are livingin the
favourof Allaahand thereforeshouldincreasein qratitude
to him.
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 153

Fasting purifiesthe soul and creates in it the fear of Allaah. lt


makes individualsand the socretyfeel the control of Allaah on
them in bliss and hardshipand in publicand secret;where the
societyspends a whole month observingthis act of worship and
being consciousof its Lord; while being spurredby the fear of
Allaah,the Exalted,by a belief that Allaah knows what is hidden
and secret,thatman willinevitablystandbeforeHima day in which
He willask him aboutall his deeds:minorand major.'

Five: Hajj2

Pilgrimageto the Houseof Allaahin Makkahis obligatoryon every


Muslim who is adult, sane and capable;who possessesor can
afford to hire means of transportationto Makkah and also
possesseswhat is sufficientfor him to live on throughouthis
journeywith a conditionthat his provisionshould be an excess of
the provisionof thosewho are his dependants. He shouldalso be
sure that the road is safe and must ensure security of his
dependantswhile he is away. Hajj is compulsoryonce in the
lifetimefor whoeveris able to performit.

Onewho intendsto do Hajjshouldrepentto Allaahin orderthat his


soul can be free from filth of sins. When he reachesMakkahand
otherholy sites,he carriesout the ritesof hajj as an act of worship
for Allaah.He mustknowthat the Ka'abahas well
and glorification
as other sites shouldnot be worshippedbesideAllaah,for they
neitherbenefitnor harm.He shouldalso know that had Allaahnot
commandedthe Muslimsto embarkon pilgrimage to that House,it
wouldnot havebeenproperfor any Muslimto do that.

the pilgrimwearstwo white garments.The Muslims


In pilgrimage,
gather from all parts of the world at one place, wearing one
garmentand worshippingOne God;with no differencebetweenthe

' 2, p. 384.
See"Miftaahdaaras-sa'aadah"
2 d e t a i l e r
d e a d i n gs e e :" D a l e e l u l - H a jwj a l m u ' t a m i r "b y a g r o u p o f
For
scholara s n d " E x p l a n a t i o ni sn m a n y i s s u e sp e r l a i n i n gt o l l a j j a n d U m r a h "
b y S h a y k hl b n B a z .
154 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

leaderand the led; the rich and the poor;the white and the black.
All are creaturesof Allaah and his slaves.There is no superiority
for a MuslimoveranotherMuslimexceptby pietyand gooddeeds.

By Hajj,Muslimsachievecooperation and mutualrecognition,they


rememberthe Day that Allaahwill raiseall of them up ad gather
them at a singleplacefor reckoning,they therebypreparefor what
is afterdeaththroughacts of obedienceto Allaah.

Worship in lslaam:1

It is to worshipAllaahin meaningand reality.Allaahis the Creator


and you are the creature;you are the slaveand He is the One that
you worship.lf that is the case, man must then followthe Straight
Path of Allaah in this life and follow His Law and the Path of his
Messengers.Allaah has ordainedgreat laws for His slaves like
belief in His Oneness, performing prayers, paying Zakaah,
observingfastingand performingHajj.

However,the above mentionedare not the only acts of worshipin


lslaam.Worshipin lslaam is more comprehensive. lt is all that
Allaahlovesand is pleasedwithof deedsand sayings,apparentor
hidden.So, every work or sayingthat you do or say that Allaah
loves and He is pleasedwith is worship.Even, every good habit
that you do with an intentionto pleaseAllaahis worship.Yourgood
relationshipwith your father, family, spouse, children and
neighboursif you seek by that the pleasureof Allaahis worship.
Your good conductat home,in the marketand office,done for the
sakeof Allaahis worship Fulfilling the trust,beingtruthfuland just,
abstentionfrom harmingothers,giving assistanceto the weak,
earning from lawful means, spendingfor family and children,
consolingthe poor,visitingthe sick,feedingthe hungryand aiding
the wrongedare all acts of worshipif done for the sake of Allaah.
So, all deedsthat you do eitherfor yourself,familyor the societyor
your countryin whichyou intendto win the pleasureof Allaahare
actsof worshio.

'
S e e" A l - u b o o d i y y a hb" y S h a y k h uIl s l a a r nI b n l ' a y r n i y y a h
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 155

Evento fulfilyour personalpassionin a lawfulway is worshipif you


do that with a good intention.The Messengerof Allaah,blessings
and peacebe upon him, said,"Evenif anyoneof you satiateshis
sexualdesires,that is an act of charity."

The companionssaid, "O Messengerof Allaah!Would any of us


satiatehis own lust and stillget a reward?"

He answered,"Tell me if he had done that in an unlaMulway


would not he have sinned?Likewise,if he does it in a lawfulway,
he wouldget a reward."'

The Prophet,blessingsand peacebe upon him, also said,"Every


Muslimmustpay charity.'

He was asked,"How if he doesnot findwhatto paycharitywith?"

He said,"He works with his two handsbenefitshimselfby that and


then pay charity."

He was askedagain,"Buthow if he is not able?"

He said,"He shouldassistthe needywho is wronged."

He was againasked,"Buthow if he is not able?"

"He enjoinsall thatis good."


He answered,

And he was asked once more, "But how, if he is not able to do


that?"

He answered,"He refrainsfrom doingevil,for that also is for him,


an act of charity."l

'
Muslim
156 Islaam: Its Foundations Ancl Concepts

The Second Degree2

Faithand its six pillars:Beliefin Allaah,His angels,His Books,His


Messengers,beliefin the Last Day and beliefin pre-decree.

First: Beliefin Allaah.

You must believein His Lordship;that He is the Lord,the Creator,


the Possessorand the Controllerof all things. you must also
believe in His right to be worshipped,that He is the only True
Deity,that all deitiesbesides Him are false. You must believein
His Names and Attributes,that He has Beautiful Names and
perfectSublimeAttributes.

You must also believein His Onenessin all that.you must believe
that He has no partnerin His Lordship,nor in His right to be
worshippedor in His Namesand Attributes.He says,

'J
t,ir'1-l-ti' t1'.'/ /a.
'4 ;)'i .-','t.i'i
-nJ4. tb-ctt o-r-^pLit"i+.l Uj ;j\lj
.-1.;'i- ,-.<ti
e.j^-Nl
ta
et".s\

t'
1 ..-!\ I -
\ .:, **

"Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them,
so worship Him (Alone) and be constant and patient in His worship.
Do you know of any who is similar to Him? (of course none is
similar or co-equal or comparable to Him, and He has none as

'
Bukhaareeand Muslim.
t
For more, read,"Sharhusool al-eeman"by Ibn 'Uthaymeen;"Kitaabul
eernaan"by Ibn Taymiyyah;"Aqeedatulahlissunnah waljamaa'ah,'
by Ibn
'Uthayrneen.
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 157

pariner with Him). (Thgre is nothing like unto Him and He is the AII-
Hearer,the Att-Seer)."1

You must also believethat neither slumber nor sleep overtakes


Him; that He knowsall that is hiddenand evident;and that to him
belongsthe sovereignty of the heavensand the earth.He says,

CS)f!'1i,./t'li.ri'lt +,:"tLC*; lt +l* {t yrt o tii


+ :;: ,'*J.;K
\ .-1, y-;
/
-

"And with Him are the keys of the Ghaib (all that is hidden), none
knows them but He. And He knows whatever there is in the land
and in the sea:not a teaf falls,but he knows it. Thereis not a grain
in the darknessof the earth nor anything fresh or dry, but is written
in a Ctear Record.'2

You must also believethat He - may He be exalted- rose high


over His Throne above His creation,and that He is with them by
His knowledgeand He knows their conditions,hears their
utterances,sees their placesand controlstheiraffairs.He provides
for the poor, gives rellefto the dejected,gives authorityto whom
He wills,withdrawsit from whom He wills and that He is Able to do
a l lt h i n g s . "

Amongthe benefitsof beliefin Allaahare the following:

1. lt lets man love Allaahand glorifyHim and as such carry out


His commandments and abstainfrom all that He forbids.lf man

I
M a r y a ml 9 : 6 5 .
2
A l - A n ' a a m6 : 5 9 .
3 ' A q e e d a t ual h l i s s u n n awha l j a m a a ' a"h p . 7 ' I I
S e e :"
158 Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

does that, he attains perfect happinessin this world and the


Hereafter.
2. Beliefin Allaahcreatesin the mind self-esteemand dignity,for
through it, man will know that it is only Allaah who is the True
Possessorof all that is in this universe,that thereis no bringerof
harmor benefitexceptHim.This knowledgemakeshim dispenses
of all that is besidesAllaahand removesfrom his heartthe fear of
others besidesAllaah and he will not hope exceptfor Allaah and
willnot fearexceptHim alone.
3. Beliefin Allaahcreateshumblenessin the heart;for man will
know that whateverfavourhe has is from Allaah.Satanwill not be
able to deceivehim, nor will he becomeoverbearingand arrogant
or boastwith his poweror wealth.
4. The believerin Allaahwill have certainknowledgethat there is
no way to successand salvationexceptthroughgood deeds that
pleaseAllah. Some people,howeverhave false beliefthat Allaah
commandedthat His son be crucifiedas an atonementfor the sins
of mankind;some have a beliefin false deitiesbelievingthat these
will do for them what they want while actuallythey can neither
benefitnor harm; while some are atheists,who do not believein
the existenceof Creatorat all. All these beliefsare mere wishful
thoughts; for whenthosewho holdthesebeliefsmeetAllaahon the
Day of Resurrection and they see the reality,they will realisethat
they have been in clearerror.
5. Belief in Allaah createsin man great power of determination,
courage,perseverance, steadfastness and trust in Allaahwhen he
strugglesin lofty mattersin this world to achievethe pleasureof
Allaah.He will be on perfectcertaintythat he is puttinghis trust in
the Possessorof the heavensand the earth and that He will help
him and guide him. He will then be firm like mountainsin his
oatience.
steadfastness and in histrustin Allaah.l

'
S e e :' A q e e d a t ual h l i s s u n n awha l j a m a a ' a hp . 4 4 a n dM a b a d i u Il s l a a mp .
8 0 .8 4 .
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 159

Two: Beliefin the angels:

A Muslimmust believein the angels,that,it is AllaahWho created


them and describes
themas,

i 3&- -:ru,et )ii'n+r5.'i g -al *"'A y'


lr et ;e'i 4 1 i;ia.'ti "ri* L;'r,r*i,;;
, .,
{:'!i e+ij'

'They (whom they call children of All6h i.e. the angels, 'lesa
(Jesus/ son of Maryam (Mary), 'Uzair (Ezra)) are but honored
s/aves. They speak not until He has spoken,and they act on His
Command. He knows what is before them, and what is behind
them, and they cannot intercede except for him with whom He is
pleased.And they standin awe for fear of Him."I

of the Angels,Allaahsays,
In anotherdescription

{ .:i

'They (i.e. the angels) are not too proud to worship Him, nor are
they weary @f His worship).They (i.e. the angels) glorify His
Pralsesnight and day, (and) they never slacken(to do so).''

Allaahconcealsthem from our eyes,so that we do not see them.


But Allaah sometimesshows some of them to some of His
Prophetsand Messengers.

'
A l - A n b i y a a2 l : 2 6 - 2 8
t 2l:19-20
Al-Anbiyaa
160 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

Angels have functionsassignedto them. Jibreel is assigned to


Revelationswhich he bringsfrom Allaahto whosoeverHe wishes
of His Messengers.Among them is also an angel assignedto
takingthe souls,amongthem are thoseassignedto the foetusesin
the wombs, among them are those assignedto the protectionof
mankindand among them are those assignedto recordingof their
deeds. Every person has two angels "one sittingon the right and
one on the left (to note his or her actions)not a word does he (or
she) utter but there is a watcher by him (or her) ready (to record
it)"'

Benefits of belief in angels

1. lt purifiesthe beliefof the Muslimfrom stainsof polytheism, for


when a Muslim believesin the existenceof angels whom Allaah
assignswith thesegreatfunctions,he will be free from beliefin the
existenceof imaginarycreaturesthat some people claim have a
sharein the runningof the affairsof the universe.
2. lt lets the Muslimsknow that, the angelsneitherbenefitnor
harm, but that they are honouredslaves,who disobeynot Allaah
when He commands them but rather do what they are
commanded.He will not worship them, nor direct his affairs to
themor dependon them.

Three:Beliefin the Books

To believe that Allaah revealed Books to his Prophets and


Messengers,in orderto explainthe truthand call to it. Allaahsays,

'u6i ,,:' :- , - L. iJi L J , . . , ', , . 1- - ( - ' - i ,


i*::. !-tre,lii -,Si )i; U J ! l t ( ' ' . -.'.
: ur*J L-l.a_lr IaJ f

4 L7ilL

rQaaf50:17-18.
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 16l

"lndeed, We have sent Our Messengers with ctear proofs, and


revealed with them the Scripture and the Balance (justice), that
mankindmay keep up justice."'

These Booksare many.Among them are the Scriptureof prophet


lbraaheem,the Torah of ProphetMoosaa,the psalms given to
ProphetDavid and the Gospel which was broughtby prophet
JesusChrist,rnaypeacebe upon all of them.

Beliefin the PreviousBookslies in betievingthat it is AllaahWho


revealedthem to His Messengersand that they containedthe Law
that Allaahwantedto be conveyedto peopleat that time.

All these Books,which Allaahinformsus about have all become


extinct.The scriptureof Abrahamdoes no longerexist.As for the
Torah,the Gospeland the Psalms,even thoughthey do exist by
name in the hands of Jews and Christians,they have become
altered, interpolatedand adulteratedand many of their original
contentsare missing.That which are not part of them have been
includedin them, and they are attributedto thosewho are not their
authors. The Old Testamentfor instance,has more than forty
books,and only five of them were attributedto Moses.As for the
existinggospelsof today, nothingof them is attributedto Jesus.
The last Book revealed by Allaah is the Qur'aan which was
revealedto ProphetMuhammad,blessingsand peace be upon
him. lt has always been and still is protectedand preservedby
Allaah. No change or alterationhas crept into any of its letters,
words,vowelsor meaninqs.

The Qur'aanis differentfrom all previousBooksin manyways:

1. The past Books have been lost; changes and interpolations


have crept into them, they have been attributedto those who are
not their rightfulowners;many commentariesand exegesishave
been addedto them and they containmany thingsthat contradict
DivineRevelation, the reasonand nature.As for the eur'aan it rs

I
A l - H a d e e 5d 7 : 2 5 .
162 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

still being protectedby Allaah,with its lettersand words in which


Allaahrevealedthemto Muhammad.Neitheralteration nor addition
has crept into it; for Muslimshave been eagerto let the Qur'aan
remainfree from all defects.They do not mix it with anythingfrom
the Prophet'slife history,or the historyof his companionsor
commentaries of the Qur'aanor rulespertaining to acts of worship
and humanrelations.
2. Today, there is no known historicalauthorityfor the ancient
books. Even, nothingwas known about those on whom some of
them were revealedor in which languagethey were revealed.
Some of them are even attributedto others beside those who
actuallybroughtthem.

As for the Qur'aan,Muslimshavetransmitted it from Muhammad,


blessingsand peace be upon him, in a successivemanner,
verballyand in writtenform. And at every age and country,there
are thousandsof Muslimswho know this Book by heartas there
are thousandsof its copiesas well. lf the oral copiesdo not agree
with writtencopies,the divergentcopieswill not be recognised,for
what is in the memoriesof peopleshouldalwaysbe in agreement
with what is in the writtencoPies.

Aboveall, the Qur'aanwas transmitted orallyin a way that nothing


of the booksof thisworldhad enjoyed. Even this particularmethod
of transmission cannotbe found exceptamong Muslims alone. The
methodology of preserving the Qur'aangoes this way: The student
learnsthe Qur'aanby heartat the handof his teacher;who had in
turn learntit by heart at the hand of his own teacher.The teacher
also gives the student a certificatecalled"ljaazah"in whtch the
teachertestifiesthat he taughtthe studentwhat he himselflearnt
from his own teachersone after another,each and everyoneof
these teachers will name his teacher from whom he learnt the
Qur'aan in successiontill the chain reaches the Messengerof
Allaah himself.This is how the chain of teachersgo in oral
successiontill it reachesthe Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand
peacebe uponhim.
Isluam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 163

There exist many strong evidencesand historicalproofs - with


connectedchains of transmitters- on the knowledgeof every
soorah and every verse of the Qur'aan as regardswhere it was
revealedand when it was revealedto Muhammad.

3. The languages in which past Books were revealed had


becomeextinctsincea long time. No one in this age speaksthe
languagesand very few peoplecan now understandthem.As for
the languagein which the Qur'aanwas revealed,it is a living
languagespokentoday by tens of millionsof people.lt is taught
and studiedin every countryof the world. Even the one who does
not study it will find everywherethose who can teach him the
meaningof the Qur'aan.
4. Each of the previousBooks was meant for a particulartime
and sent to a particularnation;that was why it containedrulesthat
were peculiarto that nationand that time. Whateverbook that has
thesecharacteristics is not suitablefor all mankind.

As for the Great Qur'aan,it is a Book meantfor all times and all
places lt comprisesof ordainments, ruleson how humansshould
relate with one anotherand manners that are suitablefor every
age,for it is addressedto mankindin general.

In view of the above, it becomesclear that it is not possiblethat


Allaah'sproofagainsthumanityshouldbe in bookswhoseoriginal
copiesno longerexistand whoselanguagesno one in the worldof
today speaks,after they have been altered.Allaah'sproof against
His creationshouldbe in a Book,protectedand safefrom addition,
defector alterationlts copiesshouldbe spreadin every placeand
writtenwitha livinglanguagethat is readby millionsof people,who
can conveythe Messageof Allaahto all mankind.This Bookis the
MagnificentQur'aan which Allaah revealed to Muhammad,
blessingsand peacebe upon him, and that is the witnessover all
the previous Books and it confirms them - before they were
interpolated.lt is the Bookthat all mankindmust follow,so that, it
can be for them,light,healing,guidanceand niercy.Allaahsays,
164 Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

4,'*r.r#l "5:,1\pii$u 3t;J "tsi:-.s ri;; F

"And this ls a b/essed Book (the Qufan) which We have sent


down, so follow it and fear All6h (i.e. do not disobey His Orders),
that you may receive mercy (i.e. be saved from the torment of
Hell)."'

He alsosays,

'- t
to ' .ir 7 , 7t t t . it , ,'r7 ,'li: .i
{" l.'r1F;4) *t Js-j ul __-rL.rt k-rt! J' }

"Say (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) "^Omankindl Verily, I


am sentto you alt as the Messengerof Allah.'"

Four: Belief in the Messengers

To believethat Allaahsent Messengersto His creationin order to


give them glad tidings of Paradiseif they believe in Allaah and
believein the Messengers,and to warn them of punishmentif they
disobey.Allaahsays,

-l-
4t;$i \]y-i, fii lrJl;i ui \ -", ;i J,cr-;.':"Jty

"And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community,


nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): "Worship All6h (Alone), and
avoid (or keep away from) TdgQ1t(all false deities, etc. i.e. do not
worshipTAgh0tbesrdesNEh).'"

I
A l - A n ' a a m6 : 1 5 5 .
2
A l - A ' r a a f7 : 1 5 8 .F o r a l l t h e a b o v e s, e e :A l - A q e e d a t u - s - s a h e e hpa h
Aqeedatu a h l i s - s u n n awha l j a m a a ' a hp . 2 2 ; M a b a a d i uIls l a a mp . 8 9 .
r An-Nahl 6:36.
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 165

He alsosays,

-.t /.rl
,t4r7'-.t!'t i1', ,.,,. i..,.,.
J+ 4"* 9l Je .rU- o-f" tf. q*: U47* l:iy
" J*_ll

'Messengers
as bearers of good news as well as of warning in
order that mankind should have no plea againstNEh after the
(comingof) Messengers."'

These Messengersare many.The first of them was Noah and the


last of them is Muhammad.There are many among them, those
whom Allaah told us storiesabout like Abraham,Moses, Jesus,
David, John, Zakariahand Saleh. There are also some about
whomAllaahtellsus nothing.Allaahsays,

fri {t " u 6 "r?:.-X, I l-:i & u -1)L "&;28 u y-:i y


4 :-y)t:"=14J.;

"And Messengers We have mentioned


^to you before and
MessengersWe have not mentionedto you.'"

All these Messengerswere humans created by Allaah. They


possessed nothing of the qualitiesof Lordship or Godship.
Therefore,no act of worshipshould be directedto them; for they
could avail themselvesof any harm or benefit.Allaah says about
ProphetNoahthat he said.

'1;i 'Js
4.", (t:.j) Jli 'li i-li ;ri bi,- ,.s)+ E 3roi,i: h

I
An-Nisaa 4:165.
2
A n - N i s a a4 : 1 6 4 .
166 Islanm: Its Foundations And Concepts

"And I do not say fo you that with me are the Ireasures of All.ah,
northat I know the Ghaib (unseen),nor do I say I am an angel."'

Allaah also commandedMuhammad,blessingsand peace be


uponhim,to say,

-i
j)3 3ji7i;3i '&i7i 4,iJJ? Ls).tK l,r;f U I
k.

4-'3iL
'l
"Say (O Muhammad(peace be upon him)) don't tell you that with
me are the treasuresof AIl6h, nor (that) | know the Unseen;nor I
tellyou that I am an angel.'"

And to say,

4i,i ;G c 7162'ti fr ;o.jr-J-.JU I

Say (O Muhammad(peace be upon him)) "lpossess no power of


benefitor huft to myselfexcepf as All6h wills'"

The Prophetsare thereforehonouredslaves,whom Allaah chose


and honouredwith the Message and describedas His slaves.
Theirreligionis lslaamand Allaahwill not acceptany otherreligion
besidesit. Allaahsays,

"Truty,the retigionwith Altdhis ls!6m.'a

I H o o dI l : 3 l .
2
A l - A n ' a a r n6 : 5 0 .
I
A l - A ' r a a f7 : 1 8 8 .
4
A a l ' l m r a a n3 : 1 9 .
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 167

The basic messagesof the Prophetswere one but their Laws


differ.Allaahsavs.

{Aq"'ti;;"S, ct;; St Y

"To each amongyou We have prescribeda Law and a clear way."1

The final of all these Laws is that of Muhammad.lt abrogatesall


otherpreviouslaws.His Messageis the lastof all DivineMessages
and he is the last of all Messengers.Whoever believes in a
Prophetamong them should believein all of them and whoever
deniesanyoneof them has deniedall of them;for all Prophetsand
Messengerscall to the beliefin Allaah,His angels,His Books,His
Messengersand the Last Day and becausetheir religionis one.
So, he who disbelievesin othershas disbelievedin all of them; for
everyone of them calledto beliefin all Prophetsand Messengers.t
Allaahsays,

'r.ll' tt ,.ti .'t- \


-^5.-*t $L nv .),t - Ot*J' efto f

4 -4:3; ti 3;:t",'i 't -4:li -*5i

"The Messenger (Muhammad (peace be upon him)) believes in


what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the
believers.Each one believesin All6h, His Angels, His Books,and
Hls Messengers.They say, "We make no distinctionbetween one
anotherof His Messeneers.'u

He alsosays,

I
A l - M a a i d a h5 : 4 8 .
'
See, Al-Aqeedatus-saheehah p 17; Aqeedatu ah lus-sunnah
w a l j a r n a a ' a hp . 2 5 .
" Al-Baqarah 2:285.
168 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

'orft -,tt
-l:":i ,4,iA i;'i oi J_r:L.j: -l::, 4i l_r.. V
34'tt;i;\ri$, oi itr-.; ',;a4
v ,;i oi ij*_i
"4.
+ :l !y' (rn s-;5JJ.6iii)'u-sr';Ki *. ri,=:

'Verily, fhose who disbelieve in All6h


and His Messengersand
wish to make distinction between All6h and His Messengers (by
believing in All6h and disbelieving in His Messengers) saying, "We
believe in some but reject others," and wish to adopt a way in
befuveen.They are in truth disbelievers.And We have preparedfor
the disbetieversa humiliatinatorment."l

Five: Belief in the Last Day:

Sincedeathis, inevitably, the end of everybeingin thisworld,what


then is the fate of man after death?What is the end of the unjust
people who escaped the punishmentin this world? Will they
escape the consequenceof their injustices?What about the
righteouspeople who missed their share of the reward of this
world,are theirrewardsgoingto be wasted?

Indeed,mankindshallcontinueto die, generation aftergeneration,


untilwhen AllaahgivesHis permission that thisworldshouldcome
to an end and all creatureson the face of the earthdie. Allaahwill
thereafterresurrectall creaturesin a day that will be witnessedby
all; a day in which Allaah will gather all former and later
generations. He will then call men to accountfor all their deeds
either good or bad which they had earned in the world. The
believerswill be led to Paradise and the disbelieverswill be
marchedto Fire.

'
A n - N i s a4a: 1 5 0 - 1 5 1 .
Islsam: Its Foundstions And Concepts 169

Paradiseis the abode of peace which He has preparedfor His


believingfriends.Thereare in it all kindsof blisswhichno one can
describe. lt has degrees and every degree will have dwellers
accordingto the degreeof theirbeliefin Allaahand theirobedience
to Him. The lowestin degree of the dwellersof Paradisein bliss
will be equal to tenfoldof the Kingdomof one of the kings of this
world.

Hell is the abodeof punishment whichAllaahhas preparedfor him


who disbelievesin Him. lt has all kinds of tormentwhose mere
mention is terrifying.lf Allaah will allow anyone to die in the
Hereafterthe dwellersof the Firewill certainlydie at mere sightof
it.

Allaahknows- by His Pre-Knowledge - what every man will do or


say of good or evil, secretlyor publicly.He assignedto every man
two angels:one recordshis good deedsand the other his evil ones
and nothingescapesthem.Allaahsays,

( r:l)j.* (*.: i.-t I )i o, L4- Cy

"Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him
ready (to record it)."1

All his deedswill be recordedin a bookthatwill be oivento man on


the Day of Resurrection.Allaahsays,

,r i:.. .,. .--?' .'i1 -:: ,.2i1 . ,,


l-i:-a JL U)1L- 63J9at * t^: U-'h4-- W.7*ll LiF.l"r5Jl ge:i I
'" , , L ^,-. 4
1 | . . ,. i. a- .
\e tt.V iJr.g t- lyqjj yl 6J4r' \ja,jte t , . . r ,yj
j;tv
k:.e-l \r:41
.
t .,=,_r/,. i i 1!. t 111
q ,r_l r..p | -44) .rJJ,-!

'
Q a a f5 0 :l 8
170 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

"And the Book (one's Record) will be placed (in the right hand for a
believer in the Oneness of All6h, and in the left hand for a
disbeliever in the Oneness of All6h), and you will see the Mujrimln
(criminals, polytheists, sinners), fearful of that which is (recorded)
therein. They will say: "Woe to us! What sort of Book is this that
leaves neithera smallthing nor a big thing,but has recordedit with
numbers!" And they will find all that they Qid,placed before them,
and your Lord treatsno one with injustice."'

The man will then read his record and will not deny anything
thereinand whosoeverdenies anythingof his deeds, Allaah will
give power of speechto his ears, eyes, hands,legs and skin, so
thattheycouldcontradicthim.Allaahsays,

- -':ra1 '1'.4' ,&

)^J ,.;,*'"Jt',-tbti&+lt ;irt t,;l-.,ii;Jti t1J!


'e'1r
Cerp.\jsiy
ni#"# +.- oi'o;#'* c't:;poi-; lp i, J:ti'6.ilb
tt w tlii6i'bi ril g#:j+'t3-€'tri
4t:toitrt:.-
'And they will
say to their skins, "Why do you testify against us?"
They will say: "Alldh has caused us fo speak - He causes all things
to speak: and He created you the first time, and to Him you are
made to return. And you have not been hiding yourselves (in the
world), lestyour ears, and your eyes,and your skinsshould testify
againstyou; but you thought that Alldh knew not much of what you
were doing.'"

Beliefin the Last Dayt - Day of Resurrection


- was preachedby all
Messengers and Prophets. Allaahsays,

'
A l - K a h fl 8 : 4 9 .
2
Fussilat4l:21-22.
'i -
l-or moreevidences aboutresurrection,
seepages84-90ofthis book.
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts tll

'-,-.i7
-';,.,,"(-
JlJl .rzJ LaFl "
(.5Jl

"AndamongHrs Srgns(in this),that you seethe eafth barren;but


when We senddownwater(rain)to it,it ls sffred to life and growth
(of vegetations)Verily,He Whogivesit life, surely,is Able to give
life to the dead(on the Day of Resurrection).
lndeedHe is Able to
do allthings."l

He alsosays,

r',.
'- z - i 1^ - , . . : i:- -!.i.. . . f i'airl
- q . ir . i .. .i.'
Jt y+ W e lt.fi'lt't -1-,'*-i;)t.y'-.sr{t gl fler2ljl }

{ itsr ,f ,tt

"Do they not see that Allah, Who created the heavens and the
earth, and was not wearied by their creation, is Able to give life to
the dead?''

This is what the Divine Wisdom necessitates:for Allaah did not


create His creation in vain or leave them for fun. The weakest
personin intelligencecannotcarry out any importantactionwithout
having a purposefor it. How can this not be imaginedin case of
man and then think that Allaah only created His creationfor fun
and that He shall leave them in vain. Far and HighlyExaltedis
Allaahaboveall thattheysay.Allaahsays,

I F u s s i l a4 tl : 3 9 .
2
A l - A h q a a4f 6 : 3 3 .
L72 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

"Do you think that We had created you in play (without any
purpose)and that you would not be broughtback to tJs?"l

He alsosays,

nt..:
(',
,'.2 - ..i
2i .
'iy;
_hp l3r"e5u,-Jl *,!X-'t ;5. C-,;t\ri ;-G-riua, L,t y
t'.i' t'
(t r:!r:JLJ|
,z- ,tt7. i
;t: ts.6 uru.

"And We created not the heaven and the earth and all that is
between them without purpose! That is the assumptionof those
who disbelieve! Then woe to those who disbelieve (in lslimic
Monotheism)from the Fire.'2

All wise men testifyto the necessityof beliefin the Last Day; for
that's what the intelligenceand reason necessitateand what the
soundhumannatureagreesto. When man believesin the Day of
Resurrection,he knows why he should abstainfrom what he is
orderedto leave and do what he is orderedto do, hopingfor what
is with Allaah. He will also know that, he who does injusticeto
people will inevitablyhave his recompenseand that those he
wrongs will take revengeon him on the Day of Resurrection.He
will also know that man must havea reward:good rewardfor good
deeds and commensuratepunishmentfor evil deeds,so that each
soul shall be rewardedfor what it strivedfor and DivineJusticecan
be established. Allaahsavs,

I
A l - M u ' n t i n o o2 ni : I 1 5 .
2
S a a d3 8 : 2 7 .
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 173

"So whoever does an atom weight of good sha// see it; and
whoeverdoes an atom weightof evil shall see it."'

No one amongmankindknowswhen the Day of Resurrection will


come.This is a Day that is knownto neithera sent Prophetnor a
favouredAngel. Allaah keeps the knowledgeof that to Himself
alone.He says,

1 't
-

it qy-ttq,# i jt -'.+& 6lA-etl


a
vai q djr;.y
os.i
L,

(i,

"They ask you about the Hour (Day of Resurrection): 'When will be
its appointed time?' Say: 'The Knowledge thereof is with my Lord.
Nonecan reveal its time but He.' 'n

He also says,

, -.,zirr t. ."al.rlU
t 4-eLJl 'cJ+ 4, _, ,
et

"VerilyAll6h,withHim (Alone)is the knowledge


of the Hour.'r

Six: Beliefin Pre-decree:

You must believethat Allaahknowswhat happensand what shail


happen;that He knows the conditions,deeds, life spans and
provisions
of His slaves.He says,

{ :n1j; ,3, 5.'Ai'olY

'Az- Zalzalah99:1-8
2 Al-A'raaf 7:187.
r L u q m a a3nl : 3 4 .
174 Islaam: Its Foundotions And Concepts

"Verily,
All3his theAll-Knower "'
of everything.

Healsosays,

L,,
t'- .'lt. .'ll
ui t u r a. pl
J J J
' .

/ --\ ! 'z
t i.Iil+:'!-$-

"And with Him are the keys of the Ghaib (all that is hidden), none
knows them but He. And He knows whatever there is in the land
and in the sea;not a leaf falls,but he knows it. Thereis not a grain
in the darkness of fhe earth nor anything fresh or dry, but is written
in a Clear Record.'2

He registersall that in a Recordwith Him. He also says,

'Al-'Ankaboot29.62.
t
Al-An'aam6:59. Had not therebeenin the Qur'aanbut only this verse,it
would have beenenoughas a clearevidenceand decisiveproofthat it is
fiom Allaah; for mankind, in all their ages- even in this age, where
knowledge is widespreadand man grows arrogant- have not thought of
this comprehensive encompassment, let alonehavingthe ability to do any
of that. The highestextentto which their efforts could carry them is to
closely observea tree or insectin a particularenvironment,in order to
revealto us a part of its mysteries.But what is hiddenfrom them in that
tree or insectis greater.As for comprehensive think and encompassment,
it is a matterthat mankindhavenot known or havethe abilitv to know.
Islaam: Its Foundutions And Concepts t75

"And all things We have recorded with numbers (as a record) in a


ClearBook."1

He says,

.-u;t'ol"?s A 3!;:''",r)
._r.4":-,.
( .l) -,o*:'-*ur Jt

Know you not that All6h knowsall that is in heavenand on the


eafth?Verily,it is^(all)in the Book(Al-LauhAl-Mahf1z).Verilythat
ls easyfor All6h.''

He alsosays,

( ,:Di,(i,f ;L'rit^:1Y
'I;ta oi fo' sr'ril;t

'Verily, His Command,


'Be'and ^when He intends a thing, is only that He
says fo it, it is!'"

As it is Allaah Who preordainedall things, it is also He Who


Createdallthings.He says,

4.t:'il*'^At 'Ja S ij1Y

"Verily, We have created all things with Qadar (Divine


Preordainmentsof all thingsbeforetheir creation,as writtenin the
Book of DecreesAl-LauhAl-Mahf0z). "'

'
Y a a s e e n3 6 : 1 2 .
2 tt-uailzz:lo.
3 Y a a s e e n3 6 : 8 2 .
176 Islaom: Its FoundntionsAnd Concepts

He alsosays,

'rl. ,r.
,o .', t6-

t '..f J-4 6L> urt y

"Allahis the Creatorof all thinqs.'2

He createdmen in order to worshipHim and made that clear to


them. He commandedthem to obey Him, forbiddenthem from
disobeyingHim and made that clear to them. He gave them power
and will by which they could carry out the Commandmentsof
Allaahand get reward;and by which they could perpetrateacts of
disobedience,and get punished.

lf man believesin the DivinePreordainment,


he will achievethe
following:

1. He will dependon Allaah while makinguse of the means;for


he knows that the means and its causes are all by Divine pre-
decreeof Allaah.
2. Peaceof mind and tranquillity; for when he knows that it is
Allaah Who gives that and that the preordaineddetestablething
shallhappenno matterwhat,he will have restof mind and he will
be pleasedwith the decisionof Allaah.Therewill not be anyone
who will be more pleasedand have more peaceof mind than him
Who believesin DivinePreordainment.
3. He wilt not be arrogantwhen he attainswhat he aims; for he
will knowthatthe attainmentof thatblessingis fromAllaahthrough
the means of good and success He has pre-decreed.He will
thereforethankAllaahfor that.
4. He will not be sad or distressedwhen the desired goal is
missedor when the unwantedhappens;becauseof his knowledge
that it happensthroughirresistibleDecreeof Allaah.For no one
can resistHis Commandor appealHis judgement.What he has

'
A l - Q a r n a5r 4 : 4 9 .
2
Az-Zunar 39:62.
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 177

pre-decreedwill inevitablyhappen.He will thereforebe patientand


get the rewardthereoffrom Allaah.Allaahsays,

oi F , -i'+ ,., jl 'S-Lie 'li u.t'lt C i=; o: +Vi C y


q \;i.i; Fd (. & \;U iK. r.:i,>"*+. ;ri JL s.t:;:'o1'Gif,
'"est;
t-*' 96 5lj't
4,a.E) :uit

"Nocalamitybefallson the earlhor in yourselvesbut is inscribedin


the Book of Decrees(Al-LauhAl-Mahflz), before We bring it into
existence.Verily,that is easy for All6h. ln order that you may not
grieveat thingsthatyou fail to get, nor reioiceoverthat whichhas
beengivento you And Attdhtikesnotpridefulboasters. ."7

5. Completedependenceon Allaah.For the Muslimknows that, it


is only AllaahWho has the powerto cause benefitor harm. He will
then not fear any powerfulperson becauseof his power and will
not hesitateto do good deedsout of fear of any man. The Prophet,
blessingsand peace be upon him, told lbn Abbaas:"Know that if
all mankindare unanimouson benefitingyou, they cannotbenefit
you with anythingexceptwith that which Allaah has pre-decreed
for you. lf they are also unanimouson harmingyou, they cannot
harmyou exceptwith thatwhichAllaahhas pre-decreedfoi you."2

I Al-Hadeed57:22-23.See:Al-Aqeedahas-saheehah p. l9; Aqeedah


l aqq p. 18.
h a l j a m a a ' a hp . 3 9 a n d D e e n u H
a h l i s u n n aw
2 Ahmad and At-Tirmidhee.
178 Islasm: Its Foundations And Concepts

The Third Degree

The thirddegreeis "/hsaan"(utmostsincerityand perfectionin acts


of worship).lt implieswhich meansthat you worshipAllaahas if
you are seeingHim, and if you do not see Him, He sees you. One
must worshiphis Lord with this quality.That is, to bear it in mind
that Allaahis closeto him; that he is standingbeforehis Lord.This
conditionmakes man have awe, fear and great honourfor Allaah.
It makes man sincerein acts of worshipand gives him courageto
strivemore towardsits oerfection.

The slave is consciousof his Lord while observingact of worship


and remindshimselfof His nearnessto him as if he is seeingHim.
lf he cannot do that, let him be consciousof the fact that Allaah
sees him and knows his secretand publicaffairs,and that nothing
is hiddenfrom Him.1

The slavethat has reachedthis stageworshipshis Lordsincerely,


not lookingto others besidesHim. He neitherexpectspeople's
praisenor fears theirblame;for it is enoughfor him that his Lord is
pleasedwith him and praiseshim.This is a man whosepublicand
privatedeeds are the same. He worshipshis Lord in privateand
publicwith certainfaiththat Allaahknowsall that is in his heartand
goes on in his mind. The faith has overpoweredhis heart and the
consciousness of his Lord is manifeston him; his limbs then
surrenderto Allaah;for he will not use them exceptin what pleases
Allaahand in thatwhichHe lovesand in submission to Him.

Sincehis hearthas beenattachedto his Lord,he will not seek help


from any creature,for Allaah sufficeshim; he will not complainto
any man,for he has approached Allaahwith his needsand enough
is He as a Helper.He does not feel lonelyin any placenor does he
fear anyone, for he knows that Allaah is with him in all hrs
conditions. He is enoughfor him and He is the BestHelper.He will
not abandonany order that Allaahcommandshim to carry out and
will not perpetrateany sin,for he is ashamedbeforeHim and hates

I
J a a m i u 'lu l o o mw a l - H i k a m o . 1 2 8 .
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts r79

that He findshim wantingin what He Commandshim to do or finds


him where he forbids him. He will neitheroppress nor wrong
anyone or take anyone'sright for he knows that Allaah is seeing
him,and that He shallcallhim to accountfor all his deeds.

He will not cause mischiefin the land; for he knows that all good
things that are in the earth are propertiesof Allaah which He
subjects for His Creation. He will take of these good things
accordingto his needs and thank his Lord for facilitatingthem for
him.

All that I havetold you and presentedto you in this bookletare only
importantmattersand great pillarsin lslaam.Whoeverbelievesin
thesefundamentalsand acts by them has becomea Muslim.lf not,
lslaam- as I have told you - is both religionand worldly;a worship
and a way of life. lt is the comprehensiveand perfectDivineOrder
that encompassesin its ordainmentsall that the individualand the
societyneed in all aspectsof their religious,political,economical,
social and security life. Man will find therein principles,
fundamentalsand rules that regulatepeace and war and binding
duties; and preservesthe dignity of man, bird, animals and the
environmentthat surrounds him. They also explain to him the
realityof man, the life and the death; and the Resurrectionafter
death.He also finds in lslaamthe best methodologyof relatingwith
peoplearoundhim;suchas the sayingof Allaah,

,7bt nr:tiii'V

"And speakgood to peopte"l

And His saying,

, ,1,i .,'i1. r
t._r-U' iJe etrttJtJ f

I 2:83
Al-Baqarah
180 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

"And thosewho pardon men."'

And His saying,

J:]i ; \S*i'\ ; )i *i ln ti',oLr "".::"-ur't, y


4.u'jr1x.

"And let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid
justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety; and fear All6h.'"

After we have discussed the degrees of this religion and the


fundamentalsof each degree, it is appropriatethat we discuss
brieflythe beautiesof lslaam.

I
A a l ' l m r a a n3 :| 3 4 .
2A I - M a a i d a h
5:8.
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 181

Some of the Beautiesof lslaaml

The beautresof lslaam are beyondwhat pens can fully write and
enoughexpressionscannotbe foundto describethe virtuesof this
religion;becauseit is the religionof Allaah.Just as the eye cannot
encompassthe perceptionof Allaah and man cannot encompass
His Realityon Knowledge, so can the pen not encompassHis Law
in description.lbn Al-Qayyimsaid, "lf you reflecton the dazzling
wisdom in this Upright Religion,this pure faith and the Law
enactedfor mankind,which no expressioncan perfectlydescribe,
whose descriptioncannot be perfected,the likenessof which the
wisdomof the wise cannotpropose- even if all wise men are to be
as perfectlywise as the wisest one among them, whose beauty
and virtues are perceived and attested to by the perfect and
honourableintelligence, that the world had not known a law better
and greaterthan it even if the Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand
peace be upon him, had not broughtany proof in supportof it, all
that would have been enough an evidencethat it is from Allaah.
Every aspect of this religion shows perfect knowledge,perfect
wisdom, expansivenessof mercy, righteousnessand kindness,
absolute inclusionof all that is hidden and manifest and the
knowledgeaboutthe beginnings and ends.lt also showsthat it is
one of the greatest favours that Allaah has bestowed on His
slaves,for He bestowsnot on them a favourgreaterthan the fact
that He guidedthem to this religion,madethem its adherentsand
chosen it for them. Hence,He remindsHis slavesof the fact that
He ouidedthemto it. He savs.

'
For moredetailon this section,read Ad-Durratulmukhtasarah fee
m a h a a s i n i d d e eInsil a a m e eb,y S h a y k hA b d u r - R a h m a aAns - S a ' d e ea; n d
M a h a a s i n ul sl l a a m b, y S h a y k hA b d u l A z e e zA s - S a l m a a n .
182 Isloam: Its Foundations And Concepts

44r,'r;,L l$- 4;i c.eJ:-i'rg c-;il ,*ii JL':'i o. a y

"lndeed All6h conferred a great favor on the believers when He


sent among them a Messenger(Muhammad(peace be upon him))
from among themselves, reciting unto them His Verses (the
Qu/6n), and purifying them (from sins by their following him), and
instructing them (in) the Book (the Qu/6n) and Al-Hikmah (the
wisdom and the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) (i.e.
his legal ways, statements,acts of worship)) while before that they
had been in manifesterror."'

He also says, makingHimselfknownto His slaves,remindingthem


of His great favour on them, and callingthem to thank Him for
makingthem amongits adherents,

( ;a; ,st JjKt i'Ai Y

"Thisday, t have perfectedyour retigionfor you.'2

It is thereforepart of showinggratitudeto Allaahon this religion,to


mentionsome of its beauties:

1. lt is the religion of Allaah which He has chosenfor Himself.


sent with His Messengersand by which He allowedHis slavesto
worshipHim. His religionis not comparableto human statutesand
man-madereligions.As Allaah possessesthe qualityof absolute
perfection,so does His religion has an absolute perfectionin
providingordainmentsthat reform the worldly and eternal life of
mankind;encompassesthe rightsof the Creatorand obligationsof

I
A a l ' l m r a a n3 : 1 6 4 .
2
A l - M a a i d a h5 : 3 , S e e :M i f t a a h ud a a r i sS a ' a a d a hV . l , p . 3 7 4 - 3 7 5 .
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 183

His slaves towards Him; obligationsof one towards anotherand


the rightsof each one of them upon another.
2. Comprehensiveness:One of the most prominent
beautiesof this religionis that it takes care of every
aspectof humanlife.AllaahsaYS,

r v ?4i ad"j (. >


4.-,.

"We have negtectednothingin the Book."1

This religionencompassesall that has to do with the Creatorlike


His Names,Attributesand rights;and all that has to do with the
creatureslike laws, obligations,manners and relationship.This
religion also encompasses the stories of former and latter
generation,stories of angels, Prophetsand Messengers.lt tells
aboutthe heaven,the earth,the orbits,the planets,seas,treesand
the universe.lt mentionsthe goal and aim of creationand its end;
talks about Paradiseand the final abode of the believersand Fire
and the finalabodeof disbelievers.

3. lt links man to his Creator:Everyfalsereligionand creedhas


the characterof linking man with another man that is prone to
death,weakness,incapacityand diseases.Some even link man to
a person who has died since hundreds of years ago and had
becomemere bones and dust. lslaam,on the other hand, has the
quality of linking man to his Creator directly;with no priest nor
reverendand no holy secret.lf this directconnectionbetweenthe
Creatorand the created;a connectionthat links the heart with its
Lord and it thereby gets light, guidanceand loftiness;seeks for
perfection;and deems itselfhigh above insignificantand debased
things. For every heart that has no link with its Lord is more
erroneous thananimals.

'
A l - A n ' a a m6 : 3 8 .
184 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

It is a communicationbetween the Creator and the creatureby


which he knowsthe wish of his Creatorand then worshipHim with
the knowledge, and gets to knowthingsthat pleaseHim and seek
for that, and things that annoys Him and shun them. lt is a
communication betweenthe All-MightyCreatorand the weak and
destitutecreature,that enableshim seek for aid, assistanceand
successfrom Htm,and ask Him for protectronagarnstevil planners
and evildeedsof devils.

4. lt caters for the benefits of this world and those of the


Hereafter.The lslaamicLaw is basedon protectionof the benefits
of this world and the Hereafterand on perfectionof good morals.
As for the explanationof the benefitsof the Hereafter,the religion
of lslaamhas explainedall that and left nothingof it untakencare
of. lt explainsit in detail so that nothingof it may be unknown.
lslaam promisesthe bliss in the Hereafterand warns aqainst its
torment.

Concerningthe benefitsof this world, Allaah ordainedin this


religion what can protect for man his religion, life, property,
posterity,dignityand intelligence.

Concerninghonourableconducts,lslaamenjoinsthat overtlyand
covertlyand forbidsdebasingmanners.Amongthe apparentnoble
conductsthat lslaamenjoinsare cleanliness and purification
from
all kinds of impuritiesand dirt. lslaam recommendsusing of
perfumeand outwardadornment;it forbidsfilthy behaviourslike
adulteryand fornication,
consumingalcohol,eatingdead animals,
bloodand pork flesh,and enjoinseatingof lawfulgood things.lt
alsoprohibitswastefulnessand extravaqance.

As for innerpurification,
lslaamprohibitsundesirableconductsand
encouragescommendableones. Among the forbidden manners
are: lies,obscenity,anger,jealousy,stinginess,
debasingoneself,
love of prestige and this world, arrogance,haughtrnessand
hypocrisy. Amongthe commendedbehaviours are good conduct,
good companionship to all peopleand beingkind to them,justice
and fairness, humility, truthfulness,magnanimity,generosity,
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 185

dependenceon Allaah,sincerityin acts of worship,fear of Allaah,


patienceand showinggratltude.'

5. Easiness: Easinessis one of the unique qualitiesof this


religion.ln everyritualis easinessand in everyact of worshipis
easiness.Allaahsays,

c '
,' '''i ' '2"" i''
4 Cr ut J.'.lJtC5)' J" t-j
"' )

"He has notlaiduponyou in religionany hardship'a

The firsteasinessin lslaamis that;anyonewho wantsto becomea


Muslimdoes not need a human intermediary or a confessionof
past sins. He only needs to cleanse himself and utter the
statement:I testifythat there is no deity worthyof worshipexcept
Allaahand I testifythat Muhammad,blessingsand peacebe upon
him, is the Messengerof Allaah;and to believein the meaningsof
this statementand act by its implications.

Further,every worshipin lslaam is characterised by easinessand


alleviation.lf a man travelsor is sick, the rewardof the deed that
he usedto do when he was at homeor healthywill continueto be
recordedto his credit.The whole life of the Muslim is easy and
filled with tranquillity,while the life of a disbelieveris conversely
filledwith hardshipand toil. Also, the death of a Muslimis easy
where his soul comes out of his body as a drop of watercomes out
of a vessel.Allaahsavs,

I minal fasaadwal-awhaam,by
See:Al-'l'laambimaafee deenin-nasaaraa
A l - Q u r t u b e ep . 4 4 2 - 4 4 5 .
'l.t-uaiizz:lt
186 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

'&; 'u: j*
is ,- ";Ai i j-",i :, *+t<l:ii rr-jiI
"*;
,r..=-'. i"l
( ':; tJj'r.g

"Those whose lives the angels take while they are pious saying (to
them):peace be on you, enter ParadL'se becauseof that (the good)
which you used to do (in the world)."1

As for the disbeliever,the sternand harshangelswill be presentat


his death beating him with lashes. Allaah says about the
disbeliever,

a -a, | 2 t.- ....


t;;t "
4-*t rlt-U .(jLJt: yiit ?* A 3rr:L,Et ;1 [s; ]: \

A ;r ;ri J' fj* fs q 6;i,ti.tn Jr-r; 7pi''4;Li


( rOij^<i -*.v ft';-si

"And if you could but see when the Zdlimln (polytheists and
wrong-doers) are in the agonies of death, while the angels are
stretching forth their hands (saying): "Deliver your souls! This day
you shall be recompensed with the torment of degradation
because of what you used to utter against Alldh other than the
truth. And you used to reject His Aydt (proofs, evidences, yerses,
/essons, signs, revelations,etc.) with disrespect!''

He also says,

'
A n - N a h lI 6 : 3 2 .
2
A l - A n ' a a m6 : 9 3 .
Islsam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 187

.-(- . ,. t , ' - . . t - r -- ' , - i ' i ' ' , , : i 6-


.' "/S+tJl trj-4 U-lt S* t! [S; rt Y
r^t>ts f<n:.j J--,y-rtn-
, -, ,, t

{ :i.t;p"y.lt l't.t-o tg:i

"And if you could see when the angels take away the sou/s of
those who disbelieve (at death); they smite their faces and their
backs (saying):Tastethe punishmentof the btazingFire."1

6. Justice:The one who ordainsthe lslaamicinjunctions is Allah


alone.He is the Creatorof all people:blackand white,male and
female. Men are equal before His judgement,justice and mercy.
He ordainsrules that suits each of the male and female. lt then
becomesimpossiblethat the Law of lslaam favours male at the
expenseof femaleor gives female preferenceand do injusticeto
male. lslaamalso does not endow white man with qualitiesand
deny that to the blackman.All are equalbeforethe Laws of Allaah
and no differencebetweenthem except by piety.
7. Enjoining all that is good and forbidding all that is evil:
The religionof lslaamhas noblecharacteristics, which is enjoining
all that is goodand forbidding all that is evil.This duty is incumbent
on everymaleor femaleMuslimwho is an adult,sane and able to
enjoinand forbidaccording to his or her abilityand accordingto the
degrees of the enjoiningand prohibition.He or she should
commandor forbid with hand, if not able to do so then with the
tongueand if not able then with the heart.By this all membersof
the Muslimcommunity willbe supervisors in the community.

Everyindividualshouldcommandwhoeveris negligentto do good


deed,and forbidwhoeverdoes wrongto desist,be he eithera ruler
or ruled; each accordingto his ability and in accordancewith
thatcontrolthis matter.
lslamicregulations

This matter- as yoL can see - is compulsory upon individual


accordingto his ability Comparethisto whatthe contemporary

rAl-Anfaa
8 l: 5 0 .
188 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

political orders proudly claim that they give opportunity to


oppositionpartiesto monitorthe governmentactivitiesand carry
out officialfunctions.

These are some of the beautiesof lslaam.Had I wantedto go into


details,I would have stoppedat every rite, every obligation,every
commandment and every prohibitionin order to explain the
extensivewisdom,decisiveordainment,impressive,unique and
matchlessperfectionthat lie therein.Whoever ponders over the
ordainmentsof this religion,he will know with certaintythat it is
from Allaahand that it is the truth that is free of any doubt and a
guidancefrom error. lf you thereforewant to go back to Allaah,to
follow His Law and to follow the path of His Prophets and
Messengers,the door of repentanceis open beforeyou and your
Lord is Oft-Forgiving,Most -Merciful. He calls you in order to
forgiveyou,
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 189

Repentance

The Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peace be upon him, said,


"All childrenof Adam do commitsins and the best of the sinners
are thosewho repent."'

Man by natureis weak; he is weak in his aim and resolutionand is


unable to bear the consequencesof his sins and misdeeds.So
Allaah out of kindness, makes matters easy for man and He
prescribedfor him repentance.

The essenceof repentanceis to abandonthe sin becauseof its


ugliness- out of fear for Allaah- and out of desirefor His Mercy;to
regretover what one has done, to determinenot to go back to the
sin againand to spendwhateveris left of one's life in good deeds.2
As you can see, repentanceis a deed of the heart that is only
betweenthe slave and his Lord.lt is not a difficultjob for him. lt is
just a deed of the heart:to abandonthe sin, and not to go back to
it. There is actuallywell-beingand peace of mind in abstaining
from all that Allaahforbids."'

You do not need to repentat the hand of a man who will reveal
your secret and manipulate your weakness. lt is only a
communicationbetween you and your Lord; you seek His
forgivenessand guidanceand He forgivesyou. There is nothing
like inheritedsin in lslaam,nor is thereanythinglike an expected
mankindsaviour.lslaam,is as discoveredby the AustrianJewish
revert to lslaam, MuhammadAsad who said, "l could not find it
anywherein the Qur'aanany mentionof man'sneedfor salvation.
In lslaam,there is no conceptof the first rnheritedsin that stand
betweenman and his fate, because,

' a n dl b n M a a j a h .
A h m a d ,A t - T i r m i d h e e
2 Al-Mufradaatfee ghareebil
Qur'aan,p. 76, quotedfreely.
3 b y I b n A l - Q a y y im.
Al-Fawaaid
190 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

{,O.i; u itu-Y A Y
'Man
can have nothingbut what he does (good or bad).'1

lslaam does not require from man to presenta sacrificeor kill


himselfin orderto havethe door of repentanceopenedfor him and
to be savedfrom sins."'Allaahsays,

{ :iD.sii ta'ai1'r,j1i Y
"No burdened person (with sins) shall bear the burden (sins) of
another.'u

Repentancehas greatbenefitsand impacts,someof whichare:

1. lt makes man know expansivenessof Allaah'sforbearance,


and magnanimityin concealinghis misdeeds.Had He willed,He
would have hastenedto punishhim and disgracedhim in front of
peopleso that he would not be able to live comfortablywith them.
But Allaah honouredhim by concealingfor him his sins, covered
him by His forbearanceand endowedhim with energy,provision
and sustenance.
2. lt lets him know his real self, that it is inclinedto evil and that
whatever comes from it of sins, misdeedsor negligenceis an
indicationfrom forbiddendesires,and that, it cannot dispenseof
Allaah - for even a twinkle of an eye - for its purificationand
guidance.
3. Allaah prescribes repentance in order to seek with it the
greatestcauses of happinessfor man, which is creating refuge
with Allaahand seekingHis assistance; and also to bring about
different kinds of supplication;showing one's submission,

'
A n - N a j n r5 3 : 3 9 .
2Road
t o I s l a a mb y M u h a r n m a A
d sad p. 140
r An-Na.;m
53:38
Islaam: Its FoandationsAnd Concepts 191

helplessnessto Allaah,showingone'slove to Allaah,one'sfear of


and hope in Him; then the soul moves closerto its Creatorin a
specialway which will not occur to it without repentanceand
escapingto Allaah.
4. lt makesAllaahforgivehim his pastsins.Allaahsays,

.i,z .. t' t
. .',. ,i.:'.t',
+.JL Jr U )4 ?4tt45, o)f.'j1.tiU- J )

"Say to those who have disbelieved,if they cease (from disbelief)


their pastwittbe forgiven."'

turnsone'sevildeedsto goodones.Allaahsays,
5. Repentance

ri.q- ni J* 3:$L a\* t; J*i ,1 it4 +u ; {J }


4.ia}t^.-3t:tr"iSi osi;^!;

"Except those who repent and believe (in lsldnic Monotheism),


and do righteousdeeds; for those,All6h will change their sins into
good deeds, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving,Most Merciful.'"

6. lt makesman treathis fellowhumans,when they harm him,as


he wouldloveAllaahto treathim as regardshis own misdeedsand
sins;for recompense with the type of deed.So, if
is in accordance
he treats people rn this good manner, he will also be treated by
Allaahin the like mannerand Allaahwill be kindto him regardless
of his evil deedsand sins,just as he does with his fellowhuman
beings.
7 . lt enableshim to knowthat he is full of faultsand defects;this
will makehim refrainfromspeakingaboutthe faultsof otherpeople

I
A l - A n f a a 8l : 3 8 .
2
A l - F u r q a a n2 5 : 7 0
192 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

and will be preoccupiedwith reforminghis own self instead of


thinkingaboutthe faultsof others.'

I would like to concludethis sectionwith the story of a man who


came to the Prophet,blessingsand peace be upon him, and said,
"O Messengerof Allaah! | have not left any small or big sin but I
had committedit."

The Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peacebe upon him, said,


"Don't you testify that there is no other deity worthy of worship
exceptAllaahand that Muhammad,blessingsand peacebe upon
him,is the Messenger of Allaah?"

He asked him this questionthree times and the man answered


eachtime,"Yes."

He then said, "yqrr testimonyhas erased all that (you have


committedof sins)"'

In anothernarration,the man came to the Prophet,blessingsand


peacebe upon him,and said,"Tellmel lf a man committedall sins
but has not associatedanythingin worshipwith Allaah,and yet did
not leaveany smallor big sin uncommitted,can his repentancebe
acceoted?"

The Prophet,blessingsand peacebe upon him, askedthe man,


"haveyou embracedlslaam?"

The man answered,"As for me, I testify that there is no deity


worthyof worshipexceptAllaah,that He is One and has no partner
and thatyou are the Messenger
of Allaah."

'
M u f t a a h ud a a r i s - s a ' a a d V
a ho ,l . l , p . 3 5 8 - 3 7 0 .
2
Reportedby Aboo Ya'laa;At-Tabaraanee; and Al-Maqdisee
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 193

The Prophet,blessingsand peace be upon him, said, "yesl Do


good deedsand refrainfrom evil ones,so that Allaahmav turn all
thoseevildeedsto goodonesfor you."

The man said,"Evenmy actsof treacheryand my sins?!"

and peacebe uponhim,said,"Yes."


The Prophet,blessings

The man said,"AllaahuAkbar (Allaahis the Most-Great)


and he
kepton sayingthatuntilhe disappeared."r

lslaam therefore erases whatever sin one might have


committed and sincere repentance also erases whatever
sin one might have committed as authentically reported
from the Prophet, blessings and peace of Allaah be
upon him.

'
Ibn Abee'Aasim:At-Tabaraanee
and Al-Bazzaar.
194 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

Repercussions of Rejecting lslaam

As it has been made clear to you in this book that lslaamis the
religionof Allaah,that it is the true religion;that it was the one
preachedby all Prophetsand Messengers;Allaah has prepared
greatrewardin this world and the Hereafterfor whoeverbelievesin
it and threatenedwhoeverdisbelievesin it with severetorment.

Since Allaah is the Creator, the Possessor and Disposer of this


entire universe,and you, man, are just one of His creatures;He
createdyou, and subjectedto you all that is the universe,ordained
His Law for you and commandsyou to obey Him, lf you therefore
believe,obeys His Commandmentand abstain from all that He
forbidsyou, you will attainwhat He promisesyou of the everlasting
bliss in the Hereafterand you will be happy in this world with all
that He will endow on you of all kinds of favours;you will then be
like the wisest men and the purestof them in soul; the Prophets,
Messengers,righteouspeopleand the favouredangels.

But if you disbelieve,and disobeyyour Lord;you will lose your


worldly life and your Hereafterand expose yourselfto His wrath
and ounishmentin this world and the Hereafter. You will then be
like the most wicked of all creatures,the most defective in
intelligenceand the most debased in mind: the devils, corrupt
peopleand falsedeitiesand transgressors,just to mentiona few.

Let me now tell you somethingof the consequencesof disbeliefin


detail:

1. Fear and lack of security. Allaahpromisescompletesecurity


in this world and the Hereafterfor those who believein Him and
followHis Messengers. He says,
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 195

"/t is fhose who believe (in the Onenessof Alldh and worshipnone
but Him Alone) and confusenot their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e. by
worshipping others besrdes NEh), for them (only) there is security
and they are the guided-"'

Allaahis the Giver of security,the Watcherover His creatures,the


Possessorof all that is in the universe.lf He loves a slave of His
becauseof his belief,He gives him security,tranquillityand peace,
but if a slaveof His disbelieves in Him, He withdrawstranquillity
and securityfrom him and you will not see such a personbut afraid
of his fate in the Hereafter,afraidfor his own self from calamities
and diseasesand afraidfor his futurein this world.That is why the
insurancemarket insureslives and propertiesfor lack of security
and lackof havingtrustin Allaah.

2. Difficult life: Allaahcreatedman, subjectedto him all that is in


the universe and portion out for every creature his share of
sustenanceand lifespan Hence you see the bird going out of its
nest to look for its provisionand then picks it. lt moves from a
branch of the tree to anotherand sings in most melodioustone.
Man is also one of these creaturesfor whom Allaahhas oortioned
out his provisionand lifespan.lf he thereforebelievesin his Lord
and standsfirm on His Law, Allaahwill give him happinessand
stabilityand He will make his matterseasy for him, even if he does
not possessmorethanthe leastmeansof livelihood.

lf he howeverdisbelievesin his Lord and feels too big to worship


Him, He will make his life straitenedand make him suffer from
sorrow and distress even if he has all means of comfort and
enjoymentat his disposal.Don't you see the great numbers of
suicide victims in countriesin which all means of affluenceare
guaranteedfor their citizens?Don't you see all kinds of furniture
and mats used for the enjoymentof this life? The cause of all this
extravaganceis the vacuity of the heart from faith, feeling of
constraint and hardshipand an attemptto dismissall theseworries
with all differentmeans.Allaahsaysand truthreallyis HisWord,

'
A l - A n ' a a r n6 : 8 2
196 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

..-i-...i'i.-.
'.,^sl . ,'t.,: : . ..4"..
ll*J.Jl ty " l - i . 2 : K,..a iij-;
'or:3j
..
,"J .r,G G r4t ,to ,.er"l V: b

1,.-\.

"But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither


believesin this Qur'dnnor actson its teachings.)verily,for him is a
life of hardship,and We sha//ralse him up blind on the Day of
Resurrection."'

3. Life in perpetualwar with self and the world around:

man'ssoulis createduponlslaamicMonotheism.
Thisis because;
Allaahsays,

4.'\loj"di'*t a.,;,i;p.V

"All6h'sFitrah (i.e.^All6h'slsldmic Monotheism)with which He has


createdmankind.'n

Man's body surrendersto its Lord and it moves accordingto His


order. The disbeliever,however,insistson going againsthis own
nature,and living his voluntarylife in rebellionagainst his Lord.
Althoughhis body surrendersto the will of the Creator,his own
voluntarywill is in oppositionto the will of his Lord.

He will be in constantwar with the world aroundhim in the sense


that, all this universeright from its greatestgalaxy to its smallest
insect,moves accordingto the way which Allaah has ordainedfor
it. Allaahsays,

' TaaHaa20:124.
2Ar-Room30:30
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 197

q':,Dctt:',U'qji

"Then He (rose over) lstawd towards the heaven when it was


smoke, and said to it and to the earth: "Come both of you willingly
or unwillingly."They both said:"We come, willingly.'"'

The universeloves him who agreeswith it in submissionto Allaah


and hateshim who opposesit. The disbelieveris the recalcitrantin
this universefor he makes himselfan opponentto his Lord and
contenderwith Him. That is why it is appropriatefor the heavens
and the earth and all other creaturesto hate him and his disbelief
and atheism.Allaahsays,

r6;,L,.rai 3t4 '.a61G,*'&


6:r) r(j Jryi iiilqy
't ' /' '
.tt i='.: ..i
uJ .!l: t-tJju6r.,r. . . - . , .1 4 , : ' t t ' j i t;- ,. ''rii !', :- '.'
& e, u4t H,-e)\t oL-j t^,
-t i-' . !,r, t. - I -
,. <i
;t; )J ,r?)\lJ,:t'3:^11 J ;r Je uj :1-;lr-i1; g-l:-
r:Ftl "+1 c.,r
, .a
t :D r-q'

"And they say: "The Most Gracious(Alldh) has begottena son (or
offspring or children) (as the Jews say: 'Uzair (Ezra) is the son of
All6h, and the Christianssay that He has begotten a son ('lesa
(Christ) (peace be upon him)) and the pagan Arabs say that He
has begotten daughters (angels and others.))" lndeed you have
brought forth (said) a terribleevil thing. Whereby the heavens are
almost torn, and the eafth ls splt asunder,and the mountainsfall rn
ruins, That they ascribe a son (or offspring or children) to the Most
Gracious (NEh). But it is not suitable for (the Majesty of) the Most
Gracious (AlEh) that He should beget a son (or offspring or

I
F u s s i l a4 tl : I l .
198 Islaam: Its Founclations And Concepts

children). There is none in the heavens and the earth but colnes
unto the MostGracious(Atlah)as a slave."I

He saysaboutPharaohand his hosts,

\ .Il .rI-J ir( t3.Pt\iS is''i'&'S-':t Y

"And the heavens and the eafth wept not for them, nor were they
given a respite.'z

4. A life of ignorance:

Disbeliefis ignorance.lt is ratherthe greatestignorance;because


the disbelieveris ignorantof his Lord. He sees this universethat
was createdby his Lord in the most wonderfulway, he sees in
himselfthe greatnessof Allaah'sdeed and yet he is ignorantof the
Creatorof this universeand the Constructorof his own self; is this
not the greatestignorance?

5. A life of one who wrongs oneself:

This is because;he subjectedhis own self to purposesother than


that for which he was created.He does not worship his Lord but
worshipothers.lnjusticeis to put a thing in a placeto which it does
not belong;and whichtype of injusticeis greaterthan directingacts
of worshipto those who do not deservethem. Luqmaanhas told
his sonwhileexplaining the avvfulness of polytheism,

4;:D'+L',.tt:A;;i :-;fii t*'t '(#-Y

' M a r y a ml 9 : 8 8 - 9 3 .
t
A d - D r k h a a n4 4 : 2 9
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 199

"O my son! Join not in worship others with Altah. Verity joining
others in worship with All6h is a great Z0lm (wrong) indeed.,,1

It is also injusticefor the peopleand other creaturesaround him;


becausehe does not acknowledgethe right of Him to Whom right
is due. On the Day of Resurrection, eveiy man or animalhe has
wrongedwill stand beforehim askingAllaahto avengefor him.

6. Exposing oneself to Allaah's wrath.

He exposeshimselfto the calamitiesand afflictionsas immediate


punishment
for his disbelief.
Allaahsays,

. t tt..ii -i - . .1.ii , tq.1 ., :'^ ,, t2. .,,-f


i ,..",i i:i
;rf errr'Jr ;-e4U-
" . - 7 , - tt cf))t 4t-h;* Ol grl';;iJl ljrfu r/-dl ;,1tjl F
tr
t : t 7. ./
i-n-t-;! _ll

3:ti'&j'by *? ;*
4.r:g':,=J
"Do then those who devise evil plots feel secure that All6h wilt not
sink them into the earth, or that the torment will not seize them
from directions they perceive not? Or that He may catch them in
the midst of their going to and fro (in their jobs), so that there be no
escape for them (from All6h'spunishment)?Or that He may catch
them with gradual wasting (of their wealth and-health). Truly! your
Lord is indeed full of Kindness,Mosf Merciful?'r'

He also says,

'Luqmaan3l:13.
t
A n - N a h l1 6 : 4 5 - 4 7
200 Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

"And a disasfer will not cease to strike those who disbelieved


becauseof their (evil) deeds or if seff/es close their homes, until
the Promiseof All6hcomes to pass. Certainly,All6h breaksnot His
Promise."l

He says in anotherverse,

{ :DirJ 4 ,# u::('&+.U
oiu.ai S^ioiti Y

"Or did the people of the towns then feel secureagainst the coming
of Our punishmentin the forenoonwhile they were playing?''

This is the fate of every man who turns away from Remembrance
of Allaah.Allaahtells us of the punishments of past nationswho
were disbelievers,

, -. ' ; ,:1 '. 'i-^ t .. .


.. '1 . t. , .i. .1 -, ,' l-p
-a-i-r.,,t-:j;t
: 1 . ' .i ' . r ? a .
^>-.4)tr ' attetv,+1J+v
i i ,'
4" Ll-]l J'# )Si F

A;JL1i'i 3;a vr'vs;i v -++i 3r'li -'..i*; :-l 'ei


a.";":1-/L,-,?Ai\ie #i

"So We punishedeach (of them) for hls srns; of them were some
on whom We sent Hasib(a violentwind with shower of sfones) (as
the people of LIt (Lot)) and of them were some who were
overtaken by As-Saihah (torment - awful cry. @s Thamld or

'
A r - R a ' dI 3 : 3I .
2
A l - A ' r a a f7 : 9 8 .
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Conc

Shu'albb people)) and of them were some whom We caused the


earth to swallow (as Qdrln (Korah)) and of them were some whom
We drowned (as the people of N?h (Noah), or Fir'aun (pharaoh)
and his people). lt was not All6h Who wronged them, but they
wrongedthemseIves."1

7. Failure and loss will be his lot: Becauseof his wrong, he


looses the greatestthing with which the heartsand souls enjoy,
which is knowingAllaah,meditating in Him and feetingtranquiltity
with Him. He also loosesthe world,for he livesthere a wretched
and confused life and he looses his own soul for which he
amassesthe wealth of this world;for he subjectsit for a purpose
differentfrom that which it was createdfor. He therebydoes not
attainwith it happinessin thrsworld,for he makesit livedin misery
and causedit to die in miseryand it shallbe raisedup amongthe
miserable. Allaahsays,

'. '11' r. . ' , t- t' .


J* Lj+q, . ily6
lr,'
Ur rl*r:t" trlt -;,i,
UrJt,,U;ti
....
;^4'? 1,
cl> J.'r >

{ :::)

"And as for those whose scalewittbe light, they are those who witt
lose their own selves (by entering Hell) becausethey denied and
rejected Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, yerses, /essons, signs,
revelations,etc.).''

He will also loosehis family,for he livedwith them on disbeliefrn


Allaahand they will also be like him in miseryand hardshipand
theirfate will be Fire.Allaahsavs.

I
A l - A n k a b o o4t 0 : 9 .
I
A l - A ' r a a f7 : 9 .
202 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

"Ihe /osers are those will loose themselves and their families on
the Day of Resurrection."l

they will be led to Fire,and evil is it as


On the Day of Resurrection,
a restingplace.AllaahsaYs,

t t-i: a1 t :.. tt-.il;,,-.t...'i-',r,i ' .6i',tt..'1.


Uj'f&?'illt le;tb gl'tll lr^bl I F
i,._li-at, gt ,.:rj dr, :I,l o1r;-t9'S

(,ef.rJ t'tu ;-))


'(lt witl be said to the angels): "Assemble those who did wrong,
together with their companions (from the devils) and what they
used to worship insteadof Alldh,and lead them on to the way of
flamingFire (Hell).'-

8. A life of disbelief in Allaah and denial of His favours:


Allaah created him from nothingand showered on him favours,
how can he then worship,befriendand thank othersbesidesHim?
Whichingratitudeis greaterand more heinousthan this?
9. Being deprived of a real and purposeful life: This is
becausethe man who deserveslife is the one who believesin his
Lord, knows his goal, recognizeshis fate and is certain of his
He therebygives rightto whom it is due. He does not
resurrection.
suppresstruth nor harm a creature.He then livesthe life of happy
peopleand attainsgood life in this wodd and the Hereafter.Allaah
says,

,-:..; :,..t/. - (,'s -.t -t . ,:l-i : i 1 .


t a.=,"o3,=> ,a-a.:,:J3Uy*i J"tit ht Jt'A\; 'bb i>

"Whoeverworksrighteousness - whethermaleor female- whilehe


(or she)is a truebeliever(of lsl6micMonotheism)verily,to him We

'
Az-Zumar39:15,Shooraa42'.45
2
As-saaffaat37:22-23.
Islaam: Its Foundations And

will give a good ljte (in this world with respect, contentment and
lawfulprovision)."'

And in the Hereafter,his rewardwill be,

,i.i c -.
t ,-- t r. .. .
{ ':!l i:F t jtsJI rll-', ,ti-pci} C + ;<:-.t y
l- :i.i .,r.1 . i.-; ,/

"Pleasant^dwellings
in Eden Paradise;that is indeed, the great
''
success.

Butwhoeverlivesin thisworldlikeanimals, suchdoesnot know


hisLordor hisgoalandfate.Hisonlyaimis to eat,drinkandsleep.
Whatthenis the difference
betweenhimandotheranimals?He is
evenin greatererrorthananimals.
Allaahsays,

"And surely, We have created many of the jinn and mankind for
Hell. They have heafts wherewith they understand not, and they
have eyes wherewiththey see not, and they have ears wherewith
they hear not (the truth). They are like c?ttle, nay even more
astray; Those! They are the heedlessones,''

He also says,

' A n - N a htl6 : 9 7 .
' A s - s a f f 6'l1 2 .
t Al-A'raaf7:179
204 Islsom: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

"Jr&.;i <r;;.i;-f Li : :,z7iy


e-J $3:\({t e il
. !. . i
4 -Il )t".- -l.;t

"Or do you think that most of them hear or understand?They aye


only like cattle - nay, they are even further astray from the path."'

10. Living in an infinite torment:This is becausethe disbeliever


moves from a tormentto another.He goes out of this world- after
he has tasted all its agoniesand afflictions- to the Hereafter.In
the firststageof the Hereafter,the angelsof deathcome upon him
and beforethem come the angelsof tormentwho will give him his
deservedpunishment. Allaahsays,

, .,..-i.. -'4^t
t. t t -, ...'-? :,.ii'i,: ; . ..? t...",., r-.1.i.
{ 1,r;rt; :3--,yA-",5.riLJl trsr+ U-r$ Jr-r5l i.S; }t>

"And if you could see when the angels take away the souls of
those who disbelieve (at death); they smite their faces and their
backs.'2

Then his soul departsand when he is put in the grave , he meetsa


greatertorment.Allaahsaysaboutthe Peopleof Pharaoh,

3y13t; t1f >t a-ctAt1tt: 1V-t Qbi l.9-'r-i,


VJ" {t:** )at b

( '!) '-'l't''J | -t ' t


''i"'i

The Fire, they are exposed to it, morning and afternoon.And on


the Day when the Hour will be esfab/ished(it will be said to the

'
Al-Furqaan 25:44.
2
A l - A n f a a l8 : 5 0 .
Islasm: Its Foundations And Concepts 20s
angels): "Cause Fir'aun's (Pharaoh)people to enter fhe seyeresf
torment!"'

On the Day of Resurrection,


when the creaturesare raisedup and
the deeds are exposedand the disbelieversees that Allaah has
accuratelyenumeratedall his deeds in that book about which He
says,

rt-,'a
'. : rt' r'i'. ". i :'' ' ,' ' . ' ti'i .:1 t .zi'! . r,
ejt- u"4* or*t * t^: et:_L-
"
Wf*)l ctF J^:.:SJ|ft:j \
,c,- ..1-?.t t -. t .t a . "
ry k:-it !l t;5 \3 ai* i;t-ij : ,;ie|t

"And the Book (one's Record) will be placed (in the right hand for a
believer in the Oneness of All6h, and in the left hand for a
disbelieverin the Onenessof Alldh),and you will see the Mujrimln
(criminals, polytheists, sinners), fearful of that which is (recorded)
therein. They will say: "Woe to us! What sort of Book is this that
/eayes neither a small thing nor a big thing, but has recorded it with
numbers!"2

Here,the disbeliever
willwishto be dust.Allaahsays,

( :::)L; .-s cri lrri J*.ii6;:'it t- i?i j'itry

"The Day when man will see that (the deeds)which his hands have
sent forth, and the disbeliever will say: 'Woe to me! Would that t
were dust.' 'u

Becauseof the horrorof that Day, man will wish that he owns all
that is in the earth,so that he can ransomhimselfwith it from the
tormentof thatDay.Allaahsays,

I
Ghaafir40:46.
t
Al-Ka'f r8:49.
t
A n - N a b a7 8 : 4 0 .
206 Isluum: Its Foundations And Concepts

\-.iiJit ,!na,'iJ\iG-9*1'li Ct i# ().N.-oi-liy

"And those who did wrong (the polytheistsand disbelieversin the


Onenessof AllAh),if they had all that is in earth and therewithas
much again,they verily,wouldofferit to ransom."'

Allaahalsosays,

:.. t - t1i
4L
--...'
i--- ')i
:
.1.
v.
tCJ:-t) "Ji a'--Jl
\ J .
)$,
Wa"*" ,
Lt.J-

( ii3)*::' a-r g-e'i €t *ii

"The Mujrim, (criminal, sinner, disbeliever) would desire to ransom


himselffrom the punishmentof that Day by his children, and his
wife and his brother, and his kindred who sheltered him, and all
that are in the earth,so that it might save him.'"

For, that abode is that of recompenseand not of wishfulthinking.


Man must therefore,get a rewardfor his deed, if it is good he gets
good reward and if it is evil, he gets rewardedwith punishment.
And the worst punishmentthat a disbelievermay meet on the Day
of Resurrectionis that of Fire in whichAllaahhas provideddifferent
kinds of retributionfor its dwellers so that they can taste the
tormentof theirdeeds.Allaahsays,

. t.ri'i..,1.?t ...
a. i*:b.. .!'.oyi)r t +F dl 19- -:*, F
-fi'1 ..,.i
(, . -:I.'
,,.t-
,:t;;+ ! . .uui
..r'"..1!.

'
Az-Zumar39:41.
r
i j 0 :I l - 1 4 .
Al-Ma'aar7
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 207
'This is Hell which the Muirimln (polytheists,criminals, sinners)
denied. They will go between it (Hell) and the fierce boiling
water!."1

He alsoinformsus of the garmentsof the dwellersof Hell,

t . r,'.' t:;',i;;
'.='. t
g=:i) gf .t: :-p; )L Jt Qq e c--+; t,f-+
-, .i1 tt t-l. rr.'-ti''ii.i
4t J-'{tr }

\ ,| *P b F fi :D:tv.tiCP 4L '",''i:'J-

"As for those who disbetieved,garments of fire will be cut out for
them, boiling water witt be poured down over their heads. With it
wilt mett (or vanish away) what is within their bellies,as wel/ as
(their) skins. And for them are hooked rods of iron (to punish
them).'"

'
Ar-Rahmaan55:43-44
t
Rt-Ha.2
12. 1: t 9 - 2 1 .
208 Islaam:IttFour@

C o n cl u si o n

O man! You were beforea non-existent.


Allaahsays,

( :!l 6j, .t; )t J1 .,:'t* ti 3;li e*,tii y

"Doesnot man rememberthat We createdhim before whitehe was


nothing?"1

Then He createdyou from a mixtureof male and femaledischarqe


and madeyou hearing,seeing.Allaahsays,

t t.1.s,r., -a,-,.u ... .i.-


,-i1
d;-""^l)r[il-; bl ;;].tt.l.eS-u
2.,i
l=., ofi il r^*l' G-;9 dr*)i.p J U^ I

111(*r(*:'^a8 -A nCf yb n
t

"Has there not been over man a period of time, when he was nota
thing worth mentioning? Verily, We have created man from Nutfah
(drops) of mixed semen (sexualdischargeof man and woman),in
order to try him: so We made him hearer and seer.,2

Then you moved graduallyfrom a state of weaknessto strenqth


and you shall be returnedto a state of weaknessaqain. nttaln
sdv5.

)7 b t;1{:i.# )1;b J+ l#; €6 citij,ioy


4.:!)r-ai:,-Fii:, t^"c,gL"*s fu fi

I
Maryan 19:67.
t
Al-lnsaa7
n7:l-2.
Isluam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 209

"Altdhis He Who createdyou in (a state of) weakness,then gave


you strength after weakness, then after strength gave (you)
weakness and gray hair. He creates what He wills. And if is He
Who is the Atl-Knowing, the AlFPowefful (i.e. Able to do all
things)."1

Then the end is death and you, throughthese stages,move from


weaknessto weakness;you cannotavertevil from yourselfnor can
you bring about benefitfor yourselfexcept by using the strength
and provisionthat Allaahgave you. You are, by nature,poor and
needy.Manyare the thingsthat you need to keepyou alivewhich
you do not possessor whichyou sometimeshaveand sometimes
are deprivedof. Many are also those thingsthat are usefulto you
and you wouldliketo haveand whichyou achievesometimesand
do not achieveothertimes.Many are thingsthat harm you, ditch
your hope, waste your effortsand bring on you tribulations and
calamitywhichyou wouldlike to avert;and whichyou sometimes
succeedin avertingand which you fail sometimesto avert.In view
of this,do you not feelyourhelplessnessand yourneedto Allaah?
Allaahsays,
b

,( :i::-r=*;ji.,:i; ait {J Jlll};i l:i'o6i 4.ti * I

O mankind!it is you who standin need of Allah. But All6h is Rich


(Freeof attneedi),Worthyof all praise.'2

You are exposedto a weak virus which you cannotsee with your
nakedeyes,and that causesyou painfuldiseasewhichyou cannot
preventand you then go to a weak human being like yourselfto
treat you. Sometimes the medicineworks and sometimesthe
doctorfailsto cure you and both you and your doctorthen become
confused.

I
A r - R o o r n3 0 : 5 4 .
-
haatlr J): | ).
Islaam: Its Foundations And Conce

O man! What a weak creatureyou are when the fly snatches


somethingfrom you and you cannottake back from it! Allaahsavs
the trLfthwhen He savs,

t q +qiJi'&s"ot, ,:nt;-Gi li 61',Iri&j


c

v L2l-+.:,.
(;=).:iLiii<s.af 'l+

"O mankind! A similitude has been coined, so /lsfen to it (carefulty):


Verily those on whom you callbesrdes AllAh,cannot create (even)
a fly, even though they combine together for the purpose. And if
the fly snafches away a thing from them, they will have no power to
release it from the fly. So weak are (both) the seeker and the
sought."1

lf you cannot take back what the fly snatchesaway from you,
which then of your affairsdo you have controlover? Your forelock
is in the hand of Allaah,so is your soul. Our heart is betweentwo
of His fingerswhich He turns round as He wills. Your life, death,
happiness and miseryare all in His Hand.

Your undertakings and sayingsare by the permissionof Allaahand


His Will. You do not move exceptwith His permissionand you do
not performany act exceptby His Will. lf He leavesyou to yourself,
He leaves you to weakness,negligence,sin and misdeed;and if
He leavesyou for others,He leavesyou with the one who cannot
avail you of any benefit, harm, death, life or resurrection.you
cannotdispenseof Allaahfor a twinkleof an eye. You ratherneed
Him in every aspectas long as you live.You inviteHis wrath with
sins and disbeliefthoughyou seriouslyneed Him in all aspects.

t.,,,..^^-^
At-naJJ tz: | )
Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts 2tl

You forgot Him though,your return is to Him and it is in front of


Him thatyou shallstand.'

O man!As a resultof yourweaknessand your inabilityto shoulder


the consequences of your sins, "A//aah rlrrishesto lighten (the
burden) for you and man was created weak.'" He sent
Messengers,revealed Books, ordained Laws, establishedthe
Straight Path before you and established signs, proofs and
evidencesand made in everythinga sign that shows His Oneness,
Lordshipand His solerightto be worshipped. But in spiteof all this,
you block the truth with falsehood,take Satan as a friend besides
Allaahand arguewith falsehood.Allaahsays,

t-.. ' :- it. -,1..i

t :!:'i.- .,i-rj-+t,i;)t Sf-; )

"Man is ever more quarrelsome than anything'g

Allaah's favours in which you move and enjoy have made you
forgetyour beginningand end! Don'tyou rememberthat you were
createdfrom a mixedsexualdischarge,that your returnwill be to a
grave and that final destinationafter Resurrectionwill either be
Paradiseor Fire?Allaahsays,

l'ri t;Ai cir L.-^>r , 19


'

I: -"\ '^Ji,'Jt . li '.^i 'o';


' t, ,

._' - -. y y ; r J tJ

'
From Al-Fawaaidby lbn Al-Qayyirn
2
A l - N i s a a4 : 2 8 .
t
A l - K a h fl 8 : 5 4 .
212 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

"Does not man see that We have created him from Nutfah (mixed
male and female sexualdischarge- semen drops) yet behold he
(sfands forth) as an open opponent.And he puts forth for LJsa
parable, and forgets his own creation. He says: "Who will give life
to thesebones after they are rotted and have became dust?,,Say:
(O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) "He witt give tife to them Who
created them for the first time! And He is the All-Knower of everv
creation!"1

He alsosays,

1itpji et"',a* c r';!i 4A.y

{;.';4i;a C2:r* Gi

"O man! What has made you careless about your Lord, the Most
Generous? Who created you, fashionedyou perfecily, and gave
you due proportion. ln whatever form He willed, He put you
together.''

O man! Why are you denyingyourselfthe joy of standingbefore


your Lord,meditatingwith Him, so that He can enrichyou out of
poverty,heal you from your ailment,relieveyou of your sorrow,
forgiveyour sins, remove your harm, help you when you are
wronged,guide you when you are confusedor go astray,give you
knowledge when you are ignorant,give you securitywhen you are
frightened,show mercy to you when you are weak, drive away
yourenemiesand providefor you yourlivelihood."

O man!The greatestblessingthat Allaahendowedman with after


that of the religionis the blessingof intelligence,
so that he can
distinguishwith it betweenwhat benefitshim and what harmshim,

I Yaa
seen36:17-79.
2
M i f t a a hd a a r i s - s a ' a a dla, hp . 2 5 1 .
r
M i f t a a hd a a r i s - s a ' a a dla, hp . 2 5 1 .
Islaam: Its FoundutionsAnd Concepts 213

to understandthe commandments and prohibitionsof Allaahand in


order to know by it, the greatestgoal which is to worship Allaah
aloneWho has no partner.Allaahsays,
-i,ir,*
-i:s t:rI '.=;:'"t'e
;y;ai 6:: 6lt . v. t
-"|,jJ(-!ur)
.v. \- ,

L.t .. ,.t -
{ :I: uf.r+'ir 54 e.; rs15'^s-'}ztt
:,:,-2 zt

"And whatever of b/essrngsand good things you have, it is from


All6h. Then, when harm touches you, unto Him you cry aloud for
help. Then, when He has removed the harm from you, behold!
Someof you associateothersin worshipwith their Lord (Allah)."'

O you man! The wise person loves lofty matters and abhors
debased ones. He loves to emulate every righteous and
magnanimous amongthe Prophetsand pious peopleand yearns
to join them even if he cannot reach their status.The only way to
that is what Allaahdirectsus to when He says,

"lf you (really) love Allah then follow me (i.e. accept lsllmic
Monotheism,follow the Qulan and the Sunnah),Allah will love you
and forgiveyou your sins."'

lf man can do this, Allaah w i l l make him join the rank of the
Prophets,the Messengers,t h e Martyrs and righteous people.
Allaahsays,

'
A n - N a h ll 6 : 5 3 - 5 4
r A a l ' l r n r a a3
n: 3 1 .
214 Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts

. -ir1 .. -i._ ,l.i ..:f . . 1 1. . .r_i.l: .r'zr.i..i,.i t'


i+!t Jt drl cl-ttlt f e4J:tr Jyjti ., ;r.i h
F;Jt r-l e
( :l:6:; i))'ri #t'|vtX"Ji5 ]J$ir'ei4ii

"And whoso obey All6h and the Messenger(Muhammad(peacebe


upon him)) then they will be in the company of those on whom
AIl6h has bestowed His Grace, of the Prophets, the Siddiqln
(those followers of the Prophets who were first and foremost to
believe in them, like Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased
with him), the martyrs, and the righteous. And how excellent these
companionsare!"'

O you manl I advise you that you go into seclusionwith yourself


and think deeplyof the truth that has come to you reflectover the
proofs and evidences;if you find it to be truth hastento follow it
and do not be a slave of customsand traditions.Know that your
own soul is dearer to you than your friends, companionsand
heritage of your fore-fathers. Allaah has admonished the
disbelieverswith this and calledthem to it. He says,

t-t

YZ ty

"l exhort you to one (thing) only: that you stand up for All6h's sake
in pairs and singly, and reflect (within yourselves the life history of
the Prophet (peace be upon him)) there is no madness in your
companion (Muhammad (peace be^uponhim)) he is only a warner
to you in face of a severe torment.'n

O man!When you acceptlslaam,you standto losenothing.Allaah


says,

I
A n - N i s a a4 : 4 6 .
'saba34:46.
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 215

a/
1.-=\ | l-
4 6ll*

"And what /oss have they if they had believed in Allah and in the
Last Day, and they spend out of what Allah has given them for
sustenance?And Alldh is Ever All-Knowerof them."'

lbn Katheer said, "What would have harmed them had they
believed in Allaah, followed the praiseworthyway, believed in
Allaah hopingfor His promisein the Hereafterfor him who did
good deeds and spent out of what He has given them in ways
which He loves and is pleasedwith? He knowstheir good and evil
intentions;he knows who deservedsuccessamong them so that
He might give him successand show him guidanceand appoint
him for good deeds with which he is pleased.He also knowswho
deservesdisgraceand expulsionfrom His DivineAffectionwhich
whoever is expelledfrom the door of Allaah has failed and lost in
thisworldand the Hereafter."2

Your lslaam does not stand betweenyou and anythingthat you


want to do or to have among the things that Allaah has made
lawfulfor you. Rather,you will be rewardedfor any good deed you
do in which you seek the pleasureof Allaah even if that is in the
rnterestof your worldly life or increasesyour wealth or portionor
fame. As for the lawful things that you use, when you restrict
yourselfto them and you abstainfrom unlawfulthings,you will be
rewardedfor that. The Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peace
be upon him, said, "There is an act of charity in satiatingyour
sexualdesire."The companions said,"O Messenger of Allaah!Will
anyone of us satiate his desire and still get rewardfor that?" He
answered."Tell me. if he satiatesit in an unlawfulwav, will he be

'
A n - N i s a a4 : 3 9 .
r
S e el b n K a t h e e rl . 4 9 7
216 Islsam: Its FoundotionsAnd Concepts

committinga sin by that? Likewise,if he satiatesit in the lawful


way, he will have rewardfor that."'

O manl The Messengershave broughtthe truth and conveyedthe


will of Allaah,and man needsto knowthe Law of Allaahso as to
live his lifewith sure knowledgeand to be amongthe successfulin
the Hereafter.Allaahsavs.

j . ': , ,t,'i ,,t(-. ,


\rls: 6g"-ii t';; \;tt E u: ,- :,L,
J;')i f; L>' -19 *LjJ I L-LrJ- S
v r- ,

'
uA'ii : .2"t;-aiA C $.'iy

"O mankind! Verily, there has come to you the Messenger


(Muhammad (peace be upon him)) with the truth from your Lord.
So believe in him, it is better for you. But if you disbelieve, then
certainlyto All6h belongs all that is in th^eheavens and the earth.
And All6his EverAtl-Knowina. All-Wise.'"

He alsosavs.

. -.--i ': -2., t-',1 '&r; i' 'r-Ai 4i U y


6).; ttp d-u-6r JAr *, {r, d'-rl

Say: "O you mankind! Now truth (i.e. the Qur'dn and Prophet
Muhammad(peacebe upon him)) has come to you from your Lord.
So whosoeverreceivesguidance,he does so for the good of his
own self,and whosoevergoes astray, he does so fo his own /oss,

'Muslirn.
I
A n - N i s a4
a: 7 0 .
Islaom: Its Foundations And Concepts 217

and I am not (set) over you as a Wakil (disposerof affairsto oblige


you for guidance)."'

O manl lf you embracelslaam,you benefitnone but yourself,and


if you disbelieve you harm none but your own self.Allaahis in no
need of His slaves.Sin of the sinnersdoes not harm Him nor do
acts of obedienceof the obedientones benefit Him. He is not
disobeyedunlessby His knowledgeand He is not obeyed except
with His permission.Allaahsays in what was reportedfrom Him by
His Prophet,"O My Slaves! | have made injusticeforbiddenfor
myselfand I have also made it forbiddenamongstyou, so do not
wrong one another.O My slaves!You are all in error except him
whom I guideso seek guidancefrom Me, I will guideyou. O May
slaves!All of you are hungryexceptwhom I feed so seek food from
Me, I will feed you. O My slaves!All of you are naked except him
who I clothe;so seek clothingfrom Me, I will clotheyou! O My
slaves!You commitsins by day and night,but I forgiveall sins.So
seekforgiveness from Me, I witlforgiveyou.O My slaveslYou can
never be able to harm Me; and you can never be able to benefit
yourselves,let alonebenefitingMe. O My slaves!lf the firstand the
lastof you,and all the jinn and mankindamongyou were to be as
pious as the most pious one among you, that adds nothingto My
Kingdom.O My slaves!lf the firstand the last amongyou, and all
the jinn and mankindof you are to be as sinfulas the most sinful
one amongstyou,that decreasesnothingfrom My Kingdom.O My
slavesl lf the first of you and the last among you were to stand at
one place and ask Me and I grant to each and everyone his
request,that decreasesnothingfrom My Kingdomexceptlike what
a thread reducesfrom the ocean when it is dipped inside it and
then withdrawn.O My slaves! These are only your deeds that I
enumerateaccuratelyfor you, and upon which I give you reward.
So whoeverfinds good reward,let him thank Alliih, but whoever
findsanythingelse,let him not blamebut himself."'

' Y o o n u sl 0 : 1 0 8 .
I
Reportedby Muslim
218 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts

All praiseis due to Allaah,Lordof the worlds.Peaceand blessings


be upon the noblestof all Prophetsand Messengers,our Prophet
Muhammad.Peacealso be uponhis householdand companions
Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 219

Table of contents

Translator's
note... . .. ... ..2

Author'spreface.

Where is the way?

Existenceof Allaah,His Lordship(overall creation),His Oneness


and His being the only God worthy of
worship. ....10

Creation
o f t h eu n i v e r s e . . . . . 29

The underlingreason. 33

Creatingand honouringman 40

The positionof woman 46

W h yw a s m a nc r e a t e d ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Man'sneedfor religion

Criteriafor identifying
the truereligion .62

T y p e so f r e l i g i o n s . . .. . . . 7 2

of the existingreligr o n s . . .
Conditions 75

The essenceof Proohethood. a2

Signsof Prophethood. 91

Mankind'sneedfor the Messenoers


220 Islaam: Its Foundutions And Concepts

T h e F i n a lR e t u r n . . . . .1 0 0

Fundamentals Mission.
of the Messenoers' 108

T h e E v e r l a s t i nMge s s a g e ....... . .. . .11 3

T h eS e a l o fP r o p h e t h o o d . . . . . .......123

M e a n i n go f t h ew o r d :l s l a a m . .......126

Realityof disbelief . . . ..130

S o u r c e so f l s l a a m . .. 135

D e g r e e os f R e l i g i o n . ..........149

-The FirstDegree. ....149

- T h eS e c o n dD e g r e e . ........156

- T h eT h i r dD e g r e e . ............178

S o m eo f t h e b e a u t i eos f l s l a a m . . . .. . .1 8 1

- l t i s t h e o n l yr e l i g i o cnh o s e nb y A l l a a h .....182

-Comprehensiveness. . . .. . .. 1 8 3

-lt linksman to his Creator . . .1 8 3

- l t c a t e r sf o r t h e b e n e f i tos f t h i sw o r l da n d t h e H e r e a f t e. r. . . . . . . . . 1 8 4

-Easiness... ....185

-Justice. ........187
Islaom: Its Foundotions And Concepts 221

- E n j o i n i nagl lg o o da n df o r b i d d i nagl le v i l . . . .......187

Repentance.. 189

Repercussions
of rejectinglslaam.. . . . . .. 194

-Fearandlackofsecuritv... . .......194

- D i f f i c u| li tf e . . . . . . ........195

-Lifein perpetual
war withselfand the worldaround.. ...196

- A l i f eo f i g n o r a n c e . . . . . . . .. . .. . . 1 9 8

- A l i f eo f o n ew h o w r o n o sh i m s e .l f. . . . . .. . .. 1 9 8

Exposingoneselfto Allaah'swrath... 199

-Failura
e n d l o s s . ...

- A l i f e o f d i s b e l i e fi n A l l a a h .. . .. . .. . . 2 0 2

-Beingdeprivedof a realand a purposeful


life.... 202

-Livrngin an infinitetorment

Conclusion. 208

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