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Introduction to Islam:

Can we change by listening? Can we be so touched and inspired by words that we are moved
to renew and remake ourselves better, nobler, and more merciful human beings? The impact that
good words have had on humanity throughout history resoundingly declares we can. The
celestial words of the Quran (the Holy Book of Muslims and that Muslims consider the very
Words of the Almighty) and the wise sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, the
man who brought the teachings of God) do just that guide us to the very best in ourselves. The
very essence of the teachings of Islam speaks to our conscience and our heart, encourages good
character and moves us to become better human beings.

For Muslims, the fundamental teaching is La ilha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah - there is no
God but the One True God (Allah) and Muhammad the messenger of God (Peace Be Upon
Him).

Perhaps the word "Allah" sounds strange to your ears. Maybe you are wondering what it means
or maybe you heard something about it but you are not sure. "Allah" is the name of the Creator
who created everything and whom every believer worshipped from the beginning of the
universe. Muslims believe that Allah has perfect knowledge of everything. There is not a single
mystery but with it, He is well acquainted. His knowledge encompasses everything including the
wondrous galaxies, and each insect as it crawls along its sandy, underground path. We believe
that Allah is the sole possessor of perfect knowledge of both the apparent and the unseen.

The Muslims believe that Allah is more merciful with his believing servants than a mother is to
her child, and that He loves to forgive sins for those who seek forgiveness from Him. And in
spite of our excessive ingratitude and disobedience, He continues to support us with food,
shelter, friends and many other resources and always gives us a chance to repent. We believe that
Allah forgives whomever turns to Him alone in sincere repentance no matter how grave the sin,
and that He alone can forgive sins.

Allah has said in the Quran:

Say: O' My servants who have transgressed against themselves (by committing sins)! Do not
despair of the Mercy of Allah, indeed Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most
Merciful.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) occupies a central position in Islam, both as the vessel for
Gods speech and as the primary interpreter of the Qurans meanings. In Islam, hadiths, or
sayings of the Prophet, are second only to the Quran as a source for legal, ethical, and spiritual
guidance. In essence, they are commentary on the word of God as expressed in the Quran.

However, listening is the key. Many of us have not listened to the Prophet Muhammads
(PBUH) sayings . We may have heard things said about him in the media, the news and by the
metaphorical speech of those who commit crimes in the name of Islam. But most of us have not
actually listened to the Prophets (PBUH) own words. The Prophets words are as vital and
relevant today as they were 1,400 years ago when they were first spoken. Whether you are a
Muslim, a practitioner of another faith, or even someone who has no religious belief, these
sayings have much to teach us.

His (PBUH) Sayings such as A kind word is charity and Love for humanity what you love for
yourself, speak to us regardless of our personal creed; they speak to our shared essential nature
what we Muslims call Fitrah.

They are also a way to understand better a large segment of our fellow human beings. By
learning what Muslims around the world really believe, we edify ourselves regarding people
about whom we may hold prejudicial and erroneous opinions.

According to Islam, submitting to the will of God is achieved through following the example of
the Prophets (May Gods Peace Be Upon Them All). The Quran says You have in Abraham an
excellent example. Each age had its prophet and its practice; for the Muslims, the Prophet
Muhammad, peace be upon him, is the paragon for humanitys last universal phase. Following
the Prophet means following his kindness to animals, his gentleness with children, his concern
for the weak and oppressed, his care of the orphan and the widow, and his deep practice of
justice always tempered with mercy. It means modeling oneself on his character.

The desire to model oneself on another emanates from love. There are four primary types of
love, each corresponding to the respective experiences in the lovers heart. The first is the initial
attraction to the beloveds sheer physical beauty. The second results from a recognition of the
good received at the beloveds hand. The third arises from a gnosis of the good received at the
beloveds hand. The third arises from a gnosis of the beloveds internal beauty and merits. And
finally, the fourth is the love that is solely for the sake of God, known in the West as caritas.
Desirous of instilling profound love in the hearts of believers, the early Muslims left behind
precise descriptions of the Prophets (PBUH) physical appearance, his actions, his character, and
his rank with God.

Although his historical and enduring meaning has always been worthy of interest, we have
urgent need to listen to him today. Ignorance is greatly threatening the very real possibility of
conciliation and conviviality among the diverse peoples of this planet, an ignorance that his
teachings address directly. The Quran reminds us:

[God] created you from a male and a female, and made you a plurality of races and tribes for
you to get to know each other. The most noble of you in the sight of God are those of you are
who are most conscientious. And God is omniscient, fully aware.

Ironically, this dire need to listen to the Prophet Muhammad applies as much to some misguided
Muslims as it does to peoples of other faiths and creeds. Perhaps if we in the West made greater
efforts to remove the historical ignorance we have inherited by taking the Prophet as seriously as
he deserves to be taken, many people in the troubled East might reevaluate their own
shortcomings in grasping his universal message of mercy and compassion.
Let us then all set out, in our own unique ways, to help remove the obstacles of ignorance from
the path to peace. We can begin by seeing embedded in the word ignorance the word ignore
and by recognizing that the world can no longer afford to ignore the Prophet Muhammad, about
whom the enlightened Victorian poet Edwin Arnold said,

that marvelous and gifted Teacher created a vast empire of new belief and new civilization
and prepared a sixth part of humanity for the developments and reconciliations which later times
will bring. For Islam must be conciliated; it cannot be thrust scornfully aside or rooted out. It
shares the task of the education of the world with its sister religions, and it will contribute its
eventual portion to:

that far-off divine event,

Towards which the whole creation moves.

Islam ultimately teaches to follow the Word of Allah and the teachings of our beloved Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH). But this can only be achieved by following authentic scholars and those
spiritually and intellectually trained in the tradition

Marriage in Islam:
And it is among His signs that He has created for you wives from among yourselves, so that you may
find tranquility in them, and He has created love and kindness between you. Surely in this there are
signs for a people who reflect. Quran [30:21]

In Islam, marriage is highly recommended and it is a Sunnah of our Messenger, upon him be
peace. At the primary level, marriage in Islam is a contractual agreement. Hence both parties are
expected to perform their side of the contract for it to work. We need to know the terms of the
contract before we enter into the transaction. As goes the saying of Sayyidina Umar (RA)

Learn before you get into positions of responsibility

Marriage is an institution that teaches us to have God consciousness and piety in Arabic called
Taqwa. Whosoever obeys Allah and His messenger will be guided aright and whosoever
disobeys will cause loss to his own self (and thereafter). Hereafter, I ask the refuge of Allah from
Shaytan, the outcast.

O mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord who created you from a single soul and
from it created its mate and from them twain hath spread abroad a multitude of men and
women. be careful of your duty towards Allah in whom you claim (your rights) of one
another, and toward the wombs (that bear you). Lo, Allah hath been a watcher over you.

O ye who believe! Observe your duty to Allah with right observance, and die not save as
those who have surrendered (unto Him).
O ye who believe! Guard your duty to Allah, and speak words straight to the point; He will
adjust your works for you and will forgive you your sins. Whosoever obeyeth Allah and His
messenger, he verily hath gained a signal victory. [Surah Al Ahzab 33:70-71]

Marriage is one of the most important acts of worship in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad
(Sallallaahu layhi Wasallam) has told us how to live as Muslims. One of the branches of faith is
marriage. It has been thus narrated in a Hadeeth that when a person marries, he has complete half
of his religion and so he should fear Allah regarding the remaining half.

Shame, modesty, moral and social values and control of self desire are just a few of the many
teachings of Islam. Furthermore, these are just a few of the many worships that a person can
complete by performing the ritual of marriage. Through marriage a person can be saved from
many shameless and immoral sins and through marriage he has is more able to control his desire.
Therefore, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) has said:

O young men! Whoever is able to marry should marry, for that will help him to lower his
gaze and guard his modesty. [Sahih al-Bukhari]

Marriage is a strong oath that takes place between the man and women in this world, but its
blessings and contract continues even in Jannah. It is the way of our beloved Prophet (Sallallahu
Alayhi Wa Sallam), and whosoever goes against this practice has been reprimanded.

Islamically, we are all encouraged to get married and not turn away from the ways of our
beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Salaam). It should be remembered that this duty of
marriage is for both men and women. Just as men complete half their religion through this act, it
is also the same for women. However, in todays time, there are many marriage-related issues
which arise in peoples lives, as today we see many people abusing the laws of marriage in
Islam.

When marrying, each becomes the others lifetime companion. Each should understand and
appreciate that Allah has brought them both together and that their destiny in life has now
become one. Whatever the circumstances: happiness or sorrow; health or sickness; wealth or
poverty; comfort or hardship; trial or ease; all events are to be confronted together as a team with
mutual affection and respect.

No matter how wealthy, affluent, materially prosperous and better-off another couple may
appear, ones circumstances are to be happily accepted with qanat (contentment upon the
Choice of Allah). The wife should happily accept her husband, his home and income as her lot
and should always feel that her husband is her true beloved and best friend and well-wisher in all
family decisions. The husband too should accept his wife as his partner-for-life and not cast a
glance towards another.

Allahs Messenger (Sallallaahu layhi Wasallam) said, The best of you is he who is best to his
family.
The verses recited by the beloved Messenger (PBUH) on the event of a nikah are common in the
message of Taqwa (consciousness of Allah). The spouses will be first committed to Allah before
being committed to their partner. There can be no doubt in the success of a marriage governed by
the consciousness of Allah. I hope and wish every person a very happy and prosperous married
life. May peace and Allahs blessing be upon you.

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