What
Is Islam?
 Can
we find an explanation for the great universe? Is there any convincing
interpretation of the secret of its existence? We realize that no family can function
properly without a responsible head, that no city can prosperously exist without sound
administration, and that no state can survive without a leader of some kind. We also
realize that nothing comes into being on its own.
Moreover, we observe that the universe
exists and functions in the most orderly manner, and that it has survived perhaps billions
of years. Can we, then, say that all this is accidental and haphazard? Can we
attribute the existence of man and the whole world to a mere chance? Man
represents only a very small portion of the great universe, and if he can make plans
and appreciate the merits of planning, then his own existence and the survival of the
universe must also be based on a planned policy.
This means that there is a designing will
behind our material existence, and that there is an extraordinary power to bring
things into being and keep them moving in order. In the world there must be a great
force in action to keep everything in order. In the beautiful nature there must
be a Great Creator who makes these great pieces of art and produces everything for
a special purpose in life.
The deeply enlightened people recognize this Creator
and call Him Allah Almighty. He is not a man because no man can create or make
another man. He is not an animal, nor is He a plant. He is neither an idol nor is He a
statue of any kind, because none of these things can make itself or create anything else. He
is different from all these things, because He is the Maker and Keeper
of them all. The maker of anything must be different and greater than the things that he
makes.
There are various ways to know Allah
Almighty and there are many things to tell about Him. The great wonders and
impressive marvels of the world are like open books in which we can read about Him.
Besides, Allah Almighty comes to our aid through the many Messengers and
Revelations He has sent down to humanity. These Messengers and Revelations tell
us everything we need to know about our Creator.
The complete acceptance of the teachings and
guidance of our Creator as revealed to all His messengers (‘alaihimus salaam)
is the religion of Islam. Islam enjoins faith in the oneness and sovereignty of Allah
Almighty, which makes man aware of the meaningfulness of the universe and of his place
in it. This belief frees the human being from all fears and superstitions as it
makes him conscious of the presence of Allah Almighty, and of his obligation
towards Him.
This faith must be expressed and tested in
action, for faith alone is not enough. Belief in one God requires that we look upon
all humanity as one family under the universal omnipotence of the Creator, and
Nourisher of all. Islam rejects the idea of a chosen people while on the other
hand, it approves that belief in the Creator, and doing righteous deeds is the only
way to Heaven. Thus, a direct relationship is established with Allah Almighty and
without any intercessor at that.
Islam is not a new religion. It is, in essence,
the same message and guidance which Allah Almighty revealed to all His Prophets,
like Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, David, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad peace
be upon them (‘alaihimus salaam). But the message which was revealed to Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa
sallam) is Islam in its comprehensive, complete and final form.
The Qur'aan is the revealed words of Allah
Almighty and the basic source of Islamic teachings and Laws. It deals with the
basis of creeds, morality, history of humanity, worship, knowledge, wisdom, man’s
relationship with God, and human relationships in all aspects. It contains comprehensive
teachings of which, can be built sound systems and social justice, economics, politics,
legislation, jurisprudence, law and international relations, all of which are
important contents of the Qur'aan.
The hadeeth, which contains the
teachings, sayings, approvals and actions of Prophet Muhammad
peace be upon him (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) meticulously reported and
collected by his devoted companions, explains and elaborates on the Qur'aanic
verses.
Arkaanul-Eeman: The Fundamental Articles Of
Faith In Islam (The Beliefs).
The true faithful Muslim believes in the
following principal articles of faith:
Belief in one God (Allah Almighty), Supreme and Eternal,
Infinite and Mighty, Merciful and Forgiving, the Creator and the Provider, He begets not,
nor was He begotten, and there is none equal or comparable unto Him.
Belief in all Messengers of Allah Almighty (Ar-Rusul) without
any discrimination among them, as every known nation had a Warner or Messenger from Allah
Almighty. They were chosen by Allah Almighty to teach humanity and deliver His
Divine message. The Qur'aan mentions the names of some of them, and Muhammad peace be upon him (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam)
stands as the Last Messenger and the crowning glory of the foundation of
prophethood.
Belief in all original scriptures and revelations of Allah
Almighty (Al-Kutub), accepting them as the guiding light that the messengers received
to show their respective people the right path to Him. In the Qur'aan, special
reference is made to the books of Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus (‘alaihimus
salaam), but long before the revelation of the Qur'aan to Muhammad peace be upon him (sallAllahu
‘alaihi wa sallam) some of these books and revelations had been lost or corrupted.
The only authentic and complete book of Allah Almighty in existence today is the Qur'aan,
which has been preserved as it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad
peace be upon him (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) in its pristine, pure
form.
Belief in the Angels (malaa-ikah) of Allah Almighty,
recognizing them as spiritually pure and splendid beings whose nature requires no food,
drink or sleep. They are honored servants who are assigned certain functions, and spend
their days and nights in the worship of Allah Almighty. They do not speak before Allah
Almighty does, and they act only by His command.
Belief in the Last Day (Yaum Al-Qiyaamah) and the Hereafter
(Al-Aakhirah), acknowledging that this world will end someday, and that the dead will rise
to stand for their final and fair trial. People with good records will be generously
rewarded and warmly welcomed to the Heaven of Allah Almighty, and those
with bad records will be punished and cast into Hell and none will be treated with
injustice.
Belief in Fate (Qadr), whether good or bad, which Allah
Almighty, measured and ordained for all creation according to His previous knowledge,
and as deemed suitable by His wisdom. And in the timeless knowledge of Allah Almighty,
and in His power to plan and execute His plans, nothing could happen in His Kingdom
against His will. His knowledge and power which are always in action command
over His creation. He is Wise and Merciful, and whatever he does must have a
meaningful purpose. If this is established in our minds and hearts, we should accept with
good faith all that He does, although we may fail to understand it fully, or think it is
bad.
Faith without action and practice is a dead end
as far as Islam is concerned, for faith by nature is very sensitive and can be most
influential. When it is out of practice or out of use, it quickly loses its liveliness and
motivational power.
Arkaanul-Islam: The Five Pillars Of Islam
(The Actions)
Shahadatain (Testimony): To bear witness that there is none
worthy of worship except Allah Almighty (The Creator), and that Muhammad peace be upon him (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam)
is His Messenger. Muslims are obliged to follow his exemplary life as a model.
Salaah: Daily prayers are offered five times a day as a duty
towards Allah Almighty. They strengthen and enliven the belief in Allah Almighty
and inspire man to a higher morality. They purify the heart and prevent temptation
towards wrong-doings and evil things. They are:
- Salaatul-Fajr (The Dawn Prayer)
- Salaatul-Dhuhr (The Noon Prayer)
- Salaatul-Asr (The Afternoon Prayer)
- Salaatul-Maghrib (The Sunset Prayer)
- Salaatul-Isha (The Evening Prayer)
Zakaah (Charity): The literal and simple meaning of Zakaah
is purity, while its technical meaning designates the annual amount in kind or cash
that a Muslim with means must distribute among the rightful beneficiaries from his
yearly net savings. But the religious and spiritual significance of Zakaah is much deeper
and more valuable than its humanitarian, and socio-political value.
Sawm (Fasting): The Muslims during the month of Ramadhaan
do not only abstain from food, drink and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset but
they are also required to refrain from evil intentions and desires throughout the whole
months of the year in general, and during the month of Ramadhaan in particular. It
teaches love, sincerity and devotion, and develops a sound social conscience,
patience, selflessness and will power as well.
Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca): It is to be performed once in a
lifetime, so long as one can afford it financially and physically, and it is the
largest annual convention of faith where Muslims meet to know one another, study their
common affairs and promote their general welfare without prejudice or bias as to one's
color, race, nationality as well as status in life. After all, everyone is equal in the
sight of Allah Almighty, and so Hajj therefore demonstrates in effect the
universality of Islam and the brotherhood and equality of Muslims.
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