Bismillahi ar-rahmani ar-raheem
In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Islam is an Arabic word which means peace, purity, acceptance and
commitment. As a religion, Islam calls for complete acceptance of and submission
to the teachings and guidance of God.
A Muslim is one who freely and willingly accepts the supreme power
of God and strives to organize his life in total accord with the teachings
of God. He also works for building social institutions which reflect the
guidance of God.
“Muhammadanism” is a misnomer for Islam and offends its very
spirit since the Prophet Muhammad was a messenger of God, and not a divine
being worshipped by Muslims.
Muslims use the word “Allah” for the English word
“God.” The understanding of Deity in Islam differs from some
of the connotations in the English word “God.” For the convenience
of English speaking readers, the word “God” is used in this brochure
except when the word “Allah” is in the quotations from
the Qur’an.
Continuity of the Message
Islam is not a new religion. It is, in essence, the same message
and guidance which God revealed to all His previous messengers.
us, and that which was revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob
and the tribes and that which was given to Moses and Jesus and to the Prophets
from their Lord; we make no distinction between any of them, and to Him
we submit.’” (Qur’an 3:83)
The Five Pillars of Islam
Every action done with the awareness that it fulfills the Will of
God is considered an act of worship in Islam. But, it is the specific acts
of worship termed the Pillars of Islam which provide the framework of Muslim
spiritual life. These are given below:
- The declaration of faith: “I bear witness that there is none
worthy of worship except God (Allah), and that Muhammad is His servant
and messenger.” The prophethood of Muhammad obliges Muslims to follow
his exemplary life in every respect.
- Prayers are prescribed five times a day as a duty towards God. Prayer
strengthens and enlivens belief in God and inspires man to higher morality.
It purifies the heart and controls temptation, wrong-doing, and evil.
- Fasting during the month of Ramadan. this means abstention from
food, beverages, and sex from dawn to sunset, and curbing evil intentions
and desires. It teaches love, sincerity, and devotion. It develops patience,
unselfishness, social conscience, and willpower to bear hardship.
- Zakah is a proportionately fixed contribution collected from the
surplus wealth and earnings of the Muslim. It is spent on the poor and
needy in particular, and the welfare and infrastructure of the society
in general. The payment of Zakah purifies one’s income and wealth and helps
to establish economic balance and social justice in the society.
- Hajj, pilgrimage to the Ka’bah in Makkah, once in a lifetime, provided
one has the means to undertake the journey.
Oneness of God
Islam enjoins faith in the oneness and sovereignty of God, which creates an awareness of the unity and meaningfulness of the universe and of man’s place in it. This belief frees him from all fears and superstitions by making him conscious of the presence of Almighty God and of man’s obligations to Him. But, this realization must be expressed and tested in action. Faith alone is not enough. Belief in one God requires that we look upon all humanity as one family under the universal omnipotence of God — the Creator and Nourisher of all. Islam rejects the idea that there is a “chosen people,” making pure intention, faith in God, and good deeds the only way to heaven. Thus a direct relationship is established with God, open to all alike, without any discrimination or intercession.
The Qur’an and Hadith
The Qur’an is the last revealed word of God and the basic source
of Islamic teachings and laws. It deals with a variety of subjects including
the basic beliefs of Islam, morality, worship, knowledge, wisdom, God and
man’s relationship, and relations among human beings. Comprehensive teachings
on which sound systems of social justice, politics, economics, legislation,
jurisprudence, law and international relations can be built form an important
part of the Holy Qur’an.
Although Prophet Muhammad did not receive a formal education, the
Qur’an, as soon as it was revealed to him in the spoken word, was committed
to writing by his secretaries. In this way every word was written down
and preserved during his lifetime by his companions. The original and complete
text of the Qur’an is in Arabic and translations of its meaning in most
known languages are available in major libraries and bookstores.
The Hadith, teachings, sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad,
were accurately reported and collected by his devoted companions. They
explain and elaborate the Qur’anic verses and provide an example of conduct
for Muslims.
Concept of Worship
Islam does not teach ritualism. It places great emphasis on intention
and action. To worship god is to love Him and to act upon His commands
in every aspect of life, to enjoin goodness and forbid wrong-doing and
oppression, to practice charity and justice and to serve Him by serving
mankind. the Qur’an presents this sublime concept in the following manner:
the East or the West, but righteous is he who believes in Allah and the
Last Day and the Angels and the Book and the Prophets; and gives his wealth
for love of Him to kinsfolk and to orphans and the needy and the wayfarer
and to those who ask, and sets slaves free; and observes proper worship
and pays the Zakah. And those who keep their treaty when they make one,
and the patient in tribulation and adversity and time of stress; such are
those who are sincere. Such are the God- fearing.” (Qur’an 2:177)
Man, A Free Agent
Man is the highest creation of God and he has a free will to make
his own decisions. god has shown him the right path, and the life of Prophet
Muhammad provides a perfect example for achieving success and salvation.
Islam stands for the sanctity of human personality and confers equal rights
on all without distinction of race, nationality or sex.
The law of God set down in the Qur’an and exemplified in the life
of the Prophet is supreme in all cases. It apples equally to the prince
and the pauper, the ruler and the ruled. the saint and the sinner.
Man’s Accountability to God
Man’s life is not limited to the short span of earthly existence.
On the day of judgement the entire human race will be resurrected; everyone
will appear before Almighty God and face the consequences of his deeds
in this life. Thus, life in the Hereafter is a continuation of the earthly
life.
Belief in man’s accountability to God gives a sense and meaning to
life and differentiates human beings from animals and inanimate objects.
It serves as a reminder against crime, corruption, immorality, and injustice.
Human Rights
Islam protects all noble values and human rights. Freedom, equality,
justice, and the right to life, liberty, and security of person are of
prime concern in Islamic law.
or corruption in the earth, it shall be as if he had killed all mankind,
and whosoever saves the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the
life of all mankind . . .” (Qur’an 5:32)
2:256)
who exploit, oppress and deal unjustly with people.
in equity and let not hatred of any people seduce you that you deal not
justly. Be just; that is nearer to piety.”(Qur’an 5:8)
Science and Technology
Islam encourages the use of science and the scientific method. Acquisition
of knowledge is obligatory on every Muslim male and female. In Islam, science
and technology should be used for moral ends and serve all legitimate needs
of mankind. Moreover, both are viewed as yet another means to understand
and see the power and glory of God.
(Qur’an 2:29)
the pen, taught man that which he knew not . . . .” (Qur’an 96:2-5)
themselves until it will be manifest unto them that it is the Truth. .
. .”(Qur’an 41:53)
Islam: The cure for Modern Ills
Racism is a major problem in many materially advanced countries.
Prejudice and discrimination against racial groups is a common phenomenon
even today. For 1400 years, Islam has shown in practice how racism can
be ended. the Islamic social scene, particularly during the Hajj, is a
unique example of the brotherhood of men of all races and nations under
One God.
Similarly, the family, the basic unit of civilization has become
something of a problem in the West. It is in a state of visible decay.
The family system of Islam brings the rights of husband, wife, children,
and relatives into a fine equilibrium. Islam nourishes generosity in the
family and holds it together under clear Qur’anic laws and teachings of
the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
Some Misconceptions About Islam
It is unfortunate that some teachings of Islam have been distorted
and misrepresented in the West and the communist world. The main distortions
relate to the status of women, marriage and divorce, Jihad or so-called
“holy war,” the authenticity of the prophethood of Muhammad (peace
be upon him), and the distinction between the Qur’an and Hadith. The accurate
teachings of Islam on these matters can be obtained only from authentic
Islamic writings. Some of these are listed below:
Some Useful Books on Islam
- Islam and Universal Peace by Syed Qutb
- Towards Understanding Islam by Syed Abul Ala Maududi
- Family Structure in Islam by Hamudah Abdul Ati
- On the Political System of Islamic State by Mohammed S. El-Awa
- Jesus, A Prophet of Islam by Sulaiman Mufassir
- Islam: Its Meaning and Message, ed. Khursid Ahmad
- Autobiography of Malcolm X, ed. Alex Haley
These and other books may be ordered through your local bookstore
or from Islamic Book Service, 10900 West Washington Street, Indianapolis,
IN 46231. Telephone: (317) 839-8150