WHAT IS ISLAM?
Can we find an explanation of the great universe? Is there
any
convincing interpretation of the secret of 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 for hundreds of thousand 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 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 a
planned
policy. This means that there is an extraordinary power to
bring
things into being and keep them moving in order.
In the world then must be a great force in action to keep
everything
in order. In the beautiful nature there must be a Great
creator who
creates the most charming pieces of art produces every thing
for a
special purpose in life. The deeply enlightened people
recognize this
creator and call him Allah "God". He is not a man
because no man can
create or make another man. He is not an animal, nor he is a
plant. He
is neither an Idol nor is He a statue of any kind because
non 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 from and greater than
things which
he makes.
There are various ways to know God "ALLAH'' 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 God.
Besides, God
Himself comes to our aid through the many Messengers and
revelations
He has sent down to man. These Messengers and revelations
tell us
everything we need to know about God.
The complete acceptance of the teachings and guidance of God
'Allah'
as revealed to His Messengers Muhammad is the religion of
Islam. Islam
enjoins faith in the oneness and sovereignty of Allah, which
makes man
aware of meaningfulness of the Universe and of his place in
it. This
belief frees him from all fears and superstitions by making
him
conscious of the presence of the Almighty Allah and of
man's
obligations towards Him. This faith must be expressed and
tested in
actions, 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 of
chosen people, making belief in God and good actions the
only way to
heaven. Thus, a direct relationship in established with God,
without
any intercessor.
Islam is not a new religion. It is, in essence, the same
message and
guidance which Allah revealed to all Prophets. Adam, Noah,
Abraham,
Ismael, David, Moses and Jesus (PBUT). But the message which
was
revealed to Prophet Mohammed (PBUT) is Islam in its
comprehensive,
complete and final form.
The Quran is the last revealed word of Allah and the basic
source of
Islamic teachings and laws. The Quran deals with the basis
of creeds,
morality, history of humanity, worship, knowledge, wisdom,
God-man
relationship, and human relationship in all aspects.
Comprehensive
teaching on which, can be built sound systems of social
justice,
economics, politics, legislation, jurisprudence, law and
international
relations, are important contents of the Quran. Hadith, the
teachings,
sayings and actions of Prophet Mohammed (PBUT), meticulously
reported
and collected by his devoted companions. Explained and
elaborated the
Quranic verses.
THE FUNDAMENTAL ARTICLES OF FAITH IN ISLAM
The true faithful Muslim believes in the following Principal
articles
of faith:-
He believes in One God 'Allah', Supreme and Eternal,
Infinite and
Mighty, Merciful and Compassionate, Creator and Provider.
He believes in all Messengers of God without any
discrimination among
them. Every known nation had a warner or Messenger from God.
They were
chosen by God to teach mankind and deliver His divine
message. The
Quran mentions the name of twenty five of them. Among them
Mohammad
stands as the last Messenger and the crowning glory of the
foundation
of Prophethood.
Muslin believes in all scriptures and revelations of God.
They were
the guiding light which the Messengers received to show
their
respected peoples the Right Path of God. In the Quran a
special
reference is made to the books of Abraham, Moses, David and
Jesus. But
long before the revelations has been lost or corrupted. The
only
authentic and complete book of God in existence in the
Quran.
The true Muslim believes in the Angels of Allah. They are
purely
spiritual and splendid beings whose nature requires on food,
drink or
sleep. They spend their days and nights in the worship of
God.
Muslim believes in the last Day of Judgement. This world
will come to
an end someday, and 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, and those with bad
records
will be punished and cast into Hell.
Muslim believes in the timeless knowledge of God and His
power to plan
and execute His planes and nothing could happen in His
Kingdom against
His will. His knowledge and power are in action at all times
and
command over His creation. He is wise and merciful, and
whatever He
does must have a meaningful purpose. If this is established
in our
mind and hearts, we should accept with good faith all that
He does,
although we may fail to under stand it fully, or think it is
bad.
THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM
Faith without actions arid practice is a dead end, as far as
Islam is
concerned. Faith by nature is very sensitive and can be
most
effective. When it is not out of practice or out of use, it
quickly
loses its liveliness and motivation power.
There are five pillars of Islam:
The declaration of faith: To bear witness that there is none
worthy of
worship except Allah, and that Mohammad (PBUH) is His
Messenger to all
human beings till the Day of Judgment. The Prophethood of
Mohammad
obliges the Muslims to follow, His exemplary life as a
model.
Prayers: Daily, prayers are offered five times a day as a
duty towards
Allah. They strengthen and enliven the belief in Allah and
inspire man
to a higher morality. They purify the heart and prevent
temptation
towards wrong - doings and evil.
Fasting the month of Ramadan. The Muslims during the month
of Ramadan
not only abstain from food, drink and sexual intercourse
from dawn to
sunset but also sincerity and devotion. It develops a sound
social
conscience, patience, unselfishness and will - Power.
Zakkah: The literal and simple meaning of Zakkah is purity.
The
technical meaning of this word designates the annual amount
in kind or
coin which a Muslim with means must distribute among the
rightful
beneficiaries. But the religious and spiritual significance
of Zakkah
is much deeper and more lively. So it has humanitarian and
sociopolitical values.
Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah): It is to be performed once in a
lifetime,
if one can afford it financially and physically.
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