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:-
1. He believes in One God 'Allah', Supreme and Eternal, Infinite and
Mighty, Merciful and Compassionate, Creator and Provider.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. The true Muslim believes in the Angels of Allah. They are purely
spiritual and splendid beings whose nature requires no0061 Z food,
drink or sleep. They spend their days and nights in the worship of
God.
5. 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.
6. 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:
1 - 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.
2 - 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 purity the heart and prevent
temptation towards wrong - doings and evil.
3 - 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.
4 - Zakkah: The literal and simple meaning of Zakkah is charity. 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.
5 - Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah): It is to be performed once in a
lifetime, if one can afford it financially and physically.
If you wish to know more about Islam, we prefer to visit
the following websites:
http://www.islam-guide.com
http://www.islamhouse.com/s/9661
http://www.todayislam.com
http://islamtomorrow.com
http://www.thisistruth.org
http://www.quran-m.com/firas/en1
http://kaheel7.com/eng
http://knowingallah.com/main_fo.asp?lang=en
http://www.rasoulallah.net/v2/index.aspx?lang=e
http://www.prophetmuhammed.org
http://youtubeislam.com

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