In the Arabic language, the word Islam has many meanings. It comes from the root of ‘Islam’ and described literal meaning as ‘submission’, ‘surrender’ and also referred as ‘peace’ and ‘safety’.
The Creator
The very foundation of Islam is the belief in one GOD. ALLAH was not born and will never die, for it is a direct contradiction that the creator of all must have been created Himself. ALLAH does not look like anything our minds, sights and thoughts can imagine as explained to us in the following chapter of the Quran. . .
“Say, “He is ALLAH, [who is] One. ALLAH, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to HIM any equivalent.” (Quran 112, 1-4)
It does not make rational sense to bow down and prostrate to something that man has created with their own hands. In the beginning of time, one of the very first sin was that of associating partners with ALLAH by making idols to worship, saying that this was ALLAH, a child of ALLAH, or an intermediary to ALLAH.
“Indeed, ALLAH does not forgive the association with HIM, but HE forgives what is less than that for whom HE wills. And he who associates others with ALLAH has certainly fabricated a tremendous sin.” (Quran 4, 48)
Fundamental to the belief of Islam is that ALLAH has no sons or intermediaries. HE sent prophets only to guide humanity, and they themselves were only men. ALLAH guides us to pray to HIM directly, without the need of heirarchy in the religion. Praying to anyone else for example a priest or a saint to ask for help or support is alien in Islam. Instead, prayer and supplication is a very personal thing between a believer and his Lord, ALLAH.
“Nor could HE order you to take the angels and prophets as lords. Would HE order you to disbelief after you had been Muslims?” (Quran 3, 80)
Attributes of GOD
To worship something that one has created with his own hands or to worship a fellow human being can never bring peace to the soul, yet the need to worship or revere is deep within every human. In Islam we choose to worship one GOD, ALLAH and in HIS wisdom, HE has chosen to inform us of some of HIS names and attributes (counted as 99), so that we may understand HIM better. Here are some examples of some of HIS attributes;
ALLAH is The Creator of all, The Sustainer of all that He has created, The All-hearing, The All-Seeing and The All-Knowing. His knowledge is all perfect, including that which is in the past, the present and the future, whether a secret or not; He is the The Most Gracious, Most Merciful and The Most Beneficent. He is The Self Existing One and The Ever Living One, never needs sleep or takes any rest. He has no partners, sons or parents and all worship must be directed to HIM alone. He is The Shaper of Beauty, The Creator of Good and He is The Light and The Guide.
“He is ALLAH, other than whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Perfection, the Bestower of Faith, the Overseer, the Exalted in Might, the Compeller, the Superior. Exalted is ALLAH above whatever they associate with HIM. He is ALLAH, the Creator, the Inventor, the Fashioner; to HIM belong the best names. Whatever is in the heavens and earth is exalting HIM. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” (Quran 59, 23-24)
AR-RAZZAAQ (The Provider)
”Say: Come I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not associate anything with HIM, and to parents, good treatment, and do not kill your children out of poverty; We will provide for you and them..” (Quran 6, 151)
AL-GHAFOOR (The Forgiving)
”But indeed, I am the Perpetual Forgiver of whoever repents and believes, and does righteousness and then continues in guidance.” (Quran 20, 82)
AL-QAYYUM (The Sustainer)
”ALLAH – there is no deity except HIM, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of existence.” (Quran 3, 2)
The Creation
Is it not the very nature of every human to look to the sky when he is in need and desperate for help? When there is a loss for HIM to cry to the Lord, when he is indespair to raise his eyes for help from a superior being? Every human has within HIM a natural inclination to ask certain questions about the purpose of life.
What are we doing here? What is the purpose of life? Is there a creator or did this all appear by random chance?
Until these questions are answered, a person’s soul can never find peace and life will seem to be a futile and meaningless labour.
The soul will be in constant turmoil in the uncertainty of what will happen next. The Quran invites man to travel the earth, make his own observations and reflect on how creation was originated:
“Say [O Mohammad], “Travel through the land and observe how He began creation. Then ALLAH will produce the final creation [i.e., development]. Indeed ALLAH, over all things, is competent.” (Quran 29, 20)
Creation of Universe
Just by reflecting on the vast and wonderful creation around us, every single human being can sit and contemplate about the world around him and come to the conclusion that there must be one designer, one creator to this magnificent universe.
When you read this, look around your room and building, you may wonder about their designers. You may think about the time each person took in choosing each design, picking the colours, choosing and placing each brick to have an overall effect on you. What about You? What about Your design? Your intricate organs, the function of your eyes to take in this wonderful reading, your heart that gets excited reading each word, the brain you are utilising; faster and more powerful than any man-made computer that is available. Who designed this?
What about the earth you stand upon, every one of the laws of biology, chemistry and physics, from the fundamental forces such as gravity and upthrust, to the structure of the atoms and elements that have been precisely tailored to make life possible?
Look at the Earth within the solar system, life would be unsustainable if the Earth’s rotation wasn’t exactly correct. Our solar system is one of many solar systems. Our galaxy The Milky Way is only one of the 100 million galaxies in the universe. They are all in order and they are all precise. Instead of conflicting with one another they are swimming along in an orbit that has been set for them. Did human beings set that into motion and are human beings maintaining that precision? Could this just have come into being by a complete coincidence, a big bang without a designer?
“Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe?” (Quran 21, 30)
“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.” (Quran 3, 190)
“And He has subjected for you the night and day and the sun and moon, and the stars are subjected by His command. Indeed in that are signs for a people who reason.” (Quran 16, 12)
Creation of Mankind
Once we have accepted that there can only be one designer of all, we must look for an answer for our existence. The Quran explains the creation of man in the following verse;
“O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them all men and women. And fear ALLAH, through whom you ask one another, and the kinship. Indeed ALLAH is ever, over you, an Observer.” (Quran 4, 1)
If you were to receive a gift, for no reason, a simple drink or book, I’m sure you would be inclined to say thank you. Surely the designer who gave you your eyes, heart and lungs should be thanked, acknowledged and praised. ALLAH tells us that this is the purpose of life; to acknowledge HIM, worship HIM and obey HIM.
“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship ME.” (Quran 51, 56)
By acknowledging HIM in all that we do, we thank HIM for the food HE provides, the drink to quench our thirst, the clothes we wear; everything should have some recognition for HIM.
When it comes to the creation of man, it was made very clear in the beginning that when ALLAH created man it was not in vain, that he was created as GOD’s vicegerent on earth. Man has been entrusted with the task of cultivating, maintaining and ruling the earth according to divine guidance with justice amongst all that exists.
“And [mention, O Mohammad], when your Lord said to the angels, Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.” (Quran 2, 30)
Also in the creation of mankind some of the divine attributes of mercy, forgiveness and kindness are manifest.
The Core – Five Pillars
As the pillars holding up a building are important to its structure and stability, likewise the 5 Pillars of Islam are important to every Muslim. They provide the outward steadiness and constancy to a person’s faith and hold Muslims together as a brotherhood.
The first pillar is the Declaration of Faith (Shahadaa), the second Prayer (Salah), the third Obligatory Charity (Zakat), the fourth Fasting (Saum) and the fifth Pilgrimage (Hajj).
Declaration of Faith – Shahadaa
This is the most significant pillar of belief declaring outwardly; “There is none worthy of worship except ALLAH and Mohammad is ALLAH’s slave and (final) messenger.”
This is the agreement between you and ALLAH, confirming that you accept the belief of one GOD (ALLAH), and that Mohammad (PBUH) was sent as HIS final Messenger and Prophet. The result of this makes you part of the Muslim community, which is there to help and support you in achieving your goals and purpose in life.
Prayers – Salah
The relationship between a Muslim and ALLAH is very important, and is made more unique by praying directly to HIM, without any intercessor.
We are commanded to pray five times a day, increasing us in the remembrance of ALLAH, keeping us on the path of good, and wiping away the sins.
“And establish Prayer and give Zakah, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with ALLAH. Indeed ALLAH, of what you do, is seeing.” (Quran 2, 110)
Obligatory Charity – Zakat
As well as looking after one’s own self, ALLAH tells us to look after people less fortunate than ourselves.
The word Zakah comes from the meaning’s “purification” and “growth”. A believer helps another by giving a portion of his wealth to the less fortunate once a year.
This is calculated at just 2.5% of an individual’s wealth. It is given to amongst others the poor, the orphan, and the traveler. It differs from ordinary charity in that it is not optional. In Islam wealth belongs to ALLAH, and is held by people in trust, so they should use it to the benefit of society.
“And they were not commanded except to worship ALLAH, (being) sincere to HIM in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give Zakah. And that is the correct religion.” (Quran 98, 5)
Fasting – Saum
Every year in the month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the lunar year), all Muslims fast from dawn until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and marital relations with the explicit intention of doing so for the sake of ALLAH.
“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So, whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. ALLAH intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period [of fasting] and to glorify ALLAH for that [to] which HE has guided; and perhaps you will be grateful.” (Quran 2, 185)
ALLAH commands us to fast in order to seek HIS pleasure, and in doing so we raise our levels of spirituality trying to get closer to ALLAH. By changing our habits and daily routines in accordance to divine orders, we learn that we are not the slaves of our habits but the servants of ALLAH. By cutting oneself of voluntarily from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person also gains true sympathy with those who go without food and water on a regular basis.
Pilgrimage – Hajj
If a Muslim can afford to, is well and has no debt upon his neck, ALLAH has made the pilgrimage to Makkah obligatory, once in his life. The rituals of Hajj date back to the time of Prophet Abraham and commemorate some of the trials he and his family faced in Makkah. It is also a journey to the Ka`ba; the symbolic house originally built by Prophet Adam.
The Hajj is a time when Muslims from all around the world of different races, colours and languages come together in a spirit of universal brotherhood to worship the One GOD together. The men wear only two white pieces of cloth, making them one people without any class or distinction. The rich, the poor, the black and the white stand side by side, equal in the eyes of ALLAH apart from their deeds.
The celebrations of the Hajj and the Eid Al-Adha are a remembrance for those who are needy, and a day of worship to ALLAH. The meat of the sacrifice is distributed to the needy, and extra prayers are offered.
“Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during hajj. And whatever good you do – ALLAH knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of ALLAH. And fear ME, O you of understanding.” (Quran 2,197)
Quran
Throughout time, ALLAH sent many Prophets to guide humanity to worship HIM alone. In essence the message has been the same from the first Prophet Adam to the final Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), in that humanity have been asked to worship one GOD and one GOD alone.
There were five major Prophets who were given divine knowledge with which to guide their people, all of which were in book from. Mostly have been changed from their original by mankind, with the exception of the Quran, which has never to this day been altered or re-issued as a new version.
The previous books were sent to Prophet Abraham (the Scrolls and the Tablets), to Prophet Moses (the Torah and the Tablets), to Prophet David (the Psalms), to Prophet Jesus (the Bible), and to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) the Quran.
The Quran does not exclude the possibility that additional holy books were sent to other prophets in the past, but does not mention any. The Sunnah (traditions of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)) narrates that the messengers counted scores of thousands, but the greatest of them are the 25 who were mentioned in the Quran, some with holy books others without.
The Islamic belief is to acknowledge and accept these previous books in their original form.
“…All of them have believed in ALLAH and HIS angels and HIS books and HIS messengers, [saying], ‘We make no distinction between any of HIS messengers.’” (Quran 2, 285)
The Holy Quran
This is certainly the most important type of revelation for Muslims. Islamic beliefs about revelation are based on the Quran (the Islamic holy book). The Quran is different from any other book because it is composed entirely of the words of ALLAH.
In 611CE the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) was reflecting in a cave when the Angel Gabriel appeared to him. Mohammad was unlettered but three times Gabriel ordered him to `Read’:
The angel said: “Read! In the name of your Lord and Cherisher, who created – created man, out of a (mere) clot of blood. Read! And your Lord Is Most Bountiful, – HE who taught (the use of) the pen, – taught man that which he knew not.” (Quran 96, 1-5)
Gabriel then told Mohammad (pbuh) that he was to be the Messenger of ALLAH. These revelations continued for the next 23 years:
“This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (Quran 5, 3)
Mohammad (pbuh) remained unlettered and the Quran was written down directly by his companions, who then memorised it by heart. The Quran has 114 Surahs (or chapters), arranged in the order decreed by ALLAH and conveyed by the Angel Gabriel.
For Muslims the Quran contains only the literal unchanged words of ALLAH. It is direct revelation from ALLAH to humanity. Because the Quran is the word of ALLAH it cannot be contradicted.
To preserve the true words of ALLAH, the Quran is always recited for worship in Arabic, because the true meaning of the words can only be found in the Arabic language. However, there are interpretations of the meanings in other languages. The Quran is the last and most complete book of guidance from GOD and applies to all people forever. It is still widely memorised to perfection, throughout the globe and is the central part of every Muslim’s daily life.
In his sermon on Mount Arafat, Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) made it clear that this was the final revelation; No prophet or messenger will come after him and no new faith will emerge.
Quran Sciences
Some questions must arise in the mind of a reader of Quran, when a book talks of the embryo logical development of the foetus, or of the formation of the clouds and rain, or of the seas and their properties many miles below the surface.
Yet all of this without man having created a microscope, plane or submarine.
The Quran was revealed to a man in the middle of the Arabian desert, over 1400 years ago. A man who could neither read nor write.
What questions does this raise about the Qur`an and its miraculous nature? In today’s age of science and modern technology, we are constantly learning new facts and figures.
By taking a minute to think of what role religion has played in teaching us about the world around us, you may be surprised to know what information we have received through the Qur`an. Here are some examples…
The Embryo
From the beginning stages of development, the Quran accurately portrays the growth of the embryo. Firstly, you have the `Nutfah’ or drop stage: this is when a sperm combines with the female egg to form the zygote which has the shape of a drop of fuid; hence the name `Nutfah’. The following stage is the ‘Alaqah’; which in Arabic has three meanings; leech, suspended thing and blood clot.
The embryo not only resembles a leech, but it also uses the mother’s blood to feed from. As it grows, it starts to take on a form which holds onto the womb of the mother, as if suspended. The final step of the ‘Alaqah’ stage is where the embryo takes on large amounts of blood from the mother; the fact that the blood does not begin to circulate at this time makes it look like a blood clot.
Next you have the ‘Mudghah’ stage. In Arabic this has the same meaning as a chewed like substance. The growing spine of the baby resembles that of a chewed substance. After that comes `Izam’ bone formation. The next stage described in the Quran is that of the bones being clothed with flesh which accurately describes how the muscles start to form around the bones.
What has been revealed to us in the Quran about embryology over 1400 years ago has only been discovered by modern science in the last few decades. Even as late as the 17th Century with the invention of the microscope it was believed that sperm contained miniature human beings.
“And certainly did We create man from an extract of clay. Then we placed him as a sperm – drop in a firm lodging [i.e. the womb]. Then we made the clot into a lump [of flesh], and We made [from] the lump, bones, and We covered the bones with flesh; then We developed HIM into another creation. So blessed is ALLAH, the best of Creators.” (Quran 23, 12-14)
Roots of Mountains are like pegs
When making a tent using pegs to hold the ropes and material up, you will know that the majority of the peg disappears into the soil, whilst a small amount remains above the ground.
This technique is used to support the tent and to stop it from falling down.
The Qur`an describes mountains as pegs, a theory that Sir George Airy only introduced in 1865. Modern advances in geology show that mountains sit on deep bedded roots, which hold them up and stabilise the crust of the earth.
ALLAH tells us in the Qur`an;
“Have We not made the earth a resting place? And the mountains as pegs?” (Quran 78, 6-7)
“And He has cast into the earth firmly set mountains, lest it shift with you, and (made) rivers and roads, that you may be guided.” (Quran 16, 15)
A Natural Barrier Between Seas
Scientists have recently proven that where two bodies of water come together there is a barrier undetectable to the human eye which maintains the salinity, temperature and density of each, with neither transgressing the other.
This can be observed where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Ocean. When it comes to sweet water meeting salt water in estuaries this is also true.
This `barrier’ was mentioned in the Quran over 1400 years ago.
“He released the two seas, meeting [side by side]; Between them is a barrier [so] neither of them transgresses.” (Quran 55, 19-20)
“And it is He who has released [simultaneously] the two seas [i.e. bodies of water], one fresh and sweet and one salty and bitter, and HE placed between them a barrier and prohibiting partition.” (Quran 25, 53)
What is interesting is that pearl divers in the Gulf knew of this natural phenomenon. There are in the salty waters of the Arabian Gulf, `springs of sweet water that lay about four to six meters below sea level.
During the long months at sea pearl divers would frequent these springs, where they would dive to replenish their stores of fresh water. One such famous spring is `Ain Ighmisa’ which lies to the north-east of the city of Jubail in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Clouds
After the modern-day study of clouds, scientists have deduced that rain clouds are formed and shaped according to certain systems. An example of this is the cumulonimbus cloud and how they produce rain, hail and lightening taking the following steps:
Smaller cumulus clouds are pushed together by winds to an area where they start to join together to form into larger cumulonimbus clouds. They are then stacked one on top of each other where updrafts within the larger clouds cause the body to grow vertically in size. The cloud stretches into cooler regions of the atmosphere causing drops of water and hail to formulate – and begin to grow larger and larger. After the weight of these reaches a certain point, they fall to the earth.
“….And He sends down from the sky, mountains [of clouds] within which is hail, and He strikes with it whom He wills, and averts it from whom He wills. The flash of its lightning almost takes away the eyesight.” (Quran 24, 43)
Prefrontal area of the brain
It is interesting to note that scientists in the 1930’s started to discover the functions of different parts of the brain. One such part, located at the front is called the prefrontal cortex.
Scientists discovered that this area is used in planning and initiating good and bad behaviour and also it is connected to speaking truth or falsehood.
ALLAH chose to inform us of this 1400 years ago. The verse below informs us that ALLAH will take a person by the front of the head or forelock;
“No! If he does not desist, We will surely drag him by the forelock. A lying, sinning forelock.” (Quran 96, 15-16)
Linguistic Miracles of the Quran
The Holy Quran was revealed at a time where people used poetry and words to dazzle their audience, resulting in contests between people and the emergence of a high level of eloquence in the Arabic language.
Mohammad was a man who for 40 years of his life to the point of receiving revelation, stayed away from the poets of Arabia. Yet the words that were revealed to him and were passed to the people around were finer, more tremendous and more rhythmical than anyone had heard before.
To those who doubted the source of the Quran, a challenge was set out by ALLAH, to produce a single chapter like the chapters of the Qur`an with their beauty, eloquence, splendor, wise legislation, true information, true prophecy, and other perfect attributes. No one has ever been able to meet this challenge, then or today.
ALLAH says in the Quran;
“Then do they not reflect upon the Quran? If it had been from (any) other than ALLAH, they would have found within it much contradiction.” (Quran 4, 82)
“And if you are in doubt about what WE have sent down [the Quran] upon Our Servant [Prophet Mohammad], then produce a surah (a chapter) the like thereof and call upon your witnesses [supporters] other than ALLAH, if you should be truthful. But if you do not – and you will never be able to – then fear the Fire..” (Quran 2, 23-25)
“So when the Quran is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.” (Quran 7, 204)
“[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you [O Mohammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and those of understanding would be reminded.” (Quran 38, 29)
Prophets
Is it fair to create an object and then allow it to function without any rules and regulations and then call it to account and punish it for breaking the rules ?
Having created man with the power of thought and free will, ALLAH in HIS infinite wisdom decided to send Prophets and Messengers as a guide for mankind.
Each Prophet was sent to his particular people to remind them of the need to worship one GOD, and refrain from associating partners with HIM. They were not GOD’s sons or partners of GOD, but were simply the best of mankind, chosen because of their humility in their behavior, morals, peacefulness and knowledge of ALLAH.
ALLAH sent a long chain of Prophets from the first days of mankind, from Prophet Adam (the Father of human beings) – and sealed them with Prophet Mohammad (pbuh), the final Prophet (Peace be upon them). This long chain included the Prophets of the people of Israel and the five great Messengers who came with the most important messages: Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Mohammad (May ALLAH’s peace and blessings be upon them all).
Prophets were the leaders of humanity who knew how to worship one GOD. They knew about the hereafter, about good morals and human rights and they guided their people to the same.
The Holy Quran tells us that every Messenger said to his people:
“O my people, worship ALLAH; You have no deity other than HIM…” (Quran 7, 59)
“Indeed, ALLAH orders justice and good conduct, and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. HE admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.” (Quran 16, 90)
Mohammed (pbuh) was the final of these Messengers, who brought ALLAH’s message for the whole of mankind from the first day of revelation to the final day of our existence. Because of this we see Muslims from all over the globe, of all colours and races, accepting and respecting all of the Prophets of ALLAH, as they were all on the same path of worshipping one GOD. The five great messengers are;
Prophet Noah (PBUH)
Prophet Abraham (PBUH)
Prophet Moses (PBUH)
Prophet Jesus (PBUH)
Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)
Prophet Noah – The second Father of Humanity
The holy books of Judaism, Christianity and Islam speak the same way about Prophet Noah and the great flood.
The Quran tells us that he was a Messenger who lived for 950 years. He selflessly dedicated his life to preaching to his people the belief in one GOD, to leave worshiping idols and statues and to be merciful to the weak and the needy. He told them about the signs of GOD’s Power and Mercy and warned them about the severe punishment on the Day of Judgment, but they were very stubborn and ignored his warnings.
ALLAH punished them with the great flood and saved only the believers who followed the Prophet.
There is a chapter in the Holy Quran about Prophet Noah. His story is detailed in one of the longest chapters of the Quran (HUD: 11), with more details about the flood and the ship including these points;
Noah asked his people to serve ALLAH and keep their duty unto HIM, that HE may forgive their sins.
Noah called them night and day, but they thrust their fingers in their ears and persisted in their refusal.
Noah asked them to seek pardon of their ever-Forgiving Lord and HE will help them with wealth and sons, and will assign unto them gardens and rivers and a good life.
ALLAH the Almighty told Noah, that none of these people will believe except those who have believed already, so build the ship under Our eyes and by Our inspiration.
When his people passed by him, they made a mockery of him.
When he finished building the ship, ALLAH ordered Noah to load animals therein two of every kind, a pair (the male and female), most of his household, and those who believed.
And it was said: O earth! Swallow your water and, O sky! be cleared of clouds! And the water was made to subside. And the commandment was fulfilled. And as the ship came to rest upon (the mount) Al- Judi with Noah and the believers, humanity was given another opportunity for a new beginning.
Prophet Abraham – The father of the Prophets
Prophet Abraham is one of the most brilliant personalities in the history of religion, morals, social life and fatherhood.
He really is the Father of Prophets because ALLAH the Almighty chose many Prophets from his offspring like Isaac, Jacob, David, their sons, and Ishmael the forefather of the last Messenger Mohammad (peace and blessings of ALLAH be upon them all).
There are long chapters in the Quran about Prophet Abraham. His biography and glorious deeds are mentioned in different places of the Quran.
Abraham thought about the oneness of the Creator from a very early age. He entered into serious debates with the monks of his day, refuting their tendency to worship idols, stars and fire.
He told them that these idols are not worthy or eligible of worship, so they tried to burn him alive. ALLAH saved him and chose him as a Prophet.
He was a prophet, model father and a model son. Here are some glimpses about his life mentioned in the Quran:
Abraham was a very obedient son to his disbelieving father, kind and very patient. (Quran 19, 42-47)
“ALLAH did show him the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, that he might be of those possessing certainty.” (Quran 6, 75)
He debated with his people about the false celestial GODs and declared that he can not worship them because they are not worthy. (Quran 6, 76-79)
ALLAH the Almighty mentioned him in the Quran as a chosen one:
“And mention in the Book (the story of) Abraham. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a Prophet.” (Quan 19, 41)
ALLAH gave him the wisdom and ability to affect others.
“And that was Our [conclusive] argument which WE gave Abraham against his people. WE raise by degrees whom WE will. Indeed, your Lord is Wise and Knowing.” (Quran 6, 83)
Prophet Moses – Kalimullah (Whom the GOD spoke to)
Prophet Moses was a mighty Prophet and a great leader who freed the children of Israel from the oppression of Pharoah. Prophet Moses is not only referred to in Judaism and Christianity, but highly mentioned in Islam. There is information about Prophet Moses in the Quran as well as in the Old and the New Testaments.
Prophet Moses is the most frequently mentioned of all Prophets in the Quran; 136 times in thirty-four chapters and he is included in the authenticated sayings of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).
The birth of Moses and his entrance to the Pharaoh’s palace, his trip to Madyan, selection as a Prophet, dispatch to the Pharaoh to save the Children of Israel, struggle with Pharaoh and the exodus of the Children of Israel from Egypt, the revelation of divine commands on Mount Sinai, events in the desert and his leadership of the Children of Israel are all discussed in the Quran.
In the Quran, it is mentioned that Moses was chosen above other men with the mission ALLAH had entrusted to him. The words that ALLAH had spoken to him (Quran 7, 143) , the fact that he was covered with the garment of love from ALLAH, as well as being reared under ALLAH’s eye (Quran 20, 39); all indicate the preparation of Moses for ALLAH’s service. (Quran 20, 41).
In the Quran, Moses is depicted as a Prophet who gives glad tidings about the coming of Prophet Mohammad; the Quran also tells us that the coming of an illiterate Prophet was mentioned in the Old Testament.
(Quran 7, 157).
In Islamic tradition Moses is called (Kalimullah) (Whom the Lord spoke to) because ALLAH spoke to him and revealed HIS verses to him directly.
Prophet Jesus
Jesus in Islam is a messenger of GOD, who had been sent to guide the Children of Israel (Bani Israil) with a new scripture, the Injil (Gospel).
The Quran states that Mary gave birth to Jesus without a man having touched her, a miraculous event which occurred by the decree of GOD.
“And mention, [O Mohammad], in the Book [the story of] Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place towards the east…Then WE sent to her Our Angel [i.e. Gabriel], and he represented himself to her as a well – proportioned man… He said, “I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you [news of] a pure boy [i.e. son].” She said, “How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?” He said, “Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, ‘It is easy for ME and WE will make him a sign to the people and a mercy from US. And it is a matter [already] decreed.’ ” (Quran 19, 16-21)
To aid him in his quest, Jesus was given the ability to perform miracles, with the permission of ALLAH. According to Islamic texts, Jesus was neither killed nor crucified, but rather he was raised alive up to heaven. Islamic traditions narrate that he will return to earth near the Day of Judgment to restore justice and defeat the Dajjal (Antichrist).
Like all Prophets in Islam, Jesus is considered to have been a Muslim, as he preached for people to adopt the straight path in submission to GOD’s will. Islam rejects that Jesus was GOD or the son of GOD, stating that he was an ordinary human being who, like other prophets, had been divinely chosen to spread GOD’s message.
Islamic texts forbid the association of partners with GOD, emphasizing the notion of GOD’s Divine Oneness. Numerous titles are given to Jesus in the Quran, such as al-Masīah, although it does not correspond with the meaning accrued in Christian belief that he is the son of Mary and GODs servant. Jesus is seen in Islam as a precursor to Mohammad (pbuh), and is believed by Muslims to have foretold His coming.
Prophet Mohammed – The final messenger
Mohammed, the Prophet of Islam, was born in Makkah, somewhere in the year 570 CE. As an orphan, he was raised by his uncle, who was from the respected tribe of Quraysh. As he grew up, he became known to be truthful, honest, generous and sincere. So much so, that the people of that time used to called him “The Trustworthy”. Mohammed was very pious and he had long detested the decadence and idolatry of his society. At the age of 40, Mohammed received his first revelation from ALLAH through the Angel Gabriel. The revelations of the words of ALLAH continued for 23 years and they are collectively known as the Quran.
As soon as he began to recite the Qur`an and preach the truth which ALLAH had revealed to HIM, he and his small group of followers suffered persecution from the society around them. The persecution grew so fierce that in the year 622CE ALLAH gave them the command to migrate to Madinah.
After several years, Mohammad and his followers returned to Makkah, where they forgave their enemies who had once persecuted them relentlessly. Before Mohammad died, at the age of 63, the greater part of the Arabian Peninsula had become Muslim, and within a century of his death, Islam had spread to Spain in the West and as far East as China. Among the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was the truth and clarity of its teaching.
Prophet Mohammad was a perfect example of an honest, just, merciful, compassionate, truthful, and brave human being. Though he was a man, he was far removed from all evil characteristics and strove solely for the sake of ALLAH and his reward in the Hereafter. Moreover, in all of his actions and dealings, he was ever mindful and fearful of GOD.
“O Mankind, the Messenger has come to you with the truth from your Lord, so believe; it is better for you. But if you disbelieve – then indeed, to ALLAH belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and earth. And ever is ALLAH Knowing and Wise.” (Qur`an 4, 170)
Prophet Muhammad PBUH
“..O People, just as you regards this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one, so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds. . .
The Last sermon of Prophet Mohammed
“..O People, just as you regards this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one, so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds.
ALLAH has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. ALLAH has judged that there shall be no interest…
O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under ALLAH’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not allow anyone to enter your house whom you do not approve of, as well as never to be unchaste…
All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves…
O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O people, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my example, the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray…
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O ALLAH, that I have conveyed your message to your people.”
The Holy Mosques
There are three (3) Holy sites of Islam that a Muslim is recommended to journey to, the “Harmain”, the sacred Mosque in Makkah and The Prophet’s Mosque in Al-Madina and the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
The virtue of these mosques are stated in the following sayings of the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh);
“Set out deliberately on a journey only to three mosques: this mosque of mine [in Al- Madinah], the Sacred Mosque [in Makkah], and al-Aqsa Mosque [in Jerusalem].” (Reported by Bukhari and Muslim)
“A prayer in the Sacred Mosque [in Makkah] is worth 100,000 prayer more than in any other mosque, a prayer in my mosque [in Madinah] is worth 1,000, and a prayer in Jerusalem [al-Aqsa Mosque] is worth 500.” (Reported by Bukhari)
The Sacred Mosque in Makkah – (Currently a city in Saudi Arabia)
“The first house [of worship] appointed for mankind was that at Bakka [Makkah]; full of blessing and of guidance for all kinds of beings.” (Quran 3, 96)
The Holy Mosque in Makkah is built around the Ka`ba, the first house consecrated to the worship of the One True GOD. The Ka`ba is the simple cube stone which is completely empty, raised by Prophet Abraham and his son Prophet Ishmael on the original foundations laid down by Adam. At the eastern corner of the Ka`ba there is a black stone known as ‘al-Hajar al–Aswad’ which is the only remnant of the original building that was built by Prophet Abraham and his son.
The Ka`ba is the direction to which Muslims turn in prayer. Neither the Ka`ba nor the Black Stone are objects of worship but serve as a focal point that unifies Muslims in worship.
Prophet Mohammed narrated about the Ka`ba:
“You are sacred, but the blood of a Muslim is more sacred to ALLAH than you.” (Shahih)
The Prophet Mosque in Al-Madinah – (Currently a city in Saudia Arabia)
The first mosque built in Islam was the one built in Al-Madina by the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) in the year 622 CE.
It was a very simple structure made from adobe bricks and stone. Adjacent to the mosque was the modest house of the Prophet Mohammad in which he was later buried along with two of his companions; Abu Bakr As-Saddiq and Omar Ibn Al- Khattab.
The mosque acted as a centre for the community; not only allowing facilities for learning and celebrations, but distributing charity, writing to other heads of state and meeting delegations. After the establishment of the mosque, the Muslim community spread around it so that it became the very heart of the state.
Successive expansions throughout history have made the Prophet’s Mosque the magnificent architectural masterpiece it is today. Adjacent to the mosque is the beautiful green dome under which the grave of Prophet Mohammad can be found.
There is an area within the Mosque, between the pulpit (minber) and the grave of Prophet Mohammed called “Ar- Rawda As-Shareefa” where Muslims prefer to pray as they consider the area a place from paradise.
Al-Aqsa Mosque in Al-Quds (Palestine)
“Exalted is He who took His Servant [Prophet Mohammad] by night from Al-Masjid Al-Haram to Al-Masjid Al- Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show HIM of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing.” (Qur`an 17, 1)
Al-Aqsa Mosque in the city of Al- Quds (Jerusalem) is the third holiest site in Islam. It is dear to the hearts of Muslims as it was the frst mosque that they turned to in prayer before the Ka`ba. It is also the mosque that the Prophet Mohammad was taken to on the night journey (Isra and Miraaj) and the place where he led all the prophets in prayer.
Al-Aqsa Mosque is the entire noble sanctuary, which includes not only Omar’s Mosque but also the Dome of the Rock and other land marks inside the stone fence totaling more than 200 places. The entire area covers over 144,000 square meters and therefore encompasses over one sixth of Jerusalem’s old city. Prayer anywhere within the enclosed sanctuary will be weighed 500 times more than prayer in a regular mosque, in terms of reward.