Abdul Latif Al Hoad

Contents

What is Islam? 4

The Five Pillars: Arkan al-din 9

Customs 19

The Koran 23

Islam's Relationship with Christianity and

Judaism 25

The Spread of Islam 27

The Divisions of Islam 29

Art and Architecture 33

Islam and Science 36

Islam-A Way of Life 37

Women in Islam 40

Islam: Present and Future 43

Glossary 46
Books to Read 47
Index 48
 Followers of Islam recognize many
What is Islam? prophets including some such as
Moses and Abraham who are recogn­
ized by both Jews and Christians. But
"Islam” is an Arabic word meaning they believe that the last and greatest of
“submission.” The word “Muslim” is the prophets is Muhammad.
also from an Arabic word, and means Islam is not only a belief but a
“one who submits.” So Islam is complete way of life.
submission to the will of Allah (the
word the Muslim uses for God), Who are the Muslims?
which was revealed to the Prophet
Muhammad over a twenty-three year It has been estimated that there are
period, and recorded in the Koran, the between 800 and 900 million Muslims
Holy Book. Muslims believe that in the world. Although Islam has its
everything in the Holy Koran is the roots in Arabia, since Allah revealed
direct word of God, and must therefore
be obeyed. Outside the Regent’s Park mosque in
A “prophet” is a messenger sent by London, Muslims ofall nationalities pray
God to give guidance to humankind. together.

4
his message to Muhammad in a desert How it all began
mountain outside Mecca, a Muslim is
not necessarily an Arab. Arabs make Muhammad was born in Mecca in
up only about one sixth of the world's approximately 570. His parents died
Muslim population. There arc when he was very young and he was
followers of Islam in almost every brought up by his grandfather, and
country of the world. Many Muslims later by his uncle. Abu Talib. who was
live in the West. In Britain there are a merchant.
about two million Muslims, and the When he grew up. he was first a
mosque in Regent’s Park in London is camel-driver and eventually became a
one of the largest in the world. trader. His honest dealings earned him
Muslims believe that all men are the title “al-Amin,” which means "the
equal in the sight of Allah, regardless of trustworthy." He later married his
color, race or rank. There is no employer, a rich widow, named
difference between rich or poor, black Khadija. Muhammad was twenty-five
or white. at the time and his new wife was forty.
Despite the age difference, the
Map showing the distribution ofMuslims marriage was happy and successful,
throughout the world. and lasted twenty-six years.

5
Muhammad and some of his fellow filled it with 360 idols of stone, clay or
citizens were concerned about the state wood to which they and visiting traders
of religion in Mecca. The people made sacrifices.
worshipped many gods. Even though Muhammad was in the habit of
Mecca had a famous shrine — the
Ka’aba, traditionally built by Abraham The /loir Mosque in Mecca, which is the
for the worship of the one God — they center ofannual pilgrimage.

. ' r—< •- -

---- _ , >
retiring alone to a cave on Mount Hira but he continued topreach.
to meditate and one day, when he was In the end. Muhammad and his
forty years old, he heard a voice saying followers had to leave Mecca. This was
to him "Read.’' Since he could neither in 622. This event is known as the hijra.
read nor write, Muhammad replied, and marks the beginning of the Muslim
“Alas, I cannot read.” The voice calendar, as al this point Muhammad
repeated “Read,” and once more established the first Muslim
Muhammad answered, “Alas, I community — in Medina. The number
cannot read.” The voice then said, of his followers increased and this
“Read, in the name of the Lord, who success angered the people of Mecca,
created man from a clot of blood. who sent an army to defeat
Read." As Muhammad left the cave in Muhammad. But the attempt was
terror, he heard the voice echoing all foiled. Muhammad gained the victory.
around saying, “O, Muhammad, thou He returned to Mecca in 630. The
art Allah's messenger and 1 am people turned to Islam and the idols
Gabriel." Looking up he saw the Angel were banished from the Ka ’aba. The
Gabriel in the likeness of a man. bathed movement was now very strong and
in bright light and filling the sky. The was able to survive the death of
vision faded and Muhammad returned Muhammad in 632. Abu Bakr became
home. (Khadija was convinced that he the leader, the first Caliph.
was to be the Prophet that the Jews
were awaiting. Over the next twenty- The cave on Mount Hira, said to be where
three years Muhammad was an Muhammad went Io meditate.
enthusiastic and obedient messenger,
and recited the commands the Angel
delivered to him from Allah. He had to
recite them because he could not write
them. They came to be known as “the
Readings." in Arabic, "Al-Qur’an" l the
Koran).
At the end of the third year of his
ministry, Muhammad was instructed
to “Arise and warn" (Sura 74, the
Cloaked One), and he began to preach
in public about the evils of false gods.
(Previously lie had spoken only to
friends and relatives.) He and his
disciples were ridiculed and persecuted

7
 Speaking the following words in front
The Five Pillars of at least two Muslim witnesses is how
one becomes a Muslim: “I witness that
there is no God but Allah and that
The most important demonstrations of Muhammad is his servant and
faith are referred to as the “Five Pillars Prophet.” This is known as the
of Islam,’’ the zircon al-din. “shahadah,” and must be recited aloud
and correctly once in a lifetime with full
The First Pillar understanding and commitment of the

The First Pillar is the declaration of Below The words ofthe shahadah are
belief in Allah, the one God. This is, by written on the Saudi .1 rabianflag. They are
far, the most important command. the declaration offaith.

Left Early Persian paintings depicted Caliphs as powerfulfigures. The Persians did not
agree with the Islamic prohibition against painting humanfigures.
heart. These words, in Arabic, are to be The Second Pillar
seen above the sword on the Saudi
Arabian flag. The next most important duty for a
Muslim is to pray five times daily
(salat). Interrupting work and pleasure
several times a day reminds the
Muslim of the need to praise Allah and
to submit to his will. Prayers are said at
set times. In certain circumstances the
prayer may be said after the allotted
time, but never before. This is
determined by the position of the sun.
If a prayer is delayed, it must be said
before the time of the next prayers. The
prayers have special names, which are:
Fajr The Dawn Prayer (when it is
possible to distinguish the black
thread of the horizon from the
white one of the sky).
Dhuhr The Midday Prayer (when
the sun is directly overhead).
Asr The Mid-afternoon Prayer
(when the sun is half-way down, or
when a stick casts a shadow its own
length).
Maghrib The Sunset Prayer (when
the sun disappears over the
horizon).
T’sha About an hour and a half
later.
Each prayer consists of two or more
sections, each section known as a
raka’a. Passages from the Koran are
Five clocks outside the Sama Masjid mosque recited in Arabic, and certain ritual
in India shou the times ofdaily prayer. The movements are performed.
sixth clock isJor Friday prayers, which are A ritual washing of hands, head,
communal. face, body and feet is obligatory before

10
each prayer. The Koran places great
stress on cleanliness, and even gives
detailed instructions on how to wash.
The muezzin calls the people to
prayer from the top of the minaret of
the mosque. The human voice is
always the instrument that summons
to prayer. The prayers are said facing
toward the Ka’aba in Mecca. This
direction, the qibla, is marked in tIll-
mosque by a niche in the wall, which is
known as the mihrab. Muslims must
remove their shoes before entering a
mosque, so that dust from the street is
not carried into a holy place.
On Fridays there is a special prayer,
known as the Salat al-Jum’ah, at
midday. Everybody collects together in
the mosque for communal prayers.
Friday is known as the Jum’ah — the
“gathering” — and is the Muslim
equivalent of the weekend.
When a person is traveling, prayers
may be shortened and even joined
together, for example, the Dhuhr to the
Asror the Asr to the Maghrib.

For Muslims, prayer involves several ritual

movements, which accompany the recitation
ofpassagesfrom the Koran, in Arabic. These
picture', /below anrfrightj show a Muslim
businessman interrupting his work to pray.
The Third Pillar

Giving alms, or zakat, is the Third

Pillar of Islam. The Koran says that all
Muslims should give part of their
wealth to “orphans, the needy, the
traveler and those who ask.” This
should be 2.5 percent of their income.

The Fourth Pillar

The Fourth Pillar of Islam is fasting

(rauwt) during the month o[ Ramadhan.
It is a very strict fast since it is
forbidden to eat, drink or smoke
between the hours of sunrise and
sunset. This can put enormous
pressures on people living in hot
climates when Ramadhan occurs in the
Above Muslims must give alms.
hottest part of the year. In 1986
Ramadhan started on May 9, but since
Islam uses the moon’s phases to Below Muslims gather at a mosquefor
measure its months, this date moves Friday prayers.
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A Muslimfamily are waiting to break theirfast during Ramadhan at the a! Hussein

mosque, which is in Iraq. They will all sit down to eat at sundown.

13
forward by twelve days each year. At the end of Ramadhan there is the
Prince Sultan bin Sulman, the first great festival of Eid al-Fitr — The
Arab and Muslim to be part of one of Festival of Breaking the Fast. It is a
the American space missions, fasted period ofjoy and celebration, and lasts
during his last month of training and for four days. It is a family festival, and
for his first day in space, in spite of the presents are exchanged.
physically demanding program he had
to follow. He also read the Koran in its The Eid al-Fitrfestivalfollowing
entirety while orbiting in space! Ramadhan, is a time ofrejoicing.
The Fifth Pillar

Allah, the Most High says:

Andproclaim unto mankind the pilgrimage. . .
they will come unto thee onfoot and on every lean
camel; they will comefrom every deep ravine.
Sura 22, the Pilgrimage
Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca,
which every Muslim should attempt
once in his or her lifetime, but only if
this undertaking does not involve
hardship for the family. This is the only
Pillar that is not compulsory. Over
A pilgrim on the Hajj at Mecca, wearing
two lengths ofwhite cotton, and sealed on a
prayer mat. The markers, which are 9.5km (6miles)
from Mecca. These act as a signal Io the
pilgrim that he or she has now entered upon
the Hajj.
two million Muslims, many of whom
have to travel long distances, make
their way to Mecca every year. It is the
world’s largest annual spiritual
gathering.
Since time immemorial, Mecca has
been a place of pilgrimage because of
its association with Abraham and
possibly with Adam before that.
Muhammad, the Prophet, was born
there and his mission was first revealed
to him near there on Mount Hira.
Allah incorporated Hajj into the
Islamic faith.
When the pilgrims are about 9.5km
(6 miles) from the sacred city, they
must wash. Men put on two lengths
of white cotton — the ihram; they must It is draped in a black silk cover. The
be bare-headed and they usually wear Ka 'aba is believed to have been built by
sandals. Women dress simply and Abraham (although it has been rebuilt
must cover their heads, but need not be several times since). The Black Stone
veiled. The purpose of this is to — probably a meteorite — which is in
symbolize the equality of all, whether a corner is believed to be part of the
rich or poor, in the sight of Allah. original structure and to date back to
During this time, pilgrims are the time ofAdam.
forbidden to cut their hair or nails, to On arrival in Mecca, at the start of
use perfume, have sexual relations, the pilgrimage, the pilgrim must:
hunt, or even pick wild flowers (which
would mean destroying Allah’s work). • Walk seven times round the Ka'aba
Toward the center of the sacred in an anti-clockwise direction. Some
mosque in Mecca is the Ka’aba, toward try to touch or kiss the Black Stone as
which all Muslims turn their faces in they pass.
the daily prayers. This is a stone
structure, about 15m high (48ft), 11m -lf«/> ofSaudi .4 rabia showing the places that
wide (35ft), and 16m long (52ft). must he visited during the Hajj.

16
* Run seven times between the hills of * Go to the plain of Arafat. This is 9
as-Safa and al-Marwah. This is done in km (6 miles) from Mecca. The pilgrims
memory of Hagar, the mother of spend the whole afternoon standing in
Ishmael. Abraham's son and the prayer in the open air, glorifying Allah.
ancestor of the Arab people. She ran
distractedly seven times between these
two hills in search of water. When she At the beginning and at the end ofthe Hajj,
returned she found a spring gushing at pilgrims must walk seven times around the
Ishmael's feet, and water has flowed Ka’aba in an anti-clockwise direction. Some
from it ever since. It is known as the kiss or touch the Black Stone, which is
Well ofZam-Zam. believed to be part ofthe original structure.

17
• Proceed to Muzdalifah, another 9 Go seven times round the Ka’aba
open plain, where the pilgrim must once again.
gather seventy small pebbles.
The pilgrimage is then completed,
• Go to the village of Mina where the
ritual of stoning the devils lakes place. although many people combine this
Stones are thrown at three pillars to with a visit to Medina to see the
commemorate Abraham’s rejection Prophet's tomb. Those who have
completed the pilgrimage are entitled
of Satan.
to call themselves Hajjis.
• Sacrifice an animal — a sheep or a The Eid al-Adha — The Festival of
goat — although the pilgrim is not Sacrifice — marks the time of the end of
required to slaughter the animal the pilgrimage. It lasts for four days
personally. There are butchers who and is celebrated very much in the
will do this, store the meat and give it same way as the Eid al-Fitr. It is a time
to the poor. of rejoicing throughout the Muslim
Hajj is often decorate their houses with world, a lime for charitable donations
paintings showing details oftheirjourney to to be made and the exchange of gifts to
Mecca. take place between family and friends.

IK
Customs after birth. In some Muslim countries
it occurs later and becomes a cause for
Birth celebration and feasting, but it is not
compulsory.
From the moment a Muslim child is The seventh day after birth is the one
born, he or she is a true Muslim and the recommended for the naming of the
words child. This is called “Aqiqa." The
child's hair will be cut and a sacrifice of
La Utah ilia Allah u a Muhammad Abduhu wa two sheep or goats will be made if the
rassoulu hu child is a boy — one if it is a girl — and
the meat is given to the poor. The
should be the first the baby hears. This weight of the hair in gold and silver
means “There is no God but Allah and may be given as alms, although this
Muhammad is his senant and only occurs in some Muslim countries.
Prophet.” There is no other initiation
ceremony. The Koran makes no .4 Muslim child having its head shaved
mention of circumcision although this during the Aqiqa, or naming ceremony. This
is usually carried out in hospital soon occurs seven days after birth.

19
 J

Marriage .1 Muslim bride often wears beautiful,

elaborately embroidered clothes.
The Koran allows a man to have up to
four wives, who must all be treated retains her own name, as her father is
equally. In fact, very few men have still responsible for her and will remain
more than one wife. The marriage responsible for her throughout her life.
ceremony is very simple. Each partner
agrees in fronfoftwo Muslim witnesses Divorce
to marry, but there are elaborate
ceremonies accompanying this simple Everything possible must be done to
declaration. make a marriage work. If this is
Marriages are often arranged by­ impossible, then divorce is allowed
parents and older relatives, or after although it is frowned upon and should
introductions by brothers or sisters. only be a last resort. Once the decision
I he Koran says that no woman need has been made, however, divorce may­
marry- against her will. In practice, be obtained quickly and easily. The
arranged marriages work very well. wife is entitled to remain for three
The woman must be given a gift months in the family home if she
(dowry! of money or jewelery by the wishes, and during that time her
man, which is hers to keep; She is also husband must support her. She is
allowed to keep her own money and allowed to keep her dowry, but once
wages for herselfas a working wife. She the divorce is final she can expect no

2(1
 ... gardens underneath which riversflow...
or they will become:
. .. dwellers ofthe Fire (and will) cry out unto
the dwellers of the gardens: Pour onto us some
waler or some ofthat wherewith Allah provided
you. They say: Lot Allah hath forbidden both
to unbelievers.
Sura VII, the Heights

Burial

After ritual washing, the corpse is

wrapped in at least three white sheets
and laid, without ceremony except for
a few prayers, on the right side with the
.In Egyptianfarmer stands outside his home face turned toward Mecca, in a simple
with his two wives. .4 Muslim man may have grave at least 2m (6ft) deep. The grave
up tofour wires, each oj whom he must treat has no marker or headstone. Departure
equally. from this custom is contrary to the
teachingofthe Koran.
further support, unlike some of her Some say that the grave should be
counterparts in the West. She becomes deep enough for the dead person to sit
the responsibility of her father again. up without his or her head appearing
above ground, in order to answer the
questions al the Last Judgment.
Death
The saying ofa prayer is the only ceremony at
Death is regarded by Muslims as a a Muslimfuneral.
release from the troubles of this life,
and on hearing of someone's death it is
customary to say “Allah Karim” —
“from Allah we came and to him we
shall return.” This refers to the Last
Judgment, when all Muslims believe
that their lives will be reviewed and
they will have to answer for their deeds.
Either they will enter Paradise where
there are:
The Koran

The Koran was revealed to

Muhammad over a period of twentv-
three years and is regarded by Muslims
as the word of God and his final
revelation to humankind. It was
recited from memory and written down
by others on a variety of materials —
pieces of bone, clay tablets, leaves, etc.
— and these were stored in the house of
Muhammed's second wife Avesha.
More important, however, the whole
Koran was stored in the memories of
his followers who, like Muhammad,
could recite it by heart. Many people
can perform this feat today, even young
children. Forty followers — the
“Revelation writers" — were assigned
to record the Koran. After the death of Some Muslims recite the complete text ofthe
Muhammad many of his followers Koranfrom memory.
were killed in battle and this so
concerned the people that all those who always tries to learn Arabic even if it is
could recite the Koran were called not his or her native language.
together and an authoritative version
made. Copies were dispatched to all The Relationship between the
parts of the Muslim Empire. Since that Koran, the Toran and the
time the Koran has been unchanged. Gospels
Not even a comma has been altered.
Any translation of the Koran is viewed lie hath revealed unto thee (Muhammad) the
with disapproval by Muslims, who Scriptures with truth, confirming that which
insist that the true meaning can only be was before it, even as he revealed the Torah and
realized from the Arabic. A Muslim the Gospels.
Sura III, the Family of Imran
Left Arabic calligraphy takenfrom the
Koran uill oftenform a roadside lhe Torah is the revelation ofGod’s will
sculpture. to the Hebrew priests — the Mosaic or

23
Copies ofthe Koran are often elaborately Athenesius first named the four Gospels !
decorated. Muslims try to read it in Arabic. read today in A.I). 367. Muslims I
attach importance to these holy books 1
of the Christians and the Jews insofar
Jewish law — and is made up of the as they have both been confirmed by l
first five books of the Old Testament. the Koran.
The Gospels are the part of the The Koran is half prose, half poetry
Christian Xew Testament that deals and contains language of great power
with the life and teachings of Jesus. and beauty. It is particularly
They were written in Greek at various impressive when read aloud. It is the
periods after the death of Christ and religious basis of Islam and also a
originally numbered more than those complete set of rules for daily living
that were finally selected. Saint and the organization ofsociety.

24
 Jew nor Christian. The Koran refers to
Islam's Relationship the latter as the "People of the Book.”
with Christianity and Il is important to understand that
Muslims believe in the prophets of the
Judaism Torah, and the Old Testament, such as
Moses and Abraham. They honor
Islam, Judaism and Christianity are Jesus, but only as one of many
united in their belief in the one God. prophets. They do not believe he is the
At the time of the birth of Son of G<kI. Muslims also believe that
Muhammad, there were Jews and God will judge everyone at the end of
Christians living in Mecea. and also
idolators — people who worshipped Muslim children reading the Koran. It is the
“false gods.” Muhammad was one of religious basis ofIslam and gives detailed
the haneefiy-yah — those who searched instructions and guidelines on all aspects of
for the right way, and who were neither life.

25
Muslims appoint an imam as guardian ofa ministers to guide believers. Islam has
mosque. An imam is also the leader ofthe none of these. 11 is true that sometimes
prayers. a man is appointed guardian of a
mosque — the imam — but he has no
time, a belief shared by Christians. position of influence, and is not
Followers of Islam believe that regarded as a “holy” man. He will also
Christians and Jews introduced lead the prayers.
corruption and error into the original There is a group of very learned men
revelation granted to them by God. called the ulama, who are respected
There are many differences in throughout the Muslim world. They
practice and belief, one of the most are often called upon to settle dif­
important being that Judaism has ferences that arise in the inter­
rabbis and Christianity has priests and pretation of the Koran or Shariah Law.

26
The Spread of Islam rapidly and by 732 Muslims occupied
all of North Africa and all ofSpain and
Portugal. Not long afterward they
reached Tours, which is only about
After the death of Muhammad, Abu
160km (100 miles) from Paris. But the
Bakr became the new Caliph. By that
time most of Arabia had converted to armies of Islam were defeated by
Islam. Muhammad had dreamed of Charles Martel at Poitiers and forced
conquering the whole world for Islam, to retreat. Christian Europe was
and within one hundred years of his largely unaffected although Spain
death a huge area was under Muslim remained under Muslim influence for
rule. His followers had carried the faith centuries.
into Syria, Iraq, Jerusalem and then By the tenth century the three main
farther west into Egypt and North centers of Arab civilization were
Africa. Christians in the conquered Baghdad, Cairo and Cordoba. Science,
territories were allowed to practice literature and the arts flourished.
But that was not the end of the
their own religion but, as non­
spread of Islam. Later the message of
Muslims, they were not allowed to be
in the army, and were subjected to Muhammad was taken south to
protection taxes. The spread of Islam .4 map showing the spread ofthe Islamic
outward from Mecca continued empires.
Nigeria and the Sudan, and by the Safavids in Iran and the Moguls in
thirteenth century it reached China India. These were far more advanced
and Southeast Asia. Later, the message than any comparable state in Europe.
was often spread by travelers and World War I (1914-18) saw the end
merchants. of the Ottoman Empire, while the
Constantinople, the Christian center power of the Safavids was considerably
of the Byzantine Empire, resisted the weakened during the eighteenth
spread of Islam, but in 1453 it fell to the century. The Mogul Empire came
Muslims and was renamed Istanbul. increasingly under the influence of the
By the seventeenth century a "British, who remained in India as
considerable part of the known world rulers until 1947.
consisted of wealthy, powerful and
highly sophisticated Muslim empires .In early painting depicting the invasion of
— the Ottomans in Turkey, the India by the Mogulforces.
 firmly adhered to by all true believers.
The Divisions of In 1736, a learned and devout Sheikh
Islam named Abdal Wahhab called upon all
Muslims to return to the true
There are no sects or divisions in
observance of Muwahadeen — the belief
Islam, strictly speaking. There can
in one God. He insisted that the
only be the worship of the one true God
Muslim was wandering away from the
in the manner laid down in the Koran,
true Islam of the Koran, Hadith and the
the Hadith and the Sunna. The Hadith
Sunna. His teachings found favor with
are the sayings of the Prophet
the nation, and later, when Ibn Saud
Muhammad, which arc often referred
unified the area of what is now the
to as the “Traditions,” and recorded by
his observers. The Sunna is the way, or The Hadith, known as the “Traditions,"is
example of the Prophet Muhammad, based on the sayings ofthe Prophet
recorded by those who observed him Muhammad. These were recorded by
during his lifetime. These ways are observers during the Prophet's lifetime.

29
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, this revival
was adopted by the whole kingdom.
The people of Saudi Arabia are
sometimes referred to as Wahhabis,
although they do not approve of this
and the term should not be used.
Throughout the world today, the
traditional followers of the message of
Islam are known as Sunnites, the
followers of the path shown by
Muhammad with the help of Allah,
recorded in the Sunna. Saudi Arabia
could be called a Sunnite country.
The Koran and the Sunna also make
up the sources of Islamic law known as
the Shariah (“path"), which is the law
that Muslim countries such as
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia follow.
There are four schools of thought
within the Islamic system of law (Fiqh),
and the rules that each school lays Ayatollah Khomeini, who is the head ofthe
down differ in some respects from the Shiitefundamentalist party in Iran.
others. These rules deal with all
aspects of life, and any variations are son-in-law, Ali. as his successor before
slight. These schools of thought are he died, and that he and his
called Hanaji, Hanbali, Maliki and descendants arc therefore the natural
Shaf’ii, and although they are successors as leaders of the Ummah —
sometimes believed to be different sects community — and the Islamic state.
of Islam, they are actually the same. This is denied by the Sunnites, who
There is a grouping of Muslims who point out that there is no written record
call themselves Shiites (from Slii'ali. a of this, whereas they argue that the
word that means a following or a sect). Hadith and the Sunna deal with all other
The Shiites claim that the Prophet principles of Islam.
Muhammad chose his cousin and There have been other breakaway
Left Muslims from Saudi Arabia. This is a groups over the years, which have so
Sunnite Country where Muslimsfollow the distorted the concept of pure Islam
path shown by Muhammad as it is recorded that they would not be accepted as
in the Sunna. Muslim by the Sunnite majority.

31
 of flowers, leaves, geometrical patterns
Art and Architecture and calligraphy.

Calligraphy
After Muhammad left Mecca, a
distinctive style of architecture and The fact that the Koran was written in
certain designs and motifs became Arabic meant that the Arabic script
associated with Islam. There is a was adopted over a wide area,
uniformity about Islamic art that stretching from India to Spain, and
makes it very different from traditional that most Muslims had some
Western art, which has many knowledge of it. The art of writing —
distinctive styles, associated with calligraphy — is perhaps the most
different periods in its history. characteristic feature of Islamic art.
Representation of the human or Verses of the Koran in flowing Arabic
animal figure is forbidden in Muslim script are the only form of decoration
- art (although this is not always strictly permitted in mosques, and they
- observed), to ensure that there is no provide inspiration to the faithful while
risk of worshipping “graven images," offering no distraction to lead their
so artists have used elaborate designs minds away from Allah.
Left Muslim arlists decorale their mosques Below Calligraphyfrequently provides
withflowers, script and geometric designs. decorationfor the walls ofthe mosques. This
The humanfigure must not he drawn. writing says “Allah”and “Muhammad. ”
Mosques The Dome ofthe Rock mosque in Jerusalem,
was built in 691 over the placefrom where
The most characteristic example of Muhammad ascended into Heaven on afiery
Islamic architecture is the mosque. horse.
The first mosque was built by
Muhammad and his followers in are considered by Muslims to be next
Medina, but perhaps the most famous, in importance to Mecca and Medina as
and one of the most beautiful is the holy places.
Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, built in The mosque of Ibn Tulun and the
691. It is built over the place where University of Al-Azhar in Cairo, the
Abraham offered to sacrifice his son Great Mosque in Delhi, the mosque at
Ishmael to God and the place from Cordoba and the Alhambra palace in
where traditionally. Muhammad Granada in Spain, are all buildings
ascended into Heaven on a fiery horse. that are known and admired
This mosque and the Al-Aqsa mosque throughout the world.

W
Gardens

The Alhambra palace has gardens that

were created by Arab gardeners.
Gardens are important to Muslims,
maybe because Paradise was a garden
that Allah promised to the faithful.
Water is always a significant feature.
The traditional Muslim garden has
two streams crossing it at right angles,
representing the rivers of Paradise and
should be so designed that it pleases all
the senses with sweet-smelling flowers, This coppersmith like other Islamic
fruit, trees, fountains, etc. craftsmen, is very skilled.
.1 similitude ofthe garden which those who keep pews in a mosque: instead the floor is
their duty to Allah are promised. Therein are covered with carpets and rugs, and
rivers ofwaler unpolluted . . . Muslims have prayer mats and rugs at
Sura XlA'l I. Muhammad home on which to kneel and pray.
Islamic craftsmen have excelled in
Other Crafts work of all kinds, including metalwork,
pottery, textiles and glassware.
Perhaps the best known example of
Islamic art in the West is the famous The beautiful gardens oj the Alhambra
Persian rug or carpet. There are no palace in Spain.
Islam and Science
In the Hadith it is written:
The Muslim should seekJot knowledge,from the
cradle to thegrave.

In the Koran we read that:

And whosoever is given knowledge is given

indeed abundant wealth.
Sura 11. the Cow
The search of knowledge inspired by
the Koran and Muhammad led to
some very important contributions to
the world of science, especially
mathematics. So-called Arabic
numerals, the concept of zero as a
number, and a basic decimal system
had originated with the Hindus in
India. Muslim scholars, in contact
with India, developed these concepts
to a high degree. Muslim scholars also The astrolabe was used by Muslim
translated great numbers of classic navigators to measure the height ofthe stars
Greek works of mathematics, and they and planets. It proved invaluable to
made many original contributions in early navigators.
the fields of arithmetic and especially
algebra.
Some of the most important work of Muslim universities were farther
Arab scholars was in the field of advanced than those in Christendom.
astronomy, and several of their ideas The Al-Azhar mosque in Cairo housed
were used later by scientists of the the university in 970, and there were
stature of Copernicus and Galileo. In about twelve thousand students. The
addition, a considerable debt is owed quest for knowledge continues and vast
to the Muslim scholars who carried out sums of money have been invested in
research in the fields of medicine, education in recent years. Rich
geography, navigation and botany. Muslim countries offer places to
Throughout the Middle Ages, students from poorer ones.

36
 forbidding of usury means that no
Islam - A Way of Life interest may be charged on loans, or
obtained by placing money on deposit
The Koran contains detailed instruc­ as in the banking systems of the West.
tions as to how a Muslim should run Nevertheless, businesses work very
his or her life. Guidance is given on all satisfactorily under Islamic law and
matters from washing, eating and the the feelings of trust and confidence that
management of business affairs to how the system gives are much appreciated
a person's estate should be disposed of by its followers. Profit, of course, may
upon his or her death. The law be made, and honest trade is
contained in the Koran is known as the encouraged in the Koran, but the
Shariah law and many Muslim percentage of profit should always be
countries, in particular Saudi Arabia, declared, ifrequested.
base their entire constitution on this.
There are rules for conduct in Wudu, which is a ritual washing, must take
business that the non-Muslim would place before prayers can be said. Here
consider impractical. For instance, the Muslims wash theirfeet.

37
 The family and the running of its .■in animal is blessed before it is sacrificed.
affairs is given much attention in the Only then it is halal, which means
Koran and also in the Hadith, a permissible to eat.
collection of the sayings and the
instructions of Muhammed, which are In Muslim communities families
intended to help Muslims understand stay together. The son. when he
some of the finer points of behavior. marries, brings his new wife into his
"Honor thy father and thy mother . . father's house and, if necessary, it will
is a commandment very familiar to all be made larger.
Muslims: Muslims are instructed by the
Koran to eat only halal meat (meat that
The Lord hath decreed that re worship none save
is pure and cleansed; it refers to the
him and (thatye show) kindness to parents. If
one ofthem, or both of them attain old age with meat of an animal that has been
thee, say not Fie unto them nor repulse them but blessed before it is killed). This
speak unto them a gracious word. involves offering prayers over the
Sura XVI I. the Children of Israel animal and cutting its throat to drain

38
the blood from its body, while saying There is an interesting code of use that
“B’ism Allah," which means “In the goes with this greeting. The first person
name of God.” Many Muslims, to speak will be:
especially those who live in strict
1. The person entering a room
communities, have a reluctance to eat
addressing those inside.
meat unless they can be sure it is halal.
The Muslim is also forbidden to eat
2. Thejunior to the senior.
any kind of pork, such as ham or bacon.
Even the manner of greeting one
3. The rider to the walker.
another is set out. The traditional
greeting ofone Muslim toanotheris:
4. The walker to the one standing.
Assalaam a’alaikum — “The Peace
be upon you” 5. The one standing to the one
who is sitting.
to which the reply is:
Wa a’alaikum assalaam — “And Muslims greeting each other during the Eid
upon you the Peace” al-Fitrfestivals.

39
Women in Islam
All Islamic teaching emphasizes that
women are the equals of men,
although, in keeping with the
Koran's instruction, in strict Muslim
societies there is no mingling of the
sexes in public and outside the
family. This prevents sexuality’s
being used for casual enjoyment,
which would only lead to
exploitation of women. Hence the
custom of veiling in public:
And tell the believing women Io lower theirgaze
and be modest and to .. . draw their veils . . .
and not to reveal their adornment save to their
own husbands,
SuraXXIV. Light
This explains also the formation of
the harem where the women gather
together. Women have equal rights but
different responsibilities. They have
the right to.own property and to be
educated, but Muslims have always
considered that care of the home and
the children should be a woman’s chief
concern. Women arc allowed to work
outside the home if it does not interfere
with their responsibilities there. In strict Muslim society men meet socially
Western society has many mistaken awayfrom the women.
ideas about the position of women in
Islam. It is impossible to generalize on under the Ayatollah Khomeini, for
this issue because some countries, for example, women have to wear the
example Saudi Arabia, Iran and chador — a long black gown — except
Pakistan tend to be more strict than when at work. But many Iranian
others, like Indonesia, which are far women readily adopted it and were
more relaxed. In fundamentalist Iran eager to return to traditional ways.

40
 In Saudi Arabia, no woman is permitted under Shariah Law. It is said
allowed to drive a car, and women that halfof the property in Jidda, one of
must go veiled in public, yet more and the country’s larger cities, is owned by
more women are getting degrees at women!
Saudi universities, and going to work In the secular Muslim states like
as doctors, nurses, and teachers. There Turkey, Egypt and Tunisia, women
is even a bank run and staffed by­
women for women, to deal with the Muslim women in some Islamic countries
financial affairs of the many who are wear a long black gown, and they are often
involved in business, which is veiled.

41
have become ambassadors and govern­ independence gained by going out to
ment ministers. But at the moment, work. Other women positively prefer
there is a new wave offundamentalism. the traditional role, giving service in
New proposals have been brought exchange for protection. Still others are
before the Egyptian parliament which, doubtful about what they see as a loss
if they were made law, would seriously offreedom and a limiting ofrights.
reduce women’s rights. These
proposals have been made to satisfy the .4 female Muslim student learns carpentry at
country’s fundamentalists but they Baghdad Technical College. Many Muslim
have raised protests. women decide tofollow a career. Many have
Some women have no difficulty in become successful in thefields ofmedicine,
reconciling the claims of family and the banking, politics and diplomacy.

42
 This growth is not restricted to
Islam: Present and traditional areas like Central Africa
Future (where, in the past fifteen years, fifty
million black Africans have embraced
Islam), but the West also has seen a
After rapid expansion for several tremendous increase in converts. In
hundred years, Islam suffered a period the United States there are more than
of decline. Recent years, however, have two million Muslims. One in five of all
seen a revival, and Islam is growing Muslims in the world lives in the
again at an impressive rate. At least U.S.S.R.
one thousand people a day throughout The establishment of the Shiite
the world embrace Islam. For over a fundamentalist rule in Iran under the
decade it has been the world's fastest Ayatollah Khomeini seemed to mark a
growing major religion, as confirmed revival of the basic teachings of Islam,
by UNESCO. which some felt had been corrupted by
Western lifestyles. There is no denying
that there is some degree of
An English imam reads the Friday message fundamentalist thinking in Iran.
to a mainly Western congregation. There are Women, for example, have to go veiled
an increasing number ofconverts in the II 'est. again and wear the chador, and are
imprisoned if they refuse to obey these
instructions. Although Iran is an
extreme case, fundamentalist thinking
means a return to basic Islamic
doctrine and the Shariah Law in every
Muslim country.
The Muslim world is disturbed by
the Gulf War. that bitter conflict
between Iran and Iraq.
Israel is another troubled area, as
Muslim countries differ in their
attitude toward the new State. Some
are hostile, but others, like Egypt, are
more tolerant. Although Islam is not a
politically united bloc, Muslims are
agreed over the issue of the Holy City of
Jerusalem. For Judaism, Christianity
and Islam, Jerusalem is a sacred city.

43
For Islam it is the third most holy city held in 1981 in Saudi Arabia and
after Mecca and Medina, and home of attended by forty-two Islamic rulers,
the beautiful Al Aqsa and Dome of the this declaration was met with
Rock mosques. The Islamic world was unanimous opposition.
shocked when Israel, having occupied
the Arab sector ofJerusalem at the end Jerusalem, which is the Holy Cityfor the
of the Arab-Israeli war in 1973, followers ofthe three major religions —
declared in 1980 that Jerusalem should Judaism. Christianity and Islam. On thefar
be the capital of the Jewish State right ofthis photograph,you can see the
forever. At an Islamic conference Dome ofthe Rock mosque.

44
New mosques are being built to meet the ever-increasing demand. This mosque is being built
in Jidda, one ofthe main commercial cities ofSaudi Arabia.

45
Glossary

Allah The Muslim name for God Islamic society and state. The Muslim
Arkan al-din The Pillars of Islam, five in all. calendar begins with this event and is
which musi be observed by all Muslims. denoted by the letters AH (Anno Hegirae)
These are: the shahadah; the salat; the zakat; written after the Islamic date.
Ramadhan and the hajj. Ihram Tw o lengths of white cotton worn by
Caliph ’Successor.'' At first it referred to the pilgrims undertaking the Hajj; also the
successor of Muhammad, Abu Bakr, but state of ritual purity of pilgrims wearing
later was the title for the head of the this clothing.
Muslim State. Ka'aba The shrine in the second mosque in
Chador The outer garment of the women of Mecca.
Iran, consisting of a long, draped cloth Koran ‘Reading." The divinely revealed
covering the head and body. scripture of Islam.
Eid al-Adha The Festival of Sacrifice Muwahadeen Unitarianism. The desire that
occurring at the time of the Hajj. all Muslims should adhere strictly to the
Eid al-Fitr The Festival of Fast-Breaking at word ofthe Koran and not divide into sects.
the conclusion ofRamadhan. Ramadhan The month of the heat." The
Fiqh The Islamic system oflaw. ninth month of the Islamic Calendar, and
Fundamentalism Flic strict adherence to the Islamic month of fasting, when food
every word ofthe Koran and Sharia Law. and drink, including water and medicine,
Gospels The first four books of the New are forbidden between dawn and sunset.
Testament of the bible, which describe the Pregnant women and sick people are
life and teachings ofjesus Christ. excused.
Hadith The sayings of the Prophet, often Shariah “Path." The code of life of Islam,
referred to as “The Traditions," were based on the Koran and the Prophet's
recorded by his friends and observers. Sunna.
Hajj ' Effort." It is the pilgrimage to Mecca, Shiites Those Muslims who adhere to the
which is compulsory for every Muslim who principle of succession to the leadership of
has the means to perform the journey once the Muslim community through the
in a lifetime. descendants of Ali and Fatimah.
Halal That which is permissible in Islamic Sunna The actions or practice of the Prophet,
law. consisting of what he himself did.
Harem "Sanctuary," A term used to denote recommended or approved ofin others.
the environs of Mecca, Medina and Sura A chapter of the Koran. Each sura has a
Jerusalem. Also used for a place where name, deriving from the beginning or
women can gather. matter included in the text.
Hegira The migration of the Prophet Torah The first five books of the Old
Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in the Testament and the foundation of the
year 622, heralding the foundation of the Jewish tradition and law.

46
Books to Read

Aggarwal, Manju. I Am a Muslim. New York: Keene, Michael, Being a Muslim. North
Eranklin Waits, 1985. Pomfret, VT: David & Charles, 1985.
Barlow. Christopher. Islam. North Pomfret, Sardar, Ziauddin. Muhammad: Aspects of His
VT: David & Charles, 1983, Biography. Ann Arbor, Ml: New Era
Earah. Caesar E. Islam: Beliefs and Observances. Publications, 1978.
revised edition. Woodbury. NY: Barron's Siddiqui, A. A. Elementary Teachings of Islam.
Educational Series, 1970. Chicago: Kazi Publications.
Hashim. A.S. Islamic Ethics. Chicago: Kazi Tames. Richard. Islam. North Pomfret. VT:
Publications. David & Charles. 1985.
Hayes, K.H.A. Stories of Great Muslims. Townson, Duncan. Muslim Spain.
Chicago: Kazi Publications. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publications,
1978.

Acknowledgments
The author would like to express his thanks to all those who have given assistance in this
project, including his friends in Saudi Arabia and in England.

Picture
Acknowledgments
The publishers would like to thank all those who provided pictures on the following pages:
Abdul Latif al Hoad 6 (Khalid Khidr), 9, 11, 15 (above), 19. 22 (Khalid Khidr), 24, 40,41.
45 (Khalid Khidr); Sonia Halliday 18, 34, 44; The Hutchison Library 30, 38; 1PA Picture
Library 7, 21 (J. Gulliver). 36,43 (Peter Sanders); NAAS Picture Library cover (A.G. Mould),
15 (below, A.G. Mould), 23 (A.G. Mould), 29 (A.G. Mould) 31 ( Peter Sanders); Middle East
Pictures, Christine Osborne 4, 8, 12 (above), 13, 14, 21,28, 35 (below i. 37, 39, 42; Malcolm
Walker5, 10, !6,27;Zefa 17,32.

47
Index
Abraham 4,6,17,25,34 Iraq 43 Tira* 23, 25
Alhambra, (he palace of 34, 35 Islamic sects 29 I 'lama 26
Allah 4,5,9,10,15,16,17,19, Israel 43,44
21,31,35 Jerusalem 34,43 Wahhab, Abdal 29
Al-Marwah, hill of 17 Washing 10,11,37
Animal sacrifice 18, 38-39 Jesus 24,25 Women in Islam 16,40-42,43
Judaism 4,25,26,43
Arafat, Mount 17 Zam Zam, Wellof 17
Art 33 Ka’abaS, 7,11,16,18
As-Safa, hillof 17 Khomeini, Imam40,43
Birth customs 19 Koran 4. 10, 12, 14, 19.20.21,
Aqiqa 19 23.24,26.29,31.33.36.37,
Black Slone 16 38,40
Caliph 7,27 Marriage customs 20
Calligraphy 33 dowry 20
Chador 40, 43 Mathematics 36
Christianity 4,24,25,26,27, Mecca 5,6, 7, 15, 25,27,33,
43 44
Medina 7,18,34,44
Death customs 21 Mina 18
Divorce 20 Moses 4,25
Education 36,40 Mosque 34
Eid al-Adha 18 Al-Aqsa 34
Eid al-Fitr 14 Al-Azhar 34, 36
Empires, Islamic 23,27,28 Cordoba 34
Mogul 28 Delhi 34
Ottoman 28 Dome ofthe Rock 34,44
Safavid 28 lbn Tulun 34
Regents Park 5
Fi?A3l Muezzin 11
Five Pillars 9-18 Muhammad 4,5,6-9,15,19,
hajj 15-18 23,25,27.29.33,35,38,40,
Ramadhan, fast 12 41,43
salat 10 Muslim converts 43
shahadah 9 Muzdalifah 18
gaAat 12
Old Testament 24,25
Gabriel, Angel 7 Pakistan 31.40
Gospels 24 Pilgrims 15-18
GulfWar 43 Rabbi 26
W®«tf29,31,38 Revelation writers 23
Halal 38 Salat al /urn 'ah 11
Hegira 7 Saudi Arabia 10,31,37,40,44
Hira, Mount 7 Shariah law 26,31,37,41,43
Ihrarn 16 Shiites 31
Imam 26 Surina 29
Iran 40, 43 Sunnites 31

48
 LsLAGS
There are followers of Islam (Muslims) in almost
every country m the world. They are united by their
belief in Allah, the one God, whose word was revealed
to Muhammad, the Prophet, and preserved in the
Koran. This book sets out to show that Islam is a
dignified and logical way of life, not only a belief. It
considers its origins, its growth and the observance of
the five ''Arkan" or Pillars of faith and attempts to
give a balanced and easily understandable view of its
place in the world today.