Understanding ISLAM And the MUSLIMS

In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

What is Islam?
Islam is not a new religion, but the same truth that God revealed through all His
prophets to every people. For a fifth of the world's populations, Islam is both a
religion and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and
forgiveness, and the majority have nothing to do with the extremely grave events
which have come to be associated with their faith.

Who are the Muslims?

One billion people from a vast range of races, nationalities and cultures across the
globe from the southern Philippines to Nigeria - are united by their common Islamic
faith. About 18% live in the Arab world; the world's largest Muslim community is in
Indonesia; substantial parts of Asia and most of Africa are Muslim while significant
minorities are to be found in Russia, China, North and South America and Europe.

What do Muslims believe ?

Muslims believe in One, Unique, Incomparable God; in the Angels created by Him;
in the prophets through whom His revelations were brought to mankind; in the Day
of
Judgment and individual accountability for actions; in God's complete authority
over human destiny and in life after death. Muslims believe in a chain of prophets
starting with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ismael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job,
Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the Baptist, and Jesus, Peace be
upon them. But God's final message to man, a reconfirmation of the eternal
message and a summing-up of all that has gone before was revealed to the
Prophet Muhammad (phuh) through Angel Gabriel.

How Does someone become a Muslims ?

Simply by saying "there is no god apart from God, and Muhammad is the
Messenger of God." By this declaration the believer announces his or her faith in all
God's messengers, and the scriptures they brought.

What does ' Islam ' mean?

The Arabic word 'Islam' simply means 'Submission' , and derives from a word
meaning 'Peace'. In a religious context it means complete submission to the will of
God.' Mohammedanism' is thus a misnomer because it suggests that Muslims
worship Muhammad (pbuh) rather than God. 'Allah' is the Arabic name for God,
which is used by Arab Muslims and Christians alike.

Why does Islam often seen strange ?

Islam may seem exotic or even extreme in the modern world. Perhaps this is
because religion does not dominate everyday life in the West today, whereas
Muslims have religion always uppermost in their minds, and make no division
between secular and sacred. They believe that the Divine Law, the
Shari 'a, should be taken very seriously, which is why issues related to religion are
still so important.

Do Islam and Christianity have different origins?

Well Together with Judaism, they go back to the prophets and patriarch Abraham,
and their three prophets are directly descended from his sons - Muhammad (pbuh)
from the eldest, Ishmael, and Moses and Jesus (pbuh) from Isaac. Abraham
established the settlement which today is the city of Makkah, and built the Ka'ba
towards which all Muslims turn when they pray.
What is the Ka'ba ?
The Ka'ba is the place of worship which God commanded Abraham and Ismael to
build over four thousand years ago. The building was constructed of stone on what
many believe was the original site of a sanctuary established by Adam. God
commanded Abraham to summon all mankind to visit this place, and when
pilgrims go there today they say ' At Thy service, O Lord ' , in response to
Abraham's summons.

Who is Muhammad ?
Muhammad (pbuh) was born in Makkah in the year 570, at a time when
Christianity was not yet fully established in Europe. Since his father died before his
birth, and his mother shortly afterwards, he was raised by his uncle from the
respected tribe of Quraysh. As he grew up, he became known for his truthfulness,
generosity and sincerity, so that he was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in
disputes. The historians describe him as a clam and meditative.

Muhammad (pbuh) was of a deeply religious nature, and had long detested the
decadence of his society. It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the
Cave of Hira near the summit of Jabal al-Nur, the ' Mountain of Light ' near Makkah.

How did he become a prophet and a messenger of God ?

At the age of 40, while engaged in a meditative retreat, Muhammad (pbuh)
received his first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel. This revelation,
which continue for twenty-three years, is known as the Quran.

As soon as he began to recite the words he heard from Gabriel, and to preach the
truth which God had revealed to him, he and his small group of followers suffered
bitter persecution, which grew so fierce that in the year of 622 God gave them the
command to emigrate. This event, the Hijra, (migration), in which they left Makkah
for the city of Madinah some 260 miles to the north, marks the beginning of the
Muslim calendar.

After several years, the Prophet (phub) and his followers were able to return to
Makkah, where they forgave their enemies and established Islam definitively.
Before the Prophet (pbuh) died at the age of 63, the greater part of Arabia was
Muslim, and within a century of his death Islam had spread to Spain in the West
and as far East as China.

How did the spread of Islam affect the world ?

Among the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was the simplicity of
its doctrine. Islam calls for faith in only One God worthy of worship. It also
repeatedly instructs man to use his powers of intelligence and observation.

Within a few years, great civilization and universities were flourishing, for
according to the Prophets (pbuh) " Seeking knowledge is an obligation for every
Muslim man and woman". The synthesis of Eastern and Western ideas and of new
thought with old, brought about great advances in medicine, mathematics,
physics, astronomy, geography, architecture, art, literature and history. Many
crucial systems such as algebra, the Arabic numerals, and also the concept of the
Zero (vital to the advancement and mathematics), were transmitted to medieval
Europe from Islam. Sophisticated instruments which were to make possible the
European voyages of discovery were developed, including the astrolabe, the
quadrant and good navigational maps.

What is the Quran ?

The Quran is a record of the exact words revealed by God through the Angel
Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). It was memorized by Muhammad (pbuh)
and then dictated to his ' Companions', and written down by scribes, who
crosschecked it during his lifetime. Not one word of its 114 chapters, (Suras) has
been changed over the centuries, so that the Quran is in every detail the unique
and miraculous text which was revealed to Muhammad (pbuh) fourteen centuries
ago.

What is the Quran about ?

The Quran, the last revealed Word of God, is the prime source of every Muslim's
faith and practice. It deals with all the subject, which concern us as human beings:
wisdom, doctrine, worship, and law, but its basic theme is the relationship between
God and His creatures. At the same time it provides guidelines for a just society,
proper human conduct and an equitable economic system.

Are there any other sacred sources ?

Yes, the Sunna, the practice and example of Muhammad (pbuh) is the second
authority for Muslims. A 'hadith' is a reliably transmitted report of what the Prophet
(pbuh) said, did or approved. Belief in the sunna is part of the Islamic faith.

Examples of the Prophet's sayings.

The Prophet (pbuh) said:

'God has no mercy on one who has no mercy for others'. ' None of you truly
believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself'.

'He who eats his fill while his neighbor goes without food is not a believer'.

'The truthful and trusty businessman is associated with the prophets, the saints,
and the martyrs'.

'Powerful is not he who knocks the other down, indeed powerful is he who controls
himself in a fit of anger'.

'God does not judge according to your bodies and appearances but He scans your
hearts and looks into your deeds'.

'A man walking along a path felt very thirsty. Reaching a well he descended into it,
drank his fill and came up. Then he saw a dog with its tongue hanging out, trying
to lick up mud to quench its thirst. The man saw that the dog was feeling the same
thirst as he had felt so he went down into the well again and filled his shoe with
water and gave the dog a drink. God forgave his sins for this action. 'The Prophet
(pbuh) was asked: 'O Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards
animals? He said, 'There is a reward for kindness to every living thing.'

From the hadith collections of Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi and Bayhaqi.

What are the 'Five Pillars' of Islam?

They are the framework of the Muslim life: faith, prayer, concern for the needy,
self-purification, and the pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able.

1 - FAITH
There is no God worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is His messenger.
This declaration of faith is called the "Shahada", a simple formula which all the
faithful pronounce. In Arabic, the first part is la ilaha illa' Llah - 'there is no god
except God'; ilaha (god) can refer to anything which we may be tempted to put in
place of God - Wealth, power, and the like. Then comes illa'Llah: 'except God', the
source of all creation. The second part of the Shahada is Muhammadun rusulu'Llah:
' Muhammad is the messenger of God.' A message of guidance has come through
a man like ourselves.

2 - PRAYER
Salat is the name for the obligatory prayers which are performed five times a day,
and are a direct link between the worshiper and God. There is no hierarchical
authority in Islam, and no priests, so the prayers are led by a learned person who
knows the Quran, chosen by the congregation. These five prayers contain verses
from the Quran, and are said in Arabic, the language of the Revelation, but
personal supplication can be offered in one's own language.

Prayers are said at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall, and thus
determine the rhythm of the entire day. Although it is preferable to worship
together in a mosque, a Muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields,
offices, factories, and universities. Visitors to the Muslim world are struck by the
centrality of prayers in daily life.

3 - THE 'ZAKAT'
One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God, and
that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakat means both
'purification' and 'growth '. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a
proportion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back
balances and encourages new growth.

Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakat individually. For most purposes this
involves the payment each year of two and half percent on one's capital.

A pious person may also give as much as he or she pleases a sadaqa, and does so
preferably in secret. Although this word can be translated as voluntary charity ' it
has a wider meaning. The Prophet (pbuh) said:
'even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is charity'.
The Prophet (pbuh) said: 'Charity is a necessity for every Muslim. He was asked:
'What if a person has nothing? ' The Prophet (pbuh) replied: 'He should work with
his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in
charity'. The Companions asked: 'What if he is not able to work? 'The Prophet
(pbuh) said: 'He should help poor and needy persons.' The Companions further
asked 'What if he cannot do even that? ' The Prophet (pbuh) said 'He should urge
others to do good.' The Companions said 'What if he lacks that also?' The Prophet
(pbuh) said 'He should check himself from doing evil. That is also charity.'

4 - THE FAST
Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from first light until
sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations.

Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are pregnant or
nursing are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later
in the year. If they are physically unable to do this, they must feed a needy person
for every day missed. Children begin to fast ( and to observe the prayer) from
puberty, although many start earlier.

Although the fast is most beneficial to the health, it is regarded principally as a

method of self-purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a
short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry as well
as growth in one's spiritual life.
5 - PILGRIMAGE (Hajj)
The annual pilgrimage to Makkah - the Hajj - is an obligation only for those who are
physically and financially able to perform it. Nevertheless, about two million people
go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique
opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another. Although Makkah is
always filled with visitors, the annual Hajj begins in the twelfth month of the
Islamic year (which is lunar, not solar, so the Hajj and Ramadan fall sometimes in
summer, sometimes in winter). Pilgrims wear special cloths: simple garments
which strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before
God.

The rites of the Hajj, which are of Abrahamic origin, include circling the Ka'ba
seven times, and going seven times between the mountains of Safa and Marwa as
did Hagar (Abraham's wife) during her search for water. Then the pilgrims stand
together on the wide plain of Arafa and join in prayers for God's forgiveness, in
what is often thought of as a preview of the Last Judgement.

In previous centuries the Hajj was an arduous undertaking. Today, however, Saudi
Arabia provides millions of people with water, modern transport, and the most up-
to-date health facilities.

The close of the Hajj is marked by a festival, the Eid al-Adha, which is celebrated
with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslims communities every where. This,
and the Eid al-Fitr, a feast-day commemorating the end of Ramadan, are the main
festivals of the Muslim calendar.

Does Islam tolerate other beliefs ?

The Quran says: God forbids you not, with regards to those who fights you not for
(your) faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with
them; for God loveth those who are just. (Quran, 60:8)
It is one function of Islamic law to protect the privileged status of minorities, and
this is why non-Muslim places of worship have flourished all over the Islamic world.
History provides many examples of Muslim tolerance towards other faiths: when
the caliph Omar entered Jerusalem in the year 634, Islam granted freedom of
worship to all religious communities in the city.

Islamic law also permits non-Muslim minorities to set up their own courts, which
implement family laws drawn up by the minorities themselves.

What do Muslims think about Jesus ?

Muslims respect and revere Jesus (pbuh), and await his Second Coming. They
consider him one of the greatest of God's messengers to mankind. A Muslim never
refers to him simply as 'Jesus' , but always adds the phrase 'upon him be peace'.
The Quran confirms his virgin birth ( a chapter of the Quran is entitled 'Mary') and
Mary is considered the purest women in all creations. The Quran described the
Annunciation as follows:

' Behold ' the Angel said, ' God has chosen you, and purified you, and chosen you
above the women of all nations. O Mary, God gives you good news of a word from
HIM, whose name shall be the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, honored in this world
and the hereafter, and one of those brought near to God. He shall speak to the
people from his cradle and in maturity, and shall be of the righteous'.

She said: 'O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me?' He
said: 'Even so; God creates what He will. When He decrees a thing. He says to it,
"Be!" and it is'. (Quran 3:42-7)
Jesus (pbuh) was born miraculously through the same power which had brought
Adam (pbuh) into being without a father.

Truly, the likeness of Jesus with God is as the likeness of Adam. He created him of
dust, and then said to him, "Be!" and he was. (Quran 3:59)

During his prophetic mission Jesus (phub) performed many miracles. The Quran
tells us that he said: I have come to you with a sign from your Lord: I make for you
out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it and it becomes a bird
by God's leave. And I heal the blind, and the lepers, and I raise the dead by God's
leave.
( 3:49)

Neither Muhammad (pbuh) nor Jesus (pbuh) came to change the basic doctrine of
the belief in One God, brought by earlier prophets, but to confirm and renew it. In
the Quran Jesus (pbuh) is reported as saying that he came:
To attest the law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was
forbidden to you; I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear God and
obey Me. (3:50)
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:

Whoever believes there is no god but God, alone without partner, that Muhammad
(pbuh) is His messenger, that Jesus is the servant and messenger of God, His word
breathed into Mary and a spirit emanating from Him and that Paradise and Hell are
true shall be received by God into Heaven. (Hadith from Bukhari)

Why is the family so important to Muslims ?

The family is the foundation of Islamic society. The peace and security offered by a
stable family unit is greatly valued, and seen as essential for the spiritual growth of
its members. A harmonious social order is created by the existence of extended
families, children are treasured, and rarely leave home until the time they marry.

What about Muslim women ?

Islam sees a woman, whether single or married, as an individual in her own right,
with the right to own and dispose of her property and earnings. A marriage dowry
is given by the groom to the bride for her own personal use, and she keeps her
own family name rather than taking her husband's.

Both men and women are expected to dress in a way which is modest and
dignified; the tradition's of female dress found in some Muslim countries are often
the expression of local customs.

"The most perfect in faith amongst believers is he who is best in manner and
kindest to his wife".

Can a Muslim have more than one wife?

The religion of Islam was revealed for all societies and all times and so
accommodates widely differing social requirements. Circumstances may warrant
the taking of another wife but the right is granted, according to the Quran, only on
condition that the husband is scrupulously fair.

Is Islamic marriage like Christian marriage ?

A Muslim marriage is not a 'sacrament', but a simple, legal agreement in which
either partner is free to include conditions. Marriage customs thus vary widely from
country to country. As a result, divorce is no common, although it is not forbidden
as a last resort. According to Islam, no Muslim girl can be forced to marry against
her will: her parents will simply suggest young men they think may be suitable.

How do Muslims treat the elderly ?

In the Islamic world there are no old people's homes. The strain of caring for one's
parents in this most difficult time of their lives is considered an honor of blessing,
and an opportunity for great spiritual growth. God asks that we not only pray for
our parents, but act with limitless compassion, remembering that when we were
helpless children they preferred us to themselves. Mothers are particularly
honored: the Prophet (pbuh) taught that 'Paradise lies at the feet of mothers'.
When they reach old age, Muslim parents are treated mercifully, with the same
kindness and selflessness.

In Islam, serving one's parents is a duty second only to prayers, and it is their right
to expect it. It is considered despicable to express any irritation when, through no
fault of their own, the old become difficult.

The Quran says: Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and be
kind to parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, do not say 'uff to
them or chide them, but speak to them in terms of honor and kindness. Treat them
with humility, and say, 'My Lord! Have mercy on them, for they did care for me
when I was little' . (17:23-4)

How do Muslims view death ?

Like Jews and Christians, Muslims believe that the present life is only a trial
preparation for the next realm of existence. Basic articles of faith include: the Day
of Judgement, resurrection, Heaven and Hell. When a Muslim dies, he or she is
washed, usually by a family member, wrapped in a clean white cloth, and buried
with a simple prayer preferably the same day. Muslims consider this one of the
final services they can do for their relatives, and an opportunity to remember their
own brief existence here on earth. The Prophet (pbuh) taught that three things can
continue to help a person even after death; charity which he had given, knowledge
which he had taught and prayers on their behalf by a righteous child.

What does Islam say about war ?

Like Christianity, Islam permits fighting in self-defence, in defence of religion, or on
the part of those who have been expelled forcibly from their homes. It lays down
strict rules of combat which include prohibitions against harming civilians and
against destroying crops, trees and livestock. As Muslims see it, injustice would be
triumphant in the world if good men were not prepared to risk their lives in a
righteous cause. The Quran says:

Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not transgress limits.
God does not love transgressors. (2:190)

If they seek peace, then seek you peace. And trust in God for He is the One and
heareth and knoweth all things.(8:61)

War, therefore, is the last resort, and is subject to the rigorous conditions laid down
by the sacred law. The term jihad literally means 'struggle'. And Muslims believe
that there are tow kinds of Jihad. The other jihad' is the inner struggle which
everyone wages against egotistic desires, for the sake of attaining inner peace.

What about food?

Although much simpler than the dietary law followed by Jews and the early
Christians, the code which Muslims observe forbids the consumption of pig meat or
any kind of intoxicating drink. The Prophet taught that 'your body has rights over
you', and the consumption of wholesome food and the leading of a healthy lifestyle
are seen as religious obligations.
The Prophet (pbuh) said: 'Ask God for certainty (of faith) and well-being; for after
certainty, no one is given any gift better that health !'

How does Islam guarantee human rights ?

Freedom of conscience is laid down by the Quran itself: ' There is no compulsion in
religion'.(2:256) The life and property of all citizens in an Islamic state are
considered sacred whether a person is Muslim or not.

Racism is incomprehensible to Muslims, for the Quran speaks for human equality in
the following terms:

O mankind ! We created you from a single soul, male and female, and made you
into nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one another. Truly, the most
honored of you in God's sight is the greatest of you in piety. God is All Knowing,
All-Aware. (49:13)

A translation of the Call to Prayer is:

God is most great. God is most great.

God is most great. God is most great.
I testify that there is no god except God.
I testify that there is no god except God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
Come to prayer! Come to prayer!
Come to success ( in this life and the Hereafter)!
Come to success!
God is most great. God is most great.
There is no god except God.

THE ALMIGHTY GOD

PROPHET MOSES
IN HERBEW CALLED HIM

ELOHA
PROPHET JESUS
IN ARAMAI C CALLED HIM

ALAHA
PROPHET MUHAMMED IN ARABIC CALLED HIM

ALLAH

THERE IS NONE WORTHY OF WORSHIP BUT ALLAH

AND PROPHET MUHAMMED IS THE LAST AND FINAL

MESSENGER OF ALLAH.
For more information and any kind of help in this regard
please call or write to:

1. ISLAMIC DAWAH COUNCIL OF THE PHILIPPINES

Suite

418 FUBC Building

Escolta, Manila, Philippines

P.O. Box 3669, Tel. # 479229.

2. ISLAMIC RESEARCH FOUDATION

Masalawala Building, Second Floor

56, Tandel Street, (north) Dongri

Bombay - 400009. INDIA

Tel: # 864968.

3. AL-MUNTADA AL-ISLAMI EDUCATION CENTRE

7 Bridges Place, Parsons Green

London SW6 4HR U.K.

Tel: # 736 9060 Fax: # 736 4255.

4. ISLAMIC PROPOGATION CENTRE INTERNATIONAL, S.A.

Fourth Floor, 124 Queen Street

Durban 4001, Republic of South Africa

Tel: # 027-31-3060026/7

Fax: # 027-31-3040326.

5. ISLAMIC INFORMATION FOUNDATRION.

8 Laurel Lane, Halifax N.S.

Canada, B3M 2P6

Tel: # 902-445-2494.

6. ISLAMIC SOCEITY OF NORTH AMERICA (ISNA)

P.O. Box 38

Plainfield, Ind. 46168, U.S.A.

Fax: # 317-839-1840

Tel: # 317-839-8157.
7. ISLAMIC RESEARCH CENTER.

11-5-391

Maliha Complex Red Hills

Hyderabad, A.P. INDIA.