DISCOVER ISLAM

Discover Islam

Islam simply means to achieve peace – peace with GOD, peace with oneself, and peace with the creations of GOD and accepting His guidance. Islam is not a new faith. Muslims believe that it is the same truth that GOD revealed through all His prophets to every people. For a fifth of the world’s population, Islam is not just a personal religion, but a complete way of life.

Who are Muslims?

Muslims come from all races, nationalities and cultures across the globe. They have varied customs, languages, foods, and dress; even the way they practice Islam may differ. Yet they all consider themselves to be Muslim.

Less than 20% of Muslims live in the Arab world; a sixth are found in Sub-Saharan Africa; and the world’s largest Muslim community is in Indonesia. Substantial parts of Asia, and almost all the Central Asian republics, are Muslim. Significant Muslim minorities are found in China, India, Russia, Europe, the United States, Canada, and America.

Muslim Beliefs

Muslims believe in the One, Unique, Merciful God – the Sole Creator, Master, Sustainer and Cherisher of the Universe; in the Angles created by Him; in the prophets through whom His revelations were brought to humankind; in the Day of Judgment, and in individual accountability for actions; in God’s complete authority over destiny, be it good or bad; and in the life after death. Muslims believe that God sent His messengers to humanity was revealed to the last prophet, Muhammad, through the Archangel Gabriel.

Muhammad, the Last Messengers

Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born in Makkah in the year 570, during the period of history Europeans call the Middle Ages. He was a direct descendant of Ishmael, the eldest son of Abraham.

Muhammad was orphaned at a young age, and was a shepherd in his youth. As he grew up, he became known for his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity; earning the title, al-Amin, the trustworthy one.

At age 25, Muhammad married Khadijah, an honorable and successful businesswoman. They were blessed with two boys and four girls. It was an ideal marriage, and they lived a happy family life.

Muhammad was of a contemplative nature and had long detested the decadence and cruelty of his society. It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the cave of Hira' near the summit of Jabal an-Nur, the "Mountain of Light", on the outskirts of Makkah.

At the age of 40, while engaged in a meditative retreat, Muhammad received his first revelation from God through the Angle Gabriel. This revelation continued from twenty-three years and is known as the Quran.

Muhammad began to share the revelations he receive from God with the people of Makkah. They were idol worshippers, and rejected Muhammad's call to worship only One God. They opposed Muhammad and his followers in every way. These early Muslims suffered bitter persecution.
In 622, God gave the Muslim community the command to emigrate. This event, the 'hijrah' or migration, in which they left Makkah for the city of Madinah, marks the beginning of Muslim calendar.
Madinah provided Muhammad and the Muslims a safe and nurturing haven in which the community grew.
After several years, the Prophet and his followers returned to Makkah and forgave their enemies. Then, turning their attention to the Ka'abah (the sanctuary that Abraham a.s. built), they removed the idols and rededicated it to the worship of the One God.
Before the Prophet died at the age of 63, most of the people of Arabia had embraced his massage. In less than a century, Islam had spread to Spain in the west, and as far east as China.

How did the spread of Islam affect the World?
The Muslim community continued to grow after Muhammad's death. Within a few decades, vast numbers of people across three continents - Africa, Asia and Europe - had chosen Islam as their way of life.

One of the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was the purity of its doctrine - Islam calls for faith in only One God. This, coupled with the Islamic concepts of justice and freedom, resulted in a united and peaceful community.
As millions of people embraced Islam, they brought with them the heritage of ancient civilizations like that of Egypt, Greece, India, Persia and Rome. The synthesis of Eastern and Western ideas and of new thought with old, brought about great advances in the various fields of study. Scholars working in the Islamic tradition developed and excelled at art, architecture, astronomy, geography, history, language, literature, mathematics, medicine, and physics.

Many crucial systems such as algebra, the Arabic numerals and the very concept of zero (crucial to the advancement of mathematics), were formulated by Muslim scholars and shared with medieval Europe. This sharing of knowledge was a direct cause of the Renaissance.
Muslims invented sophisticated instruments that made future European voyages of discovery possible: the astrolabe, the quadrant, and detailed navigational maps.

What is the al-Quran?

Muslims believe that the Quran is the very word of God Almighty: a complete record of the exact words revealed by God through the Angel Gabriel to Prophet Muhammad.

The Quran is the principal source of every Muslim’s faith and practice. It deals with all subjects that concern us as human beings, including wisdom, doctrine, worship and law; but its basic theme is the relationship between God and His creation.

At the same time, the Quran provides guidelines for a just society, proper human conduct and equitable economic principles.

“He (God) has sent down to you the Book (the Quran) with truth, confirming what was revealed before; And He sent down the Torah (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this as a guide to humankind; and He sent down the Criterion (the Quran)…” (Quran 3:3-4)

What are the “FIVE PILLARS” of Islam?

The “five pillars” of Islam are the basis of Muslim life. Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said:

“Islam is founded on five pillars: to testify that is ‘no deity except God, and the Muhammad is the messenger of God’; to establish the ritual prayers; to give charity (to the needy); to perform the pilgrimage to the House (of worship in Makkah); and to fast during the month of Ramadhan.”

1.  The Testimony of Faith

“There is no deity except God; Muhammad is the messenger of God.”

This simple declaration of faith is required of all those who accept Islam as their chosen way of life. The words have to be uttered with sincere conviction and under no coercion. The significance of this testimony is the belief that the only purpose of life is to serve and obey God; and this is achieved through following the example of Prophet Muhammad.

2.  Prayers

A key element of Muslim life is the obligatory, ritual prayer. These prayers are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. This very personal relationship with the Creator allows one to fully depend, trust and love God; and to truly achieve inner peace and harmony, regardless of the trials one faces.

3.  Charity

An important principle of Islam is that everything belongs to God; wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. Obligatory charity or zakah means both “purification” and “growth”. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need and for the society in general. Like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.

4.  Fasting

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is an essential part of being a Muslim. Muslims fast from dawn until sundown – abstaining from food and drink, and guarding themselves from destructive behavior. Ramadan is a special time for Muslims everywhere; a time for reflection and greater spirituality.

The end of Ramadan is observed by a holiday – Eid al Fitr. On this day, Muslims all over the world celebrate with prayers, visit one another and exchange gifts.

5.  Pilgrimage

The pilgrimage to Makkah (the Hajj) is once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who are physically and financially able. Over two and half million people, from all corners of the globe, go for Hajj each year making it the largest gathering for peace. Hajj provides a unique opportunity for people from different nations to meet one another.

The rites of the Hajj include visiting the Ka’bah and standing together on the wide plains of ‘Arafat (a large expanse of desert outside Makkah). Here pilgrims pray for God’s forgiveness, in what is often considered a preview of the Day of Judgment. The Hajj provides a unique opportunity for Muslims to reflect on their families and homes spiritually rejuvenated.

Muslim Family and Social Life

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. It is quite common in the Muslim community to find large, extended families living together; providing comfort, security and support to one another.

Parents are greatly respected in the Islamic tradition. Mothers, in the particular are further honored. God says in the Qur’an: “And We have enjoined upon man to be good to his parents. With difficulty did his mother bear him, and wean him for two years. Show gratitude to Me and to your parents; to Me is your final goal!” (Qur’an 31:14)

Marrying and establishing a family is very strongly encouraged. “And among Hos signs is that He created for you mates from among yourselves; that you may find peace with them. And He put between you love and compassion. Surely in this signs for people who reflect.”  (Qur’an 30:21)

A Muslim marriage is both a sacred act and a legal agreement, in which either the groom or bride is free to include legitimate conditions. Rights and responsibilities of both of wife and husband are equitable and balanced.

How Do Muslims View the ELDERLY, DEATH and the AFTERLIFE?

Muslims, by faith, are expected to respect and care for the elderly. It is quite common to find children, parents, grandparents and sometimes great grandparents all living together in one large home.

In Islam, serving one’s parents is a duty second only to worshipping God. It is considered despicable to express any irritation when, through no fault of their own, the old become difficult to handle.

God says in the Qur’an: “Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and be kind to your parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, do not say ‘uff’ to them or scold them, but speak to them in terms of honor and kindness. Lower to them the wing of humility, and say ‘My Lord! Have mercy on them, for they did care for me when I was young.’” (Qur’an 17: 23-4)

When a Muslim dies, he or she is washed, usually by a family member, wrapped in a clean white cloth, and buried with a prayer, preferably the same day.

Muslims believe that the present life is only a trial for the Hereafter. God says in the Qur’an: “Every soul shall taste death. And you will be given your dues on the Day of Judgment. Only the one who is removed from the brink of Hellfire and admitted into Paradise has ultimately won; and life of this world is nothing but a material illusion.” (Qur’an 3:185)

How does Islam Guarantee HUMAN RIGHT?

According to the Qur’an, God has created all of humankind equal and has given each the right to pursue their own destiny. The life, honor and property of all people in a Muslim society are considered sacred whether the person is Muslim or not. Racism, sexism and prejudice of any sort are unacceptable in Islam. The Qur’an speaks of human equality in the following terms: “O humankind! We created you from a 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.” (Qur’an 49:13”

“The right to life is the most basic of human rights; the Qur’an equates the unjust killing of a single person to killing all of humankind: ‘And whoever kills a soul…, should be as though he has killed all of humankind.’” (Quran 5:32)

Dealing equitably and protecting the rights of every individual is the cornerstone of a Muslim society. God further states in the Qur’an: “O you who believe! Stand up firmly for God, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not hatred of a people incite you to act inequality; act justly, that is nearer to piety, and be conscious of (your duty to) God; surely God is aware of all that you do.” (Qur’an 5:8)

Is Islam RESPECTFUL of Other BELIEFS?

Most definitely. The Qur’an states: “There is no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clearly from falsehood…” (Qur’an 2: 256)

Freedom of conscience is an essential facet of Islam. Truth can only be seen if it were not clouded by coercion. Protection of the rights of non-Muslims is an intrinsic part of Islamic law. Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said: “He who hurts a non-Muslims citizen of a Muslim state – I am his adversary and I shall be his adversary on the Day of Judgment.”

 “Beware on the Day of Judgment, I shall, myself, be the accuser against him who wrongs a non-Muslim citizen (of a Muslim state) or lays on him a responsibility greater than he can bear, or deprives him of anything that belongs to him.”

History provides many examples of Muslims’ respect towards other faiths. For instance, prior to the Spanish Inquisition, Jews and Christians lived and prospered in Spain for centuries under Muslim rule.

Another well known example is when Omar, the second successor to Prophet Muhammad, entered Jerusalem, he refused to pray inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. He was concerned that some overzealous Muslim in the future might destroy the Church and build a Masjid in His honor.

Why is Islam Often MISUNDERSTOOD?

In today’s turbulent world, Islam is often on the front page – mostly for the wrong reasons. Islam means peace; yet some have taken this peaceful way of life and hijacked it into a violent way; and have distorted their ideology for personal and political gains.

Seeing a faith through explosive world events, and judging it by the actions of a misguided few, is the primary reason why Islam is often misunderstood.

Islam is sometimes intentionally misrepresented some politicians, religious leaders and media have found an ideal scapegoat in Islam. By associating Islam with the inhumane acts of a handful, they have been successful in driving larger numbers of people to vote for them; to donate towards their ministries; and to read their newspapers, watch their television programs and listen to their radio shows.

However, with an increasing number of Muslims speaking out against this falsehood; the true and peaceful nature of Islam is becoming more evident.

Muslims are standing up against terrorism, against the persecution and killing of innocent people, and against those who perpetrate such injustice in the name of any faith.

The word “Islam” means peace. A fifth of the world’s population is reclaiming this peace as their chosen way of life.

By ISLAMIC INFORMATION CENTRE (IIC SARAWAK)

www.discoverislam.com