ISLAM IS A RELIGION FOR ALL

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ISLAM IS A RELIGION FOR ALL

Prepared by Muhammad Tawfiek Ahmed

Dear brothers and sisters:

• Have you ever considered the different views that have emerged? Have you thought about the issue of religion before?

• Concerning this particular issue have you noticed the great enmity prevailing amongst the different human races? Everyone thinks that he/she believes in the true religion even if he/she worships a mere stone as his/her deity.

• Have you observed how fanatic people think of their beliefs?

I am certain that you must have been preoccupied with such concerns.  Perhaps, these questions lead you to conclude that the only proper resolution would be the existence of a unified religion for mankind: a religion that is comprehensible to the entire humanity.

Every human being should spontaneously sense, without any guidance, the necessity to follow these fundamental principles:

1. To believe in the existence of a One and Only deity (because polytheism would have damaged the cosmos).

2. To spread philanthropy amongst one’s fellow humans.

3. To believe that Allah has sent His prophets in order to convey these previous two sacred principles to the entire humanity.

If you think about such issues, you will ask yourself whether such a religion actually exists. The answer is “yes”. Indeed, this one, unified religion has existed since the beginning of creation, revealed by Allah to His chosen prophets who were sent to His peoples. “Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam. Those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) did not differ except, out of mutual jealousy, after knowledge had come to them. And whoever disbelieves in the Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, then surely, Allah is Swift in calling to account.”, said the Almighty Allah (Surat: The Family of Imran (Ali-Emran), verse no. 19). He also said: “And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.” (Surat: The Family of Emran (Ali-Emran), verse no. 85).

Therefore, all religions came from Allah, but some people have erroneously named thier religions after thier prophets according to each era. This inappropriate designation is the origin of dispute and fanaticism among several communities. However, this division has caused humanity to forget about the true religion to a great extent.  Islam was called "Mohammedanism", attributed to Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him), as other religions were also called after the names of their prophets, despite that all prophets recognize a single faith and urge their people to worship only one God – “Allah”.

Although I am not a preacher, I feel that it is my duty to explain briefly the meaning of this religion because if the followers of  other religions were to remain ignorant of Islam and its teachings, their pre-judgment of Islam would lead them to misunderstand the foundations of this religion and will never be guided.

Islam

The word “ Islam” means peace among mankind and submission to the will of Allah. It also means peace between Man and himself, on one hand, and between him/herself and others on the other hand as well as piety to the Almighty Allah. These meanings are all grouped in the Holy Qur`an where the individual can learn how to do good for others and purify him/herself by applying its teachings. Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) is the last but not the only prophet of Islam. Muslims believe in all previous prophets: they believe in Abraham, Moses and Jesus (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon them). Allah has sent those prophets to mankind to guide them to fulfill His will and to live happily. Qur`an is the holy scripture of Islam, which enfolds the true teachings of all the Holy Scriptures. “And we have sent down to you (O Muhammad) the Book (this Qur`an) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and Muhaymin (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it (old Scriptures). So judge among them by what Allah has revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging away from the truth that has come to you. To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way. If Allah had willed, He would have made you one nation, but that (He) may test you in what He has given you; so compete in good deeds. The return of you (all) is to Allah; then He will inform you about that in which you used to differ.”, said the Great Allah (Surat: The Table Spread with Food (Al-Ma’idah), verse no. 48).

Belief

Islam teaches all Muslims to believe in only one God “Allah”, His angels, His books, all prophets, resurrection after death, and the Day of Judgment. “O you who believe! Believe in Allah, and His Messenger (Muhammad) and the Book (Qur`an) which He has sent down to His Messenger, and the Scripture which He sent down to those before (him), and whoever disbelieves in Allah, His angles, His Books, His messengers, and the Last Day, then indeed he has strayed far away.”, said the Great Allah (Surat: The Women (an-Nisaa’), verse no. 136).

Muslims believe in the distinction between good and evil. All Allah’s creations are good and if they were used to please Him, they would eventually lead people to happiness. However, if they were misused, they would lead people to evil and regret. “Whosoever does righteous good deeds, it is for (the benefit of) his own self; and whosoever does evil, it is against his own self. And your Lord is not at all unjust to (His) slaves.”, said the Great Allah (Surat: They are explained in detail (Fussilat), verse no. 46).

God (Allah)

All Muslims pray to only one God (Allah) who is the Almighty, the All-Knowing, the All-Just and the All-Helping to the entire humanity. He has neither given birth nor has He been born. He is the Light of the Earth and the Heavens. He is the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, the First, the Last and the Eternal. If Jesus called Allah "father", this would only be a sign of Allah’s mercy and generosity. However, this does not literally mean that Allah is his father.

The Principles of Islam

The following principal duties are to be carried out by all Muslims.

1. The Muslim Testimony of Faith: No-one is worthy of worship except Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.

2. Prayers: to purify the body and elevate the soul.

3. Fasting: to ameliorate body and soul; it is a remedy for bodies, refinement of feelings for the sake of attaining a better interaction with people, animals and plants, and to teach people patience and to strengthen their will.

4. Almsgiving: to create sympathy between the rich and the poor, as the rich are to give the poor a share of their capital: 2.5% every lunar year, provided that this capital is greater than the value of 85 gm of 21Kt gold. Although the rich have to pay the previous amount, still, it is preferable for them to give more and let their kindness overflow. I believe that one of the most sacred duties of Muslims is to help and sympathize with the poor.

5. Pilgrimage to Mecca: Every Muslim must visit Mecca at least once during his/her life, when means are available and if he/she is able to perform such a trip. In Mecca, Muslims do not worship an idol or a prophet, but they meditate the sacred meanings of Islam and they thank Allah; thereby fulfilling their pilgrimage. Besides, pilgrims from everywhere have the chance to meet each other and strengthen their intimate, mutual relationships.

No Compulsion in Islam

The holy Qur`an teaches people that no one should be compelled to believe in a certain thought and that any act of violence is forbidden. Moreover, all the wars of Islam were for the sake of defending the Islamic creed. But, in certain eras, some rulers of Islamic countries fought for achieving worldly pleasures and ambitions. Therefore, such rulers fell from the summit of glory achieved by their ancestors, who followed the true teachings of the religion. Consequently, Islam is not to be blamed for such failure as Islam itself against such wars. In addition, all followers of other religions have also launched such wars under the name of religion, but religion is totally innocent of such claims.

Islam gives people ultimate freedom of thought and action. It ennobles the soul of Man without resorting to violence; thus, he/she lives in peace. To be a Muslim, you do not need to go through any rituals because Islam is not only a wide-spread practical religion, but is also the religion of complete harmony with the human nature. Every child by nature is fit to be a Muslim. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said “Every baby is born in a spontaneous state of ‘Fittrah’ (natural desire), and its parents make it a Jew, a Christian or an atheist.” (narrated by Ahmed).

I am a Muslim: A Man of Peace

• I believe in only one God (Allah). He is the Protector, the "Undividable”, and His knowledge is with us everywhere and He is not bound to a certain place. “He is Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days and then rose over (Istawa) the Throne (in a manner that suits His Majesty). He knows what goes into the earth and what comes forth from it, and what descends from the heavens and what ascends thereto. And He is with you (by His knowledge) wheresoever you may be. And Allah is the All-seer of what you do.”, said the Great Allah (Surat:The Iron (Al-Hadeed), verse no. 4).

• Nothing is like Him, nothing resembles Him and He is the Creator of everything. I believe in His prophets without discrimination between Moses, Christ or Mohammed (peace be upon them all). I invoke only Allah for support, guidance and forgiveness of my faults, directly without any assistance or mediators. I never seize invoking Allah all the time, and I feel His knowledge is with me wherever I am. He is the Judge of all my deeds and I obey His orders stated in the holy Qur`an.

• I follow the teachings of Islam: Prayers, fasting, almsgiving and pilgrimage to Mekka. Moreover, suicide and homicide are prohibited since Islam requires people to live in peace. I do not commit adultery and I avoid inducements, which would lead to my corruption and veering from the right path, since I am aware that flesh is weak by nature. “And come not near to unlawful sex. Verily, it is a ‘Fahishah’ (i.e. anything that transgresses its limits: a great sin), and an evil way (that leads one to Hell unless Allah forgives or to other misfortunes).”, said the Almighty Allah (Surat: The Journey by Night (Al-Israa’), verse no. 32).

• The true happiness is that obtained without regret afterwards. Such happiness is achieved by the high sentiments of the spirit, and is protected by the strength of the soul. A good example is the story of a man who desired to commit adultery, but his conscience prevented him, however, when he was under the influence of wine, he could not help it and gave in to temptation to the extent that he killed the good man who tried to come between him and the good man's female relative. He murdered the rightful intruder during their quarrel when he was under the effect of alcohol. Therefore, we conclude that alcoholic drinks could be the origin of all sins.

• I do not gamble, not even for small sums, because a gambler does not respect his earnings. To place one’s luck in the balance of a deal in cards games or the like, is a shameful weakness in the personality. “O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), and gambling, and Al-Ansab, and Al-Azlam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaitan’s (Satan) handwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful.”, said the Great Allah (Surat: The Table Spread with Food (al-Ma’idah), verse no. 90).

• A Muslim does not borrow or lend by usury because it is the way of desolation. A Muslim should give loans to the needy if it is in his/her power. In the meantime, the donor may claim guarantees in order to ensure the return of the money. But, he/she should not use these guarantees if they are in the form of useful goods, e.g. furniture. “O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah and give up what remains (due to you) from Riba (usury) (from now onward), if you are (truly) believers. * And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger; but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly (by asking more than your capital sums) and you shall not be dealt with unjustly (by receiving less than your capital sums). * And if a debtor is in a hard time (has no money), then grant him time till it is easy for him to repay, but if you remit it by way of charity, that is better for you if you did but know.”, said the Great Allah (Surat: The Cow (al-Baqarah), verses 278-280).

• A Muslim does not gossip about others or speak evil of his/ her fellow Muslims. Anyone who slanders others resembles him who eats the flesh of his brother’s dead body. This also applies to people who distort the reputation of others behind their backs while they lack the chance to answer for themselves. “The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islamic religion). So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allah, that you may receive mercy. * O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better than the former. Nor let (some) women scoff at other women, it may be that the latter are better than the former. Nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad is it to insult one’s brother after having Faith [i.e. to call your Muslim brother (a faithful believer) as: “O sinner”, or “O wicked”]. And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed the Thalimoon (wrong-doers, etc.). * O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion; indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would any one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is the One who forgives and accepts repentance, the Most Merciful.”, said the Great Allah (Surat: The Dwellings (Al-Hujurat), verse no. 10-12).

Belief and work

Belief without action is incomplete. Belief alone is not sufficient as long as it is not transformed into deeds. Muslims believe that Allah judges their actions and that they should bear the consequences, whether in their life or on the Day of Judgment. Every Muslim is responsible for his/her action since no one is deemed responsible for other people’s mistakes. “By Al-Asr (the time). * Verily, man is in loss. * Except those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth [i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al-Ma`ruf) which Allah has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al-Munkar) which Allah has forbidden], and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allah’s Cause during preaching His religion of Islamic Monotheism or Jihad).”, said the Great Allah (Surat: The Time (Al-‘Asr)).

Islam and Society

The Status of Women in Islam

Men and women are of the same origin and they have same souls, and Allah bestows upon them an intellectual and innate capacity to perform their duties. In Islam, both men and women bear responsibilities and women are considered capable of undergoing the difficulties of life to a certain extent. Men and women should act in their lives according to the fact that each of them has a unique nature.

The normal situation for a Muslim woman, as a wife, is to obey her husband, and as a mother, is to look after her children. In other words, a woman should spend most of her time in running and taking care of her home because it is her essential duty.

However, if a woman has to go to work, she has to abide by the principles of Islam, and to choose a job that would be suitable for her nature, e.g. a teacher, a nurse, an obstetrician, a pediatrician…etc.

From an Islamic point of view, I would say that women receive respect and estimation wherever they may be. However, if they have been treated improperly in some places in the East, this is a result of not applying the teachings of Islam in such places. “And among His signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for  people who reflect.”, said the Great Allah (Surat: The Romans (Ar-Room), verse no. 21).

Claims of Enemies of Islam

The spiteful ideas propagated against Islam, in the books of fanatic writers, are not true. Moreover, they have indeed trespassed the truth by maintaining such false views in their writings published all over the world.

A fair viewer should acquaint him/herself first with the fundamental specifications of the issue in order to be able to form the right opinion about it. Apparently, such fanatics serve the colonial interests because they ignore the prosecution of the West against the defenseless East, while claiming that they fight slavery and protect the oppressed.

What are the reforms introduced by the West to the East? Is it to weaken and corrupt a good nation by spreading alcoholics and prostitution?

Equality and Fraternity (Brotherhood) in Islam

Islam is the religion of monotheism and equality among mankind establishing  for the sake of their Creator. In spite of the difference in status among peoples, they must cooperate and have mutual relationships and sympathy. For example, the rich should help the poor. Besides, such interchangeable duties exist in what we call the cosmopolitan system.

Bias and discrimination due to race, color, and culture does not exist in Islam, where humanity is considered a family in which the white and the black co-mingle in one unit: brotherhood. “O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa [i.e. he is one of the Muttaqun (the pious believers of Islamic Monotheism who fear Allah much and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden and who love Allah much and perform all kinds of good deeds which He has odained)]. Verily, Allah is All-knowing, All-Aware.”, said the Great Allah (Surat: The Dwellings (al-Hujurat), verse no. 13).

Personal Judgment

Islam encourages the individual point of view and respects the beliefs of every person within the limits of a proper understanding of the true religion. “Say (O Muhammad): `I exhort you to one (thing) only: that you stand up for Allah’s sake in pairs and singly, and reflect (within yourselves the life history of the Prophet): there is no madness in your companion (Muhammad). He is only a warner to you in face of a severe torment.”, said the Great Allah (Surat: Sheba (Saba`), verse no. 46).

Islam and Science

Islam considers the acquisition of as much knowledge as possible a duty imposed on every Muslim. “O you who believe! When you are told to make room in the assemblies, (spread out and) make room. Allah will give you (ample) room (from His mercy). And when you are told to rise up [for prayers, or Jihad (holy fighting in Allah’s cause), or for any other good deed], rise up. Allah will exalt in degree those of you who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do.”, said the Great Allah (Surat: The Dispute (Al-Mujadalah), verse no. 11).

Islam and Work

“Pay a workman his wages before his sweat is dry”. The afore-mentioned words are quoted from Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) [narrated by Ibn Majah]. However, Any work that begets man good earnings to live honorably is a respectable one since unemployment is a misdeed.  “And say (O Muhammad) ‘Do deeds! Allah will see your deeds, and (so will) His Messenger and the believers. And you will be brought back to the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen. Then He will inform you of what you used to do.’”, said the Great Allah (Surat: The Repentance (At-Tawbah), verse no. 105).

The Economic Theory in Islam

Each Islamic government must meet the essential needs of every citizen: shelter, food supplies and clothes.

The Islamic economic theory was applied for many centuries and it achieved great success. Islam ensures for the workers the reward of their work regardless of the quantity of their effort and according to the nature of work. Private property is the natural result of industrious work. Therefore, Islam respects private property, and consequently it protects the most important motive for work as well as life.

Inheritance in Islam

It is only natural that man, by instinct, looks forward to immortalizing his name on Earth. This is fulfilled when one sees his children and grandchildren preserving his name. Therefore, he endeavors efficiently to save up for them. These savings are considered an important factor of development and they are the basis of inheritance. At the same time, inheritance is a means of distributing and redistributing wealth in Islam, because wives, sons and daughters have shares of the father’s fortune. If a father has no son, his wife, father, mother, brothers and daughters inherit his wealth. Thus, Inheritance is a means of distributing wealth instead of accumulating it in some few hands, which may lead to the formation of a feudal class. Such distribution also achieves justice and solidarity among the descendants and their relatives.

Moreover, Islam considers man an agent that inherits the money, which is in fact Allah’s property. Therefore, the agent must employ fortunes for the benefit of humanity. “And give not unto the foolish your property which Allah has made a means of support for you, but feed and clothe them therewith, and speak to them words of kindness and justice.”, said the Great Allah (Surat: The Women (An-Nisaa’), verse no. 5). Thus, the foolish should be prevented from wasting his/ her money. Although Man has the right to possess a fortune, it is still considered a national benefit that should be safeguarded. Therefore, when a Muslim inappropriately wastes his/her money, the management of his/her fortune is to be handed to a guardian of his/her relatives.

Trade

Trade is considered one of the major pillars of economy in Islam, because it constitutes 90% of the means of profit. Therefore, Islam has set many strict regulations to guarantee honesty in business dealings.

Prophet Mohammed says that “Sale is by means of choice, unless the two parties separate. If the two parties speak the truth and make manifest, their deal shall be blessed, and if they conceal and tell a lie, the blessing of their deal shall be obliterated.” [narrated by Al-Boukhary].

Monopoly

Food monopoly, so that it becomes dear and its price rises, is forbidden in Islam. Moreover, raising prices is generally prohibited. Islam has set the rules that regulate international trade in accordance with human brotherhood.

Exploitation

Exploitation, with all its types, is prohibited so as to make people’s lives easier. If the dead has not left enough money to repay his/her debt, the Islamic government should pay the debts in order to avoid chaos in the trade market, s.  Prophet Mohammed says "I am nearer to the believers than themselves: so whoever of the believers dies and leaves a debt, its payment is on me and whoever leaves property, it is for his/her heirs." [narrated by Al-Boukhary].

Usury

Usury is prohibited in Islam because the basic principle says: "No profit without toil and no money without labor". “Allah will destroy ‘Riba’ (usury) and will give increase for ‘Sadaqat’ (deeds of charity, alms, etc.) and Allah likes not the disbelievers, the sinners.”, said the Great Allah (Surat: The Cow (Al-Baqarah), verse no. 276). The usurer is likened in the holy Qur`an to he/she whom the devil has prostrated by his touch so that he/she is not able to rise. The usurer grows selfish until being divested of all feelings of mercy.

The Nature of Islam

Islam is the only religion in the world that was sent to the entire humanity and for all times. Therefore, it is characterized by the following traits:

1. Islam is the religion of a mature man embracing it out of morality and intellectual faculties without the need of any introductions.

2. Islam is the religion revealed by Allah to all Prophets sent to people who went astray because of their ignorance, lack of comprehension, and their subjection to desires, and to the attempts to mislead people.

3. Islam orders its followers to believe in all prophets and messengers sent by Allah whether they know their names or not.

4. Islam glorifies the intellect to the extent that it has made it the only judge in all disputes concerning faith, social, and personal behavior. Therefore, the intellect is granted the appreciation it deserves.

5. Islam calls for ultimate equality between all people and criticizes any national trend aiming at discriminating between humans and extolling a certain race.

Now, sisters and brothers, I hope you read this booklet with interest and dedicate some of your time to study the tolerant teachings of Islam, in order to relieve mankind from the conflict risen by those who fabricated allegations against Islam without knowledge.

We welcome your questions concerning Islam, and will be very pleased to respond to your queries as soon as we can.

www.islamic-invitation.com

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