ISLAM

QURAN

Quran verses on the month of Ramadan

(1) The month of ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Saum (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Saum (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah [i.e. to say Takbir (Allahu Akbar; Allah is the Most Great] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.

(Quran, Al-Baqara, Chapter #2 , Verse # 185)

(2) Verily, the Muslims (those who submit to Allah in Islam) men and women, the believers men and women (who believe in Islamic Monotheism), the men and the women who are obedient (to Allah), the men and women who are truthful (in their speech and deeds), the men and the women who are patient (in performing all the duties which Allah has ordered and in abstaining from all that Allah has forbidden), the men and the women who are humble (before their Lord - Allah), the men and the women who give Sadaqat (i.e. Zakat, and alms), the men and the women who observe Saum (fast) (the obligatory fasting during the month of ramadan, and the optional Nawafil fasting), the men and the women who guard their chastity (from illegal sexual acts) and the men and the women who remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise).

(Quran, Al-Ahzab, Chapter # 33, Verse #35)

(3) We sent it (this Qur'an) down on a blessed night [(i.e. night of Al-Qadr, Surah No. 97) in the month of ramadan - the 9th month of the Islamic calendar]. Verily, We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torment will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of worship].

WHY ISLAM?

Islam: The Perfect Religion and Best Way of Life for All

It is a must that we strive to know Islam. Allâh’s Messenger (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam, meaning: May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) to the whole mankind encourages us to acquire knowledge of Islam in order to comprehend it. He says in the following authentic Ahâdith:

Abu Hurairah (radhiallâhu anhu, meaning: May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that... the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, “Those who were the best in the pre-lslamic period of ignorance will be the best in Islam provided they comprehend the religious knowledge.” (Bukhâri 4/572 and Muslim)

‘Abdur Rahmân ibn Abi Bakrah (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated on the authority of his father that the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, “If Allâh wants to do good to a person, he makes him comprehend the religion; and of course knowledge is attained by learning.” (Bukhâri 1/67)

Mu‘awiyah ibn Abi Sufyân narrated that Allâh’s Messenger said, “Goodness is a (natural) habit while the evil is a stubbornness. To whomsoever Allâh wills to show goodness, He favors him with the understanding in the Religion.” (Ibn Mâjah, 1/221)

When we study Islam or at least read the Qur’an and the authentic Ahâdith we learn that Islam is easy, complete and the perfect religion as well as way of life for the whole mankind. We read in the Qur’an and the Ahâdith the following unique features of Islam:

1. Islam is easy:

“But whoever believes and works righteousness he shall have a goodly reward and easy will be his task as We order it by Our command.” (Qur'an 18:88)

Abu Hurairah (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, “Religion (Islam) is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength by offering the prayers in the mornings, afternoons and during the last hours of the nights.” (Bukhâri 1/38)

Anas bin Malik (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "Make things easy for the people, and do not make it difficult for them, and make them calm (with glad tidings) and do not repulse (them).”(Bukhâri,8/146)

2. Islam is complete:

“…He it is Who has sent unto you the Book, explained in detail. They know full well, to whom We have given the Book, that it has been sent down from your Rabb in truth. Never be then of those who doubt.” (6:114)

“For We had certainly sent unto them a Book based on knowledge, which We explained in detail -- a guide and a mercy to all who believe.” (7:52)

“…(This is ) a Book with verses basic or fundamental (of established meaning) -- further explained in detail -- from One Who is Wise and Well-Acquainted (with all things).” (11:1)

3. Islam is perfect:

“...This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” (5:3)

As the perfect religion, Islam teaches mankind how to attain success in the most perfect way. The following are some of theAhâdith that serve as enlightenment and guidance to those who desire for perfection:

Abu Hurairah (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "Goodness and comfort are for him who worships his Rabb in a perfect manner and serves his master sincerely.” (Bukhari 3/725)

Ibn Umar (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated that Allâh’s Messenger (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "If a slave is honest and faithful to his master and worships his Rabb (Allâh) in a perfect manner, he will get a double reward.” (Bukhari 3/722)

Abu Hurairah (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "Whoever believes in Allâh and His Messenger, offers prayers perfectly and fasts (the month of) Ramadan then it is incumbent upon Allâh to admit him into Paradise, whether he emigrates for Allâh’s cause or stays in the land where he was born.” They (the companions of the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "O Allâh’s Messenger (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam)! Should we not inform the people of that?" He said, "There are one-hundred degrees in Paradise which Allâh has prepared for those who carry on Jihad in His Cause. The distance between every two degrees is like the distance between the sky and the Earth. So if you ask Allâh for anything, ask Him for the Firdaus, for it is the last part of Paradise and the highest part of Paradise, and at its top there is the Throne of Beneficent, and from it gush forth the rivers of Paradise.” (Bukhari 9/519)

Abdullah ibn Hisham (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated: “We were with the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) and he was holding the hand of 'Umar bin Al-Khattab. 'Umar said to Him, "O Allâh’s Messenger! You are dearer to me than everything except my own self.” The Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "No, by Him in Whose Hand my soul is, (you will not have complete or perfect faith) till I am dearer to you than your own self.” Then 'Umar said to him, "However, now, by Allâh, you are dearer to me than my own self.” The Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "Now, O 'Umar, you are a believer.” (Bukhari 8/628)

Abu Hurairah (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “The most perfect believer in respect of faith is he who is best of them in manners.” (Abu Dawud 4665)

Abu Humamah (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “If anyone loves for Allâh’s sake, hates for Allâh’s sake, gives for Allâh’s sake and withholds for Allâh’s sake, he will have perfect faith.” (Abu Dawud 4664)

Abu Hurairah (radhiallâhu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Among the Muslims the most perfect, as regards his faith, is the one whose character is excellent, and the best among you are those who treat their wives well.” (Tirmidhi 278, 628, 3264 and Abu Dawud)

Aishah (Radhiallâhu anha) narrated that Allâh’s Messenger (sallallâhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said, "Among the believers who show most perfect faith are those who have the best disposition, and are kindest to their families.” (Tirmidhi 3263)

All the above Prophetic teachings in addition to the Qur’anic Ayât (Verses) earlier quoted clearly tell us that indeed, Islam is the perfect religion and hence the best way of life for all. Islam as a universal religion is Allah’s Blessing and Mercy for all of us. It is for us to enjoy it and be successful in the eternal world to come. The best way to attain success through Islam is to learn it according to its authentic Sources. That is, to acquire knowledge of Islam through the Qur’an and the Sunnah and the right deductions from these revealed Sources of Knowledge and Guidance.

Since Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) is the One Who gives guidance, earnestly ask Him for authentic Islamic knowledge. We must seek His help and guidance to be able to apply such knowledge and share them to others – all for His Pleasure. May ourRabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) increase our knowledge of Islam and enjoy the best life of being true Muslims forever. Ameen.

THE MESSAGE OF ISLAM

Since the total submission of one's will to Allah represents the essence of worship, the basic message of Allah's divine religion, Islam is the worship of Allah alone and the avoidance of worship directed to any person, place or thing other than Allah.Since everything other than Allah, the Creator of all things, is Allah's creation; it may be said that Islam, in essence calls man away from the worship of creation and invites him to worship only its Creator. He is the only one deserving man's worship as it is only by His will that prayers are answered. If man prays to a tree and his prayers are answered, it was not the tree which answered his prayers but Allah who allowed the circumstances prayed for to take place. One might say, "That is obvious," however, to tree-worshippers it might not be. Similarly, prayers to Jesus, Buddha, or Krishna, to Saint Christopher, or Saint Jude or even to Muhammad, are not answered by them but are answered by Allah. Jesus did nottell his followers to worship him but to worship Allah. As the Qur'aan states:

"And behold Allah will say: "O Jesus the son of Mary Did you say to men, Worship me and my mother as gods besides Allah He will say-"Glory to you I could never say what I had no right (to say')" (Soorah Al-Maa'idah- 5:116)

Nor did he worship himself when he worshipped but rather he worshipped Allah. This basic principle is enshrined in the opening chapter of the Qur'aan, known asSoorah Al-Faatihah, verse 4:

"You alone do we worship and from you alone do we seek help".

Elsewhere, in the final book of revelation, the Qur'aan, Allah also said:

"And your Lord says:"Call on Me and I will answer your(prayer)."(Soorsh Mu'min 40:60)

it is worth noting that the basic message of Islam is that Allah and His creation are distinctly different entities. Neither is Allah His creation or a part of it, nor is His creation Him or a part of Him.