Muslim Youth

Proof of the Qur’an

Once we have concluded definitively that Allah (swt) exists the next obvious question that arises is that has Allah (swt) sent a revelation for us to follow. It is clear that we are not able to communicate with God and therefore we are unable to know what He wants us to do, how He wants us to worship Him and how we should solve the problems we face in life. All of these questions would remain unresolved unless there the creator has communicated with us and given us a guidance to follow.

As Muslims we believe that throughout history, there have been messengers and prophets, men sent from the Creator, bringing laws or revelation on how man should conduct his life. They were given miracles which proved to mankind that they had a communication with God and a revelation from Him. A miracle is something which goes against the laws of nature which is impossible for anyone else to do; by miracles the Prophet’s were able to prove their direct relationship with God. For example prophet Musa (as) had a stick which parted the Red Sea, Prophet Isa (as) had the ability to cure the sick by just touching them.

But how do we know if these messengers existed? The miracles performed by the above prophets were only miracles for that specific period of time. But how do we know that they were not just legends or fables? So what miracle do we have right now to convince us and guide us through our lives?

The Qur’an itself is the main miracle that the Prophet (saw) brought which is different to the physical miracles of the other Prophet’s as they were limited to their times only. The Qur’an is an intellectual miracle that proves Islam. It was revealed to Muhammad (saw) in the 6th Century, it exists today and has been revealed for all times.

It is an established fact that the Qur’an was proclaimed by Muhammad (saw) in Arabia over fourteen hundred years ago. In order for us to prove decisively that it is from Allah (swt), we must first consider the possible sources of the Qur’an and then eliminate these to arrive at its true origin.

The only possible sources for the Qur’an are:

a) The Arabs
b) Muhammad (saw) himself
c) Allah (swt)

At the time it was revealed, the pagan Arabs were deeply into poetry. It was an indication of nobility in society. People used to go to the desert for days just to write poetry. The Arabic language has great fluidity and depth of expression, so it was held high in esteem by the Arabs. Allah (swt) in the Qur’an challenged the Arabs to produce something comparable to it in language and they failed to do so.

Initially Allah (swt) challenged them to produce ten chapters (surah’s) similar to it:

“They may say: He forged it (the Qur’an). Say: “Bring you then ten forged surah (chapters) like unto it, and call whomsoever you can, other than Allah (to your help), if you speak the truth!” [TMQ 11:13]

They failed to do so. Allah (swt) then reduced the challenge to something that at first glance may sound easy, He (swt) said:

“If you are in doubt of what we have revealed to our messenger, then produce one chapter like it. Call upon all your helpers, besides Allah, if you are truthful”[TMQ 2:23]

The smallest chapter in the Qur’an, Surah al-Kauthar is only three sentences long, surely someone in history must have matched this challenge? The Arabs at the time of Muhammad (saw) failed to do so, although they were the best in the Arabic language. Furthermore no piece of Arabic literature before them or after them until today has even come close to matching the language of the Qur’an.

For non-Arabs sometimes this may be difficult to perceive as they do not appreciate the language of the Qur’an directly. However, everyone can agree that any piece of literature written by human beings can be matched; people can copy its style and produce something comparable to it in quality. If we look at great English authors like Shakespear no one would claim that they were Prophet’s and that their works are miraculous in nature. Even though they may have been geniuses in language, people can easily write something similar in excellence to three sentences from their books. Despite having the Arabic language, its letters, grammar, syntax and dictionaries available today, the Arabic linguists cannot construct any piece of language that is comparable to the Qur’an. Therefore, it is impossible that the Qur’an was written by any of the Arabs.

It is also inconceivable that the Qur’an is the speech of Muhammad (saw). After all he was one of the Arabs. Also, whatever level of genius people may assign to him, he was still a human being and one of his tribe and nation. Since the Arabs failed to bring the like of the Qur’an, this equally applies to Muhammad (saw). Moreover, Muhammad (saw) has left saheeh ahaadeeth (sound narrations) and mutawaatir ahaadeeth (definitive narrations) whose authenticity is beyond doubt. If any of these ahaadeeth were to be compared with any verse of the Qur’an, there would be no similarity between them in style. He (saw) used to utter the revealed verse and say the hadeeth at the same time and yet there is a difference between them in style. Whenever any man attempts to diversify his speech, it will remain similar in style, because it is a part of him. Since there is no similarity between the hadeeth and the verse in style, the Qur’an is absolutely not Muhammad’s speech. It is important to point out that none of the Arabs, who despised Muhammad (saw), particularly at that time, were the most acquainted with the styles of Arabic speech yet never claimed that the Qur’an was Muhammad’s (saw) speech, or even similar to his speech.

Since it is proved that the Qur’an is neither the speech of the Arabs nor the speech of Muhammad (saw), it is definitely the speech of Allah as this is the only rational possibility we are left with.

The Qur’anic challenge is unique because the Creator, Allah (swt), pushes man to use his ability to undermine the authenticity of the Qur’an. It is such a profound yet simple challenge. Imagine throughout the history of Islam, all her enemies needed to defeat this challenge to destroy the whole basis of Islam. Yet not one, non-Muslim Arab or non-Arab has been able to do this even though all the tools of the Arabic language are at their disposal. The Western government’s hatred of Islam is well known. All they have to do in order to defeat Islam and to make over one billion Muslims apostatise from it, is not to spend billions of dollars in invading Afghanistan, Iraq and launching a mythical ‘war on terror’. They simply have to produce one chapter similar to the Qur’an.

To this day Muslim and non-Muslim scholars have not been able to find any contradiction or mistake in the Qur’an. Moreover, if one was to compare word by word a copy of the Qur’an published today to one of the first copies of the Qur’an available then one would find that not a single word has been omitted or added. Copies of the Qur’an dating back to the first century of Islam can be found in Istanbul and Tashkent. Allah (swt) says:

“Do they not ponder about the Qur’an? If it had come from other than God they would surely have found therein much contradictions.” [T.M.Q 4:82]

There are many texts available today claiming divine status from God, like the Bible of the Christians and the Torah of the Jews etc. However, they have no proof that they have been revealed by God, if they are not miraculous in nature then there is no reason to believe in them.

As Muslims we believe that Allah (swt) revealed different books through history such as the original Injeel (Bible) and Torah, Allah (swt) informed us of this in the Qur’an this is why we believe these. However, we have also been informed that these books have been altered and therefore the versions that exist today are not that which was revealed by Allah (swt). Besides this, the Qur’an is the final revelation from Allah (swt) which abrogates all others.

Allah (swt) says,

“Say ye: “We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma’il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) Prophets from their Lord: we make no difference between one and another of them: and we bow to Allah (in Islam).” [TMQ Al-Baqarah:136]

Once we have established through rational proof that Allah (Swt) exists and that the Qur’an is the Word of Allah, we must believe in everything that the Qur’an informs us of and commands us with, whether we can perceive them or not. Therefore, we must have Iman (belief) in the Day of Resurrection, in paradise (jannah) and hell, in reckoning and punishment, in angels, in jinn, in Shayaateen and all others that the Qur’an or hadeeth mutawaatir (definitive narrations) have mentioned. To believe in these things is therefore not irrational just because we cannot see them or sense them physically as we have conclusively proved the Qur’an being from Allah (swt) which informs us about all of these.

“O you who believe! Believe in Allah and His messenger, and the Book which He sent to His Messenger and the Book which He sent to those before (him). Any who denies Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Day of Judgement, has gone far, far astray.” [An-Nisa: 136]

Once the Iman in Allah, His Messenger and the Qur’an has been proven, every Muslim is obliged to believe in the Islamic Shari’ah as a whole. We cannot pick and choose as we like. As the Shariah was revealed in the glorious Qur’an, and the Messenger (saw) conveyed it. If someone disbelieves in this he would be a (disbeliever) Kafir. Therefore, it is disbelief (Kufr) to deny the shariah rules as a whole, or any definite detailed rule amongst them. This is the case whether these ahkam (rules) are connected with worships (ibadaat), transactions (mu’amalaat), punishments (uqoobat), food, etc. So the rejection of the verse:

“So establish regular prayer” [Al-Baqarah: 43]

Is the same as rejecting the following verses:

“But Allah has permitted trade and forbidden usury,” [Al-Baqarah: 275]

“As to the thief, male or female, cut off his or her hands,” [Al-Ma’idah: 38]

“Forbidden to you (for food) are dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which has been invoked the name of any other than Allah.” [Al-Ma’idah: 3]

We must completely surrender to all the rules revealed by Allah (swt) whether we see rational reasons for them or not.

“But no, by your Lord, they can have no (real) faith, until they make you judge in all the disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance against your decisions, but accept them with the fullest submission.” [An-Nisa: 65]

Misconception: Muslims are violent, terrorists, and extremists! 

This is the biggest misconception in Islam, no doubt resulting from the constant stereotyping and bashing the media gives Islam. When a gunman attacks a mosque in the name of Judaism, or a Catholic IRA guerrilla sets off a bomb in an urban area, or Serbian Orthodox militiamen rape and kill innocent Muslim civilians, these acts are not used to stereotype and bash an entire faith. Never are these acts attributed to the religious teachings of the perpetrators. Yet how many times have we heard the words ‘Islamist or Muslim fundamentalist’ linked with violence. 

Politics in so-called “Muslim countries” may or may not have any Islamic basis. Often dictators and politicians will use the name of Islam for their own purposes. One should remember to go to the source of Islam and separate what the true religion of Islam says from what is portrayed in the media. Islam literally means ‘submission to God’ and is derived from a root word meaning ‘peace’. 

Islam may seem exotic or even extreme in the modern world. Perhaps this is because religion doesn’t dominate everyday life in the West, whereas Islam is considered a ‘way of life’ for Muslims and they make no division between secular and sacred in their lives. Like Christianity, Islam permits fighting in self-defense, in defense 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. 

No where does Islam or the Qur’an enjoin the killing of innocents. The Qur’an says: «”Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not transgress limits. God does not love transgressors.” »(Qur’an Chapter 2: Verse 190) And also, «”If they seek peace, then seek you peace. And trust in God for He is the One that heareth and knoweth all things.”» (Qur’an, Chapter 8: Verse 61). War, therefore, is a last resort, and is subject to the rigorous conditions laid down by the sacred law. 

Misconception: Islam oppresses women. 

The image of the typical Muslim woman wearing the veil and forced to stay home and forbidden to drive is all too common in most peoples’ thoughts. Although some Muslim countries may have laws that oppress women, this should not be seen as coming from Islam. Many of these countries do not rule by any true Shari’ah(Islamic law), and instead introduce their own cultural standpoints on the issue of gender equity. 

Islam gives men and women different roles, and equity between the two is laid down in the Qur’an and the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him). 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 gift 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 Messenger of God (peace be upon him) said: “The most perfect in faith amongst believers is he who is best in manner and kindest to his wife.”” 

Violence of any kind towards women and forcing them against their will for anything is not allowed. A Muslim marriage is a simple, legal agreement in which either partner is free to include conditions. Marriage customs thus vary widely from country to country. Divorce is not common, although it is acceptable as a last resort. According to Islamic teachings, a Muslim girl cannot be forced to marry against her will. 

Misconception: Muslims worship a different God 

Allah is simply the Arabic word for God. Allah for Muslims is the greatest and most inclusive of the Names of God, it is an Arabic word of rich meaning, denoting the one and only God and ascribing no partners to Him. It is exactly the same word which the Jews, in Hebrew, use for God (eloh), the word which Jesus Christ used in Aramaic when he prayed to God. God has an identical name in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; Allah is the same God worshiped by Muslims, Christians and Jews. Muslims believe that Allah’s sovereignty is to be acknowledged in worship and in the pledge to obey His teaching and commandments, conveyed through His messengers and prophets who were sent at various times and in many places throughout history. 

Misconception: Islam was spread by the sword and is intolerant of other faiths 

Many social studies textbooks for students show the image of an Arab horseman carrying a sword in one hand and the Qur’an in the other, conquering and forcibly converting. This, though, is not a correct portrayal of history. Islam has always given respect and freedom of religion to all faiths. The Qur’an says: «”God forbids you not, with regards to those who fight 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.”» (Qur’an, Chapter 60: Verse Freedom of religion is laid down in the Qur’an itself: «”There is no compulsion (or coercion) in the religion (Islam). The right direction is distinctly clear from error”.» (Qur’an, Chapter 2: Verse 256) 

Christian missionary, T.W. Arnold had this opinion on his study of the question of the spread of Islam: “Of any organized attempt to force the acceptance of Islam on the non-Muslim population, or of any systematic persecution intended to stamp out the Christian religion, we hear nothing. Had the caliphs chosen to adopt either course of action, they might have swept away Christianity as easily as Ferdinand and Isabella drove Islam out of Spain, or Louis XIV made Protestantism.” 

It is a 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. Proclaiming to the inhabitants that their lives, and property were safe, and that their places of worship would never be taken from them, he asked the Christian patriarch Sophronius to accompany him on a visit to all the holy places. 

Islamic law also permits non-Muslim minorities to set up their own courts, which implement family laws drawn up by the minorities themselves. The life and property of all citizens in an Islamic state are considered sacred whether the person is Muslim or not. 

Racism is not a part of Islam, the Qur’an speaks only of human equality and how all peoples are equal in the sight of God. «”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.” »(Qur’an, Chapter 49: Verse 13) 

Misconceptions: All Muslims are Arabs 

The Muslim population of the world is around 1.4 billion. 1 out of 4 people in the world is a Muslim. Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. Muslims come from a vast range of races, nationalities and cultures from around the globe -from the Philippines to Nigeria- they are united by their common Islamic faith. Only about 18 percent of Muslims live in the Arab world. The largest Muslim community is in Indonesia. Most Muslims live east of Pakistan. 30 percent of Muslims live in the Indian subcontinent, 20 percent in Sub-Saharan Africa, 17 percent in Southeast Asia, 18 percent in the Arab world and 10 percent in the Soviet Union and China. Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan make up 10 percent of the non-Arab Middle East. Although there are Muslim minorities in almost every area, including Latin America and Australia, they are most numerous in Russia and its newly independent states, India and central Africa.

Misconception: All Muslim men marry four wives 

The religion of Islam was revealed for all societies and all times and so it accommodates widely differing social requirements. Circumstances may warrant the taking of another wife, but the right is granted, according to the Qur’an only on condition that the husband is scrupulously fair. No woman can be forced into this kind of marriage if they do not wish it. 

Polygamy is neither mandatory, nor encouraged, but merely permitted. Images of “sheikhs with harems” are not consistent with Islam, as a man is only allowed at most four wives only if he can fulfill the stringent conditions of treating each fairly and providing each with separate housing etc. Permission to practice polygamy is not associated with mere satisfaction of passion. It is rather associated with compassion toward widows and orphans. It was the Qur’an that limited and put conditions on the practice of polygamy among the Arabs, who had as many as ten or more wives and considered them “property”. It is both honest and accurate to say that it is Islam which regulated this practice, limited it, made it more humane and instituted equal rights and status for all wives. What the Qur’anic decrees amount to, taken together is discouragement of polygamy unless necessity for it exists. It is also evident that the general trend in Islam is monogamy and not polygamy. It is a very small percentage of Muslims that practice polygamy over the world. However, permission to practice limited polygamy is only consistent with Islam’s realistic view of the nature of man and woman and of various social needs, problems and cultural variations. It also is the frank and straightforward approach of Islam in dealing with practical problems. Rather than requiring hypocritical and superficial compliance, Islam delves deeper into the problems of individuals and societies, and provides for legitimate and clean solutions which are far more beneficial than would be the case if they were ignored. There is no doubt that the second wife legally married and treated kindly is better off than a mistress without any legal rights or expermanence. 

Misconceptions: Muslims are a barbaric, backwards people 

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 of the spread of Islam, great civilizations and universities were flourishing, for “according to the Prophet (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 of mathematics), were transmitted to medieval Europe from Islam. Sophisticated instruments were developed which were to make possible the European voyages of discovery, including the astrolabe, the quadrant and good navigational maps. 

Misconceptions: Muhammad was the founder of Islam and Muslims worship him 

Muslims only worshio the one true God and believe that Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the last messenger sent by God to the world. Muhammad PBUH was a most noble man and beloved prophet, yet Muslims certainly donot worship him, or any other created being. 

Muhammad PBUH was born in Mecca in the year 570. 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 calm and meditative. Muhammad PBUHwas 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 Mecca. 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 continued for 23 years, is known as the Qur’an. 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 622 God gave them the command to emigrate. 

This event, the Hijra ‘migration’, in which they left Mecca for the city of Medina, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar. After several years, the Prophet and his followers were able to return to Mecca, where they forgave their enemies and established Islam definitively. Before the Prophet PBUHdied 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. 

While Muhammad PBUH was chosen to deliver the message, he is not considered the “founder” of Islam, since Muslims consider Islam to be the same divine guidance sent to all prophets before. Muslims believe all the prophets from Adam, Noah, Moses, Jesus etc. were all sent with the same divine guidance for their peoples. Since all prophets came from the same God, they all brought the same basic message -calling their people to the worship of one God. Every prophet was sent to his own people, but Muhammad PBUH was sent to all of mankind. Muhammad PBUH is the last and final messenger sent to deliver the message of Islam. Muslims love and honor him, but they do not worship him. In the Qur’an, it says: «”O Prophet, verily We have sent you as a witness and a bearer of glad tidings and a warner and as one who invites unto God by His leave and as an illuminating lamp.”» (Qur’an, Chapter 33: Verses 45-6) 

Misconception: Muslims don’t believe in Jesus or any other prophets 

Muslims respect and love Jesus, upon him be peace, and await his Second Coming. They consider him a great messenger from God to mankind. A Muslim never refers to him simply as ‘Jesus’, but always adds the phrase ‘upon him be peace’ (abbreviated as (u) here). The Qur’an confirms his virgin birth (a chapter of the Quran is entitled ‘Mary’), and Mary is considered amongst the best and most noble women. The Qur’an describes 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” (Qur’an, Chapter 3: Verses 42-47) »

Jesus (u) was born miraculously through the same power which had brought Adam (u) 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.” (Qur’an, Chapter 3: Verses 59)»During his prophetic mission Jesus (u) 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.” (Qur’an, Chapter 3: Verses 49)» Neither Muhammad (pbuh) not Jesus (u) came to change the basic doctrine of the belief in One God brought by earlier prophets, but instead to confirm and renew it. 

In the Qur’an Jesus (u) 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 you; I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear God and obey Me. (Qur’an, Chapter 3: Verses 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 related by Bukhari) ”

What is Islam? 

The word “Islam” is an Arabic word that means “submitting and surrendering your will to Almighty God”. The word comes from the same root as the Arabic word “salam”, which means peace. Unlike the names used for other religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity, the name “Islam” was both revealed by God and mentioned explicitly in the Holy Scripture – The Qur’an. Islam carries a deep spiritual meaning — only by submitting one’s will to Almighty God can one obtain true peace both in this life and in the life hereafter. Islam teaches that all religions originally had the same essential message — which was to submit whole-heartedly to the will of God and to worship Him and Him alone. For this reason, Islam is not a new religion but is the same divinely revealed Ultimate Truth that God revealed to all prophets, including Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them all). 

Who are Muslims? 

The Arabic word “Muslim” literally means “someone who submits to the will of God”. The message of Islam is meant for the entire world and anyone who accepts this message becomes a Muslim. Some people mistakenly believe that Islam is just a religion for Arabs, but nothing could be further from the truth, since in actuality over 80% of the world’s Muslims are not Arabs! Even though most Arabs are Muslims, there are Arabs who are Christians, Jews and atheists. If one just takes a look at the various peoples who live in the Muslim World — from Nigeria to Bosnia and from Morocco to Indonesia — it is easy enough to see that Muslims come from all different races, ethnic groups and nationalities. From the very beginning, Islam had a universal message for all people. This can be seen in the fact that some of the early companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) were not only Arabs, but also Persians, Africans and Byzantine Romans. Being a Muslim entails complete acceptance and active obedience to the revealed will of Almighty God. A Muslim is a person who freely accepts to base his beliefs, values and faith on the will of Almighty God. In the past (even though you don’t see it as much today), the word “Mohammedans” was often used as a label for Muslims. This label is a misnomer and is the result of either willful distortion or sheer ignorance. One of the reasons for the misconception is that Europeans were taught for centuries that Muslims worshipped the Prophet Muhammad in the same way that Christians worship Jesus. This is absolutely not true since a Muslim is not permitted to worship anyone or anything besides Almighty God. 

Who is Allah? 

Very often one will hear the Arabic word “Allah” being used in regards to Islam. The word “Allah” is simply the Arabic word for Almighty God, and is the same word used by Arabic speaking Christians and Jews. If one were to pick up an Arabic translation of the Bible, one would see the word “Allah” being use where the word “God” is used in English. Actually, the Arabic word for Almighty God, “Allah”, is quite similar to the word for God in other Semitic languages — for example, the Hebrew word for God is “Elah”. For various reasons, some non-Muslims mistakenly believe that Muslims worship a different God than Jews and Christians. This is certainly not the case, since the Pure Monotheism of Islam calls all people to the worship of the God of Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and all of the other prophets (peace be upon them). However, even though Jews, Christians and Muslims worship the same God — since there is only one true God — their concepts concerning Him differ in some significant ways. 

Who is Muhammad? 

The last and final prophet that God sent to humanity was the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Muhammad explained, interpreted and lived the teachings of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad is the greatest of all prophets for many reasons, but mainly because the results of his mission have brought more people into the pure belief in One God than any other prophet. Even though other religious communities claimed to believe in One God, over time they had corrupted their beliefs by taking their prophets and saints as intercessors with Almighty God. Some religions believe their prophets to be manifestations of God, “God Incarnate” or the “Son of God”. All of these false ideas lead to the creation being worshipped instead of the Creator, which contributed to the idolatrous practice of believing that Almighty God can be approached through intermediaries. In order to guard against these falsehoods, the Prophet Muhammad always emphasized that he was only a human being tasked with the preaching of God’s message. He taught Muslims to refer to him as “the Messenger of God and His Slave”. To Muslims, Muhammad is the supreme example for all people — he was the exemplary prophet, statesman, military leader, ruler, teacher, neighbour husband, father and friend. Unlike other prophets and messengers, the Prophet Muhammad lived in the full light of history. Muslims don’t need to have “faith” that he existed and that his teachings are preserved — they know it to be a fact. Even when his followers only numbered a few dozen, Almighty God informed Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that he had be sent as a mercy to all of mankind. Because people had distorted or forgotten God’s messages from previous prophets, God took it upon Himself to protect the message revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This was because Almighty God promised not to send another messenger after him. Since all of God’s messengers have preached the message of Islam — i.e. submission to the will of God and the worship of God alone — Muhammad is actually the last prophet of Islam, not the first. 

What are the Teachings of Islam? 

The foundation of the Islamic faith is belief in the Unity of God. This means to believe that there is only one Creator and Sustainer of everything in the Universe, and that nothing is divine or worthy of being worshipped except for Him. 
Truly believing in the Unity of God means much more than simply believing that there is “One God” — as opposed to two, three or four. There are a number of religions that claim belief in “One God” and believe that ultimately there is only one Creator and Sustainer of the Universe. Islam, however, not only insists on this, but also rejects using such words as “Lord” and “Savior” for anyone besides Almighty God. Islam also rejects the use of all intermediaries between God and Man, and insists that people approach God directly and reserve all worship for Him alone. Muslims believe that Almighty God is Compassionate, Loving and Merciful. The essence of falsehood is the claim that God cannot deal with and forgive His creatures directly. By over-emphasizing the burden of sin, as well as claiming that God cannot forgive you directly, other religions seek to get people to despair of the Mercy of God. Once they are convinced that they cannot approach God directly, people can be mislead into turning to false gods for help. These “false gods” can take various forms, such as saints, angels, or someone who is believed to be the “Son of God” or “God Incarnate”. 
In almost all cases, people who worship, pray to or seek help from a false god don’t consider it to be, or call it, a “god”. They claim belief in One Supreme God, but claim that they pray to and worship others beside God only to get closer to Him. In Islam, there is a clear distinction between the Creator and the created. There is no ambiguity in divinity — anything that is created is not deserving of worship and only the Creator is worthy of being worshipped. Some religions falsely believe that God has become part of His creation, and this has led people to believe that they can worship something created in order to reach their Creator. 
Muslims believe that even though God is Unique and beyond comprehension — He has no “Son”, partners or associates. According to Muslim belief, Almighty God “does not beget nor was He begotten” — neither literally, allegorically, metaphorically, physically or metaphysically — He is Absolutely Unique and Eternal. He is in control of everything and is perfectly capable of bestowing His infinite Mercy and Forgiveness to whomever He chooses. That is why is called the All-Powerful and Most-Merciful. Almighty God has created the Universe for man, and as such wants the best for all human beings. Muslims see everything in the Universe as a sign of the Creatorship and Benevolence of Almighty God. Also, the belief in the Unity of God is not merely a metaphysical concept. It is a dynamic belief that affects ones view of humanity, society and all aspects of life. As a logical corollary to the Islamic belief in the Oneness of God, is its belief in the oneness of mankind and humanity. 

What is the Qur’an? 

It is the final revelation of the will of Almighty God’s to all of mankind, which was conveyed through the Angel Gabriel, in Arabic, to the Prophet Muhammad in its sounds, words and meanings. The Qur’an (sometimes spelled Koran), was relayed to the Prophet’s companions, which they memorized verbatim, and which has been publicly and continually recited by them and their successors until the present day. In short, the Qur’an is the book of guidance from God par excellence. The Qur’an is still memorized and taught by millions of people. The language of the Qur’an, Arabic, is still a living language to millions of people, so unlike the scriptures of other religions, the Qur’an is still read in its original language by countless millions of people. The Qur’an is a living miracle in the Arabic language; and is know to be inimitable in its style, form and spiritual impact. God’s final revelation to mankind, the Qur’an, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years. The Qur’an, in contrast to many other religious books, was always thought to be the Word of God by those who believed in it, i.e. it wasn’t something decreed by a religious council many years after being written. Also, the Qur’an was recited publicly in front of both the Muslim and non-Muslim communities during the life of the Prophet Muhammad. The entire Qur’an was also completely written down in lifetime of the Prophet, and numerous companions of the Prophet memorized the entire Qur’an word-for-word as it was revealed. So unlike other scriptures, the Qur’an was always in the hands of the common believers, it was always thought to be God’s word and, due to wide spread memorization, it was perfectly preserved. In regards to the teachings of the Qur’an – it is a universal scripture, and it is addressed to all of mankind, and not to a particular tribe or “chosen people”. The message that it brings is nothing new, but the same message of all of the prophets – submit to Almighty God and worship Him alone. As such, God’s revelation in the Qur’an focuses on teaching human beings the importance of believing in the Unity of God and framing their lives around the guidance which He has sent. Additionally, the Qur’an contains the stories of the previous prophets, such as Abraham, Noah, Moses and Jesus; as well as many commands and prohibitions from God. In modern times in which so many people are caught up in doubt, spiritual despair and “political correctness”, the Qur’anic teachings offer solutions to the emptiness of our lives and the turmoil that is gripping the world today. 

How Do Muslims View the Nature of Man, the Purpose of Life and the Life Hereafter? 

In the Holy Qur’an, God teaches human beings that they were created in order to worship Him, and that the basis of all true worship is God-consciousness/piety. Since the teachings of Islam encompass all aspects of life and ethics, God-consciousness is encouraged in all human affairs. Islam makes it clear that all human acts are acts of worship if they are done for God alone and in accordance to His Divine Law. As such, worship in Islam is not limited to religious rituals. The teachings of Islam act as a mercy and a healing for the human soul, and such qualities as humility, sincerity, patience and charity are strongly encouraged. Additionally, Islam condemns pride and self-righteousness, since Almighty God is the only judge of human righteousness. The Islamic view of the nature of man is also realistic and well balanced. Human beings are not believed to be inherently sinful, but are seen as equally capable of both good and evil. 
Islam also teaches that faith and action go hand-in-hand. God has given people free will, and the measure of one’s faith is one’s deeds and actions. However, human beings have also been created weak and regularly fall into sin. This is the nature of the human being as created by God in His Wisdom, and it is not inherently “corrupt” or in need of repair. This is because the avenue of repentance is always open to all human beings, and Almighty God loves the repentant sinner more than one who does not sin at all. The true balance of an Islamic life is established by having a healthy fear of God as well as a sincere belief in His infinite Mercy. A life without fear of God leads to sin and disobedience, while believing that we have sinned so much that God will not possibly forgive us only leads to despair. In light of this, Islam teaches that: only the misguided despair of the Mercy of their Lord. Additionally, the Holy Qur’an, which was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, contains a great deal of teachings about the life hereafter and the Day of Judgment. Due to this, Muslims believe that all human beings will ultimately be judged by God for their beliefs and actions in their earthly lives. In judging human beings, Almighty God will be both Merciful and Just, and people will only be judged for what they were capable of. Suffice it to say that Islam teaches that life is a test, and that all human beings will be accountable before God. A sincere belief in the life hereafter is the key to leading a well-balanced life and moral. Otherwise, life is viewed as an end in itself, which causes human beings to become more selfish, materialistic and immoral.

Islam is a religion, but not in the western meaning of religion. The western connotation of the term “religion” is something between the believer and God. Islam is a religion that organizes all aspects of life on both the individual and national levels. 

Islam organizes your relations with God, with yourself, with your children, with your relatives, with your neighbor, with your guest, and with other brethren. Islam clearly establishes your duties and rights in all those relationships. 

Islam establishes a clear system of worship, civil rights, laws of marriage and divorce, laws of inheritance, code of behavior, what not to drink, what to wear, and what not to wear, how to worship God, how to govern, the laws of war and peace, when to go to war, when to make peace, the law of economics, and the laws of buying and selling. Islam is a complete code of life. 

Islam is not practiced in the mosque only, it is for daily life, a guide to life in all its aspects: socially, economically, and politically. 

Islam is complete constitution. Thus Islam keeps the Muslim away from confusion, because Islam is logical and rational. Allah is one. Allah is one Allah has no sons. Allah is not associated with trinity. Allah does not kill to save. No mediation is required between Allah and man. Islam organizes human nature, but does not go against it. There is not a class of clergy in Islam; nor is there celibacy. Islam is complete way of human life.

“Do they not consider the Qur’an (with care)? Had it been from other Than Allah, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy” [Surah An-Nisa 4:82]

The Quran is not only unique in the way in which it presents its guidance to humanity, but it is also unique in that it is a miracle itself. By the term “miracle”, we mean the performance of a supernatural or extraordinary event which cannot be duplicated by humans.

A Miracle in Language

The Arabs of the 6^th and 7^th centuries CE were masters of the Arabic language. Eloquence and rhetoric were their lifeblood. The liveliness that marked their gatherings, the joy of their fairs, and the virtues of which they boasted, all found expression through poetry and literature. They were so proud of their literary accomplishments that they mockingly dubbed all the other peoples of the world as “’Ajam” or “Dumb.” It was in this atmosphere that there appeared on the scene an unlettered prophet, Muhammad (saw). He presented before them an oration, and declared it to be the Word of Allah, which claimed:

“If mankind and the jinn were to gather together to produce the like of this Quran, they could never produce the like thereof, even if they backed up one another.” [Surah Al-Isra' 17:88]

Such a proclamation was an amazing thing. It came from a person who had never learned anything from the renowned poets and scholars of the time, had never recited even a single piece of poetry in their congregations, and never attended the company of soothsayers.

The Quran challenged the Arabs to produce a literary work of a similar calibre and perfection as the Quran, but they were unable to do so in spite of their well-known eloquence and literary powers in Arabic. They persecuted the Prophet called him insane, a sorcerer, poet and soothsayer, but failed utterly in composing even a few sentences like the Quranic verses. To this day, the challenge has remained unmet, although throughout history and even in modern times, many people have made feeble attempts to do so.

The challenge to reproduce the Quran was presented to the Arabs and mankind in three stages:

l. The Whole Quran

In the Quran, Allah (swt) commanded the Prophet to challenge all of creation to create a book of the stature of the Quran:

“Say: ‘If all mankind and the jinn would come together to produce the like of this Quran, they could not produce its like even though they exerted all and their strength in aiding one another.’” (Surah Al-Isra' 17:88)

2. Ten Chapters

Next, Allah (swt) made the challenge much easier by asking those who denied its divine origin to imitate even ten chapters of the Quran:

“Or do they say that he has invented it? Say (to them), ‘Bring ten invented chapters like it, and call (for help) on whomever you can besides Allah, if you are truthful.” (Surah Hud 11:13)

3. One Chapter/Surah

This final challenge was to produce even a single chapter to match what is in the Quran, whose shortest chapter, al-Kawthar, consists of only three verses:

“And if you all are in doubt about what I have revealed to My servant, bring a single chapter like it, and call your witnesses besides Allah if you are truthful.” (Baqara 2:23)

In the following verse Allah (swt) warns them of their punishment if they cannot produce while rejected Islam. “But if you cannot – and surely you cannot – then fear the Fire whose fuel is men and stones, which is prepared for those who reject Faith.” [Baqara 2:24]

These challenges were not just empty words with no one caring to prove them wrong. Prophet Muhammad’s call to monotheism, to the abolition of idolatry in all its forms, and to the equality of slaves and their masters threatened the whole socio-economic framework of Mecca society in general, and the position of the ruling Quraishee tribe from which the Prophet came in particular. Mecca, the trading center of Arabia, as well as its spiritual center, desperately wanted to stop the spread of Islam. Yet all that the Prophet’s opponents had to do to crush the movement was to make up a single chapter like any one of those which the Prophet and his followers were reciting to the people. A number of Quraishee orators and poets tried to imitate the Quran, but they failed. They then resorted to offering him vast amounts of wealth, the position of king over them, and the most noble and beautiful of their women in exchange for his promise to stop inviting people to Islam. He responded to them by reciting the first thirteen verses of Chapter Fussilat, until they asked him to stop.

The Quran continually challenges all human beings to match its perfection, but indeed they can not.

“And this Qur’an is not such as could ever be produced by other than Allah (Lord of the heavens and the earth), but it is a confirmation of (the revelations) before it [i.e. the Torah, and the Injeel, etc.], and a full explanation of the Book (i.e. laws and orders, etc, decreed for mankind) – wherein there is no doubt from the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns,and all that exists).

Or do they say: “He (Muhammad) has forged it?” Say: “Bring then a surah (chapter) like unto it, and call upon whomsoever you can, besides Allah, if you are truthful!” [Qur'an 10:37-38]

The Quran is Protected and will Never Change

Allah says: “Verily it is We Who revealed the Remembrance (Thikra) and verily We are its guardians (to protect it).” (Al-Hijr, 15:9).

Unlike all previous Scriptures revealed to varying Prophets, the Quran – revealed over 1400 years ago – still remains unchanged, un-adulterated, and its meaning/explanation guarded (through the sunnah). Although the meaning of the Quran has been translated into many languages, the Quran itself is only considered THE QURAN in arabic form, and nothing else.

The Quran – a Sign from Allah (swt)

The complete existence of the Quran is also a miracle in itself. The guidance, and perfection of such guidance, is beyond the scope of any human or jinn. The absolute and intricate detail by which the revelation has come down, is a sign of Allah’s Might, Perfection, Kindness and Mercy.

“He is the One Who sends to His Servant Clear Signs, that He may lead you from the Darkness (of oppression) into the Light (of Islam), and verily Allah is to you most Kind and Merciful”. [57:9]

However, when the Prophet (saw) was commanded to preach this Islam to the people, they fell into the traps as those nations before them. They asked for physical miracles like previous prophet’s performed. However, Allah commanded his prophet to advise them that such miracles will not come to them. When other nations were given miracles to witness, they exclaimed he was a magician, sorcerer, or illusionist. But Allah knows best, and he sent Muhamed with the greatest of all miracles, one which would last not only during his (saw) life, but throughout all ages until the Day of Judgement – the Holy Quran.

A Miracle of Prophecies

Among other things, the Quran contains prophecies of future events, many of which have come to pass. We reproduce here a discussion of one such prophecy, which was fulfilled within the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (saw).

While the Prophet (saw) was still in Makkah, after having been entrusted with prophethood, and was being subjected to all sorts of persecutions by the Makkan idolaters, exactly at the same time the two great powers of Rome and Persia were involved in repeated wars. The Romans were beaten, vanquished and suffered a great loss in men and material. At last, the Romans were so utterly exhausted that, far from being in a position to launch a counter-attack, they could not even take a firm stand anywhere. This situation was a matter of jubilation for the pagans of Arabia, as they identified the Persians (being fire-worshippers) with themselves and the Romans as “people of the Book” with the Muslims. In their eyes, the dominance of the Persians, signified their own victory and the defeat of the Muslims. It was under these circumstances that these initial verses of the chapter called Ar-Room (The Romans) were revealed (which mean):

“…The Romans have been defeated, in the land close by. But after (this) defeat of theirs, they will soon be victorious within a few years. To Allah belongs the command before and after and on that day the Believers will rejoice in Allah’s help…” [Surah Ar-Rum 30:2-4]

For those who were aware of the military situation concerning the Romans and Persians, this prediction was absolutely incredible. In fact, the Persians kept marching forward until they reached the city walls of the Roman capital, Constantinople. The renowned historian Edward Gibbon has commented on this prediction thus:

“When this prophecy was made, no prediction could be more unbelievable because the initial twelve years of Heraclius were evidently declaring an end to the Roman Empire.” [Fall of the Roman Empire, v.5, p.73-74]

But exactly seven years after his first defeat, the Roman emperor sallied forth from the capital and inflicted crushing defeats on the Persians at several places, and after that the Roman armies were victorious everywhere.

Meanwhile, a large number of Muslims had migrated to Al-Madeenah and their wars with the idolaters of Makkah had already begun. The day on which 313 ill-equipped Muslims were decisively beating their enemy — 1000 heavily armed Makkan warriors — at the battlefield of Badr, came the news that the Romans had defeated the Persians. It was then realized that the Quranic verse, (which means): “…on that day the Believers will rejoice in Allaah’s help” [Surah Ar-Rum 30: 4-5] was meant to denote the twin happiness of the Romans’ victory as well as their own victory at Badr.

A Miracle in Science and History

Apart from prophecies, the Quran has pointed out many scientific and historical facts which were not only unknown at that time, but could not even be imagined given the development of civilization. Entire books have been written (by both Muslims and non-Muslims) confirming the correspondence of scientific discoveries to the truths expressed in the Quran. An example of this is the verse:

“And of everything We have created pairs that you may take heed.” [Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51: 49]

When this verse was revealed, the general concept was that male and female pairs existed only among human beings and animals or in some vegetation. However, with the advancement of science, the Quranic reality is becoming manifest that male and female pairs exist in everything. In some instances they are termed as male and female, and elsewhere as positive and negative, as electron and proton, or neutron and positron. In another verse, the Quran has also clarified that the occurrence in pairs in many other things is still unknown to people. It says (what means):

“Glorified be He Who created pairs of all things which the earth grows, and of themselves (humans), and of that which they know not.” [Surah Ya-Sin 36: 36]

A Miracle For Us!

Looking back through history, it has been observed that the prophets, may Allah exalt their mention, were sent with miracles that reflected the society and knowledge of the people they were sent to. Thus, Musa (Moses) was sent with a Staff that truly turned into a snake, baffling the trickster magicians of the Pharaoh. ‘Isaa (Jesus) was given the power to cure diseases and give life to the dead, astonishing the Jewish doctors who felt proud of their limited knowledge of healing, and who had begun to disregard and deny the supernatural powers of Allah.

Similarly, the Quran was an immediate miracle for the Arabs so many years ago, since it challenged and far surpassed the limits of their literary expression. Unlike the miracles of previous prophets, which were only applicable for a limited time, to this day the Quran – the Final Testament given to the Last Prophet (saw) – is still a relevant miracle for humanity and will remain so as long as the world exists. We live in an age of science and technology, of knowledge, logic, and reason. Yet, in spite of all the human advancement in every sphere of life, the principles of the Quran have not been proven wrong nor have they become “out-of-date.”

Furthermore, the application of the Quran unlocks further miracles, which are seen when humans follow the guidance and laws of anyone other than Allah. Chaos, turmoil, famine, murders, crimes, oppression, misery, are all problems commonly witnessed of a massive global scale. This is because Kuffar choose to not follow the guidance of The Creator, rather follow that or the creation! Only the guidance of Allah (swt) through the Quran and Sunnah, can truly provide tranquility and solutions for human beings.

This is really the great miracle of the Quran, it has proven itself a timeless, universal message for humankind, relevant to every facet of our life — be it politics, economics, ethics, science, literature, arts or entertainment.

Is it not time we ensure the world views the Quran in the same light?

“Oh you who believe. Respond to Allah and His Messenger when He calls you to that which gives you life” [Al-Anfaal:24]

Asmaa herself was one of the first people to accept Islam. Only about seventeen people, including both men and women, became Muslims before her. She was later given the nickname Dhat an-Nitaqayn (the One with the Two Waistbands) because of an incident connected with the departure of the Prophet and her father from Makkah on the historic hijrah to Madinah.

Asmaa was one of the few people who knew of the Prophet’s plan to leave for Madinah. The utmost secrecy had to be maintained because of the Quraysh plans to murder the Prophet (saw). On the night of their departure, Asmaa was the one who prepared containers of food and water for their journey. She did not find anything though with which to tie the containers and decided to use her waistband or nitaq. Abu Bakr suggested that she tear it into two. This she did and the Prophet commended her action. From then on she became known as “the One with the Two Waistbands”.

When the final emigration from Makkah to Madinah took place soon after the departure of the Prophet, Asmaa was pregnant. She did not let her pregnancy or the prospect of a long and arduous journey deter her from leaving. As soon as she reached Quba on the outskirts of Madinah, she gave birth to a son, Abdullah. The Muslims shouted Allahu Akbar (God is the Greatest) and Laa ilaaha illa Allah (There is no God but Allah) in happiness and thanksgiving because this was the first child to be born to the Muhajireen in Madinah.

Asmaa became known for her fine and noble qualities and for the keenness of her intelligence. She was an extremely generous person. Her son Abdullah once said of her, “I have not seen two women more generous than my aunt A’ishah and my mother Asmaa. But their generosity was expressed in different ways. My aunt would accumulate one thing after another until she had gathered what she felt was sufficient and then distributed it all to those in need. My mother, on the other hand, would not keep anything even for the morrow.”

Asmaa’s presence of mind in difficult circumstances was remarkable. When her father left Makkah, he took all his wealth, amounting to some six thousand dirhams, with him and did not leave any for his family. When Abu Bakr’s father, Abu Quhafah (he was still a mushrik) heard of his departure he went to his house and said to Asmaa:

“I understand that he has left you deprived of money after he himself has abandoned you.”

“No, grandfather,” replied Asmaa, “in fact he has left us much money.” She took some pebbles and put them in a small recess in the wall where they used to put money. She threw a cloth over the heap and took the hand of her grandfather –he was blind–and said, “See how much money he has left us”.

Through this strategem, Asmaa wanted to allay the fears of the old man and to forestall him from giving them anything of his own wealth. This was because she disliked receiving any assistance from a mushrik even if it was her own grandfather.

For Asmaa and indeed for many other Muslims, life in Madinah was rather difficult at first. Her husband was quite poor and his only major possession to begin with was a horse he had bought. Asmaa herself described these early days:

“I used to provide fodder for the horse, give it water and groom it. I would grind grain and make dough but I could not bake well. The women of the Ansar used to bake for me. They were truly good women. I used to carry the grain on my head from az-Zubayr’s plot which the Prophet had allocated to him to cultivate. It was about three farsakh (about eight kilometres) from the town’s centre. One day I was on the road carrying the grain on my head when I met the Prophet and a group of Sahabah. He called out to me and stopped his camel so that I could ride behind him. I felt embarrassed to travel with the Prophet and also remembered az-Zubayr’s jealousy–he was the most jealous of men. The Prophet realised that I was embarrassed and rode on.”

Later, Asmaa related to az-Zubayr exactly what had happened and he said, “By God, that you should have to carry grain is far more distressing to me than your riding with (the Prophet)”.

If the above incidents and aspects of Asmaa’s life may easily be forgotten, then her final meeting with her son, Abdullah, must remain one of the most unforgettable moments in early Muslim history. At that meeting she demonstrated the keenness of her intelligence, her resoluteness and the strength of her faith.

Abdullah was in the running for the Caliphate after the death of Yazid ibn Mu’awiyah. The Hijaz, Egypt, Iraq, Khurasan and much of Syria were favourable to him and acknowledged him as the Caliph. The Ummayyads however continued to contest the Caliphate and to field a massive army under the command of Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf ath-Thaqafi. Relentless battles were fought between the two sides during which Abdullah ibn az-Zubayr displayed great acts of courage and heroism. Many of his supporters however could not withstand the continuous strain of battle and gradually began to desert him. Finally he sought refuge in the Sacred Mosque at Makkah. It was then that he went to his mother, now an old blind woman, and said:

“Peace be on you, Mother, and the mercy and blessings of God.”

“Unto you be peace, Abdullah,” she replied. “What is it that brings you here at this hour while boulders from Hajjaj’s catapults are raining down on your soldiers in the Haram and shaking the houses of Makkah?” “I came to seek your advice,” he said.

“To seek my advice?” she asked in astonishment. “About what?”

“The people have deserted me out of fear of Hajjaj. Even my children and my family have left me. There is only a small group of men with me now and however strong and steadfast they are they can only resist for an hour or two more. What do you think I should do?”

Raising her voice, she replied:

“It’s your affair, Abdullah, and you know yourself better. If however you think that you are right and that you are standing up for the Truth, then persevere and fight on as your companions who were killed under your flag had shown perseverance. If however you desire the world, what a miserable wretch you are. You would have destroyed yourself and you would have destroyed your men.”

“But I will be killed today, there is no doubt about it.”

“That is better for you than that you should surrender yourself to Hajjaj voluntarily and that some minions of Banu Umayyah should play with your head.”

“I do not fear death. I am only afraid that they will mutilate me.”

“There is nothing after death that man should be afraid of. Skinning does not cause any pain to the slaughtered sheep.”

Abdullah’s face beamed as he said:

“What a blessed mother! Blessed be your noble qualities! I have come to you at this hour to hear what I have heard. God knows that I have not weakened or despaired. He is witness over me that I have not stood up for what I have out of love for this world and its attractions but only out of anger for the sake of God. His limits have been transgressed. Here am I, going to what is pleasing to you. So if I am killed, do not grieve for me and commend me to God.”

“I shall grieve for you,” said the ageing but resolute Asmaa, “only if you are killed in a vain and unjust cause.”

“Be assured that your son has not supported an unjust cause, nor committed any detestable deed, nor done any injustice to a Muslim or a Dhimmi and that there is nothing better in his sight than the pleasure of God, the Mighty, the Great. I do not say this to exonerate myself. God knows that I have only said it to make your heart firm and steadfast. ”

“Praise be to God who has made you act according to what He likes and according of what I like. Come close to me, my son, That I may smell and feel your body for this might be the last meeting with you.”

Abdullah knelt before her. She hugged him and smothered his head, his face and his neck with kisses. Her hands began to squeeze his body when suddenly she withdrew them and asked:

“What is this you are wearing, Abdullah?”

“This is my armour plate.”

“This my son, ls not the dress of one who desires martyrdom. Take it off. That will make your movements lighter and quicker. Wear instead the sirwal (a long under garment) so that if you are killed your ‘awrah will not be exposed.

Abdullah took off his armour plate and put on the sirwal. As he left for the Haram to join the fighting he said: My mother, don’t deprive me of your dua. She made dua for him and then he left.

By sunset, Abdullah was dead. Just over ten days later, his mother joined him. She was a hundred years old. Age had not made her infirm nor blunted the keenness of her mind.

1. By (the Token of) Time (through the ages),

2. Verily Man is in loss,

3. Except those who Believe (have Faith), and do righteous deeds, and recommend one another to the truth, and recommend one another to patience.

This surah was one of the earliest revelations which the angel Gabriel delivered to the Prophet Muhammad while in Makkah. In surah al-Fatiha, Allah has taught us to seek the straight path, as-sirât al-mustaqîm, and in surah al-’Asr the essence of that straight path is revealed to mankind.

In this surah we learn that we should always be filled with belief in the power and wonder of Allah, perform righteous works, encourage one another toward the Truth, and encourage one another to patience.

Anyone who successfully follows this divine guidance will find themselves on the straight path, and their life will be filled with the glory of Allah, while those who fail to follow this guidance will be at a great loss.

These seemingly simple lines of divine guidance tell us how to live our entire life. Many books, with thousands of words, cannot say as much as is contained in these three short verses. This surah shows us “the big picture”, and undoubtedly anyone who truly understands and lives by these ideals will be on the straight path.

According to the tafsir of Ibn Kathir:

At-Tabarani recorded from ‘Abdullah bin Hisn Abi Madinah that he said, “Whenever two men from the Companions of the Messenger of Allah used to meet, they would not part until one of them had recited surah al-’Asr in its entirety to the other, and one of them had given the greetings of peace to the other.”

Imam Ash-Shafi’i said, “If the people were to ponder on this surah, this [alone] would be sufficient for them.”

Time: The period of Al-`Asr is the time in which most of the movements action actions of the people occur, whether good or bad.

Thus, Allah swears by this, that man is in Khusr, which means they are in loss or destruction and doom.

Narrated Abu Hurayrah: The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) said: “Do not swear by your fathers, or by your mothers, or by rivals to Allah; and swear by Allah only, and swear by Allah only when you are speaking the truth.” [Abu Dawud]

Importance of Time: Allah says: “It is He who made the night and the day to follow each other. For such to have the will to remember Him or to give thanks.” [Sûrah al-Furqân: 62]. We need to make the most of our time, and use it in Allah’s cause, to get nearer to Him and His Mercy.

In the next verse, Allah mentions that “Everyone will be doomed, Except those who believe and do righteous good deeds”. So Allah makes an exception here, among the species of man being in loss, for those who believe in their hearts and work righteous deeds with their actions, they will be saved.

Their other attributes are that they recommend one another to the truth (Al-Haqq) which is all of Islam. This is to perform all the acts of obedience and avoid the forbidden things. To enjoin on the people good, and to forbid all which is haram/evil.

Furthermore, the attributes of those saved from destruction and doom are the ones who “recommend one another to patience & constancy.” meaning, with the plots, the evils, and the harms of those who harm other people due to their commanding them to do good and forbidding them from evil.

However, Patience is strongly recommended upon the one who is tried and tested by Allah (swt). It does not mean to let people harm you or other Muslims, rather have patience in Allah’s decree.  It was Narrated by ‘Abdullah bin Umar: Allah’s Apostle said, “A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor. Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of a discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever shielded a Muslim, Allah will shield him on the Day of Resurrection . “

Narrated Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri and Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates (forgives) some of his sins for that.”  [Bukhari]

In Surah Al-Baqara Allah says: “And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings (good news) to As-Sabirun (the patient ones)“.  [2:155]

Abu Yahya Suhaib bin Sinan reported that: The Messenger of Allah (saw) said, “How wonderful is the case of a believer; there is good for him in everything and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity is granted to him, he thanks Allah and that is good for him; and if hardship befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is better for him (he is rewarded also)”. [Muslim].

The Criterion of Success and Failure: The most important truth flowing from this surah is Allah’s presentation of the real criterion of man’s success and failure.  Every person keeps in his mind a criterion of success and failure, of gain and loss. All his endeavours and the whole struggle of his life in this world is directed according to this criterion.

If we were to look around in our society as well as to search our hearts and minds, we would find that in this age, the real criterion of success or failure is wealth and property, or status, honor, fame or position. All but a few are running after these things. They expend their energies for these purposes. The minds of many  are directed towards obtaining degrees in science or technology, so that they may earn a lot of money or achieve status, position or power. The achievement of these things is their criterion of success or failure.

The real truth which comes to our minds by studying Surah Al-Asr is very different from this. In other words, the criterion of man’s success is neither money or wealth, nor status, position, power, or prestige. Rather its first condition is ‘Faith’, the second is ‘righteous deeds’, the third is ‘enjoin to truth’, and the fourth is ‘practice mutual patience’.

By this criterion, a person who does not possess the above four qualities is unsuccessful and will never achieve his real goal, and in the end he will be a loser whose doom awaits.

On the authority of Abu ‘Abdullah al-Nu’man bin Bashir, radiyallahu ‘anhu, who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, say:

“The halal is clear and the haram is clear. Between the two there are doubtful matters concerning which people do not know whether they are halal or haram. One who avoids them in order to safeguard his religion and his honor is safe, while if someone engages in a part of them he may be doing something haram, like one who grazes his animals near the hima (the grounds reserved for animals belonging to the King which are out of bounds for others’ animals); it is thus quite likely that some of his animals will stray into it. Truly, every king has a hima, and the hima of Allah is what He has prohibited. So Beware, in the body there is a flesh; if it is good, the whole body is good, and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt, and behold, it is the heart.” [Al-Bukhari & Muslim]

Important Ahadith

Ahmad b. Hanbal said that the principles of Islam, in terms of hadith, are three: the hadith of ‘Umar that “deeds are judged only by intention,” the hadith of ‘A`isha, “Whoever introduces into our affairs that which does not belong, it is rejected,” and the hadith of al-Nu’man b. Bashir, “The Halal is clear and the Haram is clear.”

Abu Dawud, the collector of the Sunan, is reported to have said that of the 4,800 hadiths in his book, it is sufficient if a person knows four. He said: “From this book of mine, four (4) hadith are sufficient for an intelligent and insightful person. They are:

· Deeds are to be judged only by intentions.

· Part of a man’s good observance of Islam is that he leaves alone that which does not concern him.

· None of you can be a believer unless you love for your brother that which you love for yourself.

· The permitted (halal) is clear, and the forbidden (haram) is clear, between these two are doubtful matters. Whosoever abstains from these doubtful matters has saved his religion.”

The first thing to note is that Imam al-Bukhari recorded this hadith in the beginning of the Book of Trading (Kitab al-Buyu’), i.e. the book started off with this hadith.

But why did Imam al-Bukhari start Kitab al-Buyu’ with this hadith? What does this imply?

There are many implications. One of them is that these doubtful matters are also strongly related to the things that we buy and sell, that we trade in. In addition, it is strongly related to all actions in the life of a Muslim where doubt may arise, and these are transactions between all human beings.

It was narrated that the companions said “We used to leave 90% of the allowed matters out of fear of falling into haram”.

The prophet (saw) also said “Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt” [Tirmidhi]

The Scholars are of the view that the vast majority of acts fall into one of the first two categories: either it is clearly lawful (halal) or unlawful (haram). Only a small minority number of acts fall into the third category, that which is doubtful or that built on a doubtful evidence. In this case, it is better in piety & Taqwa for a Muslim to refrain from these acts.

It can be noted here that the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, is using an analogy (example), twice in this hadith. From the analogy and the way it is worded (”just as a shepherd who pastures his flock round a preserve will soon pasture them in it”), we can say that the doubtful things are closer to the unlawful things. Because sometimes you can’t help but fall into the haram if you are so close to it. Another example is if you walk close to a mountains edge. While it may be permissible to walk, it brings you very close to harm, and if you fell into it, you may not be able to stop the harm. You place yourself at risk.

Finally, it is the action of heart (through true Taqwa – convinced of Islam & Allahs promise of Jannah) when we refrain from the unlawful. If the heart is strong, sound, without weaknesses, and is full of iman (faith), then this would lead us to refrain ourselves from muharramat (forbidden) and makruhah (undesirable acts). So those with a strong and sound heart, i.e. the heart that is full of love for Allah, fear of Allah and glorification of Allah, will refrain from the doubtful matters. But those whose hearts are diseased and whose iman is weak, may go around the doubtful matters. Little by little they will indulge in the makruhah, delaying things and eventually getting into themuharram or delaying or even negating the Compulsory/Fard actions.

In another related hadith the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, mentioned that: “The heart will be exposed to fitan (trials) again and again. The heart which is influenced byfitnah will have a black spot placed on it. And if the heart avoids the fitnah, there will be a white spot on it.”

Conclusion

There are doubtful matters that a Muslim might face in his/her everyday dealings and activities. This hadith helps the Muslim in dealing with such matters. There is an early ongoing preparation which is needed in such a case – to learn about the halal & haram as well as strengthen ones heart with Taqwa (piety). There are some actions that can help us achieve this task, like: ‘Ilm (attaining knowledge), hayya’ (modesty), zikr(remembrance of Allah). These are things that can help us to identify and avoid the doubtful matters – this is the main point, the key, the principle of the hadith.

“Beware; in the body there is a flesh; if it is sound, the whole body is sound, and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt, and behold, it is the heart

Abu Hurairah narrated that Allah’s Apostle (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:  “The world is a prison-house for a believer and Paradise for a non-believer” [Muslim, 7058]. 

Year upon year, summertime in western Europe witnesses a mass migration with millions setting off for holiday destinations around the globe. Holiday resorts as far apart as Australia and Mexico are likely to witness thousands of holidaymakers touching down on their shores in a ritual that is deeply ingrained in Western tradition. As with all traditions, the origin is a thought that society holds or once held. When these thoughts decay and become obscure, the tradition tends to decay and disappear. When the thoughts from which the tradition originates are prevalent and deep rooted within the society, the tradition strengthens year by year. The holiday boom that occurs each summer, over the long term, increases in its intensity and dominance. This is because the founding thoughts of this tradition are from the core belief of Western civilisation: the objective of life is happiness and that happiness is found in the satisfaction of personal desires. 

Daily life in Western Europe is characterised by perpetual pressures and problems. For individuals to obtain the things they need to live life, they need money that they can exchange for goods and services. This forces them to expend their daily efforts on making money, which naturally becomes the daily priority. This leaves little time for the actual enjoyment of the products of their effort. Most occupations limit the annual leave of their employees to four or six weeks. So, for most people, at least forty six weeks a year are occupied working nine to five Monday to Friday, coping with the pressures, problems and costs associated with life in modern Western society. This is the true reality of their lives. 

However, this is not the life promised by the Western ideology of Capitalism. The promise and objective, is a life of pleasure, wealth and the satisfaction of whatever an individual may desire, whether that is family life or all night raves. The dilemma that thus arises has no answer in the way of life that dominates the West. Rather, summer holidays, along with many other mechanisms of escapism, have become an outlet for the obvious contradiction that the Western ideology embodies.  “Get Away from it all” 

It is not surprising that those who follow the intellectual doctrines of the West are desperate to get away from their real lives. While the lives they live are grey and forlorn, the media and travel companies paint a picture of pleasure and enjoyment in holiday resorts, tailor made to fulfil the tastes of a hedonistic population. 

It is in fact very sad that many of the youth in the Western world, growing up according to such ideas, reach adulthood craving intoxicants and encounters with the opposite sex. This is catered for at destinations such as Ibiza and Ianappa. The young are herded there in their thousands, where they proceed to intoxicate themselves to the point that they forget the reality of life, indulging in the euphoria of the atmosphere. As an encore, they fornicate with as many people as they can, driven by the capitalistic principle that happiness is derived from sensual gratification and the fulfilment of desires. 

As they reach middle age, the characteristic travel destination changes to one of relaxation and luxury. As life goes on, pleasure and hence happiness is derived from a release of pressure. While alcohol remains a major part of their escape, it is simply detachment from the lives they live, which satisfies their desires. As they sip their Martini in Monaco, they lament the days of their youth, when they were really able to have fun. 

Seeing the invisible 

“But the Unbelievers, their deeds are like a mirage in sandy deserts, which the man parched with thirst mistakes for water; until when he comes up to it, he finds it to be nothing: But he finds Allah (ever) with him, and Allah will pay him his account: and Allah is swift in taking account” [TMQ An-Nur: 39]. 

The summer holiday season is a time in which the adherents of Capitalism pursue whatever desires they are unable to obtain from their real lives. From the sunny party islands of Spain and the Caribbean, the theme parks of Florida, the casinos of Las Vegas, the ancient relics of Egypt to child prostitution in the Far East, all desires are catered for by the traditional summer vacation. Although the pleasure sought is obtained, happiness is rarely found and these occasional adventures cannot change the true reality of the lives that are lived. 

As always, where there is a demand, there are thousands of entrepreneurs ready to cash in on the opportunities. This year, internet based sales during the holiday season are expected to jump 75 per cent between June and August, with ‘dot com’ company share prices reflecting the confidence in this sector of the market. “We’re moving into the holidays,” said Volpe Brown Whelan analyst Andrea Williams. “There’s going to be a lot of talk about commerce on the Web. It’s going to be huge.” 

Meanwhile in Western capitals such as London, murders are spiralling upwards with 46 killings in January and February alone, gun and knife associated assaults are rising, child abuse and elder abuse are rife and crack cocaine abuse is growing in the inner cities. This is not to mention the upward trend in racially motivated violence, rape and the forced prostitution of Eastern European and Russian girls in Western Europe. It is not surprising the population in the West want to ‘get away’. 

Those who cannot afford or are not inclined to go abroad will indulge themselves in the weekly pleasures that Western society has to offer such as night-clubs, summer festivals, alcohol and the entertainment services. The summer holiday ritual highlights the fundamental incoherency in the doctrine of Capitalism; the pursuit of pleasure whilst it is absent from daily life, and increased separation between “haves” and “have-nots” while the deterioration of society accelerates. 

“‘Such as took their way of life to be mere amusement and play, and were deceived by the life of the world.’ That day shall We forget them as they forgot the meeting of this day of theirs, and as they were wont to reject Our signs” [TMQ Al-A’raf: 51]. 

The Islamic viewpoint 

It is natural that human beings want to be happy; this is not specific to a particular way of life. However, the perceived location of happiness varies according to the viewpoint on life. While those who adhere to Capitalism seek happiness in the satisfaction of their desires, the Muslim seeks his happiness in the pleasure of Allah (Subhanhu Wa Ta’aala)) and so the most important thing for the Muslim is that he or she abides by the rules that the Creator (Subhanhu Wa Ta’aala)) laid down for mankind. When a Muslim does that, knowing the truth of the life of this world and that which will come after it, the heart and mind become tranquil in the realisation that the purpose of his or her life is being fulfilled, regardless of the situations or problems surrounding life. Hence, the believer is not characterised by worry and misery, rather he or she lives in contentment and tranquillity in every action undertaken, be it prayer, Da’wa or work. The only fear that should exist for the believer, is fear of Allah (Subhanhu Wa Ta’aala)) and hence, the life of the Muslim is one of tranquillity, confidence and happiness in all actions, regardless of the problems and obstacles faced in life, because happiness is not derived from the satisfaction of the desires but rather from the knowledge of the truth. 

“Say: ‘No reward do I ask of you: it is (all) in your interests: my reward is only due from Allah: and He is Witness to all things.’ 

Say: ‘Verily my Lord doth cast the (mantle of) Truth (over His servants) He that has full knowledge of (all) that is hidden.’ 

Say: ‘The Truth has arrived and Falsehood neither creates anything new nor restores anything.’ 

Say: ‘If I am astray I only stray to the loss of my own soul: but if I receive guidance it is because of the inspiration of my Lord to me: it is He Who hears all things and is (ever) near.’ 

If thou couldst but see when they will quake with terror: but then there will be no escape (for them) and they will be seized from a position (quite) near. And they will say ‘We do believe (now) in the (truth)’: but how could they receive (faith) from a position (so) far off Seeing that they did reject faith (entirely) before and that they (continually) cast (slanders) on the Unseen from a position far off? And between them and their desires is placed a barrier as was done in the past with their partisans: for they were indeed in suspicious (disquieting) doubt” [TMQ Saba’: 47-54].