Introducing Islam
| In order to understand Islam it is necessary to know the meaning of certain key terms and the identity of some proper names. Most of them are in the Arabic language, and there is often no equivalent in English or in other tongues. |
What is Islam ?
| ISLAM means submission, that is, submission to the will of God, the characteristic attitude of members of our faith. MUSLIM (also spelled Moslem) is based on the same Arabic root as Islam `(s-l-m) and means one who submits to God, that is, a believer in Islam.
It is incorrect and objectionable to call Muslims Muhammadans, as Muhammad is not worshipped in the way Christians worship Christ. |
Concept of "God" in Islam
| ALLAH is the Supreme Being, the one and only God. Allah is the same God as that worshipped by the Jews and Christians, and Arabic-speaking Christians also use this name when referring to God. |
Shirk is to attribute Allah's qualities to someone else. Allah's qualities are unequaled by any of His creatures, be they angels, prophets, Auliya, martyrs, Imam or other devoted person. Their qualities cannot match that of Allah.
Why Do people convert to Islam?
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. What compels people to overcome major obstacles (often rejection and prejudice from family, friends and work) and become Muslims?
Was Islam spread Did Islam Spread by Force, Swords or Guns?
Here is a good study of the question of the spread of Islam by a Christian missionary, T. W. Arnold:
"...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 penal in France, or the Jews were kept out of England for 350 years. The Eastern Churches in Asia were entirely cut off from communion with the rest of Christiandom throughout which no one would have been found to lift a finger on their behalf, as heretical communions. So that the very survival of these Churches to the present day is a strong proof of the generally tolerant attitude of Mohammedan [sic] governments towards them" .
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Arnold, Sir Thomas W. THE PREACHING OF ISLAM, A HISTORY OF THE PROPAGATION OF THE MUSLIM FAITH, Westminister A. Constable & Co., London, 1896, p. 80. |
Islam does not teach, nor do Muslims desire, conversion of any people for fear, greed, marriage or any other form of coercion.
In conclusion, jihad in Islam is STRIVING IN THE WAY OF ALLAH by pen, tongue, hand, media and, if inevitable, with arms. However, jihad in Islam does not include striving for individual or national power, dominance, glory, wealth, prestige or pride.
Birth
| Muslim believe that people are born free of sin. It is only after they reach the age of puberty and it is only after they commit sins that they are to be charged for their mistakes. No one is responsible for or can take the responsibility for the sins of others. However, the door of forgiveness through true repentance is always open. |
Marriage
| Marriage is a bond containing rights and duties that each person, male or female, should preserve, protect and fulfill. Both the husband and wife, have certain rights and duties. |
Women in Islam
| At a time when Islam is faced with hostile media coverage particularly where the status of women in Islam is concerned, it may be quite surprising to learn that the majority of converts to Islam are WOMEN
The Muslim woman was given a role, duties and rights 1400 years ago that most women do not enjoy today, even in the West. These are designed to keep balance in society; what may seem unjust or missing in one place is compensated for or explained in another place.
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Worship in Islam
Worship is everything one says or does for the pleasure of Allah. This, of course, includes rituals as well as beliefs, social activities, and personal contributions to the welfare of one's fellow human-beings.
Ritual worship, elevates one morally and spiritually and enables you to carry out activities in all walks of life according to the Guidance of God. The ritual prayer, in Arabic Salah, means supplication. It is also derived from the word "silah" which means link. Indeed the prayer is a real link between the human being and his Lord, and is full of supplication to the Lord from its beginning to its end. Salah provides a chance of direct communion with the Creator five times a day, wherein man renews his covenant with God and seeks guidance again and again: "You alone we worship and to You alone we turn for help. Guide us to the straight path." (1:5,6)
Innovation
Bid'at (innovation) is something that has no Islamic basis. A thing which is not proved from the Holy Quran and Hadith, as in practice at the time of the Holy Prophet, his companions, but is now done as religious duty.
The Prophet (saw) has condemned one who indulges in innovation and called them "destroyer of the religion".
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