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Written by bvmcc
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Friday, 11 November 2005 |
What is Islam?
Islam means peace. It is the peace one strives for by acknowledging and submitting to the will of God. It is a peace between all of humanity and all of creation.
Islam is not a new religion, but rather the completion of revelation through all the Prophets and Messengers through time, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus (PBUT-Peace Be Upon Them).
Who/what is a Muslim?
A Muslim is one who achieves both internal and external peace through his or her submission to the will of God. A person becomes a Muslim by publicly stating the "Shahada" or declaration of faith (the first tenet of Islam).
Major Tenets of Islam (Pillars of Faith)
* Proclamation of belief in the unity and indivisibility of God, and the finality of His revelation through the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH-Peace Be Upon Him).
* Completion of Five Daily prayers (at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset and evening). These prayers are meant to preserve a direct link between the Muslim and God. While it is generally considered preferable for Muslims to worship together in a mosque, Muslims may offer their prayers in any clean area.
* Purification of wealth through almsgiving. In Islam, all things belong to God. Humans are simply trustees of the wealth of the Earth. By placing a portion of our wealth to assist those in need, we purify our wealth. This practice is done annually.
* Self purification through the observance of daily fasts from Dawn to Sunset during the month of Ramadan. During this month, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset. The conclusion of this month is marked by a feast.
* Pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able to do so.
What is the Qur'an?
The Qur'an is God's revelation to mankind through the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is composed of 114 Suras (or Chapters) and over 6200 Ayat (or Verses). The language of the Qur'an is Arabic, although it has been translated into nearly every language known to humanity. The Qur'an has been preserved exactly as it was revealed to the Prophet and remains unchanged some 1400 years later. It is internally without contradiction and contains many miracles that defy conventional explanation and exceed the scope of knowledge at the time it was revealed. Verses of the Qur'an are recited during each of the five daily prayers.
What are Hadith?
Hadith are the stories that illustrate Islamic principles by the living example of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Hadith deal with a broad range of human experiences from issues of law, to life and death, respect for one's parents, and kindness and compassion between spouses.
Islam and people of other faiths
Islam prescribes tolerance for people of other faiths. Specifically, in the Qur'an, Christians and Jews are addressed as "People of the Book". Historically, Christians and Jews were protected in Muslim lands, with their property and religious rights (including the right to live under their own religious laws) respected and preserved.
Say you (Muslims): "We believe in God, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Ismail, Isaaq, 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 submit to God.
(Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 136)
And regarding those of no faith the Qur'an reinforces the concept of individual responsibility and accountability for our faith in front of God.
Say: O you that reject Faith
I worship not that which you worship
Nor will you worship that which I worship
And I will not worship that which you have been wont to worship
Nor will you worship that which I worship
To you be your way, and to me mine.
(Qur'an, Chapter 109, Verses 1-6)
Women and Islam
Islam prescribes equality (but not sameness) of the sexes. The roles of the sexes are deemed complementary to each other.
They are your garments and you are their garments.
(Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 182)
This is widely interpreted to mean that the role of a spouse, like a garment, is the covering of flaws and the beautification of our appearance. Spouses are seen as evidence of God's mercy upon us...
And among His Signs is this; that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.
(Qur'an, Chapter 30, Verse 21)
What is Jihad?
Perhaps the most misunderstood concept in Islam, and misused term in English. Its meaning is far deeper and richer than the term "holy war," as typically (mis)translated in English. In fact, the term "holy war" does not appear in the Qur'an. Jihad is an Arabic word that literally means "exertion".
While the early Muslims did fight in battles to assure their survival, these battles were defensive in nature. In fact, Muslims are limited to conflicts of defense. This mandate is clear in the Qur'an.
Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for God loves not transgressors.
(Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 190)
Later in the same chapter, this message is further clarified.
And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in God; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression.
(Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 193)
At the conclusion of the early battles of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad advised his followers that the true/greater jihad (the struggle for inner purification) would now begin.
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