Muslim Against terorism

Islam 101 A comprehensive but basic course about Islam By Prof. Syed B. Soharwardy Muslims Against Terrorism M-A-T.org In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful M-A-T.Org For Next Slide Please Click on

Introduction

Introductions

Logistics

Why Islam 101? - Background and Need

Desire to know and understand Islam in the Western World

Stereotyping about Islam and Muslims in the Western Media

Stereotyping in Muslim Countries about the West

Activities of interest groups “for” and “against” Islam

Communication gaps between Islam and the Western World

Why Now?

September 11 terrorist attacks on WTC and the Pentagon, and the backlash against Muslims

Countering Terrorism through rational approach NOT through terror or war

Muslims Against Terrorism (MAT)

MAT was established on January 11, 1999 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Objectives of MAT

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Islam 101 - Topics

Module 1: Introduction to Islam

Module 2: Basic Beliefs

Module 2a: Jesus, Part of Islamic Faith

Module 3: The Five Pillars of Islam

Module 4: Dealings and Behaviours

Module 5: Jihad

Module 6: Muslim World

Module 7: Islam’s Social System

Module 8: Role of Women in Islam

Module 8a: Relationship between Man and Woman

Module 9: Economic System

Module 10: Political System

Module 11: Judicial System

Module 12: The Differences

Module 13: Islam in the West

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Important Rules

This is a class based course and requires class room discussion.

Please consult the handouts for details. This presentation requires explanation of all points.

There is no such thing as stupid question. Please ask questions or send your questions to m-a-t.org@home.com

At the end of each class, there will be a Q & A session

Constructive criticism is a part of this course

We may disagree on some issues but we must respect each other’s opinion

This presentation can be copied or used by anyone but please acknowledge M-A-T.Org

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Module 1: Introduction to Islam Islam, the most misunderstood religion in the western world

Origin of Islam

The first man on earth (Adam, peace be upon him) was a Muslim

Meanings of Muslim

Meanings of Islam

First Muslims

Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them)

Brief History of Islam

History of Prophets

History of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Early Muslims

Prophet Muhammad’s Family (Aaal-e-Nabi)

Prophet Muhammad’s Companions (Sahabah)

The followers of the Companions (Taab-e-een)

Famous Muslims

Highlights of Islamic History

Contribution of Muslim scientists and researchers for mankind

Attributes of Islam

Islam is not a mere religion

Islam is a way of life

Islam is the most structured religion

Islam touches and guides each and every aspect of human life

Islam is a complete package. There is no pick and choose in Islam.

Islam requires complete submission to Allah

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Module 1: Introduction to Islam (Continue)

Islam is the religion of moderation not extremism

The Last Book - Holy Qur’an

Attributes of Glorious Qur’an

Whose Book is this?

This is Allah’s Book

What’s in Holy Qur’an?

Guidance for all humanity

Every verse in holy Qur’an has a context. If a verse is read or understood without its context then there is a huge possibility of misunderstanding the Qur’anic verses.

How to read and understand Holy Qur’an?

Where to find the context?

Context is in Sunnah / Hadith

What is Sunnah / Hadith?

Actions and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Sunnah / Hadith provides the details and interpretation of Glorious Qur’an

Islam = Qur’an + Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Difference between Qur’an and Hadith

In holy Qur’an every thing is from Allah. It’s words, taxonomy, arrangements, chapters, indexing are all from Allah.

In Hadith, the message and the commandments are from Allah but the word’s are of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Hadith is the most essential and important source for understanding Qur’an.

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Module 1: Introduction to Islam (Continue)

Attributes of Muslim defined by holy Qur'an and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Believes in unseen (Ghaib)

Obedient to parents

Best in manners

Caring and loving to all human beings

Activist to promote good and stop evil

Fears only Allah

Completely submits his/her desires to Allah

Respectful towards elders, loving and caring towards youngsters

Does not harm anyone with his tongue or hands

Environmentally sensitive

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Introduction to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Some Attributes of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Family Background

Early childhood

As a teenager

As an adult

Marriage

Business

Announcing Prophethood

Life in Makkah

Life in Madinah

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the eyes of non-Muslims

Module 2: Basic Beliefs

Basic Beliefs in Islam

God, Prophets, Divine books, Angels, Hereafter, Fate / Luck

Five pillars of Islam

Believe in ONE God?

The Arabic translation of God is Allah.

Allah is the deity who is worshipped alone without any partners and associates. He is the Creator of all things. Allah has no boundaries, shapes and bodies. There is nothing like Allah. Allah does not manifest Himself into any person or thing.

Why Muslims call God Allah?

Muslims prefer to call God Allah because some of the

religions in the world use or associate the word “God” for things / personalities other than “GOD”, the Creator and Sustainer of all things and mankind.

Some most famous attributes of Allah

Believe in Prophets and Messengers

Allah sent His messengers and Prophets to guide human beings. The exact number of Prophets and Messengers are known to Allah. However, according to one of the famous Hadith, Allah did send from time to time 124,000 Prophets and Messengers towards humanity. A Muslim must believe and respect all Prophets and Messengers of Allah.

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Module 2A: Jesus, Part of Islamic Faith

Every nation or region had received Allah’s Messengers

Five most famous Prophets of Allah

Noah (Peace be upon him)

Abraham (Peace be upon him)

Moses ((Peace be upon him)

Jesus (Peace be upon him)

Muhammad (Peace be upon him)

Jesus Christ (Peace be upon him) is the most mentioned Prophet in the Qur’an. He is the only Prophet whose life time events are discussed in detail compared to other Prophets.

Muslims believe that Jesus did not die. He was raised towards the Heavens alive.

He is still alive and shall return to this world to fight against evil. He then will die in the Jihad (struggle against evil) and will be buried in in Prophet Muhammad’s (Peace be upon him) mosque in Madinah near Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)

Jesus and Mary (Peace be upon them) in holy Qur’an;

Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah hath chosen thee and purified thee; chosen thee above the women of all nations. (3:43)

"O Mary! worship thy Lord devoutly; prostrate thyself and bow down (in prayer) with those who bow down.” (3:44)

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Module 2A: Jesus, Part of Islamic Faith

Behold! the angels said "O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus. Christ the son of Mary held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah. (3:45)

"He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity and he shall be (of the company) of the righteous. (3:46)

"And Allah will teach him the Book and Wisdom the Law and the Gospel. (3:48)

Behold! Allah said: "O Jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to Myself and clear thee (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow thee superior to those who reject Faith to the Day of Resurrection; then shall ye all return unto Me and I will judge between you of the matters wherein ye dispute. (3:55)

This similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam: He created him from dust then said to him: "Be" and he was. (3:59)

And behold! Allah will say "O Jesus the son of Mary! didst thou say unto men `worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of Allah"? He will say: "Glory to Thee! never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing Thou wouldst indeed have known it. Thou knowest what is in my heart though I know not what is in Thine. For Thou knowest in full all that is hidden. (5:116)

Some important attributes of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)

Relationships with other Prophets

Last Messenger of Allah

Prophet of Mercy and Messenger of Allah towards all humanity

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Module 2:Basic Beliefs (Continue)

Believe in Divine Books

Muslims believe in all divine books including;

Divine Booklets

Psalms of David (Zaboor)

Torah (old Testament)

Bible (Enjeel) (new Testament)

Qur’an

Holy Qur’an is the continuation of the books before Qur’an and it is the last book in which Allah has completed His message for the humanity.

Common message of all divine books

Qur’an verifies Torah and Enjeel

Allah has completed His message/ guidance towards humanity

Believe in Angels

Muslims believe in all angels.

Angels are made of light (noor) and do nothing but what Allah asks them to do. They are very obedient to Allah. The actual population of angels is only known to Allah.

Some famous Angels

Gabriel (Peace be upon him)

(Was responsible to bring revelations to Allah’s Prophets and Messengers)

Mekaiel (Peace be upon him)

(Responsible for weather and agriculture)

Izraiel (Peace be upon him)

(Responsible for taking people's soul and hence causing them to die

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Module 2: Basic Beliefs (Continue)

Israfiel (Peace be upon him)

(responsible to blow the Horn in order to end this universe and blow the Horn again to make them alive in order to face the judgment day.

Kiraman Katebeen (Two respectful writers)

Every human being is accompanied by two angels at all times and in all situations. Symbolically, one is on the right shoulder and the other is on the left shoulder. The angel on the right side writes whatever good is done by the person and the angel on the left side writes whatever bad is done by the person. This whole record of good and bad deeds will be handed over to the person on the Judgment Day.

Believe in Hereafter

Life after death

According to Islam every human being is responsible for his/her actions and he or she will be accountable in front of Allah on the Judgment Day about two things

Allah will ask, I had given you life, where and how did you spend it?

I had given you means for your life, where and how did you spend those means (wealth, resources, power, etc...)?

Muslims believe that Allah already knows everyone's deeds. The above process is only for reminding every individual what kind of life they had in this world.

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Once every individual pays his / her accounts to Allah, then Allah alone will decide who will be punished and sent to Hell and who will be rewarded with Heaven.

The Mercy of Allah will play a very important role and Allah may forgive whoever he wants regardless of the numbers and quantity of sins.

Allah loves to forgive but the criteria of forgiveness is defined by Allah alone. No body else.

The entry into Heaven depends upon the mercy of Allah.

Description of Heaven in holy Qur’an

A very loving, peaceful, unimaginable place where the creation will be able to see the Creator and worship Him

Description of Hell in holy Qur’an

A very horrible place in which humans, Jinn and rocks will burn.

Believe in Fate / Destiny

A Muslim believes that no one can cause harm or benefit except Allah. Whatever good or bad happens in this world, it is according to the wish of Allah.

But Allah does not force anyone to choose certain beliefs or lifestyle. It is the person’s decision and the person will be responsible for the decisions.

The balance between the above two points is critical

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Cleanliness; is the most important requirement for worshipping Allah

Wudhu (Ablution)

Requirements

Steps

Taking Shower

Requirements

Conditions

Steps

Cleanliness when using Toilet

Dress

Place

Mosques (Masjid)

Place for worship

Respect for Mosques

Value of praying in the mosque

Prayer in congregation

What is Shari’a? (Jurisprudence)

Sources & Principles

Intention

Why intention is important?

Celebrations in Islam

Eid ul Fitr

Youmul Arafa (Hajj day)

Eid ul Adhha

Animal Slaughtering

Ramadhan

The Night of Power (Lailatul Qadr)

Anniversary of Holy Qur’an

Other Events

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Module 3: Five Pillars of Islam

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that Islam is based upon the following five pillars. Anyone who demolishes (does not practice) these five pillars, in fact, he /she demolishes the building of Islam.

Shahadah , testifying that there is no God but Allah and Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His last Messenger

Five mandatory prayers (Salat)

Fajr (Morning prayers before Sunrise)

Dhohr (Zohar) Prayer (Noon Prayer but after the noon time)

Asr (Afternoon prayers but before sunset)

Maghrib (right after the sunset prayers)

Isha (late evening prayers at night) Movie on Salat

A person can offer optional prayers and may remember (Dhikr) Allah at any time

Zakat: A Muslim with certain amount of savings must pay 2.5% of his savings to the poors every year. This is called Zakat. The optional charity called Sadqah can be given at any time and in any quantity

Fasting in Ramadhan , every Muslim adult, men or women must fast everyday from Dawn to Sunset in the month of Ramadhan. During fasting, the fasting person must avoid eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relationships. Certain people are exempted from fasting, such as children, sick, elderly (weak), travelers and women in periods.

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Module 3: Five Pillars of Islam (Continue)

Module 3 (Continue)

In certain situations person has to complete his / her missed fasts later on or feed the poor to compensate for missed fasting days

(Movie on Fasting)

Hajj, Every Muslim adult, men or women who has enough resources and physically capable to travel to Makkah must perform Hajj, at least once in the lifetime.

History of Ka’ba

Movie on Hajj

Other Components

Adhan and Iqamah (call for prayer)

Friday Prayer

Significance of Friday

Other Components (Continue)

Islamic Calendar

Start, months, important dates

Eid Prayers

Other Optional Prayers

Optional Fasting

Optional Charity

Umrah (Small Pilgrimage)

Supplications

Rituals performed at Birth

Adhan & Iqamah in ears

Aqiqah

Rituals performed at the time of death and burial

Ghusl, Kafn, Salatul Janazah, Burial, Grave, Graveyard, Du’a for the deceased

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Module 4: Dealings and Behaviours

Anger Management

What to do when one is angry?

Stress Management

Satisfaction of Heart and Soul is in the remembrance of Allah

Avoiding Violence

The violence on the lands and in the seas is earned by human hands.

Revenge

Overcoming the revenge

Forgiveness is better than revenge

Arrogance

Dangers of arrogance

Problems of arrogance

Suicide is forbidden in Islam

A person who will commit suicide will go to hell.

Martyrdom, the most sacred and desirable in Islam

Difference between Martyrdom and Suicide

Death

No one has the right to take someone’s or his / her own life

Death, a call ONLY from God

Repentance, most desirable action

Forgiveness, a blessing of Allah

Life, an opportunity

Counter Terrorism in Islam

Prophet Muhammad’s (Peace be upon him) Journey to Taif

Conquest of Makkah

The Agreement of Hudaibiyah

No compulsion in Islam

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Module 5: Jihad

What is Jihad?

Jihad means struggle for the sake of Allah and must not include any personal ambitions and interests.

Types of Jihad

Jihad bin Nafs (Struggle within against the evil desires)

Jihad bil Qalam / Lisaan (Struggle against evil through writing or/and speaking)

Jihad Bis Saif (Warfare to stop evil)

Conditions for Jihad (warfare)

Can people make their groups and announce Jihad (warfare)?

Who is responsible for declaring Jihad (warfare)?

Kidnapping and hijacking innocent civilians is a crime

Warfare in Islam

The battles during Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) time

Do not kill innocent civilians

Women and children must not be harmed

Places of worship of other religions must not be destroyed

Water should not be contaminated

Green trees should not be cut

Elderly and sick should not be killed

Those who surrender must be protected

Forgiveness must prevail over revenge

Killing someone just because of his/her nationality or religion is a crime

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Module 6: Muslim World Module 7: Islam’s Social System

Module 6: Muslim world

What’s happening in the Muslim world?

Impacts of colonial era on Muslim countries

Continuation of imperialism/ dictatorships in Muslim countries

Effects of Capitalism - IMF and World Bank

Stereotyping of Western Society by Muslims

Stereotyping of Muslims by Western non-Muslims

Communication gaps, insecurity, and exploitation

Characteristics of a model Islamic State?

Module 7: Social System

Is Western Culture Christian?

Islamic culture OR Islamic values

The most important unit of Islam’s social system is FAMILY.

Islam wants to establish a very strong moral and spiritual society.

Marriage Vs common law relationship

pornography and nudity

Local cultures in Muslim countries compare to Islamic values

Tribal systems and feudal lords

Misinterpretation of holy Qur’an and Sunnah for exploitation

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Module 7: Islam’s Social System (Continue)

Male domination

Social gatherings in Islam

Separation of Female from Male in social gatherings

Marriages

Prophet Muhammad’s (Peace be upon him) marriages

Arranged marriages

Islamic way of weddings

Divorce

Clothing

Male clothing

Female clothing

Arts & Craft

Music and Dance

Food

Halal and Haraam

Dietary restrictions in Islam

No pig and alcohol products

Paintings and Statues

Photography

Jokes and picnics (Having fun)

Tourism

The effects of five pillars of Islam on Muslim’s social life

Relationships with non-Muslims

Environmental sensitivity

Animal Cruelty

Absolutely forbidden in Islam

Some examples from Islamic history

Care for pets

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Module 8: Role of Women in Islam

What Qur’an says about Women?

Those who slander chaste women indiscreet but believing are cursed in this life and in the Hereafter: for them is a grievous Penalty. On the Day when their tongues their hands and their feet will bear witness against them as to their actions. On that Day Allah will pay them back (all) their just dues and they will realize that Allah is the (very) Truth that makes all things manifest. (Surah Noor, 24:23,24,25)

What Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) says about women?

Woman as mother

The highest achievement of any men is under woman’s feet

Woman as Wife

Prophet Mohammed's relationship with his wives

Woman as daughter

A Muslim who raises three daughters with good education and character will be in Heaven with Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Woman as co-workers

Woman as professionals

Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) own wife, Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her) was the most successful business women of her time.

Exploitation of women in the west in the name of freedom

Exploitation of women in Islamic countries in the name of Islam

Hijab

What is Hijab?

Bikini or mini skirt Vs. modest dress

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Module 8B: Relationship between Man and Woman

Who is better or Superior?

In Islam, the criteria of being better or superior does not depend upon;

Gender, Colour, Language, nationality, etc..

The better person among you is he or she who is more pious among you.

Relationship between husband and wife in Islam

They are like garments for each other

Mutual respect

Comforting for each other

Protecting each other

Beauty of each other

Trusting each other

Satisfying each other

Compromise

Intimate relationship is sacred. Not for display

Marrying woman ONLY for sexual pleasure is not sacred

What is meant by “man is more powerful over woman”?

Monogamy Vs. polygamy

Is Western Society monogamous?

Children out of wedlock in the West

No secret in Islam

Islam prefers single marriages

Multiple marriages allowed but discouraged

Which way is better? Multiple marriages with accountability and responsibility OR have multiple partners with no accountability and responsibility.

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Module 9: Economic System Module 10: Political System

Module 9: Economic System

Highlights

Responsibilities of State

Welfare State

Fiscal Discipline

Taxes (Zakat & Jizyah)

Social Security

Pension

Employment

Earnings

Economic exploitation is absolutely forbidden in Islam

Interest vs. Profit

Taking Loans

Stay away from loans if you can

Challenges of modern economic system

Charities

Module 10: Political System

The Constitution - Qur’an and Sunnah

Electoral System of Islam

Head of State (Ameer ul Mo’meneen)

Consultative Council (Legislation)

Responsibility & Accountability

Freedom defined by God vs. freedom defined by man

The Best Charter of Human Rights

The Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)

Protection of freedom and Constitution

The event of Karbala sets the standards

Every individual is important

Is majority rule always perfect?

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Module 11: Judicial System of Islam Module 12: The Differences

Module 11: Judicial System

Judiciary independent of Administration

Accountable to Allah

When you make decisions among people, make decisions with justice

Some cases between Muslims and Non-Muslims during Prophet’s (peace be upon him) time.

A Muslim Vs. a Jew

A son Vs. a Father case

Women Vs. Men

Justice starts within the family

Capital punishment

Pre-requisites

Requirements

Importance of witnessing

Women’s witness

Module 12: The Differences

Sunni and Shi’a Muslims

No difference in basic beliefs

No difference in Qur’an

No difference about Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and his family

Differences on mostly political issues such as succession of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)

Minor differences within Sunnis

Minor differences within Shi’as

Some non Muslim groups emerged from Islamic faith

Daruze

Bahai

Ahmady / Qadyani

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Module 13: Islam in the West

Islam in the West

Freedom of Religion

Mosques and Islamic Schools Everywhere

Muslim Students

Muslim Population

Muslims Born in the West

Islam, the fastest growing religion

Laws to protect from Discrimination and hate crimes

Muslim’s participation in local politics and Activities

Relationships between Christians and Muslims

Few extremist groups in the West do not represent the entire western community

Sympathy and goodwill for Muslims

Backlash against Muslims after September 11 and support from Christian community

Desire to learn and understand Islam

Ignorance about the west in Muslim countries

Next Step

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End

May Allah Guide Us and Open Our Hearts And Minds, And Save Us From Evil. Ameen

Thanks for Participating in Islam 101

Acknowledgment

We are very thankful to Islamic Supreme Council of Canada; Br. Syed M. Buhari, National President of MAT, Malaysia; Sister, Farzana Shahid, President, MAT Mississauga; Br. M. Farooq Khan, President MAT Canada and Br. Afroz Ali, President MAT, Australia for their suggestions and Support