Islamic faith

1. •
A GLIMPSE OF
ISLIMIC FIITI
GHAlib AHMAd MASRi
i:i+.<>!l..wPI0-'-! ii~1I(j..C. ib..oJ ]
9JLlil ~I uJLt
o

2. A GLIMPSE OF
ISLAMIC FAITH
BY
GHALIBMASRI
A GLIMPSE OF
ISLAMIC FAITH
BY
GHALIB MASRI

3. Coopcrrdvc Otlcc for Cdl endGuldrmc ln Al-Brtbr, Riyrd 1996
King FahadNational Library Caralosing-in-PublicationData
Musri, Ghalib
A glimpse of Islamic faith
....P, ......cm.
ISBN: 9960-798-35-6
1. Faith (Islamic creeds)l. Title
243 dc
Lcgal DcpositNo. 0617/17
ISBN:996G798-35-6
CooperaUn Oflke for CaB and Guidance In AI-Batha, Riyadh, 1996
King Fahad National Library Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Musri, Ghalib
A glimpse of Islamic faith
.... P, ...... CD1.
ISBN: 9960-798-35-6
I. Faith (Islamic creeds) I. Title
243 dc
Legal Deposit No. 0617(17
ISBN:9960-798-35-6

4. TABLEOFCONTENTS
SUBJECT
Dedication............
lntroduction.........
Man'sNeedfor the CorrectCreed.".
Monotheismin Islam
ReligionandHumanNature(Belief
in Allah)
Messengersof Allah
The Message of Prophet Mu-
hammad (PBUH)
Pre-IslamicTimes
TheMission.........
Characterof theGracious
Prophe(PBUH)
Holy Scriptures(thebooksof Allah)
The Holy Qur'an
The Hereafter
Divine Destiny
Angelsof Allah
PAGE
4
5
8
l1
13
28
33
33
41
46
63
65
82
87
89
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUBJECT PAGE
Dedication 4
Introduction .. 5
Man's Need for the Correct Creed 8
Monotheism in Islam 11
Religion and Human Nature (Belief
in Allah) 13
Messengers of Allah 28
The Message of Prophet Mu-
hammad (PBUH) 33
Pre-Islamic Times 33
The Mission....... 41
Character of the Gracious
Prophe (PBUH) 46
Holy Scriptures (the books of Allah) 63
The Holy Qur'an 65
The Hereafter................................... 82
Divine Destiny................................. 87
Angels of Allah 89
3

5. DEDICATION
* To the Searchersfor Truth with an
open mind and an enlightened
heart...
* To those who are keen on saving
themselves from going astray and
living in the broad expanse of
Light.
* To everymanandwomandesiringto
know about Islam'sattitudetowards
themajorissuesof DIVINITY,'fHtr
UNIVERSE and LIFE, and about
the position and role of man in the
Universe.
I dedicatethis quick glimpseof the
IslamicFaith.
for Truth with an
an enlightened
DEDICATION
* To the Searchers
open mind and
heart...
* To those who are keen on saving
themselves from going astray and
living in the broad expanse of
Light.
*To every man and woman desiring to
know about Islam's attitude towards
the major issues of DIVINITY, THE
UNIVERSE and LIFE and about
the position and role of man in the
Universe.
I dedicate this quick glimpse of the
Islamic Faith.
4

6. Introduction
In theNameof Allah, theBeneficent.
the Merciful
Islam has liberated man from mental
bondageandtrainedits followersto search
for thetruth with open minds. Allah has
honouredthehumanmind and made it a
meansof discoveringthetokensof His ex-
istenceandglory in theuniverseandun-
derstandingHis GloriousRevelation.
In thetime whenthenon-Islamic world
was suffering from theabyss of the so
calledDark Ages, theIslamic world was
alreadyliving in an age of enlightenment
and had advancedin alt fields of life-
spiritual andmaterial.That is, in fact, a
5
Introduction
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent,
the Merciful
Islam has liberated man from mental
bondage and trained its followers to search
for the truth with open minds. Allah has
honoured the human mind and made it a
means of discovering the tokens of His ex-
istence and glory in the universe and un-
derstanding His Glorious Revelation.
In the time when the non-Islamic world
was suffering from the abyss of the so
called Dark Ages, the Islamic world was
already living in an age of enlightenment
and had advanced in all fields of life-
spiritual and material. That is, in fact, a
5

7. naturaloutcomeof the livingfaith which
is compatiblewith undefiledhumanna-
ture.
When in action,the Islamicfaith brings
fonh other honourable examplesof hu-
man civilization and guides man to the
StraightPath.This faith is summedup and
pronounced in the following Arabic
Words:
i,i 5.!iii s , a,lllU!.lJ lJgi :riii "
" ' olJl Jg.rr1 l:oa-c
It canbe transliteratedinto Roman
Lettersasfollows:
'' ASH-HADU AN LA ILAHA
ILLAL-LAAH. WA ASH-HADU
ANNA MUHAMMADAN RA-
SULUL-LAAH."
natural outcome of the living faith which
is compatible with undefiled human na-
ture.
When in action, the Islamic faith brings
forth other honourable examples of hu-
man civilization and guides man to the
Straight Path. This faith is summed up and
pronounced in the following Arabic
Words:
. i ~i t dlJl U1dJ 1U.i ~i II
tJ !I •• tJ
II. dlJ1J.....J I.. 0 " ..
It can be transliterated into Roman
Letters as follows:
"ASH-HADU AN LA ILAHA
ILLAL-LAAH, WA ASH-HADU
ANNA MUHAMMADAN RA-
SULUL-LAAH."
6

8. Its meaningin Englishis :
''I BEAR WITNESS THAT THERE IS
NO GOD BUT ALLAH; AND THAT
MUHAMMAD IS HIS MESSEN-
GER.''
A brief explanationof the Muslim faith
is given in thefollowing pages.Yet this is
only a glimpsefor thosewho areinterested
to know aboutthe articles of the Islamic
Faith.It couldalso be a step forwardon
the way of studying and discussingthe
foundationsof Islamicbelief.
It could convince sinceresearchersfor
thetruth to embracethetruereligion.An
impartialassessmentof their beliefs and
practicesshould hopefully lead them to
shift their stand and guide them to the
only straightpath( thatis, Islam).
Its meaning in English is :
"I BEAR WITNESS THAT THERE IS
NO GOD BUT ALLAH; AND THAT
MUHAMMAD IS HIS MESSEN-
GER."
A brief explanation of the Muslim faith
is given in the following pages. Yet this is
only a glimpse for those who are interested
to know about the articles of the Islamic
Faith.It could also be a step forward on
the way of studying and discussing the
foundations of Islamic belief.
It could convince sincere searchers for
the truth to embrace the true religion. An
impartial assessment of their beliefs and
practices should hopefully lead them to
shift their stand and guide them to the
only straight path ( that is, Islam).
7

9. MAN'S NEED FOR
THE CORRECT CREED.
Man standsat the peak of creationand
holdsthepositionof themasterin thisuni-
verseowingto theunique qualitiesheen-
joys. He is providedwith a number of fa-
culties and qualities that enable him to
control and build this world. He is en-
dowedwith senseto makehim understand
things andacquireknowledge. He is also
provided with the meansof power and
control.He enjoys,too, a variety of emo-
tions and feelings,suchaslove,hate,an-
ger,etc..
Thesequalitiesare two-edged weapons
thatcanbeemployedeitherfor goodor for
evil purposes.Power, for example,canbe
usedeitherfor helping people and giving
MAN'S NEED FOR
THE CORRECT CREED.
Man stands at the peak of creation and
holds the position of the master in this uni-
verse owing to the unique qualities he en-
joys. He is provided with a number of fa-
culties and qualities that enable him to
control and build this world. He is en-
dowed with sense to make him understand
things and acquire knowledge. He is also
provided with the means of power and
control. He enjoys, too, a variety of emo-
tions and feelings, such as love, hate, an-
ger, etc..
These qualities are two-edged weapons
that can be employed either for good or for
evil purposes. Power, for example, can be
used either for helping people and giving
8

10. themhappiness.orfor wronging theweak
and oppressingthem. The human mind
canbe used eitherfor inventingthemeans
of luxury and comfortor for manufactur-
ing thedevicesof deathanddestruction.
Therefore, there must be someother
forceor drive that is ableto controlthese
human qualities and faculties and direct
them in the interestof manandhis com-
munity. That is, the sound belief in the
One andOnly trueGod and His perfect
attributes and in the resurrectionafter
deathwhen everybodyis brought to ac-
count for his past deeds.Thisbeliefwill
be the main factorthatleads man in the
right path and keeps him awayfrom evil
andinjustice. It helpsto build a realideal
society as it was witnessedin the past
whenIslam was embodied in actual life
them happiness. or for wronging the weak
and oppressing them. The human mind
can be used either for inventing the means
of luxury and comfort or for manufactur-
ing the devices of death and destruction.
Therefore, there must be some other
force or drive that is able to control these
human qualities and faculties and direct
them in the interest of man and his com-
munity. That is, the sound belief in the
One and Only true God and His perfect
attributes and in the resurrection after
death when everybody is brought to ac-
count for his past deeds. This belief will
be the main factor that leads man in the
right path and keeps him away from evil
and injustice. It helps to build a real ideal
society as it was witnessed in the past
when Islam was embodied in actual life
9

11. and the Muslim soceitywas a concrete
representationof theIslamicfaith.
In fact, Allah doesnot needour belief
in Him, nor does He need our worship
and submissionto His exalted Will; it
is we who need thisbelief in orderto be
coftectin our conceptof life, theuniverse
andits Creator, andto achieveourhappi-
ness andwelfareboth in this world andin
the Hereafter.
l0
and the Muslim soceity was a concrete
representation of the Islamic faith.
In fact, Allah does not need our belief
in Him, nor does He need our worship
and submission to His exalted Will; it
is we who need this belief in order to be
correct in our concept of life, the universe
and its Creator, and to achieve our happi-
ness and welfare both in this world and in
the Hereafter.
10

12. MONOTHEISM IN ISLAM
ISLAM, in general,means surrender-
ing one's whole self to Allah, getting rid
of polytheismandcompletesubmissionto
the orders and instructions of Allah.
Submissionto Allah is a thing which
AUahrequiresof thewhole humanity as
He is its Creator;He hascreatedthewhole
universeand He alone dominatesoverit.
It is theduty of creaturesto their Creator
and a requisiteof their servility to their
Lord.
Islam wasthereligionof Adam, Noah,
Abraham and otherprophetsup to Mu-
hammad (peaceandblessingof Allah be
uponthem), for their faith wasone and
the siune, although the applied ethics
1l
MONOTHEISM IN ISLAM
ISLAM, in general, means surrender-
ing one's whole self to Allah, getting rid
of polytheism and complete submission to
the orders and instructions of Allah.
Submission to Allah is a thing which
Allah requires of the whole humanity as
He is its Creator; He has created the whole
universe and He alone dominates over it.
It is the duty of creatures to their Creator
and a requisite of their servility to their
Lord.
Islam was the religion of Adam, Noah,
Abraham and other prophets up to Mu-
hammad (peace and blessing of Allah be
upon them), for their faith was one and
the same, although the applied ethics
11

13. might be different.
The Islamicfaith consistsof six funda-
mentals:
I - Belief in AUah.
2 - Beliefin His Angels.
3 - Belief in DivineBooks.
4 - Beliefin His Prophers.
5 - Belief in theLastDay.
6 - Belief in Divine Destinv.
The first fundamentalis rhe most im-
port of all.
t2
might be different.
The Islamic faith consists of six funda-
mentals:
1 - Belief in Allah.
2 - Belief in His Angels.
3 - Belief in Divine Books.
4 - Belief in His Prophets.
5 - Belief in the Last Day.
6 - Belief in Divine Destiny.
The first fundamental is the most Im-
port of all.
12

14. RELIGION AND HUMAN
NATURE
( Belief in Allah )
Everyone is bom upright by nature.
Pure natureleadsto Allah, the One and
Only true God. In fact, human nature
awakes to Almighty Allah's existence
very early in life, even earlier than we
may think. We generally think thatonly
an older person pondersover Allah's
existenceand Oneness.But if we ob-
seryethelife of a little child, we notice
thatin a certain stageof his life heasks
his parentsendlessquestionsaLroutthe
thingshe seesaroundhim in theuniverse.
Who madetheheaven?Why is thesky
blue? Where does the sun go at night?
Why doesn't it appearto us at night?
T3
RELIGION AND HUMAN
NATURE
( Belief in Allah)
Everyone is born upright by nature.
Pure nature leads to Allah, the One and
Only true God. In fact, human nature
awakes to Almighty Allah's existence
very early in life, even earlier than we
may think. We generally think that only
an older person ponders over Allah's
existence and Oneness. But if we ob-
serve the life of a little child, we notice
that in a certain stage of his life he asks
his parents endless questions about the
things he sees around him in the universe.
Who made the heaven? Why is the sky
blue? Where does the sun go at night?
Why doesn't it appear to us at night?
13

15. Where does light go when the dark
comes? Why do stars gliaer? Where
does the earthend?Why doesoneflower
havesmell while another doesn't?Where
did I comefrom? Where was I beforeI
came? etc. What do all thesequestions
mean and indicate?
They indicate that nature in this child
has begun to awake and recognizethe
Creatorof the earthand heavensthrough
His tangibleand seen creation.There are
severaleffects that touch man's senses
and awakenhim to thefactof Allah's ex-
istence,Oneness and peerlessness.The
universe,sovastandwide, wouldcertain-
ly awaken man to that plain fact.Those
great dimensions in the skies and the
earth...thosecountless,immense, celes-
tial bodies...Who hascreatedthem? The
1,4
Where does light go when the dark
comes? Why do stars glitter? Where
does the earth end? Why does one flower
have smell while another doesn't? Where
did I come from? Where was I before I
came? etc. What do all these questions
mean and indicate?
They indicate that nature In this child
has begun to awake and recognize the
Creator of the earth and heavens through
His tangible and seen creation. There are
several effects that touch man's senses
and awaken him to the fact of Allah's ex-
istence, Oneness and peerlessness. The
universe, so vast and wide, would certain-
ly awaken man to that plain fact. Those
great dimensions in the skies and the
earth... those countless, immense, celes-
tial bodies... Who has created them? The
14

16. earth, though too tiny comparedwith
other celestial bodies, contains moun-
tains, plains, oceans, seas and rivers
that would takethe whole life of man to
leam about a smallpartof them. How,
then, about the solar system of which
our earth is only apart? How about the
milky way of which our solar system
is considereda small part?. And other
celestialmasseswhich containmillions
and millions of galaxieslike ours?And
millions and millions of starsin compari-
son with which thelarge sun is consid-
eredto be too small?
With all its bulkiness, the universe is
marvellously accurate. Night and day
follow eachothersopreciselythatwe ad-
just our watches to them. In fact, the
whole universe is so exact in its astro-
t5
earth, though too tiny compared with
other celestial bodies, contains moun-
tains, plains, oceans, seas and rivers
that would take the whole life of man to
learn about a small part of them. How,
then, about the solar system of which
our earth is only a part? How about the
milky way of which our solar system
is considered a small part? And other
celestial masses which contain millions
and millions of galaxies like ours? And
millions and millions of stars in compari-
son with which the large sun is consid-
ered to be too small?
With all its bulkiness, the UnIverse IS
marvellously accurate. Night and day
follow each other so precisely that we ad-
just our watches to them. In fact, the
whole universe IS so exact in its astro-
15

17. nomical revolutionthatclocksin observa-
tories, which are the most accurate
clocks we have and to which clocks in
broadcasting stations are adjusted, are
themselvesadjustedto theextremelyaccu-
rate astronomical revolution which is
neverdisturbed in thecourse of time un-
less, of course,Allah willed it otherwise.
Every being,animateandinanimate,en-
joys suchmiraculousaccuracy.Have you
seenthe extremelyminuteliving cell that
canbe seenonly under the microscope?
Yet it grows, splits and performshighly
wonderfrrltaskswhich makemanhelpless
andhumbletowards the omnipotenceof
Ailah! Who, other than Allah, has in-
fused it with the secretof life and guided
it to suchsurprisingactivity?
16
nomical revolution that clocks in observa-
tories, which are the most accurate
clocks we have and to which clocks in
broadcasting stations are adjusted, are
themselves adjusted to the extremely accu-
rate astronomical revolution which is
never disturbed in the course of time un-
less, of course, Allah willed it otherwise.
Every being, animate and inanimate, en-
joys such miraculous accuracy. Have you
seen the extremely minute living cell that
can be seen only under the microscope?
Yet it grows, splits and performs highly
wonderful tasks which make man helpless
and humble towards the omnipotence of
Allah! Who, other than Allah, has in-
fused it with the secret of life and guided
it to such surprising activity?
16

18. A germ cannotbe seenwith theunaided
eye.A minute kind called 'virus'
cannotbe
seen evenunderthe ordinary microscope.
Yet, you know from your studies in
sciencethat it might causethemostdead-
ly diseaseunless man immunized him-
self againstit by meansofmedicines and
serums.The multicellular being, man at
the top, was originally one impregnated
cell which went on splitting andgrowing
till it became an integral being. What
power,other than thatof Allah, hasgiv-
en it life and activity? Most surprising
in that splitting process is the fact that
thosecellsappear sirnilar in their begin-
ning, thenordersaregiven to them ro spe-
cialize andtake certain forms - one cell
moyes to a certainplace andbecomesan
earor part of an ear;another cell goesto
anotherposition and becomesan eyeor
t7
A genn cannot be seen with the unaided
eye. A minute kind called 'virus' cannot be
seen even under the ordinary microscope.
Yet, you know from your studies in
science that it might cause the most dead-
ly disease unless man immunized him-
self against it by means of medicines and
serums. The multicellular being, man at
the top, was originally one impregnated
cell which went on splitting and growing
till it became an integral being. What
power, other than that of Allah, has giv-
en it life and activity? Most surprising
in that splitting process is the fact that
those cells appear similar in their begin-
ning, then orders are given to them to spe-
cialize and take certain forms - one cell
moves to a certain place and becomes an
ear or part of an ear; another cell goes to
another position and becomes an eye or
17

19. part of it; a third becomes one of the
brain cells; a fourth turns into bones"' etc'
What order did those invisible cellsre-
ceive andobey in such extraordinary ex-
actitude? It is the order of theCreator'
He ordersthem andtheY obey Him, and
move and form in accordancewith His
Divine Witl.
Have you observed a multi - coloured
fragrant beautiful flower? Who has be-
stowed it with that fragranceand how
have these colours combinedin it? Sup-
poseyou tried to perfumea flower sothat
it would diffuse fragrance from moming
to evening, and to paint it in all colours
sothatit would not losecolour solong as
it exists. How hard would it be for
you, and how far would Your attemPtbe
successful?If all people on earthbusied
l8
part of it; a third becomes one of the
brain cells; a fourth turns into bones... etc.
What order did those invisible cells re-
ceive and obey in such extraordinary ex-
actitude? It is the order of the Creator.
He orders them and they obey Him, and
move and form in accordance with His
Divine Will.
Have you observed a multi - coloured
fragrant beautiful flower? Who has be-
stowed it with that fragrance and how
have these colours combined in it? Sup-
pose you tried to perfume a flower so that
it would diffuse fragrance from morning
to evening, and to paint it in all colours
so that it would not lose colour so long as
it exists. How hard would it be for
you, and how far would your attempt be
successful? If all people on earth busied
18

20. themselveswith sucha taskwith all flow-
en growing on earttror in the sea, could
they perform it? And even if they could,
what time andeffort would be left for oth-
er activities?
Yet millions of flowers on earth grow
scented,colouredandpleasant.Allatr has
createdall without the least effort or dis-
traction from directing the immenseuni-
verse, for He (Glory beto Him!) only
saysto a thing: "Be! And it is". For Him,
it is so easy.
The phenomenaof death and life also
attract man's attention to the miraculous
Divine Power that gives life and death.
What is life in reality? It is a marvellous
secret which no onecan explain. All that
manhasso far attemptedis the interpreta-
t9
themselves with such a task with all flow-
ers growing on earth or in the sea, could
they perform it? And even if they could,
what time and effort would be left for oth-
er activities?
Yet millions of flowers on earth grow
scented, coloured and pleasant. Allah has
created all without the least effort or dis-
traction from directing the immense uni-
verse, for He (Glory be to Him!) only
says to a thing: "Be! And it is". For Him,
it is so easy.
The phenomena of death and life also
attract man's attention to the miraculous
Divine Power that gives life and death.
What is life in reality? It is a marvellous
secret which no one can explain. All that
man has so far attempted is the interpreta-
19

21. tion of some phenomenaof life such as
movement, growth andphysiology. As for
life itself - what is it? How does it exist in
living things?How doesit direct them to
fulfil their functions? All this is a vague
mystery incomprehensibleto man. Man,
especially biologists,hasemployedall his
scientific knowledgeto create one cell of
billions of living cells with which thedi-
vine creationabounds,but all wasin vain.
As for man'slivelihood,whether in the
form of rain falling from the sky; crops
growing from earth; fish, birds andani-
mals;treasuresandminerals underground;
theair we brcathe; thewind driving ships
on the sea; or power driving machines
such as steam power, electric Power;
atomicenergy,thepowerof fuel or of wa-
ter falling down from mountains- who,
tion of some phenomena of life such as
movement, growth and physiology. As for
life itself - what is it? How does it exist in
living things? How does it direct them to
fulfil their functions? All this is a vague
mystery incomprehensible to man. Man,
especially biologists, has employed all his
scientific knowledge to create one cell of
billions of living cells with which the di-
vine creation abounds, but all was in vain.
As for man's livelihood, whether in the
form of rain falling from the sky; crops
growing from earth; fish, birds and ani-
mals; treasures and minerals underground;
the air we breathe; the wind driving ships
on the sea; or power driving machines
such as steam power, electric power;
atomic energy, the power of fuel or of wa-
ter falling down from mountains - who,
20

22. other than Ailah, providesall these?"Lo?
Allah, He it is that gives livelihood, the
Lord of unbeatablemight".(Qur'an,5i:58)
Man yeamsaftertheunseenwhich only
Allah knows,but all hisatrernptsfail. He
longsto know what is in storefor him in
his future life, what his lot will be next
year, what is going to happento him a
monthor a weekor a day later and what
is going to take place in a moment. He
cannot discover what is going to take
placein a moment,whethergoodor evil.
Who, other thanAllah alone.enjoys om-
niscience,sinceHe hascreatedeverything
andnothingin the heavensand theearth
escapesHis infiniteknowledge?.
Many things impressthe human mind,
awakeningit to theidea of the OneGod,
2l
other than ABah, provides all these? "Lo?
Allah, He it is that gives livelihood, the
Lord of unbeatable might". (Qur'an, 51:58)
Man yearns after the unseen which only
Allah knows, but all his attempts fail. He
longs to know what is in store for him in
his future life, what his lot will be next
year, what is going to happen to him a
month or a week or a day later and what
is going to take place in a moment. He
cannot discover what is going to take
place in a moment, whether good or evil.
Who, other than Allah alone, enjoys om-
niscience, since He has created everything
and nothing in the heavens and the earth
escapes His infinite knowledge?
Many things impress the human mind,
awakening it to the idea of the One God,
21

23. with no partner. It perceives that He
alonepossessesperfection,might, glory,
greatnessandlimitless Power.
" He is AUah,the One andOnlY; Allah,
the Etemal, Absolute; He begetteth not,
Nor is He begotten;andthereis nonelike
unto Him." (TheHolYQuranll2:l-4)
Thus,man would enjoy righteousnature
andbe anuPrightbeliever.
But thehuman nature sometimessuf-
fers from derangementand relapse'The
faculty of perception may be dulled; so
man fails to perceive the signsof inimita-
bility in the universeand life' He forgets
the miraculous power that gives liveli-
hood, controlseventsandpossessescom-
prehensiveknowledgeof the seenandthe
with no partner. It perceives that He
alone possesses perfection, might, glory,
greatness and limitless power.
" He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah,
the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not,
Nor is He begotten; and there is none like
unto Him." (The Holy Quran 112:1-4)
Thus, man would enjoy righteous nature
and be an upright believer.
But the human nature sometimes suf-
fers from derangement and relapse. The
faculty of perception may be dulled; so
man fails to perceive the signs of inimita-
bility in the universe and life. He forgets
the miraculous power that gives liveli-
hood, controls events and possesses com-
prehensive knowledge of the seen and the
22

24. unseen.
When man undergoesa new experience,
all his senseswill be alert to it. If he no-
tices a sceneor hearssomethingnew for
thefirst time or goesto a new town, street
or house, he will be careful to recognise
thedetailsof the new place. He is high-
ly impressedsinceit is new to him; but as
he growsfamiliar with thesceneor place
and seesit severaltimes, his sensesno
longerpay much,or perhapsthe least,at-
tentionto it.
Sometimes man behaves likewise to-
wardsAllah. He forgetsthat Allah is the
Creator,theDirector,theGiver of life and
death. He overlooks the multitudes of
signsin this universe.He neglectsto ob-
servetherising sunandlight until theyare
23
unseen.
When man undergoes a new experience,
all his senses will be alert to it. If he no-
tices a scene or hears something new for
the first time or goes to a new town, street
or house, he will be careful to recognise
the details of the new place. He is high-
ly impressed since it is new to him; but as
he grows familiar with the scene or place
and sees it several times, his senses no
longer pay much, or perhaps the least, at-
tention to it.
Sometimes man behaves likewise to-
wards Allah. He forgets that Allah is the
Creator, the Director, the Giver of life and
death. He overlooks the multitudes of
signs in this universe. He neglects to ob-
serve the rising sun and light until they are
23

25. swallowedup in thedark. He fails to no-
tice the fragrant, beautiful flowers with
joyous colours and the melodiousnotes
of song-birds. He ignoresthunder,light-
ning and rain falling from theclouds. He
disregardsthenew-bombabyandthedead
man.He forgetsabout his completeweak-
nessin relation to theabsolutepowerof
Allah.
Otherthingsmaydull man's senses- He
maybebusy with his food, drink, whims
and transient worldly comforts, which
woulddivert his mind from considering
the portents in the universe, seeking
Allah's favour and remembering the
Hereafter and the reckoning and retri-
bution in it.
Another causeof dull perceptionmay
24
swallowed up in the dark. He fails to no-
tice the fragrant, beautiful flowers with
joyous colours and the melodious notes
of song -birds. He ignores thunder, light-
ning and rain falling from the clouds. He
disregards the new-born baby and the dead
man. He forgets about his complete weak-
ness in relation to the absolute power of
Allah.
Other things may dull man's senses - He
may be busy with his food, drink, whims
and transient worldly comforts, which
would divert his mind from considering
the portents in the universe, seeking
Allah's favour and remembering the
Hereafter and the reckoning and retri-
bution in it.
Another cause of dull perception may
24

26. be deviation from Allah's orders. Man
would be rebeilious against Allah on
earth and tbllow his own lust - He would
go beyondwhat AUah allows him to do
becauseof his greedinessandhis desire
to have mastery over others and make
themslavesto his desires;soheencroach-
es upon their property, honour or blood
andwantsto deify himselfsoasto be wor-
shippedbesideAllah. He may be tooproud
to serveAllah, or he may be fascinated
by what he possesses- his talents,health,
power, money or anythingAllah has bes-
towedon him. He thinks he hasacquired
themby his own power and forgets that
all these bounties emanatedfrom Allah.
The humanperceptionor mind gets dull
owing to oneof the afore-mentionedrea-
sons or to other deviationsand relapses;
25
be deviation from Allah's orders. Man
would be rebeilious against Allah on
earth and follow his own lust - He would
go beyond what Allah allows him to do
because of his greediness and his desire
to have mastery over others and make
them slaves to his desires; so he encroach-
es upon their property, honour or blood
and wants to deify himself so as to be wor-
shipped beside Allah. He may be too proud
to serve Allah, or he may be fascinated
by what he possesses - his talents, health,
power, money or anything Allah has bes-
towed on him. He thinks he has acquired
them by his own power and forgets that
all these bounties emanated from Allah.
The human perception or mind gets dull
owing to one of the afore-mentioned rea-
sons or to other deviations and relapses;
25

27. so it forgetsAUah wholly or ascribesa
pafiter to Him and imaginesthat some-
oneor somettringin theuniverseshares
divinity, majestyand power with Allah.
Thus, the humannaturegetscorruptand
ispossessedby Satan,whodrivesit away
from DivineGuidanceand Favour.Yet,
Alatr doesnotlet His sewantsgoastray;
soHesent them Prophetsto callthem to
guidanceandturn them backto truth. He
has sent Muhammad(peaceandblessing
of Allatrbeuponhim) as thelast prophet
to be a harbingerof good tidings and a
wamer to all mankindupto the Day of
Resurrection.
He revealedtohim theQur'anandgua-
ranteedits preservation,"Lo! We, even
We,revealthe Reminder(i.e.theQur'an)
and h! We verily are its guardian".
26
so it forgets Allah wholly or ascribes a
partner to Him and imagines that some-
one or something in the universe shares
divinity, majesty and power with Allah.
Thus, the human nature gets corrupt and
is possessed by Satan, who drives it away
from Divine Guidance and Favour. Yet,
Allah does not let His servants go astray;
so He sent them Prophets to call them to
guidance and turn them back to truth. He
has sent Muhammad (peace and blessing
of Allah be upon him) as the last prophet
to be a harbinger of good tidings and a
warner to all mankind up to the Day of
Resurrection.
He revealed to him the Qur'an and gua-
ranteed its preservation," Lo! We, even
We, reveal the Reminder (i.e.the Qur'an)
and La! We verily are its guardian".
26

28. (Qur'an,l5:9).
TheQur'anincludesall ttrat is essential
for humannatureto benobleandvirtuous,
guidesto ttrerealmeaningof divinity and
acquaintswith the RightfulGod, Creator
and Director of the universe,Owner of
Sovereigntywithoutanypartner.
27
(Qur'an, 15:9).
The Qur'an includes all that is essential
for human nature to be noble and virtuous,
guides to the real meaning of divinity and
acquaints with the Rightful God, Creator
and Director of the universe, Owner of
Sovereignty without any partner.
27

29. MESSENGERSOF ALLAH
One of the fundamentalsof faith is the
belief in the Prophets (messengersof
AUah). A man cannot be considered a
Muslim or a believer unless he believes
that Allah sentto mankind Prophetsfrom
among themselves, who conveYed the
Truth revealed to them from their Lord,
ALLAH, brought them good tidings,
wamed them, expoundedand interpreted
Allatr's messagefor them. Hence, man
will be considereda Muslim only if he
believes in all prophets andthatthey all
brought the sametruth from Allah, with-
out making distinction between any of
them.
"Say (O Muhammad): We believe in
Allah andthatwhich wasrevealeduntous
MESSENGERS OF ALLAH
One of the fundamentals of faith is the
belief in the Prophets (messengers of
Allah). A man cannot be considered a
Muslim or a believer unless he believes
that Allah sent to mankind Prophets from
among themselves, who conveyed the
Truth revealed to them from their Lord,
ALLAH, brought them good tidings,
warned them, expounded and interpreted
Allah's message for them. Hence, man
will be considered a Muslim only if he
believes in all prophets and that they all
brought the same truth from Allah, with-
out making distinction between any of
them.
"Say (0 Muhammad): We believe in
Allah and that which was revealed unto us
28

30. and that which was revealed unto
AbratramandIsmael and Isaacand Jacob
andthe tribes, andthat which was vouch-
safed unto Moses andJesusandthePro-
phetsfrom their Lnrd. We make no dis-
tinction between any of them, and unto
Him we havesurrendered".(Qur'an,3: 84)
Why has Allah enjoined belief in the
Prophets and made it a fundamental of
faith besidesbelief in Him, though rhe
belief in Allah is thebasisof everything?
The answer is obvious. How can man
know his Lord and worshipHim in the
right way without the Prophetsand their
guidance? Consider the falsehoods of
mankind concerning their Lord through-
out history, how they imagined Him and
worshippedHim in their variousages of
pre-Islamic paganism.Once they ima-
29
and that which was revealed unto
Abraham and Ismael and Isaac and Jacob
and the tribes, and that which was vouch-
safed unto Moses and Jesus and the Pro-
phets from their Lord. We make no dis-
tinction between any of them, and unto
Him we have surrendered". (Qur'an, 3: 84)
Why has Allah enjoined belief in the
Prophets and made it a fundamental of
faith besides belief in Him, though the
belief in Allah is the basis of everything?
The answer is obvious. How can man
know his Lord and worship Him in the
right way without the Prophets and their
guidance? Consider the falsehoods of
mankind concerning their Lord through-
out history, how they imagined Him and
worshipped Him in their various ages of
pre-Islamic paganism. Once they ima-
29

31. gined Him in the form of the sun'sdisc,as
wasthe case with ancientEgyptians;once
in the form of superman,asdid the Greeks
and Romans; once in the form of the
moon, another in the form of a star and
still another in the form of an idol. So
fancies differed and all strayed from the
true god because they sought guidance
from their own imagination,desires and
limited knowledge and didn't follow the
truth in the right way as confirmed by
Allah, that is through Prophetsto whom
theTruth hadbeenrevealed.
No less wrong was the perceptionof
various times of ideological ignorance
when there were smallgods besidesthe
Lord of lords who enjoyed some of His
traits, suchas a god of rain, another of
lightning, anotherof thunder, another of
gined Him in the fonn of the sun's disc, as
was the case with ancient Egyptians; once
in the fonn of supennan, as did the Greeks
and Romans; once in the fonn of the
moon, another in the fonn of a star and
still another in the fonn of an idol. So
fancies differed and all strayed from the
true god because they sought guidance
from their own imagination, desires and
limited knowledge and didn't follow the
truth in the right way as continned by
Allah, that is through Prophets to whom
the Truth had been revealed.
No less wrong was the perception of
various times of ideological ignorance
when there were small gods besides the
Lord of lords who enjoyed some of His
traits, such as a god of rain, another of
lightning, another of thunder, another of
30

32. the wind, another of the sea (Neptune)
asanotherof fertility, anottrerof progeny
and othersof every affair of life.
If we believe that Divinity andLord-
ship arethe major issuesin the life of man
man and that the worship of Allah is the
objectof humanexistence:"I createdttre
jinn and humankindonly thattheymight
worship Me." (Qur'an,51:56),then,we
will understandwhy belief in the pro-
phets is a principalconstifuentof faith;
for as we have seen in historical reality,
it is impossible for humanity to beguid-
ed to thetruth with regardto divinity and
worship through other than the right and
authorizedsource, that is - theprophets
senrby Almighry Allah.
The sameappliesto thenecessityof be-
31
the wind, another of the sea (Neptune)
as another of fertility, another of progeny
and others of every affair of life.
If we believe that Divinity and Lord-
ship are the major issues in the life of man
man and that the worship of Allah is the
object of human existence: "I created the
jinn and humankind only that they might
worship Me." (Qur'an,51:56), then, we
will understand why belief in the Pro-
phets is a principal constituent of faith;
for as we have seen in historical reality,
it is impossible for humanity to be guid-
ed to the truth with regard to divinity and
worship through other than the right and
authorized source, that is - the prophets
sent by Almighty Allah.
The same applies to the necessity of be-
31

33. lief in all prophets without distinction
whatsoeverbetweenany of them.They all
came for one purpose.They were sent
to make it known that thereis only ONE
GOD in the whole universe, that is
Almighty AUah (Be He glorified andhigh
exalted!)with no partner.Theysaidto peo-
ple, "ServeAllah! Ye have no othergod
butHim". (Qur'an,11:50,l1:61,l1:84).
So,what is themeaningof believingitt
oneprophetanddenying another? In fact,
denyingany of them is thesame asdeny-
ing themall, sincetheyexpoundedto men
the samething revealedto themby Allah:
"We sentno messengerbefore thee but
we inspired him (saying): There is no
god Save Me (Allah), soworshipMe".
(Qur'an,2l:25)
32
lief in all prophets without distinction
whatsoever between any of them. They all
came for one purpose. They were sent
to make it known that there is only ONE
GOD in the whole universe, that is
Almighty Allah (Be He glorified and high
exalted!) with no partner.They said to peo-
ple, "Serve Allah! Ye have no other god
but Him". (Qur'an, 11:50,11:61, 11:84).
So, what is the meaning of believing in
one prophet and denying another? In fact,
denying any of them is the same as deny-
ing them all, since they expounded to men
the same thing revealed to them by Allah:
"We sent no messenger before thee but
we inspired him (saying): There is no
god Save Me (Allah), so worship Me".
(Qur'an, 21 :25)
32

34. THE,MESSEGEOFPROPHET
MUHAMMAD( PeacebeUponHim)
Pre- IslamicTimes:
Before the adventof ISLAM all man-
kind had degeneratedinto the worst of
sktesandthedarkestof stages.
Not only Arabia waspredominatedby
such pagan ignorance; the whole world
suffered from it. There weretwo 'great'
states:PersiaandByzantium; they ruled
mostof theworld at thattime. Either had
a historic'civilization',but what was its
basisandwhat wasthemental, psycholo-
gical andmaterialstandardof its people?
ln Penia a
'Khosrau'
ruled.He wasnot
merelya ruler; he wasa
'god'.
The cere-
33
THE MESSEGE OF PROPHET
MUHAMMAD( Peace be Upon Him)
------------------------------------------------------
Pre - Islamic Times:
Before the advent of ISLAM all man-
kind had degenerated into the worst of
states and the darkest of stages.
Not only Arabia was predominated by
such pagan ignorance; the whole world
suffered from it. There were two 'great'
states: Persia and Byzantium; they ruled
most of the world at that time. Either had
a historic 'civilization', but what was its
basis and what was the mental, psycholo-
gical and material standard of its people?
In Persia a 'Khosrau' ruled. He was not
merely a ruler; he was a 'god'. The cere-
33

35. moniesof greetingwere nearestto those
of worship. Feoplewerereally slavesto
that god, living - whatevertheir rankand
class was - in the way thatKhosrau'orhis
inherited royal traditions would allow.
Only a
'handful'
of people enjoyedthe
richesof the country- thatis, thecourt of
Khosrauthat held swayover the masses;
while thelatter werein an abject stateof
poverty, slaveryandhumiliation. The as-
pectsof 'pomp' and 'civilization'were
all
confinedto thepalace.As for the 'people',
they were importantasfar astheyserved
theinterestsof these ruling masterswith
that
'god'
at their head. Yes, therewere
arts and materialproduction, but all was
used, along with people, for the sake of
those interests.The official worship was
that of fire. Morals had collapsedand
Mazdek'scomrnunismandpermissiveness,
34
monies of greeting were nearest to those
of worship. People were really slaves to
that god, living - whatever their rank and
class was - in the way that Khosrau' or his
inherited royal traditions would allow.
Only a 'handful' of people enjoyed the
riches of the country - that is, the court of
Khosrau that held sway over the masses;
while the latter were in an abject state of
poverty, slavery and humiliation. The as-
pects of 'pomp' and 'civilization' were all
confined to the palace. As for the 'people',
they were important as far as they served
the interests of these ruling masters with
that 'god' at their head. Yes, there were
arts and material production, but all was
used, along with people, for the sake of
those interests. The official worship was
that of fire. Morals had collapsed and
Mazdek's communism and permissiveness,
34

36. dissolutionandanarchyhad spread.What
mental, spiritual and material contempt
man-under that 'great'
civilization - had
lived in!
In Byzantium conditions wereno better.
Caesarwassurrounded with the sameha-
loes as Khosrau, andpeople were, as in
every stateof ideologicalignorance,mas-
ters and bondsmen. These bondsmen
fought and died in greatnumbersonly in
the causeof the 'Empire'
andthepersonal
gloriesof Caesarand his commanders.
Like Persia, therewerearts,materialpro-
ductionandbuilding, but for whosesake:
The mastersor thebondsmen?Are there
for bondsmenother than serving their
masters? Therewasa creed! - a pagan
creed guarded by the church and the
clergy:God is One of three! Christwas
35
dissolution and anarchy had spread. What
mental, spiritual and material contempt
man- under that 'great' civilization - had
lived in!
In Byzantium conditions were no better.
Caesar was surrounded with the same ha-
loes as Khosrau, and people were, as in
every state of ideological ignorance, mas-
ters and bondsmen. These bondsmen
fought and died in great numbers only in
the cause of the 'Empire' and the personal
glories of Caesar and his commanders.
Like Persia, there were arts, material pro-
duction and building, but for whose sake:
The masters or the bondsmen? Are there
for bondsmen other than serving their
masters? There was a creed! - a pagan
creed guarded by the church and the
clergy: God is One of three! Christ was
35

37. thesonof God! Bishops and monkswere
lords ruling the domain of minds and
spirits contrary to God's revelations and
taking the property of peopleunlawfully;
whereas, Caesarwasruling the physical
domain in accordancewith the Roman
Law (i.e.not in accordancewith Divine
Law). People were servants of the court
on the onehand and servantsof the Pope
and his bishopsandrnonkson the other.
Beyond the 'great' empires therewere
the Chinese and trndian'civilizations' in
Asia.
In India, aseverywhereelse, therewere
lordsandbondsmen.tsutbondsmenthere
had a peculiar position. They were be-
lievedto havebeencreatedfrom the god's
foot, so they were consideredunclean.
36
the son of God! Bishops and monks were
lords ruling the domain of minds and
spirits contrary to God's revelations and
taking the property of people unlawfully;
whereas, Caesar was ruling the physical
domain in accordance with the Roman
Law (i.e. not in accordance with Divine
Law). People were servants of the court
on the one hand and servants of the Pope
and his bishops and monks on the other.
Beyond the 'great' empires there were
the Chinese and Indian 'civilizations' in
Asia.
In India, as everywhere else, there were
lords and bondsmen. But bondsmen there
had a peculiar position. They were be-
lieved to have been created from the god's
foot, so they were considered unclean.
36

38. They had to endureall humiliation, con-
tempt and torture they underwent; for on
the one hand,that wastheir fate; andon
theother, it wastheir sole way to salva-
tion throughtransmigrationof souis.Man,
according to them,spetrdshis fixed life,
thenhis soulpassesinto another new bo-
dy. If the enslaved untouchableswere
satisfiedwith their fate,surrenderedto hu-
miliation and carried out thehardestand
dirtiestpiecesof work, their souls might
pass into otherpersons superior to slaves
and get thereby to their pursued salva-
tion, though they wouldn't acquire the
rank of their masters who were created
from thedeity'sheador arm!
Therewerc countlessformsof worship
offeredto countlessdeities,but theyhad
one thing in cornmon,that is - ERROR.
37
They had to endure all humiliation, con-
tempt and torture they underwent; for on
the one hand, that was their fate; and on
the other, it was their sole way to salva-
"
tion through transmigration of souls. Man,
according to them, spends his fixed life,
then his soul passes into another new bo-
dy. If the enslaved untouchables were
satisfied with their fate, surrendered to hu-
miliation and carried out the hardest and
dirtiest pieces of work, their souls might
pass into other persons superior to slaves
and get thereby to their pursued salva-
tion, though they wouldn't acquire the
rank of their masters who were created
from the deity's head or ann!
There were countless fonns of worship
offered to countless deities, but they had
one thing 10 common, that is - ERROR.
37

39. Perhapsthe most curiousthing was 'tem-
ple prostitutes'whostayed in templesfor
the sakeof deity! No, for the sakeof Sa-
tan! But strangerstill might be the 'cow
worship' - men wallowing in its dung and
bathing its urine, for the sake of god's
blessing! If the cow could have spoken it
would have laughed at its worshippers
andwould havebeensurprisedto seeman,
whom Allah hashonoured, satisfiedwith
suchdegradation!
At the endof theearththerewasChina,
a vast expanseof land ruled by an emper-
or - sacredlike all rulersof thetime. Rites
of worship and sacrifices wereofferedto
him andpeopleprostratedthemselvesbe-
fore him. The god worshippedwas Bud-
dha, whoseimageswere gravenand wor-
shipped by people. [n Buddhism, as in
Perhaps the most curious thing was 'tem-
ple prostitutes' who stayed in temples for
the sake of deity! No, for the sake of Sa-
tan! But stranger still might be the 'cow
worship' - men wallowing in its dung and
bathing its urine, for the sake of god's
blessing! If the cow could have spoken it
would have laughed at its worshippers
and would have been surprised to see man,
whom Allah has honoured, satisfied with
such degradation!
At the end of the earth there was China,
a vast expanse of land ruled by an emper-
or - sacred like all rulers of the time. Rites
of worship and sacrifices were offered to
him and people prostrated themselves be-
fore him. The god worshipped was Bud-
dha, whose images were graven and wor-
shipped by people. In Buddhism, as in
38

40. the Indian religions, the body was de-
spisedand torturedfor the redemption
of thesoul,andworldly life was scorned
and rejectedfor ttreattainmentof immor-
tality. Immortality! But where? and in
what form? It is immortality with Bud-
dha in the world of imagination. There
werearts, materialproductionand 'wis-
dom' but all wasof no avail,for people
themselveswerelost.
Arabia was drowned in religiousig-
norance,like the rest of mankind.There
were three religions,all of which were
misguided.Jews, whowerelivingin the
outskirtsof Medina,had distortedtheir
holy' book centuriesbefore,stuffed it
with lies and legends,changedthe Di-
vineRevelationand renouncedit wholly,
complying with theirwhimsandinterests.
39
the Indian religions, the body was de-
spised and tortured for the redemption
of the soul, and worldly life was scorned
and rejected for the attainment of immor-
tality. Immortality! But where? and in
what fonn? It is immortality with Bud-
dha in the world of imagination. There
were arts, material production and 'wis-
dom' but all was of no avail, for people
themselves were lost.
Arabia was drowned in religious ig-
norance, like the rest of mankind. There
were three religions, all of which were
misguided. Jews, who were living in the
outskirts of Medina, had distorted their
'holy' book centuries before, stuffed it
with lies and legends, changed the Di-
vine Revelation and renounced it wholly,
complying with their whims and interests.
39

41. Therewere,also,small Christian groups
who held falsebeliefs,suchas the Trinity,
the deifieationof Jesusor consideringhim
a sonof God. Arab idolatorsthroughout
Arabia worshipped idols which were
placed inside AL- KA'BA, the Holy
House of God (AUah), the place which
Abraham andIsmaelhadbeenorderedby
Allah to build in order that Allah alone
should be worshipped without ascribing
any parmer to Him. Yet, they claimed
they were followers of Abraham.A va-
riety of myths hadnestedin their minds.
Angels, for example, were thedaughters
of Allah and they werc worshipped on
that account.The jinn (i.e.genies) be-
longed to Allah and were, therefore,wor-
shipped.Idols werecarvedand then wor-
shipped by people. Many new-bom
girls were buried alive for fear of shame
40
There were, also, small Christian groups
who held false beliefs, such as the Trinity,
the deification of Jesus or considering him
a son of God. Arab idolators throughout
Arabia worshipped idols which were
placed inside AL- KA'BA, the Holy
House of God (Allah), the place which
Abraham and Ismael had been ordered by
Allah to build in order that Allah alone
should be worshipped without ascribing
any partner to Him. Yet, they claimed
they were followers of Abraham. A va-
riety of myths had nested in their minds.
Angels, for example, were the daughters
of Allah and they were worshipped on
that account. The jinn (i.e. genies) be-
longed to Allah and were, therefore, wor-
shipped. Idols were carved and then wor-
shipped by people. Many new-born
girls were buried alive for fear of shame
40

42. or poverty. Women were scomed and
wronged. Wine was drunk, games of
chance(i.e.maysir) were usedto, and
adulterywas allowed-Life was spentin
drinking,amusementandplunderingraids'
'Man' was
'Lost' as was his casein all
statesof religiousignorance.Thatwasthe
stateof theworld beforeMuhammadwas
sentto savemankindfromthedarknessof
error:
TheMission:
In this extremelydark atmospherethere
shonea Light; it was Muhammad, son
of Abdullah, (peaceandblessingof Allah
beuponhim)"
The Jews in Medina, before the Pro-
phethood of Muhammad (PBUFI), had
ill
or poverty. Women were scorned and
wronged. Wine was drunk, games of
chance (Le. maysir) were used to, and
adultery was allowed. Life was spent in
drinking, amusement and plundering raids.
'Man' was 'Lost' as was his case in all
states of religious ignorance. That was the
state of the world before Muhammad was
sent to save mankind from the darkness of
error~
The Mission:
In this extremely dark atmosphere there
shone a Light; it was Muhammad, son
of Abdullah, (peace andblessing of Allah
be upon him).
The Jews in Medina, before the pro-
phethood of Muhammad (PBUH), had
41

43. oftensaidto its inhabitants,The time of a
prophet has almost arrived. We shall
fight with him againstyou and defeat
you'. The Jews, in fact, depended in
their claim upon the Torah, which in-
dicates that the old copies of theTorah
not only mentionedProphetMuhammad's
name and description, but also pointed
to his prophethood and its approximate
time.
In his 'Muhammad in theBible', Prof.
Abdul Ahad Dawud, former Bishop of
Uramiah, quotes the following verses
from Haggai, ii: 79,which hehas trans-
lated from an Assyriancopy of the Bible,
'And I will shakeall nationsandthe Hi-
rnadaof all thenationswill come- and in
this place I will give shalom, saysthe
Lord of hosts'.
42
often said to its inhabitants, 'The time of a
prophet has almost arrived. We shall
fight with him against you and defeat
you'. The Jews, in fact, depended in
their claim upon the Torah, which in-
dicates that the old copies of the Torah
not only mentioned Prophet Muhammad's
name and description, but also pointed
to his prophethood and its approximate
time.
In his 'Muhammad in the Bible', Prof.
Abdul Ahad Dawud, former Bishop of
Uramiah, quotes the following verses
from Haggai, ii; 79, which he has trans-
lated from an Assyrian copy of the Bible,
'And I will shake all nations and the Hi-
mada of all the nations will come - and in
this place I will give shalom, says the
Lord of hosts'.
42

44. The word 'Himada' is derivedfrom an
archaicHebrew or rather Aramaic root
hemed'.In Hebrew 'hemed'is generally
used in thesenseof great desire, covet,
appetite and lust. In Arabic the verb
'hamida' means 'to praise' and so on.
What is morepraisedandillustriousthan
that which is most craved for, covet-
ed and desired.Whichever of the two
meaningsbe adopted,thefact thatAhmad
is theArabic form of Himda remains in-
disputableand decisive.The Qur'an (61:
6) declares that Jesus announcedunto
the people of Israel the coming of an
Apostle from Allah whose name was to
be'Ahmad'.
The Gospelof St.John,beingwritten in
Greek, usesthename
'Pariclytos',a bar-
barousform unknown to classicalGreek
43
The word 'Himada' is derived from an
archaic Hebrew or rather Aramaic root
'hemed'. In Hebrew 'hemed' is generally
used in the sense of great desire, covet,
appetite and lust. In Arabic the verb
'hamida' means 'to praise' and so on.
What is more praised and illustrious than
that which is most craved for, covet-
ed and desired. Whichever of the two
meanings be adopted, the fact that Ahmad
is the Arabic fonn of Himda remains in-
disputable and decisive. The Qur'an (61:
6) declares that Jesus announced unto
the people of Israel the coming of an
Apostle from Allah whose name was to
be 'Ahmad'.
The Gospel of 51. John, being written in
Greek, uses the name 'Pariclytos', a bar-
barous fonn unknown to classical Greek
43

45. literature. But 'Periclytos',
which corres-
pondsexactly wirh Ahmad in its signi-
fication of illustrious', 'glorious'
and
'praised',
in its superlative degree,must
have been the franslationinto Greek of
'Himda'
0r probably 'Hemida'
of the
Aramaicform, asuttered by JesusChrist.
Aias! there is no Ccspel e.xtantin the
original languagespokenby Jesus.
As to theetyrnologyand significanceof
theHebrewwords'shaiom'and 'shalama'.
andtheArabicwords'salam'and'Islam',
I
(i.e.,Prof.Abdui Ahad) need not detain
thereaderby dragginghirn into iinguistic
details. Any serniticscholarknows that
'shalorn'
and'lslant'arederivedfrom one
and the sarneroot and that both mean
peace,submissionandresignation.".
literature. But 'Periclytos', which corres-
ponds exactly with Ahmad in its signi-
fication of 'illustrious', 'glorious' and
'praised', in its superlative degree, must
have been the translation into Greek of
'Himda' or probably 'Hemida' of the
Aramaic fonn, as uttered by Jesus Christ.
Alas! there is no Gospel extant in the
original language spoken by Jesus.
As to L~e etymology and significance of
the Hebrew words 'shalom' and 'shalama',
and the Arabic words 'salam' and 'Islam', I
(i.e., Prof. Abdul Ahad) need not detain
tlle reader by dragging him into linguistic
details. Any semitic scholar knows that
'shalom' and 'Islam' are derived from one
and the same root and that both mean
peace, submission and resignation.".
44

46. AUah choosesHis ProPhetsfrom the
bestof mankind. And Muhammad (peace
andblessingof Allah be uponhim) is the
bestof humanityin general,and of pro-
phetsin particuiar.Altah takeseareof,and
refines His prophetsbefore chargingthem
with prophethoodandwithaut theirknow-
ledgear expectation"They would thereby
be, psychologieally,spiritually and mo-
rally, more qualified to carry out their
messageand fulfil the task as fullY as
Allah wills. This applies to the Prophet
Muhammat! (peaceandblessingof Ailah
be uponhim) to anextent unequalledbe-
fore. Even in his early youth,irehadthe
manner of a soLernndeep-think-ingman
andenjoyed thencble feelingsof
'man''
45
Allah chooses His prophets from the
best of mankind. And Muhammad (peace
and blessing of Allah be upon him) is the
best of humanity in general, and of pro-
phets in particular. Allah takes care of,and
refines His prophets before charging them
with prophethood and without their know-
ledge or expectation. They would thereby
be, psychologically, spiritually and mo-
rally, more qualified to carry out their
message and fulfil the task as fully as
Allah wills. This applies to the Prophet
Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah
be upon him) to an extent unequalled be-
fore. Even in his early youth, he had the
manner of a solemn deep-think-ing man
and enjoyed the noble feelings of 'man'.
45

47. Characterof theGraciousProphet(PBUH)
The Pre-Islamicperiodwas full of cor-
ruption, pleasure-seeking and waste of
time, though there were some respect-
able,sober men hereandthere,but they
wererarelyyoungmen; for a young man
would beunusualif he didn'tseekpleas-
ure and entertainmentat that time. If he
addedto his solemnitytheavoidanceof ti-
quorswhich weredrunkeven by respect-
ableold men, shunningof thoseidolsset
up besidethe Holy Mosque (i.e.Ka'aba),
keepingawayfrom inequity, alongwith
othernoblequalities,he wouldundoubted-
ly drawothers'attentionsince noneof the
old men possessedsuch qualities,not to
speakof theyouths.
Oneof histraitswas sooutstandingand
46
Character of the Gracious Prophet (PBUH)
The Pre-Islamic period was full of cor-
ruption, pleasure-seeking and waste of
time, though there were some respect-
able, sober men here and there, but they
were rarely young men; for a young man
would be unusual if he didn't seek pleas-
ure and entertainment at that time. If he
added to his solemnity the avoidance of li-
quors which were drunk even by respect-
able old men, shunning of those idols set
up beside the Holy Mosque (i.e.Ka'aba),
keeping away from inequity, along with
other noble qualities, he would undoubted-
ly draw others' attention since none of the
old men possessed such qualities, not to
speak of the youths.
One of his traits was so outstanding and
46

48. deep-rootedthat it attractedthe attention
of Qurayshi people- that was honesty.
They usedto call him "theHonest" (Al-
Amin). Peopletrusted him with theirpro-
perty owing to their confidencein his
honestyandtrustworthiness.
Muhammad'ssilence during themeet-
ingsof Quraysh, his wisdom and equa-
nimity whenhetalked,won their respect
and admiration; so they consultedhim
about their affairsandwere satisfiedwith
his counsel.The most famous event in
this regard was the appeal of Quraysh
(i.e. Makkans) to him for a decisioncon-
ceming theBlack Stone. They had de-
cided to rebuild the Holy Ka'aba twice
its former height becauseof the ruin of
some parts of it. They worked together.
But theydifferedabout dre Black Stone;
deep-rooted that it attracted the attention
of Qurayshi people - that was honesty.
They used to call him "the Honest" (AI-
Amin). People trusted him with their pro-
perty owing to their confidence in his
honesty and trustworthiness.
Muhammad's silence during the meet-
ings of Quraysh, his wisdom and equa-
nimity when he talked, won their respect
and admiration; so they consulted him
about their affairs and were satisfied with
his counsel. The most famous event in
this regard was the appeal of Quraysh
(i.e. Makkans) to him for a decision con-
cerning the Black Stone. They had de-
cided to rebuild the Holy Ka'aba twice
its fonner height because of the ruin of
some parts of it. They worked together.
But they differed about the Black Stone;
47

49. for eachtribe competedwith the othersto
enjoy alonethehonourofputring it back
in its place.They almostfoughtwith each
other,but at last agreedto takethecounsel
of the first man to come to them.That
first manwastheHONEST (i.e., Muham-
mad),who took off his mantle spreadit
on theground, put the Black Stone on
it and asked a man from each tribe to
carry with him the manrle holding its
edges.Thenhe took theStonein his hands
andput it irrits place. All went away sat-
isfied with theHonest'sdecision.
In his wife Khadija's (May Allah be
pleasedwith her) description of him,
soothing his fearson receiving the first
revelation,shegavea portraitof his man-
ners and their impression on people's
minds. She said to him, 'Surely,
Allah
for each tribe competed with the others to
enjoy alone the honour of putting it back
in its place. They almost fought with each
other, but at last agreed to take the counsel
of the first man to come to them. That
first man was the HONEST (i.e., Muham-
mad), who took off his mantle spread it
on the ground, put the Black Stone on
it and asked a man from each tribe to
carry with him the mantle holding its
edges.Then he took the Stone in his hands
and put it in its place. All went away sat-
isfied with the Honest's decision.
In his wife Khadija's (May Allah be
pleased with her) description of him,
soothing his fears on receiving the first
revelation, she gave a portrait of his man-
ners and their impression on people's
minds. She said to him, 'Surely, Allah
48

50. never will discredityou! you are kind
to your relatives,truthful, protecting or-
phans, generousto the poor, hospitable
and helpful to the victims of misfor-
tune!'
He was, during the hours of silence,
much given to meditation. He spent a
month of retirementevery year in Hira'
cave on top of the Mountain of Light
(in Arabic,Jabal-un-Nur),in worship of
Allah in accordance with Abraham's
monotheisticreligion,away from thedis-
iortions addedthrough prevailing idola-
trous ignorance.
Allah waspreparinghim for the serious
task- for the Messageaddressedto the
wholehurnanity.TheMessengerof Allah,
Muhammad (PBUH) told therrurhwhen
49
never will discredit you! You are kind
to your relatives, truthful, protecting or-
phans, generous to the poor, hospitable
and helpful to the victims of misfor-
tune!'
He was, during the hours of silence,
much given to meditation. He spent a
month of retirement every year in Hira'
cave on top of the Mountain of Light
(in Arabic, Jabal-un-Nur), in worship of
Allah in accordance with Abraham's
monotheistic religion, away from the dis-
tortions added through prevailing idola-
trous ignorance.
Allah was preparing him for the serious
task - for the Message addressed to the
whole humanity. The Messenger of Allah,
Muhammad (PBUH) told the truth when
49

51. he said:"My Lord has disciplinedme in
the best refined manner".
The Prophet Muhammad's character is
the greatest character throughout human
history, unmatchedby any othercharac-
ter, not only amongst great men, but
also amongst prophets. If we are to
judge by the standardsof human great-
ness,let us considerthecaseof a political
leader, dedicating his life to political
leadership.He foundhis nation dispersed,
with no common causeor link, and was
able, by means of his wise leadership
and impressivecharacter,to unite the di-
vided nation and found the link which
firmly connectedits variouswarringfac-
tions. He drew for it a purpose which
united it and removed its differences,
Then he raised it to a lofty, respectable
50
he said: "My Lord has disciplined me m
the best refmed manner".
The Prophet Muhammad's character is
the greatest character throughout human
history, unmatched by any other charac-
ter, not only amongst great men, but
also amongst prophets. If we are to
judge by the standards of human great-
ness, let us consider the case of a political
leader, dedicating his life to political
leadership. He found his nation dispersed,
with no common cause or link, and was
able, by means of his wise leadership
and impressive character, to unite the di-
vided nation and found the link which
firmly connected its various warring fac-
tions. He drew for it a purpose which
united it and removed its differences,
Then he raised it to a lofty, respectable
50

52. position among other nations. Shouldn't
we call him a 'great
man', thoughhe was
devotedmerely to sucha task?
What if this was only one aspecr
amongstmany othersenjoyed by thegreat
prophet'scharacter?Howif hehasexcelled
every other specialistpolitician, though
the latterwasdevotedto sucha task?
Supposethere were a social reformer
who found injustice and corruption pre_
dominant; therefore,he took it uponhim-
self to establishsocialjustice and elimi-
nate perversion and decay from society.
He realizedbalancebetweentheindividual
and society, between the ruler and the
ruled, and causedtherich to sympathize
with thepoor, sothatthe whole commu-
nity lived asif it were onelargefamily.
5l
position among other nations. Shouldn't
we call him a 'great man', though he was
devoted merely to such a task?
What if this was only one aspect
amongst many others enjoyed by the great
prophet's character?How if he has excelled
every other specialist politician, though
the latter was devoted to such a task?
Suppose there were a social refonner
who found injustice and corruption pre-
dominant; therefore, he took it upon him-
self to establish social justice and elimi-
nate perversion and decay from society.
He realized balance between the individual
and society, between the ruler and the
ruled, and caused the rich to sympathize
with the poor, so that the whole commu-
nity lived as if it were one large family.
51

53. Isn'tsucha manreally GREAT?
How if this was one part of Mu-
hammad'scharacter? How if he, in this
regard, surpassedthose specializedin
this field?
Supposethere were a moral reformer
who found moral corruption prevaientin
his societyanddevotedhimself to theim-
provementof sacialmanners.Through his
patienceandstrugglehe was abie to lay
down an ethic (moral code) that ruled
their conduct, so that lying, drinking,
adultery and gambling disappeared;an
owner felt his property was secureeven
if he was a weakling, an orPhanor a
woman; and conscienceruled hurnan re-
lations.Won't we agree that such a man
wastruly a greatone?
52
Isn't such a man really GREAT?
How if this was one part of Mu-
hammad's character? How if he, in this
regard, surpassed those specialized in
this field?
Suppose there were a moral reformer
who found moral corruption prevalent in
his society and devoted himself to the im-
provement of social manners. Through his
patience and struggle he was able to lay
down an ethic (moral code) that ruled
their conduct, so that lying, drinking,
adultery and gambling disappeared; an
owner felt his property was secure even
if he was a weakling, an orphan or a
woman; and conscience ruled human re-
lations. Won't we agree that such a man
was truly a great one?
52

54. How, then, if thatwasonly one sideof
theoutstandingcharacterof the prophet,
andhis influence wasgreater thanthat of
any reformer in history who wasdevoted
to his career?
Suppose,too, there were an educator
who devoted himself to education and
wasableto bring up a generationof ex_
traordinary people, everyone of whom
was a leader in his domain of activity
and an example of good conduct and
toweringpersonaiity,as firm as a moun-
tain andof noble character.Dosen't such
a mandeserveto be calleda greateduca_
tor? How, then, if this was only one
of severalaspects of the prophet, who
exceiled in this respecteven thegrearest
of educatorsin history, especiallywi.ththe
generationhe had educatedto introduce
) J
How, then, if that was only one side of
the outstanding character of the Prophet,
and his influence was greater than that of
any reformer in history who was devoted
to his career?
Suppose, too, there were lli"1 educator
who devoted himself to education and
was able to bring up a generation of ex-
traordinary people, everyone of whom
was a leader in his domain of activity
and an example of good conduct and
towering personality, as firm as a moun-
tain lli"1d of noble character. Dosen't such
a man deserve to be called a great educa-
tor? How, then, if this was only one
of several aspects of the Prophet, who
excelled in this respect even the greatest
of educators in history, especially with the
generation he had educated to introduce
53

55. summit leadersin every field of life?
Suppose there were a military com-
mander,who devoted himseH to his ca-
reer andbrought up an army of heroes
- soldiers and commandingofficers- ac-
customedto enduranceof inconvenience,
steadfastnessin adversity and daring
despite danger. He led them in battles
and won. They obeyed his orders and
instructionsand raced to places of dan-
gerseeking martyrdom. Shouldn't hebe
<iescribedasa greatcommander?
If such a commander had trained his
soldiers not only to acquire individual
manners,but alsoto fight in the causeof
ideals and values, would it suffice to
describe him only asa greatleader?
54
summit leaders in every field of life?
Suppose there were a military com-
mander, who devoted himself to his ca-
reer and brought up an anny of heroes
- soldiers and commanding officers - ac-
customed to endurance of inconvenience,
steadfastness in adversity and daring
despite danger. He led them in battles
and won. They obeyed his orders and
instructions and raced to places of dan-
ger seeking martyrdom. Shouldn't he be
described as a great commander?
If such a commander had trained his
soldiers not only to acquire individual
manners, but also to fight in the cause of
ideals and values, would it suffice to
describe him only as a great leader?
54

56. How then, if thegraciousprophet had
exceededin this respectevery other mi_
litary commanderthroughouthumanhis-
tory, andthis wasonly oneaspectof the
various aspectsof his greatchartacter?
Supposea mangayehimself up to wor-
ship. His spiritwashighly pure, and his
heartalways rememberedAllah, whether
in his prayer or work, in private or in
public. Sohe was friendly to other peo_
ple, sincerein his work, and ruledcom_
pletely by fear of Allah and observance
of His orders.. Supposesucha man were
able to collect a numberof worshippers
of Allah and bring rhem up to develop
a strong relationshipwirh the Almighty"
They would rememberHim (Allah) in
all circumstancesandwouldbe influenced
by faith in all their deeds,rhoughtsand
55
How then, if the gracious Prophet had
exceeded in this respect every other mi-
litary commander throughout human his-
tory, and this was only one aspect of the
various aspects of his great chartacter?
Suppose a man gave himself up to wor-
ship. His spirit was- highly pure, and his
heart always remembered Allah, whether
in his prayer or work, in private or in
public. So he was friendly to other peo-
ple, sincere in his work, and ruled com-
pletely by fear of Allah and observance
of His orders.. Suppose such a man were
able to collect a number of worshippers
of Allah and bring them up to develop
a strong relationship with the Almighty.
They would remember Him (Allah) in
all circumstances and would be influenced
by faith in all their deeds, thoughts and
55

57. feelings.Their love andfear of AUahwere
stronger than all earthly pleasures and
temptations. Should we not say he was
a greatsoulin himself and a greatteach-
er to his companions?.
This and others were partsof the gra-
cious Messenger'scharacter in which he
was superior to thosepersonsdevotedto,
and specialized in them. What arewe to
call the man who combines in his gra-
cious personall thosepersonalities,each
of which would be sufficient to make
him great?
The greatnessof Muhammad(Peaceand
blessingof Allah beupon him) does not
lie only in thecombinationof thosesever-
al personalitiesin his own person;in fact,
he enjoyeda superiordegreeofgreabress-
feelings. Their love and fear of Allah were
stronger than all earthly pleasures and
temptations. Should we not say he was
a great soul in himself and a great teach-
er to his companions?
This and others were parts of the gra-
cious Messenger's character in which he
was superior to those persons devoted to,
and specialized in them. What are we to
call the man who combines in his gra-
cious person all those personalities, each
of which would be sufficient to make
him great?
The greatness of Muhammad (Peace and
blessing of Allah be upon him) does not
lie only in the combination of those sever-
al personalities in his own person; in fact,
he enjoyed a superior degree of greatness -
56

58. that is, thoseaspectsdid not divert him
from eachother.Politicalacriviry did not
distract him from military, social,moral,
educational or spiritual tasks. Even all
thosedid not distracthim from his family,
sohe was a perfecthusbandandfather.
If we comparethe characterof prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) with that of the
otherprophets we will grasphis superiori-
ty to them.All thegreatqualitiesenjoyed
by themseparatelywereall infusedin his
great personality par excellence. Noah
wasknown for his enduranceof his folk's
obstinancy; Abraham (Ibraheem,in Ara-
bic) for his clemency; Mosesfor his wise
leadership of the sons of Israel; Jesus
Christ for his spiritual aspectagainst the
prevailing materialism.But Muhammad's
characterembodiedall those characteris-
that is, those aspects did not divert him
from each other. Political activity did not
distract him from military, social, moral,
educational or spiritual tasks. Even all
those did not distract him from his family,
so he was a perfect husband and father.
If we compare the character of Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) with that of the
other prophets we will grasp his superiori-
ty to them. All the great qualities enjoyed
by them separately were all infused in his
great personality par excellence. Noah
was known for his endurance of his folk's
obstinancy; Abraham (Ibraheem, in Ara-
bic) for his clemency; Moses for his wise
leadership of the sons of Israel; Jesus
Christ for his spiritual aspect against the
prevailing materialism. But Muhammad's
character embodied all those characteris-
57

59. tics andhis influencewasmuchgreaterin
every one of thoseaspects.He was the
final of prophetsandhismessagewasthe
epitome and the crowning of prophet-
hood.
In theGlorious Qur'an,Alatr tellsus:
'nThisday haveI perfectedyourreligion
for you and completedmy favour unto
you, and have chosenfor you as relig-
ion Al-Islam".(Qur'an,5:3)
Sothe messageof Islamconfirmsbelief
in all previousprophetsand revelations.
Jews disbelieved in JesusClrist and
Muhammad. Christians disbelieved in
Muhammedandbelievedin JesusChrist,
not as amessengerbut as a godor son
of Allah. It is the Muslims alone who
tics and his influence was much greater in
every one of those aspects. He was the
final of prophets and his message was the
epitome and the crowning of prophet-
hood.
In the Glorious Qur'an, Allah tells us:
''This day have I perfected your religion
for you and completed my favour unto
you, and have chosen for you as relig-
ion AI-Islam". (Qur'an, 5:3)
So the message of Islam confinns belief
in all previous prophets and revelations.
Jews disbelieved in Jesus Christ and
Muhammad. Christians disbelieved in
Muhammed and believed in Jesus Christ,
not as a messenger but as a god or son
of Allah. It is the Muslims alone who
58

60. believe in all prophets from Adam
through Noah rill Muhammad (peace
and blessingof Allah beuponthemall).
Both Jewish andChristiannationsareun-
fit to rule humanity, for they cannot get
rid of hatredandprejudice.
Only theMuslim narionis well quali_
fied for the leadershipof manhind (it led
mankind once for severalcenturies) be_
causeit is theonly nationthat ruleswith_
out any hatredowing to theDivineguid_
ancethatmadeit fit for leadership,espe_
cially irs belief in previousprophetsof
Allah without discriminationor malice
what.soever.Mrlreover, the messageof
Islarnis adclressedto thewholemankincl.
Allah (SWT)addressesMuhammad:
believe in all prophets from Adam
through Noah til! Muhammad (Peace
and blessing of Allah be upon them all).
Both Jewish and Christian nations are un-
fit to rule humanity, for they cannot get
rid of hatred and prejudice.
Only the Muslim nation is well quali-
fied for the leadership of mankind (it led
mankind once for several centuries) be-
cause it is the only nation that rules with-
out any hatred owing to the Divine guid-
ance that made it fit for leadership, espe-
cially its belief in previous prophets of
Allah without discrimination or malice
whatsoever. Moreover, the message of
Islam is addressed to the whole mankind.
Allah (SWT) addresses Muhammad:
59

61. "We sent thee not save asa mercy for
thepeoples".(Qur'an,2l:107)
According to the Prophet Muhammad
(Peaceandblessingof Atlah be uponhim),
"Every prophet before me was sent to
his own people, but I have been sent to
the whole of mankind".
It is also an all - embracing message.
Earlier messageswere limited to certain
aspectsof human life, and were limited
in spaceas well. All of them includedthe
major questionof divinity (i.e. belief in
the
'Oneness
of God' and offering Him
pure worship). theyalsoincludedinstruc-
tions and rules that suitedtheconditions
and circumstancesof each nation and
aimedat the bettermentof,morals and the
eliminationof comrption.
.' "We sent thee not save as a mercy for
the peoples". (Qur'an, 21:107)
According to the Prophet Muhammad
(Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him),
"Every prophet before me was sent to
his own people, but I have been sent to
the whole of mankind".
It is also an all - embracing message.
Earlier messages were limited to certain
aspects of human life, and were limited
in space as well. All of them included the
major question of divinity (i.e. belief in
the 'Oneness of God' and offering Him
pure worship). they also included instruc-
tions and rules that suited the conditions
and circumstances of each nation and
aimed at the bettennent of morals and the
elimination of corruption.
60

62. The stagehad come when the human
mind was mature enough to accept a
world religion which would laston earth
till the Day of Judgement; such a world
messagemusternbrace,too, all humanre-
quirementsin all fields of life, which is
true of the Messageof Islam. For it in-
cludes, like other messages,themajor
question of Divinity which is essential
for the integrity of humanlife, andalso
canons and laws ruling all aspectsof
life: economic,political, social, intellec-
tual, spiritual,ethical,etc. But it never
opposesscientificprogress.In fact, it was
ISLAM thatmoved Muslims to serout a
great scienific movement, the most im-
portant effect of which was the experi-
mental method of scientific research
which Europelearned from the Muslims
in Andalusea, North Africa, Sicily and
61
The stage had come when the human
mind was mature enough to accept a
world religion which would last on earth
till the Day of Judgement; such a world
message must embrace, too, all human re-
quirements in all fields of life, which is
true of the Message of Islam. For it in-
cludes, like other messages, the major
question of Divinity which is essential
for the integrity of human life, and also
canons and laws ruling all aspects of
life: economic, political, social, intellec-
tual, spiritual, ethical, etc. But it never
opposes scientific progress. In fact, it was
ISLAM that moved Muslims to set out a
great scienific movement, the most im-
portant effect of which was the experi-
mental method of scientific research
which Europe learned from the Muslims
in Andalusea, North Africa, Sicily and
61

63. Southltaly, andupon which our present
scientific renaissancehasbeenbased.
62
South Italy, and upon which our present
scientific renaissance has been based.
62

64. HOLY SCRIPTURES
(TheBooksof Allatr)
Allah, Glorybeto Him, providedevery
one of His prophetswith books which
He revealed to them. Thosebooks or
scriptures containedthe tenetsand fun-
damentalsof religion as well as thein-
structions and commandmentsof Allah
conveyedto variousnationsthroughHis
Messengers.The holy books weremeant
to be recordsof religionsothat the var-
iouspeopleandnationsof theworldmight
refer to themtoknow the ordinancesand
lawsrevealedby Allatr and complywith
them.
Ontheonehand, w€ arerequiredto be-
lievein all revealedbooksatlarge. Onthe
other,wearerequiredto believein certain
63
HOLY SCRIPTURES
(The Books of Allah)
Allah, GIory be to Him, provided every
one of His prophets with books which
He revealed to them. Those books or
scriptures contained the tenets and fun-
damentals of religion as well as the in-
structions and commandments of Allah
conveyed to various nations through His
Messengers. The holy books were meant
to be records of religion so that the var-
ious people and nations of the world might
refer to them to know the ordinances and
laws revealed by Allah and comply with
them.
On the one hand, we are required to be-
lieve in all revealed books at large. On the
other, we are required to believe in certain
63

65. books which AUah told us He had re-
vealed, namely:
l. The Qur'an, revealedto Muhammad;
2.eGospel,
'r rt
Jesus;
3.ThePsalms, "
4. TheTorah, "
" David;
" Moses;
5. The Tabletsof Ibrahim, (i.e.,
Abraham)andMoses(May peace
and blessing of Allah be upon
them).
Although books revealedto prophets
before Muhammad (the last Messenger
of Allah) were just temporary revela-
tionseach addressedto aparticulartribe
or nation, yet it is incumbentuponMus-
lims to believe in them in general,and
in the Qur'anon detailedbasisin particu-
lar. The Qur'an is the final and compre-
books which Allah told us He had re-
vealed, namely:
1. The Qur'an, revealed to Muhammad;
2. The Gospel, " "Jesus;
3. The Psalms , " "David;
4. The Torah, " "Moses;
5. The Tablets of Ibrahim, (i.e.,
Abraham) and Moses (May peace
and blessing of Allah be upon
them).
Although books revealed to prophets
before Muhammad (the last Messenger
of Allah) were just temporary revela-
tions each addressed to a particular tribe
or nation, yet it is incumbent upon Mus-
lims to believe in them in general, and
in the Qur'an on detailed basis in particu-
lar. The Qur'an is the fmal and compre-
64

66. hensive Scripnrre.It is the only book of
AUah which hasremained free from dis-
tortion andchange, andhasbeentransmit-
ted to us whole in the most reliable ways
andin its original text - a featurenor en_
joyed by any of theearlier booksof revela-
tion.
65
hensive Scripture. It is the only book of
Allah which has remained free from dis-
tortion and change, and has been transmit-
ted to us whole in the most reliable ways
and in its original text - a feature not en-
joyed by any of the earlier books of revela-
tion.
65

67. TI{E GLORIOUSQLJR'AN
Themiraclesbroughtby earlierProphets
hadbeenfiansient, soto say, and for that
very reason,rapidly forgotten,while that
of theverses(of ttreQur'an)maybecalled
"ThePennanentMiracle". Its activityhas
been unceasing.Everywhereand at all
hours, each believer,by reciting the ver-
ses,helpedto redize themiracle, and in
this canbefoundtheexplanationof many
conversions,incomprchensibleto theEu-
ropeanwhounfornrnatelyknows little or
nothingof theQur'an. Hemayalsojudge
it ontheba3isof inaccuraciesfed to him
throughanti-Islamic media.The wonder-
ful charm of this Book, resemblingno
other masterpieceof the literanrre of
mankind,need not be explainedto us,
Muslims, becausewe considerthat it
THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN
The miracles brought by earlier Prophets
had been transient, so to say, and for that
very reason, rapidly forgotten, while that
of the verses (of the Qur'an) may be called
"The Permanent Miracle". Its activity has
been unceasing. Everywhere and at all
hours, each believer, by reciting the ver-
ses, helped to realize the miracle, and in
this can be found the explanation ofmany
conversions, incomprehensible to the Eu-
ropean who unfortunately knows little or
nothing of the Qur'an. He may also judge
it on the basis of inaccuracies fed to him
through anti-Islamic media. The wonder-
ful chann of this Book, resembling no
other masterpiece of the literature of
mankind, need not be explained to us,
Muslims, because we consider that it
66

68. emanatesfromthewords of Allah Him-
self,sent down through the mouth of
His prophet.
In this connection,it may be interesting
to quote the opinion of Savary, a cele-
brated orientalist, who was the first to
translatethemeaning of the Holy Qur'an
into French. He says, "Muhammad was
leamed in the studyof his language,the
richest and the most harmonious in the
world, andwhich, by the composition of
its verses, permits thoughts asthey soar
to be correctly described....Poets were
greatlylookedup to in Arabia.
Labid Ibn Rabyah, an illustrious poet,
nailedoneof his poems on the door of
the Temple of Makkah (Al Kabah). His
reputation and the value of his work kept
67
emanates from the words of Allah Him-
self, sent down through the mouth of
His prophet.
In this connection, it may be interesting
to quote the opinion of Savary, a cele-
brated orientalist, who was the first to
translate the meaning of the Holy Qur'an
into French. He says, "Muhammad was
learned in the study of his language, the
richest and the most harmonious in the
world, and which, by the composition of
its verses, permits thoughts as they soar
to be correctly described.... Poets were
greatly looked up to in Arabia.
Labid Ibn Rabyah, an illustrious poet,
nailed one of his poems on the door of
the Temple of Makkah (AI Ka'bah). His
reputation and the value of his work kept
67

69. all competitorsaway. Nonecirmeforward
to competefor the pize.... The second
chapterof theQur'an was then placedby
the side of the poem. I-abid, althougha
worshipperof graven images,was seized
with a fit of admirationafter readingthe
fint versesand confessedhimseH van-
quished".
Hebecamea convertverysoonafterand
one day, his admirersbeing desirous of
gathering together his complete works,
questionedhim of this subject.'I haveno
recollectionof any of my poetry,'he re-
plied,'for my entire memoryhas beenab-
sorbedby the versesof theBookof Reve-
lation'.
As for theArabof Hijaz,comprehending
the most subtlehints of thelanguageof
68
all competitors away. None came forward
to compete for the prize.... The second
chapter of the Qur'an was then placed by
the side of the poem. Labid, although a
worshipper of graven images, was seized
with a fit of admiration after reading the
first verses and confessed himself van-
quished".
He became a convert very soon after and
one day, his admirers being desirous of
gathering together his complete works,
questioned him of this subject. 'I have no
recollection of any of my poetry,' he re-
plied, 'for my entire memory has been ab-
sorbed by the verses of the Book of Reve-
lation'.
As for the Arab of Hijaz, comprehending
the most subtle hints of the language of
68

70. the Qur'an- his own language- andwho
welcomedthe Surahs as they came out
from the lips of his fellow - countryman:
the genial, inspired Messengerof Allah
(PBUH), that listener wasoverwhelmed
by such sudden surprise that he re-
mainedasif petrified. Could this super-
naturallanguagecomefrom Muhammad
(PBUH), known to be completely illite-
rate andpossessingno other knowledge
than that due to nature and intuition?
This seemed perfectly impossible.The
Arab wastherefore forced to admit that
Muhammad's words were dictated bv
theAlmighry.
Utbah Ibn Rabiyah, one of the noted
idolators- known for his mastery of
Arabic - having heardsomeversesof the
Qur'an from Muhammad, said to his
the Qur'an - his own language - and who
welcomed the Surahs as they came out
from the lips of his fellow - countryman:
the genial, inspired Messenger of Allah
(PBUH), that listener was overwhelmed
by such sudden surprise that he re-
mained as if petrified. Could this super-
natural language come from Muhammad
(PBUH), known to be completely illite-
rate and possessing no other knowledge
than that due to nature and intuition?
This seemed perfectly impossible. The
Arab was therefore forced to admit that
Muhammad's words were dictated by
the Almighty.
Utbah Ibn Rabiyah, one of the noted
idolators - known for his mastery of
Arabic - having heard some verses of the
Qur'an from Muhammad, said to his
69

71. companions,"By our gods! I've never
heardanythinglike it before.It isneither
p@try, nor sorcery,nor magic".
Ailatr had challengedidolators several
timesto imitatetheQur'anor composeten
Surahsor evena SurahresemblingHis:
"If thou art in doubt about what We
have revealedunto Our servant, then
bring one Surahlike it of ttry devising,
and call to thy aid thy witnessesbeside
Allah, if ye are men of truth".(Qur'an,
2:23)
Eloquent men of letters, Arab and
others,couldnot standupto thechallenge
for fourteencenturies.
Besidestheliterarymiracle, thereisthe
70
companions, "By our gods! I've never
heard anything like it before. It is neither
poetry, nor sorcery, nor magic".
Allah had challenged idolators several
times to imitate the Qur'an or compose ten
Surahs or even a Surah resembling His:
"If thou art in doubt about what We
have revealed unto Our servant, then
bong one Surah like it of thy devising,
and call to thy aid thy witnesses beside
Allah, if ye are men of truth". (Qur'an,
2:23)
Eloquent men of letters, Arab and
others, could not stand up to the challenge
for fourteen centuries.
Besides the literary miracle, there is the
70

72. legislativemiracle which becomes clear
after reviewing man-made laws during
the thirty past centuries- that is, since
theexistenceof historical records which
can be refened to up till thepresent.
We takefor example the contemporary
laws which areclaimedto be themost ma-
ture in human history owing to the tre-
mendous development in human know-
ledge,andscientificandmaterialprogress.
Both blocs, Easternand Westem, deny
man's complete submission to Allah's
Law. So legislationin theCapitalistWest
is for the sakeof capitaiismat theexpense
of the working class, andin theCommu-
nist Eastin theinterestof theruling pow-
er at the expense'of thepeople, which
meansthatjusticeis missingin both laws.
In the Westem bloc, constitutions are
7l
legislative miracle which becomes clear
after reviewing man-made laws during
the thirty past centuries - that is, since
the existence of historical records which
can be referred to up till the present.
We take for example the contemporary
laws which are claimed to be the most ma-
ture in human history owing to the tre-
mendous development in human know-
ledge, and scientific and material progress.
Both blocs, Eastern and Western, deny
man's complete submission to Allah's
Law. So legislation in the Capitalist West
is for the sake of capitalism at the expense
of the working class, and in the Commu-
nist East in the interest of the ruling pow-
er at the expense -of the people, which
means that justice is missing in both laws.
In the Western bloc, constitutions are
71

73. interestedmostly in the political aspect
in the Communist
aspect.
of the people'slife;
bloc in theeconomic
Both neglected completely the spirit-
ual, ethical and family codes. Westem
laws consider theindividual soholy that
they causethe communityto disintegrate
morally andsocially,whereasthecorlmu-
nist constitution sanctifiesthe communi-
ty (in fact,the State) in such a way as
to crushthe individual'scharacter.
The constitutionsof both blocs do not
lay down firm internationallaws; they
are changedaccording to political cir-
cumstances.Besides,the moral element
is either missing or very weak in most
of those constitutions; theinterestsof the
ruling classarealwaysdominant.
72
interested mostly in the political aspect
of the people's life; in the Communist
bloc in the economic aspect.
Both neglected completely the splnt-
ual, ethical and family codes. Western
laws consider the individual so holy that
they cause the community to disintegrate
morally and socially, whereas the commu-
nist constitution sanctifies the communi-
ty (in fact, the State) in such a way as
to crush the individual's character.
The constitutions of both blocs do not
lay down finn international laws; they
are changed according to political cir-
cumstances. Besides, the moml element
is either missing or very weak in most
of those constitutions; the interests of the
ruling class are always dominant.
72

74. In contrast, the miracle of the Qur'anic
I-egislation is easilyobvious. At thevery
beginning, the Qur'an decidesthat Allah
alone is entitled to legislate.This proves
the justice of this legislation because
Allah hasno interest in wronging people
or partiality to oneclass againstanother.
Allah is alsoWell - Aware of the weHare
of His creatures,who would be ruledby
His Law on thebasisof equality.
The Qur'anic Law comprehends all
fields of human life with the same de-
greeof importance.The Qur'anhasnever
neglectedany aspectsof life, nor has it
allowedone aspectto outbalanceothers.
The phenomenon of comprehensiveness
andbalance is oneof the most outstanding
featuresof Islam and Islamic Legislation
in all domains.Thereis a completebalance
73
In contrast, the miracle of the Qur'anic
Legislation is easily obvious. At the very
beginning, the Qur'an decides that Allah
alone is entitled to legislate. This proves
the justice of this legislation because
Allah has no interest in wronging people
or partiality to one class against another.
Allah is also Well - Aware of the welfare
of His creatures, who would be ruled by
His Law on the basis of equality.
The Qur'anic Law comprehends all
fields of human life with the same de-
gree of importance. The Qur'an has never
neglected any aspects of life, nor has it
allowed one aspect to outbalance others.
The phenomenon of comprehensiveness
and balance is one of the most outstanding
features of Islam and Islamic Legislation
in all domains.There is a complete balance
73

75. between the individual and society, for
both haverights anddutiesandneitherhas
a sacredexistenceat the expenseof the
other. Allah is the Lord of all, andall are
equalin His service.
The Islamic Law includesfixed interna-
tional codes in peaceandwar. The moral
element is an essentialpart of thelaw,
whether in politics, economics,society,
family organization,or individualrelations
andtransactions.
An exampleof theIslamicapplicationof
law is thatrelatingto theprohibitionof li-
quors. All 'civilized'
countries couldn't
stopliquor addiction.But theIslamiccom-
communityis theonly onein which liquor
drinking haslessenedto thelowestdegree,
because the IslamicLaw is based on
74
· between the individual and society, for
both have rights and duties and neither has
a sacred existence at the expense of the
other. Allah is the Lord of all, and all are
equal in His service.
The Islamic Law includes fixed interna-
tional codes in peace and war. The moral
element is an essential part of the law,
whether in politics, economics, society,
family organization, or individual relations
and transactions.
An example of the Islamic application of
law is that relating to the prohibition of li-
quors. All 'civilized' countries couldn't
stop liquor addiction. But the Islamic com-
community is the only one in which liquor
drinking has lessened to the lowest degree,
because the Islamic Law is based on
74

76. belief,while non-Islamicl-aws are based
onpower.
Anotheraspectof theQu/anicmiracleis
thescientificone.TheQur'anspokeabout
universalandscientific facts unknownto
Arabsor anyother nation at the time of
itsrevelation.It is onlylatelythat science
hasdiscoveredsomeof thosefacts.
This provesunmistakablythatAllah is
theRevealerof the Qur'an and no man
couldevercomposeit. In fact, the Qur'an
is not a book for teachingchemistry,
geometryor medicine;ratherit is aBook
of Guidance.Yet it pointsto theLaws of
Creationand facts of science.Allah, the
Creatorof man and everything, has told
that Hewoulduncoverto men,especial-
ly learnedmen and scientists,the clear
75
belief, while non-Islamic Laws are based .
on power.
Another aspect of the Qur'anic miracle is
the scientific one. The Qur'an spoke about
universal and scientific facts unknown to
Arabs or any other nation at the time of
its revelation. It is only lately that science
has discovered some of those facts.
This proves unmistakably that Allah is
the Revealer of the Qur'an and no man
could ever compose it. In fact, the Qur'an
is not a book for teaching chemistry,
geometry or medicine; rather it is a Book
of Guidance. Yet it points to the Laws of
Creation and facts of science. Allah, the
Creator of man and everything, has told
that He would uncover to men, especial-
ly learned men and scientists, the clear
75

77. signs in the Qur'an in order that they
may prove the truthfulness of the Mes-
sageof Islam.
" Soon will We show them Our
Signsin the(furthest)regions(of the
earth)andin their own souls,until it
becomesmanifest to them thatthis
is thetruth . Is it not enoughthatthy
Lord doth witnessall things"?
(Quran,41:53)
1) "We made from water every
living thing'. (Qur'an,2l:30)
Wateris essentialfor life.Nootherliquid
is suitabie for biological interactions.It
hasbeenproved by sorne researchersthat
somebacteriacanlive wittroutair. but not
without water.
76
signs in the Qur'an in order that they
may prove the truthfulness of the Mes-
sage of Islam.
"Soon will We show them Our
Signs in the (furthest) regions (of the
earth) and in their own souls, until it
becomes manifest to them that this
is the truth. Is it not enough that thy
Lord doth witness all things"?
(Quran, 41 :53)
1) "We made from water every
living thing'. (Qur'an, 21 :30)
Water is essential for life.No other liquid
is suitable for biological interactions. It
has been proved by some researchers that
some bacteria can live without air, but not
without water.
76

78. 2) "And verily in cattle (too) will ye
find an instructive sign. From
what is within their bodies, bet-
weenexcretions and blood We
produce, for your drink, milk,
pure andagreeableto thosewho
drink it." ( Qur an,16:66)
After the recent developmentof anato-
my and magnifying instruments,biolo-
gists studiedmilk formation and found
that digestiveenzymes change food into
excretionsthat flow throughthe small in-
testines,whereblood vessel absorb dis-
solved alimentary substance which is
carriedby blood to the lactic glands that
absorb lactic matter from blood. Thus
milk is formed from between excretions
and blood as mentioned in the Qur'anic
verse.
2) "And verily in cattle (too) will ye
find an instructive sign. From
what is within their bodies, bet-
ween excretions and blood We
produce, for your drink, milk,
pure and agreeable to those who
drink it." ( Qur'an, 16:66)
After the recent development of anato-
my and magnifying instruments, biolo-
gists studied milk formation and found
that digestive enzymes change food into
excretions that flow through the small in-
testines, where blood vessel absorb dis-
solved alimentary substance which is
carried by blood to the lactic glands that
absorb lactic matter from blood. Thus
milk is formed from between excretions
and blood as mentioned in the Qur'anic
verse.
77