My presentation on "An Introduction to Islam"

1. Introduction to IslamIntroduction to Islam
Bahar Bastani MDBahar Bastani MD
Professor of Medicine – NephrologyProfessor of Medicine – Nephrology
Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis University

2. DefinitionsDefinitions
 Islam: means submission and peaceIslam: means submission and peace
 Muslim: the one who follows IslamMuslim: the one who follows Islam
 Islamic: related to the faith of IslamIslamic: related to the faith of Islam

3. AllahAllah
 Arabic word for “The God”Arabic word for “The God”
 alal: the definite article “the”: the definite article “the”
 ilahilah: god, deity: god, deity

5. Attributes of AllahAttributes of Allah
 Ninety nine names (the Merciful, the Just,Ninety nine names (the Merciful, the Just,
the Seeing, the Hearing, the Knowing, thethe Seeing, the Hearing, the Knowing, the
Loving, the Gentle, …)Loving, the Gentle, …)
 Allah is One, Unique, nothing beyond HimAllah is One, Unique, nothing beyond Him
 Omnipresent and OmnipotentOmnipresent and Omnipotent
 Allah has great love for His creaturesAllah has great love for His creatures
 He is all Merciful and BenevolentHe is all Merciful and Benevolent

6. Principle Beliefs of IslamPrinciple Beliefs of Islam
 Tauheed: Oneness of GodTauheed: Oneness of God
 Nabuwat: ProphethoodNabuwat: Prophethood
 Qiyamat: The Day of JudgmentQiyamat: The Day of Judgment
 Adl: Divine JusticeAdl: Divine Justice
 Imamat: Apostolic ImamsImamat: Apostolic Imams

7. Prophets named in Quran (# 25)Prophets named in Quran (# 25)
AdamAdam
Idris (Enoch)Idris (Enoch)
Nuh (Noah)Nuh (Noah)
HudHud
SalehSaleh
Ibrahim (Abraham)Ibrahim (Abraham)
Isma'il (Ishmael)Isma'il (Ishmael)
Ishaq (Isaac)Ishaq (Isaac)
Lut (Lot)Lut (Lot)
Ya'qub (Jacob)Ya'qub (Jacob)
Yousef (Joseph)Yousef (Joseph)
Shu'aibShu'aib
Ayyub (Job)Ayyub (Job)
Musa (Moses)Musa (Moses)
Harun (Aaron)Harun (Aaron)
Dhu'l-kifl (Ezekiel)Dhu'l-kifl (Ezekiel)
Dawud (David)Dawud (David)
Sulaiman (Solomon)Sulaiman (Solomon)
Ilias (Elias)Ilias (Elias)
Al-Yasa (Elisha)Al-Yasa (Elisha)
Yunus (Jonah)Yunus (Jonah)
Zakariyya (Zechariah)Zakariyya (Zechariah)
Yahya (John)Yahya (John)
Isa (Jesus)Isa (Jesus)
MuhammadMuhammad

8. North
South
West East
Saudi Arabia

9. Masjid Al-Nabi in MadinaMasjid Al-Nabi in Madina

11. ShahadaShahada
(declaration of faith)(declaration of faith)
““There is no deity but theThere is no deity but the
God (Allah), and MohammadGod (Allah), and Mohammad
is a messenger of the God.”is a messenger of the God.”

12. The Doctrines of IslamThe Doctrines of Islam
 Salat: five daily prayersSalat: five daily prayers
 Sawm: fasting in the month of RamadanSawm: fasting in the month of Ramadan
 Zakat: charity (wealth tax)Zakat: charity (wealth tax)
 Hajj: pilgrimage to MeccaHajj: pilgrimage to Mecca
 Khums: one fifth levyKhums: one fifth levy
 Jihad: struggleJihad: struggle
 Amr bil Ma’aroof: to enjoin virtueAmr bil Ma’aroof: to enjoin virtue
 Nahi unil Munkar: to forbid viceNahi unil Munkar: to forbid vice
 Tawalla: to love divine personsTawalla: to love divine persons
 Tabarra: to keep away from enemies of divine personsTabarra: to keep away from enemies of divine persons

13. The 5 Pillars of IslamThe 5 Pillars of Islam
 Shahada: there is no deity but the God, andShahada: there is no deity but the God, and
Mohammad is a messenger of the GodMohammad is a messenger of the God
 Salat: five daily prayersSalat: five daily prayers
 Sawm: fasting in the month of RamadanSawm: fasting in the month of Ramadan
 Zakat: charity (wealth tax)Zakat: charity (wealth tax)
 Hajj: pilgrimage to MeccaHajj: pilgrimage to Mecca

14. SALATSALAT
(prayer)(prayer)
 Five daily prayers:Five daily prayers:
– Before sunriseBefore sunrise
– NoonNoon
– AfternoonAfternoon
– After sunsetAfter sunset
– At nightAt night
 ““Fard” are obligatoryFard” are obligatory
 ““Sunnah” are offered as theSunnah” are offered as the
Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) did.Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) did.
 Missed prayersMissed prayers

15. SAWMSAWM
(fasting)(fasting)
 Ramadan : 9Ramadan : 9thth
lunar monthlunar month
 Dawn to duskDawn to dusk
 Abstain from eating, drinking, sexualAbstain from eating, drinking, sexual
gratificationgratification
 Must include works of charityMust include works of charity
 ““Refresher course” for the yearRefresher course” for the year
– Refrain from anger, backbiting, hurtingRefrain from anger, backbiting, hurting
people, be a model Muslim.people, be a model Muslim.
– Compassion for poorCompassion for poor

16. ZAKATZAKAT
(charity)(charity)
 Obligatory for able personObligatory for able person
 Calculated to be at leastCalculated to be at least
2.5% of your savings per2.5% of your savings per
yearyear
 ““Charity begins at home.”Charity begins at home.”
 EducationEducation

17. HAJJHAJJ
(pilgrimage)(pilgrimage)
 Performed in the 12Performed in the 12thth
month of Muslimmonth of Muslim
calendarcalendar
 Performed in MeccaPerformed in Mecca
 Obligatory once in a lifetime for thoseObligatory once in a lifetime for those
who are financially able and healthywho are financially able and healthy

18. Kabba and Masjid Ul HaramKabba and Masjid Ul Haram

19. JIHADJIHAD
 MeansMeans Struggle / Endure HardshipStruggle / Endure Hardship
 DoesDoes NOTNOT mean holy warmean holy war
 Jihad is major and minorJihad is major and minor
– Major jihad is striving to be a betterMajor jihad is striving to be a better
Muslim, to struggle against one’s ego toMuslim, to struggle against one’s ego to
bring spiritual purification and growthbring spiritual purification and growth
– ““The best Jihad is the conquest of the self”The best Jihad is the conquest of the self”
– ““The best Jihad is that of speaking a word ofThe best Jihad is that of speaking a word of
truth to an unjust ruler”truth to an unjust ruler”
– Jihad also means protecting yourself, yourJihad also means protecting yourself, your
family, your property and your country.family, your property and your country.

20. JIHADJIHAD
 The Islamic Tradition unequivocally condemnsThe Islamic Tradition unequivocally condemns
any type of aggression towards innocentany type of aggression towards innocent
civilians, animals, plants or even buildings.civilians, animals, plants or even buildings.
 Islam dose not sanction armed struggle exceptIslam dose not sanction armed struggle except
when opposing an aggressor who occupieswhen opposing an aggressor who occupies
another’s land or in order to help removeanother’s land or in order to help remove
oppression from oppressed people.oppression from oppressed people.
 The Islamic Tradition forbids suicide.The Islamic Tradition forbids suicide.
 No matter what hardships and afflictions aNo matter what hardships and afflictions a
person experiences, it can never justify doingperson experiences, it can never justify doing
anything, which contradicts Islam’s Ethicalanything, which contradicts Islam’s Ethical
Framework.Framework.

21. Unlawfulness of KillingUnlawfulness of Killing
 ““For this reason did We prescribe to theFor this reason did We prescribe to the
children of Israel that whoever slays achildren of Israel that whoever slays a
soul, unless it be for manslaughter or forsoul, unless it be for manslaughter or for
mischief in the land, it is as though hemischief in the land, it is as though he
slew all men; and whoever keeps itslew all men; and whoever keeps it
alive, it is as though he kept alive all menalive, it is as though he kept alive all men
…..” (5: 32)…..” (5: 32)

22. Similarities of Islam, Christianity & JudaismSimilarities of Islam, Christianity & Judaism
 MonotheismMonotheism
 Hereafter / Day of JudgmentHereafter / Day of Judgment
 ProphetsProphets
 Angelical WorldAngelical World
 Children of AbrahamChildren of Abraham
 People of the BookPeople of the Book
 Works of charityWorks of charity
 PrayersPrayers
 FastingFasting
 Dietary rulesDietary rules

23. Similarities in Moral SystemSimilarities in Moral System
 Respect for parents especially motherRespect for parents especially mother
 Condemnation of murder, stealing,Condemnation of murder, stealing,
adultery, lyingadultery, lying
 Respect for lawRespect for law
 ““Rights of neighbors”Rights of neighbors”

24. Similarities in Moral CodeSimilarities in Moral Code
 ““And remember We took a covenant from theAnd remember We took a covenant from the
Children of Israel (to this effect): Worship noneChildren of Israel (to this effect): Worship none
but the God; treat with kindness your parents andbut the God; treat with kindness your parents and
kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fairkindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair
to the people; be steadfast in prayer; and practiceto the people; be steadfast in prayer; and practice
regular charity. Then you turned back except a fewregular charity. Then you turned back except a few
of you and (now too) you turn aside.” (2: 83)of you and (now too) you turn aside.” (2: 83)
 ““And remember We took your covenant (to thisAnd remember We took your covenant (to this
effect): Shed no blood amongst you, nor turn outeffect): Shed no blood amongst you, nor turn out
your own people from your homes ….. (“2: 84)your own people from your homes ….. (“2: 84)

25. Is Islam the Only Accepted Religion by God?Is Islam the Only Accepted Religion by God?
 ““Surely the (true) religion with Allah is Islam, ....” (3: 19)Surely the (true) religion with Allah is Islam, ....” (3: 19)
 ““And whoever desires a religion other than Islam, it shallAnd whoever desires a religion other than Islam, it shall
not be accepted from him, and in the hereafter he shall benot be accepted from him, and in the hereafter he shall be
one of the losers.” (3: 85)one of the losers.” (3: 85)
 ““And the same did Ibrahim enjoin on his sons and (soAnd the same did Ibrahim enjoin on his sons and (so
did) Yaqoub. O my sons! surely Allah has chosen fordid) Yaqoub. O my sons! surely Allah has chosen for
you (this) faith, therefore die not unless you areyou (this) faith, therefore die not unless you are
Muslims.” (2: 132)Muslims.” (2: 132)
Islam =Islam = Submission to His WillSubmission to His Will

26. Who Will be Saved by God?Who Will be Saved by God?
 ““And they say: None shall enter paradise exceptAnd they say: None shall enter paradise except
he who is a Jew or a Christian. These are theirhe who is a Jew or a Christian. These are their
vain desires. Say: Bring your proof if you arevain desires. Say: Bring your proof if you are
truthful.” (2: 111)truthful.” (2: 111)
 ““Yes! Whoever submits himself entirely toYes! Whoever submits himself entirely to
Allah and he is the doer of good (to others) heAllah and he is the doer of good (to others) he
has his reward from his Lord, and there is nohas his reward from his Lord, and there is no
fear for him nor shall he grieve.” (2: 112)fear for him nor shall he grieve.” (2: 112)

27. Recognition of other FaithsRecognition of other Faiths
 ““Surely those who believe and those who areSurely those who believe and those who are
Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians,Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians,
whoever believes in Allah and the last day andwhoever believes in Allah and the last day and
does good, they shall have their reward fromdoes good, they shall have their reward from
their Lord, and there is no fear for them, northeir Lord, and there is no fear for them, nor
shall they grieve.” (2:62 & 5:69)shall they grieve.” (2:62 & 5:69)
 ““Yes! Whoever submits himself entirely toYes! Whoever submits himself entirely to
Allah and he is the doer of good (to others) heAllah and he is the doer of good (to others) he
has his reward from his Lord, and there is nohas his reward from his Lord, and there is no
fear for him nor shall he grieve.” (2: 112)fear for him nor shall he grieve.” (2: 112)

28. Recognition of other FaithsRecognition of other Faiths
 Moses, the Hebrew Prophets and JesusMoses, the Hebrew Prophets and Jesus
(peace be upon them) are deeply(peace be upon them) are deeply
respected in Quran.respected in Quran.
 The Virgin Mary holds the most exaltedThe Virgin Mary holds the most exalted
spiritual position among all women inspiritual position among all women in
Quran – a chapter is named after herQuran – a chapter is named after her

29. Recognition of other FaithsRecognition of other Faiths
 Surely We revealed the Taurat (to Moses) in which wasSurely We revealed the Taurat (to Moses) in which was
guidance and light; with it the prophets who submittedguidance and light; with it the prophets who submitted
themselves (to Allah) judged (matters) for those whothemselves (to Allah) judged (matters) for those who
were Jews, .... 5:44were Jews, .... 5:44
 And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary,And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary,
confirming the Law that had come before him: We sentconfirming the Law that had come before him: We sent
him the Gospel: therein was guidance and light, andhim the Gospel: therein was guidance and light, and
confirmation of the Law that had come before him inconfirmation of the Law that had come before him in
Taurat: a guidance and an admonition to those whoTaurat: a guidance and an admonition to those who
fear Allah. 5:46fear Allah. 5:46

30. People of The BookPeople of The Book
 If they had observed the Torah and the GospelIf they had observed the Torah and the Gospel
and all the revelation that was sent to themand all the revelation that was sent to them
from their Lord, they would have enjoyedfrom their Lord, they would have enjoyed
happiness from every side. There is amonghappiness from every side. There is among
them a party on the right course: but many ofthem a party on the right course: but many of
them follow a course that is evil. (5:66)them follow a course that is evil. (5:66)
 Say: O followers of the Book! you follow noSay: O followers of the Book! you follow no
good till you keep up the Torah and the Gospelgood till you keep up the Torah and the Gospel
and that which is revealed to you from yourand that which is revealed to you from your
Lord; ….. (Lord; ….. (5:685:68 ))

31. Praising Some People of the BookPraising Some People of the Book
 ““They are not all alike; of the followers of theThey are not all alike; of the followers of the
Book there is an upright party; they recite Allah’sBook there is an upright party; they recite Allah’s
communications in the night time and they adorecommunications in the night time and they adore
Him. They believe in Allah and the last day, andHim. They believe in Allah and the last day, and
they enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong,they enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong,
and they strive with one another in hastening toand they strive with one another in hastening to
good deeds, and those are among the good. Andgood deeds, and those are among the good. And
whatever good they do, they shall not be denied ofwhatever good they do, they shall not be denied of
it, and Allah knows those who guard (againstit, and Allah knows those who guard (against
evil).” (3: 113-115)evil).” (3: 113-115)
 ““And amongst the followers of Moses there is aAnd amongst the followers of Moses there is a
party who guide people with the truth, and doparty who guide people with the truth, and do
justice.” (7:159)justice.” (7:159)

32. Kindness of the Followers of JesusKindness of the Followers of Jesus
 ““Then We made Our messengers toThen We made Our messengers to
follow in their footsteps, and We sentfollow in their footsteps, and We sent
Jesus, son of Mary, to follow, and gaveJesus, son of Mary, to follow, and gave
him the Gospel, and We put in the heartshim the Gospel, and We put in the hearts
of those who followed him kindness andof those who followed him kindness and
mercy; …..” (57:27)mercy; …..” (57:27)

33. Violence Against Idolaters?Violence Against Idolaters?
 ““And fight in the way of AllahAnd fight in the way of Allah with those who fight with you,with those who fight with you,
and do not exceed the limits, surely Allah does not love thoseand do not exceed the limits, surely Allah does not love those
who exceed the limits.” (2: 190)who exceed the limits.” (2: 190)
 ““And kill them wherever you find them, and drive them outAnd kill them wherever you find them, and drive them out
from whence they drove you out, for persecution is worse thanfrom whence they drove you out, for persecution is worse than
slaughter, and do not fight with them at the Sacred Mosqueslaughter, and do not fight with them at the Sacred Mosque
until they fight with you in it, but if they do fight you,until they fight with you in it, but if they do fight you, then slaythen slay
them; such is the recompense of the unbelieversthem; such is the recompense of the unbelievers.” (2: 191).” (2: 191)
 ““But if they desist, then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.”But if they desist, then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.”
(2: 192)(2: 192)
 ““And fight with themAnd fight with them until there is no persecution,until there is no persecution, and religionand religion
should be only for Allahshould be only for Allah, but if they desist, then there should be, but if they desist, then there should be
no hostility except against the oppressors.” (2: 193)no hostility except against the oppressors.” (2: 193)

34. No Compulsion in ReligionNo Compulsion in Religion
 ““There is no compulsion in religion; trulyThere is no compulsion in religion; truly
the right way has become clearly distinctthe right way has become clearly distinct
from error; therefore, whoever disbelievesfrom error; therefore, whoever disbelieves
in the Satan and believes in Allah, hein the Satan and believes in Allah, he
indeed has laid hand on the firmestindeed has laid hand on the firmest
handle, which shall not break off, andhandle, which shall not break off, and
Allah is hearing, Knowing”. (2: 256)Allah is hearing, Knowing”. (2: 256)

35. How to Dispute?How to Dispute?
 ““And do not dispute with the followers ofAnd do not dispute with the followers of
the Book except by what is best, exceptthe Book except by what is best, except
those of them who act unjustly, and say:those of them who act unjustly, and say:
"We believe in the revelation which has"We believe in the revelation which has
come down to us and in that which camecome down to us and in that which came
down to you; Our God and your God isdown to you; Our God and your God is
one; and to Him do we submit.” (29:46)one; and to Him do we submit.” (29:46)

36. Finding Common GroundsFinding Common Grounds
 "O People of the Book! come to common terms as"O People of the Book! come to common terms as
between us and you: That we worship none butbetween us and you: That we worship none but
God; that we associate no partners with Him;God; that we associate no partners with Him;
that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lordsthat we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords
and patrons other than God. But if then theyand patrons other than God. But if then they
turn back, then say: Bear witness that we areturn back, then say: Bear witness that we are
they who have surrendered unto Him.” (3:64)they who have surrendered unto Him.” (3:64)

37. Equality of All ProphetsEquality of All Prophets
 ““Say, We believe in God, and in what has beenSay, We believe in God, and in what has been
revealed to us and what was revealed torevealed to us and what was revealed to
Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes,Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes,
and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, andand in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and
the prophets, from their Lord. we make nothe prophets, from their Lord. we make no
distinction between any of them, and to Him dodistinction between any of them, and to Him do
we submit.” (3:84)we submit.” (3:84)

38. God is the Origin of OurGod is the Origin of Our
DiversityDiversity
 ““We have given a law and a way of lifeWe have given a law and a way of life
to each of you. Had God wanted, Heto each of you. Had God wanted, He
could have made you into one nation,could have made you into one nation,
but he wanted to see who are the morebut he wanted to see who are the more
pious ones among you. Compete withpious ones among you. Compete with
each other in righteousness. All of youeach other in righteousness. All of you
will return to God who will tell you thewill return to God who will tell you the
truth in the matter of your differences.”truth in the matter of your differences.”
(5: 48)(5: 48)

39. God is the Origin of OurGod is the Origin of Our
DiversityDiversity
‫شاء‬َ ‫و‬ْ ‫ل‬َ ‫و‬َ ‫جا‬ً ‫ها‬َ ‫ن‬ْ ‫م‬ِ ‫و‬َ ‫ة‬ً ‫ع‬َ ‫ر‬ْ ‫ش‬ِ ‫م‬ْ ‫ك‬ُ ‫من‬ِ ‫نا‬َ ‫ل‬ْ ‫ع‬َ ‫ج‬َ ‫ل‬ّ ‫ك‬ُ ‫ل‬ِ
‫في‬ِ ‫م‬ْ ‫ك‬ُ ‫و‬َ ‫ل‬ُ ‫ب‬ْ ‫ي‬َ ‫ل‬ّ ‫كن‬ِ ‫لـ‬َ ‫و‬َ ‫ة‬ً ‫د‬َ ‫ح‬ِ ‫وا‬َ ‫ة‬ً ‫م‬ّ ‫أ‬ُ ‫م‬ْ ‫ك‬ُ ‫ل‬َ ‫ع‬َ ‫ج‬َ ‫ل‬َ ‫ه‬ُ ‫ل‬ّ ‫ال‬
‫ا‬ ‫لى‬َ ‫إ‬ِ ‫ت‬ِ ‫را‬َ ‫ي‬ْ ‫خ‬َ ‫ال‬ ‫قوا‬ُ ‫ب‬ِ ‫ت‬َ ‫س‬ْ ‫فا‬َ ‫كم‬ُ ‫تا‬َ ‫آ‬ ‫مآ‬َ
‫ه‬ِ ‫في‬ِ ‫م‬ْ ‫ت‬ُ ‫كن‬ُ ‫ما‬َ ‫ب‬ِ ‫كم‬ُ ‫ئ‬ُ ‫ب‬ّ ‫ن‬َ ‫ي‬ُ ‫ف‬َ ‫عا‬ً ‫مي‬ِ ‫ج‬َ ‫م‬ْ ‫ك‬ُ ‫ع‬ُ ‫ج‬ِ ‫ر‬ْ ‫م‬َ
‫ن‬َ ‫فو‬ُ ‫ل‬ِ ‫ت‬َ ‫خ‬ْ ‫ت‬َ5:48

40. Equality of All MankindEquality of All Mankind
 ““O you men! Surely We have created youO you men! Surely We have created you
of a male and a female, and made youof a male and a female, and made you
into tribes and families that you mayinto tribes and families that you may
know each other; surely the mostknow each other; surely the most
honorable of you with Allah is the onehonorable of you with Allah is the one
among you most careful (of his/heramong you most careful (of his/her
duties); surely Allah is Knowing,duties); surely Allah is Knowing,
Aware.” (49: 13)Aware.” (49: 13)

41. Rights of Women in IslamRights of Women in Islam
 Right to own propertyRight to own property
 Access to educationAccess to education
 Islamic inheritance lawsIslamic inheritance laws
 EmploymentEmployment
 Participation in social and political lifeParticipation in social and political life
 Dress codeDress code
 Consent in marriageConsent in marriage

42. POLYGAMYPOLYGAMY
 ““Allowed” but not encouragedAllowed” but not encouraged
 DivorceDivorce
 Marrying “People of The Book”Marrying “People of The Book”

43. SECOND COMING OFSECOND COMING OF
JESUS (PBUH)JESUS (PBUH)

44. Muslim DistributionMuslim Distribution

45. What is Catholic attitude Towards IslamWhat is Catholic attitude Towards Islam
““The Catholic Church rejects nothing of what isThe Catholic Church rejects nothing of what is
true and holy in these (world) religions.”true and holy in these (world) religions.”
Vatican Council IIVatican Council II
(Nostra Aetate)(Nostra Aetate)
October 28, 1965October 28, 1965

46. ““The Church has a high regard for Muslims. TheyThe Church has a high regard for Muslims. They
worship God, who is one, living and subsistent,worship God, who is one, living and subsistent,
merciful and mighty, the Creator of heaven and earth,merciful and mighty, the Creator of heaven and earth,
who has also spoken to men. They strive to submitwho has also spoken to men. They strive to submit
themselves without reserve to the hidden decrees ofthemselves without reserve to the hidden decrees of
God, just as Abraham submitted himself to God’s plan,God, just as Abraham submitted himself to God’s plan,
to whose faith Muslims eagerly link their own.to whose faith Muslims eagerly link their own.
Although not acknowledging him as God, they venerateAlthough not acknowledging him as God, they venerate
Jesus as a prophet, his virgin Mother they also honor,Jesus as a prophet, his virgin Mother they also honor,
and even at times devoutly invoke. Further, they awaitand even at times devoutly invoke. Further, they await
the Day of Judgment and the reward of God followingthe Day of Judgment and the reward of God following
the resurrection of the dead. For this reason theythe resurrection of the dead. For this reason they
highly esteem an upright life and worship Godhighly esteem an upright life and worship God
especially by way of prayer, alms-deeds and fasting.”especially by way of prayer, alms-deeds and fasting.”
Vatican Council II (October 28, 1965)Vatican Council II (October 28, 1965)

47.  ““At this moment, I wish to extend a special wordAt this moment, I wish to extend a special word
of esteem and friendship to all the members ofof esteem and friendship to all the members of
the Muslim community . . . Like the prophetthe Muslim community . . . Like the prophet
Abraham, we are all pilgrims of the path ofAbraham, we are all pilgrims of the path of
seeking to do God’s will in everything. Althoughseeking to do God’s will in everything. Although
we differ in many ways, there are importantwe differ in many ways, there are important
elements of our respective faiths which can serveelements of our respective faiths which can serve
as a basis of fruitful dialogue.” (Pope John Paulas a basis of fruitful dialogue.” (Pope John Paul
II in Gambia, 2-23-94)II in Gambia, 2-23-94)

48. All HeAll He
Very beautifully once a poet put it in wordsVery beautifully once a poet put it in words
As precious pearls wisely packed in simple words.As precious pearls wisely packed in simple words.
That one may reach in his journey to a pointThat one may reach in his journey to a point
He would only see God’s faces from that point.He would only see God’s faces from that point.
In the blue sky, the stars, and the bright sunIn the blue sky, the stars, and the bright sun
In the darkness of the night or the impending dawnIn the darkness of the night or the impending dawn
In the moments of happiness, and sadness tooIn the moments of happiness, and sadness too
In the true battlefield, and the chess field tooIn the true battlefield, and the chess field too
In the wind, the rain, and the flying beesIn the wind, the rain, and the flying bees
In the flowers dancing with the morning breezeIn the flowers dancing with the morning breeze
In the water, sand, and rocks alikeIn the water, sand, and rocks alike
In the beautiful face of the girl you likeIn the beautiful face of the girl you like

49. In all, and whatever visible aroundIn all, and whatever visible around
He would see God’s presence, all aroundHe would see God’s presence, all around
Since he gave up his heart in the gamble of loveSince he gave up his heart in the gamble of love
Since he found God solely in the kingdom of loveSince he found God solely in the kingdom of love
Since he chose love as his true religionSince he chose love as his true religion
Since he freed his heart like a flying pigeonSince he freed his heart like a flying pigeon
He could see that Muslims, Jews, and Christians alikeHe could see that Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike
Have in common like many streams in a grand parkHave in common like many streams in a grand park
The same spring from it all came aroundThe same spring from it all came around
The same ocean to it all will turn aroundThe same ocean to it all will turn around
That to the number of people in our grand worldThat to the number of people in our grand world
Are the number of paths to our gracious LordAre the number of paths to our gracious Lord
That only in a heart enlightened with loveThat only in a heart enlightened with love
May God settle down as a glorious loveMay God settle down as a glorious love