Presentation on how Qur'an view the critical topic of Islam and Humanity. Please share your comments and questions. Jazakallah khairun.

1. Islam and Humanity Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmad * Prof. Ahmad is meritorious professor and Vice Chancellor, Riphah International University, Islamabad. He is also Editor-in-Chief of quarterly journal West & Islam, Islamabad. He can be contacted at anis@anisahmad.com and anis@riphah.edu.pk.

3. A backward, fundamentalist, violent “religion”

4. Discriminating towards women

5. Devoid of democratic political tradition

6. Nostalgic obsession with Islamic state

7. Muslim Perceptions:

8. Personal faith

9. A set of legal penalties

10. Spiritual way

13. “Indeed al-din with Allah is al-Islam” (al-i-Imran, 3:19)

14. “This day I have perfected din for you and completed My favor unto you and have chosen for you al-Islam as din” (al-Ma’idah, 5:3)

15. The Qur’an uses the term din in its most comprehensive meaning, i.e. as the only ‘natural way’ that creates a rapport between man and universe:

17. The term din has also been used in the Qur’an to indicate Allah’s sovereignty (hakmiyyah) in political, social and economic matters. Therefore, all human transactions have to be done in the light of ethical and legal commands and directives given in the Qur’an “Those who worship besides Him are but names which you have named, you and your forefathers. Allah has revealed no sanctions for them. Sovereignty rests with Allah only, who has commanded you that you worship none save Him. This is the right din (din-al-qayyim), but most men know not” (Yusuf, 12:40)

18. Realization of din also refers to establishment of a fair, objective, transparent and ethical legal system in society: “The adulterer and adulteress scourge you each one of them (with) a hundred stripes. And let no pity for the twain withhold you from following the din of Allah, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a party of believers witness their punishment” (al-Nur, 24:2)

19. Equity and Equality of Mankind “O mankind (ya ayuhannas), be careful of your duty to your Lord, Who created you from a single soul and from it created its mate and out of the two spread many men and women” (al-Nisa, 4:1) Ethical and moral transcendence: “Human beings, We created you all from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Verily the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most Allah-conscious of you…” (al-Hujurat, 49:13)

20. Independent existence of humankind “Surely We created man in the best mould…” (al-Tin, 95:4) Man as vicegerent of Allah: “And when your Lord said to the Angels: Lo, I am about to place a vicegerent on earth…” (al-Baqarah, 2:30)

21. Islam as message for the whole of humanity “O mankind! There has come to you an exhortation from your Lord, a healing for the ailments of the hearts and a guidance and mercy for those who believe” (Yunus, 10:57) “The month of Ramadan in which We revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind, and clear proof of the guidance and the Criterion (of right and wrong)” (al-Baqarah, 2:185)

22. The Prophet (PBUH) sent for whole of mankind “O people! I am Allah’s Messenger to you all – of Him to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. There is no god but He” (al-A’raf, 7:158) “We have sent you to mankind (O Muhammad) as a Messenger and Allah is sufficient as a witness” (al-Nisa, 4:79) “This is a plain exposition for mankind, and a guidance and admonition for the Allah-fearing” (al-i-Imran, 3:138)

23. Guidance for mankind “O mankind, a proof has come to you from your Lord, and we have sent down to you a clear light (nuran mubina)” (al-Nisa, 4:174)

24. Unity of Mankind “Once all human beings were but a single community, then they disagreed (and formulated different beliefs and rites)” (Yunus, 10:19)

25. Call for global ethical order “O mankind, serve your Lord Who has created you and those before you so that you may ward off (evil)” (al-Baqarah, 2:21)

26. Realization of ‘adl, or an equitable legal order “We have revealed to you this Book with the Truth so that you may judge between people in accordance with what Allah has shown to you” (al-Nisa, 4:105)

27. Global responsibility of the Ummah towards mankind “Thus we have appointed you a middle Ummah, that you might be witnesses to all mankind and the Messenger might be a witness to you” (al-Baqarah, 2:143) “And strive for Allah (wajahidu fi Allahey) with the endeavor which is His right. He has chosen you and has not laid upon you in din any hardship; keep to the faith of your father Ibrahim. He has named you Muslims of old time and in this (scripture) that the Messenger may be a witness for you and that you may be a witness over all mankind. So establish (system of) prayer and zakah and hold faith to Allah, He is your Protector, what an excellent Protector, what an excellent Helper” (al-Hajj, 22:78)

28. Conclusion Islam is not a religion in the traditional meaning of this term as rituals, worship, ceremonies and festivals. Islam is the message of peace and justice for the whole of humanity. It calls for establishment of a global ethical order. It calls for moderation and balance, and fulfillment of man’s social responsibility.

29. Wama tawfiqi illa bi Allah And Shukran December 22, 2009