Who is a Muslim?
Islam is universal
 Allah‫:ﷻ‬ Creator/Sustainer of the Worlds
 Muhammad‫:ﷺ‬ Mercy to the Worlds
 Qur’an: Guidance for all Mankind
 Last Word: No change till the Last Day
No compulsion on anyone to follow it
1489 years ago
Alaq 96: 1. Read! In the Name of your Rabb, Who
created (all that exists),
2. (He) created man from a clot,
3. Read! And your Rabb is the Most Generous,
4. Who taught by the pen,
5. (He) taught man that which he knew not.
The first word revealed was, ‘Read’.
And then…
 Khadija bint Khuwailid (R) took him to her cousin
Waraqa bin Nawfal who said:
 Waraqa said, “This was Al Mamoos-al Akbar, the
same one who keeps the secrets whom Allah‫ﷻ‬ had
sent to Moses (Jibreel ). I wish I were young and
could live up to the time when your people would
turn you out.”
 “There has come to him the greatest Law that came
to Moses; surely he is the prophet of the people.”
Qur’an is the Spoken Word
What is reading?
La e-la-ha ill-allahu Wah-da-hu la sha-
reeka-lahu
So did you read that?
What does it mean?
So did you read it or not if you don’t
know what it means?
What does it mean to say, ‘READ!’?
Read, but what?
1. The Open Book – The Universe
2. The Book you must open….
– The Qur’an
So let us read……..
To read means to understand the message
Bar-tailed godwit
11,500 km nonstop from
Alaska to New Zealand in
9 days and nights
Ruby Throated
Hummingbird
(Weighs 4.5 grams)
Gulf of Mexico (500 miles – North/South)
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Flies nonstop for 26 hours and
crosses the Gulf of Mexico
Average speed of 25 mph (40 kmph)
its range is 606 miles (975 km)
Al-Mulk: 67: 19 Do they not see the birds above
them, spreading out their wings and folding them
in? None upholds them except Ar-Rahman. Verily,
He is the All-Seer of everything.
َ‫ف‬ ِ‫ر‬ْ‫ي‬َّ‫ط‬‫ال‬‫ى‬َ‫ل‬ِ‫إ‬‫ا‬ْ‫و‬َ‫ر‬َ‫ي‬ ْ‫م‬َ‫ل‬َ‫و‬َ‫أ‬ٍ‫ات‬َّ‫اف‬َ‫ص‬ ْ‫م‬ُ‫ه‬َ‫ق‬ْ‫و‬
َّ‫ن‬ُ‫ه‬ُ‫ك‬ِ‫س‬ْ‫م‬ُ‫ي‬ ‫ا‬َ‫م‬ َ‫ن‬ْ‫ض‬ِ‫ب‬ْ‫ق‬َ‫ي‬َ‫و‬ُ‫ه‬َّ‫ن‬ِ‫إ‬ ُ‫ن‬َ‫م‬ْ‫ح‬َّ‫الر‬ َّ‫َّل‬ِ‫إ‬ِ‫ل‬ُ‫ك‬ِ‫ب‬
‫ير‬ِ‫ص‬َ‫ب‬ ٍ‫ء‬ْ‫ي‬َ‫ش‬
Question
If you were to create an animal
which had to camouflage and
match texture and color exactly –
which senses would you say
would be critical for it?
What did we read?
‫ا‬ َ‫ش‬ َ‫ي‬ ‫ن‬ َ‫م‬ َ‫ة‬ َ‫م‬ ْ‫ك‬ ِ‫ح‬ ْ‫ال‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫ؤت‬ ُ‫ي‬‫ء‬
َ‫ق‬ َ‫ف‬ َ‫ة‬ َ‫م‬ ْ‫ك‬ ِ‫ح‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫ت‬ ْ‫ؤ‬ ُ‫ي‬ ‫ن‬ َ‫م‬ َ‫و‬ْ‫د‬
‫ا‬ َ‫م‬ َ‫و‬ ‫ا‬ ً‫ير‬ ِ‫ث‬ َ‫ك‬ ‫ا‬ ً‫ر‬ ْ‫ي‬ َ‫خ‬ َ‫ي‬ ِ‫وت‬ ُ‫أ‬
ْ‫وا‬ ُ‫ل‬ ْ‫و‬ ُ‫أ‬ َّ‫ال‬ ِ‫إ‬ ُ‫ر‬ َّ‫ك‬ َّ‫ذ‬ َ‫ي‬
ِ‫اب‬ َ‫ب‬ ْ‫ل‬ َ‫األ‬Baqara 2: 269. He grants Hikmah (wisdom) to whom He
pleases, and he, to whom Hikmah (wisdom) is granted, is
indeed granted abundant wealth. But none remember
(recognize the signs) except people of understanding.
And to have wisdom in our
approach
How does it work?
The Qur’an
 Literal Word of God – Speech of Allah‫ﷻ‬
 Spoken Word – First listened to before being
written and read
 It entered the heart and changed lives
 It speaks of the Glory & Majesty of Our Creator – of
His Mercy & Forgiveness – of His Love and our
meeting with Him
Introduction, Invitation, Challenge
– A Message of Love
Why do we exist?
Dhariyaat 51: 56. And I (Allah) created not the jinns
and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).
57. I seek not any provision from them (i.e. provision
for themselves or for My creatures) nor do I ask that
they should feed Me (i.e. feed themselves or My
creatures). 58. Verily, Allah is the All-Provider, Owner
of Power, the Most Powerful.
Ya’abudoon is also Ya’arifoon
We worship Him because we recognize Him
How to do that?
A’al Imraan 3: 31. Say (O Muhammad to
mankind): “If you (really) love Allah then
emulate me (Qur’an & Sunnah), Allah will
love you and forgive your sins. And Allah is
Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
Emulating the Prophet‫ﷺ‬ is worship
It’s result is the love of Allah‫.ﷻ‬
He introduced Himself
Glory & Majesty
 Baqara 2: 255. Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to
be worshipped but He), the Ever Living, the One Who sustains
and protects all that exists. Neither dozing, nor sleep overtake
Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever
is on earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with
His Permission? He knows what happens to them (His
creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the
Hereafter . And they will never have anything of His
Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi extends over
the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding
and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most
Great.
His Glorious Attributes
 Hashr 59: 22. He is Allah, other than Whom there is nobody
worthy of worship. The All-Knower of the unseen and the seen
(open). He is the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
 23. He is Allah, other than Whom there is nobody worthy of
worship. The King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the
Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-
Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allah! (High is
He) above all that they associate as partners with Him.
 24. He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the
Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names . All that is
in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-
Mighty, the All-Wise.
Allah‫ﷻ‬ the One
Ikhlaas 112: 1. Say (O Muhammad‫:)ﷺ‬ “He is
Allah, (the) One.”
2. “Allah-us-Samad (The Self-Sufficient
Master, Whom all creatures need).
3. “He begets not, nor was He begotten;
4. “And there is none equal or comparable
unto Him.”
We worship Allah‫ﷻ‬
1. The One Who is free from all constraints
2. The One Who is not like us in any way
3. The One Who created and was not created
4. The One who forgives anyone who asks
5. The One whose Mercy overcomes His anger
6. The One to Whom we will all return
Because only He is worthy of worship
This defines our relationship
Direct address
Ta-ha 20: 14 “Verily! I am Allah! La
ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be
worshipped but I), so worship Me, and
establish As-Salat (The Prayer) for My
Remembrance.”
Because the relationship is One-to-one
And promised His help
Our connection is direct
Baqara 2: 186 And when My slaves ask you (O
Muhammad) concerning Me, then (answer
them), I am indeed near.
I respond to the invocations of the supplicant
when he calls on Me.
So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that
they may be rightly guided.
We ask and He answers
His forgiveness, infinite
Zumar 39: 53 Say: “O! Ibadi (My slaves)
who have transgressed against themselves
(by committing evil deeds and sins)!
Despair not of the Mercy of Allah, verily Allah
forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving,
Most Merciful.”
All we have to do is ask
Those who know Him
‫ن‬ ِ‫م‬ ُ‫ذ‬ ِ‫خ‬ َّ‫ت‬ َ‫ي‬ ‫ن‬ َ‫م‬ ِ‫اس‬ َّ‫الن‬ َ‫ن‬ ِ‫م‬ َ‫و‬ِ‫ون‬ ُ‫د‬
َ‫ك‬ ْ‫م‬ ُ‫ه‬ َ‫ون‬ ُّ‫ب‬ ِ‫ح‬ ُ‫ي‬ ً‫ادا‬ َ‫ند‬ َ‫أ‬ ِ‫ه‬‫اّلل‬ِ‫ه‬‫اّلل‬ ِّ‫ب‬ ُ‫ح‬
‫ب‬ ُ‫ح‬ ُّ‫د‬ َ‫ش‬ َ‫أ‬ ْ‫وا‬ ُ‫ن‬ َ‫آم‬ َ‫ين‬ ِ‫ذ‬ َّ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬‫ا‬
ِ‫ه‬ ‫ه‬‫ِّل‬‫ل‬
Love Him above all else
Baqara 2: 165 And of mankind are some who take (for
worship) others besides Allah as rivals (to Allah). They love
them as they love Allah. But those who believe, love Allah
more (than anything else).
Love defines the relationship
1. Taqwa means to fear to offend the
One we love above all else
2. Taqwa is the highest expression of
love and connection with Allah‫ﷻ‬
3. More the love, more the Taqwa
The connection is called Taqwa
Deuteronomy: 6
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God,
the LORD is one.
Love the LORD your God with all your
heart and with all your soul and with
all your strength.
The message is always the same
Muhammad‫ﷺ‬
Why was he sent?
Al-Anbiya 21: 107 And We
have sent you (O Muhammad)
but (only) as a mercy for
the A’alameen (all that exists).
The essence of Mercy is forgiveness
What was his message?
ْ‫ل‬ ُ‫ق‬َّ‫ي‬ َ‫ل‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ى‬ َ‫وح‬ ُ‫ي‬ ‫ا‬ َ‫م‬ َّ‫ن‬ ِ‫إ‬
ٌ‫ه‬ َ‫ل‬ ِ‫إ‬ ْ‫م‬ ُ‫ك‬ ُ‫ه‬ َ‫ل‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ا‬ َ‫م‬ َّ‫ن‬ َ‫أ‬ٌ‫د‬ ِ‫اح‬ َ‫و‬
‫م‬ ُ‫نت‬ َ‫أ‬ ْ‫ل‬ َ‫ه‬ َ‫ف‬َ‫ون‬ ُ‫م‬ ِ‫ل‬ ْ‫س‬ ُّ‫م‬
Al-Anbiya 21: 108. Say (O Muhammad ): "It is
revealed to me that your Ilah (God) is only
one Ilah (God - Allah). Will you then submit to His
Will (become Muslims)?"
Good character
 “I have only been sent to perfect good
moral character.” [Musnad Ahmad]
 “Nothing weighs heavier in the balance
on the Day of Judgement than good
character. Allah‫ﷻ‬ hates that which is
wanton and base.” [Trimidhī & Abī Dāwūd]
Islam teaches us how to live in this world
Faith empowers
Esa (Jesus) said to his Apostles:
“I tell you the truth, if you had faith even
as small as a mustard seed, you could say
to this mountain, ‘Move from here to
there,’ and it would move.
Nothing would be impossible.”
Taqwa is about developing this faith
It’s not something new
of Muhammad‫ﷺ‬ and how does it
help me?
 Qur’an and Sunnah – Message & Method
 Forgiveness of Allah‫ﷻ‬ to be reflected in
forgiveness on earth between people
 Charity as an act of worship
 Egalitarianism – brotherhood of mankind and of
faith (Not only of Faith)
 A legal system before which there is absolute
equality between Muslim and non-Muslim, rich
and poor, powerful and powerless
What is his legacy?
 Complete equality in rights of people with no
distinction between Muslim and non-Muslim
 Rights for women that they don’t have to this day
even in the so-called Free World
 A Constitution (first such document in history)
which guarantees equal rights for everyone
irrespective of faith
 An unparalleled example of personal life as a
guidance to all humankind
What is his legacy?
No discrimination
ْ‫ق‬ َ‫ل‬ َ‫خ‬ ‫ا‬ َّ‫ن‬ ِ‫إ‬ ُ‫اس‬ َّ‫الن‬ ‫ا‬ َ‫ه‬ ُّ‫ي‬ َ‫أ‬ ‫ا‬ َ‫ي‬‫م‬ ُ‫اك‬ َ‫ن‬
ْ‫م‬ ُ‫اك‬ َ‫ن‬ ْ‫ل‬ َ‫ع‬ َ‫ج‬ َ‫و‬ ‫ى‬ َ‫نث‬ ُ‫أ‬ َ‫و‬ ٍ‫ر‬ َ‫ك‬ َ‫ذ‬ ‫ِّن‬‫م‬
َّ‫ن‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫وا‬ ُ‫ف‬ َ‫ار‬ َ‫ع‬ َ‫ت‬ ِ‫ل‬ َ‫ل‬ ِ‫ائ‬ َ‫ب‬ َ‫ق‬ َ‫و‬ ‫ا‬ ً‫وب‬ ُ‫ع‬ ُ‫ش‬
ُ‫اك‬ َ‫ق‬ ْ‫ت‬ َ‫أ‬ َِّ‫اّلل‬ َ‫ند‬ ِ‫ع‬ ْ‫م‬ ُ‫ك‬ َ‫م‬ َ‫ر‬ ْ‫ك‬ َ‫أ‬َّ‫ن‬ ِ‫إ‬ ْ‫م‬
ٌ‫ير‬ ِ‫ب‬ َ‫خ‬ ٌ‫يم‬ ِ‫ل‬ َ‫ع‬ ََّ‫اّلل‬
Hujuraat 49: 13. O mankind! We have created you from a
male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes,
that you may recognize one another. Verily, the most
honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-
Taqwa. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.
And the Prophet‫ﷺ‬ said..
“He is not of us who advocates the cause of
racial discrimination, he is not of us who fights
in the cause of racial discrimination and he is
not of us who dies in the cause of racial
discrimination.” (Abu Dawud)
Nationalism is not patriotic.
It is racism
Complete equality in all respects
ِ‫م‬ َ‫ات‬ َ‫ح‬ ِ‫ال‬ َّ‫الص‬ َ‫ن‬ ِ‫م‬ ْ‫ل‬ َ‫م‬ ْ‫ع‬ َ‫ي‬ ‫ن‬ َ‫م‬ َ‫و‬‫ن‬
ٌ‫ن‬ ِ‫م‬ ْ‫ؤ‬ ُ‫م‬ َ‫و‬ ُ‫ه‬ َ‫و‬ ‫ى‬ َ‫نث‬ ُ‫أ‬ ْ‫و‬ َ‫أ‬ ٍ‫ر‬ َ‫ك‬ َ‫ذ‬
َ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬ َ‫ة‬ َّ‫ن‬ َ‫ج‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫ون‬ ُ‫ل‬ ُ‫خ‬ ْ‫د‬ َ‫ي‬ َ‫ك‬ ِ‫ـئ‬ َ‫ل‬ ْ‫و‬ ُ‫أ‬ َ‫ف‬
‫ا‬ ً‫ير‬ ِ‫ق‬ َ‫ن‬ َ‫ون‬ ُ‫م‬ َ‫ل‬ ْ‫ظ‬ ُ‫ي‬
Nisa 4: 124. And whoever does righteous good deeds,
male or female, and is a true believer in the Oneness of
Allah, they will enter Jannah (Paradise) and not the least
injustice, even to the size of a Naqira (speck on the back
of a date-stone), will be done to them.
ِ‫ات‬ َ‫ن‬ ِ‫م‬ ْ‫ؤ‬ ُ‫م‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬ َ‫ين‬ ِ‫ن‬ ِ‫م‬ ْ‫ؤ‬ ُ‫م‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬
ِ‫ات‬ َ‫ت‬ ِ‫ان‬ َ‫ق‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬ َ‫ين‬ ِ‫ت‬ ِ‫ان‬ َ‫ق‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬
ِ‫ات‬ َ‫ق‬ ِ‫اد‬ َّ‫الص‬ َ‫و‬ َ‫ين‬ ِ‫ق‬ ِ‫اد‬ َّ‫الص‬ َ‫و‬
ِ‫ات‬ َ‫ر‬ ِ‫اب‬ َّ‫الص‬ َ‫و‬ َ‫ين‬ ِ‫ر‬ ِ‫اب‬ َّ‫الص‬ َ‫و‬
ِ‫ات‬ َ‫ع‬ ِ‫اش‬ َ‫خ‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬ َ‫ين‬ ِ‫ع‬ ِ‫اش‬ َ‫خ‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬
ِ‫ات‬ َ‫ِّق‬‫د‬ َ‫ص‬ َ‫ت‬ ُ‫م‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬ َ‫ين‬ ِ‫ِّق‬‫د‬ َ‫ص‬ َ‫ت‬ ُ‫م‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬
ِ‫ات‬ َ‫م‬ ِ‫ائ‬ َّ‫الص‬ َ‫و‬ َ‫ين‬ ِ‫م‬ ِ‫ائ‬ َّ‫الص‬ َ‫و‬
ْ‫م‬ ُ‫ه‬ َ‫وج‬ ُ‫ر‬ ُ‫ف‬ َ‫ين‬ ِ‫ظ‬ ِ‫اف‬ َ‫ح‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬
ََّ‫اّلل‬ َ‫ين‬ ِ‫ر‬ ِ‫اك‬ َّ‫الذ‬ َ‫و‬ ِ‫ات‬ َ‫ظ‬ ِ‫اف‬ َ‫ح‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬
 Ahzab 33: 35. Verily, the Muslims men and women, the
believers men and women, the men and the women who are
obedient (to Allah), the men and women who are truthful
(in their speech and deeds), the men and the women who
are patient, the men and the women who are humble
(before Allah), the men and the women who give
Sadaqat (charity), the men and the women who fast, the
men and the women who guard their chastity and the men
and the women who remember Allah much with their
hearts and tongues Allah has prepared for them forgiveness
and a great reward.
Husbands & Wives
ُ‫ك‬ َ‫ل‬ َ‫ق‬ َ‫ل‬ َ‫خ‬ ْ‫ن‬ َ‫أ‬ ِ‫ه‬ ِ‫ات‬ َ‫آي‬ ْ‫ن‬ ِ‫م‬ َ‫و‬‫م‬
‫ا‬ ً‫اج‬ َ‫و‬ ْ‫ز‬ َ‫أ‬ ْ‫م‬ ُ‫ك‬ ِ‫س‬ ُ‫نف‬ َ‫أ‬ ْ‫ِّن‬‫م‬
َ‫ل‬ َ‫ع‬ َ‫ج‬ َ‫و‬ ‫ا‬ َ‫ه‬ ْ‫ي‬ َ‫ل‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫وا‬ ُ‫ن‬ ُ‫ك‬ ْ‫س‬ َ‫ِّت‬‫ل‬
ِ‫إ‬ ً‫ة‬ َ‫م‬ ْ‫ح‬ َ‫ر‬ َ‫و‬ ً‫ة‬ َّ‫د‬ َ‫و‬ َّ‫م‬ ‫م‬ ُ‫ك‬ َ‫ن‬ ْ‫ي‬ َ‫ب‬‫ي‬ ِ‫ف‬ َّ‫ن‬
َ‫ف‬ َ‫ت‬ َ‫ي‬ ٍ‫م‬ ْ‫و‬ َ‫ِّق‬‫ل‬ ٍ‫ات‬ َ‫ي‬ َ‫َل‬ َ‫ك‬ ِ‫ل‬ َ‫ذ‬َ‫ون‬ ُ‫ر‬ َّ‫ك‬
Rum 30: 21. And among His Signs is this, that He created
for you spouses from among yourselves, that you may find
tranquility in them, and He put between you affection and
mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for people who
reflect.
Treatment of wives
“The best among you is the best towards his
wife, and I am the best of you to my wives.”
(Ibn Majah)
“The most complete of the believers in faith,
is the one with the best character. And the
best of you are those who are best to their
women.” (At-Tirmidhi )
When all around us is despair
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What remains today?
1.5 billion people
across nations,
nationalities, races
and geographies
who love him and
believe in him and
accept his message
Even if they have to die
because of that
When Muslims are in authority
Treatment of non-Muslims
Rasoolullah‫ﷺ‬ warned Muslims in
authority:
“If any man oppresses a non-Muslim or
tries him beyond his strength, I will be the
advocate for the oppressed before
Allah‫”.ﷻ‬
Charter of Privileges in 628 C.E to the monks
of St. Catherine’s Monastery at Mount Sinai.
“This is a message from Muhammad ibn Abdullah,
as a covenant to those who adopt Christianity, near
and far; We are with them. Verily I, the servants, the
helpers, and my followers defend them, because
Christians are my citizens; and by Allah! I hold out
against anything that displeases
them. No compulsion is to be on them. Neither are
their judges to be removed from their jobs nor their
monks from their monasteries. No one is to destroy
a house of their religion, to damage it, or to carry
anything from it to the Muslims'
houses. Should anyone take any of these, he would
spoil God's covenant and disobey His Prophet. Verily,
they are my allies and have my secure charter
against all that they hate. No one is to force them to
travel or to oblige them to fight. The Muslims are to
fight for them. If a female Christian is married to a
Muslim, it is not to take place without her approval.
She is not to be prevented from visiting her church
to pray. Their churches are to be respected. They are
neither to be prevented from repairing them nor
the sacredness of their covenants violated. No
one of the nation (Muslims) is to disobey the
covenant till the Last Day (end of the world).”
English translation from ‘Muslim History: 570 – 1950 C.E.’ by Dr. A.
Zahoor and Dr. Z. Haq, ZMD Corporation. P.O. Box 8231 –
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8231 – Copyright Akram Zahoor 2000. P. 167.
Treaty of Omar ibn Al Khattab
“In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate.
This is the assurance of safety which the servant of God,
Umar, the Commander of the Faithful, has given to the
people of Jerusalem. He has given them an assurance of
safety for themselves, for their property, their churches,
their crosses, the sick and healthy of the city and for all
the rituals which belong to their religion. Their churches
will not be inhabited by Muslims and will not be
destroyed. Neither they, nor the land on which they
stand, nor their cross, nor their property will be damaged.
They will not be forcibly converted.”
She’s surrendering because she thinks the camera is a gun
When we have been brutalised by
cruelty
After Malik al-Kamil, Salahuddin Ayyubi’s
nephew defeated the Franks during
the Crusades, Oliverus Scholasticus
praised the Islamic laws of war,
commenting on how al-Kamil supplied
the defeated Frankish army with food.
They left us benchmarks
“Who could doubt that such goodness,
friendship and charity come from God? Men
whose parents, sons and daughters, brothers
and sisters, had died in agony at our hands,
whose lands we took, whom we drove naked
from their homes, revived us with their own
food when we were dying of hunger and
showered us with kindness even when we were
in their power.”
~ Oliverus Scholasticus
When that is a capital crime
Nisa 4: 135. O you who believe! Stand out
firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even
though it is against yourselves, or your
parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor, Allah is
a Better Protector of both (than you). So
follow not the lusts (of your hearts) so that
you may not be unjust and if you distort your
witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever
Well-Acquainted with what you do.
Harvard Law School quoted this Ayah of the
Qur’an as one of the greatest expressions of
justice in the world.
https://www.cair.com/press-center/american-muslim-
news/12359-harvard-recognizes-quranic-verse-as-one-of-the-
greatest-expressions-of-justice.html
Stop injustice
Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri reported: Rasoolullah‫ﷺ‬
said, “Whoever amongst you sees an evil, he must
change it with his hand; if he is unable to do so,
then with his tongue; and if he is unable to do so,
then with his heart (he must hate it in his heart);
and that is the weakest form of Faith.” [Muslim].
Because the silence of the good
is the best aid to the evil
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
 “Cowardice asks the question - Is it safe?
Expediency asks the question - Is it politic?
Vanity asks the question - Is it popular? But
conscience asks the question - Is it right?
 And there comes a time when one must take
a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor
popular…..
But one must take it because it is right.
About problems that don’t
directly affect us
Criterion for the Best
A’al Imraan 3:110 You are the best of people
selected for the benefit of the people
The Prophet‫ﷺ‬ said, “The best of people is
the one who is the most beneficial to the
people.”
Spread Peace
The Prophet‫ﷺ‬ said: O! you people, spread
peace, feed people, be kind to your
relatives and pray at night when others
are asleep, and you will enter Jannah
(Paradise) safely. [Tirmidi, Ibn Majah]
Because only actions deliver results
Are Islamic values of….
1. Love
2. Responsibility
3. Accountability
4. Equality
5. Mercy
6. Justice
7. Compassion
8. Courage
Worth struggling for in today’s world?
Does Islam make sense?
www.mhmic.org

Who is a Muslim?

  • 1.
    Who is aMuslim?
  • 3.
    Islam is universal Allah‫:ﷻ‬ Creator/Sustainer of the Worlds  Muhammad‫:ﷺ‬ Mercy to the Worlds  Qur’an: Guidance for all Mankind  Last Word: No change till the Last Day No compulsion on anyone to follow it
  • 4.
    1489 years ago Alaq96: 1. Read! In the Name of your Rabb, Who created (all that exists), 2. (He) created man from a clot, 3. Read! And your Rabb is the Most Generous, 4. Who taught by the pen, 5. (He) taught man that which he knew not. The first word revealed was, ‘Read’.
  • 5.
    And then…  Khadijabint Khuwailid (R) took him to her cousin Waraqa bin Nawfal who said:  Waraqa said, “This was Al Mamoos-al Akbar, the same one who keeps the secrets whom Allah‫ﷻ‬ had sent to Moses (Jibreel ). I wish I were young and could live up to the time when your people would turn you out.”  “There has come to him the greatest Law that came to Moses; surely he is the prophet of the people.” Qur’an is the Spoken Word
  • 6.
    What is reading? Lae-la-ha ill-allahu Wah-da-hu la sha- reeka-lahu So did you read that? What does it mean? So did you read it or not if you don’t know what it means? What does it mean to say, ‘READ!’?
  • 7.
    Read, but what? 1.The Open Book – The Universe 2. The Book you must open…. – The Qur’an So let us read…….. To read means to understand the message
  • 8.
    Bar-tailed godwit 11,500 kmnonstop from Alaska to New Zealand in 9 days and nights
  • 9.
  • 10.
    Gulf of Mexico(500 miles – North/South) Ruby-throated Hummingbird Flies nonstop for 26 hours and crosses the Gulf of Mexico Average speed of 25 mph (40 kmph) its range is 606 miles (975 km)
  • 11.
    Al-Mulk: 67: 19Do they not see the birds above them, spreading out their wings and folding them in? None upholds them except Ar-Rahman. Verily, He is the All-Seer of everything. َ‫ف‬ ِ‫ر‬ْ‫ي‬َّ‫ط‬‫ال‬‫ى‬َ‫ل‬ِ‫إ‬‫ا‬ْ‫و‬َ‫ر‬َ‫ي‬ ْ‫م‬َ‫ل‬َ‫و‬َ‫أ‬ٍ‫ات‬َّ‫اف‬َ‫ص‬ ْ‫م‬ُ‫ه‬َ‫ق‬ْ‫و‬ َّ‫ن‬ُ‫ه‬ُ‫ك‬ِ‫س‬ْ‫م‬ُ‫ي‬ ‫ا‬َ‫م‬ َ‫ن‬ْ‫ض‬ِ‫ب‬ْ‫ق‬َ‫ي‬َ‫و‬ُ‫ه‬َّ‫ن‬ِ‫إ‬ ُ‫ن‬َ‫م‬ْ‫ح‬َّ‫الر‬ َّ‫َّل‬ِ‫إ‬ِ‫ل‬ُ‫ك‬ِ‫ب‬ ‫ير‬ِ‫ص‬َ‫ب‬ ٍ‫ء‬ْ‫ي‬َ‫ش‬
  • 12.
    Question If you wereto create an animal which had to camouflage and match texture and color exactly – which senses would you say would be critical for it?
  • 13.
  • 14.
    ‫ا‬ َ‫ش‬ َ‫ي‬‫ن‬ َ‫م‬ َ‫ة‬ َ‫م‬ ْ‫ك‬ ِ‫ح‬ ْ‫ال‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫ؤت‬ ُ‫ي‬‫ء‬ َ‫ق‬ َ‫ف‬ َ‫ة‬ َ‫م‬ ْ‫ك‬ ِ‫ح‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫ت‬ ْ‫ؤ‬ ُ‫ي‬ ‫ن‬ َ‫م‬ َ‫و‬ْ‫د‬ ‫ا‬ َ‫م‬ َ‫و‬ ‫ا‬ ً‫ير‬ ِ‫ث‬ َ‫ك‬ ‫ا‬ ً‫ر‬ ْ‫ي‬ َ‫خ‬ َ‫ي‬ ِ‫وت‬ ُ‫أ‬ ْ‫وا‬ ُ‫ل‬ ْ‫و‬ ُ‫أ‬ َّ‫ال‬ ِ‫إ‬ ُ‫ر‬ َّ‫ك‬ َّ‫ذ‬ َ‫ي‬ ِ‫اب‬ َ‫ب‬ ْ‫ل‬ َ‫األ‬Baqara 2: 269. He grants Hikmah (wisdom) to whom He pleases, and he, to whom Hikmah (wisdom) is granted, is indeed granted abundant wealth. But none remember (recognize the signs) except people of understanding.
  • 15.
    And to havewisdom in our approach
  • 16.
  • 17.
    The Qur’an  LiteralWord of God – Speech of Allah‫ﷻ‬  Spoken Word – First listened to before being written and read  It entered the heart and changed lives  It speaks of the Glory & Majesty of Our Creator – of His Mercy & Forgiveness – of His Love and our meeting with Him Introduction, Invitation, Challenge – A Message of Love
  • 18.
    Why do weexist? Dhariyaat 51: 56. And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone). 57. I seek not any provision from them (i.e. provision for themselves or for My creatures) nor do I ask that they should feed Me (i.e. feed themselves or My creatures). 58. Verily, Allah is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Powerful. Ya’abudoon is also Ya’arifoon We worship Him because we recognize Him
  • 19.
    How to dothat? A’al Imraan 3: 31. Say (O Muhammad to mankind): “If you (really) love Allah then emulate me (Qur’an & Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” Emulating the Prophet‫ﷺ‬ is worship It’s result is the love of Allah‫.ﷻ‬
  • 20.
  • 21.
    Glory & Majesty Baqara 2: 255. Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither dozing, nor sleep overtake Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter . And they will never have anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.
  • 22.
    His Glorious Attributes Hashr 59: 22. He is Allah, other than Whom there is nobody worthy of worship. The All-Knower of the unseen and the seen (open). He is the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.  23. He is Allah, other than Whom there is nobody worthy of worship. The King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All- Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him.  24. He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names . All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All- Mighty, the All-Wise.
  • 23.
    Allah‫ﷻ‬ the One Ikhlaas112: 1. Say (O Muhammad‫:)ﷺ‬ “He is Allah, (the) One.” 2. “Allah-us-Samad (The Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need). 3. “He begets not, nor was He begotten; 4. “And there is none equal or comparable unto Him.”
  • 24.
    We worship Allah‫ﷻ‬ 1.The One Who is free from all constraints 2. The One Who is not like us in any way 3. The One Who created and was not created 4. The One who forgives anyone who asks 5. The One whose Mercy overcomes His anger 6. The One to Whom we will all return Because only He is worthy of worship
  • 25.
    This defines ourrelationship
  • 26.
    Direct address Ta-ha 20:14 “Verily! I am Allah! La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so worship Me, and establish As-Salat (The Prayer) for My Remembrance.” Because the relationship is One-to-one
  • 27.
  • 28.
    Our connection isdirect Baqara 2: 186 And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near. I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me. So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be rightly guided. We ask and He answers
  • 29.
    His forgiveness, infinite Zumar39: 53 Say: “O! Ibadi (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah, verily Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” All we have to do is ask
  • 30.
    Those who knowHim ‫ن‬ ِ‫م‬ ُ‫ذ‬ ِ‫خ‬ َّ‫ت‬ َ‫ي‬ ‫ن‬ َ‫م‬ ِ‫اس‬ َّ‫الن‬ َ‫ن‬ ِ‫م‬ َ‫و‬ِ‫ون‬ ُ‫د‬ َ‫ك‬ ْ‫م‬ ُ‫ه‬ َ‫ون‬ ُّ‫ب‬ ِ‫ح‬ ُ‫ي‬ ً‫ادا‬ َ‫ند‬ َ‫أ‬ ِ‫ه‬‫اّلل‬ِ‫ه‬‫اّلل‬ ِّ‫ب‬ ُ‫ح‬ ‫ب‬ ُ‫ح‬ ُّ‫د‬ َ‫ش‬ َ‫أ‬ ْ‫وا‬ ُ‫ن‬ َ‫آم‬ َ‫ين‬ ِ‫ذ‬ َّ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬‫ا‬ ِ‫ه‬ ‫ه‬‫ِّل‬‫ل‬ Love Him above all else Baqara 2: 165 And of mankind are some who take (for worship) others besides Allah as rivals (to Allah). They love them as they love Allah. But those who believe, love Allah more (than anything else).
  • 31.
    Love defines therelationship 1. Taqwa means to fear to offend the One we love above all else 2. Taqwa is the highest expression of love and connection with Allah‫ﷻ‬ 3. More the love, more the Taqwa The connection is called Taqwa
  • 32.
    Deuteronomy: 6 Hear, OIsrael: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. The message is always the same
  • 33.
  • 34.
    Why was hesent? Al-Anbiya 21: 107 And We have sent you (O Muhammad) but (only) as a mercy for the A’alameen (all that exists). The essence of Mercy is forgiveness
  • 35.
    What was hismessage? ْ‫ل‬ ُ‫ق‬َّ‫ي‬ َ‫ل‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ى‬ َ‫وح‬ ُ‫ي‬ ‫ا‬ َ‫م‬ َّ‫ن‬ ِ‫إ‬ ٌ‫ه‬ َ‫ل‬ ِ‫إ‬ ْ‫م‬ ُ‫ك‬ ُ‫ه‬ َ‫ل‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ا‬ َ‫م‬ َّ‫ن‬ َ‫أ‬ٌ‫د‬ ِ‫اح‬ َ‫و‬ ‫م‬ ُ‫نت‬ َ‫أ‬ ْ‫ل‬ َ‫ه‬ َ‫ف‬َ‫ون‬ ُ‫م‬ ِ‫ل‬ ْ‫س‬ ُّ‫م‬ Al-Anbiya 21: 108. Say (O Muhammad ): "It is revealed to me that your Ilah (God) is only one Ilah (God - Allah). Will you then submit to His Will (become Muslims)?"
  • 36.
    Good character  “Ihave only been sent to perfect good moral character.” [Musnad Ahmad]  “Nothing weighs heavier in the balance on the Day of Judgement than good character. Allah‫ﷻ‬ hates that which is wanton and base.” [Trimidhī & Abī Dāwūd] Islam teaches us how to live in this world
  • 37.
    Faith empowers Esa (Jesus)said to his Apostles: “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” Taqwa is about developing this faith
  • 38.
  • 39.
    of Muhammad‫ﷺ‬ andhow does it help me?
  • 40.
     Qur’an andSunnah – Message & Method  Forgiveness of Allah‫ﷻ‬ to be reflected in forgiveness on earth between people  Charity as an act of worship  Egalitarianism – brotherhood of mankind and of faith (Not only of Faith)  A legal system before which there is absolute equality between Muslim and non-Muslim, rich and poor, powerful and powerless What is his legacy?
  • 41.
     Complete equalityin rights of people with no distinction between Muslim and non-Muslim  Rights for women that they don’t have to this day even in the so-called Free World  A Constitution (first such document in history) which guarantees equal rights for everyone irrespective of faith  An unparalleled example of personal life as a guidance to all humankind What is his legacy?
  • 42.
  • 43.
    ْ‫ق‬ َ‫ل‬ َ‫خ‬‫ا‬ َّ‫ن‬ ِ‫إ‬ ُ‫اس‬ َّ‫الن‬ ‫ا‬ َ‫ه‬ ُّ‫ي‬ َ‫أ‬ ‫ا‬ َ‫ي‬‫م‬ ُ‫اك‬ َ‫ن‬ ْ‫م‬ ُ‫اك‬ َ‫ن‬ ْ‫ل‬ َ‫ع‬ َ‫ج‬ َ‫و‬ ‫ى‬ َ‫نث‬ ُ‫أ‬ َ‫و‬ ٍ‫ر‬ َ‫ك‬ َ‫ذ‬ ‫ِّن‬‫م‬ َّ‫ن‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫وا‬ ُ‫ف‬ َ‫ار‬ َ‫ع‬ َ‫ت‬ ِ‫ل‬ َ‫ل‬ ِ‫ائ‬ َ‫ب‬ َ‫ق‬ َ‫و‬ ‫ا‬ ً‫وب‬ ُ‫ع‬ ُ‫ش‬ ُ‫اك‬ َ‫ق‬ ْ‫ت‬ َ‫أ‬ َِّ‫اّلل‬ َ‫ند‬ ِ‫ع‬ ْ‫م‬ ُ‫ك‬ َ‫م‬ َ‫ر‬ ْ‫ك‬ َ‫أ‬َّ‫ن‬ ِ‫إ‬ ْ‫م‬ ٌ‫ير‬ ِ‫ب‬ َ‫خ‬ ٌ‫يم‬ ِ‫ل‬ َ‫ع‬ ََّ‫اّلل‬ Hujuraat 49: 13. O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may recognize one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At- Taqwa. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.
  • 44.
    And the Prophet‫ﷺ‬said.. “He is not of us who advocates the cause of racial discrimination, he is not of us who fights in the cause of racial discrimination and he is not of us who dies in the cause of racial discrimination.” (Abu Dawud) Nationalism is not patriotic. It is racism
  • 45.
  • 46.
    ِ‫م‬ َ‫ات‬ َ‫ح‬ِ‫ال‬ َّ‫الص‬ َ‫ن‬ ِ‫م‬ ْ‫ل‬ َ‫م‬ ْ‫ع‬ َ‫ي‬ ‫ن‬ َ‫م‬ َ‫و‬‫ن‬ ٌ‫ن‬ ِ‫م‬ ْ‫ؤ‬ ُ‫م‬ َ‫و‬ ُ‫ه‬ َ‫و‬ ‫ى‬ َ‫نث‬ ُ‫أ‬ ْ‫و‬ َ‫أ‬ ٍ‫ر‬ َ‫ك‬ َ‫ذ‬ َ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬ َ‫ة‬ َّ‫ن‬ َ‫ج‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫ون‬ ُ‫ل‬ ُ‫خ‬ ْ‫د‬ َ‫ي‬ َ‫ك‬ ِ‫ـئ‬ َ‫ل‬ ْ‫و‬ ُ‫أ‬ َ‫ف‬ ‫ا‬ ً‫ير‬ ِ‫ق‬ َ‫ن‬ َ‫ون‬ ُ‫م‬ َ‫ل‬ ْ‫ظ‬ ُ‫ي‬ Nisa 4: 124. And whoever does righteous good deeds, male or female, and is a true believer in the Oneness of Allah, they will enter Jannah (Paradise) and not the least injustice, even to the size of a Naqira (speck on the back of a date-stone), will be done to them.
  • 47.
    ِ‫ات‬ َ‫ن‬ ِ‫م‬ْ‫ؤ‬ ُ‫م‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬ َ‫ين‬ ِ‫ن‬ ِ‫م‬ ْ‫ؤ‬ ُ‫م‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬ ِ‫ات‬ َ‫ت‬ ِ‫ان‬ َ‫ق‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬ َ‫ين‬ ِ‫ت‬ ِ‫ان‬ َ‫ق‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬ ِ‫ات‬ َ‫ق‬ ِ‫اد‬ َّ‫الص‬ َ‫و‬ َ‫ين‬ ِ‫ق‬ ِ‫اد‬ َّ‫الص‬ َ‫و‬ ِ‫ات‬ َ‫ر‬ ِ‫اب‬ َّ‫الص‬ َ‫و‬ َ‫ين‬ ِ‫ر‬ ِ‫اب‬ َّ‫الص‬ َ‫و‬ ِ‫ات‬ َ‫ع‬ ِ‫اش‬ َ‫خ‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬ َ‫ين‬ ِ‫ع‬ ِ‫اش‬ َ‫خ‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬ ِ‫ات‬ َ‫ِّق‬‫د‬ َ‫ص‬ َ‫ت‬ ُ‫م‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬ َ‫ين‬ ِ‫ِّق‬‫د‬ َ‫ص‬ َ‫ت‬ ُ‫م‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬ ِ‫ات‬ َ‫م‬ ِ‫ائ‬ َّ‫الص‬ َ‫و‬ َ‫ين‬ ِ‫م‬ ِ‫ائ‬ َّ‫الص‬ َ‫و‬ ْ‫م‬ ُ‫ه‬ َ‫وج‬ ُ‫ر‬ ُ‫ف‬ َ‫ين‬ ِ‫ظ‬ ِ‫اف‬ َ‫ح‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬ ََّ‫اّلل‬ َ‫ين‬ ِ‫ر‬ ِ‫اك‬ َّ‫الذ‬ َ‫و‬ ِ‫ات‬ َ‫ظ‬ ِ‫اف‬ َ‫ح‬ ْ‫ال‬ َ‫و‬
  • 48.
     Ahzab 33:35. Verily, the Muslims men and women, the believers men and women, the men and the women who are obedient (to Allah), the men and women who are truthful (in their speech and deeds), the men and the women who are patient, the men and the women who are humble (before Allah), the men and the women who give Sadaqat (charity), the men and the women who fast, the men and the women who guard their chastity and the men and the women who remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward.
  • 49.
  • 50.
    ُ‫ك‬ َ‫ل‬ َ‫ق‬َ‫ل‬ َ‫خ‬ ْ‫ن‬ َ‫أ‬ ِ‫ه‬ ِ‫ات‬ َ‫آي‬ ْ‫ن‬ ِ‫م‬ َ‫و‬‫م‬ ‫ا‬ ً‫اج‬ َ‫و‬ ْ‫ز‬ َ‫أ‬ ْ‫م‬ ُ‫ك‬ ِ‫س‬ ُ‫نف‬ َ‫أ‬ ْ‫ِّن‬‫م‬ َ‫ل‬ َ‫ع‬ َ‫ج‬ َ‫و‬ ‫ا‬ َ‫ه‬ ْ‫ي‬ َ‫ل‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫وا‬ ُ‫ن‬ ُ‫ك‬ ْ‫س‬ َ‫ِّت‬‫ل‬ ِ‫إ‬ ً‫ة‬ َ‫م‬ ْ‫ح‬ َ‫ر‬ َ‫و‬ ً‫ة‬ َّ‫د‬ َ‫و‬ َّ‫م‬ ‫م‬ ُ‫ك‬ َ‫ن‬ ْ‫ي‬ َ‫ب‬‫ي‬ ِ‫ف‬ َّ‫ن‬ َ‫ف‬ َ‫ت‬ َ‫ي‬ ٍ‫م‬ ْ‫و‬ َ‫ِّق‬‫ل‬ ٍ‫ات‬ َ‫ي‬ َ‫َل‬ َ‫ك‬ ِ‫ل‬ َ‫ذ‬َ‫ون‬ ُ‫ر‬ َّ‫ك‬ Rum 30: 21. And among His Signs is this, that He created for you spouses from among yourselves, that you may find tranquility in them, and He put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for people who reflect.
  • 51.
    Treatment of wives “Thebest among you is the best towards his wife, and I am the best of you to my wives.” (Ibn Majah) “The most complete of the believers in faith, is the one with the best character. And the best of you are those who are best to their women.” (At-Tirmidhi )
  • 52.
    When all aroundus is despair
  • 53.
    Edhi Foundation runsthe world's largest ambulance service and operates free nursing homes, orphanages, clinics, women's shelters, and rehab centres for drug addicts and the mentally ill. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdul_Sattar_Edhi
  • 54.
    What remains today? 1.5billion people across nations, nationalities, races and geographies who love him and believe in him and accept his message Even if they have to die because of that
  • 55.
    When Muslims arein authority
  • 56.
    Treatment of non-Muslims Rasoolullah‫ﷺ‬warned Muslims in authority: “If any man oppresses a non-Muslim or tries him beyond his strength, I will be the advocate for the oppressed before Allah‫”.ﷻ‬
  • 57.
    Charter of Privilegesin 628 C.E to the monks of St. Catherine’s Monastery at Mount Sinai. “This is a message from Muhammad ibn Abdullah, as a covenant to those who adopt Christianity, near and far; We are with them. Verily I, the servants, the helpers, and my followers defend them, because Christians are my citizens; and by Allah! I hold out against anything that displeases them. No compulsion is to be on them. Neither are their judges to be removed from their jobs nor their monks from their monasteries. No one is to destroy a house of their religion, to damage it, or to carry anything from it to the Muslims' houses. Should anyone take any of these, he would spoil God's covenant and disobey His Prophet. Verily, they are my allies and have my secure charter against all that they hate. No one is to force them to travel or to oblige them to fight. The Muslims are to fight for them. If a female Christian is married to a Muslim, it is not to take place without her approval. She is not to be prevented from visiting her church to pray. Their churches are to be respected. They are neither to be prevented from repairing them nor the sacredness of their covenants violated. No one of the nation (Muslims) is to disobey the covenant till the Last Day (end of the world).” English translation from ‘Muslim History: 570 – 1950 C.E.’ by Dr. A. Zahoor and Dr. Z. Haq, ZMD Corporation. P.O. Box 8231 – Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8231 – Copyright Akram Zahoor 2000. P. 167.
  • 58.
    Treaty of Omaribn Al Khattab “In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. This is the assurance of safety which the servant of God, Umar, the Commander of the Faithful, has given to the people of Jerusalem. He has given them an assurance of safety for themselves, for their property, their churches, their crosses, the sick and healthy of the city and for all the rituals which belong to their religion. Their churches will not be inhabited by Muslims and will not be destroyed. Neither they, nor the land on which they stand, nor their cross, nor their property will be damaged. They will not be forcibly converted.”
  • 59.
    She’s surrendering becauseshe thinks the camera is a gun
  • 60.
    When we havebeen brutalised by cruelty
  • 61.
    After Malik al-Kamil,Salahuddin Ayyubi’s nephew defeated the Franks during the Crusades, Oliverus Scholasticus praised the Islamic laws of war, commenting on how al-Kamil supplied the defeated Frankish army with food. They left us benchmarks
  • 62.
    “Who could doubtthat such goodness, friendship and charity come from God? Men whose parents, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, had died in agony at our hands, whose lands we took, whom we drove naked from their homes, revived us with their own food when we were dying of hunger and showered us with kindness even when we were in their power.” ~ Oliverus Scholasticus
  • 63.
    When that isa capital crime
  • 64.
    Nisa 4: 135.O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even though it is against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor, Allah is a Better Protector of both (than you). So follow not the lusts (of your hearts) so that you may not be unjust and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do.
  • 65.
    Harvard Law Schoolquoted this Ayah of the Qur’an as one of the greatest expressions of justice in the world. https://www.cair.com/press-center/american-muslim- news/12359-harvard-recognizes-quranic-verse-as-one-of-the- greatest-expressions-of-justice.html
  • 66.
    Stop injustice Abu Sa`idAl-Khudri reported: Rasoolullah‫ﷺ‬ said, “Whoever amongst you sees an evil, he must change it with his hand; if he is unable to do so, then with his tongue; and if he is unable to do so, then with his heart (he must hate it in his heart); and that is the weakest form of Faith.” [Muslim]. Because the silence of the good is the best aid to the evil
  • 67.
    Dr. Martin LutherKing, Jr.  “Cowardice asks the question - Is it safe? Expediency asks the question - Is it politic? Vanity asks the question - Is it popular? But conscience asks the question - Is it right?  And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular….. But one must take it because it is right.
  • 68.
    About problems thatdon’t directly affect us
  • 69.
    Criterion for theBest A’al Imraan 3:110 You are the best of people selected for the benefit of the people The Prophet‫ﷺ‬ said, “The best of people is the one who is the most beneficial to the people.”
  • 70.
    Spread Peace The Prophet‫ﷺ‬said: O! you people, spread peace, feed people, be kind to your relatives and pray at night when others are asleep, and you will enter Jannah (Paradise) safely. [Tirmidi, Ibn Majah] Because only actions deliver results
  • 72.
    Are Islamic valuesof…. 1. Love 2. Responsibility 3. Accountability 4. Equality 5. Mercy 6. Justice 7. Compassion 8. Courage Worth struggling for in today’s world?
  • 73.
  • 74.

Editor's Notes

  • #53 Rasoolullahﷺ’s dua at At-Taif
  • #68 Yawar Baig & Associates