ARTABAR@mtus5.bitnet (Andrew Tabar) (12/12/89)
This is from a friend that I chat/correspond with over BITNET in
Saudi Arabia. If you have any ideas, changes, or comments about the
following document, send them to me and I will forward them..(his systems
are not on Internet yet)
NO. 1
WHAT IS ISLAM
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Can we find an explanation of the great universe ? Is there any
convincing interpretation of the secret of existence ? We realize
that no family can function properly without a responsible head, that
no city can prosperously exist without sound administration, and that
no state can survive without a leader of some kind. We also realize
that nothing comes into being on its own. Moreover, we observe that
the universe exists and functions in the most orderly manner, and that
it has survived for hundreds of thousands of years. Can we, then say
that all this is accidental and haphazard ? Can we attribute the
existence of man and the whole world to mere chance.
Man represents only a very small portion of the great universe. And
if he can make plans and appreciate the merits of planning, then his
own existence and the survival of the universe must also be based on
a planned policy. This means that there is a Designing Will behind
our material existence, and there is an extraordinary power to bring
things in to being and keep them moving in order.
In the world then there must be a Great Force in action to keep
everything in order. In the beautiful nature there must be a Great
Creator who creates the most charming pieces of art and produces
everything for a special purpose in life. The deeply enlightened
people recognize this creator and call him Allah 'God'. He is not a
man because no man can create or make another man. He is not an animal,
nor is He a statue of any kind because non of these things can make
itself or create any thing else. He is different from all these things,
because He is the maker and keeper of them all. The maker of anything
must be different from and greater than the things which he makes.
There are various ways to know God "ALLAH", and there are many things
to tell about him. The great wonders and impressive marvels of the
world are like open books in which we can read about God. Besides,
God Himself comes to our aid through the many messengers and revelations
He has sent down to man. These messengers and revelations tell us
everyting we need to know about God.
The complete acceptance of the teachings and guidance of God 'Allah'
as revealed to His messenger Mohammad is the religion of Islam.
Islam-enjoins faith in the oneness and sovereignity of Allah, which
makes man aware of the the meaningfulness of the Universe and of his
place in it. This belief frees him from all fears and superstitions
by making him conscious of the presence of the Al-mighty Allah and of
man's obligations towards Him. This faith must be expressed and tested
in action. Faith along is not enough. Belief in one God requies that
we look upon all humanity as one family under the universal Omnipotence
of God the Creator and Nourisher of all. Islam rejects the idea of
chosen people, making belief in God and good action the only way to
heaven. Thus, we direct relationship is established with God, without
any intercessor.
Islam is not a new religion. It is, in essence, the same message and
and guidance which Allah revealed to all prophets. Adam, Noah, Abraham,
Ismael, Issac, David, Moses, Jesus (PBUT). But the message which was
revealed to prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is Islam in its comprehensive,
complete and Final.
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The Quran is the last revealed word of Allah and the basic source of
Islamic teachings and laws. The Quran deals with the basis of creeds,
morality, history of humanity, worship, knowledge, wisdom, good-man
relationship, and human relationship in all aspects. Comprehensive
teaching on which can be built sound systems of social justice,
economics, politics, legislation, jurisprudence, law and international
relations, are important contents of the Quran. Hadith, the teachings,
sayings and actions of prophet Mohammad (PBUH), meticulously reported
and collected by his devoted companions, explain and elaborated the
Quranic verses.
THE FUNDAMENTAL ARTICLES OF FAITH IN ISLAM
------------------------------------------
The true faithful Muslim believes in the following Principal articles
of faith:
1. He believes in One God 'Allah', Supreme and Eternal, Infinite and
Mighty, Merciful and Compassionate, Creator and Provider.
2. He believes in all messengers of God without any discrimination
among them. Every known nation had a warner or messenger from
God. They were chosen by God to teach mankind and deliver His
Divine message. The Quran mentions the name of twenty-five of
them. Among them Muhammad stands as the last messenger and the
crowning glory of the foundation of prophethood.
3. Muslim believes in all the scriptures and revelations of God.
They were the guiding light which the messengers received to show
their respective peoples the Right Path of God. In the Quran a
special reference is made to the books of Abraham, Moses, David
and Jesus. But long before the revelation of the Quran to Mohammad
some of those books and revelations has been lost or corrupted.
The only authentic and complete book of God in existence today is
the Quran.
4. The true Muslim believes in the Angels of Allah. They are purely
spiritual and splendid beings whose nature requires no food or drink or
sleep. They spend their days and nights in the worship of God.
5. Muslim believes in the last Day of judgement. This world will come
to an end someday, and the dead will rise to stand for their final and
fair trail. People with good records will be generously rewarded and
warmly welcomed to the Heaven of Allah, and those with bad records will
be punished and cast into Hell.
6. Muslim believes in the timeless knowledge of God and in His power
to plan and execute His plans and nothing could happen in his Kingdom
against his Will. His knowledge and power are in action at all time
command over His creation. He is wise and merciful, and whatever He
does must have a meaningful purpose. If this is establihsed in our
minds and hearts, we should accept with good Faith all that He ?does,
although we may fail to understand it fully, or think it is bad.
11
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THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM
-------------------------
Faith without action and practice is a dead end, as far as Islam is
concerned. Faith by nature is very sensitive and can be most effective.
when it is out of practice or out of use, it quickly loses its
liveliness and motivation power.
There are five Pillars of Islam:
1. The declaration of faith: To bear witness that there is none
witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and
that Muhammad (PBUH) is His messenger to all human beings till
the Day of judgement. The prophethood of Muhammad obliges the
Muslim to follow his exemplary life as a model.
2. Prayers: Daily prayers are offered five times a day as a duty
towards Allah. They strengthen and enliven the belief in Allah
and inspire man to a higher morality. They purify the heart and
prevent temptation towards wrong-doings and evils.
3. Fasting the month of Ramadan: The Muslim during the month of
Ramadan not only abstain from food drink and sexual intercourse
from down to sunsets but also from evil intentions and desires.
It teaches love, sincerity and devotion. It develops a sound
social conscience, patience, unselfishness and will-power.
4. Zakah: The literal and simple meaning of Zakah is purity. The
technical meaning of this word designates the annual amount in
kind or coin which a muslim with means must distribute among the
rightful beneficiaries. But the religious and spiritual
significance of Zakah is much deeper and more lively. So it is
humanitarian and sociopolitical value.
5. Haj (Pilgrimage to Makkah): It is to be performed once in a
lifetime, if one can affort it financially and phyicially.
(For more and detailed information about Islam contact the Center of
Islamic Call and Guidance, Foreign Communities Section, Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia. Phone #4580027
OR : The nearest Muslim Organization or Center in your town.)
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Carpe dium.
Andy
ARTABAR%MTUS5.BITNET@vm1.nodak.edu (Internet)
ARTABAR@MTUS5 (BITNET)