|
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 a 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 that there is an extraordinary power to bring things into being
and keep them moving in order. In the world there must be a Great
Force in action to keep everything in order. In the beautiful nature
there must be a Great Creator who makes the great charming pieces
of art and produces everything for a special purpose in life.
The deeply enlightened people recognize this creator and call Him
Allah. He is not a man because no man can create or make another
man. He is not an animal, nor is He a plant. He is neither an Idol
nor is He a Statue of any kind, because none of these things can
make itself or create anything 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 and greater than the things that he
makes.
There are various ways to know "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
Him. Besides, Allah comes to our aid through the many messengers
and revelations He has sent down to humanity. These messengers and
revelation tell us everything we need to know about our Creator.
The complete acceptance of the teachings and guidance of our Creator
as revealed to all His messengers (Peace Be Upon Them) is the religion
of Islam. Islam enjoins faith in the oneness and the sovereignty
of Allah, which makes man aware of the meaningfulness of the universe
and of his place in it. This belief frees the human being from all
fears and superstitions as it makes him conscious of the presence
of the Almighty Allah, and of his obligation towards Him.
This faith must be expressed and tested in action, for faith alone
is not enough. Belief in one God "Allah" requires that
we look upon all humanity as one family under the universal Omnipotence
of the Creator, and Nourisher of all. Islam rejects the idea of
a chosen people while on the other hand, it approves that belief
in the Creator, and doing righteous deeds is the only way to heaven.
Thus, a direct relationship is established with Allah and without
any intercessor at that.
Islam is not a new religion. It is, in essence, the same message
and guidance which Allah revealed to all His prophets, like Adam,
Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, David, Moses, Jesus and Mohammed
(Peace Be Upon Them). But the message which was revealed to prophet
Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) is Islam in its comprehensive, complete
and final form.
The Qur'an is the revealed words of Allah and the basic source
of Islamic teachings and Laws. It deals with the basis of creeds,
morality, history of humanity, worship, knowledge, wisdom, god-man
relation, and human relationship in all aspects---comprehensive
teachings of which, can be built sound systems and social justice,
economics, politics, legislation, jurisprudence, law and international
relations, all of which are important contents of the Qur'an.
The Hadith, which contains the teachings, sayings, approvals and
actions of prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) meticulously reported
and collected by his devoted companions, explains and elaborates
the Quranic verses.
THE FUNDAMENTAL ARTICLES OF FAITH IN ISLAM( THE BELIEF):
The true faithful Muslim believes in the following principal articles
of faith:
1. Believes in one God Supreme and Eternal, Infinite and Mighty,
Merciful and Compassionate, The Creator and The Provider, He begets
not, nor was He begotten, and there is none equal or comparable
unto Him.
2. Believes in all Messengers of Allah without any discrimination
among them, as every known nation has a Warner or messenger from
Allah. They were chosen by Allah to teach humanity and deliver His
Divine message. The Qur'an mentions the name of some of them, and
Mohammad(Peace Be Upon Him) stands as the last messenger and the
crowning glory of the foundation of prophethood.
3. Believes in all original scriptures and revelations of Allah,
accepting them as the guiding light that the messengers received
to show their respective people the right path to Him. In the Qur'an,special
reference is made to the books of Abraham, Moses,David and Jesus
(Peace Be Upon Them), but long before the revelation of the Qur'an
to Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) some of these books and revelations
had been lost or corrupted. The only authentic and complete book
of Allah in existence today is the Qur'an, which has been preserved
as it was revealed to prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) in its
pristine,pure form.
4. Believes in the angels of Allah, recognizing them as purely
spiritual and splendid beings whose nature requires no food or drink
or sleep. They are honored servants who are assigned certain functions,
and spend their days and nights in the worship of Allah. They do
not speak before Allah does, and they act only by His command.
5. Believes in the last day of Judgment, acknowledging that this
world will end someday, and that the dead will rise to stand for
their final and fair trial. 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. Believes in Fate, whether good or bad, which Allah, measured
and ordained for all creatures according to his previous knowledge,
and as deemed suitable by his wisdom. And in the timeless knowledge
of Allah, and in His power to plan and execute His plans, nothing
could happen in His Kingdom against His will. His knowledge and
power which are always in action command over His creation. He is
wise and merciful, and whatever he does must have a meaningful purpose.
If this is established 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. Faith without action and practice
is a dead end as far as Islam is concerned, for faith by nature
is very sensitive and can be most influential. When it is out of
practice or out of use, it quickly loses its liveliness and motivational
power.
THERE ARE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM (THE ACTION):
1. Shahadatain(Testimony): To bear witness that there is none worthy
of worship except Allah(The Creator), and that Mohammed (Peace Be
Upon Him) is His messenger, with the prophethood of Mohammed (Peace
Be Upon Him) essentially professed to oblige the Muslims to follow
his exemplary life as a model.
2. Salah: 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 evil things. They are: - Salatu-l-Fajr
(The Dawn prayer).- Salatu-l-Duhr (The noon prayer). - Salatu-l-Asr
(The afternoon prayer). - Salatu-l-Maghrib (The sunset prayer).
- Salatul-l-Isha (The evening prayer)
3.Zakah(Charity):The literal and simple meaning of Zakah is purity,
while its technical meaning designates the annual amount in kind
or cash that a Muslim with means must distribute among the rightful
beneficiaries from his yearly net savings at 2.5%. But the religious
and spiritual significance of Zakah is much deeper and more valuable
than its Humanitarian, and socio-political value.
4.Sawm(Fasting): The Muslims during the month of Ramadan do not
only abstain from food, drink and sexual intercourse from dawn to
sunset but they are also required to abstain from evil intentions
and desires throughout the whole months of the year in general,
and during the month of Ramadan in particular. It teaches love,
sincerity and devotion, and develops a sound social conscience,
patience, selflessness and will power as well.
5.Hajj(Pilgrimage to Macca): It is to be performed once in a lifetime,
so long as one can afford it financially and physically, and it
is the largest annual convention of faith where Muslims meet to
know one another, study their common affairs and promote their general
welfare without prejudice or bias as to one's color, race, nationality
as well as status in life. After all, everyone is equal in the face
of Allah, and so hajj therefore demonstrates in effect the universality
of Islam and the brotherhood and equality of Muslims.
THIS IS ISLAM, THE ONLY WAY FOR THIS LIFE & THE LIFE HEREAFTER
|
