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IS]LANfl
IN BRIEF
BY,
MAHMOUDMURAD
ISLA]T'IIN BRIEF
Mahmoud IUIurad
PrintedandPublished
By
Presidencyof TheAdminstrationof
lslamlcResearchesand lfta.
Prlntlngand TranslationAgency
Riyadh- Kingdomof SaudiArabia
ISLAM IN BRIEF
Mahmoud Murad
Printed and Published
By
Presidency of The Adminstration of
Islamic Researches and Ifta.
Printing and Translation Agency
Riyadh - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Tebleof Contents
Introduction
Who is Allah?
What is Al-Qur'an?
Authenticityof Al-Qur'an
Miraculosityof Al-Qur'an
ComprehensiveLegislation
ScienceandAl-Qur'an
The creationof the heavensand the earth
Humanreproduction
Who is Muhammad?
What is Islam?
The pillars of Islam
The articlesof faith
Suggestedmaterialsfor reading
5
7
9
10
11
12
t4
l6
19
2l
22
25
28
31
Table of Contents
Introduction 5
Who is Allah? 7
What is Al..Qur'an? . 9
Authenticity of AI..Qur'an 10
Miraculosity of AI-Qur'an 11
Comprehensive Legislation 12
Science and AI-Qur'an 14
The creation of the heavens and the earth 16
Human reproduction 19
Who is Muhammad? 21
What is Islam? .. 22
The pillars of Islam 25
The articles of faith 28
Suggested materials for reading 31
3
Introduction
This is a messagefor everyfreethinkingandbroad-
mindedhumanbeing.It is for everyseekerof thetruth
who mighthave,oncewondered,whatthe religionof
Islamis all about,who Atlah is, what is the ultimate
goalof man'sexistence,or whathappensafterdeath,
for thesequestionsand manyothersare promptedat
certainoccasions,butbrushedasidebyvariousfactors.
Islamis indeeda misunderstoodandmisrepresented
religionin the West.
"This misconceptionishardlysur-
prising",remarksthe FrenchDr. MauriceBucaille,in
his book, The Bible, The Qurtan and Science.'.rwhen
we considerthe way so manygenerationsis the West
wereinstructedin thereligiousproblemsfacinghuman-
ity and the ignorancein which they werekept about
anythingrelatedto Islam".HenceIslamicidealsremains
obscurefrom the vastmajorityof non-Muslims.
Thisbookletdoesnotclaimtoanswerallthequestions
youwouldlike to be answered.However,thisbooklet
will openbeforeyou a newdimensionof thinking,and
will enableyou to realizethe importanceof your role
asa humanbeingin this universe,to helpyou under-
standthe relationshipbetweenyou andyourCreator,
l. The Book was originally written in French, entitled'La Bible, le Coran et la
Science'.Its Englishversionispublishedby American Trust publication,!979.
Introduction
This is a message for every free thinking and broad-
minded human being. It is for every seeker of the truth
who might have, once wondered, what the religion of
Islam is all about. who Allah is, what is the ultimate
goal of man's existence, or what happens after death,
for these questions and many others are prompted at
certain occasions, but brushed aside by various factors.
Islam is indeed a misunderstood and misrepresented
religion in the West. «This misconception is hardly sur-
prising», remarks the French Dr. Maurice Bucaille, in
his book, The Bible, The Qur'an and Science.1
«when
we consider the way so many generations is the West
were instructed in the religious problems facing human-
ity and the ignorance in which they were kept about
anything related to Islam». Hence Islamic ideals remains
obscure from the vast majority of non-Muslims.
This booklet does not claim to answer all the questions
you would like to be answered. However. this booklet
will open before you a new dimension of thinking, and
will enable you to realize the importance of your role
as a human being in this universe, to help you under-
stand the relationship between you and your Creator.
1. The Book was originally written in French, entitled 'La Bible, Ie Coran et la
Science'. Its English version is published by American Trust publication, 1979.
5
God Almighty Allah. It presentsIslamto you in a nut-
shell, and providesstraightfonvardanswersto many
questionsaboutIslam andits credibility.
In thisbooklet,youwill alsobe ableto knowAllah,
the lastof His Scriptures,the last of His Prophetsand
Messengers,what Islamis, the role of manin thislife
and other relatedissues.
Lest one may think that there is an Englishversion
of theQur'an,I wouldliketo drawthereader'sattention
to thefactthatArabicistheonlylanguageoftheQur'an.
Although the Qur'anicquotationsandProphetictradit-
tions cited in this booklet are precededwith <Allah
says>>,onlythemeaningofsuchquotationsarequoted.
ll. llurad
ffirr lll0
Seateri&*r 1fr9
God Almighty Allah. It presents Islam to you in a nut-
sheU, and provides straightforward answers to many
questions about Islam and its credibility.
In this booklet, you will also be able to know Allah,
the last of His Scriptures, the last of His Prophets and
Messengers, what Islam is, the role of man in this life
and other related issues.
Lest one may think that there is an English version
ofthe Qur'an, I would like to draw the reader's attention
to the fact that Arabic is the only language ofthe Qur'an.
Although the Qur'anic quotations and Prophetic tradit-
tions cited in this booklet are preceded with «Allah
says», only the meaning ofsuch quotations are quoted.
M.Murad
w",. J41'
September 1."
6
Who fs Allah?
Allah is the proper nameappliedto the only true
God who existsnecessarilyby Himself,comprisingall
theexcellentDivinenamesandattirbutesof perfection.
Allahis one andunique;He hasno partneror equal.
He is the soleCreatorand sustainerof the universe.
Everycreaturebearswitnessto His oneness.Divinity,
Lordship and the uniquenessof His attiibutes and
names.Allah's essencedoesnot resembleother es-
sences;..Thereis nonelikeuntoHim". He is theone,
thesole,theIndivisihle.He is rheGodwithoutwhom
no affairsare accomplished,and to whom Lordship
ultimatelypertains.He neitherbegetsnor is begotten.
He doesnot inherein anything,nor doesanythingin-
herein Him. All creaturesstandin needof Him. but
He standsin needof none.
Allah is the Omnipotent,the Omniscient,Whose
knowledgecomprehendsin themostperfectmannerall
things,hiddenor manifested.But He isfargreaterthan
to beencompassedby theknowledgeof His creatures.
AllahtheSupremeistheCreatorof everything,for He
hasa freehandin the disposalof all affairs.He is the
mostMerciful,whoseunhoundedmercyencompasses
everything.He is far removedfrom injusticeand
tyranny.Allah'sjusticeensuresorderin the universe,
whichhasno defect.Thereis no oneto shareHis do-
main.nor doesHe takeaid or supportfrom His crea-
Who Is Allah?
Allah is the proper name applied to the only true
God Who exists necessarily by Himself~ comprising all
the excellent Divine names and attirbutes of perfection.
Allah is One and Unique; He has no partner or equal.
He is the sole Creator and sustainer of the universe.
Every creature bears witness to His Oneness. Divinity,
Lordship and the uniqueness of His attributes and
names. Allah's essence does not resemble other es-
sences; «There is none like unto Him». He is the One,
the Sale. the Indivisible. He is the God without Whom
no affairs are accomplished, and to Whom Lordship
ultimately pertains. He neither begets nor is begotten.
He does not inhere in anything, nor does anything in-
here in Him. All creatures stand in need of Him, but
He stands in need of none.
Allah is the Omnipotent, the Omniscient. Whose
knowledge comprehends in the most perfect manner all
things. hidden or manifested. But He is far greater than
to be encompassed by the knowledge of His creatures.
Allah the Supreme is the Creator of everything. for He
has a free hand in the disposal of all affairs. He is the
most Merciful, Whose unbounded mercy encompasses
everything. He is far removed from injustice and
tyranny. Allah's justice ensures order in the universe,
which has no defect. There is no one to share His do-
main. nor does He take aid or support from His crea-
7
s
tures.He is the God of the worlds.Yet, He is nearer
.tomanthanman'sjugularvein.Whenevera believer
in needor distress
'calls
on Him, He responds-He is
abovethe SevenHeavensmountingHis throneis the
mannerwhichsuitsHis grahdure.
Allah hasrevealedHis final Scripture,al-Qur'anto
the lastof His Messengers,Muhammad,peacebe on
him, to conveythe Messageof Islamto mankind.He
is the ExaltedAllah; Glory be to Him
tures. He is the God of the worlds. Yet, He is nearer
·to man than man's jugular vein. Whenever a believer
in need or distress calls on Him, He responds. He is
above the Seven Heavens mounting His throne is the
manner which suits His grandure.
Allah has revealed His final Scripture, al-Qur'an to
the last of His Messengers, Muhammad, peace be on
him, to convey the Message of Islam to mankind. He
is the Exalted Allah; Glory be to Him.
8
Whatis the Qur'an?
The word <<Qur'an'is understoodin its generalcon-
notation to mean the speechof Allah which is neither
created.The Qur'an is the real word of Allah, which
was delivered by the angel Gabriel to Muhammad,
peace be on him. Prophet Muhammad, peace be on
him, memorizedtheverseshereceivedandrecitedthem
to his companions,who happenedto be with him. He
then ordered them to immediately write the verses
down. He himself usedto keep a copy of the revealed
portionsin his house.The Qur'an is the lastof Allah's
Scriptureswhich Allah revealedin instalmentsover a
periodof twenty-threeyears.[t isdividedinto 114surafts
(chapters)of unequallength.It is oneof the fundamen,
tal sourcesof the Islamicteachings.Someof its surafis
and verseswere revealed at Makkah, and the rest
thereofwere revealedat Madinah.The Makkan surahs
and verses are concerned mainly with the issuesof
tawhid,or the beliefin the onenessof Allah, the signs
of the existenceof Allah, Resurrection,and life after
death.The creedof the onenessof Allah wasthe focal
point of the messageswith which all the prophetsand
Messengerswere sent to mankind, beginning with
Adam and endingwith Muhammad,peacebe on them
all. The surahsrevealedat Madinah at a latter period
of the life of the Messengerof Allah, peacebe on him,
are concernedwith legislations,rites of worship, and
transactionsrelated to all aspectsof life.
What is the Qur'an?
The word «Qur'an» is understood in its general con-
notation to mean the speech of Allah which is neither
created. The Qur'an is the real word of Allah, which
was delivered by the" angel Gabriel to Muhammad,
peace be on him. Prophet Muhammad, peace be on
him, memorized the verses he received and recited them
to his companions, who happened to be with him. He
then ordered them to immediately write the verses
down. He himself used to keep a copy of the revealed
portions in his house. The Qur'an is the last of Allah's
Scriptures which Allah revealed in instalments over a
period oftwenty-three years. It is divided into 114 surahs
(chapters) of unequal length. It is one of the fundamen-
tal sources of the Islamic teachings. Some of its surahs
and verses were revealed at Makkah, and the rest
thereof were revealed at Madinah. The Makkan surahs
and verses are concerned mainly with the issues of
tawhid, or the belief in the Oneness of Allah, the signs
of the existence of Allah, Resurrection, and life after
death. The creed of the Oneness of Allah was the focal
point of the messages with which all the Prophets and
Messengers were sent to mankind, beginning with
Adam and ending with Muhammad, peace be on them
all. The surahs revealed at Madinah at a latter period
of the life of the Messenger of Allah, peace be on him,
are concerned with legislations, rites of worship, and
transactions related to all aspects of life.
9
Authenticityof the Qur'an
Therehasbeenno nationwhichcaredabout,holified
and preservedits Divine Scriptureas the Muslim
Ilmmah (nation)caredabout, holified and preserved
the Qur'an. Unlike the Divine Scriptureswhich pre-
cededit, theQur'anisnotkeptin thehandsof aparticu-
lar groupor clanof Muslimsso that one may suspect
it to betamperedwithor alterated;rather,it waswithin
thereachof all Muslims.The Muslimsarecommanded
to reciteit in their prayerand refer to it in all their
disputesfor afinaljudgment.TheQur'anwascompiled
at atimewhenthosewhocommittedit to memorywere
still alive.Allah haspromisedto preservethe Qur'an,
andit will be preservedtill the Day of Judgment.The
Muslimstodayreadand recitethe Qur'anictextsthat
werereadandrecitedduringthelifetimeof theProphet
Muhammad,peacebeon him, andhiscompanions:No
letterhasbeenaddedto theQur'anor deletedfrom it.
After examiningthe Qur'an, Dr. MauriceBucailleas-
certains:..Thanksto its undisputedauthenticity,the
textof theQur'anholdsauniqueplaceamongthebooks
of revelationt
'.
l. Dr. MauriceBucailleis a surgeonwhohastakengreatinterestin thescientific
aspectsof the Qur'an. He learnt Arabic and managedto studythe Qur'an in
iu originaltcxt. He wasamazedwith its preciscscicntificdata.As a resultof
thisstudy.Dr. Bucailleconvertedto Islam.
t0
Authenticity of the Our'sn
There has been no nation which cared about, holified
and preserved its Divine Scripture as the Muslim
Ummah (nation) cared about, holified and preserved
the Qur'an. Unlike the Divine Scriptures which pre-
ceded it, the Qur'an is not kept in the hands of a particu-
lar group or clan of Muslims so that one may suspect
it to be tampered with or alterated; rather, it was within
the reach of all Muslims. The Muslims are commanded
to recite it in their prayer and refer to it in all their
disputes for a final judgment. The Qur'an was compiled
at a time when those who committed it to memory were
still alive. Allah has promised to preserve the Qur'an,
and it will be preserved till the Day of Judgment. The
Muslims today read and recite the Qur'anic texts that
were read and recited during the lifetime of the Prophet
Muhammad, peace be on him, and his companions: No
letter has been added to the Qur'an or deleted from it.
After examining the Qur'an, Dr. Maurice Bucaille as-
certains: «Thanks to its undisputed authenticity, the
text of the Qur'an holds a unique place among the books
of revelation»l.
1. Dr. Maurice Bucaille is a surgeon who has taken great interest in the scientific
aspects of the Qur'an. He learnt Arabic and managed to study the Qur'an in
its original text. He was amazed with its precise scientific data. As a result of
this study. Dr. Bucaille converted to Islam.
10
Miracufosityof the Qur'an
Allah,theExaltedhaschallengedtheArabsandnon-
Arabs to producea qur'ansimilarto the Divine one.
The challengewasthenreducedto ten surahs,andyet
theyfailedto do so.Finally,Allah challengedthemto
producea singlesurahcomparableto any of His. Al-
though they were mastersof eloquenceand rhetoric
during that period, the Arabs were still incapableof
taking up the challenge.They realizedrhat it could
neverbe from anyoneother than Allah, the Lord of
the worlds.
Thedifferencebetweenmiraclesof thepreviousMes-
sengers,whichprovedtheir veracity,and thoseof the
Messengerof Allah, peacebeon him, is thattheirpre-
vious miracles were effective during the lifetime of
everyoneof them, whereasthe miracleof the eur'an
remainseffective,everlastingand unchallengeduntil
the Day of Judgment.
tt
Miraculosity of the Qur'an
Allah, the Exalted has challenged the Arabs and non-
Arabs to produce a qur'an similar to the Divine one.
The challenge was then reduced to ten surahs, and yet
they failed to do so. Finally, Allah challenged them to
produce a single surah comparable to any of His. Al-
though they were masters of eloquence and rhetoric
during that period, the Arabs were still incapable of
taking up the challenge. They realized that it could
never be from anyone other than Allah, the Lord of
the worlds.
The difference between miracles of the previous Mes-
sengers, which proved their veracity, and those of the
Messenger of Allah, peace be on him, is that their pre-
vious miracles were effective during the lifetime of
everyone of them, whereas the miracle of the Our'an
remains effective, everlasting and unchallenged until
the Day of Judgment.
11
ComprehensiveLegislation
Besidesthe finesseof its rhetoric, the Qur'an consti-
tutesthe most comprehensiveconceptof Islam on the
practicallevel,the shari'ah,or the lawsandlegislation.
The Qur'an is comprehensivebecauseit includeslaw,
moral principlesandthe creedwhicheveryMuslim sub-
scribes.The Islamicshari'ahis suitablenot only for the
Muslims, but for all mankind at all times. The Islamic
law governs all human acts, public or private-duties
towardsAllah and dutiestowardsman
Man-made laws are subject to alteration and are
basedon theories;whenevera new body of legislators
assumesauthority in a non-Muslim country or a new
theory appearsand appealsto its government,the laws
arechangedaccordingly.The Divine laws,on the other
hand, are unalterableand perpetualbecausethe One
Who madethemis EverlivingandEverlastingGod. He
is the Creator Who createdmankind and ordainedfor
themwhatsuitsthemtill theendof time.Forthisreason.
the Qur'an, being the last revealedto the last of
Prophetsand Messengers.abrogatesall previousScrip-
tures.
Many prophesiesin the Qur'an are fulfilled to the
letter. Allah promisedthosewho believeand did good
deedsthatHe will surelymakethemsuccessorson earth.
The earlyMuslimsruleda vastlandencompassingmany
countriesin the world. The Qur'anforetoldthe victory
t2
Comprehensive Legislation
Besides the finesse of its rhetoric, the Qur'an consti-
tutes the most comprehensive concept of Islam on the
practical leveL the shari'ah, or the laws and legislation.
The Our'an is comprehensive because it includes law,
moral principles and the creed which every Muslim sub-
scribes. The Islamic shari'ah is suitable not only for the
Muslims, but for all mankind at all times. The Islamic
law governs all human acts, public or private-duties
towards Allah and duties towards man.
Man-made laws are subject to alteration and are
based on theories; whenever a new body of legislators
assumes authority in a non-Muslim country or a new
theory appears and appeals to its government, the laws
are changed accordingly. The Divine laws, on the other
hand, are unalterable and perpetual because the One
Who made them is Everliving and Everlasting God. He
is the Creator Who created mankind and ordained for
them what suits them till the end of time. For this reason,
the Our'an, being the last revealed to the last of
Prophets and Messengers. abrogates all previous Scrip-
tures.
Many prophesies in the Our'an are fulfilled to the
letter. Allah promised those who believe and did good
deeds that He will surely make them successors on earth.
The early Muslims ruled a vast land encompassing many
countries in the world. The Our'an foretold the victory
12
of the Romansover the Persianst.Allah says:<The
Romanshavebeendefeated,in the landnearby,and
theyaftertheirdefeat,will be victoriouso.
A personwho readsthe Qur'an objectivelyshall
realizethat the prophesiesin it arefar removedfrom
conjunctureor speculations.Thisisdueto thefactthat
who revealedthem is the one who predecreedall
eventsuntil the Day of Judgment.
Z. The reference to this prophesy is found in surah #30 entitled 'Arrum'
or the
Romans. This refers to the battle which took place between the Persianand
the Roman in 614A.D. when the Roman weredefeated.Eight yearsafter that.
the Roman defeatedthe Persians,and the prophesyto the Qur'an wasfulfilled
to the letter.
l3
of the Romans over the Persians2
• Allah says: «The
Romans have been defeated, in the land nearby, and
they after their defeat, will be victorious».
A person who reads the Qur'an objectively shall
realize that the prophesies in it are far removed from
conjuncture or speculations. This is due to the fact that
Who revealed them is the One who predecreed all
events until the Day of Judgment.
2. The reference to this prophesy is found in surah #30 entitled 'Arrum' or the
Romans. This refers to the battle which took place between the Persian and
the Roman in 614 A.D. when the Roman were defeated. Eight years after that.
the Roman defeated the Persians, and the prophesy to the Our'an was fulfilled
to the letter.
13
Scienceandthe Our'an
Along with the fact the Muhammad,peacebe on
him, wasilliterate;he couldneitherreadnor write,he
grewup in Makkah wheretherewereno schools,and
hewasfar awayfromthescientificcircleswhichexisted
in Syria,Alexandria,AthensandRome.Moreover,the
scientificfactsmentionedin theQur'anwerenotknown
in the seventhcentury.Havingstudiedandexamined
the Arabictextof the Qur'an,Dr. Bucaillemarvels:
..I could not find a singleerror in the Qur'an. I
hadto stopandaskmyself:if amanwastheauthor
of the Qur'an, how couldhe havewritten factsin
theSeventhcenturyA.D. thattodayareshownto
be in keepingwith modernscientificknowledge?
I hadtoo acknowledgetheevidencein frontof me:
the Qur'andid not containa singlestatementthat
was assailablefrom a modern scientificpoint of
view. I repeatedthe sametestfor the Old Testa-
mentandtheGospels,alwayspreservingthesame
objectiveoutlook. In the former, I did not even
haveto go beyondthefirstbook,Genesis,tb find
statementstotallyout of keepingwith thecast-iron
factsof modernscience>>.
Dr. Bucaillestudiedmanyof the scientificfactsthat
are mentionedin the Qur'an, suchasthe creationof
theuniverse,andothertopicsincludingastronomy,ani-
malandplantkingdoms,humanreproductionandother
l4
Science and the Our'an
Along with the fact the Muhammad, peace be on
him, was illiterate; he could neither read nor write, he
grew up in Makkah where there were no schools, and
he was far away from the scientific circles which existed
in Syria, Alexandria, Athens and Rome. Moreover, the
scientific facts mentioned in the Qur'an were not known
in the seventh century. Having studied and examined
the Arabic text of the Qur'an, Dr. Bucaille marvels:
«I could not find a single error in the Qur'an. I
had to stop and ask myself: if a man was the author
of the Qur'an, how could he have written facts in
the Seventh century A.D. that today are shown to
be in keeping with modern scientific knowledge?
I had too acknowledge the evidence in front of me:
the Qur'an did not contain a single statement that
was assailable from a modern scientific point of
view. I repeated the same test for the Old Testa-
ment and the Gospels, always preserving the same
objective outlook. In the former, 1 did not even
have to go beyond the first book, Genesis, to find
statements totally out of keeping with the cast-iron
facts of modern science».
Dr. Bucaille studied many of the scientific facts that
are mentioned in the Qur'an, such as the creation of
the universe, and other topics including astronomy, ani-
mal and plant kingdoms, human reproduction and other
14
relatedissues.For thesake'ofbrevity,two of theabove
issueswill be discussedin order to draw the reader's
attentionto oneof the objectivesof this booklet.
r5
related issues. For the sake"of brevity, two of the above
issues will be discussed in order to draw the re-ader's
attention to one of the objectives of this booklet.
IS
TheCreationof the Heavensandthe Earth
"Man's knowledgeof the origin of the universeis
considerablylimited. The scientistshave proposed
hypothesesand theoriesof evolutionthat arecentred
aroundone theme:the radiationera, the premordial
fireballandthepremordialmatterandantimatter.The
theoriesstatethat the universeconsistedmainly of
stronglyinteractingparticles.Premordialmatter and
antimatter,accordingto EncyclopaediaBritannica'
eventuallyannihilatedeachother; and the remaining
particlesformed the presentuniverse"'.The Qur'an
presentsthe developmentof the universein relatively
iimpte terms. Allah says,directingHis Messenger
Muirammad,peacebe on him, to askthe unbelievers:
"Say:Is it that ye denyHim Who createdtheearth
in two Days?And do yejoin equalswith Him?
He is The Lord of (all) The Worlds.He seton the
(earth)MountainsStandingfirm, high aboveit, and
bestowedblessingson theearth,andmeasuredtherein
itssustenancein four Days,alikefor (all)who ask'
Then He turnedto the sky,and it had been(as)
smoke:Hesaidto it andtotheearth:"comeyetogether,
willinglyor unwillingly".
Theysaid:"we do come(together),in willingobedi-
gnce".
l6
The Creation of the Heavens and the Earth
HMan's knowledge of the origin of the universe is
considerably limited. The scientists have proposed
hypotheses and theories of evolution that are centred
around one theme: the radiation era. the premordial
fireball and the premordial matter and antimatter. The
theories state that the universe consisted mainly of
strongly interacting particles. Premordial matter and
antimatter. according to Encyclopaedia Britannica.
eventually annihilated each other; and the remaining
particles formed the present universe"~. The Qur'an
presents the development of the universe in relatively
simple terms. Allah says. directing His Messenger
Muhammad, peace be on him, to ask the unbelievers:
"Say: Is it that ye deny Him Who created the earth
in two Days? And do ye join equals with Him?
He is The Lord of (all) The Worlds. He set on the
(earth) Mountains Standing firm, high above it, and
bestowed blessings on the earth. and measured therein
its sustenance in four Days, alike for (all) who ask.
Then He turned to the sky. and it had been (as)
smoke:He said to it and to the earth: H come ye together,
willingly or unwillingly".
They said: H we do come (together), in willing obedi-
ence".
3. Macropedia. Vol. 18. p. 1008.
16
So He completedthem aSsevenfirmamentsin two
Days, and He assignedto eachheavenits duty and
command.and We adornedthe lower heavenwith
lights,and(providedit) with guard.
Suchis the Decreeof (Him) The Exaltedin Might,
Full of Knowledge"*.
"Do not the Unbelieversseethat the heavensand
theearthwerejoinedtogether(asoneunitofCreation),
beforeWe clovethem asunder?
We madefrom watereverylivingthing.
Will theynot thenbelieve?"''.
"Theconceptof rendingof oneunitintotwoor more,
thecolestial{<Smoke}>aSreferredto in the aboveverses
arefactto whichcorrespondsthefactualscientificdata.
<Smokerr,the Englishphysicistand astronomerSir
JamesJeanswrote: We havefound that, as Newton
firstconjectured,achaoticmassof gasof approximately
uniform densityand of very great extent would be
dynamicallyunstable:nuclei,wouldtendto Formin it,
aroundwhichthewholeof matterwouldultimatelycon-
dense".On the basisof this theoryNewtonproposed
thatallcelestialobjectsoriginatedby a processof frag-
mentation.
Needlessto saythe spaceprogramhelpeddiscover
the homogenietyof thesubstancesof whichthe moon,
the earthand otherplanetsare formed'"Suchstate-
4. Qur'an41: 9, 10,11,12.
5. Qur'an2l : 30.
l7
So He completed them as seven firmaments in two
Days~ and He assigned to each heaven its duty and
command. and We adorned the lower heaven with
lights~ and (provided it) with guard.
Such is the Decree of (Him) The Exalted in Might,
Full of Knowledge"-l.
~~Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and
the earth were joined together (as one unit of Creation).
before We clove them asunder?
We made from water every living thing.
Will they not then believe?":;.
"The concept of rending of one unit into two or more.
the colestial «smoke» as referred to in the above verses
are fact to which corresponds the factual scientific data.
«Smoke», the English physicist and astronomer Sir
James Jeans wrote: We have found that. as Newton
first conjectured, a chaotic mass of gas of approximately
uniform density and of very great extent would be
dynamically unstable: nuclei, would tend to Form in it,
around which the whole of matter would ultimately con-
dense". On the basis of this theory Newton proposed
that all celestial objects originated by a process of frag-
mentation.
Needless to say the space program helped discover
the homogeniety of the substances of which the moon,
the earth and other planets are formed. «Such state-
4. Our'an 41 : 9, to, 11, 12.
5. Our'an 21 : 30.
17
mentsin the Qur'an concerningthe creationwhich ap-
pearednearlyfourteencenturiesagon,Dr. Bucaillecon-
cluded,.robviouslydo not lend themselvesto a human
explanationnu.
6. Macropedia. Vol. 18. p. lfXf8.
r8
ments in the Our'an concerning the creation which ap-
peared nearly fourteen centuries ago», Dr. Bucaille con-
cluded, «obviously do not lend themselves to a human
explanation»6
•
6. Macropedia. Vol. 18. p. 1008.
18
HumanReproduction
The complexitiesof humanreproductionwere de-
codedand understoodonly afterthe inventionof the
microscopewhichwashundredsof yearsafterthedeath
of Muhammad,peacebeon him.However.theQur'an
refersto thestagesof developmentthathumanembryo
undergoes.Allahsays:
"Man We did createfrom a quintessence(of clay);
Thenwe placedhim as(adropof) spermin a place
of rest,Firmlyfixed;
Then we madethe sperminto a clot of congealed
blood;thenof thatclotWe madea (foetus)lump;then
We madeoutof thatlumphonesandclothedthebones
withflesh;thenwedevelopedoutof it anothercreature.
Soblessedbe Allah,The Bestto create!"'.
As it has been scientificallyproven, the stagesof
humanreporductionare:"l- Fertilizationof an ovule
whichtakesplacein theFallopiantubes.Thefertilizing
agentis the malesperm.2- The implantationof the
fertilizedeggwhichtakesplaceat a precisespotin the
femalereporductivesystem:it descendsintotheuterus
andlodgesin the bodyof the uterus.
Oncetheemhryobeginstobeobservabletothenaked
eye,it lookslike a smallmassof flesh.It growsthere
in progressivestageswhichareverywell knowntoday;
l9
Human Reproduction
The complexities of human reproduction were de-
coded and understood only after the invention of the
microscope which was hundreds of years after the death
of Muhammad. peace be on him. However. the Qur'an
refers to the stages of development that human embryo
undergoes. Allah says:
HMan We did create from a quintessence (of clay);
Then we placed him as (adrop of) sperm in a place
of rest, Firmly fixed;
Then we made the sperm into a clot of congealed
blood; then of that clot We made a (foetus) lump; then
We made out of that lump hones and clothed the bones
with flesh; then we developed out of it another creature.
So blessed he Allah. The Best to create!,,7.
As it has been scientifically proven, the stages of
human reporduction are: « 1- Fertilization of an ovule
which takes place in the Fallopian tubes. The fertilizing
agent is the male sperm. 2- The implantation of the
fertilized egg which takes pla~e at a precise spot in the
female reporductive system: it descends into the uterus
and lodges in the body of the uterus.
Once the embryo begins to be observable to the naked
eye, it looks like a small mass of flesh. It grows there
in progressive stages which are very well known today;
1. Qur'an 23 : 12. 13. 14.
19
theyleadto thebonestructure,themuscles,thenervous
system,thecirculation,andtheviscera,etcrr*.
In conclusion,Dr. Bucailleascertains:,.Morethana
thousandyearsbeforeourtime,ataperiodwhenwhim-
sicaldoctrinesstill prevailed,menhada knowledgeof
theQur'an.Thestatementsit containsexpressin simple
termstruthsof premordialimportancewhichrnanhas
takencenturiesto discovertr.
L The Bible, the Qur'an and Science,p. 199.
20
they lead to the bone structure, the muscles, the nervous
system. the circulation. and the viscera. etc»R.
In conclusion, Dr. Bucaille ascertains: «More than a
thousand years before our time. at a period when whim-
sical doctrines still prevailed, men had a knowledge of
the Qur'an. The statements it contains express in simple
terms truths of premordial importance which man has
taken centuries to discover».
8. The Bible, the Our'an and Science. p. 199.
20
Whois Muhammad?
Muhammad,peacebe on him, is the lastof Allah's
MessengersandProphets.HisnameisMuhammadson
of Abdullah.He wasborn in Makkah570A.D. Due
to the fine reputationhe enjoyedamonghis people,
they nicknamedhim 'the Trustworthy'.At the ageof
40,hewasendowedwith theprophethoodwhenAllah
theExalted,revealedto him,throughtheangelGabriel
thefirstQur'anicverses,Muhammad,peacebeonhim,
wasaskedto preachthe beliefin the Onenessof Allah
andwarnpeopleagainstpolytheism.
The MakkanpolytheistsopposedMuhammad,peace
be on him.,andhisfew followersharshly,,but that did
not shakehisfaithnorwaiverhissteadfastness,nor did
it stopmorepeoplefrom respondingto hispreaching.
Finally, whenthe majority of the peopleof Madinah
embracedIslam,the Makkan Muslimstook flight to
Madinah,Later oD, the Messengerof Allah himself
migratedto Madinahto establishtheIslarnicState.Few
yearslater the polytheistsof Makkah and their allies
succumbedto the growingpowerof the Muslims,and
Makkah was conquered.Somethirty yearsafter the
deathof the ProphetMuhammad,peacebe on him,
Islamhadalreadyspreadthroughouttheworldsweep-
ing the two greatestempiresin existence;the Persian
andtheRoman.
2l
Who is Muhammad?
Muhammad, peace be on him, is the last of Allah's
Messengers and Prophets. His name is Muhammad son
of Abdullah. He was born in Makkah 570 A.D. Due
to the fine reputation he enjoyed among his people,
they nicknamed him 'the Trustworthy'. At the age of
40, he was endowed with the prophethood when Allah
the Exalted, revealed to him, through the angel Gabriel
the first Qur'anic verses, Muhammad, peace be on him,
was asked to preach the belief in the Oneness of Allah
and warn people against polytheism.
The Makkan polytheists opposed Muhammad, peace
be on him, and his few followers harshly, but that did
not shake his faith nor waiver his steadfastness, nor did
it stop more people from responding to his preaching.
Finally, when the majority of the people of Madinah
embraced Islam, the Makkan Muslims took flight to
Madinah, Later on, the Messenger of Allah himself
migrated to Madinah to establish the Islamic State. Few
years later the polytheists of Makkah and their allies
succumbed to the growing power of the Muslims, and
Makkah was conquered. Some thirty years after the
death of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him,
Islam had already spread throughout the world sweep-
ing the two greatest empires in existence; the Persian
and the Roman.
21
Whatis lslam?
The Arabic term 'Islam', meaning..submissionn,
pointsto thefundamentalreligiouscreedwhichdictates
that a Muslimsubmitto the will of Allah, conforming
inwardlyandoutwardlyto His laws.
The religionof Islm laysgreatemphasison uncom-
promisingmonotheismandstrictadherenceto certain
creedsandactsof worship.It enjoinssubmittingto the
will of Allah andfollowingthe exemplaryway of the
lifeof Muhammad,thelastof theProphetsandMessen-
gers.,maypeacebe on themall.
Allah, the Exaltedcreatedthe universeandwhatis
in it thatHe be recognizedasthe OneandonlyGod.
He createdman andjinn only to celebrateHis praise
and worshipHim. His words signify:"f haveonly
createdJinnsandmen,that theymayServeMe"o.
The waysand actsof worshipare not left to man's
option or choice.Allah is the One Who ordainsand
decreesall actsof worshipandthemeansin whichthey
mustbe observed.SinceIslamdealsin everyaspectof
life.'spiritualandphysical,itsjurisprudenceisbasedon
creeds,actsof worshipandordinancesregardingsocial,
economicalandpoliticaltransactions.
BecauseIslamisaperfectwayof life, it enjoinsmain-
taininga refinedcodeof manners.The Messengerof
9. Qur'an51: 56.
a2
What is Islam?
The Arabic term 'Islam', meaning «submission»,
points to the fundamental religious creed which dictates
that a Muslim submit to the will of Allah, conforming
inwardly and outwardly to His laws.
The religion of Islm lays great emphasis on uncom-
promising monotheism and strict adherence to certain
creeds and acts of worship. It enjoins submitting to the
will of Allah and following the exemplary way of the
life of Muhammad, the last of the Prophets and Messen-
gers, may peace be on them all.
Allah, the Exalted created the universe and what is
in it that He be recognized as the One and only God.
He created man and jinn only to celebrate His praise
and worship Him. His words signify: "I have only
created linns and men, that they may Serve Me").
The ways and acts of worship are not left to man's
option or choice. Allah is the One Who ordains and
decrees all acts of worship and the means in which they
must be observed. Since Islam deals in every aspect of
life, spiritual and physical, its jurisprudence is based on
creeds, acts of worship and ordinances regarding social,
economical and political transactions.
Because Islam is a perfect way of life, it enjoins main-
taining a refined code of manners. The Messenger of
9. Qur'an 51 : 56.
22
Allahsaid:"Verily, I havebeensentto accomplishthe
fine manners".Allah haspraisedthe fine mannersof
His Messengersaying:"And surelythou hastsublime
morals""'.A'ishah.thewifeof theMessengerof Allah.
peacebe on him, wasaskedabouthis manners.She
said:"His mannerswereal-Qur'an".A'ishahmeant
thattheProphet,peacebeon him,clungto theQur'an,
it rulesof discipline.itscommands.itsprohibitions,and
the excellent,beautifuland graciousthingscomprised
in it. For thisreasonAllahcommandsthebelieversto
followthe exemplarylife of His Messenger,peacebe
on him. saying:"Ye haveindeedin theMessengerof
Allah an excellentexempler"".
Islamenjoinsgoodmannersfor everyoccasion:seek-
ingpermission,greeting,sitting,eating.learning,teach-
ing. sporting.travelling.dressing.visiting.sleeping.
marriage,treatingpeople,particularlyrelativesand
neighbourswith kindness.etc.Codesof all suchgreat
mannersarefoundin boththeQur'anandtheProphetic
traditionsoftheMessengerof Allah.peaceheonhim.
Thefamilyenjoysa highstatusin Islam.It isthecore
of society;a healthyfamilymeansa healthvsocietv.
henceAllah,theExaltedcommandsto treatthemwith
gentlenessandsubmissivenesssaying:
"Thy Lord hath decreedthat ye worshipnonebut
Him, andthatye he kindto parents.
10.Qur'an68 : 4.
11.Qur'ant3 :21.
23
Allah said: HVerily, I have been sent to accomplish the
fine mannersH. Allah has praised the fine manners of
His Messenger saying: ..And surely thou hast sublime
mora)s"w. A'ishah, the wife of the Messenger of Allah,
peace be on him, was asked about his manners. She
said: HHis manners were al-Qur'an". A'ishah meant
that the Prophet, peace be on him, clung to the Qur'an,
it rules of discipline. its commands. its prohihitions, and
the excellent., beautiful and gracious things comprised
in it. For this reason Allah commands the helievers to
follow the exemplary life of His Messenger, peace be
on him. saying: "Ye have indeed in the Messenger of
Allah an excellent exempler"I'.
Islam en.loins good manners for every occasion: seek-
ing permission, greeting., sitting, eating, learning, teach-
ing. sporting. travelling. dressing. visiting. sleeping.
marriage, treating people., particularly relatives and
neighhours with kindness, etc. Codes of all such great
manners are found in both the Qur'an and the Prophetic
traditions of the Messenger of Allah. peace he on him.
The family enjoys a high status in Islam. It is the core
of society; a healthy family means a healthy society.
hence Allah., the Exalted commands to treat them !ith
gentleness and suhmissiveness saying:
HThy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but
Him, and that ye he kind to parents.
10. Qur'an 68 : 4.
11. Qur'an 33 : 21.
23
Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy
life, saynot to them awordof contempt,nor repelthem
but addressthem, in termsof honour.
And, out of kindness.lower to them the wing of
humility, and say:
"My Lord! bestowon them thy Mercy even as they
cherishedme in childhood"''.
Next to familycomesthe kindred.The Messengerof
Allah, peacebe on him, saidthat Allah haspromised
to he kind to him who hehaveskindly to his kindred,
and to sever him who severshis kindred bv unkind
behaviour.
24
Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy
life. say not to them aword of contempt. nor repel them
but address them, in terms of honour.
And. out of kindness, lower to them the wing of
humility, and say:
"My Lord! bestow on them thy Mercy even as they
cherished me in childhood"12.
Next to family comes the kindred. The Messenger of
Allah, peace be on him, said that Allah has promised
to he kind to him who hehaves kindly to his kindred.
and to sever him who severs his kindred by unkind
hehaviour.
12. Qur'an 17 : 23. 24.
24
The Pillarsof lslam
The Messengerof Allah, peacebeon him, said:Islam
is built on five pillars:
'1,
. ash-Shahaadafr(the professionof faith) whichmust
be recitedby anyoneembracingIslam. (La ilahaillallah,
Muhammad Rasoolullah)meaning:"There is no true
god except Allah, Muhammad is the Messengerof
Allah". This meansthat thereis no godworthy of being
worshippedbut Allah, andthat He mustbeworshipped
only according to the teaching of His Messenger
Muhammad,peacebe on him.
2. Salat(prayer).whichmustbe performedfive times
a day. The first is Fajr prayer. [two rak'aat(units)];
which may he performed hetweendawn and sunrise.
The second. Dhuhr, just afternoon.[four rak'aatf.The
third Asr. in the later afternoon, [four rak'aatl. The
fourth. Maghrib, [three rak'aatJimmediatelyaftersun-
set.The fifth.Isha', ffour rak'aat),afterthe sun'sred-
ness disappearsfrom the horizon. Prayer, however,
must he precededby ahlutionwhich is washinghands.
face.,wiping over the head, washingthe forearmsand
the feet.
Prayeris one of the greatestpillarsof Islam.It is the
first act of worshipaboutwhichman shallbe askedon
the Day of Reckoning.If it is acceptedby Allah, then
25
The Pillars of Islam
The Messenger of Allah, peace be on him, said:" Islam
is built on five pillars:
1. ash-Shahaadah (the profession of faith) which must
be recited by anyone embracing Islam. (La iJaha iJ/alJah.
Muhammad RasoolulJah) meaning: «There is no true
god except Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of
Allah». This means that there is no god worthy of being
worshipped but Allah, and that He must be worshipped
only according to the teaching of His Messenger
Muhammad. peace be on him.
2. Salat (prayer). which must be performed five times
a day. The first is Fajr prayer. [two rak'aat (units)] ~
which may be performed hetween dawn and sunrise.
The second. Dhuhr. just afternoon. [four rak'aat]. The
third Asr. in the later afternoon. [four rak'aat]. The
fourth. Maghrib. [three rak 'aat] immediately after sun-
set. The fifth. Isha '. [four rak 'aat]. after the sun's red-
ness disappears from the horizon. Prayer, however,
must he preceded hy ahlution which is washing hands.
face, wiping over the head, washing the forearms and
the feet.
Prayer is one of the greatest pillars of Islam. It is the
first act of worship ahout which man shall he asked on
the Day of Reckoning. If it is accepted by Allah, then
25
the restof man'sgooddeedsareacceptedtoo''.
3.Zakaf(thepoor-due)isoneof thegreatestfinancial
institutionsof Islam,literallymeaning'purification',in-
dicatingthatsucha paymentmakestherestof theMus-
lim'swealthpure. Zakatis leviedannuallyon certain
typesof food grain,cattleandcashpossessedfor one
lunarcalendaryearto be givenout to the poor, the
needyandotherspecifiedclassesof people.
4. Sawm(fasting)to be observedduringthe month
of Ramadan(theninthmonthof theMuslimlunarcalen-
dar).tt beginsat daybreak(dawn),andendsatsunset.
Eating,drinking'tandsexualactivitieswith one'swife
areforhidden.
Besideshealthbenefitswhichonegainsthroughfast-
ing,it isanactof worshipwhichhelpsonewhoobserves
it attainpiety, humblenessand sharethe feelingsof the
beretand hungryin the community.Fastingalsoallows
one to be more benevolentand charitable.
5. Hajj (pilgrimage)to Makkah, prescribedfor those
Muslimswho canaffordthe trip financially''andhealth
13.Man shallbe held accountablefor every minute and thing he does,and shall
standall by himselfon the Day of Judgmentor Reckoningto be questionedby
the Almighty Allah. Every one shallhe held accountablefor his own deeds.
The life in theHereafteriseithereverlastinghappinessor everlastingtorment.
14.Drinking, refersto water, fruit juices and other non-alcholicand soft drinks;
liquourand smokingare prohihitedin Islam.
15.This meansthat one must have enoughprovisionsfor his journey and for his
family during his absence.
26
the rest of man's good deeds are accepted too13
•
3. Zakat (the poor-due) is one of the greatest financial
institutions of Islam, literally meaning 'purification', in-
dicating that such a payment makes the rest of the Mus-
lim's wealth pure. Zakat is levied annually on -certain
types of food grain, cattle and cash possessed for one
lunar calendar year to be given out to the poor, the
needy and other specified classes of people.
4. Sawm (fasting) to be observed during the month
of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calen-
dar). It begins at daybreak (dawn), and ends at sunset.
Eating, drinkingl~ and sexual activities with one's wife
are forbidden.
Besides health benefits which one gains through fast-
ing, it is an act of worship which helps one who observes
it attain piety, humbleness and share the feelings of the
beret and hungry in the community. Fasting also allows
one to be more benevolent and charitable.
5. Hali (pilgrimage) to Makkah, prescribed for those
Muslims who can afford the trip financiallyl5 and health
13. Man shall be held accountable for every minute and thing he does, and shall
stand all by himself on the Day of Judgment or Reckoning to be questioned by
the Almighty Allah. Everyone shall he held accountahle for his own deeds.
The life in the Hereafter is either everlasting happiness or everlasting torment.
14. Drinking, refers to water, fruit juices and other non-alcholic and soft drinks;
liquour and smoking are prohihited in Islam.
15. This means that one must have enough provisions for his journey and for his
family during his absence.
26
wise,oncein alifetime.TheHajj ritestakeplaceduring
the Islamicor lunar monthsof Shawwal,Dthul-Qi'dah
andthefirsttendaysof Dthu-Hijjah only.It isaprecon-
dition for the pilgrim to enter the stateof lhratn'oat a
certainpointbeforeenteringtheboundriesof Makkah.
16. Ihram is the intention to perform Hajj or Umrah hy wrapping a pieceof cloth
coveringhis hody from the chestdown. Another pieceof cloth coversthe upper
hody:excludingthe head.Ihrammakesit unlawfulfor the pilgrimto wearsewed
garmcnts.shoes.to have sexualactivitieswith his wife. to hunt and the like.
Under normal circumstances.oncea Muslim entersthe stateof lhram. he may
not break it until he hascompleted all Hajj or Umrah rituals. But if one is held
backfrom completingHajj or Umrah. for healthreason.fearof enemyor great
danger.he may then quit his lhram and sacrificea sheep.goat. cow or camel
as an expiation.
27
wise, once in a lifetime. The Hajj rites take place during
the Islamic or lunar months of Shawwal, Dthul-Qi'dah
and the first ten days of Dthu-Hijjah only. It is a precon-
dition for the pilgrim to enter the state of IhramJ6
at a
certain point before entering the boundries ofMakkah.
16. Ihram is the intention to perform Hajj or Umrah hy wrapping a piece of cloth
covering his hody from the chest down. Another piece of cloth covers the upper
hody: excluding the head. Ihram makes it unlawful for the pilgrim to wear sewed
garments. shoes. to have sexual activities with his wife. to hunt and the like.
Under normal circumstances. once a Muslim enters the state of Ihram. he may
not break it until he has completed all Hajj or Umrah rituals. But if one is held
hack from completing Hajj or Umrah. for health reason. fear of enemy or great
danger. he may then quit his Thram and sacrifice a sheep. goat. cow or camel
as an expiation.
27
The Articles of Faith
There are alsoarticlesof faith which includebeside
believingin the Onenessof Allah:
1. Believingin the angels.Allah hascreatedthem
andtaskedthemto undertakenumerousdutiesbeside
praisingHim. TheyareHisobedientsalves."Theystand
in aweandreverenceof His [gloryJ"".
2. Beliveingin Allah'sScriptures,thattheywerefree
from any imperfectionor errors at the time of their
revelation.All ScripturesthatprecededtheQur'anhave
beentamperedwith or distortedby theirpeople,while
theQur'anisprotectedbyAllah fromchangeortamper-
ing. Allah sentdown Scripturesto Abraham,Isma'il,
Is'haq, Ya'oob (Jacob)and his twelve sons,Moses,
Jesus,andMuhammad.
3. Believingin Allah'sMessengers.Amongwhomthe
most prominentand steadfastare Noah, Abraham,
Moses,JesusandMuhammad,peacebeon them.They
arehumanandslavesof Allah. EveryProphetor Mes-
sengerbeforeMuhammad,peacebe on him, wassent
to hisown people,but Muhammad,peacebe on him.
wassentto all mankind.Allah says:"Blessedis He
Who Sentdown the CriterionTo His Servant,that it
May be an admonitionto all Creatures;-"'*.
28
The Articles of Faith
There are also articles of faith which include beside
believing in the Oneness of Allah:
1. Believing in the angels. Allah has created them
and tasked them to undertake numerous duties beside
praising Him. They are His obedient salves. "They stand
in awe and reverence of His [glory]"17.
2. Beliveing in Allah's Scriptures, that they were free
from any imperfection or errors at the time of their
revelation. All Scriptures that preceded the Qur'an have
been tampered with or distorted by their people, while
the Qur'an is protected by Allah from change or tamper-
ing. Allah sent down Scriptures to Abraham, Isma'il,
Is'haq, Ya'oob (Jacob) and his twelve sons, Moses,
Jesus, and Muhammad,
3. Believing in Allah's Messengers. Among whom the
most prominent and steadfast are Noah, Abraham,
Moses, Jesus and Muhammad, peace be on them. They
are human and slaves of Allah. Every Prophet or Mes-
senger before Muhammad, peace be on him, was sent
to his own people, but Muhammad, peace be on him.
was sent to all mankind. Allah says: "Blessed is He
Who Sent down the Criterion To His Servant, that it
May be an admonition to all Creatures;-"l~.
17. Qur'an 21 : 28.
1R. Our'an 25 : 1.
28
Noneof Allah'sMessengersor Prophetsclaimedto
be a god or part-god.Allah says:"No sondid Allah
beget,nor is thereany god alongwith Him: (if there
weremanygods),behold,eachgodwouldhavetaken
awaywhathehadcreated,andsomewouldhaveLorded
it over others!Glory to Allah! (He is free)from the
(sortof) thingstheyattributeto Him!"'n.
4.Believingin theLastD"y, theDayof Resurrection.
Allah haspredecreeda term for eachcreature,anda
term for the life of thisworld. The world'stermination
will be markedby the souhdingof the Trumpet,then
the trumpetwill soundagainandmankindshallbe re-
surrectedto standbeforethe Lord of theworldsto be
questionedabouttheir deedsin thisworld.Thosewho
believedin Allah andwereobedientwill go to Jannah
or (Paradise),andthosewhodisbelievedwill endup in
Hell-Fire.
5. Believingin predestination.Allah hascreatedev-
erythingin accordancewithHisdecree,predestination,
desireandwill, andin dueproportion.His determinat-
tion of the nature of things was establishedfifty-
thousandyearsbeforeHe createdtheHeavensandthe
eaffhr".Nothing occursor takes shapewithin the
heavensor the earthbut with His knowledgeand by
His order.
1 9 . Q u r ' a n2 3 : 9 1 .
20.Abdullah Bin Amr reported that the Messengerof Allah, peacebe on him,
said:"Allah had predecreedthe creationfifty thousandyearsheforehe hrought
the heavensand the earth into existence".(lmam Muslim, Ahmad and at-Tir-
midrhi).
29
None of Allah's Messengers or Prophets claimed to
be a god or part-god. Allah says: "No son did Allah
beget, nor is there any god along with Him: (if there
were many gods), behold, each god would have taken
away what he had created, and some would have Lorded
it over others! Glory to Allah! (He is free) from the
(sort of) things they attribute to Him!,,'9.
4. Believing in the Last Day, the Day of Resurrection.
Allah has predecreed a term for each creature, and a
term for the life of this world. The world's termination
will be marked by the sounding of the Trumpet, then
the trumpet will sound again and mankind shall be re-
surrected to stand before the Lord of the worlds to be
questioned about their deeds in this world. Those who
believed in Allah and were obedient will go to Jannah
or (Paradise), and those who disbelieved will end up in
Hell-Fire.
S. Believing in predestination. Allah has created ev-
erything in accordance with His decree, predestination,
desire and will, and in due proportion. His determinat-
tion of the nature of things was established fifty-
thousand years before He created the Heavens and the
earth20
• Nothing occurs or takes shape within the
heavens or the earth but with His knowledge and by
His order.
19. Qur'an 23 : 91.
20. Abdullah Bin Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace be on him.
said: "Allah had predecreed the creation fifty thousand years hefore he hrought
the heavens and the earth into existence", (Imam Muslim, Ahmad and at-Tir-
midthi).
29
Now thatyoureadthisbooklet,thedecisionisyours.
Everyoneis headingfor thesameend,but maychoose
any other route. Allah is so merciful;Allah is far re-
movedfrom injustice;He says:"Nor wouldwe punish
until. We had sentA messenger(to givewarning)"t'.
Out of our concernfor you, w€ have preparedthis
message.
2 1 .Q u r ' a n1 7: 1 6 .
30
Now that you read this booklet, the decision is yours.
Everyone is heading for the same end, but may choose
any other route. Allah is so merciful; Allah is far re-
moved from injustice; He says: "Nor would we punish
until. We had sent A messenger (to give warning),,21.
Out of our concern for you, we have prepared this
message.
21.0ur'an 17 : Itl.
30
Suggestedbooks for reading:
- TheHolyQur'an,(Englishtranslationof themeaning)
hy T. Al-Hilali.
- Sahih al-Bukharri, a collection of the authentic
Prophetictraditions.
-SahihMuslim,a collectionof theauthenticProphetic
traditions:
* The book of Prayerby A. Saqib.
* GeneralPrescriptsof Islam.
* Fasting.
* Exegesisof theopeningchapterof the Qur'an.
* The Fundamentalsof Islam.
* Thelife andtheAqeadahof Ash-Sheikh.Muham-
mad lhn Abdul Wahab.
3l
Suggested books for reading:
- The Holy Qur'an, (English translation of the meaning)
by T. Al-Hilali.
- Sahih al-Bukharri, a collection of the authentic
Prophetic traditions.
- Sahih Muslim, a collection of the authentic Prophetic
traditions:
* The book of Prayer by A. Saqib.
* General Prescripts of Islam.
* Fasting.
* Exegesis of the opening chapter of the Qur'an.
* The Fundamentals of Islam.
* The life and the Aqeadah of Ash-Sheikh. Muham-
mad Ibn Abdul Wahab.
31
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En a brief_message_of_islam

  • 2. ISLA]T'IIN BRIEF Mahmoud IUIurad PrintedandPublished By Presidencyof TheAdminstrationof lslamlcResearchesand lfta. Prlntlngand TranslationAgency Riyadh- Kingdomof SaudiArabia ISLAM IN BRIEF Mahmoud Murad Printed and Published By Presidency of The Adminstration of Islamic Researches and Ifta. Printing and Translation Agency Riyadh - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • 3. Tebleof Contents Introduction Who is Allah? What is Al-Qur'an? Authenticityof Al-Qur'an Miraculosityof Al-Qur'an ComprehensiveLegislation ScienceandAl-Qur'an The creationof the heavensand the earth Humanreproduction Who is Muhammad? What is Islam? The pillars of Islam The articlesof faith Suggestedmaterialsfor reading 5 7 9 10 11 12 t4 l6 19 2l 22 25 28 31 Table of Contents Introduction 5 Who is Allah? 7 What is Al..Qur'an? . 9 Authenticity of AI..Qur'an 10 Miraculosity of AI-Qur'an 11 Comprehensive Legislation 12 Science and AI-Qur'an 14 The creation of the heavens and the earth 16 Human reproduction 19 Who is Muhammad? 21 What is Islam? .. 22 The pillars of Islam 25 The articles of faith 28 Suggested materials for reading 31 3
  • 4. Introduction This is a messagefor everyfreethinkingandbroad- mindedhumanbeing.It is for everyseekerof thetruth who mighthave,oncewondered,whatthe religionof Islamis all about,who Atlah is, what is the ultimate goalof man'sexistence,or whathappensafterdeath, for thesequestionsand manyothersare promptedat certainoccasions,butbrushedasidebyvariousfactors. Islamis indeeda misunderstoodandmisrepresented religionin the West. "This misconceptionishardlysur- prising",remarksthe FrenchDr. MauriceBucaille,in his book, The Bible, The Qurtan and Science.'.rwhen we considerthe way so manygenerationsis the West wereinstructedin thereligiousproblemsfacinghuman- ity and the ignorancein which they werekept about anythingrelatedto Islam".HenceIslamicidealsremains obscurefrom the vastmajorityof non-Muslims. Thisbookletdoesnotclaimtoanswerallthequestions youwouldlike to be answered.However,thisbooklet will openbeforeyou a newdimensionof thinking,and will enableyou to realizethe importanceof your role asa humanbeingin this universe,to helpyou under- standthe relationshipbetweenyou andyourCreator, l. The Book was originally written in French, entitled'La Bible, le Coran et la Science'.Its Englishversionispublishedby American Trust publication,!979. Introduction This is a message for every free thinking and broad- minded human being. It is for every seeker of the truth who might have, once wondered, what the religion of Islam is all about. who Allah is, what is the ultimate goal of man's existence, or what happens after death, for these questions and many others are prompted at certain occasions, but brushed aside by various factors. Islam is indeed a misunderstood and misrepresented religion in the West. «This misconception is hardly sur- prising», remarks the French Dr. Maurice Bucaille, in his book, The Bible, The Qur'an and Science.1 «when we consider the way so many generations is the West were instructed in the religious problems facing human- ity and the ignorance in which they were kept about anything related to Islam». Hence Islamic ideals remains obscure from the vast majority of non-Muslims. This booklet does not claim to answer all the questions you would like to be answered. However. this booklet will open before you a new dimension of thinking, and will enable you to realize the importance of your role as a human being in this universe, to help you under- stand the relationship between you and your Creator. 1. The Book was originally written in French, entitled 'La Bible, Ie Coran et la Science'. Its English version is published by American Trust publication, 1979. 5
  • 5. God Almighty Allah. It presentsIslamto you in a nut- shell, and providesstraightfonvardanswersto many questionsaboutIslam andits credibility. In thisbooklet,youwill alsobe ableto knowAllah, the lastof His Scriptures,the last of His Prophetsand Messengers,what Islamis, the role of manin thislife and other relatedissues. Lest one may think that there is an Englishversion of theQur'an,I wouldliketo drawthereader'sattention to thefactthatArabicistheonlylanguageoftheQur'an. Although the Qur'anicquotationsandProphetictradit- tions cited in this booklet are precededwith <Allah says>>,onlythemeaningofsuchquotationsarequoted. ll. llurad ffirr lll0 Seateri&*r 1fr9 God Almighty Allah. It presents Islam to you in a nut- sheU, and provides straightforward answers to many questions about Islam and its credibility. In this booklet, you will also be able to know Allah, the last of His Scriptures, the last of His Prophets and Messengers, what Islam is, the role of man in this life and other related issues. Lest one may think that there is an English version ofthe Qur'an, I would like to draw the reader's attention to the fact that Arabic is the only language ofthe Qur'an. Although the Qur'anic quotations and Prophetic tradit- tions cited in this booklet are preceded with «Allah says», only the meaning ofsuch quotations are quoted. M.Murad w",. J41' September 1." 6
  • 6. Who fs Allah? Allah is the proper nameappliedto the only true God who existsnecessarilyby Himself,comprisingall theexcellentDivinenamesandattirbutesof perfection. Allahis one andunique;He hasno partneror equal. He is the soleCreatorand sustainerof the universe. Everycreaturebearswitnessto His oneness.Divinity, Lordship and the uniquenessof His attiibutes and names.Allah's essencedoesnot resembleother es- sences;..Thereis nonelikeuntoHim". He is theone, thesole,theIndivisihle.He is rheGodwithoutwhom no affairsare accomplished,and to whom Lordship ultimatelypertains.He neitherbegetsnor is begotten. He doesnot inherein anything,nor doesanythingin- herein Him. All creaturesstandin needof Him. but He standsin needof none. Allah is the Omnipotent,the Omniscient,Whose knowledgecomprehendsin themostperfectmannerall things,hiddenor manifested.But He isfargreaterthan to beencompassedby theknowledgeof His creatures. AllahtheSupremeistheCreatorof everything,for He hasa freehandin the disposalof all affairs.He is the mostMerciful,whoseunhoundedmercyencompasses everything.He is far removedfrom injusticeand tyranny.Allah'sjusticeensuresorderin the universe, whichhasno defect.Thereis no oneto shareHis do- main.nor doesHe takeaid or supportfrom His crea- Who Is Allah? Allah is the proper name applied to the only true God Who exists necessarily by Himself~ comprising all the excellent Divine names and attirbutes of perfection. Allah is One and Unique; He has no partner or equal. He is the sole Creator and sustainer of the universe. Every creature bears witness to His Oneness. Divinity, Lordship and the uniqueness of His attributes and names. Allah's essence does not resemble other es- sences; «There is none like unto Him». He is the One, the Sale. the Indivisible. He is the God without Whom no affairs are accomplished, and to Whom Lordship ultimately pertains. He neither begets nor is begotten. He does not inhere in anything, nor does anything in- here in Him. All creatures stand in need of Him, but He stands in need of none. Allah is the Omnipotent, the Omniscient. Whose knowledge comprehends in the most perfect manner all things. hidden or manifested. But He is far greater than to be encompassed by the knowledge of His creatures. Allah the Supreme is the Creator of everything. for He has a free hand in the disposal of all affairs. He is the most Merciful, Whose unbounded mercy encompasses everything. He is far removed from injustice and tyranny. Allah's justice ensures order in the universe, which has no defect. There is no one to share His do- main. nor does He take aid or support from His crea- 7
  • 7. s tures.He is the God of the worlds.Yet, He is nearer .tomanthanman'sjugularvein.Whenevera believer in needor distress 'calls on Him, He responds-He is abovethe SevenHeavensmountingHis throneis the mannerwhichsuitsHis grahdure. Allah hasrevealedHis final Scripture,al-Qur'anto the lastof His Messengers,Muhammad,peacebe on him, to conveythe Messageof Islamto mankind.He is the ExaltedAllah; Glory be to Him tures. He is the God of the worlds. Yet, He is nearer ·to man than man's jugular vein. Whenever a believer in need or distress calls on Him, He responds. He is above the Seven Heavens mounting His throne is the manner which suits His grandure. Allah has revealed His final Scripture, al-Qur'an to the last of His Messengers, Muhammad, peace be on him, to convey the Message of Islam to mankind. He is the Exalted Allah; Glory be to Him. 8
  • 8. Whatis the Qur'an? The word <<Qur'an'is understoodin its generalcon- notation to mean the speechof Allah which is neither created.The Qur'an is the real word of Allah, which was delivered by the angel Gabriel to Muhammad, peace be on him. Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him, memorizedtheverseshereceivedandrecitedthem to his companions,who happenedto be with him. He then ordered them to immediately write the verses down. He himself usedto keep a copy of the revealed portionsin his house.The Qur'an is the lastof Allah's Scriptureswhich Allah revealedin instalmentsover a periodof twenty-threeyears.[t isdividedinto 114surafts (chapters)of unequallength.It is oneof the fundamen, tal sourcesof the Islamicteachings.Someof its surafis and verseswere revealed at Makkah, and the rest thereofwere revealedat Madinah.The Makkan surahs and verses are concerned mainly with the issuesof tawhid,or the beliefin the onenessof Allah, the signs of the existenceof Allah, Resurrection,and life after death.The creedof the onenessof Allah wasthe focal point of the messageswith which all the prophetsand Messengerswere sent to mankind, beginning with Adam and endingwith Muhammad,peacebe on them all. The surahsrevealedat Madinah at a latter period of the life of the Messengerof Allah, peacebe on him, are concernedwith legislations,rites of worship, and transactionsrelated to all aspectsof life. What is the Qur'an? The word «Qur'an» is understood in its general con- notation to mean the speech of Allah which is neither created. The Qur'an is the real word of Allah, which was delivered by the" angel Gabriel to Muhammad, peace be on him. Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him, memorized the verses he received and recited them to his companions, who happened to be with him. He then ordered them to immediately write the verses down. He himself used to keep a copy of the revealed portions in his house. The Qur'an is the last of Allah's Scriptures which Allah revealed in instalments over a period oftwenty-three years. It is divided into 114 surahs (chapters) of unequal length. It is one of the fundamen- tal sources of the Islamic teachings. Some of its surahs and verses were revealed at Makkah, and the rest thereof were revealed at Madinah. The Makkan surahs and verses are concerned mainly with the issues of tawhid, or the belief in the Oneness of Allah, the signs of the existence of Allah, Resurrection, and life after death. The creed of the Oneness of Allah was the focal point of the messages with which all the Prophets and Messengers were sent to mankind, beginning with Adam and ending with Muhammad, peace be on them all. The surahs revealed at Madinah at a latter period of the life of the Messenger of Allah, peace be on him, are concerned with legislations, rites of worship, and transactions related to all aspects of life. 9
  • 9. Authenticityof the Qur'an Therehasbeenno nationwhichcaredabout,holified and preservedits Divine Scriptureas the Muslim Ilmmah (nation)caredabout, holified and preserved the Qur'an. Unlike the Divine Scriptureswhich pre- cededit, theQur'anisnotkeptin thehandsof aparticu- lar groupor clanof Muslimsso that one may suspect it to betamperedwithor alterated;rather,it waswithin thereachof all Muslims.The Muslimsarecommanded to reciteit in their prayerand refer to it in all their disputesfor afinaljudgment.TheQur'anwascompiled at atimewhenthosewhocommittedit to memorywere still alive.Allah haspromisedto preservethe Qur'an, andit will be preservedtill the Day of Judgment.The Muslimstodayreadand recitethe Qur'anictextsthat werereadandrecitedduringthelifetimeof theProphet Muhammad,peacebeon him, andhiscompanions:No letterhasbeenaddedto theQur'anor deletedfrom it. After examiningthe Qur'an, Dr. MauriceBucailleas- certains:..Thanksto its undisputedauthenticity,the textof theQur'anholdsauniqueplaceamongthebooks of revelationt '. l. Dr. MauriceBucailleis a surgeonwhohastakengreatinterestin thescientific aspectsof the Qur'an. He learnt Arabic and managedto studythe Qur'an in iu originaltcxt. He wasamazedwith its preciscscicntificdata.As a resultof thisstudy.Dr. Bucailleconvertedto Islam. t0 Authenticity of the Our'sn There has been no nation which cared about, holified and preserved its Divine Scripture as the Muslim Ummah (nation) cared about, holified and preserved the Qur'an. Unlike the Divine Scriptures which pre- ceded it, the Qur'an is not kept in the hands of a particu- lar group or clan of Muslims so that one may suspect it to be tampered with or alterated; rather, it was within the reach of all Muslims. The Muslims are commanded to recite it in their prayer and refer to it in all their disputes for a final judgment. The Qur'an was compiled at a time when those who committed it to memory were still alive. Allah has promised to preserve the Qur'an, and it will be preserved till the Day of Judgment. The Muslims today read and recite the Qur'anic texts that were read and recited during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him, and his companions: No letter has been added to the Qur'an or deleted from it. After examining the Qur'an, Dr. Maurice Bucaille as- certains: «Thanks to its undisputed authenticity, the text of the Qur'an holds a unique place among the books of revelation»l. 1. Dr. Maurice Bucaille is a surgeon who has taken great interest in the scientific aspects of the Qur'an. He learnt Arabic and managed to study the Qur'an in its original text. He was amazed with its precise scientific data. As a result of this study. Dr. Bucaille converted to Islam. 10
  • 10. Miracufosityof the Qur'an Allah,theExaltedhaschallengedtheArabsandnon- Arabs to producea qur'ansimilarto the Divine one. The challengewasthenreducedto ten surahs,andyet theyfailedto do so.Finally,Allah challengedthemto producea singlesurahcomparableto any of His. Al- though they were mastersof eloquenceand rhetoric during that period, the Arabs were still incapableof taking up the challenge.They realizedrhat it could neverbe from anyoneother than Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Thedifferencebetweenmiraclesof thepreviousMes- sengers,whichprovedtheir veracity,and thoseof the Messengerof Allah, peacebeon him, is thattheirpre- vious miracles were effective during the lifetime of everyoneof them, whereasthe miracleof the eur'an remainseffective,everlastingand unchallengeduntil the Day of Judgment. tt Miraculosity of the Qur'an Allah, the Exalted has challenged the Arabs and non- Arabs to produce a qur'an similar to the Divine one. The challenge was then reduced to ten surahs, and yet they failed to do so. Finally, Allah challenged them to produce a single surah comparable to any of His. Al- though they were masters of eloquence and rhetoric during that period, the Arabs were still incapable of taking up the challenge. They realized that it could never be from anyone other than Allah, the Lord of the worlds. The difference between miracles of the previous Mes- sengers, which proved their veracity, and those of the Messenger of Allah, peace be on him, is that their pre- vious miracles were effective during the lifetime of everyone of them, whereas the miracle of the Our'an remains effective, everlasting and unchallenged until the Day of Judgment. 11
  • 11. ComprehensiveLegislation Besidesthe finesseof its rhetoric, the Qur'an consti- tutesthe most comprehensiveconceptof Islam on the practicallevel,the shari'ah,or the lawsandlegislation. The Qur'an is comprehensivebecauseit includeslaw, moral principlesandthe creedwhicheveryMuslim sub- scribes.The Islamicshari'ahis suitablenot only for the Muslims, but for all mankind at all times. The Islamic law governs all human acts, public or private-duties towardsAllah and dutiestowardsman Man-made laws are subject to alteration and are basedon theories;whenevera new body of legislators assumesauthority in a non-Muslim country or a new theory appearsand appealsto its government,the laws arechangedaccordingly.The Divine laws,on the other hand, are unalterableand perpetualbecausethe One Who madethemis EverlivingandEverlastingGod. He is the Creator Who createdmankind and ordainedfor themwhatsuitsthemtill theendof time.Forthisreason. the Qur'an, being the last revealedto the last of Prophetsand Messengers.abrogatesall previousScrip- tures. Many prophesiesin the Qur'an are fulfilled to the letter. Allah promisedthosewho believeand did good deedsthatHe will surelymakethemsuccessorson earth. The earlyMuslimsruleda vastlandencompassingmany countriesin the world. The Qur'anforetoldthe victory t2 Comprehensive Legislation Besides the finesse of its rhetoric, the Qur'an consti- tutes the most comprehensive concept of Islam on the practical leveL the shari'ah, or the laws and legislation. The Our'an is comprehensive because it includes law, moral principles and the creed which every Muslim sub- scribes. The Islamic shari'ah is suitable not only for the Muslims, but for all mankind at all times. The Islamic law governs all human acts, public or private-duties towards Allah and duties towards man. Man-made laws are subject to alteration and are based on theories; whenever a new body of legislators assumes authority in a non-Muslim country or a new theory appears and appeals to its government, the laws are changed accordingly. The Divine laws, on the other hand, are unalterable and perpetual because the One Who made them is Everliving and Everlasting God. He is the Creator Who created mankind and ordained for them what suits them till the end of time. For this reason, the Our'an, being the last revealed to the last of Prophets and Messengers. abrogates all previous Scrip- tures. Many prophesies in the Our'an are fulfilled to the letter. Allah promised those who believe and did good deeds that He will surely make them successors on earth. The early Muslims ruled a vast land encompassing many countries in the world. The Our'an foretold the victory 12
  • 12. of the Romansover the Persianst.Allah says:<The Romanshavebeendefeated,in the landnearby,and theyaftertheirdefeat,will be victoriouso. A personwho readsthe Qur'an objectivelyshall realizethat the prophesiesin it arefar removedfrom conjunctureor speculations.Thisisdueto thefactthat who revealedthem is the one who predecreedall eventsuntil the Day of Judgment. Z. The reference to this prophesy is found in surah #30 entitled 'Arrum' or the Romans. This refers to the battle which took place between the Persianand the Roman in 614A.D. when the Roman weredefeated.Eight yearsafter that. the Roman defeatedthe Persians,and the prophesyto the Qur'an wasfulfilled to the letter. l3 of the Romans over the Persians2 • Allah says: «The Romans have been defeated, in the land nearby, and they after their defeat, will be victorious». A person who reads the Qur'an objectively shall realize that the prophesies in it are far removed from conjuncture or speculations. This is due to the fact that Who revealed them is the One who predecreed all events until the Day of Judgment. 2. The reference to this prophesy is found in surah #30 entitled 'Arrum' or the Romans. This refers to the battle which took place between the Persian and the Roman in 614 A.D. when the Roman were defeated. Eight years after that. the Roman defeated the Persians, and the prophesy to the Our'an was fulfilled to the letter. 13
  • 13. Scienceandthe Our'an Along with the fact the Muhammad,peacebe on him, wasilliterate;he couldneitherreadnor write,he grewup in Makkah wheretherewereno schools,and hewasfar awayfromthescientificcircleswhichexisted in Syria,Alexandria,AthensandRome.Moreover,the scientificfactsmentionedin theQur'anwerenotknown in the seventhcentury.Havingstudiedandexamined the Arabictextof the Qur'an,Dr. Bucaillemarvels: ..I could not find a singleerror in the Qur'an. I hadto stopandaskmyself:if amanwastheauthor of the Qur'an, how couldhe havewritten factsin theSeventhcenturyA.D. thattodayareshownto be in keepingwith modernscientificknowledge? I hadtoo acknowledgetheevidencein frontof me: the Qur'andid not containa singlestatementthat was assailablefrom a modern scientificpoint of view. I repeatedthe sametestfor the Old Testa- mentandtheGospels,alwayspreservingthesame objectiveoutlook. In the former, I did not even haveto go beyondthefirstbook,Genesis,tb find statementstotallyout of keepingwith thecast-iron factsof modernscience>>. Dr. Bucaillestudiedmanyof the scientificfactsthat are mentionedin the Qur'an, suchasthe creationof theuniverse,andothertopicsincludingastronomy,ani- malandplantkingdoms,humanreproductionandother l4 Science and the Our'an Along with the fact the Muhammad, peace be on him, was illiterate; he could neither read nor write, he grew up in Makkah where there were no schools, and he was far away from the scientific circles which existed in Syria, Alexandria, Athens and Rome. Moreover, the scientific facts mentioned in the Qur'an were not known in the seventh century. Having studied and examined the Arabic text of the Qur'an, Dr. Bucaille marvels: «I could not find a single error in the Qur'an. I had to stop and ask myself: if a man was the author of the Qur'an, how could he have written facts in the Seventh century A.D. that today are shown to be in keeping with modern scientific knowledge? I had too acknowledge the evidence in front of me: the Qur'an did not contain a single statement that was assailable from a modern scientific point of view. I repeated the same test for the Old Testa- ment and the Gospels, always preserving the same objective outlook. In the former, 1 did not even have to go beyond the first book, Genesis, to find statements totally out of keeping with the cast-iron facts of modern science». Dr. Bucaille studied many of the scientific facts that are mentioned in the Qur'an, such as the creation of the universe, and other topics including astronomy, ani- mal and plant kingdoms, human reproduction and other 14
  • 14. relatedissues.For thesake'ofbrevity,two of theabove issueswill be discussedin order to draw the reader's attentionto oneof the objectivesof this booklet. r5 related issues. For the sake"of brevity, two of the above issues will be discussed in order to draw the re-ader's attention to one of the objectives of this booklet. IS
  • 15. TheCreationof the Heavensandthe Earth "Man's knowledgeof the origin of the universeis considerablylimited. The scientistshave proposed hypothesesand theoriesof evolutionthat arecentred aroundone theme:the radiationera, the premordial fireballandthepremordialmatterandantimatter.The theoriesstatethat the universeconsistedmainly of stronglyinteractingparticles.Premordialmatter and antimatter,accordingto EncyclopaediaBritannica' eventuallyannihilatedeachother; and the remaining particlesformed the presentuniverse"'.The Qur'an presentsthe developmentof the universein relatively iimpte terms. Allah says,directingHis Messenger Muirammad,peacebe on him, to askthe unbelievers: "Say:Is it that ye denyHim Who createdtheearth in two Days?And do yejoin equalswith Him? He is The Lord of (all) The Worlds.He seton the (earth)MountainsStandingfirm, high aboveit, and bestowedblessingson theearth,andmeasuredtherein itssustenancein four Days,alikefor (all)who ask' Then He turnedto the sky,and it had been(as) smoke:Hesaidto it andtotheearth:"comeyetogether, willinglyor unwillingly". Theysaid:"we do come(together),in willingobedi- gnce". l6 The Creation of the Heavens and the Earth HMan's knowledge of the origin of the universe is considerably limited. The scientists have proposed hypotheses and theories of evolution that are centred around one theme: the radiation era. the premordial fireball and the premordial matter and antimatter. The theories state that the universe consisted mainly of strongly interacting particles. Premordial matter and antimatter. according to Encyclopaedia Britannica. eventually annihilated each other; and the remaining particles formed the present universe"~. The Qur'an presents the development of the universe in relatively simple terms. Allah says. directing His Messenger Muhammad, peace be on him, to ask the unbelievers: "Say: Is it that ye deny Him Who created the earth in two Days? And do ye join equals with Him? He is The Lord of (all) The Worlds. He set on the (earth) Mountains Standing firm, high above it, and bestowed blessings on the earth. and measured therein its sustenance in four Days, alike for (all) who ask. Then He turned to the sky. and it had been (as) smoke:He said to it and to the earth: H come ye together, willingly or unwillingly". They said: H we do come (together), in willing obedi- ence". 3. Macropedia. Vol. 18. p. 1008. 16
  • 16. So He completedthem aSsevenfirmamentsin two Days, and He assignedto eachheavenits duty and command.and We adornedthe lower heavenwith lights,and(providedit) with guard. Suchis the Decreeof (Him) The Exaltedin Might, Full of Knowledge"*. "Do not the Unbelieversseethat the heavensand theearthwerejoinedtogether(asoneunitofCreation), beforeWe clovethem asunder? We madefrom watereverylivingthing. Will theynot thenbelieve?"''. "Theconceptof rendingof oneunitintotwoor more, thecolestial{<Smoke}>aSreferredto in the aboveverses arefactto whichcorrespondsthefactualscientificdata. <Smokerr,the Englishphysicistand astronomerSir JamesJeanswrote: We havefound that, as Newton firstconjectured,achaoticmassof gasof approximately uniform densityand of very great extent would be dynamicallyunstable:nuclei,wouldtendto Formin it, aroundwhichthewholeof matterwouldultimatelycon- dense".On the basisof this theoryNewtonproposed thatallcelestialobjectsoriginatedby a processof frag- mentation. Needlessto saythe spaceprogramhelpeddiscover the homogenietyof thesubstancesof whichthe moon, the earthand otherplanetsare formed'"Suchstate- 4. Qur'an41: 9, 10,11,12. 5. Qur'an2l : 30. l7 So He completed them as seven firmaments in two Days~ and He assigned to each heaven its duty and command. and We adorned the lower heaven with lights~ and (provided it) with guard. Such is the Decree of (Him) The Exalted in Might, Full of Knowledge"-l. ~~Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of Creation). before We clove them asunder? We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?":;. "The concept of rending of one unit into two or more. the colestial «smoke» as referred to in the above verses are fact to which corresponds the factual scientific data. «Smoke», the English physicist and astronomer Sir James Jeans wrote: We have found that. as Newton first conjectured, a chaotic mass of gas of approximately uniform density and of very great extent would be dynamically unstable: nuclei, would tend to Form in it, around which the whole of matter would ultimately con- dense". On the basis of this theory Newton proposed that all celestial objects originated by a process of frag- mentation. Needless to say the space program helped discover the homogeniety of the substances of which the moon, the earth and other planets are formed. «Such state- 4. Our'an 41 : 9, to, 11, 12. 5. Our'an 21 : 30. 17
  • 17. mentsin the Qur'an concerningthe creationwhich ap- pearednearlyfourteencenturiesagon,Dr. Bucaillecon- cluded,.robviouslydo not lend themselvesto a human explanationnu. 6. Macropedia. Vol. 18. p. lfXf8. r8 ments in the Our'an concerning the creation which ap- peared nearly fourteen centuries ago», Dr. Bucaille con- cluded, «obviously do not lend themselves to a human explanation»6 • 6. Macropedia. Vol. 18. p. 1008. 18
  • 18. HumanReproduction The complexitiesof humanreproductionwere de- codedand understoodonly afterthe inventionof the microscopewhichwashundredsof yearsafterthedeath of Muhammad,peacebeon him.However.theQur'an refersto thestagesof developmentthathumanembryo undergoes.Allahsays: "Man We did createfrom a quintessence(of clay); Thenwe placedhim as(adropof) spermin a place of rest,Firmlyfixed; Then we madethe sperminto a clot of congealed blood;thenof thatclotWe madea (foetus)lump;then We madeoutof thatlumphonesandclothedthebones withflesh;thenwedevelopedoutof it anothercreature. Soblessedbe Allah,The Bestto create!"'. As it has been scientificallyproven, the stagesof humanreporductionare:"l- Fertilizationof an ovule whichtakesplacein theFallopiantubes.Thefertilizing agentis the malesperm.2- The implantationof the fertilizedeggwhichtakesplaceat a precisespotin the femalereporductivesystem:it descendsintotheuterus andlodgesin the bodyof the uterus. Oncetheemhryobeginstobeobservabletothenaked eye,it lookslike a smallmassof flesh.It growsthere in progressivestageswhichareverywell knowntoday; l9 Human Reproduction The complexities of human reproduction were de- coded and understood only after the invention of the microscope which was hundreds of years after the death of Muhammad. peace be on him. However. the Qur'an refers to the stages of development that human embryo undergoes. Allah says: HMan We did create from a quintessence (of clay); Then we placed him as (adrop of) sperm in a place of rest, Firmly fixed; Then we made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood; then of that clot We made a (foetus) lump; then We made out of that lump hones and clothed the bones with flesh; then we developed out of it another creature. So blessed he Allah. The Best to create!,,7. As it has been scientifically proven, the stages of human reporduction are: « 1- Fertilization of an ovule which takes place in the Fallopian tubes. The fertilizing agent is the male sperm. 2- The implantation of the fertilized egg which takes pla~e at a precise spot in the female reporductive system: it descends into the uterus and lodges in the body of the uterus. Once the embryo begins to be observable to the naked eye, it looks like a small mass of flesh. It grows there in progressive stages which are very well known today; 1. Qur'an 23 : 12. 13. 14. 19
  • 19. theyleadto thebonestructure,themuscles,thenervous system,thecirculation,andtheviscera,etcrr*. In conclusion,Dr. Bucailleascertains:,.Morethana thousandyearsbeforeourtime,ataperiodwhenwhim- sicaldoctrinesstill prevailed,menhada knowledgeof theQur'an.Thestatementsit containsexpressin simple termstruthsof premordialimportancewhichrnanhas takencenturiesto discovertr. L The Bible, the Qur'an and Science,p. 199. 20 they lead to the bone structure, the muscles, the nervous system. the circulation. and the viscera. etc»R. In conclusion, Dr. Bucaille ascertains: «More than a thousand years before our time. at a period when whim- sical doctrines still prevailed, men had a knowledge of the Qur'an. The statements it contains express in simple terms truths of premordial importance which man has taken centuries to discover». 8. The Bible, the Our'an and Science. p. 199. 20
  • 20. Whois Muhammad? Muhammad,peacebe on him, is the lastof Allah's MessengersandProphets.HisnameisMuhammadson of Abdullah.He wasborn in Makkah570A.D. Due to the fine reputationhe enjoyedamonghis people, they nicknamedhim 'the Trustworthy'.At the ageof 40,hewasendowedwith theprophethoodwhenAllah theExalted,revealedto him,throughtheangelGabriel thefirstQur'anicverses,Muhammad,peacebeonhim, wasaskedto preachthe beliefin the Onenessof Allah andwarnpeopleagainstpolytheism. The MakkanpolytheistsopposedMuhammad,peace be on him.,andhisfew followersharshly,,but that did not shakehisfaithnorwaiverhissteadfastness,nor did it stopmorepeoplefrom respondingto hispreaching. Finally, whenthe majority of the peopleof Madinah embracedIslam,the Makkan Muslimstook flight to Madinah,Later oD, the Messengerof Allah himself migratedto Madinahto establishtheIslarnicState.Few yearslater the polytheistsof Makkah and their allies succumbedto the growingpowerof the Muslims,and Makkah was conquered.Somethirty yearsafter the deathof the ProphetMuhammad,peacebe on him, Islamhadalreadyspreadthroughouttheworldsweep- ing the two greatestempiresin existence;the Persian andtheRoman. 2l Who is Muhammad? Muhammad, peace be on him, is the last of Allah's Messengers and Prophets. His name is Muhammad son of Abdullah. He was born in Makkah 570 A.D. Due to the fine reputation he enjoyed among his people, they nicknamed him 'the Trustworthy'. At the age of 40, he was endowed with the prophethood when Allah the Exalted, revealed to him, through the angel Gabriel the first Qur'anic verses, Muhammad, peace be on him, was asked to preach the belief in the Oneness of Allah and warn people against polytheism. The Makkan polytheists opposed Muhammad, peace be on him, and his few followers harshly, but that did not shake his faith nor waiver his steadfastness, nor did it stop more people from responding to his preaching. Finally, when the majority of the people of Madinah embraced Islam, the Makkan Muslims took flight to Madinah, Later on, the Messenger of Allah himself migrated to Madinah to establish the Islamic State. Few years later the polytheists of Makkah and their allies succumbed to the growing power of the Muslims, and Makkah was conquered. Some thirty years after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him, Islam had already spread throughout the world sweep- ing the two greatest empires in existence; the Persian and the Roman. 21
  • 21. Whatis lslam? The Arabic term 'Islam', meaning..submissionn, pointsto thefundamentalreligiouscreedwhichdictates that a Muslimsubmitto the will of Allah, conforming inwardlyandoutwardlyto His laws. The religionof Islm laysgreatemphasison uncom- promisingmonotheismandstrictadherenceto certain creedsandactsof worship.It enjoinssubmittingto the will of Allah andfollowingthe exemplaryway of the lifeof Muhammad,thelastof theProphetsandMessen- gers.,maypeacebe on themall. Allah, the Exaltedcreatedthe universeandwhatis in it thatHe be recognizedasthe OneandonlyGod. He createdman andjinn only to celebrateHis praise and worshipHim. His words signify:"f haveonly createdJinnsandmen,that theymayServeMe"o. The waysand actsof worshipare not left to man's option or choice.Allah is the One Who ordainsand decreesall actsof worshipandthemeansin whichthey mustbe observed.SinceIslamdealsin everyaspectof life.'spiritualandphysical,itsjurisprudenceisbasedon creeds,actsof worshipandordinancesregardingsocial, economicalandpoliticaltransactions. BecauseIslamisaperfectwayof life, it enjoinsmain- taininga refinedcodeof manners.The Messengerof 9. Qur'an51: 56. a2 What is Islam? The Arabic term 'Islam', meaning «submission», points to the fundamental religious creed which dictates that a Muslim submit to the will of Allah, conforming inwardly and outwardly to His laws. The religion of Islm lays great emphasis on uncom- promising monotheism and strict adherence to certain creeds and acts of worship. It enjoins submitting to the will of Allah and following the exemplary way of the life of Muhammad, the last of the Prophets and Messen- gers, may peace be on them all. Allah, the Exalted created the universe and what is in it that He be recognized as the One and only God. He created man and jinn only to celebrate His praise and worship Him. His words signify: "I have only created linns and men, that they may Serve Me"). The ways and acts of worship are not left to man's option or choice. Allah is the One Who ordains and decrees all acts of worship and the means in which they must be observed. Since Islam deals in every aspect of life, spiritual and physical, its jurisprudence is based on creeds, acts of worship and ordinances regarding social, economical and political transactions. Because Islam is a perfect way of life, it enjoins main- taining a refined code of manners. The Messenger of 9. Qur'an 51 : 56. 22
  • 22. Allahsaid:"Verily, I havebeensentto accomplishthe fine manners".Allah haspraisedthe fine mannersof His Messengersaying:"And surelythou hastsublime morals""'.A'ishah.thewifeof theMessengerof Allah. peacebe on him, wasaskedabouthis manners.She said:"His mannerswereal-Qur'an".A'ishahmeant thattheProphet,peacebeon him,clungto theQur'an, it rulesof discipline.itscommands.itsprohibitions,and the excellent,beautifuland graciousthingscomprised in it. For thisreasonAllahcommandsthebelieversto followthe exemplarylife of His Messenger,peacebe on him. saying:"Ye haveindeedin theMessengerof Allah an excellentexempler"". Islamenjoinsgoodmannersfor everyoccasion:seek- ingpermission,greeting,sitting,eating.learning,teach- ing. sporting.travelling.dressing.visiting.sleeping. marriage,treatingpeople,particularlyrelativesand neighbourswith kindness.etc.Codesof all suchgreat mannersarefoundin boththeQur'anandtheProphetic traditionsoftheMessengerof Allah.peaceheonhim. Thefamilyenjoysa highstatusin Islam.It isthecore of society;a healthyfamilymeansa healthvsocietv. henceAllah,theExaltedcommandsto treatthemwith gentlenessandsubmissivenesssaying: "Thy Lord hath decreedthat ye worshipnonebut Him, andthatye he kindto parents. 10.Qur'an68 : 4. 11.Qur'ant3 :21. 23 Allah said: HVerily, I have been sent to accomplish the fine mannersH. Allah has praised the fine manners of His Messenger saying: ..And surely thou hast sublime mora)s"w. A'ishah, the wife of the Messenger of Allah, peace be on him, was asked about his manners. She said: HHis manners were al-Qur'an". A'ishah meant that the Prophet, peace be on him, clung to the Qur'an, it rules of discipline. its commands. its prohihitions, and the excellent., beautiful and gracious things comprised in it. For this reason Allah commands the helievers to follow the exemplary life of His Messenger, peace be on him. saying: "Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah an excellent exempler"I'. Islam en.loins good manners for every occasion: seek- ing permission, greeting., sitting, eating, learning, teach- ing. sporting. travelling. dressing. visiting. sleeping. marriage, treating people., particularly relatives and neighhours with kindness, etc. Codes of all such great manners are found in both the Qur'an and the Prophetic traditions of the Messenger of Allah. peace he on him. The family enjoys a high status in Islam. It is the core of society; a healthy family means a healthy society. hence Allah., the Exalted commands to treat them !ith gentleness and suhmissiveness saying: HThy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye he kind to parents. 10. Qur'an 68 : 4. 11. Qur'an 33 : 21. 23
  • 23. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, saynot to them awordof contempt,nor repelthem but addressthem, in termsof honour. And, out of kindness.lower to them the wing of humility, and say: "My Lord! bestowon them thy Mercy even as they cherishedme in childhood"''. Next to familycomesthe kindred.The Messengerof Allah, peacebe on him, saidthat Allah haspromised to he kind to him who hehaveskindly to his kindred, and to sever him who severshis kindred bv unkind behaviour. 24 Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life. say not to them aword of contempt. nor repel them but address them, in terms of honour. And. out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: "My Lord! bestow on them thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood"12. Next to family comes the kindred. The Messenger of Allah, peace be on him, said that Allah has promised to he kind to him who hehaves kindly to his kindred. and to sever him who severs his kindred by unkind hehaviour. 12. Qur'an 17 : 23. 24. 24
  • 24. The Pillarsof lslam The Messengerof Allah, peacebeon him, said:Islam is built on five pillars: '1, . ash-Shahaadafr(the professionof faith) whichmust be recitedby anyoneembracingIslam. (La ilahaillallah, Muhammad Rasoolullah)meaning:"There is no true god except Allah, Muhammad is the Messengerof Allah". This meansthat thereis no godworthy of being worshippedbut Allah, andthat He mustbeworshipped only according to the teaching of His Messenger Muhammad,peacebe on him. 2. Salat(prayer).whichmustbe performedfive times a day. The first is Fajr prayer. [two rak'aat(units)]; which may he performed hetweendawn and sunrise. The second. Dhuhr, just afternoon.[four rak'aatf.The third Asr. in the later afternoon, [four rak'aatl. The fourth. Maghrib, [three rak'aatJimmediatelyaftersun- set.The fifth.Isha', ffour rak'aat),afterthe sun'sred- ness disappearsfrom the horizon. Prayer, however, must he precededby ahlutionwhich is washinghands. face.,wiping over the head, washingthe forearmsand the feet. Prayeris one of the greatestpillarsof Islam.It is the first act of worshipaboutwhichman shallbe askedon the Day of Reckoning.If it is acceptedby Allah, then 25 The Pillars of Islam The Messenger of Allah, peace be on him, said:" Islam is built on five pillars: 1. ash-Shahaadah (the profession of faith) which must be recited by anyone embracing Islam. (La iJaha iJ/alJah. Muhammad RasoolulJah) meaning: «There is no true god except Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah». This means that there is no god worthy of being worshipped but Allah, and that He must be worshipped only according to the teaching of His Messenger Muhammad. peace be on him. 2. Salat (prayer). which must be performed five times a day. The first is Fajr prayer. [two rak'aat (units)] ~ which may be performed hetween dawn and sunrise. The second. Dhuhr. just afternoon. [four rak'aat]. The third Asr. in the later afternoon. [four rak'aat]. The fourth. Maghrib. [three rak 'aat] immediately after sun- set. The fifth. Isha '. [four rak 'aat]. after the sun's red- ness disappears from the horizon. Prayer, however, must he preceded hy ahlution which is washing hands. face, wiping over the head, washing the forearms and the feet. Prayer is one of the greatest pillars of Islam. It is the first act of worship ahout which man shall he asked on the Day of Reckoning. If it is accepted by Allah, then 25
  • 25. the restof man'sgooddeedsareacceptedtoo''. 3.Zakaf(thepoor-due)isoneof thegreatestfinancial institutionsof Islam,literallymeaning'purification',in- dicatingthatsucha paymentmakestherestof theMus- lim'swealthpure. Zakatis leviedannuallyon certain typesof food grain,cattleandcashpossessedfor one lunarcalendaryearto be givenout to the poor, the needyandotherspecifiedclassesof people. 4. Sawm(fasting)to be observedduringthe month of Ramadan(theninthmonthof theMuslimlunarcalen- dar).tt beginsat daybreak(dawn),andendsatsunset. Eating,drinking'tandsexualactivitieswith one'swife areforhidden. Besideshealthbenefitswhichonegainsthroughfast- ing,it isanactof worshipwhichhelpsonewhoobserves it attainpiety, humblenessand sharethe feelingsof the beretand hungryin the community.Fastingalsoallows one to be more benevolentand charitable. 5. Hajj (pilgrimage)to Makkah, prescribedfor those Muslimswho canaffordthe trip financially''andhealth 13.Man shallbe held accountablefor every minute and thing he does,and shall standall by himselfon the Day of Judgmentor Reckoningto be questionedby the Almighty Allah. Every one shallhe held accountablefor his own deeds. The life in theHereafteriseithereverlastinghappinessor everlastingtorment. 14.Drinking, refersto water, fruit juices and other non-alcholicand soft drinks; liquourand smokingare prohihitedin Islam. 15.This meansthat one must have enoughprovisionsfor his journey and for his family during his absence. 26 the rest of man's good deeds are accepted too13 • 3. Zakat (the poor-due) is one of the greatest financial institutions of Islam, literally meaning 'purification', in- dicating that such a payment makes the rest of the Mus- lim's wealth pure. Zakat is levied annually on -certain types of food grain, cattle and cash possessed for one lunar calendar year to be given out to the poor, the needy and other specified classes of people. 4. Sawm (fasting) to be observed during the month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calen- dar). It begins at daybreak (dawn), and ends at sunset. Eating, drinkingl~ and sexual activities with one's wife are forbidden. Besides health benefits which one gains through fast- ing, it is an act of worship which helps one who observes it attain piety, humbleness and share the feelings of the beret and hungry in the community. Fasting also allows one to be more benevolent and charitable. 5. Hali (pilgrimage) to Makkah, prescribed for those Muslims who can afford the trip financiallyl5 and health 13. Man shall be held accountable for every minute and thing he does, and shall stand all by himself on the Day of Judgment or Reckoning to be questioned by the Almighty Allah. Everyone shall he held accountahle for his own deeds. The life in the Hereafter is either everlasting happiness or everlasting torment. 14. Drinking, refers to water, fruit juices and other non-alcholic and soft drinks; liquour and smoking are prohihited in Islam. 15. This means that one must have enough provisions for his journey and for his family during his absence. 26
  • 26. wise,oncein alifetime.TheHajj ritestakeplaceduring the Islamicor lunar monthsof Shawwal,Dthul-Qi'dah andthefirsttendaysof Dthu-Hijjah only.It isaprecon- dition for the pilgrim to enter the stateof lhratn'oat a certainpointbeforeenteringtheboundriesof Makkah. 16. Ihram is the intention to perform Hajj or Umrah hy wrapping a pieceof cloth coveringhis hody from the chestdown. Another pieceof cloth coversthe upper hody:excludingthe head.Ihrammakesit unlawfulfor the pilgrimto wearsewed garmcnts.shoes.to have sexualactivitieswith his wife. to hunt and the like. Under normal circumstances.oncea Muslim entersthe stateof lhram. he may not break it until he hascompleted all Hajj or Umrah rituals. But if one is held backfrom completingHajj or Umrah. for healthreason.fearof enemyor great danger.he may then quit his lhram and sacrificea sheep.goat. cow or camel as an expiation. 27 wise, once in a lifetime. The Hajj rites take place during the Islamic or lunar months of Shawwal, Dthul-Qi'dah and the first ten days of Dthu-Hijjah only. It is a precon- dition for the pilgrim to enter the state of IhramJ6 at a certain point before entering the boundries ofMakkah. 16. Ihram is the intention to perform Hajj or Umrah hy wrapping a piece of cloth covering his hody from the chest down. Another piece of cloth covers the upper hody: excluding the head. Ihram makes it unlawful for the pilgrim to wear sewed garments. shoes. to have sexual activities with his wife. to hunt and the like. Under normal circumstances. once a Muslim enters the state of Ihram. he may not break it until he has completed all Hajj or Umrah rituals. But if one is held hack from completing Hajj or Umrah. for health reason. fear of enemy or great danger. he may then quit his Thram and sacrifice a sheep. goat. cow or camel as an expiation. 27
  • 27. The Articles of Faith There are alsoarticlesof faith which includebeside believingin the Onenessof Allah: 1. Believingin the angels.Allah hascreatedthem andtaskedthemto undertakenumerousdutiesbeside praisingHim. TheyareHisobedientsalves."Theystand in aweandreverenceof His [gloryJ"". 2. Beliveingin Allah'sScriptures,thattheywerefree from any imperfectionor errors at the time of their revelation.All ScripturesthatprecededtheQur'anhave beentamperedwith or distortedby theirpeople,while theQur'anisprotectedbyAllah fromchangeortamper- ing. Allah sentdown Scripturesto Abraham,Isma'il, Is'haq, Ya'oob (Jacob)and his twelve sons,Moses, Jesus,andMuhammad. 3. Believingin Allah'sMessengers.Amongwhomthe most prominentand steadfastare Noah, Abraham, Moses,JesusandMuhammad,peacebeon them.They arehumanandslavesof Allah. EveryProphetor Mes- sengerbeforeMuhammad,peacebe on him, wassent to hisown people,but Muhammad,peacebe on him. wassentto all mankind.Allah says:"Blessedis He Who Sentdown the CriterionTo His Servant,that it May be an admonitionto all Creatures;-"'*. 28 The Articles of Faith There are also articles of faith which include beside believing in the Oneness of Allah: 1. Believing in the angels. Allah has created them and tasked them to undertake numerous duties beside praising Him. They are His obedient salves. "They stand in awe and reverence of His [glory]"17. 2. Beliveing in Allah's Scriptures, that they were free from any imperfection or errors at the time of their revelation. All Scriptures that preceded the Qur'an have been tampered with or distorted by their people, while the Qur'an is protected by Allah from change or tamper- ing. Allah sent down Scriptures to Abraham, Isma'il, Is'haq, Ya'oob (Jacob) and his twelve sons, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, 3. Believing in Allah's Messengers. Among whom the most prominent and steadfast are Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad, peace be on them. They are human and slaves of Allah. Every Prophet or Mes- senger before Muhammad, peace be on him, was sent to his own people, but Muhammad, peace be on him. was sent to all mankind. Allah says: "Blessed is He Who Sent down the Criterion To His Servant, that it May be an admonition to all Creatures;-"l~. 17. Qur'an 21 : 28. 1R. Our'an 25 : 1. 28
  • 28. Noneof Allah'sMessengersor Prophetsclaimedto be a god or part-god.Allah says:"No sondid Allah beget,nor is thereany god alongwith Him: (if there weremanygods),behold,eachgodwouldhavetaken awaywhathehadcreated,andsomewouldhaveLorded it over others!Glory to Allah! (He is free)from the (sortof) thingstheyattributeto Him!"'n. 4.Believingin theLastD"y, theDayof Resurrection. Allah haspredecreeda term for eachcreature,anda term for the life of thisworld. The world'stermination will be markedby the souhdingof the Trumpet,then the trumpetwill soundagainandmankindshallbe re- surrectedto standbeforethe Lord of theworldsto be questionedabouttheir deedsin thisworld.Thosewho believedin Allah andwereobedientwill go to Jannah or (Paradise),andthosewhodisbelievedwill endup in Hell-Fire. 5. Believingin predestination.Allah hascreatedev- erythingin accordancewithHisdecree,predestination, desireandwill, andin dueproportion.His determinat- tion of the nature of things was establishedfifty- thousandyearsbeforeHe createdtheHeavensandthe eaffhr".Nothing occursor takes shapewithin the heavensor the earthbut with His knowledgeand by His order. 1 9 . Q u r ' a n2 3 : 9 1 . 20.Abdullah Bin Amr reported that the Messengerof Allah, peacebe on him, said:"Allah had predecreedthe creationfifty thousandyearsheforehe hrought the heavensand the earth into existence".(lmam Muslim, Ahmad and at-Tir- midrhi). 29 None of Allah's Messengers or Prophets claimed to be a god or part-god. Allah says: "No son did Allah beget, nor is there any god along with Him: (if there were many gods), behold, each god would have taken away what he had created, and some would have Lorded it over others! Glory to Allah! (He is free) from the (sort of) things they attribute to Him!,,'9. 4. Believing in the Last Day, the Day of Resurrection. Allah has predecreed a term for each creature, and a term for the life of this world. The world's termination will be marked by the sounding of the Trumpet, then the trumpet will sound again and mankind shall be re- surrected to stand before the Lord of the worlds to be questioned about their deeds in this world. Those who believed in Allah and were obedient will go to Jannah or (Paradise), and those who disbelieved will end up in Hell-Fire. S. Believing in predestination. Allah has created ev- erything in accordance with His decree, predestination, desire and will, and in due proportion. His determinat- tion of the nature of things was established fifty- thousand years before He created the Heavens and the earth20 • Nothing occurs or takes shape within the heavens or the earth but with His knowledge and by His order. 19. Qur'an 23 : 91. 20. Abdullah Bin Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace be on him. said: "Allah had predecreed the creation fifty thousand years hefore he hrought the heavens and the earth into existence", (Imam Muslim, Ahmad and at-Tir- midthi). 29
  • 29. Now thatyoureadthisbooklet,thedecisionisyours. Everyoneis headingfor thesameend,but maychoose any other route. Allah is so merciful;Allah is far re- movedfrom injustice;He says:"Nor wouldwe punish until. We had sentA messenger(to givewarning)"t'. Out of our concernfor you, w€ have preparedthis message. 2 1 .Q u r ' a n1 7: 1 6 . 30 Now that you read this booklet, the decision is yours. Everyone is heading for the same end, but may choose any other route. Allah is so merciful; Allah is far re- moved from injustice; He says: "Nor would we punish until. We had sent A messenger (to give warning),,21. Out of our concern for you, we have prepared this message. 21.0ur'an 17 : Itl. 30
  • 30. Suggestedbooks for reading: - TheHolyQur'an,(Englishtranslationof themeaning) hy T. Al-Hilali. - Sahih al-Bukharri, a collection of the authentic Prophetictraditions. -SahihMuslim,a collectionof theauthenticProphetic traditions: * The book of Prayerby A. Saqib. * GeneralPrescriptsof Islam. * Fasting. * Exegesisof theopeningchapterof the Qur'an. * The Fundamentalsof Islam. * Thelife andtheAqeadahof Ash-Sheikh.Muham- mad lhn Abdul Wahab. 3l Suggested books for reading: - The Holy Qur'an, (English translation of the meaning) by T. Al-Hilali. - Sahih al-Bukharri, a collection of the authentic Prophetic traditions. - Sahih Muslim, a collection of the authentic Prophetic traditions: * The book of Prayer by A. Saqib. * General Prescripts of Islam. * Fasting. * Exegesis of the opening chapter of the Qur'an. * The Fundamentals of Islam. * The life and the Aqeadah of Ash-Sheikh. Muham- mad Ibn Abdul Wahab. 31