•A GLIMPSE OF

ISLIMIC FIITI

GHAlib AHMAd MASRi

i:i+.<>!l..wPI 0 -'-! ii~1I(j..C. ib..oJ ]9JLlil ~I uJLt o

A GLIMPSE OF

ISLAMIC FAITH

BYGHALIB MASRI

A GLIMPSE OF

ISLAMIC FAITH

BY

GHALIB MASRI

Coopcrrdvc Otlcc for Cdl end Guldrmc ln Al-Brtbr, Riyrd\ 1996

King Fahad National Library Caralosing-in-Publication Data

Musri, GhalibA glimpse of Islamic faith. . . . P, . . . . . . cm.ISBN: 9960-798-35-61. Faith (Islamic creeds) l. Title

243 dc

Lcgal Dcposit No. 0617/17

ISBN:996G798-35-6

CooperaUn Oflke for CaB and Guidance In AI-Batha, Riyadh, 1996

King Fahad National Library Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Musri, GhalibA glimpse of Islamic faith.... P, ...... CD1.

ISBN: 9960-798-35-6I. Faith (Islamic creeds) I. Title

243 dc

Legal Deposit No. 0617(17

ISBN:9960-798-35-6

TABLE OF CONTENTSSUBJECTDedicat ion . . . . . . . . . . . .lntroduction .........Man's Need for the Correct Creed .".Monotheism in IslamReligion and Human Nature (Beliefin Allah)Messengers of AllahThe Message of Prophet Mu-hammad (PBUH)

Pre-Islamic TimesThe Mission . . . . . . . . .Character of the Gracious

Prophe (PBUH)

Holy Scriptures (the books of Allah)The Holy Qur'an

The HereafterDivine DestinyAngels of Allah

PAGE458

l1

1328

333341

466365828789

TABLE OF CONTENTSSUBJECT PAGEDedication 4Introduction .. 5Man's Need for the Correct Creed 8Monotheism in Islam 11Religion and Human Nature (Beliefin Allah) 13Messengers of Allah 28The Message of Prophet Mu-

hammad (PBUH) 33

Pre-Islamic Times 33The Mission....... 41Character of the Gracious

Prophe (PBUH) 46Holy Scriptures (the books of Allah) 63

The Holy Qur'an 65

The Hereafter................................... 82Divine Destiny................................. 87Angels of Allah 89

3

DEDICATION

* To the Searchers for Truth with an

open mind and an enlightenedheart...

* To those who are keen on savingthemselves from going astray andliving in the broad expanse ofLight.

* To every man and woman desiring toknow about Islam's attitude towardsthe major issues of DIVINITY,'fHtr

UNIVERSE and LIFE, and aboutthe position and role of man in theUniverse.

I dedicate this quick glimpse of theIslamic Faith.

for Truth with an

an enlightened

DEDICATION

* To the Searchersopen mind and

heart...

* To those who are keen on savingthemselves from going astray andliving in the broad expanse ofLight.

* To every man and woman desiring to

know about Islam's attitude towardsthe major issues of DIVINITY, THE

UNIVERSE and LIFE and aboutthe position and role of man in the

Universe.

I dedicate this quick glimpse of the

Islamic Faith.

4

Introduction

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent.the Merciful

Islam has liberated man from mentalbondage and trained its followers to searchfor the truth with open minds. Allah hashonoured the human mind and made it ameans of discovering the tokens of His ex-istence and glory in the universe and un-derstanding His Glorious Revelation.

In the time when the non-Islamic worldwas suffering from the abyss of the socalled Dark Ages, the Islamic world wasalready living in an age of enlightenmentand had advanced in alt fields of life-spiritual and material. That is, in fact, a

5

Introduction

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent,the Merciful

Islam has liberated man from mentalbondage and trained its followers to search

for the truth with open minds. Allah hashonoured the human mind and made it ameans of discovering the tokens of His ex­

istence and glory in the universe and un­

derstanding His Glorious Revelation.

In the time when the non-Islamic world

was suffering from the abyss of the socalled Dark Ages, the Islamic world wasalready living in an age of enlightenment

and had advanced in all fields of life­

spiritual and material. That is, in fact, a

5

natural outcome of the living faith whichis compatible with undefiled human na-ture.

When in action, the Islamic faith bringsfonh other honourable examples of hu-man civilization and guides man to theStraight Path. This faith is summed up andpronounced in the following Arabic

Words:

i,i 5.!iii s , a,lll U! .lJ lJ gi :riii "

" ' olJl Jg.rr1 l:oa-c

It can be transliterated into Roman

Letters as follows:

' ' ASH-HADU AN LA ILAHA

ILLAL-LAAH. WA ASH-HADU

ANNA MUHAMMADAN RA-

SULUL-LAAH."

natural outcome of the living faith which

is compatible with undefiled human na­

ture.

When in action, the Islamic faith brings

forth other honourable examples of hu­man civilization and guides man to theStraight Path. This faith is summed up andpronounced in the following ArabicWords:

. i ~i t dlJl U1dJ 1U. i ~i IItJ !I •• tJ

II. dlJ1J.....J I.. 0 " ..

It can be transliterated into Roman

Letters as follows:

"ASH-HADU AN LA ILAHAILLAL-LAAH, WA ASH-HADU

ANNA MUHAMMADAN RA­SULUL-LAAH."

6

Its meaning in English is :''I BEAR WITNESS THAT THERE ISNO GOD BUT ALLAH; AND THATMUHAMMAD IS HIS MESSEN-GER.''

A brief explanation of the Muslim faithis given in the following pages. Yet this isonly a glimpse for those who are interestedto know about the articles of the IslamicFaith.It could also be a step forward onthe way of studying and discussing thefoundations of Islamic belief.

It could convince sincere searchers forthe truth to embrace the true religion. Animpartial assessment of their beliefs andpractices should hopefully lead them toshift their stand and guide them to theonly straight path ( that is, Islam).

Its meaning in English is :"I BEAR WITNESS THAT THERE ISNO GOD BUT ALLAH; AND THATMUHAMMAD IS HIS MESSEN­GER."

A brief explanation of the Muslim faithis given in the following pages. Yet this isonly a glimpse for those who are interestedto know about the articles of the IslamicFaith.It could also be a step forward onthe way of studying and discussing thefoundations of Islamic belief.

It could convince sincere searchers forthe truth to embrace the true religion. Animpartial assessment of their beliefs and

practices should hopefully lead them toshift their stand and guide them to theonly straight path ( that is, Islam).

7

MAN'S NEED FORTHE CORRECT CREED.

Man stands at the peak of creation andholds the position of the master in this uni-verse owing to the unique qualities he en-joys. He is provided with a number of fa-culties and qualities that enable him tocontrol and build this world. He is en-dowed with sense to make him understandthings and acquire knowledge. He is alsoprovided with the means of power andcontrol. He enjoys, too, a variety of emo-tions and feelings, such as love, hate, an-ger, etc..

These qualities are two-edged weaponsthat can be employed either for good or forevil purposes. Power, for example, can beused either for helping people and giving

MAN'S NEED FOR

THE CORRECT CREED.

Man stands at the peak of creation and

holds the position of the master in this uni­

verse owing to the unique qualities he en­

joys. He is provided with a number of fa­

culties and qualities that enable him to

control and build this world. He is en­

dowed with sense to make him understand

things and acquire knowledge. He is also

provided with the means of power andcontrol. He enjoys, too, a variety of emo­

tions and feelings, such as love, hate, an­

ger, etc..

These qualities are two-edged weapons

that can be employed either for good or forevil purposes. Power, for example, can be

used either for helping people and giving

8

them happiness.or for wronging the weak

and oppressing them. The human mind

can be used either for inventing the means

of luxury and comfort or for manufactur-

ing the devices of death and destruction.

Therefore, there must be some otherforce or drive that is able to control these

human qualities and faculties and direct

them in the interest of man and his com-

munity. That is, the sound belief in the

One and Only true God and His perfect

attributes and in the resurrection after

death when everybody is brought to ac-

count for his past deeds. This belief will

be the main factor that leads man in the

right path and keeps him away from evil

and injustice. It helps to build a real ideal

society as it was witnessed in the past

when Islam was embodied in actual life

them happiness. or for wronging the weakand oppressing them. The human mind

can be used either for inventing the meansof luxury and comfort or for manufactur­ing the devices of death and destruction.

Therefore, there must be some otherforce or drive that is able to control thesehuman qualities and faculties and direct

them in the interest of man and his com­munity. That is, the sound belief in the

One and Only true God and His perfectattributes and in the resurrection afterdeath when everybody is brought to ac­count for his past deeds. This belief will

be the main factor that leads man in theright path and keeps him away from evil

and injustice. It helps to build a real idealsociety as it was witnessed in the pastwhen Islam was embodied in actual life

9

and the Muslim soceity was a concreterepresentation of the Islamic faith.

In fact, Allah does not need our beliefin Him, nor does He need our worshipand submission to His exalted Will; itis we who need this belief in order to becoftect in our concept of life, the universeand its Creator, and to achieve our happi-ness and welfare both in this world and inthe Hereafter.

l 0

and the Muslim soceity was a concreterepresentation of the Islamic faith.

In fact, Allah does not need our beliefin Him, nor does He need our worshipand submission to His exalted Will; itis we who need this belief in order to becorrect in our concept of life, the universeand its Creator, and to achieve our happi­ness and welfare both in this world and inthe Hereafter.

10

MONOTHEISM IN ISLAM

ISLAM, in general, means surrender-

ing one's whole self to Allah, getting rid

of polytheism and complete submission to

the orders and instructions of Allah.

Submission to Allah is a thing which

AUah requires of the whole humanity as

He is its Creator; He has created the whole

universe and He alone dominates over it.

It is the duty of creatures to their Creator

and a requisite of their servility to their

Lord.

Islam was the religion of Adam, Noah,

Abraham and other prophets up to Mu-

hammad (peace and blessing of Allah be

upon them), for their faith was one and

the siune, although the applied ethics

1 l

MONOTHEISM IN ISLAM

ISLAM, in general, means surrender­ing one's whole self to Allah, getting ridof polytheism and complete submission tothe orders and instructions of Allah.

Submission to Allah is a thing whichAllah requires of the whole humanity asHe is its Creator; He has created the wholeuniverse and He alone dominates over it.It is the duty of creatures to their Creatorand a requisite of their servility to theirLord.

Islam was the religion of Adam, Noah,Abraham and other prophets up to Mu­hammad (peace and blessing of Allah be

upon them), for their faith was one andthe same, although the applied ethics

11

might be different.

The Islamic faith consists of six funda-mentals:

I - Belief in AUah.2 - Belief in His Angels.

3 - Belief in Divine Books.4 - Belief in His Prophers.5 - Belief in the Last Day.6 - Belief in Divine Destinv.

The first fundamental is rhe most im-port of all.

t2

might be different.

The Islamic faith consists of six funda­mentals:

1 - Belief in Allah.2 - Belief in His Angels.

3 - Belief in Divine Books.4 - Belief in His Prophets.5 - Belief in the Last Day.6 - Belief in Divine Destiny.

The first fundamental is the most Im­

port of all.

12

RELIGION AND HUMANNATURE

( Belief in Allah )

Everyone is bom upright by nature.

Pure nature leads to Allah, the One and

Only true God. In fact, human nature

awakes to Almighty Allah's existencevery early in life, even earlier than we

may think. We generally think that only

an older person ponders over Allah's

existence and Oneness. But if we ob-serye the life of a little child, we notice

that in a certain stage of his life he askshis parents endless questions aLrout thethings he sees around him in the universe.

Who made the heaven? Why is the sky

blue? Where does the sun go at night?

Why doesn't it appear to us at night?

T3

RELIGION AND HUMAN

NATURE

( Belief in Allah)

Everyone is born upright by nature.

Pure nature leads to Allah, the One and

Only true God. In fact, human nature

awakes to Almighty Allah's existence

very early in life, even earlier than we

may think. We generally think that only

an older person ponders over Allah's

existence and Oneness. But if we ob­

serve the life of a little child, we notice

that in a certain stage of his life he asks

his parents endless questions about the

things he sees around him in the universe.

Who made the heaven? Why is the sky

blue? Where does the sun go at night?

Why doesn't it appear to us at night?

13

Where does light go when the dark

comes? Why do stars gliaer? Where

does the earth end? Why does one flower

have smell while another doesn't? Where

did I come from? Where was I before I

came? etc. What do all these questions

mean and indicate?

They indicate that nature in this child

has begun to awake and recognize the

Creator of the earth and heavens through

His tangible and seen creation. There are

several effects that touch man's senses

and awaken him to the fact of Allah's ex-istence, Oneness and peerlessness. The

universe, so vast and wide, would certain-

ly awaken man to that plain fact. Those

great dimensions in the skies and the

earth... those countless, immense, celes-

tial bodies... Who has created them? The

1,4

Where does light go when the darkcomes? Why do stars glitter? Wheredoes the earth end? Why does one flowerhave smell while another doesn't? Wheredid I come from? Where was I before I

came? etc. What do all these questionsmean and indicate?

They indicate that nature In this childhas begun to awake and recognize theCreator of the earth and heavens throughHis tangible and seen creation. There areseveral effects that touch man's sensesand awaken him to the fact of Allah's ex­istence, Oneness and peerlessness. Theuniverse, so vast and wide, would certain­ly awaken man to that plain fact. Thosegreat dimensions in the skies and theearth... those countless, immense, celes­tial bodies... Who has created them? The

14

earth, though too tiny compared with

other celestial bodies, contains moun-

tains, plains, oceans, seas and riversthat would take the whole life of man to

leam about a small part of them. How,

then, about the solar system of whichour earth is only a part? How about themilky way of which our solar systemis considered a small part?. And othercelestial masses which contain millions

and millions of galaxies like ours? And

millions and millions of stars in compari-son with which the large sun is consid-ered to be too small?

With all its bulkiness, the universe is

marvellously accurate. Night and day

follow each other so precisely that we ad-just our watches to them. In fact, the

whole universe is so exact in its astro-

t5

earth, though too tiny compared withother celestial bodies, contains moun­tains, plains, oceans, seas and riversthat would take the whole life of man tolearn about a small part of them. How,then, about the solar system of whichour earth is only a part? How about themilky way of which our solar systemis considered a small part? And othercelestial masses which contain millionsand millions of galaxies like ours? Andmillions and millions of stars in compari­son with which the large sun is consid­ered to be too small?

With all its bulkiness, the UnIverse IS

marvellously accurate. Night and dayfollow each other so precisely that we ad­just our watches to them. In fact, thewhole universe IS so exact in its astro-

15

nomical revolution that clocks in observa-tories, which are the most accurateclocks we have and to which clocks inbroadcasting stations are adjusted, arethemselves adjusted to the extremely accu-rate astronomical revolution which isnever disturbed in the course of time un-less, of course, Allah willed it otherwise.

Every being, animate and inanimate, en-joys such miraculous accuracy. Have youseen the extremely minute living cell thatcan be seen only under the microscope?Yet it grows, splits and performs highlywonderfrrl tasks which make man helplessand humble towards the omnipotence ofAilah! Who, other than Allah, has in-fused it with the secret of life and guidedit to such surprising activity?

16

nomical revolution that clocks in observa­tories, which are the most accurateclocks we have and to which clocks in

broadcasting stations are adjusted, are

themselves adjusted to the extremely accu­

rate astronomical revolution which isnever disturbed in the course of time un­less, of course, Allah willed it otherwise.

Every being, animate and inanimate, en­joys such miraculous accuracy. Have youseen the extremely minute living cell thatcan be seen only under the microscope?

Yet it grows, splits and performs highly

wonderful tasks which make man helplessand humble towards the omnipotence ofAllah! Who, other than Allah, has in­fused it with the secret of life and guidedit to such surprising activity?

16

A germ cannot be seen with the unaidedeye. A minute kind called 'virus' cannot beseen even under the ordinary microscope.Yet, you know from your studies inscience that it might cause the most dead-ly disease unless man immunized him-self against it by means ofmedicines andserums. The multicellular being, man atthe top, was originally one impregnatedcell which went on splitting and growingtill it became an integral being. Whatpower, other than that of Allah, has giv-en it life and activity? Most surprisingin that splitting process is the fact thatthose cells appear sirnilar in their begin-ning, then orders are given to them ro spe-cialize and take certain forms - one cellmoyes to a certain place and becomes anear or part of an ear; another cell goes toanother position and becomes an eye or

t7

A genn cannot be seen with the unaidedeye. A minute kind called 'virus' cannot beseen even under the ordinary microscope.Yet, you know from your studies inscience that it might cause the most dead­ly disease unless man immunized him­self against it by means of medicines andserums. The multicellular being, man atthe top, was originally one impregnatedcell which went on splitting and growingtill it became an integral being. Whatpower, other than that of Allah, has giv­en it life and activity? Most surprisingin that splitting process is the fact thatthose cells appear similar in their begin­ning, then orders are given to them to spe­cialize and take certain forms - one cellmoves to a certain place and becomes anear or part of an ear; another cell goes toanother position and becomes an eye or

17

part of it; a third becomes one of the

brain cells; a fourth turns into bones"' etc'

What order did those invisible cells re-

ceive and obey in such extraordinary ex-

actitude? It is the order of the Creator'

He orders them and theY obey Him, and

move and form in accordance with His

Divine Witl.

Have you observed a multi - coloured

fragrant beautiful flower? Who has be-

stowed it with that fragrance and how

have these colours combined in it? Sup-

pose you tried to perfume a flower so that

it would diffuse fragrance from moming

to evening, and to paint it in all colours

so that it would not lose colour so long as

it exists. How hard would it be for

you, and how far would Your attemPt be

successful? If all people on earth busied

l 8

part of it; a third becomes one of the

brain cells; a fourth turns into bones... etc.

What order did those invisible cells re­

ceive and obey in such extraordinary ex­

actitude? It is the order of the Creator.

He orders them and they obey Him, and

move and form in accordance with His

Divine Will.

Have you observed a multi - coloured

fragrant beautiful flower? Who has be­

stowed it with that fragrance and how

have these colours combined in it? Sup­

pose you tried to perfume a flower so that

it would diffuse fragrance from morning

to evening, and to paint it in all colours

so that it would not lose colour so long as

it exists. How hard would it be for

you, and how far would your attempt be

successful? If all people on earth busied

18

themselves with such a task with all flow-en growing on earttr or in the sea, couldthey perform it? And even if they could,what time and effort would be left for oth-er activities?

Yet millions of flowers on earth growscented, coloured and pleasant. Allatr hascreated all without the least effort or dis-traction from directing the immense uni-verse, for He (Glory be to Him!) onlysays to a thing: "Be! And it is". For Him,it is so easy.

The phenomena of death and life alsoattract man's attention to the miraculousDivine Power that gives life and death.What is life in reality? It is a marvelloussecret which no one can explain. All thatman has so far attempted is the interpreta-

t9

themselves with such a task with all flow­ers growing on earth or in the sea, couldthey perform it? And even if they could,what time and effort would be left for oth­er activities?

Yet millions of flowers on earth growscented, coloured and pleasant. Allah hascreated all without the least effort or dis­traction from directing the immense uni­verse, for He (Glory be to Him!) onlysays to a thing: "Be! And it is". For Him,it is so easy.

The phenomena of death and life alsoattract man's attention to the miraculousDivine Power that gives life and death.What is life in reality? It is a marvelloussecret which no one can explain. All thatman has so far attempted is the interpreta-

19

tion of some phenomena of life such as

movement, growth and physiology. As for

life itself - what is it? How does it exist in

living things? How does it direct them to

fulfil their functions? All this is a vague

mystery incomprehensible to man. Man,

especially biologists, has employed all his

scientific knowledge to create one cell of

billions of living cells with which the di-

vine creation abounds, but all was in vain.

As for man's livelihood, whether in the

form of rain falling from the sky; crops

growing from earth; fish, birds and ani-

mals; treasures and minerals underground;

the air we brcathe; the wind driving ships

on the sea; or power driving machines

such as steam power, electric Power;atomic energy, the power of fuel or of wa-

ter falling down from mountains - who,

tion of some phenomena of life such asmovement, growth and physiology. As forlife itself - what is it? How does it exist inliving things? How does it direct them tofulfil their functions? All this is a vaguemystery incomprehensible to man. Man,especially biologists, has employed all hisscientific knowledge to create one cell ofbillions of living cells with which the di­vine creation abounds, but all was in vain.

As for man's livelihood, whether in theform of rain falling from the sky; cropsgrowing from earth; fish, birds and ani­mals; treasures and minerals underground;the air we breathe; the wind driving shipson the sea; or power driving machinessuch as steam power, electric power;atomic energy, the power of fuel or of wa­ter falling down from mountains - who,

20

other than Ailah, provides all these? "Lo?Allah, He it is that gives livelihood, theLord of unbeatable might". (Qur'an, 5i:58)

Man yeams after the unseen which onlyAllah knows, but all his atrernpts fail. Helongs to know what is in store for him inhis future life, what his lot will be nextyear, what is going to happen to him amonth or a week or a day later and whatis going to take place in a moment. Hecannot discover what is going to takeplace in a moment, whether good or evil.Who, other than Allah alone. enjoys om-niscience, since He has created everythingand nothing in the heavens and the earthescapes His infinite knowledge?.

Many things impress the human mind,awakening it to the idea of the One God,

2 l

other than ABah, provides all these? "Lo?Allah, He it is that gives livelihood, the

Lord of unbeatable might". (Qur'an, 51:58)

Man yearns after the unseen which only

Allah knows, but all his attempts fail. Helongs to know what is in store for him inhis future life, what his lot will be next

year, what is going to happen to him a

month or a week or a day later and what

is going to take place in a moment. He

cannot discover what is going to take

place in a moment, whether good or evil.Who, other than Allah alone, enjoys om­

niscience, since He has created everything

and nothing in the heavens and the earth

escapes His infinite knowledge?

Many things impress the human mind,awakening it to the idea of the One God,

21

with no partner. It perceives that He

alone possesses perfection, might, glory,

greatness and limitless Power.

" He is AUah, the One and OnlY; Allah,

the Etemal, Absolute; He begetteth not,

Nor is He begotten; and there is none like

unto Him." (The HolY Quran ll2:l-4)

Thus, man would enjoy righteous nature

and be an uPright believer.

But the human nature sometimes suf-

fers from derangement and relapse' The

faculty of perception may be dulled; so

man fails to perceive the signs of inimita-

bility in the universe and life' He forgets

the miraculous power that gives liveli-

hood, controls events and possesses com-

prehensive knowledge of the seen and the

with no partner. It perceives that He

alone possesses perfection, might, glory,

greatness and limitless power.

" He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah,

the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not,

Nor is He begotten; and there is none like

unto Him." (The Holy Quran 112:1-4)

Thus, man would enjoy righteous nature

and be an upright believer.

But the human nature sometimes suf­

fers from derangement and relapse. The

faculty of perception may be dulled; so

man fails to perceive the signs of inimita­

bility in the universe and life. He forgets

the miraculous power that gives liveli­

hood, controls events and possesses com­

prehensive knowledge of the seen and the

22

unseen.

When man undergoes a new experience,all his senses will be alert to it. If he no-tices a scene or hears something new forthe first time or goes to a new town, streetor house, he will be careful to recognisethe details of the new place. He is high-ly impressed since it is new to him; but ashe grows familiar with the scene or placeand sees it several times, his senses nolonger pay much, or perhaps the least, at-tention to it.

Sometimes man behaves likewise to-wards Allah. He forgets that Allah is theCreator, the Director, the Giver of life anddeath. He overlooks the multitudes ofsigns in this universe. He neglects to ob-serve the rising sun and light until they are

23

unseen.

When man undergoes a new experience,all his senses will be alert to it. If he no­tices a scene or hears something new forthe first time or goes to a new town, streetor house, he will be careful to recognisethe details of the new place. He is high­ly impressed since it is new to him; but ashe grows familiar with the scene or placeand sees it several times, his senses nolonger pay much, or perhaps the least, at­tention to it.

Sometimes man behaves likewise to­wards Allah. He forgets that Allah is theCreator, the Director, the Giver of life anddeath. He overlooks the multitudes ofsigns in this universe. He neglects to ob­serve the rising sun and light until they are

23

swallowed up in the dark. He fails to no-

tice the fragrant, beautiful flowers with

joyous colours and the melodious notes

of song -birds. He ignores thunder, light-

ning and rain falling from the clouds. He

disregards the new-bom baby and the dead

man. He forgets about his complete weak-

ness in relation to the absolute power of

Allah.

Other things may dull man's senses - He

may be busy with his food, drink, whims

and transient worldly comforts, which

would divert his mind from considering

the portents in the universe, seeking

Allah's favour and remembering the

Hereafter and the reckoning and retri-

bution in it.

Another cause of dull perception may

24

swallowed up in the dark. He fails to no­

tice the fragrant, beautiful flowers with

joyous colours and the melodious notesof song -birds. He ignores thunder, light­

ning and rain falling from the clouds. He

disregards the new-born baby and the deadman. He forgets about his complete weak­ness in relation to the absolute power ofAllah.

Other things may dull man's senses - He

may be busy with his food, drink, whimsand transient worldly comforts, whichwould divert his mind from consideringthe portents in the universe, seeking

Allah's favour and remembering the

Hereafter and the reckoning and retri­

bution in it.

Another cause of dull perception may

24

be deviation from Allah's orders. Manwould be rebeilious against Allah onearth and tbllow his own lust - He wouldgo beyond what AUah allows him to dobecause of his greediness and his desireto have mastery over others and makethem slaves to his desires; so he encroach-es upon their property, honour or bloodand wants to deify himself so as to be wor-shipped beside Allah. He may be too proudto serve Allah, or he may be fascinatedby what he possesses - his talents, health,power, money or anything Allah has bes-towed on him. He thinks he has acquiredthem by his own power and forgets thatall these bounties emanated from Allah.

The human perception or mind gets dullowing to one of the afore-mentioned rea-sons or to other deviations and relapses;

25

be deviation from Allah's orders. Manwould be rebeilious against Allah onearth and follow his own lust - He wouldgo beyond what Allah allows him to dobecause of his greediness and his desireto have mastery over others and makethem slaves to his desires; so he encroach­es upon their property, honour or bloodand wants to deify himself so as to be wor­shipped beside Allah. He may be too proudto serve Allah, or he may be fascinatedby what he possesses - his talents, health,power, money or anything Allah has bes­towed on him. He thinks he has acquiredthem by his own power and forgets thatall these bounties emanated from Allah.

The human perception or mind gets dullowing to one of the afore-mentioned rea­sons or to other deviations and relapses;

25

so it forgets AUah wholly or ascribes apafiter to Him and imagines that some-one or somettring in the universe sharesdivinity, majesty and power with Allah.Thus, the human nature gets corrupt andis possessed by Satan, who drives it awayfrom Divine Guidance and Favour. Yet,Alatr does not let His sewants go astray;so He sent them Prophets to call them toguidance and turn them back to truth. Hehas sent Muhammad (peace and blessingof Allatr be upon him) as the last prophet

to be a harbinger of good tidings and awamer to all mankind up to the Day ofResurrection.

He revealed to him the Qur'an and gua-ranteed its preservation," Lo! We, evenWe, reveal the Reminder (i.e.the Qur'an)and h! We verily are its guardian".

26

so it forgets Allah wholly or ascribes apartner to Him and imagines that some­one or something in the universe sharesdivinity, majesty and power with Allah.Thus, the human nature gets corrupt and

is possessed by Satan, who drives it awayfrom Divine Guidance and Favour. Yet,Allah does not let His servants go astray;so He sent them Prophets to call them toguidance and turn them back to truth. Hehas sent Muhammad (peace and blessingof Allah be upon him) as the last prophetto be a harbinger of good tidings and awarner to all mankind up to the Day ofResurrection.

He revealed to him the Qur'an and gua­ranteed its preservation," Lo! We, evenWe, reveal the Reminder (i.e.the Qur'an)and La! We verily are its guardian".

26

(Qur'an, l5:9).

The Qur'an includes all ttrat is essentialfor human nature to be noble and virtuous,guides to ttre real meaning of divinity andacquaints with the Rightful God, Creatorand Director of the universe, Owner ofSovereignty without any partner.

27

(Qur'an, 15:9).

The Qur'an includes all that is essential

for human nature to be noble and virtuous,guides to the real meaning of divinity andacquaints with the Rightful God, Creatorand Director of the universe, Owner ofSovereignty without any partner.

27

MESSENGERS OF ALLAH

One of the fundamentals of faith is the

belief in the Prophets (messengers of

AUah). A man cannot be considered a

Muslim or a believer unless he believes

that Allah sent to mankind Prophets from

among themselves, who conveYed the

Truth revealed to them from their Lord,

ALLAH, brought them good tidings,

wamed them, expounded and interpreted

Allatr's message for them. Hence, man

will be considered a Muslim only if he

believes in all prophets and that they all

brought the same truth from Allah, with-

out making distinction between any of

them.

"Say (O Muhammad): We believe in

Allah and that which was revealed unto us

MESSENGERS OF ALLAH

One of the fundamentals of faith is thebelief in the Prophets (messengers ofAllah). A man cannot be considered aMuslim or a believer unless he believesthat Allah sent to mankind Prophets fromamong themselves, who conveyed theTruth revealed to them from their Lord,ALLAH, brought them good tidings,warned them, expounded and interpretedAllah's message for them. Hence, manwill be considered a Muslim only if hebelieves in all prophets and that they allbrought the same truth from Allah, with­out making distinction between any ofthem.

"Say (0 Muhammad): We believe inAllah and that which was revealed unto us

28

and that which was revealed untoAbratram and Ismael and Isaac and Jacoband the tribes, and that which was vouch-safed unto Moses and Jesus and the Pro-phets from their Lnrd. We make no dis-tinction between any of them, and untoHim we have surrendered". (Qur'an, 3: 84)

Why has Allah enjoined belief in theProphets and made it a fundamental offaith besides belief in Him, though rhebelief in Allah is the basis of everything?The answer is obvious. How can manknow his Lord and worship Him in theright way without the Prophets and theirguidance? Consider the falsehoods ofmankind concerning their Lord through-out history, how they imagined Him andworshipped Him in their various ages ofpre-Islamic paganism. Once they ima-

29

and that which was revealed untoAbraham and Ismael and Isaac and Jacoband the tribes, and that which was vouch­safed unto Moses and Jesus and the Pro­phets from their Lord. We make no dis­tinction between any of them, and untoHim we have surrendered". (Qur'an, 3: 84)

Why has Allah enjoined belief in theProphets and made it a fundamental offaith besides belief in Him, though thebelief in Allah is the basis of everything?The answer is obvious. How can manknow his Lord and worship Him in theright way without the Prophets and theirguidance? Consider the falsehoods ofmankind concerning their Lord through­out history, how they imagined Him andworshipped Him in their various ages ofpre-Islamic paganism. Once they ima-

29

gined Him in the form of the sun's disc, aswas the case with ancient Egyptians; oncein the form of superman, as did the Greeksand Romans; once in the form of themoon, another in the form of a star andstill another in the form of an idol. Sofancies differed and all strayed from thetrue god because they sought guidancefrom their own imagination, desires andlimited knowledge and didn't follow thetruth in the right way as confirmed byAllah, that is through Prophets to whomthe Truth had been revealed.

No less wrong was the perception ofvarious times of ideological ignorancewhen there were small gods besides theLord of lords who enjoyed some of Histraits, such as a god of rain, another oflightning, another of thunder, another of

gined Him in the fonn of the sun's disc, aswas the case with ancient Egyptians; oncein the fonn of supennan, as did the Greeksand Romans; once in the fonn of themoon, another in the fonn of a star andstill another in the fonn of an idol. Sofancies differed and all strayed from thetrue god because they sought guidancefrom their own imagination, desires andlimited knowledge and didn't follow thetruth in the right way as continned byAllah, that is through Prophets to whomthe Truth had been revealed.

No less wrong was the perception ofvarious times of ideological ignorancewhen there were small gods besides theLord of lords who enjoyed some of Histraits, such as a god of rain, another oflightning, another of thunder, another of

30

the wind, another of the sea (Neptune)as another of fertility, anottrer of progenyand others of every affair of life.

If we believe that Divinity and Lord-ship are the major issues in the life of manman and that the worship of Allah is theobject of human existence: "I created ttrejinn and humankind only that they mightworship Me." (Qur'an,51:56), then, wewill understand why belief in the pro-

phets is a principal constifuent of faith;for as we have seen in historical reality,it is impossible for humanity to be guid-ed to the truth with regard to divinity andworship through other than the right andauthorized source, that is - the prophetssenr by Almighry Allah.

The same applies to the necessity of be-

31

the wind, another of the sea (Neptune)as another of fertility, another of progenyand others of every affair of life.

If we believe that Divinity and Lord­ship are the major issues in the life of manman and that the worship of Allah is theobject of human existence: "I created thejinn and humankind only that they mightworship Me." (Qur'an,51:56), then, wewill understand why belief in the Pro­phets is a principal constituent of faith;for as we have seen in historical reality,it is impossible for humanity to be guid­ed to the truth with regard to divinity andworship through other than the right andauthorized source, that is - the prophetssent by Almighty Allah.

The same applies to the necessity of be-

31

lief in all prophets without distinctionwhatsoever between any of them. They allcame for one purpose. They were sentto make it known that there is only ONEGOD in the whole universe, that isAlmighty AUah (Be He glorified and highexalted!) with no partner.They said to peo-ple, "Serve Allah! Ye have no other godbut Him". (Qur'an, 11:50, l1:61, l1:84).

So, what is the meaning of believing ittone prophet and denying another? In fact,denying any of them is the same as deny-ing them all, since they expounded to menthe same thing revealed to them by Allah:

"We sent no messenger before thee butwe inspired him (saying): There is nogod Save Me (Allah), so worship Me".(Qur'an,2l:25)

32

lief in all prophets without distinctionwhatsoever between any of them. They allcame for one purpose. They were sentto make it known that there is only ONEGOD in the whole universe, that isAlmighty Allah (Be He glorified and highexalted!) with no partner.They said to peo­ple, "Serve Allah! Ye have no other godbut Him". (Qur'an, 11:50,11:61, 11:84).

So, what is the meaning of believing inone prophet and denying another? In fact,denying any of them is the same as deny­ing them all, since they expounded to menthe same thing revealed to them by Allah:

"We sent no messenger before thee butwe inspired him (saying): There is nogod Save Me (Allah), so worship Me".(Qur'an, 21 :25)

32

THE, MESSEGE OF PROPHETMUHAMMAD( Peace be Upon Him)

Pre - Islamic Times:

Before the advent of ISLAM all man-kind had degenerated into the worst ofsktes and the darkest of stages.

Not only Arabia was predominated bysuch pagan ignorance; the whole worldsuffered from it. There were two 'great'

states: Persia and Byzantium; they ruledmost of the world at that time. Either hada historic'civilization', but what was itsbasis and what was the mental, psycholo-gical and material standard of its people?

ln Penia a 'Khosrau' ruled. He was notmerely a ruler; he was a 'god'. The cere-

33

THE MESSEGE OF PROPHETMUHAMMAD( Peace be Upon Him)

------------------------------------------------------Pre - Islamic Times:

Before the advent of ISLAM all man­kind had degenerated into the worst ofstates and the darkest of stages.

Not only Arabia was predominated bysuch pagan ignorance; the whole worldsuffered from it. There were two 'great'states: Persia and Byzantium; they ruledmost of the world at that time. Either hada historic 'civilization', but what was itsbasis and what was the mental, psycholo­gical and material standard of its people?

In Persia a 'Khosrau' ruled. He was notmerely a ruler; he was a 'god'. The cere-

33

monies of greeting were nearest to thoseof worship. Feople were really slaves tothat god, living - whatever their rank andclass was - in the way that Khosrau'or hisinherited royal traditions would allow.Only a 'handful' of people enjoyed theriches of the country - that is, the court ofKhosrau that held sway over the masses;while the latter were in an abject state ofpoverty, slavery and humiliation. The as-pects of 'pomp' and 'civilization'were allconfined to the palace. As for the 'people',

they were important as far as they servedthe interests of these ruling masters withthat 'god' at their head. Yes, there werearts and material production, but all wasused, along with people, for the sake of

those interests. The official worship wasthat of fire. Morals had collapsed andMazdek's comrnunism and permissiveness,

34

monies of greeting were nearest to thoseof worship. People were really slaves tothat god, living - whatever their rank andclass was - in the way that Khosrau' or hisinherited royal traditions would allow.Only a 'handful' of people enjoyed theriches of the country - that is, the court of

Khosrau that held sway over the masses;while the latter were in an abject state ofpoverty, slavery and humiliation. The as­pects of 'pomp' and 'civilization' were allconfined to the palace. As for the 'people',they were important as far as they servedthe interests of these ruling masters withthat 'god' at their head. Yes, there werearts and material production, but all wasused, along with people, for the sake of

those interests. The official worship wasthat of fire. Morals had collapsed andMazdek's communism and permissiveness,

34

dissolution and anarchy had spread. Whatmental, spiritual and material contemptman- under that 'great' civilization - hadlived in!

In Byzantium conditions were no better.Caesar was surrounded with the same ha-loes as Khosrau, and people were, as inevery state of ideological ignorance, mas-ters and bondsmen. These bondsmenfought and died in great numbers only inthe cause of the 'Empire' and the personalglories of Caesar and his commanders.Like Persia, there were arts, material pro-duction and building, but for whose sake:The masters or the bondsmen? Are therefor bondsmen other than serving theirmasters? There was a creed! - a pagancreed guarded by the church and theclergy: God is One of three! Christ was

35

dissolution and anarchy had spread. Whatmental, spiritual and material contemptman- under that 'great' civilization - hadlived in!

In Byzantium conditions were no better.Caesar was surrounded with the same ha­loes as Khosrau, and people were, as in

every state of ideological ignorance, mas­ters and bondsmen. These bondsmenfought and died in great numbers only inthe cause of the 'Empire' and the personalglories of Caesar and his commanders.Like Persia, there were arts, material pro­duction and building, but for whose sake:The masters or the bondsmen? Are therefor bondsmen other than serving theirmasters? There was a creed! - a pagancreed guarded by the church and theclergy: God is One of three! Christ was

35

the sonof God! Bishops and monkswerelords ruling the domain of minds andspirits contrary to God's revelations andtaking the property of people unlawfully;whereas, Caesar was ruling the physical

domain in accordance with the RomanLaw (i.e. not in accordance with DivineLaw). People were servants of the courton the one hand and servants of the Popeand his bishops and rnonks on the other.

Beyond the 'great' empires there were

the Chinese and trndian 'civilizations' in

Asia.

In India, as everywhere else, there were

lords and bondsmen. tsut bondsmen there

had a peculiar position. They were be-

lieved to have been created from the god's

foot, so they were considered unclean.

36

the son of God! Bishops and monks werelords ruling the domain of minds andspirits contrary to God's revelations andtaking the property of people unlawfully;whereas, Caesar was ruling the physicaldomain in accordance with the RomanLaw (i.e. not in accordance with DivineLaw). People were servants of the courton the one hand and servants of the Popeand his bishops and monks on the other.

Beyond the 'great' empires there werethe Chinese and Indian 'civilizations' inAsia.

In India, as everywhere else, there werelords and bondsmen. But bondsmen therehad a peculiar position. They were be­lieved to have been created from the god'sfoot, so they were considered unclean.

36

They had to endure all humiliation, con-tempt and torture they underwent; for onthe one hand, that was their fate; and onthe other, it was their sole way to salva-tion through transmigration of souis. Man,according to them, spetrds his fixed life,then his soul passes into another new bo-dy. If the enslaved untouchables weresatisfied with their fate, surrendered to hu-miliation and carried out the hardest anddirtiest pieces of work, their souls mightpass into other persons superior to slavesand get thereby to their pursued salva-tion, though they wouldn't acquire therank of their masters who were createdfrom the deity's head or arm!

There werc countless forms of worshipoffered to countless deities, but they hadone thing in cornmon, that is - ERROR.

37

They had to endure all humiliation, con­tempt and torture they underwent; for onthe one hand, that was their fate; and onthe other, it was their sole way to salva-

"tion through transmigration of souls. Man,according to them, spends his fixed life,then his soul passes into another new bo­dy. If the enslaved untouchables weresatisfied with their fate, surrendered to hu­miliation and carried out the hardest anddirtiest pieces of work, their souls mightpass into other persons superior to slavesand get thereby to their pursued salva­tion, though they wouldn't acquire therank of their masters who were createdfrom the deity's head or ann!

There were countless fonns of worshipoffered to countless deities, but they hadone thing 10 common, that is - ERROR.

37

Perhaps the most curious thing was 'tem-

ple prostitutes'who stayed in temples forthe sake of deity! No, for the sake of Sa-tan! But stranger still might be the 'cow

worship' - men wallowing in its dung andbathing its urine, for the sake of god'sblessing! If the cow could have spoken itwould have laughed at its worshippersand would have been surprised to see man,whom Allah has honoured, satisfied withsuch degradation!

At the end of the earth there was China,a vast expanse of land ruled by an emper-or - sacred like all rulers of the time. Ritesof worship and sacrifices were offered tohim and people prostrated themselves be-fore him. The god worshipped was Bud-dha, whose images were graven and wor-shipped by people. [n Buddhism, as in

Perhaps the most curious thing was 'tem­ple prostitutes' who stayed in temples forthe sake of deity! No, for the sake of Sa­tan! But stranger still might be the 'cowworship' - men wallowing in its dung andbathing its urine, for the sake of god'sblessing! If the cow could have spoken itwould have laughed at its worshippersand would have been surprised to see man,whom Allah has honoured, satisfied withsuch degradation!

At the end of the earth there was China,a vast expanse of land ruled by an emper­or - sacred like all rulers of the time. Ritesof worship and sacrifices were offered tohim and people prostrated themselves be­fore him. The god worshipped was Bud­dha, whose images were graven and wor­shipped by people. In Buddhism, as in

38

the Indian religions, the body was de-spised and tortured for the redemptionof the soul, and worldly life was scornedand rejected for ttre attainment of immor-tality. Immortality! But where? and inwhat form? It is immortality with Bud-dha in the world of imagination. Therewere arts, material production and 'wis-

dom' but all was of no avail, for peoplethemselves were lost.

Arabia was drowned in religious ig-norance, like the rest of mankind. Therewere three religions, all of which weremisguided. Jews, who were living in theoutskirts of Medina, had distorted theirholy' book centuries before, stuffed itwith lies and legends, changed the Di-vine Revelation and renounced it wholly,complying with their whims and interests.

39

the Indian religions, the body was de­spised and tortured for the redemptionof the soul, and worldly life was scornedand rejected for the attainment of immor­tality. Immortality! But where? and inwhat fonn? It is immortality with Bud­dha in the world of imagination. Therewere arts, material production and 'wis­dom' but all was of no avail, for peoplethemselves were lost.

Arabia was drowned in religious ig­norance, like the rest of mankind. Therewere three religions, all of which weremisguided. Jews, who were living in theoutskirts of Medina, had distorted their'holy' book centuries before, stuffed itwith lies and legends, changed the Di­vine Revelation and renounced it wholly,complying with their whims and interests.

39

There were, also, small Christian groupswho held false beliefs, such as the Trinity,the deifieation of Jesus or considering hima son of God. Arab idolators throughoutArabia worshipped idols which wereplaced inside AL- KA'BA, the HolyHouse of God (AUah), the place whichAbraham and Ismael had been ordered byAllah to build in order that Allah aloneshould be worshipped without ascribingany parmer to Him. Yet, they claimedthey were followers of Abraham. A va-riety of myths had nested in their minds.Angels, for example, were the daughtersof Allah and they werc worshipped onthat account. The jinn (i.e. genies) be-longed to Allah and were, therefore, wor-shipped. Idols were carved and then wor-shipped by people. Many new-bomgirls were buried alive for fear of shame

40

There were, also, small Christian groupswho held false beliefs, such as the Trinity,the deification of Jesus or considering hima son of God. Arab idolators throughoutArabia worshipped idols which wereplaced inside AL- KA'BA, the HolyHouse of God (Allah), the place whichAbraham and Ismael had been ordered byAllah to build in order that Allah aloneshould be worshipped without ascribingany partner to Him. Yet, they claimedthey were followers of Abraham. A va­riety of myths had nested in their minds.Angels, for example, were the daughtersof Allah and they were worshipped onthat account. The jinn (i.e. genies) be­longed to Allah and were, therefore, wor­shipped. Idols were carved and then wor­shipped by people. Many new-borngirls were buried alive for fear of shame

40

or poverty. Women were scomed and

wronged. Wine was drunk, games of

chance (i.e. maysir) were used to, and

adultery was allowed- Life was spent in

drinking, amusement and plundering raids''Man' was 'Lost' as was his case in all

states of religious ignorance. That was the

state of the world before Muhammad was

sent to save mankind from the darkness of

error:

The Mission:

In this extremely dark atmosphere there

shone a Light; it was Muhammad, son

of Abdullah, (peace andblessing of Allah

be upon him)"

The Jews in Medina, before the Pro-

phethood of Muhammad (PBUFI), had

i l l

or poverty. Women were scorned andwronged. Wine was drunk, games ofchance (Le. maysir) were used to, andadultery was allowed. Life was spent indrinking, amusement and plundering raids.'Man' was 'Lost' as was his case in allstates of religious ignorance. That was thestate of the world before Muhammad wassent to save mankind from the darkness oferror~

The Mission:

In this extremely dark atmosphere thereshone a Light; it was Muhammad, sonof Abdullah, (peace andblessing of Allahbe upon him).

The Jews in Medina, before the pro­

phethood of Muhammad (PBUH), had

41

often said to its inhabitants, The time of aprophet has almost arrived. We shallfight with him against you and defeatyou'. The Jews, in fact, depended in

their claim upon the Torah, which in-

dicates that the old copies of the Torahnot only mentioned Prophet Muhammad'sname and description, but also pointed

to his prophethood and its approximatetime.

In his 'Muhammad in the Bible', Prof.Abdul Ahad Dawud, former Bishop ofUramiah, quotes the following versesfrom Haggai, ii: 79, which he has trans-lated from an Assyrian copy of the Bible,'And I will shake all nations and the Hi-rnada of all the nations will come - and inthis place I will give shalom, says theLord of hosts'.

42

often said to its inhabitants, 'The time of a

prophet has almost arrived. We shallfight with him against you and defeatyou'. The Jews, in fact, depended intheir claim upon the Torah, which in­

dicates that the old copies of the Torahnot only mentioned Prophet Muhammad'sname and description, but also pointed

to his prophethood and its approximatetime.

In his 'Muhammad in the Bible', Prof.Abdul Ahad Dawud, former Bishop ofUramiah, quotes the following versesfrom Haggai, ii; 79, which he has trans­

lated from an Assyrian copy of the Bible,'And I will shake all nations and the Hi­

mada of all the nations will come - and inthis place I will give shalom, says theLord of hosts'.

42

The word 'Himada' is derived from anarchaic Hebrew or rather Aramaic root

hemed'. In Hebrew 'hemed' is generally

used in the sense of great desire, covet,

appetite and lust. In Arabic the verb'hamida' means 'to praise' and so on.

What is more praised and illustrious than

that which is most craved for, covet-

ed and desired. Whichever of the two

meanings be adopted, the fact that Ahmad

is the Arabic form of Himda remains in-

disputable and decisive. The Qur'an (61:

6) declares that Jesus announced unto

the people of Israel the coming of an

Apostle from Allah whose name was to

be'Ahmad'.

The Gospel of St. John, being written in

Greek, uses the name 'Pariclytos', a bar-

barous form unknown to classical Greek

43

The word 'Himada' is derived from anarchaic Hebrew or rather Aramaic root'hemed'. In Hebrew 'hemed' is generallyused in the sense of great desire, covet,appetite and lust. In Arabic the verb'hamida' means 'to praise' and so on.What is more praised and illustrious thanthat which is most craved for, covet­ed and desired. Whichever of the twomeanings be adopted, the fact that Ahmadis the Arabic fonn of Himda remains in­disputable and decisive. The Qur'an (61:6) declares that Jesus announced untothe people of Israel the coming of anApostle from Allah whose name was tobe 'Ahmad'.

The Gospel of 51. John, being written inGreek, uses the name 'Pariclytos', a bar­barous fonn unknown to classical Greek

43

literature. But 'Periclytos', which corres-ponds exactly wirh Ahmad in its signi-fication of illustrious', 'glorious' and'praised', in its superlative degree, musthave been the franslation into Greek of'Himda' 0r probably 'Hemida' of theAramaic form, as uttered by Jesus Christ.Aias! there is no Ccspel e.xtant in theoriginal language spoken by Jesus.

As to the etyrnology and significance ofthe Hebrew words'shaiom' and 'shalama'.

and the Arabic words 'salam'and 'Islam', I(i.e., Prof. Abdui Ahad) need not detainthe reader by dragging hirn into iinguisticdetails. Any sernitic scholar knows that'shalorn' and'lslant'are derived from oneand the sarne root and that both meanpeace, submission and resignation.".

literature. But 'Periclytos', which corres­

ponds exactly with Ahmad in its signi­fication of 'illustrious', 'glorious' and'praised', in its superlative degree, musthave been the translation into Greek of

'Himda' or probably 'Hemida' of the

Aramaic fonn, as uttered by Jesus Christ.Alas! there is no Gospel extant in theoriginal language spoken by Jesus.

As to L~e etymology and significance ofthe Hebrew words 'shalom' and 'shalama',and the Arabic words 'salam' and 'Islam', I

(i.e., Prof. Abdul Ahad) need not detaintlle reader by dragging him into linguisticdetails. Any semitic scholar knows that'shalom' and 'Islam' are derived from oneand the same root and that both meanpeace, submission and resignation.".

44

AUah chooses His ProPhets from the

best of mankind. And Muhammad (peace

and blessing of Allah be upon him) is the

best of humanity in general, and of pro-

phets in particuiar. Altah takes eare of,and

refines His prophets before charging them

with prophethood and withaut their know-

ledge ar expectation" They would thereby

be, psychologieally, spiritually and mo-

rally, more qualified to carry out their

message and fulfil the task as fullY as

Allah wills. This applies to the Prophet

Muhammat! (peace and blessing of Ailah

be upon him) to an extent unequalled be-

fore. Even in his early youth, ire had the

manner of a soLernn deep-think-ing man

and enjoyed the ncble feelings of 'man''

45

Allah chooses His prophets from the

best of mankind. And Muhammad (peace

and blessing of Allah be upon him) is the

best of humanity in general, and of pro­

phets in particular. Allah takes care of,and

refines His prophets before charging them

with prophethood and without their know­

ledge or expectation. They would thereby

be, psychologically, spiritually and mo­rally, more qualified to carry out theirmessage and fulfil the task as fully as

Allah wills. This applies to the ProphetMuhammad (peace and blessing of Allah

be upon him) to an extent unequalled be­

fore. Even in his early youth, he had the

manner of a solemn deep-think-ing man

and enjoyed the noble feelings of 'man'.

45

Character of the Gracious Prophet (PBUH)

The Pre-Islamic period was full of cor-ruption, pleasure-seeking and waste oftime, though there were some respect-able, sober men here and there, but theywere rarely young men; for a young manwould be unusual if he didn't seek pleas-ure and entertainment at that time. If headded to his solemnity the avoidance of ti-quors which were drunk even by respect-able old men, shunning of those idols setup beside the Holy Mosque (i.e.Ka'aba),keeping away from inequity, along withother noble qualities, he would undoubted-ly draw others'attention since none of theold men possessed such qualities, not tospeak of the youths.

One of his traits was so outstanding and

46

Character of the Gracious Prophet (PBUH)

The Pre-Islamic period was full of cor­

ruption, pleasure-seeking and waste of

time, though there were some respect­

able, sober men here and there, but theywere rarely young men; for a young manwould be unusual if he didn't seek pleas­ure and entertainment at that time. If headded to his solemnity the avoidance of li­quors which were drunk even by respect­able old men, shunning of those idols setup beside the Holy Mosque (i.e.Ka'aba),keeping away from inequity, along withother noble qualities, he would undoubted­ly draw others' attention since none of theold men possessed such qualities, not to

speak of the youths.

One of his traits was so outstanding and

46

deep-rooted that it attracted the attentionof Qurayshi people - that was honesty.They used to call him "the Honest" (Al-

Amin). People trusted him with their pro-perty owing to their confidence in hishonesty and trustworthiness.

Muhammad's silence during the meet-ings of Quraysh, his wisdom and equa-nimity when he talked, won their respectand admiration; so they consulted himabout their affairs and were satisfied withhis counsel. The most famous event inthis regard was the appeal of Quraysh(i.e. Makkans) to him for a decision con-ceming the Black Stone. They had de-cided to rebuild the Holy Ka'aba twiceits former height because of the ruin ofsome parts of it. They worked together.But they differed about dre Black Stone;

deep-rooted that it attracted the attentionof Qurayshi people - that was honesty.They used to call him "the Honest" (AI­Amin). People trusted him with their pro­perty owing to their confidence in his

honesty and trustworthiness.

Muhammad's silence during the meet­ings of Quraysh, his wisdom and equa­nimity when he talked, won their respectand admiration; so they consulted himabout their affairs and were satisfied withhis counsel. The most famous event in

this regard was the appeal of Quraysh(i.e. Makkans) to him for a decision con­cerning the Black Stone. They had de­cided to rebuild the Holy Ka'aba twiceits fonner height because of the ruin ofsome parts of it. They worked together.But they differed about the Black Stone;

47

for each tribe competed with the others toenjoy alonethehonourof putring it backin its place. They almost fought with eachother, but at last agreed to take the counselof the first man to come to them. Thatfirst man was the HONEST (i.e., Muham-mad), who took off his mantle spread iton the ground, put the Black Stone onit and asked a man from each tribe tocarry with him the manrle holding itsedges.Then he took the Stone in his handsand put it irr its place. All went away sat-isfied with the Honest's decision.

In his wife Khadija's (May Allah bepleased with her) description of him,soothing his fears on receiving the firstrevelation, she gave a portrait of his man-ners and their impression on people'sminds. She said to him, 'Surely, Allah

for each tribe competed with the others to

enjoy alone the honour of putting it back

in its place. They almost fought with eachother, but at last agreed to take the counsel

of the first man to come to them. Thatfirst man was the HONEST (i.e., Muham­mad), who took off his mantle spread it

on the ground, put the Black Stone onit and asked a man from each tribe tocarry with him the mantle holding itsedges.Then he took the Stone in his hands

and put it in its place. All went away sat­isfied with the Honest's decision.

In his wife Khadija's (May Allah bepleased with her) description of him,soothing his fears on receiving the first

revelation, she gave a portrait of his man­ners and their impression on people'sminds. She said to him, 'Surely, Allah

48

never will discredit you! you are kindto your relatives, truthful, protecting or-phans, generous to the poor, hospitableand helpful to the victims of misfor-tune!'

He was, during the hours of silence,much given to meditation. He spent amonth of retirement every year in Hira'cave on top of the Mountain of Light(in Arabic, Jabal-un-Nur), in worship ofAllah in accordance with Abraham'smonotheistic religion, away from the dis-iortions added through prevailing idola-trous ignorance.

Allah was preparing him for the serioustask - for the Message addressed to thewhole hurnanity. The Messenger of Allah,Muhammad (PBUH) told the rrurh when

49

never will discredit you ! You are kindto your relatives, truthful, protecting or­phans, generous to the poor, hospitableand helpful to the victims of misfor­tune!'

He was, during the hours of silence,much given to meditation. He spent amonth of retirement every year in Hira'cave on top of the Mountain of Light(in Arabic, Jabal-un-Nur), in worship ofAllah in accordance with Abraham'smonotheistic religion, away from the dis­tortions added through prevailing idola­trous ignorance.

Allah was preparing him for the serious

task - for the Message addressed to thewhole humanity. The Messenger of Allah,Muhammad (PBUH) told the truth when

49

he said: "My Lord has disciplined me in

the best refined manner".

The Prophet Muhammad's character is

the greatest character throughout human

history, unmatched by any other charac-

ter, not only amongst great men, but

also amongst prophets. If we are tojudge by the standards of human great-

ness, let us consider the case of a political

leader, dedicating his life to political

leadership. He found his nation dispersed,with no common cause or link, and was

able, by means of his wise leadership

and impressive character, to unite the di-

vided nation and found the link which

firmly connected its various warring fac-

tions. He drew for it a purpose which

united it and removed its differences,

Then he raised it to a lofty, respectable

50

he said: "My Lord has disciplined me mthe best refmed manner".

The Prophet Muhammad's character isthe greatest character throughout humanhistory, unmatched by any other charac­ter, not only amongst great men, butalso amongst prophets. If we are tojudge by the standards of human great­ness, let us consider the case of a politicalleader, dedicating his life to politicalleadership. He found his nation dispersed,with no common cause or link, and wasable, by means of his wise leadershipand impressive character, to unite the di­vided nation and found the link whichfirmly connected its various warring fac­tions. He drew for it a purpose whichunited it and removed its differences,Then he raised it to a lofty, respectable

50

position among other nations. Shouldn'twe call him a 'great man', though he wasdevoted merely to such a task?

What if this was only one aspecramongst many others enjoyed by the greatprophet's character?How if he has excelledevery other specialist politician, thoughthe latter was devoted to such a task?

Suppose there were a social reformerwho found injustice and corruption pre_dominant; therefore, he took it upon him-self to establish social justice and elimi-nate perversion and decay from society.He realized balance between the individualand society, between the ruler and theruled, and caused the rich to sympathizewith the poor, so that the whole commu-nity lived as if it were one large family.

5 l

position among other nations. Shouldn'twe call him a 'great man', though he wasdevoted merely to such a task?

What if this was only one aspectamongst many others enjoyed by the greatprophet's character?How if he has excelledevery other specialist politician, thoughthe latter was devoted to such a task?

Suppose there were a social refonnerwho found injustice and corruption pre­dominant; therefore, he took it upon him­self to establish social justice and elimi­nate perversion and decay from society.He realized balance between the individualand society, between the ruler and theruled, and caused the rich to sympathizewith the poor, so that the whole commu­nity lived as if it were one large family.

51

Isn't such a man really GREAT?

How if this was one part of Mu-

hammad's character? How if he, in this

regard, surpassed those specialized in

this field?

Suppose there were a moral reformer

who found moral corruption prevaient in

his society and devoted himself to the im-

provement of sacial manners. Through his

patience and struggle he was abie to lay

down an ethic (moral code) that ruled

their conduct, so that lying, drinking,

adultery and gambling disappeared; an

owner felt his property was secure even

if he was a weakling, an orPhan or a

woman; and conscience ruled hurnan re-

lations. Won't we agree that such a man

was truly a great one?

52

Isn't such a man really GREAT?

How if this was one part of Mu­hammad's character? How if he, in this

regard, surpassed those specialized in

this field?

Suppose there were a moral reformer

who found moral corruption prevalent in

his society and devoted himself to the im­provement of social manners. Through his

patience and struggle he was able to laydown an ethic (moral code) that ruledtheir conduct, so that lying, drinking,

adultery and gambling disappeared; an

owner felt his property was secure even

if he was a weakling, an orphan or a

woman; and conscience ruled human re­

lations. Won't we agree that such a manwas truly a great one?

52

How, then, if that was only one side ofthe outstanding character of the prophet,and his influence was greater than that ofany reformer in history who was devotedto his career?

Suppose, too, there were an educatorwho devoted himself to education andwas able to bring up a generation of ex_traordinary people, everyone of whomwas a leader in his domain of activityand an example of good conduct andtowering personaiity, as firm as a moun-tain and of noble character. Dosen't sucha man deserve to be called a great educa_tor? How, then, if this was only oneof several aspects of the prophet, whoexceiled in this respect even the grearestof educators in history, especially wi.th thegeneration he had educated to introduce

) J

How, then, if that was only one side ofthe outstanding character of the Prophet,and his influence was greater than that ofany reformer in history who was devotedto his career?

Suppose, too, there were lli"1 educatorwho devoted himself to education andwas able to bring up a generation of ex­traordinary people, everyone of whomwas a leader in his domain of activityand an example of good conduct andtowering personality, as firm as a moun­tain lli"1d of noble character. Dosen't sucha man deserve to be called a great educa­tor? How, then, if this was only oneof several aspects of the Prophet, whoexcelled in this respect even the greatestof educators in history, especially with thegeneration he had educated to introduce

53

summit leaders in every field of life?

Suppose there were a military com-

mander, who devoted himseH to his ca-

reer and brought up an army of heroes- soldiers and commanding officers - ac-

customed to endurance of inconvenience,

steadfastness in adversity and daring

despite danger. He led them in battles

and won. They obeyed his orders and

instructions and raced to places of dan-

ger seeking martyrdom. Shouldn't he be

<iescribed as a great commander?

If such a commander had trained his

soldiers not only to acquire individual

manners, but also to fight in the cause of

ideals and values, would it suffice to

describe him only as a great leader?

54

summit leaders in every field of life?

Suppose there were a military com­mander, who devoted himself to his ca­reer and brought up an anny of heroes- soldiers and commanding officers - ac­customed to endurance of inconvenience,steadfastness in adversity and daringdespite danger. He led them in battlesand won. They obeyed his orders andinstructions and raced to places of dan­ger seeking martyrdom. Shouldn't he bedescribed as a great commander?

If such a commander had trained hissoldiers not only to acquire individualmanners, but also to fight in the cause ofideals and values, would it suffice todescribe him only as a great leader?

54

How then, if the gracious prophet hadexceeded in this respect every other mi_litary commander throughout human his-tory, and this was only one aspect of thevarious aspects of his great chartacter?

Suppose a man gaye himself up to wor-ship. His spirit was highly pure, and hisheart always remembered Allah, whetherin his prayer or work, in private or inpublic. So he was friendly to other peo_ple, sincere in his work, and ruled com_pletely by fear of Allah and observanceof His orders. . Suppose such a man wereable to collect a number of worshippersof Allah and bring rhem up to developa strong relationship wirh the Almighty"They would remember Him (Allah) inall circumstances and would be influencedby faith in all their deeds, rhoughts and

55

How then, if the gracious Prophet hadexceeded in this respect every other mi­litary commander throughout human his­tory, and this was only one aspect of thevarious aspects of his great chartacter?

Suppose a man gave himself up to wor­ship. His spirit was- highly pure, and hisheart always remembered Allah, whetherin his prayer or work, in private or inpublic. So he was friendly to other peo­ple, sincere in his work, and ruled com­pletely by fear of Allah and observanceof His orders.. Suppose such a man wereable to collect a number of worshippersof Allah and bring them up to developa strong relationship with the Almighty.They would remember Him (Allah) inall circumstances and would be influencedby faith in all their deeds, thoughts and

55

feelings. Their love and fear of AUah were

stronger than all earthly pleasures and

temptations. Should we not say he was

a great soul in himself and a great teach-

er to his companions?.

This and others were parts of the gra-

cious Messenger's character in which he

was superior to those persons devoted to,

and specialized in them. What are we to

call the man who combines in his gra-

cious person all those personalities, each

of which would be sufficient to make

him great ?

The greatness of Muhammad (Peace and

blessing of Allah be upon him) does not

lie only in the combination of those sever-

al personalities in his own person; in fact,

he enjoyed a superior degree ofgreabress -

feelings. Their love and fear of Allah werestronger than all earthly pleasures andtemptations. Should we not say he wasa great soul in himself and a great teach­er to his companions?

This and others were parts of the gra­cious Messenger's character in which hewas superior to those persons devoted to,and specialized in them. What are we tocall the man who combines in his gra­cious person all those personalities, eachof which would be sufficient to makehim great?

The greatness of Muhammad (Peace andblessing of Allah be upon him) does notlie only in the combination of those sever­al personalities in his own person; in fact,he enjoyed a superior degree of greatness -

56

that is, those aspects did not divert himfrom each other. Political acriviry did notdistract him from military, social, moral,educational or spiritual tasks. Even allthose did not distract him from his family,so he was a perfect husband and father.

If we compare the character of prophet

Muhammad (PBUH) with that of theother prophets we will grasp his superiori-ty to them. All the great qualities enjoyedby them separately were all infused in hisgreat personality par excellence. Noahwas known for his endurance of his folk'sobstinancy; Abraham (Ibraheem, in Ara-bic) for his clemency; Moses for his wiseleadership of the sons of Israel; JesusChrist for his spiritual aspect against theprevailing materialism. But Muhammad'scharacter embodied all those characteris-

that is, those aspects did not divert himfrom each other. Political activity did notdistract him from military, social, moral,educational or spiritual tasks. Even allthose did not distract him from his family,so he was a perfect husband and father.

If we compare the character of ProphetMuhammad (PBUH) with that of theother prophets we will grasp his superiori­ty to them. All the great qualities enjoyedby them separately were all infused in hisgreat personality par excellence. Noahwas known for his endurance of his folk'sobstinancy; Abraham (Ibraheem, in Ara­bic) for his clemency; Moses for his wiseleadership of the sons of Israel; JesusChrist for his spiritual aspect against theprevailing materialism. But Muhammad'scharacter embodied all those characteris-

57

tics and his influence was much greater inevery one of those aspects. He was thefinal of prophets and his message was theepitome and the crowning of prophet-hood.

In the Glorious Qur'an, Alatr tells us:

'nThis day have I perfected your religionfor you and completed my favour untoyou, and have chosen for you as relig-ion Al-Islam". (Qur'an, 5:3)

So the message of Islam confirms beliefin all previous prophets and revelations.Jews disbelieved in Jesus Clrist andMuhammad. Christians disbelieved inMuhammed and believed in Jesus Christ,not as a messenger but as a god or sonof Allah. It is the Muslims alone who

tics and his influence was much greater in

every one of those aspects. He was thefinal of prophets and his message was theepitome and the crowning of prophet­hood.

In the Glorious Qur'an, Allah tells us:

''This day have I perfected your religionfor you and completed my favour untoyou, and have chosen for you as relig­ion AI-Islam". (Qur'an, 5:3)

So the message of Islam confinns beliefin all previous prophets and revelations.Jews disbelieved in Jesus Christ andMuhammad. Christians disbelieved in

Muhammed and believed in Jesus Christ,not as a messenger but as a god or sonof Allah. It is the Muslims alone who

58

believe in all prophets from Adamthrough Noah rill Muhammad (peaceand blessing of Allah be upon them all).Both Jewish and Christian nations are un-fit to rule humanity, for they cannot getrid of hatred and prejudice.

Only the Muslim narion is well quali_fied for the leadership of manhind (it ledmankind once for several centuries) be_cause it is the only nation that rules with_out any hatred owing to the Divine guid_ance that made it fit for leadership, espe_cially irs belief in previous prophets ofAllah without discrimination or malicewhat.soever. Mrlreover, the message ofIslarn is adclressed to the whole mankincl.

Allah (SWT) addresses Muhammad:

believe in all prophets from Adamthrough Noah til! Muhammad (Peaceand blessing of Allah be upon them all).Both Jewish and Christian nations are un­fit to rule humanity, for they cannot getrid of hatred and prejudice.

Only the Muslim nation is well quali­fied for the leadership of mankind (it ledmankind once for several centuries) be­cause it is the only nation that rules with­out any hatred owing to the Divine guid­ance that made it fit for leadership, espe­cially its belief in previous prophets ofAllah without discrimination or malicewhatsoever. Moreover, the message ofIslam is addressed to the whole mankind.

Allah (SWT) addresses Muhammad:

59

"We sent thee not save as a mercy for

the peoples". (Qur'an, 2l:107)

According to the Prophet Muhammad(Peace and blessing of Atlah be upon him),

"Every prophet before me was sent to

his own people, but I have been sent to

the whole of mankind".

It is also an all - embracing message.

Earlier messages were limited to certain

aspects of human life, and were limited

in space as well. All of them included the

major question of divinity (i.e. belief in

the 'Oneness of God' and offering Him

pure worship). they also included instruc-

tions and rules that suited the conditions

and circumstances of each nation and

aimed at the betterment of, morals and the

elimination of comrption.

.' "We sent thee not save as a mercy forthe peoples". (Qur'an, 21:107)

According to the Prophet Muhammad(Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him),"Every prophet before me was sent tohis own people, but I have been sent tothe whole of mankind".

It is also an all - embracing message.Earlier messages were limited to certainaspects of human life, and were limitedin space as well. All of them included themajor question of divinity (i.e. belief inthe 'Oneness of God' and offering Himpure worship). they also included instruc­tions and rules that suited the conditionsand circumstances of each nation andaimed at the bettennent of morals and theelimination of corruption.

60

The stage had come when the humanmind was mature enough to accept aworld religion which would last on earthtill the Day of Judgement; such a worldmessage must ernbrace, too, all human re-quirements in all fields of life, which istrue of the Message of Islam. For it in-cludes, like other messages, the majorquestion of Divinity which is essentialfor the integrity of human life, and alsocanons and laws ruling all aspects oflife: economic, political, social, intellec-tual, spiritual, ethical, etc. But it neveropposes scientific progress. In fact, it wasISLAM that moved Muslims to ser out agreat scienific movement, the most im-portant effect of which was the experi-mental method of scientific researchwhich Europe learned from the Muslimsin Andalusea, North Africa, Sicily and

61

The stage had come when the humanmind was mature enough to accept aworld religion which would last on earthtill the Day of Judgement; such a worldmessage must embrace, too, all human re­

quirements in all fields of life, which istrue of the Message of Islam. For it in­cludes, like other messages, the majorquestion of Divinity which is essentialfor the integrity of human life, and alsocanons and laws ruling all aspects oflife: economic, political, social, intellec­tual, spiritual, ethical, etc. But it neveropposes scientific progress. In fact, it wasISLAM that moved Muslims to set out agreat scienific movement, the most im­portant effect of which was the experi­mental method of scientific researchwhich Europe learned from the Muslims

in Andalusea, North Africa, Sicily and

61

South ltaly, and upon which our present

scientific renaissance has been based.

62

South Italy, and upon which our presentscientific renaissance has been based.

62

HOLY SCRIPTURES(The Books of Allatr)

Allah, Glory be to Him, provided everyone of His prophets with books whichHe revealed to them. Those books orscriptures contained the tenets and fun-damentals of religion as well as the in-structions and commandments of Allahconveyed to various nations through HisMessengers. The holy books were meantto be records of religion so that the var-ious people and nations of the world mightrefer to them to know the ordinances andlaws revealed by Allatr and comply withthem.

On the one hand, w€ are required to be-lieve in all revealed books atlarge. On theother, we are required to believe in certain

63

HOLY SCRIPTURES(The Books of Allah)

Allah, GIory be to Him, provided everyone of His prophets with books whichHe revealed to them. Those books orscriptures contained the tenets and fun­damentals of religion as well as the in­structions and commandments of Allahconveyed to various nations through HisMessengers. The holy books were meantto be records of religion so that the var­ious people and nations of the world mightrefer to them to know the ordinances andlaws revealed by Allah and comply withthem.

On the one hand, we are required to be­

lieve in all revealed books at large. On theother, we are required to believe in certain

63

books which AUah told us He had re-

vealed, namely:

l. The Qur'an, revealed to Muhammad;

2.\\eGospel, 'r rt Jesus;

3. The Psalms , "

4. The Torah , "" David;" Moses ;

5. The Tablets of Ibrahim, (i.e.,

Abraham) and Moses (May peaceand blessing of Allah be uponthem).

Although books revealed to prophets

before Muhammad (the last Messenger

of Allah) were just temporary revela-

tions each addressed to a particular tribe

or nation, yet it is incumbent upon Mus-

lims to believe in them in general, and

in the Qur'an on detailed basis in particu-

lar. The Qur'an is the final and compre-

books which Allah told us He had re­vealed, namely:

1. The Qur'an, revealed to Muhammad;2. The Gospel, " "Jesus;

3. The Psalms , " "David;4. The Torah, " "Moses;5. The Tablets of Ibrahim, (i.e.,

Abraham) and Moses (May peaceand blessing of Allah be uponthem).

Although books revealed to prophetsbefore Muhammad (the last Messengerof Allah) were just temporary revela­tions each addressed to a particular tribeor nation, yet it is incumbent upon Mus­lims to believe in them in general, andin the Qur'an on detailed basis in particu­lar. The Qur'an is the fmal and compre-

64

hensive Scripnrre. It is the only book ofAUah which has remained free from dis-tortion and change, and has been transmit-ted to us whole in the most reliable waysand in its original text - a feature nor en_joyed by any of the earlier books of revela-tion.

65

hensive Scripture. It is the only book ofAllah which has remained free from dis­tortion and change, and has been transmit­ted to us whole in the most reliable waysand in its original text - a feature not en­joyed by any of the earlier books of revela­tion.

65

TI{E GLORIOUS QLJR'AN

The miracles brought by earlier Prophetshad been fiansient, so to say, and for thatvery reason, rapidly forgotten, while thatof the verses (of ttre Qur'an) may be called"The Pennanent Miracle". Its activity hasbeen unceasing. Everywhere and at allhours, each believer, by reciting the ver-ses, helped to redize the miracle, and inthis can be found the explanation of manyconversions, incomprchensible to the Eu-ropean who unfornrnately knows little ornothing of the Qur'an. He may also judge

it on the ba3is of inaccuracies fed to him

through anti-Islamic media. The wonder-ful charm of this Book, resembling no

other masterpiece of the literanrre ofmankind, need not be explained to us,Muslims, because we consider that it

THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN

The miracles brought by earlier Prophetshad been transient, so to say, and for thatvery reason, rapidly forgotten, while thatof the verses (of the Qur'an) may be called"The Permanent Miracle". Its activity hasbeen unceasing. Everywhere and at allhours, each believer, by reciting the ver­ses, helped to realize the miracle, and inthis can be found the explanation of manyconversions, incomprehensible to the Eu­ropean who unfortunately knows little ornothing of the Qur'an. He may also judgeit on the basis of inaccuracies fed to himthrough anti-Islamic media. The wonder­ful chann of this Book, resembling noother masterpiece of the literature ofmankind, need not be explained to us,Muslims, because we consider that it

66

emanates from the words of Allah Him-self, sent down through the mouth ofHis prophet.

In this connection, it may be interestingto quote the opinion of Savary, a cele-brated orientalist, who was the first totranslate the meaning of the Holy Qur'aninto French. He says, "Muhammad wasleamed in the study of his language, therichest and the most harmonious in theworld, and which, by the composition ofits verses, permits thoughts as they soarto be correctly described.... Poets weregreatly looked up to in Arabia.

Labid Ibn Rabyah, an illustrious poet,nailed one of his poems on the door ofthe Temple of Makkah (Al Kabah). Hisreputation and the value of his work kept

67

emanates from the words of Allah Him­self, sent down through the mouth ofHis prophet.

In this connection, it may be interestingto quote the opinion of Savary, a cele­brated orientalist, who was the first totranslate the meaning of the Holy Qur'aninto French. He says, "Muhammad waslearned in the study of his language, therichest and the most harmonious in theworld, and which, by the composition ofits verses, permits thoughts as they soarto be correctly described.... Poets weregreatly looked up to in Arabia.

Labid Ibn Rabyah, an illustrious poet,nailed one of his poems on the door ofthe Temple of Makkah (AI Ka'bah). Hisreputation and the value of his work kept

67

all competitors away. None cirme forwardto compete for the pize.... The secondchapter of the Qur'an was then placed bythe side of the poem. I-abid, although aworshipper of graven images, was seizedwith a fit of admiration after reading thefint verses and confessed himseH van-quished".

He became a convert very soon after andone day, his admirers being desirous ofgathering together his complete works,questioned him of this subject. 'I have no

recollection of any of my poetry,' he re-plied, 'for my entire memory has been ab-sorbed by the verses of the Book of Reve-lation'.

As for the Arab of Hijaz, comprehendingthe most subtle hints of the language of

68

all competitors away. None came forwardto compete for the prize.... The secondchapter of the Qur'an was then placed bythe side of the poem. Labid, although aworshipper of graven images, was seizedwith a fit of admiration after reading thefirst verses and confessed himself van­quished".

He became a convert very soon after andone day, his admirers being desirous ofgathering together his complete works,questioned him of this subject. 'I have norecollection of any of my poetry,' he re­plied, 'for my entire memory has been ab­sorbed by the verses of the Book of Reve­lation'.

As for the Arab of Hijaz, comprehendingthe most subtle hints of the language of

68

the Qur'an - his own language - and whowelcomed the Surahs as they came outfrom the lips of his fellow - countryman:the genial, inspired Messenger of Allah(PBUH), that listener was overwhelmedby such sudden surprise that he re-mained as if petrified. Could this super-natural language come from Muhammad(PBUH), known to be completely illite-rate and possessing no other knowledgethan that due to nature and intuition?This seemed perfectly impossible. TheArab was therefore forced to admit thatMuhammad's words were dictated bvthe Almighry.

Utbah Ibn Rabiyah, one of the notedidolators - known for his mastery ofArabic - having heard some verses of the

Qur'an from Muhammad, said to his

the Qur'an - his own language - and whowelcomed the Surahs as they came outfrom the lips of his fellow - countryman:the genial, inspired Messenger of Allah(PBUH), that listener was overwhelmedby such sudden surprise that he re­mained as if petrified. Could this super­natural language come from Muhammad(PBUH), known to be completely illite­rate and possessing no other knowledgethan that due to nature and intuition?This seemed perfectly impossible. TheArab was therefore forced to admit thatMuhammad's words were dictated bythe Almighty.

Utbah Ibn Rabiyah, one of the notedidolators - known for his mastery ofArabic - having heard some verses of theQur'an from Muhammad, said to his

69

companions, "By our gods! I've neverheard anything like it before. It is neitherp@try, nor sorcery, nor magic".

Ailatr had challenged idolators severaltimes to imitate the Qur'an or compose tenSurahs or even a Surah resembling His:

"If thou art in doubt about what Wehave revealed unto Our servant, thenbring one Surah like it of ttry devising,and call to thy aid thy witnesses besideAllah, if ye are men of truth". (Qur'an,2:23)

Eloquent men of letters, Arab andothers, could not stand up to the challengefor fourteen centuries.

Besides the literary miracle, there is the

70

companions, "By our gods! I've neverheard anything like it before. It is neitherpoetry, nor sorcery, nor magic".

Allah had challenged idolators severaltimes to imitate the Qur'an or compose tenSurahs or even a Surah resembling His:

"If thou art in doubt about what Wehave revealed unto Our servant, thenbong one Surah like it of thy devising,and call to thy aid thy witnesses besideAllah, if ye are men of truth". (Qur'an,2:23)

Eloquent men of letters, Arab andothers, could not stand up to the challengefor fourteen centuries.

Besides the literary miracle, there is the

70

legislative miracle which becomes clear

after reviewing man-made laws duringthe thirty past centuries - that is, sincethe existence of historical records which

can be refened to up till the present.

We take for example the contemporarylaws which are claimed to be the most ma-

ture in human history owing to the tre-

mendous development in human know-

ledge, and scientific and material progress.

Both blocs, Eastern and Westem, denyman's complete submission to Allah's

Law. So legislation in the Capitalist West

is for the sake of capitaiism at the expense

of the working class, and in the Commu-

nist East in the interest of the ruling pow-

er at the expense 'of the people, which

means that justice is missing in both laws.

In the Westem bloc, constitutions are

7 l

legislative miracle which becomes clearafter reviewing man-made laws duringthe thirty past centuries - that is, sincethe existence of historical records whichcan be referred to up till the present.

We take for example the contemporarylaws which are claimed to be the most ma­ture in human history owing to the tre­mendous development in human know­ledge, and scientific and material progress.Both blocs, Eastern and Western, denyman's complete submission to Allah'sLaw. So legislation in the Capitalist Westis for the sake of capitalism at the expenseof the working class, and in the Commu­nist East in the interest of the ruling pow­er at the expense -of the people, whichmeans that justice is missing in both laws.In the Western bloc, constitutions are

71

interested mostly in the political aspectin the Communist

aspect.of the people's life;

bloc in the economic

Both neglected completely the spirit-

ual, ethical and family codes. Westem

laws consider the individual so holy that

they cause the community to disintegrate

morally and socially, whereas the corlmu-

nist constitution sanctifies the communi-

ty (in fact, the State) in such a way as

to crush the individual's character.

The constitutions of both blocs do not

lay down firm international laws; they

are changed according to political cir-

cumstances. Besides, the moral element

is either missing or very weak in most

of those constitutions; the interests of the

ruling class are always dominant.

72

interested mostly in the political aspectof the people's life; in the Communistbloc in the economic aspect.

Both neglected completely the splnt­ual, ethical and family codes. Westernlaws consider the individual so holy thatthey cause the community to disintegratemorally and socially, whereas the commu­nist constitution sanctifies the communi­ty (in fact, the State) in such a way asto crush the individual's character.

The constitutions of both blocs do notlay down finn international laws; theyare changed according to political cir­cumstances. Besides, the moml elementis either missing or very weak in mostof those constitutions; the interests of theruling class are always dominant.

72

In contrast, the miracle of the Qur'anicI-egislation is easily obvious. At the very

beginning, the Qur'an decides that Allah

alone is entitled to legislate. This proves

the justice of this legislation becauseAllah has no interest in wronging peopleor partiality to one class against another.Allah is also Well - Aware of the weHareof His creatures, who would be ruled byHis Law on the basis of equality.

The Qur'anic Law comprehends allfields of human life with the same de-gree of importance. The Qur'an has neverneglected any aspects of life, nor has itallowed one aspect to outbalance others.

The phenomenon of comprehensiveness

and balance is one of the most outstandingfeatures of Islam and Islamic Legislationin all domains.There is a complete balance

73

In contrast, the miracle of the Qur'anicLegislation is easily obvious. At the verybeginning, the Qur'an decides that Allahalone is entitled to legislate. This provesthe justice of this legislation becauseAllah has no interest in wronging peopleor partiality to one class against another.Allah is also Well - Aware of the welfareof His creatures, who would be ruled byHis Law on the basis of equality.

The Qur'anic Law comprehends allfields of human life with the same de­gree of importance. The Qur'an has neverneglected any aspects of life, nor has itallowed one aspect to outbalance others.The phenomenon of comprehensivenessand balance is one of the most outstandingfeatures of Islam and Islamic Legislationin all domains.There is a complete balance

73

between the individual and society, forboth have rights and duties and neither hasa sacred existence at the expense of theother. Allah is the Lord of all, and all areequal in His service.

The Islamic Law includes fixed interna-tional codes in peace and war. The moralelement is an essential part of the law,whether in politics, economics, society,family organization, or individual relationsand transactions.

An example of the Islamic application oflaw is that relating to the prohibition of li-quors. All 'civilized' countries couldn'tstop liquor addiction. But the Islamic com-community is the only one in which liquordrinking has lessened to the lowest degree,because the Islamic Law is based on

74

· between the individual and society, for

both have rights and duties and neither hasa sacred existence at the expense of theother. Allah is the Lord of all, and all areequal in His service.

The Islamic Law includes fixed interna­tional codes in peace and war. The moralelement is an essential part of the law,whether in politics, economics, society,family organization, or individual relationsand transactions.

An example of the Islamic application oflaw is that relating to the prohibition of li­quors. All 'civilized' countries couldn'tstop liquor addiction. But the Islamic com­community is the only one in which liquordrinking has lessened to the lowest degree,because the Islamic Law is based on

74

belief, while non-Islamic l-aws are based

on power.

Another aspect of the Qu/anic miracle is

the scientific one. The Qur'an spoke about

universal and scientific facts unknown to

Arabs or any other nation at the time of

its revelation. It is only lately that science

has discovered some of those facts.

This proves unmistakably that Allah is

the Revealer of the Qur'an and no man

could ever compose it. In fact, the Qur'anis not a book for teaching chemistry,geometry or medicine; rather it is a Book

of Guidance. Yet it points to the Laws of

Creation and facts of science. Allah, the

Creator of man and everything, has told

that He would uncover to men, especial-

ly learned men and scientists, the clear

75

belief, while non-Islamic Laws are based .on power.

Another aspect of the Qur'anic miracle isthe scientific one. The Qur'an spoke aboutuniversal and scientific facts unknown toArabs or any other nation at the time ofits revelation. It is only lately that sciencehas discovered some of those facts.

This proves unmistakably that Allah isthe Revealer of the Qur'an and no mancould ever compose it. In fact, the Qur'anis not a book for teaching chemistry,geometry or medicine; rather it is a Bookof Guidance. Yet it points to the Laws ofCreation and facts of science. Allah, theCreator of man and everything, has toldthat He would uncover to men, especial­ly learned men and scientists, the clear

75

signs in the Qur'an in order that theymay prove the truthfulness of the Mes-sage of Islam.

" Soon will We show them OurSigns in the (furthest) regions (of theearth) and in their own souls, until itbecomes manifest to them that thisis the truth . Is it not enough that thyLord doth witness all things"?(Quran,41:53)

1) "We made from water everyliving thing'. (Qur'an, 2l:30)

Water is essential for life.No other liquidis suitabie for biological interactions. Ithas been proved by sorne researchers thatsome bacteria can live wittrout air. but notwithout water.

76

signs in the Qur'an in order that theymay prove the truthfulness of the Mes­sage of Islam.

"Soon will We show them OurSigns in the (furthest) regions (of theearth) and in their own souls, until itbecomes manifest to them that thisis the truth. Is it not enough that thyLord doth witness all things"?(Quran, 41 :53)

1) "We made from water everyliving thing'. (Qur'an, 21 :30)

Water is essential for life.No other liquidis suitable for biological interactions. Ithas been proved by some researchers thatsome bacteria can live without air, but notwithout water.

76

2) "And verily in cattle (too) will yefind an instructive sign. Fromwhat is within their bodies, bet-ween excretions and blood Weproduce, for your drink, milk,pure and agreeable to those who

drink it." ( Qur an,16:66)

After the recent development of anato-my and magnifying instruments, biolo-gists studied milk formation and found

that digestive enzymes change food into

excretions that flow through the small in-

testines, where blood vessel absorb dis-

solved alimentary substance which is

carried by blood to the lactic glands that

absorb lactic matter from blood. Thus

milk is formed from between excretions

and blood as mentioned in the Qur'anicverse.

2) "And verily in cattle (too) will yefind an instructive sign. Fromwhat is within their bodies, bet­ween excretions and blood Weproduce, for your drink, milk,pure and agreeable to those whodrink it." ( Qur'an, 16:66)

After the recent development of anato­my and magnifying instruments, biolo­gists studied milk formation and foundthat digestive enzymes change food intoexcretions that flow through the small in­testines, where blood vessel absorb dis­solved alimentary substance which iscarried by blood to the lactic glands thatabsorb lactic matter from blood. Thusmilk is formed from between excretionsand blood as mentioned in the Qur'anicverse.

77

3) The Qur'an points to theembryonic developmentwomb:

"Man We did create from a quintes-

sence (of clay)Then We placed him as (a drop 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 (foetus) lump; then We

made out of the lump bones and

clothed the bones with flesh; then

We developed out of it another crea-

ture. So blessed be Allah, the Best

to create"! (Qur'an, 23:12-l

Foetal science and anatmoy have disco-

vered those states of creation only in the

present age.

stage ofin the

78

3) The Qur'an points to the stage ofembryonic development in thewomb:

"Man We did create from a quintes­sence (of clay)Then We placed him as (a drop of)sperm in a place of rest, firmly fixedThen We made the sperm into a clotof congealed blood; then of that clotWe made (foetus) lump; then Wemade out of the lump bones andclothed the bones with flesh; thenWe developed out of it another crea­ture. So blessed be Allah, the Bestto create"! (Qur'an, 23:12-1

Foetal science and anatmoy have disco­vered those states of creation only in thepresent age.

78

4) "Those whom Allah (in His plan)willeth to guide, He openeththeir breast to Islam whom He

willeth to leave straying, - He

maketh their breast close and

constricted as if they had toclimb up to the skies."(Qur'an, 6:125)

After man was able to fly and go up inthe upper layers of aunospheric air, he dis-covered that the higher he went up, theless oxygen and atmospheric pressurethere would be, which would cause agreat difficulty in breathing and constric-

tion in the bosom. That is what the Versehas stated thirteen centuries before the

flight of man.

5) "Or (the unbeliever's state) is

79

4) "Those whom Allah (in His plan)willeth to guide, He openeththeir breast to Islam whom Hewilleth to leave straying, - Hemaketh their breast close andconstricted as if they had toclimb up to the skies."(Qur'an, 6: 125)

After man was able to fly and go up inthe upper layers of atmospheric air, he dis­covered that the higher he went up, theless oxygen and atmospheric pressurethere would be, which would cause agreat difficulty in breathing and constric­tion in the bosom. That is what the Versehas stated thirteen centuries before theflight of man.

5) "Or (the unbeliever's state) IS

79

like the depths of darkness in avast deep ocean, overwhelmedwith billow ropped by billow,topped by (dark) clouds; depthsof darkness, one above another."(Quran, 24:40)

Before AD 1900, people had knownonly one kind of waves seen on the sea'ssurface. Scandinavian sailors came laterto discover a fact hidden in the ocean'sdepths where there is another kind ofwaves which tosses divers as the upperwaves that toss swimmers. Allah revealedthis fact unto the illiterate Prophet Mu-hammad (peace and blessing of Allah beupon him) who had never seen the sea inhis life, about fourteen centuries ago.

6) "Does man think that We can-

80

like the depths of darkness in avast deep ocean, overwhelmedwith billow topped by billow,topped by (dark) clouds; depthsof darkness, one above another."

(Quran, 24:40)

Before AD 1900, people had knownonly one kind of waves seen on the sea'ssurface. Scandinavian sailors came laterto discover a fact hidden in the ocean's

depths where there is another kind ofwaves which tosses divers as the upperwaves that toss swimmers. Allah revealedthis fact unto the illiterate Prophet Mu­hammad (peace and blessing of Allah be

upon him) who had never seen the sea inhis life, about fourteen centuries ago.

6) "Does man think that We can­

80

not assemble his bones? Nay,We are able to put together inperfect order the very tips ofhis fingers". (Qur'an, 75:34)

Which is more difficult: the re-creationof bones or finger-tips? Both may lookthe same at the first look. But the fact isthat no man's finger-tips are similar tothose of anohter. So finger-prints havebeen used to recognize character. Only inthis age has science discovered the truemeaning of the indication in these verses.

8 l

not assemble his bones? Nay,We are able to put together inPerfect order the very tips ofhis fmgers". (Qur'an, 75:3-4)

Which is more difficult: the re-creationof bones or fmger-tips? Both may lookthe same at the first look. But the fact isthat no man's fmger-tips are similar tothose of anohter. So fmger-prints havebeen used to recognize character. Only inthis age has science discovered the truemeaning of the indication in these verses.

81

THE HEREATTER

Belief in the Hereafter is belief in the

Unseen , which is known onlY to the

Omnipotent, Omniscient Creator. Allah(Exalted be He!) says:

"Did ye then think ttrat We had

created you in jest, and that Yewould not be brought back to us(for account)?" (Qur'an, 23:ll5)

"Not without purPose did Wecreate heaven and earth and all

between! That were the thought

of the unbelievers! But woe to

the unbelievers because of the

Fire (of Hell)!"Shall We treat those who believe

82

THE HEREAFTER------------------------------

Belief in the Hereafter is belief in theUnseen, which is known only to theOmnipotent, Omniscient Creator. Allah(Exalted be He!) says:

"Did ye then think that We hadcreated you in jest, and that yewould not be brought back to us(for account)?" (Qur'an, 23:115)

"Not without purpose did Wecreate heaven and earth and allbetween! That were the thoughtof the unbelievers! But woe tothe unbelievers because of theFire (of Hell)!"Shall We treat those who believe

82

and work deeds of righteousness,the same as those who do mis-chief on earth? Shall We trearthose who guard against evil, thesame as those who tum side fromthe right?" (Qur'an,38:27 2g)

"Shall We then treat the peopleof faith like the people of sin?What is the matter with you?How judge ye? " (eur'an, 6g:35-36)

In fact, life would be absurd if therewere no Day of Judgement on which allthe dead will be resurrected and ques_tioned about their deeds in this earttrlylife.

This can be easily realized by every_

83

and work deeds of righteousness,the same as those who do mis­chief on earth? Shall We treatthose who guard against evil, thesame as those who tum side fromthe right?" (Qur'an, 38:27 28)

"Shall We then treat the peopleof faith like the people of sin?What is the matter with you?How judge ye? " (Qur'an, 68:35-36)

In fact, life would be absurd if therewere no Day of Judgement on which allthe dead will be resurrected and ques­tioned about their deeds in this earthlylife.

This can be easily realized by every­

83

body without need for material evidence.In this world there are many examples inwhich divine justice is not fuHilled andwe naturally come to the conclusion that

there should be some world or life other

than this transient one in which all un-

settled issues and deeds of injustice are

brought forward in the Divine Court ofjustice, and the righteous and the wickedreceive their just deserts. Such a Day

of Judgement is extremely necessary, for

we see many cruel or wicked PeoPlewho are devoted to sins and wrongdoing,and yet they lead a happy comfortablelife without getting their due punishment.On the other hand, there are many right-

eous people who lead a miserable life

during which they suffer from oppression,

humiliation, poverty or homelessness and

at last die without being requited. Is all

body without need for material evidence.In this world there are many example.s inwhich divine justice is not fulfilled andwe naturally come to the conclusion thatthere should be some world or life otherthan this transient one in which all un­settled issues and deeds of injustice arebrought forward in the Divine Court ofjustice, and the righteous and the wickedreceive their just deserts. Such a Dayof Judgement is extremely necessary, forwe see many cruel or wicked peoplewho are devoted to sins and wrongdoing,and yet they lead a happy comfortablelife without getting their due punishment.On the other hand, there are many right­eous people who lead a miserable lifeduring which they suffer from oppression,humiliation, poverty or homelessness andat last die without being requited. Is all

84

this consistent with Divine Justice? Notin the least. Then there must be such aninevitable day devoted to a lasting settle-ment of all accounts.

But many people are blinded to this factowing to various factors such as whims,covetousness, lack of belief and deviationfrom truth.

Thus, everything we do in this world,every intention we have, every movewe make, every thought we entertain,and every word we say, all are countedand kept in accurate records. On the Dayof Judgernent, they will be brought up.People with good records will be gene-rously rewarded and warmly welcomed tothe Heaven of Allah, where there is etemaland perfect bliss, and those with bad

85

this consistent with Divine Justice? Notin the least. Then there must be such aninevitable day devoted to a lasting settle­ment of all accounts.

But many people are blinded to this factowing to various factors such as whims,covetousness, lack of belief and deviationfrom truth.

Thus, everything we do In this world,

every intention we have, every movewe make, every thought we entertain,and every word we say, all are countedand kept in accurate records. On the Dayof Judgement, they will be brought up.People with good records will be gene­rously rewarded and warmly welcomed tothe Heaven of Allah, where there is eternaland perfect bliss, and those with bad

85

records wil be punished and cast into

Hell.That is, in a word, the Day of Judge-

ment and final settlement of all accounts'

86

records will be punished and cast into

Hell.That is, in a word, the Day of Judge­

ment and final settlement of all accounts.

86

DryINE DESTINY(QADAA AND QADAR)

Almighry Allah's knowledge is limitlessand His power to plan and to execute Hisplans is infinite. He is also the Creator ofman and his deeds. This does not in anyway make man fatalist or helpless. He hasendowed us with the power of mind in or-der that we may have the freedom andability to think, plan and choose our ownway of life. But our limited sphere ofknowledge and power makes us fail to un-derstand fully or discover Allah,s wisdomand justice in what He creates or does. Sowe should accept in good faith and sat_isfaction all that Allah does, as our know-ledge is limited and our thinking is basedon individual or personal considerations,whereas He is Omniscient, All-Seeing,

87

DNINE DESTINY(QADAA AND QADAR)

Almighty Allah's knowledge is limitlessand His power to plan and to execute Hisplans is infmite. He is also the Creator ofman and his deeds. This does not in anyway make man fatalist or helpless. He hasendowed us with the power of mind in or­der that we may have the freedom andability to think, plan and choose our ownway of life. But our limited sphere ofknowledge and power makes us fail to un­derstand fully or discover Allah's wisdomand justice in what He creates or does. Sowe should accept in good faith and sat­isfaction all that Allah does, as our know­ledge is limited and our thinking is basedon individual or personal considerations,whereas He is Omniscient, All-Seeing,

87

All-Wise, Almighty - His knowledge and

Justice are not limited or encompassed by

the narow horizon or sphere of man's

knowledge. Allatr's timeless knowledge

anticipates events, and those events take

place according to the exact knowledge

of Allah, wittrout forcing man to take any

course of action, whether good or evil.

So man bears responsibility in so far as

he enjoys the freedom to think and be-

have. Destiny, in so far as it concerns

man's behaviour, does not bear any hint

of coercion. In its Islamic import, it de-

notes the happening of things according

to Allatr's exact, infallible knowledge.

88

All-Wise, Almighty - His knowledge andJustice are not limited or encompassed bythe narrow horizon or sphere of man'sknowledge. Allah's timeless knowledgeanticipates events, and those events takeplace according to the exact knowledgeof Allah, without forcing man to take anycourse of action, whether good or evil.

So man bears responsibility in so far ashe enjoys the freedom to think and be­have. Destiny, in so far as it concernsman's behaviour, does not bear any hintof coercion. In its Islamic import, it de­notes the happening of things accordingto Allah's exact, infallible knowledge.

88

ANGELS OF ALLAH

An essential article of Muslim's faithis belief in the angels of ALLAH.

We can know about the angels andsome of their attributes from the Glorious

Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad's tra-ditions as these traditions are reliable, in-fallible authorities on the articles of faithin general, and those relating to the un-seen in particular. For, as it has beenproved in the present age of scientific dis-coveries, many unseen facts of sciencewhich were unknown in the past are nowwell established truttrs after man has ac-quired some means and instruments thatenable him to leam about and discovermany already unbelievable facts of theuniverse; but all that man so far knows is

89

ANGELS OF ALLAH

An essential article of Muslim's faithis belief in the angels of ALLAH.

We can know about the angels andsome of their attributes from the GloriousQur'an and the Prophet Muhammad's tra­ditions as these traditions are reliable, in­fallible authorities on the articles of faithin general, and those relating to the un­seen in particular. For, as it has beenproved in the present age of scientific dis­coveries, many unseen facts of sciencewhich were unknown in the past are nowwell established truths after man has ac­quired some means and instruments thatenable him to learn about and discovermany already unbelievable facts of theunIverse; but all that man so far knows IS

89

no more than a drop of water compared tothe oceans of the unknown.

So, as in every science or field ofknowledge, we turn to those specializedor to well-informed authorities, here too,we refer to the Prophet (May peace andblessing of Allatr be upon him) in mat-ters of religion as he has conveyed tohumankind the revelations and instnrc-tions of ALLAH, the Creator of every-thing and the best to know, with no li-mits to His knowledge and power as Heis the Absolute, Almighty, All-Knowingand All-Seeing Creator.

According to HADITTI, i.e., sayings ofthe Prophet (May peace and blessingsof Aliah be upon him), ANGELS wereoriginally created from light, as Adam

no more than a drop of water compared tothe oceans of the unknown.

So, as in every science or field ofknowledge, we tum to those specializedor to well-informed authorities, here too,we refer to the Prophet (May peace andblessing of Allah be upon him) in mat­ters of religion as he has conveyed tohumankind the revelations and instruc­tions of ALLAH, the Creator of every­thing and the best to know, with no li­mits to His knowledge and power as Heis the Absolute, Almighty, All-Knowingand All-Seeing Creator.

According to HADITH, Le., sayings ofthe Prophet (May peace and blessingsof Allah be upon him), ANGELS wereoriginally created from light, as Adam

90

was originally created from clay. Theyare purely spiritual creatures who nevereat, drink or sleep; their major activityis to serve ALLAH, obey His orders andglorify Him all the time. They are nume-rous and each of them is charged with acertain task. Gabriel, for example, con-veyed the revelation of ALLAH untoProphets. Some of them observe man,sdeeds and preserve a comprehensiverecord of them. On the Day of Judge-ment they will bring forttr a full report onman's good or bad deeds for which hewill be rewarded or punished. There areother duties of angels indicated in theQur'an.

The creation of those great extraor-dinary creatures testifies to the infiniteinimitable power of ALLAH. They also

9 l

was originally created from clay. Theyare purely spiritual creatures who nevereat, drink or sleep; their major activityis to serve ALLAH, obey His orders andglorify Him all the time. They are nume­rous and each of them is charged with acertain task. Gabriel, for example, con­veyed the revelation of ALLAH untoProphets. Some of them observe man'sdeeds and preserve a comprehensiverecord of them. On the Day of Judge­ment they will bring forth a full report onman's good or bad deeds for which hewill be rewarded or punished. There areother duties of angels indicated in theQur'an.

The creation of those great extraor­dinary creatures testifies to the infiniteinimitable power of ALLAH. They also

91

stand as a good example of highlyrighteous and industrious servants ofALLAH to be imitated by man. At last,belief in the angels of ALLAH wouldenlarge man's horizons of knowledge andmake him never feel lonely in the vastuniverse as he leams that it abounds withkind and friendly spirits that come downunto good believers with composure andcomfort.

The close of our words will be: "Praise

be to AUah, The Ctrerisher and Sustainerof the Worlds".

92

stand as a good example of highlyrighteous and industrious servants ofALLAH to be imitated by man. At last,belief in the angels of ALLAH wouldenlarge man's horizons of knowledge andmake him never feel lonely in the vastuniverse as he learns that it abounds withkind and friendly spirits that come downunto good believers with composure andcomfort.

The close of our words will be: "Praisebe to Allah, The Cherisher and Sustainerof the Worlds".

92

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