Introducing Islam
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In order to understand Islam it is necessary to know the meaning of certain key terms
and the identity of some proper names. Most of them are in the Arabic language, and
there is often no equivalent in English or in other tongues.
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What is Islam ?
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ISLAM means submission, that is, submission to the will of God, the
characteristic attitude of members of our faith.
MUSLIM (also spelled Moslem) is based on the same Arabic root as Islam
`(s-l-m) and means one who submits to God, that is, a believer in Islam.
It is incorrect and objectionable to call Muslims Muhammadans,
as Muhammad is not worshipped in the way Christians worship
Christ.
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What do Muslims Believe?
Concept of "God" in Islam
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ALLAH is the Supreme Being, the one and only God. Allah is the same God
as that worshipped by the Jews and Christians, and Arabic-speaking
Christians also use this name when referring to God.
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Shirk is to attribute Allah's qualities to someone else. Allah's qualities are unequaled by any of His creatures,
be they angels, prophets, Auliya, martyrs, Imam or other devoted person.
Their qualities cannot match that of Allah.
Why Do people convert to Islam?
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. What compels people
to overcome major obstacles (often rejection and prejudice from family,
friends and work) and become Muslims?
Was Islam spread Did Islam Spread by Force, Swords or Guns?
Here is a good study of the question of the spread of Islam by a Christian missionary, T. W. Arnold:
"...of any organized attempt to force the acceptance of Islam on the non-Muslim population, or of any systematic persecution
intended to stamp out the Christian religion, we hear nothing. Had the caliphs chosen to adopt either course of action, they
might have swept away Christianity as easily as Ferdinand and Isabella drove Islam out of Spain, or Louis XIV made
Protestantism penal in France, or the Jews were kept out of England for 350 years. The Eastern Churches in Asia were entirely
cut off from communion with the rest of Christiandom throughout which no one would have been found to lift a finger on their
behalf, as heretical communions. So that the very survival of these Churches to the present day is a strong proof of the generally
tolerant attitude of Mohammedan [sic] governments towards them" .
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Arnold, Sir Thomas W. THE PREACHING OF ISLAM, A HISTORY OF THE PROPAGATION OF THE MUSLIM
FAITH, Westminister A. Constable & Co., London, 1896, p. 80. |
Islam does not teach, nor do Muslims desire, conversion of any people for fear, greed, marriage or any other form of coercion.
In conclusion, jihad in Islam is STRIVING IN THE WAY OF ALLAH by pen, tongue, hand, media and, if inevitable, with
arms. However, jihad in Islam does not include striving for individual or national power, dominance, glory, wealth, prestige or
pride.
Birth
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Muslim believe that people are born free of
sin. It is only after they reach the age of puberty and it is only after
they commit sins that they are to be charged for their mistakes. No
one is responsible for or can take the responsibility for the sins of
others. However, the door of forgiveness through true repentance is always open.
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Marriage
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Marriage is a bond containing rights and duties that each person, male
or female, should preserve, protect and fulfill. Both the husband and
wife, have certain rights and duties.
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Death
Women in Islam
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At a time when Islam is faced with hostile media coverage
particularly where the status of women in Islam is concerned,
it may be quite surprising to learn that the majority of
converts to Islam are WOMEN
The Muslim woman was given a role, duties and rights 1400 years ago that
most women do not enjoy today, even in the West. These are designed to
keep balance in society; what may seem unjust or missing in one place
is compensated for or explained in another place.
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Worship in Islam
Worship is everything one says or does for the pleasure of Allah.
This, of course, includes rituals as well as beliefs, social activities,
and personal contributions to the welfare of one's fellow human-beings.
Ritual worship, elevates one morally and spiritually and enables you
to carry out activities in all walks of life according to the Guidance of God.
The ritual prayer, in Arabic Salah, means supplication. It is also derived
from the word "silah" which means link. Indeed the prayer is a real link
between the human being and his Lord, and is full of supplication to the
Lord from its beginning to its end. Salah provides a chance of direct communion
with the Creator five times a day, wherein man renews his covenant
with God and seeks guidance again and again: "You alone we worship and
to You alone we turn for help. Guide us to the straight path." (1:5,6)
Innovation
Bid'at (innovation) is something that has no Islamic basis. A
thing which is not proved from the Holy Quran and Hadith, as in
practice at the time of the Holy Prophet, his companions,
but is now done as religious duty.
The Prophet (saw) has condemned one who indulges in innovation
and called them "destroyer of the religion".
