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Islam |
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| Introduction to Islam |
The literal meaning of Islam is peace; surrender of one’s
will i.e. losing oneself for the sake of God and surrendering one’s
own pleasure for the pleasure of God. The message of Islam was revealed
to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) 1, 400 years ago.
It was revealed through angel Gabriel (on whom be peace) and was thus preserved
in the Holy Quran. The Holy Quran carries a Divine guarantee of safeguard
from interpolation and it claims that it combines the best features of the
earlier scriptures.
The prime message of Islam is the Unity of God, that the Creator of the
world is One and He alone is worthy of worship and that Muhammad (peace
and blessings on him) is His Messenger and Servant. The follower of this
belief is thus a Muslim - a Muslim’s other beliefs are: God’s
angels, previously revealed Books of God, all the prophets, from Adam to
Jesus (peace be on them both), the Day of Judgement and indeed the Decree
of God. A Muslim has five main duties to perform, namely; bearing witness
to the Unity of God and Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) as His Messenger,
observing the prescribed prayer, payment of Zakat, keeping the fasts of
Ramadhan and performing the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Islam believes that each person is born pure. The Holy Quran tells us that
God has given human beings a choice between good and evil and to seek God’s
pleasure through faith, prayer and charity. Islam believes that God created
mankind in His image and by imbuing the attributes of God on a human level
mankind can attain His nearness. Islam’s main message is to worship
God and to treat all God’s creation with kindness and compassion.
Rights of parents in old age, orphans and the needy are clearly stated.
Women’s rights were safeguarded 1,400 years ago when the rest of the
world was in total darkness about emancipation. Islamic teachings encompass
every imaginable situation and its rules and principles are truly universal
and have stood the test of time.
In Islam virtue does not connote forsaking the bounties of nature that are
lawful. On the contrary one is encouraged to lead a healthy, active life
with the qualities of kindness, chastity, honesty, mercy, courage patience
and politeness. In short, Islam has a perfect and complete code for the
guidance of individuals and communities alike. As the entire message of
Islam is derived from the Holy Quran and indeed the Sunnah and Hadith (the
traditions and practices of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings on him)
it is immutable in the face of change in time and place. It may appear rigid
to the casual eye, in actual fact it is most certainly an adaptable way
of life regardless of human changes.
Islam teaches that the path to spiritual development is open to all. Any
individual who searches the One Creator can seek nearness to God through
sincere and earnest worship; it is central to establishing a relationship
with the Almighty. This positive message for humanity fills hearts with
hope and courage.
At present there are 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide and they form the majority
in more than 50 countries of the world. Today Islam is the fastest growing
faith in the world - its beautiful message is reaching millions in the far
corner of the earth. |
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