The chief characteristic ofthe Islamic concept of lifeis that it does
not recognize a conflict or a separation between the spiritual and the
mundane. It does not recognize ritualism, secularism or materialism.
For a Muslim, all aspects of life, the spiritual and the material, the
State and the religion are interrelated, because everything belongs to
Allaah and Allaah alone. Islam provides definite guidelines for all
people to follow in all walks of life: individual, social, moral,
governmental, political, economic, spiritual and advocates moderation.
This is why the Quran calls the Muslims a "moderate nation."
Source of Islamic Teachings:
The Islamic way of life is based on the teachings of the Quran and the
Sunnah )traditions( of the Prophet Muhammad. The Quran is the basic
source of Islamic teaching and law. It is the word of Allaah revealed
to Prophet Muhammadby the angel Gabriel. The entire Quran was revealed
to Prophet Muhammadinparts over the 23-year period of his prophethood.
Whenever a portion of it was revealed, it was written by his faithful
scribesaccording to his instructions on palm leaves, parchments, bones
etc. Moreover, there were tens of thousands of the Prophet's
Companionswho committed the Quran to memory.
After the death of Prophet Muhammadthe first Caliph Abu Bakrordered
the collectionof the whole Quran in one volume. It was preserved until
the third Caliph 'Uthmaanprepared several copies and sent them to
different Muslim territories. From that time onwards )about 1400 years
ago(, the same version has been in use with identical words, order and
language, without a single additionor deletion. Briefly stated, the
Quran is the only remaining authenticDivine Revelation available to
humankind today that is distinguished by its clear historical
accounts, unquestionable accuracy,indisputable authenticity and
complete preservation in the exact language of its Revelation.
The Sunnah consists of the teachings, sayings and actions of Prophet
Muhammadmeticulously reported by his Companions. It explains and
elaborates the Quranic verses.
Islam Is The Religion of Equality:
There is no discrimination in Islam between people on the basis of
color, tribe, race, nationality, etc. since all humans descend from
one father and one mother: Aadamand Eve. Islam teaches that the
standard of distinction is righteousness. A verse of the Glorious
Quran reads)what means(:"Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of
Allaah is the most righteous."]Quran 49: 13[
Islam Is Your Birthright:
Everybody is born in a state of Fitrah )the inclination to worship One
God i.e. pure Monotheism(. To accept Islam is not to turn one's back
on all the previous Messengers and Prophets, may Allaah exalt their
mention. In fact, it is a reversion to the original Monotheism in
which we are all created. As such, Islam is your "birthright."
However, the parents or the community converts the child to other
faiths or to atheism.
Criteria for Truth:
Are you following the correct belief system? Thecriteria for true
faith are listed as follows:
1. Rational Teachings: Man is a rational being, hence, he should use
both reason and intellect to distinguish truth from falsehood.
2. Perfection: Since Allaahis perfect, His Revelation must be perfect
without flaw and completely free of any contradiction or error.
3. Scientific: Since Divine Revelation is the absolutetruth, it can
always withstand the challenge of any kind of knowledge, including
human discoveries in the field of science.
4. Inimitable: True Revelation from Allaah is an infallible living
miracle that cannot be imitated by any being.
5. Worship of One God: True Revelation should teach the worship of One
God who has no partner, sharer, associate or helper in His Divinity
)i.e.,Creatorship, Lordship, Sovereignty or in any of His Divine
Attributes(.
6. Simple, Clear and Just: True Revelation must be simple, clear and
just in order to be readily understood by any one, because all humans
are equal in the sight of Allaah. His blessings are open to anyone who
has the will to obey Him.
To conclude, Islam is not a new religion. It is, in essence, the same
message and guidance, which Allaah revealed to all His Messengers, may
Allaah exalt their mention, but only reiterated in its comprehensive,
completeand final form. It is a continuation and culmination of all
the preceding Revelation, because as we know, their origin is one and
the same; A verse of the Glorious Quran reads)what means(:"This day I
have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you,
and have approved for you Islam as religion."]Quran 5: 3[.
Since it is the final message from Allaah that culminates, supersedes
and seals all the previous religions, Islam makes it an obligation on
every person who clearly hears its Message to accept it and follow it.
Another verse of the Glorious Quran says )which means(:"And whoever
desiresother than Islam as religion – never will it be accepted from
him, and he, in the Hereafter, willbe among the losers."]Quran 3: 86[
Now, Allaah has shown you the right path and at the same time
conferred upon you freedom of choice and will, whether you accept the
message of Islam or not is up to you. May the light of truth shine in
our hearts and minds. May it lead us to peace and certitude in this
life and eternal bliss in the Hereafter.
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