The Unshakable Faith of the Palestinians: Islam

1946 map of Palestine

A father losing his children, yet saying alhumdulilah (all praise is to Allah) as he prostrates before Allah on the hospital floor. A mother and father surviving the bombing of their home, and living on the streets with their children. Without food, water or shelter. Yet she utters alhumdulilah (all praise is for Allah). A man who lost multiple members of his family, but still continues to stand and report the injustices being committed against his people to the whole world. When asked, how are you dealing with all this pain? How are you moving on? His response: accept the decree of Allah, seek reward from Him. Any other route is painful and toxic…

These are some Palestinians in Gaza. These are people who have submitted to Allah. They have left their affairs to their Lord while relying upon Him completely. They are Muslims who know and understand that this world is only a temporary place. A place where there are times of ease as well as times of intense suffering and pain. A temporary abode of only a few days. They understand that justice can never be established in this world. Rather they wait. They wait for the day they will return to their Lord. And their oppressors will be held accountable on the Day of Judgement, before their Lord who is Most Just.

They long and wait for Paradise. A permanent abode for the patient, God fearing and righteous. A beautiful abode where they will be reunited with their loved ones. A place they will no longer face any hunger, pain or sorrow.

If you have wondered what it is, that’s making the Palestinian people endure all this suffering. What is it that still makes them resilient despite the world around them turning upside down. Then know it is their religion Islam. The religion of all the previous prophets and the final prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

Scientists’ Comments on the Scientific Miracles in the Holy Qur’an

The following are some comments of scientists on the scientific miracles in the Holy Qur’an. All of these comments have been taken from the videotape entitled This is the Truth. In this videotape, you can see and hear the scientists while they are giving the following comments. (Please visit http://www.islam-guide.com/truth for a copy of this videotape, to view it online, or to view the video clips of these comments online.)

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1) Dr. T. V. N. Persaud is Professor of Anatomy, Professor of Pediatrics and Child Health, and Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. There, he was the Chairman of the Department of Anatomy for 16 years. He is well-known in his field. He is the author or editor of 22 textbooks and has published over 181 scientific papers. In 1991, he received the most distinguished award presented in the field of anatomy in Canada, the J.C.B. Grant Award from the Canadian Association of Anatomists.When he was asked about the scientific miracles in the Qur’an which he has researched, he stated the following

“The way it was explained to me is that Muhammad was a very ordinary man. He could not read, didn’t know [how] to write. In fact, he was an illiterate. And we’re talking about twelve [actually about fourteen] hundred years ago. You have someone illiterate making profound pronouncements and statements and that are amazingly accurate about scientific nature. And I personally can’t see how this could be a mere chance. There are too many accuracies and, like Dr. Moore, I have no difficulty in my mind that this is a divine inspiration or revelation which led him to these statements.”

Professor Persaud has included some Qur’anic verses and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)  in some of his books. He has also presented these verses and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) at several conferences.

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2) Dr. Joe Leigh Simpson is the Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Professor of Molecular and Human Genetics at the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. Formerly, he was Professor of Ob-Gyn and the Chairman of the Department of Ob-Gyn at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee, USA. He was also the President of the American Fertility Society. He has received many awards, including the Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynecology Public Recognition Award in 1992. Professor Simpson studied the following two sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him):

{ In every one of you, all components of your creation are collected together in your mother’s womb by forty days… }

{ If forty-two nights have passed over the embryo, God sends an angel to it, who shapes it and creates its hearing, vision, skin, flesh, and bones…. }

He studied these two sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) extensively, noting that the first forty days constitute a clearly distinguishable stage of embryo-genesis. He was particularly impressed by the absolute precision and accuracy of those sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Then, during one conference, he gave the following opinion:

“So that the two hadeeths (the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) that have been noted provide us with a specific time table for the main embryological development before forty days. Again, the point has been made, I think, repeatedly by other speakers this morning: these hadeeths could not have been obtained on the basis of the scientific knowledge that was available [at] the time of their writing . . . . It follows, I think, that not only there is no conflict between genetics and religion but, in fact, religion can guide science by adding revelation to some of the traditional scientific approaches, that there exist statements in the Qur’an shown centuries later to be valid, which support knowledge in the Qur’an having been derived from God.”

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3) Dr. E. Marshall Johnson is Professor Emeritus of Anatomy and Developmental Biology at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. There, for 22 years he was Professor of Anatomy, the Chairman of the Department of Anatomy, and the Director of the Daniel Baugh Institute. He was also the President of the Teratology Society. He has authored more than 200 publications. In 1981, during the Seventh Medical Conference in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Professor Johnson said in the presentation of his research paper:

“Summary: The Qur’an describes not only the development of external form, but emphasizes also the internal stages, the stages inside the embryo, of its creation and development, emphasizing major events recognized by contemporary science.” Also he said: “As a scientist, I can only deal with things which I can specifically see. I can understand embryology and developmental biology. I can understand the words that are translated to me from the Qur’an. As I gave the example before, if I were to transpose myself into that era, knowing what I knew today and describing things, I could not describe the things which were described. I see no evidence for the fact to refute the concept that this individual, Muhammad, had to be developing this information from some place. So I see nothing here in conflict with the concept that divine intervention was involved in what he was able to write.”

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5) Dr. Gerald C. Goeringer is Course Director and Associate Professor of Medical Embryology at the Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA. During the Eighth Saudi Medical Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Professor Goeringer stated the following in the presentation of his research paper:

“In a relatively few aayahs (Qur’anic verses) is contained a rather comprehensive description of human development from the time of commingling of the gametes through organogenesis. No such distinct and complete record of human development, such as classification, terminology, and description, existed previously. In most, if not all, instances, this description antedates by many centuries the recording of the various stages of human embryonic and fetal development recorded in the traditional scientific literature.”

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6) Dr. Yoshihide Kozai is Professor Emeritus at Tokyo University, Hongo, Tokyo, Japan, and was the Director of the National Astronomical Observatory, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan. He said:

“I am very much impressed by finding true astronomical facts in [the] Qur’an, and for us the modern astronomers have been studying very small pieces of the universe. We’ve concentrated our efforts for understanding of [a] very small part. Because by using telescopes, we can see only very few parts [of] the sky without thinking [about the] whole universe. So, by reading [the]Qur’an and by answering to the questions, I think I can find my future way for investigation of the universe.”

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7) Professor Tejatat Tejasen is the Chairman of the Department of Anatomy at Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Previously, he was the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the same university. During the Eighth Saudi Medical Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Professor Tejasen stood up and said:

“During the last three years, I became interested in the Qur’an . . . . From my study and what I have learned from this conference, I believe that everything that has been recorded in the Qur’an fourteen hundred years ago must be the truth, that can be proved by the scientific means. Since the Prophet Muhammad could neither read nor write, Muhammad must be a messenger who relayed this truth, which was revealed to him as an enlightenment by the one who is eligible [as the] creator. This creator must be God. Therefore, I think this is the time to say La ilaha illa Allah, there is no god to worship except Allah (God), Muhammadur rasoolu Allah, Muhammad is Messenger (Prophet) of Allah (God). Lastly, I must congratulate for the excellent and highly successful arrangement for this conference . . . . I have gained not only from the scientific point of view and religious point of view but also the great chance of meeting many well-known scientists and making many new friends among the participants. The most precious thing of all that I have gained by coming to this place is La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadur rasoolu Allah, and to have become a Muslim.”

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Source: A Brief Illustrated Guide To Understanding Islam 2nd edition, I. A. Ibrahim, https://www.islam-guide.com/

The Qur’an on Clouds

Scientists have studied cloud types and have realized that rain clouds are formed and shaped according to definite systems and certain steps connected with certain types of wind and clouds.
One kind of rain cloud is the cumulonimbus cloud. Meteorologists have studied how cumulonimbus clouds are formed and how they produce rain, hail, and lightning.

They have found that cumulonimbus clouds go through the following steps to produce rain:

1) The clouds are pushed by the wind: Cumulonimbus clouds begin to form when wind pushes some small pieces of clouds (cumulus clouds) to an area where these clouds converge (see
figure 17).

Figure 17

2) Joining: Then the small clouds join together forming a larger cloud (see figure 18).

Figure 18

3) Stacking: When the small clouds join together, updrafts within the larger cloud increase. The updrafts near the center of the cloud are stronger than those near the edges. These updrafts cause the cloud body to grow vertically, so the cloud is stacked up. This vertical growth causes the cloud body to stretch into cooler regions of the atmosphere, where drops of water and hail formulate and begin to grow larger and larger. When these drops of water and hail become too heavy for the updrafts to support them, they begin to fall from the cloud as rain, hail, etc

God has said in the Qur’an:

“Have you not seen how God makes the clouds move gently, then joins them together, then makes them into a stack, and then you see the rain come out of it…. “(Qur’an, 24:43)

Meteorologists have only recently come to know these details of cloud formation, structure, and function by using advanced equipment like planes, satellites, computers, balloons, and other equipment, to study wind and its direction, to measure humidity and its variations, and to determine the levels and variations of atmospheric pressure.

The preceding verse, after mentioning clouds and rain, speaks about hail and lightning:

“….And He sends down hail from mountains (clouds) in the sky, and He strikes with it whomever He wills, and turns it from whomever He wills. The vivid flash of its lightning nearly blinds the sight.” (Qur’an, 24:43)

Meteorologists have found that these cumulonimbus clouds, that shower hail, reach a height of 25,000 to 30,000 ft (4.7 to 5.7 miles), like mountains, as the Qur’an said: “…And He sends down hail from mountains (clouds) in the sky…” (see figure 21).

Figure 21

This verse may raise a question. Why does the verse say “its lightning” in a reference to the hail? Does this mean that hail is the major factor in producing lightning? Let us see what the book entitled Meteorology Today says about this. It says that a cloud becomes electrified as hail falls through a region in the cloud of supercooled droplets and ice crystals. As liquid droplets collide with a hailstone, they freeze on contact and release latent heat. This keeps the surface of the hailstone warmer than that of the
surrounding ice crystals. When the hailstone comes in contact with an ice crystal, an important phenomenon occurs: electrons flow from the colder object toward the warmer object. Hence, the
hailstone becomes negatively charged. The same effect occurs when supercooled droplets come in contact with a hailstone and tiny splinters of positively charged ice break off. These lighter positively
charged particles are then carried to the upper part of the cloud by updrafts. The hail, left with a negative charge, falls towards the bottom of the cloud, thus the lower part of the cloud becomes
negatively charged. These negative charges are then discharged as lightning. We conclude from this
that hail is the major factor in producing lightning.

The Qur’an on Deep Seas and Internal Waves

God has said in the Qur’an:

“Or (the unbelievers’ state) is like the darkness in a deep sea. It is covered by waves, above which are waves, above which are clouds. Darknesses, one above another. If a man stretches out his hand, he cannot see it…. “(Qur’an, 24:40)

This verse mentions the darkness found in deep seas and oceans, where if a man stretches out his hand, he cannot see it. The darkness in deep seas and oceans is found around a depth of 200 meters and below. At this depth, there is almost no light (see figure 15). Below a depth of 1000 meters there is no light at all.

Figure 15

Human beings are not able to dive more than forty meters without the aid of submarines or special equipment. Human beings cannot survive unaided in the deep dark part of the oceans, such as at a depth of 200 meters.

Scientists have recently discovered this darkness by means of special equipment and submarines that have enabled them to dive into the depths of the oceans.

We can also understand from the following sentences in the previous verse, “…in a deep sea. It is covered by waves, above which are waves, above which are clouds….” that the deep waters of seas and oceans are covered by waves, and above these waves are other waves. It is clear that the second set of waves are the surface waves that we see, because the verse mentions that above the second waves there are clouds. But what about the first
waves? Scientists have recently discovered that there are internal waves which “occur on density interfaces between layers of different densities.” (see figure 16). The internal waves cover the deep waters of seas and oceans because the deep waters have a higher density than the waters above them. Internal waves act like surface waves. They can also break, just like surface waves. Internal waves cannot be seen by the human eye, but they can be
detected by studying temperature or salinity changes at a given location.

Figure 16

Source: A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam, p 20-22

The Qur’an on Seas and Rivers

Modern Science has discovered that in the places where two different seas meet, there is a barrier between them. This barrier divides the two seas so that each sea has its own temperature, salinity, and density. For example, Mediterranean sea water is warm, saline, and less dense, compared to Atlantic ocean water. When Mediterranean sea water enters the Atlantic over the Gibraltar sill, it moves several hundred kilometers into the Atlantic at a depth of about 1000 meters with its own warm, saline, and less dense characteristics. The Mediterranean water stabilizes at this depth.

Although there are large waves, strong currents, and tides in these seas, they do not mix or transgress this barrier.
The Holy Qur’an mentioned that there is a barrier between two seas that meet and that they do not transgress. God has said:

“He has set free the two seas meeting together. There is a barrier between them. They do not transgress.” (Qur’an, 55:19-20)

But when the Qur’an speaks about the divider between fresh and salt water, it mentions the existence of “a forbidding partition” with the barrier. God has said in the Qur’an:

“He is the one who has set free the two kinds of water, one sweet and palatable, and the other salty and bitter. And He has made between them a barrier and a forbidding partition.” (Qur’an, 25:53)

One may ask, why did the Qur’an mention the partition when speaking about the divider between fresh and salt water, but did not mention it when speaking about the divider between the two seas?

Modern science has discovered that in estuaries, where fresh (sweet) and salt water meet, the situation is somewhat different from what is found in places where two seas meet. It has been discovered that what distinguishes fresh water from salt water in estuaries is a “pycnocline zone with a marked density discontinuity
separating the two layers.” This partition (zone of separation) has a different salinity from the fresh water and from the salt water. (see figure 14)

Figure 14

This information has been discovered only recently, using advanced equipment to measure temperature, salinity, density, oxygen dissolubility, etc. The human eye cannot see the difference between the two seas that meet, rather the two seas appear to us as one homogeneous sea. Likewise, the human eye cannot see the division of water in estuaries into the three kinds: fresh water, salt water, and the partition (zone of separation).

Source: A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam p 17-19

The Qur’an on the Cerebrum

God has said in the Qur’an about one of the evil unbelievers who forbade the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) from praying at the Kaaba:

No! If he does not stop, We will take him by the naseyah (front of the head), a lying, sinful naseyah (front of the head)! (Qur’an, 96:15-16)

If we look into the skull at the front of the head, we will find the prefrontal area of the cerebrum (see figure 12).

Figure 12

What does physiology tell us about the function of this area? A book entitled Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology says about this area: “The motivation and the foresight to plan and initiate movements occur in the anterior portion of the frontal lobes, the prefrontal area. This is a region of association cortex…” Also the book says: “In relation to its involvement in motivation, the prefrontal area is also thought to be the functional center for aggression….”

So, this area of the cerebrum is responsible for planning, motivating, and initiating good and sinful behavior and is responsible for the telling of lies and the speaking of truth. Thus, it is proper to describe the front of the head as lying and sinful when someone lies or commits a sin, as the Qur’an has said: “…A lying, sinful naseyah (front of the head)!”

Scientists have only discovered these functions of the prefrontal area in the last sixty years, according to Professor Keith L. Moore.

Source: A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam p 16-17

Listen to the Quran

Quran

The Quran (which is the literal word of Allah) was revealed in Arabic. The Quran has been translated in multiple languages. To read the translation of the Quran in English, please visit quran.com

To hear a Quran recitation, you can click on the below video

What is the Quran?

The Word of God

The Qur’an is the literal word of God, The Almighty (Allah in Arabic), revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the Angel Gabriel.

“The revelation of The Book is from Allah, the Mighty, the Wise.”

Qur’an 39:1

Guidance for Mankind

The Qur’an is “a guidance for mankind… and the distinction (between right and wrong).” Qur’an 2:185.  It provides direction to help mankind judge between right and wrong, without which, man would surely be in loss.

The Final Revelation

The Qur’an is the last scripture revealed by Almighty Allah (God), confirming what little truth remains in parts of previous scriptures and refuting and correcting fabrications and additions which have crept into current day versions of such scriptures.

“O you who have been given the Scripture! Believe in what We have revealed confirming what is (already) with you…”Qur’an 4:47

How was the Qur’an Revealed?

The Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad (peace be upon him) and exists only in the language in which it was revealed – Arabic. However, the translation of the meaning of the Qur’an is available in many languages. The Qur’an was not sent down as a complete book in one revelation; rather, the revelation spanned over a period of 23 years. For this reason, it is essential to know in what circumstances the verses were revealed, in order to have a proper understanding of the Qur’an; otherwise, its teachings could be misunderstood.

How do I know that it is from God?

Preservation

Verses from the Quran

The Qur’an is the only religious sacred text that has been in circulation for a lengthy period, and yet remains as pure as the day it was revealed. Nothing has been added, removed or modified from it, since its revelation over 1400 years ago.

“We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will certainly guard it (from corruption).” Qur’an 15:09

Not only has the Qur’an been preserved in written form, but also in the hearts of men, children and women. Today, millions of people have memorized the Qur’an from cover to cover.

Scientific Miracles

The Qur’an does not contradict modern science but rather, supports it. One of the most remarkable aspects about the Qur’an is that it contains many verses which accurately describe natural phenomenon in various fields such as embryology, meteorology, astronomy, geology and oceanography. Scientists have found its descriptions incredibly accurate for a book dating back to the 7th century

“We shall show them Our Signs in the Universe and within their own selves, until it becomes clear to them that this is the Truth.” Qur’an 41:53

In fact, many of the scientific miracles mentioned in the Qur’an have been discovered only recently, through the modern advancement of technological equipment. Consider the following:

• The Qur’an gives a detailed description of the development of the human embryo. These details were unknown to the scientific community until recent times.
• The Qur’an states that the astronomical objects (stars, planets, moons etc…) were all formed from clouds of dust. Previously unknown, this fact has now become an undisputed principle of modern cosmology.
• Modern science has discovered the existence of barriers that allow two seas to meet yet maintain their own temperature, density and salinity.

These signs of God were clearly stated in the Qur’an more than 1400 years ago.

Uniqueness

Ever since its revelation, no person has been able to produce a single chapter like that of the Qur’an in its beauty, eloquence, splendour, wisdom, prophecies, and other perfect attributes.

“And if you are in doubt as to that which We have revealed to Our servant, then produce a chapter like it and call on your witnesses besides Allah if you are truthful.”

Qur’an 2:23

The people that rejected Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) failed this challenge, even though they were extremely eloquent in the language of the Qur’an. This challenge remains unanswered to this very day.

No Contradictions

When people write, they are bound to make mistakes such as spelling and grammar, contradictory statements, incorrect facts, omission of information, and other various errors.

“Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely, have found in it (the Qur’an) many contradictions.”

Qur’an 4:82

The Qur’an has no contradictions whatsoever – be it in scientific explanations of the water cycle, embryology, geology and cosmology; historical facts and events; or prophecies.

Not Authored by a Man 

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known in history to be illiterate; he could not read nor write. He was not educated in any field that could account for neither the scientific and historical accuracy, nor the literary beauty of this magnificent Book. The precision of historical recounts of previous peoples and civilisations mentioned in the Qur’an is also too great to be authored by any man.

“And this Qur’an is not such as could ever be produced by other than Allah.”

Qur’an 10:37

Purpose of Revelation

To Believe in One True God 

“And your god is One God. There is no god but He, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.”

Qur’an 2:163

The most important topic mentioned throughout the Qur’an is the belief in the One, True God. God informs us that He has no partner, no son, no equal, and that none has the right to be worshipped except Him alone. Nothing is comparable to God and none of His creation resembles Him. The Qur’an also rejects the notion of attributing human qualities and limitations to God.

To Reject All False Gods

“And worship Allah and associate none with Him.”

Qur’an 4:36

Since Allah alone is the only One worthy of worship, false deities and false gods must be rejected. The Qur’an also rejects the notion of attributing divine qualities to anyone or anything other than Allah.

To Narrate the Stories from the Past

The Qur’an contains many narratives with beneficial lessons, including the true stories of previous Prophets such as, Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jesus and Moses. Of these stories, Allah says,

“Indeed in their stories, there is a lesson for men of understanding.”

Qur’an 12:111

To Remind us of the Day of Judgement

This Noble Book reminds us that everyone will taste death and will be held accountable for all their actions and sayings:

“We shall set up scales of justice for the Day of Judgment, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least…”

Qur’an 21:47

To Fulfil the Intended Way of Life 

Importantly, the Qur’an teaches that the purpose of life is to worship God alone, and live one’s life according to the way of life prescribed by Him. In Islam, worship is a comprehensive term that includes all actions and sayings (whether private or public) that Allah loves and is pleased with. Therefore, by doing what Allah commands, a Muslim is worshipping God and fulfilling his purpose in life. The following are examples of worship from the Qur’an:

• To pray:

“O you who believe! Bow down and prostrate yourselves and worship your Lord, that you may succeed.”

Qur’an 22:77

• To give charity:

“…And spend, it is better for your souls; and whoever is saved from the greediness of his soul, these it is that are the successful.”

Qur’an 64:16

• To be honest:

“Cover not Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when you know (what it is).” Qur’an 2:42

• To be modest:

“Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty.”

Qur’an 24:30-31

• To be thankful:

“And Allah has brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers– you did not know anything– and He gave you hearing and sight and hearts that you may give thanks.”

Qur’an 16:78

To be just:

“O you who believe! Stand firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor…”

Qur’an 4:135

To be patient:

“And be patient, for indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.”

Qur’an 11:115

• To do good:

 

“Allah has promised to those who believe and do good deeds (that) they shall have forgiveness and a mighty reward.”

Qur’an 5:9

Conclusion

In summary, the Qur’an teaches mankind how to worship the One True God, hence fulfilling their true purpose in life, and attaining success in both this world and the next.

“Verily, We have sent down to you (O Muhammad) the Book for mankind in truth. So whosoever accepts the guidance, it is only for his own self; and whosoever goes astray, he goes astray only for his own loss.” Qur’an 39:41

Why Islam?

Are all religions the same? How do I know which one is correct? Why should I choose Islam?  The below points discuss the benefits, beauties and unique aspects of Islam.

Close Connection with Your Creator

At the core of Islam is the focus of an individual’s personal relationship with God (Allah), their Creator. It encourages a believer to have sustained awareness of Allah, which is the key to eternal happiness.

Islam teaches that peace comes from Allah. By focusing on this important relationship and following Allah’s guidance, believers will be able to acquire inner peace and tranquillity. Seeking lasting happiness through other means, such as following one’s desires or the accumulation of material possessions, will never fill the void we have. This need can only be filled with the awareness and consciousness of Allah, Our Creator.

True contentment is found in acknowledging and obeying the Creator:

“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” Quran 13:28

The primary reason for this close relationship is that Muslims have a direct connection with their Creator. There is no intermediary, such as praying to, or through, others, in worshipping God.

Positive Outlook on Life 

Islam gives a person a clear perspective on the events that happen in their life, both good and bad, as they are, in fact, tests from God. It encourages a person to understand events in the context of the overall purpose of life, which is to acknowledge Allah and obey Him. He created humans with intellect and free will to test them as to who will wilfully choose to follow His guidance. This life is an ultimate testing ground and although we cannot control everything that happens to us, we can control how we react. Islam encourages a person to focus on what is in their control, to be grateful to Allah for blessings, and to be patient during hardships. Patience and gratitude – this is the formula for a happy life.

Islam encourages the believer to remain free from the extremes of worldly happiness that may cause one to forget God, and the extremes of sadness that may cause one to lose hope and blame God. By not being overly attached to the material world, a Muslim is empowered not only to better handle any calamities, but to be beneficial and generous to society. This leads to a more balanced and optimistic outlook on life.

Pure and Clear Concept of God 

Unlike other religions, Islam is not named after its founder or the community of its birth. Islam is an attributive title that signifies obedience and submissiveness to Allah, the Creator of the Universe. One of its main beauties is that it acknowledges the complete Perfection, Greatness and Uniqueness of Allah with absolutely no compromises. This is reflected in Islam’s pure teachings of the attributes of God.

Allah is One and Unique:

•Allah has no partners, no equals and no rivals.

•Allah has no father, mother, sons, daughters or wives.

•Allah Alone is Worthy of all worship.

Allah is the All-Powerful:

•Allah has full authority and power over all things.

•Obedience to Allah does not increase His Power, nor does disobedience decrease His Power.

Allah is the Most High:

•There is nothing above or comparable to Allah.

•The attributes of Allah do not resemble that of His creation.

•No part of Allah is present in anyone or anything.

Allah is Perfect:

•God does not have any human limitations, such as resting on the seventh day after He created the universe.

•God always maintains attributes of perfection and does not do anything to compromise this perfection such as “becoming a man” as claimed by other religions.

Emphasizes Both Evidence and Faith

Islam is a religion in which faith is based on clear proof. It encourages people to use their God given intelligence to think and ponder over their life and the universe. Although this life is a test, Allah has provided sufficient signs and guidance to people who are open-minded and sincere to be able to acknowledge the truth.

“We have indeed sent down signs that make things manifest: and Allah guides whom He wills to a way that is straight.”  (Quran 24:46)

Unlike other religions, there are many clear proofs, signs and miracles that the book of Islam, The Quran, is from Allah.

The Quran:

•Is free from any errors or contradictions, despite it being revealed over a period of 23 years.

•Is preserved, word-for-word, since it was revealed in its original Arabic language, unlike other scriptures which have been distorted, changed or lost.

•Contains a simple, pure and universal message that has a profound effect on all those who are sincerely searching for the truth.

•Contains a unique and inimitable style of language that is universally known as the pinnacle of Arabic eloquence and linguistic beauty – yet the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who was known to be illiterate.

•Contains many amazing scientific facts which have only been discovered recently, despite being revealed over 1400 years ago.

The most rational explanation for the many unique and miraculous aspects of the Quran is that it cannot be from other than God.

 Accountability and Ultimate Justice

Islam teaches that God is the Most Just and that each person will be held responsible for their own actions on the Day of Judgement. Each person is accountable, as they have freedom of choice and intelligence to discern between right and wrong.

It is an absolute demand of justice that there be a Day of Judgement where every person is rewarded or punished, otherwise life would be unjust as not everyone receives true justice in this world.

Islam teaches that ultimately we will be judged for how well we fulfilled our responsibilities and exercised our free will. We will be judged by Allah, the All Knowing and All Wise, who knows and sees everything we do. This encourages a more harmonious society and gives people contentment knowing that justice will ultimately prevail.

Practical and Balanced Way of Life

Muslim raising his hand to supplicate to Allah

Islam provides the right balance between faith and action, as both are required for a stable life. It provides guidance for all situations and circumstances. It is a practical religion with practical acts of worship that are designed to fulfil the spiritual, physical, psychological and social needs of people.

Examples of practical acts of worship that have numerous benefits include:

•The five daily prayers – Enriches a person by satisfying the spiritual need of being in regular contact with Allah (especially in today’s busy lifestyle); makes one humble by bowing and prostrating to Allah; removes any barriers/pride/racism between believers praying in congregation; helps one refrain from committing sins given the person stands regularly before Allah.

•The obligatory charity – Purifies a person from selfishness; encourages empathy to the poor; reminds one of the blessings of Allah; helps reduce poverty; bridges the gap between rich and poor.

•The fasting in month of Ramadan – Promotes spiritual self-purification, self-restraint and growth; scientifically proven health benefits; empathy and awareness of those less fortunate; trains people to acquire the habit of obeying Allah.

•The pilgrimage (Hajj) – Unites people of every colour, race, status and nationality, as pilgrims wear simple and similar clothing, while performing a range of good deeds in congregation.

Given that Islam is from Allah, every command found in the religion is ultimately good and beneficial to the individual and society when practised correctly. Examples from the Quran include being honest, forgiving, truthful, kind to one’s wife, patient, fair, moderate, modest, sincere, and respecting parents, family and the elderly. There are also many principles in the teachings of Islam that prevent or reduce many of the individual and social ills facing the world today.

Universal and Timeless Message

Islam has a message that applies to all people at all times, from the creation of Adam up until the Day of Judgement. It is applicable today as it always has been.

Allah is accessible to everyone. People may distinguish themselves and earn Allah’s favour through belief and righteous actions only – not through race, wealth, gender, nationality or social class.

Conclusion

Islam’s timeless and beautiful message is the same message of all Prophets, including Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them all). They all called their people to “Submit to the One True God” which, in Arabic, means to become a “Muslim”. This submission to God enables one to fulfil the purpose of life by acknowledging the greatness of God and sincerely worshipping Him Alone. In doing so, one will acquire the countless benefits of Islam mentioned above.

 

Source:

Islamic Pamphlets, http://www.islamicpamphlets.com

Belief in Allah

Muslims believe in Tawheed. ’Tawheed’ means believing in Allaah alone as God and Lord and attributing to Him alone all the attributes of Lordship and divinity.

Allah is the Most Powerful and Most Wise. He Created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them. Muslims believe that only He (Allah) deserves to be worshipped alone without any partner.

In the Quran, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

1. “Say (O Muhammad): He is Allaah, (the) One [Ahad].

2. Allaah‑us‑Samad [Allaah — the Self‑Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, (He neither eats nor drinks)].

3. He begets not, nor was He begotten.

4. And there is none co‑equal or comparable unto Him”

[Quran 112:1-3]