Some Basic Concepts in Islam
Some Basic Concepts in Islam (1/4) Prof. C. A. Babu 1. Concept of Prophethood Allah sent many prophets and sages to all nations at different times of history. One prophet or more has been sent to every known land. All the prophets of Allah were men of exemplary character. They were prepared and chosen by Allah to deliver His Message to humanity. Their honesty, integrity, sincerity, and intelligence were beyond suspicion. The strong link that exists between God and man is clearly evident in prophethood. Prophethood is an eloquent expression of Allah’s love of mankind. By conveying His messages to man, He gives humanity the chance to attain eternal happiness in the Hereafter. Prophethood is an emphasis of Allah’s justice to man. Allah holds man responsible for his deeds only after showing him true guidance and after warning him. The guidance and warnings conveyed by all prophets were the same because they came from the same source. Their mission was to serve Allah, to acquaint man with Allah and His Divine Message, to establish truth and goodness, to help man to realize the true purpose of his existence, and help him to conduct his life in such a way as to attain salvation. It is on this basis that the Muslims make no discrimination among the prophets and accept their teachings as reliable and true. “For We assuredly sent amongst every people an apostle, (with the Command), “Serve God, and eschew Evil.” Of the people were some whom God guided, and some on whom error became inevitably (established). So travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who denied (the Truth).” [The Qur’an, Ch: 16, Al-Nahl, V: 36] 2. Concept of Religion Religion has always been misused and abused. Many have used it as a means of exploitation and repression. Some people have used it as an excuse for their prejudice and intolerance. Some others have used it as a source of power and domination over the masses. There are many religions in the world, and each one claims to be the one and only true religion. But these claims contradict each other. Genuine religion must come from the One True God for the right guidance to humanity. Human nature and major human needs are basically the same at all times. So there can be only one true religion coming from the God Who created all men. This religion is Islam. Islam was not taught only by Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon him). On the contrary, Islam was the religion preached by all the prophets of Allah including Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon him). So Islam has been, and will continue to be, the true universal religion of God, because God is One. Islam maintains that religion is not only a spiritual and intellectual necessity but also a social and universal need. It is meant not to bewilder man but to guide him. It is not to debase him but to elevate his moral nature. True religion purifies the soul from evil, clears the mind from doubts, and strengthens the character. It provides him with peace and security and makes his life meaningful. That is what a true religion can do for humanity. “Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to God, does good, and follows the way of Abraham, the true in Faith?” [The Qur’an, Ch: 4, Al-Nisa’, V: 125] 3. Concept of Life Allah does not give life to an individual without any purpose. He bestows upon him unique characteristics and immense capabilities. He also places upon him certain responsibilities and obligations. Man is expected to fulfill the purpose of life and realize the goal of existence. Life on earth is likened to a journey starting from a certain point and ending at a certain destination. It is a transitory stage, an introduction to the eternal life in the Hereafter. Life and death belong entirely to Allah’s realm. Life is an amazing sign of Allah’s wisdom and power, a vibrant evidence of His skill and supremacy. He is the Giver and Creator of life. Life is unique and precious and no sensible or normal person would like to lose it by choice. Life is given to man by Allah, and only He has the right to take it back; no one else has the right to destroy a life. This is why Islam forbids suicide and all kinds of self-mortification. But, when capital punishment is carried out on a criminal, his life is taken away by the right of Allah in accordance with His Law. Islam also recommends patience and good faith at the death of a dear one. “If anyone slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people.” [The Qur’an, Ch: 5, Al-Ma’idah, V: 32] 4. Concept of the World The present human situation is alarming. Increasingly economic and social injustices, world health crises, and the threat of ecological self-destruction appear to be forcing humanity toward the brink of a new age of potentially irreversible darkness. But the problems and crises of modern times are not entirely unique or peculiar. It is true that they are difficult, complex, and agonizing. Perhaps this is even more so now than ever before. But the difference, however, between this age and the past is basically a difference of degree rather than of kind. The present human crisis seems to emanate from a serious imbalance between our material explorations and our moral groping. A harmony between the two aspects, a “middle range” or a “golden means,” is the need of the hour. The principle of “moderation” is an important characteristic of Islam. Muslims wish to live in the modern world without simply imitating blindly the ways followed by the West. They wish to live at peace with the West but at the same time not to be dominated by them. Islam aims to devote its resources and energies in order to build a better life for mankind on the basis of the teachings of Islam and not to squander its resources in any conflict. Muslims seek to create better understanding with the West because the destinies of people of different parts of the world cannot be totally separated. By understanding each other better, nations can contribute to a better life for the whole of humanity. “Thus, have We made of you a Brotherhood justly balanced, that ye might be witnesses over the nations, and the Apostle a witness over yourselves.” [The Qur’an, Ch: 2, Al-Baqarah, V: 143] (Continued) |
ÑÏ: Some Basic Concepts in Islam
Some Basic Concepts in Islam (2/4) Prof. C. A. Babu 5. Concept of Equality Mankind was created by the One True Eternal God, the Supreme Lord of all. The entire human race has the common parentage of Adam and Eve. So, all men are equal in the sight of God; but they are not necessarily identical. Men have differences of abilities, potentials, ambitions, wealth, and so on. Yet none of these establishes a status of superiority of one man or race over another. Lineage, color, region, or ******** does not give individuals any special status in Islamic society and no discrimination of any type is allowed in Islam. These teachings of Islam are intended to remove all the impositions of barriers and classes among people in order to enable them to enjoy and practice their legitimate rights. Islam considers all people as equal in matters of worship; all individuals are seen as equal in the Islamic Code of Law; all members of the nation have the right to benefit from the national resources; and Islam declares all people equal in terms of human values. Along with the rights that man enjoys, he also has certain obligations and responsibilities that he is expected to fulfill. Every individual is judged by Allah on the basis of his own merits and according to his own deeds. The only distinction which Allah recognizes is the distinction in piety, and the only criterion which He applies is the criterion of goodness and spiritual excellence. “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you.” [The Qur’an, Ch: 49, Al-Hujurat, V: 13] 6. Concept of Freedom Freedom is often denied to many individuals, groups, and nations. The fact is that in no human society can man be free in the absolute sense of the word. There must be some limitations of one sort or another, if the society is to function at all. Anarchy would prevail in lands where people have the freedom to live as they like. Freedom without restraints leads to corruption and immorality since they are not tied to higher moral values or self-*******. The freedom that Islam grants is based on commitment and responsibility without which there can be no true freedom. Islam does not believe in giving man unbridled freedom to do whatever he likes. The right of freedom that man has been endowed with is sacred as long as he does not violate the Commandments of Allah. Islam insists that man has freewill because that is the way that Allah created him. It allows him to express this freedom and to practice it within the limits of commitment, responsibility, and self-*******. Moreover, man has an obligation to choose the path of righteousness and to safeguard his freedom and that of others. One of the main objectives of Islam is to free humanity from superstitions, the soul from sin, and the conscience from fear. Every man has the right to freedom of belief, conscience, and worship. Islam expects man to think, ponder, affirm faith, and do good deeds. Every human being is personally responsible for his deeds and he is accountable for the consequences of all his actions. Man should therefore, practice his personal freedom without encroaching upon the rights of others and deviating from a correct moral conduct. In an atmosphere which respects the rights and freedoms of others, mankind can grow and prosper. “The truth is from your Lord: Let him who will believe, and let him who will, reject (it).” [The Qur’an, Ch: 18, Al-Kahf, V: 29] 7. Concept of Peace Allah created the heavens and the earth in such a way that they might perform their functions peacefully. For billions of years, the entire universe has been functioning in total harmony with His divine plan. Hence, peace is no external commodity to be artificially imposed upon man. Peace is inherent in nature itself. The system of nature set up by Allah already rests on the basis of peace. If this system is not disrupted, it will continue to stay in the course set for it by Allah. In order to preserve the peace established by nature from disruption, two important injunctions have been laid down by Islam - one at the individual level, which stresses the exercise of patience, and the other at the social level, which forbids taking the offensive. ‘Peace’ and ‘Islam’ are two words that are derived from the same root and may be considered synonymous. One of the names of Allah is ‘Peace’. The concluding words of the daily prayers of Muslims are words of peace. The daily salutations among the Muslims are expressions of peace. Heaven in Islam is the abode of peace. These are just a few of the facts that show how fundamental and dominant is the theme of peace in Islam. An individual who follows Islam attains peace with God, with himself, and with his fellow men. There cannot be any ‘Islamic terrorist’ or ‘Islamic terrorism’ because ‘Islamic’ can only mean ‘peaceful’. The aim of Islam is to build a peaceful society because higher human objectives can be achieved only in an atmosphere of peace. The spiritual as well as moral progress of the individual is possible only in peaceful circumstances. Since an atmosphere of peace is essential for the building of a good society, Islam enjoins Muslims to establish peace even at the cost of unilateral sacrifice and patience. “But indeed if any show patience and forgive, that would truly be an exercise of courageous will and resolution in the conduct of affairs.” [The Qur’an Ch: 42, Al-Shura, V: 43] 8. Concept of Charity Like the concept of worship in Islam, the definition of charity also embraces all aspects of life. Islam in no way restricts charitable deeds to the economic realm. Other than giving obligatory charity - Zakah, an individual may also give as much as he pleases as Sadaqah. Although this word means ‘voluntary charity’ it has a wider implication. It includes every imaginable act of kindness that one can possibly do to human beings or any other creatures. A kind word, a good deed, or even a noble intention can be a great act of charity meriting infinite rewards in the Hereafter. Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon him) taught that meeting someone with a cheerful face is an act of charity, helping a person to load his animal is a charity, and pouring some water in your neighbor’s bucket is a charity. Working to earn a living for oneself and one’s family, providing education to children, and placing a morsel of food unto the spouse’s mouth are all acts of charity. Refraining from doing evil and enjoining others to do good are acts of charity. “Those who spend their substance in the cause of God, and follow not up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury, - for them their reward is with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. Kind words and the covering of faults are better than charity followed by injury.” [The Qur’an, Ch: 2, Al-Baqarah, V: 262-263] (Continued) |
ÑÏ: Some Basic Concepts in Islam
Some Basic Concepts in Islam (3/4) Prof. C. A. Babu 9. Concept of Righteousness Righteousness must be founded on strong faith and constant practice. There is no place for shallow concepts or meaningless rites and rituals in Islam. A righteous person should obey all the salutary regulations, and should make the love of Allah and the love of his fellowmen and all other creatures his sincere motive. Righteousness is not merely a matter of void utterances. A righteous person’s faith should be true and sincere and should be complemented by good deeds. Every such act of kindness shown to men as well as to other creatures is considered as charity and merits reward in the Hereafter. A righteous person will also be steadfast and unwavering in all circumstances. He will be a good member of the community and a good citizen of the nation. Righteousness, in the Islamic perspective, tends to provide the individual with peace in all circumstances, the society with security on all levels, the nation with solidarity, and the international community with hope and harmony. Life on this planet will be absolutely harmonious and pleasant if the Islamic concept of righteousness is adopted and practiced by all men. “It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces towards East or West; but it is righteousness to believe in God and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfill the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God fearing.” [The Qur’an, Ch: 2, Al-Baqarah, V: 177] 10. Concept of Piety The Qur’an speaks of the pious as those who are steadfast in prayer, believe in the Unseen, spend freely in the way of Allah, believe in the verses of the Qur’an, and always remember of the Hereafter. The pious are also those who ******* their anger and pardon all men, for Allah loves those who are patient and do good deeds. It is indeed piety if one earnestly asks for forgiveness from Allah for his sins, for having done something to be ashamed of, or for having wronged his own soul. Piety requires a proper use of the mind by grasping truth of Allah and life. Piety demands a proper use of wealth by spending in the way of Allah under all circumstances. Piety calls for a proper use of one’s spiritual as well as the physical abilities by observing the Prayer. Piety insists on a high degree of self-******* over one’s anger and emotions, a moral capacity for forgiveness and patience, and conscious urge to make the sinner return to Allah in regret and repentance. Piety seeks of man to be of true and fine convictions, of determination and character, and of strong will and courage. “Worship none but God; treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer; and practice regular charity.” [The Qur’an, Ch: 2, Al-Baqarah, V: 83] 11. Concept of Morality One of the most important aspects in the life of a Muslim is to have a high standard of morals. Morality in Islam is based on the firm conviction that Almighty God is the Creator and Originator of everything and that man is endowed with the responsibility and honor to act as His agent on earth. Allah has entrusted everything in the heavens and the earth to man and he is expected to do justice to that trust. Allah does not expect the impossible from man or hold him accountable for anything beyond his power. Islam expects man to endeavor to achieve progress and fulfillment of the self in this world as well to strive for success in the Hereafter. He is expected to observe everything that is obligatory. Islam does not expect Muslims to shun all the good things of life. In principle, everything is permissible except that which are forbidden or harmful to the self, for others, or to the world at large. The Muslim’s moral obligation is to be a glowing example of honesty and excellence. Man’s ultimate responsibility is to Allah and his highest goal is His pleasure. The range of morality in Islam is so comprehensive that it combines faith in God, religious rites, spiritual observances, social conduct, intellectual pursuits, manners of speech, and all other aspects of human life. “For Muslim men and women, for the believing, for the devout, for the true, for the patient and constant, for the generous, for those who fast and guard their chastity, and for those who engage much in God’s praise, - for them has God prepared forgiveness and great reward.” [The Qur’an, Ch: 33, Al-Ahzab, V: 35] 12. Concept of Sin Man, according to Islam, is born in natural state of purity or fitrah. The idea of Original Sin has no room in the teachings of Islam. The human child is totally innocent and is not responsible for the sin of its parents or any of its ancestors. Whatever happens after its birth is the result of external influences and social environment. Man is imperfect. But he is not left helpless or deserted by Allah to fall victim to his shortcomings. Allah has provided him with the necessary guidance to ward off sin and imbibe piety and righteousness. According to the moral scale of Islam, a sin is any act, thought, or intention that is deliberate, defies the law of Allah, violates the right of Allah or the right of man, or is harmful to the soul or body. In Islam, there are major and minor sins as there are sins against Allah and sins against both Allah and man. All sins against Allah, except one, are forgivable if the sinner sincerely seeks forgiveness. The Qur’an states that Allah does not forgive the sin of shirk (polytheism, pantheism, trinity, etc.), which is attributing partners to Allah in belief and worship. He forgives sins other than this and pardons whom He wills. “Every soul draws the meed of its acts on none but itself: no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another. Your goal in the end is towards God: He will tell you the truth of the things wherein ye disputed.” [The Qur’an, Ch: 6, Al-An’am, V: 164] 13. Concept of Salvation The concept of salvation in Islam is a positive achievement as against the negative and barren concept of escapism favored by other religions. This world offers immense scope for development and fulfillment of one’s being and man is endowed with a number of potentialities. By developing these, he reaches his full stature and qualifies for still higher stages awaiting him. His main task in this life is to develop his self by understanding the various aspects of nature and employing them for the development of mankind. Salvation by faith and good deeds are both tied together integrally in Islam. This is the comprehensive Islamic solution to all social disorders. Good deeds are central, not peripheral to the Islamic life and salvation. Islam gives no blank check of salvation to sinners. Individuals have to earn it, work for it, and deserve it, through a commitment to good deeds. Salvation by faith alone, which is preached by some faiths, only massages the ego of the sinner. It promises him the eternal bliss of paradise, without ever acquiring an iota of goodness or doing anything good, thus leaving the victims of his sins to the mercy of the society. Islam condemns such behavior and such approaches to salvation. Faith helps a person to formulate his thoughts in a God-conscious manner. No matter how well intentioned one may be, faith or thinking about God is not beneficial to others unless good deeds are produced. Hence, in the Islamic perspective, a combination of faith and good deeds is essential in order to attain salvation. “If any do deeds of righteousness, be they male or female - and have faith, they will enter Heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them.” [The Qur’an, Ch: 4, Al-Nisa’, V: 124] (Continued) |
ÑÏ: Some Basic Concepts in Islam
Some Basic Concepts in Islam (4/4) Prof. C. A. Babu 14. Concept of Family The family is a human social group whose members are bound together by blood ties or marital relationship. The family bond needs mutual expectations of rights and obligations that are observed by the members. Islam sees the family on solid grounds that are capable of providing reasonable continuity, true security, and mature intimacy. Islam recognizes that there is no more natural relationship than that of blood. The normal course of behavior for the Muslim individual is to be family-oriented and to seek a family of his own. Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon him) has said that the best Muslim is one who is best to his family, and the greatest, most blessed joy in life is a good, righteous wife. To take good care of children is one of the most commendable deeds in Islam. It is charity of a higher order to attend to their spiritual welfare, educational needs, and general well-being. Similarly, it is a divine injunction that no child may become the cause of harm to the parents. It is also the absolute religious duty of children to provide for aged parents and help them to make their lives as comfortable as possible. A Muslim should extend his utmost help and kindness to other family members and relations, to show them true feelings of love and care. Earning a livelihood for one’s family is considered as an act that deserves reward in the Hereafter. It is also a sacred duty to be good to the kin even though they may not respond in a similar way. “Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous.” [The Qur’an Ch: 25, Al-Furqan, V: 74] 15. Concept of Community The purest form of monotheism of Islam, as well as the Islamic teaching that all Muslims are equal before God, provides the basis for a collective sense of loyalty to Allah that transcends class, race, and nationality. Islamic community does not take its name after the name of a leader, a founder, or an event. It transcends national borders and political boundaries. All Muslims belong to one community, the umma, irrespective of their ethnic or national background. The foundation of the community in Islam is the submission to the Will of Allah. An Islamic community is present only when it is nourished and fostered by Islam. A truly Islamic community is the alert guardian of virtue and the bitter enemy of vice. What is required of the community at large is likewise required of every individual member. This is because every individual is accountable to Allah and the whole community is a single organic entity. This does not imply that Islam prefers the individual to the group. What it means is that the individual has different sets of roles to play. He must play them in such a way as to guard his moral integrity, preserve his identity, observe the rights of Allah, and fulfill his social obligations. “Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity. Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity.” [The Qur’an, Ch: 3, Ali Imran, V: 104] 16. Concept of Brotherhood In the Islamic perspective, human brotherhood is based on the unshakable belief in the Oneness of Allah. God is One, Eternal, and Universal. He is the Creator of all men, the Provider for all men, the Judge of all men, and the Lord over all men. The original common parentage of all men is that of Adam and Eve. Allah does not confine His favors to any particular nation, race, or period. All human beings irrespective of their color, ********, race, or faith enjoy the innumerable blessings of Allah. Before Him, all human beings are equal and are brothers and sisters of one another. So the basis of human brotherhood, according to Islam, is based on the Oneness of God. Islam sees Allah as the Only One True God, Who is worshipped and envisages entire humankind as the worshippers of Allah. “And verily this Brotherhood of yours is a single Brotherhood, and I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore fear Me (and no other).” [The Qur’an Ch: 23, Al-Mu’minoon, V: 52-53] 17. Concept of War As long as there exist injustice, oppression, whimsical ambitions, and illogical claims in the world, wars will continue to be waged. Islam has recognized war as a lawful and justifiable course for self-defense and restoration of justice, freedom and peace. Islam permits war but keeps it within the limits of mercy at which the twenty-first century civilization has not yet been able to arrive, not even to come near to. War is not an objective of Islam nor is it the normal course for Muslims. It is only the last resort and should be used under the most extraordinary circumstances when all other measures fail. Islam has set down certain rules, the most merciful and considerate to people, and required people to observe them. Muslims are commanded by Allah not to begin hostilities, embark on any act of aggression, or violate any rights of others. During the course of a war, Muslims are forbidden to destroy any homes, crops, supplies, etc., or kill civilians, children, women, elders, and disabled people. “O ye who believe! stand out firmly for God, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to piety: and fear God. For God is well-acquainted with all that ye do.” [The Qur’an, Ch: 5, Al-Ma’idah, V: 8] Sayings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be upon Him): • The first thing created by God was the intellect. • One learned man is harder on the devil than a thousand ignorant worshippers. • Riches are not from an abundance of worldly goods, but from a contented mind. • A man of wealth has many enemies, while a man of knowledge has many friends. Hence knowledge is better • Do not cut down trees that provide shade to travelers and animals. • When the bier of anyone passes by you, whether Christian, Jew, or Muslim, rise to your feet. • Actions will be judged according to intentions. • That which is lawful is clear, and that which is unlawful likewise, but there are certain doubtful things between the two from which it is well to abstain. • No man is a true believer unless he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself. • That person is nearest to God, who pardons the one who would have injured him. • The creation is as God’s family; the most beloved unto God is the person who does good to God’s family. • Assist any person oppressed, whether Muslim or non-Muslim. • Modesty and chastity are parts of the Faith. • Monopoly is unlawful in Islam. • Cursed are the ones who take or give bribes. |
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