By-Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Advanced study has shown that there is more to life than meets the eye; all the great realities of life lie beyond our comprehension.
In ancient times, water was just water. Then with the 19th century came the invention of the microscope. When water was placed under it, the startling discovery was made that it contained countless live bacteria. Similarly, the stars that could be seen with the naked eye were supposed to be all the heavenly bodies that existed. Now the skies have been scanned with powerful telescopes and information has been sent back from space probes, with the result that the true immensity of the universe is at last being understood.
These two examples show the difference in thinking in ancient and modern times which has been brought about by modern technology. Other types of research in different fields have shown with certainty that there are many more realities than had ever been imagined by man when he was limited to the sphere of simple, unaided observation. But these new discoveries so excited the discoverers that they felt justified in claiming that reality was definable as that which could be directly observed, and that what we could not experience or observe was mere hypothesis and did not, therefore, exist.
In the nineteenth century, this claim, made with great enthusiasm, was most damaging to religion. The fact that religious creeds are based on a belief in the unseen, that their truths are neither observable nor demonstrable led many people to the conclusion that religious dogma was hypothetical and, therefore, untrue.
Twentieth century research, however, has completely reversed this position, advanced study having shown that there is certainly more to life than meets the eye: in fact, all the great realities of life lie beyond our comprehension.
According to Bertrand Russell there are two forms of knowledge: knowledge of things and knowledge of truths. Only things can be directly observed: truths can only be understood by indirect observation. Or in other words, inference. The existence of light, gravity, magnetism and nuclear energy in the universe is an undisputed fact, but man cannot directly observe these things. He knows them only by their effects. Man discovers certain things, from which he infers the existence of truths.This change in the concept of knowledge which occurred in the twentieth century changed the whole situation so radically, that man was forced to accept the existence of things which he could not directly see, but only indirectly experience. With this intellectual revolution the difference between seen and unseen reality disappeared. Invisible objects became as important as visible objects. Man was compelled to accept that indirect, or inferential argument, was academically as sound as direct argument.
In our own times, divine reasoning has become truly scientific. For instance, the greatest argument for religion is what philosophers call the argument from design. Nineteenth century scholars, in their zeal, did not accept this reasoning. To them it was an inferential argument and not therefore, academically tenable. But in the present age, this objection has been invalidated. Nowadays man is compelled to infer the existence of a designer of the universe from the existence of a design in the universe, just as he accepts the theory of the flow of electrons from the movement of a wheel.
A statement made by Bertrand Russell throws some light on this matter. In the preface to his book, Why I am not a Christian, he writes:I think all the great religions of the world - Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and Communism - both untrue and harmful. It is evident as a matter of logic that, since they disagree, not more than one of them can be true. With very few exceptions, the religion, which a man accepts, is that of the community in which he lives, which makes it obvious that the influence of environment is what has led him to accept the religion in question. It is true that Scholastics invented what professed to be logical arguments proving the existence of God, and that these arguments, or others of a similar tenor, have been accepted by many eminent philosophers, but the logic to which these traditional arguments appealed is of an antiquated Aristotelian sort which is now rejected by practically all logicians except such as are Catholics. There is one argument that is not purely logical. I mean the argument from design.
This argument, however, was destroyed by Darwin; and, in any case, could only be made logically acceptable at the cost of abandoning God’s omnipotence.
Arguing the existence of a designer from design is, as Russell admits, a scientific argument in itself. It is the very argument which science itself uses to prove anything. Russell then proceeds to reject this argument by citing Darwin’s theory of evolution. This rejection would be acceptable only if Darwin’s theory had itself been scientifically established. But scientific research has proved Darwinism to be mere hypothesis, rather than established scientific fact. It is Russell’s first statement, therefore, concerning the validity of the argument from design, that must prevail. His rejection of that argument on the basis of Darwinism is groundless.
Friday, 21 November 2008
Top 10 Misconception About ISlam
MISCONCEPTION #1: Muslims are violent, terrorists and/or extremists.
This is the biggest misconception in Islam, no doubt resulting fromthe constant stereotyping and bashing the media gives Islam. When agunman attacks a mosque in the name of Judaism, a Catholic IRAguerrilla sets off a bomb in an urban area, or Serbian Orthodoxmilitiamen rape and kill innocent Muslim civilians, these acts are notused to stereotype an entire faith. Never are these acts attributedto the religion of the perpetrators. Yet how many times have we heardthe words 'Islamic, Muslim fundamentalist. etc.' linked with violence.
Politics in so called "Muslim countries" may or may not have anyIslamic basis. Often dictators and politicians will use the name ofIslam for their own purposes. One should remember to go to the sourceof Islam and separate what the true religion of Islam says from whatis portrayed in the media. Islam literally means 'submission to God'and is derived from a root word meaning 'peace'.
Islam may seem exotic or even extreme in the modern world. Perhapsthis is because religion doesn't dominate everyday life in the West,whereas Islam is considered a 'way of life' for Muslims and they makeno division between secular and sacred in their lives. LikeChristianity, Islam permits fighting in self-defense, in defense ofreligion, or on the part of those who have been expelled forciblyfrom their homes. It lays down strict rules of combat which includeprohibitions against harming civilians and against destroying crops,trees and livestock.
NOWHERE DOES ISLAM ENJOIN THE KILLING OF INNOCENTS.. The Quran says: "Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do nottransgress limits. God does not love transgressors." (Quran 2:190)"If they seek peace, then seek you peace. And trust in God for He isthe One that heareth and knoweth all things." (Quran 8:61) War,therefore, is the last resort, and is subject to the rigorousconditions laid down by the sacred law. The term 'jihad' literallymeans 'struggle'. Muslims believe that there are two kinds of jihad. The other 'jihad' is the inner struggle of the soul which everyonewages against egotistic desires for the sake of attaining innerpeace.
MISCONCEPTION #2:Islam oppresses women.
The image of the typical Muslim woman wearing the veil and forced tostay home and forbidden to drive is all too common in most peoplesthoughts. Although some Muslim countries may have laws that oppresswomen, this should not be seen as coming from Islam. Many of thesecountries do not rule by any kind of Shari'ah (Islamic law) andintroduce their own cultural standpoints on the issue of genderequity.
Islam on the other hand gives men and women different roles and equitybetween the two is laid down in the Quran and the example of theProphet (peace be upon him). Islam sees a woman, whether single ormarried, as an individual in her own right, with the right to own anddispose of her property and earnings. A marriage gift is given bythe groom to the bride for her own personal use, and she keeps herown family name rather than taking her husband's. Both men and womenare expected to dress in a way that is modest and dignified. TheMessenger of God (peace be upon him) said: "The most perfect in faithamongst believers is he who is best in manner and kindest to hiswife."
Violence of any kind towards women and forcing them against theirwill for anything is not allowed. A Muslim marriage is a simple, legalagreement in which either partner is free to include conditions. Marriage customs thus vary widely from country to country. Divorce isnot common, although it is acceptable as a last resort. According toIslam, a Muslim girl cannot be forced to marry against her will: herparents simply suggest young men they think may be suitable.
MISCONCEPTION #3: Muslims worship a different God.
Allah is simply the Arabic word for God. Allah for Muslims is thegreatest and most inclusive of the Names of God, it is an Arabic wordof rich meaning, denoting the one and only God and ascribing nopartners to Him. It is exactly the same word which the Jews, inHebrew, use for God (eloh), the word which Jesus Christ used inAramaic when he prayed to God. God has an identical name in Judaism,Christianity, and Islam; Allah is the same God worshiped by Muslims,Christians and Jews. Muslims believe that Allah's sovereignty is tobe acknowledged in worship and in the pledge to obey His teaching andcommandments, conveyed through His messengers and prophets who weresent at various times and in many places throughout history.However, it should be noted that God in Islam is One and Only. He, the Exalted, does not get tired, does not have a son ie Jesus or have associates, nor does He have human-like attributions as found in other faiths.
MISCONCEPTION #4: Islam was spread by the sword and intolerant of other faiths.
Many social studies textbooks for students show the image of an Arabhorseman carrying a sword in one hand and the Quran in the otherconquering and forcibly converting. This, though, is not a correctportrayal of history. Islam has always given respect and freedom ofreligion to all faiths. The Quran says: "God forbids you not, withregards to those who fight you not for [your] faith nor drive you outof your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them; for Godloveth those who are just. 60:8) Freedom of religion is laid down in the Quran itself: "There is nocompulsion (or coercion) in the religion (Islam). The rightdirection is distinctly clear from error". (2:256) Christianmissionary, T.W. Arnold had this opinion on his study of the questionof the spread of Islam: ".. of any organized attempt to force theacceptance of Islam on the non-Muslim population, or of anysystematic persecution intended to stamp out the Christian religion,we hear nothing. Had the caliphs chosen to adopt either course ofaction, they might have swept away Christianity as easily asFerdinand and Isabella drove Islam out of Spain, or Louis XIV made Protestanism ..." It is a function of Islamic law to protect the privileged status ofminorities, and this is why non-Muslim places of worship haveflourished all over the Islamic world. History provides many examples of Muslim tolerance towards other faiths: when the caliphOmar entered Jerusalem in the year 634, Islam granted freedom ofworship to all religious communities in the city. Proclaiming to theinhabitants that their lives, and property were safe, and that theirplaces of worship would never be taken from them, he asked theChristian patriarch Sophronius to accompany him on a visit to all theholy places. Islamic law also permits non-Muslim minorities to set uptheir own courts, which implement family laws drawn up by theminorities themselves. The life and property of all citizens in anIslamic state are considered sacred whether the person is Muslim ornot. Racism is not a part of Islam, the Quran speaks only of human equalityand how all peoples are equal in the sight of God. "O mankind! Wecreated you from a single soul, male and female, and made you intonations and tribes, so that you may come to know one another. Truly, the most honored of you in God's sight is the greatest of you inpiety. God is All-Knowing, All- Aware. (49:13)
MISCONCEPTION #5: All Muslims are Arabs
The Muslim population of the world is around 1.2 billion. 1 out of 5people in the world is a Muslim. They are a vast range of races,nationalities, and cultures from around the globe--from the Phillipines to Nigeria--they are united by their common Islamic faith. Only about 18% live in the Arab world and the largest Muslimcommunity is in Indonesia. Most Muslims live east of Pakistan. 30%of Muslims live in the Indian subcontinent, 20% in Sub-Saharan Africa,17% in Southeast Asia, 18% in the Arab world, and 10% in the SovietUnion and China. Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan make up 10% of thenon-Arab Middle East. Although there are Muslim minorities in almostevery area, including Latin America and Australia, they are mostnumerous in Russia and its newly independent states, India andcentral Africa. There are about 6 million Muslims in the UnitedStates
MISCONCEPTION #6: The Nation of Islam is a Muslim group.
Islam and the so called "Nation of Islam'" are two differentreligions. NOI is more of a political organization since its membersare not limited to a single faith. Muslims consider this group to be just one of many cults using the name of Islam for their own gain. The only thing common between them is the jargon, the language used by both. "The Nation of Islam" is a misnomer; this religion should be called Farrakhanism, after the name of its propogator, Louis Farrakhan.
Islam and Farakhanism differ in many fundamental ways. For example,Farakhan followers believe in racism and that the 'black man' was theoriginal man and therefore superior, while in Islam there is noracism and everyone is considered equal in the sight of God, the onlydifference being in one's piety. There are many other theologicalexamples that show the 'Nation's teachings have little to do withtrue Islam. There are many groups in America who claim to representIslam and call their adherents Muslims.
Any serious student of Islam has a duty to investigate and find thetrue Islam. The only two authentic sources which bind every Muslimare 1. the Quran and 2. authentic or sound Hadith. Any teachings underthe label of "Islam" which contradict or at variance with the direct understanding of fundamental beliefs and practices of Islam form theQuran and authentic Hadith should be rejected and such a religionshould be considered a Pseudo-Islamic Cult. In America there are manypseudo-Islamic cults, Farrakhanism being one of them. An honestattitude on the part of such cults should be not to call themselvesMuslims and their religion Islam. such an example of honesty isBahaism which is an off-shoot of Islam but Bahais do not callthemselves Muslims nor their religion, Islam. In fact Bahaism is notIslam just as Farrakhanism is not Islam.
MISCONCEPTION #7: All Muslim men marry four wives.
The religion of Islam was revealed for all societies and all times andso accommodates widely differing social requirements. Circumstancesmay warrant the taking of another wife but the right is granted,according to the Quran, only on condition that the husband isscrupulously fair. No woman can be forced into this kind of marriageif they do not wish it, and they also have the right to exclude it intheir marriage contract.
Polygamy is neither mandatory, nor encouraged, but merely permitted.Images of "sheikhs with harems" are not consistent with Islam, as aman is only allowed at most four wives only if he can fulfill thestringent conditions of treating each fairly and providing each withseparate housing etc. Permission to practice polygamy is notassociated with mere satisfaction of passion. It is ratherassociated with compassion toward widows and orphans. It was theQuran that limited and put conditions on the practice of polygamyamong the Arabs, who had as many as ten or more wives and consideredthem "property".
It is both honest and accurate to say that it is Islam that regulatedthis practice, limited it, made it more humane, and instituted equalrights and status for all wives. What the Qur'anic decrees amount to,taken together is discouragement of polygamy unless necessity for itexists. It is also evident that the general rule in Islam is monogamyand not polygamy. It is a very tiny percentage of Muslims thatpractice it over the world. However, permission to practice limited polygamy is only consistent with Islam's realistic view of the natureof man and woman and of various social needs, problems and culturalvariations.
The question is, however far more than the inherent flexibility ofIslam; it also is the frank and straightforward approach of Islam indealing with practical problems. Rather than requiring hypocriticaland superficial compliance, Islam delves deeper into the problems ofindividuals and societies, and provides for legitimate and cleansolutions which are far more beneficial than would be the case if theywere ignored. There is no doubt that the second wife legally marriedand treated kindly is better off than a mistress without any legalrights or expermanence.
MISCONCEPTION #8: Muslims are a barbaric, backward people.
Among the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was thesimplicity of its doctrine-Islam calls for faith in only one Godworthy of worship. It also repeatedly instructs man to use hispowers of intelligence and observation. Within a few years, greatcivilizations and universities were flourishing, for according to the Prophet (pbuh), 'seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslimman and woman'. The synthesis of Eastern and Western ideas and of new thought withold, brought about great advances in medicine, mathematics, physics,astronomy, geography, architecture, art, literature, and history. Many crucial systems such as algebra, the Arabic numerals, and alsothe concept of the zero (vital to the advancement of mathematics),were transmitted to medieval Europe from Islam. Sophisticatedinstruments which were to make possible the European voyages ofdiscovery were developed, including the astrolabe, the quadrant andgood navigational maps.
MISCONCEPTION #9: Muhammad was the founder of Islam and Muslims worship him.
Muhammad(pbuh) was born in Mecca in the year 570. Since his fatherdied before his birth, and his mother shortly afterwards, he wasraised by his uncle from the respected tribe of Quraysh. As he grewup, he became known for his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity, sothat he was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes. The historians describe him as calm and meditative. Muhammad (pbuh)was of a deeply religious nature, and had long detested the decadence of his society.
It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the Cave of Hiranear Mecca. At the age of 40, while engaged in a meditative retreat,Muhammad(pbuh) received his first revelation from God through theAngel Gabriel. This revelation, which continued for 23 years is known as the Quran. As soon as he began to recite the words he heardfrom Gabriel, and to preach the truth which God had revealed to him,he and his small group of followers suffered bitter persecution, which grew so fierce that in the year 622 God gave them the command toemigrate.
This event, the Hijra 'migration', in which they left Mecca for thecity of Medina, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar. Afterseveral years, the Prophet and his followers were able to return toMecca, where they forgave their enemies and established Islamdefinitively. Before the Prophet saw dies at the age of 63, thegreater part of Arabia was Muslim, and within a century of his deathIslam had spread to Spain in the West and as far East as China. Hedied with less than 5 possessions to his name.
While Muhammad (pbuh) was chosen to deliver the message, he is notconsidered the "founder" of Islam, since Muslims consider Islam to bethe same divine guidance sent to all peoples before. Muslims believeall the prophets from Adam, Noah, Moses, Jesus etc. were all sentwith divine guidance for their peoples. Every prophet was sent to hisown people, but Muhammad(pbuh) was sent to all of mankind. Muhammadis the last and final messenger sent to deliver the message of Islam.Muslims revere and honor him (pbuh) for all he went through and hisdedication, but they do not worship him. "O Prophet, verily We havesent you as a witness and a bearer of glad tidings and a warner andas one who invites unto God by His leave and as an illuminatinglamp."(33:45-6)
MISCONCEPTION #10: Muslims don't believe in Jesus or any other prophets.
Muslims respect and revere Jesus, upon him be peace, and await hisSecond Coming. They consider him one of the greatest of God'smessengers to mankind. A Muslim never refers to him simply as'Jesus', but always adds the phrase 'upon him be peace' (abbreviatedas (u) here). The Quran confirms his virgin birth (a chapter of theQuran is entitled 'Mary'), and Mary is considered the purest woman inall creation. The Quran describes the Annunciation as follows:
"Behold!" the Angel said, "God has chosen you, and purified you, andchosen you above the women of all nations. O Mary, God gives yougood news of a word from Him whose name shall be the Messiah, Jesusson of Mary, honored in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near to God. He shall speak to the people from his cradle andin maturity, and shall be of the righteous." She said: "O my Lord!How shall I have a son when no man has touched me?" He said: "Evenso; God creates what He will. When He decrees a thing, He says to it,"Be!" and it is" (Quran 3:42-47)
Jesus (u) was born miraculously through the same power, which hadbrought Adam (u) into being without a father: "Truly, the likeness ofJesus with God is as the likeness of Adam. He created him of dust,and then said to him, 'Be!' and he was." (3:59) During his propheticmission Jesus (u) performed many miracles. The Quran tells us that hesaid: " I have come to you with a sign from your Lord: I make for youout of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breath into itand it becomes a bird by God's leave. And I heal the blind, and thelepers, and I raise the dead by God's leave." (3:49) Neither Muhammad(pbuh) not Jesus (u) came to change the basic doctrine of the brief in One God brought by earlier prophets, but to confirm and renew it.
In the Quran Jesus (u) is reported as saying that he came: "To attestthe law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of whatwas forbidden you; I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, sofear God and obey Me. (3:50) The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: "Whoever believes there is no god but God, alone without partner,that Muhammad (pbuh) is His messenger, that Jesus is the servant andmessenger of God, His word breathed into Mary and a spirit emanatingfrom Him, and that Paradise and Hell are true, shall be received byGod into Heaven. "(Hadith related by Bukhari).
This is the biggest misconception in Islam, no doubt resulting fromthe constant stereotyping and bashing the media gives Islam. When agunman attacks a mosque in the name of Judaism, a Catholic IRAguerrilla sets off a bomb in an urban area, or Serbian Orthodoxmilitiamen rape and kill innocent Muslim civilians, these acts are notused to stereotype an entire faith. Never are these acts attributedto the religion of the perpetrators. Yet how many times have we heardthe words 'Islamic, Muslim fundamentalist. etc.' linked with violence.
Politics in so called "Muslim countries" may or may not have anyIslamic basis. Often dictators and politicians will use the name ofIslam for their own purposes. One should remember to go to the sourceof Islam and separate what the true religion of Islam says from whatis portrayed in the media. Islam literally means 'submission to God'and is derived from a root word meaning 'peace'.
Islam may seem exotic or even extreme in the modern world. Perhapsthis is because religion doesn't dominate everyday life in the West,whereas Islam is considered a 'way of life' for Muslims and they makeno division between secular and sacred in their lives. LikeChristianity, Islam permits fighting in self-defense, in defense ofreligion, or on the part of those who have been expelled forciblyfrom their homes. It lays down strict rules of combat which includeprohibitions against harming civilians and against destroying crops,trees and livestock.
NOWHERE DOES ISLAM ENJOIN THE KILLING OF INNOCENTS.. The Quran says: "Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do nottransgress limits. God does not love transgressors." (Quran 2:190)"If they seek peace, then seek you peace. And trust in God for He isthe One that heareth and knoweth all things." (Quran 8:61) War,therefore, is the last resort, and is subject to the rigorousconditions laid down by the sacred law. The term 'jihad' literallymeans 'struggle'. Muslims believe that there are two kinds of jihad. The other 'jihad' is the inner struggle of the soul which everyonewages against egotistic desires for the sake of attaining innerpeace.
MISCONCEPTION #2:Islam oppresses women.
The image of the typical Muslim woman wearing the veil and forced tostay home and forbidden to drive is all too common in most peoplesthoughts. Although some Muslim countries may have laws that oppresswomen, this should not be seen as coming from Islam. Many of thesecountries do not rule by any kind of Shari'ah (Islamic law) andintroduce their own cultural standpoints on the issue of genderequity.
Islam on the other hand gives men and women different roles and equitybetween the two is laid down in the Quran and the example of theProphet (peace be upon him). Islam sees a woman, whether single ormarried, as an individual in her own right, with the right to own anddispose of her property and earnings. A marriage gift is given bythe groom to the bride for her own personal use, and she keeps herown family name rather than taking her husband's. Both men and womenare expected to dress in a way that is modest and dignified. TheMessenger of God (peace be upon him) said: "The most perfect in faithamongst believers is he who is best in manner and kindest to hiswife."
Violence of any kind towards women and forcing them against theirwill for anything is not allowed. A Muslim marriage is a simple, legalagreement in which either partner is free to include conditions. Marriage customs thus vary widely from country to country. Divorce isnot common, although it is acceptable as a last resort. According toIslam, a Muslim girl cannot be forced to marry against her will: herparents simply suggest young men they think may be suitable.
MISCONCEPTION #3: Muslims worship a different God.
Allah is simply the Arabic word for God. Allah for Muslims is thegreatest and most inclusive of the Names of God, it is an Arabic wordof rich meaning, denoting the one and only God and ascribing nopartners to Him. It is exactly the same word which the Jews, inHebrew, use for God (eloh), the word which Jesus Christ used inAramaic when he prayed to God. God has an identical name in Judaism,Christianity, and Islam; Allah is the same God worshiped by Muslims,Christians and Jews. Muslims believe that Allah's sovereignty is tobe acknowledged in worship and in the pledge to obey His teaching andcommandments, conveyed through His messengers and prophets who weresent at various times and in many places throughout history.However, it should be noted that God in Islam is One and Only. He, the Exalted, does not get tired, does not have a son ie Jesus or have associates, nor does He have human-like attributions as found in other faiths.
MISCONCEPTION #4: Islam was spread by the sword and intolerant of other faiths.
Many social studies textbooks for students show the image of an Arabhorseman carrying a sword in one hand and the Quran in the otherconquering and forcibly converting. This, though, is not a correctportrayal of history. Islam has always given respect and freedom ofreligion to all faiths. The Quran says: "God forbids you not, withregards to those who fight you not for [your] faith nor drive you outof your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them; for Godloveth those who are just. 60:8) Freedom of religion is laid down in the Quran itself: "There is nocompulsion (or coercion) in the religion (Islam). The rightdirection is distinctly clear from error". (2:256) Christianmissionary, T.W. Arnold had this opinion on his study of the questionof the spread of Islam: ".. of any organized attempt to force theacceptance of Islam on the non-Muslim population, or of anysystematic persecution intended to stamp out the Christian religion,we hear nothing. Had the caliphs chosen to adopt either course ofaction, they might have swept away Christianity as easily asFerdinand and Isabella drove Islam out of Spain, or Louis XIV made Protestanism ..." It is a function of Islamic law to protect the privileged status ofminorities, and this is why non-Muslim places of worship haveflourished all over the Islamic world. History provides many examples of Muslim tolerance towards other faiths: when the caliphOmar entered Jerusalem in the year 634, Islam granted freedom ofworship to all religious communities in the city. Proclaiming to theinhabitants that their lives, and property were safe, and that theirplaces of worship would never be taken from them, he asked theChristian patriarch Sophronius to accompany him on a visit to all theholy places. Islamic law also permits non-Muslim minorities to set uptheir own courts, which implement family laws drawn up by theminorities themselves. The life and property of all citizens in anIslamic state are considered sacred whether the person is Muslim ornot. Racism is not a part of Islam, the Quran speaks only of human equalityand how all peoples are equal in the sight of God. "O mankind! Wecreated you from a single soul, male and female, and made you intonations and tribes, so that you may come to know one another. Truly, the most honored of you in God's sight is the greatest of you inpiety. God is All-Knowing, All- Aware. (49:13)
MISCONCEPTION #5: All Muslims are Arabs
The Muslim population of the world is around 1.2 billion. 1 out of 5people in the world is a Muslim. They are a vast range of races,nationalities, and cultures from around the globe--from the Phillipines to Nigeria--they are united by their common Islamic faith. Only about 18% live in the Arab world and the largest Muslimcommunity is in Indonesia. Most Muslims live east of Pakistan. 30%of Muslims live in the Indian subcontinent, 20% in Sub-Saharan Africa,17% in Southeast Asia, 18% in the Arab world, and 10% in the SovietUnion and China. Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan make up 10% of thenon-Arab Middle East. Although there are Muslim minorities in almostevery area, including Latin America and Australia, they are mostnumerous in Russia and its newly independent states, India andcentral Africa. There are about 6 million Muslims in the UnitedStates
MISCONCEPTION #6: The Nation of Islam is a Muslim group.
Islam and the so called "Nation of Islam'" are two differentreligions. NOI is more of a political organization since its membersare not limited to a single faith. Muslims consider this group to be just one of many cults using the name of Islam for their own gain. The only thing common between them is the jargon, the language used by both. "The Nation of Islam" is a misnomer; this religion should be called Farrakhanism, after the name of its propogator, Louis Farrakhan.
Islam and Farakhanism differ in many fundamental ways. For example,Farakhan followers believe in racism and that the 'black man' was theoriginal man and therefore superior, while in Islam there is noracism and everyone is considered equal in the sight of God, the onlydifference being in one's piety. There are many other theologicalexamples that show the 'Nation's teachings have little to do withtrue Islam. There are many groups in America who claim to representIslam and call their adherents Muslims.
Any serious student of Islam has a duty to investigate and find thetrue Islam. The only two authentic sources which bind every Muslimare 1. the Quran and 2. authentic or sound Hadith. Any teachings underthe label of "Islam" which contradict or at variance with the direct understanding of fundamental beliefs and practices of Islam form theQuran and authentic Hadith should be rejected and such a religionshould be considered a Pseudo-Islamic Cult. In America there are manypseudo-Islamic cults, Farrakhanism being one of them. An honestattitude on the part of such cults should be not to call themselvesMuslims and their religion Islam. such an example of honesty isBahaism which is an off-shoot of Islam but Bahais do not callthemselves Muslims nor their religion, Islam. In fact Bahaism is notIslam just as Farrakhanism is not Islam.
MISCONCEPTION #7: All Muslim men marry four wives.
The religion of Islam was revealed for all societies and all times andso accommodates widely differing social requirements. Circumstancesmay warrant the taking of another wife but the right is granted,according to the Quran, only on condition that the husband isscrupulously fair. No woman can be forced into this kind of marriageif they do not wish it, and they also have the right to exclude it intheir marriage contract.
Polygamy is neither mandatory, nor encouraged, but merely permitted.Images of "sheikhs with harems" are not consistent with Islam, as aman is only allowed at most four wives only if he can fulfill thestringent conditions of treating each fairly and providing each withseparate housing etc. Permission to practice polygamy is notassociated with mere satisfaction of passion. It is ratherassociated with compassion toward widows and orphans. It was theQuran that limited and put conditions on the practice of polygamyamong the Arabs, who had as many as ten or more wives and consideredthem "property".
It is both honest and accurate to say that it is Islam that regulatedthis practice, limited it, made it more humane, and instituted equalrights and status for all wives. What the Qur'anic decrees amount to,taken together is discouragement of polygamy unless necessity for itexists. It is also evident that the general rule in Islam is monogamyand not polygamy. It is a very tiny percentage of Muslims thatpractice it over the world. However, permission to practice limited polygamy is only consistent with Islam's realistic view of the natureof man and woman and of various social needs, problems and culturalvariations.
The question is, however far more than the inherent flexibility ofIslam; it also is the frank and straightforward approach of Islam indealing with practical problems. Rather than requiring hypocriticaland superficial compliance, Islam delves deeper into the problems ofindividuals and societies, and provides for legitimate and cleansolutions which are far more beneficial than would be the case if theywere ignored. There is no doubt that the second wife legally marriedand treated kindly is better off than a mistress without any legalrights or expermanence.
MISCONCEPTION #8: Muslims are a barbaric, backward people.
Among the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was thesimplicity of its doctrine-Islam calls for faith in only one Godworthy of worship. It also repeatedly instructs man to use hispowers of intelligence and observation. Within a few years, greatcivilizations and universities were flourishing, for according to the Prophet (pbuh), 'seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslimman and woman'. The synthesis of Eastern and Western ideas and of new thought withold, brought about great advances in medicine, mathematics, physics,astronomy, geography, architecture, art, literature, and history. Many crucial systems such as algebra, the Arabic numerals, and alsothe concept of the zero (vital to the advancement of mathematics),were transmitted to medieval Europe from Islam. Sophisticatedinstruments which were to make possible the European voyages ofdiscovery were developed, including the astrolabe, the quadrant andgood navigational maps.
MISCONCEPTION #9: Muhammad was the founder of Islam and Muslims worship him.
Muhammad(pbuh) was born in Mecca in the year 570. Since his fatherdied before his birth, and his mother shortly afterwards, he wasraised by his uncle from the respected tribe of Quraysh. As he grewup, he became known for his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity, sothat he was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes. The historians describe him as calm and meditative. Muhammad (pbuh)was of a deeply religious nature, and had long detested the decadence of his society.
It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the Cave of Hiranear Mecca. At the age of 40, while engaged in a meditative retreat,Muhammad(pbuh) received his first revelation from God through theAngel Gabriel. This revelation, which continued for 23 years is known as the Quran. As soon as he began to recite the words he heardfrom Gabriel, and to preach the truth which God had revealed to him,he and his small group of followers suffered bitter persecution, which grew so fierce that in the year 622 God gave them the command toemigrate.
This event, the Hijra 'migration', in which they left Mecca for thecity of Medina, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar. Afterseveral years, the Prophet and his followers were able to return toMecca, where they forgave their enemies and established Islamdefinitively. Before the Prophet saw dies at the age of 63, thegreater part of Arabia was Muslim, and within a century of his deathIslam had spread to Spain in the West and as far East as China. Hedied with less than 5 possessions to his name.
While Muhammad (pbuh) was chosen to deliver the message, he is notconsidered the "founder" of Islam, since Muslims consider Islam to bethe same divine guidance sent to all peoples before. Muslims believeall the prophets from Adam, Noah, Moses, Jesus etc. were all sentwith divine guidance for their peoples. Every prophet was sent to hisown people, but Muhammad(pbuh) was sent to all of mankind. Muhammadis the last and final messenger sent to deliver the message of Islam.Muslims revere and honor him (pbuh) for all he went through and hisdedication, but they do not worship him. "O Prophet, verily We havesent you as a witness and a bearer of glad tidings and a warner andas one who invites unto God by His leave and as an illuminatinglamp."(33:45-6)
MISCONCEPTION #10: Muslims don't believe in Jesus or any other prophets.
Muslims respect and revere Jesus, upon him be peace, and await hisSecond Coming. They consider him one of the greatest of God'smessengers to mankind. A Muslim never refers to him simply as'Jesus', but always adds the phrase 'upon him be peace' (abbreviatedas (u) here). The Quran confirms his virgin birth (a chapter of theQuran is entitled 'Mary'), and Mary is considered the purest woman inall creation. The Quran describes the Annunciation as follows:
"Behold!" the Angel said, "God has chosen you, and purified you, andchosen you above the women of all nations. O Mary, God gives yougood news of a word from Him whose name shall be the Messiah, Jesusson of Mary, honored in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near to God. He shall speak to the people from his cradle andin maturity, and shall be of the righteous." She said: "O my Lord!How shall I have a son when no man has touched me?" He said: "Evenso; God creates what He will. When He decrees a thing, He says to it,"Be!" and it is" (Quran 3:42-47)
Jesus (u) was born miraculously through the same power, which hadbrought Adam (u) into being without a father: "Truly, the likeness ofJesus with God is as the likeness of Adam. He created him of dust,and then said to him, 'Be!' and he was." (3:59) During his propheticmission Jesus (u) performed many miracles. The Quran tells us that hesaid: " I have come to you with a sign from your Lord: I make for youout of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breath into itand it becomes a bird by God's leave. And I heal the blind, and thelepers, and I raise the dead by God's leave." (3:49) Neither Muhammad(pbuh) not Jesus (u) came to change the basic doctrine of the brief in One God brought by earlier prophets, but to confirm and renew it.
In the Quran Jesus (u) is reported as saying that he came: "To attestthe law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of whatwas forbidden you; I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, sofear God and obey Me. (3:50) The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: "Whoever believes there is no god but God, alone without partner,that Muhammad (pbuh) is His messenger, that Jesus is the servant andmessenger of God, His word breathed into Mary and a spirit emanatingfrom Him, and that Paradise and Hell are true, shall be received byGod into Heaven. "(Hadith related by Bukhari).
Introducition To Islam
I. ISLAM AND MUSLIMS
The name of this religion is Islam, the root of which is Silm and Salam which means peace. Salam may also mean greeting one another with peace. One of the beautiful names of God is that He is the Peace. It means more than that: submission to the One God, and to live in peace with the Creator, within one's self, with other people and with the environment. Thus, Islam is a total system of living. A Muslim is supposed to live in peace and harmony with all these segments; hence, a Muslim is any person anywhere in the world whose obedience, allegiance, and loyalty are to God, the Lord of the Universe.
II. MUSLIMS AND ARABST
he followers of Islam are called Muslims. Muslims are not to be confused with Arabs. Muslims may be Arabs, Turks, Persians, Indians, Pakistanis, Malaysians, Indonesians, Europeans, Africans, Americans, Chinese, or other nationalities.
An Arab could be a Muslim, a Christian, a Jew or an atheist. Any person who adopts the Arabic language is called an Arab. However, the language of the Qur'an (the Holy Book of Islam) is Arabic. Muslims all over the world try to learn Arabic so that they may be able to read the Qur'an and understand its meaning. They pray in the language of the Qur'an, namely Arabic. Supplications to God could be in any language.
While there are one billion Muslims in the world there are about 200 million Arabs. Among them, approximately ten percent are not Muslims. Thus Arab Muslims constitute only about twenty percent of the Muslim population of the world.
III. ALLAH THE ONE AND THE ONLY GOD
Allah is the name of the One and Only God. Allah has ninety-nine beautiful names, such as: The Gracious, The Merciful, The Beneficent, The Creator, The All-Knowing, The All-Wise, The Lord of the Universe, The First, The Last, and others.
He is the Creator of all human beings. He is the God for the Christians, the Jews, the Muslims, the Buddhists, the Hindus, the atheists, and others. Muslims worship God whose name is Allah. They put their trust in Him and they seek His help and His guidance.
IV. MUHAMMAD
Muhammad was chosen by God to deliver His Message of Peace, namely Islam. He was born in 570 C.E. (Common Era) in Makkah, Arabia. He was entrusted with the Message of Islam when he was at the age of forty years. The revelation that he received is called the Qur'an, while the message is called Islam.
Muhammad is the very last Prophet of God to mankind. He is the final Messenger of God. His message was and is still to the Christians, the Jews and the rest of mankind. He was sent to those religious people to inform them about the true mission of Jesus, Moses, Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham.
Muhammad is considered to be the summation and the culmination of all the prophets and messengers that came before him. He purified the previous messages from adulteration and completed the Message of God for all humanity. He was entrusted with the power of explaining, interpreting and living the teaching of the Qur'an.
V. SOURCE OF ISLAM
The legal sources of Islam are the Qur'an and the Hadith. The Qur'an is the exact word of God; its authenticity, originality and totality are intact. The Hadith is the report of the sayings, deeds and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet's sayings and deeds are called Sunnah. The Seerah is the writings of followers of Muhammad about the life of the Prophet. Hence, it is the life history of the Prophet Muhammad which provides examples of daily living for Muslims.
VI. SOME ISLAMIC PRINCIPLES
A. Oneness of God:
He is One and the Only One. He is not two in one or three in one. This means that Islam rejects the idea of trinity or such a unity of God which implies more than one God in one.
B. Oneness of mankind:
People are created equal in front of the Law of God. There is no superiority for one race over another. God made us of different colors, nationalities, languages and beliefs so as to test who is going to be better than others. No one can claim that he is better than others. It is only God Who knows who is better. It depends on piety and righteousness.
C. Oneness of Messengers and the Message:
Muslims believe that God sent different messengers throughout the history of mankind. All came with the same message and the same teachings. It was the people who misunderstood and misinterpreted them.
Muslims believe in Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Ismail, Jacob, Moses, David, Jesus, and Muhammad. The Prophets of Christianity and Judaism are indeed the Prophets of Islam.
D. Angels and the Day of Judgment:
Muslims believe that there are unseen creatures such as angels created by God in the universe for special missions.
Muslims believe that there is a Day of Judgment when all people of the world throughout the history of mankind till the last day of life on earth, are to be brought for accounting, reward and punishment.
E. Innocence of Man at Birth:
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.
F. State and Religion:
Muslims believe that Islam is a total and a complete way of life. It encompasses all aspects of life. As such, the teachings of Islam do not separate religion from politics. As a matter of fact, state and religion are under the obedience of Allah through the teachings of Islam. Hence, economic and social transactions, as well as educational and political systems are also part of the teachings of Islam.
VII. PRACTICES OF ISLAM
God instructed the Muslims to practice what they believe in. In Islam there are five pillars, namely:
Creed (Shahada): The verbal commitment and pledge that there is only One God and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God, is considered to be the Creed of Islam.
Prayers (Salat): The performance of the five daily prayers is required of Muslims.
Fasting (Saum): Fasting is total abstinence from food, liquids and intimate intercourse (between married couples) from dawn to sunset during the entire month of Ramadan.
Purifying Tax (Zakat): This is an annual payment of a certain percentage of a Muslim's property which is distributed among the poor or other rightful beneficiaries.
Pilgrimage (Hajj): The performance of pilgrimage to Makkah is required once in a life time if means are available. Hajj is in part in memory of the trials and tribulations of Prophet Abraham, his wife Hagar and his eldest son Prophet Ishmael.
VIII. OTHER RELATED ASPECTS
A. Calendar:
Islamic practices are based on the lunar calendar. However, Muslims also use the Gregorian calendar in their daily religious lives. Hence, the Islamic calendar includes both the common era and the migration (Higra) year of the Prophet of Islam from Makkah to Madinah in the year of 623 C.E.
B. Celebrations (Eid):
Muslims have two celebrations (Eid); namely, Eid of Sacrifice and Eid of Fast-Breaking. The Eid of Sacrifice is in remembrance of the sacrifice to be by Prophet Abraham of his son. The Eid of Fast-Breaking comes at the end of the month of fasting, Ramadan.
C. Diets:
Islam allows Muslims to eat everything which is good for the health. It restricts certain items such as pork and its by-products, alcohol and any narcotic or addictive drugs.
D. Place of Worship:
The place of worship is called Mosque or Masjid. There are three holy places of worship for the Muslims in the world. These are: Mosque of Kaaba in Makkah, Mosque of the Prophet Muhammad in Madinah, and Masjid Aqsa, adjacent to the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.
A Muslim may pray any where in the world whether in a Mosque, a house, an office, or outside. The whole world is a place of worship. It is preferable that Muslims pray in a congregation, however, he/she may pray individually anywhere.
E. Holidays:
The holy day of the Muslims is Friday. It is considered to be sacred and the Day of Judgment will take place on Friday. Muslims join together shortly after noon on Friday for the Friday congregational prayer in a Mosque. A leader (Imam) gives a sermon (Khutba) and leads the congregational prayer.
F. Distribution of Muslims in North America:
There are approximately five million Muslims in North America and are distributed in its major cities such as New York, Detroit, Boston, Toledo, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Cedar Rapids (Iowa), Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton, Vancouver, Windsor, Winnipeg, Calgary, and others.
G. Contributions in North America:
Muslims are established in North America. The Sears Tower and the John Hancock buildings in Chicago were designed by a Muslim chief architect, originally from Bangladesh. Muslims have established academic institutions, community centers and organizations, schools and places of worship. They live in peace and harmony among themselves and among other groups of people in the society. The rate of crime among Muslims is very minimal. Muslims in North America are highly educated and they have added to the success of American scientific and technological fields.
The Muslims of the early period of the Islamic era were pioneers in medicine, chemistry, physics, geography, navigation, arts, poetry, mathematics, algebra, logarithms, calculus, etc. They contributed to the Renaissance of Europe and world civilization.
IX. NON-MUSLIMS
Muslims are required to respect all those who are faithful and God conscious people, namely those who received messages. Christians and Jews are called People of the Book. Muslims are asked to call upon the People of the Book for common terms, namely, to worship One God, and to work together for the solutions of the many problems in the society.
Christians and Jews lived peacefully with Muslims throughout centuries in the Middle East and other Asian and African countries. The second Caliph Umar, did not pray in the church in Jerusalem so as not to give the Muslims an excuse to take it over. Christians entrusted the Muslims, and as such the key of the Church in Jerusalem is still in the hands of the Muslims.
Jews fled from Spain during the Inquisition, and they were welcomed by the Muslims. They settled in the heart of the Islamic Caliphate. They enjoyed positions of power and authority.
Throughout the Muslim world, churches, synagogues and missionary schools were built within the Muslim neighborhoods. These places were protected by Muslims even during the contemporary crises in the Middle East.
--- Ahmad H. Sakr, Ph.D. (Reproduced By Permission)
The name of this religion is Islam, the root of which is Silm and Salam which means peace. Salam may also mean greeting one another with peace. One of the beautiful names of God is that He is the Peace. It means more than that: submission to the One God, and to live in peace with the Creator, within one's self, with other people and with the environment. Thus, Islam is a total system of living. A Muslim is supposed to live in peace and harmony with all these segments; hence, a Muslim is any person anywhere in the world whose obedience, allegiance, and loyalty are to God, the Lord of the Universe.
II. MUSLIMS AND ARABST
he followers of Islam are called Muslims. Muslims are not to be confused with Arabs. Muslims may be Arabs, Turks, Persians, Indians, Pakistanis, Malaysians, Indonesians, Europeans, Africans, Americans, Chinese, or other nationalities.
An Arab could be a Muslim, a Christian, a Jew or an atheist. Any person who adopts the Arabic language is called an Arab. However, the language of the Qur'an (the Holy Book of Islam) is Arabic. Muslims all over the world try to learn Arabic so that they may be able to read the Qur'an and understand its meaning. They pray in the language of the Qur'an, namely Arabic. Supplications to God could be in any language.
While there are one billion Muslims in the world there are about 200 million Arabs. Among them, approximately ten percent are not Muslims. Thus Arab Muslims constitute only about twenty percent of the Muslim population of the world.
III. ALLAH THE ONE AND THE ONLY GOD
Allah is the name of the One and Only God. Allah has ninety-nine beautiful names, such as: The Gracious, The Merciful, The Beneficent, The Creator, The All-Knowing, The All-Wise, The Lord of the Universe, The First, The Last, and others.
He is the Creator of all human beings. He is the God for the Christians, the Jews, the Muslims, the Buddhists, the Hindus, the atheists, and others. Muslims worship God whose name is Allah. They put their trust in Him and they seek His help and His guidance.
IV. MUHAMMAD
Muhammad was chosen by God to deliver His Message of Peace, namely Islam. He was born in 570 C.E. (Common Era) in Makkah, Arabia. He was entrusted with the Message of Islam when he was at the age of forty years. The revelation that he received is called the Qur'an, while the message is called Islam.
Muhammad is the very last Prophet of God to mankind. He is the final Messenger of God. His message was and is still to the Christians, the Jews and the rest of mankind. He was sent to those religious people to inform them about the true mission of Jesus, Moses, Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham.
Muhammad is considered to be the summation and the culmination of all the prophets and messengers that came before him. He purified the previous messages from adulteration and completed the Message of God for all humanity. He was entrusted with the power of explaining, interpreting and living the teaching of the Qur'an.
V. SOURCE OF ISLAM
The legal sources of Islam are the Qur'an and the Hadith. The Qur'an is the exact word of God; its authenticity, originality and totality are intact. The Hadith is the report of the sayings, deeds and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet's sayings and deeds are called Sunnah. The Seerah is the writings of followers of Muhammad about the life of the Prophet. Hence, it is the life history of the Prophet Muhammad which provides examples of daily living for Muslims.
VI. SOME ISLAMIC PRINCIPLES
A. Oneness of God:
He is One and the Only One. He is not two in one or three in one. This means that Islam rejects the idea of trinity or such a unity of God which implies more than one God in one.
B. Oneness of mankind:
People are created equal in front of the Law of God. There is no superiority for one race over another. God made us of different colors, nationalities, languages and beliefs so as to test who is going to be better than others. No one can claim that he is better than others. It is only God Who knows who is better. It depends on piety and righteousness.
C. Oneness of Messengers and the Message:
Muslims believe that God sent different messengers throughout the history of mankind. All came with the same message and the same teachings. It was the people who misunderstood and misinterpreted them.
Muslims believe in Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Ismail, Jacob, Moses, David, Jesus, and Muhammad. The Prophets of Christianity and Judaism are indeed the Prophets of Islam.
D. Angels and the Day of Judgment:
Muslims believe that there are unseen creatures such as angels created by God in the universe for special missions.
Muslims believe that there is a Day of Judgment when all people of the world throughout the history of mankind till the last day of life on earth, are to be brought for accounting, reward and punishment.
E. Innocence of Man at Birth:
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.
F. State and Religion:
Muslims believe that Islam is a total and a complete way of life. It encompasses all aspects of life. As such, the teachings of Islam do not separate religion from politics. As a matter of fact, state and religion are under the obedience of Allah through the teachings of Islam. Hence, economic and social transactions, as well as educational and political systems are also part of the teachings of Islam.
VII. PRACTICES OF ISLAM
God instructed the Muslims to practice what they believe in. In Islam there are five pillars, namely:
Creed (Shahada): The verbal commitment and pledge that there is only One God and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God, is considered to be the Creed of Islam.
Prayers (Salat): The performance of the five daily prayers is required of Muslims.
Fasting (Saum): Fasting is total abstinence from food, liquids and intimate intercourse (between married couples) from dawn to sunset during the entire month of Ramadan.
Purifying Tax (Zakat): This is an annual payment of a certain percentage of a Muslim's property which is distributed among the poor or other rightful beneficiaries.
Pilgrimage (Hajj): The performance of pilgrimage to Makkah is required once in a life time if means are available. Hajj is in part in memory of the trials and tribulations of Prophet Abraham, his wife Hagar and his eldest son Prophet Ishmael.
VIII. OTHER RELATED ASPECTS
A. Calendar:
Islamic practices are based on the lunar calendar. However, Muslims also use the Gregorian calendar in their daily religious lives. Hence, the Islamic calendar includes both the common era and the migration (Higra) year of the Prophet of Islam from Makkah to Madinah in the year of 623 C.E.
B. Celebrations (Eid):
Muslims have two celebrations (Eid); namely, Eid of Sacrifice and Eid of Fast-Breaking. The Eid of Sacrifice is in remembrance of the sacrifice to be by Prophet Abraham of his son. The Eid of Fast-Breaking comes at the end of the month of fasting, Ramadan.
C. Diets:
Islam allows Muslims to eat everything which is good for the health. It restricts certain items such as pork and its by-products, alcohol and any narcotic or addictive drugs.
D. Place of Worship:
The place of worship is called Mosque or Masjid. There are three holy places of worship for the Muslims in the world. These are: Mosque of Kaaba in Makkah, Mosque of the Prophet Muhammad in Madinah, and Masjid Aqsa, adjacent to the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.
A Muslim may pray any where in the world whether in a Mosque, a house, an office, or outside. The whole world is a place of worship. It is preferable that Muslims pray in a congregation, however, he/she may pray individually anywhere.
E. Holidays:
The holy day of the Muslims is Friday. It is considered to be sacred and the Day of Judgment will take place on Friday. Muslims join together shortly after noon on Friday for the Friday congregational prayer in a Mosque. A leader (Imam) gives a sermon (Khutba) and leads the congregational prayer.
F. Distribution of Muslims in North America:
There are approximately five million Muslims in North America and are distributed in its major cities such as New York, Detroit, Boston, Toledo, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Cedar Rapids (Iowa), Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton, Vancouver, Windsor, Winnipeg, Calgary, and others.
G. Contributions in North America:
Muslims are established in North America. The Sears Tower and the John Hancock buildings in Chicago were designed by a Muslim chief architect, originally from Bangladesh. Muslims have established academic institutions, community centers and organizations, schools and places of worship. They live in peace and harmony among themselves and among other groups of people in the society. The rate of crime among Muslims is very minimal. Muslims in North America are highly educated and they have added to the success of American scientific and technological fields.
The Muslims of the early period of the Islamic era were pioneers in medicine, chemistry, physics, geography, navigation, arts, poetry, mathematics, algebra, logarithms, calculus, etc. They contributed to the Renaissance of Europe and world civilization.
IX. NON-MUSLIMS
Muslims are required to respect all those who are faithful and God conscious people, namely those who received messages. Christians and Jews are called People of the Book. Muslims are asked to call upon the People of the Book for common terms, namely, to worship One God, and to work together for the solutions of the many problems in the society.
Christians and Jews lived peacefully with Muslims throughout centuries in the Middle East and other Asian and African countries. The second Caliph Umar, did not pray in the church in Jerusalem so as not to give the Muslims an excuse to take it over. Christians entrusted the Muslims, and as such the key of the Church in Jerusalem is still in the hands of the Muslims.
Jews fled from Spain during the Inquisition, and they were welcomed by the Muslims. They settled in the heart of the Islamic Caliphate. They enjoyed positions of power and authority.
Throughout the Muslim world, churches, synagogues and missionary schools were built within the Muslim neighborhoods. These places were protected by Muslims even during the contemporary crises in the Middle East.
--- Ahmad H. Sakr, Ph.D. (Reproduced By Permission)
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Its my pleasure to wellcome all of you to my blog Islam the truth. You will find links to useful sites about the true religion Islam. You will also get links to islamic books, software and Desktop items.
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