Islam | abctruth

• It inspires us to have good intentions, positive attitudes, and kind feelings towards others.
• It teaches us to forgive, and love for others what we love for ourselves.
• It urges us to smile sincerely and be kind to others.
• It instructs us to act courteously.
• It commands us to have good conduct and behave with respect.
• It teaches us to be gentle to humans, animals, birds, and our environment.
• It instructs us to respect and care for our parents and the elderly, and to be good to our families, spouses and children.
• It encourages us to help, feed and support the weak, the poor, the needy and the disabled.
• It urges us to think, ponder, reason and base our judgments on proof.

Before I reveal the secret, let me point out that additionally ‘it’…
• teaches us that all humans are equal regardless of their race, color or nationality.
• instructs us not to hurt, hate, transgress against, put down or despise others.
• clearly tells us why we are here, who brought us, where we are heading, and what our last destination is.
• instructs us to live in peace and good relationship with God, self, and others.
• clearly answers our significant and critical questions.
Indeed, it leads to ultimate truth and success, true peace of mind, real happiness, salvation and eternal life.
Can you believe that this wonderful discovery is …
Islam?

If our minds are captive to prejudice, preconception, or prejudgment, we will never see the beauty or truth of anything.

Perhaps you have preconceived, negative notions about Islam. Perhaps you have only seen it as portrayed by the media when reporting about terrorists –those few who would be terrorists regardless of their religion. Perhaps you have read or heard about Islam from unauthentic or biased sources.

So, I invite you to objectively and open-mindedly read this book demonstrating the beauty, clarity, and simplicity of Islam.

As examples of its clarity and beauty, Islam features:

• Clarity about our creation.
• Clarity about our spirituality.
• Clarity and purity of the concept of God.
• Clarity of the concept of worship.
• Clarity of the purpose of life.
• Clarity about the next life.
• Clarity about our last destination: Paradise or Hell.
• Clarity of the way to gain the true happiness and ultimate pleasure.

Before we take off, let's remember these essential Islamic definitions:
Allah: In Arabic, Allah is the name of the one true God, the Creator. Islam teaches that Allah is the true God of all mankind. Jewish and Christian Arabs have also used this name (Allah) to refer to God.
Muhammad: Is the last Prophet of the one true God (Allah); sent to all mankind (May Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him).
Islam: Means submission to the Will of the one true God (Allah).
Muslim: Is one who submits to the Will of the one true God (Allah ).
The Glorious Qur’an: The last Word of the one true God (Allah) revealed to Prophet Muhammad.

Answering Humanity’s Critical Questions.
Islam answers the humanity's most critical and significant questions like:
• What is the 'Truth'?
• Who created us?
• Who is our true God?
• Who is God’s final Prophet?
• Whom should we worship?
• Why are we here?
• What comes after death?
• What is the next life like?
• What is our last destination: (Paradise or Hell Fire)?
• How can we attain true peace of mind, success and real happiness?
• How can we gain eternal life?

With a mind and heart set on discovering the truth, please honestly read and judge for yourself.

WHAT IS THE TRUTH?

In Islam,The One true God (Allah) has created the entire creation. It is only this great God (Allah) who made all humans and animals,
the earth and its mountains, oceans and rivers, plants and forests, the sun and the moon, galaxies and orbits, days and nights.
All other objects, which we may or may not know, or have not yet been discovered, are all aspects of His infinite creation.

All in all, Allah is the Creator of life, death, and life after death.

However, some might refer their existence to 'nature' or 'natural selection'! Scientifically speaking, let's define what they talk about: NATURE! What is nature?

Don't you agree with me that nature includes: plants and planets, orbits and galaxies, valleys and mountains, oceans and rivers, earth, sun, moon, stars, and other objects. Have these things created themselves or created human beings?!

The Glorious Qur’an beautifully tells us:
“O mankind! Worship your Lord, who created you and those who came before you that you may become righteous." (2:21)
“He (God) created the Heavens and the Earth for Truth.” (The Qur’an 39: 5)
“It is He who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. They swim along, each in an orbit.” (The Qur’an 21: 23)

Moreover, these who believe in nature argue that they do not believe in God because they simply can't see, touch, or experiment Him!

A couple of years ago, my neighbor in Oregon (USA) visited me at my house. We talked about several things among which we discussed the concept of God. My neighbor, a very old man, denying the existence of God, emotionally knocked the tea table, saying: "I believe in this table since I can touch it… I can feel it!"
Reasoning with him, I pointed to the lamp in the room and asked him:
Do you believe in the power of electricity?
He replied: "Sure."
I asked: "Can you see the power or energy generating the light?
"No." was his answer.
I further asked him these questions:
• Have you ever seen - with your bare eyes - the air we breathe?
• Do you have feelings? What are their colors, shapes, and sizes?
• What is sleep? What is its color or weight?
• So, how many things do we believe in without seeing them?

On another occasion, I met a young man called Chris and his wife at a hotel in Oslo, Norway. During a friendly discussion with them, I asked Chris: "So, what is the purpose of life?" Getting surprised, he answered: this is the first time I heard such a question!" He added: "I think there is no purpose of my life." He concluded: "I do not believe in any god." I asked Chris: "Why?" He answered: "I have not seen it yet."
Commenting on his reply, I asked him (with a smile):

• Do you love your wife?
• Can you physically see this love?
• What is the color of your love?
• How much does this love weigh?

What was the reaction of Chris and his wife? Try to imagine it! Thus, not being able to tangibly see or measure this abstract love does not lead to denying the truth and existence of this love.

By the same analogy, if we can't see God in this life because of our limited faculties and senses which can't comprehend His greatness this must not make us deny His existence.

God's existence is clearly evident and easily traceable in unlimited signs, proofs manifested in the creation of numberless atoms, cells, tissues, muscles, and everyone/everything created.

Furthermore, thousands of God’s prophets and billions of their followers throughout the history of humanity witnessed and confirmed the existence of God. Is it rational and logical to disregard the testimony of all these billions and billions of signs and people just because of some refutable theories? (Like Darwin's theory of evolution which has been disproved and rejected by a great amount of recent scientific and experimental research).

One can attain real happiness and peace of mind only through belief in and submission to the one true God (Allah).

Who is the true God?

Islam clearly and beautifully answers this critical and significant question. It reveals to us more details about the one true God and His unique nature and qualities. The glorious Qur’an states:

“Say: He is Allah, the One; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begets not, nor is He begotten; and there is none like unto Him.” (112:1-4)

This is a complete chapter of the Glorious Qur’an. This wonderful chapter briefly and concisely tells us the ultimate truth about the one God (Allah) and His true nature. It clearly answers critical and significant questions that puzzle millions of people.

Some of the qualities that distinguish this true God (Allah) from others who claim to be God are:

• This true God is Creator, not created.
• This true God is onle ONE, not more! He has no partners nor equals.
• This one true God is invisible; no one can see Him in this life. He is not physically manifested or incarnated in other forms.
• This one true God is eternal; He doesn't die or change.
• This one true God is not in need of anyone like a mother, a wife, or a son; or anything like food, drink, or help. But others are in need of Him.
• This true God is unique in His attributes; no one is like Him. No human descriptions can be attributed to Him.

Have you discovered these secrets?

Indeed, Islam realizes and speaks to our innate natures. It speaks to our souls, our spiritual and intellectual needs and tendencies.
Allah, who knows souls, minds and hearts, reveals to us the keys of tranquility and contentment for them.

How to attain peace of mind, tranquility and contentment?

Secret (key) 1: Know your one true God.
Secret (key) 2: Believe in Him alone.
Secret (key) 3: Follow His will.
Secret (key) 4: Believe in God's prophets, (including Prophet Muhammad).
Secret (key) 5: Remember God.
Secret (key) 6: Seek God's forgiveness.
Secret (key) 7: Worship Him alone.
Secret (key) 8: Love for others what you love for yourself.
Secret (key) 9: Be generous to others and try to make them happy.
Secret (key) 10: Have sincerity and piety.

Briefly, these top 10 secrets and keys through which we can achieve tranquility as well as spiritual, social and global peace are among the magnificent treasures of the Glorious qur'an and the Propehtic sayings.

To sum up, Islam teaches us through its two main authentic sources: The Glorious Qur’an and the Prophetic sayings that we can attain peace of mind, happiness and salvation, by knowing and believing in the one true God (Allah) willingly and wholeheartedly. We must also believe in all God’s true prophets (including Prophet Muhammad) and follow their true guidance and teachings.

Thus, the gateway to a happy, content, and eternal life is through believing in and uttering this testimony:

"I testify that there is no god but Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah."

However, Islam tells us that belief alone in God and His prophets is not enough to have peace of mind, happiness, and salvation!

We have to do the will of Allah through worshipping Him ALONE and keeping His commandments.

Submission to the will of God is the essence of the message of Allah. Confirming the true meaning of submission to Him and the reward prepared for those who believe and do good deeds, Allah points out in the Qur’an:

“Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds – they will have the Gardens of Paradise as a lodging.” (18: 107)

Similarly, the Holy Bible reports the words of Jesus’ brother, James, saying:

“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead also.” (James 2:26 - KJV)

Interestingly, James (4:7) also referred to the meaning of Islam that was previously discussed.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God.”

Therefore, Muslims are true followers of Jesus and the prophets. A Muslim means a person who submits his or her will to the one true God.

Muslims have faith in Allah (the one true God) and do good deeds. They obey and follow the commandments that Jesus and the prophets taught and did, like believing in one true God, praying, prostrating, kneeling down in worship, fasting, giving alms and charity, saying ‘if God wills’ (Insha Allah), and using the greeting of Jesus and the prophets: ‘Peace be upon you’ (Asalamu Alaikum).
These are just some examples and pieces of evidence which clearly indicate the truth, unity, and universality of this great and beautiful religion of all prophets: Islam.

THE SIX ARTICLES

1. Belief in Allah (the one true God) – in His existence, His Oneness (Tawheed), His Lordship, and His unique names and attributes; and that He is the only one deserving to be worshipped.

2. Belief in Allah’s angels, who were created by Allah to praise Him and obey and carry out His orders.

3. Belief in Allah’s revelations including the original Word of Allah revealed to Moses and Jesus (not the human writings and stories narrated according to...). The Glorious Qur’an is the last and final, pure and authentic Word of God sent to Prophet Muhammad.

4. Belief in Allah’s messengers and prophets including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, John the Baptist, Jesus and Muhammad. So, a Muslim is not a true believer if he or she does not believe in Moses and Jesus as prophets sent from the one true God (Allah), the Creator.

5. Belief in the Last Day, the Day of Judgment and accountability. All mankind will be judged by Allah according to their faith and their deeds and actions. At the end of judgment, who will be admitted to a happy, eternal life (Paradise) and who will be thrown into Hell Fire?

6. Belief in the destiny decreed by Allah and His ultimate knowledge of all things. This makes believers trust in Allah. They are satisfied, content and confident in whatever Allah decrees for them whether good or bad. They do not despair, do not get depressed, hopeless, or despondent when crises or difficulties strike. They turn to Allah for help, support and reward.

This beautiful faith in Allah and His decree makes Muslims feel peace of mind and contentment in spite of all the aggression, invasion, occupation and exploitation of their land, oil and wealth. And in site of the injustice, bias, discrimination and defamation they suffer from.

These are briefly the articles of faith in Islam that a true believer must believe in.

THE FIVE PILLARS

In addition to the articles of faith (the theoretical aspect), Islam teaches us to put this faith into practice. A Muslim must practice five basic pillars of Islam as well as any good deeds in general. Simply and briefly these are the five pillars of practice in Islam.

1. Shahadah (the testimony):

“I testify that there is no god but Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”

In Arabic, it sounds like this: “ASH-HADU ALLA ILAHA ILLALLAH, WA ASH-HADU ANNA MUHAMMADAR RASULULLAH.”

”أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وأشهد أن محمدا رسول الله “

This is the testimony that one must pronounce when embracing Islam. It reflects the beauty and simplicity of Islam.

2. Salat (prayer): performing the five daily, mandatory prayers (prayer includes standing, kneeling down, prostrating, reading parts of the Qur’an, praising and remembering Allah, and asking His mercy, forgiveness and Paradise).

Talking about the beauty and power of prayers, they charge us with spiritual growth, psychological comfort, support, relief, tranquility and contentment for our souls, minds and hearts.

What adds to the beauty of prayer is the truth that God’s prophets, like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad were praying and prostrating to the one true God, Allah. So, Muslims are following in the footsteps of those great prophets and messengers of God.

Furthermore, many other beautiful concepts, such as love of God, submission and surrender to Him, supplication, unity, equality, sincerity, patience, humility and meekness are evidently manifested in and learned from prayer.

Indeed, sincere and humble ‘thikr’ (remembrance of Allah) ‘du’a’ (supplication), ‘istigfar’ (seeking forgiveness), and ‘salat’ (prayer) - to Allah alone - are great and wonderful keys to peace of mind, tranquility, and blessings.

“Those who have believed and whose hearts have rest [tranquility] in the remembrance of Allah. Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest [tranquility]!” (13:28)

“And your Lord (Allah) says, call upon Me; I will respond to you.” (40:60)

3. Zakat: the mandatory giving of a certain amount of one’s earnings to the poor and needy. Zakat or alms giving and charity to those who are in need purify us from greed and miserliness. It purifies our properties and money and teaches caring and sharing which build strong bridges of mutual love and respect between the rich and the poor. Indeed, it fosters support, help, cooperation, and solidarity in the whole society.

4. Sawm: fasting or refraining from eating, drinking (i.e. all intake of food and liquid), and having sex with one’s spouse during a certain period of time (from dawn until sunset). Some of the beautiful benefits and lessons of fasting include:

• Spiritual benefits. It develops ‘taqwa’ (piety) and sincerity. The fasting month of Ramadan is a great season for attaining God’s mercy, forgiveness, release from Hell Fire, and getting eternal life, Paradise.

• Moral and emotional benefits. In the school of Ramadan (Sawm), we learn and experience the hunger that millions of people in different parts of the world suffer from. It inspires us to share, to feel, to be humble, generous and kind.

• Educational benefits. Fasting teaches us many lessons. For example, we can learn that changing or quitting bad habits, like excessive eating and drinking, is possible. Also, it disciplines our behavior and trains us to be patient and self-restrained. Furthermore, it educates us that God’s prophets, like Muhammad, Moses and Jesus used to fast, too.

• Health benefits. Through the process of fasting, the body gets rid of toxins and extra fats. Doctors and nutritionists recommend fasting and describe it as a ‘rubbish-burner’ and as a ‘curative therapy.’ Fasting is a good remedy for several diseases.

These are just some of the beauties and benefits of Ramadan (Sawm).

5. Hajj: The pilgrimage to Makkah that every Muslim must perform once in his or her lifetime, provided he or she is physically, mentally and financially able to do so.

Like the other pillars and tenets of Islam, the beauties, lessons and benefits of Hajj are many. Millions of believers (of different colors, races and parts of the world) answer the call of Abraham. Wonderful principles and concepts can be seen in action during Hajj, including: submission and obedience to Allah, brotherhood and sisterhood in Islam, unity, patience, sacrifice, prayer, charity and fasting. Islamic pilgrimage (hajj) witnesses and features the largest, unique religious conference or gathering of its kind in human history.

At such a great convergence of all races and colors serving just one God and following just one message, Malcolm X and others learned the lesson and the beauty of true faith, Islamic brotherhood and equality - when they went to Makkah to perform Hajj.

“My pilgrimage broadened my scope. It blessed me with a new insight. In two weeks in the Holy Land, I saw what I never had seen in thirty-nine years here in America. I saw all races, all colors, -- blue-eyed blonds to black-skinned Africans -- in true brotherhood! In unity! Living as one! Worshipping as one!” - Malcolm X

THE BEAUTY AND PURITY OF THE GLORIOUS QUR’AN

The Glorious Qur’an is the constitution revealed by God (Allah) to regulate and govern human life. It speaks with the perfect knowledge of the Creator about His creation. It exposes the truth and invites mankind to the way of truth. It contains important information about human destiny.

It educates and raises people to the highest spiritual, moral, intellectual, and social level when they strive to comprehend it and apply its teachings.

The Qur’an is an eternal miracle given to the final Prophet Muhammad, as proof of his prophethood. It is of a unique and inimitable quality. Revealed fourteen centuries ago, it remains today completely intact and unaltered in its original Arabic form.

So, to discover more about these beautiful and pure treasures of the Word of the one true God, you may read the Qur’an personally. Try to get an authentic copy of the Glorious Qur’an or you may get an e-copy of the Qur’an from reliable Islamic websites (e.g., www.sultan.org).

BEAUTIFUL QUR’ANIC VERSES

All Qur’anic verses are God’s Words. Let us read and enjoy some magnificent texts of the Glorious Qur’an that reveal the Islamic view concerning some critical and significant concepts.

Forgiveness and Salvation

“Say, ‘O My servants who have committed excess against themselves, do not despair of Allah’s mercy. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins, for it is He who is the Ever-forgiving, Merciful.” (39:53)

When a soul repents and returns to Allah, He turns back to His servant in acceptance and forgiveness.

Yes, Allah forgives all sins when we go sincerely back to Him. What a great deal!

“Indeed, Allah loves those who repent, and He loves those who purify themselves.” (2: 222)

Allah, in Islam, is the source of peace, mercy, and forgiveness; not the source of hate, bloodshed, or terrorism.

So, in Islam, to get salvation and eternal life you can simply go back to Allah, believe in Him alone, and do good deeds. No need for an innocent, good person to be crucified or killed for the sins committed by others. Islam also commands its followers (Muslims) to forgive others.

This is briefly the beautiful concept of salvation and forgiveness in Islam. Indeed, it is a religion of mercy and forgiveness.

Justice

“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah as just witnesses; and let not the hatred of a people make you avoid justice. Be just; that is next to piety, and fear Allah for Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.” (5:8)

Islam teaches us to be just with all people, whether with friends or foes; and at all times, in peace or in war.

It teaches its followers to conduct themselves with unconditional justice and morality free from individual whims, social and cultural circumstances, or temporal relativism.

Beautifully, the Glorious Qur’an pointed out that whoever kills an innocent soul - “it is as if he had killed mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely.” (5:32)

Concerning the freedom and protection of faith, the Glorious Qur’an states:

“There is no compulsion in religion…” (2:256)

Thus, Islam honors mankind and does not compel anyone to embrace its faith by force. This is the truth, beauty, justice, kindness, and tolerance of Islam when dealing with non-Muslims.