Explantion of Holy Qur'an On Audio
Islam is an Arabic word which means peace, purity, acceptance and commitment. As a
religion, Islam calls for complete acceptance of and submission to the teachings and
guidance of God.
A Muslim is one who freely and willingly accepts the supreme power of God and strives to
organize his life in total accord with the teachings of God. He also works for building social
institutions which reflect the guidance of God.
"Muhammadanism" is a misnomer for Islam and offends its very spirit since the Prophet
Muhammad was a messenger of God, and not a divine being worshipped by Muslims.
Muslims use the word "Allah" for the English word "God." The understanding of Deity in
Islam differs from some of the connotations in the English word "God." For the
convenience of English speaking readers, the word "God" is used in this brochure except
when the word "Allah" is in the quotations from the Qur'an.
Continuity of the Message
Islam is not a new religion. It is, in essence, the same message and guidance which God
revealed to all His previous messengers.
Say: 'We believe in Allah and that which was revealed to us, and that which was revealed
to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes and that which was given to
Moses and Jesus and to the Prophets from their Lord; we make no distinction between any
of them, and to Him we submit.'" (Qur'an 3:83)
The message which was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is Islam
in its comprehensive, complete and final form.
The Five Pillars of Islam:
Every action done with the awareness that it fulfills the Will of God is considered an act of
worship in Islam. But, it is the specific acts of worship termed the Pillars of Islam which
provide the framework of Muslim spiritual life. These are given below:
Oneness of God:
Islam enjoins faith in the oneness and sovereignty of God, which creates an awareness of
the unity and meaningfulness of the universe and of man's place in it. This belief frees him
from all fears and superstitions by making him conscious of the presence of Almighty God
and of man's obligations to Him. But, this realization must be expressed and tested in
action. Faith alone is not enough. Belief in one God requires that we look upon all humanity
as one family under the universal omnipotence of God -- the Creator and Nourisher of all.
Islam rejects the idea that there is a "chosen people," making pure intention, faith in God,
and good deeds the only way to heaven. Thus a direct relationship is established with God,
open to all alike, without any discrimination or intercession.
Although Prophet Muhammad did not receive a formal education, the Qur'an, as soon as it
was revealed to him in the spoken word, was committed to writing by his secretaries. In
this way every word was written down and preserved during his lifetime by his companions.
The original and complete text of the Qur'an is in Arabic and translations of its meaning in
most known languages are available in major libraries and bookstores.
The Hadith, teachings, sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, were accurately
reported and collected by his devoted companions. They explain and elaborate the
Qur'anic verses and provide an example of conduct for Muslims.
The Qur'an And Hadith:
The Qur'an is the last revealed word of God and the basic source of Islamic teachings and
laws. It deals with a variety of subjects including the basic beliefs of Islam, morality,
worship, knowledge, wisdom, God and man's relationship, and relations among human
beings. Comprehensive teachings on which sound systems of social justice, politics,
economics, legislation, jurisprudence, law and international relations can be built form an
important part of the Holy Qur'an.
The Concept Of Worship:
Islam does not teach ritualism. It places great emphasis on intention and action. To
worship god is to love Him and to act upon His commands in every aspect of life, to enjoin
goodness and forbid wrong-doing and oppression, to practice charity and justice and to
serve Him by serving mankind. the Qur'an presents this sublime concept in the following
manner:
"It is not righteousness that you turn your faces to the East or the West, but righteous is
he who believes in Allah and the Last Day and the Angels and the Book and the Prophets;
and gives his wealth for love of Him to kinsfolk and to orphans and the needy and the
wayfarer and to those who ask, and sets slaves free; and observes proper worship and
pays the Zakah. And those who keep their treaty when they make one, and the patient in
tribulation and adversity and time of stress; such are those who are sincere. Such are the
God- fearing." (Qur'an 2:177)
The law of God set down in the Qur'an and exemplified in the life of the Prophet is supreme
in all cases. It apples equally to the prince and the pauper, the ruler and the ruled. the saint
and the sinner.
Man - A Free Agent:
Man is the highest creation of God and he has a free will to make his own decisions. god
has shown him the right path, and the life of Prophet Muhammad provides a perfect
example for achieving success and salvation. Islam stands for the sanctity of human
personality and confers equal rights on all without distinction of race, nationality or sex.
Belief in man's accountability to God gives a sense and meaning to life and differentiates
human beings from animals and inanimate objects. It serves as a reminder against crime,
corruption, immorality, and injustice.
Man's Accountability to God:
Man's life is not limited to the short span of earthly existence. On the day of judgement the
entire human race will be resurrected; everyone will appear before Almighty God and face
the consequences of his deeds in this life. Thus, life in the Hereafter is a continuation of
the earthly life.
Islam places great emphasis on social justice. It opposes all those who exploit, oppress and
deal unjustly with people.
Human Rights In Islam:
Islam protects all noble values and human rights. Freedom, equality, justice, and the right
to life, liberty, and security of person are of prime concern in Islamic law.
"Whosoever kills a human being for other than manslaughter or corruption in the earth, it
shall be as if he had killed all mankind, and whosoever saves the life of one, it shall be as if
he had saved the life of all mankind . . ." (Qur'an 5:32)
"There is no compulsion in religion." (Qur'an 2:256)
"O you who believe: Be steadfast witnesses for Allah in equity and let not hatred of any
people seduce you that you deal not justly. Be just; that is nearer to piety."(Qur'an 5:8)
Science And Technology:
Islam encourages the use of logic and the scientific method. Acquisition of knowledge is
obligatory on every Muslim male and female. In Islam, science and technology should be
used for moral ends and serve all legitimate needs of mankind. Moreover, both are viewed
as yet another means to understand and see the power and glory of God.
"He it is Who Created for you all that is in the earth." (Qur'an 2:29)
"It is your Lord, the Most Bounteous, Who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not..." (Qur'an 96:2-5)
"We shall show them Our Signs on the horizons and within themselves until it will be manifest unto them that it is the Truth. . . ."(Qur'an 41:53)
Similarly, the family, the basic unit of civilization has become something of a problem in the
West. It is in a state of visible decay. The family system of Islam brings the rights of
husband, wife, children, and relatives into a fine equilibrium. Islam nourishes generosity in
the family and holds it together under clear Qur'anic laws and teachings of the Prophet
Muhammad, peace be upon him.
Islam : The Cure For Modern Ills:
Racism is a major problem in many materially advanced countries. Prejudice and
discrimination against racial groups is a common phenomenon even today. For 1400 years,
Islam has shown in practice how racism can be ended. the Islamic social scene, particularly
during the Hajj, is a unique example of the brotherhood of men of all races and nations
under One God.
Some Misconceptions About Islam:
It is unfortunate that some teachings of Islam have been distorted and misrepresented in
the West and the communist world. The main distortions relate to the status of women,
marriage and divorce, Jihad or so-called "holy war," the authenticity of the prophethood of
Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the distinction between the Qur'an and Hadith. The
accurate teachings of Islam on these matters can be obtained only from authentic Islamic
writings. Some of these are listed below:
Some Useful Books On Islam:
These and other books may be ordered through your local bookstore or from Islamic Book
Service, 10900 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46231. Telephone: (317) 839-8150
Sindh - My Motherland My Fatherland
Makhdoom's Quest For The Truth
Makhdoom's Home Page