In The name of ALLAH, The most
Gracious, The most Merciful.
1. What is Islam?
The word "Islam" means peace and submission to the Will of the only God worthy
of being worshipped. This peace is contentment with yourself and your
surroundings that could only be achieved by willfully submitting to God, obeying
what He commands and abstaining from what He forbids.
2. Who Is ALLAH?
ALLAH is the name in Arabic for the "One God". ALLAH is the Creator, Sustainer,
Planner and Organizer. He is the only deity that has the right to be worshipped
(i.e. praying, supplicating, fasting, etc). In Islam, the belief in the One God
cannot be separated from the acts of worshipping the One God. In other words, it
is not enough to simply think you believe in the Oneness of the Creator but that
belief must be affirmed by your statement and actions. Example, it would negate
ones belief in the Oneness of the Creator if he directs his worship to a man (or
any of the other created things).
3. Who Is a Prophet?
A Prophet is a person who is appointed by God to call the people to the worship
and believe in the One God. All Prophets were given miracles by ALLAH to prove
that they were Prophets. For example, Moses was given the miracles to free the
Children of Israel, Jesus was given the ability to heal the sick and raise the
dead by ALLAH's’ leave and Muhammad was given the Qur’an which is the
everlasting and literal speech of ALLAH. May ALLAH send His peace and blessings
on all the Prophets? Amen!
4. What Is the Qur'an?
The Qur’an is the Last Revelation from your Lord. It was revealed in the pure
Arabic language to the Prophet Muhammad and has been kept preserved and
unchanged, in its original form The English interpretation of the Qur’an will be
used as reference in this brochure. It is not ALLAH's' Word rather, it is a
general interpretation of the meaning of the Qur’an. The Qur’an confirms the
truth in the Torah, Psalms and the Gospel.
5. Who is Muhammad peace be upon him?
Muhammad is the Final Prophet and Messenger. He was born into the tribe of
Quarish in the year 570 AD. His ancestry goes back to the Prophet Ishmael, the
son of Prophet Abraham. His father died before his birth and his mother died
before he was six. As a young man he was known as Al-Amen (the trustworthy). He
would retreat to a cave outside of Mecca where, he would ponder and reflect
about the immoral practices and customs of the Pagan Arabs. He received
revelation from the Creator at the age of 40 through the Angel Gabriel.
Subsequently, the Revelations came over the period of 23 years and are
collectively in the Qur’an.
6. What are the Pillars of Islam?
Islam has 5 Pillars.
1. (Iman) Belief that no deity is worthy of worship except ALLAH and Muhammad is
His Last Prophet and Messenger.
2. (Salat) Prayers, which are performed 5 times a day.
3. (Siyam) Fasting in the month of Ramadan. Abstaining from food, drink and
sexual relations with spouses from sunrise to sunset
4. (Zakat) Charity is the requirement of 2.5% of a Muslims' saved earnings given
to the poor once a year as purification of his wealth.
5. (Hajj) Pilgrimage is a journey to the Kab'ah in the sacred city of Mecca.
Muslims are required to do this at least once in a lifetime if they are
physically and financially able.
7. What are the Fundamentals of Faith?
Belief in ALLAH, His Oneness and ascribing no partners to Him
Belief in the Angels (Gabriel, Michael, Israfil, etc)
Belief in the revealed scriptures (Torah, Psalms, Gospel) in their original
form, not as they exist today
Belief in ALLAH’s Messengers (Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad etc)
Belief in the Day of Resurrection
Belief in Pre-Ordainment the good or bad of it
8. Who Is a Muslim?
One who practices the 5 pillars of Islam and believes in the fundamentals of
faith. One can become a Muslim by saying; "Ashadhu An Laa ilaha illa ALLAH, wa
ashadhu anna Muhammad ar-rasulullah." This means, “I bear witness that no deity
has the right to be worshipped except ALLAH and I bear witness that Muhammad is
His servant and Final Messenger." All Prophets preceding Muhammad were Muslims.
This includes Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and Jesus. Is there a doubt
that these Prophets did not submit their will to the Creator? ALLAH says in the
Qur’an:
“Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim and he was
not of the idolaters." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 67.
It is important to note that other religions are derived from the name of a
place or a person. Examples of this are: Judaism is derived from the tribe of
Judah, Hinduism is from the Indus River, Buddhism is from Goutam Buddha and
Christianity is from Jesus Christ. Islam is the only revealed religion and way
of life that directly attaches its worshippers to the servitude of the Creator.
Is Islam the only Religion acceptable to The Creator?
Yes! As explained in the introduction, Islam means peace through the submission
to the Will of ALLAH. One who does this is called a Muslim. Therefore, the only
thing acceptable to the Creator is submission to Him. ALLAH says: "Do they seek
other than the Religion of ALLAH (Islam)? While to Him submit all other
creatures in the heavens and the Earth, willingly or unwillingly. And to Him
they shall all be returned. Say, ‘We believe in ALLAH and what was sent down to
us, and what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob and the tribes, and
what was revealed to Moses, Jesus, and the Prophets from their Lord. We make no
distinction between them, and to Him (ALLAH) we have submitted (in Islam).’ And
whosoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him,
and in the hereafter he will be of the losers (in the hellfire)." The Holy
Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verses 83-85.
Will the actions of Non-Believers be wasted?
Yes! ALLAH says: "Say, 'Shall we tell you the greatest losers in respect
of their deeds? Those whose efforts have been wasted in this life while they
thought that they were acquiring good by their deeds They are those who deny the
revelation of their Lord and the meeting with Him (in the Hereafter). So their
works are in vain and on the Day of Resurrection, We shall not give them any
weight. That shall be their recompense, Hell; because disbelieved and took my
revelations and My Messengers by way of jest and mockery. Verily, those who
believe (in the Oneness of ALLAH-Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds
shall have the Garden of Paradise for their entertainment." The Holy Qur'an,
Chapter 18, Verses 103-107.
9. What is the Hereafter?
The "Hereafter" is the final destiny of all worldly existence starting at the
time of death. The day mankind will be resurrected from their graves then they
shall be brought to account for their deeds whether good or evil. ALLAH says:
"I (ALLAH) swear by the Day of Resurrection, and I (ALLAH) swear by
self-reproaching person. Does Man think that we shall not assemble his bones?
Yes, we are able to put together in perfect order the tips of his fingers. Nay!
(Man denies Resurrection and Reckoning. So) he desires to continue committing
sins. He asks, ‘When will be this Day of Resurrection?’ So, when the sight shall
be dazed, and the moon will eclipse, and the sun and the moon will be joined
together on that day man will say, ‘where is the place that I can flee to?' No!
There is no refuge! Unto that your Lord (Alone) will be the place of rest that
day. On that day men will be informed of what he sent forward (of evil or good
deeds), and what he left behind (of his good or evil practices). Nay! Man will
be a witness against himself." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 35, Verses 1-4.
10. Do Muslims Worship Muhammad peace be upon him?
No! Muslims do not worship Muhammad nor do they worship any other Prophets,
Saints, or created things. It is not permissible for a Muslim to pray,
supplicate, or direct any type of worship to any created thing in rivalry to the
Lord of all that exists. ALLAH says: “Say (to them Muhammad), ‘I am only a
man like you. It has been inspired to me that your God is One God. So whoever
hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate
none as a partner in the Worship of his Lord.' “The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 18,
Verse 110.
What is the Purpose of our Creation?
As we examine ALLAH’s creation, we will inevitably conclude that all things have
a purpose. If we look at the delicate balance of our universe, as vast as it is,
orchestrated in perfect synchronization The human body and its various different
processes like thought, movement, vision and its ability to heal itself. The
earth and its countless number of life forms, various plants, vegetables and
animals The weather system, the seasons and the water cycle.. Surely, these
things have some purpose, more so for human beings. ALLAH says: “And We (ALLAH)
created not the spirits and men, except that they should worship me (alone)."
The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 51, Verse 56.
As the verse states in question #8, all things are in a state of submission to
the Creator by following the natural laws that they have been created for. We
were born in a state of submission, not in a state of sin as we had no choice in
the matter and we will die in submission. Between these two time spans, man has
been given the rational ability to choose to submit to his Creator. Know for
surety that we will all die and none of us knows when we’re going to die. Isn’t
it time you submitted to your Lord?
11. What is the Truth about Jesus?
Jesus, the son of Mary is a servant and Messenger of ALLAH. ALLAH says in the
Qur’an that Jesus was born of a miraculous birth; "Verily, the likeness of
Jesus before ALLAH is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then (He)
said unto him: ‘Be’ and he was.” The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3, Verse 59.
He performed many miracles as a Prophet by ALLAH’s permission such as
resurrecting the dead, healing the blind and sick, making a living bird out of
clay and speaking as new born infant. Jesus brought the same message as the
other Prophets. He is not to be worshipped as the "Son of God!" Jesus was raised
alive up to ALLAH from where he will return to re-establish the Law of ALLAH on
earth.
What is the truth about The "Son Of God", "Trinity" and Mary?
Your Creator says: "Surely, they have disbelieved who say: ‘ALLAH is the
Messiah (Jesus).’; But the Messiah said, ‘O Children of Israel! Worship ALLAH,
my Lord and your Lord’ Verily, whosoever sets up partners in worship with ALLAH,
then ALLAH has forbidden Paradise for him, and the Fire will be his abode. And
for the polytheists there are no helpers. Surely, the disbelievers are those who
said, ‘ALLAH is a third of the three (in a trinity).’ But there is no god but
the One God. And if they cease not from what they say, verily, a painful torment
will befall the disbelievers among them. Will they not repent to ALLAH and ask
for His Forgiveness? For ALLAH is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful. The Messiah, son
of Mary is no more than a Messenger. Many were the Messengers that passed away
before him. His mother was a truthful woman. They both used to eat food (As
other human beings, while ALLAH does not eat). Look how ALLAH makes the
revelations clear to them, yet look how they are deluded away (from the truth)."
The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 5, Verses 72-75.
12. Does Islam oppress Women?
No. On the contrary, 1400 years ago Islam liberated women. At that time in
Europe, Christian scholars were debating whether women had souls, if yes; did
they have animal souls or human souls? Until recently women were stripped of
their last names to illustrate that they were the property of their husbands. As
for Islam, women are equal to men in all acts of piety, they keep their last
names, they are allowed to keep their own money, choose who they want to marry,
have the right to seek a divorce, have the right to inheritance and have the
right to be protected and maintained by their husbands. They have been dignified
and exonerated by the Hijab (Islamic covering). In the West, women are portrayed
as sex objects to be used and discarded. We see them being used to sell cars,
alcohol and even bubble gum. In Islam, women have been elevated to a stature
that surpasses the roles placed upon them by any religion or culture. Women are
not to be abused or oppressed but they are to be respected and cared for. As a
result, Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world amongst women.
13. Is Polygyny permissible?
Yes! Islam regulated matrimony in that men are permitted to marry up to four
wives provided they treat them fairly and equally. The man must first be
financially capable to take another wife, provide different residences and be
able to divide his time equally amongst them. In the western society many men
who are married to only one wife usually have extramarital affairs. Thus a
survey was published in the USA Today (April 4, 1988; Section D) which asked
4700 mistresses, what would they like their status to be (mistress or second
wife). They said, "I prefer being a second wife rather than the other woman".
The reasons for this are that they didn’t have any legal rights, nor did they
have the financial equality of the legally married wives and it appeared that
these men were using them. Islam is clearly against extra or premarital affairs
(fornication) as this leads to corruption in the society and the spread of
sexually transmitted diseases. Don’t people feel bad when they have children out
of wedlock? These children have the right to grow up knowing that they have
parents who are responsible enough to have planned to bring them into the world.
No one would like to be told that they were an accident. As for those against
polygyny, statistics show that because of wars there are more women in the world
than there are men. Other reasons are, most married men engage in extramarital
affairs and there is an increase in homosexuality amongst men, thus causing an
excess amount of women to men. The Islamic solution of polygyny is the best
solution to the seemingly difficult problems that plague our society in our man
to woman relationships.
14. Does Islam promote Terrorism?
Absolutely Not Islam condemns all acts of oppression Necessary force is
permissible only when one is defending oneself, family, and right to practice
his/her religion or fighting tyranny and oppression. Muslims who blow up
buildings and kill innocent people are not acting in accordance with what Islam
teaches.
15. Is there Racism in Islam?
No. Muslims are found in every country, whether they are European, African,
Asian or American. 1 in every 5 people on the earth is a Muslim, Which means
there are 1.2 billion Muslims in the world. Islam promotes racial harmony and
tolerance. ALLAH says:
“O mankind! We have created you from a male and female, and made you into
nations and tribes that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of
you in the Sight of ALLAH is the believer who has the most piety. Verily, ALLAH
is All Knowing, All Aware." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 49, Verse 13.
This is in opposition to Louis Farrakhan’s disbelieving lies against Islam, in
saying that, ‘ALLAH appeared in the person of Master W. Fard Muhammad’, or ‘we
the original (black) nation of the earth’. The Believers seek refuge with ALLAH
from such lies against ALLAH. Amen!
Has The Qur'an predicted the new Discoveries OF Modern Science?
Yes! Since the Qur’an came from the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, it is
only befitting that science would later confirm what is in the Qur’an. Examples
of this are, the expansion of the universe as stated in the Qur’an:
"With power did we construct the heaven? Verily, we expand the vastness of
space.” The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 51, Verse 47.
Every living thing is created from water:
"Do not those who disbelieve know that the heavens and the earth were joined
together as one united piece and then we parted them? And we have made from
water every living thing. Will they then not believe?” The Holy Qur'an, Chapter
21, Verse 30. The trimester: "He (ALLAH) created you in the wombs of your
mothers, creation after creation in three veils of darkness; such is ALLAH your
Lord. How then are you turned away (from the truth)?" The Holy Qur'an, Chapter
39, Verse 7. There are several other examples proving that the Qur’an is from
your Lord. ALLAH says:
"Do they not consider the Qur’an carefully? Had it been from other than ALLAH,
they would have found therein much contradiction." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 4,
Verse 82.
16. Should you become a Muslim Right Now?
Absolutely! If you believe in what you have read in this article, we strongly
suggest that you don’t delay. You are now accountable for what you know about
Islam. For many people Islam has balanced their lives, created a form of
discipline, given them respect and dignity and given them peace and tranquility
in a society that has been ravaged by mental illnesses, excessive materialism,
substance abuse, increase in crime and an all time decline in human morality.
ALLAH warns us in the Qur’an: “O you who believe Fear ALLAH as He should
be feared And die not except in a state of Islam (as Muslims)" The Holy Qur'an,
Chapter 3, Verse 102