THE LEGACY OF ABRAHAM-ISLAM
Ben Ishmael:
The Children of Prophet Ishmael
(Isma’il, peace be upon him), the eldest son of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon
him), flourished in Arabia around Makka where
he was left along with mother Hager by his father (18th century
B.C). Their decedents continued to obey and worship one God (in Islam), the
faith of their ancestor Abraham for long time. However the idol worship was
also introduced somewhere around 5th and 6th century BC
by Umru bin Luheyee, the chief of Banu Khuz’a tribe. He brought an idol named
Huble from Ma’rib area. They mixed up the paganism with the faith of Abraham
and added blasphemous rituals in the worship and pilgrimage (Hajj) instituted
by Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him). Among the children of Israel 20:26 ),
furthermore their religion was racial. Christianity, as originally preached,
was a hermit religion: "sell whatsoever thou hast" (Mark;10:21 ); "take no thought for
the morrow" (Mathew;6:34 ).The
Jews & Christians despite having been given clear guidance deviated from
true path. Allah says: “And they have been commanded no more than this: to
worship Allah offering Him sincere devotion being True (in faith); to establish
regular Prayer; and to practice regular Charity; and that is the Religion Right
and Straight.”(Qur’an;98:5); “The Jews and the Christians say: "We are the
children of God and His beloved ones." Ask them, "Why then does He
punish you for your sins? Nay! In fact you are human beings like others which
He has created. He forgives whom He pleases and He punishes whom He pleases. To
Allah belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth and all that is
between them, and to Him is the final refuge.”(Qur’an;5:18 ). Consequently the responsibility and
privilege of leadership of humanity was shifted and bestowed upon Arabs, the
Children of Prophet Isma'il (peace be upon him) the eldest son of Prophet
Abraham (peace be upon him). Allah appointed Muhammad (571-632 C.E), peace be
upon him the descendent of Prophet
Ishmael (peace be upon him) as His last Messenger for the humanity to preach
the original faith of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him). This was fulfillment
of biblical prophesies. Jews and Christians were commanded to follow Qur’an,
revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Allah says: “O people of the
Book (Jews and Christians)! Now Our Messenger (Muhammad) has come to you to
reveal much of what you have concealed from the Holy Books and to pass over
much which is no longer necessary. There has come to you from God a new Light
and a clear Book (Qur’an), with which God will guide to the ways of peace all
those who seek His good pleasure and bring them out of the depth of darkness
into the light of His grace and guide them to the Right Way
Prophet Muhammad, (peace be upon him) was assigned the
mission to deliver the Message of Islam (‘Peace and total Surrender to the Will
of Allah’) to the humanity as mercy for the all. Allah says: “(O Muhammad), We
have not sent you but as a mercy for all the worlds.”(Qur’an;21:107). He was
born in 571 C.E at Makka, southern Arabia in a
tribal society among the decedents of Prophet Ishmael (peace be upon him). The sixth century Makka was a
backward area of the world, far from the main centers of trade, art, and
learning, heavily infected by polytheism and paganism. At the age of forty (610
C.E) Muhammad (peace be upon him) was entrusted with the deliverance of the Message of Islam to the mankind; “Obey
and worship only One God (Allah)”, hence became the ‘unlettered’ last and final
Messenger of God as prophesied in Bible (Deuteronomy;18:18 & 19, Song of
Solomon; 5:16, John; 16:12-14, 14:16, 16:7, 15:26, and 16:7). Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the
witness and the culmination of all the prophets and messengers that came before
him (some mentioned by name in Qur’an &
Bible (Qur’an:48:8, 2:143 & 33:40). The Qur'an, is the book of
revelations from God, which, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received
through archangel Gabriel at various occasions during 23 years of his prophetic
mission; accurately recorded by his companions in his lifetime. Allah purified
the previous messages, through Qur’an and unlike previous scriptures has
Himself taken over the responsibility to guard it against corruption
(Qur’an;15:9). Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was responsible for
preaching both the theology of Islam and its main ethical, moral, political, social,
economic and other principles encompassing all aspect of spiritual and worldly
affairs. He was entrusted with the power of explaining, interpreting and
demonstrating the life according to Qur'an. His life, preserved in the form of
his Traditions (Sunnah) is a role
model of a perfect leader in all aspects of human life; available to the
humanity till the end of this world.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon
him) invited the Jews and Christians to Islam, politely and rationally with the
spirit of reconciliation. Allah says: “The people did not become divided into
sects until after knowledge had come to them out of envy among themselves. Had
your Lord not issued the word to defer their punishment till an appointed time,
the matter would have already been settled between them. The fact is that those
who were made to inherit the Book (Jews and Christians) after them, are surely
in disquieting doubt concerning it.” Therefore, (O’ Muhammad) call (them to the
Faith) and, stay firm on the Right
Way
The adherents of Islam are called Muslims, while ‘Momin’
(faithful, believer) is also used synonymously. It is not correct to address
them by any other name like Mohammedans, which is a misnomer because it appears
to suggest that Muslims worship Muhammad (peace be upon him) rather than Allah.
‘Islam’ (total surrender, obedience to the will of God, in peace) as mentioned
above is the name of ‘True Faith’ which God has sent for the benefit of
humanity, it encompasses both ‘Belief’ (Aymean) and submission to the
Divine Commands (Islam)’. The ‘Muslim’ is a person who believes truly in heart
and practically obeys the Divine Commands.(Qur’an;51;35-36, 3:19, 3:85, 5:3,
6:125, 3:20, 3:102, 22:78, 3:67, 2:128, 2:132). It may also be kept in view
that the term ‘ ‘Momi’n, (faithful
or believer), derived from ‘Ayman’, the ‘Faith’, does not necessarily mean ‘True Believer or
Faithful’, though mostly used to mean the same, but at many places in Qur’an
the terms ‘Momi’n and Muslim have
been used for those who apparently declare to be the followers of Islam, i.e.
all believers, weather of strong faith, weak faith or may be hypocrites, all
addressed as ‘yaa 'ayy-u-haa'alla dena 'aamano’, (O you believe):(Qur’an;3:156, 4:136, 5:54, 8:20, 8:27, 57:28,
61:2). It may be held that while the Faith (Ayman) is the name of inner
state, Islam is its outward display by the ‘faithful’, as evident from the
Hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah: One day while the Prophet (peace be upon him)
was sitting in the company of some people, angel Gabriel came and asked,
"What is faith?" Allah's Apostle replied, 'Faith is to believe in
Allah, His angels, (the) meeting with Him, His Apostles, and to believe in
Resurrection." Then he further asked, "What is Islam?" Allah's
Apostle replied, "To worship Allah Alone and none else, to offer prayers
perfectly to pay the compulsory charity (Zakat) and to observe fasts
during the month of Ramadan…"(Sahih Al Bukhari Hadith; 1:47 ).
Performance of Hajj is mentioned in
Qur’an;2:196. Hence the man who possesses belief with certainty in his heart
and displays obedience to Islam, may be called a Momin or Muslim, the
synonymous terms. There is an exception, where Islam and Ayman has been
used distinctively (Qur’an;49:114-5), to distinguish between the true believers
and those who orally profess Islam as a favor. In the Islamic state, the citizenship
is based upon declaration of acceptance of Islam, and not upon the Faith (Ayman)
which, being inner state (hidden) can not form the basis for legal discussion
and quantification. It is Narrated by Usama bin Zaid: Allah's Apostle sent us
towards Al-Huruqa, and in the morning we attacked them and defeated them. I and
an Ansari man followed a man from among them and when we took him over, he
said, "La ilaha illal-Lah" ('None has the right to be
worshipped but Allah). On hearing that, the Ansari man stopped, but I killed
him by stabbing him with my spear. When we returned, the Prophet came to know
about that and he said, "O Usama! Did you kill him after he had said
"La ilaha ilal-Lah?" I said, "But he said so only to save
himself." The Prophet kept on repeating that so often that I wished I had
not embraced Islam before that day.(Sahih Al Bukhari Hadith:5.568, 9.11).
Therefore mere oral confession of faith is enough to be known as Muslim in the
society, only God knows the secret matters of heart.
The Prevailing Din (Way
of Life):
Islam has been declared as prevailing Din (way of life) for humanity.
Allah says;“…This day have I perfected your religion for you and
completed My favor unto you, and have chosen for you as religion
AL-ISLAM….(Self surrender unto Allah)” (Qur’an;5:3);"Surely, the true
religion in Allah's sight is Islam" (Qur’an;3:19) and "Whoever
desires a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted from Him, and in
the Hereafter he will be among the losers" (Qur’an;3:85). Besides Arabs, Muslims
are found among all the nations of the world. It is the opinion of Muslim
scholars that whoever accepts any religion other than Islam, is a non believer.
Moreover whoever rejects the universal message of Prophet Muhammad (peace be
upon him), rejects the message of all messengers, even if he claims that he
believes and follows a particular Messenger. Rejecting one messenger is like
rejecting all the messengers of God (Qur’an;26:105). Allah says; "Those
who disbelieve in Allah and His Messengers, and wish to make division between
Allah and His Messengers, and say: 'We believe in some and disbelieve in
others,' wishing to take a midway course. Those indeed are the unbelievers, and
We have prepared for the unbelievers a humiliating punishment" (Qur’an;4:150-51).
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the messenger of Allah and the Seal of
the Prophets (Qur’an;33:40). No prophet will come after him, thus whoever
claims prophethood after him, or believes in anyone claiming it, is a
disbeliever, who rejects Allah, His Messenger, and the Muslims' consensus.
The Doctrine and
Practices:
Doctrine in religion is a principle or body of principles
relating to matters such as morality and faith, set forth in an authoritative
manner by religious authority presented
for acceptance or belief. In religions of the East, doctrines are usually designed to serve as catalytic clues to
religious insight. The functions of doctrines
and dogmas vary in the several religious traditions according to the
stress each puts on the importance of the rational conceptualization of
religious truth first glimpsed in images, symbols, and parables. In the
religions of the West, doctrines and
dogmas tend to function as aids to theological reflection (the concept of God's
unity in Islam, Judaism and also claimed by Christians despite the
intricacy of doctrine of Trinity). In all the higher religions, doctrines and dogmas emerge and
develop in the service of instruction for the faithful: interpreting their
sacred scriptures, understanding their obligations and duties, safeguarding the
lines between allowable diversity and actual error, all of which help to chart
the religious pathway to wisdom, rectitude, and fulfillment, theology, which
utilizes doctrines and dogmas in
the study of the nature of God and religious truth; rational inquiry into
religious questions may be termed as "faith seeking rational
self-understanding." The other function of doctrine is refutation: the defense of the faith against
misinterpretation and error, within or without a religious tradition. Given the
invariably pluralistic character of theological reflection, there is a constant
tension between the concern for identity and continuity of the tradition, on
the one hand, and for deeper and richer comprehension of truth itself, on the
other. Over against this, in most cultures there is a concurrent rivalry with
other religions, with their contrary doctrinal claims, and beyond that, the
challenges of secular wisdom and unbelief. This calls forth a special sort of
doctrinal formulation: Formal argumentation in defense of the vindication of
the true faith against its detractors or disbelievers. At the heart of all
efforts to support religious faith lies the problem of primal authority. It is
required of a doctrinal statement that it be clear and cogent, but doctrines always point past their
logical surface to some revelations in the past or deposit of faith.
The religions in general provide a personal or
institutionalized system grounded in beliefs and worship for the spiritual development
of man. To accomplish it, the religions provide: Firstly; A doctrine which
gives it a theoretical or philosophical justification. Secondly; Instructions
or Commandments, which create the ethics designed to modify motives which
govern behavior. Without the efforts, and channeling of energy based on these
values, there can be no direction of development. Thirdly; Religious practices
which constitute a methodology or techniques. These three, however, are
interdependent and not wholly separate. The Doctrines, for instance, can be
regarded as an ethics of thought and a technique for modifying the world view
such that it provides a framework within which all experiences can be
interpreted in a unified self-consistent manner. The religious practices such
as ‘prayer’ can have no meaning without the doctrine and are the means for
establishing the ethics. The ethics leads to the transformation of behavior and
interaction within a society as well as with the environment. This not only
change experience but also modifies the person so as to change perception,
thoughts and the world view. Religion can have different forms according to how
it is formulated, organized and practiced and this may depend on the times,
places and nature of the people. According to Qur’an; “To every People have we
appointed rites and ceremonies which they must follow let them not then dispute
with thee on the matter but do thou invite (them) to thy Lord: for thou art
assuredly on the Right Way.”(Qur’an;22:67);“We sent an apostle except (to
teach) in the language of his (own) people in order to make (things) clear to
them. Now Allah leaves straying those
whom He pleases and guides whom He pleases: and He is Exalted in power Full of
Wisdom.”(Qur’an;14:4); “..He causes not to stray except those who forsake (the
path)”(Qur’an;2:26 ). 'Whom
He pleases'; the usual expression for Mashiyat,
the “Universal Will and Plan”, which is all-wise and on the highest plane of
goodness and righteousness, in line with the limited free will or the option to choose between the truth and
falsehood using the intellect provided to each human. Religions are
distinguished by their different practices. The ethical teachings of all
religions are more or less the same and seldom lead to disputes. Controversies
between different religions are usually about doctrines. These may be
understood differently in different places and ages owing to the changes in
language and conditions of life. If, however, attention is focused on the aim
of religion, then on its different methods and forms, which either conform or
conflict with the aim, it would help in reducing the existence of disputes. The
application of term religion, on Islam
is an understatement, Islam, which is a Din,
a complete code and practicable way of life, prescribed by the Creator for the
wellbeing of humanity. If some followers of Islam are found to be casual in
following some of the teachings, while ignoring others, Islam can not be blamed for it. The life of Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the role model for humanity.
Articles of Faith:
The Islamic faith is based on sound philosophy, doctrines
and practices, successfully practiced the world over for centuries. The Islamic
root of affirmation is based on the conviction upon unity of Allah. In order to be a Muslim one has to believe in the six articles
of faith, which has been repeatedly mentioned in Qur’an at;24:62,
2:136,177,285, 4:136, 3:114, 4:78, 54:3, 17:99, 29:20, 64:67 and many other places.
- Firstly; To affirm his belief in Allah (Single God).
- Secondly; To believe in His messengers (include all Biblical prophets, from Adam to Jesus, twenty five mentioned by name in Qur’an), and Muhammad (peace be upon him) to be His Last Messenger.
- Thirdly; His books, Qur’an and all scriptures revealed to His Messengers which also include the original Torah, Psalms and original Gospel of Jesus.
- Fourthly To believe in metaphysical creatures like the angels.
- Fifthly; Resurrection after death on the Day of Judgment, accounting and the scales, hell and paradise.
- Sixthly; that the good and evil of destiny are in the power of Allah, the Most High.
Angels are the metaphysical spiritual creatures mentioned in
Biblical and Islamic traditions. They have no physical desires nor material
needs. In Islamic concept, the angels do not have free will or choice to
disobey Allah; they only obey His commands and worship Allah. According to
Bible the primary function of angels is to praise and serve God and do His
Will. In Judaism and Christianity some angels are believed to have fallen from
a position of proximity to God, because of pride or for attempts to usurp the
position of the Supreme Being such as
Lucifer (after his fall called Satan by early Church Fathers). According to
Qur’an: “The angels are but His honored servants. They do not precede Him in
speaking and they act according to His commandment.”(Qur’an:21:26 -27). Gabriel, Michael Israfil (Raphael)
are well known angels in Bible. The angels are mentioned as ordinary messenger
(Job;1:14; 1Samuel;11:3; Luke;7:24; 9:52); as messengers of prophets
(Isaiah;42:19; Haggai;1:13), of priests (Malachi;2:7), and ministers of the New
Testament (Revelation;1:20).
They are created by God and they worship Him (Nehemiah;9:6).
Their personal
existence is plainly implied in such passages as Genesis;16:7,10-11;Judges;13:1-21;Mathew;28:2-5;
Hebrews;1:4, etc. These
superior beings are very numerous: "Thousand thousands,". (Daniel; 7:10 ; Mathew; 26:53; Luke: 2:13 ; Hebrews; 12:22 -23). As to their nature, they are
spirits (Hebrews; 1:14 ),
like the soul of man, but not incorporeal. Imperfection is ascribed to them as
creatures (Job;4:18 ;
Mathew;24:36; 1Peter; 1:12 ).
Angels never die (Luke;20:36 ).
They are possessed of superhuman intelligence and power (Mark;13:32 ; 2Timothy; 1:7; Psalms;
103:20). They are called "holy" (Luke: 9:26 );"elect"(1Timothy;5:21 ). The functions of angels are manifold:
they obey the will of God (Psalms; 103:20; Mathew; 6:10); execute the purposes
of God (Numbers;22:22; Psalms; 103:21); execute the judgments of God (2Samuel;
24:16; 2Ki 19:35; Psalms; 35:5-6); celebrate the praises of God (Job 38:7;
Psalms; 148:2; Isaiah; 6:3). In the widest sense they are agents of God's
providence (Psalms; 104:4; Hebrews; 11:28; 1 Corinthians;10:10; 2 Samuel; 24:16; 1 Chronicles; 21:16;
2Kings;19:35; Acts;12:23; Exodus;12:23).
Apart from angels, Jinn is an other
metaphysical creature mentioned in Qur’an, which are created from smokeless
fire. They are spirits, and therefore subtle like a flame of fire. Allah says:
“while before him (Adam) We had created Jinn from smokeless fire.”(Qur’an;15:27 ). Their being free from smoke
implies that they are free from grossness for smoke is the grosser
accompaniment of fire. Like humans, Jinns have also been given limited choice
(free will) to choose between evil and
good, hence they will be sent to heaven or hell as per their faith and deeds.
Iblis (Satan), who became rebellious by disobeying God, is among the Jinns, he
is the enemy of humanity (Qur’an;7:27 ,
15:39 , 17:53 , 36:62, 16:99). Qur’an mentions about
Jinns at many places: Jinns follow Islam and different
religions;(Qur’an;72:11-15); they are not aware of hidden secrets
(Qur’an;34:14), some jinns listened and believed in Qur’an (Qur’an;;46:30, 31,
72:1-6, 13); they also appears to believe in the previous scripture and
revelations of Moses. (Qur’an;46:30).
The Day of Judgment is
one of the cardinal beliefs in Islam. Allah says: “The Day whereon they will
(all) come forth: Not a single thing concerning them is hidden from Allah.
Whose will be the dominion that Day? That of
Allah the One the Irresistible! That Day will every soul be requited for
what it earned; no injustice will there be that Day for Allah is Swift in
taking account.”(Qur’an;40:16-17). The Bible also mentions about Resurrection of the dead on the Day
of Judgment: “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake,
some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”
(Daniel;12:2); “ Lo! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall
all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.
For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we
shall be changed.”(1Corinthians;15:51 -52);
“Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake
and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the
earth shall cast out the dead.” (Isaiah;26:19);“The LORD shall judge the
people: judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to mine
integrity that is in me.”(Psalms;7:8). The Qur’an and Bible agree that the time
of occurrence of Day of Judgment is not known to any one except God. Prophet
Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) said: “But of that day or that hour no one
knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the
Father.”(Mark;13:32).[The concept of Trinity is refuted, as it is evidently
clear that Jesus did not know the time of Day of Judgment, so he is not part of
divinity]. Allah says: “They ask you (O Muhammad) about the Hour of Doom and
when will it take place. Say: "Knowledge about it rests only with my Lord:
He Himself will disclose it at the proper time. Heavy is its weight in the
heavens and the earth. It will not come gradually but all of a sudden. They ask
you as if you yourself were in search of it. Tell them: "The knowledge
about it rests only with Allah though most people do not
understand."”(Qur’an;7:187); “Surely Allah Alone has the knowledge of the
Hour,”(Qur’an;31:34).