This article intends to address some of the frequently asked questions on Islām. It also aims to demystify and debunk some of the misconceptions attributed to Islām.
WHAT IS ISLĀM?
Islām comes from the Arabic root word As-la-ma, meaning (linguistically) to “submit”.
However, (islamically) it means to submit oneself to the Creator with Tawhid (Islamic monotheism), yield to Him with obedience and to renounce Shirk (polytheism) and its people.
The core message of Islām is to worship Allāh (Alone) by directing all acts of worship solely to Him (i.e. Tawhid) and to follow the teachings of His Prophet.
This call was shared by all the prophets and messengers; from Ādam to the last Prophet and Messenger, Muḥammad (may the peace and blessings of Allāh be upon them all).
WHO IS ALLĀH?
Allāh, the Most High is the One True Deity worthy of worship Who has no partners or equals.
He is commonly referred to as ‘God’, but in Islām He is called Allāh, the One and Unique, Who alone possesses the Utmost Perfection.
They (the creation) are in utmost need of Him and turn to Him regarding that which concerns them. From His perfection, He neither begets nor was He begotten; He is completely independent of all needs. And there is none co-equal or comparable to Him either in His names, attributes or actions.
WHO IS MUHAMMAD?
He is Muḥammad ibn Abdillāh, the last of the Prophets and Messengers whom there is none after (may the peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him).
He was sent to call mankind and jinn to worship Allāh (Alone) by directing all acts of worship solely to Him. He was a devout worshipper, honest, just, merciful and patient person.
He was also the ideal husband, father, teacher, judge and leader the perfect example to be followed:
“And verily, you (Oh Muḥammad) are on an exalted (standard of) character” [Al-Quran 68:4]
WHAT IS THE QURĀN?
It is the last revelation to mankind. Its primary message is to worship Allāh (Alone) without any partners or intermediaries.
It also teaches many other things such as giving charity, being thankful (for our numerous blessings), being patient, modest, truthful and much more. It is the literal word of Allāh that is unmatched in its linguistic style, guidance, wisdom and eloquence.
One of the amazing miracles of the Quran is that it has never been changed or tampered with since its revelation over 1400 years ago!
It also contains numerous scientific and historical facts that were unknown to the people of that time, and have only been discovered in recent times with the aid of technology. These are some of the compelling evidences which show that the Quran is from the Creator, Allāh.
WHAT DOES ISLĀM SAY ABOUT JESUS?
Although Islām considers Jesus (‘Īsā) as one of the greatest messengers sent by Allāh, Islām categorically rejects the notion of ascribing divinity to him. He is neither The One True God, His son, nor does he have a share to divinity as this clearly opposes the authentic teachings of Islām.
Islām views Jesus as a messenger of Allāh; calling to the worship of Allāh (Alone) and the rejection of worshipping anyone or anything besides Him.
Islām also affirms the miraculous birth of Jesus (without a father) and the many miracles he performed by the will of Allāh: “Indeed, the likeness of ‘isā (Jesus) before Allāh is the likeness of Ādam. He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: ‘Be!’ and he was” [Al-Qurān 3:59]
WHAT IS ISLĀM’S VIEW ON WOMEN?
Islām was introduced to Arabia at a time when the status of women was extremely low.
They were viewed as mere properties who were inherited and at times even buried alive! Islām came to abolish oppression on all counts. After the arrival of Islām, the position of women improved greatly. They were given their right to own property, inheritance, education and much more. Allāh the Most High tells us: “…and live with them (women) honourably” [Al-Quran 4:19]
Moreover, in Islām men and women are equals before Allāh, in that they are granted equal reward and accountability for their deeds. Allāh as their Creator has assigned different roles and responsibilities to each gender whilst taking into account their differences. He is Al-Hakim (All-Wise); His actions and judgements are of complete Wisdom.
Hence, Islām advocates fair treatment between both genders in respect of their differences and needs.
WHY DO WOMEN WEAR THE HIJĀB?
Muslim women wear the Hijāb as their Creator Whose judgements possess the Utmost Perfection of wisdom ordered them do so: Although Islām considers Jesus (‘Īsā) as one of the greatest messengers sent by Allāh, Islām categorically rejects the notion of ascribing divinity to him.
He is neither The One True God, His son, nor does he have a share to divinity as this clearly opposes the authentic teachings of Islām. Islām views Jesus as a messenger of Allāh; calling to the worship of Allāh (Alone) and the rejection of worshipping anyone or anything besides Him.
Islām also affirms the miraculous birth of Jesus (without a father) and the many miracles he performed by the will of Allāh: “Indeed, the likeness of ‘isā (Jesus) before Allāh is the likeness of Ādam. He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: ‘Be!’ and he was” [Al-Qurān 3:59]
WHAT IS JIHĀD?
The word Jihad comes from the word Jaa-ha-da which simply means to ‘to strive’ or ‘struggle. It is not restricted to a combat scenario, but also includes anything that is pleasing to Allāh which causes a person to strive against his soul e.g. being patient in difficult times whilst hoping for the reward with Allāh.
Whilst the word Jihād denotes combat and warfare, it is not restricted to that (as previously mentioned). Nonetheless, Jihād in the context of war is bound by stringent rules and regulations. Not in any shape or form does it involve suicide bombing or harming the innocent and non-combatants. It is simply to preserve the well being of society from any harm, prevent the spread of oppression, and advocate justice.
DOES ISLĀM CONDEMN TERRORISM?
Islām strongly condemns the targeting of the innocent and non-combatant individuals with any form of terrorism. In fact, in war, if Muslims are prohibited from cutting down trees and killing animals unnecessarily, then what about the precious life of the innocent?
With great sadness, the abhorrent killings perpetrated by radical groups that we see on the media do not reflect the pure teachings of Islām. “…whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption (done) in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one is as if he had saved mankind entirely…” [Al-Quran 5:52]
“Whoever kills a Mu’ahid (the person who is granted the pledge of protection by the Muslims) shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise” [Sahih Al-Bukhāri]
One should differentiate between “terrorism” which promotes a harmful ideology through political stunts and the ‘legitimate’ right for a country or a group of people to defend themselves from external forces who wish to do them harm or threaten their sovereignty. These two things are distinctively different.
WHAT IS HALĀL FOOD?
Halal simply means ‘lawful’ and is used to refer to things made lawful by Allāh to practice or consume. In reference to food, it is everything that is permitted to consume in Islām. This is generally most foods and drinks, with the main exceptions being swine and alcohol.
In Islām, for meat and poultry to be lawful, the animals must be slaughtered in line with Islamic guidelines. That is, the one slaughtering must pronounce the name of Allāh before slaughtering and should do so as humanely as possible in order to reduce suffering to the animal.
WHO QUALIFIES TO BE A MUSLIM?
Everyone, regardless of their gender or ethnicity is welcome to become a Muslim.
Whoever professes (with conviction) that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allāh (Alone) and that Muḥammad (may the peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) is the (last) Messenger, is a Muslim.
The religion of Islām is open to all and does not discriminate on any grounds for those who wish to accept it as the truth from their Lord. Believing, uttering and acting upon the following testimony is required to become a Muslim:
“Ash-ha du an la ilaha illalaahu, wa ash-hadu anna mohammadan rasul-ullaah”
“I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muḥammad is the Messenger of Allāh”