Introduction to Islam and Muslims

Points from a series of lectures at Morgan Zintec Teachers Training College in June 2002 on

I s l a m   &   M u s l i m s

By, Abu Fawzaan, Mufti Isma'il ibn Musa Menk - Harare, Zimbabwe

In The Name Of God Most Gracious Most Merciful

We will cover three subtopics: Islam, Imaan and Shariah Law (Total of ten numbered pages)

Before we begin, mention must be made that Islam is based on authenticity. Muslims are required to make sure that whatever they believe is 100% authentic. Any doubts will not be entertained. Let's take a quick look at the main sources of the religion.

Firstly: The Qur'aan

The Divine Book of the Muslims which is known as "The Qur'aan" - The Final Testament - is in the language spoken by the Final Messenger of God Almighty - Muhammad PBUH - which is the Arabic Language. It was revealed in stages over a period of 23 years to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. Angel Gabriel used to come to him with Divine Revelation as and when the various incidents occurred. This means that every verse in the Qur'aan has a reason behind its revelation, when and why it was revealed.

This book has never been altered or changed, nor was it ever revised or edited. Who gives man the status to revise the Word of God, or to edit it?

Muslims are required to contribute towards the protection of the Word of God by adjusting themselves to understand/suit the Word of God, rather than adjusting the Word of God to suit them. Thus every Muslim is required to memorise at least some verses of the Qur'aan in the language that it was revealed. In this manner it will not be lost or changed as is the case with some previous Heavenly Books.

At any given time, millions of Muslims throughout the world including in this country, have memorized the entire Qur'aan from cover to cover in the Arabic Language, at times even without understanding it initially. This is the miraculous contribution of each individual towards the protection of the Book of God. Through God's Divine Power and Wisdom the Qur'aan is so easy to memorise. Wherever a person goes, he will find the same Qur'aan being read in the same language.

Yes, translations and explanations are permitted in order to understand the Book, but the original script should appear in its original form beside the other language because the Word of God should not be lost or changed in the process of translating it. The translation is the work of human beings who are just attempting to explain Gods Word.

Due to the above and much more, Muslims are convinced beyond any doubt whatsoever that the Qur'aan is authentic and will remain so.

Secondly: The Hadith

 The authentic Teachings of Prophet Muhammad PBUH are followed by Muslims. There are many books which have compiled the sayings of the Prophet PBUH, most of them being in the second century after the death of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH.

However every compiler MUST make sure that he clearly states the entire chain of narrators between himself and the Prophet PBUH. This means he has to say whom he heard the saying from and whom that person heard it from and so on, until it meets the Prophet PBUH. Then each chain is very carefully studied.

Very detailed books have been compiled with autobiographies of thousands of men who appear in the chains of narrators. Each persons complete profile which includes his full name, place and date of birth, upbringing and habits, teachers and students, journeys and general life as well as date and place of death etc are mentioned. From this, the sayings of the Prophet are verified and authenticated, and any doubt in the correctness of the chain of narrators renders the teaching or saying "weak" or "unacceptable".

In this manner Muslims are totally convinced that the religion of Islam, the beliefs of Muslims, the rules and regulations of the Shariah Law are all very authentic. In the same way that the inventor of any man made invention will have an instruction manual to inform the users of the secrets of correct operation and functions of his invention, God Almighty, who is our Creator has also sent the instruction manuals for us to follow. If we think we know better than God Almighty, we only stand to lose and reduce ourselves to unacceptable levels.

Having seen the main sources we now move on to the topic itself:

Islam

 The word Islam holds two meanings: Submission and Peace.

The formula of peace and serenity lying solely in the submission to the Divine Commands of God Almighty. The idea is - obey God Alone and you will achieve peace.

Islam has five pillars.

To declare

 That there is no god worthy of worship besides Allah (one God Alone), and that Muhammad PBUH is His worshipper and final Messenger. Once this is declared by a person, he/she enters the fold of Islam.

As mentioned below, Muslims believe in all the Prophets of God Almighty. This includes Moses, Aaron, Jesus as well as Muhammad PBUH.

To pray.

 There are two types of prayers. The first is known as "du'aa", which is prayer to God Almighty and calling out to him at any time. There is no fixed time to call out in this prayer to God Almighty nor is there a fixed language. Before eating, after meals, when going to bed, when awaking, when in need, when in distress, at times of happiness or any other time - just raise your hands to God Almighty as a beggar of His Mercy and Protection and call out to Him. He answers every call positively.

The second type of prayer is the special prayer which only Muslims have been given. It has been prescribed five times a day in the Arabic language (again the factor of protection of the Word of God comes in - since it MUST be read as it was revealed). Each prayer consists of a number of units of actions and words in praise of God and in His service and worship. A certain level of cleanliness and purity is required in order to present oneself in front of God Almighty. (Look at the subtitle - Cleanliness in Islam).

Each prayer lasts about five to ten minutes. The first is just before sunrise. The second is immediately after midday. The third is in the late afternoon. The fourth is immediately after the sun sets. The fifth is when the sky is dark and has no trace of the redness of the suns rays at all - about one and a half to two hours after the sun sets.

These prayers have countless benefits of which we may not even know some. The prayers also train Muslims to practice self control. This helps them gain God consciousness and stay away from vice and evil. If we take a look we see that firstly, getting up early and regularising one's entire day, breathing the fresh morning air and washing up after the night. The same applies to the timing of the other prayers. Each one is carefully timed by Divine Wisdom. Secondly, looking down whilst praying not only helps concentration, but it is teaching us to control our eyesight. Many sins are sparked off by the eye, and once a person has control over his eyes, he can save himself from sin. Thirdly, standing in the same place whilst praying trains us to control our footsteps and be mindful of where we go. Places where sins are committed should not even be entered, nor should one go near such places. Also standing in a single straight line and facing the same direction creates uniformity which leads to unity. No distinguishing between rich and poor, black and white, sinner and saint is permitted. It is the standard to be followed by all. Unity is the key to success, whereas splits and disunity take nations back many years.

To fast during the month of Ramadhaan.

This is to abstain during daylight hours (sunrise to sunset) from all food, drink and sexual relations with one's spouse. This, as mentioned, is only during daylight hours and lasts for a period of one month. Again, there are countless benefits in fasting. Firstly, to train oneself to abstain from one's unlawful desires. Being able to abstain from one's legal spouse should help a person stay away from adultery and one should appreciate that God Almighty has shown him a legal way of fulfilling his base desires. Similarly abstaining from food and drink should help a person appreciate the foods and drinks that God has permitted and should assist him in abstaining from prohibited foods and drinks. Also, going without food should make a person realize the condition of the poor and needy and help them as far as possible. Health benefits are also countless. Fasting in the correct manner should result in a person gaining God consciousness.

To give "Zakaah"

Zakaah is a compulsory percentage of one's wealth that must be given to the "needy" if it has been held for a full year. Zakaah is neither charity nor is it a tax. It is payable only on the following items at the respective percentages: 2,5% on cash, gold, silver and merchandise (business stock). 5% on produce irrigated through man made means. 10% on produce irrigated through natural means.

Zakaah must be given by each person directly to the needy. If one feels he would like to give it to somebody to fulfill on his behalf, he may do so. Having given us everything we have, God Almighty is asking for a very small percentage to be given back. This should help purify one's heart from greed and stinginess, and it purifies one wealth, gaining the prayers of the poor and needy. It results in increase of wealth. In fact it is an investment with God Almighty, and it will be reaped with all the increments (multiplied) in the hereafter. Above this there is room for voluntary charity of any amount. In fact it is encouraged to constantly give out voluntarily as well, over and above the zakaah.

To go to Makkah for Pilgrimage

This is an obligation only once in a lifetime for those who can afford the trip and accommodation as well as the costs of maintaining all dependants whilst away. Following the footsteps of Prophet Abraham PBUH, who is the father of all the prophets that came after him, Muslims are required to re-enact his sacrifice which is mentioned in the Qur'aan as well as in the Torah and in the Old Testament. Muslims gather in the same place at the same time in one dress (two pieces of white cloth). Prophet Abraham took his son Ishmael to fulfill the command of God to sacrifice him. Satan appeared in three places and Abraham pelted him. Muslims take seven little pea size pebbles and pelt satan, removing with each pebble, every bad quality and bad habit that infests human beings. This is part of the struggle in the path of self rectification and purification.

On completion, in commemoration of the ram from heaven which replaced Ishmael, Muslims are required to sacrifice a ram or edible animal (domestic animal with goat like hoof). The meat should be divided in three parts. One third to be eaten, one third to be given to the relatives and one third to be given to the poor and needy.

Upon fulfilling this pilgrimage one becomes pure and free from sin and vice. One is expected to lead a purer life after this, with a higher spiritual level.

Cleanliness in Islam

Cleanliness in Islam is of an extremely high standard. We need to be clean in all spheres of life. Physical purity is only a very small part of cleanliness. Moral purity is to be free from immorality. Social purity is to be an asset to society and to help every member of society wherever and however possible. Economic purity is to clean all one's dealings from deception, cheating stealing and conning. Also to be pure and straightforward in one's business deals. It requires one to bear in mind the condition of the consumer when fixing a selling price. Verbal purity is to stay away from vulgar language and to make sure than one's tongue is not used to hurt and offend fellow humans. Spiritual purity is to worship God Alone without worshipping any creature of His. It includes taking account of all the deeds of the day everyday, and looking into ways of increasing the good that one is doing and decreasing the bad that one is involved in, thus constantly raising one's spiritual level. In this manner cleanliness and purity are required in every sphere of living.

Regarding physical cleanliness Muslims are required to wash with clean water after using the toilet. Muslims are required to wash all the parts of the body that are apparent when presenting oneself in prayer to God Almighty. These parts include the hands up to elbows, the face, passing wet fingers over the hair, and washing the feet. This is the standard requirement for all Muslims.

In certain cases, such as after sexual relations with one's spouse, a full head to toe bath is required.

Pubic hair and hair under the armpits must be shaved regularly as a religious requirement.

Sexual relations during the monthly cycles of women are prohibited too. In fact during this cycle a woman is not required to fast or engage in the five daily prayers - though she will pray in the first manner (see explanation on prayer). She is literally given "leave" to help her overcome her situation imposed upon her through her physical difference to men.

Male circumcision is very strongly recommended and is best done soon after birth, whilst female circumcision is NOT.

All this maintains the highest standards of hygiene, and helps one feel healthy and good.

When a person dies, it is the duty of his relatives to wash his body with soap - just as when we take a bath - and then wrap him in two pieces of white cloth and bury him without delay.

Imaan

The word Imaan also holds two meanings: Belief and security. The formula of security (both in this world and in the hereafter lies in this firm belief).

Note: Islam is connected to actions that are apparent and can be seen by all, whereas Imaan is related to belief in the unseen, which is between a worshipper and His Creator.

Imaan or belief has six pillars.

To firmly believe that there is no god worthy of worship besides Allah (one God Alone), and that Muhammad PBUH is His worshipper and final Messenger. Having declared this, it is necessary to believe it in one's heart as well as to confirm this practically.

To believe in all the Angels of God Almighty. There are countless angels. These include: Gabriel, Israfeel, Mika'eel, and many other angels. Angels are created by God Almighty and are made of light. They are totally obedient and they have different tasks. Gabriel brings revelation from God Almighty to the Prophets. Other angels have other tasks.

To believe in all the Heavenly Books. This includes the books revealed to Abraham, David etc. as well as the torah, the bible, and the Qur'aan. The condition of authenticity applies to each of these. Reality is that today it is only the Qur'aan that is 100% authentic. Thus we only believe what the Qur'aan says about the other books. There are verses describing the various books and their contents. In essence the call is light from the same lantern - we must believe that they are all books that were revealed to the Prophets of God. However, what is in the Qur'aan is sufficient and complete. As for what appears in the other books, if the Qur'aan has confirmed it, we confirm it. If the Qur'aan has rejected it, we reject it. If the Qur'aan has not spoken about it we do not need it and so we do not accept nor reject it.

To believe in all the Messengers of God Almighty. Starting from Adam moving on, there were countless Messengers of God Almighty. To mention some:- Idris, Noah, Lot, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, Jesus and others, with Muhammad being the final Messenger. They were all sent by God to remove mankind from the darknesses of evil and from the worshipping of everything besides God Alone, to His worship Alone. They all had a common call, and each one of them gave good news of the one to follow.