General
and sins), believed( in the Oneness of Allah, and in His Messenger Muhammad SAW), and did righteous deeds( in the life of this world), then he will be among those who are successful.”( Quran 28:67)
Allah continuously reminds us in the Qur’ an of His infinite mercy and compassion. Muslims are enjoined to maintain inner spiritual purity through constant remembrance and prayer to God. Islam balances the spiritual dimension by emphasizing human responsibility. Human beings are created with a purpose. Attainment of piety is but one dimension of such purpose; playing an active role in the creation of a just society is another.
Apart from human responsibility, Islam also teaches human accountability. The final destination of human beings is the hereafter. Muslims believe that, at the end of time, all human beings will be resurrected to account for their deeds. Those who have performed righteous deeds will be rewarded with eternal bliss in heaven and those who have performed evil acts will be punished in hell.
Islam also teaches that human beings have a moral obligation to live in harmony with one another. Islam recognizes and accords rights to all human beings regardless of race, colour or creed. Islam requires its followers to show respect and tolerance even to those who do not share their faith. Prophet Muhammad( SAS) said:“ God has no mercy on one who shows no mercy to others”. Freedom of conscience is guaranteed by the Qur’ an, where it states:“ There is no compulsion in religion”( Quran 2:256).
As stated in the verse, no one can be compelled to live by Islamic morals. Conveying the existence of God and the morals of the Qur’ an to other people is a duty for believers, but they call people to the path of God with kindness and love and they never force them. It is only God Who guides people to the right way. This is related in the following verse:“ You cannot guide those you would like to but God guides those He wills. He has best knowledge of the guided.”( Quran 28: 56)
Islamic law stipulates that Muslims should protect the status of minorities, therefore the life and property of all citizens in an Islamic state are considered sacred, whether a person is a Muslim or not. Because of this, non-Muslim places of worship have survived and flourished all over the Muslim world.
The concept of jihad( wrongly translated as holy war) refers to the duty of Muslims to struggle for their faith and the welfare of the Muslim community. The Qur’ an does not permit aggression against anyone and Prophet Muhammad( SAS) propagated his message in a peaceful manner. Warfare is permitted only in self-defence. However, it must be noted that people only resort to violence when their basic human rights are violated and when all attempts at peaceful settlement are thwarted.
Islam further encourages Muslims to respect the rights of all living things. Therefore, Muslims are required to be conscious of the environment and are not allowed to cause harm to nature.
Islam and Women
Muslim women have all the rights of their male counterparts. Islam granted full rights to women fourteen hundred years ago. Muslim women may own and dispose property; they may work, exercise voting powers and exercise numerous other rights freely without constraints. More so, Muslim women cannot be forced to marry against their will.
To preserve chastity, respect and moral values in society, Muslim men and women are required to dress in a manner which is considered modest and dignified. Women are asked to cover their hair and wear loose clothing. The diversity of female dress in some Muslim countries is often the expression of local customs.
Islam and Life
Islam is a complete way of life, there is purpose in everything we are commanded to say and do as Muslims. Islam has guidelines for every aspect of life, be it the way we speak, the way we eat, the way we dress, the way we purify ourselves, the way we conduct business, the way we carry about ourselves, the way we treat people, the way we treat animals, the way we sleep; Islam is a guide for this life. The Quran is our manual and the Life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad( SAS) is our or personal, one on one tutorial for our journey in this life. Once followed, it will lead to immense rewards and ultimate happiness in the hereafter.
Islam is a universal religion and it is easy to become a Muslim. One has to believe and affirm that“ There is no God but Allah( SWT) and that Muhammad( SAS) is the Messenger of God”.
If you or someone you know has questions about Islam or would like to learn more about Islam, we encourage you to speak to a Muslim, read the Quran( in English) and see for yourself why Islam is the largest growing religion in the world!
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WRITTEN by. Kerina Mohammed
10 | Ihsaan | Issue 1