Understanding Islam

What is Islam and why Islam?

You may have come across brief summaries of Islam, such as the five pillars or the shahadah. Many brief representations of Islam do not do this way of life enough justice. They do not really tell us what Islam means to many of its devoted followers. They do not help us to understand, what it is about Islam that inspires so many people in an age when religion is is seen as dated and a little eccentric, or even unwholesome and dangerous. Why are more and more people turning to Islam?

Research has shown that the main reasons that converts are drawn to Islam are:

1) simplicity of doctrine
2) rationality (reasonableness)
3) absolute monotheism (belief in one God)
4) this-worldly focus
5) and lack of priesthood

We certainly cannot pretend to cover what Islam is really all about in a few words. However we have brought together a list of 10 key teachings which sum up at least a good part of what Islam means to many Muslims, i.e. you would probably find a large number of practising Muslims agreeing these points explain what inspires them about their way of life:

1. Remembrance of God takes the nobility of humans to new heights
   
2. The universe has been created by God with balance, order and beauty
3. Islam is a liberator – it inspires true freedom
4. Islam is comprehensive – there is a spiritual dimension behind everything
5. Success is in a balanced life
6. Truth and knowledge is the basis of all good
7. Time, health and wealth are a gift and responsibility
8. The family is sacred
9. Man is one brotherhood
10. Every person must do their bit for society

1.THE REMEMBRANCE OF GOD TAKES THE NOBILITY OF HUMANS TO NEW HEIGHTS

Islam teaches that humans have a begining in time but will live forever in an after life, born sinless and pure, and with the potential of being the noblest of creation. With our uniqueness comes great responsibility. Only by truly knowing God can we learn what we really are and what we can be.

"I have not created the Jinns and the mankind except that they should worship Me” (Qur'an, 51 : 56)

“And we sent no messenger before you except that We inspired him (saying): There is no god save Me (God), so worship Me.”(Qur'an, 21 : 25)

“O man! What has seduced you from your Lord, Most Kind?- Him Who created you, fashioned you perfectly, and gave you due proportion.” (Qur'an, S. Infitar 82:6-7)

Islam reaches out to this spark of nobility which is present in every person. Through this it transforms characters and motives. The purpose of Islam is to preserve a persons innate goodness, through their devotion to God, so that they radiate His light. The noblest attainment for a human is this close friendship with God.

We have indeed created man in the best of moulds, then We abase him (to be) the lowest of the low,- except such as believe and do righteous deeds: For they shall have a reward unfailing. (“O man! What has seduced you from your Lord, Most Kind?- Him Who created you, fashioned you perfectly, and gave you due proportion.” (Qur'an, S. Tin 95: 4-6)

By the Soul, and the proportion and order given to it; and its enlightenment as to its wrong and its right;-

Truly he succeeds that purifies it, and he fails that corrupts it! (“O man! What has seduced you from your Lord, Most Kind?- Him Who created you, fashioned you perfectly, and gave you due proportion.” (Qur'an, s. Shams 91: 7-10)

Our Lord! Perfect our light for us and forgive us our sins, for verily You have power over all things. (“O man! What has seduced you from your Lord, Most Kind?- Him Who created you, fashioned you perfectly, and gave you due proportion.” (Qur'an, 66:8)

Devotion to God, above and beyond the basic obligatory duties, brings an individual closer and closer to Him, until, in His words, “I shall love him: when I love him, I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees…were he to ask anything of Me I would surely give it to him.”

Devotion also creates tranquillity and satisfaction:

“Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of God. for without doubt in the remembrance of God do hearts find satisfaction.”  Qur'an, 13:28

2. THE UNIVERSE HAS BEEN CREATED BY GOD WITH BALANCE, ORDER AND

The natural order is established and maintained by God. All of creation is in harmony with God’s laws (often described as the laws of nature - even our bodies). Men (and jinn) however, have been given the freedom to choose their paths.

“It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor doth the night outstrip the day. They float each in an orbit.” (Qur'an, Ya Sin 36:40)

(The seven heavens and the earth, and all beings therein, declare His glory: There is not a thing but celebrates His praise, and yet you do not understand how they declare His Glory!) (Qur'an, Al-Israa’ 17: 44)

(There is not an animal in the earth, nor a flying creature flying on two wings, but they are communities like unto you.) ( Qur'an, Al-An`am 6: 38)

By choosing to follow the way of God, humans remain in harmony with the rest of nature and become positive beings, within themselves, their families, societies and the planet.

Jabir reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“No Muslim, who plants a shoot, except that whatever is eaten or stolen from it, or anyone obtains the least thing from it, is considered [like paying] almsgiving on his behalf until the Day of Judgment.” [saying of Prophet Muhammad, verified authentic - Muslim]

Hadith of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: “There is reward in [caring for] every living being.” [saying of Prophet Muhammad, verified authentic, Muslim 7:44]

By rebelling against God’s way and teachings, men create disorder and imbalance, upsetting and corrupting the natural order.

The Qur’an teaches people to “tread lightly on the earth” (Surah Furqan) causing as little damage to it as possible. It also states “He has raised the sky and set up the (planetary) balance: (be mindful) that you do not upset the balance.” (Qur'an, Rahman 55:7-8)

“Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of (the meed) that the hands of men have earned, that ((God)) may give them a taste of some of their deeds: in order that they may turn back (from Evil).” Qur'an, 30:41

“Behold! in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day,- there are indeed Signs for men of understanding,- (Qur'an)
(PICKTHAL translation): Lo! In the creation of the heavens and the earth and (in) the difference of night and day are tokens (of His Sovereignty) for men of understanding,

Men who celebrate the praises of God, standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and contemplate the (wonders of) creation in the heavens and the earth, (With the thought): "Our Lord! not for nothing have You created (all) this! Glory to Thee!” Qur'an, S. Aali Imran (3:190-191)

Islam teaches people to marvel over the beauty of nature and the world around them. It teaches people to beautify themselves, both in their character and speech and through dressing with dignity and elegance.

“God is Beautiful and loves beauty.” [saying of Prophet Muhammad, verified authentic - Muslim].

Islam teaches people to create beauty around them, but in simple balance, without swerving to opulence. There is a long tradition of elegant Islamic art, artisanship (e.g. carpets), gardens and architecture.

3.ISLAM IS A LIBERATOR – it inspires true freedom

By allowing people the freedom to enjoy drugs, many will become addicted and imprisoned by their cravings for the drugs. So much so that they will lose sight of the world around them, and will no longer be free to enjoy their minds, families and environment or to contribute positively to communities.

So in freedom there must be a balance. Unbridled freedom can lead to the exploitation of the vulnerable, which eventually enslaves them. Protecting people from harmful addictions is actually a liberation.

This is the case with Islam, which liberates people from the narrow addiction to materialism and thinking only about their lives on this crowded planet, to thinking more broadly, about the vastness of this life and the next.

“For he commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure); He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe in him, honour him, help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him,- it is they who will prosper." (Qur'an, A’raf 7:157)

Islam liberates the oppressed, by emphasising justice and combating exploitation.

Islam liberates the mind, by prohibiting intoxicants, promoting education, encouraging open-mindedness and discouraging deceitful propaganda.

Islam liberates societies by protecting the family and confining sex to marriage. Like drug addiction, for some people, sexual freedom can become an addiction that consumes their minds and lives, harming themselves and those around them. Sexual liberty is actually trapping families in webs of insecurity. Partners are afraid to plan their futures together because they unsure of their commitment to one another. Children are suffering the insecurity of marital disharmony, family break ups and coping with the challenges of step-families on a mass scale.

4. ISLAM IS COMPREHENSIVE – there is a spiritual dimension behind everything

As such, Islam provides ethical guidance for a person through every aspect of their lives.

"And We have sent down to thee the Book explaining all things." (Qur'an, 16.89).

All actions have a spiritual dimension, alleans to good or harm.

Islam asks people to aim for a constant state of God-consciousness (taqwa), whereby they seek His pleasure through addressing the spiritual dimension in everything they do.

5. SUCCESS IS IN A BALANCED LIFE

Islam teaches a person to live his life in a harmonious balance. Food is special but should not be abused. Work is important but rest is too. Sex is important but should not be abused. Worship is important but of course, entertainment should have its due place too.

 “By God, I am the one among you with the most fear and awareness of God, but I fast and break the fast, I pray and I sleep, and I marry women. Whoever disdains my tradition is not with me." [saying of Prophet Muhammad, verified authentic - agreed upon]

God says, "Ta Ha. We did not send down the Qur'an to you to make you miserable," (Qur'an, 20:1)

O CHILDREN of Adam! Beautify yourselves for every act of worship, and eat and drink [freely], but do not be extravagant; surely He (God) does not love the extravagant! (Qur'an, A’raf 7:31)

The body has a right on him, as does his heart, his wife, his children, his parents and extended family, his neighbourhood, his society; all have their rights on him, which he can only fairly address by living a balanced life.

“Fast and break the fast, and sleep and pray. Your body has a right over you, your eye has a right over you, your wife has a right over you, and your visitor has a right over you”… In one variant, "Your child has a right over you." (saying of Prophet Muhammad, verified authentic - Bukhari/ Muslim)

Too much of one duty leads to neglect of another, e.g. too much work, like too much entertainment can lead to neglect of family and society.

6. TRUTH AND KNOWLEDGE IS THE BASIS OF ALL GOOD

Islam teaches that the truth be sought at all times, even when it might challenge one’s comfort zones. Education is a must, but education should address the whole person. It emphasises sound knowledge and so Muslims are not book burners by nature; rather they are book collectors and book-lovers. In History Muslims have usually been the victims of book burning rather than the perpetrators (e.g. the destruction of the great Library of Alexandria at the hands of the Arabs is a myth). The pen is a symbol of learning throughout Islamic civilisation.

Proclaim! And your Lord is Most Generous,-

He Who taught (the use of) the pen,-

Taught man that which he knew not. (Qur'an, S.Alaq (96:3-5)

Our reason and intellect are our greatest gifts. Islam teaches that people should see wisdom as their heritage, wherever they find it. Protecting intellect is a priority in Islamic teachings. People are asked to balance probabilities and make rational choices, rather than following whims or suspicion. Islam requires a respect for knowledge and the people of knowledge. It rejects knowledge based on whim, hierarchy, fashion, tradition and respects the scientific attitude of fact-finding, questioning and scrutinising.

“O ye who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin” (Qur'an, Hujarat 49:12)

And cover not Truth with falsehood, nor conceal the Truth when ye know (what it is). Qur'an, 2:42

And there are among them illiterates, who know not the Book, but (see therein their own) desires, and they do nothing but conjecture. Qur'an, 2:78

Say: "Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know? It is those who are endued with understanding that receive admonition.”  Qur'an, Zumar 39:9

7.  TIME, HEALTH AND WEALTH ARE A GIFT AND RESPONSIBILITY

1. Islam teaches that everything in truth belongs to God: God then is the giver of all things, and some gifts and opportunities He gives more to some and other things to others.

"To God we belong, and to Him is our return" (Qur'an, 2:156)

2.  A person must see the time he is given in good health as a gift, to be used in the best way, before it is spent, never to return. And he will be asked how he spent it.

As reported by Ibn Abbas, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) advised:

"Good health and spare time are two of the blessings of God about which many people are deceived."  (saying of Prophet Muhammad, verified authentic - Bukhari, Riqaq 1)

“Seize the opportunity of five things before five things come to you: Your life before your death, your health before your illness, your free time before your time of occupation, your youthfulness before your old age and your time of wealth before your time of poverty." (saying of Prophet Muhammad, verified authentic - Al-Haakim)

3. The same goes for wealth. He must see it as a loan and a test. Islam teaches a person to balance his wealth between squandering and hoarding, by circulating it and spending it for the benefit of society.

Abu Hurairah, may God be pleased with him, reported:

God's Messenger (may peace be upon him) related that God, the Most Blessed and High, said:

“O son of Adam, spend and I will spend on you. The right hand of God is full and overflowing.”

[saying of Prophet Muhammad, verified authentic - Muslim 1658]

4. Islam teaches the dignity of work – that to each is their due; and that employers should not exploit employees and that dignity is in finding lawful work which benefits society rather than undermining it.

8. THE FAMILY IS SACRED

The family is sacred and the building block of a harmonious community. It is the best environment for raising children.

"The best of you is one who is best towards his family and I am best towards the family". (saying of Prophet Muhammad - Tirmidhi).

"None but a noble man treats women in an honourable manner. And none but an ignoble treats women disgracefully". (saying of Prophet Muhammad,  - Tirmidhi).

Sex is a gift to be shared privately by a couple within the security of marriage. Within marriage it is wholesome and precious and outside marriage it slowly erodes a person, the integrity of families and destroys the fabric of society.

“And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.” Qur'an, 30:21

9. MAN IS ONE BROTHERHOOD

Islam teaches the brotherhood of man. It respects diversity, whether of colour, race or language. For a Muslim, there is only one race that matters: the human race.

Islam teaches a respect for people of other faiths, and demands that they be free to practice their religion and to have their own places of worship.

“Human beings are equal like the teeth of the comb. No one has any superiority over the other except in god-consciousness (taqwa)” (saying of Prophet Muhammad, Keshfu’l-Hafa, 2/326)

10. EVERY PERSON MUST DO THEIR BIT FOR SOCIETY

Islam accepts that humans are social creatures and that it is only natural and right that people come together as communities and societies. Many Islamic teachings address the Muslim community as a whole, e.g. collective prayer, hajj, zakah, maintaining unity, etc.

Islam asks its adherents to be foremost in the quest for social justice. Islam is on the side of the oppressed and opposed to exploitation.

Islam teaches that each individual has a duty to the society that nourishes him. He or she  must play a part in keeping his community and society whole. A person has a stake in society and should want a say in it. They owes it ideas, loyalty, justice, cooperation, concern, energy and love.

Ibn 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with them, reported:
The Prophet (may peace be upon him) said: “Every one of you is a caretaker, and is responsible for his consignment. The ruler is a caretaker of people, and is responsible for his subjects. A man is a caretaker of his family, and is responsible for them. A woman is a caretaker of her husband's house and children, and is responsible for them. A slave is a caretaker of his master's property, and is responsible for it. All of you are caretakers, and all of you are responsible for their consignment.” (Saying of Prophet Muhammad, verified authentic -  Muslim 3408)

The Prophet (s) emphasised this to the point that he said “This religion is naseeha” i.e. the whole purpose of the religion is the achievement of naseeha among people. Islam teaches that this naseeha must not be restricted to your own tribe or a small group or clique of people.

When asked, naseeha, “To whom?” His reply was well-wishing at all levels of the community: “To God and His Book, His messenger, to the leaders of the Muslim people and the ordinary masses.” (Saying of Prophet Muhammad, verified authentic - Muslim)

“I wish not, in opposition to you, to do that which I forbid you. I only desire your betterment to the best of my power.” (Qur'an, Hud 11:88)

In Islam, collective life also means collective decision-making. The country belongs to its citizens. Islam is against despotism, factionalism and authoritarian tendencies.

And take counsel with them in the affair; so when you have decided, then place your trust in God [Qur'an, 3:159].

"Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation; who spend out of what We bestow on them for Sustenance [are praised]" Qur'an, Sura Shura (42)

Societies shape their futures collectively. They become great through upholding justice, cohesion, morals and the rights of the weak. Societies become weak through injustice, mysogyny, ignorance, immorality and exploitation.

“Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of (the meed) that the hands of men have earned, that ((God)) may give them a taste of some of their deeds: in order that they may turn back (from Evil).” Qur'an, 30:41

On an individual level, Islamic teachings place great emphasis on dealing with people in a peaceful and pleasant manner, with goodness, kindness, mildness, humility, forgiveness, tolerance, good-cheer and through inspiring hope.

"Do you know what is better than charity and fasting and prayer? It is keeping peace and good relations between people, as quarrels and bad feelings destroy mankind." (Saying of Prophet Muhammad, verified authentic - Muslim & Bukhari)

"Kindness is a mark of faith, and whoever is not kind has no faith." (Saying of Prophet Muhammad, verified authentic - Muslim)

"Those in whose hearts is no mercy for others will not attain the mercy of God." (Saying of Prophet Muhammad, verified authentic - Bukhari and Muslim)

"Verily, God is mild and is fond of mildness, and He gives to the mild what He does not give to the harsh." (Saying of Prophet Muhammad, verified authentic - Muslim)

Narrated Anas: Allah’s Messenger said, “No one of you becomes true believer until he likes for his brother what he likes for himself” (Saying of Prophet Muhammad, verified authentic - Al-Bukhari and Muslim). Muslims scholars (e.g. Imam Nawawi) have stated that ‘brother’ here implies one’s fellow human being rather than just brother in faith.

Islamic scholars are in agreement that Islamic Law (shari’ah)  seeks to preserve 5 essential public interests:

 i. Faith

 ii. Life

 iii. Property

 iv.Family

 v. Intellect

“Interests classified as essentials are those which are necessary for the achievement of human beings’ spiritual and material well-being in the absence of which people’s earthly interests will suffer harm, thereby leading to corruption, disorder and the loss of life in this world, and in the next world, to the loss of ultimate spiritual well-being and felicity” Imam al-Shatibi (Muwafaqat 2:8)

Humans are weak and open to justifying all kinds of harmful actions so clear boundaries are needed, that can only be imposed effectively through the institutions of personal morality/ God-consciousness (taqwa) and law. For each of these interests God offers obligations that prioritise it and prohibitions that ensure it is not harmed, e.g. for the intellect, the obligation of education, to strengthen it, and the prohibition of intoxicants to preserve it. Similarly for progeny/ family we have the obligation of marriage and prohibition of adultery.

The objective underlying the establishment of the Law is to deliver human beings from enslavement to their selfish whims and desires in order that they might be God’s servants by choice…” Imam al-Shatibi (Muwafaqat 2:168)