What is the Message of Islam?

What is the Message of Islam?

 

The easy (and correct) answer is that simply, there is only One God and that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is His Messenger. With this, a Muslim holds strong to the Five Pillars of Islam and believes in each Pillar of Faith. But the Message of Islam is much, much more. It is a way of life, a guide, a teacher and a judge. It is a universal idea without discrimination. It knows no race, nationality, gender, or social class. It is compatible with daily life and is timeless. This world is not the final destination, but only a stop along the way.

The Message of Islam is ALLAH Subhana Wa Ta'ala Instructions to mankind, so that we may be successful in this part of our journey. A Muslim is commanded to do certain things, behave in certain ways, and learn and grow within the community. A Muslim must work and sweat for his or her wages and give generously to those who have little. Equality in economics, justice, politics, and family is essential.

Neighborly kindness and support are incumbent. Parents, children, brothers, sisters, husbands, and wives have obligations and rights which form a balance in society. Acquiring knowledge and discipline, and learning how to deal fairly with those around you are challenges directly from ALLAH (swt). A Muslim knows how to handle these tasks by following the Message of Islam.

May God Bless all of You.

Muhkamaatun – (Clear Revelations) & Mutashaa-bihaatun – (Allegorical) (L-363)

 

Muhkamaatun – (Clear Revelations) & Mutashaa-bihaatun – (Allegorical) (L-363)

When Christians of Najraan were rendered helpless from all obvious arguments of the Messenger of God (ﷺ), they said, “Hindmost you also believe in Jesus (Peace be upon him) as the Spirit of God and Word of God. It is sufficient to prove our claim.” The reply of their useless objection has been given here in a simple way. Many dissensions and doubts can be dispelled after understanding them.

God commanded: There are two types of Revelations in Holy Qur’an and other Heavenly Scriptures like Torah and Gospel etc.

• Those verses which have ‘known’ and ‘certain’ meanings. Such verses are called ‘Aayaatum-Muh-kamaatun (clear revelations) and in fact root and essence of the entire teachings of the Scripture are these Revelations.

• Name of the other type of Revelations is Mutashaa-bihaat (Allegorical). That is to say, some doubt happens in knowing the meanings of such verses.  

Correct way is that the meaning of second type of verses must be seen in the light of first type of verses. Which meanings seem opposite, those should be refuted. If the meaning does not become manifest despite effort, even then he should not cross the limits who seeks the meanings. No individual is omniscient that he may know everything. He should remain silent; after thinking about his knowledge. He should not issue the meanings with wrong method, which is against universally accepted principles of religion and clear Revelations. For example, Holy Qur’an has explained about Jesus (Peace be upon him) ‘Inna  huwa  ‘illaa  ‘abdun  ‘An-‘am-Naa  ‘alay-hi (Indeed he is a servant only, to whom We favored). It guides us at another place, ‘Inna  masala  ‘Iisaa  ‘indAllaahi  kamasali  ‘Aadama  khalaq-tahuu  min  tu-raabin (Likeness of Jesus is just like Adam. God created him from the dust). And it has also been proved at some other places that Jesus (Peace be upon him) is neither God, nor son of God.

Now if any person runs behind resemblances of (KalimatUllaah) ‘The Word of God’ and  (RuuhUllaah) ‘The Spirit of God’ etc. by closing his eyes from all these Muhkamaat, and takes such superficial meanings, which are against the common explanation of the Scripture, by leaving those meanings which are suitable to the clear verses, he is surely obstinate and perverse. Some malevolent people want to ensnare the people astray by misleading them. And some people, who are weak in their belief, wish to imply such Mutashaa-bihaat (allegorical verses) according to their own judgment and will, whereas only God knows their true meanings.

The people who have strong knowledge, they recognize the ‘Aayaatum-Muh-kamaat and Mutashaa-bihaat from God. They believe that the both types of Revelations are revealed from the same source. Therefore, they try to understand Mutashaa-bihaat in the light of Muhkamaat and which part is out of their sense; they leave it upon God because He is the best Knower.

In short, it is the duty of a common person who has ordinary knowledge that he should not wrangle with Mutashaa-bihaat, which have more than one meanings. He should ask its meaning from religious scholars, and which verses have clear meanings, he should act corresponding to them without any delay and Reluctance. https://youtu.be/2tgw6MFT_FY

Summary of Chapter two (L-357)

 

Quran Chapter 2- Summary (Pt-3, Stg-1) (L-357) - درس قرآن

Summary of Chapter two

Praise be to God! Explanation of Suratul Baqarah (Chapter 2) has come to an end. It seems suitable that we should review once again, the topics and their meanings mentioned in this Chapter.

In the beginning of this Chapter, guidance and success of the mankind, and different human classes were mentioned. Immediately after it, Deputyship of Adam (Peace be upon him), history of the Children of Israel, important and necessary conditions and circumstances of Abraham’s (Peace be upon him) Religious Belief were explained, so that the Muslims should take warning from those errors and should not involve in such evils, which were reasons of the destruction of ancient nations.

After informing concerning the distinction among lawful and unlawful, good and evil, a collective concept of goodness was given. And problems of social life were discussed, for example, the law of retaliation and the last Will etc. Along with it, teachings about a Fast, Pilgrimage and Jihad were conveyed. Then intention was drawn unto important matters of family life, for example; marriage, divorce, ‘iddat (the term of probation incumbent upon a woman in consequence of a dissolution of marriage either by divorce or by the death of her husband), education of children, rights of husband and wife, and other matters relating to these affairs.

Then after describing from the history of the Children of Israel, Prophet David (Peace be upon him), incident of Saul and Goliath, some points of advice and exhortation were produced. After ‘Aayatul-Kursii (a great verse of this Chapter), reality of Belief and Disbelief was explained, and in this connection, some occurrences in the blessed life of Messenger Abraham (Peace be upon him) were described.

In the last part of the Chapter, particular attention was drawn towards “Spending in the Way of God”, and in this regard, many examples were given.

The usury was determined as forbidden and it was commanded that the writing and evidence were necessary for the purpose of honesty and elegance in trade.

The Chapter went to an end at important Supplications, which have been mentioned in the previous lesson. 

https://youtu.be/xvXBAJdx8pU

Commandments regarding Evidence (L-352)

 

Commandments regarding Evidence (L-352)

ذٰلِكُم أَقسَطُ عِندَ اللَّهِ وَأَقوَمُ لِلشَّهادَةِ وَأَدنىٰ أَلّا تَرتابوا ۖ إِلّا أَن تَكونَ تِجارَةً حاضِرَةً تُديرونَها بَينَكُم فَلَيسَ عَلَيكُم جُناحٌ أَلّا تَكتُبوها ۗ وَأَشهِدوا إِذا تَبايَعتُم ۚ وَلا يُضارَّ كاتِبٌ وَلا شَهيدٌ ۚ وَإِن تَفعَلوا فَإِنَّهُ فُسوقٌ بِكُم ۗ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۖ وَيُعَلِّمُكُمُ اللَّهُ ۗ وَاللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيءٍ عَليمٌ282c.

282c.  Zaalikum  ‘aqsatu  ‘indAllaahi  wa  ‘aqwamu  lish-shahaadati  wa  ‘adnaaa  ‘allaa  tartaabuuu  ‘illaaa  ‘an-takuuna  tijaaratan  haaziratan- tudiiruunahaa  baynakum  fa-laysa  ’alaykum  junaahun  ‘allaa  tak-tubuuhaa.  Wa  ‘ash-hiduuu  ‘izaa  tabaaya’-tum.  Wa  laa yu-zaaarra  kaatibunw-wa  laa  shahiid.  Wa  ‘in-taf-‘aluu  fa- ‘innahuu  fusuuqum-bikum.  Watta-qUllaah.  Wa  yu-‘allimu-kumUllaah.  WAllaahu  bi-kulli  shay- ‘in  ‘Aliim.

282c.  That is more equitable with God, and stronger as evidence, and more likely to prevent doubt—except in the case of a spot transaction between you—then there is no blame on you if you do not write it down. And let there be witnesses whenever you conclude a contract, and let no harm be done to either scribe or witness. If you do that, it is corruption on your part. And fear God. God teaches you. God is aware of everything.

‘Aqsatu – (more equitable), this word has been derived from Qist, which means equity, justice. From it; is the word Muqsitun, which is an epithet of Allah Almighty, which means A Judge.

‘Aqwamu – (that who keeps More Extent), the words Qiyaamun,Qawwaamun and Qayyimun etc. have come out from its origin. ‘Aqwamu means “the person who keeps everything proper (best of all)”.

Tijaaratan  haaziratan – (the merchandise which you transfer among yourselves from hand to hand). That is to say; it would not be on debt or promises, but it would be from hand to hand. In that case, it is no sin for you if you do not write it.

This verse has been running with effect from last two lessons. About bringing the trade in writing and making a witness, it has been being instructed continuously. In this last part of the verse, it is commanded: By bringing the trade in writing, no doubt and delusion will be born. However, there is no need of writing in case of trading by hand to hand. Like this, it is necessary for the scribe and witnesses also that they should act according to the justice; they must not try to harm someone else. Otherwise, they will be sinners. https://youtu.be/siKdgRuGJ1g

The Evidence (L-351)

 

The Evidence (L-351)

وَاستَشهِدوا شَهيدَينِ مِن رِجالِكُم ۖ فَإِن لَم يَكونا رَجُلَينِ فَرَجُلٌ وَامرَأَتانِ مِمَّن تَرضَونَ مِنَ الشُّهَداءِ أَن تَضِلَّ إِحداهُما فَتُذَكِّرَ إِحداهُمَا الأُخرىٰ ۚ وَلا يَأبَ الشُّهَداءُ إِذا ما دُعوا ۚ وَلا تَسأَموا أَن تَكتُبوهُ صَغيرًا أَو كَبيرًا إِلىٰ أَجَلِهِ ۚ282b.

282b.  Wastash-hiduu  shahii-dayni  mir-rijaalikum.    Fa- ‘illam  ya-kuunaa  rajulayni  fa-rajulunw-wamra-‘ataani  mimman-  tarzaw-na  minash-shuhadaaa-‘i  ‘an-tazilla  ‘ih-daahumaa  fatuzak-kira  ‘ih-daahumal- ‘ukhraa.  Wa  laa  ya’-bash-shuhadaaa-‘u  ‘izaa    maa  du-‘uu.  Wa  laa  tas-‘amuuu  ‘an  taktubuuhu  sagii-ran  ‘aw  kabiiran  ‘ilaaa  ‘ajalih.

282b.  And call to witness two men from among you. If two men are not available, then one man and two women whose testimony is acceptable to all—if one of them fails to remember, the other would remind her. Witnesses must not refuse when called upon. And do not think it too trivial to write down, whether small or large, including the time of repayment.

This verse which has begun with effect from the last lesson is the longest one of this Chapter, but of the entire Holy Qur’an.

In it, commands concerning the writing in trade, giving evidence and any mortgage etc. have been mentioned in detail. In the primary portion of the verse, it was described that the matters concerning debt should be in writing compulsorily. If you cannot write, then you should seek the person who may write. And if you cannot communicate, then it is duty of the heir that he should dictate.

Now it is commanded: Call to witness, from among your men, two witnesses besides being reduced to writing the agreement. If two men be not at hand then you should appoint one man and two women as witnesses, so that if one of the two errs (through forgetfulness) the other will remind her. Along with this, the witnesses are being instructed that they must not refuse from giving evidence when they are summoned, because it is sin.

To bring the statement in writing; it is emphasized, “Be neither averse nor delay to write down (the contract) whether it be small or big, with (record of) the term thereof. It is the universal truth that the demands of soundness and equity cannot be fulfilled without it. https://youtu.be/eQnZlfrxLU4

Harms of Interest/Usury (L-346)

 

Harms of Interest/Usury (L-346)

Before revelation of the verse that “Usury is unlawful and forbidden”, God had explained about the excellence of alms and charity, because gentleness arises in the matters of the poor due to giving alms and charity, and disgust is born against impoliteness. Many evils are removed, in addition feelings of morality, politeness, faithfulness, causing others to gain and passion to serve the mankind spring up. Therefore, their importance was described by unfolding them.

Now description concerning unlawfulness of the Usury begins. It is entirely opposite to the charity and alms. If the politeness increases due to charity, then cruelty increases due to Usury. Hence, the recitation of unlawfulness and forbidden state of Usury has come immediately after making mention about excellence of alms and charity, which is utmost suitable and opportune at its place.

It has been explained in this verse that on the Day of Resurrection, Usurers will not be able to stand upright at the time of getting up from their graves. Rather, they will suffer staggering with difficulty like insane and mad. We can see entirely same scene in this world. Moneylenders and bankers become lunatic by following the money. It seems that any demon or ghost has closed them by winding round. They think about the Usury every time.

God has mentioned the reason also about the people fallen into this condition on the Doomsday. They say, “Trade is just like Usury”, as financial profit is intent in trading, just as this financial gain also remains in view in the Usury/interest. While Trading is permitted then why the Usury is forbidden, whereas they do not know that morally and financially; the difference between Trade and Usury is so much as the difference between the sky and the earth. The moneylender gets fixed amount of Usury in every condition without fear of loss and doubt. Opposite to this; apprehension of both remains ‘profit or loss in Trading’, and the Merchant have to spend time, hardworking and brain etc. to save himself from the loss. Afterwards the Trade goes to an end or becomes short, but Usury increases along with delay and duration. Up to this stage, that usually, the Borrower reaches the condition of ruin and destruction.

If we consider for a while thoughtfully about the reality of Usury, then a question will arise, “Hindmost this retribution is of which thing? What is this ultimate except most ill looking of hanging-on? In view of this entire badness, God has forbidden the Usury/Interest for advisability and betterment of the humanity. In short, its evils are as under:

Hardheartedness arises in the Usurer. His greed increases. Due to wealth’s coming in hand without hardworking, indolence and laziness grows. Unevenness also comes due to spending the gratis wealth, and this wealth is wasted in luxuries. Habit of selfishness is born. Stinginess and reciprocal enmity runs over. Destruction and disgrace of indebted person exist beside also.

God commanded after excusing the people: The person who refrains after listening to the advice and order of determining the Usury as unlawful, his previous Usury will be forgiven. But the person who will not refrain, he will be burnt in the Fire of Hell for ever.

The people of the world changed the names of Usury. But, how its badness and results can be changed? We, the Muslims need special attention to see into this matter. Otherwise, Law of Islam will suffer a stain due to our behavior and we shall not be able to save ourselves from these badness. 

https://youtu.be/Zi7aRKGYkT8

One Incident of Abraham (علیہ السلام) – (Life after death) (L-333)

 

One Incident of Abraham (علیہ السلام) – (Life after death) (L-333)

Oneness of God and Belief in the Hereafter are such two realities, upon which; the Foundation of Islam has been established. The individual who believes in the Oneness of God can never go astray and the believer of life after death keeps a strict eye on his deeds always, and tries to care and abstain from the sins and evil entirely. In fact, every Believer has perfect faith in the life after death and the Day of Resurrection, like this, Abraham (Peace be upon him) had full faith. However, he (Peace be upon him) asked from God for the purpose of observing that how He gives life after death. God questioned, “Do you not believe in it? Abraham (Peace be upon him) requested, “I have Faith; even up to the level of Belief till now, of course; I wish only that my heart may get more satisfaction after witnessing”.  

Lord Almighty described to Prophet Abraham (Peace be upon him), “Take four of the birds and cause them to incline with you, so that their acquaintance with you may be well. Then mix their minced meat after slaughtering, place the pieces of that mixed minced meat of all those four birds on every hilltop, then call them by name staying in the centre, they will come to you in haste”. Abraham (Peace be upon him) did so. When he called one of the birds, the pieces of the body of that bird assembled altogether themselves from the hilltops, after coming in the form of living bird, they reached close to Abraham (Peace be upon him). Like this, all the four birds came back to life and came running near him (Peace be upon him).

Some full of philosophy advices have been disclosed in this lesson, which are appended below:

1.   With the observations, which the chosen servants of God see, their belief and faith increases.

2.   Type of questions which was asked by Abraham (Peace be upon him), this type of questions doesn’t grow due to disbelief, but in their depth; the passion of goodness and research is driven.

3.   Satisfaction of the heart is produced due to increasing of belief.

4.   Coming back to life of the birds and their running unto Abraham (Peace be upon him) on his call must not be taken as impossible. Here; we discuss about a little example. Suppose! If thin pieces of iron, copper, brass and gold are kept duly mutually mixed up as four different piles separately, and then magnet is put in their centre, you will see that the pieces of iron will be drawn towards the magnet; being separate from all four piles. Like this, the magnet power did exist in the voice of Abraham (Peace be upon him). Which bird was called by him, that bird came running toward him. Our aim from this example is that the Miracles like this are not impossible from the power of God.

5.   God is Able to do all things. Nothing is impossible for Him.

6.   His every Commandment, Revelation and work depends on any philosophy.

That topic has come to an end on this verse which had begun from ‘Aayat-ul-Kursii (Verse – 255). 

https://youtu.be/GtIeFbXCoaM