Islam
Claims To Be In Accord With Human Nature
Part
- II
MUHAMMAD, PROPHET OF ISLAM
(Grace, Peace and Blessings of Allah on
him)
Is The Mightiest Ever-Lasting Challenge to:-
Intellectual
Monopoly, Cultural Imperialism, Religion Fanaticism, Social injustice,
Political Despotism and Economic Exploitation.
He is the Seal of the Prophets, i.e.,
the Final Prophet-the Last Prophet on whom the line of Prophets is closed 40 :
33. He is the Harbinger of Mercy from God for all the worlds. 107 : 31. He
confirms all Prophets and their scriptures. 285 : 2. He was born on Monday, 12th
Rabii-‘ul-Awwal, in the year 570A.D. in Makkah. His father, ‘Abdullah, was the
son of Abdul-Muttalib, Leader of the Qureish tribe, and his mother, Aamina, was
the daughter of Wahb, Leader of the Bene Zuhra tribe of Madina. As an orphan,
he was brought up under the protection of his uncle, Abu Taalib, ‘Ali’s father.
COMPANIONS:- Muhammad, peace be on him, attained Prophethood at
the age of 40, and lived in Makkah in spite of bitter opposition till the age
of 53, then he migrated to Madina, where he passed the last ten years of his
life, in marvelous progress and achievement, till he returned to his Lord at
the age of 63, on Monday, 8th June, 632 A.D. in Madina. He was
blessed by God with a number of sincere and capable followers; either family
members like Abu Taalib and ‘Ali, wives like Khadiija and ‘aa-isha, daughter
like Faatima, wife of ‘Ali, and grandchildren like Hassan, Husayn,: he Martyrs,
and Zaynab; or companions like Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Usmaan, and Ali. First Four
Caliphs In Islam, an several others, all of whom took up the cause of Islam
with unparalleled devotion and success.
MARRIAGES:- Muhammad (peace be upon him) was engaged by a
wealthy widow-merchant, Khadiija to look after her mercantile business, with
the result that she, forty years old, married Muhammad, at the age of 25. She
was the first and only wife till she died at the age of 65 in Makkah. Their
married life of 25 years was a model of happy and high co-operation. During the
last ten years of his life in Madina, the Prophet, for a number of reasons, at
once delicate and intricate had to accept, at intervals, about ten wives, all,
with the exception of only one, widows or divorced, and some quite old. Those
who do not appreciate the situation are puzzled with such an odd family. Many
make it a point of objection. But in fact they will find their own
contradiction, if they seek honest explanation. Of all these, ‘Aa-isha,
daughter of Abu Bakr, was the only virgin wife of high status and personality.
She was reputed for scholarship in Qur-‘aan and Tradition, and taught people
Islam ably for 48 years after the Prophet’s death.
REVELATION OF THE QUR-‘AAN:- At
the age of 40, Muhammad (Peace be on him) received “Wahee” of First Message
from Allah, through the Angel Jibreel, on Mount Hira, in one of the odd nights
(21 to 29)’of Ramadan Beginning with Sura 96 as, “Read in the name of the Lord
Munificent, who taught man by the pen” Here the emphasis is on God’s bestowing
on Man, the basis of his superiority to all other creatures, and lastly the
paramount need of reading and writing with pen, so as to acquire, preserve and
propagate Knowledge in Mankind.
The Spiritual experience marks the start
of Prophetic career. Tjhere is historical association of Ramadaan with the
Qur-’aan, and this is one of the reasons why special attention is paid to the
recitation and study of the Qur-‘aan and activities and blessings, peculiar to
this month, vide 185: 2. Moreover, the Prophet’s Mi’-raaj or Ascension to High
Heavens is dated to the 27th night of the month of ‘Rajab’ in the
year before his “Hijrat” from Makkah to Madina. Vide 1 : 17, 8 : 53. The
Qur-‘aan is the Highest Gift of God to mankind, better than all the possessions
of the world. So it must be the source of greatest delight as well. Vide 57, 58
: 10. So Muslims are commanded to be attentive to the Qur-‘aan, to seek the
company of spiritual people, and not to make a fetish of this world. 27, 28 :
18.
MUHAMMAD AS FORTOLD:- The Qur-‘aan is most emphatic on its
Revelation to the Prophet, and on its Message of the Unity of God. 19 : 6. At
the same time Islam is most liberal within the limits of Truth, but not beyond
the limits, like any expedient compromise. The way of Islam is straight and
broad, not crooked or narrow for its followers, so that it claims to include
all Religions in Truth (158: 7, 285: 2). The Basic Beliefs in Islam are
mentioned at several places in the Qur-‘aan. 136: 4. But the Prophet is denied
recognition by the Divines of other Religions, in spite of Prominent Prophesies
about him, contained in their own Books.
“The people of the Book know this
Apostle (Muhammad) as they know their own sons, but a party of them conceal the
Truth (of Prophethood) which they themselves know (from the references in their
Books) (Torah and Gospel), but they conceal or misinterpret.” (146: 2, 20: 6,
16 to 18: 5, 157: 7).
“And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary
said: O children of Israel
MODEL OF BALANCE:- The Prophet of Islam has two specific
names, Muhammad (Highly Praised) and Ahmad (Most Praised). In other worlds,
Muhammad is associated with the sphere of “Khalq” (Creation), and Ahmad with
the sphere of “Amr” (Command), and since Jesus Christ is more endowed with
‘Amr’ than with ‘Khalq’, as shown by his birth, his miracles and his end, he
calls the Prophet (of Islam) “Ahmad,” according to his own Complex. This “Amr”
is expressed by ‘Kun” or (Be) which is also called “Kalima” or Word); hence
Jesus Christ is also called “Word” in the Qur-‘aan. But the Prophet of Islam is
a model of Balance in his relations with ‘Khalq’ and ‘Amr’, and as such, he is
also a model of ‘Abd’ (servant) in his relation with his ‘Rab’- and this Model
marks the Zenith of Religion---both the relations extending to the extreme and
still safe, free from exaggeration. While the prophet seems to live like a
common man in this world, he rises to heights beyond imagination in the
Spiritual sphere. And even then, on a broad outlook, his all-round success, in
this world as well, stands out a Monument of human achievements.
MODEL OF CONDUCT :- So the Muslims are advised in the
Qur-‘aan:- “Say O Prophet! I am but a man like yourselves (neither a Son of God
nor an Incarnation of God), but the Inspiration has come to me that your God is
One God. Whoever expects to meet his
Lord (and Man can meet his Lord), let him work (with Righteousness, and in the
Worship of his Lord (let him) admit no one as partner, vide 110 : 18. You have
indeed, in the Apostle of God (Muhammad) an Excellent Model (of Conduct) for
anyone whose hope is in God and the Final Day, and who engages much in the
Praise of God. 21 : 33. In addition to Muslims, the Prophet is also
congratulated on his personal progress. “And We raised high for thee
(Muhammad), the Talk about thee (in the form of Salaat and Salaam and Azaan
from Allah, from Angels and from Men).” 1 to 4 : 94. The Talk about Prophet,
raised high. Is further explained by the Qur-‘aan: “Verily Allah and His angels
shower blessings on the Prophet (Muhammad): O ye who believe! Invoke blessings
on him and offer your Salutation to him with all respects.” 56: 33. Allaa-humma
salli ‘alaa Muhamma-din wa ‘alaa ‘Aalehii wa As-haabehii wa baarik wa sallim.
(O Allah Bestow Thy grace on Muhammad, his family members, his companions,
shower Thy blessings on him, and grant peace to him).
PERICLYTOS:- It is not necessary to open here the old long controversy,
how far the Prophet is foretold in preceding Books; but the fact remains that Deut
XVIII: 18 in Old Testament, and the Gospel of St. John XIV (16) XV (26) and XVI
(7) in the New Testament contain obvious specifications which identify the
Prophet as their Object. Wilful
mistranslation is however a different matter. For instance the Greek name
‘Periclutos’ or ‘Periclytos’ which is almost a literal equivalent of ‘Ahmad’ or
‘Muhammad’, may be easily corrupted as ‘Paracletos’(Advocate), which also applies
to the Prophet, and then it may be mistranslated further as ‘comforter’, which
again applies to the Prophet, and still such Prominent References are denied to
the Prophet, lest he should be accepted by many people of their own fold. Let
Jesus Christ (God’s Blessings on him) speak for himself and for the next
Prophet Ahmad or Muhammad:-
“If you love me, keep my commandments,
and I will pray the Father and He shall give you another Comforter, that he may
abide with you for ever, (being the Final Prophet-?-author, M.E. Burney) even
the spirit of Truth (he will be-?-author, Burney). (John) XIV, 15-17. Similarly
Jesus Christ is highly admired more than once in the Qur-‘aan. Vide 45 : 3.
ABD-APOSTLE RAB:- The Abd should train his mind to the full realization,
in knowledge and action, of his intimate relationship with the Supreme Being,
after asserting his firm Belief in the Unity of God and in the Prophetship of
Muhammad.
“ ‘Abd and Rab” is the essence of the
Teachings of Islam which determines Human position in Creation. “Abd means one
who has nothing originally his own, but whatever he has he gets from his ‘Rab’
(God), be it his life or its numerous constituents (powers and qualities), in
fact his entire existence. ‘Rab’ is the Supreme Being who creates and sustains
his creation in entire existence, called ‘Rabbul- ‘Aalameen’ (the Lord of all
the worlds). Those who know ‘Rab’ and accordingly, to the point of realization,
are called Apostles and saints. This association of ‘Abd’ and ‘Rab’ (the
created and the Creator), dispenses with the need of the sons or (Avatars)
Incarnations of God Himself (in human or other form). Man as man is capable to
hold any exalted Position, subject to God. Thus it is that Muhammad is called “
‘Abdu-huu wa Rasuu-luhuu.” His ‘Abd and His Apostle (God’s blessings on him).
Vide (25 to 29: 20, 110: 18).
“Abds’ in their high grades are gifted
with ‘Amaanat’ (Trust) and ‘Khilaafat’ (Vicegerency) in the universe, and they
are superior to Angels, because they are capable of wider and higher
Manifestations of the Supreme Being, but still they keep human level in their
life, under the action, of ‘Khalq’ (Creation) and ‘Amr’ (Command).
NEXT TO GOD:- Prophet’s contact with people is called his
‘Nuzuul’ (Descension), and his rise to his Lord, Most Excellent, is called his
‘Urooj’ (Ascension), and his life between the two extremes is called his
‘Maqqaam’ (Position) which may be higher and lower among the Prophets. The
farther the extremes , the greater the ‘Zuhoor’ (Manifestation) of ‘Amaanat’
(Trust) ans ‘Khilaafat’ (Vicegerency) in the Prophet’s personality. The two
extremes are also called ‘Misiiat’ (Similarity) and ‘Afzaliat’ (Superiority).
In brief the Qur-‘aanic conception of Prophetship is at once Human and
Spiritual, without any super-humanity to substantiate his position. Thus Man
stands next to
God, but
strictly in the sphere of creation, entirely subject to his Lord, Most Exalted.
The Prophet’s Message (Islam) has been summed up as:- ‘Say; He is Allah, the
One and Only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute, on whom all depend. He begettith
not, nor is He begotten, and there is none like unto Him.’ Vide 1 to 4: 112, 1
to 3 : 25, 108 : 12, 180 to 182: 37).
Let those Reflect Who Seek Truth.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RELIGIOUS BOOKS:- As to the Qur-‘aan, all Major Religions
of the world, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism,
and Confucianism, have got their Basic Books and these Books stand as the sole
and final Authority for the system of their respective Religions. Of all such
Books, the Qur-‘aan alone claims, and claims definitely and emphatically, to be
entirely the Words of God, communicated to the Prophet (Muhammad) through
“Wahee” or Inspiration in origin. Other Books either make no such claim in
themselves, but are taken, more or less, to be the Words of God, by
implication; or even if they were the Words of God in origin, they are held to
have suffered various alterations in the Text, or to have been lost and
replaced by Memoirs written by Disciples themselves.
Again the Qur-‘aan is available,
original, intact, in a living and progressive ‘Arabic’ language of great
Refinement and Literature, more or less current all the world over, while other
Books are found in Languages, antique, or even obsolete or even extinct so as
to be preserved in Translations, some very far-fetched indeed. In fact the
Qur-‘aan is the ONE BASIC BOOK, which is read in OriginalText, on the largest
scale in the world. (Vide Encyclopaedia Britannica, 9th Edition),
while other Books have got their own limitations. It is hard to deny that the
Qur-‘aan has been exercising strong influence in favour of Monotheism over
other religions as well. It is a Common Spiritual Heritage of mankind like air,
light and water.
MUHAMMAD – A HISTORICAL PERSONALITY:- Similarly, of all the Heads of Major
Religions, Muhammad is the One and the Only Prophet, whose life can be studied
in full details on the standard of History. None else has been so well known,
so intimate with Mankind and so congenial to Humanity. It is so sure to know
how to follow him in what matters. It is not so practicable in other cases. And
the study and application of the Qur-‘aan, according to Prophet’s system, leads
to very wide, very high and very safe spheres of Spiritual Culture, so natural,
and so balanced, as to keep the normal of human life undisturbed, and thereby
discourage Asceticism and Monkish Life, which is baneful to Humanity in the
long run. Any way, every Religious system must be presented entirely on the
ground of the Basic Book, so as to make it Authoritative to all concerned for
comparative study of Religion. And this has been attempted here.
HOW TO EMBRACE ISLAM:- At last, a question may arise in some
minds after all, what is to be done, if one decides to embrace Islam. The
answer is short and simple. First of all, one has to assert one’s firm Belief
in the Unity of God, and in the Prophetship of Muhammad, by reciting ‘Kalima’-
tut- Tawheed’:-
“Laaa Ilaa-ha Il-lal-laah,
Muhammadur-Rasuulul-laah.” (There is no God, but Allah, Muhammad is the Apostle
of Allah).
This Kalima is further to be asserted
for emphasis:-
“Ash-hadu allaaa ilaaha Il-lal-laa-hu,
Wah-dahuu, Laa sha-reeka lahuu, wa ash-hadu anna Muhamma-dan ‘Abduhuu wa Rasuuluhu.
(I bear witness that verily there is no God but Allah. He is the One, None is
Partner with Him. And I bear witness that verily Muhammad is His ‘Abd (servant)
and His Apostle. (He is neither God, nor a Son of God, nor the Incarnation of
God). There is no priesthood in Islam. No rituals, no formalities of baptism.
BASIC BELIEFS AND DEEDS:- Then the other Basic Beliefs of Islam
given on the title page of this volume have to be asserted. 136 : 4. Thus when
knowledge had been set Right by means of Beliefs, there comes the sphere of
Action which consists of four Basic Duties as below:-
1.
Salaat
or Namaaz (Prayers)., five times a day. If prayers be missed at one time, they
may be made up at another time. Islam, being a Religion of Association, and not
of Isolation, teaches to be attentive to God and Truth, not only in solitude,
but also in Crowd and Company, so that it is more meritorious to offer prayers
in congregation than alone, in mosque than at home. Man must learn to live in
Truth, Just as fish live in water. Just as there are people Worldly wise, Islam
wants people to be Worldly Religion.
2.
Zakkat
or Poor-Due, to pay annually for religious purpose 2 ½ P.C. of wealth held in
the form of cash or jewellery during the whole year.
3.
Sawm
or Roza, to fast the whole day in the month of Ramazaan, with exceptions and
alternatives in illness or old age or difficult journey.
4.
Hajj-Pilgrimage
to Makkah, seat of Islam, at least once in life, is binding, if one can afford
to do so, in respect of his finance, health and other considerations.
Pilgrimage to Madina, to visit the Prophet’s Tomb with Hajj is very
meritorious.
To live a truthful Life of Spiritual
Attitude and Right Remembrance of Allah, Muslims are advised to repeat Basic
Truths in their mind and heart in their daily life. For instance they should
say:
(1) ‘Bismillah’
(in the name of Allah, at all occasions of beginning and start,
(2) ‘Sub-haanallaah’
(Glory to Allah) at all occasions of greatness and wonder,
(3) ‘Al-Hamdu-lil-laah,
(Praise be to Allah), at all occasions of favour and comfort,
(4)
In-Shaaa-Allah, (God willing), at all occasions of action and enterprise, (5) ‘As-tag-firul-laah’
(I seek forgiveness from Allah), at all occasions of slip and sins,
(6)
Salaamun ‘alay-kum (Peace be on you), at all occasions of meeting and greeting,
(7) ‘Innaa
lil-laah’ (We belong to Allah), at all occasions of misfortune and grief,
(8) ‘Allaahu-Akbar’
(Allah is Great) at all occasions of difficulty and crisis, and
(9) ‘Allaa-huma
salli ‘alaa Muhammadin wa ‘alaa Aali Muhammadin wa baarik wa sallim’ (O Allah!
Bestow grace, blessings and peace on Muhammad and His family members, for
cultivating love and reverence for the Prophet. But Words must be accompanied
by deeds, and Knowledge must be transformed into Action, so more stress is laid
on Duties and Obligations in daily life.
RISAALAT, THE SOUL OF TAWHEED:- The concept of the Unity of God in its
purest form has been furnished to mankind through Muhammad (peace be on him).
So it is the duty of every Muslim to entertain the highest respect and love for
Him, and to follow the best example in Knowledge and Action set by Him in the
light of Qur-‘aan . May it be made clear that obedience to the Apostle is
always to be charged with an unalloyed love and reverence for Him, for it is
through His love alone that the highest truths can be comprehended and
Communion with God can be vouchsafed. In fact, Love is the motive force;
Reverence disciplines Love, and implicit Obedience to the Prophet is their
natural outcome.
To sum up, true relationship with God
(Tawheed’) cannot be obtained without ‘Risaalat (the Belief in the Aposteship
of Muhammad and his love and obedience), as declares the Qur-‘aan:-
“Say (O Muhammad, to mankind) : If ye
love Allah, follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins”. 31 : 3. “Say:
O my slaves! . . . Despair not of the Mercy of Allah, Who forgiveth all sins”. …53
: 39. “Ask (the disbelievers): ‘Whose is the earth? Who is Lord of seven
heavens?...In Whose hands lieth the power to rule over every thing”? They will
(instantly) answer, “They all belong to Allah.” In spite of their answers about
these Divine Attributes in affirmative, the decision goes , “Nay, We have
brought them the Truth (of the Apostleship of Muhammad); but they are liars
indeed, (as they deny this Truth).” Vide84 to 90 : 23. The Qur-‘aan is full of “Aaminuu
bil-laahi wa Ra-suu-lihii’, i.e. Believe in God and His Apostle (Muhammad).”
Again and again hundreds of times, the Qur-‘aan insists upon the Belief in
Allah to be followed by the Belief in the Apostleship of Muhammad (peace be on
Him), as if too much stress cannot be laid upon their combination. Vide 136 :4,
33: 47, 9: 48, 7: 57, 11: 61 etc, etc.
Copied
by Muhammad Sharif Fauji from the HOLY QUR’AN (transliteration in roman script
with English translation by Marmaduke Pickthal), Publishe d by ,Paak Company, 17-Urdu Bazar Lahore
Pakistan
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