WHAT IS ISLAM?

Can we find an explanation of the great universe? Is there
any convincing interpretation of the secret of existence? We realize that
no family can function properly without a responsible head, that no city
can prosperously exist without sound administration, and that no state can
survive without a leader of some kind. We also realize that nothing comes
into being on its own. Moreover, we observe that the universe exists and
functions in the most orderly manner, and that it has survived for
hundreds of thousand of years. Can we then say that all this is accidental
and haphazard? Can we attribute the existence of man and the whole world
to mere chance.

Man represents only a very small portion of the great
universe. And if he can make plans and appreciate the merits of planning,
then his own existence and the survival of the universe must also be a
planned policy. This means that there is an extraordinary power to bring
things into being and keep them moving in order.

In the world then must be a great force in action to keep
everything in order. In the beautiful nature there must be a Great creator
who creates the most charming pieces of art produces every thing for a
special purpose in life. The deeply enlightened people recognize this
creator and call him Allah "God". He is not a man because no man can
create or make another man. He is not an animal, nor he is a plant. He is
neither an Idol nor is He a statue of any kind because non of these things
can make itself or create anything else. He is different from all these
things because he is the maker and keeper of them all. The maker of
anything must be different from and greater than things which he
makes.

There are various ways to know God "ALLAH'' and there are
many things to tell about him. The great wonders and impressive marvels of
the world are like open books in which we can read about God. Besides, God
Himself comes to our aid through the many Messengers and revelations He
has sent down to man. These Messengers and revelations tell us everything
we need to know about God.

The complete acceptance of the teachings and guidance of God
'Allah' as revealed to His Messengers Muhammad is the religion of Islam.
Islam enjoins faith in the oneness and sovereignty of Allah, which makes
man aware of meaningfulness of the Universe and of his place in it. This
belief frees him from all fears and superstitions by making him conscious
of the presence of the Almighty Allah and of man's obligations towards
Him. This faith must be expressed and tested in actions, faith alone is
not enough. Belief in one God requires that we look upon all humanity as
one family under the universal Omnipotence of God the Creator and
Nourisher of all. Islam rejects the idea of chosen people, making belief
in God and good actions the only way to heaven. Thus, a direct
relationship in established with God, without any intercessor.

Islam is not a new religion. It is, in essence, the same
message and guidance which Allah revealed to all Prophets. Adam, Noah,
Abraham, Ismael, David, Moses and Jesus (PBUT). But the message which was
revealed to Prophet Mohammed (PBUT) is Islam in its comprehensive,
complete and final form.

The Quran is the last revealed word of Allah and the basic
source of Islamic teachings and laws. The Quran deals with the basis of
creeds, morality, history of humanity, worship, knowledge, wisdom, God-man
relationship, and human relationship in all aspects. Comprehensive
teaching on which, can be built sound systems of social justice,
economics, politics, legislation, jurisprudence, law and international
relations, are important contents of the Quran. Hadith, the teachings,
sayings and actions of Prophet Mohammed (PBUT), meticulously reported and
collected by his devoted companions. Explained and elaborated the Quranic
verses.


The true faithful Muslim believes in the following
Principal articles of faith:-

1. He believes in One God 'Allah', Supreme and Eternal, Infinite and
   Mighty, Merciful and Compassionate, Creator and Provider.
   
2. He believes in all Messengers of God without any discrimination
   among them. Every known nation had a warner or Messenger from God. They
   were chosen by God to teach mankind and deliver His divine message. The
   Quran mentions the name of twenty five of them. Among them Mohammad
   stands as the last Messenger and the crowning glory of the foundation of
   Prophethood.
   
3. Muslin believes in all scriptures and revelations of God. They were
   the guiding light which the Messengers received to show their respected
   peoples the Right Path of God. In the Quran a special reference is made
   to the books of Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus. But long before the
   revelations has been lost or corrupted. The only authentic and complete
   book of God in existence in the Quran.
   
4. The true Muslim believes in the Angels of Allah. They are purely
   spiritual and splendid beings whose nature requires on food, drink or
   sleep. They spend their days and nights in the worship of God.
   
5. Muslim believes in the last Day of Judgement. This world will come
   to an end someday, and the dead will rise to stand for their final and
   fair trial. People with good records will be generously, rewarded and
   warmly welcomed to the Heaven of Allah, and those with bad records will
   be punished and cast into Hell.
   
6. Muslim believes in the timeless knowledge of God and His power to
   plan and execute His planes and nothing could happen in His Kingdom
   against His will. His knowledge and power are in action at all times and
   command over His creation. He is wise and merciful, and whatever He does
   must have a meaningful purpose. If this is established in our mind and
   hearts, we should accept with good faith all that He does, although we
   may fail to under stand it fully, or think it is bad.
   

Faith without actions arid practice is a dead end, as far as
Islam is concerned. Faith by nature is very sensitive and can be most
effective. When it is not out of practice or out of use, it quickly loses
its liveliness and motivation power.

There are five pillars of
Islam:

1. The declaration of faith: To bear witness that there is none worthy
   of worship except Allah, and that Mohammad (PBUH) is His Messenger to
   all human beings till the Day of Judgment. The Prophethood of Mohammad
   obliges the Muslims to follow, His exemplary life as a model.
   
2. Prayers: Daily, prayers are offered five times a day as a duty
   towards Allah. They strengthen and enliven the belief in Allah and
   inspire man to a higher morality. They purify the heart and prevent
   temptation towards wrong - doings and evil.
   
3. Fasting the month of Ramadan. The Muslims during the month of
   Ramadan not only abstain from food, drink and sexual intercourse from
   dawn to sunset but also sincerity and devotion. It develops a sound
   social conscience, patience, unselfishness and will - Power.
   
4. Zakkah: The literal and simple meaning of Zakkah is purity. The
   technical meaning of this word designates the annual amount in kind or
   coin which a Muslim with means must distribute among the rightful
   beneficiaries. But the religious and spiritual significance of Zakkah is
   much deeper and more lively. So it has humanitarian and sociopolitical
   values.
   
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah): It is to be performed once in a
   lifetime, if one can afford it financially and physically.