Some Basic Concepts in Islam (1/4)

1. Concept of Prophethood

Allah sent many prophets and sages to all nations at different times of history. One prophet or more has been sent to every known land. All the prophets of Allah were men of exemplary character. They were prepared and chosen by Allah to deliver His Message to humanity. Their honesty, integrity, sincerity, and intelligence were beyond suspicion. The strong link that exists between God and man is clearly evident in prophethood. Prophethood is an eloquent expression of Allah’s love of mankind. By conveying His messages to man, He gives humanity the chance to attain eternal happiness in the Hereafter. Prophethood is an emphasis of Allah’s justice to man. Allah holds man responsible for his deeds only after showing him true guidance and after warning him. The guidance and warnings conveyed by all prophets were the same because they came from the same source. Their mission was to serve Allah, to acquaint man with Allah and His Divine Message, to establish truth and goodness, to help man to realize the true purpose of his existence, and help him to conduct his life in such a way as to attain salvation. It is on this basis that the Muslims make no discrimination among the prophets and accept their teachings as reliable and true.

“For We assuredly sent amongst every people an apostle, (with the Command), “Serve God, and eschew Evil.” Of the people were some whom God guided, and some on whom error became inevitably (established). So travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who denied (the Truth).” [The Qur’an, Ch: 16, Al-Nahl, V: 36]

2. Concept of Religion

Religion has always been misused and abused. Many have used it as a means of exploitation and repression. Some people have used it as an excuse for their prejudice and intolerance. Some others have used it as a source of power and domination over the masses. There are many religions in the world, and each one claims to be the one and only true religion. But these claims contradict each other. Genuine religion must come from the One True God for the right guidance to humanity. Human nature and major human needs are basically the same at all times. So there can be only one true religion coming from the God Who created all men. This religion is Islam. Islam was not taught only by Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon him). On the contrary, Islam was the religion preached by all the prophets of Allah including Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon him). So Islam has been, and will continue to be, the true universal religion of God, because God is One. Islam maintains that religion is not only a spiritual and intellectual necessity but also a social and universal need. It is meant not to bewilder man but to guide him. It is not to debase him but to elevate his moral nature. True religion purifies the soul from evil, clears the mind from doubts, and strengthens the character. It provides him with peace and security and makes his life meaningful. That is what a true religion can do for humanity.

“Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to God, does good, and follows the way of Abraham, the true in Faith?” [The Qur’an, Ch: 4, Al-Nisa’, V: 125]

3. Concept of Life

Allah does not give life to an individual without any purpose. He bestows upon him unique characteristics and immense capabilities. He also places upon him certain responsibilities and obligations. Man is expected to fulfill the purpose of life and realize the goal of existence. Life on earth is likened to a journey starting from a certain point and ending at a certain destination. It is a transitory stage, an introduction to the eternal life in the Hereafter. Life and death belong entirely to Allah’s realm. Life is an amazing sign of Allah’s wisdom and power, a vibrant evidence of His skill and supremacy. He is the Giver and Creator of life. Life is unique and precious and no sensible or normal person would like to lose it by choice. Life is given to man by Allah, and only He has the right to take it back; no one else has the right to destroy a life. This is why Islam forbids suicide and all kinds of self-mortification. But, when capital punishment is carried out on a criminal, his life is taken away by the right of Allah in accordance with His Law. Islam also recommends patience and good faith at the death of a dear one.

“If anyone slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people.” [The Qur’an, Ch: 5, Al-Ma’idah, V: 32]

4. Concept of the World

The present human situation is alarming. Increasingly economic and social injustices, world health crises, and the threat of ecological self-destruction appear to be forcing humanity toward the brink of a new age of potentially irreversible darkness. But the problems and crises of modern times are not entirely unique or peculiar. It is true that they are difficult, complex, and agonizing. Perhaps this is even more so now than ever before. But the difference, however, between this age and the past is basically a difference of degree rather than of kind. The present human crisis seems to emanate from a serious imbalance between our material explorations and our moral groping. A harmony between the two aspects, a “middle range” or a “golden means,” is the need of the hour. The principle of “moderation” is an important characteristic of Islam. Muslims wish to live in the modern world without simply imitating blindly the ways followed by the West. They wish to live at peace with the West but at the same time not to be dominated by them.

Islam aims to devote its resources and energies in order to build a better life for mankind on the basis of the teachings of Islam and not to squander its resources in any conflict. Muslims seek to create better understanding with the West because the destinies of people of different parts of the world cannot be totally separated. By understanding each other better, nations can contribute to a better life for the whole of humanity.

“Thus, have We made of you a Brotherhood justly balanced, that ye might be witnesses over the nations, and the Apostle a witness over yourselves.” [The Qur’an, Ch: 2, Al-Baqarah, V: 143]

(Continued)