Common questions about Islam

08 Mar, 2019 - 00:03 0 Views

The ManicaPost

What is the Qur’aan?

The Qur’aan is the final revelation of Allah to all of mankind, which was spoken by Allah the Exalted Himself and conveyed through the Arch-Angel Gabriel in Arabic to the Prophet Muhammad, in sound, word and meaning.  The Qur’aan, (sometimes incorrectly spelled Koran), was then relayed to the Prophet’s companions, and they diligently memorised it verbatim and meticulously compiled it into written form.  The Holy Qur’aan has been continually recited by the companions of the Prophet and their successors until the present day.  In short, the Qur’aan is the revealed book of Divine scripture from Allah to all humanity for their guidance and salvation.

How do Muslims view the nature of man, the purpose of life and the life Hereafter?

In the Holy Qur’aan, Allah teaches human beings that they are created in order to glorify, serve and worship Him, and that the basis of all true worship is God-consciousness.  All of Allah’s creatures worship Him naturally and only the humans have the free will to worship Allah their Creator or to reject Him.  This is a great test, but also a great honour.  Since the teachings of Islam encompass all aspects of life and ethics, God-consciousness is encouraged in all human affairs.

Islam makes it clear that all human acts are acts of worship if they are done for God alone and in accordance to His Divine Scripture and Law.  As such, worship in Islam is not limited to religious rituals, and for this reason it is more properly known as ‘way of life’ than a religion.  The teachings of Islam act as a mercy and a healing for the human soul, and qualities such as humility, sincerity, patience and charity are strongly encouraged.  Additionally, Islam condemns pride and self-righteousness, since Almighty God is the only judge of human righteousness.

Does Islam only focus on worship and monasticism?

Islam is not a religion of monasticism or separation from the worldly life. On the other hand, it does not allow the uncontrolled indulgence of worldly pleasures and desires. It teaches us to nourish and satisfy our soul and spiritual needs as much as we need food and provision for our body. It is a complete social system which promotes a lifestyle based on moderation embracing both religious and mundane affairs, and considers them complementary to one another: neither aspect should prevail at the expense of the other.

“But seek, with that (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the home of the Hereafter, and forget not your portion of legal enjoyment in this world, and be kind as Allah has been good (kind) to you, and seek not mischief in the land.” (Holy Qur’aan Ch 28 : v 77).

What is the hierarchy in Islam?

Islam places men and women all equal before their Lord regardless of their race, tongue, national origin, appearance, wealth and social status. The criterion for differentiation among them arises in their compliance with the divine regulations.

“O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and have made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another(Merely for recognition and not superiority over each other) . Verily, the noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the one who is most God-conscious from amongst you. Indeed Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (Holy Qur’aan Ch 49 : v 13)

Is Islam all about

blind following?

Islam is the religion of pure human nature and clarity. It urges and calls its followers to ask about all issues or problems they may encounter or endure, from the simple problems of their everyday life to the deepest, most complex and also the most incomprehensible questions of their existence. In Islam the whole doctrine is explained clearly and there are no obscure or mysterious components to the belief.

Allah Almighty instructs clearly :”So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know”(Holy Qur’aan Ch 16: v 43. ‘People of knowledge’ refers to the experts in the various fields of Islamic Law.

For further information on Islamplease contact:

MajlisulUlama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars

Publications Department

P.O. Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare

Tel: 0242-614078 / 614004, e-mail: [email protected]

Share This:

Sponsored Links

We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey

This will close in 20 seconds