Transcript Understanding Islam - The Sabr Foundation

Islam 101
(A Short Introduction)
Dr. Ishaq Zahid
http://www.islam101.com
No Compulsion in Religion
 God
created men and women to
worship and obey Him, but
“Let there be no compulsion in religion.
Truth stands out clear from Error.
Whoever rejects evil and believes in God
has grasped the most trustworthy handhold, that never breaks. And God hears
and knows all things.”
(The Holy Quran, 2.256)
World Muslims
•
1.2 billion, Muslims represent between
19.2% and 22% of the world's
population.
• One of every five persons in the world
is a Muslim
• Second largest religion in the world
American Muslims
6
million (The New York Times, Feb. 21,
1989)
 About 40% Afro-American
 Not all Muslims are Arabs, Not all
Arabs are Muslims.
The Basics of Faith
 The
One and Only God (Allah in Arabic)
 Prophethood
 The Divine Books revealed by God to His
prophets
 Angels, Life after Death, the Day of
Judgment, Heaven and Hell
Worship and
Obedience
 Prayers
(Salah)
 Charity (Zakat)
 Fasting ( Ramadan)
 Pilgrimage (Hajj)
 Any act done according to Quran and
Sunnah to please God
Quran and Science

The Holy Quran is over 1400 years old text
in its original Arabic form.
 It is not a book of science. However:
 We have a better understanding of some of
its verses due to the modern scientific
knowledge
A Verse on Embryology
"He makes you in the wombs of your mothers in
stages, one after another, in three veils of
darkness." (Quran, 39:6)
 The staging of human embryos was not described
until the 20th century. Streeter (1941) developed
the first system of staging which has now been
replaced by a more accurate system proposed by
O'Rahilly (1972).
 "The three veils of darkness" may refer to: (l) the
anterior abdominal wall; (2) the uterine wall; and
(3) the amniochorionic membrane
Foundations of Real Success

Faith in the heart and words
 Righteous Deeds
 Mercy of God
Some Do’s and Don’ts
(with Young Muslims in mind)

Can spend some time in healthy sports and
clean entertainment, but do not neglect
worship of God. Don’t Disobey God.
 Control your Tongue, Eyes, Ears and
Hands.
 Guard your private parts.
 Dress Properly.
 Eat wholesome and pure food.
MOTHERS
The Qur'an elevates obedience and kindness
to parents (especially mothers) to a status
second only to the worship of Allah.
“Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him
and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of
them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word
of contempt nor repel them, but address them in terms of
honor.” (Qur'an 17:23)
Human Equality in Islam
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"No Arab has any superiority over a nonArab, nor does a non-Arab have any
superiority over an Arab. Nor does a
white man have any superiority over a
black man, or the black man any
superiority over the white man. You are
all the children of Adam, and Adam was
created from clay."
Justice in Islam
"Do not let your hatred of
a people incite you to
aggression."
(Quran 5:2)
Justice in Islam
"And do not let ill-will towards
any folk incite you so that
you swerve from dealing
justly. Be just; that is nearest
to heedfulness." (Quran 5:8)
Justice in Islam
‘Oh you who believe, stand up firmly for
justice, as witnesses to God, even if it be
against yourselves, or your parents, or your
kin, and whether it be against rich or poor;
for God can best protect both. Do not follow
any passion, lest you not be just. And if you
distort or decline to do justice, verily God is
well-acquainted with all that you do.’”
(Quran 4:135)
Repel Evil with Goodness

041.034 Nor can goodness and Evil be equal.
Repel (Evil) with what is better: Then will he
between whom and thee was hatred become
as it were thy friend and intimate!
 003.134 Those who spend (freely), whether
in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain
anger, and pardon (all) men; for God loves
those who do good.
Jihad

Jihad, an Arabic word that means to strive,
to struggle, to do one’s utmost.
 Jihad to get an A grade is to study tirelessly
 An Evil Jihad is to spread evil
 A Jihad is Islamic if it is done according to
the Holy Quran.
 Not all Jihads are Islamic.
A Word on Terrorism

There are no ISLAMIC TERRORISTS!
(There are a few among over a billion
Muslims who are terrorists.)
 Using “Islam” or “Islamic” associates evil
acts to the teachings of Islam. And that is
WRONG!
 Let us STOP associating Islam with evil.
Questions
and Answers
Surah Al-Fatehah
(Chapter 1: The Opening)
1. In the name of Allah, Most
Gracious, Most Merciful.
2. Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher
and Sustainer of the worlds;
3. Most Gracious, Most Merciful;
4. Master of the Day of Judgment.
5. Thee do we worship, and Thine
aid we seek.
6. Show us the straight way,
7. The way of those on whom Thou
hast bestowed Thy Grace, those
whose (portion) is not wrath,
and who go not astray.