En islam its foundations and concepts

ISLA]UI
Its Foundation
And Concepts
Js
Dr, Muhammed bin Abdullah As-Suhaym
daarulatedfo
Abdur-Raafi Adewale lmaam

@Muhammad Abdullah AhSuhaym, 2OOs
K ng FahadNationalLibrary Cataloging-in-PublicationData
AIS uhaym, Muhammad Abdullah.
lslam:lts FoundationAndConcepts./Muhammad
AbdullahAl-Suhaym.-Riyadh,2005
224p 14x21cm
ISBN:996047-538-7
1-lslam-GeneralPrinciples l-Title
210dc 142611239
LegalDepositNo.1426/1239
ISBN:9960-47-538-7
lst, Edition
1426A,H.- 200sA.c.
All Rlghlr Rererved
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lslaam:
Its Foundationsand Concepts
9y
Dr.Muhammadbin AbdullaahAs-Suhaym
Translated by
Abdur-Raafi Adewale lmaam
Translationand PublicationDivision,
lslaamic PropagationAnd Education Committee,
Al-MadeenahAl-Munawwarah
www.alharamainonline.org

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts
In the Nameof Allaah,the Gracious,the Merciful
Translator'snote:
All praiseis due to AllaahlMay peaceand blessingsbe upontne
Messenger,hishouseholdandcompanions.
This bookis undoubtedlya commendableattemptat showingthe
beautiesof lslaamto mankind,drawinga comparisonbetweenthis
greatreligionand otherworldreligionsin spiritual,moral,social
and intellectualaspectsand acquaintingmankindwithrtsprinciples
and fundamentalsin a logical,unambiguous,convincing,frankbut
graciousmanner.
We wouldhoweverliketo callthe attentionof the readerto some
pointsas regardsthetranslationof someof thequotesandforeign
namesin thisbook.The authorquotedsomepassagesfromthe
Bibleand otherbooks,whichare notoriginallyArabic.Thoughwe
believethat the properacademicmethod in translatingthese
passagesis to referto theiroriginalsourcessincemostof themare
in English, we could not however do so because of therr
unavailabilityto thetranslator.lt is thereforehopedthat,translation
of the passages rendered here are as close as possible in
meaning,to theoriginaltexts.
As forthenamesof someauthorsmentionedin the Bookin Arabic
letters,we exertedeffortsto know the correctspellingof these
names in theiroriginallanguages.But due to the fact that the
'
In transliteratingArabic words,the translatorchoseto usethe double
vowel 'aa', 'ee'and'oo' to indicatemadd [stretching]withfathah, kasr,
anddantmrespectivelyas it is in'Allaah','lslaam','Tawheed','soorah',
etc.,because;usingthis methodrnakesit easierfor non-Arabicspeaking
readersto pronouncethe words as closelyas possibleto the way the
Arabicspeakersdo. This way hasbecomestandardway of transliteration
by nranyfamousMuslim writersandtranslatorsIike Dr Bilal Philipsand
others.

Islsam: ItsFoundationsAnd Concepts
authorquotedexcerptsfrom theirbooksfromsecondarysources,
which are in Arabic,we could not have access to the original
books;hencethe namesweretransliteratedfromArabic.
Equally,the namesof foreignreferencesmentionedin thisbookin
Englishmaynotbe theexactnamesgivenbytheirvariousauthors.
Mostof thesearetranslatedfromArabic.
ln translatingthemeaningsof theversesof theGloriousQur'aan,I
completelyreliedon the translationdone by Al-Hilaliand M. M.
Khan and printedby King FahdComplexfor the Printingof the
HolyQur'an.I quotedthetranslationas it is withoutanyadditionor
omission.
As for the hadeeths,I largelyreliedon M. M. Khan'stranslationif
the hadeeth is reported by Al-Bukhaareeand Muslim or Al-
Bukhaareealone.lf the hadeethis reportedby Muslim,I quoted
from Siddiqi'stranslation.Otherwise,the hadeethsare translated
by my humbleself. In the footnotehowever,I deem it enoughto
mentiononlythe collectorof the hadeefhin the footnote.I add the
initials
'AA' at the end of the footnotesaddedby me to distinguish
betweenthemandthoseof theauthor.
May Allaahmakethisbook beneficialfor all and rewardits author
abundantlyin thisworldand the Hereafter.
Abdur-RaafiAdewalelmaam
lslaamicPropagationAnd Education
Committee,
Al-MadeenahAl-Munawwarah
www.alharamainonline.org

Author's preface
All praiseis due to Allaah.We praiseHim and seek for His
assistanceand forgiveness.We seekrefugewithHimfromevilsof
our souls and our misdeeds.No one can misleadwhosoever
Allaahguidesand nonecan guidewhosoeverAllaahcausesto go
astray.
I testifythat there is no deity worthy of worshipexcept Allaah
alone.He has no partner.I alsotestifythat Muhammadblessings
andpeacebe uponhim,is HisslaveandMessenqer.
AllaahsentMessengersto mankindin orderthatpeoplemay not
haveany pleaagainstHim afterHe has senttheseMessengers.
HealsorevealedBooksas guidance,mercy,lightandhealing.
In the past,Messengerswere especiallysent to theirpeopleand
entrustedwith the preservationof their book.That was why their
writingsbecameforgottenand theirlawsbecamealtered,because
theyweresenttota specificnationon a limitedperiod.
Thereafter,Allaahchose His ProphetMuhammad,blessingsand
peacebe upon him, and made him the lastof all prophetsand
Messengers.Hesays,
- 4 1 . z
^ J L > q J;34Il
, - i . - 2 , , ' - ' t - ( ' ' ' '
Fi "t6i u * t: '"3
rr L;F
+ '.=Jl
r l ; _ )
"Muhammadis not the fatherof anyone amongyou, but he is the
Messengerof Allaahand the last(end)of the Prophets.',1
rAl-Ahzaab
33:40

Allaahhonouredhim wtththe best RevealedBookwhich is the
gloriousQur'aan;He tookit uponHimselfto preserveit and did not
assignthe obligationof itspreservationto any of Hiscreatures.He
SAVS.
/ . z < ' . t . . r t i
# f i t , ' l ^ h 6 t < ) 4 )
v i - r ' v / /
"Verily,We it is Who have sentdown the Dhikr (i.e.,Qur'aan)and
surely, We wiltguard it (fromcorruption)."1
He also makesthe Law of Muhammad,blessingsand peacebe
uponhim,thelastingonetilltheDayof Resurrection.He explained
that the perpetuityof his Law necessitatesthe beliefin it, calling
untoit and beingpatientwith it. Hencethe pathof the Prophet,
blessingsand peace be upon him, and his followersis that of
callingto thewayof Allaahwithsureknowledge.Whilemakingthis
wayclear,Allaahsays,
6 c t t
ulr -) tU'
LIJFJe 4r Jr rje)r, ; a ; l
-> , ' r a j 0 /'.a-)
o f
t-rI ,F':t-
,(..=-.do' ;.;r' - r) r;^atr ,1c bl l-i aYl ,:r;,^31 , ! _ ;
v - l ! l ) . t - v
"Say(O Muhammad).Ihls is my way; I inviteuntoAllaahwith sure
knowledge,I and whosoeverfollowsme. And Glorifiedand Exalted
be AIlaah.And I am notof the polytheists.'"
Altaahcommandedthe Prophet,blessingsandpeacebe uponhim,
to bear whateverharm he sufferedin the cause of Allaahwith
patienceandsays,
' A l - H i . ; rl 5 : 9
I Yoosul'12.108

"Thereforebe patient (O Muhammad)as did the Messengersof
strongwill."'
Healsoenjoinspatienceon Muslims,
' f . 3 ' - . / I
l - -
1,,-:-'irJ.>..l.o-l
"O you who believe!Endureand be more patientand guard (your
territoryby stationingarmy unitspermanenilyat the placesfrom
wherethe enemycan attackyou) and fear Allaah,so fhatyou may
be successful."'
In accordancewith this graciousDivineWay, I writethis book to
invitepeopleto the religionof Allaah,derivingguidancein doing
so, fromthe Bookof Allaahand the Sunnahof His Messenger.I
brieflyexplainedhereinthe storyof the creationof the Universe,
the creation of man and how he was favoured by sending
Messengersto himandacquaintinghimwiththe situationsof past
religions.Afterwards,I made an introductionto lslaamas per its
meaningand pillarsIn this book,I have providedevidencestor
thosewho are lookingfor guidance,explainedthe way for those
who are lookingfor salvation,showedthe pathto thosewho desire
to follow the track of the Prophets,Messengersand righteous
people.As for those who turn away from their path, such only
befoolthemselvesandtaketo theerroneousoath.
r A l - A h q a a f 4 6 : 3 5
2
Aal 'lrnraan3:200
4.,t;1ib;iiilri;; si+" y
./ .|i ,'t(-' '
.Jt-+r L(+u+ f'

Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts
It is a matterof factthatadherentsof eachreligioncallothersto it
and theybelievethattruthonlyabidesin theirreligion.lt is alsoa
fact that adherentsof each beliefcall othersto followtheirleader
and extolhim.As forthe Muslim,he doesnotcallpeopleto follow
hisown ideology.Hisreligionisthereligionof AllaahwithwhichHe
is pleased.Allaahsays,
"+ 3)"Aiilb
"Truly,the religionwithAllaahis lslaam"'
He also does not call peopleto glorifya human being,for all
human beings are equal in the Religionof Allaah; nothing
distinguishesone fromanotherexceptpiety.A Muslimrathercalls
people to follow the path of their Lord, to believe in His
Messengersand followHis Law which He revealedto the lastof
His MessengersMuhammadblessingsand peacebe upon him,
andwhichHecommandedhimto convevto allmankind.
It'son this accountthat I wrotethis bookin orderto call peopleto
the Religionof AllaahwhichHe is pleasedwithandwithwhichHe
sentHis LastMessengerin orderto guidethosewho are looking
for guidanceand happiness.By AllaahlNo humanbeingcan have
realhappinessexceptthroughthisreligionandnonecan haverest
of mindexceptby believingthatAllaahis the onlyLord(worthyof
worship),that Muhammad,blessingsand peacebe upon him, is
His Messengerand that lslaamis the only acceptablereligionof
Allaah.
Thousandsof thosewho embracedlslaamhavetestifiedthatthey
did notknowreallifeuntilaftertheyembracedlslaamandthatthey
did never tastedhappinessexceptunderthe shade of lslaam.
Since it is a fact that every human beinglooksfor happiness,
peaceof mindand truth,I preparethisworkto helpthemachieve
4 )rri ^i
I
Aal
'lmraan3:19

8 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts
that.I praythatAllaahmakesthiswork purelyfor Hissakeand let
it be well-acceptedand makeit one of thoserighteousdeedsthat
willbenefititsdoerin thisworldandthe next.
I givepermissionto translateandpublishthisbookinanylanguage
to whoevermaywantto do so witha conditionthatthe personact
honestlyin translatingit and to do me a favourby sendinga copy
to me to avoidunnecessaryrepetitionof efforts.
I equallyrequestfromwhoeverhas any observationor correction
either on the Arabic text of this Book or any of its translateo
versionsto kindly send it to me throughthe below-mentioned
address.
All praiseis dueto Allaahfirstlyand lasfly,outwardlyandinwardry.
All praiseis due to Him publiclyand secrefly.All praiseis due to
Himin thebeginningandtheend.All praiseis dueto himas much
as can fill the heavensand the earthand whateverelsethat Our
Lordmay wish.MayAllaahbestowpeaceand muchblessingon
our ProphetMuhammad,hiscompanionsandallthosewho follow
hispathtillthedayof reckoning
Theauthor,
Dr.MuhammadbinAbdullaahbinSaalihAs-suhaym
Riyadh,
Shawwaal13,1420
P.O. Box1032Riyadh1342,P O. Box6249Riyadh1r1442

Whereis the Way?
Whenmangrowsand startsunderstandingthings,manyquestions
come to his mind like:Where am I from?Why did I come (to
existence)?Whatwillbe my end?Who createdme andcreatedthe
universearoundme? Who ownsand controlsthisuniverse?And
otherouestionslikethese.
However,he is unableto providehimselfwith answersto these
questions.Even modern science is not capableof providing
answers to them because these issues fall within religious
domains That is why thereare numerousnarrationsand different
superstitionsand tales about them that only add to man's
confusionand distress.lt is impossiblefor man to get a satisfying
answerto thesequestionsunlesshe isguidedbyAllaahto thetrue
religionthat is capableof providingfinaldecisionon theseand
similarissues;for,theseissuesare amongthe divinesecretsthat
onlythetruereligioncangivecorrectandaccurateanswersto and
that is the only religionthatAllaahrevealedto His Prophetsand
Messengerslt is then incumbentupon man to learn the true
religionand have beliefin it in orderto have his confusionand
doubtsremovedandinorderto be guidedto theStraightPath.
In the followingpages,I inviteyou to followthe StraightPathof
Allaahand I presentto you some evidencesand proofsthat you
maycarefullyand patientlyreflecton.

Islsam: Its Foundations And Conc
Existenceof Allaah,His Lordship (overalt creation),
His Onenessand His beingthe only God worthy of
worship
0Manypeopledo worshipman-madedeitiesliketrees,stonesano
evenhumanbeings;thatis why the Jewsand idolatersaskedthe
Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peacebe uponhim,aboutthe
characteristicsof hisLord.In replyto thisquestionAllaahrevealed,
dy,-Dii lt 1'l g; L.ztiXniO "Li nii 'Ay
"Say (O Muhammad).He r'sAltaah, (the) One, Attaah,the Self_
sufficientMaster (whom all creaturesneed, He neither eatsnor
drinks).He begetsnot nor is He begotten.And there is none co_
equalor comparableuntoHim."1
Healsosavs.
, 4 . ' t t l , ' . - , , < , 7 l ' ? ' t
ry :4)b -t|+t ,-Ht G:*
' 6 . . l
Q'J;4
l-
{€:3;iGh";j<
.ti t-. i
ei-Ul JJl
t i t r i - t
n' jUt y-:
l a
q,.Pl
/ , t
. r l J r
Gfit
- t t .
*-Q.J I q
t 2t,
f-.,
i'-
L-Y
' ' l
t ,
P c>T-J I q
t
i : - , - . ? - r < . l a i
;t3 $rr 4 y1 :1r
'ryutiL,
'
Al-lkhlaas112:l-4
,/ ..=4,
8 ) ( - ) l se-/.

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts ll
"lndeed your Lord is Allaah Who created the heavens and the
earih in Sx Days and then He lstawa (roseover) the Throne(really
in a mannerthafsuifs HisMajesty).He bringsnightas a coverover
the day,seekingit rapidly,and (Hecreated)the sun,the moon,the
starssubjectedto HisCommand.S/essedbe Allaah,the Lord of all
the world!"'
Healsosays,
6,;ttAi y. - -',7 i' .' .'i z
t'
,fF' ,)e 6Yt I
,
J3 ,;w";lr';'i
,bS e'.,'.lt
'U
.:i)L.)-
6?r,F*.fr9;Ai.fu3
,s;fri: @t*;'E; ,q,rJ,ieJ$
,b g$i ,5 ,r:',1*ise3i W
L . . . . 1 .
{ jqlr JJr
"Allaahis He, Who raisedthe heaven withoutpillarsthat you can
see. Then He lstawa (rose above)the Throne(reallyin a manner
that suits HisMajesty).He hassubjectedthe sunand the moon (to
continue going round)! Each running (its course) for a term
appointed.He regulatesall affairs,explainingthe Aayaat (proofs,
evidences,verses,/essons,slgns, revelations,etc.) in detail,that
you may believe with certaintyin the meetingwithyour Lord.And it
is He who spread out the earth, and placed thereinfirm mountains
and riversand of every kind of fruitsHe made in pairs.He brings
thenightas a coverovertheday..."untilHe says,
I
Al-A'raaf7r54.

t2 Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts
r , . . ' , . t . . l : . : ' l t t t t ' i , . 1 . , , a . i
rtr;r t-j fL-rYl e+ u'r Gt lp W L;& Ai F
r / , l r'*z:i
{tali, , =ii * f,A)t31r; ,i'*o 2,J ,p-,
{ rCJt;lii
"Allaahknows what every female bearsand how much the womb
falls short(of their time or number)or exceed. Everythingwith Him
is in due proportion.AII-Knowerof the unseenand the-seen,the
Most Great,the Most-High."1
Allaahalsosays,
{e-tri
"Say (O Muhammad):Who is the Lord of the heavens and the
earth? Say: (lt is) Allaah. Say:Have you then taken (for worship)
protectorsotherthanHim,suchas have no powereitherfor benefit
or for harm to themselves?Say. ts the btind equat to the one who
sees? Or darknessequal to light? Or do they assign A)taah
parrners who created the like of His creation, so that the creation
'
A r - R a ' dl 3 : 2 ,j , 8 , 9

Islasm: Its Foundations And Concepts 13
(which they made and His creation)seemed aliketo them? Say:
Atlaahis the Creatorof altthings.He is the One,the trresistibte."l
Whileestablishingfor mankindHissignsas evidencesand proofs,
He says,
t . ' . i - i . t . a . , 1 , , , , 2 r 7 , t r ' t i . r .
pti rr"-*rt) jptr ))t t+ti Ui y
. " i a . , t t - 7 .
.gtlr 14tr#.t)Fu- ij
- ' . , J ' ' t
".^^r^tl-
IJJ--.1j )
.i-
t . ' l t . I l r
) - ^ J l q U J L J
J I J V '
' - ' ^ - i 7
- r ' ,
JPr .#
_ . 1 : < r - . - € . . i . l . i . i , - . i .
cS+lto! c'-'s9,->j,-al;t^Jl t?e aliL^ti-'- I
{ (A'}i
".,-r,)si.k 'i)
"Andfrom amongHis signsare the nightand the day,and the sun
and the moon. Prostratenot to the sunor the moon,but prostrate
to Allaah who createdthem, if you really worshipHim. But if they
are too proud (to do so), then those who are with your Lord
(angels)glorifyHim night and day, and never are they tired.And
among His s4lns (in this),that you see the earth barren, but when
We send down water (rain) to it, it is stirredto life and growth (of
vegetations).Verily,He Who gives it life, sure is Able to give life to
the dead (on the Day of Resurrection).lndeedHe is Able to do all
things.''
Healsosays,
' A r - R a ' dI 3 :I 6
2Fussilat4l:37-39

,2'3-:li i q'f.>
t v l 1 7 ,
t -'t^Jr-l
"AndamongHis signsis the creationof the heavensand the eafth,
and the differences of your languages and colours. Verily, in that
are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge.And among His
slgnsls your sleepby nightandby day..."'
While describingHimselfwith Attributesof beautyand perfection
He says,
' ' r ' v ' / ( t ' ' . ' . i : ' i ' t t ' - i f ! ' 7 ' t r t ' 1 - ' 1 1 2
.gt- ,oi Ct YJij* ,o-rit-,Y (Pl GJt -* i]
"J]
Y ;frty
t
. = . , ( r , - r . . t : ? . . o i , . , . o
. . i i l . r . .-9ri )] ,.rrt
Cl-i-
g;-tll lr g-. ,.f-,,yt C Ui ,>,'3>"11
- i . t , j,*.,:i, r..-)+)t G ".& itbo.
"
r-6-.--s 4-*i 3;
L _ ,
/ . 1 .
( cL"1
urtlt:
clr
r:.,{r
"Allaah!None has the right fo be worshippedbut He. The Ever-
Living,the One Who sustainsand protectsall that exisfs.Neither
slumber nor sleepoveftakes Him. To Him belongs whatsoeveris in
the heavens and whatsoeveris in the earth. Who is he that can
intercede with Him except with His permission?He knows what
happensto them (Hiscreatures)in thisworldand what wiilhappen
' Ar-Room30'.22-23

Islaam: ItsFoundationsAnd Conce.
to them in the Hereafter.And they will never compassanythingof
HisknowtedgeexceptthatwhichHe wills."'
Healsosays,
4) .,^{1n7- ,;'rut,s:v$i *+ vFi gst-":i ;6 Y
t . 1 - ! ' i i
& ;) /'.2^)l
"The Forgiverof sins,the Acceptor of repentance'the Sfern ln
punishmeht,the Bestower(of favours)-Ld ilAhailla Huwa None
hastherightto be worshippedbut He.To Himis thefinatretttrn.'2
He- mayHispraisebe exalted-alsosays,
i i " , ' i i
' ' t . '
" 2 "
' <
.r:tN' .-Jl iJi'l 4Jl i-b )l v---s- 6i*y
4,:V)a"LA.;' ;',ii;:-,; ti iYAii-1i
He is Ail6hbesldeswhom L6 itahaillaHuwa (nonehasthe rightto
be worshippedbut He) the King, the Holy, the One Free from all
defecfs, theGiverof security,the Watcherover Hiscreatures,the
Atl-Mighty,the Competter,the Supreme.Glorybe to All^hl (Highis
He) a-Ooieatl thatthey associateas partnerswithHim
''
ThisWiseand omnipotentLordwho madeHimselfknownto His
slaves and establishedfor them His signs and proofs and
described Himself with attributesof perfectionhad prophetic
ordainments,humanwisdomand naturetestifyto Hisexistence,to
His Lordshipand being the only one havingthe right to be
I
Al-Baqarah2:255
r
Ghaafir40:3
I
Al-Hashr59:23
'
l t

Islaam: Its Foundations And
worshipped.I wiil -God wiiling-show that to you in the foilowinq
pages.
As for proofsof HisexistenceandLordship,theyare:
One: Creationof this universeand its wonderful design
O man! All this universethat surroundsyou, the heavens,tne
stars,the galaxiesand the earththat is spreadin whichthereare
neighbouringtractsout of whichdifferentprantsgrow bearinoail
fruits,and on whichyou find ail creaturesin pairsl..tni, *iuEr"u
did notcreateitselfand couldnevercreateitself.lt mustthenhave
a creator.who thenis thatcreatorwho createdit in thiswonderful
designand perfectionand made it a sign for thosewno can se"
saveAllaahthe one, the subduerwhom thereis no Lordoi o"ity
worthyof worshipbesideHim.Hesays,
'
, , - . , . t .
,,.),_,.;ili iit (i :i: 3;Ai j ii ,n * o Eu ?iy
(,O.,*i {
"!
"Were they created by nothing or were they themsetves
c.reators?Or did they createthe heavensand t'heearth? Nay,
theyhaveno firmbetief."l
Thesetwoversesimplythreequestions:
1- Were theycreatedfrom nothing?
2- Didtheycreatethemselves?
3- Didtheycreatethe heavensandtheearth?
lf their creationwas not accidentarand they had not created
themselvesor createdthe heavensandthe earth;it shourdthenbe
affirmedthatthereexistsa creatorwhocreatedthemas weilas the
the
but
'
At-Toor 52:35-36

Islaam: ItsFoundationsAnd Conc
heavens and the earth. That Creator is Allaah, the One, the
Subduer.
Two: The nature
All creaturesare naturallyinclinedto believein theexistenceof the
creator;to affirmthat He rs greaterand mightierthan all things.
This inclinationis morewell-rootedin the naturethan elementary
mathematicsand does not need to be provedby any evidence
exceptfor him who has an abnormalnature;a naturethat has
been exposed to circumstancesthat turn it away from what it
shouldadmit.'AllaahsaYs,
.t)A- "t
ll J"6i}u"a: ;ri/P"G-+ u.-rY.cti+: 4i3Y
4:7>oitl)'t oai ;ei 5;;t3 4i tli -!).5'$i
So sef you (O Muhammad(peacebe upon him))your facetowards
the religion (of pure tstdmicMonotheism)Hanif (worship none but
Attahitone). Attdh'sFitrah(i.e. Attdh'slsl1micMonotheism)with
which He h'ascreatedmankind.No change letthere be in Khalq-
iilah (i.e. the religion of All6h- lsllmic Monotheism):that is the
straightretigion,but mostof men knownot'*
The Messengerof Allaah,blessingsand peacebe uponhim,said'
,,Everychildis bornwithnaturalinclinationto lslaamicMonotheism
and it is his parentswho makehima Jew,a christianor a Magian3
fust as the animalgivesbirthto its youngwhole,whereinyou find
no mutilation."Then Aboo Hurayrah(who is the narratorof this
hadeeth)said:"Reciteifyoulike(Allaah'swords):
' Majmoo' FatawaIbn Taymiyahl'.41-49,'73
I Ar-RoomJ0:30
I
Magiansarethosewho worshipfireandothernaturalphenomena.AA

Isloam: Its Foundations And Conc
.ibJ-
"lr+!
i
r{:.}ge.1ii r-Ai Ai g^1 -r;.ij.li <U;'*i
"All6h'sFitrah (i.e. Attah'ststamicMonotheism)with whichHe has
created mankind. No change ret there be in Kharq-irtdh(i.e. the
religionof Attah- lstamicMonotheism).that is the siraight'retigrcn,
but mostof men knownot "'1
He also said,"Verily,my Lord commandedme to teachyou what
you do not knowof thatwhichHe hastaughtme today:,Art
rnon"y
thatI endoweda slavewith,is raMur(forn-iry.t createomy slaves
naturallyinclinedto lslaamicMonotheismand it were thL devils
wno came to them, led them away from their religion,made
forbiddenfor them what I made lawiul and enjoineo
-on
inem to
asso,cj?lepartnerswith Me in worshipof whichi diOnot send any
oroof.'"'
Three:Consensusof all people
All pastand modernnationsare in consensusthat this universe
hasa creatorwho isAllaahthe Lordof alltheworrds,thatHe is the
creator of the heavensand the earthand that He has no partner
among His creaturesas He does not have a partner in His
Sovereignty.
No beliefhas everbeenreportedfrom any of the pastnationsthat
their false deities took part with Allaah in the creationof the
neavensand the earth.Rather,theyall believedthat it was Allaan
who createdthem and their goos, that there was no creatoror
sustainerbesidesHimand thatHe aloneownsthe powerto brino
'
AI-BukhaareeandMuslinr
2AhrladandMusiim.

Islaom: ItsFoundationsAnd C,
- t :
t /
" , ' l
l}J cljl , tl
v ,
benefitor inflictharm.tAllaahinformsus in thefollowingversesof
the idolaters'affirmationof HisLordshipandguardianship,
o , i 1
. i : . i . . . . i 1 . , t . - . 1 . i : - . . , 1 . ' , . . . t . ' , i ' i .
*, J*: r-': PI ,^-3 rJb)ltc)9-At,lt i fFU- ,*l-lI
;i )+: -DV ,rt l;;-t o:li
'u;. 'Jri,.1.,'iK';:- SIJ
. : - . i - 1 ' I ' z t i z . r 1 . a : i i - . . i . - . . - : i l t ' -
4 et -r-,it !
q-t ?u 'L-Jt -:--r Jt O^ ,4:JL-.41J :r)l ** zg
. - ' 1 . . , 1 - t t : 4 ^ , ' o o , " i 1
" - t ' 1 ' i t ! : - i , ' - . '{ r:!i'oy'+ Y i-,r=-t Jq 4Jr^!l
f
att'J>a W;'
"lf you were to ask them: "Who hascreatedthe heavensand the
earthand subiectedthe sunand the moon?"Theywillsurelyreply:
"NEh." How then are they deviating (as polytheists and
disbetievers)?AIIAhenlargestheprovisionfor whomHe willsof His
s/aves,and straitensit for whom (He wills).Verily,Alldh is the All-
Knowerof everything.If you were to askthem: "Who sendsdown
water (rain) from the sky, and gives life therewithto the eafth after
itsdeath?"Theywill surelyreply: "All6h."Say:"Allthe praisesand
thanksbe to Altdh!"Nav!Mostof themhaveno sense''"
; .. i-rrii,;li:#)> i* Ut$tt,-'';ai'4> J -ea {rV
"Andindeedif you askthem,
'Who hascreatedthe heavensand
the earth?' They will surely say:
'The All-Mighty'the All-Knower
createdthem.'
'u
' Ma.lnroo'Fatawal4:380-38i
t
Al-'Ankaboot 29:61-63
j
Az-zukhruf9

Islaam: Its Foundations And Ct
Four:The reason
Humanreasoninevitablyconfirmsthat this universehas a great
creator;for thesoundreasonagreesthatthisuniverseis a creited
thing that did not bring itselfto being,hence,it must have an
originator.
Also, man knowsthat he fallsintocrisesand afflictionsand when
he is unable to prevent them or remove them, he faces the
heavenswith his heartand seeksfor His Lord'said to removehis
distresseventhoughhe may denouncehis Lordand worshiohis
idolsin his normaldays.This is an undisputablefact.Eventne
animalraiseshis head up and looksat the sky wheneverit is
visitedby an affliction.The AlmightyAllah informsus that man,
wheneverhe is afflictedwith harm,hastensto his Lord and asks
Himto removethe harm.Allaahsays,
d ' , ? : " - . 1 - r t ' , . . . t , i , 2 , , i e 1 . , - , t . . - - i , , , , . . .
./-:
5- "P
-tr-* Je -Lj4J l:l-rrl *. J.?i Ji ,y 4) tp4 jg
{,,1!1;6i-:ef;UfW
"And when some hurt touches man, he criesto his Lord (Altah
Alone),turningto Him in repentance.But whenHe bestowsa favor
upon him from Himself,he forgets that for which he cried for
before,and he sefsup rivalstoNEh.'r
Healsosaysabouttheidolaters,
I
Az-Zunar 39:8

Islaam: Its Foundations And
.V')u"f*ric:1oui (a
, ' i - " .
A*"irr Jte
/ , = - / i " :
& ; ; ) ' . . r . l . p ,-'.) vJ
t
;-P -b.-l
;-Et; 64-6+; u;tt*,a3tit4i y
"Heit is Who enablesyou to travelthroughland and sea,tillwhen
you are in the ships,and they sail with them with a favorable wind,
and they are gtad therein, then comes a stormy wind and the
waves come to them from all sides, and they think that they are
encircled therein. Then they invoke All6h, making their Faith pure
for Him Atone, (saying): "lf You (Neh) deliverus from this, we shall
trutybe of the grateful."But whenHe deliveredthem,behold!They
rebet (disobey All6h) in the eafth wrongfully. O mankind! Your
rebetlion(disobedienceto AIl6h) is only againstyour own se/ves,-
a brief enjoyment of this worldly life, then (in the end) unto Us.is
yourreturn,and We shaltinformyou that whichyou usedto do."'
Healsosays,
4.:1':2F ]1i JEit u* .n;.t v:'3 ,^':'i
"Andwhen a wave coversthem like shades(i.e.like cloudsor the
mountains of seawater), they invoke Aileh, making their
6 &, 9K ,f c t{i r^;t;r!4c bt ltv r:i"**
' Yoonusl0:22-23

22 Isluum: Its Foundations And Concepts
invocations for Him only. But when He brings them safe to tand,
there are among them those that stop in between (Betief and
disbelief).But none denies Our Signs except every perfidious
ingrate."'
This Lordwho broughtthis universeto existence,createdman In
thebestform,embeddedin hisnatureservitudeandsubmissionto
Him,subjectedhumanreasonto thebeliefin HisLordshioand His
exclusiveworthinessof beingworshipped.lt is Allaahwhom all
nationsunanimouslytestifyto His guardianship...as He should
inevitably be One in His Lordship and worthiness to be
worshipped.As He has no partnerin creatingHis creatures,He
shouldalsohaveno partnerin Hisworthinessof beingworshipped.
Thereare numerousevidencesfor this,-someof whichare:
1- Thereis onlyin thisuniverseone GodWho is the creatorand
the sustainersof all. Nonebringsharmor benefitexceptHim.Had
therebeen any othergod besidesHim, that god wouldhave had
hisownwork,creationand commandand noneof bothwouldhave
allowedanotherto sharethecreationwithhim.Hence,oneof them
must haveoverpoweredand subduedthe other.In that case,the
subduedcouldnot havebeena god and the Subduershouldbe
the realGodwithwhomnonecan sharethe rightto be worshipped
justas noneshareswithHimHisguardianshipandlordship.Allaah
says,
4 :l' J)r,-a,_& ii :i*'uzl jo -fi; ,1,;,
"M son (or offspring)did AlEh beget, nor is there any il6h(god)
along with Him; (it there had been many gods), then each god
I
Luqmaan3l:32*For
rnoreof theseevidences,seeKitaabut-Tawheedby Muharnrnadlbn
AbdulWahhaab.
iJ- q
ll S.-;'i,il'El; ,:^;:Jrt; t -r
lb n Aiii Cy

Isluam: ItsFoundationsAnd Concepts 23
woutd have taken away what he had created,and some would
have triedto overcomeothers!Glorifiedis Allahaboveall that they
attributeto Him!"1
2- Nonedeservesto be worshippedbut AllaahWho createdthe
heavensand the earths;for, man seeksto gainthe favourof the
Lord Who brings him benefit and prevents harm, evils and
calamitiesfrom him and nonebutthe One Who ownsthe heavens
and the earth is capableof doingall these.Had there been any
otherlordsas the idolatersdo claim,humanwould have taken
waysthatleadto theworshipof AllaahWho is theTrueSovereign.
This is because,all falsedeitiesthat are worshippedbesidesthe
True Lord, they themselves,used to worshipAllaah and seek
nearnessto Himalone.
Therefore,thosewho want to seek nearnessto Allaah,Who has
the powerto give benefitsand bestowharm,shouldworshipthe
TrueLordWhomallthatis in theheavensandtheearth-including
the falsedeities-do worship.Let thosewho are searchingfor the
truthread(thefollowingverse):
< |'lt
.-' r.* o: re 'l Yi {i "r
L^e+J ui.r)r 4 )j '':jp-:Jt
, < t i - . i
- ' ' t r t "
4 ,"J:r)1,--l
'iJ ,i.r:c a'lJl ti::
Say:(O Muhammad(peacebe uponhim) to thosepolytheists,
pagans)"Caltuponthosewhomyou assert(fobe associategods)
beiraesAttah,theypossessnotevenan atom's(ora smallant's)
weight,eitherin the heavensor on the earth,norhavetheyany
sharein either,nor thereis for Him any supporterfromamong
O"it e:i -tsy
' A l - M u ' m i n o o n2 3 : 9 1

them. lntercesslonwith Him profits not except for him whom He
permits."l
These verses and others keep the heart from incliningtowards
otherthingsbesidesAllaahthroughfourfactors.
One: That thosewhom the polytheistsworshippossessnot even
the weightof an atom with Allaah,and he who possessesnot a
weightof an atom cannotbenefitnor harm and therefore,is not
worthyof beingworshippedor beingtakenas Allaah'sassociatein
worshiplt isAllaahaloneWhoownsthemandcontrolsthem.
Two:Thattheypossessnothingin the heavensand the earthano
theydo notevenhavean atomweightof sharein them.
Three:Allaahhas no helperamongHis creatures.Rather,He is
the one who helpsthem in what is of benefitfor them and drives
away from them what harms them. For, He completelyhas no
needof them;it is theywho are ratherwho are in absoluteneedof
Him.
Four: That these so-called associates are not capable of
intercedingwithAllaahon behalfof theirfollowersand thevwillnot
even be given permissionto do so. Allaah does not qtve
permissionto intercedeexceptto Hisfriends,and HisfriendsSlso
cannotintercedeexcepton behalfof the one whom Allaahis
pleasedwithhissayings,deedsandbelief2
3- systematicarrangementand preciseexecutionof the affairsof
this universeis the strongestindicationthat its controlleris one
Lord,one (King),besideWhom thereis no othercreator.As it is
impossiblefor thisuniverseto havetwocreators,so it is impossibre
for it to havetwo Lords.Allaahsavs.
' saba'34:22-23
r SecQurratu
'uyoonil-muwalihideenp.100

Islaam: ItsFoundationsAnd Concepts 25
e cii
"t
4,i
. , ' t . ' . - ' i r 7 7
#
U,L-.-oJ 4tJl r
"lt;
;A.
"Had there been therein (in the heavens and the earth) alihah
(gods)besrdesAttah,then verilyboth wouldhavebeenruined."'
Had it been assumedthat therewas in the heavenand the earth
another god besides Allaah, they would have been ruined.
Because;hadtherebeenanothergod besidesAllaah,both[Allaah
and the othergodl wouldneedto be autocrattcand havethe right
of free disoosal.That would have then lead to contentionand
fightingand the ruin of the heavenand the earthwould have
occurredas a result.lt is impossiblefor the body to have two
controllingsouls;if thathappensthe bodywillbe destroyed- how
thencan it be imaginedthat thisuniverse,whichis greater,should
havetwo lords?
4- Consensusof the Prophetsand Messengers:All nationsagree
thatthe Prophetsand Messengersare the wisest,mostintelligent,
bestin morality,mostsincere,mostknowledgeableof whatAllaah
wants and the most rightlyguidedof all people,because,they
receivedrevelationfrom Allaahand conveyedit to people.And all
Prophetsand Messengers- rightfrom Adam to the last Prophet
who is Muhammad,peacebe uponthemall- haveallcalledthelr
peoplesto the belief in Allaah and abstentionfrom worshipping
anythingbesidesHim and that He is the onlyTrue Lord.Allaah
says,
, a /
Y ,arl f;Jl
t J a z r r . i
, l r * r . ' - r - - 2 J J J . ' . e
/ t
- r - t . . ' v '
{,.. 93i5ti
- ; l l
, > 9 J l ur4ic; y
'
A l - A n b i y a a2 l : : 2

Islaam: Its Foundations And Conc
And We did not sendany Messengerbeforeyou (O Muhammad
(peace be upon him)) but We revealedto him (saying):La itahaitta
Ana (none has the right to be worshippedbut | (NEh)) so worship
Me (Aloneandnone else)
'
He alsosaysaboutNoah- Peacebe uponhim- thathe toldhis
peopre,
{tg- i,7 ' ,tn"64;ovi;17rsti;i5 { ,ri}
"T.hatyou worshipnone but Allah;surely,I fear for you the torment
of a painfulDay.''
Allaah - may He be glorified- says about the last of all
Messengers,Muhammad,
r :jr Jj>:l-; ;i 3A"L iUl
-raiil r-i jl ,gi r^rlA y
"Say (O Muhammad(peace be upon him)) "tt is revealedto me
that your ll6h (God) is onty one ttdh (God - NEh) Wiil you then
submit to His Will (become Muslims and stop worshipping others
besidesNEH?'S
This God ,, ,n" On" who wonderfullycreatedthe universefrom
naught;He createdmanin thebestformandperfectedhiscreation
and impressedin hisnaturethe affirmationof HisLordshipand His
exclusiverightto be worshrpped.He letshim havepeaceof mind
throughhis submissionto Him and followingHis path and He
ordainedit on his soul not to be at rest untilit surrendersto its
creatorand be in continuouscontactwith Him.He alsomakesrt
impossibleto contactwith Him exceptthroughHis straightpath,
I
Al-Anbiyaa2l:25
I
Hoo<iI l:26
t
A I - A n b i y a a2 l : 1 0 8

Islaam: ItsFoundationsAnd Concepts
which the honourable Prophets conveyed. He gave man
intelligence,which only becomesuprightand functionsproperly
whenhe believesinAllaah,Glorvbeto Him'
Whenone has an uprightnature,a peacefulsouland a believing
heart,one achieveshappiness,securityand peace in this world
and the Hereafter.Butwhenman refusesallthat,he will livein the
alleysof this world disorganisedand dividedamong its gods,
ignorantas to who can benefithim or preventharmfrom him. lt is
in order that true faith may be establishedin the heart and the
uglinessof disbeliefmaybe exposedthatAllaahmakesa parable
- for parablesbringmeaningscloserto understanding.He makes
a parableof a manwhoseaffairis dividedbetweennumerousgods
and a man who worshipshis Lordalone.He, may He be glorified,
says,
'J:'4;i:Li+*
"All6h puts fofth a similitude:a (slave) man belonging to many
partners(like those who worship othersalong with All6h) disputing
with one another, and a (slave) man belongingentirely to one
master(like thosewho worshipAll6h Alone).Are thosetwo equal
in comparison?Allthe praisesand thanksare to All6h!But most of
themknownot."'
Allaahlikensthe slavewho is a polytheistto a slavewho is owned
by differentassociatesand overwhom theyall contendwith each
other.He is dividedamongthemandeveryoneof themdirectshim
and assignsresponsibilitiesto him. He is confusedamong them
and rs alwaysunstable.He is unableto satisfytheirdifferentand
contradictingdesiresthattearhisenergyanddirectionsapart.
)'7
' Az-7,tntar 39:29

He also likensthe slavewho is a monotheistto a slave who rs
owned by a singlemaster.He knowswhat his masterwantsand
the assignmentshe gives him. He is therebycomfortableand
settledon a clearpath.Bothof thesetwo slavescannotbe equal.
For, one submitsto a singlemasterand enjoysthe pleasureof
uprightness,knowledgeandcertaintyandtheotheronesubmitsto
differentand disputingmastersand is thereby punishedano
distressed.He is notstableon a conditionandcannotpleaseeven
oneof themletaloneallof them.
After proofs on the existenceof Allaah, His Lordshipand His
exclusiveright to be worshippedhave becomeclear,we should
thenacquaintourselveswithHiscreationof the universeand man
andknowHiswisdombehindthat

,rr:iti ,:rtt"ov3,ei r-uii J){t'yti
't
Creationof the Universe
This universe,withits heavens,earth,stars,galaxies,seas,trees
andall livingthingsarecreatedfromnon-existenceby Allaah- the
GlorifiedandExaltedHe savs,
' , , , ' . t , : . . ; i - : . i : -
" . . ' r l ' . ' ! 2 : r . ? r ( - r t " '
..:-fJ) ril-ul ,"J,4)'ct w-y- a.f-,it;L .S-ilt?,rrfu 15.-1?lu o F
'^-)i
A +'*iW ,'ui W !;t t{i ,,: e'i) W fi L.:;';tiAiL1
q" A,>rr-- {-
"fr*i
{-;, *IJt ',.Jt
"Say (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) "Do you verily
disbelievein Him Who createdthe earlh in two Days?And you set
up rivals (in worship) with Him? That is the Lord of the
'Alamin
(mankind,|nn and attthatexisfs,).He placedtherein(i.e.the earth)
firm mountainsfrom above it, and He blessedit, and measured
thereinlfs susfenance(for itsdwellers)in four Days equal (i.e. all
thesefour days were equalin the lengthof time)for all thosewho
ask (about its creation) Then He (rose over) lstaw€ttowardsthe
heavenwhen it was smoke,and saidto it and to the earlh: "Come
both of you willingly or unwillingly" They both said: "We come,
wittingty."ThenHe completedand finishedfrom theircreation(as)
sevenheavensin two Daysand He made in eachheaven itsaffair.
And We adornedthe nearest(lowest)heavenwith lamps(stars)to
be an adornmentas welt as to guard (from the devils by using

30 Islasm: Its Foundations And Concepts
themas miss/es againstthe devils).Suchis the Decreeof Him the
All-Mighty. the All-Knower."1
Healsosavs.
";i;{i;
r^.,u:t+ r45 ,:,'+^:liLiir; Uitt; ;:li y
*i-; ,u" ,F ,t;i
lt^: aW uAu-t;.;
- t , - r .
.
'r -lJ>q
eiri'nt tu-a;:;-ti ut;;; I) .r-r-ui.fet-l
,,
4.'.V't:ttl"t* Qyl; Oo
Have not those who disbelieveknown that the heavens and the
earth were joined together as one united piece, then We parted
them? And We have made from water every living thing. Will they
not then believe? And We have placed on the eafth firm
mountains,lestit should shakewith them, and We placed therein
broad highways for them to pass through,that they may be guided.
And We have made the heavena roof, safeand wellguarded.yet
they turnawayfromits srgrns(i.e. sun,moon,winds, clouds,etc.).'2
Allaahcreatedthe universefor manygreatpurposes.Thereare tn
everypartof itgreatwisdomanddazzlingsrgns.lf youponderover
a singlesignthereof,youwrllseewonders.Beholdthewondersof
thecreationof Allaahin the plantsin whichalmosteveryleaf,stem
and fruit is full of benefitthat human intellectcannot fully
comprehendand understanditsdetails.Beholdthe watercourses
of thosetenderandweakstems,whicheyescan hardlyseeexcept
by carefulobservation,how they are able to draw waterfrom tne
bottomto the top and the waterthen moves in those courses
accordingto theiracceptabilityand capacitieslt then breaksinro
particlesthat cannotbe perceivedby humaneyes.Then behold
'
Fussilat4l:9-12
'
Al-Anbiyaa2l:30-32

Isluam: Its Foundations And Concepts 31
thefruitof a treeand how it movesfroma stageto anotherlikethe
invinciblemovementof the conditionsof a foetus.You see a tree
growingfrom a mere nakedwood with no coveringon it, then its
Lord and Creator covers it with leaves in the most beautiful
manner.He then bringsout its fruittenderand weak afterHe has
broughtout its leafin orderto preserveit and makeit likectothing
for that weak fruitso as to protectit againstheat,cold and other
harmfulphenomena.He then providessustenancefor thesefruits
throughtheir stems and watercoursesso that that can nourish
them,as an infantis nourishedby the milkof its mother.He then
nurturesthefruitsand developsthem untiltheybecomecompletely
ripe.He therebybroughtout that deliciousfruitout of that lifeless
wooden-likeparticle.
When you look at the earthand how it was created,you will see
that it is one of the greatestsignsof its Creator.Allaahmakesit a
restingplace and as a bed, and subjectedit to His slaves.He
makestheirsustenance,provisionand sourcesof livelihoodthere
and createdthereinfor them ways and paths so that they can
moveaboutto meettheirneeds.He fixedit firmlywith mountains
and makesthemas pillarsin orderto protectit againstshaking.He
flattensit, extendsit and spreadsit, makesit a receptaclefor the
living that brings them togetheron its surfaceand makes it a
receptaclefor the deadthat bringthemtogetherin its interiorafter
theirdeath.lts surfaceis a placeof dwellingfor the livingand its
interioris the placeof abodefor thedead.
Then look at its revolvingorbit, with its sun, moon, stars and
zodiacsand beholdhow it continuouslyrevolvesaroundthisworld
tilltheendof timein thisorderand propersuccessionandseethe
differencesin the night,day, seasons,heat and cold which are
resultsof thesewonderfulmovements,and the benefitsthey give
to allkindsof animalsandplantsandallthatexistson theearth.
Then reflectoverthe creationof the heavenand takeanotherlook
at it; you will see that it is one of the greatestsignsof Allaahin
altitude.exDansivenessand stabilitv.Thereis no pillarunderneath

32 Isluum: Its Foundations And Concepts
it and thereis no suspenderoverit but heldby the infinitepowerof
Allaahwhichholdsthe heavenandtheearthlesttheyfallasunder.
When you also look at this universe,the compositionof its parts
and its best arrangement- that show the perfectomnipotenceof
theirCreatorand His perfectknowledge,wisdomand grace- you
willfindthat it is likea constructededificein whichall rtstoolsano
requirementsare provided.The heavenwas erectedwith its roof
raisedaboveit;the earthmadelikea placeof restand a carpetfor
its dwellers;the sun and moonwhichare likelampsilluminatethe
earth;and the stars which are its lanternsand adornmentgive
directionsto the travellerin the pathsof the universe.The iewels
and mineralsthat are hiddenin the earthlike preparedtreisures
are all made for the purposethat best suits them. All kinds of
plantsand animalsare also preparedfor what they are good for.
Some animalsare good for riding,some are good for milking;
someare goodfor foodand someare betterusedas guards.And
He mademantheircontrollerand likean authorisedkingaboveall
of them.
lf youalsoponderoverthisuniverseeitherin everyrespector in a
partof it,youwillseea lotof wonders.lf youdeeplyreflectandyou
are sincerewith yourselfand free yourselffrom the noose of
whims, capricesand blind imitation,you will know with certainty
thatthisuniversewascreatedbytheAll-Wise,All-powerfulandAll-
Knower,Who measuredit in the best mannerand arrangedit in
the best form. You will atso know with certaintythat it is simply
impossiblethat the Creatorshouldbe two; He is only One Lord
besideWhom thereis noneotherworthyof worshipand that hao
therebeenanyothergod in the heavensand the earth,theiraffarrs
wouldhavebeencorrupted,theirorderdisruptedand theirwelfare
brokendown.
lf youhoweverinsiston attributingthecreatronto othersbesidetne
Creator,whatwillyousayof themechanismthatrevolvesarounda
river whose tools and composrtionhave been perfectedand
excellentlymeasuredthatthe observerdoes not see any defectin
it or itspicture.Thisriveris situatedin the middleof a longgarden

Islaam: Its Foandations And Concepts 33
inwhichtherearedifferentkindsof fruitsthatgettheirwaterfrom
thisriver,andthereis in thisgardena caretakerwho bringsits
disunitedpartstogetherand perfectlytakescareof it so that
nothingof it becomesdefectedandnothingof its fruitsbecomes
decayed.Thiscaretakerthenportionsout its partsto the outlets
accordingto man'sneedsandnecessities,givingeachgroupwhat
itdeservesandportioningitoutinthiswaycontinuously.
Willyouthensaythatallthishappenedwithoutthe handof any
creator,whohasfreedomof choiceandisa planner?Willyousay
thattheexistenceof thatmechanismandgardenisjustaccidental
withoutanycreatororplanner?Canyouimaginewhatyourreason
willtellyou if all thesewereto cometo beingaccidentally?Can
youimagineas to whereyourreasonwilldirectyouandcounsel
youabout?'
Theunderlyingreasons:
Afterall thesereflectionsoverthe creationof the universe,we
deemitfittomentionsomeofthereasonsforwhichAllaahcreated
thesehugebeingsandastoundingsigns.
1. To subjectthemto man:WhenAllaahdecreedto createa
successoronthisearththatwouldbeworshippingHimandinhabit
theearth;Hecreatedallthesethingsfor him,thathe mighthave
an uprightlifeandhavemattersof hispresentlifeandthatof his
finalabodeputrightforhim.Allaahsays,
I Thissectionis expungedfromdifferentplacesfionrthebook,"Miftaahu
daaris-sa'aadat.o 251-269.

And hassubjectedto you all thatis in the heavensand allthat is in
the eafth;it is atlas a favorand kindnessfromHim.n
He alsosays,
,y -, '6_?G',c
,:c-ai3: Jlis u..,{rio"iAi * ,sfr i'i y
E ;i"-t.;=iii a &e. <ffine;i"E Grty'Ai
/"'
:A,FIJ JJI ;i,A'A3'tl
, . i , f z " = . r J - . i q . . i . . - _ i 2 . t i . , . L t t t i ( , , , . r t . 2 :
jrj)l -_t! t6t;! i ji'l{--.4 ls-i; OIt ;}:,:JL L
vll^ Ot ftul;i
- - .. a / D t. /
( r'g)it"=- lrt'hJ
'All6his He Whohascreatedtheheavensandtheeafthandsends
downwater(rain)fromthe sky,andtherebybroughtforthfruitsas
provisionforyou; and He hasmadethe shrpsto be of serviceto
you,thattheymaysailthroughfheseaby HisCommand;andHe
hasmaderivers(also)to be of serviceto you.And He hasmade
the sunand the moon,bothconstantlypursuingtheircourses,fo
be ofservicetoyou;andHe hasmadethenightandtheday,tobe
of servicetoyou.AndHegaveyouof all thatyou askedfor,andif
you countthe Blessingsof All6h,neverwillyou be ableto count
them.Verily!Manis indeedan extremewrong-doer,a disbeliever
(anextremeingrate,whodeniesAll6h's8/essrngsby disbelief,and
by worshippingothersbesrdesAll6h,andby di2obeyingAlldhand
HisProphetMuhammad(peacebeuponhim)).'"
2. To makethe heavensand the earthand all that is in the
universeproofsof Allaah'sLordshipand signsof His Oneness.
Because,thegreatestthingin thislife,is to affirmtheLordshipof
Allaahand HisOneness.And becauseof the factthat.it is the
'
Al-Jaathiyah45:l3
2
lbraaheem14.32-34
t *i" itit';:1 ;Ai
'gt

Islaam: ItsFoundotionsAnd Concepts 35
greatest matter,Allaah has establishedin its support greatest
evidencesandsignsandproveditwiththe mostconvincingproofs.
So, Allaahcreatedthe heavens,the earthand all otherbeingsto
makethemevidencesforthat.Thatiswhy statementslike,"Among
His srgns"are mentionedin the abundancelike in the following
verses.
a r -
4u.l{i ?';-ui Jtt -:;-t; us )
"AndamongHls SrErnsls fhe creationof the heavensand the
eafth."
4zQi;,FV*c '*'r;a:
"And among Hrs Srgnsis the sleep that you take by night and by
day."
, rr l - i . , 1 . , ,
' . . a i ' ) ' , - ' .
t t'4JaJ tif OrCt e=.t-t
-a:+te glJ f
"Andamong His Signsis that He showsyou the lightning,for fear
and forhope."
| . a a - J ' , t . a .
4 ':rJ6tr:Cat f* 6t '1;'l; asb
"AndamongHisSrgrnsls fhaftheheavensandtheearthstandby
HisCommand."'
3. To makethem evidencesof the existenceof the Day of
Resurrection,sincethelifeistwolives,a lifeofthisworldanda life
' Ar-Roorn30:22-25

. a
' t
.v
36 Islaam: Its Foundations,And Concepts
of the Hereafterthoughthe lifeof the Hereafteris the real.Allaah
says,
t , . - . i ' i
i'll c--tl
. l
s.P c5Y
, t . . - / ' i " i l t .
( ,':r: .-r.,jp.lr? ttJu-
"And this life of the world is only amusementand ptay! Verily,the
home of the Hereafter- that is the life indeed (i.e., the eternatlife
that willneverend),if theybut knew."I
This is because the home of the Hereafteris the home of
recompenseand reckoningand there is there eternal bliss for
thosewho deserveit and eternaltormentfor thosewho deserveit.
Since man cannotreach that home exceptafter he dies and is
resurrected;its existenceis deniedby those whose relationship
with theirLordhas beencut,whosenaturehas suffereda relapse
and whosesenseof reasoninghasbeendamaged.lt is becauseof
this that Allaah establishedproofsand evidencesin order that
souls might believe and hearts might have conviction;for
reproductionof the soul is mucheasierthan its firstcreationand
the creationof the heavensand the earth is greaterthan the
reproductionof man.Allaahsavs,
t
'+'
j!.i ,^t ,1.;-I ,tt;Jii"+s. *i y
"AndHeit is Whooriginatesthecreation,therywillrepeatit (afterit
hasbeenperished)andthisr'seasierforHim.'"
Healsosays,
{r Wi1
'r;-ti
:+-
'
Al-Ankaboot2g:64
2
Ar-Room30:27

Islaam: Its Foundotions And Concepts 37
! r6i ;oi ,*S ,'Ai O.t{i.2,'e-:ti ,p V
. t - . , .
t::l ).}.!l
"Thecreationof theheavensandtheeafthis indeedgreaterthan
thecreationofmankind.vetmostofmankindknownot."l
Healsosays,
- : . . t i , 4 7 ,
CJ t9+r 4irr f
,-4 SG,;i<ji w. ;tri';'j' ,# Ft 6A?5
',ziit*Ai
t t l
4':t>'o*;'&t
"All6his He Who raisedthe heavens withoutany pillarsthat you
can see. Then, He rose above (lstawd) the Throne (really in a
manner fhat suifs His Majesty).He has subjectedthe sunand the
moon (to continue going round), each running (its course) for a
term appointed. He regulates all affairs; explaining the Ay6t
(proofs, evidences, yerses, /essons, signs, revelations,etc.) in
detail,^thatyou may believe with ceftainty in the meeting with your
Lord.'*
Afterall this O man! lf this entireuniversehas been subjectedto
you and all its signsand proofshavebeenshownto you, you will
testifythatthereis no Lordworthyof worshipexceptAllaahAlone
Who has no partner.Whenyou haveknownthat your resurrection
and lifeafterdeathis easierthanthe creationof the heavensand
the earth, that you shall meet your Lord Who will call you to
accountfor yourdeedsand you have knownthat all this universe
I
Ghaafir40:57
t
Ar-Ra'dl3:2
*L:J | ,'.i,;

worships its Lord that all His creaturesglorify their Lord with
praisesas confirmedbyAllaah,
/ ,-, z.i
.i :t7 ! ,i.: ,,1: i :r .- . z rl ,. . t
{ :,t.-=!cl-t J;)t ,J-J|A1 .:-ttli;,r)i 4 t4 ,>''931 C Y * &;-y
"Whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the eafth
glorifiesAllah, the King (of everything),the Holy, the All-Mighty,the
Att-Wise."1
That,theyall prostratefor HisMajestyas He says,
';a1
3Ai, u.r'lt g;p3,->,'9^aia n ,:"i..J'-f-fii:rri ,r,i y
"crii
*:; -si o1i G"i4,L. rittii';uii Jaji i$ii
"Seeyou not that whoeveris in the heavensand whoeveris on the
earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the
mountains, and the trees, and Ad-Dawab (moving (iving)
creatures, beasfs,),and many of mankind prostrate themselves to
Allah. But there are many (men) on whom the punishment is
iustified.And whomsoeverAll6h^disgraces,none can honor him.
Verily!AllahdoeswhatHe wills.''
EventhesebeingsworshiptheirLord in a way that suitsthem as
explainedbyAllaahin thisverse,
I
Al-Jumu'ah62:l
'at.lr.aiizz:tt
'
) t ' i , - : , 4 1 ' - .
-," '. ,.r, ral L+J a! | .' * .. J I
z t v . v r - v t

lL i "S-;-i* fuii *r{tr,.r"*ai ac*n
'4"^i lii; ii V
"Seeyou not (O Muhammad(peacebe upon him))thatAll6h,He it
is Whom glorify whosoeveris in the heavens and the eafth, and
the birds with wings out-spread (in their flight). Ot each one He
(AlEh) knows indeed hls Sa/df (prayer) and his glorification, (or
everyoneknowshls Sa/df(prayer)and hisglorification)."'
lf your entire body does actuallywork in order accordingto the
decreeof Allaahand Hisregulation:the heart,the lungs,the liver
andallotherpartsof thebodysubmitandsurrendertotheirLord...
Will your optionaldecisionafterall this be betweenbeliefin your
Lordand disbeliefin Him?Willyourdecisionbe antipathytowards
and deviationfrom this blessedpathof the worldaroundyou and
evenof yourbody?
Actually,the completelysane man will considerhimselffar above
choosingantipathyand deviationin the vastnessof this great
universe.
39
I
An-Noor24:41

Creatingand HonouringMan
It was a decisionof Allaahto createa creaturethat couldinhabit
thisuniverseand His choicefellon man.lt is alsoin accordance
with His DivineWisdom that the matter from which man was
createdwas the earth. He originatedhis creationfrom clay and
thenmouldedhim on thisbeautifulshapethathe has now.When
he has becomecompletelyperfectin that shape,He breathedlife
Into him throughHis Spirit(AngelJibreel-Gabriel)and He made
him becomeman in the bestform;providedhim withthe abilitvto
hear, see, move and speak. Then his Lord made him live rn
Paradise,taughthim all that he neededto know,madelawfulfor
him all thatwas in Paradiseand forbadehim from a sinqletree-
as a testfor him.
Allaah wanted to show man's positionand standing;so He
commandedHis Angels to prostratefor him. All of the Angels
prostrated but Satan arroganfly and obstinately refused to
prostrate.So Allaahbecameangrywith him for his disobedience
and expelledhim from His Mercybecauseof hisarrogance.Satan
askedAllaahto extendhis lifeand give him respitetill the Day of
Resurrection.So, Allaah extended his life till the Dav of
Resurrection
Satanbecameenviousof Adambecauseof the preferencehe and
his childrenwere given over him. He swore by His Lord that he
would misleadall the childrenof Adam, that he would come to
them from theirfront and rear,and from their left and from their
rightexceptthe sincere,piousand truthfulslavesof Allaahamong
them,for suchAllaahhasprotectedagainsttheevilplansof Satan.
AllaahwarnedAdam of the evil planof Satan,but Satantempted
Adamand hiswifeHawwain orderto getthemoutof paradiseano
to uncoverfor themthatthatwas hiddenfromthemof theirorivate
parts.He swore by Allaah to them that he was a srncerewell-
wisherfor them and that Allaahhad not forbiddenthem from that
treesavetheyshouldbecomeangelsor becomeof theimmortals.

Having been influencedby the deceptionof Satan, Adam and
Hawwa ate of the forbiddentree and the first punishmentthat
afflictedthemfortheirdisobedienceof Allaah'scommandwasthat,
which that was hidden from them of their private parts became
exposedand Allaahremindedthemof Hiswarningaboutthe tricks
of Satan.
Adam then sought for the forgivenessof his Lord. So Allaah
forgaveHim,acceptedhis repentance,chosehim and guidedhim.
He thenorderedhim to descendfrom the Paradisewhere he was
living,to the earthwhereintherewas his abodeand his enjoyment
for a time. He also told him that it was from earth that he was
created,thaton it he wouldliveand die and that!t is from it thathe
wouldbe resurrected.
Adam and his wife Hawwathen descendedto the earthand their
childrenprocreatedand they all usedto worshipAllaah,because
theirfatherAdam was a Prophet.Allaahtells us this story in the
gloriousQur'aanwhereHesays,
- i ' - t
"
t t
. 7 - ; - : , " , , , - i t - r t ,
" 2 : - s '
o t , -
t ' - . ' r :
" " i .
i! r]r*--3 p:) l.e.r*;tis.fi"ll-t B t frf r* i
"e
"!i F
1 . i . , . : " . , ' - ' i : . . t - : t , t . , . . . . . . . ' . z i - - 2 - - i
l,rlJtr JX;l 5l r--J ll..:1't t- Jt-ii!) a_t-)-:!At d/._,fu ) H)
i . , i r 1 . , . i , . " r . " . , . ' , t . - . ' , . , t - " . i . t . ' r -
Ol.rU otsv L.r qy L."r'UJLi ':ltt,* J. 'a;Art * s: ,tsil- ^'a-;;
....' . . ,..: - .
c-[]Ju '.t",6;-la-rr2JIU], Jti :Drt"],-Aie,tL) i;u W ;5i
. : t ' i a . : , 1 . . t 1 ' 1 1 - . - t :
"
, " 1
e :!.' 6:;;'.:*lt
gL'/" p trr;) e?t Li9 Jt i:!) cp-lh:Jl ;
w t** & Lt; us"t1r-i tiri.- q, tli J6r313.6i
'1,t^r; * ; <K'tei eLi:t .t"i ki ii6J; r1'3)
'*;i :.<.
4l

,r) c F3
cl A#.,iu.ni Ct a*i ;D',gLsij, vr<tt';Ai y- p
6i-'j1i**j :y u" ti?i tka u Js'r4r* o, c+-eG,j (
;Ab rt;,+ u+i ui',* Ci a- rvAi st:tJ'/+ siii
'ol
6 ,*ii ;ei ,;* * k;i if 1; c+tui"-4-i4:i or
u^;;, a '*; i obu-:Lir* t,J:lr! ,?=)"q.3iL,:K jJ:hi
e . t . .
. " , r , 2 t . " . i i " . , ! , , . , . - . i . - 1 : L . i
Je ud.>4r, lqb^.al JU :,;fi g_74;Jl U UF
, . J - . - . I t . - a
{ ::!)i;} q4ii;* t<+:i't+ wJ6;!) f J)yi"";u
And surely, We createdyou (your father Adam) and then gave you
shape (the noble shape of a human being); then We told the
angels, "Prostrate yourselves to Adam", and they prostrated
themselves,except lblis (Satan),he refused to be of those who
prostratedthemselves.(NEh) said: "Whatpreventedyou (O lblis)
that you did not prostrateyourself,when I commandedyou?" lbtis
said: "l am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire, and
him You created from clay." (NIeh) said. "(O lblis) get down from
this (Paradise),it is not for you to be arroganthere. Get out, for you
are of those humiliated and disgraced."(lblis) said: "Allow me
respite till the Day they are raised up (i.e. the Day of
Resurrectrbn)."(All6h) said: "You are of those resplted." (tbtis)
said: "Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait
against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path. Then I will
come to them from before them and behind them, from their right
and from their left, and You will not find mostof them as thankfut
ones (i.e. they will not be dutiful to You) " (Neh) said(to tbtis)"Get
out from this (Paradise)disgraced and expelled. Whoeverof them
(mankind) will follow you, then surety I wiil fiil Heil with you att."
"AndO Adam!Dwellyou andyour wifein Paradise,and eat thereof

as you bothwish, but approachnot thistree othervviseyou both will
be of the Zdtim1n(unjustand wrong-doers)."Then Shaitdn(Satan)
whisperedsuggesflonsto them both in order to uncover that which
washidden from them of theirprivafe parts (before);he said: "Your
Lord did not forbidyou thistree save you should become angels or
becomeof theimmortals."Andhe (Shaitdn(Satan))sworeby All6h
to them both (saying):"Verily,I am one of the sincerewell-wishers
for you both." So he misledthem with deception.Thenwhen they
tasfedof thetree,that which washiddenfrom them of their shame
(privateparts)became manifestto them and they began to cover
fhemse/ves with the leaves of Paradise (in order to cover their
shame).And their Lord called out to them (saying):"Did I not forbid
you that tree and tell you: Verily,Shaitdn(Satan)is an open enemy-unto
you?" They said:"Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves.lf
You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall
certaintybe of the /osers.
' (Aileh) said: "Get down, one of you an
enemyto the other(i.e.Adam,HawwA'(Eve),and Shaltdn(Satan))
On earth witl be a dwelling-placefor you and an enioyment for a
time." He said:"Thereinyou shalllive, and thereinyou shalldie,
and fromit you shallbe broughtout (i.e.resurrected)."'
Considerthe greatnessof Allaah'swork in man.He createdhim in
the best form, clothed him with traits of honour like intellect,
knowledge,eloquence,art of speaking,beautifulfigure,moderate
body, abilityto acquireknowledgethroughanalogicaldeduction
and thinking and ability to acquire noble characteristicslike,
righteousness,acts of obedienceand submissionto Allaah.Far is
hisconditionwhilehe wasjusta dropof spermkeptin thewombof
his motherfrom his creationwhilethe Angelwillenteruponhim in
theParadise.
(,'C cn-r,ri;;i'Ai tr(','l
I
A l - A ' r a a f7 : l l - 2 5

Islaam: Its Foundations And C,
"Sob/essedbe Atl6h,the Bestof Creators."l
Thisworldis a villageand man is its inhabitant.All is preoccupied
becauseof him and all is madeto work for his interests.All oiher
creaturesare made to servehim and providefor his needs.The
angelsare chargedto protecthim duringday and night.Thoseof
them.whoare chargedwith provisionof rain and pllnts striveto
providehim with his sustenance;orbitsare made to surrenderto
him and revolvein his services;the sun, moon and starsare all
subjectedto move in line with his time reckoningand for the
bettermentof hisfoodarrangement.Theaerialwortowitnitswinds,
clouds,birdsand all that it containsis alsosubjectedto him.so is
the lowerworldwith all its seasand rivers,its treesand fruits.its
plantsandanimalsandallthatis in it.Allaahsays,
' " l : ' - ' - ' r r i - ' r . . t . . . - i ; i - . . - z i - i - . ' i , t -
,y ', (_Pv',t' ,l*, 4 oJ'J.f)tr1 9"2:^JJl dI; cj+Jl tii )
' ? i ' L ' . ^ * ^ ' ' r . : - i i - 1 t z -, r - i- , . . - * - i 1 , r - .
d.r F-i -:fV
4t O 64 <-u;rr
E ;i iKl u.,;,r'Ai
. = . n- v r r i - i ' 1 1 ' 2 i . ' . - - o - . , - . - ' - i f . . 1 , - t t ) i , . . -
:T itillj JJr -<t r-_, eH.t) r4-artrr-*-.Jt E *i (:D ifry1
. l ' /
ir-"), ,_r! l^raa j ,iJtj^^! ts^i; olj ;;jL t_ J4 n 6i,ri
. - ../
{ ;1E,}ik=- t!-hJ
"Alldhis He who hascreatedtheheavensand the earthand sends
down water (rain) from the sky, and thereby brought forth fruitsas
provision for you; and He has made the shrps to be of serviceto
you, that they may sail through fhe sea by HisCommand;and He
has made rivers(also)to be of serviceto you. And He h?s ffiade
the sun and the moon, both constanttypursuing theircourses,to
be of seruiceto you; and He hasmadethe nightand the day, to be
of service to you. And He gave you of att that you askedfor, and if
you count the Blessingsof All6h, never will you be abte to count
'
Al-Mu'minoon23:14

them. Verily! Man is indeed an extreme wrong-doer,a disbeliever
(an extremeingrate,who deniesAllah's8/esslngsby disbelief,and
by worshippingothersbesides All6h,and by disobeyingAll6h and
HisProphetMuhammad(peacebe uponhim))."'
To completeHis honouron man, He createdfor him all that he
needsin hisworldlylifeand all that he needsthatcan makehim
attainthe highestpositionsin the Hereafter.He as such,revealed
to him His Booksand sentto him His Messengersexplainingto
himtheLawofAllaahandcallinghimuntoit.
Then Allaah createdfor him from his own self - meaningfrom
Adamhimself- a wife,so thathe mightenjoythe pleasureof living
with her, in responseto his naturalneeds, be it psychological,
intellectualand physical. He then found with her comfort,
tranquillityand stabilityand both of them found in their
togethernesspeace,contentedness,love and mercy;becauseof
their physical,psychologicaland nervous composition,both of
them are made to respondto the desiresof each otherand both
are made to be in harmonyin the processof producingnew
generations.The soulsof bothareenrichedwiththesefeelingsand
their relationshipis filled with comfortfor the soul and nerves,
peacefor the bodyand mind,stabilityfor the lifeand subsistence,
familiarityfor soulsand conscienceand a tranquillityfor the man
andwomanon an equalbasis.
Allaahthen chosethe believersamongmankindand madethem
hisfrrends.He madethemobeyHimandworkfor Himaccordingto
his Lawsin orderto makethem qualifyto live in His Paradise.He
choseamongthem Prophets,Messengers,saintsand martyrsand
blessedthen in thisworldwith the bestfavourthat humansouls
can enjoy:worshippingAllaah,obeyingHim and supplicatingto
him. He alsodistinguishedthem with greatfavours- that others
cannotget - amongwhichare:peace,tranquillityand happiness,
andgreaterthanall thisis thefactthattheyknowthetruththatwas
broughtby the Messengersand believein it.Allaahthenkeepsfor
45
I
Ibraaheernl4:32-34

them - in the Hereafter- the everlastingblissand greatsuccess
that befitHis generosity,glorybe to Him.He willatsorewardtheir
beliefin Himandtheirsincerityto Himandwillgivethemmoreout
of HisBounty.
The position of woman:
In lslaam,the womanis accordeda highposition,whichshe was
not accordedin any of the previousreligionsand which no nation
will accordher but lslaam.This is because,bothman and woman
on equalbasissharethe honourthatlslaamconferredon mankind.
Humansare equalbeforerulesof Allaahin thisworldas they will
be equalas regardsHisrewardand recompenseon the LastDay.
Allaahsays,
"Andindeed,We havehonouredthechitdrenof Adam."1
Healsosays,
914'ii!'; ti L+i ,s;ts;o]j.fii 9t4-;,i!;
/ / ' ' i l ' -
( i-,:,jjlj
"Thereis a sharefor men and a sharefor womenfrom whatis teft
by parentsand thosenearestretated.'2
'
AI-lsraal7:70.
2
An-Nisaa4: 7
4.i:r;A, Lf tdt oy
6 e.ei Jt;1).y
6ii t" 33y

Isluam: Its Foundations And Concepts 47
"Andthey (women)have rights (overtheir husbandsas regards
livingexpenses)slml/ar(to thoseof their husbands)overthem(as
regardsobedienceandrespect)towhatis reasonable."'
/ . ' t i , r . f . t t , . ' | ' . . t i i . ' t ' . t l i ,
,$u4r.t ;Q)l
-ie-b-r'.
c*-'t)tt Of i"Jl : Y
t
"The betievers,men and women are Auliy6' (helpers,suppofters,
friends,protectors)of one another.'"
(t"e;;t il'it; Ltil..llr;',n1i,4: ;es'oY
lt 4 Ai r-';;t Si*i-;f Jii >nr;U tiUei e:i
ci;-i -,,j*i *:'ti b J:ritvt ,:4 6a-it,@ ('"f
, , o r t . . . 1 . 1 . 1 . '
4 :+=)'tri-p rtq.i G{
"AndyourLord hasdecreedthatyou worshipnonebut Him And
thatyoube dutifulto your parents.lf oneof themor bothof them
attainotd ageinyourlife,saynottothema wordof disrespect,nor
shoutat thembutaddressthemin termsof honour.Andlowerunto
thema wingof submissionand humilitythroughmercy,and say;
'My Lord! Bestowon them YourMercyas theydid bringme up
whenI wasyoung.u
, , : l - i . t 2
l - ' : t , - " - - ' i . . r ' i . i i ^
{ ('i;i ft J 6" ** ,Y
'V, ! .,ri+i i+rr,t+;tr F
'
Al-Baqarah2:228
2At-Tawbah9:71
t Al-lsraa17:23-24.

"So their Lord accepted their supptication and answered them
(saying); 'Never
will I allow to be lostthe work of any of you, be he
maleor female.'1
t a . . t t : , . - t
'4+--.D
tf)-
fs ; tt+; J+ cf >
. t - , : t : . i
*s ,;;t 5t
, = - , , . - - , , t . ' , . - - a t . . , t t , .
( Lg--;"o'^a l;la L.J;L, .^ii ;<-_i!;
"whoeverworks righteousness- whethermaleor female- whilehe
(or she)is a true believer (of rslamicMonotheism)veriry,to him we
will give a good life (in this wortd with respect,contentment and
lavvfulprovision), and we shail pay them ceftainly a reward in
propottion to the bestof what they usedto do (i.e. paradisein the
Hereafter).2
' . i l ' . ' : , - i , l a a z t . ' . . '
' : ' q a .
olI;J:.rtsit-, Uy *i &i :i .+t n,:,-Lt/:i o "S;,a__r_rj)
4ri)t4 t AL:.,ti'tai
"Andwhoeverdoesrighteousgood deeds,mateor female,and is a
(true) believer (in the oneness of Aildh (Muslim)) such will enter
Paradiseand not the least injustice,even to the sizeof a speckon
thebackof a date-stone,willbe doneto them.',3
Thishonourthatthewomanenjoysin lslaamhasno equalin any
other religion,creed or law. Romancivilizationhad it established
thatwomanshouldbe a slaveand a subordinateof man and that
she-shouldabsolutelyhas no rightsat all.Therewas evena great
conferencein Romewhereaffairsof the womanwere discuised.
The conclusionreachedat the conferencewas that, the woman
'
Aal-lmraan3:l95
t
An-Nahll6: 97
3
An-Nisaa4: 124

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 19
was a lifelessbeingand as suchcouldnot havesharein the lifeof
the Hereafterandthatshewas impure.
In Athens,womanusedto be regardedas a scrap.She wouldbe
sold and boughtlike any other commodityand she was being
regardedan abominationof Satan'shandiwork.
Accordingto the ancientlndianstatutes,the plague,death,hell,
poisonof serpentsandfireare betterthanwoman.Her rightto live
usedto endwiththe deathof her husband- who was regardedas
her master.Whenshe sawthe corpseof her husbandbeingburnt,
she must throw herselfinto it and if she did not, she would be
accursed.
As for Judaism,the followingjudgementwas passedon her in the
OldTestament.
"l appliedmine heartto know and to searchand to seek out the
wisdomand the reasonof thingsand to knowthe wickednessof
follyeven of foolishnessin madness..and I find more bitterthan
deaththe woman and whose hearthis snaresand nets and her
handsas bandswhosopleasethGodshallescapefromhellbutthe
sinnershallbetakenbv her."'
Such was the conditionof woman in the ancienttimes.As for
medievaland contemporarytimes, the followingevents explain
that.
I
Ecclesiastes1:25-26.Itis knownthattheOld Testamentis hallowedand
believedin by boththeChristiansandtheJews.
Note: Christiansof pastand presentageshallow the two testamentsbut
nowadays,they only regardthe old testamentasa holy book which they
are not obligedto follow. As for the Jews,they neverregardthe New
Testarnentas a holy book for they neverbelievedin the Prophet[i.e.
Jesuslto whornit is ascribed.=AA.

The Danishwriter,Wieth Kordstenexplainedthe positionof the
CatholicChurchas regardswoman when he said,
,,During
the
medievaltimes,the concernthat was had for Europeanwoman
was very limitedand this is in conformitywith the view of the
Catholiccreed that used to regard woman as a second-class
humanbeing."
In France,a conferencewas heldin the year586 A.D. wherethe
issue of woman was discussedas to whether she should be
regarded as a humanbeingor not.At the end of the discussion,
the discussantsconcludedthat she was a human beingbut that
shewascreatedfortheserviceof man.
ln Frenchlaw,article217 says;"The marriedwoman-even if her
marriageis basedon separationbetweenher rightof ownership
and that of her husband-shouldnot give anyoneownershipof
anythingof her propertywith or withoutcompensationexceptwith
the participationof her husbandin the transactionor his written
consentto that."
In England,Henrythe Vlll prohibitedthe Englishwoman from
readingthe Holy Book, until 1850,women were not considered
citizensof Englandandup till1882,theyhadno personalrights.l
As for the conditionof woman in contemporaryEurope,America
andotherindustrialnations,sheis regardedas a commoncreature
thatshouldbe utilizedfor commercialpurposes,for she is a partof
commercialadvertisement.This has even reached a situation
whereshe is strippednakedin orderto advertisecommoditieson
herbody.Herbodyand honourhavebecomedesecratedbasedon
regulationslaid down by men in order to make her an objectof
enloymenteverywhere.
The contemporarywoman is an abjectof care and attentionas
longas she is ableto giveout herwealth,intelligenceand body.
But when she becomesold and losesher meansof giving,the
'
Silsilatumuqaaranatiladyaan- Dr.AhmadShalaby31210-213

societyindividuallyand collectivelyabandonsher and she lives
lonelyin herhouseor inthesanatorium.
Comparethe above- althoughthey cannotbe equal- with what
theNobleQur'aansays,
51
t . " . r i . t - , t - t t . . . , . . , t 1 1 - . - t - . r f i . ;
(-.fr-? ;t!^gt g-6-.ar4:.r:'.t-tt OtJi4tt,
"Thebelievers,menand womenareAuliya'ftelpers,suppofters,
friends,protectors)ofoneanother."'
"And they (women) have rights (over their husbands as regards
tiving expenses)slml/ar(to thoseof their husbands)over them (as
regardsobedienceand respect)to whatis reasonable.'"
, . ...1.1 , -',' .oi t,, .ti. ,
4.qtFV,J#' 6rtJt,-F:#s f
"AndyourLordhasdecreedthatyou worshipnonebut Him.And
thatyou be dutifulto your parents.lf oneof themor bothof them
attainoldageinyourlife,saynotto thema wordof disrespect,nor
shoutat thembutaddressthemin termsofhonour.Andlowerunto
thema wingof submisslonand humilitythroughmercy,and say;
'
At-Tawbah9:71
2
Al-Baqarah2:228

'My
Lordl Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up
whenI wasyoung.'t
"Andyour Lord has decreed that you worshipnone but Him. And
that you be dutifulto your parents.lf one of them or both of them
attain old age in your life, saynot to them a word of disrespect,nor
shoutat thembut addressthemin termsof honour.And lower unto
them the wing of submr'sslonand humility throughmercy, and say:'My
Lord! Bestow on them your mercy as they did bring me up
whenI wasyoung."
WhileAllaahhonourswoman,He makesitclearto all mankindthat
He created her to be mother, wife, daughterand sister; and
ordainedfor these roles,specialregulationsthat are peculiarto
her.
'Al-lsraa17:23-24.
' Al-lsraall:23-24

Why was man created?
It has beendiscussedin the previouschapterthat,Allaahcreated
Adam and createdfor him hiswife,Hawwaand madethem livein
Paradise.ThenAdam disobeyedhis Lordand latersoughtfor His
forgiveness.Allaahthenacceptedhis repentanceand guidedhim.
Allaahthen orderedhim to go orit of the Paradiseand descend
untothe earth.Allaah,glorybe Himand He be exaltedhas in that,
a wisdomwhich human intelligencecannotperceiveand which
theirtonguecannotdescribe.We are goingto mentionheresome
of thosewisdomsandunderlyingreasons.
1.Allaahcreatedthe creationfor the purposeof worshippingHim.
He says,
- t t " . a . i a a ? ' ,
" . .
t I) o-r't='J-)l ;)lj Jtt c--hJ;ui ,
"And | (AlEh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they
shouldworshipMe (Alone)."'
It is alsoknownthatthe perfectionof theworshipthatis requiredof
man cannottake placein the abodeof blissand eternitybut in the
abodeof trialsand tribulation.The abodeof eternityis thatof bliss,
notthatof testsandcommandments.
2. Allaahwantedto takeamongmankindProphets,Messengers,
friendand martyrswhom He wouldloveand who wouldlove Him.
He then leftthem alonewith his enemiesand put them to trialby
them. So when they preferredHim above all other thingsand
sacrificedtheir livesand propertiesin order to gain His pleasure
and love,they attainedof His love and pleasurewhat they could
not haveattainedwithoutthatinitially.So thestatusof prophethood
and martvrdomis of the bestdeqreesbeforeAllaahand couldnot
53
'
Adh-Dhaariyaat5l: 56

have attainedthat except by the way decreed by Allaah that
Aadamand hisoffspringhadto descendto theearth.
3. Allaahis the onlyTrue and EvidentKing.The Kingis the One
Who commandsand forbids,rewardsand punishes;disgracesand
honours;strengthensand debases.Allaah'ssovereigntytherefore
necessitatesthat he sendsAdam and his offspringto an abodein
which the rulesof sovereigntywill be implementedon them and
thenmovethemto an abodewherethereis rewardfor allthatthey
did.
4. AllaahcreatedAdamfroma handfulof all soilsof the earth:and
thereis good and bad and low and highin the land.Allaahknows
that there are among - the childrenof Adam - those who are
unsuitableto stay with Him in His House;therefore,He made
Adam descendto an abodewhere He distinguishesbetweenthe
good and bad ones. Then Allaah chose for them two distinct
abodes:He madethe righteousonesdwellersof HisAbode(made
them enter Paradise),and made the evil ones dwellersof the
abodeof misery(Hell-Fire).
5. To Allaahbelongthe BeautifulNames.AmongHis Namesare:
Al-Ghafoor(the Oft-Forgiving),Ar-Raheem(the Most-Gracious).
Al-Afuww(Oft-Pardoning),Al-Haleem(Most-Forbearing).Sincethe
impactsof these names must manifest,the Wisdom of Allaah
necessitatesthatAdamand hischildrenmustdescendto an abode
where the impacts of the Beautiful Names of Allaah could
materialiseon them. So that He mightforgivewhoeverHe wills,
havemercyon whomeverHe wills,pardonwhosoeverHe willsand
forbearfor whosoeverHe wills and otherdifferentways in which
HisNamesandAttributescan be manifest.
6. AllaahcreatedAdamand hischildrenfroma compositionthat is
naturallyinclinedto good and evil, responsiveto the causes of
lustsandtemptationsand to thecausesof reasonand knowledge.
He createdin him reasonand lustand createdin both necessary
factorsso that His Will mightbe accomplishedand that He might
show to His slavesHis greatnessin Wisdom,Might;and His

Mercy, Kindness and Benevolence in His Authority and
Sovereignty.He then, out of His Wisdom sent Adam and his
childrento the earthso that the test mighttake placethereinand
impacts of man's preparednessfor these factors and his
responsivenessto them mightbecomemanifest,and Allaahmay
thenusethatbasisto awardhonouror disgraceto whom it is due.
7. Beliefin the Unseenis the usefulbelief.As for the beliefin the
seen,everyonewill belreveon the Day of Resurrection.lf people
werecreatedin the Abodeof Bliss(Paradise),theywouldnothave
attainedthe degreeof beliefin the Unseenthatends in enjoyment
and honour.lt is for thisreasonthatAllaahsentthemto the abode
in whichtheycouldhaveopportunityto believeinthe Unseen.
8. Allaah wants by that, to show His slaves on whom He has
bestowedHisfavour,the perfectionof that favourand its greatness
so that they mightthankAllaahand love Him the most and have
the fullestenjoymentof the bliss,whichAllaahhas bestowedon
them. Allaahtherefore,showsthem what He did to His enemies
andthe punishmentthatHe has preparedfor them.He alsomakes
themwitnessthe highestkindsof bliss,whichHe has bestowedon
them, so that their joy might increase.This is an aspect of
completrngHis favourson them.Therefore,to makethemachieve
all this,He mustsendthemto the earth,putthem to testand then
make whosoeverHe willsto succeedout of mercyand kindness
fromHim,anddisgracewhosoeverHewillsamongthemoutof His
wisdomandjustice,forHe isAll-Knower,All-Wise.
9. AllaahwantsAdam and his childrento go backto the Paradise
whiletheyare in the beststate.So beforetheyenterit, Hewantsto
makethemtasteof the hardship,sorrowand distressof the world
so thatthe valueof enteringParadisein the Hereafterwillbe great
in theirgstimation,for it is the oppositeof an objectthat showsits
beauty.'
f,f,
'
See:Miftaahdaaris-Sa'aadahI / 6-l I

Afterthe originof man has beenmadeclear,it is now appropriate
to explainhis needfor thetruerelioion.

Isloam: ItsFoundationsAnd Concepts 57
Man's Needfor Religion
Man's need for religion is greater than his need for other
necessittesof life. For, man must know the things that please
Allaahas wellas thosethatdispleaseHim.He mustalsocarryout
activitiesthatcan bringhimbenefitsand othersthatcan avertfrom
him harm.So, it is the DivineLaw that distinguishesbetweenthe
deeds that benefitand those that bring harm. That is Allaah's
justicein Hrscreationand His Lightamong His servantsand it is
not possiblefor peopleto livewithoutDivineLaw with whichthey
can differentiatebetweenwhat they should do and what they
shouldnotdo.
lf man actuallyhasa will,he mustthenknowwhathe wants.Does
he wantwhatwillbenefithim or whatwillharmhim?Doeshe want
what will reformhim or what will corrupthim? Somepeopleknow
this naturally,some knowit throughapplicationof theirsenseof
reasoningand someyet do notknowit exceptthroughexplanation
by theMessengersandtheirguidance.'
However the atheistic and materialisticthoughts may be
widespreadand adorned;and ideologiesand theoriesthrive,
individualsand societieswill neverdo withouttrue religion.For
theseideologiescan neverprovidefor man'sspiritualandphysical
needs.And the more man goes deeperin them, the more he is
convincedthat they cannotglve him securitynor satiatehis thirst
andthatthetruereligionis unavoidable.
ErnestRinansaid,"Allthingsthatwe holddearcan dwindle,and
freedomof usingone'sintelligence,knowledgeand expertisecan
becomeworthless.But it is impossiblefor religionto be effaced.lt
wiil ratherremaina livingproofon the futilityof materialideology
I
SeeAt-Tadmuriyyahby Shaykhul-lslaamIbn Taymiyyahp.213-214,
andMiftaahudaaris-Sa'aadah2 / 383

thatwantsto restrictmanintodespicablenarrowsof the earthly
life."1
MuhammadFareed Wajdee said: "lt is impossiblefor religious
thinkingto vanish,for it is the highestand noblestof humanmind,s
inclinations,not to mentionthe fact that it is an inclinationthat
elevates man. Rather than dwindle, this inclinationshall be
increasing.Religiousnatureof manwillalwayspursuehimas long
as he can discernwhatis beautifulandwhatis uglyandthisnature
shall continueto increasein him accordingtg sublimityof his
mentalfacultiesandprogressin hisknowledge."'
So if man keepsawayfrom his Lord,it is throughthe sublimityof
his mental faculties and wideness of his knowledgethat he
recognizesthe greatnessof his ignoranceabouthis Lordand what
is due to Him,and his ignoranceof his own self,what is good for
him and what is harmfulto him; what gives him happinessand
whatwillcausehim misery.He willalsorecognisehis ignoranceof
scientificdetails like astronomy,scienceof galaxies,reckoning,
nuclearsciencesand so forth.lt is thenthattheworldwillabandon
the stage of delusion and arroganceto that of humility and
submissionand then believethatthereis behindthesesciencesa
knowledgeableand Wise One and that thereis behindthe nature
an Able Creator.This realitywillthenforcethe impartialscholarto
believein the unseen,to surrenderto the uprightreligionand to
respondto the call of naturalinstinct.But when man withdraws
fromthispath,his naturewill relapseand he willcomedownto the
levelof dumbanimals.
We concludefrom all the above, that the true religiosity- that
dependson beliefin the Onenessof Allaahand performingactsof
worshipaccordingto His injunctions- is a necessaryelementof
life,so that man actualizesthroughthat, his servitudeto Allaah,
Lordof all theworldsand attainthroughthat,happinessand safety
from destruction,hardshipand misery. lt is also necessaryfor
'
SeeAd-Deenby MuhamrnadAbdullahDaraazp.87.
t
tbid.88.

Islsam: Its Foundations And Concepts
perfectingthe theoreticalaptitudein man. lt is only throughit that
the intellectualhunger can be satiated,and its highest goals
attained.
Equally,religionis a necessaryelementfor purificationof the soul
and refinementof emotionalpower,for noblesentimentsfindin the
religionan abundantspaceand a springwhosewaterdoesnotdry
upwherenoblesentimentsfindtheirgoalsattained.
It is a necessaryelementfor the perfectionof will powerbecause
of the supportit givesit throughgreatimpetusand majormeansof
resistingelementsof desPair.
In view of this, if there are some who say that man is civil by
nature,we mustalsosay:"Manis religiousby nature",for man has
two powers: scientificspeculativepower and will power. His
completehappinessdependson perfectinghis scientificand will
power and the perfectionof his scientificpower cannottake place
exceptby knowingthefollowing:
1. Knowingthe True LordWho is the Creatorand the Provider,
Who createdmanfromnothingnessand bestowedon himfavours.
2. KnowingHis Namesand Attributesand all that is due to Him
and understandingthe impactsof theseNameson Hisslaves.
3. Knowingthewaythatleadsto Allaah,may He be glorified.
4. Knowingthe hindrancesand harmsthat preventman from
knowingtheway andthegreatblissthattheway leadsto.
5. Having a real cognisanceof your own soul, its needs,
recognisingwhat is goodfor it and what is harmto it, and knowing
itsoualitiesanddefects.
It is by knowingtheseftvethingsthatmancan perfecthisscientific
power.And perfectionof his scientificand will powercannotoccur
except by respectingthe rights of Allaah upon His slaves and
carryingout these rights sincerely,truthfully,accordtngto the
Sunnahof the Prophet,blessingsand peacebe uponhim,andas
59

Islaam: ItsFoundationsAnd
a testimonyof His favouron him.Thereis no way to perfectionof
thesetwo powersexceptby His help. He thereforeneedsto be
gurdedto theStraightPathwhichAllaahguidedHisfriends.l
Afterwe have knownthat the True Religionis the Divinesupport
for differentpowersof thesoul,we shouldalsoknowthatreligionis
the protectiveshieldfor the society.This is becausehumin life
cannot be alright except through mutual cooperationand this
cooperationcannot take place except through a system that
regulates human relationships,defines their obligationsand
guaranteestheir rights.This systemis also in need of a curbing
and restrainingauthoritythat can preventthe soul from violating
the system,encourageit to preserveit, guaranteesits relevance
and preventsmen fromdesecratingit.Whatthen is this power?
Thereis noton the faceof thisearthany powerthatcan matchthe
power of religiosityor even close to that in guaranteeingthe
respectfor order, societalcohesion,stabilityof it,s system and
harmonisingthe meansof comfortandtranquillityin thesociety.
The underlyingreasonfor this is that, man is distinguishedfrom
otherlivingthingsin that,all hisvoluntarymovementsand actions
arecontrolledby an inaudibleandinvincibleelement.Thatelement
is faith, which refinesthe soul and purifiesthe limbs. Man, is
therefore,alwayscontrolledby a trueor falsebelief.lf his beliefis
correct,everythingin himwillbe correct,but if his beliefis corruot.
everythingin himwillbe corrupt.
Faithis a spontaneouswatcheroverman;and it is - as noticedin
all men- of twotypes:
- Beliefin the value of moralexcellence,humandignityand
other ordinaryconceptsthat high-mindedpeoplewill feel shy to
violateeven if they were free from externalconsequencesand
materialrecompense.
I
Al-Fawaaid| 8,19.

Islgam: Its Foundations And Concepts
- Beliefin Allaah- may He be Glorifiedand Exalted- and the
fact that He is Ever-Watchfulof the secretsand knowsall that is
hidden;fromWhoseCommandmentsand prohibitionsthelslaamic
Law derivesits powerand beforeWhom the sensesprofuselyfeel
mortifiedout of love for Him or fear of Him or both.There is no
doubt that this type of faith is the strongerof both in exerting
authorityover humanmind.lt is also the strongerin resistingthe
tornadoesof whimsand inconsistencyof sentimentsandquickerin
leavingimpactson themindsof peopleandtheirleaders.
It is becauseof this that religionis the best guarantorfor the
establishmentof relationshipsamongpeopleon the basisofjustice
and impartiality,which is a necessityin any society.There is no
wonder then that religionoccupies in the human society the
positionof theheartin humanbody.'
lf this is the positionof religiongenerally- and what we see in
today'sworld is multiplicityof religionsand creeds,where each
grouprejoicesin itsbeliefand holdstenaciouslyto it- whatthenis
the true religionthat can achievefor the human mind what it
yearnsfor?Andwhatarethegeneralcriteriaof theTrue Religion?
61
' S e e :A d - d e e np . 9 8 ,1 0 2

62 Islaam: ItsFoundationsAnd ConcEtts
Criteriafor ldentifyingTrue Religion
Everyadherentof a creedbelievesthat his creedis the true one,
and all followersof a religionbelievethattheirreligionis the ideal
one and the most uprightpath.When you ask the followersof
adulteratedreligionsor followersof man-madecreedsabout the
prooffor theirbelief,they arguethat theyfoundtheirfatherson a
faithand arejust followingtheirpaths.Theythen relatenarrations
and storieswhosechainsof transmittersare not soundand whose
texts are not free from faultsand defects.They only dependon
inheritedbookswhose authors,recordersand even theiroriginal
languagesandtheirsourcesareunknown.Theyareonlymixed-up
stories concoctedtogether,magnifiedand inheritedgeneration
aftergenerationwithoutanyscholasticverificationof theirchainsof
transmittersand precisecheckingof theirtexts.
These unknownbooks,narrationsand blindimitationscannotbe
taken as evidencesin mattersof religionsand beliefs.Or is it
possiblethatall theseadulteratedreligionsand man-madecreeds
aretrueor false?
It is impossiblethatallthesereligionsaretrue,fortruthis onlyone
and cannot be numerous.lt is also impossiblethat all these
adulteratedreligionsand man-madebeliefsare all fromAllaahand
thereforetrue. Then, since thereare numerousreligionsand the
true is only one, whichof them is then the true religion?There
should,therefore,be criteriafor distinguishingthetruereligionfrom
the false.lf we findthatthesecriteriafit a religion,we knowthat it
isthetruereligion;andwhenallor oneof thesecriteriais lackingin
anyreligion,we knowthatit isa falsereligion.
The criteriaby whichwe distinguishthe truereligionfromthe false
onesare:
One: That the religionmust be fromAllaah,revealedthroughan
angelto one of His Messengersin orderto conveyit to mankind.
Forthetruereligionis Allaah's,and it is He Who willrecompense

His slavesand takethem to reckoningon the Dayof Resurrection
concerningthereligionthatHe revealedto them.Hesays,
63
J] t > r l q
(
. , | . . a r i . t
aoJl + ':--r)ta 7+)' v ' v , -
I '
t
J) u;ii tx s:t
-ct'ri-61
' F
. t / - , | , . - 2 ' , ,
t)t,/AJ etlY-J ?rtJ
4{32ti} ; !,'3r>('i:'r;'r'o+;: t
"Verily,We have sentthe revelationto you (O Muhammad(peace
be upon him)) as We sent the revelationto N1h (Noah) and the
Prophets after him; We (also) sent the revelation to lbrdhim
(Abraham), lsm6'il (lshmael), lshdq (lsaac), Ya'qlb (Jacob),and
Al-Asbat (the twelve sons of Ya'qlb (Jacob)) '/sd (Jesus), Ayylb
(Job), Y1nus (Jonah),Hdrin (Aaron), and Sulaimdn (Solomon),
and to Dawld (David)WegavetheZablr (Psalms)."'
He,mayHe be glorified-alsosays,
t t t z t t , i
, l u t . . + - i - I l J . s
/ t
' t t ' - ' a ) '
"And We did not sendany Messengerbeforeyou (O Muhammad
(peacebe upon him)) but We revealedto him (saying) LA il6ha illa
Ana (none hasthe rightto be worshippedbut I (NEh)) so worship
Me (Aloneandnone else).'"
Basedon theaboveversesandcriteria,anyreligionthatis brought
by any manandattributedto himselfand notto Allaahis definitely
a falsereligion.
I
A n - N i s a a4 : 1 6 3
2
Al-Anbiyaa2l:25
LiLrt t-, F
- . t t . a '
'i) ,'rrJ^-sLi' - '
: J
",ji-il
ill { ,:;i4) .,-; {l

Two: Thatthe religionshouldcallto the worshipof Allaahalone;
shouldprohibitShtrk(polytheismof anyform)andallthatcan lead
to it. This is because:the call to the Onenessof Allaahis the
primarymissionof all Prophetsand Messengers.EveryProphet
toldhispeople,
4.,tJ;oA; e v ii Uiii y
WorshipAllah! You have no other ll6h (God) but Him. (Ld il6ha
iltaltdh:none hastherightto be worshippedbutNeD.'r
Three: lt shouldbe in agreementwiththe principlesuntowhichall
the Messengerscalltheirpeoplewhichareto worshipAllaahalone
and to avoidpolytheism,unrulinessto parents,killingof a person
unjustlyand all otherimmoralthings,be theyhiddenor apparent.
Allaahsays,
3t o, ur3i q y
'l 'L
F r , . ) '
ii_2
"And We did not sendany Messengerbeforeyou (O Muhammad
(peace be upon him)) but We revealedto him (saying):Ld ildha illa
Ana (none hasthe right to be worshippedbut I (NehD so worship
Me (Aloneand none else).'"
He alsosays,
'
Al-A'raafLl3
t
A l - 2 r : 2 5
' i - i - ' - ' " . i ' i , - l . i r t ' z
,s1i9l3 trl )l 4-Jl ,*t +)t.-fy, )J l*j U

Islaam: Its Foundations And Concepts 65
b
it,iU €i -yii$Sr "4
E E
ti* : euS'Qi rh ,ii^,)
: . i i . i , ' . 1 , 1 . , . _ ' r i- - . r r i i ' r a . . . :j . * - i . , . . , . . . . . , . . .
__i-.jt,:1 ^, lF JJI -- *njJl trUa: )j -'. ,b. Ui 4: P U ;r,Fll
, . t a 2 t t . L
{ i€) i+;:
'ftJ
-- ,<'*t fi;:
"Say(O Muhammad(peacebe uponhim)) "Come,lwill recitewhat
your Lord has prohibitedyou from. Join not anythingin worship
with Him; be good and dutiful to your parents;kill not your children
becauseof povefty- We providesusfenancefor you and for them;
come not near to Al-Fawdhish (shameful sins, illegal sexual
intercourse)whether committed openly or secretly; and kill not
anyone whom All6h has forbidden, except for a just cause
(accordingto lsldmiclaw). This He has commandedyou that you
may understand."'
AndHesays,
ut*lt J. , l l - r #
, t - . -
"And ask (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) those of Our
Messengerswhom We sentbeforeyou: "DidWe everappointaliha
(gods)to be worshippedbesidesthe Most Gracious(NEh)?*
Four:lt shouldnotbe self-contradictingbycommandingsomething
and contradictingit by another.lt shouldalso not forbidsomething
I
A l - A n ' a a r n6 : l 5 l
2
Az-Zukhruf 43:45

66 Islaam: Its FoundationsAnd Concepts
and thenallowwhat is similarto it withoutany reasonor prohibit
somethingfor somegroupand permitit for others.Allaahsays,
v-4
c , , z - . t . . . . . . /
Jt;?t otJ4 Ytl F
t ('.4J-
"Do they not then considerthe Qur'6ncarefully?Had it been from
other than All6h,they would surely have found therein many a
contradiction."'
Five: The religionshouldincludewhat can preservefor people,
their belief, honour, properties,lives and offspringthrough its
commandments,prohibitions,deterrentsand moralsthatit ordains
to protectthesefivegeneralfactors.
Six: lt shouldserveas a mercyfor mankindand save them from
their own injusticesand the injusticesthey commit againstone
anotherthroughusurpingothers'rightsand the generalamenities
or throughmisleadingthe weakat the handsof the strong.Allaah
sayswhileexplainingthe mercythattheTorah,whichwas givento
ProphetMoses,entails,
. . 1 ; y . . . , / ,
, . . . - : . - t . , - i ( i i , . i , j : i i r . . i - . , r i .
J-Na{i.g-r-a [-; .g! Cltil
-rtl -^;jjl si uo (5- LJ; F
"Andwhen the anger of M1sd (Moses)was calmeddown,he took
up the Tablets;and in theirinscriptionwas guidanceand mercy for
thosewho feartheirLord."'
I
An-Nisaa4:82
2
Al-A'raaf7:154
(,.Di#ide

Islasm: Its Foundations And Concepts 67
He alsosaysinformingus aboutthe messageof Jesus,peacebe
on him.
;'rl;A:b
"And (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy
fromUs."'
HesaysaboutProphetSaalih,
<6 r;rt q(t qr;
t t ' . i 1 . " . t '
Jt*4.t^3 +4 o+ .Ft;: ji rr * J' ,:*4 olA;;i 4'-*+Ju y
4,:[,;t 4;ri J_,
He said. "O my people! Tell me, if I have a clear proof from my
Lord, and there has come to me a Mercy (Prophethood)from Him,
whothencanhelpme againstAlEh,if lwere to disobeyHim?""
He saysabouttheQur'aan,
, .
" , i
! . - t : . - ' i 1 , , - . '
4.;:t:j^1.^-r)t;LLa .5ot 3t;Pt 3r Ji.:b
"And We senddown from the Qur'6nthat whichis a healingand a
mercyfo fhosewhobelieve(in lstilmicMonotheismand acton it)
'3
Seven: lt shouldentailguidanceto the Law of Allaah,and teach
man the intentionof Allaahby that Law.lt shouldalsobe ableto
tellman hisoriginand his finaldestination.Allaahsaysaboutthe
Torah,
I
Maryaml9:21
2
HoodI l:63
I
Al-tsraal7:82

68 Islaom: Its Foundations And Concepts
4.'jj: u'"^WL-,?iuS;i-(,yy
'Verily, We did send down the Taurlt (Torah) (to MIsA (Moses)),
thereinwasguidanceand light."'
He saysaboutthe lnjeel(theBookgivento Jesus),
4ih u"^* kti';+tib
"AndWe gave him the lnjeel(Gospel),in whichwas guidanceand
tight.'"
He saysabouttheQur'aan,
44i u,-;:'.st/:.,i*: J4i--:f * F
"lt is He Who has senf His Messenger(Muhammad(p^eacebe
uponhim))withguidanceand thereligionof truth(lsl6m).''
The true religionis the one that includesguidanceto the Law of
Allaah,givespeaceand tranquillityto the mind,protectit from all
insinuations,answersallitsquestionsandresolveseveryproblem.
Eight: lt should call to noble charactersand deeds like
truthfulness,honesty,modesty,chastityand generosity.lt should
also prohibitbad conductslike disobedienceto parents,killing
innocentsouls,all kindsof immoralities,lies,injustice,aggression,
stinginessandsins.
I
Al-Maaidah5:44
2
Al-Maaidah5:46
r
At-Tawbah9:33

Nine:lt shouldbe ableto providehappinessforthosewho believe
in it.Allaahsays,
{(!, JA.6t;';ti ct* a}iL iO 4t }
"Te-Ha. We have not sent down the Qur'6n unto- you (O
Muhammad(peacebe uponhim))to causeyou distress."'
It shouldalsobe in harmonywithuprightnature.Allaahsays,
"That (lslaamicMonotheism)is the nature upon which Allaahhas
createdmankind.'-
It shouldalso be in harmonywith soundreason,becauseAllaah
ordainsthetruereligionandcreatesthesoundreasonas well.lt is
thereforeimpossiblethat the Law of Allaah and the creatureof
Allaahshouldcontradicteachother.
Ten: lt should lead to the truth, warn againstfalsehood,keep
peopleawayfrom errorand leadthem to the StraightPathwhere
thereis no crookedness.Allaahspeaksaboutthe jinn thatwhen
theyheardtheQur'aanbeingrecited,someof themtoldothers,
69
t ' - " . t . t
L l I a . * v
e t )-: ee
t l
lri Ci+ ur; (,1u-F+i-,rtiI
4,Aft *y iy:-ti Jte+
"They said: "O our people! Verily, we haue heard a Book (this
Qur'an) sent down after Mlsa (Moses), confirming what came
beforeit: it guidesto the truthand to a StraightPath (i.e. lslam)."'
tTaaHaa2}:l-2
r
Ar-Room30:30

It shouldnot callto whatwillbringmiseryuponpeople,as Allaah
saysabouttheQur'aan,
, i . . . . . , . i . i _ .
{ .!; ,ra-:;J-st;'till *$r U;:t u ::) "t }
"Te-He. We have not sent down the Qur'dn unto^you (O
Muhammad(peacebe uponhim))tocauseyou distress.'"
Thetruereligionshouldnotenjoinon peoplewhatcancausethem
destruction.Allaahsays,
/ , . : . . 7 1 r . L L . t l t t . t " l
{,:D 1.".j i! 16 al ,.rlff--a:l
l-+-ijlj }
"Anddo not kill yours-elves(norkill one another).Surely,Allahis
MostMercifultoyou.''
It shouldnot distinguishbetweenits adherentson the basisof
race,colourorclan.Allaahsays,
'irt;1.
Ju, G."f-r;j Ai,ft ; i;it 61u1i (.i-y
4:i>? &'ei3l6*i;,i'-tK?i
"O mankind!We have createdyou from a male and a female,and
made you into nationsand tribes,thatyou may know one another.
Verily, the most honorable of you with All6h is that (believer) who
'Al-Ahqaaf
46:30
2Taa Haa20:l-2
r
An-Nisaa4:29
, . . I

Islaam: Its Foundotions And Concepts 7l
has At-Taqw6 (i.e. he is one of the Muttaq.0n(fhe pious. See
V.2:2).Verily,AllAhis All-Knowing,All-Aware."'
Therefore,therecognisedcriterionforgivingpeopleprecedencein
thetruereligionis piety.
After mentioningthe criteriafor distinguishingbetweenthe true
religionand the falseonesand citingevidencesfromthe Qur'aan
that these Criteria are general in the case of all truthful
Messengerssentby Allaah,it is thenveryappropriateto mention
typesof religion.
I
Al-Hujuraat49:l3

72 Islaam:ItsFoundationsAnd Concepts
Typesof Religions
Mankindare dividedas far as theirfaithsare concernedinto two
categories:
There are a people who have a Book that was revealed to
them like the Jews, the Christiansand the Muslims.As for the
Jews and the Christians,the Books that were revealedto their
Prophetshavebeenlostas a resultof theirignoranceof whatwas
in theirBooks;theirtakingof men as godsbesideAllaahand the
longtime that had passedbetweenthem and theiracquaintance
with these Books.So their priestswrotesome books,whichthey
claimedto be fromAllaahwhiletheywere notfromAllaahbut only
wrongassumptionsof liarsanddistortionof fanatics.
As for the Bookof the Muslims(the
DivineBookto be revealedand the
Himselfguaranteedits preservation
mankind.Hesays,
NobleQur'aan).it is the last
strongestand firmest.Allaah
and did not delegatethat to
4@|rtL:!L'i ib tli ai ut etr
'VerilyWe, it is We Whohave sentdown the Dhikr (i.e.the Qufan)
and surely,We willguardit (fromcorruption)."'
The Qur'aanis thereforepreservedin the people'sheartsand in
the Book,for it is the lastBook,whichAllaahhas guaranteedfor
the guidanceof mankind.He has madeit a proofagainstthemtill
the LastHourand has decreedits perpetuity.He providesfor it in
everyagethosewhowillobserveitslimitsandwords,actby itslaw
andbelievein it.FurtherexplanationsaboutthisBookwillbe qiven
ina latersection.
' Al-Hr1rl5:9

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