ISLAM; Facts and Myths

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2. It should be recited in an audible tone, not silently and not loudly. It is desirable for those who perform their salaat alone (male or women) and musafir (travellers), to recite these Takbeer softly. The Takbeerat of Tashreeq

3. ISLAM; FACTS AND MYTHS السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ MSAUN PRESENTATION ARIF MOHAMED YUSUF

4. In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad ﷺ is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers. Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is only ones. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength. 4

5. ISLAM and muslims OVERVIEW

6. Islam is a religion, which has around two billion followers all over the world! (over 25% population) Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world ! Islam is NOT named after a person or tribe! Mary is mentioned more in Islamic Scripture, the Quran, than in the entire New Testament! No Muslim is a Muslim if he/she does not believe in Jesus ( pbuh ) : Muslims must believe in Jesus ( pbuh ) It takes only 2 minutes to become a Muslim! FREE! Islam is also a complete way of life that conforms 100% with scientific facts! ALL PROPHETS WERE MUSLIMS!

7. Figures speak louder than words

8. What is Islam? 7 http://www.skidmore.edu/academics/arthistory/ah369/islam_map.jpg

9. Some people say: MYTH Mulims do not believe in Jesus (peace be upon him) FACT Muslims respect Jesus ( pbuh ) and consider him one of the greatest of God’s messengers to mankind. In fact, Muslims believe that Jesus ( pbuh ) was a Muslim and in his second coming , he will be practicing Islam with the Muslims! In fact it is a pillar of faith to believe in Jesus ( pbuh ). No Muslim is a Muslim if he/she does not believe in Jesus! ( pbuh )

10. THE PROPHETIC TRADITION ABRAHAM SARAH HAGAR Isaac Esau Jacob 12 Tribes of Israel (MOSES&JESUS) Ishmael 12 Arabian Tribes (MUHAMMAD) Noah Adam

11. Some people say: MYTH Muslims worship a different God than Jews and Christians and Allah is the God for the arabs FACT The God that Muslims worship is the same God that Jews and Christians worship - because there is only one God. “Allah” is simply the Arabic name for Almighty God.  It is the same word for God which is used by Arabic-speaking Jews and Christians. In Aramaic, a language related closely to Arabic and the language that Jesus habitually spoke, God is also referred to as Allah/ Ellah . ( NIV Compact Dictionary of the Bible, Douglas, p. 42)

12. Allah : name in the bible ALLELUYA = YA ALLA HU = OH! Allah Elohim = Eloh + im (pleural), translated to Allah in Arabic bible . If one picks up an Arabic Christian Bible it will be seen in the book of Genesis, the word Allah is mentioned six times in the first paragraph, seventeen times in the whole page and hundreds of time throughout the Bible. They could have chosen the word ‘God’ for Allah in Arabic but we see they chose not to.

13. Allah : name in various languages ENGLISH = GOD ARABIC = ALLAH KISWAHILI = MUNGU INDIAN = KUDHAA FRENCH = DIEU LUO = NYASAYE The uniqueness of the name Allah is that it remains singular and is free from any form of pluralism like ‘Gods’ and gender attribution such as ‘Goddesses’. For Muslims to consider addressing Allah as Allahess will seem not only linguistically impossible in Arabic language but will even sound absurd.

14. What is Islam? The word “Islam” is an Arabic word which means “submission to the will of God”.  This word comes from the same root as the Arabic word “ salam ”, which means “peace”.  As such, the religion of Islam teaches that in order to achieve true peace of mind and surety of heart, one must submit to God and live according to His Divinely revealed Law.  The most important truth that God revealed to mankind is that there is nothing divine or worthy of being worshipped except for Almighty God, thus all human beings should submit to Him

15. What is a peson who submits his will to God called? The word “Muslim” means one who submits to the will of God, regardless of their race, nationality or ethnic background.  Being a Muslim entails willfull submission and active obedience to God, and living in accordance with His message. Every baby born is in submission to God because they don’t sin.

16. Some people say: MYTH Islam is a new Religion FACT Islam is not a new religion because “submission to the will of God” has always been the only acceptable religion in the sight of God. He was the final Prophet of Islam. By God revealing His final message to Muhammad ( pbuh ), which is an eternal and universal message for all of mankind , God finally fulfilled the covenant that He made with Abraham ( pbuh ) Prophet Muhammad { pbuh } is the founder of Islam for arabs

17. FACT: Islam is a NOT new Religion   “submission to the will of God”, i.e. Islam, is the same eternal message revealed through the ages to all of God’s prophets and messengers. Muslims believe that all of God’s prophets, which include Abraham, Noah, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon all of them), brought the same message of Pure Monotheism. Prophet Muhammad ( pbuh ) is the final Messenger of Islam sent by God to all of mankind .

18. AUTHENTIC SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON ISLAM THE QURAN AND THE TEACHINGS OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH)

19. The QURAN and its Miraculous nature Billions read it. Millions memorize it. Ever thought why? The Arabic world “Al-Quran” literally means “the recitation”.  Quran is the book of divine guidance and complete direction for mankind , and consider the text (in the original Arabic) to be the final divine revelation of God to all mankind . The Quran was revealed to Muhammad as other divine messages were revealed to previous prophets by Angel Gabriel. The Quran (Koran) is the literal the word/speech of God. The Quran is a living miracle in the Arabic language; and is known to be inimitable in its style, form and spiritual impact as well as being free from errors or contradictions despite it being revealed over a period of 23 years.

20. Unlike other sacred scriptures, the Quran has been perfectly preserved in both its words and meaning in a living language. It has been safeguarded from change or corruption. The Quran that is read today is the same as the Quran that was revealed to Muhammad over fourteen centuries ago. In other words, it is the same message of monotheism that was given to Adam, Abraham, Noah, Moses & Jesus ( pbut ). It has withstood the test if time! The entire Quran was also completely written down in lifetime of the Prophet ( pbuh ), and numerous companions of the Prophet ( pbuh ) memorized the entire Quran word-for-word as it was revealed.  It is the only book on earth that is memorized word for word (636 pages consisting 6236 verses) with such passion.

21. Some people say: MYTH The Quran was authored by prophet Muhammad ( pbuh ) FACT The Qur’an, which was revealed fourteen centuries ago, mentioned facts only recently discovered or proven by scientists using advanced technology. This proves without doubt that the Qur’an must be the literal word of God and not authored by a human being. This also proves that Muhammad is truly a prophet sent by God.

22. What is the Quran about? The Qur’an, the last revealed word of God, is the primary source of every Muslim’s faith and practice. It deals with all the subjects which concern human beings: wisdom, laws doctrine, worship, science, transactions, etc but its basic theme is the relationship between God and His creatures. At the same time, it provides guidelines and detailed teachings for a just society, proper human conduct, and an equitable economic system.  In regards to the teachings of the Quran - it is a universal scripture addressed to all of mankind, and not addressed only to a particular tribe or ‘chosen people’

23. Scientific Miracles found in Quran The Qur’an on Human Embryonic Development: “... then formed the drop into alaqah and formed the alaqah into a lump and formed the lump into bones and clothed the bones in flesh; and then brought him into being as another creature. Blessed be Allah, the Best of Creators!” (Quran 23:14) Literally, the Arabic word alaqah has three meanings: (1) leech, (2) suspended thing, and (3) blood clot. The embryo obtains nourishment from the blood of mother similar to the leech, which feeds on the blood of others. The embryo is also suspended in the womb through the umbilical cord.

24. Scientific Miracles found in Quran The external appearance of the embryo and its sacs during the alaqah stage is similar to that of a blood clot.

25. Scientific Miracles found in Quran B) The Qur’an on Mountains: This is how the Qur’an has described mountains. God has says in the Qur’an: Have We not made the earth as a bed, and the mountains as pegs? (Q 78:6-7) illustration shows how the mountains are peg-like in shape, due to their deep roots. ( Earth Science, Tarbuck and Lutgens , p158)

26. Mountains also play an important role in stabilizing the crust of the earth. They hinder the shaking of the earth. God has said in the Qur’an: And He has set firm mountains in the earth so that it would not shake with you... (Qur’an, 16:15) Likewise, the modern theory of plate tectonics holds that mountains work as stabilizers for the earth. This knowledge about the role of mountains as stabilizers for the earth has just begun to be understood in the framework of plate tectonics since the late 1960’s.

27. Scientific Miracles found in Quran C) The Qur’an on Rivers and seas: The Holy Qur’an mentioned that there is a barrier between two seas that meet and that they do not transgress. God has said: He has set free the two seas meeting together. There is a barrier between them. They do not transgress. (Qur’an, 55:19-20) Qur’an speaks about the divider between fresh and salt water, it mentions the existence of “a forbidding partition” with the barrier. God has said in the Qur’an: He is the one who has set free the two kinds of water, one sweet and palatable, and the other salty and bitter. And He has made between them a barrier and a forbidding partition. (Qur’an, 25:53)

28. Modern Science has discovered that in the places where two different seas meet, there is a barrier between them. This barrier divides the two seas so that each sea has its own temperature, salinity, and density. Principles of Oceanography, Davis, pp. 92-93.

29. Scientific Miracles found in Quran D) The Qur’an on Rain and Clouds: (Q 24:43) “Have you not seen how ALLAH makes the clouds move gently, then joins them together, then makes them into a stack, and then you see the rain come out of it...” E) The Qur’an on Fingerprints: (Quran 75: 3 & 4) “Does man reckon We shall not gather his bones? Yes indeed; We are able to shape again the tips of his fingers.” F) The Qur’an on Origin of Universe: (Quran 21: 30) “Have not those who disbelieved known that the heavens and the earth were one connected entity, then We separated them?”

30. VIEWS OF SCIENTISTS REGARDING QURAN Professor Emeritus Keith L. Moore is one of the world’s most prominent scientists in the fields of anatomy and embryology and is the author of the book entitled The Developing Human, which has been translated into eight languages. In 1981, during the Seventh Medical Conference in Dammam , Saudi Arabia, Professor Moore said: “It has been a great pleasure for me to help clarify statements in the Qur’an about human development. It is clear to me that these statements must have come to Muhammad from God, because almost all of this knowledge was not discovered until many centuries later. This proves to me that Muhammad must have been a messenger of God.” Consequently, Professor Moore was asked the following question: “Does this mean that you believe that the Qur’an is the word of God?” He replied: “I find no difficulty in accepting this.”

31. VIEWS OF SCIENTISTS REGARDING QURAN Dr. T. V. N. Persaud is Professor of Anatomy, Professor of Pediatrics and Child Health, and Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology , and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. There, he was the Chairman of the Department of Anatomy for 16 years. He is well-known in his field. He is the author or editor of 22 textbooks and has published over 181 scientific papers. In 1991, he received the most distinguished award presented in the field of anatomy in Canada, the J.C.B. Grant Award from the Canadian Association of Anatomists. When he was asked about the scientific miracles in the Qur’an which he has researched, he stated the following:

32. VIEWS OF SCIENTISTS REGARDING QURAN “The way it was explained tome is that Muhammad was a very ordinary man. He could not read, didn’t know [how] to write. In fact, he was an illiterate. And we’re talking about 1200 [actually about 1400] years ago. You have someone illiterate making profound pronouncements and statements and that are amazingly accurate about scientific nature. And I personally cant see how this could be a mere chance. There are too many accuracies and, like Dr. Moore, I have no difficulty in my mind that this is a divine inspiration or revelation which led him to these statements.”

33. VIEWS OF SCIENTISTS REGARDING QURAN Professor Tejatat Tejasen is the Chairman of the Dept of Anatomy at Chiang Mai University, Thailand. Previously, he was the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the same university. During the Eighth Saudi Medical Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Professor Tejasen stood up and said: “During the last three years, I became interested in the Qur’an . . . From my study and what I have learned from this conference, I believe that everything that has been recorded in the Qur’an fourteen hundred years ago must be the truth, that can be proved by the scientific means.

34. VIEWS OF SCIENTISTS REGARDING QURAN Since the Prophet Muhammad could neither read nor write, Muhammad must be a messenger who relayed this truth, which was revealed to him as an enlightenment by the one who is eligible [as the] creator. This creator must be God. Therefore, I think this is the time to say La ilaha illa Allah, there is no god to worship except Allah (God), Muhammadur rasoolu Allah, Muhammad is Messenger (Prophet) of Allah (God) . . . I have gained not only from the scientific point of view and religious point of view but also the great chance of meeting many well-known scientists and making many new friends among the participants. The most precious thing of all that I have gained by coming to this place is La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadur rasoolu Allah, and to have become a Muslim”

35. AUTHENTIC SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON ISLAM THE QURAN AND THE TEACHINGS OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH) Who is Muhammad ( pbuh ) and what are his teachings?

36. You must know this man! Encyclopedia Brittanica , confirms: “…a mass of detail in the early sources shows that he was an honest and upright man who had gained the respect and loyalty of others who were likewise honest and upright men.” (Vol. 12). Bernard Shaw said about him: “He must be called the Savior of Humanity. I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it much-needed peace and happiness”. ( The Genuine Islam , Singapore, Vol. 1) 36

37. My choice of MUHAMMAD ﷺ to lead the list of the world’s most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he is the only man in history who was supremely successful on both religious and secular levels. Of humble origins, MUHAMMAD ﷺ promulgated one of the worlds greatest religions, and became an immensely effective leader. Today ‘thirteen’ centuries after his death, his influence is still powerful and pervasive... Michael Hart 37

38. EXAMPLES OF HIS SAYINGS AND TREATIES { The believers, in their love, mercy, and kindness to one another are like a body: if any part of it is ill, the whole body shares its sleeplessness and fever. }1 { The most perfect of the believers in faith are the best of them in morals. And the best among them are those who are best to their wives. }2 { None of you believes (completely) until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself. }3 { The merciful are shown mercy by the All-Merciful. Show mercy to those on earth, and God will show mercy to you}4 { Smiling at your brother is charity... }5 { A good word is charity. }6 38

39. (Also called ‘Charter of Privileges’: to the monks of St. Catherine Monastery in Mt. Sinai.) – when he migrated to Madinah . “This is a message from Muhammad ibn (son of) Abdullah, as a covenant to those who adopt Christianity, near and far, we are with them. Verily I, the servants, the helpers, and my followers defend them, because Christians are my citizens; and by Allah! I hold out against anything that displeases them. No compulsion is to be on them. Neither are their judges to be removed from their jobs nor their monks from their monasteries. No one is to destroy a house of their religion, to damage it, or to carry anything from it to the Muslims’ houses. Should anyone take any of these, he would spoil God’s covenant and disobey His Prophet. Verily, they are my allies and have my secure charter against all that they hate. Their churches are to be respected. They are neither to be prevented from repairing them nor the sacredness of their covenants. No one of the nation (Muslims) is to disobey the covenant till the Last Day.” 39

40. WHAT HIS ENEMIES SAID OF HIM Heraclius, the emperor of Rome, after questioning Abu Sufyan , one of the initial greatest enemies of Muhammad, Heraclius said: "I asked you about his family and your reply was that he belonged to a very noble family. In fact, all the Messengers come from noble families among their respective peoples. I questioned you whether anybody else among you claimed such a thing; your reply was in the negative. If the answer had been in the affirmative, I would have thought that this man was following the previous man's statement. Then I asked you whether anyone of his ancestors was a king. Your reply was in the negative, and if it had been in the affirmative, I would have thought that this man wanted to take back his ancestral kingdom. I further asked whether he was ever accused of telling lies before he said what he said and your reply was in the negative. So I wondered how a person who does not tell a lie about others could ever tell a lie about Allah. I then asked you whether the rich people followed him or the poor. You replied that it was the poor who followed him. And, in fact, all the Messengers have been followed by this very class of people. 40

41. Then I asked you whether his followers were increasing or decreasing. You replied that they were increasing, and, in fact, this is the way of true faith, till it is complete in all respects. I further asked you whether there was anybody, who, after embracing his religion, became displeased and discarded his religion. You reply was in the negative, and, in fact this is (the sign of) true faith, when its delight enters the hearts and mixes with them completely. I asked you whether he had ever betrayed. You replied in the negative, and likewise the Messengers never betray. Then I asked you what he ordered you to do. You replied that he ordered you to worship Allah and Allah alone and not to worship anything along with Him, and forbade you to worship idols, and ordered you to pray, to speak the truth and to be chaste. If what you have said is true, he will very soon occupy this place underneath my feet and I knew it (from the scriptures) that he was going to appear but I did not know that he would be from you, and if I could reach him definitely, I would go immediately to meet him and if I were with him, I would certainly wash his feet." 41

42. Heraclius then asked for the letter addressed by God’s Messenger. The contents of the letter were as follows: "In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. (This letter is) from Muhammad, the slave of Allah and His Messenger to Heraclius the ruler of Byzantine. Peace be upon him who follows the right path. Furthermore, I invite you to Islam, and if you become a Muslim you will be safe, and Allah will double your reward, and if you reject this invitation of Islam, you will be committing a sin by misguiding your subjects. And I recite to you God’s message (Quran Ch 3: V 64) “ SAY (O Muhammad): 'O People of the Book (Jews & Christians): Come to come to common terms as between us and you; that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah.' Then, if they turn away, say, 'Bear witness that we are Muslims(submitting to him)’." 42

43. He was by far the most remarkable man that ever set foot on this earth. He preached a religion, founded a State, built a nation, laid down a moral code, initiated numerous social and political reforms, established a powerful and dynamic society to practice and represent his teachings and completely revolutionized the worlds of human thought and behavior for all times to come. God, All-Mighty descibes Muhammad in the Quran: “AND WE HAVE SENT YOU (O MUHAMMAD) NOT BUT AS A MERCY FOR THE WORLDS .” Please refer to the presentation: Muhammad ( pbuh ) the last messenger of God 43

44. THE ISLAMIC WAY OF LIFE In the Holy Quran, God teaches human beings that they were created in order to worship Him, and that the basis of all true worship is God consciousness. Since the teachings of Islam encompass all aspects of life and ethics, God-consciousness is encouraged in all human affairs. Islam makes it clear that all human acts are acts of worship if they are done for God alone and in accordance to His Divine Law.  As such, worship in Islam is not limited to religious rituals. 

45. THE ISLAMIC WAY OF LIFE The teachings of Islam act as a mercy and a healing for the human soul, and such qualities as humility, sincerity, patience and charity are strongly encouraged. Additionally, Islam condemns pride and self-righteousness, since Almighty God is the only judge of human righteousness. The Islamic view of the nature of man is also realistic and well-balanced.  Human beings are not believed to be inherently sinful, but are seen as equally capable of both good and evil.  Islam also teaches that faith and action go hand-in-hand.  God has given people free-will, and the measure of one’s faith is one’s deeds and actions. 

46. THE ISLAMIC WAY OF LIFE This is the nature of the human being as created by God in His Wisdom, and it is not inherently “corrupt” or in need of repair.  This is why the avenue of repentance is always open to all human beings, and Almighty God loves the repentant sinner more than one who doesnt sin at all. Additionally, the Holy Quran, which was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), contains a great deal of teachings about the current life and life in the hereafter (life after death which is for eternity, un-ending) and the Day of Judgment.  Due to this, Muslims believe that all human beings will ultimately be judged by God for their beliefs and actions in their earthly lives on the Day of Judgement.

47. THE ISLAMIC WAY OF LIFE After the judgement, human beings will be either rewarded with Paradise for eternity or punished with Hellfire for eternity. In judging human beings,Almighty God will be both Merciful and Just, and people will only be judged for what they were capable of.  Sufficient is it to say that Islam teaches that life is a test, and that all human beings will be accountable before God. A sincere belief in the life of the hereafter is the key to leading a well-balanced and moral life. Otherwise, if life is viewed as an end in itself, it will cause human beings to become more selfish, materialistic and immoral.

48. The Islamic Solutions to the Problems of Humanity Case Study 1: Poverty and Crime Take the issue of poverty as an example. How many laws are formed to combat poverty either through taxation system or governmental projects to cater for the needs of the poor? But is poverty really eradicated? Rich people know how to avoid taxes, and governments, instead of doing their jobs in releasing people's pains, steal the incomes and push the people to more poverty. Zakah (obligatory alms-giving) or sadaqah (charity). Capital punisnment : chopping off hand! Compare the rates btw Saudi Arabia (follows Islamic principles) and USA

49. The Islamic Solutions to the Problems of Humanity Case Study 2: Leadership and Democracy As for the issue of democracy, Islam warned the rulers against forcing themselves against the will of peoples. Characteristics of Leaders to be appointed The Prophet said when he was asked about the best type of jihad, that it is "to tell the truth in the presence of an oppressor." (An- Nasa'i ) Consultation Committee likened to Council of Elders

50. The Islamic Solutions to the Problems of Humanity Case Study 3: Ethics of War On the issue of war, we see now the super powers competing to develop weapons of mass destruction. They do not have scruples about killing children and women despite UN conventions. We find the compassionate Prophet Muhammad ( pbuh ) forbids his soldiers from even cutting the trees in during war or hurting women, children, elderly, religious leaders and civilians not in war.

51. The Islamic Solutions to the Problems of Humanity Case Study 3: Ethics of War “... if anyone killed a person, not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land - it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind...” Q ch 5 v 32 And if any one of the polytheist (enemies) seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the words of Allah . Then deliver him to his place of safety. That is because they are a people who do not know. Q Ch 9 v 6

52. The Islamic Solutions to the Problems of Humanity Case Study 4: Family Ties Concerning one's relationship with his family, the Qur'an stressed our duties towards elderly parents: {And your Lord has commanded that you shall not serve any but Him, and show kindness to your parents.} (Al- Isra ' 23: 17) Islam also regulated the relationship between the man and his wife. We read in the Qur'an what gives the meaning of: {Live with them on a footing of kindness and equity} (An- Nisaa ' 4: 19)

53. The Islamic Solutions to the Problems of Humanity In an issue like the status of girls in the families, the Prophet encouraged the believers to love them and not to discriminate against them. He said: And whosoever has cared for his daughters, by Allah's grace he has earned for himself a place in the Paradise. (At- Tirmidhi ) One of the great signs of the Day of Judgment is the utterance of the newborn girls who were killed by their parents only because they were girls to complain why they were innocently killed. {When the female infant, buried alive, is questioned for what crime she was killed.} (Al- Takwir 81: 8-9)

54. The Islamic Solutions to the Problems of Humanity Case Study 5: Unlawful Sexuality, porn, rape etc Hijab (Q: Ch 24 v 30-31) Lowering of gaze and dressing modestly Hijab for Men first Not to delay Marriage Allowance of Polygamy (even bible allows it) Capital punishments to deter people from it… etc Compare the rates of unlawful sexuality between Saudi Arabia (follows Islamic principles) and USA

55. ARTICLES/PILLARS OF FAITH/BELIEF What do I have to believe in to become a Muslim? (one who submits his will to the One and Only God) Belief in Oneness of God in His Lordship, His Qualities and His Worship. Belief in Angels Belief in The Revealed Books Belief in The Prophets Belief in The Day Of Judgement Belief in Divine Destiny

56. The Concept of God in Islam Almighty God is absolutely One and His Oneness should never be compromised by associating partners with Him - neither in worship nor in belief. Believing in the Oneness of God means to realize that all prayer and worship should be exclusively for God, and that He alone deserves such titles as “All-Mighty” and “All-Knowing”. It is not enough that people believe that “God is One”, but they must actualize this belief by proper conduct.

57. The concept of God is briefly summarized in the Quran in chapter 112 which is translated as; 1. Say, “He is God, [who is] One (single, unique and indivisible). 2. God, the Eternal Refuge (the one sought in times of difficulty and need, the one depended upon by all existence but He is Independent). 3. He neither begets nor is born, 4. Nor is there to Him any equivalent.” THE SAME CONCEPT OF GOD WAS PREACHED BY ALL THE PROPHETS

58. Characteristics/Qualities of God in Islam [22] Allah is He, than Whom there is no other god; Who knows (all things) both secret and open; He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. [23] Allah is He, than Whom there is no other god; the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace (and Perfection), the Guardian of Faith, the Preserver of Safety, the Exalted in Might, the Irresistible, the Supreme: Glory to Allah! (High is He) above the partners they attribute to Him. [24] He is Allah, the Creator, the Evolver, the Bestower of Forms (or Colours ). To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names: whatever is in the heavens and on earth, doth declare His Praises and Glory; and He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

59. Characteristics/Qualities of God in Islam Oneness of God in His Lordship, His Qualities and His Worship. He has NO partners nor associates He has unique qualities which cannot be compared with human qualities eg All-Mighty, All-Knowing etc God only performs Godly acts; which means that He does not perform ungodly acts or acts which are human in nature eg eat, sleep, marry etc God does not take human form. Islam eliminates any anthropomorphism (human qualities) to the understanding and concept of Allah. His attributes in no way resemble the attributes possessed by humans , despite similar labels or appellations.

60. Islamic concept God seen in the Bible … 3 "O Israel, you should listen and be careful to do it, that it may be well with you and that you may multiply greatly, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a land flowing with milk and honey. 4 "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! 5 "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.… ( Deutronomy V 3 to 5) "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Mark 12:29 Therefore GOD IS ONE AND ONLY

61. Islamic concept God seen in the Bible Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. (KJV John 14:28) Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. (John 20:17) I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. (John 5:30)

62. Islamic concept God seen in the Bible But of that day and hour knows no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Fatheronly (Matt24:36) The bible calls Jesus ( pbuh ) a prophet (Matt 21:10) Jesus ( pbuh ) fell on his face and prayed(Matt 26:39) And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. (John 5:37) And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments (Matthew 19:17)

63. ARTICLES OF ISLAM/FAITH What do I have to believe in to become a Muslim? (one who submits his will to the One and Only God) Belief in Oneness of God in His Lordship, His Qualities and His Worship. Belief in Angels Belief in The Revealed Books Belief in The Prophets Belief in The Day Of Judgement Belief in Divine Destiny

64. BELIEF IN ANGELS Muslims believe in the existence of the angels and that they created using ‘light’. The angels worship God alone, obey Him, and act only by His command Among the angels is Gabriel, who spoke to Mary pbuh and he brought down the Qur’an to Muhammad pbuh Muslims believe that God revealed books to His messengers as proof and as guidance for them. The Suhuf of Abraham-- Scripts The Tawrat sent to Moses-- Torah The Zabur sent to David-- Psalms The Injil sent to Jesus-- Gospels The Qur'an sent to Muhammad-- Koran BELIEF IN REVEALED BOOKS/SCRIPTURES

65. NOTE Muslims also believe that God revealed a holy book to Jesus called the Injeel , some parts of which may be still available in the teachings of God to Jesus in the New Testament. But this does not mean that Muslims believe in the Bible we have today because it is not the original scriptures that were revealed by God. They underwent alterations, additions, and omissions. This was also said by the Committee charged with revising The Holy Bible (Revised Standard Version). This Committee consisted of thirty-two scholars! They secured the review and counsel of an Advisory Board of 50 representatives of the co-operating denominations.

66. NOTE The Committee said in the Preface to The Holy Bible (Revised Standard Version), p. iv: “Sometimes it is evident that the text has suffered in transmission, but none of the versions provides a satisfactory restoration. Here we can only follow the best judgment of competent scholars as to the most probable reconstruction of the original text.” The Committee also said in the Preface, p. vii: “Notes are added which indicate significant variations, additions, or omissions in the ancient authorities (Mt 9.34; Mk 3.16; 7.4; Lk 24.32, 51, etc)

67. ARTICLES OF ISLAM/FAITH What do I have to believe in to become a Muslim? (one who submits his will to the One and Only God) Belief in Oneness of God in His Lordship, His Qualities and His Worship. Belief in Angels Belief in The Revealed Books Belief in The Prophets Belief in The Day Of Judgement Belief in Divine Destiny

68. BELIEF IN THE PROPHETS Muslims believe in the prophets of God, starting with Adam, including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and Jesus ( pbut ) sent to their respective people God’s final message to mankind , a reconfirmation of the eternal message, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad . Muslims believe that Muhammad is the last prophet sent by God, as God has said: Muhammad is not the father of any one of your men, but he is the Messenger of God and the last of the prophets... (Qur’an, 33:40) Muslims believe that all the prophets and messengers were created human beings who had none of the divine qualities of God.

69. WHAT DO MUSLIMS BELIEF ABOUT JESUS ( pbuh ) Muslims respect and revere Jesus (peace be upon him). They consider him one of the greatest of God’s messengers to mankind. The Qur’an confirms his virgin birth, and a chapter of the Qur’an is entitled ‘ Maryam ’ (Mary). The Qur’an describes the birth of Jesus as follows: (Remember) when the angels said: “O Mary, God gives you good news of a word from Him (God), whose name is the Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, revered in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (to God). He will speak to the people from his cradle and as a man, and he is of the righteous.”

70. WHAT DO MUSLIMS BELIEF ABOUT JESUS ( pbuh ) She said: “My Lord, how can I have a child when no mortal has touched me?” He said: “So (it will be). God creates what He wills. IfHe decrees a thing, He says to it only, ‘Be!’ and it is.” (Qur’an, 3:45-47) Jesus was born miraculously by the command of God which had brought Adam into being without a father. God has said: The case of Jesus with God is like the case of Adam. He created him from dust, and then He said to him, “Be!” and he came into being. (Quran 3:59) During his prophetic mission, Jesus performed many miracles. God tells us that Jesus said:

71. WHAT DO MUSLIMS BELIEF ABOUT JESUS ( pbuh ) “I have come to you with a sign from your Lord. I make for you the shape of a bird out of clay, I breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by God’s permission. I heal the blind from birth and the leper. And I bring the dead to life by God’s permission. And I tell you what you eat and what you store in your houses....” (Qur’an, 3:49) Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified. It was the plan of Jesus’ enemies to crucify him, but God saved him and raised him up to Him. And the likeness of Jesus was put over another man. Jesus’ enemies took this man and crucified him, thinking that he was Jesus ( pbuh )

72. WHAT DO MUSLIMS BELIEF ABOUT JESUS ( pbuh ) (Qur’an, 4:157) : ...They said: “We killed the Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of God.” They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but the likeness of him was put on another man (and they killed that man)... Neither Muhammad nor Jesus came to change the basic doctrine of the belief in one God, brought by earlier prophets, but rather to confirm and renew it. Jesus ( pbuh ) was sent specifically for the people of Israel. Jesus ( pbuh ) himself says in bible(Matt 15:24) “ ...I was sent ONLY to the lost sheep of Israel”

73. ARTICLES OF ISLAM/FAITH What do I have to believe in to become a Muslim? (one who submits his will to the One and Only God) Belief in Oneness of God in His Lordship, His Qualities and His Worship. Belief in Angels Belief in The Revealed Books Belief in The Prophets Belief in The Day Of Judgement Belief in Divine Destiny

74. BELIEF IN THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT Muslims believe in the Day of Judgment (the Day of Resurrection) when all human beings will be resurrected for God’s judgment according to their beliefs and deeds in this World they will be sent to Heaven/Paradise or Hellfire for ETERNITY. Muslims believe in Al- Qadar , which is Divine Predestination, but this belief in Divine Predestination does not mean that human beings do not have freewill. Rather, Muslims believe that God has given human beings freewill. This means that they can choose right or wrong and that they are responsible for their choices BELIEF IN DIVINE DESTINY

75. BELIEF IN DIVINE DESTINY cont. The belief in Divine Predestination includes belief in four things: 1) God knows everything. He knows what has happened and what will happen. 2) God has recorded all that has happened and all that will happen. 3) Whatever God wills to happen happens, and whatever He wills not to happen does not happen. 4) God is the Creator of everything.

76. DID YOU KNOW ? BY BELIEVING IN THE SIX ARTICLES OF FAITH YOU ARE ALREADY A MUSLIM!!! (A PERSON WHO SUBMITS HIS WILL TO GOD) YOU ONLY NEED NOW TO START APPLYING THE PILLARS OF ISLAM TO BECOME A PRACTICING MUSLIM! THE FIRST ONE BEING THE SHAHAADAH (TESTIMONY OF FAITH)

77. PILLARS OF ISLAM What do I have to DO to become a practicing Muslim? (one who submits his will to the One and Only God) SHAHAADAH (TESTIMONY OF FAITH) SWALAAH (PRAYER) SAUM (FASTING) ZAKAAH (ALMS) HAJJ (PILGRIMAGE)

78. HOW DOES ONE BECOME A MUSLIM? Simply by believing and testifying (saying) the Shahaadah (which is the first pillar of Islam) “La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadur rasoolu Allah,” FREE OF CHARGE “There is no true god but God (Allah), and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God.” GOOD NEWS!!! WHEN ONE BECOMES A MUSLIM, ALL HIS PREVIOUS SINS ARE FORGIVEN

79. PILLARS OF ISLAM What do I have to DO to become a practicing Muslim? (one who submits his will to the One and Only God) SHAHAADAH (TESTIMONY OF FAITH) SWALAAH (PRAYER) SAUM (FASTING) ZAKAAH (ALMS) HAJJ (PILGRIMAGE ) t o be continued insha Allah

80. It should be recited in an audible tone, not silently and not loudly. It is desirable for those who perform their salaat alone (male or women) and musafir (travellers), to recite these Takbeer softly. The Takbeerat of Tashreeq