"Why Islam?" Complete Code of Life (Shariah)

This section of the presentation aims to explain the unique position and appeal of Islam as a
religion. The points listed are key arguments often presented to illustrate its comprehensiveness
and universality.

1. "Why Islam?"

This section of the presentation aims to explain the unique position and appeal of Islam as a
religion. The points listed are key arguments often presented to illustrate its comprehensiveness
and universality.

1. Complete Code of Life (Shariah)
Islam is not merely a set of rituals for worship;it is an all-encompassing system that provides
divine guidance for every aspect of human life. This includes:

 Personal Life: Rules for purification, prayer, diet, and dress.
 Social Life: Laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and family structure.
 Economic Life: Principles for trade, prohibition of interest (Riba), and distribution of
wealth through Zakat.
 Political & Judicial Life: Guidelines for governance, justice, and conflict resolution.
This holistic approach ensures that a Muslim's entire existence is in harmony with the will of
God.

2. Balanced Religion (Wasatiyyah)
Islam promotes a balanced and moderate path, rejecting extremism and monasticism. It
acknowledges both the spiritual and material needs of humans. For example, while it
encourages prayer and fasting, it also emphasizes the importance of working, earning a lawful
livelihood, and enjoying the permissible blessings of the world. This balance prevents the
neglect of one aspect of life for another.

3. Simple and Practical
The core beliefs and practices of Islam are straightforward and accessible to all people,
regardless of their intellectual or social status. The declaration of faith (Shahadah) is simple, the
five daily prayers have a clear structure, and the obligations are within the capacity of the
average person. This simplicity removes unnecessary barriers between the individual and God.

2. 4. Universal Religion
Unlike some religions tied to a specific ethnicity or nation,Islam is a universal message for all of
humanity. The Quran addresses "O mankind" and not just "O Arabs" or "O tribe." The final
Prophet, Muhammad (PBUH), was sent as a mercy to all worlds, making the message timeless
and applicable to all people until the Day of Judgment.

5. It Promotes Peace and Justice
The very word “Islam" is derived from the root "S-L-M," which means peace and submission.
True peace, in the Islamic view, is achieved by submitting to the will of God. Justice is a
paramount value; the Quran commands believers to stand firm for justice, even if it is against
themselves or their kin. This establishes a society based on fairness and rights.

6. Equality
Islam radically established the principle of equality 1,400 years ago.It rejects discrimination
based on race, tribe, or wealth. The only distinction between people in the sight of God is their
piety and righteousness. This was practically demonstrated in the Hajj, where all pilgrims stand
equal in simple white garments.

7. Human Rights
The Quran and the teachings of the Prophet (Sunnah) laid down fundamental human rights long
before they were codified in the modern world. These include:
✓ The right to life.
✓ The right to property.
✓ The right to religious freedom ("There is no compulsion in religion" - Quran 2:256).
✓ The rights of women, children, and neighbors.
✓ The right to dignity and a fair trial.

Sciences of the Quran (Ulum al-Quran)

3. This section introduces the various disciplines and themes found within the Quranic text.
Understanding these "sciences" helps in comprehending the Quran's multifaceted approach to
guidance.

1. Science of Orders/Directions (Ahkam)
This refers to the legal rulings and commandments in the Quran that form the basis of Islamic
law (Shariah). These verses provide clear directives on what is obligatory (Fard), recommended
(Mustahabb), permissible (Mubah), disliked (Makruh), and forbidden (Haram). Examples include
the verses on prayer, fasting, Zakat, Hajj, and laws of business and marriage.

2. Science of Reminder about Blessings
A significant portion of the Quran is dedicated to reminding humanity of the countless blessings
bestowed upon them by God. This includes:

✓ Physical Blessings: The creation of the heavens and earth, rain, rivers, the sun and
moon, and the faculties of hearing and sight.
✓ Spiritual Blessings: The greatest blessing of all: divine guidance through the prophets
and scriptures.
The purpose is to cultivate gratitude (Shukr) in the hearts of believers and turn them away
from arrogance and denial.

3. Science of Taking Lessons from Previous Nations (I'tibar)
The Quran frequently narrates the stories of previous prophets and civilizations, such as those
of Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, and the nations of 'Ad and Thamud. These are not mere
historical accounts but are presented as lessons (Ibrah). They illustrate the eternal laws of God:
that righteousness leads to success and corruption and disbelief lead to destruction, both in this
world and the hereafter.

4. Science of Death, Doomsday, and the World Hereafter (Akhirah)
This is a central theme of the Quran. It deals with the reality of death, the questioning in the
grave, the resurrection on the Day of Judgment, the final reckoning, the Bridge (Sirat), and the

4. eternal abode of Paradise (Jannah) and Hellfire (Jahannam). The purpose is to create a sense of
accountability, urging individuals to live a conscious and morally responsible life.

5. Science of Arguments with Non-Believers (Jadal)
The Quran provides rational arguments, logical proofs, and intellectual discourse to address the
doubts and misconceptions of disbelievers and polytheists. It uses various methods:
✓ Logical Reasoning: Questioning the logic of worshipping man-made idols.
✓ Evidence from Nature: Pointing to the intricate design of the universe as proof of a
Creator.
✓ Challenges: Such as the challenge to produce a chapter like the Quran, proving its divine
origin.
This science equips believers with the intellectual tools to defend their faith and present
it convincingly.