1. What is Islam?
Islam is the name of religion, or more appropriately the 'way of life', that God (Allah) has revealed and what was practiced by all prophets and messengers sent to humanity. The very name of religion stands apart from other religions because it means a state of being, no reference to any particular person, such as Christianity, Buddhism or Zoroastrianism, Judaism as a tribe, or a nation like Hinduism. The Arabic root from which comes the word Islam means peace, security, salutation, protection, absence of guilt, health, submission, delivery, acceptance, surrender and salvation. Islam means specifically a state of free submission and surrender to Allah, worship Him alone, and accept and obey its laws with devotion. Through this submission and delivery, achieve peace, security and the healthy welfare involved in its literal meaning. Hence, a Muslim, male or female, is a person in the state of free submission and delivery. The Islam of an individual is weakened through sin, ignorance and evil deeds, and is completely abolished when associated pairs of Allah or stop believing in Him
2. Who are the Muslims?
The Arabic word 'Muslim' means one who is in a state of Islam (Free submission and surrender to the will and law of Allah). " The message of Islam is universal and will accept anyone who becomes a Muslim. Some people mistakenly believe that Islam is a religion only for Arabs, but nothing is further from the truth. In fact, over 80% of the world's Muslims are not Arabs. While most Arabs are Muslims, there are Arab Christians, Jews and atheists. If you take a look at the various peoples living in the Muslim world - from Nigeria to Bosnia and from Morocco to Indonesia - it's easy to see that Muslims belong to different races, ethnicities, cultures and nationalities. Islam has always been a universal message for all peoples. This can be seen in the fact that some of the early companions of the Prophet Muhammad were not only Arabs but also had Persians, Africans and Byzantine Romans. Being a Muslim entails complete acceptance and active obedience to the teachings and laws revealed by Allah. A Muslim is a person who freely accepts to base their beliefs, values \u200b\u200band faith in God Almighty. In the past, even if it is not used much today, they used the word "Mohammedan" to refer to Muslims. This word is wrong, and the result of deliberate distortion or sheer ignorance. One of the reasons of this misconception is that for centuries Europeans have been taught that Muslims worship the Prophet Muhammad in the same way that Christians worship Jesus. This is totally false, it is not considered a Muslim who worships other than Allah, a deity or person.
3. Who is Allah?
often mentioned the word "Allah" when talking about Islam. The word "Allah" is simply the transliteration of the Arabic word for God Almighty, and is the same as used by Christians and Arabic-speaking Jews. In fact, the word Allah was widely used before there was the word God, as the Castilian English is a language relatively new. If one reads the Arabic translation of the Bible, would you use the word "Allah" where Castilian was used "God." For example, Arabic-speaking Christians say Jesus is, according to their beliefs, the son of Allah. In addition, the Arabic word "Allah" is similar to the word God in other Semitic languages. In Hebrew, for example, the word God is "Elah". For various reasons, some people believe that Muslims worship a different God from the God of Moses, Abraham and Jesus. That's another misconception since the Pure Monotheism of Islam calls all people to worship the God of Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and all the other prophets, peace be upon them all.
4. Who is Muhammad?
The last prophet sent by God to humanity was the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. At forty years old, received the revelation of Allah. Since then, he spent the rest of his life explaining, and living the teachings of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, was the greatest of all prophets for many reasons, but mainly because it was chosen by Allah to be the last prophet - whose mission to guide humanity continue until the Last Day - and because it was sent as mercy to all mankind. The outcome of his mission has brought more people into the pure belief in One God than any other prophet. From earliest times, Allah sent prophets to the earth, each in his particular people. However, the Prophet Muhammad was sent as the final Messenger to all mankind. While other religious communities claimed to believe in One God, with the passage of time some corrupt ideas have entered into their practices and beliefs away from monotheism pure and sincere that the prophets preached. Some people took their prophets and saints as intercessors with Almighty God. Some even believed that their prophets were manifestations of God, "God Incarnate" or the "Son of God." All these misconceptions led to the worship of creation rather than the Creator, and contributed to the idolatrous practice of believing that God can be approached through intermediaries Almighty. To protect his followers of these falsehoods, the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, stressed that he was just a man with a mission to preach and obey the message of Allah. He taught Muslims to refer to him as "the Messenger and Servant of God." Throughout his life and his teachings, Muhammad turned to Allah, peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, the perfect example for all mankind - was an example of a prophet, statesman, military leader, ruler, teacher, neighbor, husband, father and friend. Unlike other prophets and messengers, the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, lived to the full light of history, and all his sayings and actions were carefully recorded and preserved. Muslims do not need to simply have "faith" that he existed, or that his teachings were preserved, but they know through science and history that actually happened. Allah protect the message revealed to Muhammad and stopped out distorted lost or forgotten. This was necessary because Allah promised Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, would be the last messenger to mankind. All Messengers of Allah preached the message of Islam - that is, free submission and surrender to the law of God and worship the one God - but Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, is the last prophet who brought the final and complete message would not be changed until the Last Day
5. What are the teachings of Islam?
The basis of the Islamic faith is the absolute belief in monotheism (oneness of God). This means believing that there is only one Creator and Sustainer of the universe, and that nothing is divine or worthy of worship but He certainly believe in the Oneness of God means much more than simply believe that there is "one God" instead of two, three or four. There are many religions that claim to believe in "one God" and the existence of one Creator and Sustainer of the universe, but the true monotheism is to believe only one true deity to be worshiped according to the revelation that He sent His Messenger. Islam also rejects the use of all intermediaries between God and man, and insists that people approach God directly and reserve all manifestations for Him worship and devotion. Muslims also believe that Almighty God is Compassionate, Merciful and Compassionate. A common mistake is to argue that God can not forgive His creatures directly. By exaggerating the burden and penalty of sin and claim that God can not forgive humans directly, people are underestimating the Mercy of God. When they are convinced that they can not approach God directly, they turn to false gods or aid, as heroes, political leaders, saviors, saints and angels. We often see people who worship, we pray or seek intercession with false deities, which are not considered a 'god'. Say they believe in One Supreme God, but also pray and worship to others only to get closer to God. In Islam, there is a clear distinction between the Creator and the created. There are no mysteries or ambiguities regarding the divinity: Nothing to be created to be worshiped, only Allah, the Creator, is worthy of worship. Some religions falsely believe that God is part of His creation, and that has led people to believe you can worship any created thing to get to the Creator. Muslims believe that God is Unique and Exalted beyond speculative any understanding definitely has no partners, colleagues, peers, antagonists or offspring. According to Muslim belief, Allah "does not beget nor was He begotten" - neither literally, allegorically, metaphorically, physically or metaphysically. He is Absolutely Unique and Eternal. Has control of everything and is perfectly capable of giving His infinite Mercy and His infinite forgiveness to whom He pleases. That is why Allah Almighty is also called, Compassionate, Most Merciful. Allah has created the Universe for man, and as such wants the best for all human beings. Muslims see everything in the universe as a sign of Creation and Compassion of God Almighty. Furthermore, the belief in the Oneness of Allah is not merely a metaphysical concept. It is a dynamic belief that affects our view of humanity, society and all aspects of practical life. A logical corollary to the Islamic belief in the Oneness of Allah, is his belief in the equality of men.
6. What is the Quran?
The Quran is Allah's final revelation to all mankind, which is the word of Allah, the Exalted, sent through the Archangel Gabriel in Arabic to the Prophet Muhammad, in sound, word and meaning. The Qur'an (sometimes incorrectly spelled Koran), was transferred to the Prophet's companions, who diligently memorized it verbatim written and compiled meticulously. The Quran has been recited continuously for the companions of the Prophet and his successors to the present. In short words, we can say that the Koran is the revealed book of sacred scriptures of Allah addressed to all mankind for their guidance and salvation. Currently, the Quran is still memorized and taught by millions. The language of the Koran, Arabic, is a living language spoken by millions of people. Unlike the scriptures of other religions, the Qur'aan is still read in its original language by countless people. The Qur'an is a living miracle in the Arabic language, and is known to be inimitable in its style, form and spiritual impact as well as the unique scientific knowledge it contains. The Quran was revealed in a series of revelations to the Prophet Muhammad a period of 23 years. Unlike many other religious books, the Quran always had the certainty that is the exact word of Allah. The Quran was recited in public in front of Muslim and non-Muslim communities during the life of Prophet Muhammad, and also after his death. The entire Quran was written during the lifetime of the Prophet, and numerous companions of the Prophet memorized the entire Quran, word for word as it was revealed. The Qur'an was always in the hands of society: It was always taught as the word of God, and because of the extended memory was perfectly preserved. Did not change anything and was not modified by any religious council. The teachings of the Koran comprise a universal writing addressed to all humanity and not a tribe or 'chosen people' in particular. Your message is not new but it is the same message received by all the prophets, 'submit to Allah the One God and worship Him alone, to follow the Messenger of Allah to succeed in life and obtain salvation in the beyond. " As such, the revelation of Allah in the Qur'an focuses on teaching human beings the importance of believing in the Oneness of Allah, and framing their lives around the guidance which He has sent, which is articulated in the legislation Islamic. The Qur'an contains stories of prophets earlier, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus, peace be upon them all, and also contains commands and prohibitions from God. In modern times, where many people fall prey to doubt, spiritual despair and social and political alienation, the Qur'an provides solutions for the void in our lives and the turmoil that is gripping the world today .
7. What is the vision of Muslims about the nature of man, the purpose of life and the afterlife?
In the Holy Qur'an, God teaches human beings that were created to glorify and worship Him, and that the base of all true devotion to God is consciousness. All creatures Allah love him naturally and only humans have free will to worship Allah or reject it. It's a huge challenge, but also a great honor. Since the teachings of Islam encompasses all aspects of life and ethics, God awareness should be promoted in all matters of life. Islam makes it clear that all acts of man are acts of worship if done only by God and by His Divine Laws and Scriptures. As such, worship in Islam is not confined to religious rites, and for this reason is known as a 'way of life' rather than a religion. Lessons of Islam act as a balm for the human soul, and encourage qualities such as humility, sincerity, patience and charity. Additionally, Islam condemns pride and self-righteous character, as only God Almighty is the sole judge of human integrity.
The Islamic view of human nature is also realistic and balanced in the sense that human beings are not inherently sinful, but are able to do good and bad alike, is their choice. Islam teaches that faith and action go hand in hand. God has granted free will to people, and the extent of our faith are our actions. However, since humans have also been created weak and fall into sin on a regular basis, continually need to be guided and seek repentance, which is itself a form of worship loved by Allah. The nature of human beings as created by God in His Majesty and Wisdom, is not inherently 'corrupt' or in need of repair. The path of repentance is always open to everyone. Almighty God knew that humans were going to make mistakes, so the real challenge is whether they will seek repentance for their sins and avoid them, or if you prefer a life of sloth and sin, knowing full well that it does not please God . The true balance of an Islamic life is established by a healthy fear of punishment from Allah for sins and faults committed, along with a sincere belief that Allah, in His infinite mercy, is pleased to grant His reward for good deeds and acts of sincere worship for their cause. A life without fear of God leads to sin and disobedience, while at the opposite end, if we believe that we have sinned so much that there will be no way that God forgive us, we will only have a life of hopelessness. In light of these facts, Islam teaches that only those who go astray from the Mercy of his Lord and evil criminals are deprived of the fear of Allah, his Creator and Judge. The Holy Quran, as revealed to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon it also contains a lot of lessons about life in the hereafter and the Day of Judgement. Muslims believe that all human beings will be judged by Allah, the Absolute Sovereign King and Judge, for their beliefs and actions in their earthly lives. In judging human beings, God is absolutely just, punishing only the real culprits and criminals and rebels who do not repent, and absolutely merciful and compassionate to those that He, in His wisdom, deemed it worthy. No one will be judged for something that is beyond their ability, or something that did not commit. Suffice it to say that Islam teaches that life is a test designed by Allah, the Creator, Almighty and Wise, and that all human beings will be accountable to Allah for what they did in their lives. A sincere belief in the afterlife is the key to having a balanced life and moral. Otherwise, life will be seen as an end in itself, which will cause individuals to become more selfish, materialistic and immoral, blinded by their pursuit of pleasure even at the expense of reason and ethics.
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