| The
literal meaning of Islam is peace; surrender of one’s will i.e.
losing oneself for the sake of God and surrendering one’s own
pleasure for the pleasure of God. The message of Islam was revealed
to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) 1, 400
years ago. It was revealed through angel Gabriel (on whom be peace)
and was thus preserved in the Holy Quran. The Holy Quran carries a
Divine guarantee of safeguard from interpolation and it claims that
it combines the best features of the earlier scriptures. |
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| The prime
message of Islam is the Unity of God, that the Creator of the world
is One and He alone is worthy of worship and that Muhammad (peace
and blessings on him) is His Messenger and Servant. The follower of
this belief is thus a Muslim - a Muslim’s other beliefs are:
God’s angels, previously revealed Books of God, all the prophets,
from Adam to Jesus (peace be on them both), the Day of Judgement and
indeed the Decree of God. A Muslim has five main duties to perform,
namely; bearing witness to the Unity of God and Muhammad (peace and
blessings on him) as His Messenger, observing the prescribed prayer,
payment of Zakat, keeping the fasts of Ramadhan and performing the
pilgrimage to Mecca. |
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| Islam
believes that each person is born pure. The Holy Quran tells us that
God has given human beings a choice between good and evil and to
seek God’s pleasure through faith, prayer and charity. Islam
believes that God created mankind in His image and by imbuing the
attributes of God on a human level mankind can attain His nearness.
Islam’s main message is to worship God and to treat all God’s
creation with kindness and compassion. Rights of parents in old age,
orphans and the needy are clearly stated. Women’s rights were
safeguarded 1,400 years ago when the rest of the world was in total
darkness about emancipation. Islamic teachings encompass every
imaginable situation and its rules and principles are truly
universal and have stood the test of time. |
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| In Islam
virtue does not connote forsaking the bounties of nature that are
lawful. On the contrary one is encouraged to lead a healthy, active
life with the qualities of kindness, chastity, honesty, mercy,
courage patience and politeness. In short, Islam has a perfect and
complete code for the guidance of individuals and communities alike.
As the entire message of Islam is derived from the Holy Quran and
indeed the Sunnah and Hadith (the traditions and practices of the
Holy Prophet, peace and blessings on him) it is immutable in the
face of change in time and place. It may appear rigid to the casual
eye, in actual fact it is most certainly an adaptable way of life
regardless of human changes. |
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| Islam
teaches that the path to spiritual development is open to all. Any
individual who searches the One Creator can seek nearness to God
through sincere and earnest worship; it is central to establishing a
relationship with the Almighty. This positive message for humanity
fills hearts with hope and courage. |
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| At
present there are 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide and they form the
majority in more than 50 countries of the world. Today Islam is the
fastest growing faith in the world - its beautiful message is
reaching millions in the far corner of the earth. |
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