What is Islam:
In Muslim countries around the world a call rings out five times a day from atop a tall tower:
Allah is most great!
I testify that there is no God but Allah!
I testify that Muhammad is the prophet of Allah!
Come to prayer!
Come to salvation!
Allah is most great!
There is no God but Allah!
Over a quarter of the people on this planet call themselves Muslims, meaning “one who submits.” The name Islam is often translated as: “To Submit.” However the Arabic letters slm that appear in the name derives its origin from the Hebrew word “Shalom,” a greeting of peace, an ironic relationship given the tension between the Islamic States and the Hebrew State of Israel.
Whether or not Islam is in fact a religion of War or Peace is often debated. Often, proponents of either side of the argument perpetuate their claims with gross exaggerations and misinformation. Many people who claim Islam is a religion of Peace do so as an obligatory response of political correctness. Many who claim Islam is a religion of War simply point to the acts of terrorism committed in the name of Islam.
The true nature of Islam, and any religion for that matter, cannot be determined by the actions of its adherents, nor can it be determined by what is least offensive. Truth is, one cannot truly form an opinion on this matter unless they fully understand the origins and beliefs of the religion of Islam.
Origin of Islam:
Islam is generally considered one of the “Judeo-Christian” religions. However, Muhammad, the founder of Islam, was neither Jewish nor Christian. Muhammad was born in the town of Mecca in what is now Saudi Arabia in 570 A.D. The religious environment of Mecca at this time was consumed by the practice of polytheism, the belief in many Gods. In fact, everything from social structure to the economy rested upon the concept that each village and local had its own god. All around Arabia during this time, shrines to local gods could be found and many families depended upon the shrines for their livelihood. One god, the local god of Mount Hira, was called Allah.
As a child Muhammad was an orphan. His father died before he was born and his mother died before he was seven. Initially he was raised by his grandfather, and later by his uncle, Abu-Talib. Abu-Talib groomed Muhammad to be a businessman, which Muhammad eventually became.
Traveling in camel caravans, Muhammad would trade in the markets of Egypt and Palestine. This traveling brought him into contact with those of the Christian and Jewish faiths, which Muhammad found very interesting. Muhammad’s career in business eventually led to obtaining a position as chief steward for a very wealthy widow by the name of Khadija. Although Khadija was 15 years his senior, at the age of 24 Muhammad married Khadija. His new wife’s wealth allowed Muhammad to leave business and pursue a life of prayer.
Following his marriage to Khadija, Muhammad would venture to the caves of Mount Hira where he would pray and meditate. At the age of 40, while meditating in a cave outside the city of Makkah, Muhammad was visited by the Angel Gabriel (a well-known angel in Christian and Jewish tradition). It is said Muhammad felt an overwhelming sense of “god” pressing upon him saying “Iqra”, meaning “Recite.” Muhammad initially refused three times until the Angel Gabriel said:
Recite thou, in the name of thy Lord who created;
Created man from CLOTS OF BLOOD:
Recite thou! For thy Lord is the most Beneficent,
Who hath taught the use of the pen:
Hath taught Man that which he knoweth not.
Nay, verily, Man is insolent,
Because he seeth himself possessed of riches.
Verily, to thy Lord is the return of all.
What thinkest thou of him that holdeth back
A servant of God when he prayeth?
What thinkest thou? Hath he followed the true Guidance, or enjoyed Piety?
What Thinkest thou? Hath he treated the truth as a lie and turned his back?
What! doth he not know how that God seeth?
Nay, verily, if he desist not, We shall seized him by the forelock.
The lying sinful forelock!
Then let him summon his associates;
We too will summon the guards of Hell:
Nay! obey him not; but adore, and draw nigh to God.
Sura 96
This Sura is said to be the first revealed to Muhammad by the Angel Gabriel, launching Muhammad into the position of prophet. In total 114 Suras were given to Muhammad by the Angel Gabriel over the course of his life until his death at the age of 62 years. These Suras are collectively known as the Qur’an (or Koran). Initially, Muhammad debated and doubted his calling from God to be a prophet. However, his wife Khadija encouraged Muhammad to accept his calling.
Three years after receiving his first revelation, Muhammad’s mission became more and more clear. He was to go to Mecca and preach that there is no God but Allah and that he was God’s greatest prophet. According to Muhammad, the message given to him by God was also previously given to Moses, called Musa, and Jesus, called ‘Isa. However, the message was distorted and mistranslated by the Jews and Christians. Ultimately, God revealed his completed and correct message to Muhammad; the Qur’an.
The message of Muhammad was met with fierce opposition. To declare only one god, Allah, known as the God of Mount Hira, as being true meant the other gods were fictitious and their shrines (the livelihood of many families) were useless. This was a problem for the religious leaders at the time as well as the operators of the shrines.
In 622 A.D., as the opposition to Muhammad’s message increased, Muhammad received an offer from Yathrib, later known as Medina. Muhammad and his followers, about 40 at the time, fled Mecca and proceeded to Medina. This migration from Mecca to Medina is called hijra and officially marks the beginning of the Islamic Era.
In Medina, Muhammad’s message was met with less opposition and the religion of Islam began to develop. Eventually, Muhammad amassed an army of loyal Muslims. Never forgetting his exile from Mecca, the place of his birth, Muhammad became determined to return to Mecca.
Initially, the message presented by Muhammad was one of peace, especially towards Christians and Jews, who were called Ahl al-Kitab, or “people of the book.”
Verily, They who believe Muslim, and they who follow the Jewish religion, and the Christians, and the Sabeites
whoever of these believeth in God and the last day, and doeth that which is right, shall have their reward and their Lord: fear shall not come upon then, neither shall they be grieved.
Sura 2: 59
However, as Muhammad became determined to return to Mecca, the People of the Book became the enemy:
And they reckoned that no harm would come of it: – but they became blind and deaf! Then was God turned unto them: then many of them again became blind and deaf! but God beheld what they did.
Infidels now are they who say, “God is the Messiah, Son of Mary;” for the Messiah said, “O children of Israel! worship God, my Lord and your Lord.” Whoever shall join other gods with God, God shall forbid him the Garden, and his abode shall be the Fire ; and the wicked shall have no helpers.
Sura 5: 75-76
From this point forward, Islam became the “Religion of the Sword”. Encouraging his followers into war, Muhammad declared one should convert or be killed:
And when the sacred months are passed, kill those who join other gods with God wherever ye shall find them; and seize them, besiege them, and lay wait for them with every kind of ambush: but if they shall convert, and observe prayer, and pay the obligatory alms, then let them go their way, for God is Gracious, Merciful.
Sura 9: 5
Make war upon such of those to whom the Scripture have been given as believe not in God, or in the last day, and who forbid not that which God and His Apostle have forbidden, and who profess not the professions of the truth, until they pay tribute out of hand, and they be humbled.
The Jews say, “Ezra (Ozair) is a son of God”; and the Christians say, “Messiah is a son of God.” Such the sayings in their mouths! They resemble the saying of the Infidels of old! God do battle with them! How are they misguided!
Sura 9: 29-30
Faced with such an ultimatum, many people quickly converted to Islam. The religion continued to spread primarily through war and intimidation for the next 100 years moving into Asia, India, Africa, Spain, and conquering the Middle East. Islam may have even dominated Europe if the Muslims were victorious against Charles Martel in the battle of Tours.
In the Mid 8th century Islam put down the sword for the most part. Believing all things are from God, Muslims focused their efforts towards studying the world God created, resulting in tremendous advancements in medicine, literature, art, and mathematics.
Scripture:
Islam teaches the scriptures of the Jewish and Christian faith; the Bible and the Torah, were given by God. However, the message was corrupted and mistranslated throughout the years. While Muslims do recognize the divine origin of the Bible and Torah, they do not believe they are of any real value today due to their corruption. Muslims follow the teachings of two Islamic holy books:
Qur’an:
The Qur’an is the message presented to Muhammad by God and is considered completely divine in origin.
Sunnah:
The Sunnah, or Sunna, describes the conduct and practices of Muhammad. While Muhammad is not considered divine in any manner, he is considered the perfect example of a human.
Beliefs of Islam:
Contrary to popular belief Muhammad and the Qur’an are not central to Islam. Though they are highly venerated, they are only considered the bearer of the message of Allah, God. Allah, and submission to Allah, are central to Islam. Below are some basic beliefs of Islam:
- There is only one God; Allah. All other gods or manifestations of God are not legitimate.
- God may never be paired with other gods (polytheism) nor may God be divided into three characters (the Trinity)
- All men and women are naturally good and born Muslim. However, their beliefs and actions can be evil and may draw them away from Islam.
- Good is defined as submission to Allah. Evil is defined as rejection of Allah.
- Anyone may be saved by committing good deeds and submitting to a monotheistic God. Most Muslims believe one does not have to call themselves a Muslim (if for example they have never heard of Islam) to be saved.
- Women must cover their bodies to avoid sexually tempting those around them. This is especially true for hair. Hair is considered a very sexy and private part of the body on a woman and should be covered.
- Men are allowed to marry up to four wives, provided he is able to financially and emotionally support them.
- Divorce is allowed in Islam and may be requested by either the husband or wife.
Shahadah:
The beliefs of Islam can be summed-up with one line: La ilaha illa Allah; Muhammad rasul Allah, meaning: “There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger.” This is considered the creed of Islam and is called the shahadah, or “confession.” Muslims are to repeat this at least once a day, though many Muslims repeat the shahadah many times each day. When a baby is born the shahadah is whispered into its ears so that it may be the first words a baby hears. When dying, one will repeat the shahadah so that it may be their final words. The shahadah is also the first of five “pillars,” or requirements, of Islam.
The Five Pillars:
1) The Creed: Kalima
Every Muslim is to repeat the shahadah, or creed, of Islam each day:
La ilaha illa Allah; Muhammad rasul Allah, (meaning: “There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger.“)
The shahadah is to be whispered into newborn’s ears and uttered by the dying so that the shahadah may be the first thing heard and the last thing spoken.
2) Daily Prayer: Salat
Every Muslim is required to pray five times a day. This is done facing Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. The Prayers consist of several steps:
- The Muslim will face the city of Mecca (in western countries this would mean they face east), some Muslims use a prayer rug, but this is not required as all ground is considered holy in Islam.
- The Muslim will place their hands on the side of their head and recite: Allahu Akbar, meaning “God is great.”
- The Muslim will then recite the first Sura of the Qur’an:
Praise be to God, Lord of the worlds!
The Compassionate, the merciful!
King on the day of reckoning!
Thee only do we worship, and to Thee do we cry for help.
Guide Thou us on the straight path,
The path of those to whom Thou hast been gracious; – with whom thou art no angry, and who go not astray.
- The Muslim will then bow placing their hands on their knees and declare
- “Glory to God.” They will then stand and again recite the prayers.
- The Muslim will then place themselves into a position of complete submission, placing their hands, knees, and forehead on the ground, and pray:
“Glory to my Lord, the Most High!”
- The Muslim will then move to a sitting position, then a submission position again, finally a standing position, completing one cycle of prayer.
In the morning, each Muslim must complete two cycles, four cycles at noon, afternoon, and night, three cycles at sunset. Following prayer, each Muslim will turn their heads to the left and right and offer a blessing of peace to other Muslims and anyone in need of God’s guidance.
3) Almsgiving: Zakaat
Every Muslim is required to offer a percentage of their wealth (not only income). The amount given can vary from 2 – 10 percent, depending on the items being considered, and the sect of Islam one belongs to (Shi’ites will offer a little more to support their clergy). Some Muslims pay the Zakaat at the end of Ramadan (a month long fast), others pay throughout the year.
4) Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan: Swam
The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar is called Ramadan. All Muslims (except small children, the elderly, the sick, and the pregnant) are required to fast while the sun is up. This includes: no drinking, no eating, no smoking, and no sex. Today the hours of fasting are calculated and announced to Muslims. However, traditionally the fast began when there was enough light to distinguish between a black thread and a white thread and ended when it was too dark to tell the difference. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with a feast and holiday known as Eid al-Fitr.
5) Pilgrimage: Hajj
Every Muslim is required to complete the Hajj at least once in their lives. Performed during the last month Dhu-al-Hijjah (month of pilgrimage) in the Islamic lunar calendar, the Hajj is a pilgrimage to the holiest city of Islam, Mecca, the birthplace of Muhammad. During the Hajj one is expected to take part in certain traditions:
- They will circle the Kaaba (the shrine) seven times counterclockwise.
- They will see or even kiss the sacred Black Stone at the Kaaba.
- They will visit the sacred well called the Zamzam, the well of Hagar and Ishmael where Abraham is believed to have been asked to sacrifice his son Ishmael (Muslims believe God asked Abraham to kill Ishmael, not Isaac). They will throw forty-nine stones at the pillar representing Iblis, a satanic figure.
Jihad:
Perhaps the most controversial and misunderstood belief of Islam is the concept of Jihad. Some interpret jihad as “Holy War.” However, this translation is incorrect. More accurately jihad can be translated to mean “struggle” or “effort.” According to Islam jihad can be broken down into two categories:
Greater Jihad
(or high jihad) – Greater Jihad is one’s struggle against temptation and sin. It can be compared to the Christian concept of repentance.
Lesser Jihad
(or low jihad) – Lesser Jihad is the defense of Islam, Islamic States, or Islamic communities from aggression. Lesser Jihad is strictly regulated and may only be implemented in self defense.
Often the concept of lesser jihad is used to make Islam look like a violent religion. A few Muslims do interpret the text to justify acts of terror. However, the strict letter of the law expressed in the Qur’an prohibits offensive attacks (terrorism) and only justifies defensive attacks.
Shari’a:
Following the death of Muhammad in 632 A.D., Muslim communities and eventually governments were established. Religious leaders and experts compiled a list of laws, using the Qur’an and Sunnah as guides. These laws, called Shari’a, governed every element of Islamic life including prayer, law, and morality. The laws were designed to regulate civil conduct as well as individual conduct. Shari’a Laws are looked to by Muslims for spiritual and moral guidance.
Day of Judgment:
Repeated in Islamic prayers and throughout the Qur’an is the anticipation of the Day of Judgment. Called Yawm al-Qiyamah, “the Day of Resurrection,” or Yawm ad-Din, “the Day of Judgment,” it is best explained in the 75th Sura of the Qur’an called: The Resurrection:
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
It needeth not that I swear by the day of the resurrection,
Or that I swear by the self-accusing soul.
Thinketh man that we shall not re-unite his bones?
Aye! his very finger tips are we able to evenly to replace.
But man chooseth to deny what is before him:
He asketh, “When this day of Resurrection?”
But when the eye shall be dazzled,
And when the moon shall be darkened,
And the sun and moon shall be together,
On that day man shall cry, “Where is there a place to flee to?”
But in vain – there is no refuge -
With thy Lord on that day shall be the sole asylum.
On that day shall man be told of all that he hath done first and last;
Yea, a man shall be the eye witness against himself:
And even if he put forth his plea…
(Move not thy tongue in haste to follow and master this revelation:
For we will see to the collecting and the recital of it;
But when we have recited it, then follow thou the recital,
And, verily, afterwards it shall be ours to make it clear to thee.)
Aye, but ye love the transitory,
And ye neglect the life to come.
On that day shall faces beam with light,
Outlooking towards their Lord;
And faces on that day shall be dismal,
As if they thought that some great calamity would befall them.
Aye, when the soul shall come up into the throat,
And there shall be a cry, “Who hath a charm that can restore him?”
And when man feeleth that the time of his departure is come,
And when on leg shall be laid over the other,
To thy Lord on that day shall he be driven on;
For he believed not, and he did not pray,
But he called the truth a lie and turned his back,
Then, walking with haughty men, rejoined his people.
That Hour is near to thee and nearer,
It is ever nearer to thee and nearer still.
Thinketh man that he shall be left supreme?
Was he not a mere embryo?
Then he became thick blood of which God formed him and fashioned him;
And made him twain, male and female.
Is not He powerful enough to quicken the dead?
According to Islam the End Times, or Apocalypse, will involve several events:
The arrival of Al-Maseeh-ud-Dajjal:
Or the false messiah (can be compared to the Antichrist). The Al-Maseeh-ud-Dajjal will claim to be God and will deceive many, leading many people away from Islam. According to Islam, non-Muslims will follow Al-Maseeh-ud-Dajjal. The Al-Maseeh-ud-Dajjal will control the world and those who refuse to follow his false religion and acknowledge him as God will be exiled and suffer starvation and poverty. Ultimately, ‘Isa (Jesus) will return and meet Al-Maseeh-ud-Dajjal at the Gate of Ludd (a city in Israel). The two will engage in a fierce battle and ‘Isa will be victorious, resulting in the termination of Al-Maseeh-ud-Dajjal.
The appearance of Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj:
Two lost tribes. The Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj are said to be descendants of the Adam (the first man) who do not submit to Allah. The Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj will return in large numbers, ultimately outnumbering Muslims. The Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj will ravish the earth, destroying crops and killing livestock. Believers will be taken to Mount Tur by ‘Isa (Jesus) where they will be kept safe. Eventually, Allah will send a worm to kill the Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj.
The arrival of Dabbah al-ard:
The strange beast. Dabbah al-ard will have the rod of Musa (Moses) and seal of Solomon. Dabbah al-ard will call people to Islam, those who accept the call will have signs on their forehead that say “believer,” those who reject the call will have signs that say “non-believer.”
Three major earthquakes:
Major earthquakes will occur, one in the east, one in the west, and one in the Arabian Peninsula. These earthquakes will destroy much of the earth.
A smoke will consume the earth:
This smoke will cause believers to become mildly sick, while non-believers will become very sick.
A cold wind:
A cold wind will blow across the earth, killing all believers. This will leave only non-believers on earth to experience the final hour.
Three days of night:
The Arabian Peninsula will experience three days of night.
Following the three days of night:
the Sun will rise in the west instead of the east. When the sun reaches the middle of the sky (noon) it will set again in the west. This marks the end of salvation. God will not accept conversions to Islam from this point forward.
The judgment:
The world will be destroyed and all will be resurrected to be judged by Allah. All will be judged by every action they committed, good and bad, no matter how small or large the act. Allah will be merciful and forgive each according to what is warranted. Everyone will then be designated to either Heaven or Hell.
Heaven and Hell:
According to Islam, it is the duty of every man and woman to commit good deeds and submit to Allah. Those who submit to Allah and practice the Five Pillars to the best of their ability will be rewarded with paradise, while those who reject Allah and do not submit will be punished forever in Hell:
Heaven:
In the Qur’an Heaven is described as a place of bliss and paradise. A society where all submit to Allah and every need is met.
In a lofty garden:
Therein shall be a gushing fountain,
Therein shall be raised couches,
And Goblets ready placed,
And cushions laid in order,
And carpets spread forth.
Sura 88:10-16
Hell:
According to Islam, Hell is a place of utter torment and torture. Often described as a fire, non-believers are subjected to eternal punishment for their unwillingness to submit to Allah.
Verily, God hath cursed the Infidels, and hath got ready for them the flame:
For aye shall they abide therein; none to befriend them, no helper shall they find!
Sura 33:64-65
Denominations of Islam:
The varying sects of Islam differ very little from one another. Following the death of Muhammad, disagreement arose as to whom should assume the position as successor. This divided Islam into two sects; Sunnis and Shi’ites:
Sunni
Approximately 90% of Muslims identify themselves as Sunni. Generally, Sunni Islam is considered orthodox. According to Sunnis, Muhammad did not appoint a successor following his death. The political leaders, or Caliphs, who succeeded him represent the only thing that could be called a legitimate succession. Caliphs must be confirmed by the Muslim scholars and are not assumed to be divinely appointed.
Shi’ites
Shi’ites believe Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, was appointed by Muhammad as his successor. This position is held by the descendants of Ali ibn Abi Talib, and are considered Imams “models” of Muslim living. Imams are considered divinely appointed and as a result are considered largely infallible.
The continuing debate regarding whether Islam is a religion of peace or war continues to obstruct outsiders’ perception of Islam. In fact, it would be fallacious to assume Islam, or any religion for that matter, is peaceful or warmongering. Islam is an attempt to explain the world and our position within the world. At times Muslims are called to war, at other times they are called to peace. Central to Islam is neither war nor peace, it is simply submitting to the will of God.