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• Video yang bikin kamu BERHENTI nge-ROKOK !
• JANGAN SUKA BUANG BOM DI SEMBARANG TEMPAT
• Metode Salaf Dalam Menuntut Ilmu
• The True Religion
• 90
• What Does Islam Say about Terrorism?
• The Scientific Miracles of the Holy Quran
• How to Convert to Islam and Become a Muslim
• What Is Islam
• PENGERTIAN WAHABI DAN SIAPA MUHAMMAD BIN ADBUL WAHHAB
• The Origins of Shirk
• Hukum Rokok
• Precious Pearls on The Etiquette of Da’wah
• A Guide to Da’wah
• ‘Why doesn’t Allaah send Signs’
• I worshiped Allaah for fifty years
• Biografi Of Al Imaam Al Haafidh adh Dhahabee
• WHY WE CHOOSE ONLY MANHAJ SALAFI
• Hukum Musik dan Lagu
• For You Who Love Islam
• PENDETA ROMA MASUK ISLAM (copy dari almanhaj.or.id)

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JANGAN SUKA BUANG BOM DI SEMBARANG TEMPAT

Berkaitan dengan aksi “Buang Bom Sembarangan” yang dilakukan oleh kaum teroris di Jakarta (17/7), berikut ini kami sampaikan artikel yang semoga bermanfaat sekaligus menjadi nasihat khususnya bagi para pemuda yang menjadi korban pemikiran sesat teroris-khawarij. Artikel tersebut kami nukilkan dari www.almakassari.com.

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Pembaca yang budiman -semoga dirahmati Allah-,
Mungkin kita sama-sama telah membaca Harian Fajar tanggal 3 Maret 2007 halaman 11, yang memuat tentang pernyataan resmi dari Polda Makassar, bahwa ada enam kelompok yang disinyalir sebagai kelompok teroris. Berita tersebut mengingatkan kita peristiwa enam tahun silam, yaitu peledakan Mall Ratu Indah, Makassar. Ini disebabkan karena ada segelintir pemuda kaum muslimin yang “buang bom sembarang tempat!!!” Seharusnya bom itu dibuang dan diledakkan di medan jihad, justru dibuang dan diledakkan di negeri kaum muslimin sendiri. Mereka terlalu bersemangat dalam menegakkan amar ma’ruf nahi mungkar, namun tidak dilandasi oleh ilmu, sehingga justru lebih banyak kerusakan yang ditimbulkan daripada manfaat. Oleh karena itu, pada edisi kali ini kami akan memaparkan beberapa kerusakan yang ditimbulkan oleh kejadian tersebut.

• Membunuh Diri

Dalam rangka “jihad” memerangi Amerika dan sekutunya, sekian banyak aksi peledakan dan bom bunuh diri terjadi di negeri-negeri kaun muslimin yang dilakoni oleh sebagian pemuda yang tak berbasis ilmu yang kuat. Akibatnya, korban berjatuhan dari kalangan warga sipil muslim sendiri. Padahal Allah -Subhanahu wa Ta’ala- telah melarang seorang muslim membunuh dirinya sendiri di dalam firman-Nya:

وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا أَنْفُسَكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِكُمْ رَحِيمًا

“Dan janganlah kamu membunuh dirimu sungguh Allah maha penyayang kepadamu”. (QS. An-Nisa`: 29)

Rasulullah -Shollallahu ‘alaihi wasallam- telah memperingatkan:

من قتل نفسه بحديدة فحديدته في يده يتوجأ بها في بطنه في نار جهنم خالدا مخلدا فيها أبدا ومن شرب سما فقتل نفسه فهو يتحساه في نار جهنم خالدا مخلدا فيها أبدا ومن تردى من جبل فقتل نفسه فهو يتردى في نار جهنم خالدا مخلدا فيها أبدا

“Barang siapa yang membunuh dirinya dengan sepotong besi, maka besinya itu akan berada ditangannya. Dia akan menikam perutnya dengan pisau itu didalam neraka dalam keadaan kekal didalamnya selama-lamanya. Barang siapa yang menenggak racun, lalu ia membunuh dirinya dengan racun itu, maka ia akan meminumnya sedikit-demi sedikit dalam neraka Jahannam dalam keadaan kekal di dalamnya selama-lamanya. Barang siapa yang menghempaskan dirinya dari gunung sehingga dia membunuh dirinya, maka dia akan terhempas dalam neraka dalam keadaan kekal di dalamnya selama-selamanya.” [Muslim dalam Shohih-nya (109)]

Ini adalah perbuatan yang konyol -bukan jihad-. Perbuatan ini tidaklah mendatangkan kemaslahatan bagi Islam, karena bila seandainya dia membunuh dirinya dan membunuh 10 orang atau 100 orang atau 200 orang, maka hal tersebut tidak akan bermanfaat bagi Islam dan tidak membuat manusia ber-Islam. Malah membuat orang lari dari Islam. Karena itulah, perbuatan ini tidak dapat dibenarkan, dan menyebabkan pelakunya diazab di neraka, dan orang yang bunuh diri dengan cara yang seperti ini bukanlah mati syahid. Jika seorang mau berdakwah dan mengajak orang-orang kafir masuk ke dalam Islam, maka dakwahilah mereka dengan cara hikmah, bukan dengan cara emosi dan membabi buta yang mencoreng citra Islam dan kaum muslimin.

• Membunuh Seorang Muslim

Jika kita memperhatikan orang-orang yang menjadi korban pemboman, maka kebanyakannya adalah kaum muslimin sendiri. Duhai, sungguh celakanya orang yang membom ini…! Karena Allah telah mengancamnnya di dalam firman-Nya:

وَمَنْ يَقْتُلْ مُؤْمِنًا مُتَعَمِّدًا فَجَزَاؤُهُ جَهَنَّمُ خَالِدًا فِيهَا وَغَضِبَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَلَعَنَهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُ عَذَابًا عَظِيمًا

“Dan barangsiapa yang membunuh seorang mukmin dengan sengaja Maka balasannya ialah Jahannam, kekal ia di dalamnya dan Allah murka kepadanya, dan mengutukinya serta menyediakan azab yang besar baginya”. (QS. An-Nisa`: 93)

Lihatlah pembaca yang budiman! Allah mengancamnya di dalam ayat ini dengan neraka jahannam dan tidak sampai disitu saja, bahkan ia kekal di dalamnya, Allah murka kepadanya, mengutuknya dan menyediakan siksa yang pedih baginya. Ini baru satu orang muslim, bagaimana lagi jika yang dibunuhnya adalah puluhan sampai ratusan orang muslim? -Nas alulllaha ‘afiyah wassalamah-

Nabi -Shollallahu ‘alaihi wasallam- bersabda,

لَزَوَالُ لدُّنْيَا أَهْوَنُ عَلَى اللهِ مِنْ قَتْلِ رَجُلٍ مُسْلِمٍ

“Sungguh hancurnya dunia ini lebih ringan di sisi Allah daripada membunuh (jiwa) seorang muslim”. [HR. At-Tirmizy dalam As-Sunan (1399), An-Nasa’iy dalam As-Sunan (7/82), Al-Bazzar dalam Al-Musnad (2393), dan lain-lain. Hadits ini di-shohih-kan oleh Syaikh Al-Albany dalam Ghoyatul Maram (4390)]

Mereka berteriak ketika kaum kuffar AS dan sekutunya membantai jutaan kaum muslimin dengan mengatakan bahwa nyawa seorang muslim itu sangat mahal di sisi Allah. Namun di sisi lain mereka sendiri ternyata juga turut menumpahkan darah kaum muslimin. parahnya lagi kesalahan tersebut berusaha ditutupi dan dibenarkan dengan berjuta dalih: “Ini kan jihad”, “Mereka adalah Mujahid”, “Mereka adalah penghuni surga”, dan “Mereka mati syahid”. Padahal orang-orang yang melakukan aksi teror tersebut adalah orang-orang yang mati konyol, diancam oleh Allah dengan neraka Jahannam. Bagaimana mereka dianggap mati syahid ??!

• Membunuh Kafir Musta’man

Pembaca budiman, ketahuilah bahwa tidak semua orang kafir boleh dibunuh di dalam syariat agama kita, karena sesungguhya orang kafir itu ada empat:macam, yaitu:

• • kafir dzimmy

Mereka adalah orang kafir (penduduk asli) yang membayar jizyah (upeti) yang dipunguti tiap tahun sebagai imbalan bolehnya mereka tinggal di negeri kaum muslimin. kafir, seperti ini tidak boleh dibunuh selama ia masih menaati peraturan-peraturan yang dikenakan kepada mereka. Banyak dalil yang menunjukkan hal tersebut diantaranya adalah hadist Al-Mughirah bin syu’bah -radhiyallahu ‘anhu-, beliau berkata,

“Kami diperintah oleh rasul robb kami -Shollallahu ‘alaihi wasallam- untuk memerangi kalian sampai kalian menyembah Allah satu-satunya atau kalian membayat jizyah ”.[HR.Al-Bukhary dalam Ash-Shohih (3158)]

• • kafir mu’ahad ,

Mereka adalah orang-orang kafir yang telah terjadi kesepakatan antara mereka dan kaum muslimin untuk tidak berperang dalam kurun waktu yang telah disepakati. Orang kafir seperti ini juga tidak boleh dibunuh, sepanjang mereka menjalankan kesepakatan yang telah dibuat. Rasulullah -Shollallahu ‘alaihi wasallam- bersabda,

من قتل معاهدا لم يرح رائحة الجنة وإن ريحها توجد من مسيرة أربعين عاما

“ Siapa yang mebunuh kafir mu’ahad, ia tidak akan mencium bau surga, dan sesungguhnya bau surga itu tercium dari perjalanan 40 tahun “ . [HR. Al-Bukhariy dalam Shohih-nya (3166), An-Nasa’iy dalam As-Sunan (8/25), dan Ibnu Majah (2686)]

Nabi -Shollallahu ‘alaihi wasallam- bersabda, “Ingatlah, siapa yang menzholimi seorang kafir mu’ahad, merendahkannya, membebani diatas kemampuannya atau mengambil sesuatu darinya, tanpa keridoan dirinya, maka saya adalah lawan bertikainya pada hari kiamat [HR Abu Daud dalam As-Sunan (3052) dan Al Baihaqy (9/205). Hadits ini di-shohih-kan oleh Al-Albaniy dalam Ash-Shohihah (445)]

• • kafir musta’man

Mereka adalah orang kafir yang mendapat jaminan keamanan dari kaum muslimin atau sebagian kaum muslimin. Kafir jenis ini juga tidak boleh dibunuh, sepanjang masih berada dalam jaminan keamanan. Dalilnya, firman Allah -Ta’ala-,

وَإِنْ أَحَدٌ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ اسْتَجَارَكَ فَأَجِرْهُ حَتَّى يَسْمَعَ كَلَامَ اللَّهِ ثُمَّ أَبْلِغْهُ مَأْمَنَهُ ذَلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَوْمٌ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

“Dan jika seorang diantara orang-orang musyrikin itu meminta perlindungan kepadamu, Maka lindungilah ia supaya ia sempat mendengar firman Allah, Kemudian antarkanlah ia ketempat yang aman baginya. demikian itu disebabkan mereka kaum yang tidak Mengetahui.””. (QS. At-Taubah: 6)

d. kafir harby

Mereka adalah kafir selain yang tiga di atas. kafir jenis inilah yang disyariatkan untuk diperangi dengan ketentuan yang telah ditetapkan dalam syariat Islam. Mengapa harus diperangi? Karena mereka memerangi Islam.Demikianlah ketentuan syariat Allah.

Namun orang kafir harbiy yang masuk ke negeri kaum muslimin dengan jaminan keamanan dari pemerintah muslim berubah statusnya menjadi kafir musta’man, haram untuk diperangi selama dalam perlindungan. Mereka (para pembom) ini tidak peduli lagi dengan syariat Allah dalam hal ini. Padahal pada saat yang sama, mereka selalu meneriakkan, “Ayo tegakkan syari’at Islam”. Namun untuk kali ini, mereka injak-injak sendiri slogan-slogan tersebut. Akibatnya, semua orang kafir sah dan halal darah dan hartanya; perang dan pembunuhan terhadap mereka boleh dilakukan kapan dan di mana saja!! Wahai Pembaca yang budiman, tentunya ini merupakan sikap serampangan yang menyelisihi Al-Kitab, Sunnah, dan tuntunan para ulama’.

• Menzholimi Orang Lain

Allah -‘Azza wa Jalla-, Pencipta kita telah mengharamkan perbuatan zholim atas diri-Nya dan hamba-hamba-Nya sebagaimana yang diterangkan dalam hadits Qudsiy, Allah berfirman,

يَا عِبَادِيْ إِنِّيْ حَرَّمْتُ الظُلْمَ عَلَى نَفْسِيْ وَجَعَلْتُهُ بيَنْكَمُْ مُحَرَّمًا فَلاَ تَظَالَمُوْا

“Wahai segenap hamba-hamba-Ku, sesungguhnya aku telah mengharamkan perbuatan zholim atas diri-Ku dan Aku telah menjadikan hal tersebut sebagai perkara yang haram antara sesama kalian, maka janganlah kalian saling menzholimi”. [HR. Muslim dalam Shohih-nya (2577) dari Abu Dzar -radhiyallahu ‘anhu-)

Dalam berbagai nas, baik Al-Qur’an, maupun sunnah, telah diterangkan bahwa perbuatan zhalim tidak pernah membawa kebaikan bagi pelakunya di dunia maupun di akhirat. Allah -Subhanahu wa Ta'ala- menyatakan dalam berbagai ayat tentang bahaya perbuatan zholim. Diantaranya, Allah -Subhanahu wa Ta'ala- berfirman,

وَيَوْمَ يَعَضُّ الظَّالِمُ عَلَى يَدَيْهِ يَقُولُ يَا لَيْتَنِي اتَّخَذْتُ مَعَ الرَّسُولِ سَبِيلًا (27) يَا وَيْلَتَى لَيْتَنِي لَمْ أَتَّخِذْ فُلَانًا خَلِيلًا (28) لَقَدْ أَضَلَّنِي عَنِ الذِّكْرِ بَعْدَ إِذْ جَاءَنِي وَكَانَ الشَّيْطَانُ لِلْإِنْسَانِ خَذُولًا

“Dan (ingatlah) hari (ketika itu) orang yang zholim menggigit dua tangannya, seraya berkata, “Aduhai kiranya (dulu) aku mengambil jalan bersama-sama Rasul. Kecelakaan besarlah bagiku kiranya aku (dulu) tidak menjadikan si fulan itu teman akrab(ku). Sesungguhnya dia telah menyesatkan aku dari Al-Qur’an ketika Al-Qur’an itu telah datang kepadaku. dan adalah setan ti tidak mau menolong manusia.”. (QS. Al-Furqan: 27 - 29 )

وَكَمْ قَصَمْنَا مِنْ قَرْيَةٍ كَانَتْ ظَالِمَةً وَأَنْشَأْنَا بَعْدَهَا قَوْمًا آَخَرِينَ

“Dan berapa banyak penduduk negeri yang zholim yang telah kami binasakan, dan kami adakan setelah mereka itu kaum yang lain (sebagai penggantinya)”. (Al-Anbiya`: 11)

Nabi -Shollallahu ‘alaihi wasallam- juga mengingatkan:

اِتَّقُوْا الظُّلْمَ فَإِنَّ الظُّلْمَ ظُلُمَاتٌ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ

“Takutlah terhadap perbuatan zholim, sebab kezholiman adalah kegelapan di atas kegelapan pada hari kiamat” [HR. Al-Bukhary dalam Shohihb-nya(2447), Muslim dalam Shohih-nya (2579), dan At-Tirmidzy dalam As-Sunan (2035) dari sahabat Ibnu Umar -radhiyallahu ‘anhu-]

Inilah beberapa kerusakan dan pelanggaran yang ditimbulkan oleh “aksi buang bom sembarang tempat!!!” Sebenarntyamasih banyak lagi kerusakan yang ditimbulkan oleh perbuatan ini yang belum sempat kami paparkan seperti mencoreng citra Islam, membuat kaum muslimin jadi takut, mengadakan kerusakan di muka bumi, menjadikan orang-orang yang komitmen terhadap agamanya sebagai bahan cercaan dan celaan, merusak harta benda yang terjaga dan dilindungi dalam syariat, dan masih banyak lagi.

Wahai saudaraku, wahai para Pengangkat bendera “jihad”, pernahkah engkau bertanya pada dirimu, “Apakah termasuk jihad, menumpahkan darah kaum muslimin??! Apakah termasuk jihad, menghalalkan darah orang-orang yang haram untuk dibunuh dan? Apakah merupakan jihad menghancurkan harta benda kaum muslimin? Apakah engkau telah berjihad membenahi dirimu dalam mempelajari ilmu dan mengamalkannya? Sudahkah engkau berjihad mengikuti Al-Qur’an dan sunnah? Apakah engkau telah mengikuti Al-Qur’an dan sunnah, walaupun menyelisihi hawa nafsumu. ketahuilah saudaraku, jihad di jalan Allah bukanlah untuk pelampiasan dan pemuas hawa nafsu, namun dia adalah ibadah yang sangat agung dan salah satu simbol agama yang suci. Ingatlah, memperbaiki masyarakat adalah tanggung jawab bersama, sebarkan ilmu syari’at Islam di tengah ummat, tegakkan hukum Allah, dan jauhilah segala sebab kerusakan dan kehancuran”.

Sumber : Buletin Jum’at Al-Atsariyyah edisi 11 Tahun I. Penerbit : Pustaka Ibnu Abbas. Alamat : Pesantren Tanwirus Sunnah, Jl. Bonto Te’ne No. 58, Kel. Borong Loe, Kec. Bonto Marannu, Gowa-Sulsel. HP : 08124173512 (a/n Ust. Abu Fa’izah). Pimpinan Redaksi/Penanggung Jawab : Ust. Abu Fa’izah Abdul Qadir Al Atsary, Lc. Dewan Redaksi : Santri Ma’had Tanwirus Sunnah – Gowa. Editor/Pengasuh : Ust. Abu Fa’izah Abdul Qadir Al Atsary, Lc. Layout : Abu Muhammad Mulyadi. Untuk berlangganan hubungi alamat di atas. (infaq Rp. 200,-/exp). http://almakassari.com/artikel-islam/aqidah/%E2%80%9Cjangan-buang-bom-sembarang-tempat%E2%80%9D.html

Metode Salaf Dalam Menuntut Ilmu

Setiap kita sebagai seorang muslim dituntut untuk senantiasa mempelajari agama ini. Sebab Rasulullah Shallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam bersabda, yang artinya:

“Menuntut ilmu adalah suatu kewajiban bagi setiap muslim” (HR. Ahmad dan Ibnu Majah)

Maksud dari kata-kata (العلم) ”Ilmu” yang terdapat di dalam Al-Qur’an maupun As-Sunnah bukanlah ilmu-ilmu yang bersifat keduniawian, melainkan ilmu agama. Sebagaimana yang dikatakan oleh imam Ibnu Hajar Al-Asqalani :

“Dan yang dimaksud dengan ilmu adalah ilmu syar’i” (lihat Fathul Baari I : 170).

Sedangkan ilmu-ilmu lain selain ilmu syar’i merupakan ilmu alat yang dianjurkan bagi seorang muslim untuk mempelajarinya. Bahkan hukum mempelajarinya menjadi wajib apabila keahlian tersebut tidak ada yang menekuninya.

Ali bin Abi Thalib Radhiyallahu Anhu pernah mengatakan bahwa kebenaran tanpa disertai oleh sistem dan strategi yang rapih akan dikalahkan oleh kebatilan yang dilakukan dengan menggunakan strategi yang sistematis. Demikian pula dalam proses belajar, tentunya memerlukan strategi dan metode yang baik. Karena sebesar apa pun tenaga yang kita curahkan dan berapa pun materi yang telah kita belanjakan, jika tidak dibarengi dengan metode yang bagus, maka tujuan yang diharapkan sulit untuk tercapai.

Dan di antara strategi dalam belajar tersebut adalah:

1. Niat yang Ikhlas hanya kepada Allah

Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala berfirman, yang artinya: “Tidaklah mereka diperintahkan kecuali untuk menyembah Allah dengan ikhlas kepada-Nya dalam (menjalankan) agama dengan lurus …” (Q.S. Al Bayyinah: 5)

Rasulullah Shallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam bersabda: “Sesungguhnya amalan-amalan itu dengan niat (tergantung pada niat) dan sesungguhnya seseorang diberikan ganjaran sesuai dengan niatnya ….” (H.R. Bukhari dan Muslim).

Oleh sebab itu tidaklah pantas bagi seorang penuntut ilmu syar’i, melalui ilmu yang ia miliki, ia mengharapkan kedudukan, martabat dimasyarakat, ataupun untuk mengumpulkan harta sebanyak-banyaknya.

Rasulullah Shallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam bersabda, yang artinya: “Barang siapa yang menuntut ilmu agama, yang mana hal tersebut (seharusnya) dituntut hanya untuk mengharapkan wajah Allah, namun ia melakukannya hanya untuk tujuan keduniaan belaka, maka di hari kiamat kelak ia tidak akan dapat mencium wangi syurga” (H.R. Ibnu Majah, Ahmad, dan Abu Daud)

Imam Al-Khatib Al-Bagdadi berkata: “Wajib bagi setiap penuntut ilmu agama untuk mengikhlaskan niatnya dalam menuntut ilmu, dan menjadikan tujuannya tersebut hanya mengharapkan wajah Allah.”

2. Mengikuti Sunnah dan Mengamalkannya

Allah Shubhaanahu Wa Ta’ala berfirman, yang artinya: “Apa yang diberikan oleh rasul, terimalah. Dan apa yang dilarangnya bagimu maka tinggalkanlah” (Q.S. Al-Hasyr : 7).

Rasulullah Shallallahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam bersabda, yang artinya:

“Saya telah meninggalkan kepada kalian dua perkara, kalian tidak akan tersesat selama kalian memegang teguh kedua perkara tersebut (yaitu) Kitabullah (Al-Qur’an) dan Sunnah Nabi-Nya” (H.R. Malik).

3. Bertahap dalam Menuntut Ilmu

Kebanyakan dari para ulama salaf memulai pelajaran mereka dengan belajar adab. Dan sementara mereka mempelajari adab, mereka menghafal Al Qur’an, baru kemudian dilanjutkan dengan mempelajari bidang-bidang ilmu lainnya.

Abdullah bin Mubarak berkata: “Saya mempelajari adab selama 30 tahun dan saya mempelajari ilmu (agama) selama 20 tahun, dan mereka (para ulama salaf) memulai pelajaran mereka dengan mempelajari adab terlebih dahulu sebelum mempelajari ilmu.”

Dan kebanyakan dari para ulama salaf telah mengajarkan adab kepada anak-anak mereka sejak kecil. Dan mengajarkan mereka untuk menghafal Al-Quran, tulis menulis, dan berakhlaq yang mulia. Apabila mereka telah di anggap beradab, barulah mereka diikutkan dalam majelis-majelis ilmu, berkata Sufyan bin Said Ats- Tsaury: “Tidaklah mereka (para ulama salaf) mengirim anak-anak mereka untuk menuntut ilmu (agama) kecuali mereka telah beradab dan beribadah selama 20 tahun”.

4. Bersemangat dalam Menuntut Ilmu

Telah banyak riwayat yang menceritakan semangat para salafus shaleh dalam menuntut ilmu dan bagaimana mereka menjaga semangat tersebut agar tidak luntur. Bahkan terkadang mereka berlari-lari untuk menghadiri majelis-majelis ilmu tersebut, seperti yang dikatakan oleh Syu’bah bin Hajjaj:

“Tidaklah saya melihat seorang pun yang berlari, kecuali saya katakan, kalaulah ia bukan orang gila, (maka) dia adalah seorang penuntut ilmu”.

Akan tetapi hal yang terpenting yang harus diperhatikan oleh setiap penuntut ilmu agama adalah hendaknya ia mengambil ilmu agama tersebut dari orang yang benar-benar mengetahui tentang ilmu agama tersebut, bukan dari orang yang lemah hafalannya. Berkata Imam Muhammad bin Siriin: “Sesungguhnya ilmu ini adalah agama, maka perhatikanlah dari siapa engkau mengambil agamamu tersebut”, diriwayat lainnya beliau katakan: “Dulunya mereka (para ulama salaf) tidak bertanya tentang isnad (orang yang meriwayatkan hadits) namun setelah terjadi fitnah, maka mereka mulai bertanya: “Dari siapa kamu mendengarkan hadits tersebut ?”

(H.R. Muslim).

HAL-HAL PENGOKOH ILMU

1. Pemahaman yang Baik

Al-Khatib Al-Bagdadi berkata: “Ilmu adalah pemahaman dan pengetahuan, bukanlah banyak dan luasnya pengetahuan tentang riwayat”.

Ibnu Abdil Barr berkata: ”Dan yang menjadi kesepakatan fuqahaa’ (ahli-ahli fiqh) dan para ulama adalah membenci memperbanyak riwayat tanpa adanya pemahaman dan ketelitian”.

2. Menghafal dan Mengamalkannya

Imam Ahlus Sunnah Ahmad bin Hanbal berkata: ”Tidaklah sampai satu hadits pun kepadaku kecuali saya telah beramal dengannya. Dan tidaklah saya beramal dengannya kecuali saya telah menghafalnya”.

Waki’ bin Jarrah berkata: ”Apabila kalian ingin menghafal hadits, maka beramallah dengannya”.

3. Mengulang-ulangi Hafalan bersama dengan Guru atau Teman

Anas bin Malik Radhiallahu ‘Anhuma berkata: ”Dulu ketika kami berada di dekat Nabi Shallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam, kami mendengarkan hadits-hadits dari beliau. Apabila kami berdiri (telah bubar dari majelis bersama Nabi Shallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) kami mengulang-ulang hafalan hadits tersebut sesama kami, sampai kami menghafalnya”.

Imam Al-Khatib Al-Bagdadi berkata: “Sebaik-baik mudzakarah (mengulang-ulang pelajaran) adalah di waktu malam. Ada sekelompok orang salaf memulai mudzakarah mereka dari Isya dan bisa jadi mereka tidak berdiri hingga mereka mendengarkan adzan shubuh”.

4. Bersabar dalam Menuntut Ilmu Agama

Telah banyak riwayat yang menjelaskan bagaimana para ulama salaf bersabar dalam menuntut ilmu. Bahkan terkadang mereka harus menempuh perjalanan satu bulan untuk mendapatkan satu hadits Rasulullah Shallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam.

Oleh sebab itu para ulama salaf telah mewasiatkan kepada murid-muridnya untuk senantiasa bersabar dan menghindari sifat tergesa-gesa dalam menuntut ilmu. Berkata Imam Az Zuhri: ”Barangsiapa yang menuntut ilmu dalam jumlah banyak maka ilmu itu akan hilang dalam jumlah banyak pula. Akan tetapi hendaknya ia mengambil ilmu tersebut (sedikit demi sedikit) satu hadits kemudian dua hadits”.

Adapun salah satu wasilah atau perantara untuk mendapatkan ilmu tersebut adalah penguasaan bahasa Arab, karena bahasa ini ibarat gerbang masuk untuk memahami wahyu-wahyu Allah dan hadits rasul-Nya. Umar bin Khattab pernah memerintahkan kepada seluruh kaum muslimin yang berada di daerah kekuasaannya untuk mempelajari ilmu hadits, faraidh (warisan) dan Nahwu (bahasa arab) sebagaimana mereka mempelajari Al-Qur’an.

Imam As Sya’bi berkata: ”Kedudukan nahwu dalam ilmu seperti fungsi garam dalam makanan.”

Abu Ubaidah

Taken from : www.arraayah.com

The True Religion

By Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
THE RELIGION OF ISLAM

The first thing that one should know and clearly understand about Islam is what the word “Islam” itself means. The religion of Islam is not named after a person as in the case of Christianity which was named after Jesus Christ, Buddhism after Gotama Buddha, Confucianism after Confucius, and Marxism after Karl Marx. Nor was it named after a tribe like Judaism after the tribe of Judah and Hinduism after the Hindus. Islam is the true religion of “Allah” and as such, its name represents the central principle of Allah’s “God’s” religion; the total submission to the will of Allah “God”. The Arabic word “Islam” means the submission or surrender of one’s will to the only true god worthy of worship “Allah” and anyone who does so is termed a “Muslim”, The word also implies “peace” which is the natural consequence of total submission to the will of Allah. Hence, it was not a new religion brought by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) I in Arabia in the seventh century, but only the true religion of Allah re-expressed in its final form.

Islam is the religion which was given to Adam, the first man and the first prophet of Allah, and it was the religion of all the prophets sent by Allah to mankind. The name of God’s religion lslam was not decided upon by later generations of man. It was chosen by Allah Himself and clearly mentioned in His final revelation to man. In the final book of divine revelation, the Qur’aan, Allah states the following:

“This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion”. (Soorah Al-Maa’idah 5:3)

“If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah (God) never will It be accepted of Him” (Soorah Aal’imraan 3:85)

“Abraham was not a Jew nor Christian; but an upright Muslim.” (Soorah Aal’imraan 3:67)

Nowhere in the Bible will you find Allah saying to Prophet Moses’ people or their descendants that their religion is Judaism, nor to the followers of Christ that their religion is Christianity. In fact, Christ was not even his name, nor was it Jesus! The name “Christ” comes from the Greek word Christos which means the annointed. That is, Christ is a Greek translation of the Hebrew title “Messiah”. The name “Jesus” on the other hand, is a latinized version of the Hebrew name Esau.

For simplicity’s sake, I will however continue to refer to Prophet Esau (PBUH) as Jesus. As for his religion, it was what he called his followers to. Like the prophets before him, he called the people to surrender their will to the will of Allah; (which is Islam) and he warned them to stay away from the false gods of human imagination.

According to the New Testament, he taught his followers to pray as follows: “Yours will be done on earth as it is in Heaven”.
THE MESSAGE OF ISLAM

Since the total submission of one’s will to Allah represents the essence of worship, the basic message of Allah’s divine religion, Islam is the worship of Allah alone and the avoidance of worship directed to any person, place or thing other than Allah.Since everything other than Allah, the Creator of all things, is Allah’s creation; it may be said that Islam, in essence calls man away from the worship of creation and invites him to worship only its Creator. He is the only one deserving man’s worship as it is only by His will that prayers are answered. If man prays to a tree and his prayers are answered, it was not the tree which answered his prayers but Allah who allowed the circumstances prayed for to take place. One might say, “That is obvious,” however, to tree-worshippers it might not be. Similarly, prayers to Jesus, Buddha, or Krishna, to Saint Christopher, or Saint Jude or even to Muhammad, are not answered by them but are answered by Allah. Jesus did nottell his followers to worship him but to worship Allah. As the Qur’aan states:

“And behold Allah will say: “O Jesus the son of Mary Did you say to men, Worship me and my mother as gods besides Allah He will say-”Glory to you I could never say what I had no right (to say’)” (Soorah Al-Maa’idah- 5:116)

Nor did he worship himself when he worshipped but rather he worshipped Allah. This basic principle is enshrined in the opening chapter of the Qur’aan, known asSoorah Al-Faatihah, verse 4:

“You alone do we worship and from you alone do we seek help”.

Elsewhere, in the final book of revelation, the Qur’aan, Allah also said:

“And your Lord says:”Call on Me and I will answer your(prayer).”(Soorsh Mu’min 40:60)

it is worth noting that the basic message of Islam is that Allah and His creation are distinctly different entities. Neither is Allah His creation or a part of it, nor is His creation Him or a part of Him.

This might seem obvious, but, man’s worship of creation instead of the Creator is to a large degree based on ignorance of this concept. It is the belief that the essence of Allah is everywhere in His creation or that His divine being is or was present in some aspects of His creation, which has provided justification for the worship of creation though such worship maybecalled the worship of Allah through his creation. How ever, the message of Islam as brought by the prophets of Allah is to worship only Allah and to avoid the worship of his creation either directly or indirectly. In the Our’aan Allah clearlystates:

“For We assuredly sent amongst every people a prophet,(with the command) worship meand avoid false gods ” (Soorsh Al-Nahl 16:36)

When the idol worshipper is questioned as to why he or she bows down to idols created by men, the invariable reply is that they are not actually worshipping the stone image, but Allah who is present within it. They claim that the stone idol is only a focal point for Allah’s essence and is not in itself Allah! One who has accepted the concept of the presence of God’s being within His creation in any way will be obliged to accept this argument of idolatry. Whereas, one who understands the basic message of Islam and its implications would never concede to idolatry no matter how it is rationalized. Those who have claimed divinity for themselves down through the ages have often based their claims on the mistaken belief that Allah is present in man. They merely had to assert that although Allah according to their false beliefs, is in all of us, He is more present in them than in the rest of us. Hence, they claim, we should submit our will to them and worship them as they are either God in person or God concentrated within the person.

Similarly, those who have asserted the godhood of others after their passing have found fertile ground among those who accept the false belief of God’s presence in man. One who has grasped the basic message of Islam and its implications could never agree to worship another human being under any circumstances. God’s religion in essence is a clear call to the worship of the Creator and the rejection of creation-worship in any form. This is the meaning of the motto of Islam:

“Laa Elaaha lllallaah” (There is no god but Allah)

Its repetition automatically brings one within the fold of Islam and sincere belief in it guarantees one Paradise.

Thus, the final Prophet of Islam is reported to have said, “Any one who says: There is no god but Allah and dies holding that (belief) will enter paradise”.(Reported by Abu Dharr and collected by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim).

It consists in the submission to Allah as one God, yielding to Him by obeying His commandments, and the denial of polytheism and polytheists.
THE MESSAGE OF FALSE RELIGION

There are so many sects, cults, religions, philosophies, and movements in the world, all of which claim to be the right way or the only true path to Allah. How can one determine which one is correct or if, in fact, all are correct? The method by which the answer can be found is to clear away the superficial differences in the teachings of the various claimants to the ultimate truth, and identify the central object of worship to which they call, directly or indirectly. False religions all have in common one basic concept with regards to Allah. They either claim that all men are gods or that specific men were Allah or that nature is Allah or that Allah is a figment of man’s imagination.

Thus, it may be stated that the basic message of false religion is that Allah may be worshipped in the form of His creation. False religion invites man to the worship of creation by calling the creation or some aspect of it God. For example, prophet Jesus invited his followers to worship Allah but those who claim to be his followers today call people to worship Jesus, claiming that he was Allah!

Buddha was a reformer who introduced a number of humanistic principles to the religion of India. He did not claim to be God nor did he suggest to his followers that he be an object of worship. Yet, today most Buddhists who are to be found outside of India have taken him to be God and prostrate to idols made in their perception of his likeness.

By using the principle of identifying the object of worship, false religion becomes very obvious and the contrived nature of their origin clear. As God said in the Our’aan:

That which you worship besides Him are only names you and your forefathers have invented for which Allah has sent down no authority: The command belongs only to Allah:

He has commanded that you only worship Him; that is the right religion, but most men do not understand “. (Soorah Yoosuf 12:40)

It may be argued that all religions teach good things so why should it matter which one we follow. The reply is that all false religions teach the greatest evil, the worship of creation. Creation-worship is the greatest sin that man can commit because it contradicts the very purpose of his creation. Man was created to worship Allah alone as Allah has explicitly stated in the Our’aan:

“I have only created Jlnns and men, that they may worship me”(Soorah Zaareeyaat 51:56)

Consequently, the worship of creation, which is the essence of idolatry, is the only unforgivable sin. One who dies in this state of idolatry has sealed his fate in the next life. This is not an opinion, but a revealed fact stated by Allah in his final revelation to man:

“Verily Allah will not forgive the joining of partners with Him, but He may forgive (sins) less than that for whom so ever He wishes”(Soorah An- Nisaa 4:48 and 116)

THE UNIVERSALITY OF ISLAM

Since the consequences of false religion are so grave, the true religion of Allah must be universally understandable and attainable, not confined to any people, place or time. There can not be conditions like baptism, belief in a man, as a saviour etc., for a believer to enter paradise. Within the central principle of Islam and in its definition, (the surrender of one’s will to God) lies the roots of lslam’s universality. Whenever man comes to the realization that Allah is one and distinct from His creation, and submits himself to Allah, he becomes a Muslim in body and spirit and is eligible for paradise. Thus, anyone at anytime in the most remote region of the world can become a Muslim, a follower of God’s religion, Islam, by merely rejecting the worship of creation and by turning to Allah (God) alone-It should be noted however, that the recognition of and submission to Allah requires that one chooses between right and wrong and such a choice implies accountability. Man will be held responsible for his choices, and, as such, he should try his utmost to do good and avoid evil. The ultimate good being the worship of Allah alone and the ultimate evil being the worship of His creation along with or instead of Allah. This fact is expressed in the final revelation as follows:

“Verily those who believe, those who follow the Jewish (Scriptures), the Christians and the Sabians any who believe In Allah and the last day, and work righteousness *hall have their reward with their Lord;They will not be overcome by fear nor grief (Soorah Al-Baqarah 2:62).

If only they had stood by the law, the Gospel, and all the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have enjoyed happiness from every side. There Is from among them a party on the right course; but many of them follow a course that Is evil.”. (Soorah Al-.Maa’idah 5:66)

RECOGNITION OF ALLAH

The question which arises here is, “How can all people be expected to believe in Allah given their varying- backgrounds, societies and cultures? For people to be responsible for worshipping Allah they all have to have access to knowledge of Allah. The final revelation teaches that all mankind have the recognition of Allah imprinted on their souls, a part of their very nature with which they are created.

In Soorah Al-A’raaf, Verses 172-173; Allah explained that when He created Adam, He caused all of Adam’s descendants to come into existence and took a pledge from them saying, Am I not your Lord? To which they all replied, ” Yes, we testify to It:’

Allah then explained why He had all of mankind bear witness that He is their creator and only true God worthy of worship. He said, “That was In case you (mankind) should say on the day of Resurrection, “Verily we were unaware of all this.” That is to say, we had no idea that You Allah, were our God. No one told us that we were only supposed to worship You alone. Allah went on to explain That it was also In case you should say, “Certainly It was our ancestors who made partners (With Allah) and we are only their descendants; will You then destroy us for what those liars did?” Thus, every child is born with a natural belief in Allah and an inborn inclination to worship Him alone called in Arabic the “Fitrah”.

If the child were left alone, he would worship Allah in his own way, but all children are affected by those things around them, seen or unseen.

The Prophet (PBUH) reported that Allah said, “I created my servants in the right religion but devils made them go astray”. The Prophet (PBUH) also said, “Each child is born in a state of “Fitrah”, then his parents make him a Jew, Christian or a Zoroastrian, the way an animal gives birth to a normal offspring. Have you noticed any that were born mutilated?” (Collected by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim).

So, just as the child submits to the physical laws which Allah has put in nature, his soul also submits naturally to the fact that Allah is his Lord and Creator. But, his parents try to make him follow their own way and the child is not strong enough in the early stages of his life to resist or oppose the will of his parents. The religion which the child follows at this stage is one of custom and upbringing and Allah does not hold him to account or punish him for this religion.

Throughout people’s lives from childhood until the time they die, signs are shown to them in all regions of the earth and in their own souls, until it becomes clear that there is only one true God (Allah). If the people are honest with themselves, reject their false gods and seek Allah, the way will be made easy for them but if they continually reject Allah’s signs and continue to worship creation, the more difficult it will be for them to escape. For example, in the South Eastern region of the Amazon jungle in Brazil, South America, a primitive tribe erected a new hut to house their main idol Skwatch, representing the supreme God of all creation. The homage to the God, and while he was in prostration to what he had been taught was his Creator and Sustainer, a mangy old flea-ridden dog walked into the hut, The young man looked up in time to see the dog lift its hind leg and pass urine on the idol. Outraged, the youth chased the dog out of the temple, but when his rage died down he realized that the idol could not be the Lordof the universe. Allah must be elsewhere. he now had a choice to act on his knowledge and seek Allah, or to dishonestly go along with the false beliefs of his tribe. As strange as it may seem, that was a sign from Allah for that young man. It contained within it divine guidance that what he was worshipping was false.

Prophets were sent, as was earlier mentioned, to every nation and tribe to support man’s natural belief in Allah and man’s inborn inclination to worship Him as well as to reinforce the divine truth in the daily signs revealed by Allah. Although, in most cases, much of the prophets’ teachings became distorted, portions remained which point out right and wrong. For example, the ten commandments of the Torah, their confirmation in the Gospels and the existence of laws against murder, stealing and adultery in most societies. Consequently, every soul will be held to account for its belief in Allah and its acceptance of the religion of Islam; the total submission to the will of Allah.

We pray to Allah, the exalted, to keep us on the right path to which He has guided us, and to bestow on us a blessing from Him, He is indeed the Most Merciful. Praise and gratitude be to Allah,the Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings be on prophet Muhammed, his Family, his companions, and those who rightly follow them.

What Does Islam Say about Terrorism?

slam, a religion of mercy, does not permit terrorism. In the Quran, God has said:

“God does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly with those who have not fought you about religion and have not driven you out of your homes. God loves just dealers.” (Quran 60:8)

The Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, used to prohibit soldiers from killing women and children,[1] and he would advise them: “…Do not betray, do not be excessive, do not kill a newborn child.”[2] And he also said: “Whoever has killed a person having a treaty with the Muslims shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise, though its fragrance is found for a span of forty years.”[3]

Also, the Prophet Muhammad has forbidden punishment with fire.[4]

He once listed murder as the second of the major sins,[5] and he even warned that on the Day of Judgment, “The first cases to be adjudicated between people on the Day of Judgment will be those of bloodshed.[6]”[7]

Muslims are even encouraged to be kind to animals and are forbidden to hurt them. Once the Prophet Muhammad said: “A woman was punished because she imprisoned a cat until it died. On account of this, she was doomed to Hell. While she imprisoned it, she did not give the cat food or drink, nor did she free it to eat the insects of the earth.”[8]

He also said that a man gave a very thirsty dog a drink, so God forgave his sins for this action. The Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, was asked, “Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals?” He said: “There is a reward for kindness to every living animal or human.”[9]

Additionally, while taking the life of an animal for food, Muslims are commanded to do so in a manner that causes the least amount of fright and suffering possible. The Prophet Muhammad said: “When you slaughter an animal, do so in the best way. One should sharpen his knife to reduce the suffering of the animal.”[10]

In light of these and other Islamic texts, the act of inciting terror in the hearts of defenseless civilians, the wholesale destruction of buildings and properties, the bombing and maiming of innocent men, women, and children are all forbidden and detestable acts according to Islam and the Muslims. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the vast majority have nothing to do with the violent events some have associated with Muslims. If an individual Muslim were to commit an act of terrorism, this person would be guilty of violating the laws of Islam.

Footnotes:

[1] Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #1744, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #3015.

[2] Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #1731, and Al-Tirmizi, #1408.

[3] Narrated in Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #3166, and Ibn Majah, #2686.

[4] Narrated in Abu-Dawood, #2675.

[5] Narrated in Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #6871, and Saheeh Muslim, #88.

[6] This means killing and injuring.

[7] Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #1678, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #6533.

[8] Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #2422, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #2365.

[9] This saying of Muhammad has been mentioned in more detail on this page. Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #2244, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #2466.

[10] Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #1955, and Al-Tirmizi, #1409.

The Scientific Miracles of the Holy Quran

The Victory of the Romans and the Lowest Point on Earth

In the early 7th century, the two most powerful empires at the time were the Byzantine[1] and Persian Empires. In the years 613 – 614 C.E the two Empires went to war, with the Byzantines suffering a severe defeat at the hands of the Persians. Damascus and Jerusalem both fell to the Persian Empire. In the chapter, The Romans, in the Holy Quran, it is stated that the Byzantines had met with a great defeat but would soon gain victory:

“The Romans have been defeated in the lowest land, but after their defeat they will soon be victorious. Within three to nine years. The decision of the matter, before and after, is with God.” (Quran 30:2-4)

These verses, above, were revealed around 620 C.E, almost 7 years after the severe defeat of the Christian Byzantines at the hands of the idolater Persians in 613 – 614 C.E. Yet it was related in the verses that the Byzantines would shortly be victorious. In-fact, Byzantine had been so heavily defeated that it seemed impossible for the Empire to even maintain its very existence, let alone be victorious again.

Not only the Persians, but also the Avars, Slavs and Lombards (located to the North and West of the Byzantine Empire) posed serious threats to the Byzantine Empire’s sovereignty. The Avars had come as far as the walls of Constantinople and had nearly captured the Emperor, himself. Many governors had revolted against Emperor Heraclius, and the Empire was on the point of collapse. Mesopotamia, Syria, Palestine, Egypt and Armenia, which had earlier belonged to the Byzantine Empire, were invaded by the Persians. In short, everyone was expecting the Byzantine Empire to be destroyed, but right at that moment the first verses of the chapter, The Romans, were revealed announcing that the Byzantines would regain triumph in a few years time. Shortly after this revelation, the Byzantine Emperor proceeded to order the gold and silver in churches to be melted and turned into money in order both to meet the demanding expenses of the army, and finance his drive to regain the lost territories.

Around 7 years after the revelation of the first verses of The Romans, in December, 627 C.E, a decisive battle between The Byzantine Empire and the Persian Empire was fought in the area around the Dead Sea,[2] and this time it was the Byzantine army which surprisingly defeated the Persians. A few months later, the Persians had to make an agreement with the Byzantines which obliged them to return the territories they had taken from them. So, in the end, the victory of the Romans proclaimed by God in the Quran miraculously came through.

Another miracle revealed in the mentioned verses is the announcement of a geographical fact that no-one would have been able to discover in that period. In the third verse of The Romans, it was mentioned that the Romans were defeated “in the lowest land” (Quran 30:3). Significantly, the places where the main battles took place (in Damascus and Jerusalem) lie in a vast area of low-lying land called the Great Rift Valley. The Great Rift Valley is a huge 5,000 km fault line in the earth’s crust that runs from northern Syria in the Middle-East of Asia to central Mozambique in East Africa. The northernmost extension runs through Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and Jordon. The rift then extends south to the Gulf of Aden, makes its way through East Africa, then finally ends at the lower Zambezi River valley in Mozambique.

An interesting fact that has been discovered recently, with the help of satellite images, is that the area around the Dead Sea (located in the Great Rift Valley) has the lowest altitude on Earth. In fact, the lowest point on Earth is the shoreline of the Dead Sea, with an altitude of around 400 meters[3] below sea level. The fact that it lies at the lowest point means that water does not drain from the sea. No land point on earth has a lower altitude than the shoreline of the Dead Sea.[4]

Dead Sea Rift Valley, Israel and Jordan October 1984. Seen from an altitude of 190 nautical miles (350 kilometers) in this near-vertical photograph, the Dead Sea Rift Valley slices south-north through the Middle East. The surface of the Dead Sea, 1292 feet (394 meters) below sea level, is the lowest point on Earth. (Courtesy: The Image Science & Analysis Laboratory, NASA Johnson Space Center, Photo #: STS41G-120-56, http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov)

Therefore it becomes clear that the country or prefecture which occupies the rift valley in the vicinity of the Dead Sea is what is meant in the Quran by “the lowest land.” This is a true miracle of the Quran because no-one could have known or foreseen such a fact in the 7th century due to the fact that satellites and modern day technology were not available at the time. Once again, the only possible explanation is that Prophet Muhammad had truly received divine revelation from God, The Creator and Originator of the universe.

Footnotes:

[1] The Arabs also refer to the Byzantines as the Romans.

[2] The History of Persia Part I: Ancient Persia by Scott Peoples

[3] (http://hypertextbook.com/facts/2000/SanjeevMenon.shtml)

[4] (http://www.elnaggarzr.com/index.php?l=ar&id=51&cat=6)

How to Convert to Islam and Become a Muslim

The word “Muslim” means one who submits to the will of God, regardless of their race, nationality or ethnic background. Becoming a Muslim is a simple and easy process that requires no pre-requisites. One may convert alone in privacy, or he/she may do so in the presence of others.

If anyone has a real desire to be a Muslim and has full conviction and strong belief that Islam is the true religion of God, then, all one needs to do is pronounce the “Shahada”, the testimony of faith, without further delay. The “Shahada” is the first and most important of the five pillars of Islam.

With the pronunciation of this testimony, or “Shahada”, with sincere belief and conviction, one enters the fold of Islam.

Upon entering the fold of Islam purely for the Pleasure of God, all of one’s previous sins are forgiven, and one starts a new life of piety and righteousness. The Prophet said to a person who had placed the condition upon the Prophet in accepting Islam that God would forgive his sins:

“Do you not know that accepting Islam destroys all sins which come before it?” (Saheeh Muslim)

When one accepts Islam, they in essence repent from the ways and beliefs of their previous life. One need not be overburdened by sins committed before their acceptance. The person’s record is clean, and it is as if he was just born from his mother’s womb. One should try as much as possible to keep his records clean and strive to do as many good deeds as possible.

The Holy Quran and Hadeeth (prophetic sayings) both stress the importance of following Islam. God states:

“…The only religion in the sight of God is Islam…” (Quran 3:19)

In another verse of the Holy Quran, God states:

“If anyone desires a religion other than Islam, never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter, he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (their selves in the Hellfire).” (Quran 3:85)

In another saying, Muhammad, the Prophet of God, said:

“Whoever testifies that there in none worthy of being worshipped but God, Who has no partner, and that Muhammad is His slave and Prophet, and that Jesus is the Slave of God, His Prophet, and His word[1] which He bestowed in Mary and a spirit created from Him; and that Paradise (Heaven) is true, and that the Hellfire is true, God will eventually admit him into Paradise, according to his deeds.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

The Prophet of God, may the blessing and mercy of God be upon him, also reported:

“Indeed God has forbidden to reside eternally in Hell the person who says: “I testify that none has the right to worship except Allah (God),’ seeking thereby the Face of God.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)
The Declaration of the Testimony (Shahada)

To convert to Islam and become a Muslim a person needs to pronounce the below testimony with conviction and understanding its meaning:

I testify “La ilah illa Allah, Muhammad rasoolu Allah.”

The translation of which is:

“I testify that there is no true god (deity) but God (Allah), and that Muhammad is a Messenger (Prophet) of God.”

To hear it click here or click on “Live Help” above for assistance by chat.

When someone pronounces the testimony with conviction, then he/she has become a Muslim. It can be done alone, but it is much better to be done with an adviser through the “Live Help” at top, so we may help you in pronouncing it right and to provide you with important resources for new Muslims.

The first part of the testimony consists of the most important truth that God revealed to mankind: that there is nothing divine or worthy of being worshipped except for Almighty God. God states in the Holy Quran:

“We did not send the Messenger before you without revealing to him: ‘none has the right to be worshipped except I, therefore worship Me.’” (Quran 21:25)

This conveys that all forms of worship, whether it be praying, fasting, invoking, seeking refuge in, and offering an animal as sacrifice, must be directed to God and to God alone. Directing any form of worship to other than God (whether it be an angel, a messenger, Jesus, Muhammad, a saint, an idol, the sun, the moon, a tree) is seen as a contradiction to the fundamental message of Islam, and it is an unforgivable sin unless it is repented from before one dies. All forms of worship must be directed to God only.

Worship means the performance of deeds and sayings that please God, things which He commanded or encouraged to be performed, either by direct textual proof or by analogy. Thus, worship is not restricted to the implementation of the five pillars of Islam, but also includes every aspect of life. Providing food for one’s family, and saying something pleasant to cheer a person up are also considered acts of worship, if such is done with the intention of pleasing God. This means that, to be accepted, all acts of worship must be carried out sincerely for the Sake of God alone.

The second part of the testimony means that Prophet Muhammad is the servant and chosen messenger of God. This implies that one obeys and follows the commands of the Prophet. One must believe in what he has said, practice his teachings and avoid what he has forbidden. One must therefore worship God only according to his teaching alone, for all the teachings of the Prophet were in fact revelations and inspirations conveyed to him by God.

One must try to mold their lives and character and emulate the Prophet, as he was a living example for humans to follow. God says:

“And indeed you are upon a high standard of moral character.” (Quran 68:4)

God also said:

“And in deed you have a good and upright example in the Messenger of God, for those who hope in the meeting of God and the Hereafter, and mentions God much.” (Quran 33:21)

He was sent in order to practically implement the Quran, in his saying, deeds, legislation as well as all other facets of life. Aisha, the wife of the Prophet, when asked about the character of the Prophet, replied:

“His character was that of the Quran.” (As-Suyooti)

To truly adhere to the second part of the Shahada is to follow his example in all walks of life. God says:

“Say (O Muhammad to mankind): ‘If you (really) love God, then follow me.’” (Quran 3:31)

It also means that Muhammad is the Final Prophet and Messenger of God, and that no (true) Prophet can come after him.

“Muhammad is not the father of any man among you but he is the Messenger of God and the last (end) of the Prophets and God is Ever All-Aware of everything.” (Quran 33:40)

All who claim to be prophets or receive revelation after Muhammad are imposters, and to acknowledge them would be tantamount to disbelief.

We welcome you to Islam, congratulate you for your decision, and will try to help you in any way we can.

Footnotes:

[1] God created him through His statement, “Be!”

What Is Islam

What is Islam?
Islam is not a new religion, but the same truth that God revealed through all His prophets to every people. For a fifth of the world’s population, Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the majority have nothing to do with the extremely grave events which have come to be associated with their faith.

Who are the Muslims?
One billion people from a vast range or races, nationalities and cultures across the globe – from the southern Philippines to Nigeria – are united by their common Islamic faith. About 18% live in the Arab world; the world’s largest Muslim community is in Indonesia; substantial parts of Asia and most of Africa are Muslim, while significant minorities are to be found in the Soviet Union, China, North and South America, and Europe.

What do Muslims believe?
Muslims believe in One, Unique, Incomparable God (called Allah in Arabic); in the Angels created by Him; ; in the Angels created by Him; in the prophets through whom His revelation were brought to mankind; in the Day of Judgement and individual accountability for actions; in God’s complete authority over human destiny and in life after death. Muslims believe in a chain of prophets starting with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the Baptist, and Jesus, peace be upon them. But God’s final message to man, a reconfirmation of the eternal message and a summing-up of all that has gone before was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) through Angel Gabriel.

How does someone become a Muslim?
Simply by saying ‘there is no god worthy of worship besides God (Allah), and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. By this declaration the believer announces his or her faith in all God’s messengers, and the scriptures they brought.

What Is Ka’bah?
The Ka’bahah is the place of worship which God commanded Prophets Abraham and Ishmael to build over Four thousand years ago. The building was constructed of stone.

Who is Muhammad?
Muhammad (pbuh ) was born in Makkah in the year 570, at a time when Christianity was not yet fully established in Europe. Since his father died before his birth, and his mother shortly afterwards, he was raised by his uncle from the respected tribe of Quraysh. As he grew up, he became known for his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity, so that he was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes. The historians describe him as calm and meditative.

Muhammad (pbuh) was of a deeply religious nature, and had long detested the decadence and idolatry of his society. It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the Cave of Hira near the summit of Jabal al-Nur, the ‘Mountain of Light’ near Makkah.

How did he become a prophet and a Messenger of God?
At the age of 40, while engaged in a meditative retreat, Muhammad ( pbuh ) received his first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel. This revelation, which continued for twenty-three years, is known as the Qur’an.

As soon as he began to recite the words he heard from Gabriel, and to preach the truth which God had revealed to him, he and his small group of followers suffered bitter persecution, which grew so fierce that in the year 622 God gave them the command to emigrate. This event, the Hijirah, [migration], in which they left Makkah for the city of Madeenah some 260 miles from Mekkah.

How did the spread of Islam affect the world?
Among the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was the simplicity of its doctrine. Islam calls for faith in only One God worthy of worship. It also repeatedly instructs man to use his powers of intelligence and observation.

Within a few years, great civilizations and universities were flourishing, for according to the Prophet ( pbuh ) , ‘seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim. The synthesis of Eastern and Western ideas and of new thought with old, brought about great advances in medicine, mathematics, physics, astronomy, geography, architecture, art, literature, and history. Many crucial systems such as algebra, the Arabic numerals, and also the concept of the zero (vital to the advancement of mathematics), were transmitted to medieval Europe from Islam. Sophisticated instruments which were to make possible the European voyages of discovery were developed, including the astrolabe, the quadrant and good navigational maps.

What does ‘Islam’ mean?
The Arabic word ‘Islam’ simply means ‘submission’, and derives from a word meaning ‘peace’. In a religious context it means complete submission to the will of God. ‘Mohammedanism’ is thus a misnomer because it suggests that Muslims worship Muhammad ( pbuh ) rather than God. ‘Allah’ is the Arabic name for God, which is used by both Arab Muslims and Arab Christians alike.

Why does Islam often seem strange?
Islam may seem exotic or even extreme in the modern world. Perhaps this is because religion does not dominate everyday life in the West today, whereas Muslims have religion always uppermost in their minds, and make no division between secular and sacred. They believe that the Divine Law, the Sharee‘ah, should be taken very seriously, which is why issues related to religion are still so important.

Do Islam and Christianity have different origins?
No. Together with Judaism, they go back to the prophet and patriarch Abraham, and their three prophets are directly descended from his sons – Muhammad from the eldest, Ishmael, and Moses and Jesus from Isaac. Abraham established the settlement which today is the city of Makkah, and built the Ka‘bah towards which all Muslims turn when the pray.

God commanded Abraham to summon all mankind to visit this place, and when pilgrims go there today the say ‘Here I am O Allah’, in response to Abraham’s summons.

What is the Qur’an?
The Qur’an is a record of the exact words revealed by God through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). It was memorized by Muhammad (pbuh) and then dictated to his Companions, handwritten down by scribes, who cross-checked it during his lifetime. Not one word of its 114 chapters, Suras, has been changed over the centuries, so that the Qur’an is in every detail the unique and miraculous text which was revealed to Muhammad (pbuh) fourteen centuries ago.

What is the Qur’an about?
The Qur’an, the last revealed Word of God, is the prime source of every Muslim’s faith and practice. It deals with all the subjects which concern us as human beings: wisdom, doc-trine, worship, and law, but its basic theme is the relationship between God and His creatures. At the same time it provides guidelines for a just society , proper human conduct and an equitable economic system.

Are there any other sacred sources?
Yes, the sunnah, the practice and example of the Prophet (pbuh), is the second authority for Muslims. A hadith is a reliably transmitted report of what the Prophet (pbuh) said, did, or approved. Belief in the sunnah is a fundamental part of the Islamic faith.

Examples of the Prophet’s sayings

The Prophet (pbuh) said:
‘God has no mercy on one who has no mercy for others.’
‘None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.’
‘He who eats his fill while his neighbor goes without food is not a true believer.’
“The truthful and trusty businessman is associated with the prophets, the saints, and the martyrs.’
‘Powerful is not he who knocks the other down, indeed powerful is he who controls himself in a fit of anger.’
‘God does not judge according to your bodies and appearances but He scans your hearts and looks into your deeds.’
‘A man walking along a path felt very thirsty. Reaching a well he descended into it, drank his fill and came up. Then he saw a dog with its tongue hanging out, trying to lick up mud to quench its thirst. The man saw that the dog was feeling the same thirst as he had felt so he went down into the well again and filled his shoe with water and gave the dog a drink. God forgave his sins for this action.’ The Prophet (pbuh) was asked: ‘Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals?’ He replied, ‘There is a reward for kindness to every living thing.’

From the hadith collections of Bukhaaree, Muslim, Tirmithee and Bayhaqee.

What are the ‘Five Pillars’ of Islam?
They are the framework of the Muslim life: faith, prayer, concern for the needy, self-purification, and the pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able.

1. FAITH
There is no god worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is His messenger. This declaration of faith is called the Shaahadah, a simple formula which all the faithful pronounce. In Arabic, the first part is la ilaaha il – lal – ’laah-’ there is no god except Allah’; ilaaha (god) can refer to anything which we may be tempted to put in place of God-wealth, power, and like. Then comes il – lal – ‘laah:’ except Allah’, the creator of all things The second part of the Shahaadah is Muhammadun rasoolul-laah ‘Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.’ A Message of guidance has come through a man like ourselves.

2. PRAYER
Salaah is the name for the obligatory prayers which are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam and no priests, so the prayers, are led by a learned person who knows the Qur’an, chosen by the congregation. These five prayers contain verses from the Qur’an, and are said in Arabic, the language of the Revelation, but personal supplication can be offered in one’s own language. Prayers are said at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall, and thus determine the rhythm of the entire day. Although it is preferable to worship together in a mosque, a Muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories and universities. Visitors to the Muslim world and struck by the centrality of prayers in daily life.

A translation of the Call to Prayer is:
Allah is most great. Allah is most great.
Allah is most great. Allah is most great.
I testify that there is no god except Allah.
I testify that there is no god except Allah.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.
Come to prayer! Come to prayer!
Come to success (in the life and the Hereafter)! Come to success!
Allah is most great. Allah is most great.
There is no god except Allah.

3. THE ‘ZAKAAH’
One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakaah means both ‘purification’ and growth’. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.

Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakat individually. For most purposes this involves the payment each year of two and a half percent of one’s surplus savings.

A pious person may also give as much as he or she pleases as sadaqah, and does so preferably in secret.

Although this word can be translated as voluntary charity’ it has a wider meaning. The Prophet (pbuh) said

‘even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is charity.’

The Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘Charity is a necessity for every Muslim.’ He was asked’ What if a person has nothing?’ The Prophet (pbuh) replied: ‘He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity.’ The Companions asked: ‘What if he is not able to work?’ The Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘He should help poor and needy persons.’ The Companions further asked, ‘What if he cannot do even that?’ The Prophet (pbuh) said’ He should urge others to do good.’ The Companions said ‘What if he lacks that also?’ The Prophet (pbuh) said’ He should check himself from doing evil. That is also charity.’

4. THE FAST
Every year in the month of Ramadaan, all Muslim fast from first light until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations.

Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are pregnant or nursing are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year. If they are physically unable to do this, they must feed a needy person for every day missed. Children begin to fast (and to observe the prayer) from puberty, although many start earlier.

Although the fast is most beneficial to the health, it is regarded principally as a method of self purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry which leads to growth in one’s spiritual life.

5. PILGRIMAGE (Hajj)
The annual pilgrimage to Makkah the Hajj – is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to perform it. Nevertheless, about two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another.

Although Makkah is always filled with visitors, the annual Hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic year (which is lunar, not solar, so that Hajj and Ramadan fall sometimes in summer, sometimes in winter). Pilgrims wear special clothes: simple garments which strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before God.

The rites of the Hajj, which were begun by Prophet Abraham, include circling the Ka’bah seven times, and going seven times between the mountains Safaa and Marwah as Hager did during her search for water. Then the pilgrims stand together on the wide plain of ‘Arafah and join in prayers for God’s forgiveness, in what is often thought of as a preview of the Last Judgement.

In previous centuries the Hajj was an arduous undertaking. Today, however, water, modern transport, and the most up-to-date health facilities are provided for the millions who take part in the pilgrimage.

The close of the Hajj is marked bya festival, ‘Eed al-Ad-haa, which is celebrated with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere. This, and the ‘Eedal-Fitr, a feast-day commemorating the end of Ramadan, are the main festivals of the Muslims’ calendar.

Does Islam tolerate other beliefs?
The Qur’an says:

Allah does not forbid you with regards to those who do not fight you for [your] faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them; for Allah loves those who are just. (Qur’an, 60:8)

It is one function of Islamic law to protect the privileged status of minorities, and this is why non-Muslim places of worship have flourished all over the Islamic world. History provides many examples of Muslim tolerance towards other faiths: when the caliph Omar entered Jerusalem in the year 634, Islam granted freedom of worship to all religious communities in the city.

Islamic law also permits non-Muslim minorities to set up their own courts, which implement family laws drawn up by the minorities themselves.

SIN: According to Islam, man is not born in ‘original sin’. Every child is born with an innate disposition towards virtue, knowledge, and beauty. Islam considers itself to be the ‘primordial religion’, it seeks to return man to his original, true nature in which he is in harmony with creation, inspired to do good, and confirming the Oneness of God.

What do Muslims think about Jesus?
Muslims respect and revere Jesus (r), and await his Second Coming. They consider him one of the greatest of God’s messengers to mankind. The Qur’an confirms his virgin birth (a chapter of the Qur’an is entitled ‘Mary’), and Mary is considered the purest woman in all creation. The Qur’an describes the Annunciation as follows:

‘Behold!’ the Angel said, ‘God has chosen you, and purified you, and chosen you above the women of all nations. O Mary, God gives you good news of a word from Him, whose name shall be the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, honored in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near to God. He shall speak to the people from his cradle and in maturity, and shall be of the righteous.’

She said: ‘O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me?’ He said: ‘Even so; Allah creates whatever He wills. When He decrees a thing, He says to it, “Be!” and it is.’ (Qur’an, 3:42-7)

Jesus (r) was born miraculously through the same power which had brought Adam (r) into being without a father:

Truly, the likeness of Jesus with God is as the likeness of Adam. He created him of dust, and then said to him, ‘Be!’ and he was. (3:59)
During his prophetic mission Jesus (r) performed many miracles. The Qur’an tells us that he said:

‘I have come to you with a sign from your Lord: I make for you out of clay, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it and it becomes a bird by Allah’s leave. And I heal the blind, and the lepers, and I raise the dead by Allah’s leave.(3:49)

Neither Muhammad (r) nor Jesus (r) came to change the basic doctrine of the belief in One God, brought by earlier prophets, but to confirm and renew it. In the Qur’an Jesus (r) is reported as saying that he came:

‘To attest the law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden you; I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear Allah and obey Me.’
(3:50)

The Prophet Muhammad (r) said:
‘Whoever believes there is no god but God, alone without partner, that Muhammad (r) is His messenger, that Jesus is the servant and messenger of God, His word breathed into Mary and a spirit from Him, and that Paradise and Hell are true, shall be received by Allah into Heaven.’

(Hadith from Bukhaaree)

Why is the family so important to Muslims?
The family is the foundation of Islamic society. The peace and security offered by a stable family unit is greatly valued, and seen as essential for the spiritual growth of its members. A harmonious social order is created by the existence of extended families; children are treasured, and rarely leave home until the time they marry.

What about Muslim women?
Islam sees a woman, whether single or married, as an individual in her own right, with the right to own and dispose of her property and earnings. A marriage dowry is given by the groom to the bride for her own personal use, and she keeps her own family name rather than taking her husband’s.

Both men and women are expected to dress in a way which is modest and dignified. Women are required to cover all of their body except for the face and hands in order to protect their modesty and honor.

The Messenger of God (pbuh) said:
“The most perfect in faith amongst believers is he who is best in manner and kindest to his wife.”

Can a Muslim have more than one wife?
The religion of Islam was revealed for all societies and all times and so accommodates widely differing social requirements. Circumstances may warrant the taking of another wife but the right is granted, according to the Qur’an, only on condition that the husband is scrupulously fair.

Is Islamic marriage like Christian marriage?
A Muslim marriage is not a ‘sacrament’, but a simple, legal agreement in which either partner is free to include conditions. Marriage customs thus vary widely from country to country. As a result, divorce is not common, although it is not forbidden as a last resort. According to Islam, no Muslim girl or boy can be forced to marry against their will: their parents will simply suggest young men or women they think may be suitable.

How do Muslims treat the elderly?
In the Islamic world there are no old people’s homes. The strain of caring for one’s parents in this most difficult time of their lives is considered an honor and blessing, and an opportunity for great spiritual growth. God asks that we not only pray for our parents, but act with limitless compassion, remembering that when we were helpless children they preferred us to themselves.

Mothers are particularly honored: the Prophet (pbuh) taught that ‘Paradise lies at the feet of mothers’. When they reach old age, Muslim parents are treated mercifully, with the same kindness and selflessness.

In Islam, serving one’s parents is a duty second only to prayer, and it is their right to expect it. It is considered despicable to express any irritation when, through no fault of their own, the old become difficult.

The Qur’an says: ‘Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and be kind to parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, do not say ‘Uff’ to them or chide them, but speak to them in terms of honor and kindness. Treat them with humility, and say, ‘My Lord! Have mercy on them, for they cared for me when I was little’. (17:23-4)

How do Muslims view death?
Like Jews and Christians, Muslims believe that the present life is only a preparation for the next realm of existence. Basic articles of faith include: Resurrection the Day of Judgment, Heaven and Hell.

When a Muslim dies, he or she is washed, usually by a family member, wrapped in a clean white cloth, and buried preferably the same day. Simple prayers following Muslims consider this one of the final services they can do for their relatives, and an opportunity to remember their own brief existence here on earth. The Prophet (pbuh) taught that three things can continue to help a person even after death; charity which he had given, knowledge which he had taught and prayers on their behalf by a righteous child.

What does Islam say about war?
Like Christianity, Islam permits fighting in self-defense, in defense of religion, or on the part of those who have been expelled forcibly from their homes. It lays down strict rules of combat which include prohibitions against harming civilians and against destroying crops, trees and livestock. As Muslims see it, injustice would be triumphant in the world if good men were not prepared to risk their lives in a righteous cause. The Qur’an says:

‘Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not transgress limits. God does not love transgressors.’ (2:190)

If they seek peace, then you should also seek peace. And trust in Allah for He is the One that hears and knows all things. (8:61)
War, therefore, is the last resort, and is subject to the rigorous conditions laid down by the sacred law.

The term jihaad literally means’ struggle’, and Muslims believe that there are two kinds of jihaad. The outer struggle against the forces of evil and corruption and the inner struggle which everyone wages against egotistic desires, for the sake of attaining inner peace.

What about food?
Although much simpler than the dietary law followed by Jews and the early Christians, the code which Muslims observe forbids the consumption of blood, pork and any kind of intoxicating substances. The Prophet taught that ‘your body has rights over you’, and the consumption of wholesome food and the leading of a healthy lifestyle are seen as religious obligations.
The Prophet (pbuh) said:
‘Ask God for certainty [of faith] and well-being; for after certainty, no one is given any gift better than health!’
How does Islam guarantee human rights?
Freedom of conscience is laid down by the Qur’an itself: ‘There is no compulsion in religion’. (2:256)

The life and property of all citizens in an Islamic state are considered sacred whether a person is Muslim or not. Racism is incomprehensible to Muslims, for the Qur’an speaks of human equality in the following terms:
‘O mankind! We created you from a single soul, male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one another. Truly, the most honored of you in Allah’s sight is the greatest of you in piety. Allah is All-Knowing,
All-Aware. (49:13)

Islam in the United States?
It is almost impossible to generalize about American Muslims: converts, immigrants, factory workers, doctors, all are making their own contribution to America’s future. This complex community is unified by a common faith, underpinned by a countrywide network of more than a thousand mosques.

Muslims were early arrivals in North America. By the eighteenth century there were may thousands of them, working as slaves on plantations. These early communities cut off from their heritage and families, inevitably lost their Islamic identity as time went by. Today many Afro-American Muslims play an important role in the Islamic community.

The nineteenth century, however, saw the beginnings of an influx of Arab Muslims, most of whom settled in the major industrial centers where they worshipped in hired rooms. The early twentieth century witnessed the arrival of several hundred thousand Muslims from Eastern Europe: the first Albanian mosque was opened in Maine in 1915; others soon followed, and a group of Polish Muslims opened a mosque in Brooklyn in 1928.

In 1947 the Washington Islamic Center was founded during the term of President Truman, and several nationwide organizations were set up in the fifties. During the fifties through seventies there was a great influx of Muslims from India and Pakistan who today represent a major segment of immigrant American Muslims. From the early twenties until the seventies a few Pseudo-Islamic organizations have appeared among indigenous Muslims using Islamic terminology to cover racist un-Islamic teachings: The nation of Islam (commonly called “Black Muslims”), The Moorish Science Temple, The Ansarullah.

Although they have always remained a small but vocal minority, some of their spokesmen continue to tarnish the image of Islam until today. Today the Muslim population in America is estimated by researchers at five to eight millions.