Islam a comprehensive guide

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Islam a comprehensive guide to the reality, legislation, beliefs and laws
Muhammad ibn Ibraheem al–Hamad

Islam a comprehensive guide to the reality, legislation, beliefs and law
•    Islām A Comprehensive Guide to the Reality, Legislation, Beliefs & Laws
o    Foreword
o    Introduction
o    Part One: The Reality of Islam, the Sources of its Legislation, and its Pillars.
•    Chapter One: The Reality of Islam
•    Chapter Two: The Sources of Legislation in Islam
•    Chapter Three: The Pillars of Islam
o    Part Two: The Tenets of Faith
•    Chapter One: Believing in Allah –the Majestic–
•    Chapter Two: Belief in the Angels
•    Chapter Three: Belief in the Divine Books
•    Chapter Four: Belief in the Messengers
•    Chapter Five: Belief in the Last Day
•    Chapter Six: Belief in Predestination
o     Part Three: Muhammad (Peace be upon him) – the Last of the Prophets and Messengers
•    Chapter One: The Sending of the Prophet and a Summary of His Biography
•    Chapter Two: The Character of the Prophet  and the Secrets of His Biography
•    Chapter Three: The Glad Tidings Given by Jesus and Moses – peace be upon them both – of the Coming of Muhammad  & the Sayings of the Impartial non–Muslims in that Regard
o    Part Four: Regarding the Knowledge of the Unseen
•    Chapter One: The World of the Jinn and Devils
•    Chapter Two: Death, the Afterlife, and the Grave
•    Chapter Three: The Signs of the Hour
o     Part Five: Regarding Sin, Repentance, and Invocation
•    Chapter One: The Meaning of Sin and other Related Matters
•    Chapter Two: The Meaning of Repentance; the Wisdom behind it, and its Rulings
•    Chapter Three: Regarding Invocation
o     Part Six: Political, Economic, & Social Systems in Islam & the Role of the Family Unit
•    Chapter One: The Political System in Islam
•    Chapter Two: The Islamic Economic System
•    Chapter Three: The Islamic Social System
•    Chapter Four: The Islamic Family System
o     Part Seven: The Islamic Perspective on Certain Contemporary Issues
•    Chapter One: Islam, the Intellect, Knowledge & Work
•    Chapter Two: Islam, Public Health & Hygiene
•    Chapter Three: Islam, Peace, Coexistence, Tolerance, Compulsion, Violence & Terrorism
o    Part Eight: Proof of the Truth of Islam •    Chapter One: The Miraculous Nature of the Quran
•    Chapter Two: The Miraculous Nature of the Prophetic Traditions
•    Chapter Three: Islam as Mentioned in the Previous Divine Books
o    Conclusion

 Islām A Comprehensive Guide to the Reality, Legislation, Beliefs & Laws of the World’s Fastest Growing Religion
The treatise that won first place prize in the international competition ‘This is Islam’ organized by the WorldWide Association for Introducing Islam (WWAII) – a subsidiary of the Muslim World League (MWL)
Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim al–Hamad
Translated by Saad Dawud Burbank

 Foreword
Foreword of the WorldWide Association for Introducing Islam (WWAII), a subsidiary of the Muslim World League (MWL)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
All praise is for Allah alone, and may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah –our Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)– and upon his family, his Companions, and upon those who aid them.

To proceed:
The need of humanity for Islam is great, rather their need for it is dire. The souls of people are unhappy and content except when they turn to their Lord and their Creator; and the condition of people individually, society as a whole, or nations in their entirety, will not be upright except by them following the legislation of their Creator, He Who knows that which contains within it their well–being and success.

It is of no surprise –then– that which we see the non–Muslim societies having attained from the splendour of this world that which they have attained; from luxury, freedom, indulging in desires –not having anybody to hold them to account or anything to prevent them– living in a state of worry, loss, and pure materialism which controls much of what they do.

How can that not be the case when they have not reached the divine methodology that purifies their souls and holds the answers to all that confuses them!?

Due to this, from the obligations and responsibilities upon the nation of Islam is that it undertakes and strives ardently –on behalf of humanity– to spread the guidance of Islam, and to make clear its fine qualities, its universality, and its justice – in order that the definitive proof of Allah is established, and in order that those whom Allah wishes are guided.

The people of Islam –both in the past and present– have carried out a great deal in this regard. However, in these times, the affair is graver, with there being a greater need to multiply efforts, and to dress the call to Islam in garments conforming to modern times and its people; so as to withstand the fakery and deception of the misleading, spiteful media; and so that Islam is acquitted from the actions of some of those who falsely ascribe themselves to it –while in fact they are far removed from its guidance–; and in order to oppose everything preventing the people from being introduced to Islam– the religion by way of which Allah completed His favor upon humanity, and is pleased with as the being the final, comprehensive religion until the day of Judgement.

Thus, it is from the primary aims of the WorldWide Association for Introducing Islam (WWAII) –a subsidiary of the Muslim World League (MWL)– to contribute in this field. From its contributions is that it saw –after consultation, discussions, and travelling to many parts of the world– the need to compile material that introduces Islam and displays its fine qualities.

Many attempts have been made to achieve this, in need of being rephrased and edited, in order to conform with modern times –as aforementioned– by following rigorous academic practices, without being excessive or falling short; or, as the researcher says: "The language used is far from being overpowering or provocative, as well as being distant from partisanship and weakness.

As a result, the idea of launching a research competition arose, under the name of "This is Islam", and it was circulated throughout all of the universities in the Islamic world, in the hope that the largest possible number would participate. A panel of experienced, specialized judges were chosen from amongst the professors of the reputable universities – succeeding which the arduous submissions were received.

However, the best and most deserving of being awarded with first place was the scholar and litterateur: Dr. Muhammad bin Ibrahim al–Hamad –who clearly surpassed his peers to be honoured singly with first place position– and was given the appropriate marks in all areas; due to his treatise being comprehensive, inclusive, well–presented and discussed, gathering between classical and contemporary sources, in addition to his research being well referenced.

The result was this fine, unique piece of work; which we hope will aid in introducing Islam and assist the callers to Allah in inviting to Islam.

I ask Allah to bless this treatise, and to facilitate its translation into all of the worlds languages.

Just as I ask Him –the Exalted and Most High –to reward the researcher, his colleagues, and the panel of judges with the best reward. May He make us guides to good, preventers of evil, and blessed wherever we are.

Written by:
Habib Muhammad al–Harithi
Acting Secretary–General of the WorldWide Association for Introducing Islam (WWAII)
al–Madinah al–Munawwarah
1/12/1434H

 Introduction
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
All praise is for Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah –our Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)– , his family, his Companions, and upon those who aid them.

To proceed:
Islam is the seal of all religions, and the most comprehensive and universal of them all. Allah the Mighty and Majestic completed it; and He perfected His favour upon the servants by way of it, and He is pleased with it as their religion.

The subject of Islam has many branches and aspects to it – making it a discussion that starts and never ends. This is due to Islam containing the details and rulings pertaining to everything.

Allah says:
(مَّا فَرَّطنَا فِي الكِتَابِ مِن شَيء) Sura al–An’am (6):38
]Meaning: We have neglected nothing in the Book.]

So, there is not a single matter –small or great– from the matters of belief, action, legislation, or etiquette, that Islam did not make mention of. Rather it encompassed all matters; either generally or specifically – whether in relation to the nation in its entirety, or those affairs that concern a person specifically.

The Messenger of Islam –Muhammad (Peace be upon him)– did not depart this world except after making clear to the nation all they required regarding their religious affairs. So, he conveyed the message of his Lord, and he established the proof upon the people after him.

This study that is between your hands aims to give a comprehensive outlook on the religion of Islam.

Nevertheless, it is impossible for any author –however eloquent he may be– to fulfil such a task as is befitting. This is because –as has preceded– of the lengthiness of the topic and its many branches.

The problem lies not in the lack of availability of knowledge, historical material, or the like. Rather the problem lies in the number of topics wanting to be discussed in order to comprise a book that is clear and concise. Without a doubt, this goal is a formidable and difficult achievement.

Furthermore, another challenge faced was how to effectively communicate the religion of Islam by showing it in its true light –something that every seeker of the truth should have knowledge of– and uncovering that which it contains from tremendous good for all of humanity. This required additional care and precision.

I strove to fulfil this great goal and tried as much as I was able to summarize this treatise; however, it overcame me and increased in its size. This is because each of its sections –rather each of its subsections– is worthy of being researched separately and studied independently to be published in individual theses.

Due to the aforementioned I abridged much; in order to touch upon all of the topics with brevity, while adapting a modernistic approach.

That being said –then however large this work may be– it remains a humble effort; as reflected by the research plan and strategy.

Research plan:
The research plan comprises an introduction, eight parts, and a conclusion.

This is further broken down as follows:
Part One: The Reality of Islam, the Sources of its Legislation, and its Pillars
Part Two: The Pillars of Faith
Part Three: Muhammad (Peace be upon him)– the Seal of all of the Prophets and Messengers
Part Four: Regarding the Knowledge of the Unseen
Part Five: Regarding Sin, Repentance, and Supplication
Part Six: Political, Economic, & Social Systems in Islam & the Role of the Family Unit
Part Seven: The Islamic Stance Regarding Certain Contemporary Issues
Part Eight: Proof of the Truth of Islam

These eight parts make up the main topics of the treatise, with each part being broken down into chapters, and each chapter into sections. Occasionally, some of the chapters have a prologue to give background when needed.

Conclusion:
A brief summary of all the topics contained in the treatise.

Research strategy:
The researcher took care to observe the following points throughout his research:
1 – Great effort was made to ensure the topics of the treatise were separate from each other, while remaining linked at the same time. The topics are separate in the sense that each of them is deserving of being researched independently, but likewise linked in the sense that they complement and follow on from each other. This is from the perfection of Islam –that each of its aspects are complementary and interconnected– with it being impossible to separate a part of it from the rest of it.

2 – Effort was made to ensure a mild tone was adhered throughout the treatise, taking the mindsets of both Muslims and non–Muslims alike into consideration; and in particular the western mindset. The language used is far from being overpowering or provocative, giving it a greater chance of being accepted. This is also achieved by verifying the authenticity and accuracy of information, as well as striving to clarify the truth with its evidence.

A conscious effort was made to gain acceptance from the reader by gathering between classical and contemporary styles; with the classical style providing strength to the research, and the contemporary style aiding in conveying the message to the various target audiences.

3 – Care was taken to ensure the treatise was presented and written well.
This was achieved via:
i. The treatise following the format and style of a research paper – with quotations, referencing, etc, being used throughout.

ii. Attention was paid to ensure correct usage of language, grammar, and punctuation throughout.

iii. Adhering to research principles and practices, with effort made in striking a balance between the treatise being formal and unappealing, and between it being informal and inviting.

iv. Verifying information by returning to its original sources; whether old or contemporary.

v. Generating and maintain reader interest by organizing the treatise into sections, as well as having a variation in quotation and transmission.

vi. Effort was made to ensure the writing in the treatise was lively and fluid; distant from the stagnant, mechanical nature of academic research.

– In addition to a number of other factors that assist the reader in comprehending the intent and maintain their interest. The format enables readers to split up the treatise into parts, or extract sections from it.

4 – Many of the topics in the treatise are interconnected, making it difficult to isolate them independently. Due to this effort was made to research each topic separately, such that the sections of the treatise complemented and completed each other.

5 – Care was given when writing this treatise to making it appropriate as a syllabus to be taught for the subject of Islamic culture, or as supplementary material to an existing curriculum.

The aforementioned were the main challenges faced in writing this treatise, and a brief outline of the research plan – detail of which will follow.

We seek Allah’s aid, and upon Him we rely, and may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah –our Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)–, his family, and his Companions.
Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim al–Hamad
az–Zulfi, P.O. Box: 460
15/5/1433H
University of Qassim, Faculty of Islamic Law& Islamic Studies, Department of Creed, Belief & Modern–Day Theologies
@M__ALHAMAD