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Islam
Islam is a universal religion. The
Messengers prior to the advent of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) were
sent to their respective people, as the Qur'an says: "We did indeed
send, before you, Messengers to their (respective) people, and they
came to them with clear signs." (Holy Qur'an 30:47)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was not sent to a particular tribe, race
or set of people, but rather to all mankind, as the Qur'an states: "We
have not sent you but as a Messenger to all mankind, giving them glad
tidings, and warning them (against sin), but most of men know not."
(Holy Qur'an, 34:28)
"Say: 'O mankind! I am sent unto you all, as the Messenger of Allah,
to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth." (7:158)
"We sent you not but as a mercy for all the nations." (Holy Qur'an,
21:107)
These and similar other Verses of the Qur'an point to the fact that
there is now no question of race or nation, or of a "chosen people" or
the "seed of Abraham" or that of David; of Jew or gentile, Arab or
non-Arab, white or colored. The expression "all mankind" in the
above-mentioned Verses point to the universal and everlasting
character of the message of Islam.
It is worthwhile to note here that all the Messengers before Muhammad
(PBUH) came with certain miracles to lend support to the message to
their time and the place where they were sent. Moses had a rod which,
when he threw it, would turn into a snake. He did this in the presence
of the Pharaoh to prove to him and to his magicians that he was truly
sent from God.
This snake quickly swallowed up the magicians' ropes and rods that
seemed to move about like snakes. He also used it to strike a dry path
for his followers through the Red Sea into the Sinai Peninsula. They
crossed on foot while Pharaoh, who came in pursuit with his troops,
was overwhelmed by the sea. He and his men all perished while Moses
and his followers safely crossed the sea.
Jesus Christ, son of Mary, who had a miraculous birth, was also
supported with certain miracles, which were restricted to his time. He
would, by Allah's leave, make out of clay the figure of a bird and
breathe into it, then it becomes a real bird with flesh and blood! He
would also cure the blind and the lepers, raise the dead and inform
the people of what they ate and stored in their homes, by Allah's
leave!
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was also supported with numerous miracles,
the greatest of all is the Noble Qur'an which is still in its original
form and which will continue to guide people and illuminate their
hearts and souls till the Day of Judgment! The Qur'an is Allah's Word
and whoever earnestly wishes true guidance should read and study the
Qur'an. "If there were a Qur'an with which mountains could be moved
(from their places), or the earth could be cloven asunder or the dead
could be made to speak, (this would be the one!)." (Holy Qur'an,
13:31)
The Qur'an has no dark corners or ambiguous expressions. It speaks
clearly and guides to the right path. It is straight, clear and
understandable. Therein no confusion is to be found: "Praise be to
Allah Who has sent to His slave (i.e., Muhammad) the Book and has
allowed therein no crookedness. (He has made it) straight (and clear)
in order that He may warn (the disbelievers) of a terrible punishment
from Him, and that He may give glad tidings to the believers who work
righteous deeds, that they shall have a goodly reward, wherein they
shall remain for ever." (Holy Qur'an, 18:1-2)
It is a guide to all, and to those who accept its guidance, a source
of mercy and the way to salvation. Allah instructs us to earnestly
seek to understand it: "Do they not then earnestly seek to understand
the Qur'an, or is that there are locks upon their hearts?" (Holy
Qur'an, 47:24)
It is not meant for one class or race; it is universal and is
addressed to all the worlds: "Verily this is no less than a message to
all the worlds." (Holy Qur'an, 81:27)
The fact that it is still with us in its original form is a clear
indication of the universality of Islam.
Moderation in All Spheres of Life
Islam stresses moderation in everything and commands its followers to
eschew all extravagances in any direction. It takes deep interest in
the spiritual as well as the material well-being of man. It commands
its followers to prepare themselves for the Hereafter while at the
same time lawfully enjoying their portion of life as long as they do
not transgress the limits set by Allah.
The Holy Qur'an states: "Seek, with (the wealth) which Allah has
bestowed on you, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget your portion in
this world." (Holy Qur'an, 28:77)
'Ali (RA), son of Abu Talib the fourth rightly-guided Caliph, said:
"Work for your life as though you are going to live forever, and work
for your Hereafter as though you are going to die tomorrow."
Once the prayers are performed, the believers are encouraged to go
about their business: "And when the prayer is finished, then disperse
in the land and seek of Allah's Bounty, and remember Allah frequently
that you may prosper." (Holy Qur'an,26:10)
The Islamic course is one of equitable and realistic moderation and
the Qur'an calls Muslims a just nation: "Thus have We made of you a
just (and the best) nation, justly balanced." (Holy Qur'an, 2:143)
Unlike other religions and ideologies, Islam does not stress the
spiritual at the expense of the material, or vice versa. Rather, it
brings both of them into harmony. Islam commends moderation while
observing our religious duties and strongly condemns going to the
extremes in this respect.
Following the middle course in worship is the best alternative as well
as the natural way of discharging our duties towards our Creator.
Islam prohibits us from overburdening ourselves with duties that are
bound to put us off the religion altogether.
It requires us to discharge our duties within our capacity, and to the
best of our ability. The Qur'an says: "Allah intends for you ease, and
He does not want to make things difficult for you." (Holy Qur'an,
2:185)
"On no soul does Allah place a burden greater than it can bear." (Holy
Qur'an, 2:286)
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