Dear Adam,

Thank you for your question.

Islam is based on uncompromising monotheism. God alone is to be worshipped and nothing else, so Muslims cannot worship Muhammad or any other human being.

The basis of this misconception actually comes from the early orientalists who called Islam "Mohammedanism," implying that Muslims worship Muhammad.

Just as all prophets (peace be upon them) prophet Muhammad was a man, and despite his extraordinary accomplishments he never claimed divine status. Rather, he always maintained that he was human like everyone else, and that the Quran was a message from God, revealed to him by God, to whom alone belongs all glory and praise.

He (peace be upon him) never took personal credit for any success. All the principles he taught, the legislation he pronounced, and the great achievements for which he could have attained personal renown and advantage were attributed to the guidance and support of God alone.

Muslims strive to follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Additionally, Islam teaches Muslims to respect all of God's Prophets and Messengers (peace be upon them). However, respecting and loving them does not mean worshipping them, for all forms of worship must be directed only to the Creator, the Almighty.

Muhammad (peace be upon him) was himself a devout worshipper of God. He gave away everything he obtained in charity, fasted often, and would spend a great portion of the night in prayer. He was constantly aware of his Lord, remembering Him in every situation, and his words of praise and supplication reflected the highest degree of sincerity and servitude. His entire life was dedicated to the cause of God. He called on people to worship God alone, and insisted that they refer to him as merely a servant of God, telling his followers, "Do not exaggerate in praise of me as the Christians did with Jesus, son of Mary. I am only His servant, so say, 'the servant of Allah and His messenger.'" (Al-Bukhari)

We hope this answers your question.

______________ 

Source: This answer is based on the book of Clear Your Doubts about Islam by Sahih International.

 

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Dear questioner,

Thank you for your question.

Salam (Peace) Curt,

Thank you for your question.

What Is the Message of the Quran? (Part 1)

The Quran was sent down to guide people from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge. We read in the Quran what means:

[This is] a Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that you might bring mankind out of darknesses into the light by permission of their Lord – to the path of the Exalted in Might, the Praiseworthy. (Quran 14:1)

A few verses later, we read a message from Allah to Prophet Moses (peace be upon him):

And We certainly sent Moses with Our signs, [saying], “Bring out your people from darknesses into the light and remind them of the days of Allah.” Indeed in that are signs for everyone patient and grateful. (Quran 14:5)

Here, the “darknesses” refer to the tyranny of Pharaoh and the injustice he committed against his people. The light which Moses was asked to bring his people to refers to the light of freedom and justice.

The message of the Quran is not only about regulating the relationship between the individual and his Lord, it is also about regulating the relationship between the individual and the society.

The Quran was not meant to make people distressed. The Prophet Muhammad was addressed in the following manner:

 […] We have not sent down to you the Qur’an that you be distressed. (Quran 20:1)

The Quran was revealed to make people happy and enjoy their life according to the rules it has set for them.

The message of the Quran is about social ethics and values. We read in the Quran what means:

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one’s] faith. And whoever does not repent – then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful. (Quran 49:11-12)

The message of the Quran is about kindness to parents. Allah says what gives the meaning of:

And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], “uff,” and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. (Quran 17:23)

The message of the Quran is about doing good to our neighbors, our relatives, the orphans, and the needy:

Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful. (Quran 4:36)

The Quran is about establishing justice on earth and good conduct. The Quran forbids immorality and bad conduct:

Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded. (Quran 16:90)

The message of the Quran is about cooperation for the welfare of people:

 […] and cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression […] (Quran 5:2)

The Quran is a source of spirituality and a means of self-development. When a Muslim wants to talk to God, he offers the five daily prayers. But when a Muslim wants God to talk to him, he reads the Quran.

A Muslim considers any command or prohibition a direct command and prohibition to himself, i.e., God is addressing him or her.  

Muslims read the Quran day and night to get a clear picture of its message and to gain the rewards that the Prophet Muhammad mentioned in this tradition:

Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied by ten. […]. (At-Tirmidhi)

These are some of the messages of the Quran. The Quran is a comprehensive Book that covers all the activities of human beings in a way that helps them to be the vicegerents of Allah on earth.  

The space of this answer does not allow me to elaborate more on this issue. I sincerely invite you to read a good translation of the Quran to get a clear picture of the message of the Quran.

We hope this answers your question.

Keep in touch.

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Salam Ebbo,

Thank you for your question.

In the modern day, it is easy to slip out of the ‘spiritually developing’ zone, especially when you are in a non-Muslim environment and don't have the same network of 'sisterhood' or ‘brotherhood’ to encourage your spiritual growth let alone as much free time.

I know of many friends who are in professions such as doctors, lawyers and even bankers who feel this 'void' in spirituality after venturing out into the working world. They feel a real dip in their faith and are crying out for ways to stay in touch with their spirituality in the workplace.

Although it will be a real challenge for many, with sincere intentions and noble efforts you can hopefully recreate some of that much needed spiritual reformation.

1- Find Good Work Buddies

Although it's easier to surround yourself with Muslims, even being in the presence of people from other faiths can strengthen your own faith. Even if it can't be a Muslim colleague, then at least a colleague who understands and respects you and your faith values. I often find that non-Muslim colleagues are more interested in chatting about general life matters, so find areas of common interest before you start talking to them about matters related to your faith.

For those of us fortunate to work in a predominantly Muslim environment, having good company is still important as we can often lose ourselves amidst work. In the workplace, it is helpful us remind each other of how to strive to be better Muslims - it's often the spiritual dose we need for the rest of the week's work!

2- Talk about Faith

One of the beauties of working with non-Muslim colleagues is that there is a natural sense of curiosity about you as a Muslim, but also at a human level so ensure you break down any barriers and connect with them at a human level first. Find out about their life outside of work without prying too much of course! This always opens doors to then talking about more personal matters like your faith.

Hopefully by developing a bond with your colleagues which goes beyond work you can comfortably and confidently talk about what it is like being a Muslim. Being a visible Muslim woman at work, maybe through wearing the hijab, is a walking da`wah opportunity, as every action and conversation teaches others about Islam.

Also, I have often found my non-Muslim friends have niggling questions about Islam which I am able to talk to them about openly once we've built a good working relationship.

3- Read, Read and Read!

There is one practice I have continued since university to develop myself spiritually, which is reading books - the more I read the more I realize how little I actually know! It is vital you read Islamic books on spiritual development such as Al-Ghazali’s works. You can even fit this reading into your travel time to work as I often do by reading on my Kindle.

During lunch breaks you can also read articles which will boost your faith and remind you of Allah through Islamic websites to keep you stimulated and get a refreshing 'spiritual break'.

4- Attend a regular circle/class

Despite the demands on your time as a professional Muslim and even at home, it is really important to have a work-life balance for your wellbeing. One of the ways to boost your spirituality is to attend a regular class, even if it is online rather than in person, to surround yourself with like-minded people as well as to continue to benefit in the pursuit of knowledge.

Find out what local circles are taking place, some workplaces even have Muslim associations and events you can attend or better still set one up of your own! I often tell sisters that they need to ensure they invest in themselves to grow spiritually and emotionally.

5- Use Salah to Re-focus

We are blessed as Muslims to have the daily salah, yet so many of us rush through prayer in a bid to get other work done.

Instead, we should use salah to refocus and re-energized ourselves for work. I often find that when I have a difficult task to do at work, just switching off and going to pray helps me come back more focused to tackle the task.

Also, prayer is a constant reminder that we are dependent on Allah's Help to succeed at work and any task which lies ahead. So capitalize on this spiritual booster in your working day!

We hope this answers your question.

____________________

Source: Sisters Magazine

 

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Dear Andrew,

Thank you for your question.

Prayer constitutes one pillar of Islam and is considered the foundation of religion.

It is an instinct of man to be inclined to adore the great beings, and to aspire to lofty goals. The greatest being and the loftiest goal of all is God. The best way to cultivate in man a sound personality and actualize his aspirations in a mature course of development is the Islamic prayer.

To neglect prayer is to oppress the good qualities in human nature and unjustifiably deny it the right to adore and love, the right to aspire and ascend, and the right to excel in goodness and achieve noble aims. Such oppression and denial constitute a very serious and destructive offense. Here lies the significance and vitality of prayer in the life of man.

It should always be borne in mind that God does not need man’s prayer, because He is free of all needs. He is only interested in our prosperity and well-being in every sense.

When God emphasizes the necessity of prayer and charges us with any duty, He means to help us; because whatever good we do is for our own benefit, and whatever offence we commit is against our own souls. Here, too, man is the center of gravity, and his common interest is the main concern.

The benefit which man can derive from the Islamic prayer is immeasurable and the blessing of prayer is beyond imagination. This is not just a ‘theory’ or conventional assumption; it is a fascinating fact and a spiritual experience. Here is an explanation of the effectiveness of the Islamic prayer:

1. 1. It strengthens the belief in the existence and goodness of God and transmits this belief into the innermost recesses of man’ s heart.
   2. It enlivens this belief and makes it constructive in the practical course of life.
   3. It helps man to realize his natural and instinctive aspirations to greatness and high morality, to excellence and virtuous growth.
   4. It purifies the heart and develops the mind, cultivates the conscience and comforts the soul.
   5. It fosters the good and decent elements in man and suppresses the evil and indecent inclinations.

When we analyze the Islamic prayer and study its unique nature, it will reveal to us that it is not merely a physical motion or a void recital of the Gracious Book; the Qur’an. It is a matchless and unprecedented formula of intellectual meditation and spiritual devotion, of moral elevation and physical exercise, all combined.

It is an exclusively Islamic experience where every muscle of the body joins the soul and the mind in the worship and glory of God. It is difficult for anyone to impart in words the full meaning of the Islamic prayer yet it can be said that it is:

1. 1. A lesson in discipline and willpower;
   2. A practice in devotion to God and all worthy objectives;
   3. A vigilant reminder of God and constant revelation of His Goodness;
   4. A seed of spiritual cultivation and moral soundness;
   5. A guide to the most upright way of life;
   6. A safeguard against indecency and evil, against wrong deviation and stray;
   7. A demonstration of true equality, solid unity, and brotherhood;
   8. An expression of thankfulness to God and appreciation of Him;
   9. A course of inner peace and stability;
   10. An abundant source of patience and courage, of hope and confidence

This is the Islamic prayer, and that is what it can do for man. The best testimony to this statement is to experience the prayer and avail oneself of its spiritual joys. Then one will know what it really means.

Hope this answers your question.

_________________________

 The answer is excerpted from Dr. Hammudah Abdalati’s Islam in Focus.

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Dear Bernice,

Thank you for your question.

Answering your question, Dr. Mohsen Haredy, PhD in Islamic Studies and Former Executive Manager and Editor-in-Chief of E-Da`wah Committee in Kuwait, states:

Muslims believe that the Quran is the word of God. It was revealed via Angel Gabriel to Prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years in response to particular situations at the time.

Muslims believe that the Quran is the only scripture which has been preserved intact through written and oral means.

Thousands of people memorized the Quran from the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) until today. The Quran was written during the lifetime of the Prophet under his direction and supervision.

Muslims believe that the order of verses in each surah was instituted by the Prophet. There is no dispute among Muslim scholars regarding this issue.

Hadith Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim 

Ibn Abbas narrated that:

“I said to Uthman bin Affan: ‘What was your reasoning with Al-Anfal – while it is from the Muthani (Surah with less than one-hundred verses), and Bara’ah while it is from the Mi’in (Surah with about one-hundred verses), then you put them together, without writing the line Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim between them, and you placed them with the seven long (Surah) – why did you do that?’ So Uthman said: ‘A long time might pass upon the Messenger of Allah without anything being revealed to him, and then sometimes a Surah with numerous (verses) might be revealed. So when something was revealed, he would call for someone who could write, and say: “Put these verses in the Surah which mentions this and that in it.” When a verse was revealed, he would say: “Put this verse in the Surah which mentions this and that in it.” Now Al-Anfal was among the first of those revealed in Al-Madinah, and Bara’ah among the last of those revealed of the Quran, and its narrations (those of Bara’ah) resembled its narrations (those of Al-Anfal), so we thought that it was part of it. Then the Messenger of Allah died, and it was not made clear to us whether it was part of it. So it is for this reason that we put them together without writing Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim between them, and we put that with the seven long (Surahs).'” (At-Tirmidhi)

No Shifting

Ibn Az-Zubair narrated that:

I said to Uthman bin Affan (while he was collecting the Quran) regarding the Verse:– “Those of you who die and leave wives …” (2:240) “This Verse was abrogated by another verse. So why should you write it? (Or leave it in the Quran)?” Uthman said. “O son of my brother! I will not shift anything of it from its place.”  (Al-Bukhari)

Order of the Chapters of the Quran

With regard to the order of surahs (chapters) of the Quran, there is a difference of opinion among scholars. The majority of scholars maintain that the order of chapters was a matter of the Companions’ Ijtihad. While, other scholars view that the order of chapters was instituted by the Prophet .

Ibn Faris, a scholar of the Quranic sciences, said:

“There were two aspects to the compilation of the Quran. One was putting the surahs in a certain order, such as putting al-Sab’ al-Tiwaal (the seven long surahs) first, and following them with the Mi`in, which is what the Companions did.

The second aspect is the compilation of the verses within the surahs. This was instituted by the Prophet, who recited them as he was told to by Gabriel, on the command of his Lord.”

Al-Karmani, another scholar of the Quranic sciences, said:

“The order of the surahs as it is now is the same as that in al-Lawh al-Mahfuzh, The Preserved Tablet, which is with Allah. This is the order in which the Prophet used to review the surahs of the Quran he had received so far with Gabriel each year.”

Role of  Zayd ibn Thabit

With regard to the role of Zayd ibn Thabit, he collected the portions scattered with different people. Then, verified the texts and put them in the order assigned to the verses and chapters by the Prophet Muhammad  himself before his death. Abu Bakr As-Siddiq was the one who preserved and kept the whole Quran.

Umar ibn Al-Khattab entrusted this copy of the Quran to his daughter Hafsah.

After the expansion of the Islamic state, people learned the Quran according to their dialects. Therefore, Uthman ibn Affan supervised the process of making a standard version of the Quran. The process was assigned to Zayd ibn Thabit and a number of other companions of the Prophet.

This version was in accordance with the order of verses and surah that was instituted by the Prophet.

Uthman ordered that all other copies be destroyed to protect the Quran from being tampered with, and to avoid any chaos or confusion over reading it.

We hope this answers your question.

Keep in touch.

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Source: www.aboutislam.net

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