The 345 Articles of Faith By Hafiz Tahawi translated by your coach/bestfriend

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اعتقاد أهل السنة والجماعة المشهور بالعقيدة الطحاوية 245 نصا
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للعلامة الفقيه حجة الإسلام الحافظ الإمام أبو جعفر الوراق الطحاوي الشافعي الحنفي(230-321هـ) رحمه الله تعالى

345 StatementsTahawia Manuscript of the Creed (see the end)

by Hafeez of Hadith, Tahawi (b.229 d.321)


1. The following clarification has been reported from – Imam Abu Jafar At-Tahawi (the Hafez) who transmitted 1. "هَذا ما رَواهُ (بسنده* المتواتر الحافظ** الإْمامُ) أَبو جَعْفَرٍ الطَّحاوِيُّ

2. The untarnished creed of the Prophet, that was also, by collective agreement, adhered to by all his Companions, 2. في ذِكْرُ بَيانِ اعْتِقادِ أَهْلِ السُّنَّةِ وَ الجَماعَةِ

3. According to the school of jurists: 3. عَلى مَذهَبِ فُقَهَاءِ المِلَّةِ

4. (The renowned Imam Azam) Abu Hanifa of Kufa, 4. أَبي حَنيفَةَ النُّعْمانِ بْنِ ثابتٍ الكُوفِيِّ

5. Abu Yusuf Ansari, 5. وَ أَبي يُوسُفَ يَعْقُوبَ بْنِ إِبْراهيمَ الأَنْصَارِيِّ

6. And Abu Abdullah Ash-Shibani – may the pleasure of Allah, the High, be upon all of them. 6. وَ أَبي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ الحَسَنِ الشَّيْبانِيِّ رِضْوَانُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِمْ أَجْمَعين

7. Which they undividedly adhered to and is that with which they worshipped the Lord of the Worlds. 7. وَ مَا يَعْتَقِدُونَ مِنْ أُصُولِ الدِّينِ وَ يَدِينُونَ بهِ لِرَبَّ العَالَمِينَ

8. The Imam (Abu Hanifa b.80, may Allah be pleased with him) 8. قالَ الإِمامُ (أبو حنيفة النعمان (80 هـ) رحمه الله تعالى)

9. And also the above mentioned two imams – may Allah, the High, have mercy on them – said: 9. وَ بهِ قَالَ الإِمامانِ المَذْكُورانِ رَحِمَهُما اللَّهُ تَعالى:

10. We say in witnessing to the Oneness of Allah - believing in the support of Allah, the High, – that indeed: 10. نَقُولُ في تَوْحيدِ اللَّهِ مُعْتَقِدينَ بتَوْفيقِ اللَّهِ تَعالى

11. Allah, the High, is One. 11. إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَعالى وَاحِدٌ

12. Allah has no equal. 12. لا شَرِيكَ لَهُ

13. There is nothing like Him. 13. وَ لا شَيْءَ مِثْلُهُ

14. Nothing frustrates Him. 14. وَ لا شَيْءَ يُعْجِزُهُ

15. There is no god except Allah. 15. وَ لا إِلهَ غَيْرُهُ

16. He is Ancient without a beginning. 16. قَدِيْمٌ بلا ابْتِدَاءٍ

17. He is Eternal without an end. 17. دَائِمٌ بلا انْتِهَاءٍ

18. He is never annihilated or depleted. 18. لا يَفْنَى وَ لا يَبيدُ

19. Nothing comes into being except that which He wills. 19. وَ لا يَكُونُ إِلا مَا يُرِيدُ

20. Imagination does not envisage Him. 20. لا تَبْلُغُهُ الأَوْهامُ

21. Our understanding can never comprehend Him. 21. وَ لا تُدْرِكُهُ الأَفْهامُ

22. People do not resemble Him. 22. وَ لا تُشْبهُهُ الأَنامُ

23. Allah is living and never dies. 23. حَيٌّ لا يَمُوتُ

24. He is self-sustained and never sleeps. 24. قَيُّومٌ لا يَنامُ

25. He is the Creator without a need for creation. 25. خَالِقٌ بلا حَاجَةٍ

26. He provides for creation without being burdened. 26. رَازِقٌ لَهُمْ بلا مُؤْنَةٍ

27. He causes death having no fear. 27. مُمِيتٌ بلا مَخَافَةٍ

28. He resurrects without hardship. 28. بَاعِثٌ بلا مَشَقَّةٍ

29. The ancient attributes of Allah were before what He created, 29. مَازالَ بصِفَاتِهِ قَدِيماً قَبْلَ خَلْقِهِ

30. when they came into existence His attributes were not increased by a thing that He did not already have. 30. لَمْ يَزْدَدْ بكَوْنِهِمْ شَيْئاً لَمْ يَكُنْ قَبْلَهُمْ مِنْ صِفَاتِهِ

31. Not only did Allah exist with His ancient attributes without a beginning, but also He exists with His attributes for all eternity. 31. وَ كَما كَانَ بصِفَاتِهِ أَزَلِيَّاً كَذلِكَ لا يَزَالُ عَلَيْهَا أَبَدِيَّاً

32. His Name, the Creator was not earned by Him when He created the creation, 32. لَيْسَ مُنْذُ خَلَقَ الخَلْقَ اسْتَفَادَ اسْمَ الخَالِقِ

33. neither did He earn His Name, the Fashioner, from fashioning the creation. 33. وَ لا بإِحْدَاثِهِ البَرِيَّةَ اسْتَفَادَ اسْمَ البارِي

34. Allah had the attribute of the Lordship before the existence of His subjects. 34. لَهُ مَعْنى الرُّبوبيَّةِ وَ لا مَرْبوبٌ

35. Allah had the attribute of Creating before the existence of His subjects. 35. وَ مَعْنى الخَالِقِيَّةِ وَ لا مَخْلوقٌ

36. Allah is the Reviver of the dead, and is entitled to this Name before He revived, 36. وَ كَمَا أَنَّهُ مُحْيِي المَوْتَى بَعْدَما أَحْيَاهُمْ اسْتَحَقَّ هَذا الاسْمَ قَبْلَ إِحْيائِهِمْ

37. as such He is attributed with the Name the Creator, before their fashioning. 37. كَذلِكَ اسْتَحَقَّ اسْمَ الخَالِقِ قَبْلَ إِنْشَائِهِمْ

38.That is because Allah is Capable of everything. 38. ذلِكَ بأَنَّهُ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيْرٌ

39. Every thing is in need of Allah. 39. وَ كُلُّ شَيْءٍ إِلَيْهِ فَقِيرٌ

40. Every matter is easy for Allah. 40. وَ كُلُّ أَمْرٍ عَلَيْهِ يَسيرٌ

41. Allah is not in need of anything. 41. لا يَحْتَاجُ إِلَى شَيْءٍ

42. 'There is nothing like Him. Allah is the Hearer, the Seer.' 42:11 42. ليْسَ كَمِثلِهِ شَيْءٌ وَ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ البَصِيرُ

43. Allah created the creation with His knowledge. 43. خَلَقَ الخَلْقَ بعِلْمِهِ

44. Allah has decided for them what is determined for them. 44. وَ قَدَّرَ لَهُمْ أَقْداراً

45. Allah determined for them their ages. 45. وَ ضَرَبَ لَهُمْ آجالاً

46. None of their deeds were hidden from Allah before He created them, 46. لَمْ يَخْفَ عَلَيْهِ شَيْءٌ مِنْ أَفْعَالِهِمْ قَبْلَ أَنْ خَلَقَهُمْ

47. Allah knew what they are going to do before He created them 47. وَ عَلِمَ مَا هُمْ عَامِلُونَ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَخْلُقَهُمْ

48. Allah ordered them to obey Him and forbade them to disobey Him. 48. وَ أَمَرَهُمْ بطَاعَتِهِ وَ نَهَاهُمْ عَنْ مَعْصِيَتِهِ

49. Everything runs according to His Ability and Will 49. وَ كُلُّ شَيْءٍ يَجْرِي بقُدْرَتِهِ وَ مَشِيئَتِهِ

50. the Will of Allah is realized 50. وَ مَشِيئَتُهُ تَنْفُذُ

51. worshippers have no will except that which Allah willed for them 51. وَ لا مَشِيئَةَ لِلْعِبَادِ إِلاَّ مَا شَاءَ لَهُمْ

52. what Allah willed for them happens and what He did not will, will not happen. 52. فَمَا شَاءَ لَهُمْ كَانَ وَ مَا لَمْ يَشَأْ لَمْ يَكُنْ

53. Allah guides whosoever He will. 53. يَهْدِي مَنْ يَشَاءُ

54. From His Bounty He protects whosoever He wills, and relieves whosoever He wills. 54. وَ يَعْصِمُ وَ يُعَافِي مَنْ يَشَاءُ فَضْلاً

55. Justice is His when Allah causes to err, mislead, let-down and try. 55. وَ يُضِلُّ مَنْ يَشَاءُ وَ يَخْذُلُ وَ يَبْتَلِي عَدْلاً

56. Allah is above all opponents and competitors. 56. وَ هُوَ مُتَعَالٍ عَنِ الأَضْدَّادِ وَ الأَنْدَادِ

57. No one reverses His determination, 57. لا رَادَّ لِقَضَائِهِ

58. no one overrules His Judgement 58. وَ لا مُعَقِّبَ لِحُكْمِهِ

59. no one overpowers His Ordinance. 59. وَ لا غَالِبَ لأَمْرِهِ

60. We believe in all this (destiny). 60. آمَنَّا بِذلِكَ كُلِّهِ

61. We are certain that all is from Him. 61. وَ أَيْقَنَّا أَنَّ كُلاًّ مِنْ عِنْدِهِ

62. And we say, that Muhammad, Allah has praised and given peace to him and his family, is His chosen worshipper, 62. وَ إِنَّ مُحَمَّداً - صلى الله عليه وسلم - عَبْدُهُ المُصْطَفَى

63. and His chosen Prophet, 63. وَ نَبيُّهُ المُجْتَبَى

64. and the Messenger with whom He is pleased, 64. وَ رَسُولُهُ المُرْتَضَى

65. the Seal of the prophets, 65. خَاتِمُ الأَنْبيَاءِ

66. the leader of the fearful abstainers, 66. وَ إِمَامُ الأَتْقِياءِ

67. the master of the messengers, 67. وَ سَيِّدُ المُرْسَلِينَ

68. the beloved of the Lord of the Worlds. 68. وَ حَبيبُ رَبِّ العَالَمِينَ

69. Any proclaimed prophethood after his is ruled to be an error and is a (personal) desire. 69. وَ كُلُّ دَعْوَةِ نُبُوَّةٍ بَعْدَ نُبُوَّتِهِ فَغَيٌّ وَ هَوَى

70. Prophet Muhammad, is the one sent to all jinn, and all people. 70. وَ هُوَ المَبْعُوثُ إِلى عَامَّةِ الجِنِّ وَ كَافَّةِ الوَرَى

71. Prophet Muhammad was sent with the truth and guidance. 71. المَبْعُوثِ بالحَقِّ وَ الهُدَى

72. Indeed, the Koran (Holy Reading) is the Saying of Allah, the High, 72. وَ إِنَّ القُرْآنَ كَلامُ اللَّهِ تَعَالى

73. and that Saying appeared from Him without the human knowing how 73. بَدَأَ بلا كَيْفِيَّةٍ قَوْلاً (أي ولا يقال كيف وكيف عنه مرفوع)

74. and was sent down upon His Prophet, it being a Revelation. 74. وَ أَنْزَلَهُ عَلَى نَبيِّهِ وَحْياً

75. The believer testifies to it being the truth 75. وَ صَدَّقَهُ المُؤْمِنُونَ عَلَى ذلِكَ حَقَّاً

76. and certifies to it as being the Saying of Allah, the High; it being the reality 76. وَ أَيْقَنُوا أَنَّهُ كَلامُ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى وحده

77. it is not created as are the sayings of the creation 77. لَيْسَ بمَخْلُوقٍ كَكَلامِ البَرِيَّةِ

78. therefore, whosoever hears it and proclaims that it is the speech of humans is an unbeliever 78. فَمَنْ سَمِعَهُ فَزَعَمَ أَنَّهُ كَلامُ البَشَرِ فَقَدْ كَفَرَ

79. indeed, Allah has insulted such and determined them as shamed. 79. وَ قَدْ ذمَّهُ اللَّهُ تَعالَى وَ عَابَهُ

80. He warned him/her of His punishment when He said, 'I will roast him in a Fire!' 4:56 80. وَ أَوْعَدَهُ عَذابَهُ حَيْثُ قَالَ سَأُصْلِيهِ سَقَرَ

81. When Allah has promised the Fire for he who said, 'This is only the word of the human' 11:35 we understood that it is the Saying of the Creator of humans 81. فَلَمَّا أَوْعَدَ اللَّهُ سَقَرَ لِمَنْ قَالَ (إِنْ هَذَا إِلَّا قَوْلُ الْبَشَرِ) عَلِمْنا أَنَّهُ قَوْلُ خَالِقِ البَشَرِ

82. and that it is not like any saying of a human. 82. وَ لا يُشْبهُ قَوْلَ البَشَرِ

83. Whosoever describes Allah, the High, with the meaning that describes a human becomes an unbeliever. 83. وَ مَنْ وَصَفَ اللَّهَ تَعَالَى بمَعْنَىً مِنْ مَعَانِي البَشَرِ فَقَدْ كَفَرَ

84. Whosoever recognizes such has really been warned 84. فَمَنْ أَبْصَرَ هَذا اعْتَبَرَ

85. and should thereby refrain from such a statement of the unbeliever 85. وَ عَنْ مِثْلِ قَوْلِ الكُفَّارِ انْزَجَرَ

86. and realize that Allah, the High, with His attributes are unlike the human. 86. وَ عَلِمَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ تَعَالَى بصِفَاتِهِ لَيْسَ كَالبَشَرِ

87. The sighting (of Allah, having no location) is a truth for the people of Paradise without surrounding directions and without the human knowing how. 87. وَ الرُّؤْيَةُ حَقٌّ لأَهْلِ الجَنَّةِ بغَيْرِ إِحَاطَةٍ وَ لا كَيْفِيَّةٍ (أي ولا يقال كيف وكيف عنه مرفوع)

88. (The sighting) is as the Koran of our Lord has pronounced, 'On that Day there shall be radiant faces, gazing towards their Lord. 75:22-23 88. كَمَا نَطَقَ بهِ كِتَابُ رَبِّنَا حَيْثُ قَالَ وُجُوهٌ يَوْمَئِذٍ ناضِرَةٌ إِلَى رَبها نَاظِرَةٌ

89. its explanation is according to what Allah, the High, willed and His knowledge. 89. وَ تَفْسِيرُهُ عَلَى مَا أَرَادَهُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى وَ عَلِمَهُ

90. everything that came in the authentic Prophetic sayings via the Messenger of Allah - may Allah praise him, and give peace 90. وَ كُلُّ مَا جَاءَ فِي ذلِكَ مِنَ الحَدِيثِ الصَّحِيحِ عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم

91. and also via his Companions - may the pleasure of Allah be upon them all. 91. وَ عَنْ أَصْحَابهِ رِضْوانُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِمْ أَجْمَعِينَ

92. It is as he said and its meaning and explanation is as according to what he meant. 92. فَهُوَ كَمَا قَالَ وَ مَعْنَاهُ وَ تَفْسِيرُهُ عَلَى مَا أَرَادَ

93. we do not interfere with it via our interpretation with our opinion 93. لا نَدْخُلُ فِي ذلِكَ مُتَأَوِّلِينَ بآرائِنَا

94. nor with wishful thinking with our desires. 94. وَ لا مُتَوَهِّمِينَ بأَهْوَائِنا

95. Indeed, no one will be safe in his/her religion except whosoever surrenders to Allah, the High, and to His Messenger – Allah praised him, and gave peace - 95. فَإِنَّهُ مَا سَلِمَ فِي دِينِهِ إِلاَّ مَنْ سَلَّمَ لِلَّهِ تَعَالى وَ لِرَسُولِهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم

96. having referred that which is obscure to him back to the Knowledgeable. 96. وَ رَدَّ عِلْمَ مَا اشْتَبَهَ عَلَيْهِ إِلَى عَالِمِهِ

97. There is no firm standing in Islam except for those who surrender and relinquish. 97. وَ لا يَثْبُتُ قَدَمُ الإِسْلامِ إِلاَّ عَلَى ظَهْرِ التَّسْليمِ وَ الاسْتِسْلامِ

98. So whosoever seeks knowledge of which he/she has been warned 98. فَمَنْ رَامَ عِلْمَ مَا حُظِرَ عَلَيْهِ

99. and his understanding was not satisfied with surrendering, 99. وَ لَمْ يَقْنَعْ بالتَّسْليمِ فَهْمُهُ

100. his own aim will veil the pure Oneness 100. حَجَبَهُ مَرَامُهُ عَنْ خَالِصِ التَّوْحيدِ

101. as well as pure knowledge, and sound faith, 101. وَ صَافِي المَعْرِفَةِ وَ صَحِيحِ الإِيمَانِ

102. thereby swaying between belief and disbelief, 102. فَيَتَذبْذبُ بَيْنَ الكُفْرِ وَ الإِيْمَانِ

103. belieing and certifying 103. وَ التَّكْذِيبِ وَ الإِقْرَارِ

104. together with rejection, being the object for the whisperer, lost, 104. وَ الإِنْكَارِ مُوَسْوَسَاً تَائِهَاً

105. erring, doubting, 105. زَائِغَاً شَاكَّاً

106. neither is he a true believer nor a disbelieving liar. 106. لاَ مُؤْمِنَاً مُصَدِّقاً وَ لاَ جَاحِداً مُكَذِّباً

107. Believing in the sighting (of Allah) by the people of Paradise will not be valid for whosoever considers it via imagination or by the means of his own interpretation. 107. وَ لا يَصِحُّ الإِيمَانُ بالرُّؤْيَةِ لأَهْلِ دَارِ السَّلامِ لِمَنْ اعْتَبَرَهَا مِنْهُمْ بوَهْمٍ أَوْ تَأَوَّلَهَا بفَهْمٍ

108. If both the interpretation of the sighting (of Allah) and the interpretation of all its meaning belong to the Lord - one must refrain from any interpretation 108. إِذا كَانَ تَأْوِيلُ الرُّؤْيَةِ وَ تَأْوِيلُ كُلِّ مَعْنىً يُضَافُ إِلَى الرُّبُوبيَّةِ تَرْكَ التَأْويلِ

109 and to adhere to the status of surrender, 109. وَ لُزُومَ التَّسْلِيمِ

110. because this is the way of the religion of the messengers and the law of the prophets. 110. وَ عَلَيْهِ دِينُ المُرْسَلينَ وَ شَرَائِعُ النَّبيِّينَ

111. Whosoever does not refrain from the negation (when unable to comprehend Divinity) and refrain from striking (human) similarity has indeed erred and did not negate (to Allah) the characteristics of creation. 111. َ مَنْ لَمْ يَتَوَقَّ النَّفْيَ وَ التَّشْبيهِ زَلَّ وَ لَمْ يُصِبِ التَّنْزِيهَ

112. Indeed our Lord, the Glorified, the High, has the attribute of Oneness and the attribute of Uniqueness. 112. فَإِنَّ رَبَّنا جَلَّ وَ عَلا مَوْصُوفٌ بصِفَاتِ الوَحْدَانِيَّةِ مَنْعُوتٌ بنُعُوتِ الفَرْدَانِيَّةِ

113. No one in the creation is like Allah, the High, for He is exalted above all the limits, boundaries, corners, and utilities. 113. لَيْسَ بمَعْناهُ أَحَدٌ مِنَ البَرِيَّةِ تَعَالَى اللَّهُ عَنِ الحُدُودِ وَ الغَاياتِ وَ الأَرْكانِ وَ الأَدَواتِ

114. The six directions (and the degrees between them) do not encompass Him, as is the case of all created existence. 114. لا تَحْوِيهِ الجِهَاتُ السِّتُّ كَسَائِرِ المُبْتَدَعاتِ

115. The ascent (of the Messenger) is a truth. 115. وَ المِعْرَاجُ حَقٌّ

116. Indeed, the Prophet – may Allah praise him, and his family and give them peace – was carried on the Night Journey, 116. وَ قَدْ أُسْرِيَ بالنَّبيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم

117. then he ascended with his body while in the state of awakeness to the heaven 117. وَ عُرِجَ بشَخْصِهِ فِي الْيَقَظَةِ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ

118. up to where Allah, the High, had willed of the high rank. 118. ثُمَّ إِلَى حَيْثُ شَاءَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى مِنَ العُلَى

119. So Allah, the High, has honored him with what He willed. 119. وَ أَكْرَمَهُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى بمَا شَاءَ

120. 'So (Allah) revealed to His worshiper that which he revealed.' 53:10 120. فَأَوْحَى إِلَى عَبْدِهِ مَا أَوْحَى

121. The Lake - (from the River of Abundance) with which Allah, the High, has honored the Prophet as a thirst quencher for his nation - is a truth. 121. وَ الْحَوْضُ الَّذِيْ أَكْرَمَهُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى بهِ غِيَاثَاً لأُمَّتِهِ حَقٌّ

122. Also it is a truth that the grand intercession was reserved by Allah for him as it is reported in the revealed news. 122. وَ الشَّفَاعَةُ الَّتِي ادَّخَرَهَا اللَّهُ لَهُمْ كَمَا رُوِيَ فِيْ الأَخْبَارِ

123. The covenant which Allah, the High, has taken from Adam, peace be upon him, and all his descendants is a truth. 123. وَ الْمِيْثَاقُ الَّذِيْ أَخَذهُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى مِنْ آدَمَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ وَ ذُرِّيَّتِهِ حَقٌّ

124. Indeed, Allah, the High, knew in His eternal knowledge the number of who will enter Paradise and the number of those who will enter Hell, 124. وَ قَدْ عَلِمَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى فِيْمَا لَمْ يَزَلْ عَدَدَ مَنْ يَدْخُلِ الْجَنَّةَ وَ يَدْخُلِ النَّارَ

125.the total number of which does not increase nor does it decrease 125. جُمْلَةً وَاحِدَةً لا يُزَادُ فِيْ ذلِكَ العَدَدِ وَ لا يَنْقُصُ مِنْهُ

126. as such He has knowledge of their deeds and knew what they would do. 126. وَ كَذلِكَ أَفْعَالَهُمْ فِيْمَا عَلِمَ مِنْهُمْ أَنَّهُمْ يَفْعَلُونَهُ

127. Everyone has the facility for which he/she has been created. 127. وَ كُلٌّ مُيَسَّرٌ لِمَا خُلِقَ لَهُ

128. deeds are counted by their finality. 128. وَ الأَعْمَالُ بالخَوَاتِيْمِ

129. The fortunate is he who is fortunate with the predestination of Allah, the High. 129. وَ السَّعِيْدُ مَنْْ سَعِدَ بقَضَاءِ اللَّهِ تَعَالَىْ

130. The unfortunate is he who is unfortunate with the predestination of Allah, the High. 130. وَ الشَّقِيُّ مَنْ شَقِيَ بقَضَاءِ اللَّهِ تَعَالَىْ

131. The root of the predestination is the secret of Allah in His creation, 131. وَ أَصْلُ الْقَدَرِ سِرُّ اللَّهِ فِي خَلْقِهِ

132. He did not reveal it to a close angel or a prophet who was sent, 132. لَمْ يَطَّلِعْ عَلَى ذلِكَ مَلَكٌ مُقَرَّبٌ وَ لا نَبيٌّ مُرْسَلٌ

133. deep examination into this is a means of loss, and prevention, and a degree of error, 133. وَ التَّعَمُّقُ وَ النَّظَرُ فِيْ ذلِكَ ذرِيْعَةُ الخِذلانِ وَ سُلَّمُ الْحِرْمَانِ وَ دَرَجَةُ الطُّغْيَانِ

134. so be warned, be warned from such examination, thinking and whispering. 134. فَالْحَذَرَ كُلَّ الْحَذَرِ مِنْ ذلِكَ نَظَراً أَوْ فِكْراً أَوْ وَسْوَسَةً

135. Indeed, Allah, the High, has folded-up the knowledge of destiny from all His creation and forbade them to seek it. 135. فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ تَعَالَىْ طَوَىْ عِلْمَ الْقَدَرِ عَنْ أَنَامِهِ وَ نَهَاهُمْ عَنْ مَرَامِهِ

136. As He said in the Koran 'He is not to be questioned about what He does, but they shall be questioned.' 21:23 136. كَما قالَ في كِتابهِ لاَ يُسْأَلُ عَمَّا يفْعَلُ وَ هُمْ يسْأَلوْنَ

137. therefore, whosoever asks why He did such has rejected the Book of Allah, 137. فَمَنْ سَأَلَ لِمَ فَعَلَ فَقَدْ رَدَّ حُكْمَ كِتابِ اللَّهِ

138. and whosoever rejects the Book of Allah, the High, becomes among the unbelievers. 138. وَ مَنْ رَدَّ حُكْمَ كِتابِ اللَّهِ تَعالى كَانَ مِنَ الكافِرينَ

139. This is the total of what is needed for whosoever's heart is lit among the friends of Allah, the High, 139. فَهذا جُمْلَةُ ما يَحْتاجُ إِلَيْهِ مَنْ هُوَ مُنَوَّرٌ قَلْبُهُ مِنْ أَوْلِياءِ اللَّهِ تَعالى

140. which is the rank of the sure-footed in knowledge. 140. وَ هِيَ دَرَجَةُ الرَّاسِخينَ في العِلْمِ

141. Because knowledge is of two types. 141. لأَنَّ العِلْمَ عِلْمانِ

142. One that is available to the creation, 142. عِلْمٌ في الخَلْقِ مَوْجودٌ

143. and one that is not available to creation. 143. وَ عِلْمٌ في الخَلْقِ مَفْقودٌ

144. Therefore, rejection of the knowledge which is available is disbelief. 144. فَإِنْكارُ العِلْمِ المَوْجودِ كُفْرٌ

145. Proclaiming the knowledge which is unavailable is disbelief. 145. وَ ادِّعاءُ العِلْمِ المَفْقودِ كُفْرٌ

146. Therefore, faith will not be valid except by accepting the knowledge that is available 146. وَ لا يَصِحُّ الإِيمانُ إِلاَّ بقَبولِ العِلْمِ المَوْجودِ

147. and refraining from that which is not available (by submitting the knowledge of the obscure to Allah). 147. وَ تَرْكِ طَلَبِ العِلْمِ المَفْقودِ

148. We believe in the Pen and the Protected Tablets, and everything that has been written upon it. 148. وَ نُؤْمِنُ باللَّوْحِ وَ القَلَمِ بجَميعِ ما فيهِ قَدْ رُقِمَ

149. If all of the creation were to gather together against something Allah has written to happen to reverse it in order to prevent it coming into existence they will be unable, 149. فَلَوِ اجْتَمَعَ الْخَلْقُ كُلُّهُمْ عَلى شَيْءٍ كَتَبَهُ اللَّهُ فيهِ أَنَّهُ كائِنٌ لِيَجْعَلوهُ غَيْرَ كائِنٍ لَمْ يَقْدِروا عَلَيْهِ

150. and if they gathered together against some that Allah, the High, has not written in order to cause it to come into existence they will be unable. 150. ولو اجتمعوا كلهم على شيء لم يكتبه الله تعالى فيه، ليجعلوه كائناً لم يقدروا عليه

151. The Pen has dried-up with what is going to happen up until the Day of Resurrection. 151. جَفَّ القَلَمُ بما هُوَ كائِنٌ إِلى يَوْمِ القِيامَةِ

152. Whatever is not meant to smite a worshiper will not smite him and whatever smites a worshiper was not meant not to smite him. 152. وَ ما أَخْطَأَ العَبْدَ لَمْ يَكُنْ لِيُصيبَهُ وَ ما أَصابَهُ لَمْ يَكُنْ لِيُخْطِئَهُ

153. Worshipers should know that Allah, the High, has existing knowledge, - having no beginning - of everything of His creation that is to come into being according to His Will, 153. وَ عَلى العَبْدِ أَنْ يَعْلَمَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ سَبَقَ عِلْمُهُ في كُلِّ شَيْءٍ كائِنٍ مِنْ خَلْقِهِ

154. thereby He predestined with His Will such perfect planning 154. وَ قَدَّرَ ذلِكَ بمَشيئَتِهِ تَقْديراً مُحْكَماً مُبْرَماً

155. which is neither contradictory nor is it subject to any to comment. Neither is it subject to removal or change, neither detour nor increase or decrease from His creation, no matter whether it is in His heavens or the earth. 155. لَيْسَ فيهِ ناقِضٌ وَ لا مُعَقِّبٌ وَ لا مُزيلٌ وَ لا مُغَيِّرٌ وَ لا مُحَوِّلٌ وَ لا زَائِدٌ وَ لا ناقِصٌ مِنْ خَلْقِهِ في سَماواتِهِ وَ أَرْضِهِ

156. This is one of the pillars of faith, 156. وَ ذلِكَ مِنْ عَقْدِ الإِيمانِ

157. also pillars of knowledge. 157. وَ أُصولِ المَعْرِفَةِ

158. To certify to the Oneness of Allah and His Lordship 158. وَ الاعْتِرافِ بتَوْحيدِ اللَّهِ وَ رُبوبيَّتِهِ

159. as He, the High, said in His Glorious Book, 'And He created everything and predestined it exactly' 25:2, 159. كَما قالَ تَعالى في كِتابهِ العَزيزِ وَ خَلَقَ كلَّ شَيْءٍ فَقَدَّرَهُ تقْدِيرَاً

160. and He, the High, said, 'The decree of Allah is a decree determined.' 33:38. 160. وَ قالَ تَعالى وَ كَانَ أَمْرُ اللهِ قَدَرَاً مَقْدُورَاً

161. So woe for whosoever in destiny turns to be disputatious with Allah, 161. فَوَيْلٌ لِمَنْ صارَ لَهُ اللَّهُ في القَدَرِ خَصيماً

162. and comes to the examination with a sick heart 162. وَ أَحْضَرَ لِلنَّظَرِ فيهِ قَلْباً سَقيماً

163. on account of his using his imagination regarding the absolute unseen and thereby keeping it a hidden secret 163. لَقَدِ الْتَمَسَ بوَهْمِهِ في مَحْضَ الْغَيْبِ سِرَّاً كَتيماً

164. thereby he returns with what he said, sinning and fabricating. 164. وَ عادَ بما قَال فيهِ أَفَّاكاً أَثيماً

165. The Throne and the Seat are truths. 165. وَ العَرْشُ وَ الكُرْسِيُّ حَقٌّ

166. and He, the Mighty, the Glorified, is not in need of the Throne, and whatsoever above and whatsoever is underneath it. 166. وَ هُوَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ مُسْتَغْنٍ عَنِ العَرْشِ وَ ما دونَهُ وَ بما فَوْقَهُ

167. Allah surrounds everything with His knowledge 167. مُحيطٌ بكُلِّ شَيْءٍ

168. for He frustrated His creation to arrive at the full comprehension about Him. 168. قَدْ أَعْجَزَ عَنِ الإِحاطَةِ خَلْقَهُ

169. Also, Allah has taken Abraham for a friend, 169. وَ نَقولُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ اتَّخَذ َ إِبْراهيمَ خَليلاً

170. and spoke with Moses, 170. وَ كَلَّمَ موسى تَكْليماً

171. to this we believe, testify and surrender. 171. إِيماناً وَ تَصْديقاً وَ تَسْليماً

172. We believe in the angels, all the prophets, all the Books that were sent down to the messengers, 172. وَ نُؤْمِنُ بِالمَلائِكَةِ وَ النَّبِيِّينَ وَ الكُتُبِ المُنْزَلَةِ عَلى المُرْسَلينَ

173. and bear witness for them that they are upon the clear truth. 173. وَ نَشْهَدُ أَنَّهُم كانوا عَلى الحَقِّ المُبينِ

174. We call all the people who direct themselves to Ka'ba (bearing witness and praying) those who surrender (Muslims) and believers, 174. وَ نُسَمِّي أَهْلَ قِبْلَتِنا مُسْلِمينَ مُؤْمِنينَ

175. as long as they confess to what the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, came with, 175. ما دامُوا بما جاءَ بهِ النَّبيُّ عَلَيْهِ الصَّلاةُ وَ السَّلامُ مُعْتَرِفينَ

176. and confess to everything he said or informed about, believing without belieing. 176. وَ لَهُ بكُلِّ ما قالَ وَ أَخْبَرَ مُصَدِّقينَ غَيْرَ مُكَذبِّينَ

177. We do not address the core definition of Allah Himself. 177. وَ لا نَخوضُ في اللَّهِ

178. We do not cajole in the religion of Allah, the High. 178. وَ لا نُماري في دينِ اللَّهِ تَعالى

179. We do not debate about the Koran 179. وَ لا نُجادِلُ في القُرْآنِ

180. we are certain that the Koran is the Word of the Lord of the worlds 180. وَ نَعْلَمُ أَنَّهُ كَلامُ رَبِّ العالَمينَ

181. sent down with Gabriel, the trusted spirit 181. نَزَلَ بهِ الرُّوحُ الأَمينُ

182. who taught it to the Master of the Messengers, Muhammad - Allah has praised and given peace to him and his family, and Companions altogether. 182. فَعَلَّمَهُ سَيِّدَ المُرْسَلينَ مُحَمَّداً صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَ عَلى آلِهِ وَ صَحْبهِ أَجْمَعينَ

183. The Saying of Allah, the High, nothing is equal to it from the sayings of creation, 183. وَ كلامُ اللَّهِ تَعالى لا يُساويهِ شَيْءٌ مِنْ كَلامِ المَخْلوقينَ

184. we do not say the Koran is created, 184. وَ لا نَقولُ بخَلْقِ القُرْآنِ

185. and do not differ with the Muslim nation. 185. وَ لا نُخالِفُ جَماعَةَ المُسْلِمينَ

186. In Islam we do not say that sin does not harm whosoever practiced it. 186. ولا نَقولُ لا يَضُرُّ مَعَ الإِسْلامِ ذنْبٌ لِمَنْ عَمِلَهُ

187. We trust (that Allah will pardon and enter to Paradise with His Mercy) the good-doing believers, however, we do not ascribe safety for them, and we do not bear witness that Paradise is theirs. 187. وَ نَرْجو لِلْمُحْسِنينَ (أن يعفو عنهم ويدخلهم الجنة برحمته) مِنَ المُؤْمِنينَ وَ لا نَأْمَنُ عَلَيْهِمْ وَ لا نَشْهَدُ لَهُمْ بالجَنَّةِ

188. We ask (Allah) for forgiveness for the sinner amongst them and fear for them though we do not let them despair. 188. وَ نَسْتَغْفِرُ لِمُسيئِهمْ وَ نَخافُ عَلَيْهِمْ وَ لا نُقَنِّطُهُمْ

189. Both the feeling of sure safety and despair will cause the quitting from religion. 189. وَ الأَمْنُ وَ الإِياسُ يَنْقُلانِ عَنِ المِلَّةِ

190. The middle path between the two ways is the truth for everyone who directs themselves (praying) to Mecca. 190. وَ سَبيلُ الحَقِّ بَيْنَهُما لأَهْلِ القِبْلَةِ

191. Nothing causes a person to quit from Islam except the rejection of that with which he/she entered into Islam. 191. وَ لا يَخْرُجُ العَبْدُ مِنَ الإِيمانِ إِلاَّ بِجُحودِ ما أَدْخَلَهُ فيهِ

192. Belief is by the witness of the tongue and the certifying of the heart. 192. وَ الإِيمانُ هُوَ الإِقْرارُ بِاللِّسانِ وَ التَّصْديقُ بِالجَنانِ

193. Everything Allah sent down in the Koran and all that is authentically transmitted via the Prophet - Allah has praised and given him peace – of the religion and the criteria are truths. 193. وَ أَنَّ جَميعَ ما أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ في القُرْآنِ وَ جَميعَ ما صَحَّ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم مِنَ الشَّرْعِ وَ البَيانِ كُلُّهُ حَقٌّ

194. Belief is one, and its people are equal, 194. وَ الإِيمانُ واحِدٌ وَ أَهْلُهُ في أَصْلِهِ سَواءٌ

195. and vary only by being fearful of sin, and avoiding desire. 195. وَ التَّفاضُلُ بَيْنَهُمْ في التَّقْوى وَ مُخَالَفَةِ الهَوى

196. Believers, all of them, are guided by the Merciful. 196. وَ المُؤْمِنونَ كُلُّهُمْ أَوْلِياءُ الرَّحْمنِ

197. The most honorable is the most obedient and most in following the Koran. 197. وَ أَكْرَمُهُمْ أَطْوَعُهُمْ وَ أَتْبَعُهُمْ لِلْقُرْآنِ

198. Belief, is to believe in Allah, 198. وَ الإِيمانُ هُوَ الإِيمانُ باللَّهِ

199. His angels, 199. وَ مَلائِكَتِهِ

200. His Books, 200. وَ كُتُبهِ

201. His Messengers 201. وُرُسُلِهِ

202. and the Everlasting Day, 202. وَ اليَوْمِ الآخِرِ

203. the resurrection after death, 203. وَ البَعْثِ بَعْدَ المَوْتِ

204. and predestination: good or bad, sweet or bitter from Allah, the High, 204. وَ القَدَرِ خَيْرِهِ وَ شَرِّهِ وَ حُلْوُهِ وَ مُرُّهِ مِنَ اللَّهِ تَعالى

205. we believe in all of this 205. وَ نَحْنُ مُؤْمِنونَ بذلِكَ كُلِّهِ

206. and do not differ regarding any of His messengers 206. وَ لا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِنْ رُسُلِهِ

207. and we believe in all that they brought. 207. وَ نُصَدِّقُهُمْ كُلَّهُمْ عَلى ما جاءوا بهِ

208. Those who commit major sins from the nation of Muhammad – Allah has praised and given him peace – enter Hell, 208. وَ أَهْلُ الكَبائِرِ مْنْ أُمَّةِ مُحَمَّدٍ صلى الله عليه وسلم في النَّارِ

209. but will not remain there forever if they die as a believer, 209. لا يُخَلَّدونَ إِذا ماتوا وَ هُمْ مُوْحِّدونَ

210. even if they were not repentant when they met Allah certifying and believing, 210. وَ إِنْ لَمْ يَكونُوا تائِبينَ بَعْدَ أَنْ لَقُوا اللَّهَ عارِفينَ مُؤْمِنينَ

211. as they are subject to His Will and Wisdom. If He wills, He forgives and pardons from His Bounty 211. وَ هُمْ في مَشيئَتِهِ وَ حُكْمِهِ إِنْ شاءَ غَفَرَ لَهُمْ وَ عَفا عَنْهُمْ بفَضْلِهِ

212. as He, the High, said in His Gracious Book, 'Allah does not forgive (the sin of inventing an) association with Him, but He forgives other (sins) to whomsoever He will.' 4:48 212. كَما قالَ تَعالى في كِتابهِ العَزيزِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لاَ يَغْفِرُ أَنْ يُشْرَكَ بهِ وَ يغْفِرُ مَا دُوْنَ ذلكَ لِمَنْ يشَاءُ

213. If He Wills He will in His Justice, punish them in Hell according to their sin, 213. وَ إِنْ شاءَ عَذبَّهُمْ في النَّارِ بقَدْرِ جنايَتِهِمْ بعَدْلِهِ

214. then He releases them via His Mercy and the intercession of His interceding obedient worshipers 214. ثُمَّ يُخْرِجُهُمْ مِنْها برَحْمَتِهِ وَ شَفاعَةِ الشَّافِعينَ مِنْ أَهْلِ طاعَتِهِ

215. and resurrects them to His Paradise. 215. ثُمَّ يَبْعَثُهُمْ إِلى جَنَّتِهِ

216. that is because indeed Allah is the Guide of the people of His knowledge 216. وَ ذلِكَ بأَنَّ اللَّهَ مَوْلى أَهْلِ مَعْرِفِتِهِ

217. and does not make them in the two lives like the people of rejection 217. وَ لَمْ يَجْعَلْهُمْ في الدَّارَيْنِ كَأَهْل نُكْرَتِهِ

218. who failed to receive His Guidance and did not receive His Friendship. 218. الَّذينَ خابُوا مِنْ هِدايَتِهِ وَ لَمْ يَنالُوا مِنْ وِلايَتِهِ

219. O, the Guide of Islam and its people, make us cling to Islam until we meet You with it. 219. اللَّهُمَّ يا وَلِيَّ الإِسْلامِ وَ أَهْلِهِ مَسِّكْنا بالإِسْلامِ حَتَّى نَلْقاكَ بهِ

220. We consider the obligatory prayers to be valid when led by any righteous or sinful person from the people who direct themselves to Mecca 220. وَ نَرى الصَّلاةَ خَلْفَ كُلِّ بَرٍّ وَ فاجرٍ مِنْ أَهْلِ القِبْلَةِ

221. we offer the funeral prayer and supplicate for the deceased amongst them, 221. وَ نُصَلِّي عَلى مَنْ ماتَ مِنْهُمْ

222. we do not judge any of them to be of Paradise or Hell, 222. وَ لا نُنْزِلُ أَحَداً مِنْهُمْ جَنَّةً وَ لا ناراً

223. nor do we witness them with disbelief, ascribing a partner to Allah, or hypocrisy 223. وَ لا نَشْهَدُ عَلَيْهِمْ بكُفْرٍ وَ لا شِرْكٍ وَ لا نِفاقٍ

224. so long as they did not openly display such a matter, 224. ما لَمْ يَظْهَرْ مِنْهُمْ مِنْ ذلِكَ شَيْءٌ

225. and we leave their concealment to Allah, the High. 225. وَ نَذرُ سَرائِرَهُمْ إِلى اللَّهِ تعالى

226. We are of the opinion that no one from the nation of Muhammad is to be subject to the major punishment of execution except whosoever has been judged as eligible. 226. وَ لا نَرى السَّيْفَ عَلى أَحَدٍ مِنْ أُمَّةِ مُحَمَّدٍ إِلاَّ مَنْ وَجَبَ عَلَيْهِ السَّيْفُ

227. We are of the opinion not to disobey our imams and our governors. 227. وَ لا نَرى الخُروجَ عَلى أَئِمَّتِنا وَ وُلاةِ أُمورِنا

228. even if they transgress, we do not supplicate against any of them, nor do we resist being obedient to them. 228. وَ إِنْ جارُوا وَ لا نَدْعو عَلى أَحَدٍ مِنْهُم وَ لا نَنْزِعُ يَداً مِنْ طاعَتِهِمْ

229. We are of the opinion that obeying them is part of obedience to Allah, the Mighty, the Glorified, it is an obligation as long as they do not order with a sin, 229. وَ نَرى طاعَتَهُمْ مِنْ طاعَةِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ فَريضَةً ما لَمْ يَأْمُروا بمَعْصِيَةٍ

230. we supplicate for them to be good, and for their success and relief. 230. وَ نَدْعو لَهُمْ بالصَّلاحِ وَ النَّجاحِ وَ المُعافاةِ

231. We follow the prophetic ways and the congregation and consensus of scholars, and avoid abnormalities, disputes and divisions. 231. وَ نَتَّبعُ السُّنَّةَ وَ الجَماعَةَ وَ نَجْتَنِبُ الشُّذوذ َ وَ الخِلافَ وَ الفُرْقَةَ

232. We love the people who are just and honest. 232. وَ نُحِبُّ أَهْلَ العَدْلِ وَ الأَمانَةِ

233. We hate people who transgress, and are dishonest. 233. وَ نُبْغِضُ أَهْلَ الجَوْرِ وَ الخِيانَةِ

234. Our opinion is with the agreement of wiping over leather sockets whether one is traveling or not as reported in the tradition. 234. وَ نَرى المَسْحَ عَلى الخُفَّيْنِ في السَّفَرِ وَ الحَضَرِ كَما جاءَ في الأَثَرِ

235. Pilgrimage and defensive war under the leadership of the imams and people of authority are two obligations that are continuously upheld, 235. وَ الحَجُّ وَ الجهادُ فَرْضانِ ماضِيانِ مَعَ أُوْلي الأَمْرِ مِنْ أَئِمَّةِ المُسْلِمينَ

236. no matter whether such leaders are good or transgressors in which nothing will annul the original obligation or reverse it. 236. بَرِّهِمْ وَ فاجرِهِمْ لا يُبْطِلُهُما شَيْءٌ وَ لا يَنْقُضُهُما

237. We believe in the honorable transcribing angels, 237. وَ نُؤْمِنُ بالكِرامِ الكاتِبينَ

238. that Allah has made them to be guards. 238. وَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ جَعَلَهُمْ حافِظينَ

239. We believe in the Angel of Death who is given the power to receive the souls of the inhabitants of the worlds. 239. وَ نُؤْمِنُ بمَلَكَ المَوْتِ المُوَكَّلِ بقَبْضِ أَرْواحِ العالَمينَ

240. We believe in the punishment of the tomb for whosoever is eligible. 240. وَ بعذابِ القَبْرِ لِمَنْ كانَ لَهُ أَهْلاً

241. We believe in the questioning of the deceased in his/her tomb by the two angels Munkar and Nakeer 241. وَ بسُؤالِ مُنْكَرٍ وَ نَكيرٍ لِلمَيِّتِ في قَبْرِهِ

242. who question the deceased about his Lord, his religion, and his Prophet as reported in the tradition via the Messenger of the Lord – Allah has praised and given him peace – and via his Companions – may the pleasure of Allah be upon them all. 242. عَنْ رَبِّهِ وَ دينِهِ وَ نَبيِّهِ عَلى ما جاءَتْ بهِ الأَخْبارُ عَنْ رَسولِ رَبهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَ عَنِ الصَّحابَةِ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ أَجْمَعينَ

243. The tomb is either a garden of those of Paradise or a pit of fire from those of Hell. 243. وَ القَبْرُ رَوْضَةٌ مِنْ رِياضِ الجَنَّةِ أَوْ حُفْرَةٌ مِنْ حُفَرِ النَّارِ

244. We believe in the resurrection and the recompense of deeds on the Day of Resurrection, 244. وَ نُؤْمِنُ بالبَعْثِ وَ بجزاءِ الأَعْمالِ يَوْمَ القِيامَةِ

245 the presentation of one's record, 245. وَ العَرْضِ

246 and one's calculation of his/her account, 246. وَ الحِسابِ

247.in the reading of one's own record, 247. وَ قِراءَةِ الكِتابِ

248. and in the reward or the punishment. 248. وَ الثَّوابِ وَ العِقابِ

249. We believe in the path that has to be crossed (over Hell to Paradise) 249. وَ الصِّراطِ

250. and the Scale upon which the deeds of believers are weighed, whether they are good or bad, obedient or disobedient. 250. وَ الميزانِ يُوزَنُ بهِ أَعْمالُ المُؤْمِنينَ مِنْ الخَيْرِ وَ الشَّرِّ وَ الطَّاعَةِ وَ المَعْصِيَةِ

251. We believe in the creation of Paradise and Hell, and that they are never annihilated or vanish. 251. وَ الجَنَّةُ وَ النَّارُ مَخْلوقَتانِ لا يَفْنَيانِ وَ لا يَبيدانِ

252. Indeed, Allah created Paradise and Hell, and created for each its inhabitants. 252. وَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَعالى خَلَقَ الجَنَّةَ وَ النَّارَ وَ خَلَقَ لَهُما أَهْلاً

253. Whosoever Allah admits to Paradise it is out of His Bounty 253. فَمَنْ شاءَ إِلى الجَنَّةِ أَدْخَلَهُ فَضْلاً مِنْهُ

254. Whosoever Allah admits to Hell it is out of His Justice. 254. وَ مَنْ شاءَ مِنْهُمْ إِلى النَّارِ أَدْخَلَهُ عَدْلاً مِنْهُ

255. Each individual works for what was determined and also advances in that for which he/she was created. 255. وَ كُلٌّ يَعْمَلُ لِما قَدْ فُرِغَ مِنْهُ وَ صائِرٌ إِلى ما خُلِقَ لَهُ

256. Good and bad are predestined for the worshipers. 256. وَ الخَيْرُ وَ الشَّرُ مُقَدَّرانِ عَلى العِبادِ

257. The ability that combines an action to practice a deed is a form of success (from Allah) and not attributable to its doer. 257. وَ الاسْتِطاعَةُ الَّتي يَجبُ بها الفِعْلُ - مِنْ نَحْوِ التَّوْفيقِ الَّذي لا يَجُوزُ أَنْ يُوْصَفَ المَخْلوقُ بها - تَكونُ مَعَ الفِعْلِ

258. As for the facility of health and abundance, controlling and sound conditions, they are prior to actions, 258. وَ أَمَّا الاسْتِطاعَةُ مِنَ الصِّحْةِ وَ الْوُسْعِ وَ التَّمَكُّنِ وَ سلامَةِ الآلاتِ فَهِيَ قَبْلَ الفِعْلِ

259. these are subject of the address as Allah, the High, said, 'Allah charges no soul except to its capacity.' 2.286 259. وَ بها يَتَعَلَّقُ الخِطابُ وَ هُوَ كَما قالَ اللَّهُ تَعالى لاَ يكَلفُ الْلَّهُ نفْسَاً إِلاَّ وُسْعَهَا

260. The deeds of all people are created by Allah, the High, and earned by people. 260. وَ أَفْعالُ العِبادِ هِيَ بخَلْقِ اللَّهِ تَعالى وَ كَسْبٍ مِنَ العِبادِ

261. Allah, the High, never obligates people with that which they are incapable. 261. وَ لَمْ يُكَلِّفْهُمُ اللَّهُ تَعالى إِلاَّ ما يُطِيْقُوْنَ

262. They are incapable except with that which He obligated upon them. This is understood from the explanation of the saying, "there is neither movement nor power except by Allah" (Sahih Bukhari 578). 262. وَ لا يُطِيْقُوْنَ إِلاَّ ما كَلَّفَهُمْ وَ هُوَ حاصِلُ تَفْسيرِ قَوْلِ لا حَوْلَ وَ لا قُوَّةَ إِلاَّ باللَّهِ

263. We say there is neither maneuvering nor movement for a person to commit a sin except with the help of Allah. 263. نَقولُ لا حِيلَةَ وَ لا حَرَكَةَ لأَحَدٍ عَنْ مَعْصِيَةِ اللَّهِ إِلاَّ بمَعُونَةِ اللَّهِ

264. No one has the power to establish obedience and sustain it, without success from Allah. 264. وَ لا قُوَّةَ لأَحَدٍ عَلى إِقامَةِ طاعَةٍ وَ الثَّباتِ عَلَيْها إِلاَّ بتَوْفيقِ اللَّهِ

265. Everything occurs through the Will of Allah, the Mighty, the Glorified, according to His Knowledge, His Predestination and Ability 265. وَ كُلُّ شَيْءٍ يَجْري بمَشيئَةِ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ وَ عِلْمِهِ وَ قَضائِهِ وَ قَدَرَهِ

266. His Will overcomes all other wills 266. غَلَبَتْ مَشيئَتُهُ المَشيئاتِ كُلَّها

267. and His verdict and determining overcomes all maneuvering. 267. وَ غَلَبَ قَضاؤُهُ الحِيَلَ كُلَّها

268. Allah does what He will but He is never unfair. 268. يَفْعَلُ ما شاءَ وَ هُوَ غَيْرُ ظالِمٍ أَبَداً

269. Allah is Pure, removed from every evil, 269. تَقَدَّسَ عَنْ كُلِّ سُوءٍ

270. and exalted above all faults or blemishes. 270. وَ تَنَزَّهَ عَنْ كُلِّ عَيْبٍ وَ شَيْنٍ

271. 'He (Allah) is not to be questioned about what He does, but they shall be questioned.' 21:23 271. لاَ يُسْأَلُ عَمَّا يفْعَلُ وَ هُمْ يسْأَلوْنَ

272. The supplication of the living for the deceased or charity paid on their behalf benefits the deceased, 272. وَ في دُعاءِ الأَحْياءِ للأَمْواتِ وَ صَدَقَتَهِمْ مَنْفَعَةٌ لِلأَمْواتِ

273. Allah, the High, accepts the supplication 273. وَ اللَّهُ تَعالى يَسْتَجيبُ الدَّعَواتِ

274. and fulfills needs. 274. وَ يَقْضي الحاجاتِ

275. Allah owns everything, but nothing owns Him. 275. وَ يَمْلِكُ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ وَ لا يَمْلِكُهُ شَيْءٌ

276. There is nothing that is not in need of Allah, even for the blink of an eye, 276. وَ لا يُسْتَغْنى عَنِ اللَّهِ تَعالى طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ

277. whosoever claims they are not in need of Allah, even for as little as the blink of an eye, is an unbeliever and becomes among the people of loss. 277. وَ مَنِ اسْتَغْنَى عَنِ اللَّهِ طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ فَقَدْ كَفَرَ وَ صارَ مِنْ أَهْلِ الخُسْرانِ

278. Allah, the High, is angered and pleased, but not in any way like that of His creation. 278. وَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَعالى يَغْضَبُ وَ يَرْضَى لا كَأَحَدٍ مِنَ الوَرَى

279. We love the Companions of the Prophet but we do not love any one of them to the extreme, 279. وَ نُحِبُ أَصْحابَ النَّبيِّ وَ لا نُفَرِّطُ في حُبِ أَحَدٍ مِنْهُمْ

280. we do not reject anyone of them, 280. وَ لا نَتَبَرَّأُ مِنْ أَحَدٍ مِنْهُمْ

281. we hate those who hate them, 281. وَ نُبْغِضُ مَنْ يُبْغِضُهُمْ

282. we do not mention them except with truth, 282. وَ بغَيْرِ الْحَقِ لا نَذكُرُهُمْ

283. our opinion is that loving them is an act of religion, faith and perfection 283. وَ نَرى حُبَّهُمْ ديناً وَ إِيماناً وَ إِحْساناً

284. whereas hating them is disbelief, sedition, hypocrisy and transgression. 284. وَ بُغْضَهُمْ كُفْراً وَ شِقاقاً وَ نِفاقاً وَ طُغْياناً

285. And we confirm the caliphate after the Prophet, first to Abu Bakr As-Siddique – Allah is pleased with him – preferring him and advancing him above all the nation, 285. وَ نُثْبتُ الخِلافَةَ بَعْدَ النَّبيِّ أَوَّلاً لأَبي بَكْرٍ الصِّدِّيقِ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ تَفْضيلاً وَ تَقْديماً عَلَى جَميعِ الأُمَّةِ

286. thereafter, Omar ibn Al Khattab was honored with the caliphate – Allah is pleased with him, 286. ثُمَّ لِعُمَرَ بْنِ الخَطَّابِ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ

287. thereafter, Othman ibn Affan was honored with the caliphate – Allah is pleased with him, 287. ثُمَّ لِعُثْمانَ بْنِ عَفَّانَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ

288. thereafter, Ali ibn Abi Talib was honored with the caliphate – Allah is pleased with him, 288. ثُمَّ لِعَلِيٍّ بْنِ أَبي طالِبٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ

289. they are the righteous caliphs 289. وَ هُمُ الخُلَفاءُ الرَّاشِدونَ

290. and the guided imams 290. وَ الأَئِمَّةُ المَهْدِيُّونَ

291. they judged with the truth, and with it they were just – the pleasure of Allah be upon all of them together. 291. الَّذينَ قَضَوْا بالحَقِّ وَ كانُوا بهِ يَعْدِلونَ رِضْوانُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِمْ أَجْمَعينَ

292. Indeed, regarding the ten Companions named by the Messenger of Allah to them we bear witness that they are in Paradise 292. وَ إِنَّ العَشَرَةَ الَّذينَ سَمَّاهُمْ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ نَشْهَدُ لَهُمْ بالجَنَّةِ

293. because the Messenger of Allah bore witness to them and his statement is the truth. They are: 293. كَما شَهِدَ لَهُمْ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ وَ قَوْلُهُ الحَقِّ وَ هُمْ

294. Abu Bakr As-Siddique 294. أَبو بَكْرٍ

295. Omar ibn Al Khatab 295. وَ عُمَرُ

296. Othman ibn Affan 296. وَ عُثْمانُ

297. Ali ibn Abi Talib 297. وَ عَلِيٌ

298. Talhah ibn Obaidullah 298. وَ طَلْحَةُ

299. Az Zubair ibn Al Awam 299. وَ الزُّبَيْرُ

300. Saad ibn Abi Waqas 300. وَ سَعْدٌ

301. Saeed ibn Zaid 301. وَ سَعيدٌ

302. Abdur Rahman ibn Awf 302. وَ عَبْدُ الرَّحْمنِ بْنُ عَوْفٍ

303. Abu Obaida ibn Al Jarrah who is the trusted of this nation, the pleasure of Allah upon all them together. 303. وَ أَبو عُبَيْدَةَ بْنُ الجَرَّاحِ وَ هُوَ أَمينُ هذِهِ الأُمَّةِ رِضْوانُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِمْ أَجْمَعينَ

304. Whosoever speaks best about the Companions of the Prophet, his wives, and his descendants is free and clear from hypocrisy, 304. وَ مَنْ أَحْسَنَ القَوْلَ في أَصْحابِ النَّبيِّ وَ أِزْوَاجهِ وَ ذرِّيَّاتِهِ فَقَدْ بَرِئَ مِنَ النِّفاقِ

305. together with the first generation (of the first century) and the good, 305. وَ عُلَماءُ السَّلَفِ مِنَ الصَّالِحينَ

306. also those who followed (thereafter for two centuries) 306. وَ التَّابعينَ

307. and thereafter the good people, the people of the traditions, the jurists and theologians, 307. وَ مَنْ بَعْدَهُمْ مِنْ أَهْلِ الخَيْرِ وَ الأَثَرِ وَ أَهْلِ الفِقْهِ وَ النَّظَرِ

308. they are only to be mentioned with that which is fine. 308. لا يُذكَرُونَ إِلاَّ بالجَميلِ

309. Whosoever mentions them with evil is on other than their path. 309. وَ مَنْ ذكَرَهُمْ بسوءٍ فَهُوَ عَلى غَيْرِ السَّبيلِ

310. We do not prefer any of the friends of Allah over any of His prophets. 310. وَ لا نُفَضِّلُ أَحَداً مِنَ الأَوْلِياءِ عَلى أَحَدٍ مِنَ الأَنْبياءِ

311. And we say one prophet alone is better than all the friends of Allah put together, 311. وَ نَقولُ نَبيٌّ واحِدٌ أَفْضَلُ مِنْ جَميعِ الأَوْلِياءِ

312. however, we believe in everything that came of their miracles and what is authentically reported from the transmitters. 312. وَ نُؤْمِنُ بما جاءَ مِنْ كَراماتِهِمْ وَ صَحَّ عَنِ الثِّقاتِ مِنْ رِوايَتِهِمْ

313. We believe in the prerequisite signs of the commencement of the Day of Judgement. Amongst them are: 313. وَ نُؤْمِنُ بأَشْراطِ السَّاعَةِ مِنْها

314. the emergence of the false messiah 314. خُروجُ الدَّجَّالِ

315. the descending of Jesus from heaven, peace be upon him (to support Al Mahdi, the Guided Imam) 315. وَ نُزولُ عيسى عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ مِنَ السَّماءِ

316. the sun rising from the west 316. وَ بطُلوعِ الشَّمْسِ مِنْ مَغْرِبها

317. the emergence of the speaking animal from its place. 317. وَ خُروجِ دَابَّةِ الأَرْضِ مِنْ مَوْضِعِها

318. We do not believe in soothsayers nor seers, 318. وَ لا نُصَدِّقُ كاهِناً وَ لا عَرَّافاً

319. nor anyone who claims anything that is different from the Book of Allah, the Prophetic traditions and the consensus of the Muslim nation. 319. وَ لا مَنْ يَدَّعي شَيْئاً بخِلافِ الكِتابِ وَ السُّنَّةِ وَ إِجْماعِ الأُمَّةِ

320. We are of the opinion that the consensus of Muslims is true and sound 320. وَ نَرى الجَماعَةَ حَقَّاً وَ صَواباً

321. We are of the opinion that division is erring and punishable. 321. وَ الفُرْقَةَ زَيْغاً وَ عَذاباً

322. The religion of Allah in the heaven and earth is one which is the religion of Islam 322. وَ دِينُ اللَّهِ في السَّماءِ وَ الأَرْضِ واحِدٌ وَ هُوَ دِينُ الإِسْلامِ

323. as Allah, the High, said, 'The only religion with Allah is Islam (submission).' 3:19 323. كَما قالَ اللَّه تَعالى إِنَّ الدِّينَ عِنْدَ الْلَّهِ الإِسْلامُ

324. and He, the High, said, 'Whosoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will not be accepted from him.' 3:85 324. وَ قالَ تَعالى وَ مَنْ يبْتغِ غَيْرَ الإِسْلامِ دِينَاً فَلَنْ يقْبَلَ مِنْهُ

325. and He, the High, said, 'I have approved Islam to be your religion.'4:3 325. وَ قالَ تَعالى وَ رَضِيْتُ لكُمُ الإِسْلامَ دِينَاً

326. The religion is between being extreme and insufficient, 326. وَ هُوَ بَيْنَ الغُلُوِّ وَ التَّقْصيرِ

327. and between striking a similarity (between Allah and His creation) and making His attributes redundant 327. وَ التَّشْبيهِ وَ التَّعْطيلِ

328. and between those who think they forced with no choice (Jabria sect), and those who believe everyone creates his own deeds (Kadria sect) 328. وَ الجَبْرِ وَ القَدَرِ

329. and between sure safety and despair. 329. وَ الأَمْنِ وَ اليَأْسِ

330. This is our religion and our belief, both inwardly and outwardly. 330. فَهذا دِينُنا وَ اعْتِقادُنا ظاهِراً وَ باطِناً

331. Allah is our witness, we reject whosoever differs with what we have mentioned and clarified. 331. وَ نَحْنُ نَبْرَأُ إِلى اللَّهِ تَعالى مِمَّنْ خالَفَ الَّذي ذكَرْناهُ وَ بَيَّناهُ

332. We ask Allah, the High, to make us steadfast upon it and to seal our life with it, 332. ونسأل الله تعالى أن يثبتنا عليه ، ويختم لنا به.

333. and to protect us from mixed desire 333. ويعصمنا من الأهواء المختلطة،

334. and from divided opinions 334. والآراء المتفرقة.

335. and from the false theological doctrines such as: 335. والمذاهب الردية.

336. Mushabeha: those of striking a similarity to Divinity 336. كالمشبهة.

337. Jahamia sect (the followers of Jahm ibn Safwan who claim people have no choice) 337. والجهمية.

338. Jabria sect (the followers of Jad ibn Dirham student of Safwan, who believe that people are forced to do what they do and have no choice). 338. والجبرية.

339. Kadria sect (the followers of those who deny the destiny of Allah). 339. والقدرية .

340. And others (i.e. Mutazila who follow Wasil ibn Ata, those who believe a person creates his belief, disbelief and his will), those who differ with the Prophetic ways and Companions, 340. وغيرهم، ممن خالف السنة والجماعة

341. all of whom follow false innovations and errors 341. واتبع البدعة والضلالة.

342. we reject them 342. ونحن منهم برءاء

343. and they are in our opinion erring and are iniquitous 343. وهم عندنا ضلال وأردياء.

344. and Allah knows best that which is valid 344. والله أعلم بالصواب

345. and to Allah is the return and the arrival. 345. وإليه المرجع والمآب."
 

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What is Islam?
by Ahmad Darwish
+201015122933
[email protected]


The Arabic word 'Allah' is a proper noun of the Creator


The Arabic word 'Islam' means in English 'Submission' to Allah


www.Allah.com www.Muhammad.com


In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful


What is Islam


Ahmad Darwish


No copyright




IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,


THE MERCIFUL, THE MOST MERCIFUL




FROM MUHAMMAD THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH


TO HERACLIUS: THE GREATEST OF ROMANS.




Peace be upon those who follow Divine Guidance. I therefore invite you to embrace Islam, surrender to Allah to be in peace. Allah will doubly reward you, but if you turn away the sin of the Arians will rest upon you.




“‘People of the Book, (Jews and Christians), let us come to a common word between us and you that we will worship none except Allah, that we will associate none with Him, and that none of us take others for lords besides Allah.’ If they turn away, say: ‘Bear witness that we are Muslims (those have surrendered to Him)’.” Koran 3:64






The Prophets of Allah mentioned in the Holy Koran


Muhammad, Jesus, John, Zachariah, Elisha, Ellias, Jonah, Ezekiel, Job, Solomon, David, Aaron, Moses, Shuaib, Joseph, Jacob, Isaac, Ishmael, Lot, Abraham, Salih, Hood, Idris, Noah and Adam






To the reader:




First of all we would like to thank you for taking the time gain a better understanding of Islam which is the religion of absolute submission to the Creator of mankind and prophets alike, Allah.




We sincerely hope that you will benefit from this authentic introduction to Islam, and that it may deepen your knowledge and increase your interest.




People such as yourself with inquiring minds invariably have families and friends of similar inclination, and we invite you to give them a copy of this booklet.




The Mosque of the Internet team




Welcome!




Everything seems to be turned upside down these days. Crazy things are happening all over the world, we are fed with partial information, misinformation and so on, that many of us find ourselves in a state of complex ignorance, that is we are ignorant that we are ignorant and do not know the whole truth through no fault of our own, and we form our opinions accordingly.




This brief booklet presents Islam in its true form and we stress that it is not that of the fanatical Saudi Wahabi cult, responsible, since its inception for terrorism and the murder of many innocent people as well as Muslims. Their actions are totally against the principals of Islam and Islam rejects and condemns their actions. Islam is the religion of peace, brotherhood, and tolerant co-existence among all mankind, not just amongst its followers.




The foremost principal of Islam is the belief in the Oneness of God, the Creator of all, who has no partners, who is the sender of the Prophets to whom he gave His guidance, who is the sender of the last prophet, Prophet Muhammad who was sent for all mankind and not to one nation as were the missions of previous prophets. Praise and peace be upon all the prophets of Allah.




Many people have the inherent desire for guidance. However, in this complicated, fast moving technological society, the pace of life is so consuming that one is soon distracted from his/her search. New religions are born almost every day only to fade into oblivion soon after.




Many of us try to do good, but how many times has it turned out to be the opposite? We have all heard the phrase, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. So what are we to do? Without the correct guidance we are going to keep falling into the same error time and time again.




Islam addresses each and every aspect of our life from conception to death. It is a complete religion, both spiritually and materialistically that shows us the right path to take, and Allah, the Arabic pronoun for God, confirms this in the opening verses of chapter two in His Holy Book, the Koran “That is the (Holy) Book, where there is no doubt. It is a guidance for the cautious.”




Muslims are no in doubt that the Arabic Koran recited today is the same as it was when it was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad because Allah in His Mercy promises in the Koran to protect this, His Final Word from alteration. The Koran contains guidance for every age up until the end of time and contains miraculous signs that await discovery in the appropriate centuries. One such sign that awaited discovery was the developmental stages of the fetus in the womb. This process only became known to physicians recently, many centuries after the revelation of the Koran, and it is impossible that it would have been known at the time of the sending down of the Holy Koran.




The Koran found in today’s book stores can be compared to the first copies ever to be written down, such as the one in Bukhara, USSR, there is no difference between them. This in itself is a miracle as rabbis and priest alike admit their books have been, for one reason or another, subjected to alteration and/or parts deleted over the passage of time. Allah refers to the alterations in the Koran saying: “Some Jews tampered with the words (altering) their places saying: ‘We heard and we disobey,’ and ‘hear, without hearing,’ and ‘observe us’ twisting with their tongues traducing religion ….” Koran 4:46




The Gospel given to Prophet Jesus by Allah is no longer found in the New Testament, what remains, for the most part, are the teachings of Paul who was not a prophet.




Islam is not a new religion. It is the completion of teachings of Prophets Abraham, Moses and Jesus, all of whom preached that God is One and has no partners. It is tolerant and respectful of all other heavenly religions and their followers who share the belief in the One and only God. The Holy Koran teaches: "There is no compulsion in religion. Righteousness is now distinct from error. He who disbelieves in the idol and believes in Allah has grasped the firmest tie that will never break, Allah is Hearing, Knowing.” Koran 2:256




THE MEANING OF ISLAM




It is false to call Islam Muhammadanism, as has been done so frequently in the West. We have already pointed out that Muslims believe that Islam is the eternal message which Allah sent to all prophets, peace be upon them, from the dawn of mankind, and not a new belief which began with the Prophet Muhammad (praise and peace be upon him)




Muslims call their religion Islam, and the Arabic word “Islam” implies the attainment of peace through submission to Allah. The word “Muslim” is an adjective derived from the noun Islam, and implies one who has peace within himself from his submission to Allah.




Muslims believe in the One, Eternal God, who created the heavens and the earth and all that exists. In Arabic, God is called Allah.




There is absolutely no difference between Allah and the God of Abraham, Moses and Jesus . Muslims do not believe that Prophet Muhammad was the only prophet; rather they believe that he was the last of the prophets of the Old and New Testaments. The Holy Koran is the revealed and sacred scripture of Islam, and it teaches: "Say (O Muslims), ‘We believe in Allah and that which is sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the tribes; to Moses and Jesus and the prophets of their Lord. We do not differentiate between any of them, and to Him we are submissive (Muslims.)” Koran 2:136.






SOME BASIC BELIEFS OF ISLAM


The most fundamental concept of Islam and the fountainhead of all its other principles and practices is the Oneness of Allah. Islam is monotheism in its purest form, and the logic of pure monotheism is the thread that runs through the entire fabric of the Islamic way of life.




Islam teaches a fundamental difference between Allah, the Creator and that which He has created. The sky, the moon, the stars, the harmony and perfection of the natural world, the grace and beauty of the human body and the excellence of the human mind, the alternation of day and night, the change of the seasons, and the mystery of life and death all point to something beyond, greater than themselves.




To the believer these are all signs of Allah. Islam teaches that Allah is not to be likened to anything that He has created. He is All–Powerful,


All-Knowing; He is beyond any imperfection, and is the fulfillment of all Perfection. He is not a substance, nor is He like any of His creatures. Allah is not a far away and distant God, nor is He unapproachable ideal. He is All-Kind, All Merciful, and the Turner of hearts.




Islam teaches that Allah is eternal. He was not Himself born, nor has He fathered a son or a daughter. Islam rejects the concept of the incarnation of Allah, which is found in Hinduism, Christianity, and other religions, and believes that the concept of incarnation limits the concept of Allah and destroys the believer's conviction of the activeness and perfection of Allah.




The Koran describes Allah being perfect and active: "Allah, there is no god except He. The Living, the Everlasting. Neither dozing nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth. Who is he that shall intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what will be before their hands and what was behind them, and they do not comprehend anything of His knowledge except what He willed. His Seat embraces the heavens and earth, and the preserving of them does not weary Him. He is the High, the Great." Koran 2:255.




Islam rejects the notion that Jesus, peace be upon him, was the son of God. Rather it honors and respects him as one of the great messengers and prophets of Allah to the children of Israel. Islam rejects the Pauline concept of trinity and considers it a contradiction of pure monotheism. It also rejects the argument of some Christians that God made Himself incarnate in Jesus, peace be upon him, so that God could be known by men, and also rejects the argument that Jesus, peace be upon him, died on the cross for mankind's sins.




To begin with, Islam believes that man can come to know Allah and feel close to Him by means of proper prayer, fasting, charity, pilgrimage, and righteous deeds. The very practice of Islam is meant to purify the believer's soul and to bring him/her closer to Allah. With regard to Jesus dying for our sins, Islam teaches that no human being can bear the burden of another's responsibility.




Allah is very aware of our human weaknesses and imperfection. He does not condemn us because we are imperfect; rather He guides us to self-perfection and He forgives us and showers His Mercy upon us when we fail and then sincerely ask His forgiveness.




Muslims believe in the Divine origin of the Bible although Muslims doubt the historical authenticity of some parts of the Old and New Testaments and do not believe them to be exact representations of what Allah originally revealed.




The Koran upheld this view of the text of the Old and New Testaments hundreds of years ago, and in recent years, this view has been upheld by textual studies of biblical scholars. Muslims believe in the Angels of Allah, and His Prophets, peace be upon them. They believe in the resurrection of the dead at the end of the world; they believe in the coming of the Day of Judgement and eternal life in Paradise or Hell.




Although Muslims believe that Allah is All-Powerful and maintains complete control over His creation, they also believe that Allah has created man with free will and the ability to choose and act, and that Allah is just in making man morally responsible for what does during his/her lifetime. It is false to say that Islam teaches its followers to resign meekly and passively to their fate or destiny. Rather, Islam challenges the believer to fight against wrong and oppression and to strive for the establishment of righteousness and justice.






FAITH IN ACTION


Faith without action is a dead letter. Islam teaches us that faith by itself is not enough until it is transformed into action.




Prophet Muhammad said; "Faith does not depend on raising hopes, but it is something which is firmly established in the heart and testified to by action. Indeed, there are people who have been deceived by their hopes, so that they finally leave this world without merit. They used to say, 'We have good expectations from Allah.' Yet they only deceived themselves. For had they truly placed good expectations in Allah, they would have excelled in good deeds."




Each Muslim is taught that he/she is personally responsible for his/her own actions. Islam teaches that every individual must carry the responsibility of his/her own actions and that no one can carry that burden for them.




THE POSITION OF WOMEN IN ISLAM


Islam teaches that the woman is not inherently inferior to man; rather man and woman are of similar nature. They both are equal in intellectual and spiritual capacity. Furthermore, they are both equally responsible for their deeds before Allah.




It is also true that Islam regards the woman as having a primary role to play in the constitution and running of the family. Such is the importance of the role of motherhood that Prophet Muhammad informed us that Paradise lies under the feet of the mother, in other words one must respect, honor and be good to one’s mother. If you visit a Muslim home it will become very noticeable how the entire family pivots around her and it is extremely rare in Muslim countries to hear of a mother or father being farmed off into a nursing home when they are elderly.




Islam places great emphasis on the role of the Muslim woman as a wife and particularly as a mother, and Muslims are often of the opinion that the best position for the woman is in the home with her children and family. However, the Muslim woman is not prohibited from leaving her home to pursue education, a career, or other worthwhile and constructive goals that profit not only her but society as well. The Koran establishes the spiritual equality and mutual responsibility of man and woman in verses such as the following: "But whosoever does good works of righteousness, whether they be a believing male or female, shall enter Paradise, and not be wronged a pit mark of a date stone.” Koran 4:124.




"And indeed their Lord answered them, 'I do not waste the labor of any that labors among you, male or female, you are from each other.” Koran 3:195.




The relationship of the Muslim husband to his wife is not that of master to slave. Rather the entire responsibility of economic support is placed on the shoulders of the husband alone. He cannot demand of his wife that she also become economically productive to support the family, although she is able to do this if she desires.




The Koran explains this responsibility of men to women in the following verse: "Men are the maintainers of women for that Allah has preferred in bounty one of them over the other, and for that they have spent their wealth. Righteous women are obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah has guarded." Koran 4:34.




The important point that should be made is that the religion of Islam has great respect for the woman. It does not teach that she is without a soul or that she is the root of all evil, neither does it define a woman as being inferior and must be kept in seclusion and subjugation.




We are often asked why Muslim women wear black and are completely veiled. This practice is nationalistic and not from Islam. The attire of a Muslim woman is that of modesty, where her figure is not apparent to outsiders, not of veiling, however a scarf is a necessity. In this day and age in particular where rape is a common occurrence in the west she finds modest clothing to be a protection from unwarranted advances by the opposite sex. Also, modest clothing has recently been advocated by cancer physicians as a form of protection against the sun’s harmful rays that cause melanoma, skin cancer.


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Both Judaism and Christianity preach that the fall of Adam from the Garden of Eden was the fault of Eve and as such women are to blame. This is not the teaching of Islam, the Koran directs all the responsibility to Adam himself, while adding that Allah turned to Adam in mercy and forgave him his sin. Therefore, Adam's sin stops with Adam himself, and Allah does not hold mankind responsible for the sin of Adam and rejects the concept of original sin.




We cannot deny that the condition of women has at times been regrettable in the Muslim world, but the same can also be said of the rest of the world at large. We do not wish to justify these circumstances, but only to make the point that they did not originate from the teachings of Islam itself. Rather they are the results of short sightedness, ignorance and human failure. Those believing women who were unjustly treated will be recompensed for their patience in the Hereafter because Allah is Just and does not love injustice.






BROTHERHOOD AND EQUALITY OF MANKIND


Islam teaches that the human family is one, that there is no superiority of white over black or black over white. Islam rejects radically all notions of racial prejudice and teaches that the only basis of distinction between human beings is their belief and individual moral qualities.




The concept of Islamic brotherhood has two primary dimensions; the relationship of Muslims to Muslims and the relationship of Muslims to non-Muslims. As for the first category, Islam teaches that the brotherhood between all Muslims is to be absolute and total. The Arab has no privileges over the non-Arab, and, since there is no clergy or priesthood in Islam, all Muslims are basically equal, from top to bottom, from rich to poor, from educated to uneducated.




As for the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims, the teaching of Islam is that this is to be a relationship of mutual respect and particularly of tolerance. It is preferable that Muslims and non-Muslims live in peace, protect each other, and cooperate with one another. As the Koran says: "There is no compulsion in religion" Koran 2:256 and "To you your religion, and to me my religion.” Koran 109:6




REASON


Muslims consider their religion to be very rational and consistent with the dictates of the believing and reasoning mind.




Furthermore, the Koran teaches that rational faculty is one of the greatest gifts of Allah to man, and encourages us to use and develop this faculty. Islam does not ask its followers to believe and then follow everything blindly and unquestioningly. The Koran says, for instance: "If you are in doubt of what We (1) have sent down to Our worshipper (Prophet Muhammad), produce a chapter comparable to it. Call upon your helpers, other than Allah, to assist you, if you are true." Koran 2:23




(1) When pronouns are capitalized they refer to the Creator, Allah. Examples: You, He, Him, His and, Own while pronouns such as Our, Ours, Us and We denote His Greatness not plurality.




Islam encourages reasoning, thought and personal opinion. The Prophet said: "The differences of opinion among the learned of my followers are Allah's mercy." Islam has great respect for learning science and for man's exploration of the secrets of nature and of creation. In fact Allah challenges man on many occasions in the Koran to deepen his faith, knowledge, and wisdom from study and contemplation of the natural world, its harmony, symmetry, and beauty. For example: “(It is He) who created the seven heavens, one above the other. You cannot see any inconsistency in the creation of the Merciful. Then return your gaze once more and yet again, your gaze comes back to you dazzled, and tired.” Koran 67:3-4.




The individual capacities and unique abilities of people are the gift of Allah, to be developed, perfected, and used for the benefit of humanity. Islam does not try to crush the individuality of its believers, but rather to guide each believer to perfection and purify his own uniqueness.




This multiplicity of expressive and developed personalities enriches society and places it on a higher level, like the beauty of an intricate but unified arabesque.




ISLAMIC ATTITUDE TOWARDS WAR


In the eyes of some commentators on Islam in the West, Islam has been portrayed as a militant religion, a religion of blood, fire, and sword. We have already tried to draw attention to the fundamental concern of Islam for tolerance and religious freedom, and have also commented upon the emphasis Islam places on peace and cooperation among mankind. However, Islam is a practical religion, a religion which never ignores for a single moment the complexities and demands of the harsh realities and facts of life. Islam is fundamentally concerned with establishing societies in which the rights of freedom of belief, human rights, and protection of life, dignity, and property are secure from both internal and external threats.




Therefore, even as Islam teaches its followers to be merciful and inclined toward forgiveness and peace even in times of war, it never teaches them to turn the other cheek. The philosophy of "turning the other cheek" may be appropriate for private individuals and small day- to-day affairs, however, it spells social suicide if it is implemented by society as an absolute value.




Islam therefore stipulates principles that Muslims are to follow before, during, and after war. Peace is to be established on the basis of justice. Muslims are not to be aggressive or to violate treaties they have concluded with others, but war is to be waged in defense of the Muslim community and what it stands for. It is forbidden for Muslims to be the initiators of war or terrorist activities.




During war, killing of civilians and those who do no participate directly in the war is strictly forbidden. Prisoners are to be treated humanely. Destruction of lands, fruit trees, animals, and towns and villages are also forbidden where avoidable. Muslims are to incline to peace if the enemy is truthfully inclined to peace, and make treaties and agreements to preserve that peace and then observe those treaties as long as the enemy observes them. The concept of "jihad" is one of the highest concepts in Islam. The term has at times been translated as "Holy War". However, this translation is incomplete for jihad also means by language "struggling." It is a concept that places great emphasis on the struggle of oneself with the temptations of satan; to do good and sacrifice.




Prophet Muhammad said, that the greatest jihad is the striving of the Muslim to purify himself.




Jihad consists of all the striving the Muslim does in his external life, charity, righteous living and acts, the constant effort to achieve the Right Path in his dealings with his fellow men. This is true striving in the Way of Allah.




THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM


Islam sets down five principle duties that are obligatory upon all Muslims, and form the structure, or pillars, of his/her life.


They are:




1. Belief in the Oneness of Allah, and the bearing of witness to this belief with the words: "I bear witness that there is no god except Allah, and that Muhammad is His Prophet and Messenger."




2. The five daily prayers at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset and nightfall. These five daily prayers help one to develop Allah consciousness in his/her everyday life. The importance of these cannot be over emphasized. They are a constant reminder to the worshipper of the Presence and Power of Allah and help the worshipper to keep his/herself from deviating from the Right Path.




3. The bestowal of charity on one's fellow man. Islam places great emphasis on generosity and charity as a means of purifying one's soul and drawing closer to Allah. The Muslim is enjoined to give voluntarily whenever he/she can; however, he/she is required each lunar year to pay an obligatory charity tax of 2 ½% of his/her annual savings. This obligatory charity is then given to orphans, the needy and the poor. The Zakat, which means obligatory charity, enables the Muslim community to take care of all its members and insures that no one will be deprived of his/her basic human right to exist.




4. Fasting during the ninth month of the lunar year called "Ramadan." This fast is enjoined upon Muslims of good health and sound body who have attained the age of physical maturity and are not prevented from performing the fast by various circumstances like travel, sickness, mental illness, or specifically in the case of women, menstruation, or childbirth. The fast of Ramadan begins at dawn and lasts until sunset. During this period the Muslim abstains from eating, and drinking, sexual activity and smoking. Fasting teaches self-discipline and control, while purifying the soul and body and strengthening one's consciousness of Allah.




5. The pilgrimage to Mecca. The pilgrimage is required of all Muslims at least once during their lifetime, if they have the financial means. The annual pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the greatest events of the Muslim world, uniting Muslims from every race and from every corner of the world. This is a great experience in the life of a Muslim that enables him/her to draw closer to Allah. The greatest blessings of going on pilgrimage is that all one’s previous sins are wiped away and the pilgrimage returns as pure as the day he/she was born. We would like to remind the reader that the Holy Mosque in Mecca was built by Prophet Abraham and his son, Prophet Ishmail .




WHO IS A MUSLIM?


Since there is no priesthood in Islam, no clergy and no official religious institution, all one has to do to become a Muslim is to be personally convinced of the truth of the teachings of Islam and bear witness that "There is no god except Allah, and that Muhammad is His Prophet."




One of the great beauties of Islam is its simplicity, naturalness, and lack of formalities. Islam is the religion of Adam and of mankind in its earliest and most advanced stages of development. Allah says in the Holy Koran: "Therefore set your face to the religion purely, the upright creation upon which He originated people. There is no changing of the creation of Allah. This is the valuable religion, although most people do not know.” Koran 30:30.




A THOUGHT PROVOKING QUESTION


Allah asks you, “Did you think that We had created you only for play, and that you would never be returned to Us? Koran 23:115. Have you ever stopped and asked yourself what is this life all about, what is the purpose of being here, the purpose of your creation? The correct answer to this question is that you seek the truth, worship Allah alone, do good deeds for which there is the greatest reward, the reward of living eternally in Paradise.




THE BENEFIT OF EMBRACING ISLAM


Among the many benefits of embracing Islam are that once you bear witness that: "There is no god except Allah, and Muhammad is His Prophet," all your past sins are forgiven and are transformed into merits with an enormous reward awaiting you in Paradise! In addition, you receive the reward of believing the religion of the Prophet Jesus, if you are a Christian, or Prophet Moses, if you are a Jew, and the religion of Prophet Muhammad, which means that you receive two huge rewards, and you know that Allah loves you because He guided you to Him.
 
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