A Glimpse of Islamic Faith

•
A GLIMPSE OF
ISLIMIC FIITI

GHAlib AHMAd MASRi

i:i+.<>!l..w P 0 -'-! ii ~ 1I(j..C. ib..oJ ]
o
I
9JLlil ~I uJLt

GLIMPSE
A GLIMPSE OF
ISLAMIC FAITH

BY
GHALIB MASRI
GHALIB MASRI

Coopcrrdvc Otlcc for Cdl end Guldrmc ln Al-Brtbr, Riyrd 1996
CooperaUn Oflke for CaB and Guidance In AI-Batha, Riyadh, 1996

King Fahad National Library Cataloging-in-Publication Data
King Fahad National Library Caralosing-in-Publication Data

Musri, Ghalib
Musri, Ghalib
A glimpse of Islamic faith
A of Islamic faith
.... P, ...... CD1.
. . . .P , . . . . . .c m .
9960-798-35-6
ISBN: 9960-798-35-6
I. Faith creeds) I.
1. Faith (Islamic creeds)l. Title

243
243 dc

Lcgal Dcposit No. 0617/17
Legal Deposit 0617(17
ISBN:9960-798-35-6
ISBN:996G798-35-6

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUBJECT
SUBJECT PAGE
PAGE
Dedication
Dedication ............ 4
4
lntroduction .........
Introduction .. 5
5
Man's Need the CorrectCreed
Man's Need for the Correct Creed .". 8 8
Monotheism Islam
Monotheism in Islam 11
l1
Religion and Human Nature(Belief
Religion and Human Nature (Belief
in Allah) 133
1
Messengers
Messengers of Allah 28
28
The Message Prophet
The Message of Prophet Mu-
hammad (PBUH)
hammad 33
33
Pre-Islamic Times
Pre-Islamic Times 33
33
The Mission.......
The Mission......... 41
41
Character the Gracious
Character of the Gracious
Prophe(PBUH)
Prophe (PBUH) 46
46
Holy Scriptures(the books of Allah) 63
Scriptures (the books of 63
The Holy Qur'an
The Qur'an 65
65
The Hereafter
Hereafter................................... 82
82
Divine Destiny
Destiny................................. 8787
Angels of Allah
Angels of 89
89
3

DEDICATION

*
* the Searchers Truth
To the Searchers for Truth with anan
open mind and an enlightened
open and an enlightened
heart...
heart...
* To those who are keen on saving
* those who are keen on saving
themselves from going astray and
themselves from going astray and
living in the broad expanse of
the broad expanse
Light.
Light.
* To every man and woman desiring to
* every man and woman desiringto
know about Islam'sattitudetowards
know about Islam's attitude towards
the major issues DIVINITY,'fHtr
the major issues of DIVINITY, THE
and LIFE, and about
UNIVERSE and LIFE and about
the position and role man the
the position and role of man in the
Universe.
Universe.

dedicatethis quick glimpse the
I dedicate this quick glimpse of the
Islamic Faith.
Islamic Faith.

4

Introduction
Introduction

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent.
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent,
the Merciful
the Merciful

Islam has liberated man from mental
Islam has liberated man from mental
bondageand trained its followers to search
bondage and trained its followers to search
the truth open minds.
for the truth with open minds. Allah hashas
honouredthe humanmind and made a
honoured the human mind and made it a
means discovering tokens His ex-
means of discovering the tokens of His ex-
the
istence and glory
istence and glory in the universe and un-
the universe and un-
derstanding GloriousRevelation.
derstanding His Glorious Revelation.
His

In the time when the non-Islamic world
the time when the non-Islamic
was suffering from the abyss of the so
was suffering the abyss of the so
calledDark Ages, the Islamic world was
called Ages, the Islamic world was
alreadyliving in an age of enlightenment
already an age of enlightenment
and had advanced in alt fields of life-
and advanced all fields of
spiritual and material. That is, in fact, a
spiritual and material. That is, fact,
5

naturaloutcome of the living faith which
natural outcome the living faith which
is compatible with undefiledhuman na-
is compatiblewith undefiled human na-
ture.
ture.

When in action, the Islamic faith brings
When action,the Islamic faith brings
fonh other honourable examples hu-
forth other honourable examples of hu-
and guides man to the
man civilization and guides man to the
man
Straight Path. This faith is summed up and
StraightPath.This faith is summedup and
pronounced
pronounced in the following Arabic
the Arabic
Words:
Words:

tJ i ~i !I t,
.
i,i 5.!iii s dlJl U dJ 1U. i ~i "
1
a,lllU!.lJ lJtJ :riii
• • gi II

" ' dlJ 1J..... J I.. 0 " ..
II. olJl Jg.rr1 l:oa-c
It can be transliterated into Roman
can be transliteratedinto Roman
Letters as follows:
Lettersas follows:

'' ASH-HADU
"ASH-HADU AN LA ILAHA
ILLAL-LAAH, WA ASH-HADU
ILLAL-LAAH.
MUHAMMADAN RA-
ANNA MUHAMMADAN RA-
SULUL-LAAH."
SULUL-LAAH."

6

Its meaningin English is
Its meaning in English is ::
''I BEAR
WITNESS THAT THERE IS
"I BEAR WITNESS THAT THERE IS
NO GOD BUT
NO GOD BUT ALLAH; AND THAT
THAT
MUHAMMAD IS HIS MESSEN-
MUHAMMAD IS HIS MESSEN-
GER.''
GER."

explanation the Muslim faith
A brief explanation of the Muslim faith
is given the pages.
is given in the following pages. Yet this is
this is
only a glimpse thosewho are interested
only a glimpse for those who are interested
to know aboutthe articles
to know about the articles of the Islamic
the Islamic
Faith.It could also be a step forward on
could also be a step forwardon
the way studying and discussingthe
the way of studying and discussing the
foundations Islamic belief.
foundations of Islamicbelief.

It could convince sincere searchers
could convince sincere searchers for
the truth to embrace the true religion. An
the truth embrace the true religion.
impartialassessment their beliefs and
impartial assessment of their beliefs and
of
practicesshould hopefully lead them to
practices should hopefully lead them
shift their stand and guide them to the
stand and guide them the
only straightpath ( that is, Islam).
straight path that Islam).
7

MAN'S NEED FOR
MAN'S NEED FOR
CORRECT CREED.
THE CORRECT CREED.

Man standsat the peak
Man stands at the peak of creation and
creationand
holds the position the master this uni-
holds the position of the master in this uni-
verseowing to the unique qualities he en-
verse owing to the unique qualities he en-
joys. He is providedwith a number fa-
joys. He is provided with a number of fa-
culties and qualities that enable
culties and qualities that enable him to to
control and build this world. He is en-
control and build this world. He is en-
dowedwith sense makehim understand
to
dowed with sense to make him understand
things and acquireknowledge. He is also
things and acquire knowledge. He is also
provided the means power and
provided with the means of power and
control.He enjoys,too, a variety
control. He enjoys, too, a variety of emo-
emo-
tions and feelings, suchas love,hate,an-
tions and feelings, such as love, hate, an-
ger,etc..
ger, etc..

These qualitiesare two-edged weapons
Thesequalities are two-edged weapons
that can be employedeither for good or for
that can be employed either good
evil purposes.
purposes. Power, for example,can be
Power, example, can be
usedeitherfor helping people and giving
used either helping people and giving
8

them happiness.or wronging the weak
them happiness. or for wronging the weak
and oppressingthem. The human mind
and oppressing them. human
can be used either for inventing the means
can used either inventing the means
of luxury and comfort or for manufactur-
and comfort manufactur-
ing the devices of death and destruction.
the devices deathand destruction.

Therefore, there must be someother
Therefore, there must be some other
drive that is able to control these
force or drive that is able to control these
force
human qualities and faculties and direct
human qualities and faculties and direct
the interest man and his com-
them in the interest of man and his com-
them
munity. That is, the sound belief in the
munity. That is, the sound the
true God and His perfect
One and Only true God and His perfect
One and
attributes and in the resurrection after
attributes and the resurrectionafter
death when everybody is brought to ac-
death when everybody is brought to ac-
count for his past deeds. This belief will
count for his past deeds. This belief
be the main factor that leads man
be the main factor that leads man in the the
away from
right path and keeps him away from evil
right path and keeps
and injustice. helps to build a real ideal
and injustice. It helps to build a real ideal
society as was witnessedin the past
society as it was witnessed in the past
actual
when Islam was embodied in actual life
when Islam was embodied
9

and the Muslim soceitywas a concrete
and the Muslim soceity was a concrete
representation the Islamic faith.
of
representation of the Islamic faith.

In fact, Allah doesnot needour belief
In fact, Allah does not need our belief
in Him, nor does He need our worship
in Him, nor does He need our worship
and submission to His exalted
and submission to His exalted Will; it
is we who need this belief order to be
is we who need this belief in order to be
coftect
correct in our concept of life, the universe
concept the universe
and its Creator, and to achieveour happi-
and its Creator, and to achieve our happi-
ness and welfare both this
ness and welfare both in this world and in
and
the Hereafter.
the Hereafter.

l10
0

MONOTHEISM I N I S L A M
MONOTHEISM IN ISLAM

ISLAM, general, means surrender-
ISLAM, in general, means surrender-
ing one's whole self to Allah, getting rid
one's getting
of polytheismand completesubmission to
polytheism and complete submission
the orders and instructions of
the orders and instructions of Allah.

Submission to Allah is a thing which
Submission thing
Allah requires of the whole humanity as
AUah requires the whole humanity as
He its Creator;He has createdthe whole
He is its Creator; He has created the whole
universe and He alone dominates over it.
universeand He alone dominates over
is the duty creaturesto their Creator
It is the duty of creatures to their Creator
and a requisite of their servility to their
and a requisite their servility to their
Lord.
Lord.

Adam, Noah,
Islam was the religion of Adam, Noah,
Islam was the religion
Abraham and other prophets up to
Abraham and other prophets up to Mu-
hammad (peaceand blessing Allah be
hammad (peace and blessing of Allah be
upon them), for their faith was one and
upon them), for their faith was one and
the siune, although the applied ethics
the same, although the applied ethics
11l
1

might be different.
might be different.

The Islamic faith consistsof six funda-
The Islamic faith consists of six funda-
mentals:
mentals:

I - in AUah.
1 - Belief in Allah.
2 - Belief His Angels.
2 - Belief in His Angels.
- Belief Divine Books.
3 - Belief in Divine Books.
- Belief His Prophers.
4 - Belief in His Prophets.
-
5 - Belief in the Last Day.
the Last Day.
- Divine Destinv.
6 - Belief in Divine Destiny.

The first fundamental is rhe most im-
The fundamental the most Im-
port of all.
port of all.

t12
2

RELIGION AND HUMAN
RELIGION HUMAN
NATURE
( Belief in Allah )
Allah)

Everyone is bom upright
Everyone is born upright by nature.nature.
Pure natureleads Allah, the One and
Pure nature leads to Allah, the One and
fact, human nature
Only true God. In fact, human nature
true God.
Almighty Allah's existence
awakes to Almighty Allah's existence
awakes
even earlier than we
very early in life, even earlier than we
very early
may think. We generally think that only
may think. We generally think that only
an older person pondersover Allah's
an older person ponders over Allah's
existenceand Oneness.
existence and Oneness. But if we ob- we ob-
a little child, we notice
serve the life of a little child, we notice
serye the
that a certain stage his life he asks
that in a certain stage of his life he asks
his parents endlessquestionsaLroutthe
his parents endless questions about the
thingshe sees aroundhim the universe.
things he sees around him in the universe.

Who madethe heaven? is the sky
Who made the heaven? Why is the sky
blue? Where does the sun go at night?
blue? Where does the sun go at night?
Why doesn't it appear to us at night?
doesn't appear to us at night?
T3
13

go when the dark
Where does light go when the dark
Where does
do stars gliaer? Where
comes? Why do stars glitter? Where
comes?
does the earth end? Why does one flower
does the earthend? doesone flower
have smell while another doesn't? Where
have smell another doesn't?Where
did I come from? Where was I before I
come from? Where was before
these questions
came? etc. What do all these questions
came? etc. What do
mean and indicate?
mean and indicate?

They indicate that nature In this child
They indicate that nature in this
awake and recognize the
has begun to awake and recognize the
has begun
Creator of the earth and heavens through
Creator the earthand heavensthrough
His tangible and seen creation. There are
tangibleand seen creation.There are
several effects that touch man's senses
severaleffects that touch man's senses
and awaken him to the fact of Allah's ex-
and awaken to the fact Allah's ex-
istence,Oneness and peerlessness.
istence, Oneness and peerlessness. The The
universe, so vast and wide, would certain-
universe, vast and wide, would certain-
so
awaken man to that plain fact.Those
ly awaken man to that plain fact. Those
great dimensions in the skies and the
great dimensions the skies and the
earth... those countless, immense, celes-
earth... thosecountless, immense, celes-
tial bodies... Who hascreated them? The
tial bodies... Who has created them? The
14
1,4

earth, though too tiny compared with
earth, though too compared
other celestial bodies, contains moun-
other celestial bodies, contains moun-
tains, plains, oceans, seas and rivers
tains, plains, oceans, seas and rivers
that would take the whole life of man to
that take the man
leam about a small part
learn about a small part of them. How,
them.
then, about the solar system of which
then, about the solar system
earth is a part?
our earth is only a part? How about the
about the
way which
milky way of which our solar system
solar system
is considered a small part?.
is considered a small part? And other other
celestial masses which contain millions
celestial masseswhich contain millions
and millions galaxies
and millions of galaxies like ours? And
ours?
millions and millions of stars in compari-
and stars compari-
son with which the large sun is consid-
son which the large sun is consid-
ered to be too small?
ered be too small?

With all its bulkiness, the UnIverse IS
its bulkiness, the universe is
marvellously accurate. Night and day
marvellously accurate. and day
eachother so preciselythat we ad-
follow each other so precisely that we ad-
just our watches to them. In fact, the
watches them. fact, the
its astro-
whole universe IS so exact in its astro-
whole universe is so exact
t5
15

nomical revolutionthat clocks in observa-
nomical revolution that clocks in observa-
tories, which are the most accurate
tories, which are the most accurate
clocks we have and to which clocks in
clocks we have and to which clocks in
broadcasting stations are adjusted, are
broadcasting stations are adjusted, are
themselves adjustedto the extremelyaccu-
themselves adjusted to the extremely accu-
rate astronomical revolution which is
rate astronomical revolution which is
never disturbed
never disturbed in the course of time un-
the course time un-
less, course,
less, of course, Allah willed it otherwise.
Allah willed otherwise.

Every being,animateand inanimate, en-
Every being, animate and inanimate, en-
joys such miraculous accuracy. Have you
joys suchmiraculous accuracy.Have you
seenthe extremelyminute
seen the extremely minute living cell that
cell that
can be seen only under the microscope?
can be seen under the microscope?
Yet it grows, splits and performs highly
grows, splits and performs highly
wonderfrrltaskswhich makeman helpless
wonderful tasks which make man helpless
and humble towards the omnipotence of
and humble towards the omnipotence
Ailah! Who, other than Allah, has in-
Allah! Who, other than Allah, has
fused it with the secretof life and guided
fused it the secret of and guided
it to suchsurprisingactivity?
it such surprising activity?

16
16

A germ cannot be seenwith the unaided
A genn cannot be seen with the unaided
eye. A minute kind called 'virus' cannotbe
eye. A minute kind called 'virus' cannot be
seen even under the ordinary microscope.
seen even under the ordinary microscope.
Yet, you know from your studies in
Yet, you know from your studies in
sciencethat it might causethe most dead-
science that it might cause the most dead-
ly disease unless man immunized him-
ly disease unless man immunized him-
self against meansofmedicines and
self against it by means of medicines and
serums.The multicellular being, man at
serums. The multicellular being, man at
the top, was originally one impregnated
the top, was originally one impregnated
went on splitting and growing
cell which went on splitting and growing
till
till it became an integral being. What
became an integral being.
power, other than that of Allah, has giv-
power, other than that of has
en it life and activity? Most surprising
and activity? surprising
in that splitting process is the fact that
process
thosecells appear sirnilar in their begin-
those cells appear similar begin-
ning, then orders are given to them ro spe-
orders are to spe-
cialize and take certain forms - one cell
cialize take certain - one cell
moyes to a certain place and becomesan
moves to a certain place and becomes an
ear or part of an ear; another cell goesto
ear or part of an ear; another cell goes to
another position and becomes an eye or
another position and becomes an eye or
t17
7

part of it; a third becomes one of the
a becomes one the
cells; a turns bones"' etc'
brain cells; a fourth turns into bones ... etc.
those invisible cells re-
What order did those invisible cells re-
order
ceive and obey in such extraordinary ex-
ceive and obey such extraordinary
actitude? It is the order of the Creator.
actitude? the order the Creator'
He order s them and they obey Him, and
orders them and theY obey and
move and form in accordance with His
move and accordance
Divin e Will.
Divine Witl.

- coloured
Have you obser ved a multi - coloured
Have you observed a
has be-
fragrant beautiful flower? Who has be-
fragrant beautiful flower?
stowed it with that fragrance and how
stowed that fragrance and
have these colours combined it? Sup-
have these colours comb ined in it? Sup-
perfume a flower so that
pose you tried to perfume a flower so that
pose
it would diffuse fragrance from morning
diffuse fragrance moming
to eveni ng, and to paint it in all colours
evening, and paint colours
so that it woul d not lose colour so long as
so that would not lose colour so long as
it exists. How hard would it be for
exists. hard would be
you, and how far would your attempt be
you, and would Your attemPtbe
successful? If all people on earth busied
successful?If people on earthbusied
l8
18

themselveswith such a task with all flow-
themselves with such a task with all flow-
en growing on earttr or in the sea, could
ers growing on earth or in the sea, could
they perform it?
they perform it? And even if they could,
even if they could,
what time and effort would be left for oth-
what time and effort would be left for oth-
er activities?
er activities?

flowers on earth
Yet millions of flowers on earth grow
scented,colouredand pleasant. Allatr has
scented, coloured and pleasant. Allah has
created
created all without the least effort or dis-
the least dis-
traction directing the immense
traction from directing the immense uni-
verse,
verse, for He (Glory be to Him!) only
be
says thing: "Be!
says to a thing: "Be! And it is". For Him,
is". For
it is so easy.
so easy.

The phenomenaof death and life also
phenomena of death and also
attract man's attention to the miraculous
attract man's attention the miraculous
Divine Power that gives life and death.
Power that gives and death.
What is life in reality? It is a marvellous
reality? It marvellous
secret which no one can explain. All that
secret one can explain. All that
man has so far attemptedis the interpreta-
has attempted interpreta-
t9
19

tion of some phenomenaof life such as
of some phenomena of life such as
movement, growth and physiology. As for
movement, physiology. for
life itself - what is it? How does it exist in
life itself does it
living things? How does it
living things? How does it direct them to
fulfil their functions? All this is a vague
fulfil functions? All vague
mystery incomprehensible to man. Man,
mystery incomprehensible man.
especially biologists,has employed all his
especially biologists, has employed
create one
scientific knowledge to create one cell of
knowledge
billions of living cells with which the di-
cells the
was vain.
vine creation abounds, but all was in vain.
creation abounds,

As for man's livelihood, whether in the
man'slivelihood, whether the
the sky; crops
form of rain falling from the sky; crops
growing from earth; fish, birds and ani-
earth; fish, birds and ani-
mals; treasures and minerals underground;
mals; treasures and minerals underground;
the air we breathe; the wind driving ships
the we brcathe; the wind driving ships
on the sea; or power driving machines
on the sea; power driving machines
such as steam power, electric power;
such as steam power, electric Power;
wa-
atomic energy, the power of fuel or of wa-
atomic energy,the power fuel
ter falling down from mountains - who,
ter falling down from mountains - who,
20

other than Ailah, providesall these? "Lo?
other than ABah, provides all these? "Lo?
Allah, He it is that gives livelihood, the
Allah, He it is that gives livelihood, the
Lord unbeatable might". (Qur'an,
Lord of unbeatable might". (Qur'an, 51:58)
5i:58)

Man yeamsafter the unseenwhich only
Man yearns after the unseen which only
Allah knows,but all his atrernpts
Allah knows, but all his attempts fail. He
fail. He
longsto know what is
longs to know what is in store for him in
storefor him
his future life, what his lot
his future life, what his lot will be next
be next
year, what is going to happento him a
year, what is going to happen to him a
month a week a day later and what
month or a week or a day later and what
is going to take place in a moment. He
is going to take place in a moment. He
cannot discover what is going to take
cannot discover what is going to take
placein a moment, whether
place good evil.
moment, whether good or evil.
Who, other thanAllah alone, enjoys om-
Who, other than alone.enjoys om-
niscience,since He hascreated everything
niscience, sinceHe has created everything
and nothing in the heavens and the earth
and nothing the heavens and the earth
escapes
escapes His infinite knowledge?.
infinite knowledge?

Many things impress the human mind,
Many things impress the human mind,
awakeningit to the idea of the OneGod,
awakening the idea of the One God,
2l
21

with no partner. It perceives that He
with partner. It perceives
alone possesses perfection, might, glory,
alonepossesses perfection, might, glory,
and limitless power.
greatness and limitless Power.
greatness

" He is AUah, the One and OnlY; Allah,,
Allah, the One and Only; Allah
the Etemal, Absolute; He begetteth not,
the Eternal, Absolute; begetteth
Nor is He begotten;and there is none like
begotten; and there none
unto Him." (The Holy Quran 112:1-4)
unto (The HolY Quran ll2:l-4)

enjoy righteousnature
Thus, man would enjoy righteous nature
Thus, man
and be an upright believer.
and an uPright believer.

the human nature sometimessuf-
But the human nature sometimes suf-
derangement and relapse'The
fers from derangement and relapse. The
fers
perception may be dulled; so
faculty of perception may be dulled; so
faculty
man fails to perceive the signs of inimita-
man fails perceive the signs inimita-
bility in the universe and life. He forgets
bility the universe and life' He forgets
the miraculous power that gives
the miraculous powe r that gives liveli-
com-
hood, controls events and possesses com-
hood, controlseventsand possesses
prehensiveknowledge of the seenand the
prehensive knowledge of the seen and the
22

unseen.
unseen.

When man undergoesa new experience,
When man undergoes a new experience,
all his senses will be alert to it. If he no-
all his senses will be alert to it. If he no-
tices a sceneor hearssomething new for
tices a scene or hears something new for
the first time or goesto a new town, street
the first time or goes to a new town, street
house, he be careful to recognise
or house, he will be careful to recognise
the details the new place. He is high-
the details of the new place. He is high-
impressed since is new to him;
ly impressed since it is new to him; but as as
he grows familiar with the scene or place
he grows familiar the scene place
and sees several times, his sensesno
and sees it several times, his senses no
longerpay much, or perhaps the least,at-
longer pay much, perhaps the least, at-
tention to it.
tention

Sometimes man behaves likewise to-
Sometimes behaves likewise
wards Allah. He forgets that Allah is the
wards forgets Allah
Creator,the Director, the Giver of life and
Creator, the Director, the Giver of life and
death. He overlooks the multitudes of
death. He overlooks the multitudes of
signsin this universe. He neglects to ob-
signs in this universe. He neglects to ob-
servethe rising sun and light until they are
serve the rising sun and light until they are
23
23

swallowedup in the dark. He fails to no-
swallowed up in the dark. He to no-
tice the fragrant, beautiful flowers with
fragrant, beautiful flowers
joyous colours and the melodious notes
joyous colours and the melodious notes
of song-birds. He ignoresthunder,light-
of song -birds. ignores thunder,
ning and rain falling from the clouds. He
and the clouds.
disregards new-bombaby and the dead
disregards the new-born baby and the dead
the
man. He forgetsabout his completeweak-
man. forgets about complete weak-
ness relation the absolute powerof
ness in relation to the absolute power
Allah.
Allah.

Otherthingsmay dull man's senses He-
Other things may dull man's senses - He
may be busy with his food, drink, whims
may be busy with his food, drink, whims
and transient worldly comforts, which
and transient worldly comforts, which
would divert his mind from considering
would divert his mind from considering
the portents in the universe, seeking
the portents in the universe, seeking
Allah's favour and remembering the
Allah's favour and remembering the
Hereafter and the reckoning and retri-
Hereafter and the reckoning and retri-
bution in it.
bution in it.

Another cause of dull perceptionmay
Another cause of dull perception may
24
24

be deviation from Allah's orders. Man
be deviation from Allah's orders. Man
would be rebeilious against Allah on
would be rebeilious against Allah on
earth and follow his own lust -- He would
earth and tbllow his own lust He would
go beyondwhat AUah allows him to do
go beyond what Allah allows him to do
becauseof his greedinessand his desire
because of his greediness and his desire
to have mastery over others and make
to have mastery over others and make
them slavesto his desires; so he encroach-
them slaves to his desires; so he encroach-
es upon their property, honour blood
es upon their property, honour or blood
and wants deify himself so as to be wor-
and wants to deify himself so as to be wor-
shippedbesideAllah. He may be too proud
shipped beside Allah. He may be too proud
to serveAllah,
to serve Allah, or he may be fascinated
he may be fascinated
what he possesses - his talents, health,
by what he possesseshis talents,health,
power, money or anythingAllah has bes-
power, money anything has bes-
towed on him. He thinks he has acquired
towed thinks he has acquired
them by his own power and forgets that
them power and forgets that
all these bounties emanatedfrom Allah.
these bounties emanated

The humanperceptionor mind gets dull
The human perception or mind gets dull
owing to one of the afore-mentionedrea-
owing to one of the afore-mentioned rea-
sons or to other deviations and relapses;
sons or to other deviations and relapses;
25
25

so it forgets AUah wholly or ascribes a
so forgets Allah wholly ascribesa
pafiter to Him and imagines that some-
partner and imaginesthat some-
one or something in the universeshares
one somettring the universe shares
divinity, majesty and power with Allah.
divinity, majesty and power Allah.
Thus, the human nature getscorruptand
Thus, the human nature gets corrupt and
is possessed Satan, who drives away
is possessed by Satan, who drives it away
from Divine Guidanceand Favour. Yet,
from Divine Guidance and Favour. Yet,
go
Alatr does not let His sewants astray;
Allah does not let His servants go astray;
so He sent them Prophets call them to
to
so He sent them Prophets to call them to
guidance turn them backto truth. He
and
guidance and turn them back to truth. He
has sent Muhammad(peace blessing
and
has sent Muhammad (peace and blessing
Allatr be uponhim) as the last prophet
of Allah be upon him) as the last prophet
to be a harbinger good tidings and a
to be a harbinger of good tidings and a
wamer to mankindup to the Day
warner to all mankind up to the Day of
Resurrection.
Resurrection.

He revealedto him the Qur'an gua-
and
He revealed to him the Qur'an and gua-
ranteedits preservation," We, even
Lo!
ranteed its preservation," Lo! We, even
We, reveal the Reminder(i.e.the
We, reveal the Reminder (i.e.the Qur'an)
Qur'an)
and h! We verily are its guardian".
and La! We verily are its guardian".
26
26

(Qur'an,l5:9).
(Qur'an, 15:9).

The Qur'anincludes ttrat is essential
The Qur'an includes all that is essential
humannatureto be nobleandvirtuous,
for human nature to be noble and virtuous,
guidesto ttrereal meaning divinity and
guides to the real meaning of divinity and
acquaints the Rightful God, Creator
acquaints with the Rightful God, Creator
and Director the universe,Owner
and Director of the universe, Owner of
Sovereignty without any partner.
Sovereignty without any partner.

27
27

MESSENGERSOF ALLAH
MESSENGERS OF ALLAH

One of the fundamentalsof faith is the
of the fundamentals of is the
belief in the Prophets (messengersof
belief Prophets (messengers of
AUah). A man cannot be considered a
Allah). A cannot considered
Muslim or a believer unless he believes
believer unless believes
that Allah sent to mankind Prophetsfrom
Allah sent Prophets
among themselves, who conveYed the
among themselves, conveyed the
Truth revealed to them from their Lord,
revealed them
ALLAH, brought them good tidings,
ALLAH, brought them good tidings,
wamed them, expoundedand interpreted
warned them, expounded and interpreted
them. Hence, man
Allah's message for them. Hence, man
Allatr's message
will be considered Muslim only
will be considered a Muslim only if he
a he
all prophets and that they all
believes in all prophets and that they all
believes
brought the sametruth from Allah, with-
brought the same truth from Allah, with-
out making distinction between any of
out making distinction between any of
them.
them.

"Say (O Muhammad): We believe in
"Say (0 Muhammad): We believe in
Allah and that which was revealedunto us
Allah and that which was revealed unto us
28

and that which was revealed unto
and that which was revealed unto
Abratram and Ismael and Isaac and Jacob
Abraham and Ismael and Isaac and Jacob
and the tribes, and that
and the tribes, and that which was vouch-
was vouch-
safed unto Moses and Jesus and the Pro-
safed unto Moses and Jesus and the Pro-
phets their Lnrd. We make no dis-
phets from their Lord. We make no dis-
between any
tinction between any of them, and unto
them, and unto
we have surrendered". (Qur'an,3: 84)
Him we have surrendered". (Qur'an, 3: 84)

has enjoined
Why has Allah enjoined belief in the the
Prophets and made
Prophets and made it a fundamental of
a fundamental
faith besides
faith besides belief in Him, though the
though rhe
is the basis everything?
belief in Allah is the basis of everything?
The answer obvious.
The answer is obvious. How can man can man
know his Lord and worship Him in the
his and worship the
right way without the Prophets and their
the Prophets and
guidance? Consider the falsehoods of
guidance? Consider the falsehoods of
mankind concerning their Lord through-
mankind concerning through-
out history, how they imagined Him and
history, they imagined and
worshippedHim in their variousages of
worshipped Him various ages of
pre-Islamic paganism. Once they ima-
pre-Islamic paganism. Once
29
29

gined
gined Him in the fonn of the sun's disc, as
the form the sun'sdisc, as
was the case
was the case with ancient Egyptians; once
ancientEgyptians;once
the form
in the fonn of supennan, as did the Greeks
superman,as the Greeks
and Romans; once
and Romans; once in the fonn of the
the form the
moon, another the form
moon, another in the fonn of a star and
a star and
another
still another in the fonn of an idol. So
the form an So
fancies
fancies differed and all strayed from the
and strayed the
true god because they sought guidance
true god because they sought guidance
from their own imagination, desires and
imagination,desires and
knowledge and didn't
limited knowledge and didn't follow the the
the
truth in the right way as continned by
as confirmed
Allah, that is through Prophets to whom
that through Prophets whom
the Truth had beenrevealed.
the Truth had been revealed.

less wrong was the perception
No less wrong was the perception of
ideological ignorance
various times of ideological ignorance
various times
when there were small gods besides the
when there were small gods besides the
Lord of lords who enjoyed some of His
lords enjoyed some
traits, such as a god of rain, another of
traits, suchas god rain, another
lightning, another thunder, another
lightning, another of thunder, another of
30

the wind, another of the sea (Neptune)
the wind, another of the sea (Neptune)
as another of fertility, anottrerof progeny
as another of fertility, another of progeny
and others of every affair of life.
and others of every affair of life.

If we believe that Divinity and
If we believe that Divinity and Lord-
ship are the
ship are the major issues in the life of man
issues the man
man and that the worship
man and that the worship of Allah is the is the
object humanexistence: created ttre
object of human existence: "I created the
jinn and humankind
jinn and humankind only that they might
that they might
worship (Qur'an,51:56),
worship Me." (Qur'an,51:56), then, wethen, we
will understand
will understand why belief in the Pro-the pro-
phets is a principal constituent of faith;
phets principal constifuent faith;
for as we have seen in historical reality,
as have seen historical reality,
it is impossible for humanity to be guid-
impossible humanity be
ed to the truth with regardto divinity and
the regard and
worship through other than the right and
than and
authorized source, that is - the prophets
authorized source, that - the prophets
senrby Almighry Allah.
sent Almighty

The sameappliesto the necessityof be-
The same applies to the necessity of
31
31

in all prophets without distinction
lief in all prophets without distinction
whatsoeverbetweenany them. They
whatsoever between any of them. They all
one purpose. They were sent
came for one purpose. They were sent
came
to make
to make it known that there is only ONE
that there is
GOD in the whole universe, that is
the whole universe, that is
AUah (Be He glorified and high
Almighty Allah (Be He glorified and high
exalted!) no partner.They
exalted!) with no partner.They said to peo-
said to peo-
ple, "Serve
ple, "Serve Allah! Ye have no other god
have no other god
but Him". (Qur'an,11:50,
but Him". (Qur'an, 11:50,11:61, 11:84).
l1:61, l1:84).

So, what is the meaning of believing in
So, what is the meaning believing itt
one prophet and denying another? fact,
one prophet and denying another? In fact,
denying any of them is the same as deny-
denyingany them is the same as deny-
ing them all, since they expounded to men
them sincethey expounded men
the same thing revealedto them by Allah:
the same revealed them

"We sent no messengerbefore thee but
sent messenger before thee
we inspired him (saying): There is no
inspired (saying): There
god Save Me (Allah), so worship Me".
god Save (Allah), so worship
(Qur'an,2l:25)
(Qur'an, 21 :25)
32
32

THE,MESSEGE PROPHET
OF
THE MESSEGE OF PROPHET
MUHAMMAD( Peace be Upon Him)
Peace UponHim)
be
---------------------------
---------------------------
Pre- IslamicTimes:
Pre - Islamic Times:

Before the advent man-
Before the advent of ISLAM all man-
kind had degenerated into the worst
kind had degenerated into the worst of
sktesandthedarkest stages.
states and the darkest of stages.

Arabia was predominated
Not only Arabia was predominated by
such pagan ignorance; the whole
such pagan ignorance; the whole world
suffered 'great'
suffered from it. There were two 'great'
There were
states: Persiaand Byzantium; they ruled
states: Persia and Byzantium; they ruled
most the
most of the world at that time. Either had
at that time. Either had
a historic'civilization',but what was its
historic 'civilization', but what was its
basisand what was the mental, psycholo-
basis and what was the mental, psycholo-
gical and material standard of its people?
gical and material standard its people?

In Penia a 'Khosrau' ruled. He was not
ln Persia 'Khosrau' ruled. was
'god'.The cere-
merely a ruler; he was a 'god'. The cere-
merely ruler; he was
33
33

monies greetingwere nearest to those
monies of greeting were nearest to those
worship. Feoplewere really slaves to
of worship. People were really slaves to
that god, - whatevertheir rank and
that god, living - whatever their rank and
class was - the way that Khosrau'orhis
class was - in the way that Khosrau' or his
inherited royal traditions would allow.
inherited royal traditions would allow.
'handful'
a
Only a 'handful' of people enjoyed the
people enjoyedthe
riches of the country - that is, the court of
riches the country that is, the court
Khosrauthat held sway over the masses;
Khosrau that held sway over the masses;
while the latter were an abject state
while the latter were in an abject state of
poverty, slavery and humiliation. The as-
poverty, slavery and humiliation. The as-
pects 'pomp' and 'civilization'were
pects of 'pomp' and 'civilization' were all
confined the palace. the 'people',
confined to the palace. As for the 'people',
they were importantas
they were important as far as they served
as they served
the interests
the interests of these ruling masters with
these ruling masters
'god'
that 'god' at their head. Yes, there were
that at their head. Yes, therewere
arts and materialproduction,
arts and material production, but all was was
used, along people,
used, along with people, for the sake of
the sake
those interests. The
those interests. The official worship was
worship was
that of fire. Morals had collapsed and
that fire. Morals had collapsed and
Mazdek'scommunism and permissiveness,
Mazdek's comrnunismand permissiveness,
34
34

dissolution and anarchyhad spread.What
dissolution and anarchy had spread. What
mental, spiritual and material contempt
mental, spiritual and material contempt
man- under that 'great' civilization had
man- under that 'great' civilization -- had
lived in!
lived in!

In Byzantium conditions were no better.
In Byzantium conditions were no better.
Caesarwas surrounded
Caesar was surrounded with the same ha-
the sameha-
loes as Khosrau, and people were, as
loes as Khosrau, and people were, as in
every state ideologicalignorance,
every state of ideological ignorance, mas-
mas-
ters and bondsmen. These bondsmen
ters and bondsmen. These bondsmen
fought and died greatnumbers
fought and died in great numbers only in
the cause the 'Empire'
the cause of the 'Empire' and the personal
and the personal
glories of Caesar and his commanders.
glories of Caesar and his commanders.
Like Persia, there were arts,material pro-
Persia, there were arts, material
duction and building, but for whosesake:
duction and whose sake:
The mastersor the bondsmen?Are there
masters bondsmen? there
for bondsmen other than serving their
for bondsmen than serving their
masters? There was a creed! - a pagan
masters? There was a creed! - a pagan
creed guarded by the church and the
creed guarded by the church and the
clergy:God is One of three! Christ was
clergy: God is One of three! Christ was
35
35

the son of God! Bishops and monks were
the sonof God! Bishops and monkswere
lords
lords ruling the domain of minds and
the domain minds and
spirits contrary to God's revelations and
spirits contrary God's revelations and
the property people
taking the property of people unlawfully;
whereas, Caesar was ruling the physical
whereas, Caesar was the physical
domain in accordance with the Roman
domain accordance the Roman
(i.e.
Law (i.e. not in accordance with Divine
accordance
Law). People were servants of the court
People were servants the
on the one hand and servants of the Pope
the one hand and servants the Pope
bishops and rnonks the other.
and his bishops and monks on the other.
and

Beyond the 'great' empires therewere
Beyond the 'great' empires there were
'civilizations'
the Chinese and Indian 'civilizations' in
the Chinese and trndian
Asia.
Asia.

In India, as everywhere else, there were
India, as everywhereelse, therewere
lords and bondsmen. tsut bondsmen there
lords and bondsmen. But bondsmen there
had a peculiar position. They were be-
had a peculiar position. They were be-
lieved have beencreatedfrom the god's
lieved to have been created from the god's
foot, so they were considered unclean.
foot, so they were consideredunclean.
36
36

They had to endureall humiliation, con-
They had to endure all humiliation, con-
tempt and torture they underwent;
tempt and torture they underwent; for on on
the one hand, that was
the one hand, that was their fate; and on
fate; and on
the other, was their sole way to salva-
the other, it was their sole way to salva-
"
tion through transmigration souis.Man,
tion through transmigration of souls. Man,
according to them, spetrdshis fixed
according to them, spends his fixed life,
then his soul passes
then his soul passes into another new bo-
into another new bo-
dy. If the enslaved untouchables were
dy. If the enslaved untouchableswere
satisfied
satisfied with their fate, surrendered to hu-
fate, surrendered
miliation and carried out the hardest and
and carried the hardestand
dirtiest pieces
dirtiest pieces of work, their souls might
souls
pass otherpersons superior slaves
pass into other persons superior to slaves
and get thereby pursued salva-
and get thereby to their pursued salva-
tion, though they wouldn't acquire the
tion, though they wouldn't acquire the
rank of their masters who were created
of masters were created
from the deity's heador ann!
the deity'shead arm!

There werc countless
There were countless formsof worship
fonns worship
offered to countless
offered countless deities,but theyhad
deities, but they had
one thing 10 cornmon,that is - ERROR.
one thing in common, that is - ERROR.
37
37

Perhapsthe most curious thing was 'tem-
Perhaps the most curious thing was 'tem-
ple prostitutes'whostayed
ple prostitutes' who stayed in temples for
temples
the sake deity! No,
the sake of deity! No, for the sake of Sa-
the sake Sa-
tan! might be the 'cow
tan! But stranger still might be the 'cow
stranger
worship' - men
worship' - men wallowing in its dung and
dung and
bathing its urine,
bathing its urine, for the sake of god's
the sake god's
blessing! If the cow could have spoken it
blessing! If the could have spoken
would have laughed at its worshippers
have laughed at worshippers
and would have been surprised to see man,
and have been surprised seeman,
whom
whom Allah has honoured, satisfied with
has honoured, satisfied
suchdegradation!
such degradation!

At the end of the earth there was China,
the end of the earth there was China,
vast expanse land ruled
a vast expanse of land ruled by an emper-
an emper-
- sacred
or - sacred like all rulers of the time. Rites
rulers of the time. Rites
of worship and sacrifices were offered to
of worship and sacrifices were offered
him and people prostratedthemselves be-
and people prostrated themselves
fore him. The god worshippedwas Bud-
worshipped was
dha, whose imageswere graven and wor-
dha, whose images were graven and
shipped by people. [n Buddhism, as in
shipped people. In Buddhism, as
38

the Indian religions, the body was de-
the Indian religions, the body was de-
spisedand tortured for the redemption
spised and tortured for the redemption
the soul,andworldly was scorned
of the soul, and worldly life was scorned
and rejected ttre attainment immor-
and rejected for the attainment of immor-
tality. Immortality! But where? and
tality. Immortality! But where? and in
what form? is immortality with Bud-
what fonn? It is immortality with Bud-
dha the world imagination. There
dha in the world of imagination. There
werearts, material production and 'wis-
were arts, material production and 'wis-
dom' but was no avail, people
dom' but all was of no avail, for people
themselves werelost.
themselves were lost.

Arabia was drowned
Arabia was drowned in religious ig-
religious
norance, the rest
norance, like the rest of mankind.There
mankind. There
were three religions, all of which were
were three religions, which were
misguided.Jews, who wereliving in the
misguided. Jews, who were living the
outskirtsof Medina,had distortedtheir
outskirts Medina, had distorted their
holy' book centuriesbefore, stuffed it
'holy' book centuries before, stuffed
with lies and legends, changedthe Di-
lies and legends,changed the
vine Revelationand renounced wholly,
vine Revelation and renounced it wholly,
complying with their whimsandinterests.
complying whims and interests.
39
39

There were, also, small Christian groups
There were, also, small Christian groups
who held false beliefs, such as the Trinity,
who held false beliefs, such as the Trinity,
the deifieation of Jesusor considering
the deification of Jesus or considering him
a son of God. Arab idolators throughout
a son of God. Arab idolators throughout
Arabia worshipped idols
Arabia worshipped idols which were were
placed inside
placed inside AL- KA'BA, the Holy the
House God (AUah), the place
House of God (Allah), the place which
Abraham and Ismael had been ordered
Abraham and Ismael had been ordered by
Allah to build in order that Allah alone
order that alone
should be worshipped
should be worshipped without ascribing
ascribing
any parmer
any partner to Him. Yet, they claimed
Yet, they claimed
they were
they were followers of Abraham. A va-
Abraham.
riety of myths had nested in their minds.
of myths had nested their minds.
Angels, for example, were the daughters
Angels, example, were the daughters
of Allah and they werc worshipped on
of Allah and they were worshipped
that account. The jinn (i.e. genies) be-
that account. jinn (i.e. genies) be-
longed to Allah and were, therefore,wor-
longed Allah and were, therefore,
shipped.Idols were carved and then wor-
shipped. were carved and then
shipped by people. Many new-bom
shipped people. new-born
girls were buried alive for fear of shame
were fear of shame
40
40

or poverty. Women were scomed and
or poverty. Women were scorned and
wronged. Wine was drunk, games of
wronged. Wine was drunk, games of
chance(i.e.maysir) were used to, and
chance (Le. maysir) were used to, and
adultery was allowed-Life was spent in
adultery was allowed. Life was spent in
drinking, amusement and plundering raids'
drinking,amusement plunderingraids.
and
'Man' was 'Lost' as was his casein all
'Man' was 'Lost' as was case
states religiousignorance. Thatwasthe
states of religious ignorance.That was the
state of the world beforeMuhammadwas
state the world before Muhammad was
sent to savemankind from the darkness of
sent to save mankindfrom the darkness
error:
error~

The Mission:
The Mission:

there
In this extremely dark atmosphere there
In this extremely dark atmosphere
shonea Light; it was Muhammad, son
shone a Light; it was Muhammad, son
of Abdullah, (peace andblessing Allah
of
of Abdullah, (peace andblessing of Allah
be upon him).
be upon him)"

The Jews in Medina, before the Pro-
The Jews in Medina, before the pro-
phethood of Muhammad (PBUFI), had
phethood of Muhammad (PBUH), had
ill
41

often said to its inhabitants, 'The time of a
often said to its inhabitants, The time a
prophet has almost arrived. We shall
prophet has almost arrived. We shall
fight with him against you and defeat
against you and defeat
you'. The Jews,
you'. The Jews, in fact, depended in
fact, depended
upon the Torah,
their claim upon the Torah, which in-
dicates that the old copies of the Torah
dicates that the copies the Torah
not only mentioned Prophet Muhammad's
not mentionedProphetMuhammad's
name and description, but also pointed
name and description, but also pointed
to his prophethood and its approximate
to his prophethood and its approximate
time.
time.

his 'Muhammad
In his 'Muhammad in the Bible', Prof.
the Bible', Prof.
Abdul Ahad Dawud, former Bishop of
Abdul Ahad Dawud, former Bishop
Uramiah, quotes the
Uramiah, quotes the following verses verses
from Haggai, ii: 79, which he has trans-
from Haggai, ii; 79, which he has trans-
lated from an Assyriancopy the Bible,
lated from an Assyrian copy of the Bible,
'And
'And I will shake all nations and the Hi-
shake all nationsand the
mada of all the nations will come - and in
rnada the nations come and
this place give shalom, saysthe
this place I will give shalom, says the
Lord of hosts'.
Lord hosts'.
42
42

The word 'Himada' is derivedfrom an
The 'Himada' derived an
archaic Hebrew rather Aramaic
archaicHebrew or rather Aramaic root
Hebrew 'hemed' generally
hemed'. In Hebrew 'hemed' is generally
'hemed'.
used the sense great desire, covet,
used in the senseof great desire, covet,
appetite and lust. In Arabic the verb
appetite and lust. Arabic the verb
'hamida' means 'to praise' and so on.
'hamida' means 'to praise' and so on.
What more praised and illustrious than
What is more praisedand illustrious than
that which is most craved for, covet-
that is most craved for, covet-
ed and desired. Whichever of the two
ed and desired. Whichever the
meanings be adopted, the fact that Ahmad
meaningsbe adopted, the fact that Ahmad
is the Arabic fonn of Himda remains in-
is the Arabic form Himda remains
The Qur'an (61:
disputable and decisive. The Qur'an (61:
disputableand decisive.
6) declares that Jesus announced unto
declares that Jesus announcedunto
the people of Israel the coming of an
the people Israel the coming an
Apostle from Allah whose name was to
Apostle from whose name was to
be 'Ahmad'.
be'Ahmad'.

The Gospel of 51. John, being written in
The Gospel St. John,being written
'Pariclytos',a bar-
Greek, uses the name 'Pariclytos', a bar-
Greek, usesthe name
barous fonn unknown to classical Greek
barousform unknown to classicalGreek
43
43

literature. But 'Periclytos', which corres-
literature. But 'Periclytos', which corres-
pondsexactly wirh Ahmad in its signi-
ponds exactly with Ahmad in its signi-
fication of illustrious', 'glorious' and
fication of 'illustrious', 'glorious' and
'praised',
in its superlative degree,must
'praised', in its superlative degree, must
have been the franslation into Greek of
have been the translation into Greek of
'Himda'
0r probably 'Hemida'
'Himda' or probably 'Hemida' of the the
Aramaic form, as uttered
Aramaic fonn, as uttered by Jesus Christ.
JesusChrist.
Aias! there is no Ccspel e.xtant the
Alas! there is no Gospel extant in the
original languagespoken Jesus.
original language spoken by Jesus.

As to the etyrnologyand significanceof
As to L~e etymology and significance of
the Hebrew words'shaiom'and 'shalama'.
the Hebrewwords 'shalom' and 'shalama',
and the Arabic words'salam'and'Islam',I
and the Arabic words 'salam' and 'Islam', I
(i.e.,Prof. Abdui Ahad) need not detain
(i.e., Prof. Abdul Ahad) need detain
the reader dragginghim into iinguistic
tlle reader by dragging hirn linguistic
details. Any serniticscholarknows that
details. semitic scholar knows that
'shalorn'
'shalom' and'lslant'arederivedfrom one
and 'Islam' are derived from one
and the sarne root and that both mean
and the same root and that both mean
peace, submission resignation.".
peace, submission and resignation.".
and

44

AUah chooses His ProPhetsfrom the
Allah chooses His prophets from the
best of mankind. And Muhammad (peace
best of mankind. And Muhammad (peace
and blessingof Allah be upon him) is the
and blessing of Allah be upon him) is the
best of humanity in general, and of pro-
best of humanity in general, and of pro-
phetsin particuiar.Altah takeseareof,and
phets particular. Allah takes care of,and
refines His prophetsbefore charging them
refines prophets charging
with prophethoodand withaut their know-
prophethood and without
ledge or expectation. They would thereby
ledge ar expectation" They thereby
be, psychologically, spiritually and mo-
be, psychologieally,spiritually and
rally, more qualified to carry out their
rally, more qualified to carry out their
messageand fulfil the task as fullY as
message and fulfil the task as fully as
wills. This applies to the Prophet
Allah wills. This applies to the Prophet
Muhammat! (peace and blessing Ailah
Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah
be upon him) to an extent unequalled be-
be upon him) to an extent unequalled be-
fore. Even in his early youth, ire had the
fore. Even in his early youth, he had the
deep-think-ing man
manner of a solemn deep-think-ing man
manner of a soLernn
'man''
and enjoyed the ncble feelingsof
and enjoyed the noble feelings of 'man'.

45
45

Characterof the GraciousProphet(PBUH)
Character of the Gracious Prophet (PBUH)

The Pre-Islamicperiod was full of cor-
The Pre-Islamic period was full of cor-
ruption, pleasure-seeking and waste of
ruption, pleasure-seeking and waste of
time, though there were some respect-
time, though there were some respect-
able, sober men hereand there,but they
able, sober men here and there, but they
were rarely young men; for a young man
were rarely young men; for a young man
would be unusual he didn't seek pleas-
would be unusual if he didn't seek pleas-
ure and entertainment that time. If he
ure and entertainment at that time. If he
at
addedto his solemnitythe avoidance li-
added to his solemnity the avoidance of ti-
quors which were drunk even
quors which were drunk even by respect-
respect-
able
able old men, shunning of thoseidols set
men, shunning those idols set
up beside the Holy Mosque (i.e.Ka'aba),
up beside the Mosque (i.e.Ka'aba),
keepingaway from inequity, along with
keeping away inequity, along
othernoblequalities, would undoubted-
other noble qualities, he undoubted-
ly draw others'attention
draw others' attention since noneof the
since none of the
old men possessed
men possessed such qualities,not to
such qualities, not to
speakof the youths.
speak of the youths.

One of his traitswas so outstandingand
One of his traits was so outstanding and
46
46

deep-rooted that it attracted the attention
deep-rootedthat attractedthe attention
of Qurayshi people that was honesty.
of Qurayshi people - that was honesty.
"the Honest" (Al-
They used to call him "the Honest" (AI-
They usedto call
Amin). People trusted him with their pro-
Amin). Peopletrusted their pro-
perty owing to their confidence
perty owing to their confidence in his his
honestyand trustworthiness.
honesty and trustworthiness.

Muhammad's silence during the meet-
Muhammad's silence during the meet-
ings Quraysh, his wisdom and equa-
ings of Quraysh, his wisdom and equa-
when he talked,
nimity when he talked, won their respect
their respect
and admiration; so they consulted
and admiration; so they consulted him
about their affairs and were satisfied
about their affairs and were satisfied with
his counsel. The most famous event
his counsel. The most famous event in
this regard was the appeal
this regard was the appeal of Quraysh
Quraysh
(i.e. Makkans)
(i.e. Makkans) to him for a decisioncon-
decision con-
cerning the Black Stone. They had de-
ceming the Stone. They had de-
cided rebuild the
cided to rebuild the Holy Ka'aba twice
Ka'aba
its fonner height becauseof the ruin of
its former height because of the of
some parts of it. They worked together.
some parts They worked together.
they differed about the
But they differed about dre Black Stone;
Stone;
47

for each tribe competedwith the othersto
for each tribe competed with the others to
enjoy alonethehonourof putring it back
enjoy alone the honour of putting it back
in its place.They almostfought with each
in its place. They almost fought with each
other, but at last agreedto take the counsel
other, but at last agreed to take the counsel
of the first man to come to them. That
of the first man to come to them. That
first man was the HONEST (i.e., Muham-
first man was the HONEST (i.e., Muham-
mad), who took
mad), who took off his mantle spread it
his mantle spread
on the ground, put the Black Stone on
on the ground, put the Black Stone on
and asked a man
it and asked a man from each tribe to
each tribe
carry
carry with him the mantle holding its
the manrle
edges.Thenhe took the Stone his hands
edges.Then he took the Stone in his hands
and irr its place. All went away sat-
and put it in its place. All went away sat-
isfied
isfied with the Honest'sdecision.
the Honest's decision.

In his wife Khadija's (May Allah be
his Khadija's
pleased with her) description of him,
pleased her) description of
soothing his fearson receiving the first
soothing fears receiving the
revelation,she gavea portrait of his man-
revelation, she gave of his man-
ners and their impression on people's
ners and impression on people's
minds. She said to him, 'Surely, Allah
minds. She said to him, 'Surely, Allah
48

never will discredityou! you are kind
never will discredit you ! You are kind
to your relatives,truthful, protecting or-
to your relatives, truthful, protecting or-
phans, generous the poor, hospitable
phans, generous to the poor, hospitable
to
and helpful to the victims of misfor-
and helpful to the victims of misfor-
tune!'
tune!'

He was, during the hours
He was, during the hours of silence,
silence,
much given to meditation. He spent a
much given to meditation. He spent a
month retirementevery year
month of retirement every year in Hira'
cave on top
cave on top of the Mountain of Light
the Mountain
(in Arabic,Jabal-un-Nur), worship
(in Arabic, Jabal-un-Nur), in worship of
Allah in accordance with Abraham's
accordance Abraham's
monotheistic
monotheistic religion,away from the dis-
religion, away from the dis-
iortions added through prevailing idola-
tortions addedthrough prevailing idola-
trous ignorance.
trous ignorance.

Allah was preparinghim for the serious
was preparing the serious
task - for the Messageaddressed the
task - Message addressed to the
to
whole hurnanity.The Messenger Allah,
whole humanity. The Messenger of Allah,
of
Muhammad (PBUH) told the rrurh when
Muhammad (PB UH) told the truth when
49
49

he said: "My Lord has disciplined me in
he said: "My has disciplinedme m
the best refmed manner".
the best refined manner".

The Prophet Muhammad's character is
Prophet Muhammad's character
the greatest character throughout human
the greatest character throughout human
history, unmatched by any other charac-
history, unmatched any other charac-
amongst great men,
ter, not only amongst great men, but
ter,
also amongst prophets. If we are to
also amongst prophets. If are
judge by the standards of human great-
the standards human great-
ness, let us consider the case of a political
ness, us considerthe case
political
leader, dedicating his life to political
leader, dedicating his
leadership. He found his nation dispersed,
leadership. found his nation dispersed,
He
with no common cause or link, and was
no common cause and was
able, by means of his wise leadership
able, means his wise leadership
and impressive character, to unite the di-
and impressivecharacter, unite the
vided nation and found the link which
vided nation and found the which
connected its variouswarring fac-
firmly connected its various warring fac-
a purpose which
tions. He drew for it a purpose which
tions. He drew
and removed its differences,
united it and removed its differences,
united
Then he raised it to a lofty, respectable
Then he raised to a respectable
50
50

position among other nations. Shouldn't
position among other nations. Shouldn't
we call him a 'greatman', thoughhe was
we call him a 'great man', though he was
devotedmerely to sucha task?
devoted merely to such a task?

What if this was only one aspecr
What if this was only one aspect
amongstmany othersenjoyed by the great
amongst many others enjoyed by the great
prophet'scharacter?How he has excelled
prophet's character?How if he has excelled
every other specialistpolitician, though
every other specialist politician, though
the latter was devotedto sucha task?
the latter was devoted to such a task?

Suppose there were social reformer
Suppose there were a social refonner
who found injustice and corruption pre_
found injustice and corruption pre-
dominant; therefore, he took it upon him-
dominant; therefore, he upon
self to establishsocial justice and elimi-
establish social justice and
nate perversion and decay from society.
nate perversion and decay society.
He realizedbalancebetweenthe individual
He realized balance between the individual
and society, between the ruler and the
and society, between the ruler and the
ruled, and causedthe rich to sympathize
ruled, and caused the rich to sympathize
with the poor, so that the whole commu-
with the poor, so that the whole commu-
nity lived as if it were one large family.
nity lived as if it were one large family.
5l
51

Isn't such a man really GREAT?
Isn't such

How if this was one part of Mu-
if this was one of
hammad's character? How if he, in this
hammad's character? if he,
regard, surpassedthose specialized in
regard, surpassed those specialized
this field?
this field?

Suppose there were a moral reformer
Suppose there were moral reformer
who found moral corruption prevaientin
who found moral corruption prevalent
his society and devoted himself to the im-
his societyand devoted the
provement of social manners. Through his
provement sacialmanners. Through
patience and strugglehe was abie
patience and struggle he was able to lay
down an ethic (moral code) that ruled
down an ethic (moral code) that ruled
their conduct, so that lying, drinking,
their conduct, so that lying, drinking,
adultery and gambling disappeared; an
adultery and gambling disappeared; an
owner felt his property was secureeven
owner felt his property was secure even
if he was a weakling, an orPhan
if he was a weakling, an orphan or a a
woman; and conscience ruled hurnan re-
woman; and conscience ruled human re-
lations.Won't we agree that such a man
lations. Won't we agree that such a man
was truly a greatone?
was truly a great one?
52
52

How, then, if that was
How, then, if that was only one side of
one side
the outstanding character the prophet,
the outstanding character of the Prophet,
and his influence was greater than that
and his influence was greater than that of
any reformer history who was devoted
any reformer in history who was devoted
to his career?
to his career?

Suppose, too, there were lli"1 educator
Suppose,too, there were an educator
who devoted himself to education and
who devoted himself to education and
was able to bring up a generation of ex-
was able to bring up a generation ex_
traordinary people, everyone of whom
traordinary people, everyone whom
was a leader in his domain of activity
was a leader his domain activity
and an example of good conduct and
and an example good conduct and
towering personality, as firm as a moun-
towering personaiity, as as a moun-
tain lli"1d of noble character. Dosen't such
tain and noble character. Dosen't such
a man deserve to be called a great educa-
a man deserve be called a greateduca_
tor? How, then, if this was only one
tor? then, if this was only one
the prophet, who
of several aspects of the Prophet, who
several aspects
excelled in this respect even the greatest
exceiled this respecteven the grearest
of educators in history, especially with the
educators history, especiallywi.ththe
generation he had educated introduce
generation he had educated to introduce
53
)J

summit leadersin every field of life?
leaders in field of

Suppose there were a military com-
Suppose there were
mander,who devoted himseH to his ca-
mander, devoted himself ca-
reer and brought up an army of heroes
reer and an anny of heroes
- soldiers and commanding officers - ac-
soldiers and commanding officers - ac-
customed endurance inconvenience,
customed to endurance of inconvenience,
adversity and daring
steadfastness in adversity and daring
steadfastness
despite danger. them battles
despite danger. He led them in battles
and obeyed orders and
and won. They obeyed his orders and
places dan-
instructions and raced to places of dan-
instructions and raced
ger seeking martyrdom. Shouldn't he be
ger seeking martyrdom. Shouldn't he be
<iescribed a great commander?
described as a great commander?
as

If such a commander had trained his
If such a commander had trained his
soldiers not only to acquire individual
soldiers to acquire
manners, also to the cause
manners, but also to fight in the cause of
ideals and values, would it suffice to
ideals and values, would it suffice to
as a great leader?
describe him only as a great leader?
describe

54
54

How then, if the graciousprophet had
How then, if the gracious Prophet had
exceededin this respect every other mi_
exceeded in this respect every other mi-
litary commander throughout humanhis-
litary comm ander throughout huma n his-
tory, and this was only one aspect
tory, and this was only one aspect of thethe
various aspects his greatchartacter?
various aspects of his great chartacter?

Supposea man gayehimself up to wor-
Suppose a man gave himse lf up to wor-
ship. His spirit washighly pure, and his
ship. His spirit washighly pure, and his
heartalways remembered
heart always remembered Allah, whether
Allah, whether
his prayer
in his prayer or work, in private or in
work, private
public. So he was friendly to other peo_
public. So he was friendly to other peo-
ple, sincere his work, and ruledcom_
ple, sincere in his work, and ruled com-
pletely
pletely by fear of Allah and observance
fear Allah and observance
His orders. Suppose
of His orders ... Suppose such a man were
sucha man were
able to collect number
able to collect a numberof worshippers
worshippers
of Allah and bring rhem up to develop
and bring them up develop
a strong relationshipwirh the Almighty"
strong relationship with the Almighty.
They would rememberHim (Allah) in
They would remember (Allah)
all circumstances would be influenced
circumstances and would be influenced
and
by faith in all their deeds,rhoughtsand
faith their deeds, thoughts and
55
55

feelings. Their love and fear of AUah were
feelings. Their love and of Allah were
stronger than all earthly pleasures and
stronger all pleasures
temptations. Should we not say he was
temptations. Should say was
a great soul in himself and a great teach-
great in great teach-
companions?
er to his companions?.

This and others were parts of the gra-
and others were parts of the gra-
cious Messenger'scharacter in which he
cious Messenger's character he
was superior thosepersons devotedto,
was superior to those personsdevoted to,
are we
and specialized in them. What are we to
and specialized them.
the man combines his gra-
call the man who combines in his gra-
thosepersonalities, each
cious person all those personalities, each
cious person
be sufficient to make
of which would be sufficient to make
him great?
great ?

The greatness Muhammad (Peaceand
The greatness of Muhammad (Peace and
blessingof Allah be upon him) does not
blessing of Allah be upon him) does not
lie only in the combinationof thosesever-
lie only in the combination of those sever-
al personalitiesin his own person;in fact,
al personalities in his own person; in fact,
he enjoyed a superior degree of greatness --
he enjoyeda superiordegreeofgreabress
56

that is, thoseaspects
that is, those aspects did not divert him
did not divert him
from eachother. Political acriviry did not
from each other. Political activity did not
distract him from military, social,moral,
distract him from military, social, moral,
educational or spiritual tasks. Even all
educational or spiritual tasks. Even all
thosedid not distracthim from his family,
those did not distract him from his family,
so he was a perfect husbandand father.
so he was a perfect husband and father.

If we comparethe character prophet
If we compare the character of Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) with that of the
Muhammad that the
other prophets we will grasphis superiori-
other prophets we will grasp his superiori-
them. All the greatqualitiesenjoyed
ty to them. All the great qualities enjoyed
by them separately were all infusedin his
them separatelywere infused
great personality
great personality par excellence. Noah
excellence. Noah
was
was known for his endurance his folk's
of
his endurance of
obstinancy; Abraham (Ibraheem,in Ara-
obstinancy; Abraham (Ibraheem,
bic) for his clemency; Mosesfor his wise
clemency; Moses
leadership of the sons of Israel; Jesus
leadership of the sons of Israel; Jesus
Christ for his spiritual aspectagainst the
for spiritual aspect against the
prevailing materialism.But Muhammad's
prevailing materialism. But Muhammad's
character embodiedall those characteris-
character embodied all those characteris-
57

tics and his influencewasmuch greater
tics and his influence was much greater in
every one those aspects.He was the
every one of those aspects. He was the
prophets his message
and wasthe
final of prophets and his message was the
epitome and the crowning prophet-
epitome and the crowning of prophet-
hood.
hood.

the Glorious Qur'an,Alatr tells us:
In the Glorious Qur'an, Allah tells us:

'nThis day have perfected your religion
''This day have I perfected your religion
you and completed my favour unto
for you and completed my favour unto
you as relig-
you, and have chosen for you as relig-
you, and have chosen
ion Al-Islam".(Qur'an,5:3)
ion AI-Islam". (Qur'an, 5:3)

So the message Islamconfirmsbelief
So the message of Islam confinns belief
previous prophetsand revelations.
in all previous prophets and revelations.
Jews disbelieved JesusClrist and
Jews disbelieved in Jesus Christ and
Muhammad. Christians disbelieved
Muhammad. Christians disbelieved in
Muhammedandbelieved Jesus Christ,
Muhammed and believed in Jesus Christ,
not as a messengerbut as a god son
not as a messenger but as a god or son
Allah. is the Muslims alone who
of Allah. It is the Muslims alone who
58

believ e in all proph ets from Adam
believe prophets from Adam
throu gh Noah til! Muha mmad (Peac e
through Noah rill Muhammad (peace
and blessi ng of Allah be upon them all).
and blessing Allah be upon themall).
Both Jewish and Christiannationsare un-
Both Jewis h and Chris tian nation s are un-
fit to rule huma nity, for they canno t get
to rule humanity, they cannot get
rid
rid of hatre d and preju dice.
hatredand prejudice.

Only the Musl im natio n is well quali-
Only the Muslim narion is well quali_
fied for the leadership manhind led
fied for the leade rship of mank ind (it led
mankind once for several
mank ind once for sever al centu ries) be-
centuries) be_
cause is the only nationthat ruleswith_
cause it is the only nation that rules with-
out any hatredowing to the Divine guid_
out any hatred owing to the Divin e guid-
ancethat made
ance that made it fit for leade rship, espe-
for leadership, espe_
cially irs belief in previous
cially its belief in previ ous proph ets of
prophets
Allah without discrimination
Allah witho ut discri minat ion or malic e
malice
what.soever.
whats oever . More over, the messa ge of
Mrlreover, the message
Islarn is adclressed the wholemankincl.
Islam is addre ssed to the whole mank ind.
to

Allah (SWT) addresses
Allah (SWT ) addre sses Muha mmad :
Muhammad:

59

.' sent thee save as
"We sent thee not save as a mercy for
the peoples". (Qur'an, 2l:107)
the peoples". (Qur'an, 21:107)

the Prophet Muhammad
According to the Prophet Muhammad
(Peaceand blessing of Allah be upon
(Peace and blessing of Atlah be upon him),
"Every prophet before me was sent to
prophet before was sent
his own people, but I have been sent to
people, have been sent
the whole of mankind".
the mankind".

- embracing message.
It is also an all - embracing message.
also an
Earlier messages were limited to certain
messageswere certain
aspects of human life, and were limited
aspects human and were
in space as well. All of them included the
spaceas well. All them includedthe
(i.e.
major question of divinity (i.e. belief in
question
'Oneness
the 'Oneness of God' and offering Him
the God' and
pure worship). they also included instruc-
pure worship). they also includedinstruc-
tions and rules that suited the conditions
tions and rules that suitedthe conditions
and circumstances of each nation and
and circumstances each nation and
aimed at the bettennent of morals and the
aimed at the bettermentof,morals and the
elimination of corruption.
elimination comrption.
60

The stagehad come when the human
The stage had come when the human
mind was mature enough to accept a
mind was mature enough to accept a
world religion which would last on earth
world religion which would last on earth
till the Day of Judgement; such a world
till the Day of Judgement; such a world
message must ernbrace,
message must embrace, too, all human re-
too, all humanre-
quirements in all fields life, which is
quirements in all fields of life, which is
true of the Message Islam. For
true of the Message of Islam. For it in-
cludes, other messages, the major
cludes, like other messages, the major
question
question of Divinity which is essential
which is essential
the integrity
for the integrity of human life, and also
human and also
canons and laws ruling
canons and laws ruling all aspects of
aspects
life: economic, political, social, intellec-
life: economic, political, social, intellec-
tual, spiritual, ethical,etc.
tual, spiritual, ethical, etc. But it never
never
opposes scientific progress.
opposes scientific progress.In fact, it was
fact, was
ISLAM that moved Muslims to serout a
ISLAM that moved Muslims set
great scienific movement, the most im-
great scienific movement,
portant effect of which was the experi-
portant of was the experi-
mental method of scientific research
mental method of scientific research
which Europelearned from the Muslims
Europe learned from the Muslims
in Andalusea, North Africa, Sicily and
in Andalusea, North Africa, Sicily and
61
61

South Italy, and upon which our present
South ltaly, and upon which present
scientific renaissance has been based.
scientific renaissance beenbased.
has

62
62

HOLY SCRIPTURES
HOLY SCRIPTURES
(The Booksof Allatr)
(The Books of Allah)

Allah, Glory be to Him, providedevery
Allah, GIory be to Him, provided every
one of His prophetswith books which
one of His prophets with books which
He revealed to them. Those books or
He revealed to them. Those books or
scriptures containedthe tenets and fun-
scriptures contained the tenets and fun-
damentals religion as well as the
damentals of religion as well as the in-
structions and commandments
structions and commandments of Allah
conveyedto variousnations through His
conveyed to various nations through His
Messengers. holy books were meant
The
Messengers. The holy books weremeant
to be records religion so that the var-
to be records of religion so that the var-
ious peopleandnationsof the world might
iouspeople and nations the world might
refer to themto know the ordinances
refer them the ordinances and
and
laws revealedby Allatr and comply with
laws revealed Allah and comply
them.
them.

On the one hand, w€ arerequiredto be-
one hand, we are required to be-
lieve in all revealedbooks at large. On the
lieve in all revealed books atlarge. On the
other,we arerequiredto believein certain
other, we are required to believe in certain
63
63

books which Allah told us He had re-
books AUah us had re-
vealed, namely:
vealed, namely:

1. The Qur'an, revealed to Muhammad;
l. The Qur'an, revealed Muhammad;
2. The Gospel, 'r
" rt
"Jesus;
2.eGospel, Jesus;
3. The Psalms
3. The Psalms , " " David;
"David;
4. The Torah
4. The Torah,, " " Moses
"Moses;;
5. The Tablets Ibrahim, (i.e.,
5. The Tablets of Ibrahim, (i.e.,
Abraham) and Moses (May peace
Abraham) and Moses peace
and blessing of Allah be upon
and blessing be upon
them).
them).

Although books revealed to prophets
Although books revealed to prophets
before Muhammad (the last Messenger
before Muhammad (the last Messenger
of Allah) were just temporary revela-
were temporary revela-
tions each addressed a particulartribe
tions each addressed to a particular tribe
or nation, yet it is incumbent upon Mus-
nation, yet is incumbent upon Mus-
believe them general, and
lims to believe in them in general, and
in the Qur'an on detailed basis in particu-
the Qur'anon detailedbasis particu-
lar. The Qur'an is the final and compre-
lar. The Qur'an is the fmal and compre-
64

hensive Scripture. It is the only book of
hensive Scripnrre. is the book
Allah which has remained free from dis-
AUah has remained free
tortion and change, and has been transmit-
tortion and change, and has been transmit-
ted to us whole in the most reliable ways
ted to us whole the most reliable ways
and in its original text - a feature nor en-
and original featurenot en_
joyed by any of the earlier books of revela-
any the earlier books revela-
tion.
tion.

65
65

TI{E GLORIOUS QLJR'AN
THE GLORIOUS QUR'AN

The miraclesbroughtby earlier Prophets
miracles brought earlier Prophets
hadbeenfiansient, so to say, and for that
had been transient, so say, and that
very reason, rapidly forgotten,while that
reason, rapidly forgotten, that
of the verses(of ttreQur'an)may be called
of the verses the Qur'an) may be called
"The Permanent Miracle". Its activity has
"The Pennanent Miracle". has
been unceasing. Everywhere and
been unceasing.Everywhere and at all
hours, each believer, reciting the ver-
hours, each believer, by reciting the ver-
ses, helped to realize the miracle, and in
ses, helped redize the miracle, and
this canbe found the explanation many
this can be found the explanation of many
conversions,incomprchensible the Eu-
conversions, incomprehensible to the Eu-
ropean who unfortunately knows little or
ropeanwho unfornrnately knows
nothing the Qur'an. He may alsojudge
nothing of the Qur'an. He may also judge
on the ba3is inaccuraciesfed to him
it on the basis of inaccuracies fed to him
throughanti-Islamic media.The wonder-
through anti-Islamic media. The wonder-
this Book, resemblingno
ful chann of this Book, resembling no
charm
other masterpiece the literanrre
other masterpiece of the literature of
mankind, need not be explainedto us,
mankind, need not be explained to us,
Muslims, because we considerthat it
Muslims, because we consider that it
66

emanates from the words
emanates from the words of Allah Him-
Allah Him-
self, sent down through the mouth
self, sent down through the mouth of
His prophet.
His prophet.

In this connection, it may be interesting
this connection, be interesting
to quote the opinion
to quote the opinion of Savary, a cele-
Savary, a cele-
brated orientalist, who was the first to
brated orientalist, was the
translatethe meaning
translate the meaning of the Holy Qur'an
the Qur'an
into French. He says, "Muhammad was
into French. He says, "Muhammad was
leamed the study
learned in the study of his language, the
his language,the
richest and the most harmonious
richest and the most harmonious in the the
world, and which,
world, and which, by the composition of
the composition
its verses, permits thoughts as they soar
its verses, permits thoughts as they soar
be correctly described....Poets were
to be correctly described.... Poets were
greatly looked
greatly looked up to in Arabia.
Arabia.

Rabyah, an illustrious poet,
Labid Ibn Rabyah, an illustrious poet,
nailed one of his poems on the door of
nailed one of his poems the of
the Temple of Makkah (Al Kabah). His
the (AI Ka'bah).
reputation and the value of
reputation and the value of his work kept
67
67

competitors away. Nonecirmeforward
all competitors away. None came forward
to competefor the prize.... The second
compete the pize.... The second
chapter the Qur'an was then placedby
chapter of the Qur'an was then placed
the side of the poem. I-abid, although a
the side the poem. Labid, although
worshipper graven images,was seized
worshipper of graven images, was seized
with a fit of admirationafter readingthe
admiration after reading the
first versesand confessed himseH van-
fint verses and confessedhimself van-
quished".
quished".

He becamea convertvery soonafterand
He became a convert very soon after and
one day, his admirersbeing desirous
one day, his admirers being desirous of
gathering together his complete works,
gathering together his complete works,
'I
questioned him this subject. haveno
questioned him of this subject. 'I have no
poetry,' he re-
recollection of any of my poetry,' he re-
recollection any
'for my entire memory has been ab-
plied, 'for my entire memory has beenab-
plied,
sorbed the verses the Book Reve-
sorbed by the verses of the Book of Reve-
by
lation'.
lation'.

As for the Arab Hijaz, comprehending
As for the Arab of Hijaz, comprehending
the most subtle hints of the language
the most subtle hints of the language of
68
68

the Qur'an -- his own language -- and who
the Qur'an his own language and who
welcomed the Surahs as they came out
welcomed the Surahs as they came out
from the lips of his fellow - countryman:
from the lips of his fellow - countryman:
the genial, inspired Messenger of
the genial, inspired Messenger of Allah
(PBUH), that listener was overwhelmed
that listener was overwhelmed
by such sudden surprise that he re-
such sudden surprise that he re-
mained as if petrified. Could this super-
mained as if petrified. Could this super-
natural languagecome
natural language come from Muhammad
Muhammad
(PBUH), known to be completely illite-
be completely
rate and possessingno other knowledge
rate and possessing no other knowledge
than that due
than that due to nature and intuition?
nature and intuition?
seemed perfectly impossible. The
This seemed perfectly impossible. The
Arab was therefore forced to admit that
was therefore forced that
Muhammad's words were dictated bv
Muhammad's words were dictated by
the Almighry.
the Almighty.

Utbah Ibn Rabiyah, one of the noted
Rabiyah, one of the noted
idolators- known for his mastery of
idolators - mastery of
Arabic - having heardsomeversesof the
- having heard some verses of the
Qur'an from Muhammad, said to his
Qur'an Muhammad, said
69

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