Islam: The Essentials (Pelican Books)

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He maintained affectionate and loyal ties with his relatives, but without preferring them to anyone who was superior to them. He never snubbed anyone. He accepted the excuse of anyone who made an excuse. He would joke, but would never say anything that was not true. He would laugh, but not uproariously. He would watch permissible games and sports, and would not censure them. He ran races with his wives. Voices would be raised around him, and he would be patient. He kept a sheep from which he would draw milk for his family. He would walk among the fields of his companions. He never despised any poor person for his poverty or illness; neither did he hold any king in awe simply because he was a king. He would call rich and poor to God, without distinction. Women and Society in India. Delhi: Ajanta Publications, 1987. Everett, Jana M. Woman and Social Change in India. India is a country that has partially approved live-in relationships; However, it will still be quite difficult for the Supreme Court to constitutionally invalidate this form of marriage. In modern day era, where feminists all across the globe see this arrangement equivalent to prostitution. There are many advocates of Nikah mut’ah who believe that being a contract, this arrangement is superior to the live- in relationships. Registeration of Marriage under Muslim Law We learn in the Qur’an that, “God has given some of you more provision than others. Those who have been given more are unwilling to pass their provision to the servants they possess so that they become their equals. Will they then deny the favor of God?” (16:71)

Islam: Islam at a glance BBC - Religions - Islam: Islam at a glance

Muslims believe that since the Qur’an is the word of God, people should approach it with utmost care so to properly understand God’s will and not make assumptions without adequate knowledge. Islamic scholars have dedicated a whole field of study in the Islamic sciences to understanding the Qur’an called tafseer, or commentary (in more formal circles known as “exegesis”) . In this field, the Qur’an is analyzed from every possible angle from its linguistic meanings and grammar to its historical context and application. Thousands of men and women throughout history have contributed to Qur’anic commentaries. Although the values of the text are timeless, sometimes verses refer to a specific situation faced by the early Muslim community rather than serving as a general prescription for all times. For example, many of the oft-misunderstood verses about jihad refer to certain times in the history of the early Muslim community and specific groups of people that oppressed the Muslims. Qur’anic commentaries show that generalizing these verses to justify acts of vigilante violence is a gross misunderstanding of the Qur’anic moral and historical context. The Qur’an is the primary source of guidance in Islam containing the revelations from God to the Prophet Muhammad in the rich and eloquent Arabic language. In seeking to describe ihsan, the Prophet Muhammad added a caveat: “…but if you cannot [attain to the station of] seeing God, then [know] God sees you.” An essential aspect and goal of Islam’s spirituality is to make a b

Preserving the Qur’an

The practice of Temporary “Muta” marriage is widespread in the modern times and often arranged by Imams and other Islamic leaders in Europe, America (Shia parts of Dearborn, Michigan), and in the Middle east. It is commonly the destitute widows and orphaned girls that are within the clutches of temporary marriage who are often sold to old men. For the women, there is no desire or pleasure that drives them into such misery; it is the extreme means to pay the rent and feed themselves and their children. As a result, this arrangement has received widespread criticism by various countries as it impliedly encouraging legalization of prostitution. So, Islam then for the human beings is an invitation to join the rest of God’s created universe in harmony and submission. It is an invitation and not a subjugation because God has endowed the human beings with the special responsibility of free will. Human beings can choose harmony or disharmony. The choice does have earthly and afterlife consequences. Islam as a religion – meaning as an organized way of living life in accordance with divine will – is seen by Muslims to be the religion that was given to Adam and Eve, as the first of the human beings, when they entered the chaotic moral universe of earthly life after having only known heavenly bliss. Upon coming out of a state of blissful innocence, having been tempted by Satan to disobey God, Adam and Eve – in the Qur’anic narrative – turn earnestly to God in repentance, seeking guidance. In response, God promises that Islam is the second largest religion in the world with over 1 billion followers. The 2001 census recorded 1,591,000 Muslims in the UK, around 2.7% of the population.

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As an illustration of this, the word rahm means “womb,” and the womb describes a space wherein a being is cultivated and cared for without the cultivator seeking anything in return. Thus, through God’s use of this root to refer to Himself, God affirms time and time again in Qur’an that He provides for all of creation, just as a mother provides for her child. While zakat is a required pillar of Islam, everyday charity is strongly encouraged in the Qur’an and in the life example of the Prophet Muhammad. Charity in Islam need not be monetary; it can come in many forms such as giving one’s time or skills or energy to a good cause. The Prophet Muhammad said that “smiling is charity.” Everyday charity is not only for fellow human beings but for all of God’s creation such as feeding animals or taking care of the environment. Sawm – FastingThe Qur’an is the primary religious text of Islam. Muslims consider the Qur’an to be the precise, unchanged Word of God and God’s final testament to humanity. The Qur’an was conveyed to the Prophet Muhammad via the arch angel Gabriel, who then conveyed it purely without adulteration to the masses. It has been preserved since through memorization, recitation and in the written form. This is what Muslims believe about the Qur’an. It is encouraged to prepare for the daily fast by eating a pre-dawn meal, known as suhoor, before the sun rises and the fast begins. The fast is concluded at the time of sunset, traditionally breaking the fast with an iftar meal. The end of Ramadan is commemorated with a sacred celebration of completing the fast, known as Eid al-Fitr, where Muslims gather to perform a special prayer in the morning and celebrate the rest of the day with loved ones, exchanging gifts and greetings of peace. Hajj – Holy Pilgrimage to Mecca