Islám
From Bahaikipedia
Islám refers specifically to the religious dispensation brought into being by the Manifestation Muḥammad. The word Islám is not related to the name of the Manifestation Muhammad, but to the Arabic word salima (submission). Jointly, Islám can be called the universal theological name of all religions, and is often used this way in the Bahá’í Writings. Islám is centered around the Qur'an, or recitation, which was revealed by Muḥammad over a period of 23 years; the Qur'an is considered by Muslims and Bahá’ís to be the direct Word of God.
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[edit] Muhammad - birth and childhood
was born in 570 A.D., according to Islamic tradition. The date may be inaccuarate. While pregnant, Amina heard a voice saying, "You are pregnant with the Lord of this people, and when he is born, say, 'I put him under the protection of the One from the evil of every envier'; then call him Muhammad." Muhammad's father, Abdallah, died before Muhammad's birth. Amina died when Muhammad was six years old. For two years Muhammad lived with his grandfather, Abd al-Muttalib, who provided Zamzam water to the pilgrims in Mecca. He grew up with His powerful uncle, Abu Talib, the Shakyh of Banu Hashim, who put Muhammad to work in the caravans. Muhammad was grateful for His uncle's generosity, for He may otherwise have been forced to become a slave.
Muhammad soon earned the nickname al-Amin, the trustworthy one. At twenty-five years of age He married Khadija, a wealthy forty-year-old widow.
[edit] Manifestation of God
Muhammad was forty years old when He experienced His first divine revelation. Religious and social teachings were revealed to Muhammad in stunningly beautiful verses telling of God's love of creation. Muhammad shared the early revelations first with His wife, Khadija, then with His closest friends and relatives. The first person to declare her belief in Muhammad was Khadija, the second was Ali and the third was a slave Zayd, who Muhammad freed. The fourth Muslim was Abu Bakr. Once others accepted His message, Muhammad openly proclaimed Himself to be a Manifestation of God. Many religious authorities in Mecca felt threatened by Muhammad and began persecuting Muhammad and His followers. Their boycott not only of Muhammad's business, but also the businesses of His followers was devastating. At this point both Abu Taib and Khadija died. Muhammad learned of a plot to assassinate Him. Muhammad and His followers fled Mecca and were offered refuge by the Khazaraj of Yathrib, at an agricultural oasis north of Mecca. Here Muhammad was welcomed as a prophet and judicial authority.
The migration from Mecca to Yathrib (Hijra) in the year 622 A.D. marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. In this community Muhammad implemented Islamic social reforms. The first Islamic community was renamed Medina. Muhammad's small band of poorly armed followers miraculously repelled attacks by the armies sent out from Mecca over a period of six years.
Following the surrender of the Meccan rulers, Muhammad made a pilgrimage to Mecca and was presented with the keys to the Ka'ba. Muhammad publicly smashed the idols with the help of His cousin, Ali. Instead of crowning Himself King of Mecca, Muhammad implemented an egalitarian Islamic social order in Mecca and returned to Medina. Two years later Muhammad died.
[edit] Some Teachings of the Qur'an
The first Islamic teaching is the prohibition of idolatry (Sura 112).
The Qur'an teaches the equality of all people (49:11-14), promotes racial equality (2:214) and discourages slavery (2:178). The Qur'an forbids usery (2:276-277). Islam promotes humility, modesty and chastity (24:31-32). The Qur'an defends the rights of minorities (4:42), especially Jews and Christians (3:114-115).
Women were given the right to own property, to inherit, to initiate divorce and to receive financial support following divorce (4:30-34, 129). Islam was the first religion to limit the number of spouses (4:4).
Muslims say the obligatory prayers (4:104) and give alms (2:274).
Islam forbids intoxicants and gambling (5:91) and wars of aggression (22:40). The Qur'an acknowledges a right to retribution, but encourages forgiveness (42:40-41).
[edit] Hadith, Fiqh and Shariah
As the Muslim community grew, questions arose, which were not specifically addressed in the Qur'an. Hadith, utterances of the Manifestation Muhammad, recalled by His Companians provided a wealth of guidance for many challenges to the Islamic community. Because the Hadith were not recorded in writing many of the reported sayings could not be authenticated. This confusion encouraged Moslems to invent Hadith to promote their own points-of-view.
Shariah is Islamic law, which gradually took form in madrassas, centers of religious learning. Sharia refers to accepted views within the Muslim community.
Fiqh is Islamic jurisprudence. Faqh strives to use reason to reconcile Qur'anic verses with Hadith and Sharia.
[edit] Five Pillars of Islam
The Islamic profession of faith (shahadah): There is no god but God, and Muhammad is God's Messenger. Muslims say the obligatory prayer (Salah) five times a day, facing the Ka'ba in Mecca. Giving alms (Zakat) to the needy once a year is a duty. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is obligatory, as is one pilgrimage to Mecca in the course of one's lifetime, for all Muslims who have the means.
[edit] References
- Gail, Marzieh (1953). Six Lessons on Islám, The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States of America, ISBN 3870370742
- Aslan, Reza (2005)No god but God, The Origins, Evoution, and Future of Islam, Random House Trade Paperback Edition, ISBN 0-8129-7189-2 pp. 18-20, 32-36, 39, 41, 46-51, 55-56, 59, 62, 67-68 75, 82-83, 105-106, 108, 167.
- The Holy Qur'án Tanslated by Maulawí -sger 'Alí, (2004) Islam International Publications Ltd. ISBN 1 85372 779 2
