Islamic Studies PDF

Chapter 1 – ALLAH IN HIMSELF Passage 1 – (Ayat-ul-Kursi) Ayat-ul-Kursi explains the special qualities and attributes of the Almighty Allah. It describes Allah as the Sustainer and Cherisher of the universe, the one who provides and protects all. This passage tells how all-knowing and all-powerful A...

Chapter 1 – ALLAH IN HIMSELF Passage 1 – (Ayat-ul-Kursi) Ayat-ul-Kursi explains the special qualities and attributes of the Almighty Allah. It describes Allah as the Sustainer and Cherisher of the universe, the one who provides and protects all. This passage tells how all-knowing and all-powerful Allah is. He has unlimited power and knowledge. Allah is self-sustaining, alone, independent, and unique. “Proclaim, Allah alone is the Creator of all things, and He alone is dominant over all.” He does not possess or have any human weakness; He does not need to sleep, rest, eat, etc. He is the Master of mankind, of all things, and of the whole universe. Thus, no human being can even take a breath without His permission. Only if He wants does a specific thing occur within the limits. He is the Creator and the Controller of this universe and all things. No one can intervene without His permission. Allah has full knowledge of everything—past, present, and future—which human beings cannot know. “He knows all that is before them and all that is after them, whereas their knowledge cannot encompass Him.” He knows all the things they know and what they don’t know. This teaches total submission to the all-knowing God, who is worthy of all worship and submission. He is the Creator of all things, including heaven and hell. The word "Kursi" means “chair” or “throne,” which shows the power of the Almighty Allah. In His kingdom, His authority is vast and extends to hell, the heavens, and the earth. He is the Master of all; everyone is His servant and lives in His kingdom. He is majestic and great. Surah Al-Ikhlas describes the uniqueness and oneness of Allah in the simplest terms, canceling out the concept of family or partners for Allah. “He begets none, nor is He begotten.” On the other hand, Ayat-ul-Kursi speaks about Allah’s perfection, ownership, greatness, knowledge, majesty, and absolute rule. Ayat-ul-Kursi teaches Muslims to worship none but Allah. Its main theme is to tell believers that Allah constantly watches and listens to us. He knows what we are doing, looking at, or hearing—even if we hide it from others. Allah knows everything that goes on in someone’s mind, their intentions, actions, and what they are watching. Therefore, as Muslims, we should avoid anything sinful or foul throughout our lives and always remember that we are being watched by our Creator, Almighty Allah. Ayat-ul-Kursi, overall, describes the powerful kingdom of Allah where we live. Thus, a believer must not bow down to any unjust authority or worldly power but only to Allah. Ayat-ul-Kursi is the greatest verse in the Quran, found in Surah Baqara, which is a Madni Surah. The Prophet (SAW) said, “If someone recites Ayat-ul-Kursi after every Fard Salah, nothing stops him from entering Paradise except death.” Passage 2 – (Surah Al-Anam) Surah Al-Anam is a Makki Surah. It talks about the powerful and matchless existence of the Almighty Allah and His knowledge. Allah is the Originator who created the universe from the beginning without any model. Thus, He is worthy of submission and worship. In Surah Baqara, it is mentioned, “He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth.” Anyone who desires offspring must have a mate. Since Allah has never had a spouse and is One and Single, how can any offspring be born without a mate? Unlike humans, Allah is free from all human attributes; He is too superior to need children. The fact that Allah has no son is also mentioned in Ayat-ul-Kursi in the simplest way: “He begets none, nor is He begotten.” This passage specifically talks about how Allah is the Great Creator of all beings. It denies the concept of any other deities. Creation can never be equal to the Creator. He is the Master, the Unique, the One and Only. Nothing is hidden or concealed from Him. He watches and hears all and knows our intentions. In Ayat-ul-Kursi, it is also mentioned, “He knows what is before them or behind them.” The passage tells that Allah is the Creator and the sole Originator of the universe. This teaches us that everything is under the lordship and authority of Allah. Thus, Muslims should always turn to Allah for the fulfillment of duas, acceptance of Salah, or anything else, as He is the Cherisher and Sustainer. Allah has all knowledge about the world, and no thoughts or words are hidden from Him. Therefore, we should always be mindful of our deeds. The Quran reminds Muslims repeatedly, “And He is with you wherever you are.” Additionally, this passage cancels any false belief that God has a wife or children. Thus, Muslims learn the concept of Tawhid (oneness of Allah) and that shirk is an unforgivable sin in the sight of Allah. PASSAGE 3- SURAH FUSSILAT This passage talks about the oneness of Allah and that He is the only Cherisher and Sustainer of all that exists. Whatever exists is a great sign of His lordship and authority. These signs are not to be worshipped, but by looking at them, we can understand the reality of the greatness and creative power of the Almighty Allah. This verse intends to express the glory and greatness of Allah and that He is worthy of worship. The Holy Quran invites people to look over the great creations of Allah and believe in Him: “Undoubtedly, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of day and night are signs for the intelligent.” The cycle of day and night points out the fact that the sun and moon are not objects of divine power; instead, they are helpless and powerless objects that move and act upon Allah’s laws and orders. Therefore, we should worship their Creator, Allah, as the creations are never greater than the Creator. This passage urges Muslims to look at all His great creations and reflect on His glory, greatness, and creativity. Such observations will strengthen our Iman and Tawhid, reminding us that all Muslims are under the authority and command of the Almighty Allah. Thus, they must follow their lives as per the instructions of Allah, and no one should hold the sun or any other objects worthy of worship except their Creator – the One God, Allah. MODES OF REVELATION OF THE HOLY QURAN Revelations The Holy Quran was revealed bit by bit gradually over a period of 23 years. The first revelation came in the Cave of Hira when Angel Jibrael recited Chapter 96 Verses 1-5 to the Holy Prophet (SAW), and he declared his prophethood. Over the next 13 years in Makkah and 10 years in Madinah, the entire Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The process of revelation is called Nuzul. “And We sent down the Quran in pieces so that you may read it to mankind at intervals, and We sent it down gradually bit by bit.” The different modes of revelation of the Holy Quran were: On the heart of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), In the form of a ringing bell, In the dreams of the Holy Prophet, And through Angel Jibrael. Tafseer Tafseer is learning the meaning of the Holy Quran and its explanation. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was the first one to explain the Quranic meanings. Amongst the scholars of Tafseer-ul-Quran is Abdullah Ibn Abbas. Tafseer explains all types of aspects of the Quranic verses. The science of Tafseer is one in which the meanings of the Quranic verses are explained, and the verses are described openly and clearly. “We revealed the Quran to you so that you explain to the people what has been sent down to them.” The Quran literally explains and describes the meaning of life, this temporary world, the hereafter – everything. It’s like a guidebook every being needs in order to save both their world and hereafter. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) didn’t only teach and convey the words of the Quran but also explained them in detail. In his time, when the companions had any doubts or sought an explanation for any of the verses, he would be there to clear their doubts in a clear and detailed way, satisfying them. Later, it became necessary that the Tafseer be preserved permanently as a guideline of knowledge for the Muslim Ummah. Tafseer of the Holy Quran explains all types of different aspects like difficult words, phrases, religious, legal, political, social, scientific, and spiritual aspects. It literally covers all. Tafseer not only makes it easy to understand the Quran but also opens up many shocking and mind-blowing facts and life aspects Allah has mentioned in the Quran. Since the Quran is the word of Allah, it is important for us Muslims to understand it, read it, and apply it in our lives. PRESERVATION OF THE HOLY QURAN Compilation During the Lifetime of the Holy Prophet (SAW)  The Holy Quran used to be written on various scattered objects like stone, wooden planks, leaves, etc. In 11 AH, in the Battle of Yamama, many Huffaz were martyred. Umar (RA) brought this issue to attention, advising Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) to compile the Quran, as the Huffaz might either be martyred or die a natural death. To save the Quran from having the same fate as the old books, they should preserve and compile it. After arguments and convincing, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) took the advice of Hazrat Umar (RA) and assigned the task of compiling the Quran to a group of companions, with Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit leading it as his dialect was the same as that of the Quran. Actions taken included: ○ Bringing every part of the Quran together with the help of the Huffaz. ○ Accepting only authentic and reliable portions. ○ Ensuring the material was written at least twice. ○ Having at least two witnesses verify that the material was written in front of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). ○ Comparing the written material with the last recitation of the Quran done by Prophet Muhammad (SAW).  Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit compiled it into a book called the Mushaf. It was then handed over to Hazrat Abu Bakr, later passed to Umar (RA), and then to Hazrat Hafsa (RA), the Mother of the Faithful. During the Caliphate of Hazrat Umar (RA) During his caliphate, Muslims in different provinces were sent to Armenia. During a Salah, a conflict occurred about a mispronounced word. The leader of the army, Hudhaifah bin Yaman, addressed the issue to Hazrat Umar (RA). Hazrat Umar held a commission led by Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit to resolve the matter. The Mushaf from the time of Abu Bakr (RA) was taken from Umm-al-Mu'mineen Hazrat Hafsa (RA). Several master copies were made, the Quraishi dialect was declared the standard, and all wrong copies were destroyed. This uniform compilation became the Quran we read today. Hazrat Umar (RA) is also known as Jami-ul-Quran, the one who brought Muslims to a uniform reading of the Holy Quran. PLEDGE OF AQABA The Prophet (SAW) and the Muslims faced mistreatment and torture for a long time, which made their lives miserable. They were not able to lead a peaceful life. The Prophet’s life was in serious danger after he lost his protection in Makkah following the death of Hazrat Abu Talib in 619 AD. The Quraish turned against him and wanted to assassinate him. During this time, he visited Taif to preach Islam and inform them about his religion, but instead of listening to him, they became worse than the people of Makkah. He was very much worried because he did not receive any positive response. He then intended to preach to the pilgrims who came to perform Hajj. In the 11th year of Prophethood, about six people came for Hajj, and the Prophet (SAW) went to their camp and preached to them about his religion. All of them accepted Islam. Then in the 12th year of Prophethood, about 12 people went from Yathrib to perform Hajj. The Holy Prophet (SAW) invited them to his religion, and all of them accepted Islam. They signed a pledge known as the First Pledge of Aqabah, which stated that they would leave the religion of their ancestors and follow his religion. This time they requested him to send a teacher to guide and teach them about Islam, so the Prophet (SAW) sent Musab bin Umair to preach Islam in Madinah. The next year, in the 13th year of Prophethood, about 75 people came with the intention to perform Hajj. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) visited their camp, and they all accepted Islam. This time they signed a Second Pledge of Aqabah, stating they would follow the teachings of Islam, sacrifice their lives for his religion, and protect the Holy Prophet (SAW). The Prophet (SAW) accepted their invitation. He allowed his companions to migrate, and he himself started waiting for the command of Allah. One night, he received divine instructions to migrate, so he left Hazrat Ali in his bed to return the valuables entrusted to him by the people and went to Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) while the house was surrounded by enemies ready to assassinate him. However, he went unnoticed by them. MIGRATION FROM MAKKAH TO MADINAH The Holy Prophet (SAW), after the death of Abu Talib, lost his protection in Makkah. His enemies like Abu Jahl turned against him and wanted to assassinate him, so he migrated to Madinah, where he was promised protection. He preached in Makkah for a long time but was not successful and faced mistreatment. However, when he preached in Madinah, the people of Madinah all converted to his religion and pledged to support and protect his religion at all times. So, the possibility of spreading Islam in Madinah was higher than in Makkah. The followers of Islam in Makkah were under threat, and many suffered mistreatment and torture, but in Madinah, they were in peace and safe. The Holy Prophet (SAW) wanted to set up an Islamic community, which was only possible in Madinah, and the people of Madinah elected him as the leader of their town. Many events occurred during this migration. The people of Yathrib accepted Islam as soon as they got to know about the religion. The assassins surrounding his house were ready to attack him, but as the divine permission to migrate came, he told Hazrat Ali to lie down on his bed and entrusted the valuables to him to return. He then went to Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), who prepared two camels and necessary items. Assassins entered his house early in the morning but found Ali (RA) in his bed. When the chiefs of Makkah heard this news, they announced a reward of 100 camels for anyone who could find the Prophet, dead or alive. Riders scattered around the desert of Arabia to search for him. The Holy Prophet (SAW) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) left Makkah on the 27th of Safar and hid themselves in the Cave of Thawr, where they stayed for three days. They almost got caught, but due to Allah’s order, a spider made a web at the entrance, and a bird laid two eggs, showing that the cave was abandoned, sending the riders back. They reached Quba on Monday, the 8th of Rabi-ul-Awwal (23rd September 622 AD), where they stayed for four days and constructed a masjid, which was the first masjid after Islam. He led the Friday prayer there. The people of Madinah were waiting impatiently to welcome him. The moment the Prophet (SAW) arrived, they sang songs in his praises. All the people of Madinah wanted the Holy Prophet to stay in their houses, but he said that he would stay wherever his camel rested. The camel sat in an empty plot belonging to two orphans. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) paid the price, and a masjid was constructed there. During the construction, the Prophet (SAW) stayed at the house of Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari (RA) for seven months. After the migration, Yathrib was renamed Madinah-tul-Nabi, the city of the Prophet (SAW).