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    Understanding Islam: A Guide for Non-Muslims and Newcomers
    Understanding Islam: A Guide for Non-Muslims and Newcomers
    Understanding Islam: A Guide for Non-Muslims and Newcomers
    Ebook72 pages47 minutes

    Understanding Islam: A Guide for Non-Muslims and Newcomers

    By Dr. Ataur Rehman

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    About this ebook

    This comprehensive guide is designed to introduce non-Muslims and newcomers to the fundamental principles and practices of Islam. With clarity and precision, this book explores the core beliefs, values, and rituals of the world's second-largest religion.

    From the meaning of the Quran to the Five Pillars, this guide covers the essential aspects of Islamic faith and practice. It also delves into Islamic history, culture, and customs, dispelling common misconceptions and stereotypes.

    Written in an approachable and accessible style, this book is perfect for:

    - Non-Muslims seeking to understand Islam and its teachings
    - New converts looking for a comprehensive introduction to their faith
    - Anyone interested in learning about Islamic culture and history

    This guide aims to foster greater understanding, respect, and dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims. By reading this book, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and wisdom of Islam, and develop a more informed perspective on this vital religion.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherAtaur Rehman
    Release dateJun 19, 2024
    ISBN9798227352903
    Understanding Islam: A Guide for Non-Muslims and Newcomers
    Author

    Dr. Ataur Rehman

    Dr. Ataur Rehman is an esteemed scholar in the field of Islamic Studies, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Islamic Studies at Lahore Garrison University, Pakistan and PhD Teacher at Mishkah University, USA. His academic journey is marked by a profound dedication to research and teaching, particularly in the areas of Comparative Religion, Atheism, and Islamic Thought & Civilization. Dr. Rehman earned his PhD in Islamic Thought & Civilization from the University of Management & Technology. He partially conducted PhD research at Radboud University, Netherlands. His doctoral research, which focused on "Islamic Perspective on the Ideology of New Atheism," reflects his deep engagement with contemporary issues in Islamic thought. He also holds an M. Phil in Islamic Studies from the University of Central Punjab, an MBA from Allama Iqbal Open University. Dr. Rehman's academic accolades include the HEC IRSIP Fellowship for PhD Research at Radboud University (2018), several research grants, and prestigious awards like the Best Teacher Award (2021) and Best Researcher Award (2022) from Lahore Garrison University. He is also recognized as an HEC Approved PhD Supervisor since 2022. His contributions to scholarly journals are notable, with numerous publications addressing critical issues such as the intersection of Islam and atheism, orientalism, and interfaith dialogue. He is also an editor of Islamic Studies research journal "Inkishaf". His work also includes serving as a resource person for research methodology workshops and acting as a journal reviewer for prominent Islamic studies journals.

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      Book preview

      Understanding Islam - Dr. Ataur Rehman

      Chapter 1: Introduction 4

      Chapter 2: Sacred Islamic Texts   8

      Chapter 3: Foundations of Islam  12

      Chapter 4: Prayer (Salah)  18

      Chapter 5: Fasting (Sawm) 21

      Chapter 6: Due Charity (Zakah)  23

      Chapter 7: Hajj (Pilgrimage) 26

      Chapter 8: Basic beliefs  29

      Chapter 9: Moral Values  31

      Chapter 10: Contributions of Muslim Scientists  36

      Chapter 11: Islamic Eating Etiquettes  40

      Chapter 12: Islamic Festivals and Food Culture  45

      Acknowledgments

      First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Allah Almighty for guiding me and bestowing upon me the wisdom and knowledge to write this book.

      I dedicate this book to my loving parents, who have been my rock and inspiration throughout my life. Their unwavering support and encouragement have meant the world to me.

      I also dedicate this book to my wonderful wife, who has been my partner in every sense of the word. Her love, patience, and understanding have made this journey possible.

      Thank you all for your love and support. This book would not have been possible without you.

      Author

      Dr. Ataur Rehman

      Assistant Professor (Lahore Garrison University)

      PhD Teacher

      Mishkah University, USA

      Editor: Islamic Studies Research Journal Inkishaf

      Published in 2024

      Understanding Islam: A Guide for Non-Muslims and Newcomers

      Chapter 1: Introduction

      We embark on a journey to understand the essence of Islam, a faith that contains the pursuit of peace - peace with the God, peace within oneself, and peace with all of creation. It revealed on last Prophet of God to humanity Muhammad (Peace be upon him) with final message of God in shape of the book Qur’an.

      At the core of Islam lies the Arabic term 'Islam' derived from the trilateral root S (س)- L (ل)- M (م), which means to surrender, submission, commitment, and peace. Islam, as a monotheistic religion, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) between 610 and 632 CE.

      According to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) A (true) Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand the other Muslims are safe. (Riyad as-Salihin 1565)

      Today, there are over 900 million Muslims worldwide, making Islam the second-largest religion globally, following Christianity. Notably, Islam is also recognized as the fastest-growing religion on the planet. While a significant portion of Muslims resides in the Arab World, estimated at 120 million, the faith's reach extends far beyond, encompassing diverse regions such as Iran, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, China, the USSR, Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Sudan, and even the United States.

      According to Islamic belief, God appointed 124,000 prophets throughout history to guide humanity towards righteousness and aware them about wrongdoing. This divine guidance is written in the Holy Qur’an, where it is stated, And there was no nation but that there had passed within it a warner (Qur’an 35:24). The Qur’an emphasizes the continuum of prophethood, with Adam (AS) being the first messenger and Muhammad (PBUH) the final one.

      The connection between all the messengers lies in their shared fundamental message: ‘the declaration of the oneness of God (Allah)’. Each Messenger appointed to their respective nations and repeated this central belief. Moreover, part of their mission was to inform their people about the forthcoming messengers, thus maintaining the continuity of divine guidance. For instance, Jesus (AS) prophesied the coming of Ahmad (Muhammad) after him, as mentioned in the Qur’an: And [mention] when Jesus, the son of Mary, said, 'O Children of Israel, indeed I am the messenger of Allah to you confirming what came before me of the Torah and bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad.' (Qur’an 61:6) This link among the Messengers represents the unity of purpose among them and highlights the consistent and logical transfer of divine revelation throughout history.

      People primarily believed in the Messengers for several reasons:

      Logical and Beneficial Teachings: Messengers conveyed teachings that were not only logical but also profoundly beneficial for all

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