ISLAMIC STUDIES

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1) Describe some merits of the Holy Quran and relate at least 2 sayings of the Holy
Prophet (PBUH) in support of your answer.

"This is a Book (the Quran) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings
that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember."
-- [Qur’an 38(Sad):29]

Verily, the noble Qu’ran is Allah’s word, not His creation. It’s a guided scripture revealed
to the blessed prophet Muhammad (PBUH) over a period of twenty-three years. The
only book whose recitation is a form of worship and source of reward.

Merits of The Holy Quran :

Here are specific mention of chapters and verses useful and beneficial to the believers.

i. Al-Fatiha is the most superior chapter of the Qur’an: The first chapter of the Qur’an is
called Al-Fatiha and it meaning is the opening. It consists of seven beautiful verses that
eulogize Allah’s supreme Lordship and ends with a beautiful prayer on guidance. Every
faithful Muslim encounters these verses on a minimum of seventeen times daily.

ii. Rejoice with the two lights sent down as blessings: Among the uniqueness of prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) was that Allah blessed him with things that were exceptionally
exclusive for him and his ummah. One of such is distinctive verses revealed for special
purposes.

iii. Missile against the devils? Al-Baqarah: Besides the Qur’an being the word of Allah, it
also serves as a healing and protection for mankind. Certain verses of the Qur’an can be
invoked for protection against the evils of mischief doers. One of such is suratul Baqarah,
the second chapter of the Qur’an.

iv. The ‘Verse of the Throne’ is the greatest of all: Ayatul Kursiyy is a household name
when mentioning famous verses of the Qur’an. Here comes the verse which shaytan told
Abu Hurayrah whoever recites it at night before going to bed, Allah appoints an angel to
guard him till he wakes. This was affirmed by the prophet when he said: “He (shaytan)
really spoke the truth, although he is an absolute liar.”

v. The last two verses of Al-Baqarah suffices: There are many rulings, stories, injunctions
and supplications in suratul Baqarah. It encapsulates great verses which many Muslims
recite daily. One of such is the last two verses popularly known as “Amana Rasul”.

vi. The Qur’an as an intercessor: In one of the narrations, it’s reported that Allah will
honor and elevate the one who reads and memorize the Qur’an. He will be asked to read
as he does in the world. The more he reads, the higher his elevation in paradise.

vii. Protection from the Anti-Christ: The anti-christ is real. In fact, it’s one of the things
the Messenger warned us against extensively. Massih Dajjal is the false messiah who will
appear before the end of time. He will torment the people and lead multitude astray.
The trial of that time will be difficult to overcome, save the one Allah wills. Here’s the
antidote as prescribed by the prophet.

viii. Need weekly illumination?: Many wonders why Muslims read the surah al-Kahf
every Friday. It serves as a light that illuminates between one Friday to the next.

ix. One-third of the Qur’an is al-Ikhlas: The noble Qur’an has one hundred and fourteen
chapters. Reciting every one of these chapters may be cumbersome overnight. Hence,
the prophet (PBUH) simplified this for his followers thus:

x. A cure and healing for mankind: The Quran is a source of guidance, inspiration,
healing and cure. In fact, it’s well proven as a medicament for black magic and the evil
eye.

Indeed the Book of Allah is not a book like any other, it is the timeless Speech of Allah,
not a created thing, the study guide for life and death and what comes after. Therefore it
deserves a more careful study than anyone else’s speech. It necessitates that its reader
return to the early narrations of those who witnessed its revelation and heard its
explanation by the one deputed by Allah to rehearse and explain His Words to humanity
(PBUH). For if one would try to ponder over the meanings of the verses without having
done this study, then surely the filth of the time that he lives in and his ignorance of the
correct application and understanding that the early Muslims had would cause him to
understand some things not intended by Allah Most High, and therefore he would go
astray, thinking to be worshipping Allah. So every sincere Muslim who hopes to earn
Allah’s Love breciting and reflecting over Allah’s Book, then let him hold tight to the
meanings explained by the Prophet (PBUH), and those taught by the companions and
their immediate followers, and the early scholars of Islam.

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2) Write down the English meanings of at least 3 ayahs that you know about
obedience to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) ?

Ayahs of Obedience to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) :

The Quran commands obedience to the Prophet (PBUH). Whenever the obedience of
Allah is ordered, the obedience of the Final Messenger (PBUH) is also mentioned
alongside. Here are some examples:

Obey Allah and the Messenger, but if you turn away, Allah loves not the disbelievers.
-- [Surat Ali Imraan 3:32]

And obey Allah and the Messenger so that you may be blessed. -- [Surat Ali Imraan
3:132]

So fear Allah and set things right between you, and obey Allah and His Messenger if
you are (in truth) believers. -- [Surat ul Anfaal 8:1]

O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and do not make your deeds
vain. -- [Surat Muhammad 47:33]

There are many more verses that command the obedience of both, Allah and His
Messenger (PBUH). On the contrary, there are verses that command the obedience of
the Prophet (PBUH), but does not mention the obedience of Allah alongside it:

And if you obey him (the Prophet, PBUH), you shall find the right path. -- [Suratun
Nur, 54]

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3) A saying of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is “He who keeps my Sunnah alive, keeps me
alive” Clarify.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the last Prophet of Allah Almighty. Allah (SWT) has
motivated His Messenger (PBUH) with two kinds of revelation: the Quran and the
Sunnah. The Sunnah refers to everything that is said, done or admitted by the Prophet
(PBUH). For Muslims, their true love is for Prophet Muhammad (SAW) whose entire life
is encoded in his Sunnah. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the walking Quran and
following him is the right path which leads towards ultimate satisfaction. There is the
great importance of following Prophet’s Sunnah that we should know and then try to
follow His (PBUH) way then we can be successful in both worlds.

For Muslims following the actions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is the matter of
meaningful importance because his Sunnah is the source of great benefits for the
followers. Believers are encouraged to act in accordance with the Sunnah of the
Messenger of Allah. If we follow Sunnah of Muhammad (PBUH) we can get many
benefits by following Prophet’s Sunnah.

Allah says in Quran: “There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an
excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who]
remembers Allah often.” -- (Qur'an, 33:21)

The answer to that is that undoubtedly loving the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah
be upon him, is obligatory for every Muslim; he should love him more than he loves
himself, his child, his father and all the people – may my father and mother be sacrificed
for him – but that does not mean that we should introduce innovations for doing so that
have not been prescribed for us. Loving him dictates that we should obey him and follow
him, for that is one of the greatest manifestations of love, as it is said, "If your love is
sincere then obey him; for the lover obeys the one whom he loves."

Loving the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, implies keeping his
sunnah alive, adhering firmly to it, and avoiding words and deeds that go against it.
Undoubtedly everything that goes against his sunnah is a reprehensible innovation
(bid'ah) and a manifest act of disobedience.

An indication of one`s love for Allah (SWT), therefore, is following His Prophet (PBUH),
for doing so reveals that he/she is a follower of Allah (SWT). No believer can regard
obedience to Allah (SWT) as sufficient and abandon obedience to the Prophet (PBUH).
The Prophet (PBUH) gives the following glad tidings to those who comply with the
Sunnah: "Whoever gives life to my Sunnah certainly loves me, and whoever loves me is
with me in Paradise." (al-Tirmidhi)
While the Prophet (PBUH) imparts the above glad tidings to those who adhere by the
Sunnah, in the Quran, our Lord warns the terrible consequences that result from
rebelling against the Prophet (PBUH):

"As for those who disobey Allah and His Messenger and overstep His limits, We
will admit them into a Fire, remaining in it timelessly, forever. They will have a
humiliating punishment." -- [Surah an-Nisa : 14]

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4) What are the fundamental of Islam ?

Islam is established on five pillars, as mentioned in the hadeeth narrated by (Abdullah)

Ibn Umar (RA), in which the Prophet (PBUH) said:

"Islam is built on five [pillars]: To single out Allah in worship (and in other
narration: “The testimony that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that
Muhammad is the slave of Allah and His Messenger”) and to establish the prayers,
and to offer the Zakaah, and to fast Ramadan, and to perform the pilgrimage".

These are the foundation of Muslim life and Muslims are required to observe them with
utmost devotion. Just like a building lacks stability without strong pillars, a believer’s
relationship with God lacks focus without observance of the five pillars. These pillars
form the foundation and starting point for all other good deeds and acts of worship to
God.

The Five Pillars of Islam

i. Faith or belief in the Oneness of God (Allah) and the finality of the Prophethood
of Muhammad, peace be upon him (PBUH)
ii. Prayer/Salah (Establishment of the 5 daily Prayers)
iii. Zakah (Concern for and almsgiving to the needy)
iv. Fasting/Sawm (Self-purification through fasting in the month of Ramadan)
v. Hajj (The pilgrimage to Mecca for those who are able)
i. Faith (Iman/Shahadah) :
“There is none worthy of worship except God (Allah) and Muhammad (PBUH) is the
messenger of God.” This declaration of faith is called the Shahadah, a simple formula
that all the faithful pronounce. The significance of this declaration is the belief that the
only purpose of life is to serve and obey God, and this is achieved through the teachings
and practices of the Last Prophet, Muhammad (PBUH).

ii. Prayer (Salah) :

Prayer is the name for the obligatory prayers that are performed five times a day, and
are a direct link between the worshipper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in
Islam and there are no priests. Prayers are led by a learned person who knows the Quran
and is generally chosen by the congregation.

Prayers are said at dawn, mid-day, late-afternoon, sunset and nightfall, and thus
determine the rhythm of the entire day. These five prescribed prayers contain verses
from the Quran, and are said in Arabic, the language of the Revelation. Personal
supplications, however, can be offered in one’s own language and at any time.

Although it is preferable to worship together in a mosque, a Muslim may pray almost

anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories and universities. Oftentimes visitors to the
Muslim world are struck by the centrality of prayers in daily life.

iii. Obligatory Charity (Zakah) :

An important principle of Islam is that everything belongs to God, and that wealth is
therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakah means both “purification” and
“growth.” Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need
and for the society in general. Like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and
encourages new growth.

Each Muslim calculates his or her own obligatory charity individually. This involves the
annual payment of 2.5% of one’s capital, excluding such items as primary residence, car
and professional tools.

An individual may also give as much as he or she pleases as voluntary charity, and does
so preferably in secret. Such charity is not limited to financial giving.

The Prophet said, “Even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is an act of charity.”
The Prophet also said: “Charity is a necessity for every Muslim.” He was asked: “What if
a person has nothing?” The Prophet replied: “He should work with his own hands for his
benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity.” The Companions of the
Prophet asked: “What if he is not able to work?” The Prophet said: “He should help the
poor and needy.” The Companions further asked: “What if he cannot do even that?” The
Prophet said: “He should urge others to do good.” The Companions said: “What if he
lacks that also?” The Prophet said: “He should check himself from doing evil. That is also
an act of charity.”

iv. Fasting (Sawm) :

Every year in the month of Ramada-n, all Muslims fast from dawn until sundown–
abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations with their spouses.

Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are menstruating,
pregnant or nursing, are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of
days later in the year if they are healthy and able. Children begin to fast (and to observe
prayers) from puberty, although many start earlier.

Although fasting is beneficial to health, it is mainly a method of self-purification and self-

restraint. By cutting oneself from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting
person focuses on his or her purpose in life by constantly being aware of the presence of
God. God states in the Quran:
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those
before you that you may learn self-restraint.” -- [Qur'an, 2:183]

v. Pilgrimage (Hajj) :
The pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) is an obligation only for those who are physically and
financially able to do so. Nevertheless, over two million people go to Makkah each year
from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different
nations to meet one another.

The annual Hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar year. Pilgrims wear
special clothes: simple garments that strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that
all stand equal before God.

The rites of Hajj, which are of Abrahamic origin, include going around the Kaaba seven
times, and going seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa as did Hagar (Hajira,
Abraham’s wife) during her search for water. The pilgrims later stand together on the
wide plains of Arafat (a large expanse of desert outside Mecca) and join in prayer for
God’s forgiveness, in what is often thought as a preview of the Day of Judgment.

The close of Hajj is marked by a festival, the Eid al Adha, which is celebrated with prayers
and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere. This and Eid al Fitr, a
festive day celebrating the end of Ramadan, are the two holidays of the Islamic calendar.

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5) Islam has laid much stress on the rights of neighbors. How do you act on this
teaching ? Give at least 2 incidents of your life to clarify your answer.

Rights of Neighbours

"And be good to the neighbour who is your relative and to the neighbour who
is not a relative" -- [Qur'an, 4:36]

Islam has great respect for the mutual rights and duties of neighbours. The Holy Prophet
said:

Jibra'1 always used to advise me to be generous with neighbours, till I thought that Allah
was going to include the neighbours among the heirs of a Muslim.

The rights of neighbourhood are not meant for Muslim neighbours only. of course, a
Muslim neighbour has one more claim upon us - that of Islamic brotherhood; but so far
as the rights of neighbourship are concerned, all are equal.

Explaining it, the Holy Prophet said: Neighbours are of three kinds:

i. That one who has got one right upon you.

ii. That one who has got two rights upon you.
iii. That one who has got three rights upon you.

The neighbour having three rights upon you is the one who is also a Muslim and a
relative. The neighbour having two rights is the one who is either a non-Muslim or a
non-relative Muslim.

The neighbour having one right is the one who is neither a Muslim nor a relative. Still he
has got all the claims of neighbourhood-rights upon you.
Here are some more traditions which show the Islamic love towards the neighbours:

The Holy Prophet said:

That man is not from me who sleeps contentedly while his neighbour sleeps hungry.

Al-Imam `Ali ibn al-Husayn (AS) in his Risalat al-Huquq, said:

These are your duties towards your neighbour: Protect his interests when he is absent;
show him respect when he is present; help him when he is inflicted with any injustice.
Do not remain on the look-out to detect his faults; and if, by any chance, you happen to
know any undesirable thing about him, hide it from others; and, at the same time, try to
desist him from improper habits, if there is any chance that he will listen to you. Never
leave him alone at any calamity. Forgive him, if he has done any wrong. In short, live
with him a noble life, based on the highest Islamic ethical code.

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6) What do you understand by Tawheed? How is it related to Shirk? Explain

Tawheed - The Arabic term Tawheed is used to describe this belief in the absolute
Oneness of God. Tawhid comes from an Arabic word meaning "unification" or
"oneness"—it is a complex term with many depths of meaning in Islam.

Muslims believe, above all else, that Allah, or God, is the sole divine deity, who does not
share his divinity with other partners. There are three traditional categories of Tawhid:
the Oneness of Lordship, the Oneness of Worship, and the Oneness of Allah's Names.
These categories overlap but help Muslims to understand and purify their faith and
worship.

Tawhid Ar-Rububiyah: Oneness of Lordship

Muslims believe that Allah caused all things to exist. Allah is the only one who created
and maintains all things. Allah is not in need of help or assistance over creation. While
Muslims greatly respect their prophets, including Mohammad and Jesus, they firmly
separate them from Allah.

Tawhid Al-Uluhiyah/'Ebadah: Oneness of Worship

Because Allah is the sole creator and maintainer of the universe, it is to Allah alone that
Muslims direct their worship. Throughout history, people have engaged in prayer,
invocation, fasting, supplication, and even animal or human sacrifice for the sake of
nature, people, and false deities. Islam teaches that the only being worthy of worship is
Allah. Allah alone is worthy of prayers, praise, obedience, and hope.

Tawhid Adh-Dhat wal-Asma' was-Sifat: Oneness of Allah's Attributes and Names

The Quran is filled with descriptions of Allah's nature, often through attributes and
special names. The Merciful, the All-Seeing, the Magnificent, etc. are all names which
describe Allah's nature. Allah is seen as distinct from his creation. As human beings,
Muslims believe that one may strive to understand and emulate certain values, but Allah
alone has these attributes perfectly, in full, and in their entirety.

Shirk - As for Shirk (associating anything or anyone in worship with Allah).

"Surely Allah will not forgive the association of partners (Shirk) with Him, but
He forgives (sins) less than that of whomever He wishes."

The following analysis of Shirk is according to the three broad categories developed in
the study of Tawheed.

Major Shirk (ash-shirk al-akbar) - Which Allah does not forgive. Allah says regarding
shirk:
"But if they had joined in worship others with Allah, all that they used to do would have
been of no benefit to them." [Surah Al-An'am, 6: 88]

Minor Shirk (ash-shirk al-asghar) - Which is stated in the Qur'an or in the Prophet's
tradition but is not the same as major shirk. Riya (showing off) and swearing by other
than Allah are examples of this kind of shirk. Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam, said:
"Of which I fear for you the most is minor shirk." When he was asked what was it, he
said, "Riya."

Hidden Shirk - Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, explained, "Shall I not
tell you of which I fear for you more than I fear of the Antichrist?" They said, "Yes, O
Messenger of Allah", and he said, "Hidden shirk, where one beautifies his way of praying
only because another one is looking at him."

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7) How does the long chain of Prophets end without Holy Prophet (PBUH) ?

Guided by irrefutable word of Allah (SWT) in the Holy Quran and numerous Hadith,
Muslims around the world do uniformly believe that, after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),
the chain of prophethood has come to an end. According to this fundamental belief,
anyone who now claims to be a Prophet of God should be viewed as an impostor, whose
claim is contrary to the teachings of Islam.

All Muslim scholars consider such self-proclaimed prophets misguided opportunists,

who have doomed their souls for worldly gains. Sadly, those unfortunate individuals,
who follow the man-made ideology of such opportunists, won't fair much better in the
hereafter, unless they are awakened by the truth of Allah (SWT) and abbandon the
teachings of their self-motivated leaders.

"It is those who believe not in the Signs of Allah that forge falsehood: it is they
who lie!" -- [Surah An-Nahl 16:105]

The Prophet of Allah (PBUH) affirmed:

"The chain of Messengers and Prophets has come to an end. There shall be no
Messenger nor Prophet after me." -- (Tirmidhi, Kitab-ur-Rouya Babu Zahab-un-
Nubuwwa, Musnad Ahmad, Marwiyat-Anas bin Malik)

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8) How does the belief in Doomsday save from vices and induce to virtues ?

Simply, if you believe that there will be a Divine Judgment for your actions (which is
what "Doomsday" or properly termed "Judgment Day" - Yawm al-Qiyaama ‫)يوم القيامة‬,
you will behave better on pain of future torture or pleasure of future reward.

Man asked Muhammad when the Doomsday would occur. Muhammad replied "When
deposits in trust would start being lost, then wait for the Doomsday." He was asked
again, "What is the meaning of loss of trusts?" He replied: "When responsibilities are
entrusted to unfit persons, then wait for the Doomsday" (Sahih al-Bukhari, 8:76:503).

A virtue is a habit or an acquired human quality of character that allow one to achieve
personal happiness. By definition,virtue is something good, an "excellence" of human
character.
The moral virtues, therefore, are: wisdom, courage, chastity, and justice. The opposite
qualities of these are: ignorance2, cowardice, concupiscence (gluttony and lust), injustice
and tyranny.

Vice is the opposite—a habit that spoils one’s chances of achieving personal happiness.
By definition, vice is bad

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