The Sunday Mail
Umari Stambuli
In order for one to be a Muslim, one must believe in the seven articles of faith, which are: belief in the Oneness of God, belief in the angels of God, belief in the Divine revelations (Holy books), belief in the Messengers of God, belief in the Last Day (when this world will be brought to an end), belief in the pre-ordainment of all things by God Almighty (that God has full knowledge and control over all that occurs) and belief in the resurrection and life hereafter.
Muslims believe that the Holy Qur’aan is the final revelation of Allah to all of mankind, which was spoken by Allah the Exalted Himself and conveyed through the arch-Angel Gabriel in Arabic to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), in sound, word and meaning.
The Holy Qur’aan, (sometimes incorrectly spelt Koran), was then relayed to the Prophet’s companions, and they diligently memorised it verbatim and meticulously compiled it into written form.
The Holy Qur’aan has been continually recited by the faithful and passed on from generation to generation until the present day. In short, the Holy Qur’aan is the revealed book of Divine scripture from Allah to all humanity for their guidance and salvation.
In the Holy Qur’aan, Allah teaches human beings that they are created in order to glorify, serve and worship Him, and that the basis of all true worship is God-consciousness. All of Allah’s creatures worship Him naturally and only the humans have the free will to worship Allah their Creator or to reject Him.
This is a great test, but also a great honour. Since the teachings of Islam encompass all aspects of life and ethics, God-consciousness is encouraged in all human affairs.
Islam makes it clear that all human acts are acts of worship if they are done for God alone and in accordance to His Divine Scripture and Law. As such, worship in Islam is not limited to religious rituals, and for this reason it is more properly known as a “way of life” rather than a religion.
The teachings of Islam act as mercy and healing for the human soul. And qualities such as humility, sincerity, patience and charity are strongly encouraged.
Additionally, Islam condemns pride and self-righteousness, since the Almighty God is the only judge of human righteousness.
Islam is not a religion of monasticism or separation from the worldly life.
On the other hand, it does not allow the uncontrolled indulgence of worldly pleasures and desires. It teaches us to nourish and satisfy our soul and spiritual needs as much as we need food and provision for our body.
It is a complete social system which promotes a lifestyle based on moderation embracing both religious and mundane affairs, and considers them complementary to one another. Neither aspect should prevail at the expense of the other.
The balance required is highlighted in many verses of the Holy Qur’aan — for example, verse 77 Chapter 28.
Islam places men and women equal before their Lord regardless of their race, tongue, national origin, appearance, wealth and social status.
The criterion for differentiation among them arises in their compliance with the divine regulations and this is highlighted in verse 13 of chapter 49 in the Holy Qur’aan.
Thus there is no particular hierarchy in Islam and while it is acknowledged that there will be those who gain more knowledge than others, it still does not raise them in any way of superiority above others.
Such learned people become custodians of the teachings and practices of the faith but can never claim to be beyond the realm of being humans who are fallible.
For further information on Islam or a free copy of the Holy Qur’aan, please contact: MajlisulUlama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars, Publications Department, PO Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare. Tel: 04-614078 / 614004, Fax: 04-614003, e-mail: [email protected]
