Introduction to IslamIntroduction to Islam

Bahar Bastani MDBahar Bastani MDProfessor of Medicine – NephrologyProfessor of Medicine – Nephrology

Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis University

Definitions Definitions

Islam: means submission and peace Islam: means submission and peace

Muslim: the one who follows IslamMuslim: the one who follows Islam Islamic: related to the faith of IslamIslamic: related to the faith of Islam

AllahAllah

Arabic word for “The God”Arabic word for “The God” alal: the definite article “the”: the definite article “the” ilahilah: god, deity: god, deity

Attributes of AllahAttributes of Allah

Ninety nine names (the Merciful, the Just, Ninety nine names (the Merciful, the Just, the Seeing, the Hearing, the Knowing, the the Seeing, the Hearing, the Knowing, the Loving, the Gentle, …)Loving, the Gentle, …)

Allah is One, Unique, nothing beyond HimAllah is One, Unique, nothing beyond Him Omnipresent and OmnipotentOmnipresent and Omnipotent Allah has great love for His creaturesAllah has great love for His creatures He is all Merciful and BenevolentHe is all Merciful and Benevolent

Principle Beliefs of IslamPrinciple Beliefs of Islam

Tauheed: Oneness of GodTauheed: Oneness of God Nabuwat: ProphethoodNabuwat: Prophethood Qiyamat: The Day of JudgmentQiyamat: The Day of Judgment Adl: Divine JusticeAdl: Divine Justice Imamat: Apostolic ImamsImamat: Apostolic Imams

Prophets named in Quran (# 25)Prophets named in Quran (# 25)

Adam Adam

Idris (Enoch) Idris (Enoch)

Nuh (Noah) Nuh (Noah)

Hud Hud

Saleh Saleh

Ibrahim (Abraham) Ibrahim (Abraham)

Isma'il (Ishmael) Isma'il (Ishmael)

Ishaq (Isaac) Ishaq (Isaac)

Lut (Lot) Lut (Lot)

Ya'qub (Jacob) Ya'qub (Jacob)

Yousef (Joseph) Yousef (Joseph)

Shu'aibShu'aib

Ayyub (Job)Ayyub (Job)

Musa (Moses)Musa (Moses)

Harun (Aaron) Harun (Aaron)

Dhu'l-kifl (Ezekiel) Dhu'l-kifl (Ezekiel)

Dawud (David) Dawud (David)

Sulaiman (Solomon) Sulaiman (Solomon)

Ilias (Elias) Ilias (Elias)

Al-Yasa (Elisha) Al-Yasa (Elisha)

Yunus (Jonah) Yunus (Jonah)

Zakariyya (Zechariah) Zakariyya (Zechariah)

Yahya (John) Yahya (John)

Isa (Jesus) Isa (Jesus)

MuhammadMuhammad

North

South

West East

Saudi Arabia

Masjid Al-Nabi in MadinaMasjid Al-Nabi in Madina

ShahadaShahada(declaration of faith)(declaration of faith)

““There is no deity but the There is no deity but the God (Allah), and Mohammad God (Allah), and Mohammad is a messenger of the God.”is a messenger of the God.”

The Doctrines of IslamThe Doctrines of Islam Salat: five daily prayersSalat: five daily prayers Sawm: fasting in the month of RamadanSawm: fasting in the month of Ramadan Zakat: charity (wealth tax)Zakat: charity (wealth tax) Hajj: pilgrimage to MeccaHajj: pilgrimage to Mecca Khums: one fifth levyKhums: one fifth levy Jihad: struggleJihad: struggle Amr bil Ma’aroof: to enjoin virtueAmr bil Ma’aroof: to enjoin virtue Nahi unil Munkar: to forbid viceNahi unil Munkar: to forbid vice Tawalla: to love divine personsTawalla: to love divine persons Tabarra: to keep away from enemies of divine personsTabarra: to keep away from enemies of divine persons

The 5 Pillars of IslamThe 5 Pillars of Islam

Shahada: there is no deity but the God, and Shahada: there is no deity but the God, and Mohammad is a messenger of the GodMohammad is a messenger of the God

Salat: five daily prayersSalat: five daily prayers Sawm: fasting in the month of RamadanSawm: fasting in the month of Ramadan Zakat: charity (wealth tax)Zakat: charity (wealth tax) Hajj: pilgrimage to MeccaHajj: pilgrimage to Mecca

SALATSALAT(prayer)(prayer)

Five daily prayers:Five daily prayers:– Before sunriseBefore sunrise– NoonNoon– AfternoonAfternoon– After sunsetAfter sunset– At nightAt night

““Fard” are obligatory Fard” are obligatory ““Sunnah” are offered as the Sunnah” are offered as the

Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) did. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) did. Missed prayersMissed prayers

SAWMSAWM(fasting)(fasting)

Ramadan : 9Ramadan : 9thth lunar month lunar month Dawn to duskDawn to dusk Abstain from eating, drinking, sexual Abstain from eating, drinking, sexual

gratificationgratification Must include works of charityMust include works of charity ““Refresher course” for the yearRefresher course” for the year

– Refrain from anger, backbiting, hurting Refrain from anger, backbiting, hurting people, be a model Muslim.people, be a model Muslim.

– Compassion for poorCompassion for poor

ZAKATZAKAT(charity)(charity)

Obligatory for able personObligatory for able person Calculated to be at least Calculated to be at least

2.5% of your savings per 2.5% of your savings per yearyear

““Charity begins at home.”Charity begins at home.” EducationEducation

HAJJHAJJ(pilgrimage)(pilgrimage)

Performed in the 12Performed in the 12 thth month of Muslim month of Muslim calendar calendar

Performed in MeccaPerformed in Mecca Obligatory once in a lifetime for those Obligatory once in a lifetime for those

who are financially able and healthywho are financially able and healthy

Kabba and Masjid Ul HaramKabba and Masjid Ul Haram

JIHADJIHAD Means Means Struggle / Endure HardshipStruggle / Endure Hardship Does Does NOTNOT mean holy war mean holy war Jihad is major and minorJihad is major and minor

– Major jihad is striving to be a better Major jihad is striving to be a better Muslim, to struggle against one’s ego to Muslim, to struggle against one’s ego to bring spiritual purification and growthbring spiritual purification and growth

– ““The best Jihad is the conquest of the self”The best Jihad is the conquest of the self”– ““The best Jihad is that of speaking a word of The best Jihad is that of speaking a word of

truth to an unjust ruler” truth to an unjust ruler” – Jihad also means protecting yourself, your Jihad also means protecting yourself, your

family, your property and your country.family, your property and your country.

JIHADJIHAD

The Islamic Tradition unequivocally condemns The Islamic Tradition unequivocally condemns any type of aggression towards innocent any type of aggression towards innocent civilians, animals, plants or even buildings.civilians, animals, plants or even buildings.

Islam dose not sanction armed struggle except Islam dose not sanction armed struggle except when opposing an aggressor who occupies when opposing an aggressor who occupies another’s land or in order to help remove another’s land or in order to help remove oppression from oppressed people.oppression from oppressed people.

The Islamic Tradition forbids suicide.The Islamic Tradition forbids suicide. No matter what hardships and afflictions a No matter what hardships and afflictions a

person experiences, it can never justify doing person experiences, it can never justify doing anything, which contradicts Islam’s Ethical anything, which contradicts Islam’s Ethical Framework.Framework.

Unlawfulness of KillingUnlawfulness of Killing

““For this reason did We prescribe to the For this reason did We prescribe to the children of Israel that whoever slays a children of Israel that whoever slays a soul, unless it be for manslaughter or for soul, unless it be for manslaughter or for mischief in the land, it is as though he mischief in the land, it is as though he slew all men; and whoever keeps it slew all men; and whoever keeps it alive, it is as though he kept alive all men alive, it is as though he kept alive all men …..” (5: 32)…..” (5: 32)

Similarities of Islam, Christianity & JudaismSimilarities of Islam, Christianity & Judaism

MonotheismMonotheism Hereafter / Day of JudgmentHereafter / Day of Judgment ProphetsProphets Angelical WorldAngelical World Children of Abraham Children of Abraham People of the BookPeople of the Book Works of charityWorks of charity PrayersPrayers FastingFasting Dietary rulesDietary rules

Similarities in Moral SystemSimilarities in Moral System

Respect for parents especially mother Respect for parents especially mother Condemnation of murder, stealing, Condemnation of murder, stealing,

adultery, lyingadultery, lying Respect for lawRespect for law ““Rights of neighbors”Rights of neighbors”

Similarities in Moral CodeSimilarities in Moral Code ““And remember We took a covenant from the And remember We took a covenant from the

Children of Israel (to this effect): Worship none Children of Israel (to this effect): Worship none but the God; treat with kindness your parents and but the God; treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer; and practice to the people; be steadfast in prayer; and practice regular charity. Then you turned back except a few regular charity. Then you turned back except a few of you and (now too) you turn aside.” (2: 83)of you and (now too) you turn aside.” (2: 83)

““And remember We took your covenant (to this And remember We took your covenant (to this effect): Shed no blood amongst you, nor turn out effect): Shed no blood amongst you, nor turn out your own people from your homes ….. (“2: 84)your own people from your homes ….. (“2: 84)

Is Islam the Only Accepted Religion by God?Is Islam the Only Accepted Religion by God?

““Surely the (true) religion with Allah is Islam, ....” (3: 19)Surely the (true) religion with Allah is Islam, ....” (3: 19) ““And whoever desires a religion other than Islam, it shall And whoever desires a religion other than Islam, it shall

not be accepted from him, and in the hereafter he shall be not be accepted from him, and in the hereafter he shall be one of the losers.” (3: 85)one of the losers.” (3: 85)

““And the same did Ibrahim enjoin on his sons and (so And the same did Ibrahim enjoin on his sons and (so did) Yaqoub. O my sons! surely Allah has chosen for did) Yaqoub. O my sons! surely Allah has chosen for you (this) faith, therefore die not unless you are you (this) faith, therefore die not unless you are Muslims.” (2: 132)Muslims.” (2: 132)

Islam =Islam = Submission to His WillSubmission to His Will

Who Will be Saved by God?Who Will be Saved by God?

““And they say: None shall enter paradise except And they say: None shall enter paradise except he who is a Jew or a Christian. These are their he who is a Jew or a Christian. These are their vain desires. Say: Bring your proof if you are vain desires. Say: Bring your proof if you are truthful.” (2: 111)truthful.” (2: 111)

““Yes! Whoever submits himself entirely to Yes! Whoever submits himself entirely to Allah and he is the doer of good (to others) he Allah and he is the doer of good (to others) he has his reward from his Lord, and there is no has his reward from his Lord, and there is no fear for him nor shall he grieve.” (2: 112)fear for him nor shall he grieve.” (2: 112)

Recognition of other FaithsRecognition of other Faiths ““Surely those who believe and those who are Surely those who believe and those who are

Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians, Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians, whoever believes in Allah and the last day and whoever believes in Allah and the last day and does good, they shall have their reward from does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord, and there is no fear for them, nor their Lord, and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve.” (2:62 & 5:69)shall they grieve.” (2:62 & 5:69)

““Yes! Whoever submits himself entirely to Yes! Whoever submits himself entirely to Allah and he is the doer of good (to others) he Allah and he is the doer of good (to others) he has his reward from his Lord, and there is no has his reward from his Lord, and there is no fear for him nor shall he grieve.” (2: 112)fear for him nor shall he grieve.” (2: 112)

Recognition of other FaithsRecognition of other Faiths

Moses, the Hebrew Prophets and Jesus Moses, the Hebrew Prophets and Jesus (peace be upon them) are deeply (peace be upon them) are deeply respected in Quran. respected in Quran.

The Virgin Mary holds the most exalted The Virgin Mary holds the most exalted spiritual position among all women in spiritual position among all women in Quran – a chapter is named after herQuran – a chapter is named after her

Recognition of other FaithsRecognition of other Faiths

Surely We revealed the Taurat (to Moses) in which was Surely We revealed the Taurat (to Moses) in which was guidance and light; with it the prophets who submitted guidance and light; with it the prophets who submitted themselves (to Allah) judged (matters) for those who themselves (to Allah) judged (matters) for those who were Jews, .... 5:44were Jews, .... 5:44

And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: therein was guidance and light, and him the Gospel: therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him in confirmation of the Law that had come before him in Taurat: a guidance and an admonition to those who Taurat: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah. 5:46fear Allah. 5:46

People of The BookPeople of The Book

If they had observed the Torah and the Gospel If they had observed the Torah and the Gospel and all the revelation that was sent to them and all the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have enjoyed from their Lord, they would have enjoyed happiness from every side. There is among happiness from every side. There is among them a party on the right course: but many of them a party on the right course: but many of them follow a course that is evil. (5:66)them follow a course that is evil. (5:66)

Say: O followers of the Book! you follow no Say: O followers of the Book! you follow no good till you keep up the Torah and the Gospel good till you keep up the Torah and the Gospel and that which is revealed to you from your and that which is revealed to you from your Lord; ….. (Lord; ….. (5:68 5:68 ))

Praising Some People of the BookPraising Some People of the Book ““They are not all alike; of the followers of the They are not all alike; of the followers of the

Book there is an upright party; they recite Allah’s Book there is an upright party; they recite Allah’s communications in the night time and they adore communications in the night time and they adore Him. They believe in Allah and the last day, and Him. They believe in Allah and the last day, and they enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong, they enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong, and they strive with one another in hastening to and they strive with one another in hastening to good deeds, and those are among the good. And good deeds, and those are among the good. And whatever good they do, they shall not be denied of whatever good they do, they shall not be denied of it, and Allah knows those who guard (against it, and Allah knows those who guard (against evil).” (3: 113-115)evil).” (3: 113-115)

““And amongst the followers of Moses there is a And amongst the followers of Moses there is a party who guide people with the truth, and do party who guide people with the truth, and do justice.” (7:159) justice.” (7:159)

Kindness of the Followers of JesusKindness of the Followers of Jesus

““Then We made Our messengers to Then We made Our messengers to follow in their footsteps, and We sent follow in their footsteps, and We sent Jesus, son of Mary, to follow, and gave Jesus, son of Mary, to follow, and gave him the Gospel, and We put in the hearts him the Gospel, and We put in the hearts of those who followed him kindness and of those who followed him kindness and mercy; …..” (57:27)mercy; …..” (57:27)

Violence Against Idolaters?Violence Against Idolaters? ““And fight in the way of AllahAnd fight in the way of Allah with those who fight with you, with those who fight with you,

and do not exceed the limits, surely Allah does not love those and do not exceed the limits, surely Allah does not love those who exceed the limits.” (2: 190)who exceed the limits.” (2: 190)

““And kill them wherever you find them, and drive them outAnd kill them wherever you find them, and drive them out from whence they drove you out, for persecution is worse than from whence they drove you out, for persecution is worse than slaughter, and do not fight with them at the Sacred Mosque slaughter, and do not fight with them at the Sacred Mosque until they fight with you in it, but if they do fight you, until they fight with you in it, but if they do fight you, then slay then slay them; such is the recompense of the unbelieversthem; such is the recompense of the unbelievers.” (2: 191).” (2: 191)

““But if they desist, then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” But if they desist, then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” (2: 192)(2: 192)

““And fight with themAnd fight with them until there is no persecution, until there is no persecution, and religion and religion should be only for Allahshould be only for Allah, but if they desist, then there should be , but if they desist, then there should be no hostility except against the oppressors.” (2: 193)no hostility except against the oppressors.” (2: 193)

No Compulsion in ReligionNo Compulsion in Religion

““There is no compulsion in religion; truly There is no compulsion in religion; truly the right way has become clearly distinct the right way has become clearly distinct from error; therefore, whoever disbelieves from error; therefore, whoever disbelieves in the Satan and believes in Allah, he in the Satan and believes in Allah, he indeed has laid hand on the firmest indeed has laid hand on the firmest handle, which shall not break off, and handle, which shall not break off, and Allah is hearing, Knowing”. (2: 256)Allah is hearing, Knowing”. (2: 256)

How to Dispute?How to Dispute?

““And do not dispute with the followers of And do not dispute with the followers of the Book except by what is best, except the Book except by what is best, except those of them who act unjustly, and say: those of them who act unjustly, and say: "We believe in the revelation which has "We believe in the revelation which has come down to us and in that which came come down to us and in that which came down to you; Our God and your God is down to you; Our God and your God is one; and to Him do we submit.” (29:46)one; and to Him do we submit.” (29:46)

Finding Common GroundsFinding Common Grounds

"O People of the Book! come to common terms as "O People of the Book! come to common terms as between us and you: That we worship none but between us and you: That we worship none but God; that we associate no partners with Him; God; that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords that we erect not, from among ourselves, Lords and patrons other than God. But if then they and patrons other than God. But if then they turn back, then say: Bear witness that we are turn back, then say: Bear witness that we are they who have surrendered unto Him.” (3:64)they who have surrendered unto Him.” (3:64)

Equality of All ProphetsEquality of All Prophets

““Say, We believe in God, and in what has been Say, We believe in God, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the prophets, from their Lord. we make no the prophets, from their Lord. we make no distinction between any of them, and to Him do distinction between any of them, and to Him do we submit.” (3:84)we submit.” (3:84)

God is the Origin of Our God is the Origin of Our DiversityDiversity

““We have given a law and a way of life We have given a law and a way of life to each of you. Had God wanted, He to each of you. Had God wanted, He could have made you into one nation, could have made you into one nation, but he wanted to see who are the more but he wanted to see who are the more pious ones among you. Compete with pious ones among you. Compete with each other in righteousness. All of you each other in righteousness. All of you will return to God who will tell you the will return to God who will tell you the truth in the matter of your differences.” truth in the matter of your differences.” (5: 48)(5: 48)

God is the Origin of Our God is the Origin of Our DiversityDiversity

شاء لو و جا ها ن وم ة ع ر ش م ك من نا ل ع ج ل ك لفي كم و ل ب ي ل لـكن و ة د ح وا ة م أ م ك ل ع ج ل ه ل الا لى إ ت را ي الخ قوا ب ت س فا كم تا آ مآه في م ت كن ما ب ئكم ب ن ي ف عا مي ج م ك ع ج ر م

ن فو ل ت خ 5:48ت

Equality of All MankindEquality of All Mankind

““O you men! Surely We have created you O you men! Surely We have created you of a male and a female, and made you of a male and a female, and made you into tribes and families that you may into tribes and families that you may know each other; surely the most know each other; surely the most honorable of you with Allah is the one honorable of you with Allah is the one among you most careful (of his/her among you most careful (of his/her duties); surely Allah is Knowing, duties); surely Allah is Knowing, Aware.” (49: 13)Aware.” (49: 13)

Rights of Women in IslamRights of Women in Islam

Right to own propertyRight to own property Access to educationAccess to education Islamic inheritance lawsIslamic inheritance laws EmploymentEmployment Participation in social and political lifeParticipation in social and political life Dress codeDress code Consent in marriageConsent in marriage

POLYGAMYPOLYGAMY

““Allowed” but not encouragedAllowed” but not encouraged DivorceDivorce Marrying “People of The Book”Marrying “People of The Book”

SECOND COMING OF SECOND COMING OF JESUS (PBUH)JESUS (PBUH)

Muslim DistributionMuslim Distribution

What is Catholic attitude Towards IslamWhat is Catholic attitude Towards Islam

““The Catholic Church rejects nothing of what is The Catholic Church rejects nothing of what is true and holy in these (world) religions.”true and holy in these (world) religions.”

Vatican Council IIVatican Council II

(Nostra Aetate)(Nostra Aetate)

October 28, 1965October 28, 1965

““The Church has a high regard for Muslims. They The Church has a high regard for Muslims. They worship God, who is one, living and subsistent, worship God, who is one, living and subsistent, merciful and mighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, merciful and mighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, who has also spoken to men. They strive to submit who has also spoken to men. They strive to submit themselves without reserve to the hidden decrees of themselves without reserve to the hidden decrees of God, just as Abraham submitted himself to God’s plan, God, just as Abraham submitted himself to God’s plan, to whose faith Muslims eagerly link their own. to whose faith Muslims eagerly link their own. Although not acknowledging him as God, they venerate Although not acknowledging him as God, they venerate Jesus as a prophet, his virgin Mother they also honor, Jesus as a prophet, his virgin Mother they also honor, and even at times devoutly invoke. Further, they await and even at times devoutly invoke. Further, they await the Day of Judgment and the reward of God following the Day of Judgment and the reward of God following the resurrection of the dead. For this reason they the resurrection of the dead. For this reason they highly esteem an upright life and worship God highly esteem an upright life and worship God especially by way of prayer, alms-deeds and fasting.” especially by way of prayer, alms-deeds and fasting.”

Vatican Council II (October 28, 1965)Vatican Council II (October 28, 1965)

““At this moment, I wish to extend a special word At this moment, I wish to extend a special word of esteem and friendship to all the members of of esteem and friendship to all the members of the Muslim community . . . Like the prophet the Muslim community . . . Like the prophet Abraham, we are all pilgrims of the path of Abraham, we are all pilgrims of the path of seeking to do God’s will in everything. Although seeking to do God’s will in everything. Although we differ in many ways, there are important we differ in many ways, there are important elements of our respective faiths which can serve elements of our respective faiths which can serve as a basis of fruitful dialogue.” (Pope John Paul as a basis of fruitful dialogue.” (Pope John Paul II in Gambia, 2-23-94) II in Gambia, 2-23-94)

All HeAll HeVery beautifully once a poet put it in wordsVery beautifully once a poet put it in words

As precious pearls wisely packed in simple words.As precious pearls wisely packed in simple words.

That one may reach in his journey to a pointThat one may reach in his journey to a pointHe would only see God’s faces from that point.He would only see God’s faces from that point.

In the blue sky, the stars, and the bright sunIn the blue sky, the stars, and the bright sunIn the darkness of the night or the impending dawnIn the darkness of the night or the impending dawn

In the moments of happiness, and sadness tooIn the moments of happiness, and sadness tooIn the true battlefield, and the chess field tooIn the true battlefield, and the chess field too

In the wind, the rain, and the flying beesIn the wind, the rain, and the flying beesIn the flowers dancing with the morning breezeIn the flowers dancing with the morning breeze

In the water, sand, and rocks alikeIn the water, sand, and rocks alikeIn the beautiful face of the girl you likeIn the beautiful face of the girl you like

In all, and whatever visible around In all, and whatever visible around He would see God’s presence, all aroundHe would see God’s presence, all around

Since he gave up his heart in the gamble of loveSince he gave up his heart in the gamble of loveSince he found God solely in the kingdom of loveSince he found God solely in the kingdom of love

Since he chose love as his true religionSince he chose love as his true religionSince he freed his heart like a flying pigeonSince he freed his heart like a flying pigeon

He could see that Muslims, Jews, and Christians alikeHe could see that Muslims, Jews, and Christians alikeHave in common like many streams in a grand parkHave in common like many streams in a grand park

The same spring from it all came around The same spring from it all came around The same ocean to it all will turn aroundThe same ocean to it all will turn around

That to the number of people in our grand worldThat to the number of people in our grand worldAre the number of paths to our gracious LordAre the number of paths to our gracious Lord

That only in a heart enlightened with loveThat only in a heart enlightened with loveMay God settle down as a glorious loveMay God settle down as a glorious love