8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
1/129
Introduction to Islam
Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
2/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
3/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
4/129
# Country Muslims
1. Indonesia 13% 188,619,000
2. Pakistan 31% 144,788,000
3. India 131,213,000
4. Bangladesh 118,512,0005. Turkey 67,864,000
6. Iran 67,610,000
7. Egypt 64,647,0008. Nigeria 54,891,000
9. Algeria 31,729,000
10. Morocco 31,642,000
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
5/129
Ethiopia 29
Morocco 29
Afghanistan 27Iraq 23
Sudan 22Uzbekistan 22
Saudi Arabia 21
Yemen 18
Syria 15
Tanzania 13
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
6/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
7/129
Burkina Faso -
French Colony-Independent
since 1960
6
United States 6
Tajikistan 5
Congo 5Libya 5
Turkmenistan 5
Jordan 5Cote D'ivoire
Ivory Coast-Republic of Cote
D'ivore
4
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
8/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
9/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
10/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
11/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
12/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
13/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
14/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
15/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
16/129
http://www.yaaallah.com/images/mosques/shah1.html8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
17/129
http://www.yaaallah.com/images/mosques/shah1.html8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
18/129
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/pakistan/islamabad-faisal-mosque-pictures/slides/ext-cc-hemanshu-kumar.htm8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
19/129
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/pakistan/islamabad-faisal-mosque-pictures/slides/ext-cc-hemanshu-kumar.htmhttp://www.sacred-destinations.com/pakistan/islamabad-faisal-mosque-pictures/slides/night-cc-jzakariya.htm8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
20/129
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/pakistan/islamabad-faisal-mosque-pictures/slides/night-cc-jzakariya.htm8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
21/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
22/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
23/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
24/129
http://www.inmagine.com/crbs057/crbs0571689-photo8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
25/129
http://www.inmagine.com/crbs057/crbs0571689-photo8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
26/129
http://www.inmagine.com/asiaimages-013/ptg00019807-photo8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
27/129
http://www.inmagine.com/asiaimages-013/ptg00019807-photo8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
28/129
http://www.inmagine.com/lilyoh-001/ptg00138040-photohttp://www.inmagine.com/06004/060040363-photo8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
29/129
http://www.inmagine.com/06004/060040363-photohttp://www.inmagine.com/gp0140/gp0140k0092-photo8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
30/129
http://www.inmagine.com/gp0140/gp0140k0092-photo8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
31/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
32/129
http://www.inmagine.com/gp0140/gp0140k0133-photo8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
33/129
http://www.inmagine.com/gp0140/gp0140k0133-photo8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
34/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
35/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
36/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
37/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
38/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
39/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
40/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
41/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
42/129
http://www.acclaimimages.com/_gallery/_pages/0179-0512-1705-1122.html8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
43/129
http://www.acclaimimages.com/_gallery/_pages/0179-0512-1705-1122.html8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
44/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
45/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
46/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
47/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
48/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
49/129
http://www.inmagine.com/pt032/CD032020-photo8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
50/129
http://www.inmagine.com/pt032/CD032020-photo8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
51/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
52/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
53/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
54/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
55/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
56/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
57/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
58/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
59/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
60/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
61/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
62/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
63/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
64/129
http://www.inmagine.com/gp0194/gp0194k0162-photo8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
65/129
http://www.inmagine.com/gp0194/gp0194k0162-photo8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
66/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
67/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
68/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
69/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
70/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
71/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
72/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
73/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
74/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
75/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
76/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
77/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
78/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
79/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
80/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
81/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
82/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
83/129
http://www.shukronline.com/wb2071.html8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
84/129
http://www.shukronline.com/wb2071.html8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
85/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
86/129
http://www.artizara.com/Natural-Hand-woven-Silk-Fair-Trade-Wrap-Hijab-p/az040409h.htm8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
87/129
http://www.artizara.com/Natural-Hand-woven-Silk-Fair-Trade-Wrap-Hijab-p/az040409h.htmhttp://www.artizara.com/The-Elsie-Chiffon-Ruffle-Tunic-p/az04140920.htm8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
88/129
http://www.artizara.com/The-Elsie-Chiffon-Ruffle-Tunic-p/az04140920.htmhttp://www.artizara.com/The-Zeeba-Braidwork-Caftan-plus-FREE-Wrap-p/az041509.htm8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
89/129
http://www.artizara.com/The-Zeeba-Braidwork-Caftan-plus-FREE-Wrap-p/az041509.htmhttp://www.artizara.com/The-Suzanne-Silk-Gown-with-FREE-Scarf-p/az101508.htm8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
90/129
http://www.artizara.com/The-Suzanne-Silk-Gown-with-FREE-Scarf-p/az101508.htm8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
91/129
Defining Islam
Submission (God-Man Dimension)
Peace (Man to Man Relationships)
A phenomenon, an act and not a person,founder or a tribe etc.
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
92/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
93/129
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
94/129
Articles of Faith
Islamic Creed or Shahadah
The Angels
The Prophets
The Scriptures
The Day of Judgment
The Divine Decree
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
95/129
The Acts of Worship
Shahadah or Ethical Monotheism
Five Daily Prayers
Poor-due
Fasting the month of Ramadan
Pilgrimage or Hajj
Shahadahor Ethical
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
96/129
Monotheism
The essence of Islamic faith
A unique concept
Human responsibility
Social transformation
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
97/129
Allah: The Almighty God
The Arabic word for God
Jews original language Hebrew
El (God), Elohim (plural), Elahna (our God)
Jesus mother tongue Aramic
Eloh (God), Elohi (my God)
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
98/129
The Two Orders of Reality
"Reality is of two generic kinds, God andnon-God; Creator and creature. The firstorder has but one member, Allah (SWT). Healone is God, the Eternal, the Creator, the
Transcendent. "Nothing is like unto Him". Heremains forever absolutely unique anddevoid of partners and associates. Thesecond is the order of space-time, ofexperience, of creation. It includes all
creatures, the world of things, plants andanimals, humans, jinn and angels, heavenand earth, paradise and hell, and all theirbecoming since they came into being.
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
99/129
The Two Orders
The two orders of Creator and creation areutterly and absolutely disparate as far astheir being, or ontology, as well as theirexperience and careers, are concerned. It is
forever impossible that the one be unitedwith, infused, confused with or diffusedinto the other. Neither can the Creator beontologically transformed so as to becomethe creature, nor can the creaturetranscend and transfigure itself so as tobecome, in any way or sense, the Creator."
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
100/129
Strict Monotheism
The belief in the Unity, Oneness, Uniquenessand Transcendence of God Almighty is the pivotof al-Qur'an. That is the thread which runsthrough the entire Qur'anic corpus and is the
core of the Qur'anic message. The all Qur'anicconcepts, ideas, and ideologies are woventogether to pinpoint, elaborate, and describe thisvery doctrine of the Oneness, Unity, andTranscendence of God, and to encouragemankind to establish a meaningful and rightrelationship with Him.
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
101/129
Islamic Creed
The Qur'anic monotheism does not start withmonolatry or with the affirmations of theexistence or Oneness of the Deity. It startsby absolutely negating all concepts, kinds,
ideas, understandings, and illusions ofdivinity or godhead other then the One andthe only Divine. It starts with the Credo ofIslam "La ilaha illa Allah", the shahadah orconfession, which is derived from the Qur'an
itself.
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
102/129
Meanings of Shahadah
The second part of shahadahcontains animmediate corollary on the mission andprophethood of Muhammad. It says,
"Muhammadun Rasul Allah", "andMuhammad is the messenger of God."
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
103/129
A Way Out
The Bible's understandings of God had left manyproblems unsolved, as we will have the opportunity tosee in the coming sessions. Contrary to that, theQur'anic understanding of the Almighty has contributedgreatly to work towards providing many of thosesolutions. P. J. Awn observes that "A commitment tomonotheism is nothing new in the history of Westernreligious traditions. The radical monotheism of Islam,however, offers distinctive solutions to the thorny
problems of the nature of God and the relationship offreedom to predestination, of good to evil, and of reasonto revelation. Islam insists on God's absolutetranscendence and perfect unity..."
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
104/129
A Unique Concept
Therefore the distinctive feature of Islam, asRichard C. Martin observes, is that "Amongthe Western religious traditions, Islam has
most insistently asserted the unity andoneness of God."[i]
[i]Richard C. Martin, Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersy, 1982,
9
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
105/129
Absolute Transcendence
It is this notion of the absolute transcendenceand alertness against corporeality,anthropomorphism, or any other kind ofcomparability, that has been reflected into
Islamic art, language, and other aspects of theIslamic civilization and culture.
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
106/129
Transcendence in Art
"The association of things and sensory images withGod was meticulously avoided by Muslims at all timesand places. Never has any Muslim mosque containedany object associated with divinity. The mosque has
always been an empty building. It walls and ceilingwould be decorated either with verses from the Qur'anor with abstract arabesques. The latter were designsmade of stylized stalk, leaf and flower, deliberately
denaturalized and symmetrically repeated to dispelany suggestion of the creaturely natural as vehicle ofexpression for the divine."
T d i L
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
107/129
Transcendence in Language
"Transcendence in language was equally wellmaintained by Muslims around the globe,speaking all sorts of languages and dialectsand belonging to all sort of ethnic and cultural
backgrounds. Any God-talk by Muslimsbecame exclusively Qur'an-talk, one adheringscrupulously to the Arabic categories of theQur'an, and to its Arabic terms, its Arabicliterary forms and expressions.... Thus,
empirical language-figures and relations fromthe world are used; but with the unmistakabledenial that they apply to God simpliciter."
Th E f l T hid
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
108/129
The Essence of al-Tawhid
Al-Tawhid, with all this multiplex emphasis, is notmeant merely to exalt God and chant His glories, orclaim special closeness to Him to enjoy specialprivileges or a sense of superiority over others.None of these elements or claims are implied in theQur'anic understanding of monotheism. Contrary tothat, it is meant to create a proper response in man,the response that will encourage man to work
towards transforming the human society of time andspace in accordance with divine moral laws.
Th E f l T hid
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
109/129
The Essence of al-Tawhid
The essence of al-Tawhid can be summarized inthe following five terms:
(1) Duality of reality i.e., God and non-God, and God
as normativeness, meaning. the Being whocommands (moral will of God) and whosecommandments are ought-to-be.
(2) Ideationality: meaning that the relationship
between the two orders of reality is ideational innature. Man can understand this relationship easilythrough the faculty of understanding.
E (C ti d)
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
110/129
Essence (Continued)
(3) Teleology: that the nature of the cosmosis teleological; that is, purposive, serving apurpose of its Creator, and doing so out of
design. Man also has a purpose and that is tobe God's vicegerent on earth.
(4) Capacity of man and malleability of Nature:since the nature of the cosmos is teleological,hence the actualization of the Divine purposemust be possible in space and time.
H R ibilit
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
111/129
Human Responsibility
(5) Responsibility and Judgment i.e., that manstands responsible to realize the moral will ofGod and change himself, society, andenvironment so as to conform to the divinepattern. To do so is success and to disobey Himis to incur punishment and failure. The forgoingfive principles are self-evident truths. They
constitute the core of al-tawhid and thequintessence of Islam."
M th F f I l
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
112/129
Man: the Focus of Islam
"For among all these created things "man" is theone to which is attached so great an importance inthe Koran that it attracts at least the same amountof our attention as God. Man, his nature, conduct,
psychology, duties and destiny are, in fact, asmuch the central preoccupation of the Koranicthought as the problem of God Himself. What Godis, says and does, becomes a problem chiefly, if
not exclusively, in connection with the problem ofhow man reacts to it.
H S l ti
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
113/129
Human Salvation
The Koranic thought as a whole is concernedwith the problem of salvation of humanbeings. If it were not for this problem, theBook would have not been "sent down", asthe Koran itself explicitly and repeatedlyemphasizes. And in this particular sense, theconcept of man is important to such a degree
that it forms the second major pole standingface to face with principal pole, that isconcept of Allah."
H S i t Th Th t
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
114/129
Human Society: The Theater
Consequently, the Tawhid is directlyconnected with the moral sphere of humanlife. Its essence cannot be achieved without
actualizing its demands of unity anduniversality of truth, unity, equality, andequity among the human race, and all thathas to take place here and now i.e.,practically in the human society.
Ethi f A ti
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
115/129
Ethic of Action
"Al-Tawhidcommits man to an ethic of action; thatis, to an ethic where worth and un-worth aremeasured by the degree of success the moralsubject achieves in disturbing the flow of space-
time, in his body as well as around him. It does notdeny the ethic of intent where the samemeasurement is made by the level of personalvalues effecting the moral subject's state of
consciousness alone, for the two are notincompatible...."
T f ti f S i t
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
116/129
Transformation of Society
"Having acquiesced to God alone as his Master,having committed himself, his life and all energies toHis service, and having recognized His Master's willas that which ought to be actualized in space-time,
he must enter the rough and tumble of the marketplace and history and therein bring about thedesired transformation. He cannot lead a monastic,isolationist existence unless it be as an exercise in
self-discipline and self-mastery."
Moralistic Monotheism
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
117/129
Moralistic Monotheism
This moral function of man, justifieshis creation in God's moral image, in
the best of form, as the vicegerent of
God on earth. Therefore, Islamicunderstanding of monotheism is
moralistic through and through again.
Social Justice
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
118/129
Social Justice
Ten Commandments
Universal message
Justice is God and God is justice
Human equality and universal brotherhood
Universal human rights
Salvation based on Grace and Actions
Human preparedness
Rest of the Articles
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
119/129
Rest of the Articles
Angels: the infallible beings
Created before Man and Jinn
Gods agents in the universe
Multiple functions including revelation &recording human deeds
The Prophets
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
120/129
The Prophets
Infallible human beings
Recipients of Divine revelations
Embodiment of Divine moral will
Conveyers of Divine message
Reformers, preachers, kings etc.
Spiritual bridges between man and God
27 mentioned by name, 24000 in total
The Books
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
121/129
The Books
Revealed Scriptures
Four known books
Many smaller booklets
Historical additions and deletions
Final Book
Affirmation of all the previous revelations
Language, style, contents, relevance
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
122/129
Divine Decree
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
123/129
Divine Decree
Universe Divinely ordained & planned
God is not retired after creating it
Free will & Predestination debate
Gives the believers certainty & confidence
Freedom from fear of anyone or anythingother than God
Meaningfulness & purposefulness of life
Acts of Worship
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
124/129
Acts of Worship
Rehearsal and training mechanism
Daily, weekly, monthly and yearly crushcourses and field work
Cover personal, collective, corporeal,spiritual, social, economic and universallevels of existence
Refine God to man and man to man relations
Salah
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
125/129
Salah
Five daily prayers
Supplications vsphysical gestures
Holiness, Humility, humbleness,
accountability, re-assurance, reminder
Equality, brotherhood/sisterhood, networking,socialization, community building etc.
God consciousness (Taqwa)
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
126/129
Sawm
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
127/129
Sawm
The month of Ramadan
Self control and discipline
Bodily sacrifice
Feeling for the poor and needy
Iftra, Taraweeh, Zakat al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr
A month long retreat, human concerns
Hajj
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
128/129
Hajj
Once in a life time experience
Climax of Islamic devotional acts
An international assembly
An expression of human equality, peacefulco-existence, brotherhood in faith
A rehearsal of the Day of Judgment
Human responsibility & accountability
Summary
8/3/2019 Introduction to Islam-1
129/129
Summary
Submission to the moral will of God Almighty
Peace with Him and through Him with His
creatures. (Hebrew Shalom, Arabic Salam)
Transformation of individual and collective life
in conformity with Divine will