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Islam
Islam is a monotheistic faith and the world's second largest religion. Followers of Islam, called Muslims, believe that God revealed His will to Muhammad and other prophets, including Moses, Abraham, Adam, and Jesus.
21,950 Questions
How did Prophet Muhammad get the Qur'an?
Most Quranic experts attribute the Qur'an in its form today to post-7th Century alterations. The consensus is, "independent scholars studying the Qur'an and Hadith, have concluded that the Islamic scripture was not revealed to just one man, but was a compilation of later redactions and editions formulated by a group of men, over the course of a few hundred years. The Qur'an which we read today is not that which was in existence in the mid-seventh century, but is a product of the eighth and ninth centuries. It was not conceived in Mecca or Medina, but in Baghdad." Because the origins of Islam and the Qur'an are dubious. This is the opinion of renowned scholars and professors of Islam, history, Arabic and many other fields. Among them - Dr. John Wansbrough, American historian who taught at London University's School of Oriental and African Studies; Professor Joseph Schacht, professor of Arabic and Islam at Columbia University in New York and a leading Western scholar of Islamic law; Dr. Patricia Crone, a scholar, author and historiographer of early Islamic history working at the Institute for Advance Study; R. Stephen Humphreys, professor of history and Islamic studies at the University of California at Santa Barbara; and Professor Andrew Rippin, professor of history and specialist in Islamic studies at the University of Victoria, B.C., Canada "Almost universally, independent scholars studying the Qur'an and Hadith, have concluded that the Islamic scripture was not revealed to just one man, but was a compilation of later redactions and editions formulated by a group of men, over the course of a few hundred years. The Qur'an which we read today is not that which was in existence in the mid-seventh century, but is a product of the eighth and ninth centuries. It was not conceived in Mecca or Medina, but in Baghdad. It was then and there that Islam took on its identity and became a religion. Consequently, the formative stage of Islam was not within the lifetime of Muhammad but evolved over a period of 300 years."Gerd Puin, a German scholar and the world's foremost authority on Qur'anic paleography, the study and scholarly interpretation of ancient manuscripts. He is a specialist in Arabic calligraphy: "My idea is that the Koran is a kind of cocktail of texts that were not all understood even at the time of Muhammad. Many of them may even be a hundred years older than Islam itself. Even within the Islamic traditions there is a huge body of contradictory information, including a significant Christian substrate; one can derive a whole Islamic anti-history from them if one wants. The Qur'an claims for itself that it is 'mubeen,' or clear, but if you look at it, you will notice that every fifth sentence or so simply doesn't make sense. Many Muslims will tell you otherwise, of course, but the fact is that a fifth of the Qur'anic text is just incomprehensible. This is what has caused the traditional anxiety regarding translation. If the Qur'an is not comprehensible, if it can't even be understood in Arabic, then it's not translatable into any language. That is why Muslims are afraid. Since the Qur'an claims repeatedly to be clear but is not-there is an obvious and serious contradiction. Something else must be going on." Another reason why the Qur'an fails the criteria as the word of a perfect God is because of the imperfections within the Qur'an. The Qur'an is riddled with literary contradictions, scientific errors and historical errors. The Qur'an tells us that Muhammad's critics caught him plagiarising traditions, folklore and Jewish and Christian scripture. Examples: "We have heard this (before): if we wished, we could say (words) like these: these are nothing but tales of the ancients" (8:31). "Such things have been promised to us and to our fathersbefore! They are nothing but tales of the ancients!" (23:83)" In regard to the Islamic versions of heaven, 'paradise', plagiarism from non-Abrahamic beliefs is also evident. "None of this, of course, can be found in the Jewish or Christian Scriptures, but it is in the writings of the Zoroastrians of Persia, who were a considerable presence in the areas around the Persian Empire before the advent of Islam. According to historian W. St. Clair Tisdall, who did pioneering work on these questions in his monograph "The Sources of Islam," which he later expanded into a book, and in his other writings, "the books of the Zoroastrians and Hindus... bear the most extraordinary likeness to what we find in the Koran and Hadith. Thus in Paradise we are told of 'houris having fine black eyes,' and again of 'houris with large black eyes, resembling pearls hidden in their shells.'... The name houry too is derived from an Avesta or Pehlavi Source, as well as jinn for genii, and bihisht (Paradise), signifying in Avestic 'the better land.' We also have very similar tales in the old Hindu writings, of heavenly regions with their boys and girls resembling the houris and ghilman of the Koran."" Source: The Truth About Muhammad by Robert Spencer (2006) Islamic sources tell us that Muhammad's followers would argue because Muhammad provided contradicting versions of the Qur'an. A notable example appears in Bulhari's Hadith: "Umar bin Khattab [the second Caliph] said, 'I heard Hisham bin Hakim bin Hizam reciting Surat Al-Furqan ["Al-Furqan," the title of the 25th surah, has no meaning in any language.] during the lifetime of Allah's Apostle. I listened to his recitation and noticed that he recited it in several ways which Allah's Apostle had not taught me. So I was on the point of attacking him in the prayer, but I waited till he finished, and then I seized him by the collar. "Who taught you this Surah which I have heard you reciting?" He replied, "Allah's Apostle taught it to me." I said, "You are lying. Allah's Apostle taught me in a different way this very Surah which I have heard you reciting." So I led him to Muhammad. "O Allah's Apostle! I heard this person reciting Surat-al-Furqan in a way that you did not teach me." The Prophet said, "Hisham, recite!" So he recited in the same way as I heard him recite it before. On that Allah's Apostle said, "It was revealed to be recited in this way." Then the Prophet said, "Recite, Umar!" So I recited it as he had taught me. Allah's Apostle said, "It was revealed to be recited in this way, too." He added, "The Qur'an has been revealed to be recited in several different ways, so recite of it that which is easier for you." (Bukhari:V6B61N561) The Qur'an in itself as a source for anything is devoid of context and thus arbitrary. Being devoid of context and any understanding, how can it be understood as the word of God? "We do not have material in the Qur'an to compose a biography of Muhammad because the book is a disjointed discourse, a pastiche [imitation, parody] of divine monologues that can be assembled into a homily [lecture, sermon] or perhaps a catechism [snippets of dogma] but that reveals little or nothing about the life of Muhammad and his contemporaries.... The Qur'an give us no assurance that its words and sentiments are likely to be authentic in the light of the context they were delivered and in the manner of their transmission. There are no clues as to when or where or why these particular words were being uttered.... The Qur'an is of no use whatsoever as an independent source for reconstructing the life of Muhammad. The Qur'an is not terribly useful even for reconstructing the Meccan milieu much less the life of the man who uttered its words; it is a text without context." Source: Jay Smith, "Is the Qur'an the Word of God?" A debate between on the Qur'an hosted at Trinity College, Cambridge and Dr Jamal Badawi in 1995 Allah the great. Allah sent down his angel Jibreal to give the messages to Prophet Mohammed.
Eid al-Adha is the "Festival of Sacrifice", commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to God. Ismael is believed to be the common ancestor of the Arab people.
In Jewish and Christian scripture it was Isaac, not Ishmael, who was the son chosen for the sacrifice in this story.
How do Muslims worship and practice their beliefs?
Muslims pray in a mosque. They worship Allah (God in English); the one and only one who is also worshiped by Jews and Christians. You may refer to Arabic versions of the Bible to find God written as Allah. All religions call for peace and love. Only those who tends to violence and terrifying civilians are not true religious people by take the religion as a false justification to their terror acts.
Is Muhammad the most successful prophet?
Yes, he is. His followers established Muslim Empires in Baghdad and Spain. They ruled a large part of the world. Islam is the second largest religion in the world, Christianity being the first.
When and where did the religion Islam originate?
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the central prophet of the Islamic faith. Born into a noble Quraish (Quraysh) clan, he was orphaned at an early age. He grew up to be a successful merchant, then turned contemplative. It is said that when he was 40, Muhammad was commanded by Allah (God) to recite the words that would later become Islam's holy book, the Qur'an (or Koran) in the year 610 AD. This was the begining of his prophethood.
As the revelations continued, Muhammad pbuh preached publicly of the duty to submit to the one true God, gaining followers whilst earning the enmity of the polytheistic authorities. To escape persecution, Muhammad was forced to flee in 622 AD to Yathrib (later called Medina). His poetic recitations and pleas for social justice continued to win converts, and Muhammad was repeatedly called into battle in his efforts to unite Arabia behind the faith known as Islam (meaning "submission"). After finally conquering Mecca in 630 AD, Muhammad returned to Medina, where he died in 633 AD.
So, as can be seen, Islam has been practiced as a religion (brought on by prophet Muhammad) for around 1,438 years until now after Prophet Muhammad pbuh was elevated by God as a prophet in the year 610 AD.
How many daughters did the Prophet Muhammad have?
The Prophet of Islam Mohammed (SAW) had both sons and daughters.
but all his sons died in early childhood.
According to the most correct opinion, he had seven children, three boys and four girls.(radi Allah anhumah)
The girls (These children were all born from Khadeejah) were:
1- Syeda Zaynab bint Mohammed
2- Syeda Ruqayyah bint Mohammed
3- Syeda Umm Kulthoom bint Mohammed
4- Syeda Fatimah Zahra bint Mohammed
And The boys were:
(Children born from Khadeejah)
1- Al-Qaasim ibn Mohammed
2- Abd-Allaah ibn Mohammed
(Child born from Maariyah al-Qibtiyyah)
3- Ibraaheem ibn Mohammed
All of his children died during his lifetime, other than Fatimah who died after him (6 months later) (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon Them).
his descendants are his grandsons, the children of Fatima and Ali (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon Them).
What are Jesus and Muhammad to the Muslims?
If you mean 'Prophet', yes. However, they are not the same person as there have been about 124,000 prophets, including Hazrat Abraham, Hazrat Moses ans Hazrat Jesus Christ. Hazrat Muhammad pbuh is the last one. The Muslims believe in all the prophets pbut.
Do People or Muslims worship Muhammad?
As per Muslim ,Islam and Quran ... the Islam is absolute religion which exists from the day one of the mankind and Adam (peace be upon him) was the first prophet/messenger of Allah ....and the last being Muhammad (peace be upon him) ......
The following verses from Quran proves the point ....
And He(Allah) taught Adam the names of all things; then He placed them before the angels, and said: "Tell me the names of these if ye are right."
( Quran,Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #31)
Allah did choose Adam and Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of 'Imran above all people,-
( Quran,Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #33)
We(Allah) have sent thee inspiration, as We sent it to Noah and the Messengers after him: we sent inspiration to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the Psalms.
( Quran,An-Nisa, Chapter #4, Verse #163)
And remember We(Allah) took from the prophets their covenant: As (We did) from thee: from Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus the son of Mary: We took from them a solemn covenant:
( Quran,Al-Ahzab, Chapter #33, Verse #7)
We(Allah) gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of apostles; We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the holy spirit. Is it that whenever there comes to you an apostle with what ye yourselves desire not, ye are puffed up with pride?- Some ye called impostors, and others ye slay!
( Quran , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #87)
So as per Muslim ,Islam and Quran ... the Islam is absolute religion which exists from the day one of the mankind and Adam (peace be upon him) was the first prophet/messenger of Allah ..and the last being Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Muhammad(pbuh) was born in Mecca in the year 570. Since his father died before his birth, and his mother shortly afterwards, he was raised by his uncle from the respected tribe of Quraysh. As he grew up, he became known for his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity, so that he was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes. The historians describe him as calm and meditative. Muhammad (pbuh) was of a deeply religious nature, and had long detested the decadence of his society.
It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the Cave of Hira near Mecca. At the age of 40, while engaged in a meditative retreat, Muhammad(pbuh) received his first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel. This revelation, which continued for 23 years is known as the Quran. As soon as he began to recite the words he heard from Gabriel, and to preach the truth which God had revealed to him, he and his small group of followers suffered bitter persecution, which grew so fierce that in the year 622 God gave them the command to emigrate.
This event, the Hijra 'migration', in which they left Mecca for the city of Medina, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar. After several years, the Prophet and his followers were able to return to Mecca, where they forgave their enemies and established Islam definitively. Before the Prophet saw dies at the age of 63, the greater part of Arabia was Muslim, and within a century of his death Islam had spread to Spain in the West and as far East as China. He died with less than 5 possessions to his name.
While Muhammad (pbuh) was chosen to deliver the message, he is not considered the "founder" of Islam, since Muslims consider Islam to be the same divine guidance sent to all peoples before. Muslims believe all the prophets from Adam, Noah, Moses, Jesus etc. were all sent with divine guidance for their peoples. Every prophet was sent to his own people, but Muhammad(pbuh) was sent to all of mankind. Muhammad is the last and final messenger sent to deliver the message of Islam. Muslims revere and honor him (pbuh) for all he went through and his dedication, but they do not worship him. "O Prophet, verily We have sent you as a witness and a bearer of glad tidings and a warner and as one who invites unto God by His leave and as an illuminating lamp."(33:45-6)
A quick ADDITION
"Muslim" means the one who submits to God's will through monotheism (belief) and actions. There were Muslims since humans were created. Of all people there were those who followed the teachings of God and those who didn't.
Answer 2
God "Allah" is the inspirer of Islam upon Mohammad , and Mohammad was His last prophet . No Muslim can worship anyone else than GoD. Anyone to worship anyone or anything except GOD is not a Muslim.
Answer 3Yes, Muhammad is the possible founder of Islam. There is no historical or religious data for the existance of Islam before 600 AD. Mohammad introduced many teachings and rituals from Jewish, Christian and pagan religions of his time. From the very early times of his life he was interested in religion and used to consult with Christian monks who dedicated themselves for meditation and re-telling the accounts in the Jewish and Christian Scripture. He also spend many times in meditaion and at the age of 40, during one of these mediations at the Cave of Hira, he claimed to be visited by an angel who forced him to read. His wife Kadijah and the Christian uncle Waraqa assured him that the spirit visited him was Jibriel from Allah (Al-LAH, the god) and he supposed to be a prophet of Allah. This is the start of Islam as a new religion because it differed greatly from the Jewish and Christian Scripture in the basic teachings EXCEPT in the teaching of ONE God. Mohammad changed the worship from Jerusalem to Mecca for Islam where pagans used to worship at the Kaaba with 360 idols including Al-LAH as the main idol (moon god- Cresent sign).Answer 4
Muslims do not worship Mohammad as he was just a human and died like anyone else. Islam, Christianity and Judaism does not allow human worship.
What meat are Muslims allowed to eat?
All animals are allowed for Muslims to eat except what is named in Quran and in prophet Muhammad sayings. Wild animals and pigs are the most notably banned animals for Muslims to eat. Refer to question below for more information.
How many grandsons did Prophet Muhammad have and what are their names?
Although this is disputed, the most likely answer is three.
1. Qasim, son of Khadija.
2. Abdullah, who is also known as Tahir ("pure") and Tayyib ("good"), son of Khadija.
3. Ibrahim, son of Mariya.
All three of these sons died in infancy.
What foods are eaten on Muslim celebrations?
During Ramadan, you are allowed to eat all the foods that Muslims - according to Islam - are usually allowed to eat.
The following foods are popular during this time, although they are personal preferences and not a religious requirement: lavash, pitas, soups and many light foods.
How did Muhammad's teachings affect early Arabian society?
It's hard to say, for these two reasons.
(1) We don't know much about pre-Islamic society. Most of the surviving records are by Muslims.
(2) It is difficult to distinguish Muhammad's teachings from the fact that Muhammad conquered Arabia and ruled the society by force. The reality of military rule, rather than any teachings about theology or morality, was probably the biggest change to Arabian society.
What does Islam teach us about Allah's relationship with man?
The quran teaches that there is only one god. This god (Allah swt) is to be worshiped alone, to associate partners with Allah (swt) is shirk (meaning blasphemy) it is a grave sin. The quran teaches that god will judge you in the end to see whether you have passed the tests of the earth or failed. Allah (swt) has sent messengers (prophets) to warn and guide the believers, you must obey the commandments of Allah and achieve the most rewards you can. The quran teaches how Allah (swt) is compassionate and merciful and loves to forgive those who seek forgiveness. Hope that answers your question! :)
Where did Prophet Muhammad stay when he migrated to medina?
what happened to prophet muhammad was that he told hazrat ali to sleep in his bed because he heard his enemies that they were deciding to kill him now or when dawn appears,so he hid in a cave.It was dark and then the makkan horse men were standing in the front of the cave.Muhammad wasn't scared,he recited the third part of the muslim dua.then the horse men thoght he was in the cave.Then the other one said''he can't be in there because if he was in there there could have been an whole in the spider's weba and the doves eggs could have been smushed''.See how allah helped prophet muhammad just by a tiny spider and a dove.Another fact is that angels come down to earth in a form of a dove.
Are muslems allowed to eat pork?
No, Muslims and even Jews aren't allowed to eat pork. (Although most Jews today, don't even pay attention). I'm not a Muslim, but I know their teachings well and I don't agree with them. But Muslims are NOT allowed pork, according their Qur'an or Qu'ran (however you spell it...Koran)....God forebids all Muslims to eat pork. Because apparently, Muslims told me the Quran has a special way of killing animals different from that of how everyone else slaughters their animals. It's a haraam meat in Islam, (haraam = forebidden). Alcohol is also haraam in Islam. There are
some Muslims who have eaten pork, they feel all guilty about it. Eating pork in Islam is as bad as eating beef in Hinduism. In fact, Islam, Judaism and Hinduism both have their own meat restrictions. For in Islam and Judaism, followers can't eat pork. In Hinduism, followers can't eat beef or chicken (but they can eat eggs).
Personally as a Christian, I find pork to be pretty nasty for the most part. The ONLY time I ever eat pork is when I'm eating tocino, lechon, ribs and sometimes bacon which can taste pretty nasty at times. In Southeast Asia, they have this food called "satay", grilled meats and seafoods on scewers and dipped in sweet sauce. Philippines is like the only country to use pork for it, and let me tell you IT TASTES LIKE CRAP. Pulled pork sandwiches also taste bad as well.
Not to mention pork fat. Beef fat I like. But pork fat, makes me puke and I just cannot stand eating that. If I was dying, of course I'd eat pork. But personally if there's other meats available, I'd stay away from pork. People mentioned using pork fat as cooking oil, and I can't even imagine what that's going to taste like.
What do Islam followers believe about God?
Yes just not the same God that Christians believe in.
His name is Allah.
MMMMMMMMMM...
I believe that Muslim's believe in the same God but Jesus was a prophet
And not the Son of God and that the prophet Muhammud received the Book of the Qur'an by taking information from the ArchAngel Gabriel
Islam means "To enter into Peace"
Muslims believe in the same real God Almighty which Jesus and other prophets before him believed.
a. Elohim El, Elah, Alah
In the Bible, God is very often referred to as 'Elohim' in the Hebrew language. The 'im' in the ending is a plural of honour and God is referred to as 'El' or 'Elah' in the English Bible with commentary, edited by reverend C. I. Scofield. 'Elah' is alternatively spelled as 'Alah'. The difference in spelling is only of a single 'L'. Muslims spell Allah as 'Allah' while the Reverend has spelled it as Alah and they pronounce it as 'Elah'. Muslims pronounce it as Allah. Hebrew and Arabic are sister languages therefore we say it should be pronounced as 'Allah' and not as 'Elah'.
When I was in school, I was taught 'D, O' is do, 'T, O' is to. What is 'G, O' It is 'go' and not 'gu'. 'N, U, T' is nut, 'C, U, T' cut; 'B, U, T' is but, what is 'P, U, T'? Not 'pat' but it is 'put'. If you ask "Why?" The answer is "It is their language". If I have to pass I have to say 'P, U, T' is 'put' and not 'pat'. Similarly the right pronunciation for A, L, L, A, H, is Allah.
b. Jesus (pbuh) cried out Allah Allah when he was put on the cross
It is mentioned in the New Testament in the Gospel of Mathew, chapter 27 verse 46 as well as Gospel of Mark, chapter 15 verse 34 when Jesus (pbuh) was put on the cross.
Jesus cried with a loud voice saying "E'-Li, E'-Li la'-ma sa-bach'-tha-ni?" that is to say, 'My God, My God why hast Thou Forsaken Me?' Does this sound like Jehovah! Jehovah! why has thou forsaken me? Does it sound like Abba Abba? The answer is 'No'. Hebrew and Arabic are sister languages and if you translate "E'-Li, E'-Li la'-ma sa-bach'-tha-ni" into Arabic it is 'Allah Allah lama tarak tani' does it sound similar?
This statement of Jesus (pbuh), "E'-Li, E'-Li la'-ma sa-bach'-tha-ni" is preserved in its original Hebrew in each and every of its translation which is available in more than 2000 different languages of the world and in each and every of them, "Allah" is present.
2. "Allah" in Sikhism
One of the names by which Gurunanak Sahib referred to God is "Allah".
3a. "Allah" in Rigveda Book 2 Hymn I verse II
Even in the Rigveda which is the most sacred scripture of the Hindus, one of the attributes given to God Almighty in Book no 2 Hymn no I verse II, is 'Ila' which if pronounced properly is the same as Allah.
3b. Allo Upanishad:
Amongst the various Upanishads one of the Upanishad is named as 'Allo' Upanishad in which God is referred to as "Allah" several times.
http://www.irf.net/
Where in the Qur'an is pork discussed?
In four places in Quran; namely:
- in chapter 2, verse 173:
Meaning English translation: "He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah. But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit], there is no sin upon him. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful."
- in chapter 5, verse 3:
Meaning English translation: "Prohibited to you are dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah, and [those animals] killed by strangling or by a violent blow or by a head-long fall or by the goring of horns, and those from which a wild animal has eaten, except what you [are able to] slaughter [before its death], and those which are sacrificed on stone altars, and [prohibited is] that you seek decision through divining arrows. That is grave disobedience. This day those who disbelieve have despaired of [defeating] your religion; so fear them not, but fear Me. This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion. But whoever is forced by severe hunger with no inclination to sin - then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful."
- In chapter 6 verse 145:
Meaning English translation: {Say, "I do not find within that which was revealed to me [anything] forbidden to one who would eat it unless it be a dead animal or blood spilled out or the flesh of swine - for indeed, it is impure - or it be [that slaughtered in] disobedience, dedicated to other than Allah. But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit], then indeed, your Lord is Forgiving and Merciful."}
- In chapter 16, verse 115:
Meaning English translation:"He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah. But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit] - then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful."
Swine as well known is defined as:
Any of various omnivorous, even-toed ungulates of the family Suidae, including pigs, hogs, and boars, having a stout body with thick skin, a short neck, and a movable snout.
What do Muslims say when they use prayer beads?
They must say certain sentences a specific number of times the beads help keep track
Answer II
It is not essential to have beads as counting can be done on digits but beads make counting easy .
How did Prophet Muhammad celebrate Eid?
1268. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to observe I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 1269. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) used to engage himself in I`tikaf (seclusion for prayers) in the mosque during the last ten nights of Ramadan till he passed away; thereafter, his wives followed this practice after him.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 1270. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) used to observe I`tikaf every year (during Ramadan) for ten days; in the year in which he passed away, he observed I`tikaf for twenty days.
[Al-Bukhari]. Commentary: We learn from these Ahadith that the observance of I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan is Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). But it can be done only in mosque not at home. I`tikaf helps to enhance one's spiritual growth and to strive hard to worship Allah better as there is nothing to distract one's attention from this noble pursuit. http://www.soundvision.com/info/ramadan/
What else the Islam religion is based on besides the teachings of Prophet Muhammad?
Actually Islam was only taught by Muhammad. He claimed that he heard angels that gave him messages from Alah. From then on, people considered him "The Messenger of Alah".
Answer:
Islam came from the One God of Abraham, and is only the final message from the One God of Abraham.
Muhammad was called - just like Moses was called; and then God delivered His message to him.
Why did Muhammad go to meditate in the hills?
Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and his (family)
he used to do it because he needed time between him and his God.
Why is Mohammad so important to Muslims?
Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the last God prophet to whom Allah (or God and same God worshiped in Christianity and Judaism) revealed the holy book Qur'an through the angel Gabriel (or Jibril) as the last God holy book. Prophet Muhammad called his people to do good deeds, to perform the ritual worships, and to observe their God in their sayings and doings. Prophet Muhammad was the model of good morals for his people in all aspects of life. Refer to related questions below.
Who were the leaders who spread Islam after Muhammad's death?
Born in Makka on 17th Rabiul Awwal about 53 years before Hijra. The year of his birth was called "Amul Feel" due to the invasion of the Ka'aba by Abraha the viceroy of the Abysinian King. Since the forces of Abraha arrived on elephants which is "Feel" in Arabic, the Arabs called this the year of the elephant. According to the Christian Calendar it was 571 AD. The Roman Empire was in decline, the Capital was transferred from Rome to Constantinople and the whole of Europe was divided into little kingdoms fighting among each other. On the Eastern side The Sasanid Empire of the Persians was also in decline. This was the world scene when a boy was born to the most renowned family of the Qoraish, the Banu Hashim. His father was Abdullah son of Abdul Muttalib and his mother was Amena daughter of Wahb. As a baby he was sent to the nearby Baduin Tribe where a lady called Halima nursed him.
Muhammad (SA) was born an orphan as his father Abdullah died a few months before his birth. His grand father Abdul Muttalib looked after the boy. Abdul Muttalib died when Muhammad (SA) was only 8 years old and then his uncle Abu Talib the father of Ali, took over the upbringing of his nephew. His first journey outside Arabia was to thenorthern parts of Syria with the trading caravan of his uncle Abu Talib. During one such journey an old christian monk called Bohaira met the trading caravan and saw young Muhammad (SA) who was about 14 years old at that time. The old monk told Abu Talib to lafter the boy well, "for very soon his enemies will try to hurt him". The monk also told Abu Talib that he saw unusual signs in the boy who will grow up into someone very important. Muhammad (SA) remained with his uncle's family until the age of 25. It was due to his honesty and straight forward manner that he was successful in trading and became known to many traders in Makka .
The Marriage of Muhammad (SA)
One of the leading trading families in those days was the family of Khadija a widow who was looking for an honest young man to look after her business affairs. Muhammad (SA) took Khadija's caravan party to Syria and various other places and was a great success. Khadija was impressed and asked him for marriage. Although being much older then Muhammad (SA), (she was 40 years old), the marriage was agreed upon by both families and Muhammad's uncle Abu Talib read the Khutba of marriage and performed the marriage ceremony according to the Ibrahimic traditions. The words of the Khutba as described in Sirat-e-Rasullallah by Ibne Hisham were:
"Praises be for Allah who was the God of Ibrahim who worshipped one God and a Muslim. I am the descendent of Ibrahim and have remained on the same religion of One God. May Allah keep this purity among the descendents of Ibrahim for ever". After this Khutba Abu Talib completed the marriage ceremony between Muhammad (SA) and Khadija. Muhammad (SA) moved to her house and the partnership from trading to partnership in life began in earnest. A baby daughter was born to Khadija within a few years after the marriage. She was named Fatima (SA). Khadija had two daughters from her earlier marriage which ended in widowhood. So the three daughters, two from Khadija's earlier marriages and one from Muhammad (SA) grew up together in the same house. History mentions another boy growing up in Muhammad's house. He was Ali (AS), Abu Talib's son. Ali (AS) was born in the year 30 Amulfeel when Muhammad was 30 years old. Fatima's birth was recorded some five year's later. So the difference of ages between Fatima and Ali was about 5 years. Ali was treated by Muhammad (SA) like a son and Muhammad (SA) took him every where he went. Ibne Hisham in his Sirat mentions that Muhammad (SA) began to meditate more and more. He would leave the town of Makka to the nearby hill called Jabal el Noor. There was a cave at the top of the hill and Muhammad (SA) would climb the mountain and sit in the cave to meditate. Sometimes he would stay there for days. Many times Ali accompanied him.
One such story tells us that on one occasion Muhammad (SA) did not return for 3 or 4 days and Abu Talib was concerned. His son Ali was also with him. They had taken some food with them. So the searching party from Makka went to the mountain looking for the two. When they reached the top and entered the cave they found Muhammad (SA) and Ali (AS) meditating together, safe and sound. Abu Talib asked Muhammad what did he do there. Muhammad told his uncle that he and Ali were engaged in meditating about the creator of the universe, the God of Ibrahim and Ismael
This meditation continued until one day a voice was heard inside the cave. It said, "Read". Muhammad (SA) replied what shall I read. The voice said, "Read in the name of thy Lord". He was Angel Gabril who told Muhammad (SA) that he was ordained by Allah to be the Messenger of Allah and to preach this "Deen" to the people.
This was the first revelation that came over Muhammad (SA) when he was told to begin his preaching of the Qur'an to Makkans. Muhammad (SA) came home and told Khadija about this who immediately accepted him as the Messenger of God. She also said that her uncle Warqa had told her that Muhammad (SA) had the signs of a great Messenger. When the news of this first revelation of Verse from the Qur'an had reached Warqa through Khadija he told her, "Didn't I tell you that this husband of yours was the Messenger of God". Ali (AS) was living with Muhammad (SA) and had also accompanied him to the Mountain of Hira, and had also experienced the revelation with Muhammad (SA). He had no doubts who Muhammad (SA) was and was the first to acknowledge him as the Messenger of Allah. Khadija among the women, their daughter Fatima (SA) and the two daughters from Khadija's earlier marriage. All acknowledged Muhammad (SA) as the Messenger of Allah. Muhammad (SA) used to enter the Ka'aba and pray there with Khadija and Ali (SA). The story was mentioned by Ibne Hisham in his Sirat as follows: 'One day these three were praying while Abbas Ibne Abdul Muttalib, Muhammad's uncle was sitting on the nearby hill and watching. A trader from Yemen was sitting with Abbas. He asked Abbas who were these three people praying in a strange man.
The woman was Muhammad's wife Khadija and the boy was Abu Talib's son Ali. "they follow some strange 'deen' which we are not familiar with yet," was Abbas's reply.
Muhammad (SA) said that "Lailaha Illallah" means that there is no god, only Allah that Muhammad (SA) is His messenger, and that all men are born equal. He taught against idolatry, and against social injustices of the time. In the beginning this preaching of One God went on secretly. Zaid and Abubakr were the other two who accepted Islam. The slave community of Makka began to accept this because they liked the tone of equality of all human beings. But once they accepted the faith they became steadfast never to go back to their adulatory even after suffering torture by their masters.
Muhammad (SA) preached Islam secretly for 3 years but only a few people were converted to Islam. At the end of the 3rd year Allah told Muhammad to "invite your own family and clan and announce to them that you are preaching Islam." Muhammad (SA) asked Ali to prepare some food. Some bread, meat and milk was brought in. Over 40 heads of the Tribes of Qoraish were invited. They came, ate food then before Muhammad (SA) was able to say anything they all dispersed. So the next day Muhammad (SA) Invited them again and immediately after food Muhammad (SA) announced, "I am the Messenger of Allah and my message is of peace and surrender to One God, any one who helps me in this work will be my Deputy and will be my successor after me." Ali who was only 13 years old stood up and told Muhammad (SA) he will help him in his work. Muhammad (SA) asked Ali to sit down and repeated the same announcement three times and all three times Ali stood alone. In the end Muhammad (SA) announced that Ali will be his deputy and successor after him. One head of the tribesmen laughed at this and one even told Abu Talib, father of Ali that "now you should obey your son." Now that this religion came out in the open the Qoraish of Makka became openly hostile. In the beginning they thought that the whole thing was a joke, but gradually when it became serious, they were angry and became openly hostile. For the people of Makka and towns like Taif, this was a very strange religion. They disliked it so much that first they persecuted the Muslims, then organised a boycott of Muhammad and his whole family of Banu Hashim. They banished him from Makka and the whole family lived in the Hills and mountains around Makka. The place became known as Sho'be Abu Talib, As Abu Talib as Head of the Clan of Banu Hashim protected the family while they were in exile. For three years the family suffered hunger and great poverty. The Leaders of Quraish had written down on a peace of goat skin that Banu Hashim shall never return to the city until Muhammad (SA) denounces his single god religion. At the end of three years Muhammad told his uncle Abu Talib to go to Makka and tell the Makkans that the peace of skin on which the agreement was written was no more. As it was sealed and was kept inside the Kaaba and no one was allowed to enter the place, they were surprised. The leaders said that if Muhammad (SA) was right and the agrwas no more, then they will lift the siege of Banu Hashim and let them return to the city. The Kaaba was opened, the sealed box was opened and the peace of parchment on which the agreement was written was found to be consumed by insects. When they saw this they agreed to liftthe siege and allowed the family of Banu Hashim to return to the City. Little had they realised that the news of this miraculous knowledge of Muhammad (SA) about the disappearance of the parchment, had a great effect on the people of Makka and they began to accept Islam. After this event many more Makkans were accepting Islam readily, especially the poor class of Makka who accepted Islam in earnest. But with this conversion, the feudal lords of Makka had increased their hostility towards new converts, punishing them and torturing them so much so that in the end Muhammad (SA) told them to migrate to another land. Habasha (Abysiniya) was the nearest country across the seas where they could hope to be safe. So the first migration began and about 83 new Muslims under the leadership of Ali's elder brother Jaafer Ibne Abi Talib, migrated to Habasha. Until that time Jaafer was the main writer of the revelation (Wahii) with 2 other companions named Abdullah Ibne Masood and Obai Ibne Ka'aba. Mas'ab Ibne Omair was also an early convert to Islam and a writer of the Revelation. He was sent to Yathrib to teach Qur'an to the people early there who had shown a great interest in this new creed.
Ali Ibne Talib, after his elder brother Jaafer's departure to Habasha became the head among the writers of the Revelation. Ali continued with the writing of the Revelation up to the last Verse of the Holy Qur'an. This was revealed after the Khutba of the Holy Prophet at Ghadeere Khum on 18th of Zilhijja 10th Hijri. This Verse is in Sura 5 (Maeda) V.3 which says that "This day I have perfected your Deen for you, and I have completed my blessings on you, and I have approved Islam for your Deen." Seventy days after the event, the Holy Prophet passed away.
Islam was spreading rapidly, Muhammad's uncle Hamza entered the fold of Islam which gave great strength to the new creed. It was at this time that Omar Ibne Khattab also came to accept Islam.
After Muhammads (SA) return from the Shu'be Abi Talib to the normal city life of Makka, Islam had start to spread rapidly under the protection of Muhammad's uncle Abu Talib. But Allah had other plans. Abu Talib and Khadija both died within one year which was a sad blow to the family. The Hostility of the Qoraish had taken a dangerous trend especially after the death of Abu Talib. Abu Lahab and Abu Sofyan who were the leaders of the hostile group against Islam made plans to end Muhammad's life. They thought of a scheme where if one person from each tribe of Qoraish surrounded Muhammad's house, entered the house in the morning and killed him then the blame would be on all tribes and Banu Hashim would not be able to take revenge. Allah told the Prophet of this scheme and instructed him to leave the city of Makka and migrate to Yathrib. Muhammad asked Ali to sleep in his bed to deceive the enemy. Ali asked " will this save your life," Muhammad (SA) said yes, it will save my life. Ali replied "then I have no hesitation in sleeping in your bed disguised as you." While Ali slept in Muhammad's bed, Muhammad (SA) himself left the house undetected by the enemy who had surrounded his house with open swords. Abubakr was with the Prophet, when they left Makka from the southern exit and hid in a cave a few miles away. While they were inside the cave a spider weaved a web on the entrance to the cave to give an impression that no one had entered the cave. Meanwhile in Makka the enemy with open swords entered Muhammad's house in order to kill him, but found Ali sleeping soundly. They asked Ali, where was Muhammad to which Ali replied, "have you entrusted him to me?" The enemy left disappointed, but realised that Muhammad (SA) must have gone to Yathrib. They tried to follow the tracks with the help of professional trackers and reached the cave of Thaur where these two were sitting inside. But the spider's web deceived them and they all came back disappointed.
Muhammad (SA) reached Yathrib, the town some 400 kilometres north of Makka and the converts there named the city as 'the city of the Prophet' (Madinatun Nabi). Ever since then the town has been known as Madina. The date of this migration was 26th July 623 AD and under the new Islamic Calendar, the first year of the Hijra. Ali stayed in Makka to give back to the owners all the valuables which the people of Makka had deposited with Muhammad for safe keeping. After three days when this important task was completed Ali (AS) set out for Madina and arrived there a week later. Muhammad (SA) waited for him at the outskirts of the town and entered the town with the whole family.
The People of Madina helped Muhammad (SA) settle in this new place. Their help was appreciated so much so that they were called Ansars, the Helpers, while those who came from Makka were called Muhajiroon, the migrants. On orders from Allah, Muhammad (SA) brought Muhajirs and Ansars together by making each Ansar a brother to a Muhajir. This way they shared each others property like brothers. Muhammad (SA) took Ali (AS) as his brother in faith, although Ali was his cousin in relation to blood. (Sirat Ibne Hisham).
Muhammad's daughter Fatima was about l 9 years old and there were many suitors, but whenever somebody asked Muhammad (SA) for Fatima's hand in marriage he kept quiet. One day Ali (AS) came to the mosque and asked for Fatima's hand in marriage. Muhammad replied "Yes, this has been ordained by Allah." He asked , "What property do you have," to which Ali replied, "not much." He had a sword, a horse and a protective shield. Muhammad said "sell the shield, because you will need the horse and the sword for the protection of Islam." Ali sold his shield for 200 Dirhams, brought the money to Muhammad (SA) who added another 200 Dirhams over it and asked his companions to buy household goods to set up home for the newly weds. He then read the Khutba and finalised the marriage of Ali (AS) and Fatima. This was in the First year of the Hijra. This was a simple Islamic marriage which should be copied by all Muslims instead of spending lavish amounts of money and huge dowries to cripple the parents economically for ever.
As Islam was the religion of peace and surrender to the Will of God, aggression had been forbidden. In spite of various attacks on the newly converted Muslim community in Madina, Muhammad (SA) had forbidden all retaliation. News came from Makka that all those who left Makka had lost their property. The Makkans had taken all they had left behind. Muhammad's uncle Hamza asked Muhammad (SA) to fight with the Kuffars of Makka but he did not agree. In the end when news came that the Makkans were marching towards Madina to fight Muhammad (SA) and his newly converted Muslim community, the Verses came down on Muhammad (SA) to stand up and defend your "Deen", but do not exceed the limits. In other words you can only defend, aggression was totally forbidden. (Sura Baqra,Verses 173-174)
The Battle of Badr
In the 2nd year of Hijra, 624 AD, 'The Battle of Badr' took place. The Makkans marched towards Madina with 1000 soldiers. Muhammad (SA) with his army of 313 men cam out of Madina. Badr is situated some 10 miles south of Madina and 240 miles north of Makka. The Makkans travelled all the way to Madina to defeat Islam. The Muslims had no choice but to defend Islam. Hamza, Ali Obaida came out of the Muslim side in single combat with the chiefs of Makka who were all slain. The battle ensued and at the end of the day the Makkans were defeated with 70 dead, while very few Muslims were killed. Those Makkans who were taken captive were told that if they could teach Muslims to read and write, they would live freely in the city and be provided with food and shelter. This was a clear direction that gaining knowledge was the first priority in Islam.
The Battle of Ohud
In the 3rd year of Hijra, 'The Battle of Ohud' took place. The Makkans did not like their defeat in Badr and began their preparations in earnest. They came with 3000 men to fight Islam. Muhammad (SA) heard the news and came out of Madina with 700 men. Muhammad(SA) arranged his small army in such a way that the mountain was behind them. Some 30 archers from the Iarmy were strategically placed in an opening in the mountain to protect the Muslims from any attack from behind. Initially the Makkans were no match for the valour of the Muslim soldiers and they began to run away. Newly converted Muslim soldiers prematurely thought they had won the war, so they began to take possession of the booty of war. When the 30 archers saw this, they left their strategic mountain pass to join the others. Khalid Ibne Walid saw this opening and cleverly attacked from behind on the person of the Prophet himself. It was Ali (AS) and a few other true companions of the Prophet that saved the day and saved the life of the Prophet. The Prophet was himself injured by a stone. Khalid Ibne Walid shouted 'Muhammad is killed', upon which hearing this, many companions began to run away in panic. The wounded Prophet was left in the battlefield with only Ali, Hamza, Abu Dajjana and Zakwan to defend him. These brave warriors fought fiercely and during this encounter Hamza was killed by a spear wound inflicted by the Slave of Abu Sofian's wife Hind. Zakwan and Abu Dajjana lay wounded and Ali was left alone to defend the Holy Prophet. Ali had received 16 wounds during this battle. He picked up the Holy Prophet while he was surrounded by the enemy and with Khalid shouting to finish the Prophet off for good. Ali fought against them, killing two of them, which led the others to run away. Ali (AS) boldly lifted the Holy Prophet and carried him to the mountain and safety. Ali kept shouting " the Holy Prophet is alive" so that the Muslims who ran away might come back. Those Muslims who had not run far returned and saw the wounded Prophet and his daughter Fatima (SA) attending to his wounds. They took heart and began to fight the enemy under the command of Ali (AS) and drove them away.
The victory was gained. The Prophet returned to Madina and declared three days of mourning for his uncle Hamza. The Holy Prophet said afterwards that Ali's bravery was applauded by Angel Gabril who said that there is no braver youth than Ali and no better sword than Zilfiqar.(Details of this battle can be read in the History of Tabari, Waqidi and Abul Fida).
The Battle of Khandaq
The Battle of Khandaq: 4th year of Hijra, 626 AD: At the end of the battle of Ohud when Abu Sofian was unable to hurt the Holy Prophet, he returned to Makka after promising that he will come back next year and will take revenge for the defeats of Badr and Ohud. This time it was not only the non believers of Makka who were with him. He had also taken the help of the Jews of Madina to defeat Islam for ever. The Jewish tribes of Madina promised to help in two ways, one to send soldiers to fight in the battlefield and two to create fear among the women and children who were left in the town unprotected. The Prophet's companion Salman Farsi suggested that the Muslims must dig a moat on the unprotected side of the town. The Muslims took this advice and the moat was ready within 3 days in which the Prophet himself took part. When the enemy forces arrived at the scene they were unable to enter the city due to the newly dug moat and they stayed on the outerside. But one of their most famous soldier's named Amr Ibne Abde Wud jumped the moat with his horse and challenged the Muslims to fight with him. When The Prophet asked his bravest to go and fight Amr none of them was eager to come out. Omar Ibne Khattab even suggested that this man was so brave that he fought one thousand men alone and defeated them. Ali was eager as ever to fight this man and he came out with the blessings of the Holy Prophet who said, 'Today the whole faith has come out to fight the whole infidelity. "Ali was able to kill the enemy soon and when the Prophet saw Ali victorious he uttered the words " Verily one blow of Ali's sword on the day of Khadaq is superior to the worship of all beings until the Day of Judgement."
Amr was killed, but the battle was not over. Armies of non believers were on the other side of the ditch while the Muslims were inside the city almost besieged without any provisions. After a while with the prayers of the Holy Prophet a storm blew up that frightened the army of the non believers and they ran away never to come back again.
Treaty of Hodaibiya
After the battles of Badr, Ohud and Khandaq the infidels of Makka avoided any further military ventures. The Prophet decided to perform Umra in the 6th year of Hijra (628 AD)As the Muslims approached Makka, the infidels of Makka did not like this and stopped the Muslims entering Makka. Seeing them bent on aggression, the apostle of God agreed to a treaty with the Makkans. It was wisely drafted by Imam Ali (AS), the terms outwardly looked humiliating to Muslims that if a Muslim was taken captive by the infidels he will not be returned but if an infidel comes to the hands of the Muslims he will be released immediately. When the Holy Prophet signed the treaty, Umar Ibne Khattab disliked it so much that he uttered the words," I have never doubted about the Prophethood of Muhammad (SA) this much as I did today." He questioned the Prophet about this humiliating agreement to which the Prophet replied, "I am the Messenger of Allah and all my acts are on the orders from Allah." But it is evident that this deviation from the path of the Prophet was later to become an acceptable norm rather then an off the cuff event. Later you will see how this misconceived habit of contradicting the infallible Prophet of Islam created divisions within the religion itself. Those who followed Ali as the follower of the Sunna of the Prophet became the partisan of Ali, others followed Omar ibn Khattab.
(see Saheeh Bukhari, Kitab-alKholafa)
The Battle of Khyber
The Jews of Madina ever since their treachery during the battle of Khandaq, were always on the look out for some mischief to hurt Islam. This mischief mongering increased so much so that they were banished from the city to live outside Madina. They had extensive lands and had built strong fortresses where most of the Jewish community lived. The fort of Khyber was a strong fort built of stone with an iron gate. It was the strong hold of the Jews who invaded Muslim lands and villages around the area. They killed Muslims and looted their property. Warnings were given to the Jews of Khyber to stop their mischievous deeds but they did not bother even to acknowledge their misdeeds. The Holy Prophet proceeded to stop this problem for the Muslims. Muslim forces encamped outside this fort. It was in the month of Muharram in the 7th year of Hijra. On the First day Abubakr led the Muslim forces to fight the Jews. The Jews came out of the fort. A furious battle was fought, Muslims could not break the Jews onslaught and retreated back to their camp. The Next day Omar Ibne Khattab took the flag and tried to defeat the Jewish forces without success. That night the Prophet announced," Tomorrow I will give the flag of Islam to a man who is brave and does not run away from the battlefield, he loves Allah and the Prophet of Allah and Allah and His Prophet love him." The Next day, after morning prayers the Prophet called for Ali (AS) and gave the Flag in his hands. Ali (AS) holding the flag in his hand went towards the fort. Noticing that only one man was coming towards the fort the Jews did not come out in the open field. Reaching the gates of the fort Ali fixed the pole on a hard stone slab. Noticing the fixing of the flag on a hard stone, a Jew who was a learned scholar, asked from the top of the wall, " who are you? "Ali replied, "I am Ali son of Abu Talib." Hearing the name the learned scholar turned towards his people and told them, "I have read in the sacred bothat a man of this name will defeat you." In accordance with the convention of the Arabs, Ali announced his challenge and demanded the bravest of them to come out and fight him in single combat. Merhub, one of the brave and skilled warriors came out and was killed by Ali (AS) in one blow.
His brother Anter came out and he was also killed in a single blow of Ali's SwZulfiqar. Once these brothers were killed Ali went towards the iron gates and brought them down. Once the gates were open Muslims entered the fort and soon the Jews were defeated. This was a great victory for Muslims, for the Jews were a mischievous lot and had been giving a lot of trouble to Muslims of Madina and those living around. Most of the Jewish land came into the Muslims hands. It was at this time that a Palm orchard called Fadak also came into the Muslim hands. The Prophet of Islam took this orchard for himself and later gave it to his daughter Fatimah.
