What is Islaam?

[Musa Millington]

Good afternoon everyone.

My name is Musa Millington, fmr. Nicholas Millington, and I am new to this forum. And the primary reason that I am on this forum is to educate others about Islam according to its authentic texts.

As for this post, it is to simply give a definition for the word Islaam.

In the Arabic language Islaam come from the verb meaning to submit (أسلم) and Islam (الإسلام) is the adverb derived from it. In other words Islaam linguistically is the action of submitting.

And according to the scholars the definition of Islam has the following three points:

• Submission to Allah by establishing his oneness
• Obidience to Allah.
• Distancing oneself from Shirk (associating partners with Allah)

Now one may ask the question: Who is Allah?

Allah is the one who has created the heavens and the earth, what is in it and what is between it. Also, he has ultimate dominion over the heavens and the earth and disposes of its affairs. Additionally, he is the one who has nurtured us with his favours whether hidden or open. He has beautiful names and lofty attributes and there is nothing similar to him from his creation.

Misconception: Allah is a moon God!!

Answer: The Arabs never knew Allah as a moon God before or after the advent of Islam. There is a verse in the Qur'an where Allah has said:

"And from his (Allah's) signs is the night and the day and the sun and the moon. Therefore do not prostrate to the sun and the moon rather prostrate to Allah who has created them if it is he alone you worship."

And there are many other verses which proove that the pre-Islamic Arabs believed that Allah is the creater of the heavens and the earth.

However, the Pre-Islamic Arabs before Islam directed worship to others with Allah and Islam came with the message to direct all worship to Allah alone which we call monotheism.

In other posts I will further clarify the monotheistic belief of Islam with Allah's help and guidance.

Until then, I hope that this has shed some light on the beliefs of Muslims.

[edyle]

First off please mention whether you speak English as your primary language or whether you happen to have learnt english as a secondary language. (You spelt Obedience incorrectly).

The part about :
"Distancing oneself from Shirk (associating partners with Allah)"
was very unclear; first of all, 'Shirk' is not an english word, and I suppose 'associating partners with Allah' is supposed to explain; I presume upon reviewing it, that 'associating partners with Allah' is a translation of 'Shirk' but is instead a translation of the whole phrase 'Distancing oneself from Shirk'. Sounds like the meaning is more or less about monotheism.

[Sirius]

Perhaps the Islamic calendar being a lunar calendar contributes to the "Moon God" association. That of course leads me to ask, why the basing of the calendar on lunar cycles instead of solar cycles?

[Musa Millington]

That is a good question,

As for the Lunar Calendar that the Muslims use it is the Calendar that was used by the Arabs themselves in the Pre-Islamic period. And in fact, the names of the months are the same names that were used in the Pre-Islamic period.

As Allah said in the Qur'an in chapter 2:

"They ask you about the Lunar cycles. Say they are sections of time for the people and for the pilgrimage..."

Another thing that may cause that misconception is the fact that many mosques in Trinidad and worldwide have the moon and star symbol. This symbol cannot be traced to the Prophet Muhammad and his Companions. Rather, it was first used by the Turks.

And as for the word Shirk, since it was a bit unclear, it means to direct worship to other than Allah. Therefore, if a person directs worship to any of the creation this is considered Shirk which is opposite to monotheism.

[Sirius]

It can then be said that there aspects of common religious practice - not confined to Islam either - that are actually inherited from the culture of the time and place rather than core tenants of the religion itself.

Perhaps there are many instances where people confuse cultural norms with actual religious teachings, and I am sure there are many who would enjoy reading about the differences between them.

[edyle]

Perhaps you might want to tell us what the Holy Koran says about Abraham, Issacc and Ismael; and also about the Prophet Jesus.

[Musa Millington]

Good night everyone.

It can then be said that there aspects of common religious practice - not confined to Islam either - that are actually inherited from the culture of the time and place rather than core tenants of the religion itself.

Perhaps there are many instances where people confuse cultural norms with actual religious teachings, and I am sure there are many who would enjoy reading about the differences between them.

This is indeed an observation which from a certain angle is correct because many of our citizens confuse the difference between the culture of the Muslims and the religion of Islam.

Islam is based upon two revelations which are the Qur'an and the Sunnah (the practices of the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم). And there are instances where the Qur'an affirmed aspects of Arab culture to be correct such as:

• Good treatment of the guest (this is something the Arabs take seriously up to this day)
• The names of the twelve months and the usage of the lunar calendar
• Nobility

And in many cases prohibited some of the aspects of Arab culture. From them:

• Going through the back door when entering a house
• Murder of girl children in fear of shame
• Murder of children in fear of poverty

And the likes of these things.

Hence, Islam gives room for culture once it does not contradict what was revealed in the Qur'an and the Sunnah whether it is Arab culture, East Indian culture, African culture etc.

As for the second question:

Perhaps you might want to tell us what the Holy Koran says about Abraham, Issacc and Ismael; and also about the Prophet Jesus.

To speak about all these Prophets individually will take some time as there are many verses and statements of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) that relay their stories. However, our creed in terms of the Prophets is summarized in the following points:

• All of them were upon one religion which was monotheism. None of them ever worshiped other than the Lord of the heavens and the earth (Allah) and none of them ever brought themselves as intermediaries in worship between themselves and Allah.
• All of them were servants of Allah and are the best of examples to mankind in terms of pursuing Allah's pleasure.
• They are not to be worshiped and are not called upon during acts of worship. Because although they have a high station in terms of their piety they are still men who are servants of Allah.
• The Prophets are to be obeyed and their example is to be followed. Hence, our main focus is not the biographies of the Prophets but rather it is to act upon the message that they brought with them.
• Anyone who dishonours any of the Prophets is not a Muslim.

That is a summary of our beliefs in the Prophets. And from them are Jesus (Isa in Arabic) and Abraham (Ibraheem) who are from the greater of the Prophets who also include Moses (Musa) and Prophet Muhammad.

[edyle]

The thing I was asking about Abraham, Issac and Ishmael, is to do with my understanding that Abraham had two sons, one was Issac and the other Ishmael, and the children of one became largely the Muslims and the children of the other son became the Jews.

I was wondering if this is in the Qu'ran.

[Musa Millington]

That is another good question.

And yes in terms of Ibraheem (Abraham) we believe he had two sons who were Prophets of Allah. One being Isma'eel (Ishmael) and Ishaaq (Isaac)

As for Prophet Ishmael he was a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. However, he is not considered to be the father of the Arabs. Actually, he is considered an Arabized Arab, one who settled within Arabia and learned the language. The original Arabs were from Yemen and when they settled in Makkah Isma'eel learnt their language and married from their women.

Therefore, many of the Arabs who accepted Islam and practiced it during the time of the Prophet were not descendants of Ishmael. From the Prophet's companions there were those who were descendants of the children of Israel, those who were Roman, those who were Persian, those who were Ethiopian etc.

Additionally, there were from the children of Ishmael who fought the Prophet and some who never accepted Islam at all. Although many of them accepted Islam at the end of the day.

The purpose of me writing this is really to clarify that Islam is not an Arab tribal religion based upon lineage as there were those in the Prophet's time who were not Arab and there were Arabs who did not trace their lineage back to Ishmael.

As for Judaism someone has to be born a Jew to be considered as one hence it is hinged more on lineage rather than practice. And there are different theories as to who is a Jew and you can check it out on this website:

http://www.jewfaq.org/whoisjew.htm

Therefore, to claim that Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Jacob etc were all Jews is incorrect. Rather Moses, Jesus and the other Prophets from the descendants of Jacob are from the children of Israel (although tribally Jesus was a Jew since he was a descendant of Yahooda who was one of the sons of Jacob)

At the end of the day, whether the Prophets were from the children of Ishmael or the children of Isaac they all practiced one religion which is the religion of monotheism, the worship of the Lord of the heavens and the earth without any partner.

[edyle]

That is another good question.

And yes in terms of Ibraheem (Abraham) we believe he had two sons who were Prophets of Allah. One being Isma'eel (Ishmael) and Ishaaq (Isaac)

As for Prophet Ishmael he was a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. However, he is not considered to be the father of the Arabs. Actually, he is considered an Arabized Arab, one who settled within Arabia and learned the language. The original Arabs were from Yemen and when they settled in Makkah Isma'eel learnt their language and married from their women.

Therefore, many of the Arabs who accepted Islam and practiced it during the time of the Prophet were not descendants of Ishmael. From the Prophet's companions there were those who were descendants of the children of Israel, those who were Roman, those who were Persian, those who were Ethiopian etc.

Additionally, there were from the children of Ishmael who fought the Prophet and some who never accepted Islam at all. Although many of them accepted Islam at the end of the day.

The purpose of me writing this is really to clarify that Islam is not an Arab tribal religion based upon lineage as there were those in the Prophet's time who were not Arab and there were Arabs who did not trace their lineage back to Ishmael.

As for Judaism someone has to be born a Jew to be considered as one hence it is hinged more on lineage rather than practice. And there are different theories as to who is a Jew and you can check it out on this website:

http://www.jewfaq.org/whoisjew.htm

Therefore, to claim that Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Jacob etc were all Jews is incorrect. Rather Moses, Jesus and the other Prophets from the descendants of Jacob are from the children of Israel (although tribally Jesus was a Jew since he was a descendant of Yahooda who was one of the sons of Jacob)

At the end of the day, whether the Prophets were from the children of Ishmael or the children of Isaac they all practiced one religion which is the religion of monotheism, the worship of the Lord of the heavens and the earth without any partner.

You said:
"As for Prophet Ishmael he was a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad."
Is this a different Ishmael from the son of Abraham that you are talking about?
Or is the word "not" missing from the sentence?
Because obviously, Abraham was long before Phrophet Muhammad's time.

[Musa Millington]

My mistake, I meant to say that Prophet Muhammad was a direct descendant of Ishmael. We ask Allah for his guidance.

[guyguy]

"At the end of the day, whether the Prophets were from the children of Ishmael or the children of Isaacthey all practiced one religion which is the religion of monotheism, the worship of the Lord of the heavens and the earth without any partner."

Tell me. Which current religion does not practice monotheism?

[Musa Millington]

In terms of how we as Muslims view monotheism there are two issues to bear in mind.

1. Monotheism does not mean simply to believe that Allah is the only creator, provider, protector etc. Rather most religions believe this. Even the Pre-Islamic Arabs believed that Allah had these qualities.

2. When we speak about monotheism we speak about directing worship to the Lord of the heavens and the earth alone without any partner. Hence our message, as Muslims, is the message of all the Prophets. In the Qur'an Allah has said:

"و لقد بعثنا في كل أمة رسولا أن اعبدوا الله واجتنبوا الطاغوت"

And we have sent to every nation a Messenger to call them to the worship of Allah and to stay away from worshiping other than him.

Therefore, we do not direct any of our worship to any thing whether it be to a Prophet, image, animal, tree etc. Rather we direct our worship to the one who created all things.

Additionally, we do not take anyone or anything as an intermediary between ourselves and Allah in worship by asking them, seeking their intercession or relying upon them.

One may ask the following question: How does Islam differ from Christianity?

We say in Christianity the belief is that three different entities make up one God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). However in Islam we do not believe that God has different and separate entities. Rather he is one in his essence as well as his descriptions. Therefore, we regard Jesus as a Prophet, however we do not regard him as one who has a share in Allah's divinity.

In other words we regard Jesus as a great Prophet who was himself a servant of almighty Allah. We therefore do not supplicate or pray to Muhammad, Moses, Jesus, Abraham, Isaac etc. Rather we follow their example in calling upon the one who they themselves called upon for guidance and help.

[guyguy]

Now we're getting to the root of your diatribe although we're not quite there as yet. We will though, in time.

So, is Christianity the only religion that does not practice monotheism?

[Musa Millington]

Now we're getting to the root of your diatribe although we're not quite there as yet. We will though, in time.

So, is Christianity the only religion that does not practice monotheism?

Practicing monotheism is practicing what all the Prophets used to practice in terms of their worship of Allah. If we look at the matter holistically we would come to the following conclusions:

1. The Prophets never worshiped images, trees, stones, people etc. Rather they all worshiped Allah alone without any partner.

2. The Prophets never made intermediaries between themselves and Allah in worship.

3. All the Prophets commanded their people to worship Allah alone without any partner.

4. None of the Prophets called the people to worship them or set them as intermediaries between themselves and Allah.

From these conclusions the separation between a religion that practices monotheism, the religion of the Prophets, and one that does not practice monotheism is clear.

[guyguy]

Ask a simple question and get a political epistle answer instead. Sheesh ...

[Musa Millington]

My dear fellow posters, may Allah guide all of us to the religion of all the Prophets spanning from Adam to Prophet Muhammad.

To proceed:

What I have written is just a simple clarification of the religion of Jesus and the rest of the Prophets and that they all practiced monotheism. You see, we should not accuse each other of forceful and bitter verbal attacks when we present our evidences confidently. In fact in the Qur'an it states that one should not curse those who worship other than Allah. Rather, we are commanded to call the people to direct their worship of Allah alone with wisdom and good teaching. Allah has said:

"ادع إلى سبيل ربك بالحكمة و الموعظة الحسنة و جادلهم بالتي هي أحسن"

Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good preaching and debate with them with what is best.

Therefore, this is what I am simply doing, calling to the way of monotheism which is the way of every single Prophet and presenting my evidences for this in the best of manners.

[guyguy]

Breds,
You believe that Jesus was a prophet. I don't.
You believe that Abraham was a prophet. I don't.
You imply that Allah is the only true "GOD" and that Christians do not believe in monotheism. I don't.
You claim to be a Muslim. I'm not.

I'll ask you two questions which I hope you'll answer bereft of the baggage:
1. Do you believe all that is written in the Qu'ran?
2. Do you believe in the teachings of the prophet Muhammed?

[Sirius]

I thought Christianity teaches that the Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are collectively one God? I may not be saying it the right way but I do know that despite the Trinity, in Christianity there is only one God. This makes it a monotheistic religion. It would only be polytheistic if the Father, Son and Holy Spirit were separate Gods.

[Musa Millington]

guyguy

Re: What is Islaam?
Breds,
You believe that Jesus was a prophet. I don't.
You believe that Abraham was a prophet. I don't.
You imply that Allah is the only true "GOD" and that Christians do not believe in monotheism. I don't.
You claim to be a Muslim. I'm not.

I'll ask you two questions which I hope you'll answer bereft of the baggage:
1. Do you believe all that is written in the Qu'ran?
2. Do you believe in the teachings of the prophet Muhammed?

I cannot force any belief upon anyone. As Allah has said:

"There is no compulsion in religion..."

As for my duty it is simply to convey the message of Islam. And yes if I am one to convey Islam it means that I must believe in that which I am conveying as Islam is based on the Qur'an and the teachings of the Prophet.

Secondly, the issue with the word Allah is simply an issue of language. Since the Pre-Islamic Arabs called the creator of the heavens and the earth Allah, the Jews and Christians of Arabia up to this time use the word Allah, even Prophet Jesus used the word Allah since he spoke Aramaic (a sister language to Arabic). See the following:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aramaic_language

As for the second issue which Sirius mentioned I said in a previous post:

in Christianity the belief is that three different entities make up one God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). However in Islam we do not believe that God has different and separate entities. Rather he is one in his essence as well as his descriptions.

So although in Christianity they are believed to be one God collectively they are still three separate beings meaning that the Father is not the Son and the Son is not the Holy Ghost. As for Islam God is one, singular and unique without a partner, sons, daughters etc. And he has beautiful names (which describe him) and lofty attributes. This is why in the Qur'an it says:

"Say he is Allah the Unique, the one who dependence is put upon, he neither begets nor is he begotten, and there is nothing similar to him"

And also in the Qur'an it says about the Trinity:

"And do not say three... verily your God is one God..."

Meaning that God is not three entities in one rather he is one and unique.

[guyguy]

You are correct Sirius, just as the Triumvirate is in Hinduism which comprises of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. These separate entities are believed to be manifestations of one GOD - Lord Vishnu.

[guyguy]

So Musa,
I guess you also subscribe to the prophet's exhortation to murder anyone who isn't a Muslim too, eh? Ammm ... what did he call non-Muslims again? I forget since I'm not a religious scholar. Maybe you can remind me.

[Musa Millington]

You are correct Sirius, just as the Triumvirate is in Hinduism which comprises of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. These separate entities are believed to be manifestations of one GOD - Lord Vishnu.

This is exactly what I was saying. In Christianity (and btw I was a Roman Catholic and was heading toward priesthood) the belief is that God is a Trinity: the father, the son and the holy spirit. And that these three separate entities which are separate in their names, attributes and functions consist of one God. In fact one of the three entities, in the case of Christianity the Father, is more powerful than the son and the holy spirit.

And this is the belief of the Hindus, the ancient Egyptians, the Orisha, the ancient Greeks etc.

As for Islam, we believe that Allah is one entity who has names and attributes that give evidence of his essence, not three separate entities. And this is the belief and methodology of all the Prophets and Messengers.

[guyguy]

Musa,
There are many rivers on every continent and landmass. They all flow towards a single entity - the ocean. Once there, no one can tell from which river the water came.

Ponder on that for a while then answer my question I posed to you about subscribing to the prophet's exhortation about killing non-believers in Islam.

[Musa Millington]

So Musa,
I guess you also subscribe to the prophet's exhortation to murder anyone who isn't a Muslim too, eh? Ammm ... what did he call non-Muslims again? I forget since I'm not a religious scholar. Maybe you can remind me.

If you are planning to display Islam as a religion of murder and savagery then personally I am not going to engage you in such a discussion since your assumptions are not based upon proper understanding . When you are ready and willing to dialogue in a civil manner, devoid of antagonism then I will be willing to engage you.