| The literal
meaning of Islam is peace; surrender of one’s will i.e. losing oneself
for the sake of God and surrendering one’s own pleasure for the pleasure
of God. The message of Islam was revealed to the Holy Prophet Mohammed
(peace and blessings on him) 1, 400 years ago. It was revealed through
angel Gabriel (on whom be peace) and was thus preserved in the Holy Quran.
The Holy Quran carries a Divine guarantee of safeguard from interpolation
and it claims that it combines the best features of the earlier scriptures.
The prime message
of Islam is the Unity of God, that the Creator of the world is One and
He alone is worthy of worship and that Mohammed (peace and blessings on
him) is His Messenger and Servant. The follower of this belief is thus
a Muslim - a Muslim’s other beliefs are: God’s angels, previously revealed
Books of God, all the prophets, from Adam to Jesus (peace be on them both),
the Day of Judgment and indeed the Decree of God. A Muslim has five main
duties to perform, namely; bearing witness to the Unity of God and Mohammed
(peace and blessings on him) as His Messenger, observing the prescribed
prayer, payment of Zakat, keeping the fasts of Ramadan and performing
the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Islam believes
that each person is born pure. The Holy Quran tells us that God has given
human beings a choice between good and evil and to seek God’s pleasure
through faith, prayer and charity. Islam believes that God created mankind
in His image and by imbuing the attributes of God on a human level mankind
can attain His nearness. Islam’s main message is to worship God and to
treat all God’s creation with kindness and compassion. Rights of parents
in old age, orphans and the needy are clearly stated. Women’s rights were
safeguarded 1,400 years ago when the rest of the world was in total darkness
about emancipation. Islamic teachings encompass every imaginable situation
and its rules and principles are truly universal and have stood the test
of time.
In Islam virtue
does not connote forsaking the bounties of nature that are lawful. On
the contrary one is encouraged to lead a healthy, active life with the
qualities of kindness, chastity, honesty, mercy, courage patience and
politeness. In short, Islam has a perfect and complete code for the guidance
of individuals and communities alike. As the entire message of Islam is
derived from the Holy Quran and indeed the Sunnah and Hadith (the traditions
and practices of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings on him) it is immutable
in the face of change in time and place. It may appear rigid to the casual
eye, in actual fact it is most certainly an adaptable way of life regardless
of human changes.
Islam teaches
that the path to spiritual development is open to all. Any individual
who searches the One Creator can seek nearness to God through sincere
and earnest worship; it is central to establishing a relationship with
the Almighty. This positive message for humanity fills hearts with hope
and courage.
At present
there are 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide and they form the majority in
more than 50 countries of the world. Today Islam is the fastest growing
faith in the world - its beautiful message is reaching millions in the
far corner of the earth.
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Jamia Rizvia Anwar-ul-Aloom
Founder: Moulana Abdul Qadir
Location: Sector 24, Near Officers Colony,
Wah Cantt
Telephone No.: (051) 4511 844
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Minhaj-Ul-Quran
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Al-Huda Institute of Islamic Studies
Officers Colony, Wah Cantt
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