This guide explores Islami A. Ibrahim’s 1996 publication, offering an insightful overview of Islam tailored for non-Muslims and those seeking a concise yet informative resource on the faith. It delves into the core tenets of Islam, the Holy Quran, and Muslim practices.
The book, “A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam,” is structured into three key chapters, each designed to illuminate different facets of the Islamic faith.
Some Evidence for the Truth of Islam
This chapter delves into the evidence supporting Islam, emphasizing scientific miracles found within the Holy Quran. It explores:
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The Quran on human embryonic development: Examining verses that correlate with modern embryological understanding.
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The Quran on mountains: Analyzing Quranic descriptions of mountains and their geological functions.
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The Quran on the origin of the universe: Discussing Quranic verses pertaining to the creation and expansion of the cosmos.
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The Quran on the cerebrum: Exploring Quranic references to the brain and its functions.
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The Quran on seas and rivers: Examining the Quran’s descriptions of hydrological phenomena.
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The Quran on deep seas and internal waves: Analyzing verses about the depths of the ocean and unseen wave patterns.
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The Quran on clouds: Discussing Quranic descriptions of cloud formation.
The chapter also includes scientists’ comments on these scientific miracles and poses the challenge of producing a chapter comparable to those in the Holy Quran. Furthermore, it examines biblical prophecies concerning the advent of Prophet Muhammad, verses in the Quran that foretold future events, miracles performed by Prophet Muhammad, the Prophet’s simple life, and the remarkable expansion of Islam.
Some Benefits of Islam
This chapter highlights the spiritual and personal benefits that Islam offers to its followers:
- The door to eternal paradise: Exploring the Islamic concept of Jannah (paradise) and the path to attaining it.
- Salvation from Hellfire: Discussing the Islamic understanding of Jahannam (hellfire) and how to avoid it.
- Real happiness and inner peace: Examining how Islamic teachings and practices contribute to contentment and tranquility.
- Forgiveness for all previous sins: Explaining the Islamic belief in the possibility of seeking and receiving forgiveness from God.
General Information on Islam
This chapter provides foundational knowledge about Islam, addressing common questions and misconceptions:
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What is Islam? Defining Islam as submission to the will of God (Allah).
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Some basic Islamic beliefs: Detailing the core tenets of Islamic faith.
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Belief in God: Affirming the Oneness of God (Allah).
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Belief in the angels: Recognizing the existence of angels as messengers of God.
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Belief in God’s revealed books: Acknowledging the Torah, Psalms, Gospel, and Quran as divinely revealed texts.
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Belief in the prophets and messengers of God: Accepting all prophets, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all).
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Belief in the Day of Judgement: Believing in the accountability for one’s actions in the afterlife.
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Belief in Al-Qadar (Divine Decree): Accepting that everything happens by the will and knowledge of God.
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Is there any sacred source other than the Qurʼan? The Hadith, sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad.
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Examples of the Prophet Muhammad’s sayings: Providing insights into the Prophet’s teachings.
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What does Islam say about the Day of Judgement? Explaining the Islamic perspective on the resurrection and final judgment.
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How does someone become a Muslim? Describing the declaration of faith (Shahada).
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What is the Qurʼan about? An overview of the Quran’s themes and subjects.
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Who is the Prophet Muhammad? Introducing the final prophet in Islam.
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How did the spread of Islam affect the development of science? Highlighting the contributions of Muslim scholars to various fields of knowledge.
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What do Muslims believe about Jesus? Explaining the Islamic view of Jesus as a prophet of God.
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What does Islam say about terrorism? Condemning terrorism and violence.
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Human rights and justice in Islam: Emphasizing the importance of fairness and equality in Islamic teachings.
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What is the status of women in Islam? Addressing the rights and roles of women in Islamic society.
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The family in Islam: Highlighting the importance of family values in Islam.
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How do Muslims treat the elderly? Emphasizing respect and care for the elderly.
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What are the five pillars of Islam?
- The testimony of faith (Shahada): Declaring that there is no god but God (Allah), and Muhammad is his messenger.
- Prayer (Salat): Performing five daily prayers.
- Giving Zakat (support of the needy): Charity and almsgiving.
- Fasting the month of Ramadan (Sawm): Abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset during Ramadan.
- The pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj): Performing the pilgrimage to Mecca, if able.
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Islam in the United States: Briefly mentioning the presence of Islam in the U.S.
In conclusion, Islami A. Ibrahim’s “A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam” offers a valuable resource for gaining a basic understanding of Islam, its beliefs, and practices. It provides a concise and accessible overview of the faith for a broad audience. The book also includes a bibliography for further reading on Islam.
