Monday, 17 March 2014
Sunday, 16 March 2014
How Did the Spread of Islam Affect the Development of Science?
Islam instructs man to use his powers of
intelligence and observation.
Within a few years of the spread of Islam, great civilizations and universities
were flourishing. The synthesis of Eastern and Western ideas, and of new
thought with old, brought about great advances in medicine, mathematics,
physics, astronomy, geography, architecture, art, literature, and history.
Many crucial systems, such as algebra, the Arabic numerals, and the concept of
zero (vital to the advancement of mathematics), were transmitted to medieval
Europe from the Muslim world. Sophisticated instruments which were to make
possible the European voyages of discovery, such as the astrolabe, the quadrant,
and good navigational maps, were also developed by Muslims.
Within a few years of the spread of Islam, great civilizations and universities
were flourishing. The synthesis of Eastern and Western ideas, and of new
thought with old, brought about great advances in medicine, mathematics,
physics, astronomy, geography, architecture, art, literature, and history.
Many crucial systems, such as algebra, the Arabic numerals, and the concept of
zero (vital to the advancement of mathematics), were transmitted to medieval
Europe from the Muslim world. Sophisticated instruments which were to make
possible the European voyages of discovery, such as the astrolabe, the quadrant,
and good navigational maps, were also developed by Muslims.|
The Astrolabe: One of the most
important scientific instruments developed by Muslims which was also used
widely in the West until modern times.
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Muslim physicians paid much attention to
surgery and developed many surgical instruments as seen in this old
manuscript.
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What Does Islam Say about Terrorism?
Islam, a religion of mercy, does not permit
terrorism. In the Quran, God has said:
God does not forbid you from showing
kindness and dealing justly with those who have not fought you about religion
and have not driven you out of your homes. God loves just dealers. 
(Quran, 60:8)
The Prophet Muhammad 
used to prohibit soldiers from killing women
and children,1 and he would advise them:
{...Do not betray, do not be excessive, do
not kill a newborn child.}2
And he also said: {Whoever has killed a person
having a treaty with the Muslims shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise,
though its fragrance is found for a span of forty years.}3
used to prohibit soldiers from killing women
and children,1 and he would advise them:
{...Do not betray, do not be excessive, do
not kill a newborn child.}2
And he also said: {Whoever has killed a person
having a treaty with the Muslims shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise,
though its fragrance is found for a span of forty years.}3
Also, the Prophet Muhammad
has forbidden punishment with fire.4
has forbidden punishment with fire.4
He once listed murder as the second of the major
sins,5 and he even warned that on the Day of Judgment, {The
first cases to be adjudicated between people on the Day of Judgment will be
those of bloodshed.6}7
Muslims are even encouraged to be kind to animals
and are forbidden to hurt them. Once the Prophet Muhammad
said: {A woman was punished because she
imprisoned a cat until it died. On account of this, she was doomed to Hell.
While she imprisoned it, she did not give the cat food or drink, nor did she
free it to eat the insects of the earth.}8
said: {A woman was punished because she
imprisoned a cat until it died. On account of this, she was doomed to Hell.
While she imprisoned it, she did not give the cat food or drink, nor did she
free it to eat the insects of the earth.}8
He also said that a man gave a very thirsty dog a
drink, so God forgave his sins for this action. The Prophet
was asked, “Messenger of God, are we
rewarded for kindness towards animals?” He said: {There is a reward for
kindness to every living animal or human.}9
was asked, “Messenger of God, are we
rewarded for kindness towards animals?” He said: {There is a reward for
kindness to every living animal or human.}9
Additionally, while taking the life of an animal
for food, Muslims are commanded to do so in a manner that causes the least
amount of fright and suffering possible. The Prophet Muhammad
said: {When you slaughter an animal, do so in
the best way. One should sharpen his knife to reduce the suffering of the
animal.}10
said: {When you slaughter an animal, do so in
the best way. One should sharpen his knife to reduce the suffering of the
animal.}10
In light of these and other Islamic texts, the act
of inciting terror in the hearts of defenseless civilians, the wholesale
destruction of buildings and properties, the bombing and maiming of innocent
men, women, and children are all forbidden and detestable acts according to
Islam and the Muslims. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and
forgiveness, and the vast majority have nothing to do with the violent events
some have associated with Muslims. If an individual Muslim were to commit an act
of terrorism, this person would be guilty of violating the laws of Islam.
(For more articles on Islam on terrorism, please
refer to the links at More
on Islam on Terrorism.)
_____________________________
Footnotes:
(1) Narrated in Saheeh
Muslim, #1744, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #3015. 
(2) Narrated in Saheeh
Muslim, #1731, and Al-Tirmizi, #1408.
(3) Narrated in Saheeh
Al-Bukhari, #3166, and Ibn Majah, #2686.
(4) Narrated in Abu-Dawood,
#2675.
(5) Narrated in Saheeh
Al-Bukhari, #6871, and Saheeh Muslim, #88.
(6) This means killing and
injuring.
(7) Narrated in Saheeh
Muslim, #1678, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #6533.
(8) Narrated in Saheeh
Muslim, #2422, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #2365.
(9) This saying of
Muhammad
has been mentioned in more detail on this
page. Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #2244, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari,
#2466.
(10) Narrated in Saheeh
Muslim, #1955, and Al-Tirmizi, #1409.
has been mentioned in more detail on this
page. Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #2244, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari,
#2466.
What Do Muslims Believe about Jesus?
Muslims respect and revere Jesus (peace be upon
him). They consider him one of the greatest of God’s messengers to mankind. The
Quran confirms his virgin birth, and a chapter of the Quran is entitled ‘Maryam’
(Mary). The Quran describes the birth of Jesus as follows:
(Remember) when the angels said,
“O Mary, God gives you good news of a word from Him (God), whose name is
the Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, revered in this world and the Hereafter, and one
of those brought near (to God). He will speak to the people from his cradle and
as a man, and he is of the righteous.” She said, “My Lord, how can I
have a child when no mortal has touched me?” He said, “So (it will
be). God creates what He wills. If He decrees a thing, He says to it only,
‘Be!’
and it is.”
(Quran, 3:45-47)
Jesus was born miraculously by the command of God,
the same command that had brought Adam into being with neither a father nor a
mother. God has said:
The case of Jesus with God is like the
case of Adam. He created him from dust, and then He said to him, “Be!”
and he came into being.
(Quran, 3:59)
During his prophetic mission, Jesus performed many
miracles. God tells us that Jesus said:
“I have come to you with a sign
from your Lord. I make for you the shape of a bird out of clay, I breathe into
it, and it becomes a bird by God’s permission. I heal the blind from birth and
the leper. And I bring the dead to life by God’s permission. And I tell you what
you eat and what you store in your houses....”
(Quran, 3:49)
Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified. It
was the plan of Jesus’ enemies to crucify him, but God saved him and raised him
up to Him. And the likeness of Jesus was put over another man. Jesus’ enemies
took this man and crucified him, thinking that he was Jesus. God has said:
...They said,
“We killed the
Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of God.” They did not kill him,
nor did they crucify him, but the likeness of him was put on another man (and
they killed that man)... (Quran, 4:157)
Neither Muhammad
nor Jesus came to change the basic doctrine of
the belief in one God, brought by earlier prophets, but rather
to confirm and renew it.1
nor Jesus came to change the basic doctrine of
the belief in one God, brought by earlier prophets, but rather
to confirm and renew it.1
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The Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
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(For
in-depth articles on Jesus,
please refer to the links at In-Depth
Articles on Jesus.)
_____________________________
Footnotes:
(1) Muslims also believe
that God revealed a holy book to Jesus called the Injeel, some parts of
which may be still available in the teachings of God to Jesus in the New
Testament. But this does not mean that Muslims believe in the Bible we
have today because it is not the original scriptures that were revealed by God.
They underwent alterations, additions, and omissions. This was also
said by the Committee charged with revising The Holy Bible (Revised Standard
Version). This Committee consisted of thirty-two scholars who served
as members of the Committee. They secured the review and counsel of an
Advisory Board of fifty representatives of the co-operating denominations.
The Committee said in the Preface to The Holy Bible (Revised Standard
Version), p. iv, “Sometimes it is evident that the text has suffered in
transmission, but none of the versions provides a satisfactory restoration.
Here we can only follow the best judgment of competent scholars as to the
most probable reconstruction of the original text.” The Committee also said in
the Preface, p. vii, “Notes are added which indicate significant variations,
additions, or omissions in the ancient authorities (Mt 9.34; Mk 3.16; 7.4; Lk
24.32, 51, etc.).”
For more in-depth articles regarding this subject, please visit the following external web pages: Confessions of the New American Bible and Bible Contradictions.
For more in-depth articles regarding this subject, please visit the following external web pages: Confessions of the New American Bible and Bible Contradictions.
The Family in Islam
The family, which is the basic unit of
civilization, is now disintegrating. Islam’s family system brings the
rights of the husband, wife, children, and relatives into a fine
equilibrium. It nourishes unselfish behavior, generosity, and love in the
framework of a well-organized family system. The peace and security
offered by a stable family unit is greatly valued, and it is seen as essential
for the spiritual growth of its members. A harmonious social order is
created by the existence of extended families and by treasuring children.
How Do Muslims Treat the Elderly? |
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In the Islamic world, one rarely finds “old
people’s homes.” The strain of caring for one’s parents in this most
difficult time of their lives is considered an honor and a blessing and an
opportunity for great spiritual growth. In Islam, it is not enough that we
only pray for our parents, but we should act with limitless compassion,
remembering that when we were helpless children, they preferred us to
themselves. Mothers are particularly honored. When Muslim parents
reach old age, they are treated mercifully, with kindness and selflessness.
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In Islam, serving one’s parents is a duty second
to prayer, and it is their right to expect it. It is considered despicable
to express any irritation when, through no fault of their own, the old become
difficult.
God has said:
Your
Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to your
parents. If one of them or both of them reach old age with you, do not say
to them a word of disrespect, or scold them, but say a generous word to
them. And act humbly to them in mercy, and say, “My Lord, have mercy on
them, since they cared for me when I was small.”
(Quran, 17:23-24)Human Rights and Justice in Islam
Islam provides many human rights for the
individual. The following are some of these human rights that Islam protects.
The life and property of all citizens in an
Islamic state are considered sacred, whether a person is Muslim or not. Islam
also protects honor. So, in Islam, insulting others or making fun of them is not
allowed. The Prophet Muhammad
said: {Truly your blood, your property, and your honor are inviolable.}1
said: {Truly your blood, your property, and your honor are inviolable.}1
Racism is not allowed in Islam, for the Quran
speaks of human equality in the following terms:
O mankind, We have created you from a
male and a female and have made you into nations and tribes for you to know one
another. Truly, the noblest of you with God is the most pious.2
Truly, God
is All-Knowing, All-Aware.
(Quran, 49:13)
Islam rejects certain individuals or nations being
favored because of their wealth, power, or race. God created human beings as
equals who are to be distinguished from each other only on the basis of their
faith and piety. The Prophet Muhammad
said: {O people! Your God is one and your
forefather (Adam) is one. An Arab is not better than a non-Arab and a non-Arab
is not better than an Arab, and a red (i.e. white tinged with red) person is not
better than a black person and a black person is not better than a red
person,3 except in piety.}4
said: {O people! Your God is one and your
forefather (Adam) is one. An Arab is not better than a non-Arab and a non-Arab
is not better than an Arab, and a red (i.e. white tinged with red) person is not
better than a black person and a black person is not better than a red
person,3 except in piety.}4
One of the major problems facing mankind today is
racism.
The developed world can send a man to the moon but cannot stop man from
hating and fighting his fellow man. Ever since the days of the Prophet Muhammad , Islam has provided a vivid
example of how racism can be ended. The annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to
Makkah shows the real Islamic brotherhood of all races and nations, when about
two million Muslims from all over the world come to Makkah to perform the
pilgrimage.
The developed world can send a man to the moon but cannot stop man from
hating and fighting his fellow man. Ever since the days of the Prophet Muhammad , Islam has provided a vivid
example of how racism can be ended. The annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to
Makkah shows the real Islamic brotherhood of all races and nations, when about
two million Muslims from all over the world come to Makkah to perform the
pilgrimage.
Islam is a religion of justice. God has said:
Truly God commands you to give back trusts to
those to whom they are due, and when you judge between people, to judge with
justice.... (Quran, 4:58)
And He has said:
...And act justly. Truly, God loves those who
are just. (Quran,
49:9)
We should even be just with those who we hate, as
God has said:
...And let not the hatred of others make you
avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety.... (Quran, 5:8)
The Prophet Muhammad
said: {People, beware of injustice,5 for injustice
shall be darkness on the Day of Judgment.}6
And those who have not gotten their rights (i.e.
what they have a just claim to) in this life will receive them on the Day of
Judgment, as the Prophet
said: {People, beware of injustice,5 for injustice
shall be darkness on the Day of Judgment.}6
said: {On the Day of Judgment, rights will be given to those to whom they are due (and
wrongs will be redressed)...}7
What Is the Status of Women in Islam?
Islam sees a woman, whether single or married, as
an individual in her own right,
with the right to own and dispose of her
property and earnings without any guardianship over her (whether that be her
father, husband, or anyone else). She has the right to buy and sell, give gifts
and charity, and may spend her money as she pleases. A marriage dowry is given
by the groom to the bride for her own personal use, and she keeps her own family
name rather than taking her husband’s.
with the right to own and dispose of her
property and earnings without any guardianship over her (whether that be her
father, husband, or anyone else). She has the right to buy and sell, give gifts
and charity, and may spend her money as she pleases. A marriage dowry is given
by the groom to the bride for her own personal use, and she keeps her own family
name rather than taking her husband’s.
Islam encourages the husband to treat his wife
well, as the Prophet Muhammad
said: {The best among you are those who are best to their wives.}1
said: {The best among you are those who are best to their wives.}1
Mothers in Islam are highly honored. Islam
recommends treating them in the best way. A man came to the Prophet Muhammad
and said, “O Messenger of
God! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship?”
The
Prophet
said: {Your mother.} The man said, “Then who?” The Prophet
said: {Then your mother.} The man further
asked, “Then who?” The Prophet
said: {Then your mother.} The man asked
again, “Then who?” The Prophet
said: {Then your father.}2
and said, “O Messenger of
God! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship?”
The
Prophet
said: {Your mother.} The man said, “Then who?” The Prophet
said: {Then your mother.} The man further
asked, “Then who?” The Prophet
said: {Then your mother.} The man asked
again, “Then who?” The Prophet
said: {Then your father.}2
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