Introduction
Many books have been written about the Islamic Faith; some go into considerable detail, while others touch on a few specific aspects. The ‘Glad Tidings’ differs from previously compiled books; instead of shedding light on the duties of a Muslim, the many intrinsic qualities of the Islamic faith have been compiled to help those who are keen on seeking the truth about Islam.
Consider this booklet ‘a key’ that will lead you on an exciting journey to explore the Islamic Faith. I firmly believe that if you read the points mentioned in this booklet you will reconsider what you know about Islam.
Before going into the qualities of the Islamic Faith, it is extremely important for a researcher of the truth to have the following points in mind:
- Have a sincere intention: do not view Islamic teachings with the intention of uncovering errors. Whoever seeks the truth, shall find it, and they will be comfortable with it. God, the Exalted, says: “Thus, (it is a fact that) whomsoever Allah wills to guide, He opens his breast for Islam; and whomsoever He wills to let go astray, He causes his breast to become strait and constricted, as if he were climbing towards the heaven. Thus Allah lays the abomination (of flight from and hatred of Islam) on those who do not believe.” (6:125)
- Invoke God sincerely to guide you to the truth. God, the Exalted, says: “Mankind was once a single community, [but then people developed differences], so God sent prophets to them as bearers of good tidings and warning, and sent down with them the Book containing the truth, so that He might judge between their disputes. It was only those to whom it [the scripture] was given who disagreed about it after clear signs had come to them, because of rivalry between them. God by His will guided the believers to the truth about which the others had disputed. God guides whom He will to a Straight Path.” (2:213)
- Put aside prejudiced views and all preconceived notions. One shouldn’t allow others to make their decisions; the same holds true for choosing a faith. God, the Exalted, says: “But when they are told, "Follow what God has sent down," they answer, "We will follow the ways of our fathers," even though their fathers did not use their reason, and were devoid of all guidance.” (2:170)
The social makeup of the early Islamic society sheds light on this matter for many of the Prophet’s Companions came from diverse backgrounds. In spite of this, they were not mistreated or disrespected in the least; on the contrary, they were given full and complete equality with nobles from that society. Among the notable Companions were:
- Bilal, who was the “Caller” for the five daily prayers, who was an Abyssinian(You can read more about this from the book ‘Bilal the Abyssinian – One Light, Many Colors.’ By: Dr. Abdul-Rahman Al-Sheha),
- Suhaib, who was a freed slave, who came from a Roman background.
- Salman, who was from a Persian background.
Islam is not a religion that is confined to Makkah and Madinah or to the Arabian Peninsula. On the contrary, any country that upholds Islamic law is labeled an “Islamic Country”, even if it be in the midst of Africa or in Asia.
It is important to note that many Muslims today may do things or profess certain beliefs that are in fact foreign to Islam! These practices have played a devastating role in marring the true image of Islam, and have kept many away from it ( For more information, you can read the book ‘The Message of Islam’ by: Dr. Abdul-Rahman Al-Sheha).
There is a simple rule with which one can discern whether an action is in compliance to Islamic law or not. If an action that is in question:
- conflicts with the natural disposition of man,
- conflicts with sound reason and intellect,
- is simply revolting to people who are intellectually sound, …these are tell-tale signs that the action in question is foreign to Islamic teachings! Further verification can be made by asking those who have proper Islamic knowledge.
Islam teaches us that there is only One God. It professes the best of ethics and manners and it is a complete way of life.
In reality, Muslims fluctuate in their dedication to their Faith; there are those who are more dedicated and those who are less dedicated. God clarifies this matter in the Quran saying: “We have bestowed the Book on those of Our servants whom We have chosen. Some wrong their own souls, some keep half-way [between right and wrong]; some, by God's leave, excel others in good deeds. This is a great bounty of God:” (35:32)
You should always acquire the facts about Islam from proper sources. One cannot rely on biased sources of information such as the media and hold them as a true, viable source of Islamic knowledge. Whoever wants to learn about Islam should be truthful and have the courage to approach it from its true sources. The Prophet, may God praise him, said in a Tradition: “I’ve left two things behind, if you are to adhere to them, you will not be lost after me; the Book of Allah and my Sunnah (Prophetic Traditions).”
This being said, it is quite natural that every individual seeks to achieve what is in their best interest; so choosing a faith that appeals to common sense is something a person should strive towards as well. What we will present in this booklet are the traits of the Islamic Faith.
In the end, this is a choice that you make; a choice that will have an impact on your life and in the next world, as we believe that there is a life after death, in which one would live in eternal bliss or damnation. God, the Exalted, says: “Thus We revealed to you, this Arabic Quran so that you may warn the mother of cities [Makkah] and those around it, and warn them of the Day of Gathering which is sure to come: when some group will be in the Garden, and some will be in the Fire.” (42:7)
I pray to God that anyone who reads this will be guided to the truth about Islam. Ameen!
What Is Islam?
Islam is taken from the root word ‘sa-la-ma’which in Arabic refers to submission; so Islam means submission to God alone, and not associating any partners with Him. The Islamic Faith is the link between individual and God.
Read More +The Traits of the Islamic Faith
To a Muslim, Islam is the last of the heavenly religions that has a divine link. One of the teachings of Islam is adherence to a strict form of monotheism. A Muslim does not associate partners to God. God, the Exalted, says: “If anyone seeks a religion other than Islam [submission to God], it will not be accepted from him; he will be among the losers in the Hereafter.” (3:185)
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