arabic area before islam - omarhananis.com culture.pdf · the meaning of “sunnah of the...

2012 Courses of Islamic Studies ― Islamic Culture by Omar Ayash

1

Arabic Area Before Islam

I. Where did/does Arabic area cover?

Arab area before Islam

Arab area today

II. The political state in Arabic area before Islam

The political situation was not complicated at that time; it was easy for the

tribes to be united, and so was to be separated. They used to know each

other and cooperate with each other against any danger surrounding them,

and it was even easier to fight against each other for a very small issue.


2

III. Religions and cultures before Islam

All Arabs believed in power and God, so they all used to have an idol for

worshiping. Those idols were made of wood, stone, mud, sand, or other

materials. No matter what the material or the shape was, the important

thing was having an idol to worship and believe in. One reason they

refused Islam was that they didn't accept giving up their habit of worshiping

idols, and the other was their arrogance which dissuaded them from

admitting that they and their ancestors were wrong in worshipping idols.

Some of the Arabs used to follow the old religions such as Jewish or

Christianity, still others fire, sun, or water.

Since ancient time, Arabs had a lot of good habits, and some bad habits as

well. They were generous, brave, strong, honorable and pure with good

hearts. Yet on the other hand, though smart in some parts, they used to be

ignorant, arrogant, stubborn, impatient, irritable and contentious. They

were inclined to raise a war for years out of simple and silly reasons. In

addition, they were extraordinary fond of drinking wine.

IV. Who was Muhammad?

In the Arabian Peninsula, there were three tribes of Arabs originally:

1. The extinct Arabs, such as Aad and Thamud.

2. The existing Arabs such as Qahtan.

3. The Arabs living in Hejaz were from Adnan. This type was the ancestors

of the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The third type was originally from Ismail (Ishmael), son of Ibrahim(Abraham),

who was born in Palestine then moved with his mother to Hejaz. Ismail had

twelve sons and they made twelve clans. They lived in Mecca first, and then

some of them moved to other places. Qidar was the son who stayed in Mecca

and started to have sons and grandsons till Adnan was born, the twenty-first

grandfather of the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

From Adnan, there was Kinanah; Quraish from whom; Qusai from whom;

Hashem from whom; Muttalib from whom; then from whom came Abdullah, the

father of the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Allah chooses Kenana

from Ismail, Quraish from Kinana, Hashem from Quraish, and I from Quraish."

And also he said, "Allah will never ask you on judgment day about your tribes,

but He will ask you about your deeds."


3

The Islamic Way of Life: Sunnah of the Prophet

I. The relation between “the Islamic way of life” and “Sunnah of the

prophet”

A. What is “Sunnah of the prophet”?

1. The meaning of “Sunnah of the prophet”

“Sunnah” in Arabic means method or way; but when it comes to “the Sunnah

of the prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him),” it means all what he said, did,

behaved, and acted.

2. The contents of Sunnah

1) The spoken Sunnah: It is everything the prophet Muhammad(peace be upon

him) said during his lifetime after the approaching of Islam, which is called

Hadith. This is one part of the religion since all his words are considered

revelation as well. Allah says in Quran Chapter 53 Verses 3~4, "Nor does

he [Muhammad] speak from his own inclination. It is nothing but a

revelation revealed."

2) The acting Sunnah: It is everything the prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him)

did during his lifetime after the approaching of Islam. It is also one part of

the religion, and all what he did is a part of the Islamic law as well, such as

the way he was praying the five prayers every day.

3) The ratified Sunnah: Acts and behaviors of the prophet Muhammad’s(peace

be upon him) companions ratified by him is the third part of Sunnah. For

example, when two of his companions were in a place with no water, they

made the Tayamum (using the dirt in a special way under Islamic rules),

but later they found water before passing the time of praying. One of them

made the ablution and prayed again, but the other didn't. When they told

the prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) what they did, he replied, "The

one who didn't pray again is following the Sunnah, and the one who prayed

again has extra benefit.”

3. The genuineness of Sunnah

Muslims should follow the Sunnah as much as they can, but they have to

make sure that they are following the right ones. Some of the written Hadith are

not correct; some are weak, because of the one who wrote it; some are even

fake, as they are not said by the prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him). However,

all of them are very clearly reported and written with all the details, so the

scholars majoring on this can specify them easily.


4

4. The importance of following Sunnah

Allah says in Chapter 59 Verse 7, "And whatever the messenger has given

you, take it; and what he has forbidden you, refrain from it. And fear Allah; indeed,

Allah is severe in penalty.”

If we follow the Sunnah of the prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him), we will be

loved by Allah. Allah says in Chapter 3 Verse 31, "Say, O Muhammad, ‘If you

shall love Allah, follow me, so Allah will love you and forgive your sins. And Allah

is forgiving and merciful.’"

Muslims should follow the prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) and study his

Sunnah very well. If we don't know the Sunnah clearly, we will not be able to

follow it. Allah says in Chapter 4 Verse 80, "He who obeys the messenger has

obeyed Allah; but to those who turn away from it, We have not sent you

[Muhammad] as a guardian over them."

B. The significance of Islamic way of life

1. It brings good reward to both lives

Allah says in Chapter 17 Verse 9, "Indeed, this Quran guides everyone

to reach his best in this life and gives good tidings to the believers who do

righteous deeds that they will have a great reward in the hereafter."

2. It improves the quality of this life

One of the most important things in the Islamic way of life is to depend

totally on Allah with the faith that He is arranging the best for us, no matter

how we feel or think. This action will make the Muslim who is leading his

life in the Islamic way relaxed, happy, and satisfied.

C. Following the Sunnah of the prophet is practicing the Islamic way of

life.

The perfect example of having Islamic life is the prophet Muhammad(peace be

upon him). He was a walking Quran; his actions, words, deeds, emotions, and

every other part in his life were closely related to it.

II. The Islamic manner of interpersonal relation

Moderate, kind, and easygoing

The prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) was moderate, kind, and smiling all

the time. He never became angry for any personal reason in all of his life. He

used to have fun with his companions, play with kids, help others, and listen to

everyone regardless of his social position or financial situation.


5

III. The Islamic manner of consultation

Group consultation for public affairs

Allah says in Chapter 42 Verse 38, "And those who obey the commands of

their Lord, establish prayer, have their affairs determined by consultation among

themselves, and donate from what We have provided them."

We can see in this verse that the consultation in Islam is a part of the belief.

The prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) used to consult his companions for

anything related to the society.

IV. The Islamic manner in daily life

Help each other

The prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) said, "Allah is helping His slave as

long as the slave of Allah is helping others."

Never hurt or cheat each other

And he also said, "Believers are brothers and sisters; never hurt each other,

and never cheat each other."

Be generous

Be calm and considerate

Be away from backbiting, envying, and hatred

Act as a representative of Islam

V. The distance between Sunnah and Muslims today

After all what we learned today, what do you think Muslims nowadays have

accomplished? Are they representing Islam? Are they following the Sunnah of

the prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him)? Are Muslims today ready to spread the

real Islam in the same way the companions of the prophet Muhammad(peace be

upon him) did?

VI. Conclusion

There is no paradise, relaxation, or satisfaction can be achieved without Islam,

and there is no Islam without Quran or the Sunnah of the prophet

Muhammad(peace be upon him).

Allah says in Chapter 4 Verse 69, "And whoever obeys Allah and the

messenger will be with the ones upon whom Allah has bestowed favor of the

prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs and the righteous. And

excellent are those as companions."


6

Women in Islam

I. Women in general

A. Inferior status of women

Women, since ancient time, were considered inferior to men. They used to be

looked down by men and treated as slaves who have no rights at all. They were

considered as a tool only for making men happy and satisfied.

B. Evil customs against women

In some areas, people used to kill the woman after her husband passed away;

some others used to bury the woman alive with her husband in his burial; still

others even burn the woman alive along with her husband in his cremation.

II. Arabic women before Islam

A. Killing baby girl

Women in the Arabic area were not so different from other places. One of the

old Arabic customs was that they used to bury the newborn baby if it happens to

be a girl. On seeing his wife delivering the baby girl, the man would feel very

disappointed and shameful. Thus he would either bury this girl or keep her with a

shameful feeling all the time.

B. Women as property

Woman used to be a part of man’s property; she was similar to the furniture

he owned or the animal he raised. A man could sell his woman anytime, or

exchange her with any other woman, and so on.

C. Sex slaves

In addition, men used to share one female together, and it was up to her to

decide who would be the father of the newborn when she was pregnant.

III. Women in Islam

A. Women’s rights

Islam has granted women their rights in the perfect way. They have the same

rights men have, yet with more benefits.

Islam respects women as human beings and grants them duties and

responsibilities. They have orders to follow and will be asked on judgment day

same as men. Allah says in Chapter 2 Verse 35, "And We said, ‘O Adam, dwell,

you and your wife, in paradise and eat there from wherever you will. But do not

approach this tree, lest you both be among the wrongdoers.’"


7

B. Woman is rid of the accusation for paradise lost

Islam rids woman of the accusation that she was the reason why Adam was

exiled from the paradise. Allah says in Chapter 20 Verse 115, "And We had

already taken a promise from Adam before, but he forgot; and We found not in

him determination." And in the same chapter, Verses 121~122, "And Adam

disobeyed his Lord and erred. Then his Lord turned to him in forgiveness and

guided him."

C. The benefits as a Muslim woman

Allah says in Chapter 4 Verse 34, "Men are extremely responsible for women

because of the duties Allah has bestowed on one over the other, and because of

what men spend from their wealth for their livelihood."

If we read this verse carefully, we will find that Allah is organizing things in the

society between man and woman in general, not only wife and husband.

The explanation of this verse declares that the responsibility of a man is to be

in charge of the women in his life, his wife, mother, sister, and daughter. So we

have to understand that the female is the responsibility of the male, and the male,

not the female, is the one who should work and suffer to sustain the family.

Allah says in Chapter 20 verse 117, "So We said, ‘O Adam, indeed Satan is

an enemy to you and your wife. Let him not remove you from paradise; otherwise,

you, Adam, will suffer.’"

Allah told Adam that if he and his wife were out of paradise, it was Adam who

would suffer because he had to work for their livelihood.

D. Muslim women’s duties

However, women in Islam have duties and responsibilities as well. The

woman is in charge of building the society by taking care of her husband, kids,

and parents, filling their family life with relaxation and happiness. Allah says in

Chapter 30 Verse 21, "And of His signs is that He created mates for you from

yourselves that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you

affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for one who gives thoughts."

So the Islamic family should be like this: the man works all day outside,

suffering and tired, but he knows that after work he is going back home to find

the relaxation and happiness with his wife, who is taking care of him at home.

IV. Conclusion

The prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) said, "The best among you is the

one who treats his wife well, and I am the best in dealing with my wives."

He also said, "Females are your sisters. Those who are gentle with them are

generous, and those who disrespect them are mean."


8

War and peace in Islam

I. What is the meaning of Jihad? Jihad in Arabic means “to fight against something,” which may be a person, a habit, or a desire. After coming back from one battle, the prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) said, "We come back from the small jihad to the big jihad, the jihad against the temptations and desires."

II. When and why Allah allows Muslims to fight back? A. The background of the first fight-back

Muslims left Mecca because of the suffering they had from the disbelievers. The disbelievers used to torture Muslims because of their belief. They used to destroy their lands, take their money, and so on. So the prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) ordered the Muslims to immigrate to Al Habisha, which is known as Yemen today. He told them that it had a just king, Al Nagashi, and he was following the religion of Jesus. The first immigration in Islam was in the fifth year after the delegation of the prophet Muhammad(peace

be upon him). They were totally 12 men and 4 women. The second immigration was to Medina, where Islam became bigger. The prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) spent 13 years in Mecca spreading Islam and accepted all the sufferings and difficulties in order to spread Islam as much as he could. Finally, he and his companion Abu Bakr had to immigrate to Medina too, as the disbelievers were determined to kill him. After almost all the Muslims left Mecca, the disbelievers took the belongings of the Muslims who left Mecca and destroyed their houses. On hearing this, Muslims in Medina were angry and upset, and they started to ask the prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) to allow them to fight against the disbelievers who were doing all those bad things to them. But the prophet Muhammad(peace be upon

him) did not get the permission from Allah to fight back. In the second year after the immigration of the prophet Muhammad(peace be

upon him) to Medina, Allah allowed Muslims to fight back. Allah says in Chapter 22 Verses 39~40, "Permission to fight has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory. They are those who have been evicted from their homes without right, only because they say, ‘Our Lord is Allah.’"

B. Defending rather than attacking So we can see clearly that fighting in Islam is for defending rather than killing. In Quran, more than 170 verses are mentioned by Allah about fighting, war, and killing. And the word jihad is mentioned 41 times in Quran. But if we study them all, we will find that none of them is only for killing or forcing non-Muslims to become Muslims.


9

Allah says in Chapter 2 Verse 256, "There shall be no compulsion in acceptance of the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in devil and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing."

III. What are the rules of war in Islam? There are 8 principle rules in Islam about war: 1. Protect the human beings. Allah says in Chapter 25 Verse 68, "[The believers

are] those who do not invoke with Allah another deity, or kill the soul which Allah has forbidden to be killed except by right, or commit unlawful sexual intercourse. And whoever shall do that will meet a penalty."

2. Never start a war if no one is attacking you. Allah says in Chapter 2 Verse 190, "Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors."

3. Muslims should be strong enough to stop the war. Allah says in Chapter 8 Verse 60, "And prepare whatever you are able to in power and steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah, your enemy, and others besides them whom you do not know but Allah knows. And whatever you spend in the cause of Allah will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.”

4. Muslims should announce for the war before they start. The prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) said, "Spread Islam and do not fight unless they start fighting. So once they kill one of you, show this one to them and ask them to accept Islam, as to make someone get into Islam is more valuable for you than the earth and what it has."

5. Never kill or attack civilians. The prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) said, "Never kill women, kids, elders, or religious people."

6. Never destroy the land. The prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) said, "Never cut or burn trees, and never kill animals unless you want to eat."

7. Treat the captives in a nice way. Never tie them but feed them and treat them well. The prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) said, "Treat the captives well." And Allah says in Chapter 76 Verse 8, "And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphans, and the captives."

8. Treat the dead bodies nicely and gently. We should bury them even if they are the enemies.

IV. Conclusion If we study the Islamic law and the international law, we will find that the difference between them is very big. Though the professors and scholars in all over the world are trying to make the international law better and more just, they are still far from the real and perfect law, the law of Islam, because it is the law from the Creator, who knows the best for the mankind and all His creatures. Islam is the reformer of humanity in all the different fields.


10

The Concepts of Life and Death in Islam

I. Introduction

In Islam, the first and shortest part of life is in this world. The second part is

between this life and judgment day. The third is judgment day. The final

destination is either hell or paradise.

Allah says in Chapter 28 Verse 77, "But seek, through this life, the home of

the hereafter; and do not forget your share of the world. And do good, as Allah

has done good to you. And never use what is in the land for corruption. Indeed,

Allah does not like corrupters."

II. The first and shortest part of life

Death in Islam is the first station of the eternal life, and this life is the only

place to build our eternal life, either for good or bad result.

In our life, we cannot choose our birthday, death day, gender, or color, but we

have the freewill to choose all the others.

Our real life starts the moment we see the angel of death coming to take our

souls. From then on, we will see the things very clearly. We will see the result of

our deeds, our actions, our words, and even our intentions. And the result is

either hell or paradise.

At that moment, no one can ask the angel of death to wait or to come back

later; at that moment, there is no way to ask for forgiveness or repentance; at

that moment, we will start to see the results and can do nothing but regret yet in

vain.

III. The first living place after death

Grave is the first stop after death; whatever your belief is, you will step into

this first stop. It may be in a tomb, in the ocean, in a small urn, or in the stomach

of an animal. No matter where you are, you will take this first step of living after

death, called Al Barzakh, which means barrier or isthmus, the station between

this life and the hereafter.


11

IV. The big signs of the day of judgment

We have 6 big signs before the end of the world; once the first one starts, the

others will follow one after another till the end.

1. The sun rises from the west.

2. The appearance of a strange animal.

3. The smoke filling the air all over the world.

4. The appearance of Antichrist.

5. The return of Jesus.

6. The appearance of the two tribes, Gog and Magog.

V. The day of judgment

When it is the time of judgment day, Allah will order Israfil (the angel in charge

of blowing the horn) to blow the horn and everyone will die. Then the second one

will be blown again to make them all alive for judgment.

Judgment will be held on a white land with no signs at all, and it has never

had any sins done on it.

Angels will be surrounding the area of judgment, and all animals, humans, jinn,

and other creatures will be there for judgment.

The hell will be also in front of everyone, and after the hell lies the paradise

which can be seen very clearly.

VI. The final destination

Everyone will result in either hell or paradise, and there is no third choice.

VII. Conclusion

What is the valuable thing in this life that deserves we spending one day in

hell for it?

What would we lose if we believed in Allah and found that there were no hell

and paradise?

What will we gain if we believe in Allah and find that there is paradise and hell?

What would we gain if we disbelieved in Allah and found that there were no

hell and paradise?

And what will we lose if we disbelieve in Allah and find that there is hell and

paradise?


12

Islam and Other Faiths

I. What is Islam and who are Muslims? The word “Islam” is the transliteration of the Arabic word إسالم, which means “total obedience of Allah’s commands and wholehearted acceptance of things happened.” “Muslim,” the transliteration of the Arabic word مسلم , conveys more meaning than simply “the followers of the prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him).” The genuine idea of Muslim is the one who totally obeys Āllah’s commands and wholeheartedly accepts things happened. We have five pillars of belief in Islam: to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and judgment day. If any Muslim doesn't believe in the messengers and books of Allah, he is a disbeliever. As the last book from Allah is Quran and the last messenger is Muhammad(peace be upon him), we all should believe in his message, Islam; and follow the revealed book to him, Quran.

II. How does Islam look at other faiths? Allah says in Chapter 42 Verse 13, "We have ordained for you the religion that We enjoined upon Noah; that We have revealed to you, Muhammad; and that We enjoined upon Abraham, Moses and Jesus, to establish the religion and not to be divided therein. It is difficult for those who associate others with Allah to accept your invitation. Allah chooses for Himself whom he wills to be guided and chooses to Himself whoever turns to Him." We can see in this verse that to Allah there is only one religion Din, as He didn't say religions Adyan. So the real religion is the one that follows the rules and commands of Allah only. The name of this religion is Islam. Allah says in Chapter 3 Verse 19, "Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam. And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them out of jealous animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allah, indeed, Allah is swift in taking account.”

III. What are the accepted faiths other than Islam? Allah says in Chapter 3 Verse 85, "And whoever desires other than Islam as religion, it will never be accepted from him; and he, in the hereafter, will be among the losers." It doesn't mean that those who passed away before Islam will go to hell. However, if we read all the verses here, we will find that Allah mentioned already that the only accepted religion is the one in which we worship Allah alone and never associate others with Him.

IV. How Islam deals with other faiths? In Islam, there are rules of dealing with non-Muslims. A. Non-Muslims living in a Muslim country If there are non-Muslims living with Muslims in a Muslim country, Muslims should not only protect these non-Muslims from any enemies, but also respect


13

them and allow them to worship in their ways as long as they are not hurting or touching Islam as religion. Meanwhile, these non-Muslims should pay the Jizyah to the country which is protecting them and offering them all the public facilities. This Jizyah is only 1% of the yearly saving, yet the Zakat Muslims are paying is 2.5% of the yearly saving. Muslims should treat non-Muslims nicely, friendly, and they should introduce Islam to them by talking and actions as well. In Islam, Muslims should wish the best for everyone and the best for them is to become Muslims, so Muslims should do their best to help others to understand Islam in the right way. If anyone knows Islam in the right way, he would love to join it. B. Muslims living in a non-Muslim country When Muslims are living in a non-Muslim country, they should follow the rules of the country as a law. But if the law is against Islam, the Muslims shouldn't follow it, as long as it is within the legal zone. However, if it is obligatory to follow the law, these Muslims should leave the country and move to other places where they can live without disobeying Allah. C. General situation When any non-Muslim asks for protection, Muslims should offer it to him. Allah says in Chapter 9 Verse 6, "And if any of the polytheists seeks your protection, grant him protection, so that he may hear the words of Allah. Then deliver him to his place of safety. This is because they are people who do not know the truth."

V. Other faiths not written in Quran Allah says in Chapter 40 Verse 78, "And We have already sent messengers before you. Among them are those whose stories We have related to you, and among them are those whose stories We have not related to you. And none of the messengers could bring a sign or verse except under the permission of Allah. So when the command of Allah comes, it will be concluded in truth, and the falsifiers will thereupon lose all." So we believe that there are a lot of messengers not mentioned in Quran. But according to Quran, we should understand that any belief asking or ordering people to associate anyone with Allah is not a belief from Him, and it is definitely not accepted by Allah.

VI. Conclusion Islam is a reformer of all nations, periods, tribes, and beliefs. Islam is not against any belief as long as it is not hurting Muslims. Everyone has the right to believe and worship whatever he/she finds it is better and true, and Islam is not forcing anyone to become a Muslim, as everyone will get the result of his/her deeds on judgment day. Allah says in Chapter 2 Verse 256, "There shall be no compulsion in acceptance of the religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong. So whoever disbelieves in devil and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold with no break in it. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing."


14

Food and diet in Islam

I. Introduction

Allah says in Chapter 7 Verse 31, "O children of Adam, make yourselves tidy,

clean, and good looking whenever you go to the mosque; but do not be

excessive in eating and drinking. Indeed, He doesn't like those who commit

excess."

He also says in Chapter 2 Verse 172, "O you who have believed, eat from the

good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is

indeed Him that you worship."

Allah created many kinds of food and ordered us not to be excessive, not only

in eating and drinking, but also in everything, including time, health, money, and

enjoyment.

II. Why is there prohibition of some food in Islam?

Allah is the Creator of everything. He is the Creator of the earth and all what is

on it; of the universe and all what is within it; of the sky and all what is under it.

Allah knows what He is creating and He says in Chapter 67 Verse 14, "The

Creator does know what He has created; He is the subtle, the acquainted."

Since He created pig, why has He prohibited us from eating it? It is because

the mission of pig is not to be eaten for feeding the humans but to clean the earth,

as its capability of eating bad things is different from that of other animals. In

addition to pigs, all the carnivores such as lions, tigers, and eagles are also

prohibited.

Nevertheless, the abiding of the rules is for distinguishing a real Muslim who

is practicing Islam in the righteous way from others.

III. What is the meaning of Halal food?

A. What is Halal? In Arabic, the word Halal means permitted or lawful. Halal foods are foods

allowed under Islamic dietary guidelines. According to these guidelines from the

Quran, Muslims cannot consume the followings:

pork or pork by products

animals that were dead prior to slaughtering

animals not slaughtered properly or not slaughtered in the name of Allah

blood by products

alcohol

carnivorous animals

birds of prey


15

anything harming our bodies (eg. drugs, cigarette, etc.)

B. Why Halal?

Halal is one of the most humane methods of slaughtering animals.

Muslims are taught through the Quran that all animals should be treated

with respect and well cared for. The goal is to slaughter the animal in a

way limiting the pain the animal will undergo.

When an animal is slaughtered, the jugular veins are cut and the blood is

allowed to drain from the animal. This way not only reduces the pains to

the limit but also makes the fat along with the toxic go out rapidly with the

blood.

Halal is one of the most humane ways of treating animals.

Utilitarian injections or intakes such as hormone, antibiotic and pesticide

are forbidden. Cattles such as ox or sheep should be fed with grass only,

so artificial fodder is not allowed.

It is allowed to consume marine animals only when they die naturally after

leaving water, which allows their soul to leave the body peacefully. Any

ways of hammering, slaughtering, or boiling-alive the marine animals with

nervous system are forbidden.

No matter land or marine animals, they should be treated with respect both

in their lifetime and at dying moment.

Halal is one of the healthiest ways of diet.

Allah teaches us the righteous way of diet for us to be healthy both

physically and mentally. The ways of raising and slaughtering animals

provide us with clean and healthy meat. Following the Halal ways keeps us

away from toxicant things that harm not only our bodies but also our minds.

Allah didn’t ask us to be vegetarians. He only asks us to follow His

guidelines for us to enjoy food and life He blessed in the righteous and

enjoyable way.

IV. Conclusion

We should appreciate what Allah has given us, and the best way to do it is to

follow His rules and commands. To appreciate the food He has given us is not to

waste it, but to share it with the poor who do not have the ability to buy it, and to

respect it and never throw it away or damage it.

Allah says in Chapter 17 Verse 26~27, "Give the relative his right, as well as

the poor and the traveler. Do not spend wastefully. Indeed, the wasteful are

brothers of the devils; Satan has always been ungrateful to his Lord."


16

Economy and Finance in Islam

I. Generosity with wisdom

Allah says in Chapter 17 Verse 29, "And do not be stingy, nor commit excess

and thereby become blamed and insolvent."

One of the names of Allah is “the generous,” and His generosity is in

everything— giving us life, arranging the earth and the cosmos perfectly for us to

meet our needs. He is generous in His mercy and His forgiveness.

Therefore, we should all be generous, but with wisdom; that is, neither

extravagant nor stingy. We have to understand that all what we have is from

Allah, and we will leave them all one day. This is why we should use what Allah

has given us according to His orders.

II. Moderate consumption

Allah says in Chapter 6 Verse 141, "And He causes gardens to grow, both

trellised and not trellised, palm trees and crops of different kinds, olives and

pomegranates, similar and dissimilar. Eat a part of its fruit when it yields and give

its alms on the day of its harvest. And do not be excessive. Indeed, He does not

like those who commit excess."

The rules of Allah are reformers in every period of time and everywhere in the

world. If we follow His rules, we will be safe in this life and in the hereafter.

III. Forbidding interest

Interest is not allowed in Islam, and this is for the protection of the society,

because it causes envy, hatred, and animosity. Allah says in Chapter 2 Verse

276, "Allah will never bless anything with interest, but will increase the blessing to

those with charity. And Allah does not like disbelievers and those who are

committing sins."

And in Chapter 3 Verse 130, "O you who have believed, do not consume

usury, doubled and multiplied; fear Allah, so you may be successful."

IV. Forbidding gambling

Gambling is not allowed in Islam because of the same reasons as interest.

Allah says in Chapter 5 Verse 91, "Satan wants only to cause animosity and

hatred between you through intoxicants and gambling, and to avert you from the

remembrance of Allah and prayer. So will you not desist?"


17

V. Forbidding Monopoly

Monopoly in Islam is not allowed because it destroys the society and the

relations between each other.

VI. Paying Zakat

Zakat(alms) is the third pillar in Islam. The Muslim who is able to pay Zakat

but refuses to do it is not a Muslim and will be punished on judgment day. Allah

says in Chapter 9 Verse 34~35, "To those who hoard gold and silver and never

donate or pay Zakat of it, give them tidings of a painful punishment. * On that day,

the hoarded will be heated in the fire of hell and the seared therewith will be their

foreheads, their flanks, and their backs. Angels will tell them, ‘This is what you

hoarded for yourselves, so taste what you used to hoard.’"

There are two kinds of Zakat; one for our bodies, the other on our extra

properties.

The Zakat for the body is equal to the price of 2.5kg rice in these days, and

the Zakat on what we own is 2.5% of the total extra property we have for one

year.

Zakat is for the purpose of purifying our bodies and belongings from the evil

things, as well as for getting blessing from Allah. Allah says in Chapter 9 Verse

103, "Take, O Muhammad, from their wealth a charity by which you purify them

and make them increase and invoke Allah 's blessings upon them. Indeed, your

invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is hearing and knowing."

VII. Conclusion

If all Muslims follow the rules of Islam in everything, there will never be poor

people in the world, neither will there be any kind of corruption. According to the

rules of Allah, Muslims should stop anyone who is causing corruption.

Allah says in Chapter 5 Verse 33, "Indeed, the penalty for those who wage

war against Allah and His messenger and strive to cause corruption on the earth

is none but that they be killed or crucified, or that their hands and feet be cut off

from opposite sides, or that they be exiled from the land. That is for them a

disgrace in this world; and for them in the hereafter is a great punishment."

arabic area before islam - omarhananis.com culture.pdf · the meaning of “sunnah of the...

Documents