Sin, Repentance, Forgiveness, Gratitude and Love

Sin, Repentance, Forgiveness, Gratitude and Love

Commonly, non-Muslims fail to understand the role of these important concepts in Islam.
Islam is accused of being very legalistic, without much concern for spiritual matters.
Christians commonly think that Islam teaches that we can earn forgiveness by our actions.
So, when compared to their concept of the Messiah dying for our forgiveness, they see Islam
as inferior.
In fact, Islam teaches that there can be no forgiveness, except through Allah’s (God’s) mercy.
Muhammad said “No one will attain salvation by virtue of his actions.” The people asked,
“not even you, Messenger of Allah?” He said “Not even me, unless Allah covers me with His
mercy and blessings.”
A person must repent to Allah, asking for His forgiveness. He knows all the while that it is
only by Allah’s grace that he may be guided to the truth and so be successful. He is filled
with gratitude and love for his Lord and so becomes closer to and loved by his Lord. He is in
awe of Allah’s mercy, which is hugely more grateful than the mercy a mother has for her
child. Allah even shows mercy to those who disbelieve in and hate Him and have no
gratitude for all that he gives them, yet he still continues to sustain them. They have much
pleasure in this life, but in the next they will be the losers.
“And of mankind are some who take others besides Allah as rivals (to Allah). They love them
as they love Allah, but the believers are love Allah more. If only those wrongdoers could see,
when they see the torment, that all power belongs to Allah and that Allah is severe in
punishment.” (Quran chapter 2, verse 165)
“If you love Allah, then follow me (i.e. Muhammad), Allah will love you and forgive your sins.
Allah is oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Quran chapter 3, verse 31)
It was reported that the Prophet stayed up all night, standing until his feet became swollen.
When he was asked “Why are you doing this, when Allah has forgiven all your past and
future wrong actions?” he replied, “Should I not be a grateful worshipper?”
A Muslim’s following of the Shariah is not merely like a worker working to earn their wage.
Rather, it is an expression of his love and gratitude for Allah, and it stems from his trust in
Allah’s solutions being the best way to solve his problems.
“And march forth to forgiveness from your Lord and to paradise as wide as the heavens and
the earth, prepared for the pious.” (Quran chapter 3, verse 133)

Prophets and Messengers

Prophets and Messengers

If a human being realises that all things in the Universe, including humanity, are created
matter – created by a Creator – that still does not explain how to live our lives.
Across the centuries and continents, human beings show a consistent instinctual
characteristic to worship and revere something else. Some people revere the earth itself,
others construct artificial idols as a focus for their worship. Historically, this latter form of
religion revolved around idol worship, but in modern times we have seen other men form
the focus for worship – the rich and famous, the Communist party, Marx or Lenin.
Realising that all things have been created does not solve how one worships the Creator or
indeed, whether or not the Creator would like people to live their lives in a certain way.
Without any guidelines people would have differing views of how to live and how to
worship; differing views of what’s good and bad, right or wrong. That, history tells us, proves
a recipe for conflict as one person’s views conflict with another.
So, we can see that there is a need for guidance from the Creator, and a need for guides.
These are Prophets and Messengers sent throughout history to guide humanity.
There were many such prophets and messengers sent to different peoples at different times.
Some are known to us from the Quran and include most of those known to Jews and
Christians as well. These include:
Adam (Adam)
Nuh (Noah)
Ibrahim (Abraham)
Lut (Lot)
Isma’il (Ishmael)
Is'haq (Isaac)
Yaqub (Jacob)
Yusuf (Joseph)
Musa (Moses)
Harun (Aaron)
Dawud (David)
Sulayman (Solomon)
Zakariyya (Zechariah)
Yahya (John the Baptist)
Isa (Jesus)
Muslims ask for God’s Peace and Blessings to be sent upon all the Prophets and make no
distinction between them in terms of conviction and respect.
The Prophet Muhammad was the last in this long line, and distinguished by the fact that the
message he brought was not for one tribe, nor one time, but the last and final testament for
the whole of humanity. The nature of the message he brought was such that it covers all
manner of human problems, and could be applied to the new and emerging realities over
the coming centuries.

The Elderly - a forgotten class

The Elderly - a forgotten class

Is it not wholly shameful that sections of the elderly community in Britain are suffering from malnutrition?
We send satellites into orbit. We invade far flung countries and stockpile nuclear warheads. We can tell African nations how to feed their people. But the older man or woman who is our neighbour could be malnourished. How shameful is that?
A recent report from Help the Aged (12/2/2009) has highlighted this problem. What it does not ask is why this happens? How can it be that the elderly in Britain, even at the peak of economic prosperity can go hungry?
These people may have reached an age when they need to be looked after, but if their family does not look after them, and the community services or government run institutions don’t notice them, then they are left to fend on their own. Were the report to be about animals being malnourished we might feel ashamed. But we are talking about human beings and the most senior people in society, who have contributed for the longest!
Can it be that the elderly are simply abandoned by society in a relatively ‘rich’ and ‘prosperous’ first world country? There may well be an economic crisis now, but the research was conducted in boom time.
Some years ago, a character in a TV advert told his mother to go to an old people’s home, so that he could turn her bedroom into a snooker room and because his children are scared of her. Although this was supposed to be a humorous advert, it is nevertheless a dark reflection of how people think and what people do.
Islam never allows the abandonment of the elderly. As they looked after us when we were children, so should we look after them when as they grow older.
“And your Lord has commanded you not to worship other than Him and to be kind to your parents. If one of them or both of them reach old age then do not say Uff (meaning words indicating one’s irritation or impatience) to them and do not turn away from them with angry words, and address them with kind words. And lower the wings of humility in mercy and say ‘O Lord be merciful to them as they cared for me when I was a child’” (Quran chapter 17, verse 23)
The Prophet taught that “Paradise lies at the feet of mothers”. This responsibility is not a favour being
returned, but a privilege to do, for Islam places much reward at those who look after their family members, whether they are not old, and whether Muslim or not!
The financial burden of looking after elderly family members is overlooked in Islam simply because the greater outlook of life is not about grabbing more money, but being accountable for responsibilities. This mentality flowers because in Islam weight is given to the family as well as the individual. In other words, responsibilities are both familial and community based as well as individually based. Islam views the elderly in a position of honour and respect, valued for their wisdom and experience and even though sometimes infirm, can still have a major role on the family.
It does not end there. When children see their mother and father looking after their parents, and the young help in this responsibility, is this not the best practical lesson a child can receive?
Islam teaches a wholly different approach to the most senior people in our families and communities. This approach works properly when working with a whole new outlook in life, one which encompasses a spiritual outlook on life, and how it affects the life we live today and tomorrow. The older family members should live their later years in happiness and care, surrounded by the family and extended family, so much so that they still have roles to play, that of the grandparents/great grandparents who help, advise and guide younger members of the family. Left alone their wisdom, experience and is not only wasted but it brings a collective shame and begs the question about how civilised society really is.

Racism: How Islam Abolished It

Racism: How Islam Abolished It

The Arab world of the seventh century was one of tribal loyalties and conflict. Lineage was everything and a person was known from his tribe and genealogy before he was known as an individual. Loyalty to one’s tribe was paramount and wars between tribes were frequent and fundamental.
A similar picture could be seen in many parts of the world including Africa, Europe and Asia. In Britain, the 7th century saw the invasion of the Angles, the Saxons and the Jutes each taking different parts of the country.
Kings of different regions were expected to be constantly at war and their power was only as strong as their abilities in battle. Thus there were kings of Wessex, Mercia and Northumbria to name but a few. Ultimately they were invaded by the Vikings and the Normans.
It was in this tribal society that Islam emerged. It rapidly gained followers from different tribes and different races, each adopting the new Islamic identity that overtook tribal allegiances. Tribes that had for years been at war with each other embraced the new religion and old feuds were abandoned in the spirit of brotherhood. Over just 20 years from the emergence of Muhammad as a Prophet, almost all the tribes of the Arabian Peninsula had been united as one nation and by 100 years this unity had extended to India, Africa, central Asia, China and Europe. This melting pot of tolerance was governed by statements from the Qur’an and the Prophet’s last sermon before he died in which he stated:
All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor does a black have any superiority over white except by piety and good action.
These words are sacred to Muslims.
But weren’t Muslims complicit in selling slaves to the West?
Unfortunately there were some Muslims involved in the slave trade. However, Islam began the movement to liberate slaves by making it praiseworthy to free slaves and compulsory in some cases.
Slavery in the Arab world was very different from that in Western Europe and North America. The image of the slave trade portrayed by Alex Haley in Roots of poor illiterate black men being whipped while picking cotton or laying down railways while their women were raped and abused, is a real experience. But slavery  existed in the Arabian peninsula, as elsewhere in the 7th Century, but was not necessarily an issue of racial discrimination. Arabs enslaved Arabs, Romans enslaved other Europeans.
Islam approached it in a completely different way. At the time of the Prophet Muhammad people freed their slaves and later these slaves married their old Masters own daughters! Imagine a white farmer during the times of slavery freeing their slave and marrying them to their daughter. This was happening in Islam more than 1000 years ago. Moreover being from a slave background did not place one in a social class restricted ones opportunities once freed. There were “slaves” under Islamic states who were generals of armies or even political leaders.
But if Islam Unites People, why is there so much division within the Islamic World?
It is sadly true that today, the Muslim world is divided and in many cases there is distrust and conflict
between Muslims of different regions. This is under the influence of nationalism and secularism, not Islam. It is in fact the remnants of Islam that exist within these countries that bridge the divisions that have crept in.
During the Islamic era, Arabs settled in Zanzibar, Tanzania, Central Asia and India. People intermarried and there was certainly no question of double standards between people of different races. Compare this with the lack of integration and later massacres when the French landed in Algeria, the Italians in Libya and the British in India.

Islam, Muslims and “Free speech”

Islam, Muslims and “Free speech”

Islam has a history of over a thousand years of intellectual and scientific and progress. When Europe was in the 'Dark Ages' the Islamic society produced scholars that were to become the reference points for medicine, chemistry, mathematics, architecture and many other fields of science and engineering. According to historians of science, the Muslims were the cause for bringing Europe out of the darkness of ignorance.
Robert Briffault in the "Making of Humanity" states the following:
"For Although there is not a single aspect of European growth in which the decisive influence of Islamic Culture is not traceable, nowhere is it so clear and momentous as in the genesis of that power which constitutes the permanent distinctive force of the modern world, and the supreme source of its victory, natural science and the scientific spirit…The debt of our science to that of the Arabs does not consist in startling discoveries or revolutionary theories, science owes a great deal more to Arab culture, it owes its existence."
Freedom of speech, however, is not a necessity for progress and development. This is an assumption based upon Europe's historical struggle against the Church that prevented intellectual progress and investigation.
Muslims do not have the same historical baggage. However, freedom of speech in its pure meaning, the unrestricted expression of oneself, does not actually exist, cannot exist and one would be dishonest or deluded to imagine it really does exist. If we examine Western secular states who advocate freedom of speech we can see that it has never existed. There are many restrictions; for example there are hate speech laws, defamation laws, libel laws etc. In reality people can express themselves within the context of the law, and not with the unrestricted freedom that is often implied in the media.
But, this illustrates a contradiction when Islam and Muslims are attacked under the banner of freedom of speech. There are laws in place to prevent offending religious minorities such as Jews, but no similar level of protection for others. Take the Danish cartoons insulting the Prophet Muhammad, as an example. If such cartoons characterising holocaust denial were produced they would be viewed as incisive and potentially prosecutions would follow. When it came to the Muslims it was a different story.
Even if one were to ignore the apparent contradictions, it can be argued that civilised society cannot engage with one another positively if anyone can say whatever they want. Initiating dialogue by abusing one another will not produce positive results. The norms of civility that prevent people from wantonly insulting each other, is not practiced when it comes to Islam these days.
The Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad, encourage thinking and debate.
"Invite to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful speech; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious. For your Lord knows best who have strayed from His Path and who receive guidance."
(Quran chapter 16, verse 25)
There are also many evidences that do not simply ‘allow’ accounting political authority, rather they positively oblige it upon each and every Muslim. The Islamic concept of ‘enjoining what is good’ and ‘forbidding what is evil’ is a well known matter from Shariah texts and has been written about by many scholars. The Prophet once said: ‘The best jihad is the word of truth to the tyrant ruler’. This must be done, and can be done by individuals, political groups, or an independent media. This is all reflected in our history and scholarship.
However, abuse, slander, gossip and unrestricted forms of expression that create hatred, discourage true dialogue, and generally degrade society is not allowed to the one who believes in Islam. This is aptly put by the Quran itself:
“And insult not those whom they worship besides Allah, lest they insult Allah wrongfully without knowledge.
Thus We have made fair-seeming to each people its own doings; then to their Lord is their return and He shall then inform them of all that they used to do." (Quran chapter 6, verses 108)

Islam’s Penal Code

Islam’s Penal Code

The Islamic penal code cannot be viewed from a secular perspective, for two main
reasons:
Firstly, both Islamic and Secular societies are built upon ways of life based upon different
values. Hence, their view towards crime and punishment will be very different.
For example in secular British law there is no legal sanction for a citizen if they neglected
a stranger who was drowning. However in the Islamic law the bystander could be
prosecuted for not attempting to rescue the victim. The effect of values and culture
can also be seen in the differences between varying secular states. In short, different
values and cultures give rise to different perspectives.
Secondly, Islam’s various laws are interconnected. Islam is a holistic and comprehensive
system for life. They create an environment less likely to produce crime due to its values,
a stable family structure underpinning the society, economic support for the weakest,
but also harsh punishments likely to deter all but the most ruthless criminals.
Take the punishment for theft in Islam as an example. The punishment for theft (cutting
the thief’s hand) is dependent upon the proper application of just Islamic economic
laws where food, shelter and clothing are guaranteed by the State. No hand gets cut if
the theft was committed out of need. It is also built upon the existence of Godconsciousness
in society and upon the State not promoting excessive materialism.
Secular capitalist States, such as Britain, allow marketing campaigns which promote
and encourage debt, which is considered unjust and illegal under Islamic law. A thief’s
hand should not be cut in such an environment. However, if he was in an Islamic
environment, motivated by greed, stealing from a secure place, then Islamic law states
that it should. This follows a process where people are truly innocent until proven guilty,
as much higher levels of proof are needed than in any Western court.
Islamic punishments are harsh, but Muslims completely reject the accusation that these
rules are barbaric. The burden of proof required to prove a crime with certainty are
much higher than in the west - small amounts of doubt would mean punishments could
not be implemented. These punishments serve as effective deterrents to ward off the
occurrence of crime in society. Allah views oppressive trials and hardship as worse than
killing, hence for some crimes, death is a suitable punishment.
"Fitnah is more grave than killing." (Quran chapter 2, verses 217)
Islamic law actually gives the defendant greater basic rights, but also recognises that
the community has rights too. The law exists to protect both, defining when one
outweighs the other. This point seems to have been lost in Britain today where, sadly,
anti-social behaviour, violent crime, robbery and burglary are common place, leaving
ordinary citizens, particularly the elderly, feeling increasingly unsafe.

Islam and Secularism

Islam and Secularism

Democracy is a system of government where political power is said to be held by the people
and exercised by citizens through their elected representatives. As humans make mistakes, it is
considered that no one person should be trusted with too much power, therefore authority is
divided.
Secularism was born out of the relationship between the Church and enlightened philosophy in
Europe from the seventeenth century, and persists until present times. Kings, princes and the
aristocracy had had enough of the clergy, wanting to restrict the power of the Church, so that
they could hold more control themselves. Philosophers and reformers also wanted to limit the
Church’s authority, hence devised new ideas which focused more on the individuals’ rights in
society and less on the rights of God.
Eventually the clergy lost all political power and are now restricted to moral preaching on
Sundays, at most. People came to lose their belief in God’s importance in their lives, and started
worshipping at the alter of man, his mind, his philosophies, his secularism. Now, a person may
believe in God, and may adhere to some personal ethical religious code, but that is where the
relationship with God ends. Their belief in God is not allowed to influence their role in public life.
In fact, they are more likely to be influenced by the society’s secular values than the other way
around, as these are more dominant, whereas religion is always a personal matter. Hence, the
people have become secular. Secularism, therefore, is where religion has been separated from
the society, its values, institutions and government.
Islam is not secular, as it does not separate religion from life or political power. Allah says in the
Quran:
"Do they then seek the judgement of Ignorance? And who is better in judgement than Allah for
a people who have firm belief" (Quran chapter 5, verse 50)
The Messenger Muhammad exemplified the way in which Islam has come to solve problems for
the individual, the family, the community and the State. As the Messenger of Allah with authority
established upon a pledge of support from the people, he was also the temporal ruler over
them after his migration to Madinah, showing Muslims how Islam and state are intertwined. This
continued after his death, as he had told the Muslims to continue this practice. The Messenger
Muhammad said:
"The children of Israel used to be ruled by their prophets. Whenever a prophet died another
prophet succeeded him, but there will be no prophet after me. There will be Khulafa (Caliphs)
and they will number many. They asked: What then do you order us? He said: Fulfil the pledge of
allegiance to them one after the other and give them their due. Surely Allah will ask them about
what He entrusted them with."
Islam requires Muslims to implement the rules and laws of Islam in society by its institutions, and
departments of government at a state level. Such a state would also encourage the Islamic
values and morals in the people; however, it does not spy on the private matters of each citizen,
to check whether or not they were abiding by the personal Shariah rules. Rather, the state
concerns itself with providing a good education, facilitating the spread of Islamic values and
ideas and preventing corruption, whether that is from the media or crime.
How is it that Allah only tells people about spiritual, but not worldly matters? In effect Secularism
is the belief that people think they know better than Allah, their Creator, regarding life's affairs,
whilst Muslims reject this idea completely.

‘Terrorism’ and Political violence: man-made or inspired by God?

‘Terrorism’ and Political violence: man-made or inspired by God?

Some world events and much propaganda have made association between Islam and political
violence, or ‘terrorism’ in particular, in a way that suggests it is something inherently linked to
Islam. This view is a serious distortion of the truth.
The phenomenon of “suicide bombing” was employed across other races and creeds – notably
Japan, Sri Lanka and India - and for different political ends long before the label was attached
to Muslims, and illustrates that it is driven by a number of political factors rather than theological
beliefs.
Professor Robert Pape’s study published in his book “Dying to Win: The Logic of Suicide Terrorism,” includes a database of every suicide attack around the world from 1980 to early 2004. Some of his assertions will surprise some:
• The world leaders in suicide attacks are the Tamil Tigers of Sri Lanka – a Marxist, secular
group.
• Two thirds of Muslim 'suicide bombers' have emerged from countries where US forces have
had or are still maintaining military forces.
• The rise of suicide attackers in Iraq is due to the presence of US forces. There were no suicide
attacks in Iraq before the 2003 invasion.
According to his study the proponents of such attacks claim that political injustice is the
justification for these extreme actions. It is therefore crucial that acts of political violence are put
into the context of the theatre in which they occur and the type of people who engage in
them.
Regarding the July 2005 bombings in London, the British government was forewarned that its
involvement in the catastrophic US invasion of Iraq had increased Britain's vulnerability to the
threat of retaliation. The leaked report from the UK's Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC), which
predated the attacks, warned: "Events in Iraq are continuing to act as motivation and a focus of
a range of terrorist related activity in the UK".
In April 2005, a report drawn up by the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) entitled "International
Terrorism: Impact of Iraq" was even more explicit, stating: "We judge that the conflict in Iraq has
exacerbated the threat from international terrorism and will continue to have an impact in the
long term. It has reinforced the determination of terrorists who were already committed to
attacking the West and motivated others who were not."
The Iraq war does not justify the 7/7 attacks at all, but we need to understand the roots of the
problem, not simply to allow the label of terrorism to be lazily and falsely attached to Islam. Iraq
is but one specific case study, but those who engage in political violence from whichever
theological or political background will tend to act in response to an act of aggression or
repression, wherever in the world that is. It does not occur in isolation.
The Muslim world is at the mercy of autocratic tyrants and has been ravaged by poverty and
war with successive occupations by foreign powers. There are many political factors that inspire
violence but Islam itself does not. Islam is used as a justification by some for their political
grievances and this is to be expected as the people of that land are Muslim. Attributing such
violence to Islam fails to take into account the history of political violence across cultures,
religions and ideologies. Islam’s name has become caught up in the battle, but people should
be in no doubt the issue is about injustice and oppression.

Women under the Shariah?

Women under the Shariah?

It is widely believed in the West that Islam subjugates women. Many believe that men force women
to cover their hair, to stay at home chained to the stove, that women should remain uneducated
and weak as second class citizens within an Islamic society. Therefore, they call for the liberation of
Muslim women through the abandonment of Islamic tradition, to take on Western values. So how
does Islam view women?
Islam considers women equal to men in the most important regard: that both men and women are
addressed by Allah (God) in His revelation, the Quran, with similar rights, duties and prohibitions. Men and women will be accounted for what Allah asked of them and will not be accountable for what was not asked of them. One is not considered better or more worthy than the other.
However, men and women were addressed differently by Allah in some matters, so, in His Wisdom, He has made men and women the same in some things and different in others. For example, both men
and women pray five times each day, fast the month of Ramadan and have the right to own
property. Also both men and women are not allowed to steal, murder or have sexual relationships
outside of marriage. The penalties for men and women are the same under the Shariah. However,
women are not obliged to pray at the Mosque on Fridays, to provide monetarily for their families or to join the army during times of war, as men are.
Women can work and are encouraged to gain a good education. In Western societies, women are
strongly encouraged, almost obliged, to seek paid employment. If a woman chooses to stay at
home and look after her children, she is derided, so many women feel pressurised to work. This has a
severe impact on family life and her children’s upbringing. Britain today has real growing problems
with the youth; teenage pregnancies, broken homes, vandalism, theft and even murder. Politicians
are struggling to find answers. The increasingly negative Western youth culture problem, whilst not
entirely stemming from the home, is certainly not helped by having busy, exhausted and even absent
mothers, even though she is more affluent than before.
In Islam, the highest and most respected position within society is that of a mother. The Prophet said
“Paradise is at your mothers feet”. Women are regarded as being crucial to the vitality and wellbeing
of the entire society. Children are the future of all nations and they deserve the best possible
start in life. Who is better placed to raise well balanced, well mannered children than their mothers?
Therefore Muslim women do not feel pressurised to work and, hence, have a real choice to stay at
home to give their children a stable and attentive upbringing. However, if she so chooses, she is
permitted to find suitable work.
The Shariah itself is based upon the example of the Prophet Muhammad, which owes a lot to the
testimonies of his wives, daughters and other women. Their individual narration is considered to be
just as valuable by scholars as the testimony of a man. A single woman is equivalent to a man in
sighting the moon for the advent of Ramadan, one of the pillars of Islam.
So the law itself is based on the testimony of women, the scholars who derive this law can be women
and the judges who apply the law can be women. It is clearly not the case that women are
considered to be second to men in the eyes of the law or less reliable witnesses. There are some
cases where the legal testimony of a woman is valued as that of a man such as cases of adultery as
follows:
“And as for those who accuse their own wives (of adultery), but have no witnesses except
themselves, let each of these call God Four times to witness that he is indeed telling the truth. But (as
for the wife, all) chastisement shall be averted from her by her calling God four times to witness that
he is indeed telling a lie.” (Quran Chapter 24, verses 6-8)
The stipulation of requiring two women to replace one man as witness is mentioned in the Quran in
the context of the writing of a contract for a loan. Hence, the testimony of two women is equal to the
testimony of one man in actions which take place amongst the male community and in the public
life. The testimony of women is accepted on its own, in matters which take place amongst the
female community, where there are no men present, such as a crime which is committed in the
ladies' room. This is understood by the fact that men and women take different roles in an Islamic
society, with there being some spheres in public life that most women will not be familiar with, due to their normal non-involvement in such matters.
Some scholars have extended this to serious violent crime, such as murder, on the premise that
women were normally protected from such crimes and, hence, may require support in their
testimony although this is not stipulated in the Quran or example of the Prophet). It is unfortunate that in the 21st century under liberal secularism, no-one is safe from violent crimes including the elderly, women and children and so all are frequently required as witnesses for such crimes.
These judgements on witnesses are made on a case by case basis according to the facts of the
crime or dispute in question. The Shariah does have mechanisms to differentiate between men and
women and in what situation their witness is more useful but this in no way implies that the testimony of a woman is less reliable than that of a man in Islam or that they are inferior in the eyes of the law.
Allah tells women to cover themselves so that they be recognised as pious Muslim women and so are
not bothered by men. It is a dress code intended to ensure respect and decency in the interactions
between men and women in society. The head-to-toe covering of Muslim women, with the
exception of their hands and face, is described in the Quran as the places where their jewellery is
worn. Hence, male strangers’ attention is not grabbed, so are not attracted to her, as she puts on no
dazzling display. Men are also required to dress modestly.
This dress code is not, as some have suggested, to subjugate women, nor to prevent men from
lechery or worse. It is completely incorrect in Islam to say that a woman who does not cover is
“asking for trouble.” Whether a woman is covered Islamically or not, a Muslim man is obliged to lower his gaze, treat her with respect and decency. Her dress code is not seen as a criterion or justification for illicit actions, or treating her with anything other than the utmost respect.
Western societies have a different dress code. In general, both men and women, but especially
women, are under enormous pressure to conform to the fashions of the day, which revolve around
promoting female images most likely to be attractive to men. Often this includes a relative increase in
the amount of skin displayed and a relative reduction in the amount of cloth as covering. Observing
Western Society, it is apparent that it does not promote men to treat women with respect and
decency or vice versa. Men are commonly encouraged to be lecherous and often speak of women
in the most derogatory terms. Women are virtually traded as commodities and objects of lust or
desire by corporations in their advertising campaigns. Women feel under pressure to adhere to
unrealistic images of perfection; undoubtedly responsible for the increasing low self-esteem, eating
disorders and depression among women. The Western dress code achieves an admiration of a sort,
although often unwanted, but affords no real respect. Allah, in His Greatness, has given Muslims a
different dress code, as part of a comprehensive social system and it is not surprising that many
Muslim women choose it over other dress codes.
Women and men are not the same. Allah, with His Knowledge and Wisdom, has made for men and
women different roles, rights, responsibilities and duties. Allah addressed all men and women equally
as human beings in the Quran. However, when these rights and duties relate to the nature of a
female, in her description as a female, and they relate to the nature of her position in the community
and her place in society, or when they relate to the nature of the man in his description as a male,
and they relate to the nature of his position in the community and his place in society; then these
rights and duties will inevitably be different between the man and woman. For example, men have
been given the responsibility of protecting women, providing for them and upholding their dignity.
This does not make women less than men in any way, but enhances the balance and harmony that
exists within an enlightened Islamic society.

Capital Punishment in Islam

Capital Punishment in Islam

In Islam, punishments are not enacted by individuals, vigilante groups or aggrieved family members.
They can only be carried out by a legitimate legal authority, such as the elected government of an
Islamic State. For some crimes, murder for example, Islam does recognise capital punishment for
those found guilty beyond doubt. The death penalty is not viewed solely as a punishment, but also
serves as a deterrent for the whole society. However, it is not a sole means, but arguably the hardest
measure in a series of measures in society that work to prevent crime.
Capital punishment is often criticised in Western secular societies who highly prioritise the rights of the individual over that of society. However, many in those same societies bemoan the fact that victims do not see adequate justice done and that the criminal justice system fails to deter crime and
protect society.
Islamic society considers both the individual’s rights as well as those of the wider community. An
Islamic society does not encourage the level of individualism that is encouraged in Western societies,
because responsibility to others is a paramount Islamic idea. A person is encouraged to value his
neighbour as well as himself. As a result, rampant selfishness, lack of concern for others and the ‘look after number one’ attitude should be reduced to a minimum.
The growing levels of violent crime among the youth in the UK impacts on the families of the victims emotionally, mentally and sometimes financially. Moreover, simple excursions like going to a quiet park, walking the streets after dark or frequenting town centres are now considered too risky for many ordinary folk. In any society, justice must be upheld, and be seen to be upheld, or else people lose confidence in the system. This would, in turn, lead to more individualism and so, to a vicious cycle of ‘looking after number one’. In societies like the United States, which often sets the trend for other western countries, this destructive individualism is actually encouraged and is now a prominent part of popular culture. However, the deterrent aspect of capital punishment is rarely realised there, yet, this does not mean that it will also not work in an Islamic society, which has completely different
values.
Islamic law insists upon a very high burden of proof before a designated court prior to any
punishment being carried out. In capital offences the level of proof has to be ‘beyond doubt' in
contrast to UK courts which require evidence to indicate guilt ‘beyond reasonable doubt’. So, a jury
could have doubt, but be persuaded to convict a person anyway. An Islamic judge would not be
allowed to convict in such circumstances. The Prophet Muhammad said: "Avert the hudud (corporal
and capital punishments ordained by Allah) as much as you can. So if there is a way out for him, let
him off. For verily, it is better for the Imam to err in pardoning than to err in punishment."
Islam views certain crimes very seriously - those which have a very serious effect upon the foundations of society. If the citizen’s lives, property, honour or values are not protected, then they lose trust in the society itself. The punishments must not be implemented in isolation of the rest of the Islamic Shariah laws, which prevent the causes of crime. For example, if a married man betrays his wife through an adulterous relationship, then the punishment is death, as long as the evidence is irrefutable (four witnesses of the act itself). However, Islamic society separates the men and women in normal life, such that temptation is reduced. It is forbidden for unmarried men and women to be alone together. Both should dress modestly, such that desire is not aroused in the other. Desire is not promoted through using provocative images in advertisements, lewd music or drama. Healthy marriages are promoted, promiscuity is shunned and abstinence is encouraged if necessary. Islamic values are different to Western values, so the punishments should be seen in their context.
Islamic law is unique in that it is holistic in solving human problems, dealing with values and the causes of crime. In this way, Islam truly protects individuals, families and communities from crime and vice. It deals with preventing problems as well as applying deterrent punishments justly; rather than having to resort to fire-fighting, finding scapegoats and inadequately treating the criminal symptoms of a broken society.

Who speaks for Islam?

Who speaks for Islam?

There are so many groups, organisations, councils and spokespersons for the Muslim
community that you would be forgiven for asking who speaks for Islam?
The simple answer is that no one person or group does. Islam has no clergy. The right of
understanding the message and interpretation belongs to each and every Muslim. Even if
two Muslims come to a different ruling based upon the same Islamic legal text, then they will
both be rewarded in the next life, so long as their effort was a sincere attempt to find Allah's
solution to a problem.
As we said, Islam does not recognise a clerical class. Any attempt to establish official
interpretations must be resisted by Muslims, as this inevitably takes Islam away from the
people and leads to it serving political whims of the day. However, Islam did give the
elected leader representing the Muslims (the khalifah or Caliph) the right to adopt a
particular ruling from amongst the authentic Shariah rules, to become an official adoption
for the governors and judges to rule with. Other opinions can still be aired to account the
ruler and ensure that only the strongest opinion is adopted.
However, even though Muslims all have the right to interpret, there are still clear guidelines
as to what is a valid interpretation. Simply put, it must be based upon the Islamic texts. If it
were a ruling to suit a vested interest, which was then justified by the text, then this would
not be called an Islamic ruling. It would simply be following one's desires and deserves
punishment, not reward. Allah says in the second chapter of the Quran "And if you followed
their desires after what knowledge has come to you, then you are surely an oppressor."
(Quran chapter 2, verse 120)
The basic condition for us to judge whether an opinion is permitted is that the text must
support the possibility of that interpretation. If it is a misquotation, out of context, or
contradicts other definitive texts, then it must be rejected.
Today, some people present un-Islamic opinions to serve political interests. They rely upon
the ignorance of general Muslims to get these rulings accepted. They misquote older
respected scholars to justify their modernist interpretations, despite the sometimes clear
irrelevance of such old opinions to modern issues.
Moreover, even if an older scholar was found to have an obscure opinion that the text did
not support, then it must also be rejected. Legal precedent is not a valid source of law for
Muslims.
Current attempts to establish official bodies of scholars to give localised rulings under the
pretext that they are building a consensus are doomed to failure, as they are politically
motivated attempts to silence opposition. Imposing respect for past consensus of all Muslims
has doubtful legal authority and is practically impossible to establish.
In short, an arrogant cheat who twists texts to serve his interests, would never speak for Islam,
even if he fooled most of the people. His intention is not purely to submit to Allah's Shariah,
which becomes exposed when his justifications are put to close scrutiny, even if he was a
master politician with a silver tongue.

How Islam views personal responsibility

How Islam views personal responsibility

When people decide not to be responsible, society becomes chaotic and fraught with
problems. When there is no sense of accountability in parents, children, politicians or
communities, then people suffer. The Prophet Muhammad said "I have been sent to
complete the qualities of good character".
In Islam, being accountable and responsible is paramount. Parents are responsible for
the upbringing of their children, to teach them properly, even to name them with good
names. The Prophet Muhammad said "You will be called on the day of judgment by
your names and your fathers’ names, so therefore, choose beautiful names". All this
means that they will have a good footing for when they are older by teaching them
properly from when they are young.
With the media attention on crime the spotlight is currently on the youth, but parents
also have a responsibility, just as society does. When young people see that the
common culture implies that you can do what you like, or they feel that they are not
responsible or accountable, then chaos rules.
Many verses in the Quran mention calling for good and speaking out against evil. "The
believers, men and women, are friends and helpers of one another, they encourage
good and prevent evil, they perform prayers and give the charity, and obey Allah and
His Messenger. Allah will have His mercy on them. Surely Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise."
(Quran chapter 9, verse 71)
This means that collectively, the society is responsible for itself in maintaining a healthy
environment. Islam teaches values of respect and responsibility, so people should have
respect for one another, not insulting each others beliefs. Lying is wrong and honesty is
right. Youngsters should respect their elders. People should look after their elderly
parents and not abandon them to old people’s homes etc. Society in the West is
primarily concerned with the individual and his rights - which emanates from
fundamental secular enlightenment principles. Islam has a view of society which is
communal, securing the rights of the community and the individual together.
The Messenger Muhammad said "Surely! Every one of you is a guardian and is
responsible for his charges: The Imam (ruler) of the people is a guardian and is
responsible for his subjects; a man is the guardian of his family (household) and is
responsible for his subjects; a woman is the guardian of her husband's home and of his
children and is responsible for them".
Responsibility and accountability go together like a hand and a tight fitting glove. As
the narration above shows, political accountability is primary in Islam, with responsibility
in the other aspects of society a close second.
So, people should be responsible and accountable during their time in this world. They
are accountable to their fellow citizens for upholding the Islamic values and conduct.
They are also accountable to Allah on the Day of Judgment when they will be
questioned about what they used to believe, say and do.

Islam’s view on the Devil

Islam’s view on the Devil

Muslims name the devil Iblis, or Shaytan (Satan). They understand him in quite a different way to
Christians. In Christianity the devil appears to have independent power and is the leader of hell. He is
a rival to God and a fallen angel.
Islam rejects these concepts. The devil is not a fallen angel. Angels were created without free will and
are always in obedience to Allah.
Shaytan is one of the creatures created from smokeless fire called the Jinn and they posses free will.
Shaytan has no independent power. There is no duality of power, as all power belongs to Allah and
Shaytan, like us, can only act because Allah has given him permission. However, he has no real
control over humans. In Islam, the devil and his followers can whisper, suggest and provoke, but
humans have the free choice whether to follow this whispering or not.
In the Quran Allah explains who the devil is, why and what he does without ambiguity.
“Behold, We said to the Angels, ‘Bow down to Adam’. They bowed down, except Iblis, He was one of the Jinn” (Quran chapter 18, verse 50)
“And surely, We created you (your father Adam) and then gave you shape, then We told the angels,
“Prostrate to Adam”, and they prostrated, except Iblis, he refused to be of those who prostrated.
Allah said: “What prevented you (O Iblis) that you did not prostrate when I commanded you?” Iblis
said: “I am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire and You created him from clay.” Allah
said: “O Iblis get down from this (Paradise), it is not for you to be arrogant here. Get out for you are of those humiliated and disgraced.” Iblis said: “Allow me respite till the Day they are raised up (Day of Resurrection).” Allah said: “You are of those allowed respite.” Iblis said: “Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path. Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left and You will not find most of them as thankful ones (they will not be dutiful to You).” Allah said: “Get out from Paradise, disgraced and expelled. Whoever of them (mankind) will follow you, then surely I will fill Hell with you all.”
And O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in Paradise, and eat thereof as you both wish, but approach
not this tree otherwise you both will be of the unjust, wrongdoers.” Then Shaytan whispered
suggestions to them both in order to uncover that which was hidden from them of their private parts
before, he said: “Your Lord did not forbid you this tree save you should become angels or become of
the immortals.” Shaytan swore by Allah to them both saying: “Verily I am one of the sincere well
wishers for you both. So he misled them with deception. Then when they tasted of the tree, that
which was hidden from them of their shame (private parts) became manifest to them and they
began to stick together the leaves of Paradise over themselves (in order to cover their shame). Their
Lord called out to them saying “Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you, Verily Satan is an open
enemy unto you?” They said: “Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and
bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers.”
Allah said: “Get down one of you an enemy to the other (Adam, Eve, and Shaytan). On earth will be
a dwelling place for you and an enjoyment, for a time.” He said: “therein you shall live, and therein
you shall die, and from it you shall be brought out (resurrected).” (Quran chapter 7, verses 11-25)
Allah then sent down teachings and guidance to Adam (as) as mentioned in the Quran:
“Then Adam received from his Lord words (of revelation), and He pardoned him. Verily! He is the Oftforgiving, the Merciful. We said: ‘Go down, all of you, from this place; then whenever guidance
comes to you from Me; and whoever follows My guidance, will feel no fear and know no sorrow.”
(Quran chapter 2, verses 37-38)

Moses in Islam

Moses in Islam
When Musa (Moses) approached the burning bush, he was called by name “Verily! I
am your Lord! So take off your shoes, you are in the sacred valley, Tuwa, and I have
chosen you. So listen to that which is inspired to you. I am Allah (God)! None has the
right to be worshipped but Me, so worship Me, and perform prayers for My
remembrance.”
Allah said “What is that in your right hand, Musa?” He said: “This is my stick that I lean
upon, and with it I beat down branches for my sheep, and with it I find other uses.”
Allah said: “Cast it down, Musa!” He cast it down, and behold! It was a snake,
moving quickly. Allah said: “Grasp it, and fear not, We shall return it to its former
state, And press your (right) hand to your (left) side, it will come forth white, without
any disease as another sign, that We may show you of Our Greater Signs. Go to
Pharaoh! Certainly, he has transgressed”.
Musa said: “O my Lord! Open for me my chest (grant me self-confidence, boldness),
ease my task for me; and make loose the knot in my tongue, (i.e. remove my
speech impediment) so that they understand my speech. Appoint for me a helper
from my family, Haroon (Aaron), my brother. Increase my strength with him, and let
him share my task (of delivering God’s Message and Prophethood), so that we may
glorify You, and remember You often. Truly You are a Well-Seer of us.” Allah said:
“You are granted your request, Musa” (Quran chapter 20, verses 9-36)
The Quran recounts more of his life than any other Prophet. The Quran tells us of how
he went to Pharaoh to present the message of Tawheed (oneness of God) Pharaoh
said: “If you choose a god other than me, I will certainly put you among the
prisoners.” Musa said: “Even if I bring you something manifest and convincing.”
Pharaoh said: “Bring it forth then, if you are of the truthful!” (Quran chapter, 26 verse
29-31)
We also learn how Musa brought the Children of Israel out of Egypt, admonished the
Israelites for making a golden calf to worship instead of worshipping God, and
brought them to the land of Canaan and many other stories. Musa is a Prophet and
Messenger of Allah, and to him was revealed the Torah. He spoke with Allah, so as to
guide the Israelites. Musa was a real person who lived and was sent a Message from
Allah. The mission of Moses was a struggle against oppression and tyranny, and
Muslims take lessons from this, particularly now when oppression is great in the world.

Jesus in Islam

Jesus in Islam
Muslims believe that Jesus is neither God, nor the son of God. We believe he was
born by a miraculous birth as he was conceived without a father. Allah (God)
transmitted the Ineeil (the Gospel) to Jesus (Isa). The text was revealed to him.
Muslims believe that this has been distorted and changed over time. It is mentioned
in the Quran that he could speak as a baby in the cradle, and that he defended his
mother Mary when the people asked her where the baby came from. This is a
miracle of Jesus given to him by Allah.
As to the trinity, Allah says: “O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Do not
exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allah nothing but the truth. The Messiah
Jesus, son of Mary, was a Messenger of Allah and His Word (He said "Be!", and he
was), which He bestowed on Mary and a spirit (Rooh) created by Him; so believe in
Allah and His Messengers. Say not: “Three!” Cease! It is better for you. For Allah is the
only One God. Glory be to Him (Far Exalted is He) above having a son. To Him
belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is All Sufficient
as a Disposer of affairs.” (Quran chapter 4, verse 171)
Jesus performed miracles by bringing the dead back to life and healing the sick.
Also, the Quran mentions another of his miracles: “Remember when the disciples
said: “O Jesus son of Mary! Can your Lord send down to us a table spread (with
food) from heaven?" Jesus said: “Fear Allah, if you are indeed believers. They said:
“We wish to eat thereof and to be stronger in Faith and to know that you have
indeed told us the truth and that we ourselves be its witnesses.”
“Jesus, son of Mary, said: “O Allah, our Lord! Send us from heaven a table spread
(with food) that there may be for us - for the first and the last of us - a festival and a
sign from You; and provide us sustenance, for You are the best of sustainers.” Allah
said: “I am going to send it down unto you, but if any of you after that disbelieves,
then I will punish him with a torment such as I have not inflicted on anyone among
all the Creation.” (Quran chapter 5, verses 112-115)
In response to some questions by pagan Arabs about Allah and whether he had
children, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) recited to them the following short chapter
from the Quran: "Say: He is Allah, the One. Allah As-Samad (The Self- Sufficient
Master). He does not reproduce, nor was He born; and there is none equal or
comparable to Him." (Quran chapter 112)
So, Muslims believe in Jesus, who has a special status. However, many of the stories
related in the Bible we do not have confidence in their authenticity, so we do not
comment upon them. It is reported that Muhammad (saw) said “whatever the
people of the book (Jews and Christians) tell you, do not confirm it nor falsify it, but
say ‘we believe in Allah and his Messenger.’”

What are the Quran and Hadith?

What are the Quran and Hadith?
Muslims believe the Quran is the revealed word of Allah (God). The Quran is absolutely central to
Islam. Muslims believe that it is the literal, verbal communication of Allah. Quran means “recitation”
Through it Allah gives guidance to all humanity, showing them how to live according to Allah’s will.
“And it is not the words of Satan, the outcast. Then where are you headed to? Verily, this Quran is
none other than a reminder to the worlds, to whomsoever among you wants to walk the straight
path. (However,) you cannot unless that is willed by Allah, the Lord of the Worlds” (Quran chapter 81, verses 25 - 29)
Following its guidance is the path to happiness and fulfilment in this life and the next. It must be
stressed that the Messenger Muhammad is the conveyor of the Quran, not its author.
“He does not speak of his own desire, rather it is revelation revealed” (Quran chapter 53, verses 3-4)
Muslim understanding of revelation differs markedly from Christian understanding. Whereas, for
Muslims the Quran is the speech of Allah, the New Testament Bible is a collection of observations of
people regarding the revelation. The Quran is the final revelation, in a series of revelations, to the final Messenger, Muhammad.
The Quran was revealed in the Arabic language, yet in it a challenge is issued to the whole of
creation to produce a small chapter like it, if there is any doubt about its authenticity. The Quran is
the miracle given to Muhammad to prove his messengership. It was revealed over twenty three
years, with some chapters sent down while Muhammad was living in Mecca, and the others while in
Medina. The content of the Quran is varied. In it Allah tells us to think and reflect on the creation of
the universe; to believe in Him and His messengers. There are descriptions of the last day, heaven and
hell. Allah relates stories of previous Prophets as examples for us to learn from. There are also rules and advice among other issues. The Quran is the primary source of law for Muslims.
The hadith are the sayings of Muhammad, his actions and examples of things that happened around
him that he remained silent on, thus giving his consent. The hadith is the second source of Islamic law.
It is seen as the detailed explanation of the Quran, as Muhammad would explain what was revealed
to him to his companions. The Quran established the authority of the Messenger Muhammad
explaining that his prophetic way must be followed.
“And whatsoever the messenger gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbade you, leave it” (Quran
chapter 59, verse 7)
As such, the Quran and hadith oblige Muslims to follow Islam in all aspects of their lives, in family, in community and at the government level.
The hadith were recorded by his companions, who narrated what Muhammad said and did. They
were memorised and written down during his lifetime, then transmitted, generation to generation,
then meticulously checked and commented upon by scholars before being compiled in categorised
book collections.
The hadith contain two aspects: the ‘text’ and the ‘chain of narration’. For example, A told me that B
told him and C told him that Muhammad said. The text is what was actually said by Muhammad. The
chain of narrators, A,B and C, are checked for trustworthiness and so the hadith are categorised
accordingly.
In summary, the Quran is the speech of Allah, divinely inspired to Muhammad, told to us by
Muhammad, whereas, the hadith is the speech of Muhammad in which he received inspiration as to
its meaning from Allah.

Spirituality in Islam

Spirituality in Islam
Islam has a unique view on spirituality, as it encompasses all aspects of the Muslim's life.
Islam doesn't view 'spirituality' separately from everyday activities. All actions that are
referred to Allah are spiritual, including the supplications we utter before we go to bed and
the type of bank account we hold. Allah (God) has prescribed certain actions that develop
positive characters, as well as bringing the Muslim closer to Him, thereby attaining taqwa
(God consciousness). This state achieves many things including Allah's love, closeness and
divine assistance.
In Islam, everything is potentially 'spiritual', because all actions must be in accordance with
Allah's guidance about what pleases and displeases Him. This view comes from the Islamic
creed and the Muslim's understanding of tawhid (the oneness of God). The fundamental
Muslim belief that ‘There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah' creates a world view, a
distinct perspective on life and a unique behaviour. It essentially means that all actions,
thoughts and desires - from intimate romantic relations with one’s spouse to picking up litter
from the floor - should be referred back to the Creator of Man, Allah. It establishes a
constant awareness, mindfulness and consciousness of Allah in everything that a Muslim
thinks, says or does.
Such consciousness is not static, it is dynamic. The level of taqwa (God consciousness) is
dependent upon how close the Muslim is with his Lord. This personal relationship is
established and strengthened by following a unique programme of activities that have
been prescribed by God Himself.
This 'spiritual' programme is also an effective means to minimise the negative traits and
habits of the Muslim. Some of these activities include remembrance of Allah, prayer, giving
charity, fasting, reading and reflecting upon the Qur'an, and asking for Allah’s help and
mercy.
Taqwa (God consciousness) is an essential element in Islamic spiritual practice, without it,
the Muslim's behaviour and attitude are corrupted. The benefits of God consciousness, as
derived from the Qur'an, are:
Help and facilitation of ones affairs; because of His words "Whoever has taqwa of Allah He
will make easy for him his affair" (Quran chapter 65, verse 4)
Closeness to Allah; because of His words "Allah is the close friend and protector of the
muttaqeen (the ones who have taqwa)" (Quran chapter 45, verse 19)
Love; because of His words, "Truly Allah loves the muttaqeen" (Quran chapter 2, verse 194)
A way out from unhappiness, and provision from where one does not expect; because of
His words, "Whoever has taqwa of Allah He will make a way out for him and provide him
from where he does not expect" (Quran chapter 65, verse 2)
Covering up of wrong actions and magnification of rewards; because of His words,
"Whoever has taqwa of God He will cover over his wrong actions and magnify a reward for
him" (Quran chapter 65, verse 5)
Entrance into the Garden; because of His words "Truly, there are for the people of taqwa
with their Lord Gardens of bliss" (Quran chapter 51, verse 15)

What is Shariah?

What is Shariah?
When the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, head of the Anglican Church,
suggested that some aspects of Shariah law should be incorporated into British law a
tirade of criticism was launched at him. Hardly surprising when most people’s notion of
Shariah law is based on misrepresentative media myths and stereotypes – usually of
something “medieval” in nature.
But many Muslims say that Shariah is an important part of their lives. So what exactly is
Shariah?
Broadly speaking, Shariah is the name given to law derived from Islamic sources. It
covers politics, economics, criminal law, business, contracts, family life, hygiene and
social issues. Though there are similarities with other legal systems in terms of the giving
rights and upholding principles and values, it differs completely in its source and
methodology and indeed, in the values it seeks to build.
Can Shariah Law fit Modern Society?
One thousand years ago European countries were ruled by Kings and the Church with
laws that maintained an unfair feudal system, oppressed women and pursued almost
continuous warfare. Europe would never dream of going back to those uncivilised nonprogressive
laws, so why do Muslims look towards laws applied during that era?
The Islamic world prospered under Shariah law in the past. This differs from Europe,
which viewed that progress only really began when the Church was separated from
politics and secularism was established. Under secularism, however, Muslim countries
have failed to achieve the progress that they enjoyed under Islamic law.
It is not a matter of Muslims reacting and going back to laws that worked in the past.
Muslims want appropriate laws for the modern age, that were also appropriate for past
ages; the Shariah gives just that. This suitability is due to the Shariah approaching law
from the perspective of the problems that face human beings. So, while technology
may have progressed and societies have become more complex, the core
relationships between people remain of the same kind. Human relationships still need
solutions. Hence, if they were successfully governed by Shariah law in the past, and their
nature has not changed, then they can be successfully governed by Shariah law today.
Laws made by men in a secular system are vulnerable to the prejudices and
inadequacies of the men and women who invent these laws. They are also vulnerable
to corruption and undue influence by the rich and powerful. We can see many
examples of countries that have suffered from injustice and corruption when attempting
to implement secular systems.
Muslims believe that the Shariah comes from Allah (God). It is Allah’s laws for human
beings and their societies. It is based upon text that everyone can access, so can be
challenged publicly by those who feels derivation of a law is incorrect. It includes
checks and balances to ensure that unfair application can be challenged through the
court system.

It transcends tribal loyalties, regional interests or the influence of the rich and powerful,
therefore it is highly resistant to corruption and able to unite people under its rule.
So how is Shariah Law derived in the Modern Day?
Shariah Law is based upon the Quran (the revelation from Allah) and the Sunnah
(example of the Prophet Muhammed).
In some cases, they give a direct verdict on a specific human problem and in other
cases scholars of Islam are needed to derive a verdict from these sources using various
judicial principles.
In recent years, Islamic Scholars have brought forward explanations of the Islamic
stance on modern developments such as stock-holding companies, corporate bonds,
stem cell research and organ transplants. Such opinions, at their core, must be derived
from the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammed.
Aren’t there Many Different Opinions in the Shariah – doesn’t this create conflict?
All Islamic opinions are based on the Quran and Sunnah. Therefore, if there is a
difference of opinion, the scholars who have derived this opinion and their followers
must have respect for the others as they are all Islamic opinions. There should be no
conflict over a difference of opinion.
For public matters, the leader of an Islamic State would be entitled to adopt whichever
opinion he believed to be strongest and then all people, including scholars with
different interpretations, would be bound to obey the law of the land. They would still
have the right to argue the case for the opinion they believe to be stronger. In private
matters people are free to decide which opinion they believe to be the strongest and
follow it.
Secular systems also have a wide difference of opinion on the solutions to problems and
what laws should be applied. Those with majority support usually take power and
implement their opinions on what is best. This can lead to disastrous results including
unpopular pre-emptive wars, economic recessions, tribal conflicts or even civil war.
But doesn’t Shariah Law invade People’s Private lives?
Shariah law includes laws about the private lives of Muslims such as the rights of
husbands and wives, the way people eat, drink and even sleep! But these things are not
left to the discretion of the state, rather they are left open for adoption by individuals.
In fact, the Shariah prohibits the State in Islam from spying on its citizens. This is in stark
contrast to Western Countries where CCTV watches the streets, personal information is
stored (and lost) by governments, phones are tapped and confidential conversations
are bugged. Actually secular western systems invade the private lives of their citizens far
more than would be permitted by the Shariah.

The Final Prophet

The Final Prophet
"The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the believers. Each
one of them believes in God, His angels, His books, and His Messengers. They say: 'We make no
distinction between one and another of His Messengers.' And they say: 'We hear, and we obey. We
seek Thy forgiveness, Our Lord, and to You is the end of all journeys.'" (Quran chapter 2, verse 285)
Throughout history the rich and powerful have oppressed the poor and weak. Men have suppressed
women and the vulnerable, as corruption and oppression became the social order across the world.
However, according to the teachings of Islam, Allah created man for a more noble purpose, to
worship Him alone and to lead a virtuous life based upon His guidance. But, people could not know
the role and purpose of their existence unless they received clear instructions about what Allah wants
them to do and not to do or about what Allah has decided is good and bad, right and wrong.
Hence, the need for messengers becomes apparent.
Since the beginning of time, Allah sent prophets to mankind, chosen from among their own people.
Twenty five of them are mentioned by name in the Quran. They were prophets chosen by Allah to
teach their people about Allah’s guidance. Since Allah is one, His message has always been one
and the same, so all prophets taught the same fundamental message, the message of Islam. Its
essence is to find peace in your life through submission to the One Almighty Creator; to believe in
Allah and to follow His guidance. How could the authenticity of their prophethood be proven?
Prophets were given miracles - abilities beyond the capabilities of ordinary people – as a proof of
their authenticity. The exact nature of the miracle was appropriate to the situation of the age.
For the Prophet Musa (Moses), whose contemporaries excelled in magic, his major miracle was to
defeat Egypt’s best magicians. Whilst Isa’s (Jesus) contemporaries were recognized as skilled
physicians, so his miracles were to raise the dead and cure incurable diseases. The Arabs who were
contemporaries of the Prophet Muhammad were renowned for their eloquence and mastery in
poetry. He was illiterate with no knowledge of previous scriptures, yet was bestowed with the
miraculous Quran, the like of which the entirety of Arab poets and orators could not produce.
An Outstanding characteristic of the Prophet Muhammad is that he was the best in his community
both, morally and intellectually. The people of Makkah knew him only as a man of excellent
character and cultured manners, calling him ‘Al-Ameen’, ‘The Trustworthy’. He never claimed to be
the author of the Quran. In fact he was never challenged as its author. From the many thousands of
the Prophet’s preserved sayings it can be seen that the linguistic style of Muhammad's speech and
that of the Quran are very different. No matter how hard one tries, one's style of speech cannot be
completely altered consistently, and certainly not over the period of 23 years during which the Quran
was revealed.
A further point worthy of note is that the Prophet Muhammad had already been prophesied in the
earlier scriptures of the Bible and Torah, therefore, the Jews and Christians were anxiously awaiting
him. According to the Quran, Isa (Jesus) was sent to the Children of Israel; he confirmed the validity of the Torah, which was revealed to Musa (Moses), and he also brought the glad tidings of a final
messenger after him. Allah states in the Quran:
“And when Isa son of Mariam said, ‘Children of Israel. I am indeed the messenger to you, confirming
the Torah that is before me, and giving good tidings of a Messenger who shall come after me, whose
name shall be the praised one...” (Quran chapter 61, verse 6)
The ‘praised one’ is the translation of ‘Ahmad’, which is one of Prophet Muhammad’s names. Unlike
the previous prophets, who addressed only their respective people, the guidance that was sent to
the Prophet Muhammad was a complete guidance for the whole of humanity, for all times and
places.