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Can we find an explanation for the great universe?
Is there any convincing interpretation of the secret of its existence?
We realize that no family can function properly without a responsible
head, that no city can prosperously exist without sound administration,
and that no state can survive without a leader of some kind. We also realize
that nothing comes into being on its own.
Moreover, we observe that the universe exists
and functions in the most orderly manner, and that it has survived perhaps
billions of years. Can we, then, say that all this is accidental and haphazard?
Can we attribute the existence of man and the whole world to a mere chance?
Man represents only a very small portion of the great universe, and if
he can make plans and appreciate the merits of planning, then his own
existence and the survival of the universe must also be based on a planned
policy.
This means that there is a designing will behind our material existence,
and that there is an extraordinary power to bring things into being and
keep them moving in order. In the world there must be a great force in
action to keep everything in order. In the beautiful nature there must
be a Great Creator who makes these great pieces of art and produces everything
for a special purpose in life.
The deeply enlightened people recognize this Creator and call Him Allah.
He is not a man because no man can create or make another man. He is not
an animal, nor is He a plant. He is neither an idol nor is He a statue
of any kind, because none of these things can make itself or create anything
else. He is different from all these things, because He is the Maker and
Keeper of them all. The maker of anything must
be different and greater than the things that he makes.
There are various ways to know Allah and there are many things to tell
about Him. The great wonders and impressive marvels of the world are like
open books in which we can read about Him. Besides, Allah comes to our
aid through the many Messengers and Revelations He has sent down to humanity.
These Messengers and Revelations tell us everything we need to know about
our Creator.
The complete acceptance of the teachings and guidance of our Creator as
revealed to all His messengers ('alaihimus salaam) is the religion of
Islam. Islam enjoins faith in the oneness and
sovereignty of Allah, which makes man aware of the meaningfulness of the
universe and of his place in it. This belief frees the human being
from all fears and superstitions as it makes him conscious of the presence
of Allah Almighty, and of his obligation towards Him.
This faith must be expressed and tested in action, for faith alone is
not enough. Belief in one God requires that we look upon all humanity
as one family under the universal omnipotence of the Creator, and Nourisher
of all. Islam rejects the idea of a chosen people while on the other hand,
it approves that belief in the Creator, and doing righteous deeds is the
only way to Heaven. Thus, a direct relationship is established with Allah
and without any intercessor at that.
Islam is not a new religion. It is, in essence, the same message and guidance
which Allah revealed to all His Prophets, like Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham,
Ishmael, Isaac, David, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad ('alaihimus salaam).
But the message which was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (sallAllahu 'alaihi
wa sallam) is Islam in its comprehensive, complete and final form.
The Qur'aan is the revealed words of Allah and the basic source of Islamic
teachings and Laws. It deals with the basis of creeds, morality, history
of humanity, worship, knowledge, wisdom, man's relationship with God,
and human relationships in all aspects. It contains comprehensive teachings
of which, can be built sound systems and social justice, economics, politics,
legislation, jurisprudence, law and international relations, all of which
are important contents of the Qur'aan.
The hadeeth, which contains the teachings, sayings, approvals and actions
of Prophet Muhammad (sallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam) meticulously reported
and collected by his devoted companions, explains and elaborates on the
Qur'aanic verses.
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