Easy guide for new muslims9

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Easy guide for new muslims9

المستــوي التاســع ( جز1

الزكاة 1
تعريف الزكاة و حكمها و فوائدها و شروطها
الزكاة 2
الأموال التي تجب فيها الزكاة

مستحقي الزكاة
نسب الرسول - الصادق الامين
من أهداف النبوة

الدال على الخير كفاعله

أداء الأمانة
حفظ سورة ( الشرح – الضحى -الليل )

Az-Zakah - The Obligatory Charity


Legal Ruling

Allah has obligated Zakah upon every Muslim who possesses a minimum amount of wealth, according to some conditions. Allah made Zakah obligatory in His Book by His statement;
Take from their wealth Sadaqah in order to purify them and sanctify them with it. [9:103]
And His statement:
O you who believe! Spend from the good things which you have (legally) earned, and of that which We have produced from the earth for you. (2:267)
And His statement:
And establish the prayer (Salah) and pay the obligatory charity (Zakah). (73:20)
Zakah was also made obligatory by the statement of the Messenger saws :
lslam was built upon five (pillars): The testimony that none has the right to be worshipped hut Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, the establishment of the prayer (Salah), paying the obligatory charity (Zakah), pilgrimage to the House (Hajj to the Ka’bah in Makkah) and fasting (the month of) Ramadhan.) (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
And his statement:
I was commanded to fight the people until they testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establish the prayer and pay the obligatory charity (Zakah) If they do that, then they have protected their blood and wealth from me, except according to the right of Islam, and their reckoning is with Allah . (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
And his statement in advising Mu’adh when he sent him to Yemen:
Verily you are going to a people who are People of the Scripture, so invite them to the testimony that there is none worthy of worship but Allah and I (Muhammad saws ) am the Messenger of Allah. If they obey you in that, inform them that Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, has obligated them to (pray) five prayers every day and night. If they obey you, then inform them that He has obligated them to give charity from their wealth that is to be taken from their wealthy and given to their poor. If they obey you in that, then stay away from (taking) the best of their wealth. And beware of the supplication of the oppressed person, for verily there is no veil between it and Allah. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Its Wisdom
The following are some of the points derived from the wisdom of legislating Zakah:

Purification of the human soul from the vices of stinginess, greed, covetousness and lustfulness.
Comforting the poor and fulfilling the needs of the needy, distraught and deprived people.
Establishing comprehensive benefits that the life of the Muslim community (Ummah) and its happiness depend upon.
Limiting the inflation of wealth among the wealthy, and at the hands of the businessmen and merchants. This is so that the wealth will not be restricted solely to one limited group of people, nor controlled by only the wealthy.
The Ruling of One Who Refuses to Pay Zakah
Whoever refuses to pay Zakah, while denying its obligation, has disbelieved. Whoever refuses to pay Zakah due to stinginess, while affirming its obligation, has committed a sin. In this case Zakah is taken from such a person by force and he is also given some disciplinary punishment. If he fights in refusing to give it, he is fought until he submits to the command of Allah and pays Zakah. This is due to Allah the Almighty’s statement:
So if they repent, establish the prayer and give Zakah then they are your brethren in religion. (9:11)
This is also due to the Prophet’s statement:
I was commanded to fight the people until they teshfy that none has right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establish the prayer and pay Zakah. If they do this, then they have protected their blood and wealth from me, except by the right of Islam, and their reckoning is with Allah. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Likewise, concerning fighting those who refused to pay Zakah, Abu Bakr As-Siddiq said:
“By Allah, if they refuse to give me (of Zakah) a young she-goat that they used to give to Allah’s Messenger …. I will fight them for it.” (Al-Bukhari)
In this situation the Companions agreed with him (Abu Bakr) about this, so there was a consensus among them.

The Recipients of Zakah



The recipients of Zakah are eight. Allah the Mighty and Majestic mentions them in His Book (the Qur’an), as He says:
Verily the Sadaqat (Zakah) are only for the poor and the needy and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allah’s cause, and for the wayfarer; a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise. (9:60)
Explanation:
The explanation of these eight categories of people is as follows:

1. Al-Fuqara’ (The Poor): The Faqir (singular of Fuqara’) is the person who does not have sufficient wealth to fulfill his needs and the needs of his dependents, such as food, drink, clothing and housing. He may be considered poor (according to his situation) even though he may possess the minimum amount required for payment of Zakah (i.e. Nisab).

2. Al-Miskin (The Needy): The Miskin (needy) maybe someone whose level of poverty is more or less than the Faqir. However, their ruling is the same in all matters. The Messenger of Allah defined the Miskin in some of his Hadiths. He said:
The Miskin (needy) is not the one who goes around among the people (begging) maybe receiving a morsel or two, and a date or two. Rather, the Miskin (needy) is the one who does not have enough wealth to suffice him, however he does not let others know about it in order to be given charity and he does not stand and beg from the people . (Al-Bukhari)
3. Al-’Amilun ‘Alayhi (Those who are involved with its work): The one who works with Zakah is the person who collects it or the person who goes around gathering it, or he is responsible for maintaining it, or he is the scribe who records it in its register. Such a person is given a wage for his work from it (the Zakah), even if he is wealthy. This is based upon the statement of the Prophet saws :
Charity is not permissible for a wealthy person, except for five: The one who works with it, or a man who buys it with his wealth, or one who is indebted, or one who is setting out to fight (Jihad) in the Way of Allah, or a poor person who is given charity from it (Zakah) and then he gives some of it to a wealthy person as a gift. (Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah and AlHakim said that it is Sahih, and it has the deficiency of being Mursal)
4. Al-Mu’allafah Qulubuhum (Those whose hearts are to be reconciled with faith): Al-Mu’allaf Qalbuhu is the Muslim man whose Islam is weak and he has a strong influence among his people. Thus, he is given from Zakah in order to appease his heart and gather him (firmly) upon Islam. This is in hopes that comprehensive benefit may be gained from him or his evil restrained. Zakah may also be given to a man who is a disbeliever in hopes that he will accept Iman (faith in Islam) or that his people may accept faith. Thus, such people are given from Zakah in order to encourage them to accept Islam and endear them to it.

This share may be expanded to include every similar situation that will bring about a general benefit for Islam and the Muslims from aspects of propaganda, like some of the men who work with newspapers and writers.

5. Ar-Riqab (The slaves): The intent of this category of recipient (of Zakah) is that the Muslim who is a slave is purchased from Zakah (funds) and freed in the way of Allah (i.e. solely for Allah’s Pleasure). It also applies to the Muslim who is an indentured servant (i.e. he has a contract with his owner to purchase his freedom). Such a person may be given from Zakah that which will help him to fulfill his contract and thus become a freeman after that.

6. Al-Gharimun (Those indebted): Al-Gharim is the person who owes a debt that he did not acquire through disobedience to Allah and His Messenger saws : and it has become impossible for him to pay it off. Such a person is given the amount which will allow him to pay off his debt from Zakah. This is due to the statement of the Prophet saws :
The matter is not permissible, except for three: For the person who is extremely poor, or the person who has severe debt, or the person who possess a (debt of) blood (money). (At-Tirmithi, who said it is Hasan, and Abu Dawud)
7. Fi Sabilillah (In the way of Allah): The intent of Sabilillah (the way of Allah) is the deed that helps one to achieve the Pleasure of Allah and His Gardens (of Paradise). The most specific form of it is Al-Jihad (religious fighting) in order to elevate the Word of Allah the Most High. Hence, the one who goes out to fight in the way of Allah is given (from Zakah), even if he is wealthy. This share (of Zakah) also includes other comprehensive benefits that are legislated (by Islamic Law), such as building Masjids, hospitals, schools and shelters for orphans. However, that which is given precedence is Al-Jihad, such as preparing weapons, provisions, men (soldiers) and the other requirements of AlJihad and battle in the way of Allah the Most High.

8. Ibnus-Sabil (Wayfarer): Ibnus-Sabil is the traveler who is cut off from his land, being far away from it. So he is given from Zakah that which will fulfill his need as a stranger, even if he is a wealthy man in his homeland. This is due to the poverty he is experiencing in his journey and being cut off from his resources. This is the case when there is no one who can give him a loan that will be of assistance to him in fulfilling his needs. If there is someone who can give him a loan, then he is obligated to take the loan and he is not given Zakah as long as he is considered a wealthy man Zakah), then this is not permissible.

8. Zakah is not acceptable except with its intention. If a person pays it without having the intention of paying the obligatory Zakah, it will not suffice him. This is due to the Prophet’s statement:
Deeds are judged by their intentions, and every person will get what he intended. (Al-Bukhari)
Therefore, the one who pays it must do so with the intention of the Zakah that is obligatory for him to pay upon his wealth. He should also make his intention to pay it solely for the Face of Allah the Most High, as sincerity of intentions is a condition for the acceptance of every act of worship. This is due to Allah the Almighty’s statement:
And they were not commanded (anything) except that they worship Allah, making their religion solely for Him (alone). (98:5)

http://www.rahmamercy.org.uk/images/..._zakah_new.jpg

Zakah in Islam: Concepts and Rules
Zakah is meant to purify one’s wealth and create harmony and compassion between members of society. In this lecture, Sheikh Shady Sulaiman speaks about Zakah, shedding light on its meaning and concept. He also tackles the rules related to this Islamic obligation.

What Islam Says About Zakat - Part 1 By Sheikh Shady Al-Suleiman - YouTube

Zakah: On What & How Much?
It is common knowledge that zakah is a pillar of Islam. But, what are the things that we are required to pay zakah on? And what is the sepcific amount to be given? Listen to the answers of Dr. Zakir Naik to these questions.

Zakaah (On what how much)2-10 - YouTube


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A Guide to Zakat

Let’s Meet Muhammad (part 1 of 2)

Introduction


Previously, we have discussed the meanings found in the first part of the shahaadah, “Laa ilaaha ill-Allah”. In this series of lessons, we will discuss the second part, “Muhammadun Rasool-Allah”. We will come to know the man named Muhammad, may God praise him, and we will learn what bearing testimony to his prophethood actually entails.

Who was Muhammad, may God praise him?

Muhammad,was born in a noble tribe of Mecca in Arabia in the year 570 CE. His ancestry traces back to Prophet Ishmael, one of the two children of Prophet Abraham. His father died before his birth and his mother died when he was six years old. He was raised first by a nursemaid in the desert, as was customary in those days, then by his grandfather and then by his uncle. As a young man, he was known to be a good man, true to his word, never known to go back on his word. At the age of 40, God chose him as a prophet, as foretold by previous prophets such as Moses and Jesus, and the Gabriel brought the first revelation from God, while he was meditating in the cave of Hira in Mecca. Thereafter, God sent revelations to Prophet Muhammad for a period of 23 years. This book of revelations is called the Quran - his greatest existent miracle and proof of his truthfulness.

Like all prophets before him, he was a human being chosen by God to convey His message to the creation. He ate, drank, slept, and lived like other humans. His knowledge of the future was limited to what God revealed to him. In short, he had no part to play in the running the affairs of the universe. He was not divine, he is not god, and Muslims do not worship him. He was a prophet and messenger, one in a long line of prophets including Abraham, Moses, the Hebrew prophets, and Jesus. He declared the fraternal brotherhood of all prophets:

“The Prophets are all paternal brothers. Their mothers are different but their religion is one.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)

It is important for one to come to know Prophet Muhammad, may God praise him, his life, biography, his manners, and his lifestyle. In doing so, one will benefit in the following ways:

(1) One will love and respect him. Loving the Prophet is an essential part of Faith, as he himself declared:

“None of you will truly believe until I am more beloved to them than their own children, parents, and all other people. (Muslim)

It is impossible to love someone a person does not know, and one’s love increases when they realize the excellent qualities the person holds.

(2) One’s belief in the message will increase. When one come to know the sequence of events of his life and times, they will have no doubt that the religion he brought is indeed true, and that he was indeed a messenger aided from high above.

Our Beloved Prophet, May Allah Praise Him

“I began to look at him and at the moon, he was wearing a red mantle, and he appeared to be more beautiful than the moon to me.” (Al-Tirmidhi)

This is how Jabir ibn Samura described the Last of the Prophets, the Crown of the Messengers, the Chief of the Pious, the Prince of the Believers, the Chosen One of the Most Merciful God.

He had a pleasant face that was round, white, and fair. His hair fell to his ear lobes. His beard was thick and black. When he was pleased, his face would light up. His laugh was no more than smiling. His eyes were blackish, and his eyelashes were long. His long eyebrows were curved. When the eyes of Abdullah ibn Salam, the greatest Jewish scholar of Medina of his time, fell on his face, he declared it could not be the face of a liar!

He was of medium height, neither tall nor short. He walked inclining forward. He wore tanned leather sandals. His lower garment would reach to the middle of his shin or sometimes just above his ankles.

On his back, towards his left shoulder, was the ‘Seal of Prophethood’. It was the size of a pigeon’s egg with spots like moles on it. His palms were described to be softer than silk.

He was recognized by his fragrance when he approached from a distance. Drops of his perspiration were described to be like pearls. His disciples are reported to collect his sweat to mix with their perfumes which made them even more fragrant!

Islamic doctrine holds the devil has been forbidden from coming in one’s dreams pretending to be him. If someone sees him in his real form as described, then we believe they have seen the noble Prophet himself.

He would keep silent for long periods of time and was the most dignified when silent.

When he spoke, he uttered nothing but the truth in a voice pleasing to the ears. He did not speak rapidly; rather his speech was clear and each word was distinct so that those who sat with him could remember it. In fact it was described to be such that anyone who wished to count his words could have done so easily. His companions described him to be neither vulgar nor indecent. He neither cursed people, nor abused them. He merely reprimanded by saying:

“What is the matter with such and such people?” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

The most hateful conduct to him was lying. Sometimes he used to repeat himself twice or even thrice to enable his listeners to understand him well. He would give short sermons. While delivering the sermons his eyes would become red, his voice would rise, and his emotions become visible to the point that it would be as if he were warning of an imminent assault from the enemy.


To be Continued…

Let’s Meet Muhammad (part 2 of 2)


He led a simple life without any extravagance or lavishness. He put this worldly life behind his back and turned away from it. He considered it to be a prison, not Paradise!

Had he wished, he could have had anything he desired, for the keys of its treasures were presented to him, but he refused to accept them.

He did not exchange his share of the Hereafter with this wordly life. He knew that it was a corridor, not a permanent residence. He understood fully well that it is a transit station, not a leisure park. He took it for its real worth - a summer cloud that would soon disperse.

Yet, Allah says that He enriched him from poverty:

“Did He not find you poor and enrich you?” (Quran 93:8)

Aisha, his wife, said:

“A month would pass while the family of Muhammad would not light fire in their homes. They subsisted on two things - dates and water. Some Ansar[1] who were his neighbors would send milk from their sheep, which he would drink and then give to his family.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim)

She said the family of Muhammad never ate bread to their satisfaction for three consecutive days from the time of his arrival at Medina until he passed away, which amounts to about 10 years!

With all this, he would stand up in the middle of the night to offer his gratitude to his Lord by praying the nightly prayer of tahajjud. He would pray for so long that his feet would swell! When he was asked why he worshipped Allah so much, his response was:

“Shall I not be a thankful slave of God?” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim)

Umar, one of his close friends, remembering the days he passed being hungry said that sometimes the Prophet did not even have old dates to satisfy his hunger!

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud, another companion, said that once, when the Prophet awoke from his sleep, the marks of the mat made out of date palm leaves on which he used to sleep were etched on his body. Ibn Mas’ud complained:

“My father and mother be ransomed for you! Why did you not let us prepare something (softer) for you from which you could protect yourself?

He replied:

‘I have nothing to do with this world. I am in this world like a rider who stops under the shade of the tree for a short time and, after taking rest, he resumes his journey again, leaving the tree behind.’” (Al-Tirmidhi)

Various conquerors in the annals of history are known for spilling rivers of blood and erecting pyramids of skulls. Muhammad, may Allah praise him, is known for his forgiveness. He never took revenge from anyone who wronged him to the point he never struck anybody with his hand, neither a woman nor a servant, unless he was fighting in the Path of God to defend the faith.

His forgiveness could be seen on the day he entered Mecca as a conqueror after eight years of exile.

He forgave many of those who persecuted him, and forced him and his family in exile for three years, who had called him a lunatic, a poet, and a possessed person. He pardoned Abu Sufyan, one of the most evil of people who plotted to persecute him day and night, along with his wife, Hind, who mutilated the dead body of the Prophet’s Muslim uncle and ate the raw liver after ordering Wahshi, a fierce slave known for his fighting skills, to kill Him, which later led them to accept Islam. Who else could be on such an exalted standard of character but the noblest and most truthful Messenger of God?

Wahshi, a slave from Mecca, won his freedom in the early years of Islam from his owner in return for killing Hamza, the uncle of the prophet, whose body was then mutilated. When Islam reached Mecca, he ran away to another city, Taif. Eventually Taif also succumbed to the Muslims. He was told that Muhammad forgives anyone who accepts Islam. Even though the crime was so great, Wahshi gathered his courage and came to him and announced his Islam, and Muhammad forgave him! He even forgave Wahshi's former owner, Hind, the woman who had mutilated the dead body of Hamza and chewed his heart and liver because of her great hatred for Islam!

His forgiveness even extended to Habbar. When his own daughter, Zaynab, was migrating from Mecca to Medina, the Meccan pagans tried to stop her forcibly. Habbar was one of them. He made the Prophet’s pregnant daughter trip from the camel. As a result, she lost her baby! Running away from the guilt of his crimes, Habbar left for Iran, but Allah turned his heart towards the Prophet. So he appeared before the noble Prophet, acknowledged his guilt, bore the testimony, and was forgiven by the Prophet!

Pointing his finger at the moon, Muhammad split it into two halves. In one night, he traveled from Mecca to Jerusalem, led all the Prophets in prayer, and then ascended beyond the seven heavens to meet his Lord. He cured the sick and the blind. The demons would leave the possessed by his command, water flowed from his fingers, and his food could be heard glorifying Allah.

Yet he was the most humble of men.

He sat on the ground, ate on the ground, and slept on the ground.

A companion narrated that if a stranger were to enter a gathering where he was present, he would not be able to differentiate the Prophet from his companions due to his humbleness.

Anas, his servant, swore that in his nine years of service, the noble Prophet never chastised him or blamed him for anything.

Those with him described him as being so humble that even a little girl could hold his hand and take him wherever she wished. He used to come to the weak among the Muslims in order to visit the sick and attend their funeral processions. He used to stay at the back of the caravan to aid the weak and pray for them. He would not hesitate to walk with a widow or a poor person, or even a slave until he had met their needs. He even responded to the invitation of slaves to eat nothing more than barley bread with them.

He was the best of men to his family. Aisha described his humility:

“He used to remain busy serving and helping his household, and when the time for prayer came he would perform ablution and go for prayer. He would patch his own sandals and sew his own garments. He was an ordinary human being…milking his sheep, and doing his own chores.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

Indeed he was the best of all people to his family. His personality was such that people were not driven away from him!

He was the bravest, the most fearless, and the most courageous of all men in the battlefield. The knight of the Ansar, al-Bara’ exclaimed with surprise:

“When the battle grew fierce, we sought protection at the side of the Prophet and the bravest of us was he who kept pace with him in the onslaught.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim)

The brave man of Arabia, Ali - the Conqueror of Khaybar - described the valor of the Prophet:

“You should have seen me on the day of the Battle of Badr, as we sought protection at the side of the Prophet. He was the closest of us to the enemy and he had the greatest taste of the battle on that day!” (Shar al-Sunnah)

Such was the noble Prophet of Allah who we must love more than our own selves and whom God has described as:

“Indeed in the Messenger of God you have a good example to follow.” (Quran 33:21)

[COLOR="rgb(139, 0, 0)"]God swears for his moral perfection:

“Nn. By the pen and what the angels write.

You (O Muhammad) are not, by your Sustainer’s grace, a madman!

And, verily, for you shall be a reward unending - for behold, you are at an exalted standard of character.” (Quran 68:1-4)

Everything about him - his qualities, character, sayings, and exemplary life - encourages a person to have faith as the Quran declares:

“Indeed in the Messenger of God you have a good example to follow.” (Quran 33:21)


Footnotes:
[1] Ansar: Those who came to the aid of… A term given by the Prophet to those Muslim residents in Medina who accepted the Emmigrants (or Muhajiroon) of Mecca and helped them to become adjusted into their new home.[/COLOR]

What is the Role of Prophethood and of Prophets?


Prophethood is the highest rank and honor that a man can receive from God. It proves the superiority of that man's inner being over all others. A Prophet is like a branch arching out from the Divine to the human realm. He is the very heart and tongue of creation. He possesses a supreme intellect that penetrates into the reality of things and events.
Moreover, he is the ideal being, for all of his faculties are harmoniously excellent and active. He strives and progresses steadily toward Heaven, waits upon Divine inspiration for the solutions to the problems he faces, and is the connecting point between this world and the Beyond. His body is subject to and follows his heart, figuratively the seat of spiritual intellect, as does his heart. His perceptions and reflections are always directed to the Names and Attributes of God. He goes to what he perceives, and arrives at the desired destination.
A Prophet's perception, developed to the full-seeing, hearing, and thus knowing-surpasses that of all other people. His perception cannot be explained in terms of different light, sound, or some other wavelengths. Ordinary people cannot acquire a Prophet's knowledge.
By conveying the Divine message and guidance, the Prophets give us a limited insight into creation so that we can know some of its meaning. Without them, we would be unable to see or understand the true nature and meaning of things and events, or to deal with our surrounding environment. They also teach us something of God and His Names and Attributes.
Their first mission is to teach the reality, the true purpose and meaning, of this life. Since God is beyond our perception and comprehension, the Prophets have to be the most obedient, careful, conscious, and self-disciplined of people while performing their tasks. If they had not spoken in clear terms about the Creator, we could not think, know, or say anything correct about God.
Everything in the universe tries to exhibit the Names and Attributes of the All-Mighty, All-Encompassing Creator. In the same way, the Prophets note, affirm, and are faithful to the subtle, mysterious relation between God and His Names and Attributes. As their duty is to know and speak about God, they enter into the true meaning of things and events and then convey it directly and sincerely to humanity.
When we are in a new or unfamiliar place, we need a guide to show us around. This analogy applies to the role of Prophets. Would the One who created everything so that we might know Him not provide guides, in the form of Prophets, to inform us of His Names and Attributes and guide us along the right path? To overlook such a need would render the creation useless and futile, yet we know that God does not engage in such activities. Thus, it seems most likely that all people would be informed of such things by a Prophet sent to them by God.
The Qur'an is explicit on this point: For We sent among every people a Messenger (with the command): "Serve God and avoid evil" (16:36). But many people gradually forgot these Divine teachings and fell into such errors as deifying the Prophets and others or engaging in idolatry. We can see this in the deities of Mt. Olympus in ancient Greece, the sanctification of the Ganges river in India, and in many other places. Even accepting that there must be a tremendous difference between the original and the current form of many religions, it is quite impossible to understand the conditions that caused Confucius to appear in China and Brahma and Buddha in India. It is equally difficult to guess what their original messages were and to what degree they have been corrupted.
If the Qur'an had not introduced Jesus to us, we would not have an accurate idea of his life and teachings. Over time, priests (and others) mixed the truth of Jesus with ancient Greek and Roman philosophies and idolatry, attributed divinity to human beings, and anthropomorphized God. The Trinity is an obvious example. Perhaps Romne would accept Christianity as its official state religion only if the various pagan festivals, holy days, rites, and rituals were incorporated. Without the Qur'an's enlightening revelation, it would be very difficult to tell Jesus Christ from Adonis or Dionysus. [1]
Considering that Christianity is relatively recent, and what the Christians did to their Prophet and their Book, we wonder how many other people fell into the same error. One reliable hadith says: "A Prophet's disciples will carry out his mission after his death, but some of his followers will later upset everything he established." [2] This is a very important point. Many of the religions we now consider false turned to falsehood, superstition, and legend over time through the deliberate malice of their enemies (or the mistakes of their followers), despite their possible origin in the purest, Divine source.
To say that someone is a Prophet when he is not is unbelief, as is the case with refusing to believe in a true Prophet. On the other hand, if the case of false religions is similar to that of Christianity, we should look at them with some caution and reserve judgment. We should consider what Buddhism or Brahmanism may have been in their true, original forms, as well as the doctrines attributed to Confucius or the practices and beliefs of shamanism. Maybe they still have some remnants of what they originally were.
Many once-pure religions have been distorted and altered. Therefore, it is essential to accept the purity of their original foundation. The Qur'an says: There never was a people without a warner having lived among them (35:24), and We sent among every people a Messenger (16:36).
These revelations declare that God sent Messengers to each group of people. The Qur'an mentions the names of 28 Prophets, out of a total of 124,000 (or perhaps 224,000). We do not know exactly when and where many of them lived. But we do not have to know such information, for: We did in times past send Messengers before you; of them there are some whose stories We have related to you, and some whose stories We have not related to you (40:78).
Recent studies in comparative religion, philosophy, and anthropology reveal that many widely separated communities share certain concepts and practices. Among these are moving from polytheism to monotheism, and praying to the One God in times of hardship by raising their hands and asking something from Him. Many such phenomena indicate a singular source and a single teaching. If primitive tribes cut off from civilization and the influence of known Prophets have a sure understanding of His Oneness, though they may have little understanding of how to live according to that belief, a Messenger must have been sent to them at some time in the past: For every people there is a Messenger. When their Messenger comes, the matter is judged between them with justice, and they are not wronged (10:47).
What about those who claim to have been sent no Prophet? Are they held accountable for their beliefs and actions? According to the verse quoted above, a Prophet has been sent to every people. There may be periods when darkness seemed to prevail, but such periods are only temporary. Nevertheless, there is the possibility that the Prophet's work was destroyed so completely by erroneous ideas and rites that the true teachings were lost. In such cases, people may have remained in darkness unknowingly or against their own will. Such people will not be punished or blamed for the wrong they may do, until and unless they have been warned: We never punish until We have sent a Messenger (17:15), for warning precedes responsibility and reward or punishment.
Muslim scholars have different opinions on this matter. For instance, Imam Maturidi and his school argue that no people can be excused, for there is enough evidence pointing to the One Creator to guide anyone to belief in Him. The 'Ashari school, referring to the above verse, argues that warning and guidance must precede judgment, and that people can be held responsible only if they have been sent a Prophet.
Others combine these two positions: Those who have not been sent a Prophet and so did not enter willfully into unbelief or idolatry are ahl al-najat (people who will be excused and so escape punishment and who, as God wills, may be saved). This position is based on the fact that some people cannot analyze their surroundings, penetrate to their meaning, or deduce the right course of belief and action. They first have to be taught the right way, given explanations and directions on how to act, and then they can be rewarded or punished according to what they do with the new knowledge. Those who willfully enter unbelief, fight belief and religion, or knowingly defy God and His commandments will be questioned and punished, regardless of how isolated they are.

[1] Two originally ancient Greek "gods" that were widely worshipped in Greece and those lands under its cultural sway, as well as in the Roman Empire.
[2] Muslim, Fada'il al-Sahaba, 210–12; Ibn Hanbal, Musnad, 417.

Honesty

When honesty is lost, then wait for the Hour (the Day of Judgment). These are the words of Prophet Muhammad. They paint a picture of the time leading up to the Day of Judgement, when righteous people will be sorrowful due to the lack of honesty around them. In the 21st century, we live in a world where honesty is valued and yet shunned at the same time. We expect people to be honest in their dealings with us yet we watch and applaud television shows and movies that promote and encourage lying and deceitfulness.

Without thinking, we teach our children that dishonesty is acceptable. When we expect our children to tell the caller on the telephone we are not home, this is a lesson in deceit. When we refuse invitations and pretend we are busy, this is lying. We admonish our children for lying, yet the reality is we have been their teachers. Whether we tell lies, or whether we allow our children to live in a world surrounded by deceit, the lesson is learned and the honesty begins to disappear from the hearts of the next generation.

Honesty incorporates the concepts of truthfulness and reliability and it resides in all human thought, words, actions and relationships. It is more than just accuracy; it is more than just truthfulness, it denotes integrity or moral soundness. Islam commands truthfulness and forbids lying. God commands that a Muslim be honest.

“O you who believe! Fear God, and be with those who are true (in word and deeds).” (Quran 9:119)

Ibn Katheer, the renowned Quran scholar, explained the meaning of this verse. He said, “Being truthful and adhering to truthfulness, means you will be among the people of the truth and be saved from calamity and that it will make a way out for you from your problems”.

A true believer, one who is truly submitted to God, has many characteristics by which he can be identified. The most obvious of these noble characteristics are honesty of character and truthfulness of speech. Prophet Mohammad was a perfect example of honesty. Even before his Prophethood, he had earned the titles of Al Amin (the trustworthy one) and As Sadiq (the truthful).

Al Amin, the Prophet Muhammad once gathered all the people of Mecca and asked them, “O people of Mecca! If I say that an army is advancing on you from behind the mountains, will you believe me?” All said in one voice, “Yes, because we have never heard you telling a lie.” All the people, without exception, swore to his truthfulness and honesty because he had lived an unblemished and extremely pious life among them for forty years.

Abu Sufyan described his honesty. When Prophet Muhammad sent a letter to the Emperor of Byzantium inviting him to Islam, the Emperor, Heraclius sent for the Meccan trader, Abu Sufyan. Even though he was, at that time, a dire enemy of Islam, he spoke the truth about Prophet Mohammad when he said, “He neither tells lies nor betrays others, he bids people to worship God Alone and orders us to observe prayer, honesty and abstinence”.[1]

This honesty, an essential ingredient of the Muslim character, includes being truthful towards God by worshipping Him sincerely; being truthful to oneself, by adhering to God’s laws; and being truthful with others by speaking the truth and being honest in all dealings, such as buying, selling and marriage. There should be no deceiving, cheating, falsifying or withholding of information, thus a person should be the same on the inside as he is on the outside.

Prophet Muhammad warned us of the dangers inherent in dishonesty, and the benefits of living in an honest way. He said:

“Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. In addition, a man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a truthful person. Falsehood leads to wickedness and evil-doing, and wickedness leads to the (Hell) Fire, and a man may keep on telling lies till he is written before God, as a liar”. (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

A true Islamic society is based upon honesty and justice, and is intolerant of dishonesty in all its various forms. Honesty in all business transactions is emphasised and the Prophet Muhammad exhorts Muslims to be scrupulously honest in all their dealings. Abdullah ibn Omar was once described as the “brother of the night.” He would stand at night performing prayer, weeping, seeking God’s forgiveness and reading Quran. One day, he was sitting among some close friends and he read the following verses:

“Woe unto those who give short measure, those who, when they are to receive their due from people, demand that it be given in full but when they have to measure or weigh whatever they owe to others, give less than what is due. Do they not know that they are bound to be raised from the dead (and called to account) on an awesome Day, the Day when all men shall stand before the Sustainer of all the worlds?” (Quran 83:1-6)

Abdullah wept until he was faint and kept repeating the words “the day when all men shall stand before the Sustainer of all the worlds.” He was amongst the most honest and trustworthy men, but being reminded of the punishment for those who are deceitful filled him with fear.

A Muslim seeking to please God and follow the path of righteousness should be aware of the dangers of deceit and dishonesty. However, equally he should know that God is all Merciful and all Loving, willing to forgive even the gravest sins for those who strive for His sake. Honesty is very important in the life of a believer.

“Honesty descended from the Heavens and settled in the roots of the hearts of men (faithful believers), and then the Quran was revealed and the people read the Quran, (and learnt it from it) and also learnt from the sayings and traditions. Both the Quran and the traditions strengthened their honesty. (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

This is from among the many sayings of Prophet Muhammad, many of which forbade deceit and enjoined honesty. For those who wish to be among the truthful, Prophet Muhammad has left us with these words of guidance, “Let he who believes in God and the Last Day either speak good or keep silent”. (Saheeh Muslim)


Footnotes:
[1] The full text can be found in Saheeh Al-Bukhari. Book 1/6

Surat Ash-Shar (The Relief) - سورة الشرح

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Did We not expand for you, [O Muhammad], your breast?

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And We removed from you your burden

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Which had weighed upon your back

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And raised high for you your repute.

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For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.


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Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.

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So when you have finished [your duties], then stand up [for worship].

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And to your Lord direct [your] longing.