Islam 101A comprehensive but basic course about Islam

ByProf. Yusuf Roque Morales,PhDNational Commission on Muslim FilipinosIn the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

IntroductionIslam in the PhilippinesWho were the first Filipino Muslims?Rajah SulaymanKaggi Pulaku/ Maas Ilidji/Maas PulunGat MasungitRajah BanawBae UrdujaWhy Islam 101? - Background and NeedDesire to know and understand Islam in the PhilippinesStereotyping about Islam and Muslims in the Western MediaStereotyping in Muslim Countries about the WestActivities of interest groups for and against IslamCommunication gaps between Islam and the Western WorldWhy Now?September 11 terrorist attacks on WTC and the Pentagon, and the backlash against MuslimsRecent Conflict in Mindanao (Zamboanga-Midsayap)National Commission on Muslim FilipinosObjectives

Islam 101 - TopicsModule 1: Introduction to IslamModule 2: Basic BeliefsModule 2a: Jesus, Part of Islamic FaithModule 3: The Five Pillars of IslamModule 4: Dealings and BehavioursModule 5: JihadModule 6: Muslim WorldModule 7: Islams Social SystemModule 8: Role of Women in IslamModule 8a: Relationship between Man and WomanModule 9: Economic SystemModule 10: Political SystemModule 11: Judicial System Module 12: The DifferencesModule 13: Islam in the World

Module 1: Introduction to IslamIslam, the most misunderstood religion in the western worldOrigin of IslamThe first man on earth (Adam, peace be upon him) was a MuslimMeanings of MuslimMeanings of IslamFirst MuslimsAdam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them)Brief History of IslamHistory of ProphetsHistory of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)Early MuslimsProphet Muhammads Family (Aaal-e-Nabi)Prophet Muhammads Companions (Sahabah)The followers of the Companions (Taab-e-een)Famous MuslimsHighlights of Islamic HistoryContribution of Muslim scientists and researchers for mankindAttributes of IslamIslam is not a mere religionIslam is a way of lifeIslam is the most structured religionIslam touches and guides each and every aspect of human lifeIslam is a complete package. There is no pick and choose in Islam. Islam requires complete submission to Allah

Module 1: Introduction to Islam (Continue)Islam is the religion of moderation not extremismThe Last Book - Holy QuranAttributes of Glorious QuranWhose Book is this? This is Allahs BookWhats in Holy Quran?Guidance for all humanityEvery verse in holy Quran has a context. If a verse is read or understood without its context then there is a huge possibility of misunderstanding the Quranic verses.How to read and understand Holy Quran?Where to find the context?Context is in Sunnah / HadithWhat is Sunnah / Hadith?Actions and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)Sunnah / Hadith provides the details and interpretation of Glorious QuranIslam = Quran + Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)Difference between Quran and HadithIn holy Quran every thing is from Allah. Its words, taxonomy, arrangements, chapters, indexing are all from Allah.In Hadith, the message and the commandments are from Allah but the words are of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)Hadith is the most essential and important source for understanding Quran.

Module 1: Introduction to Islam (Continue)

Attributes of Muslim defined by holy Qur'an and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)Believes in unseen (Ghaib)Obedient to parents Best in mannersCaring and loving to all human beingsActivist to promote good and stop evilFears only AllahCompletely submits his/her desires to AllahRespectful towards elders, loving and caring towards youngstersDoes not harm anyone with his tongue or handsEnvironmentally sensitive

Introduction to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)Some Attributes of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)Birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)Family BackgroundEarly childhoodAs a teenagerAs an adultMarriageBusinessAnnouncing ProphethoodLife in MakkahLife in MadinahProphet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the eyes of non-Muslims

Module 2: Basic BeliefsBasic Beliefs in Islam God, Prophets, Divine books, Angels, Hereafter, Fate / LuckFive pillars of Islam Believe in ONE God?The Arabic translation of God is Allah.Allah is the deity who is worshipped alone without any partners and associates. He is the Creator of all things. Allah has no boundaries, shapes and bodies. There is nothing like Allah. Allah does not manifest Himself into any person or thing.Why Muslims call God Allah?Muslims prefer to call God Allah because some of thereligions in the world use or associate the word God for things / personalities other than GOD, the Creator and Sustainer of all things and mankind.Some most famous attributes of AllahBelieve in Prophets and MessengersAllah sent His messengers and Prophets to guide human beings. The exact number of Prophets and Messengers are known to Allah. However, according to one of the famous Hadith, Allah did send from time to time 124,000 Prophets and Messengers towards humanity. A Muslim must believe and respect all Prophets and Messengers of Allah.

Module 2A: Jesus, Part of Islamic FaithEvery nation or region had received Allahs MessengersFive most famous Prophets of AllahNoah (Peace be upon him)Abraham (Peace be upon him)Moses ((Peace be upon him)Jesus (Peace be upon him)Muhammad (Peace be upon him)Jesus Christ (Peace be upon him) is the most mentioned Prophet in the Quran. He is the only Prophet whose life time events are discussed in detail compared to other Prophets.Muslims believe that Jesus did not die. He was raised towards the Heavens alive. He is still alive and shall return to this world to fight against evil. He then will die in the Jihad (struggle against evil) and will be buried in in Prophet Muhammads (Peace be upon him) mosque in Madinah near Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)Jesus and Mary (Peace be upon them) in holy Quran;Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah hath chosen thee and purified thee; chosen thee above the women of all nations. (3:43)"O Mary! worship thy Lord devoutly; prostrate thyself and bow down (in prayer) with those who bow down. (3:44)

Module 2A: Jesus, Part of Islamic FaithBehold! the angels said "O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus. Christ the son of Mary held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah. (3:45) "He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity and he shall be (of the company) of the righteous. (3:46)"And Allah will teach him the Book and Wisdom the Law and the Gospel. (3:48)Behold! Allah said: "O Jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to Myself and clear thee (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow thee superior to those who reject Faith to the Day of Resurrection; then shall ye all return unto Me and I will judge between you of the matters wherein ye dispute. (3:55)

This similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam: He created him from dust then said to him: "Be" and he was. (3:59)And behold! Allah will say "O Jesus the son of Mary! didst thou say unto men `worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of Allah"? He will say: "Glory to Thee! never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing Thou wouldst indeed have known it. Thou knowest what is in my heart though I know not what is in Thine. For Thou knowest in full all that is hidden. (5:116)Some important attributes of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)Relationships with other ProphetsLast Messenger of AllahProphet of Mercy and Messenger of Allah towards all humanity

Module 2:Basic Beliefs (Continue)Believe in Divine BooksMuslims believe in all divine books including;Divine BookletsPsalms of David (Zaboor)Torah (old Testament)Bible (Enjeel) (new Testament)QuranHoly Quran is the continuation of the books before Quran and it is the last book in which Allah has completed His message for the humanity.Common message of all divine booksQuran verifies Torah and EnjeelAllah has completed His message/ guidance towards humanity

Believe in AngelsMuslims believe in all angels. Angels are made of light (noor) and do nothing but what Allah asks them to do. They are very obedient to Allah. The actual population of angels is only known to Allah.Some famous AngelsGabriel (Peace be upon him)(Was responsible to bring revelations to Allahs Prophets and Messengers)Mekaiel (Peace be upon him)(Responsible for weather and agriculture) Izraiel (Peace be upon him)(Responsible for taking people's soul and hence causing them to die

Module 2: Basic Beliefs (Continue)Israfiel (Peace be upon him)(responsible to blow the Horn in order to end this universe and blow the Horn again to make them alive in order to face the judgment day.Kiraman Katebeen (Two respectful writers)Every human being is accompanied by two angels at all times and in all situations. Symbolically, one is on the right shoulder and the other is on the left shoulder. The angel on the right side writes whatever good is done by the person and the angel on the left side writes whatever bad is done by the person. This whole record of good and bad deeds will be handed over to the person on the Judgment Day.Believe in Hereafter Life after deathAccording to Islam every human being is responsible for his/her actions and he or she will be accountable in front of Allah on the Judgment Day about two thingsAllah will ask, I had given you life, where and how did you spend it?I had given you means for your life, where and how did you spend those means (wealth, resources, power, etc...)?Muslims believe that Allah already knows everyone's deeds. The above process is only for reminding every individual what kind of life they had in this world.

Module 2: Basic Beliefs (Continue)Once every individual pays his / her accounts to Allah, then Allah alone will decide who will be punished and sent to Hell and who will be rewarded with Heaven.The Mercy of Allah will play a very important role and Allah may forgive whoever he wants regardless of the numbers and quantity of sins.Allah loves to forgive but the criteria of forgiveness is defined by Allah alone. No body else.The entry into Heaven depends upon the mercy of Allah.Description of Heaven in holy QuranA very loving, peaceful, unimaginable place where the creation will be able to see the Creator and worship HimDescription of Hell in holy QuranA very horrible place in which humans, Jinn and rocks will burn. Believe in Fate / DestinyA Muslim believes that no one can cause harm or benefit except Allah. Whatever good or bad happens in this world, it is according to the wish of Allah.But Allah does not force anyone to choose certain beliefs or lifestyle. It is the persons decision and the person will be responsible for the decisions.The balance between the above two points is critical

Module 2: Basic Beliefs (Continue)Cleanliness; is the most important requirement for worshipping AllahWudhu (Ablution)RequirementsStepsTaking ShowerRequirementsConditionsStepsCleanliness when using ToiletDress PlaceMosques (Masjid)Place for worshipRespect for MosquesValue of praying in the mosquePrayer in congregationWhat is Sharia? (Jurisprudence)Sources & PrinciplesIntentionWhy intention is important?Celebrations in IslamEid ul FitrYoumul Arafa (Hajj day)Eid ul AdhhaAnimal SlaughteringRamadhanThe Night of Power (Lailatul Qadr)Anniversary of Holy QuranOther Events

Module 3: Five Pillars of IslamProphet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that Islam is based upon the following five pillars. Anyone who demolishes (does not practice) these five pillars, in fact, he /she demolishes the building of Islam.Shahadah, testifying that there is no God but Allah and Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His last MessengerFive mandatory prayers (Salat)Fajr (Morning prayers before Sunrise) Dhohr (Zohar) Prayer (Noon Prayer but after the noon time)Asr (Afternoon prayers but before sunset)Maghrib (right after the sunset prayers)Isha (late evening prayers at night) Movie on SalatA person can offer optional prayers and may remember (Dhikr) Allah at any timeZakat: A Muslim with certain amount of savings must pay 2.5% of his savings to the poors every year. This is called Zakat. The optional charity called Sadqah can be given at any time and in any quantityFasting in Ramadhan, every Muslim adult, men or women must fast everyday from Dawn to Sunset in the month of Ramadhan. During fasting, the fasting person must avoid eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relationships. Certain people are exempted from fasting, such as children, sick, elderly (weak), travelers and women in periods.

Module 3: Five Pillars of Islam (Continue)Module 3 (Continue)In certain situations person has to complete his / her missed fasts later on or feed the poor to compensate for missed fasting days Hajj, Every Muslim adult, men or women who has enough resources and physically capable to travel to Makkah must perform Hajj, at least once in the lifetime.History of KabaOther ComponentsAdhan and Iqamah (call for prayer)Friday PrayerSignificance of FridayOther Components (Continue)Islamic CalendarStart, months, important datesEid PrayersOther Optional PrayersOptional FastingOptional CharityUmrah (Small Pilgrimage)SupplicationsRituals performed at BirthAdhan & Iqamah in earsAqiqahRituals performed at the time of death and burialGhusl, Kafn, Salatul Janazah, Burial, Grave, Graveyard, Dua for the deceased

Module 4: Dealings and BehavioursAnger ManagementWhat to do when one is angry?Stress ManagementSatisfaction of Heart and Soul is in the remembrance of AllahAvoiding ViolenceThe violence on the lands and in the seas is earned by human hands.RevengeOvercoming the revenge Forgiveness is better than revengeArroganceDangers of arroganceProblems of arrogance Suicide is forbidden in IslamA person who will commit suicide will go to hell.Martyrdom, the most sacred and desirable in IslamDifference between Martyrdom and SuicideDeathNo one has the right to take someones or his / her own life Death, a call ONLY from GodRepentance, most desirable actionForgiveness, a blessing of AllahLife, an opportunityCounter Terrorism in IslamProphet Muhammads (Peace be upon him) Journey to TaifConquest of MakkahThe Agreement of HudaibiyahNo compulsion in Islam

Module 5: JihadWhat is Jihad? Jihad means struggle for the sake of Allah and must not include any personal ambitions and interests.Types of JihadJihad bin Nafs (Struggle within against the evil desires)Jihad bil Qalam / Lisaan (Struggle against evil through writing or/and speaking)Jihad Bis Saif (Warfare to stop evil)Conditions for Jihad (warfare)Can people make their groups and announce Jihad (warfare)?Who is responsible for declaring Jihad (warfare)?Kidnapping and hijacking innocent civilians is a crimeWarfare in IslamThe battles during Prophet Muhammads (peace be upon him) timeDo not kill innocent civiliansWomen and children must not be harmedPlaces of worship of other religions must not be destroyedWater should not be contaminatedGreen trees should not be cutElderly and sick should not be killedThose who surrender must be protectedForgiveness must prevail over revengeKilling someone just because of his/her nationality or religion is a crime

Module 6: Muslim WorldModule 7: Islams Social System Module 6: Muslim worldWhats happening in the Muslim world? Impacts of colonial era on Muslim countriesContinuation of imperialism/ dictatorships in Muslim countriesEffects of Capitalism - IMF and World BankStereotyping of Western Society by Muslims Stereotyping of Muslims by Western non-MuslimsCommunication gaps, insecurity, and exploitationCharacteristics of a model Islamic State?Module 7: Social SystemIs Western Culture Christian?Islamic culture OR Islamic valuesThe most important unit of Islams social system is FAMILY.Islam wants to establish a very strong moral and spiritual society. Marriage Vs common law relationshippornography and nudityLocal cultures in Muslim countries compare to Islamic valuesTribal systems and feudal lordsMisinterpretation of holy Quran and Sunnah for exploitation

Module 7: Islams Social System (Continue)Male dominationSocial gatherings in IslamSeparation of Female from Male in social gatheringsBirth and Burial ceremoniesMarriagesProphet Muhammads (Peace be upon him) marriagesArranged marriagesIslamic way of weddingsDivorceClothingMale clothingFemale clothingArts & CraftMusic and DanceFoodHalal and HaraamDietary restrictions in IslamNo pig and alcohol productsPaintings and StatuesPhotographyJokes and picnics (Having fun)TourismThe effects of five pillars of Islam on Muslims social lifeRelationships with non-MuslimsEnvironmental sensitivityAnimal CrueltyAbsolutely forbidden in IslamSome examples from Islamic historyCare for pets

Module 8: Role of Women in IslamWhat Quran says about Women?Those who slander chaste women indiscreet but believing are cursed in this life and in the Hereafter: for them is a grievous Penalty. On the Day when their tongues their hands and their feet will bear witness against them as to their actions. On that Day Allah will pay them back (all) their just dues and they will realize that Allah is the (very) Truth that makes all things manifest. (Surah Noor, 24:23,24,25)What Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) says about women? Woman as motherThe highest achievement of any men is under womans feetWoman as WifeProphet Mohammed's relationship with his wivesWoman as daughterA Muslim who raises three daughters with good education and character will be in Heaven with Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)Woman as co-workersWoman as professionalsProphet Muhammads (peace be upon him) own wife, Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her) was the most successful business women of her time.Exploitation of women in the west in the name of freedomExploitation of women in Islamic countries in the name of IslamHijabWhat is Hijab?Bikini or mini skirt Vs. modest dress

Module 8B: Relationship between Man and WomanWho is better or Superior?In Islam, the criteria of being better or superior does not depend upon;Gender, Colour, Language, nationality, etc..The better person among you is he or she who is more pious among you.Relationship between husband and wife in IslamThey are like garments for each otherMutual respectComforting for each otherProtecting each otherBeauty of each otherTrusting each otherSatisfying each otherCompromiseIntimate relationship is sacred. Not for displayMarrying woman ONLY for sexual pleasure is not sacredWhat is meant by man is more powerful over woman?Monogamy Vs. polygamyIs Western Society monogamous?Children out of wedlock in the WestNo secret in IslamIslam prefers single marriagesMultiple marriages allowed but discouragedWhich way is better? Multiple marriages with accountability and responsibility OR have multiple partners with no accountability and responsibility.

Module 9: Economic System Module 10: Political System Module 9: Economic SystemHighlightsResponsibilities of StateWelfare StateFiscal DisciplineTaxes (Zakat & Jizyah)Social SecurityPensionEmploymentEarningsEconomic exploitation is absolutely forbidden in IslamInterest vs. ProfitTaking LoansStay away from loans if you canChallenges of modern economic systemCharitiesModule 10: Political SystemThe Constitution - Quran and SunnahElectoral System of IslamHead of State (Ameer ul Momeneen)Consultative Council (Legislation)Responsibility & AccountabilityFreedom defined by God vs. freedom defined by manThe Best Charter of Human RightsThe Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) Protection of freedom and Constitution The event of Karbala sets the standardsEvery individual is importantIs majority rule always perfect?

Module 11: Judicial System of IslamModule 12: The DifferencesModule 11: Judicial SystemJudiciary independent of AdministrationAccountable to AllahWhen you make decisions among people, make decisions with justiceSome cases between Muslims and Non-Muslims during Prophets (peace be upon him) time.A Muslim Vs. a Jew A son Vs. a Father caseWomen Vs. Men Justice starts within the familyCapital punishmentPre-requisitesRequirementsImportance of witnessingWomens witnessModule 12: The DifferencesSunni and Shia MuslimsNo difference in basic beliefsNo difference in QuranNo difference about Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and his familyDifferences on mostly political issues such as succession of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)Minor differences within SunnisMinor differences within ShiasSome non Muslim groups emerged from Islamic faithDaruzeBahaiAhmady / Qadyani

Module 13: Islam in the WorldIslam in the WestFreedom of ReligionMosques and Islamic Schools EverywhereMuslim StudentsMuslim PopulationMuslims Born in the WestIslam, the fastest growing religionLaws to protect from Discrimination and hate crimesMuslims participation in local politics and Activities

Relationships between Christians and MuslimsFew extremist groups in the West do not represent the entire western communitySympathy and goodwill for MuslimsBacklash against Muslims after September 11 and support from Christian communityDesire to learn and understand IslamIgnorance about the west in Muslim countriesMoving Forward

EndMay Allah Guide Us and Open Our Hearts And Minds, And Save Us From Evil. AmeenThanks for Participating in Islam 101 Acknowledgment Special thanks to the participants of Islam 101 classes and PresentationsNational Commission on Muslim Filipinos

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