Islam 101

(A Short Introduction)
Dr. Ishaq Zahid
http://www.islam101.com
 No Compulsion in Religion

God created men and women to worship and

obey Him, but
“Let there be no compulsion in religion.
Truth stands out clear from Error. Whoever
rejects evil and believes in God has grasped
the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never
breaks. And God hears and knows all things.”
(The Holy Quran, 2.256)
 World Muslims

• 1.2 billion, Muslims represent between

19.2% and 22% of the world's
population.
• One of every five persons in the world
is a Muslim
• Second largest religion in the world
 American Muslims
6 million (The New York Times, Feb. 21,
1989)
About 40% Afro-American
Not all Muslims are Arabs, Not all Arabs
are Muslims.
 The Basics of Faith

The One and Only God (Allah in Arabic)

Prophethood
The Divine Books revealed by God to His
prophets
Angels, Life after Death, the Day of
Judgment, Heaven and Hell
 Worship and
Obedience
Prayers (Salah)
Charity (Zakat)
Fasting ( Ramadan)
Pilgrimage (Hajj)
Any act done according to Quran and Sunnah to please God
 Quran and Science

The Holy Quran is over 1400 years old text in

its original Arabic form.
It is not a book of science. However:
We have a better understanding of some of its
verses due to the modern scientific knowledge
 A Verse on Embryology

"He makes you in the wombs of your mothers in

stages, one after another, in three veils of darkness."
(Quran, 39:6)
The staging of human embryos was not described
until the 20th century. Streeter (1941) developed the
first system of staging which has now been replaced
by a more accurate system proposed by O'Rahilly
(1972).
"The three veils of darkness" may refer to: (l) the
anterior abdominal wall; (2) the uterine wall; and (3)
the amniochorionic membrane
Foundations of Real Success

Faith in the heart and words

Righteous Deeds
Mercy of God
 Some Do’s and Don’ts
(with Young Muslims in mind)

Can spend some time in healthy sports and

clean entertainment, but do not neglect
worship of God. Don’t Disobey God.
Control your Tongue, Eyes, Ears and Hands.
Guard your private parts.
Dress Properly.
Eat wholesome and pure food.
 MOTHERS
The Qur'an elevates obedience and kindness to
parents (especially mothers) to a status second
only to the worship of Allah.

“Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him and
that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain
old age in your life, say not to them a word of contempt nor
repel them, but address them in terms of honor.” (Qur'an
17:23)
 Human Equality in Islam
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"No Arab has any superiority over a non-
Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any
superiority over an Arab. Nor does a white
man have any superiority over a black man,
or the black man any superiority over the
white man. You are all the children of
Adam, and Adam was created from clay."
 Justice in Islam
"Do not let your hatred of
a people incite you to
aggression."
(Quran 5:2)
 Justice in Islam

"And do not let ill-will towards

any folk incite you so that you
swerve from dealing justly. Be
just; that is nearest to
heedfulness." (Quran 5:8)
 Justice in Islam
‘Oh you who believe, stand up firmly for justice, as
witnesses to God, even if it be against yourselves, or
your parents, or your kin, and whether it be against
rich or poor; for God can best protect both. Do not
follow any passion, lest you not be just. And if you
distort or decline to do justice, verily God is well-
acquainted with all that you do.’” (Quran 4:135)
 Repel Evil with Goodness
041.034 Nor can goodness and Evil be equal.
Repel (Evil) with what is better: Then will he
between whom and thee was hatred become as
it were thy friend and intimate!
003.134 Those who spend (freely), whether in
prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger,
and pardon (all) men; for God loves those who
do good.
 Jihad

Jihad, an Arabic word that means to strive, to

struggle, to do one’s utmost.
Jihad to get an A grade is to study tirelessly
An Evil Jihad is to spread evil
A Jihad is Islamic if it is done according to the Holy
Quran.
Not all Jihads are Islamic.
 A Word on Terrorism

There are no ISLAMIC TERRORISTS!

(There are a few among over a billion
Muslims who are terrorists.)
Using “Islam” or “Islamic” associates evil
acts to the teachings of Islam. And that is
WRONG!
Let us STOP associating Islam with evil.
 Surah Al-Fatehah
Questions (Chapter 1: The Opening)

and Answers
1. In the name of Allah, Most
Gracious, Most Merciful.
2. Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher
and Sustainer of the worlds;
3. Most Gracious, Most Merciful;
4. Master of the Day of Judgment.
5. Thee do we worship, and Thine
aid we seek.
6. Show us the straight way,
7. The way of those on whom Thou
hast bestowed Thy Grace, those
whose (portion) is not wrath, and
who go not astray.