What is Islam

What is Islam- Brief Introduction to Islam

within oneself, and peace with the creations of God – through wholly submitting oneself to God and accepting His guidance.

The term Islam derives from the three-letter Arabic root, S (س)- L (ل)- M (م), which generates words with interrelated meanings, including “surrender”, “submission”, “commitment” and “peace”. Commonly, Islam refers to the monotheistic religion revealed to Muhammad ibn (son of) Abdullah between 610 and 632 of the Common Era.

The name Islam was instituted by the Qur’an, the sacred scripture revealed to Muhammad. For believers, Islam is not a new religion. Rather, it represents the last reiteration of the primordial message of God’s Oneness, a theme found in earlier monotheistic religious traditions.

Though Islam can be described as a religion, it is viewed by its adherents – a fifth of the world’s population – in much broader terms. Beyond belief in specific doctrines and performance of important ritual acts, Islam is practiced as a complete and natural way of life, designed to bring God into the center of one’s consciousness, and thus one’s life. Essentially, by definition Islam is a world view focused on belief in the One God and commitment to His commandments.

Islam is the religion of faith and one of the fastest growing religions in the world. With the passage of time, the numbers of believers of this religion are increasing tremendously. For 1/5th of the world’s population, Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness. One should want to know what is Islam then he/she must read Quran and Hadith.

One Billion people from around the world with different races and nationalities have faith in this religion and they are united due to their common faith in Islam. Today Islam is a universal religion and it has followers from all types of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. In this article, we will give a brief introduction to Islam and basically what is Islam, its characteristics, pillars and doctrine characteristics.

Islam-Introduction

What is Islam? Islam comes from an Arabic word simply means ‘Submission’, and derives from a word meaning ‘Peace’. In a religious context, it means complete submission to the will of Almighty Allah. Islam recognizes that humankind has free choice in whether to obey or disobey Almighty Allah, but ultimately we will be held accountable to Almighty Allah in the next life for the choices that we make in this life.

A person who believes in and intentionally follows Islam is called a Muslim. So, the religion is called “Islam,” and a person who believes in and follows it is a “Muslim.”  As per Muslim beliefs, Islam is the last religion that Allah Almighty has sent for the guidance of mankind and there won’t be any other religion following it. This was the brief introduction to Islam and now we will discuss its key figures, Doctrine, and pillars of Islam.

Islam-Key Figures

There are two key figures in Islam that have more importance and without knowing them one cannot begin the understanding or knowledge of religion Islam.

The first key figure in Islam is Allah Almighty. He is the Lord, Creator and the Sustainer of life in this universe and also Hereafter. According to Muslims belief, Allah is the only Lord; He neither has any parent, siblings, or children. He is the One and only without any partner.
The second key figure in Islam is Muhammad (PBUH).

He is the last Prophet of Muslims and Islam, Allah Almighty revealed the religion to Him. He was born in the year 570 in Makah and when He was 40 years old, He received the first revelation from Almighty Allah through the Angel Gabriel. This revelation, which continued for twenty-three years, is known as the Quran. Afterwards, He formally started preaching Islam till the age of 63 when He died in Medina. For Muslims, there is no other person in this world more admire and respect-worthy than Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

 The Doctrine of Islam

Among the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was the simplicity of its Doctrine – Islam calls for faith in only One Lord admirable for worship. Islam has the doctrine in the form of Holy Quran. It is the Divine Book that was revealed on Prophet Muhammad (SAW) over the period of 23 years and it contains all the guidelines that Muslims require to stick to the path of righteousness.

Islam is a natural way of life that encourages one to give due attention to their relationship with Lord and His creation. Islam teaches believers that it is through the doing of good deeds and seeking the pleasure of Allah Almighty that souls find true happiness and peace. That’s why Allah has revealed Quran on Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in which Allah has mentioned all things which we should do for pleasing Almighty.

The Quran, the last revealed Word of Allah, is the prime source of every Muslim’s faith and practice. It deals with all the subjects that concern us as human beings: wisdom, doctrine, worship, and law, but its basic theme is the relationship between Allah and His creatures. It also provides guidelines for a just society, proper human conduct, and an equitable economic system.

The Second most important doctrine for believers is the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) which is the collection of His (SAW) sayings and traditions. We should also consult from Hadith because in it all those things mentioned which Prophet (SAW) practically did in His life. Believers of Islam should consult about everything from Quran and Hadith.

Islamic Articles of Faith

Muslims summarize their Doctrine in six articles of faith that represents the belief system of a Muslim:

Belief in one Allah
Belief in Angels
Belief in all Prophets but end with last Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as final Prophet of Almighty Allah
Belief in all Holy Books but they believe the Quran is the perfect word of Allah
Belief on the Day of Judgment and Hereafter
Belief in the existence of fate
Belief that everyone will rise up after death

Five Pillars of Islam

There are five pillars of Islam which stand as an obligation for every Muslim and the absence of any of them leaves an abandoned in the faith which is only completed when the pillars are practiced. Muslims consider everything they do in life to be an act of worship, as long as it is done according to Allah’s guidance. There are also five formal acts of worship which help strengthen a Muslim’s faith and obedience. They are called the Five Pillars of Islam:

The testimony of Faith (Shahada or Kalima)

Prayer (Salat)
Giving (Zakat)
Fasting (Sawm)
Pilgrimage (Hajj)

These are five pillars of Islam which every Muslim need to be practiced if he/she wishes to stay true to the faith. A Muslim’s entrance into paradise linked on obedience to these Five Pillars of Islam.

Islam the Religion of Peace

Islam is a religion of Peace. One must realize that peace can never be achieved in the void. It is associated with justice. One can have peace only on basis of justice. “Justice” means putting everything in its rightful place. If one starts putting things in the wrong places, then he disturbs the social harmony and peace. Islam focused on spreading peace around the world.

Islam very strongly emphasizes the rights which people have over each other. It seeks to preserve peace in society by training and urging its followers to fulfill the rights of each other. In Islam, salvation is not possible by just fulfilling the rights of Allah Almighty; one has to fulfill the rights of other human beings also. One can also achieve inner peace by creating harmony and balance between his emotions and conscience.

Islam is a comprehensive way of life and speaks about almost every matter of life. However, the above mentioned are some concepts which can easily be traced and observed in every Muslim as they are the core of the Islamic belief system.

What is the Essence of Islam?

Prophet Muhammad mentioned in a narrative the best summary of the core of Islam as follows:

“Submission means that you should bear witness that there is no god but God and that Muhammad is God's messenger, that you should perform the ritual prayer, pay the alms tax, fast during Ramadan, and make the pilgrimage to the House if you are able to go there."

"Faith means that you have faith in God, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day, and that you have faith in the measuring out, both its good and its evil."

"Doing what is beautiful means that you should worship God as if you see Him, for even if you do not see Him, He sees you."

WHO IS ALLAH اللّهَ?

in Islam understand Allah to be the proper name for the Creator as found in the Qur’an. The name Allah is analogous to Eloh, a Semitic term found in the divine scriptures revealed to Muhammad’s predecessors Moses and Jesus (may peace be upon them all).

The use of the term Allah is not confined to believers in Islam alone — Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews also use Allah in reference to God, demonstrating thereby that followers of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism believe in a common monotheistic Creator, a fact that many people are surprised to learn.

One reason for this may be that English-speaking persons are accustomed to the term God, whereas believers in Islam, regardless of their native language, use the Arabic word Allah. This difference in usage may cause people to view the term Allah with reticence and uncertainty, preventing them from making the connection between the Arabic name and the accepted English equivalent term.

The Qur’an, the divinely-revealed scripture of Islam, contains numerous verses describing the nature of God. The role of human beings as creations of God upon the earth and their relationship with God are also discussed extensively in the sacred text:

who share in His divinity or authority and that God is transcendent, unlike His creations, and thus has no physical form. Nor is God believed to exist in (or be represented by) any material object. A number of divine attributes or “names,” which serve to describe God, are found in the Qur’an. Some commonly known attributes include the Most Merciful, the Most Forgiving, the Most High, the Unique, and the Everlasting, among others.

Are humans an image of God?

In Islam, human beings, like other creations, are seen as completely unlike God, though they may aspire to exhibit various attributes manifested by God, such as justice or mercy. Furthermore, even while God is believed to be beyond traditional human perception, the Qur’an states:

For Muslims, God’s Oneness heightens the awareness that ultimately all life is bound by Divine Law emanating from a singular source and that life has a meaning and purpose which revolves around the consciousness of God’s presence.

Moreover, belief in a singular Creator compels conscientious Muslims to view all humanity as one extended family and treat others with justice and equity. Respect for the environment and natural resources also follows from the Muslim view of God.

WHAT IS THE QURAN ALL ABOUT?

The word Qur’an literally means “the reading” or “the recitation”, and refers to the divinely revealed scripture given to Muhammad. Since Muhammad is considered the last prophet of God, the Qur’an is believed to be the final revelation from God to humanity.

The Qur’an is considered by Muslims to be the literal Speech of God given to Muhammad in the Arabic language. The chapters and verses of the Qur’an were revealed throughout Prophet Muhammad’s mission, over a span of close to twenty-three years, from 610-632 C.E.

Contrary to common misconception, Muhammad is not the author of the Qur’an. Rather, he is viewed as the chosen recipient of and transmitter of the revelation and the ideal implementor of principles and commandments contained therein. The personal sayings or words of Muhammad are known as hadith, which are distinct from the divine origin of the content of the Qur’an.

As verses of the Qur’an were revealed to Muhammad and subsequently repeated by him to companions and other fellow Muslims, they were written down, recited and memorized. The Prophet also typically led the formal worship five times daily, during which he recited the revealed verses according to the procedure that he established. 

The verses were also recited out loud by designated Muslims in the early dawn hours and prior to the worship times and other important occasions. In short, the Qur’anic verses played an immediate and practical role in the spiritual lives of Muslims from the outset.

Before he passed away, the Prophet arranged the 114 chapters into the sequence we find in the Qur’an as we have it today. Scholars, both Muslim and non-Muslim, agree that the Qur’an has remained intact and unchanged to the present.

Translations of the Qur’an exist in many languages throughout the world, including English, Spanish, French, German, Urdu, Chinese, Malay, Vietnamese, and others. It is important to note that while translations are useful as renderings or explanations of the Qur’an, only the original Arabic text is considered to be the Qur’an itself.

WHAT IS THE QURAN ALL ABOUT? 

The word Qur’an literally means “the reading” or “the recitation”, and refers to the divinely revealed scripture given to Muhammad. Since Muhammad is considered the last prophet of God, the Qur’an is believed to be the final revelation from God to humanity.

The Qur’an is considered by Muslims to be the literal Speech of God given to Muhammad in the Arabic language. The chapters and verses of the Qur’an were revealed throughout Prophet Muhammad’s mission, over a span of close to twenty-three years, from 610-632 C.E. 

Contrary to common misconception, Muhammad is not the author of the Qur’an. Rather, he is viewed as the chosen recipient of and transmitter of the revelation and the ideal implementor of principles and commandments contained therein. The personal sayings or words of Muhammad are known as hadith, which are distinct from the divine origin of the content of the Qur’an.

As verses of the Qur’an were revealed to Muhammad and subsequently repeated by him to companions and other fellow Muslims, they were written down, recited and memorized. The Prophet also typically led the formal worship five times daily, during which he recited the revealed verses according to the procedure that he established. 

The verses were also recited out loud by designated Muslims in the early dawn hours and prior to the worship times and other important occasions. In short, the Qur’anic verses played an immediate and practical role in the spiritual lives of Muslims from the outset. Before he passed away, the Prophet arranged the 114 chapters into the sequence we find in the Qur’an as we have it today. Scholars, both Muslim and non-Muslim, agree that the Qur’an has remained intact and unchanged to the present. The Qur’an as a scripture stands unique in this regard.

Translations of the Qur’an exist in many languages throughout the world, including English, Spanish, French, German, Urdu, Chinese, Malay, Vietnamese, and others. It is important to note that while translations are useful as renderings or explanations of the Qur’an, only the original Arabic text is considered to be the Qur’an itself.

WHO ARE THE MUSLIMS?

The word Muslim literally means "one who willfully submits (to God)." Islam teaches that everything in Creation — microbes, plants, animals, mountains and rivers, planets, and so forth — is "muslim", testifying to the majesty of the Creator and submitting or committing to His divine laws. Human beings, also, are considered fundamentally ”muslim” (submitters to God) in their original spiritual orientation, but being unique creations endowed with abilities of reason, judgement, and choice, they may remain on a God-conscious, righteous path towards divine reward, or may veer away as a consequence of upbringing and life-choices.

More commonly, the term Muslim refers to one who believes in the Shahadah (the declaration of faith containing the basic creed of Islam) and embraces a lifestyle in accord with Islamic principles and values. Anybody may be or become a Muslim, regardless of gender, race, nationality, color, or social or economic status. A non-Muslim who decides to enter Islam does so by reciting the Shahadah, (pronounced La-Ilaha Ila Allah, Muhammad-un Rasool Allah) witnessing that "there is no deity but Allah (God), and Muhammad is His Messenger."

Where do Muslims live?

Over 1.8 billion people throughout the world are adherents of Islam. Islam is the religion of diverse peoples living in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Central, East, South and Southeast Asia, Japan, Australia, and North and South America. The global spectrum of races, ethnicities and cultures finds representation in the worldwide Muslim community.

Muslims throughout the world share the same essential beliefs, values, and God-centered approach to the world. Furthermore, all Muslims look to the Qur’an and the lifestyle and traditions of Prophet Muhammad for guidance in their daily affairs. In this respect, Muslims share a common Islamic culture, focusing on shared principles and values.

At the same time, the ethnic, regional or material cultures of Muslims vary tremendously across the globe. Muslims exhibit different styles of clothing, different tastes for food and drink, diverse languages, and varying traditions and customs.

Muslims view the diversity found throughout the world as a natural part of God’s plan for humanity and believe it contributes to Islam’s continued vitality and universal ethos. Consequently, rather than imposing arbitrary cultural uniformity, diverse cultural practices are encouraged and supported. So long as a given cultural practice or tradition does not violate teachings of Islam it is considered legitimate and possibly even beneficial.

IS ISLAM COMPATIBLE WITH THE MODERN WORLD? 

According to Islam, men and women are spiritually equal beings created from a common origin. All of the religious obligations in Islam are incumbent upon both women and men. God’s mercy and forgiveness apply equally to men and women. The following Qur’anic verse, arguably the first gender-equity statement in any major scripture, illustrates this point:

As a consequence of physiological, psychological and other distinguishing factors embodied in men and women by the Creator, the rights, responsibilities, and roles of men and women are believed to naturally differ. Muslims believe that God has assigned the responsibility of providing financially for the family to men, and the important responsibility of fostering a God-conscious and righteous family to women. Such roles do not preclude women from having careers and earning income or men from helping to raise a family. Rather, they provide a general framework for Muslim society, designed to reinforce the concept of a nuclear family unit.

The guidelines for men and women’s roles are also meant to ensure dignified and proper relations between people of the opposite sex. Minimal mixing of the sexes in Muslim societies should not be construed to imply inequality or confinement. Rather, such measures are designed to protect individuals from unsolicited attention, inappropriate sexual attraction, adultery and possibly other forms of violence such as rape.

Since the seventh century the Qur’an specified the natural and inherent rights of women as well as men, and enjoins people to act in line with God’s teachings of justice and equity. Islam gave gave women the right to own and inherit property, the right to obtain an education, the right to contract marriage and seek divorce, the right to retain one’s family name upon marriage, the right to vote and express opinions on societal affairs, and the right to be supported financially by male relatives (husband, father, brother, etc.).

Such rights were unheard of in the seventh century, yet were implemented to varying degrees in Muslim civilization throughout the last fourteen hundred years. It is also important to recognize that only in the last two centuries have such rights been available to women in Western societies. 

Clearly, common stereotypes regarding women’s rights must be carefully considered, and the current practice of Muslims in various countries and regions must be examined within the context of history and within light of the sources of Islam in order to ascertain the degree to which Muslim women are able to exercise their rights today. Prevailing cultural factors must also be taken into account.

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Merits of Islam

The Foundation of Faith

The religion of Islam is built on the principles of the Faith as mentioned in the Statement of Allah: "Say:We believe in Allah and in what has been revealed to us, and what was sent down to Ibrahim(Abraham) ,Ismael(Ishmael) ,Ishaq(Isaac), Ya'qub(Jacob)and the offspring  of the twelve sons ofYa'qub(Jacob) and what was given to Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus) and the prophets from their Lord.We make no distinction  between one another among them and to Him(Allah we submitted."[2:136]

These most important fundamentals which Allah has commanded for His servants , are the same fundamentals brought by all of the Prophets and Messengers.They consist of the most important ideas and beliefs which result from the faith in all that Allah described Himself with upon the tongue of His Messengers, and striving to do what pleases Allah.

The root of religion is the belief in Allah.Its fruit is hastening to do all that Allah loves and is pleased with ,doing so sincerely for Him alone.Is it possible to imagine that any religion could be better than this?

This religion commands having faith in all of what the Prophets brought,trusting their messages,acknowledging the truth of what they came with from their Lord,not making distinctions between them in that,and that all of them are truthful Messengers of Allah,sincerely faithful to Him.Therefore, it is impossible to have any suspicion or objection towards this religion.

It commands every truth and recognizes every fact,its religious realities are determined by what Allah revealed to His Messengers, which are all in accordance with realities that are reasonable,natural and beneficial.It neither rejects any truths in any way, nor confirms any lies,nor propagates any falsehood.Therefore ,it stands out as the most believable over all of the other religions.

It orders good deeds and noble character,as well as the welfare of humanity.Islam encourages justice,virtue,mercy and generosity.It prevents injustice,oppression and all traits that spoil morality.There is not one thing that the Prophets and Messengers approved of but Islam affirms it;there is not one thing beneficial (religiously or in the matters of life) which their legislative systems invited to,except that Islam stresses its importance ,nor is there anything harmful except that it prohibits it or orders that it be avoided.
In summary, the beliefs of this religion are those that purify the hearts,strengthen the spirits,and result is the most Honorable manners and good deeds.

The Pillars of Islam

The greatest of Islamic practises,after faith,are performing the obligatory prayers,giving the Zak'at, fasting the month of Ramadan, and Hajj(pilgrimage) to the sacred House.

Contemplate about these great practices and their tremendous benefit.Consider how they encourage one to seek Allah's pleasure and to win the rich rewards from Allah in this life and the Hereafter.Think about the ritual prayer which includes sincerity to Allah, focusing one's attention on Him Alone.Think about the gratitude expressed in it, the supplication, and  the humility.It is the tree of the faith holding the position equal to that of the Gardner to the garden. Without repeated prayers ,day and night,the tree of the faith and its branches would wither.However, it flourishes and rejuvenates through the devotion of the prayer.

Look at all the contents of prayer,look at how one busies himself in remembrance of Allah,the One greater than all things,and look at how it prevents one from vile and evil behavior.

 Think about the wisdom behind paying the Zakat. It encourages the Honorable trait of benevolence and kindness. It keeps one away from evil characteristics.It expresses gratitude to Allah for His endless blessings.It protects the wealth from the concern of being spoiled.Consider the kindness for others that it demonstrates, and help for those in need.

 Allah says: "And perform As-Salat, and give Zakat, and bow down along with Ar-Raki'un."[2:43]

Paying Zakat removes the worries of those in need.It promotes the mission of Jihad and the general social welfare which every Muslim depends upon.It defends against poverty.It demonstrates reliance upon the command of Allah,hope in His reward,and conviction of His promises.

With fasting, the souls practice avoiding what is most beloved to them.Out of love for Allah ,and to draw nearer to Him, fasting trains the souls by strengthening their resolve and perseverance.Fasting encourages sincerity,acting out of love for Allah rather than love for oneself. In this way,fasting,unlike any other deed, is in reality exclusively for Allah.

As for the pilgrimage or Hajj,it is a means of spending one's wealth,bearing with difficulties and being exposed to risks, all seeking the pleasure of Allah,travelling for Allah,praising Him at His House and in its vicinity,and various categories of worshiping Allah in the holy place where times is spent solely in worshiping Allah and visiting His House. 

Look at the complete reverence and humility to Allah,recalling the ancient events of the Prophets and Messengers,the righteous and the sincere,strengthening faith in them and strengthening love for them.Consider how it gives an opportunity for Muslims from all over the world to learn about each,unite their objectives,and cooperate in their special and general interests.This is an opportunity unique to Hajj.This is one of the greatest merits of Islam, resulting in one of the best benefits for the believers.

The Importance of Unity

Think of how the Islamic system orders,stresses and obliges unity and  allegiance, it prohibits and warns against division and separation.This basic concept is well defined in the Qur'an and Sunnah. Everyone with any sense of reason can realise the benefit of this concept and the benefits it would produce in religious and worldly matters, as well as the harms and the evils it would help to prevent.It is a well known fact that spiritual strength is fortified upon the truth.The Muslim predecessors maintained the religion,social welfare and an Honor which none besides them achieved,since they were adhering to this basic principle, by which they upheld the truth,the Islamic teachings.Their firm belief was the spirit of their religion.

The Religion of Kindness

Islam is the religion of mercy,blessing and benevolence.It encourages all categories of human benefit.Consider the mercy,fair dealing practices the invitation to be kind ,and prohibition from all that contradicts this. These are the shining lights that distinguish the aggression of oppressor and the tyrant,and the evil and unlawful dealings. This is what attracted the hearts of those who were mortal enemies before knowing Islam, when they sought the shelter of the Shade of Islam. 

It is the religion that fills its people with gentleness, until mercy, forgiveness and kindness flow from their hearts to their sayings and actions, and upon reaching their enemies- turning them into their greatest allies.Among them are those who entered Islam out of pure zeal and passion, among them are those who submitted to it because of the wisdom of its laws and the Honor they give to its people, and same because of the equity and mercy that they witnessed.

The Religion of Wisdom

Islam is a religion of wisdom,it is a natural religion, a religion of reason and benefit.To make this clear, look at its rules,both at the fundamental and branch level,these are obviously correct and the truth,acceptable to reason and instinct,all of the rules of its system are the best,providing benefit for every time and place.All that it mentions is true and believable,there is nothing,nor could there be anything(in the past or future) to contradict or falsify it.It is but the science of truth,all of it .This is one of the greatest proofs of its credibility.

Researchers and authors have verified that for every type of beneficial knowledge;be it religious,worldly or political,the Qur'an and the Sunnah has presented irrefutable arguments for it.There is nothing irrational  involved in the Islamic Shari'ah, only what pure reason proves the truth and benefit of.  Its commandments and prohibitions are full of justice,with no oppression.
It commands only pure goodness,and it only prohibits evil,or the harm that outweighs the benefits.The more an intellectual contemplates about its laws,the more his faith will be increased because of knowing this and that it is revealed from Allah,The Wise and Praised.

Jihad and Commanding Good

Consider what Islam teaches  about Jihad ,and ordering every good thing, and forbidding every evil.The objective of this Jihad is to repel the aggression of the enemies against the truth of this religion, and to refute their false claims.This is the best type of Jihad, because its objective is not ambition, selfishness,or slander.Whoever looks for the proofs of this rule in the biography of the Prophet pbuh and his Companions' conduct with their enemies,he will recognise without a doubt that Jihad to defend against the aggression of the enemies is a necessity.

The same is the case with commanding good and forbidding evil, since this religion will not be upheld unless its people support its fundamentals and laws, implementing what it orders,complying with the directives from which the most benefit is derived, and staying away from its prohibitions,preventing the worst of evils and harms. The welfare of its people depends upon this, to prevent its members from attractions to the unlawful,and neglecting to fulfil what is obligatory.And this will not work without commanding good and forbidding evil,for which reason this is one of the most important merits of religion,and among those things most necessary to maintain.

As far as unrestricted liberty is concerned,after they have adopted the laws and adhered to its teachings,what can be worse for them,and for the community, particularly in regard to fulfilling the rights that are necessary according to the Shari'ah ,reason and custom.

Allah says: "Jihad(Holy fighting in Allah's cause) is ordained for you(Muslims) though you dislike it,and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you.Allah knows but you do not know." [2:216]

Allah also mentioned the curse of Prophets Dawud and Isa upon the children of Israel, saying: "They  used not to forbid one another from Al-Munkar(wrong,evil-doing,sins, disbelief etc.which they committed vile indeed was what they used to do."  [5:79]

Just Business Law

Islam allows trade,partnership and all typed of business that deal with the people, including assets, loans and beneficiaries etc.

A perfect system has been developed for people including the necessities , requirements and luxuries. It gives people ample opportunities to improve their condition and status as well as the stability of their standard of living.
Islam has laid certain conditions for making such dealings permissible. For example, satisfaction from both parties involved, preparing contracts with mutual consent,being acquainted with the terms and conditions of the contract.Additionally, Islam prohibits any kind of business involving injustice and harm, such as gambling, interest or usury, etc.

Allah says: "Those who eat riba will not stand (on the Day of Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Shaitan leading him to insanity.That is because they say:'Trading is only like Riba.'Whereas Allah has permitted trading and forbidden Riba.So whosoever receives an admonition from his Lord and stops eating Riba, shall not be punished for the past; his case is for Allah(to judge); but whoever returns(to Riba), such are the dwellers of the Fire-they will abide therein.Allah will destroy Riba and will give increase for Sadaqat(deeds of charity,alms).And Allah likes not the disbelievers,sinners." [2:275]

So, whoever contemplates about transactions according to the Shari'ah, he will see its correlation to the welfare of religious and worldly matters, and it will testify to Allah's ample mercy and perfect wisdom, since He has allowed His worshippers all of the good things, transactions , food and drink.

Encouraging the use of Good Things

Look at the permission for the good things, he food, drink , clothing and marriage etc.All useful good things are permitted, such as grains, fruits, the meat of animals, both sea and land. The only items prohibited among these are those filthy and harmful for the religion, to reason, for body, and to the wealth.

Qur'an says: "He allows them as lawful At-Tayyibat(i.e., all good and lawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods). And prohibits them as unlawful..."[7:157]

"And eat of the things which Allah has provided for you, lawful and good, and fear Allah in Whom you believe."[5:88]

So,whatever is permitted, it is benevolence from Allah, and a merit of the religion, and whatever Allah forbade, then it is also out of His benevolence, since it is only harmful for people.So, this is also one of the merits of religion, since the merit is known from the beneficial wisdom, and its protection against harm.

Similarly,Islam permits marriage.A man is free to marry any woman of his choice; two, three or four.Yet it is not allowed for a person to have more than four wives Simultaneously, for this would lead to corruption and injustice. Just as marriage is among the greatest blessings and one of the important needs, so to divorce is allowed.For those whose married life  is miserable, they being a bad match who cannot get along, fearing the harms that may come from remaining in such situation.

Allah says: "But if they separate (by divorce), Allah will provide abundance for everyone of them from His Bounty."[4:130]

Preserving the Rights

Look at the rights that Allah and His Messenger pbuh have enjoined upon people,rights for the benefit of people ,out of kindness to them,for justice and rectification without any oppression.  Rights such as the obligations towards parents, children,relatives, neighbors  companions and workers. Each of the marriage partners has certain rights over the other.

All these rights are necessary and complete, they are clearly good according to instinct, and sound reason, holding the society together, supporting social welfare and growth, each person having their respective rights fulfilled. Whichever of the rights are thought about, one will see the wisdom in them, that they remove evil, provide benefit, in general and in specific, encouraging friendship and nurturing community.All of this testifies that this is the legislation that will ensure happiness in both lives.These rights befit every time, place, circumstance, and society.

Wills and Inheritance

Look how the Shari'ah has permitted the transferal of wealth and inheritance, and how the wealth is divided among heirs. Allah has disclosed the wisdom of it and says:"You do not know which of them, whether your parents or your children, are nearest to you in benefit." [4:11]

So,Allah has regulated inheritance according to what He knows about their closeness in their relation, and their benefit , how people like their wealth to be distributed, and the charity that is preferred.All of this is according to a distribution that sound reason attests to.If such distribution were left up to personal interests and public views, then there would be numerous disputes and disagreements bordering on chaos, because of preferences and selections.  Islam has allowed individuals to make a will to allocate some of their wealth in the way of charity and piety, by which he will win the rich reward in the Hereafter.Making such will is limited to non-inheritors, and up to one-third or less of his total wealth. 

Such restriction is made in order to prevent any possible corruption from the lustful interests that the immature may have for the wealth of the deceased.Indeed Allah has made wealth a means of existence for humanity, and normally the wise are reluctant to spend their wealth in a way harmful to themselves due to their fear of poverty.

 If the distribution of inheritance was left to the whims and intellects of mankind,people would be harmed to an extent that only Allah knows.This is due to the deficiency of the minds and their lack of knowledge of who is truly deserving and the best person to receive the wealth.This is true in every time and every place.People in general do not know which between their children and parents  is closer to them and more beneficial to them in their attainment of their worldly and hereafter goals.

Upholding Justice

Look at all the penal codes, and their variance according to the gravity of the crimes committed.Crime and the infringement of the rights of Allah and His servants are among the worst forms of oppression, destroying civilisation, disturbing both religion and social affairs.To combat these crimes, and to minimise any consequences of these brutalities, penal codes such as capital punishment, amputation, flogging and their like have been imposed.These are the merits of Islamic law which are beneficial to both the society and the individual.

Allah says: "O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah as just witnesses; and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice.Be just:that is nearer to piety..."[5:8]

No evil could be completely eradicated without the comprehensive Islamic penal code which has been fixed for each crime ,large or small.

Protecting against Irresponsible Spending

Look at Shari'ah's order to restrict people from controlling wealth when such activity would be harmful for themselves or others.For example, the insane, the young, and those who lack the necessary intelligence, etc.These are all merits and beauties of Islam.It prevents people from controlling wealth, although as a basic rule they are free to do so.But when such financial dealings`cause more harm than benefit, and its evil consequences are greater than its benefits, then the Shari'ah prevents such dealings for the sake of the benefit.This encourages the Worshippers to strive in their every financial dealing to gain most benefit and avoid any harms.

Ensuring Justice in Business Dealings

Look at how the Shari'ah has endorsed the legitimacy of documenting all transactions for the benefit of their participants.For instance,a certificate may be written to ensure that rights are fulfilled, preventing denials, and eliminating any confusion in future.Other examples include pawing, bail and sponsorship .When rights are in question, then such certificates can be reffered to.This enforces numerous benefits such as preserving rights,widening the scope of transactions , dealing with fairness and justice, improving conditions, and straight forward transactions.If not for such documentation , so many of the most beneficial transactions would be interrupted.

Philanthropic Loans

Islam encourages  philanthropic investments , for which a rich reward from Allah and doing good for others would be achieved simultaneously. For example, one may invest his wealth, then have his wealth returned to him later, either as it was, or after some share of the profit from investment. This allows the investor to reimburse his principal amount without causing him any loss.An example of this would be long or short term loans. 

This provides benefit,gives aid to the needy, removing their difficulties , resulting in a kind of charity.Here , aside from the charity involved, the owner of the wealth finds his wealth returning to him, yet he would get numerous rewards from his Lord, developing kindness and friendship with his brother believer, as sense of comradely and harmony. As for pure philanthropy, where the owner gives it free, without expecting its return, then this was discussed under the wisdom of Zakat and charity.

Protecting Property

Consider the rule and regulations which the Shari'ah lays for settling disputes, and the method of preference with the claimants. These rules are founded upon equality and proof, they are compatible with customs, and are agreeable to instinct . For it requires evidence for proof of the right. So, when someone brings the evidence which proves his side over his opponents , then his rights is affirmed as he claimed it. And when he does not come with anything but his claim, then the one whom the claim is against, takes an oath negating the Claim, and his right is not rescinded to the claimant.

The Shari'ah has made evidence the deciding factor for each case. This includes what is customary, i.e. An evidence refers to that which will make clear and prove who has the right. In cases that are not clear, or when the two parties seem equally correct, the rectification and equity is sought depending upon the case, in order to prevent further problem and disputes.

So, every resolution of a dispute that contains no oppression or disobedience to Allah, it is then beneficial for them. So here, when there is a means leading to dispute, the importance is to remove that means. The weak and the strong are the same in this matter, the authorities, and those under their authority, in all cases. Litigates will be better off with justice than without it.

Consultation

Islam has enjoined the believers to consult each other for all matters that relate to the religious and worldly affairs, internally and externally.

 This is a great principle , and all people of reason would agree, as they would agree that it is the cause uniting the welfare of all, and the best means to attain the correct objective and to do so justly. It increases the benefit and the good that results when the nations use it. Moreover, every one knowledgeable about people, and about their social circumstances, knows well how important consultation is and to what extent its importance reaches.

 When the early Muslims implemented this principle in all of the matters of Islam, religious and worldly, then matters were right, and the state of affairs was the most advantageous and prosperous. 

But when they neglected this principle , their deterioration in their religion and worldly matters began, until it reached such state as we now see. So if they return to utilising this principle as well as others, then they would succeed and be saved.

Prosperity in Mind and Body

The Shari'ah stands for prosperity in the religion , and prosperity in the world, and harmonising between the prosperity of the spirit and the body.

This concept has been explicitly detailed in the glorious Qur'an and Sunnah. Allah and His Messenger pbuh have encouraged us to maintain equilibrium in both body and spirit. They are interactive and each of them depends upon the other. Allah the Most High has created His creatures to worship Him Alone, fulfilling all His rights. 

He gave them livelihood , gave them different means of sustenance , and different means of living so that they could use all of these things to help them to worship Him. This is for the maintenance of their bodies and their spirit. Allah has never ordered us to nourish the spirit alone, while disregarding the requirements of the body . Just as He prohibited a life based upon lavishness and desire. Rather He commanded fortifying the heart and the spirit.

Unity of Ideals

The Shari'ah places knowledge, religion, statehood and rule hand in hand. Knowledge and religion establish the state, upon which authority and rule are built. And all states are bound by knowledge and the religion, this is the way of wisdom. That is the straight path, and that is the way that is prosperous, successful and victorious.

So, when the religion and authority work together , then matters are prosperous  and the society is right . And when one of these is separate from the other then the society becomes  unbalanced. Prosperity and harmony  are lost, the division and alienation of the hearts towards each other begin, and the order among people erodes.  So, the sciences that are important to study, the disciplines that are important to learn , and the many great and important inventions that there are, none of them are those that negate what the Qur'an proves, nor contradict the Shari'ah. 

For the Shari'ah does not contain what contradicts reason, it only contains what testifies to the best sound reason, it only contains what testifies to the best sound reason, or that which the intellect cannot learn on its own. And this brings us to another point.

Religion that is compatible with Reason

The Shari'ah contains nothing that confounds reason nor anything that contradicts correct knowledge. This is one of the greatest proofs that Allah's wisdom is resolute for every time and place.This brief statement can be understood in detail by watching and following the universal issues and sociological with the truth that Islam brought. From this , one would realise that Allah's wisdom covers everything, nothing large or small has been left out.

     The Miraculous spread of Islam

Take a quick look at the extraordinary early conquests  of Islam. Then at how they defended and maintained their position, even while they were fought fiercely.

Look at the beginnings of this religion. How it unified the Arabian Peninsula, while its hearts were split with enmity and maliciousness rampant. Look at how they united, cast aside their differences , and became a firm brotherhood of faith.Then they spread out to the most powerful parts of the world and repeated such conquests there. Many emperors and nations fell into their hands, including then the powerful nations of Persia and Rome. 

Muslims easily conquered them and their surrounding lands even though the enemies were strong and able in arms and ammunition . But the Muslims were victorious because of virtues and merits of their religion, the strength of their faith, and Allah's aid assisting them , until the boarders of Islam spread from the east of the earth to  its west. This resulted as one of the great signs of Allah ,proofs of His religion, and the miracles of His Prophet pbuh. Thus, people entered into Allah's religion in multitudes with peace of mind and tranquility  not by force or compulsion.

Whoever were to examine this fact closely , will see that this religion is the truth , which will never accept anything false even when it becomes tremendously powerful and reaches its zenith in dominance. This is an undeniable fact which is easily seen by common sense.

Contrary to the sayings of some contemporary writers whose works are influenced by the enemies of Islam, claiming that these unprecedented victories were driven purely by materialism.They claim that all of this was possible because of the deterioration and downfall of the lands of the Caesar of Rome, and the material prosperity in Arabia. This point alone is sufficient enough to invalidate their claim.Was there any power existed in Arabian Peninsula at that time capable to confront even the weakest government? Instead, Muslims conquered the strongest governments and most powerful nations of the world. 

The enemies resisted with massive ammunition and vast numbers of armies, and every last bit of might they had, but the tyrannical rule was replaced by the Laws of the Qur'an and the Religion of Justice, which of those who intend the truth accept.

How can they misrepresent the conquests of Islam and its growth, with the claim that material gain was the prime factor behind it? By such fabricated stories, they meant to tarnish Islam, promoting the accusations of the enemies of Islam, without understanding the truth.

The continuous existence of this religion, even in dangerous circumstances, is one of the signs of this religion; despite the fact that its enemies collaborate for its total extermination .This is the true religion of Allah.If the necessary strength was assembled to repel the aggressors and their injustice, then no religion other than Islam would remain on the earth, and all of its inhabitants would accept it without compulsion or coercion, because it is the religion of truth, the natural religion, the religion of unity and social welfare.But its people are negligent, weak and disunited, and they are impeded by the influence of their enemies, preventing them from advancing.There is no might nor ability except from Allah.

The Comprehensiveness of this Religion

Islam is based on correct, beneficial beliefs, and honorable conduct which strengthens the spirit and the mind, and works that bring benefit, proofs for its fundamentals as well as its teachings.Islam is built upon rejection of all idolatry and dependence upon creatures, and practising all of the religion for Allah , the Lords of the worlds Alone, and upon the rejection of all senseless myths and superstitions that contradict rationale.Islam is based upon absolute benefit, and upon repelling every evil and falsehood, and upon justice, removing every type of wrong.

These are points that have many details which should be learned by those who are not familiar with them.Here we conclude our brief discussion of some comprising fundamentals and principles by which the perfection and greatness of Islam may be recognised, demonstrating that it is the means of attaining real goodness with all things. And with Allah is the facilitation to what is right.Allah's peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad his family and his companions.                             

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