Dawah Companion

Author: Ridwan Abdusalam

  • Who is Prophet Muhammad?

    Muhammad, Prophethood, Revelation, Qur’an, Messenger of Allah

    Introduction:

    The name Muhammad ﷺ is among the most mentioned in the world, yet also one of the most misunderstood.Muslims revere him not as a divine being, but as the final Prophet and Messenger of Allah, sent to guide humanity with the message of pure monotheism (Tawheed) — the worship of one God. He is the man through whom the Qur’an was revealed, whose life serves as the perfect example of faith, morality, justice, and compassion.This article introduces who Prophet Muhammad ﷺ truly was, why Muslims follow him, and how his life continues to impact billions today.

    Birth and Early Life:

    Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born in Makkah (modern-day Saudi Arabia) around 570 CE, into the noble tribe of Quraysh.His father, ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abdul-Muttalib, passed away before his birth, and his mother, Aminah bint Wahb, died when he was just six years old.He was raised by his grandfather and later by his uncle Abu Talib.Even before prophethood, he was known among his people as “Al-Amīn” (the Trustworthy) for his honesty, fairness, and integrity.

    The Call to ProphethoodAt the age of 40, while meditating in the cave of Hira, Muhammad ﷺ received the first revelation through the angel Jibrīl (Gabriel):> “Read in the name of your Lord who created…”— Surah Al-‘Alaq (96:1)This marked the beginning of his 23-year mission as the final Messenger of God, confirming the messages of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them all).

    The Message of Islam: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ called people to the same timeless truth preached by all prophets: “Worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him.”— Surah Al-A‘raf (7:59)His mission was not to found a new religion, but to restore the original message of monotheism that had been altered or forgotten over time. The essence of his message included:

    1. Oneness of God (Tawheed) — Allah alone deserves worship.

    2. Righteous conduct — truthfulness, justice, mercy, and humility.

    3. Accountability — belief in the Hereafter and responsibility for one’s deeds.

    4. Equality of all humans — regardless of race, tribe, or status.

    5. Peace and compassion — “The most merciful are shown mercy by The Most Merciful.” (Hadith)

    Opposition and Perseverance:

    The early years of his mission in Makkah were met with severe hostility. He and his followers were mocked, tortured, and boycotted because his message challenged the idol-worship and social injustices of the time. Despite persecution, he responded with patience and forgiveness, never abandoning his message or compromising his integrity.After 13 years of struggle in Makkah, he and his followers migrated to Madinah — an event known as the Hijrah (Migration) — marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

    The Prophet as a Leader:

    In Madinah, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ became:A spiritual leader — teaching faith and devotion.A political leader — establishing justice and rule of law.A military leader — defending the community from aggression.A reformer — uplifting women, orphans, and the poor.He established the Constitution of Madinah, one of the first written charters guaranteeing rights and coexistence between Muslims, Jews, and other tribes.

    Character and Morality: The Qur’an describes him as:> “And indeed, you are of a great moral character.”— Surah Al-Qalam (68:4)He was gentle, forgiving, humble, and generous. He mended clothes, served his family, and never sought revenge for personal harm.When his enemies were finally defeated, he entered Makkah without pride or vengeance, declaring forgiveness for all. “No blame will there be upon you today. May Allah forgive you; He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.”— Qur’an 12:92 (words of Prophet Yusuf, repeated by Muhammad ﷺ upon conquest)

    The Final Revelation: Shortly before his death, the Prophet ﷺ delivered his Farewell Sermon during his final pilgrimage (Hajj). It summarized the entire message of Islam: “O people, your Lord is One, and your father (Adam) is one.An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab, except by piety.”— Hadith (Musnad Ahmad)Soon after, he received the final revelation:> “Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and chosen Islam as your religion.”— Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3)He passed away in 632 CE at the age of 63, leaving behind a complete, preserved faith and a global community of believers. Was Muhammad Truly a Prophet?Muslims believe Muhammad ﷺ’s prophethood is proven by:

    1. The Qur’an itself — unmatched in eloquence, consistency, and preservation.

    2. Fulfilled prophecies — in the Qur’an and authentic Hadiths.

    3. His personal example — unmatched moral character and sincerity.

    4. The transformation he led — from idol-worship to ethical monotheism.

    5. Predictions in earlier scriptures — such as Deuteronomy 18:18 and John 14:16, which describe a coming prophet like Moses.

    What the Qur’an Says About Him: “Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets.”— Surah Al-Ahzab (33:40)> “And We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds.”— Surah Al-Anbiya (21:107)He was not sent to one nation or tribe, but to all humanity, as a messenger of mercy, truth, and justice.

    Conclusion:

    Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was a messenger, reformer, teacher, and mercy to mankind — not a god or a man seeking power.His message was universal, timeless, and clear:> “Worship Allah alone and follow the guidance revealed.”Through his teachings and example, the world witnessed spiritual, moral, and social transformation unmatched in history.Muslims follow him not out of blind faith, but because his message is confirmed by revelation, reason, and the enduring legacy of good he left behind.

    References:

    1. Qur’an 33:40, 21:107, 68:4, 5:3
    2. Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim — Authentic Hadith collections.
    3. “Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum” (The Sealed Nectar) by Safiur Rahman al-Mubarakpuri
    4. “Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources” by Martin Lings
    5. “The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History” by Michael H. Hart

  • Did Jesus Die for Our Sins? — The Islamic Response

    Introduction:

    Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ died on the cross as a sacrifice to atone for humanity’s sins. This event, known as the Crucifixion, is seen as the foundation of salvation—through Jesus’s death and resurrection, mankind is reconciled to God. In contrast, Islam presents a different account and understanding of salvation. The Qur’an explicitly teaches that Jesus (ʿĪsā) was neither crucified nor killed; rather, he was raised by Allah—his mission fulfilled, his honor preserved, while his followers were misled afterward. This article outlines Islam’s view of the Crucifixion, explores why the Qur’an rejects it, and explains how true forgiveness is achieved according to Islamic belief.

    The Christian Belief in the Cross:

    According to Christian doctrine:

    1. Humanity inherited sin from Adam and Eve (Original Sin).

    2. No human could atone for this sin; therefore, God became man in the person of Jesus.

    3. Jesus’s death on the cross paid the price for humanity’s sins.

    4. Believing in Jesus’s sacrifice is necessary for salvation.

    The Apostle Paul wrote:“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.” — 1 Corinthians 15:3. While this belief is deeply held by Christians, Islam views it as a misunderstanding of both God’s nature and Jesus’s mission.

    The Qur’anic Account:

    The Qur’an is clear regarding the Crucifixion: “And for their saying, ‘We killed the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah’—but they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but it was made to appear so to them. And those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except for the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain.” — Surah An-Nisa (4:157)“Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise.” — Surah An-Nisa (4:158)According to Islam:- Jesus was not killed or crucified.- It only appeared so to his enemies.- Allah saved him from humiliation and raised him to the heavens.- He will return before the Day of Judgment to finalise his mission.

    The Nature of Jesus’s Mission:

    In Islam, Jesus (ʿĪsā عليه السلام) was:- A prophet and messenger sent to the Children of Israel- A servant of Allah, not divine- A human born through a miracle, like Adam, who was created without a father “The likeness of Jesus before Allah is that of Adam. He created him from dust, then said to him, ‘Be,’ and he was.” — Surah Aal ‘Imran (3:59)His message was consistent with that of all prophets: “Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.” — Surah Maryam (19:36)Thus, Jesus came not to die for sins but to guide his people back to the worship of the One True God.

    Why Islam Rejects the Idea of Atonement Through Blood:

    Islam rejects the notion that God requires a blood sacrifice to forgive. Forgiveness in Islam is not bought; it is earned through repentance, mercy, and sincere faith. “Allah does not forgive that partners be associated with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.” — Surah An-Nisa (4:48)“Do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins.” — Surah Az-Zumar (39:53)In Islam:- God is All-Merciful—He does not need to punish Himself to forgive His creation.- No soul bears the sin of another (Qur’an 35:18).- Forgiveness is granted to those who repent and do good.The concept of vicarious atonement—one person dying for another’s sin—is inconsistent with both divine justice and personal accountability.

    Biblical Support for the Islamic View:

    Even within the Bible, there are passages that align more with the Islamic narrative than later Christian doctrine:

    1. Jesus Prayed to Be Saved from the Cross: “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me.” — Matthew 26:39 This prayer indicates that he did not desire death, and God does not reject the prayers of His prophets.

    2. God Does Not Die: “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me.” — Isaiah 46:9 The idea that God can die is theologically impossible.

    3. The Alleged Cry of Jesus on the Cross: “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” — Matthew 27:46 If Jesus were truly God, to whom was he crying? This indicates a servant-to-Lord relationship, not divine identity.

    4. The Early Christians Disagreed About Crucifixion: Early sects, such as the Basilidians and Docetists (1st–2nd centuries CE), believed that Jesus was not crucified—echoing what the Qur’an later confirmed.

    The Return of Jesus (ʿĪsā):

    Islam teaches that Jesus was raised alive and will return before the Day of Judgment to:- Defeat the false messiah (Dajjal)- Restore justice and peace- Reaffirm the truth of Islam- Die a natural death and be buried on earth “By Him in Whose Hand is my life, the son of Mary will soon descend among you as a just ruler.” — Hadith (Sahih al-Bukhari, 3448) This prophecy illustrates that Jesus’s mission is not finished but will conclude according to Allah’s plan—not through crucifixion.

    Salvation in Islam

    In Islam, salvation is not earned by another’s death, but by faith and righteous deeds: “Whoever does righteousness, it is for his own soul; and whoever does evil, it is against it.”— Qur’an, Surah Fussilat (41:46) This aligns with the consistent teaching of earlier prophets, including Jesus. Ezekiel 18:20 “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father… the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him.” Matthew 19:17 “If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”. Romans 2:6–7 “God will repay each person according to what they have done. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory and honor… he will give eternal life.” James 2:24 “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.”

    To be saved:

    1. Believe in Allah (The True God) and His messengers, including Jesus and Muhammad (peace be upon them).

    2. Repent sincerely for sins.

    3. Live a life of righteousness and mercy. Islam’s message is simple and universal: “Worship Allah alone and do good — and you will be saved.”

    A Message of Unity:

    The Qur’an calls Christians and Jews back to their original message: “Say, O People of the Book, come to a word that is common between us and you — that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him.”— Surah Aal ‘Imran (3:64) This is not a rejection of Jesus — it is an affirmation of his true mission: to call humanity to worship the One True God.

    Conclusion:

    Islam honors Jesus as one of the greatest prophets —born miraculously, speaking from the cradle, healing the sick, and raising the dead by Allah’s permission. But Islam rejects the idea that he was God or died for the sins of others. His mission was the same as that of every prophet: “O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him.” (Qur’an 11:50) Forgiveness in Islam comes not through crucifixion, but through mercy and repentance. And that mercy is open to all who turn sincerely to Allah. “And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers.”— Surah Aal ‘Imran (3:85)

    References:

    1. Qur’an 4:157–158, 3:59, 3:64, 11:50, 39:53, 41:46

    2. Hadith — Sahih al-Bukhari 3448

    3. Bible — Romans 3:23, Matthew 26:39, Matthew 27:46, Isaiah 46:9

    4. “The Cross and the Crescent” — Ahmed Deedat

    5. “Jesus in the Qur’an” — Dr. Jamal Badawi

  • What is Islam? – An Understanding of the Faith of Submission to God’s Will

    Introduction:

    The word “Islam” comes from the Arabic root S-L-M, which means peace, purity, submission, and obedience.In essence, Islam means “submission to the will of Allah”, the One True God.A person who follows Islam is called a Muslim, meaning “one who submits.”Islam is not a new religion. It is the same message of monotheism that was revealed to all prophets — from Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, to the final Messenger, Muhammad ﷺ.

    The Core Meaning of Islam:

    At its heart, Islam is about:Recognizing the Creator of the heavens and the earth,Submitting one’s life and will to Him,Living in accordance with His guidance.This message is summarized in the Qur’an:> “Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam.”— Surah Aal ‘Imran (3:19)> “And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers.”— Surah Aal ‘Imran (3:85)

    Belief in One God:

    The foundation of Islam is Tawheed — the belief that Allah is One, Unique, and has no partners. “Say: He is Allah, the One.Allah, the Eternal Refuge.He neither begets nor is born,Nor is there to Him any equivalent.”— Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1–4)Muslims believe that Allah:Has no father, mother, or son.Has no equal or rival.Alone deserves all worship, prayer, and devotion.This same message was preached by all prophets, including Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them all).

    Belief in the Prophets:

    Islam teaches that throughout history, Allah sent prophets to guide humanity.Each prophet brought the same essential message:> “Worship Allah alone and avoid false gods.”Some of the prophets mentioned in the Qur’an include:Adam — the first man and prophetNoah (Nūḥ)Abraham (Ibrāhīm)Moses (Mūsā)Jesus (ʿĪsā)Muhammad (ﷺ) — the final messengerMuslims believe in all of them — not as divine beings, but as messengers of God.> “The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers.All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers.”— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:285)

    The Qur’an — The Final Revelation:

    Muslims believe that Allah revealed divine scriptures to different prophets.Among them:The Torah to MosesThe Psalms (Zabur) to DavidThe Gospel (Injeel) to JesusAnd finally, the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad ﷺThe Qur’an is unique because:It has been perfectly preserved in Arabic for over 1,400 years.It contains no contradictions.It covers belief, law, morals, science, and guidance for all humanity.> “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an, and indeed, We will be its guardian.”— Surah Al-Hijr (15:9)

    The Five Pillars of Islam:

    Islam is not only a belief but a way of life. Its foundation rests on five pillars, which every Muslim follows: Pillar Arabic Term Description

    1️⃣ Shahadah Declaration of faith: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger.”

    2️⃣ Salah Performing the five daily prayers at prescribed times.

    3️⃣ Zakah Giving charity (2.5% of savings) to purify wealth and help the poor.

    4️⃣ Sawm Fasting during the month of Ramadan to develop self-control and piety.

    5️⃣ Hajj Pilgrimage to Makkah once in a lifetime, if physically and financially able.These acts of worship strengthen a Muslim’s connection with Allah and purify the soul.

    The Six Articles of Faith:

    Every Muslim must believe in the six pillars of faith:

    1. Belief in Allah

    2. Belief in His Angels

    3. Belief in His Books

    4. Belief in His Messengers

    5. Belief in the Last Day

    6. Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar) — that all things happen by Allah’s knowledge and will.

    The Purpose of Life:

    According to Islam, the purpose of human life is simple and profound: “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.”— Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:56)Worship in Islam is not limited to rituals — it includes every act done sincerely for Allah’s sake: working honestly, helping others, being truthful, and showing kindness.

    Islam and Peace:

    True Islam brings peace:Peace within oneself — through submission to Allah,Peace with others — through justice, mercy, and compassion,Peace in society — through moral and spiritual discipline.The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:> “The Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand people are safe.”— Sahih al-Bukhari (10)

    Who Is a Muslim?

    Anyone who sincerely declares the testimony of faith becomes a Muslim:> “Ash-hadu an lā ilāha illā Allāh,wa ash-hadu anna Muḥammadan rasūlullāh.”(I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.)This simple statement marks the beginning of a new relationship with the Creator — one built on faith, forgiveness, and hope.

    Conclusion:

    Islam is the religion of all prophets, the message of submission to one God, and the path to inner peace and eternal salvation. It calls humanity to:Worship Allah alone, Follow His final messenger, Muhammad ﷺ, Live righteously, and Prepare for the Hereafter. “This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.”— Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3)

  • Trinity or Tawheed: Understanding God’s Oneness

    Introduction:

    Both Muslims and Christians believe in one God — the Creator of the heavens and the earth.However, the understanding of God’s nature differs sharply between the two faiths. Christians describe God as a Trinity: one being in three persons — the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit.Islam, on the other hand, teaches Tawheed: that Allah is absolutely One, with no partners, equals, or divisions. This article will explore both beliefs, explain the Islamic perspective, and show why pure monotheism (Tawheed) is the original and unchanging message of all prophets.

    The Christian Concept:

    The Trinity:

    The doctrine of the Trinity teaches: “There is one God who exists eternally as three distinct persons — the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit — co-equal and co-eternal.” Although the word Trinity does not appear anywhere in the Bible, this belief developed through later Church councils — such as Nicaea (325 CE) and Constantinople (381 CE). According to Christian theology: The Father is God. The Son (Jesus) is God. The Holy Spirit is God. Yet, there are not three gods, but one God. Many Christians accept this as a mystery of faith, not fully understandable by reason.

    The Islamic Concept:

    Tawheed (Oneness of Allah)In Islam, Tawheed is the foundation of all belief — the purest form of monotheism. “Say: He is Allah, One.Allah, the Eternal Refuge.He neither begets nor is born,Nor is there to Him any equal.”— Surah Al-Ikhlāṣ (112:1–4)

    The Meaning of Tawheed:

    1. Tawheed ar-Rububiyyah — Oneness of Lordship:Allah alone is the Creator, Sustainer, and Controller of the universe.

    2. Tawheed al-Uluhiyyah — Oneness of Worship:Only Allah deserves worship, prayer, and devotion.

    3. Tawheed al-Asma wa Sifat — Oneness of Names and Attributes: Allah’s attributes (such as mercy, knowledge, power) are unique and not shared by any creature. Islam rejects the idea of any partners, intermediaries, or incarnations in God’s essence.

    What the Qur’an Say About the Trinity:

    The Qur’an addresses the Christian belief in the Trinity with clarity and respect: “They have certainly disbelieved who say, ‘Allah is the third of three.’And there is no god except one God.”— Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:73)And also: “The Messiah, son of Mary, was no more than a messenger; many were the messengers that passed away before him.His mother was a woman of truth.They both ate food.”— Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:75)Eating, needing rest, and human limitations prove that neither Jesus nor Mary can be divine. Both were noble servants of Allah — not partners in His divinity.

    What Jesus Himself Taught:

    Even in the Bible, Jesus emphasized the oneness of God: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”— Mark 12:29He also said: “My Father is greater than I.”— John 14:28These verses confirm that Jesus distinguished himself from God, never claiming equality or partnership. In fact, throughout the Gospels, Jesus prayed to God, submitted to His will, and acknowledged His dependence — all signs of servanthood, not divinity.

    The Origin of the Trinity Doctrine:

    The concept of the Trinity was not taught by Jesus or his early disciples.It evolved gradually through Greek philosophical influence and Church politics after Jesus’s time.Early Christian groups like the Ebionites and Nazarenes — who followed Jesus’s original teachings — believed in one God and saw Jesus as a prophet and messenger, not God Himself.It was only later that Roman councils, influenced by Emperor Constantine, formalized the doctrine of the Trinity.

    Islam’s Respectful View of Jesus (Peace be upon him):

    Islam deeply honors Jesus as:A mighty messenger of Allah,Born miraculously to Mary (Maryam عليها السلام), A prophet sent to guide the Children of Israel,A servant and worshipper of Allah, not divine. “The Messiah (Jesus), son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary, and a spirit from Him.”— Surah An-Nisa (4:171)Thus, Islam restores Jesus’s true position — noble, pure, and human — without elevating him to godhood or lowering him to disbelief.

    Reason and Revelation Agree:

    It is both rational and scriptural to believe in one indivisible God:Reason tells us that two or more infinite beings cannot exist simultaneously. Revelation tells us that Allah has no partners or equals. True monotheism (Tawheed) is consistent, simple, and universal — the same message preached by Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (peace be upon them all).

    A Call to Reflect:

    The Qur’an invites sincere Christians to return to the shared foundation of faith: “Say, O People of the Book, come to a word that is common between us and you — that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him.”— Surah Aal ‘Imran (3:64)Islam does not reject Jesus — it reaffirms his true mission: to call people to the worship of the One True God, not himself.

    Conclusion:

    The Trinity divides God into three persons, a concept that Jesus never taught and which reason cannot explain. The Tawheed of Islam preserves the absolute oneness and perfection of God — free from partners, sons, or divisions. In essence: Trinity = three persons, one being (philosophical paradox) Tawheed = one God, one essence, one worship (pure monotheism)The call of Islam is to worship Allah alone, the same God whom Jesus, Moses, and all prophets worshiped. “And your God is One God. There is no deity except Him, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.”— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:163)

    References:

    1. Qur’an 112:1–4, 4:171, 5:73–75, 3:64, 2:163

    2. Gospel of Mark 12:29

    3. Gospel of John 14:28

    4. Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 3445

    5. “The History of Christian Doctrines,” Alister E. McGrath

    6. “Islamic Monotheism (Tawheed),” Dr. Bilal Philips—

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