Dawah Companion

Category: Basics of Islam

  • The Qur’an: Revelation and Preservation

    Introduction:

    The Qur’an is the final revelation from Allah (God) to mankind — a book of guidance, mercy, and truth. Revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ over 23 years, it completes the chain of divine scriptures that began with the Torah, Psalms, and Gospel.Unlike earlier revelations, the Qur’an was divinely protected from corruption, preserved in both hearts and manuscripts — fulfilling Allah’s promise: “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Reminder, and indeed, We will guard it.”— Surah Al-Hijr (15:9)

    The Qur’an: God’s Final Revelation:

    Allah sent revelation to every nation through prophets — from Adam to Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them all). Each conveyed one consistent message: to worship Allah alone.The Qur’an confirms this timeless message and stands as the final, universal revelation for all humanity. “Say, ‘O mankind, indeed I am the Messenger of Allah to you all — to Him belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. There is no deity except Him; He gives life and causes death.’”— Surah Al-A‘raf (7:158)It also affirms the truth found in earlier scriptures while exposing distortions made by human hands:> “And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming what was before it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it.”— Surah Al-Mā’idah (5:48)

    The Process of Revelation:

    The Qur’an was revealed gradually over 23 years — addressing the evolving circumstances of the early Muslim community.The Archangel Jibreel (Gabriel) conveyed Allah’s words directly to the Prophet ﷺ:> “The Trustworthy Spirit has brought it down upon your heart, [O Muhammad] — that you may be of the warners.”— Surah Ash-Shu‘ara (26:193–194)This gradual revelation strengthened the believers and allowed them to internalize divine guidance step by step: “And those who disbelieve say, ‘Why was the Qur’an not revealed to him all at once?’ Thus [it is] that We may strengthen thereby your heart, and We have spaced it distinctly.”— Surah Al-Furqan (25:32)

    Preservation Through Memorization:

    From the beginning, memorization was central to Qur’anic preservation. The Prophet ﷺ himself memorized the revelation, and his companions (Sahabah) followed his example. He said: “The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.”— Sahih al-Bukhari, 5027 Dozens of companions — including Ubayy ibn Ka‘b, Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud, Zayd ibn Thabit, and others — memorized the Qur’an completely. This oral transmission (known as tawātur) ensured an unbroken chain of reciters, preserving every word precisely as revealed.The Prophet ﷺ also reviewed the Qur’an with Jibreel annually during Ramadan. In the year of his death, this review occurred twice, confirming its final form.— Sahih al-Bukhari, 4998; Sahih Muslim, 2450.Today, millions of Muslims — including children as young as seven — have memorized the entire Qur’an in Arabic, maintaining a living, global preservation that no other scripture possesses.

    Preservation in Written Form:

    During the Prophet’s lifetime, revelation was recorded by appointed scribes, such as Zayd ibn Thabit, Ali ibn Abi Talib, and Mu‘awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan. They wrote on parchment, bones, palm leaves, and leather under the direct supervision of the Prophet ﷺ.After his passing, following the Battle of Yamamah (where many memorizers were martyred), Caliph Abu Bakr (RA) ordered a full compilation to safeguard the Qur’an.This task was assigned to Zayd ibn Thabit — the Prophet’s chief scribe.— Sahih al-Bukhari, 4986. The compiled manuscript was later preserved with Hafsah bint Umar (RA), the Prophet’s wife.During the caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan (RA), standardized copies were made from this master compilation and distributed to major Islamic regions — Makkah, Kufah, Basrah, and Damascus — ensuring unity of recitation.— Sahih al-Bukhari, 4987; Ibn Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Masahif.

    Linguistic and Textual Consistency:

    Over fourteen centuries have passed, yet the Qur’an remains identical across the world. Early manuscripts — such as the Topkapi Manuscript (Istanbul) and the Sana’a Manuscript (Yemen) — match today’s Qur’anic text precisely. Even non-Muslim scholars have recognized this phenomenon.Sir William Muir wrote: “There is probably in the world no other book which has remained twelve centuries with so pure a text.”— (The Life of Mahomet, 1878, Vol. 1, p. 22) The Qur’an itself challenges skeptics to produce anything comparable: “And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our servant, then produce a surah like it — and call upon your witnesses other than Allah, if you should be truthful.”— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:23)This linguistic miracle (i‘jaz al-Qur’an) remains unmatched — its eloquence, rhythm, and depth defy imitation.

    A Living Miracle:

    The Qur’an’s preservation is not confined to history; it continues every day.In every generation, millions memorize, recite, and teach it in its original language. No other book has ever been preserved through such a living community of believers.> “No falsehood can approach it from before it or from behind it; [it is] a revelation from the All-Wise, Worthy of Praise.”— Surah Fussilat (41:42)The Qur’an’s impact is both spiritual and intellectual — it guides the heart, shapes society, and continues to inspire scholars, poets, and thinkers across the globe.

    Conclusion:

    The Qur’an is the Word of God, revealed to the final Messenger ﷺ, preserved perfectly by divine will.It is the ultimate source of truth, morality, and spiritual healing. “This is the Book about which there is no doubt — a guidance for those conscious of Allah.”— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:2)To read the Qur’an is to hear the Creator speak — His message, unchanged and eternal.It calls every human being to faith, reflection, and submission to the One who created all things.

    References:

    1. The Qur’an: 2:2, 2:23, 5:48, 7:158, 15:9, 25:32, 26:193–194, 41:42

    2. Sahih al-Bukhari: Hadith 4986, 4987, 4998, 5027

    3. Sahih Muslim: Hadith 2450

    4. Ibn Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Masahif

    5. Al-Suyuti, Al-Itqan fi Ulum al-Qur’an

    6. Sir William Muir, The Life of Mahomet, Vol. 1 (1878)

  • Is the Qur’an Preserved?

    Introduction:

    One of the most important facts of Islam is that the Qur’an is the unchanged word of Allah, perfectly preserved since it was revealed over 1,400 years ago.Many non-Muslims, and even some Muslims, wonder: Can we really be sure that the Qur’an we have today is the same as what was revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ?This article will explore the Islamic evidence, historical facts, and scholarly consensus on the preservation of the Qur’an.

    The Qur’an’s Own Claim:

    The Qur’an explicitly declares that Allah Himself guarantees its preservation: “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Reminder (the Qur’an), and indeed, We will surely guard it.”— Surah Al-Ḥijr (15:9)This verse is both a divine promise and a fulfilled prophecy.For over fourteen centuries, the Qur’an has remained intact — word for word, letter for letter — despite the rise and fall of empires, languages, and cultures.

    How the Qur’an Was Preserved:

    1. Through Memorization (Hifz)From the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, thousands of his companions memorized the Qur’an completely.They were known as ḥuffāẓ (guardians of the Qur’an). The Prophet ﷺ said:“The best among you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.”(Sahih al-Bukhari, 5027)To this day, millions of Muslims around the world — from Nigeria to Indonesia — memorize the Qur’an entirely, often from a young age.This oral preservation is unique to the Qur’an; no other scripture in history has been memorized so widely and precisely.

    2. Through Written PreservationDuring the Prophet’s lifetime:The Qur’an was written down on parchments, bones, and leaves by appointed scribes.He personally reviewed the recitations of the Qur’an each Ramadan with the angel Jibrīl (Gabriel).After his death, under the Caliph Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), the written materials and memorized recitations were compiled into a single copy, supervised by the companions who had memorized the entire Qur’an.Later, during Caliph Uthman’s era, standard copies were produced and distributed to major Muslim regions to preserve one unified reading, eliminating any regional differences in dialect or pronunciation.These copies, known as the “Mushaf of Uthman,” became the foundation of all Qur’anic manuscripts today.

    3. Through Continuous Recitation (Tawātur)The Qur’an has been transmitted generation after generation through a process called tawātur, meaning:> “A transmission by so many people in every generation that it is impossible for them to have conspired upon a lie.”This chain of reciters connects every modern Qur’an reader directly back to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

    What Scholars and Historians SayImam Al-Nawawi (d. 676 AH): “The Qur’an is preserved by Allah from any alteration, addition, or omission.”(Al-Tibyan fi Adab Hamalat al-Qur’an) Orientalist scholar Arthur Jeffery, though critical of Islam, admitted: “The Qur’an as we have it today is practically identical with what was in circulation in the Prophet’s lifetime. “Even non-Muslim historians recognize the Qur’an’s textual stability, especially compared to other ancient scriptures.

    Manuscript Evidence:

    Early Qur’anic manuscripts from the 7th century CE, such as: The Topkapi Mushaf (Turkey)The Samarkand Mushaf (Uzbekistan)The Birmingham Manuscript (UK)—all confirm the same text found in the Qur’an recited by Muslims today. When compared letter-by-letter, these manuscripts match the standard Uthmanic Qur’an, differing only in spelling conventions and minor diacritical marks — not in words or meanings.

    Addressing Common Misconceptions:

    1. There are different versions of Qur’an: There is only one Qur’an, but multiple authentic recitations (Qirā’āt) — each taught by the Prophet ﷺ and passed through sound chains of narration.These are not different versions but different accepted modes of pronunciation, much like different accents in reciting the same text.
    2. Early Muslims disagreed about the Qur’an: Minor differences in dialect, and pronunciation existed, but the content was the same. Caliph Uthman’s compilation standardized the Qur’an without changing any revelation.
    3. The Qur’an was written long after the Prophet: No — it was written and memorized during his lifetime.Every verse was confirmed by him before it was recited publicly.The companions cross-checked both written and memorized versions for accuracy.

    Why This Preservation Matters:

    1. It proves the truthfulness of Allah’s promise (Qur’an 15:9).

    2. It ensures that Islam’s guidance remains unaltered and reliable for all generations.

    3. It gives Muslims a direct link to the words of Allah, not human authors or translations.

    Conclusion:

    The Qur’an is not just another ancient book — it is the living word of Allah, perfectly preserved in memory, writing, and recitation. Its preservation is: Divinely promised, Historically proven, and Universally witnessed among Muslims across centuries. No other scripture can make — or prove — such a claim. “This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.”— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:2)

    References:

    1. Qur’an 15:9, 2:2, 22:38

    2. Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5027

    3. Al-Tibyan fi Adab Hamalat al-Qur’an — Imam al-Nawawi

    4. The Preservation of the Qur’an, Dr. Mustafa al-Azami

    5. The History of the Qur’anic Text, M.M. al-Azami

    6. Birmingham Qur’an Manuscript Study, University of Birmingham

  • 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

  • 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)

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