Dawah Companion

Tag: 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)

  • Why Islam Rejects Original Sin

    Introduction:

    Christianity teaches that humanity inherited a sinful nature from Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden. According to this doctrine — known as “Original Sin” — all humans are born guilty and estranged from God, and can only be saved through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Islam, however, presents a very different and more hopeful view of human nature. The Qur’an teaches that every person is born pure, innocent, and free of inherited sin. Each individual is responsible only for their own actions, and forgiveness from Allah is always available through sincere repentance.

    What Christianity Teaches About Original Sin: The doctrine of Original Sin is based mainly on the writings of Paul, especially: “Just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.”— Romans 5:12. From this, many Christian traditions conclude:

    1. Adam’s sin corrupted human nature.
    2. All humans inherit this sinful state at birth.
    3. Only through the atoning death of Jesus can this inherited guilt be removed.

    This belief underpins the ideas of atonement, redemption, and baptism, which are central to Christian salvation theology.

    The Original Teaching of Salvation — Before Paul:

    Before Paul’s reinterpretation, salvation in the message of Jesus and all earlier prophets centered on faith in God, repentance, and righteous deeds, not on the death of a mediator.

    1. The Prophets’ Consistent Message: Throughout the Old Testament, salvation was tied to obedience and repentance: Ezekiel 18:21–22 — “If the wicked will turn from all his sins… and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.” Micah 6:8 — “He has shown you, O man, what is good… to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. ”Isaiah 55:7 — “Let the wicked forsake his way… and He will have mercy upon him.”
    2. Jesus’ Own Words: Jesus reaffirmed this same principle of repentance and keeping the commandments: Matthew 19:17 — “If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” Matthew 7:21 — “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father.” Luke 6:46 — “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?” Nowhere did Jesus say salvation depended on his death. Instead, he called people to righteousness, mercy, and faithfulness to God’s will.

    The Islamic Perspective:

    In line with the teachings of earlier prophets, including Jesus, Islam completely rejects the concept of original sin. Instead, it teaches that every human being is born with an innate, pure nature (fitrah). The sin of Adam was solely his own and not inherited by others. Allah forgave Adam and Eve after they repented, and no one is responsible for the sins of another. Salvation is attained through faith, righteous deeds, and repentance, rather than through blood sacrifice.

    The Story of Adam and Eve in the Qur’an:

    The Qur’an tells the story of Adam and Eve with a key difference: “Then Adam received words from his Lord, and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, it is He who is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful.”— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:37) Unlike the Christian version, there is no concept of inherited guilt. Adam and Eve both repented, and Allah forgave them completely. Their sin did not taint humanity; rather, it served as a lesson in repentance and mercy. “Every son of Adam sins, and the best of sinners are those who repent.”— Hadith (Tirmidhi, 2499) This teaching restores hope and accountability to every person.

    Individual Responsibility in Islam:

    Islamic scripture emphasizes that each soul bears only its own burden: “No soul shall bear the burden of another.”— Surah Al-Isra (17:15) “Every person is accountable for what he has earned.”— Surah Al-Muddaththir (74:38)> “Whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.”— Surah Az-Zalzalah (99:7–8) There is no concept of inherited guilt or vicarious atonement in Islam.Each person has a direct, personal relationship with Allah — no mediator, priest, or savior is required.

    Forgiveness Without Bloodshed:

    In Christianity, atonement is tied to sacrifice — the belief that sin can only be forgiven through blood, as expressed in: “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”— Hebrews 9:22. Islam disagrees. Forgiveness in Islam comes through repentance (tawbah), not through blood or intermediaries. “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah.Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.”— Surah Az-Zumar (39:53) This verse is one of the most hope-filled messages in the Qur’an — declaring that no sin is beyond Allah’s mercy, and forgiveness is open to all who sincerely return to Him.

    The Islamic View of Human Nature:

    Islam views human beings as born good and capable of righteousness: “We have certainly created man in the best of forms.”— Surah At-Tin (95:4)Each person is born with a fitrah — a natural inclination to recognize and worship the Creator.It is only through environment, temptation, and choice that a person turns away from that natural purity.Unlike Original Sin, which views humanity as corrupt from birth, Islam teaches original goodness — with the potential for both good and evil depending on one’s choices.

    Reason and Justice:

    The concept of inherited sin contradicts both divine justice and human reason: How can a just God punish all people for one man’s mistake? Why would a newborn, innocent child be born sinful? Why would God need to sacrifice Himself to forgive what He already has the power to forgive? Islam answers these questions simply and consistently: Allah is perfectly Just and Merciful. He holds no one accountable for what they did not do.

    Salvation in Islam:

    Salvation in Islam is not about paying for another’s sins — it’s about faith, repentance, and striving for righteousness. “Those who believe and do righteous deeds — for them will be Gardens beneath which rivers flow; that is the great success.”— Surah Al-Buruj (85:11) Forgiveness is always available through:

    1. Faith in Allah and His messengers.
    2. Sincere repentance for sins.
    3. Good deeds done for His sake.
    4. Avoiding major sins and seeking His mercy regularly. No mediator is needed — only sincerity and turning back to the Creator.

    Jesus in the Final Scripture:

    In Islam, Jesus (peace be upon him) is regarded as a noble prophet, rather than a divine savior. He was sent to guide the Children of Israel back to monotheism, and not to die for their sins. The Quran states, “They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but it was made to appear so to them” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:157). Additionally, it is said, “And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another” (Surah Fatir, 35:18). Thus, Islam honors Jesus while maintaining the concept of God’s oneness and perfect justice. Consequently, any Christian who embraces Islam does not lose Jesus; rather, they come to know him even better.

    Conclusion:

    Islam’s rejection of Original Sin is not a denial of human imperfection — it is an affirmation of God’s mercy, justice, and wisdom.Adam’s sin was personal, and Allah forgave him. We are all born pure, not guilty. Forgiveness is earned through sincere repentance, not inherited guilt or blood sacrifice.Salvation is open to all who believe and strive for good. Islam restores a balanced view of humanity:we are neither fallen beyond hope nor divine beyond accountability — we are servants of Allah, created to know Him, worship Him, and return to Him. “Allah does not wrong anyone by even the weight of an atom.”— Surah An-Nisa (4:40)

    References

    1. Qur’an 2:37, 17:15, 39:53, 4:40, 35:18, 95:4, 85:11

    2. Hadith — Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi (2499)

    3. Bible — Romans 5:12, Hebrews 9:22

    4. “The Concept of Sin and Salvation in Islam” — Dr. Bilal Philips

    5. “A Comparative Study of Original Sin” — Dr. Zakir Naik-

  • 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 TrinityThe 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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