Islam 101 (A Short Introduction) Dr. Ishaq Zahid

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

World Muslims 1.2 billion, Muslims represent between 19.2% and 22% of the world's population. One of every five persons in the world is a Muslim Second largest religion in the world

American Muslims 6 million (The New York Times, Feb. 21, 1989) About 40% Afro-American Not all Muslims are Arabs, Not all Arabs are Muslims.

The Basics of Faith The One and Only God (Allah in Arabic) Prophethood The Divine Books revealed by God to His prophets Angels, Life after Death, the Day of Judgment, Heaven and Hell

Worship and Obedience Prayers (Salah) Charity (Zakat) Fasting ( Ramadan) Pilgrimage (Hajj) Any act done according to Quran and Sunnah to please God

Quran and Science The Holy Quran is over 1400 years old text in its original Arabic form. It is not a book of science. However: We have a better understanding of some of its verses due to the modern scientific knowledge

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 Streeter (1941) developed the first system of staging which has now been replaced by a more accurate system proposed by O'Rahilly (1972).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

Foundations of Real Success Faith in the heart and words Righteous Deeds Mercy of God

Some Do’s and Don’ts (with Young Muslims in mind) Can spend some time in healthy sports and clean entertainment, but do not neglect worship of God. Don’t Disobey God. Control your Tongue, Eyes, Ears and Hands. Guard your private parts. Dress Properly. Eat wholesome and pure food.

MOTHERS The Qur'an elevates obedience and kindness to parents (especially mothers) to a status second only to the worship of Allah. “Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of contempt nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor.” (Qur'an 17:23)

Human Equality in Islam Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "No Arab has any superiority over a non- Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab. Nor does a white man have any superiority over a black man, or the black man any superiority over the white man. You are all the children of Adam, and Adam was created from clay."

Justice in Islam "Do not let your hatred of a people incite you to aggression." (Quran 5:2)

Justice in Islam "And do not let ill-will towards any folk incite you so that you swerve from dealing justly. Be just; that is nearest to heedfulness." (Quran 5:8)

Justice in Islam ‘Oh you who believe, stand up firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even if it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be against rich or poor; for God can best protect both. Do not follow any passion, lest you not be just. And if you distort or decline to do justice, verily God is well-acquainted with all that you do.’” (Quran 4:135)

Repel Evil with Goodness Nor can goodness and Evil be equal. Repel (Evil) with what is better: Then will he between whom and thee was hatred become as it were thy friend and intimate! Those who spend (freely), whether in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and pardon (all) men; for God loves those who do good.

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

A Word on Terrorism There are no ISLAMIC TERRORISTS! (There are a few among over a billion Muslims who are terrorists.) Using “Islam” or “Islamic” associates evil acts to the teachings of Islam. And that is WRONG! Let us STOP associating Islam with evil.

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