The Ten Commandments: An Islamic Perspective Mahmoud Haddara

History 570 Prophet Muhammad is born 595 Prophet Marries Khadija 610 First revelation 622 Hijrah to Medina 632 Death of Prophet Muhammad 570 Prophet Muhammad is born 595 Prophet Marries Khadija 610 First revelation 622 Hijrah to Medina 632 Death of Prophet Muhammad

Quran The Book First revelation Period of revelation Documentation The Book First revelation Period of revelation Documentation

Purpose “Whoever does good whether male or female and is a believer, We will most certainly make him lead a happy life and We will most certainly give them their reward according to the best of their deeds”[16:97]

Ten Commandments “ Say, Come I will recite what your Lord has forbidden to you: that you don’t associate anything with Him; and show kindness to your parents; and do not slay your children for fear of poverty - We provide for you and for them – and do not come near indecencies- those which are apparent as well as those which are concealed-; and do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden except for the requirements of justice – this He has enjoined you that you may understand -; And do not approach the property of the orphan except in the best manner until he/she attains his/her maturity; and give full measure and weight with justice – We do not impose on any soul a duty except to the extent of its ability-; and when you speak, then be just though it be against a relative; and fulfill Allah’s covenant; this He has enjoined you with that you may be mindful.[6: ]

Ten Commandments Don’t associate anything with Him Show kindness to your parents Do not slay your children for fear of poverty Do not approach indecencies Do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden except for the requirements of justice Do not approach the property of the orphan except in the best manner Give full measure and weight with justice Be just though it be against a relative Fulfill God’s covenant Remain united on the Path of God and do not stray from it Don’t associate anything with Him Show kindness to your parents Do not slay your children for fear of poverty Do not approach indecencies Do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden except for the requirements of justice Do not approach the property of the orphan except in the best manner Give full measure and weight with justice Be just though it be against a relative Fulfill God’s covenant Remain united on the Path of God and do not stray from it

Don’t associate anything with Him Shirk Apparent Hidden “Certainly Allah does not forgive that anything should be associated with Him, and forgives anything else for whomsoever He wills.”[4:48] Shirk Apparent Hidden “Certainly Allah does not forgive that anything should be associated with Him, and forgives anything else for whomsoever He wills.”[4:48]

Show kindness to your parents The meaning of “kindness” The meaning of “kindness”

Do not slay your children for fear of poverty Infanticide Family planning Infanticide Family planning

Do not approach indecencies Indecencies Apparent Hidden Indecencies Apparent Hidden

Do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden except for the requirement of justice “Whosoever slays a soul, unless it be for murder or for mischief in the land, it is as though he slew all mankind” [5:32]

Do not approach the property of the orphan except in the best manner “those who consume the property of the orphans unjustly, surely they only consume fire into their bellies,” [4:10]

Give full measure weight with justice “Give a full measure and do not be one of those who diminish And weigh things with the right balance” [26: ]

Be just though it be against a relative “O you who believe! Be maintainers of justice, bearers of witness for Allah’s sake, though it may be against your own selves, or your parents or a near relative; if he be rich or poor, Allah is nearer to them both in compassion” [4:135]

Fulfill Allah’s covenant “And Fulfill the promise” [17:34]

Remain United on the Path of God Importance of the continuous individual struggle for goodness