Chapter No:1
Introduction to Islam
1. Introduction to Islam
Islam means submission and peace.
Submission to Allah leads to peace with oneself and others.
The essence of Islam is love for God and justice for His creation.
The religion emphasizes mercy, compassion, and peaceful coexistence.
Peace is the foundation of Islamic belief, society, and even its legal system.
The devotional practices in Islam develop self-discipline and promote harmony.
Islamic laws, including punishments, aim at social reformation and justice.
2. Literal Meaning of Islam
Derived from the Arabic root S-L-M, meaning:
o To submit
o To surrender
o To make peace
“Aslama”: He surrendered himself to the will of God.
“Silm” and “Salm”: Both signify peace.
Islam also implies striving towards righteousness and moral fulfillment.
3. Terminological Meaning of Islam
Islam means complete submission and obedience to Allah.
A peaceful and harmonious life is achieved through submission.
Leads to:
o Mental peace
o Stability of individual life
o Harmony in society
All prophets preached this message throughout human history.
Final form of Islam was completed and preserved through Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
4. Concept of Islam
Islam governs all aspects of life:
o Personal belief
o Worship
o Ethics and morality
o Social, cultural, legal, political, and economic matters
Submission to divine commandments ensures peace and freedom from superstition.
Islam provides:
o Material resources for survival
o Spiritual guidance for fulfillment
Human life is seen as a trust and test from God.
Islam liberates the mind and brings truth and metaphysical reality into focus.
5. Fundamental Concept of Islam
The universe is created and governed by one Supreme Being – Allah.
Human beings are free to choose belief or disbelief.
Believers: Those who submit fully to God’s will and live by His guidance.
Disbelievers: Those who reject the divine code.
Islam is a complete code of life revealed for the proper development of human society.
Religion focuses on both:
o Physical/material welfare
o Spiritual/moral upliftment
6. Exposition of Religion of Islam
Islam is composed of five major components:
a. Beliefs (Aqaid) – Five Articles of Faith
Belief in the Oneness of God.
Belief in angels.
Belief in divine books.
Belief in prophets.
Belief in the Day of Judgment.
b. Devotions/Worships (Ibadat) – Five Pillars of Islam
1. Declaration of faith (Kalimah)
2. Prayer (Salah)
3. Alms-giving (Zakat)
4. Fasting (Sawm)
5. Pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj)
Legal warfare (Jihad) also falls under devotion when defending religion.
c. Transactions (Muamalat)
Concerned with duties between humans in society.
Divided into:
o Contests: Legal disputes and civil matters.
o Nuptials: Marriage and family laws.
o Securities: Business and financial dealings.
d. Moralities (Akhlaq)
Focuses on moral excellence and personal character.
Includes:
o Sincerity
o Humility
o Patience
o Contentment
o Generosity
o Love for God and others
o Ethical and social conduct
e. Punishments (Hudood)
Retribution laws serve as deterrents and justice:
1. For manslaughter and serious bodily harm.
2. Theft: amputation of hand.
3. Adultery:
Married: stoning
Unmarried: 100 lashes
4. Slander: 80 lashes
5. Drinking alcohol: 80 lashes
BASIC PROBLEMS OF HUMAN LIFE AND THEIR SOLUTIONS
Introduction
Human beings are naturally inquisitive and seek answers to fundamental existential
questions.
These questions are necessary for personal fulfillment, purpose, and spiritual satisfaction.
Failure to answer them leads to frustration and disintegration.
Philosophy, science, and religion have all attempted answers — but religion provides the
most convincing solutions through divine knowledge.
Fundamental Problems Faced by Humans
1. Who is the Creator of man and the universe?
2. What is the purpose of human life on Earth?
3. What is the objective and purpose of everything?
4. Is man living a free or predestined life?
5. What are man’s social responsibilities?
6. What happens after death?
SOLUTIONS TO FUNDAMENTAL QUESTIONS
1. Who is the Creator of Man and the Universe?
The universe and all within it — including humans — are created by a Supreme Being.
Human intellect and science cannot fully explain metaphysical truths.
Divine revelation teaches that the universe is not self-created but intentionally created.
Humans are the best of all creations.
2. What is the Purpose of Human Existence on Earth?
Human life is purposeful, not random.
Man is created to act as a vicegerent (khalifah) of God on earth.
Life is a responsibility and test — to live according to God’s commands.
Purpose includes:
o Worship of God in all aspects of life (not limited to rituals).
o Forbidding evil and promoting good.
o Establishing justice and ethical order in society.
o Managing authority as a trust (amanah).
3. What is the Objective and Purpose of Everything?
Nothing in the universe is purposeless; everything is created with a specific function.
Trees, animals, nature, and even human talents serve defined purposes.
Man is expected to wisely use all resources in the interest of peace and development.
Harmony and balance in creation reflect intelligent design.
4. Is Man Free or Living a Predestined Life?
Man is granted free will, reason, and the power to choose between right and wrong.
He is not completely free — rather, he is free within divine limits.
Man is a trustee (amanah) of God’s resources, including his own body and life.
His responsibilities include:
o Making moral choices.
o Establishing civilization.
o Participating in ongoing creation through innovation and growth.
5. What is Man’s Social Existence?
Humans are social beings by nature; no one can live in isolation.
Social organization is essential and must be based on universal moral principles.
Man’s relationship with family, community, and state is part of his religious
responsibility.
Society originally formed as one united group (ummah), but selfishness and materialism
caused divisions.
The challenge is to choose ethical living over greed and contribute positively to
civilization.
6. What Lies After Death?
Earthly life is temporary and a test.
Death is not the end; it is a passage to eternal life.
Human actions will be judged in the hereafter.
There is accountability for deeds — both reward and punishment await based on one’s
actions.
