1. .-le {..tirlllr Jl dgqt I $!l iL!.rJl : pfLsll
THE RILECIONNO ICNOR
YOU LONGER
CAN
THE RELEGION YOU CAN NO LONGER IGNORE

2. A Brief lntroductionTo
A Brief Introduction To
ISLAIVI
ISLAM
(Book- 1)
(Book -1)
by
SyedlqbalZaheer
Syed Iqbal zaheer

3. Copyright © 2000 by AI-Attique Publis~~r~ Inc.
Copyright@2000 by Al-Attique PublisersInc.
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All rights reserved. No part of this book
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Titte: Islam: The Religion You canno Longer
Title: Islam: The Religion can no Longer
Ignore
Ignore
Copyright:
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4. ln the name of Allah, the Knd theBeneficent
In the name Allah, Kind the Benefrcent
the
Coilentt
Pageno.
Page no.
Introduction
I
PreCace
Preface iii
I. Allah I
Who Is Allah?
Who Is Allah? 1
What Does Want Of Us?
What Does Allah Want Of Us? 2
II Prophets
II Prophets 4
Who The Prophets?
Who Are The Prophets? 4
4
Muhammad,the Seal the Prophethood
Muhammad, the Seal of the Prophethood 4
4
Muhammad'sPersonaliw?
Muhammad's Personality? 8
I
III Revelations
III Revelations 100
1
What Is Revelation?
What Is Revelation? l0
10
What Occasioned New Revelation?
What Occasioned A New Revelation? l0
10
IV The Qur'an14
The Qur'an14 l5
15
What Is The Qur'an?
What Is The Qur'an? 155
1
The Challenge the Qur'an
The Challenge of the Qur'an t7
17
Predictions Of The Qur'an
Predictions The Qur'an t9
19
Miracles ScientificNature
Miracles Of Scientific Nature 25
25

5. pag€no.
page no.
29
29
V
V Islam
29
29
What Islam?
What Is Islam? 30
30
The Pillars Of Islam
The PillarsOf Islam 34
34
The Rest Of Islam
The RestOf Islam 36
36
Mu'amalat
Mu'amalat 38
38
Jihad
Jihad 40
40
Ihsan
Ihsan
41l
4
VI Crime and Punishment
VI and Punishment
43
43
Death Penalty
Death Penalty 44
44
Amputation the Hand
Amputation of the Hand
46
46
VII The Hereafter
VII Hereafter
46
46
Death
Death 47
47
Resurrection
Resunection 47
47
Reckoning and Judgement
Reckoningand Judgement
49
49
Glossary of Terms
Glossary Terms
53
53
Suggested Reading Material
Suggested Reading
555
5
Addresses Of Islamic Centres
Addresses Islamic Centres

6. INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
The needfor a publicationthat can introduceIslam briefly,
The need for a publication that can introduce Islam briefly,
and at the same time giveanoverviewof this religionhaslong
andat the same time give an overview ofthis religion has long
beenfelt. This is an effort to meetwith the need.However,
been felt. This is an effort to meet with the n~ed. However,
this is far easilysaidthandone,because Islam is not simplya
this is far easily said than done, because Islam is not simply a
setof creeds, customs and rituals, but a complete way of life
set creeds, customs rituals,but a complete
and way life
that guidesman in everyfield thoughtandactionand pre-
that guides man in every field of thought and action and pre-
pareshim for a swift transition the Hereafter.
to
pares him for a swift transition to the Hereafter. Accordingly,
Accordingly,
it neither neglects the needs, hopes and aspirations of this
neither neglectsthe needs,hopesand aspirations this
earthly existence, does abandon
nor man to the mundane
earthly existence, nor does it abandon man to the mundane
world a soul yearningfor peace andtranquility.There-
world with a soul yearning for peace and tranquility. There-
fore,to present Islam in a briefform, even ifit be an overview,
fore, present Islamin a brief form,evenif it beanoverview,
is just out of question. I endeavor to do it in three volumes,
is just out question. endeavor do in threevolumes,
to
andthis is the first the series.
and this is the first of the series.
This volumetriesto answer very basic questions one
the
This volume tries to answer the very basicquestions that one
that
unexposed Islam would like to ask. Such answers had to be,
unexposed to Islamwouldlike to ask.Such answers to be,
had
of necessity, very brief. The readeris advised,
of necessity, very brief. The reader is advised, therefore, to
therefore,
consultotherworks,someof which arelistedat the endof this
consult other works, some ofwhich are listed at the end ofthis
book. He may also contactone of the Islamiccenters,
book. He may also contact one the Islamic centers, also
also
listedat the end,for furtherguidance.
listed at the end, further guidance.
Syed lqbal Zaheer
Syed Iqbal

7. God's Right
GodnsRight
Mu'adh ibn Jabal(ra) reports:"Once happened be
Mu'adh ibn Jabal (ra) reports: "Once I happened to be
rider on a camel behindthe Prophet,(on
the pillion rider on a camel behind the Prophet, (on
the
'O
whom be peaceand blessings God). He said
whom be peace and blessings of God). He said '0
'Here am, O Mes-
Mu'adh ibn Jabal!' responded:
Mu'adh ibn Jabal!' I responded: 'Here I am, 0 Mes-
senger God. Blessed thou.' The Prophet
be contin-
senger of God. Blessed be thou.' The Prophet contin-
ued ride) a (without speaking)and then
ued (to ride) for a while (without speaking) and then
'Here am,O Mes-
said:'O Mu'adh ibn Jabal!' said:
said: '0 Mu'adh ibn Jabal!' I said: 'Here I am, 0 Mes-
senger Allah. Blessed thou.'
be
senger of Allah. Blessed be thou.'
(BuQhecontinued ride) sometime beforespeak-
(But) he continued (to ride) for some time before speak-
ing. Then he said:'O Mu'adh ibn Jabal!' repeated:
ing. Then he said: '0 Mu'adh ibn Jabal!' I repeated:
'Here am,O Messenger God. Blessed thou.' He
'Here I am, 0 Messenger ofGod. Blessed be thou.' He
of be
'Do you know what is God's right upon the peo-
said: 'Do you know what is God's right uponthe peo-
said:
ple?' said:'God andHis Messenger know best.'He
ple?' I said: 'God and His Messenger know best.' He
'Verily, it is His right upon the people that they
said: 'Verily, is His right uponthe peoplethat they
said:
(Alone) and associate aught with
not
worship Him (Alone) and associate not aught with
worship
Him.'
Him.'
(to
Then he continued (to ride) for some more time before
Thenhe continued ride) somemoretime before
saying: '0 Mu'adh ibn Jabal!' said:'Here am O
saying: 'O Mu'adh ibn Jabal!' I said: 'Here I am 0
Messenger Cod. Blessed thou.' He said:'Do you
Messenger of God. Blessed be thou.' He said: 'Do you
be
know whatis theright of people
know what is the right ofpeople upon their Lord, ifthey
upontheirLord,
'God and His Messenger know best.'
do that?' I said: 'God and His Messenger
do that?' said: know best.'
He said: 'It is their right upon
He said: 'It is their right upon Him that He shouldn't
that He shouldn't
punishthem."'
punish them.'"
iii
i

8. PREFACE
PREFACE
Man cannot peacefully thisworld withoutknowingwho
cannot live peacefully in this without knowing who
he is. Who has created him andsenthim to this life? What is
he is. Who hascreated and sent this life? What
his role in it? How can he fulfil that role to the best of his
his role it? can he that role the best of his
ability?And what is therefor him afterthis life?
ability? what there him after this life?
Thesebasic questionscannotbe answered the human in-
These basic questions cannot be answered by the human
tellect alone- manneeds
tellectalone man needs Divine guidance findingtheright
Divine guidance for finding the right
answers suchbasic questions.
answers to such basicquestions.
SuchDivine guidance been implanted the innernature
Such Divine guidance has beenimplanted in the inner nature
has
of man,hasbeen taught Adam andEve(pbuDat the moment
ofman, has beentaught to Adam and Eve (pbut) at the moment
their creation,has beenrevealed througha long chain
of their creation, has been revealed through a long chain of
from Allah, and,hasbeenfinally integrated the
in
messengers from Allah, and, has been finally integrated in the
messengers
(pbuh),the seal prophethood.
message of Muhammad (pbuh), the seal of prophethood.
message Muhammad
was
This Divine guidance invariably called"Islam"which is
This Divine guidance was invariably called "Islam" which is
a word derivedfrom two Arabic roots:"Salam"which means
a word derived from two Arabic roots: "Salam" which means
"peace"and "Tasleem"which means"submission."
"peace" and "Tasleem" which means "submission." Conse-Conse-
quently,Islammeans peaceful submission the of Allah
quently, Islam means peaceful submission to the will ofAllah
to
and His complete obedience.. Hence, the long chain of mes-
and His complete obedience Hence,the long chain mes-
sengers from Adam to Muhammad (pbuh)wereall Muslims
sengers from Adam to Muhammad (pbuh) were all Muslims
was invariablyIslam. That list includes
and their message was invariably Islam. That list includes
and their message
(amongmany others):Adam, Enoch,Noah, Hude, Saleh,
(among many others): Adam, Enoch, Noah, Hude, Saleh,
Abraham,Ishmael, Isaac, Lute,Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron,
Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Lute, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron,
iiit
u

9. Dhulkifl, David, Solomon, Job, Ilyas, El-Yasha', Jonah,
Dhulkifl, David, Solomon, Job, Ilyas, EI- Yasha', Jonah,
Zachariah, John,Jesus ChristandMuhammad (pbut).And any
Zachariah, John, Jesus Christ and Muhammad (pbut). And any
humanbeingat anyplaceor time who would receivesomeone
human being at any place or time who would receive someone
claimingto be a messenger from Allah, (someone
claiming to be a messenger from Allah, (someone with ample
with ample
evidenceto supporthis claim), and accepts message a
evidence to support his claim), and accepts his message is a
his is
Muslim.
Muslim.
HenceIslam is not just a religion.lt is the religion,and the
Hence Islam is not just a religion. It is the religion, and the
only religion acceptable Allah (swt).This is not a claim by
to
only religion acceptable to Allah (swt). This is not a claim by
Muslims,but a Divine statement in the Glorious Qur'an that
Muslims, but a Divine statement the Gloriouseur'an that
in
was revealedfrom abovesevenheavens
was revealed from above seven heavens more than 14 centu-
morethan 14 centu-
ries ago.
ries ago.
The four basicfoundations Islam are:Faith (creed),Acts of
of
The four basic foundations ofIslam are: Faith (creed), Acts of
worship, code anda code Transactions others.
Worship, Moral Code and a Code for Transactions with others.
Thesefour basic areas are beyond the capacity ofman to tailor,
These basicareas beyond capacityof man tailor,
are the
and henceall human efforts in thesedirections have failed
and hence human efforts these directionshave failed
miserably,ffid have led peopleastray.
miserably, and have led people astray.
It follows from the discussion
It follows from the discussion abovethat man cannot live
above that man cannot
peacefully successfully
peacefully and successfully withoutreligion,andreligioncan-
and without religion, and religion can-
not be man-made, hasto be absolutely
man-made, but has be absolutely Divine, without the
slightesthuman alteration.Ifsuch factsareaccepted, fol lows
slightest humanalteration. If suchfacts are accepted, it follows
it
that the only criteriathat can be usedfor discriminationbe-
that the criteria can be used discrimination be-
tween the true religion and a false one would be the authen-
tween the true religion and a false one would be the authen-
ticity of the revelationthat was sentdown with the religion.
ticity of the revelation that was sent down with the religion.
The only revealedbook in the handsof man today that has
The only revealed book in the hands of man today that has
iv
iv

10. beenkept intact exactlythe samelanguage exactlythe
and
been kept intact in exactly the same language and exactly the
samewords in which wasrevealed the GloriousQur'an;
is
same words in which it was revealed is the Glorious Qur' an;
the previousrevelations were either lost suffered
all the previous revelations were either totally lost or suffered
endless humanmodifications that madethemuseless hu-
endless human modifications that made them useless for hu-
man guidance.
man guidance.
Consequently, the solution humanproblemsthat are
Consequently, the only solution to human problems that are
piling up today is Islam, as integrated in the final message of
up today is Islam,as integrated the final message
in
Muhammad(pbuh) which is the guidance the
Muhammad (pbuh) which is the only Divine guidance in the
hands today.Hence, heart-feltwelcome book
hands ofman today. Hence, my heart-felt welcome ofthis book
"Islam: TheReligion YouCan No Longer lgnore"
"Islam: The Religion You Can No Longer Ignore" by brother
brother
SyedIqbal Zaheer, which hasbeenwriffen a very concise,
Syed Iqbal Zaheer, which has been written in a very concise,
very clear form. pray the make a
but very clear form. I pray to the Almighty Allah to make it a
source ofguidancetomany fellow human beingsand reward
source ofguidance to many fellow human beings and to reward
the authoramply his appreciated effort.
the author amply for his appreciated effort.
Ilr. Zeghtul El-Naggar
Dr. Zeghlul R. EI-Naggar
Professor of Geology,
ProCessor oC Geology,
KFUPM, Dhahran
KFIIPM,Ilhahran
Saudi Arabia
Saudi
v

11. tn the name of Allah, the Knd, the Compassionafe
In the name of Allah,the Kind, Compassionate
I ALLAH
ALLAH
Who is Allah?
Attaft is the propernoun in Arabicappliedto the
&lIah is the proper noun in Arabic applied the
exists necessarily, Himself,
Only True Cod Who exists
True God necessarily, by Himself,
encompassing all the excellent
all Divine Attributes of
encompassing the excellent Divine Attributes
perfection.
perfection.
AllahisOne andUnique;He has partner, equal.
Allah is One and Unique; He has no partner, no equal.
He does not beget,nor was He begoften. He does
He does not beget, nor was He begotten. He· does
nothinginheres Him. He
in
not inhere in anything, nothing inheres in Him. He
not inherein anything,
and Sustainer all thatexists.He
is the sale Creator and Sustainer of all that exists. He
is the soleCreator
whom thereis no othergod.
is the One God, besides whom there is no other god.
is the One Cod, besides
worthy of worshipsaveHim'
And there is none worthy of worship save Him.
And there is none
He has no wife, no son, and no father. He has no
He has no wife, no son, and no father. He has no
substance. doesnot sleepnor
He
form or no material substance. He does not sleep nor
form or no material
He takerest. He is the First, with no beginning,
does He take rest. He is the First, with no beginning,
does
with no end. He istheAll-Knowing
and the Last, with no end. He is the All-Knowing who
andthe Last, who
knowswhat passes througha man'sheart. He is the
knows what passes through a man's heart. He is the
who has freewi ll thatisnotrestrained
the
Omnipotent who has the free wi II that is not restrained
Omnipotent
by any power. When He desires thing to be, He
a
by any power. When He desires a thing to be, He
"8e," and it is. He is also the Beneficent,
says, "Be, and it is. He is also the Beneficent, the
says, II the

12. Kind and the Mercifulwhoselove for man is seventy
Kind and the Merciful whose love for man is seventy
timesgreater than that of a motherfor her child.
times greater than that of a mother for her child.
And the Cod of lslam is neitherremotenor abstract.
And the God of Islam is neither remote nor abstract.
He is the RealLordof the universe whoselove swells
He is the Real Lord of the universe whose love swells
the heartand intoxicates soul. Thosewho seek
the
the heart and intoxicates the soul. Those who seek
Him do not haveto dependon the vicarious
Him do not have to depend on the vicarious convic-convic-
tion a priest,
tion of a priest, orthe arguments in the books, to assure
orthe arguments the books, assure
in to
them that He exists. They can feel His existence
them that He exists. They can feel His existence in in
themselves, well as in boththe animate
as
themselves, as well as in both the animate and inani-
and inani-
mateobjectsaroundthem.
mate objects around them.
And this is not the prerogative the "spiritualists."
And this is not the prerogative of the "spiritualists.It
Any layman, who followsHisguidance seeks
Any layman, who follows His guidance and seeks His
and His
Presence, find Him closeto himself.
will
Presence, will find Him close to himself.
This is the reason why people ofall sorts - intellectuals,
Thisisthe reason people all sorts intellectuals,
of
scientists, priests, well as peoplefrom all walks
scientists, priests, as well as people from all walksof
as
life - enter into the fold
life - enter into the fold of Islam every day. In Islam
lslameveryday. In lslam
they find a Cod who responds theircall.
they find God responds to their call.
What Does Allah Want of Us?
of
SinceAllah is One and Unique,endowedwith the
Since Allah is One and Unique, endowed with the
qualities perfection
qualities of perfection that no one shares
that one shares with Him,
with Him,
and sinceHe is the soleCreator,
and since is the sale Creator, Sustainer Nour-
Sustainer and Nour-
and
2

13. isher of all that exists, He demands that man should
isherof all that exists,He demands that man should
worship Him alone, not associate anyone with Him,
worshipHim alone,not associate anyone with Him,
and obey Him by following the guidancehe has re-
and obey Him by following the guidance he has re-
ceivedfrom Him throughHis Prophets.
ceived from Him through His Prophets.
It may be pointedout at this juncturethat by nature
It may be pointed out at this juncture that by nature
man is follower and worshipper. lf he is not
man is a follower and a worshipper. If he is not
devotedto Allah, he
devoted to Allah, he will devote himself to others:
devote himself others:
deities,saints, philosophers, nationalhe-
deities, saints, thinkers, philosophers, or national he-
thinkers,
roes: followingthem in thoughtandaction.And they,
roes: following them in thought and action. And they,
being human like himself (or worse - in the case of
being human like himself(or worse in the case
deities), will lead him nowhere. In fact,they need
deities), will lead him nowhere. In fact, they need
guidance themselves, although they aretoo proud
gu idance themselves, although they are too proud to
admit it. Aren't they havebroughtthe world
admit it. Aren't they who have brought the world to
this pass?The Qur'an asks:"S^y,'Of your partners
this pass? The Qur'an asks: "Say, 'Of your partners
(that you associate with Allah),is there anyone
(that you associate with Allah), is there anyone who
can guide Truth?'Tell them, 'lt is Allah guides
can guide to Truth?' Tell them, 'It is Allah who guides
Truth. ls He then
to Truth. Is He then who can guide to Truth more
can guide Truth more
worthy of following than he who cannot guide until
worthy following than he cannot guide until
he himself guided?'Sowhat'swrongwith
he himselfis guided?' So what's wrong with you?How
is you?
do you judge?'(Ch.l 0, verse 35).
do you judge?" (Ch.10, verse35).
3

14. II PROPHETS
II PROPHETS
Who Are The Prophets?
Prophets?
Frophets are Allah's chosenmen sentfrom time to
[Prophets are Allah's chosen men sent from time to
time with revealedmessages contain guidance
that
time with revealed messages that contain guidance
for man. There have been series Prophets
for man. There have been a series of Prophets
throughout history.The series startedwith Adamand
throughout history. The series started with Adam and
endedwith Muhammad.Nuh (Noah), lbrahim
ended with Muhammad. Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abra-(Abra-
ham),Musa
ham), Musa (Moses), and
and 'lsa (Jesus, son Mary)
(Moses), 'Isa Oesus, the son of Mary)
the
were few prominent ones among them, Allah's
were a few prominent ones among them, Allah's
peaceand blessing uponthem all. These
be
peace and blessing be upon them all. These Prophets
Prophets
were humans. They ate and slept, had wives and
were humans. They ate and slept, had wives and
children(except marryat his second
children (except Jesus, who will marry at his second
Jesus,
coming) and earned their living with their hands.
coming) and earned their living with their hands.
They were neithergods,demigods,
They were neither gods, demigods, sons of God, an-
sons Cod, an-
gels,nor were they endowed with any Divine quality.
gels, nor werethey endowed with any Divinequality.
Theywere absolutely humanexceptthatAllah chose
They were absolutely human except that Allah chose
address them throughthe medium angels.
to address them through the medium of angels.
Muhammad, the Seal of Prophethood
Seal of
Muhammadwas the final Prophet
Muhammad was the final Prophet sentby God. Born
sent God. Born
in Makkah570 yearsafterhis predecessor'lsa
Makkah 570 years after his predecessor 'Isa flesus),
Oesus),
he was up until the ageof 40 indistinguishable
he was until the age indistinguishable from
from
4

15. any other man except that his extremehonestyhad
any other man except that his extreme honesty had
earned him the appellation "the Trustworthy." The
earnedhim the appellation"the Trustworthy." The
Encyclopaedia Britannica says abouthim: "...amass
Encyclopaedia Britannica says about him: "...a mass
of detail in the early sources shows that he was an
detail in the early sources showsthat he was an
honestand uprightman had gainedthe respect
honest and upright man who had gained the respect
and loyalty others were like.wisehonestand
and loyalty of others who were like-wise honest and
uprightmen." (Vol. 12, p.609) He was unlettered.
upright men." (Vol. 12, p. 609) He was unlettered.
At forty he was addressed Allah,throughthe angel
by
At forty he was addressed by Allah, through the angel
(Cabriel), commissioned preach isOne-
and H
Jibril (Gabriel), and commissioned to preach His One-
Jibril
ness and warn the people against the worship of false
ness and warn the peopleagainst worship false
the
gods. What he preached can be summedup in the
gods. What he preached can be summed up in the
words of one of his followers who, along with some
words one of his followers who, alongwith some
when his people began
others, fled to Abyssinia when his people began to
others,fled to Abyssinia
persecute themfor embracing lslam. Aftertheirflight
persecute them for embracing Islam. After their flight
the Makkan heathens
the Makkan heathens sent an emissary to Abyssinia
sentan emissary Abyssinia
to persuade Kingto returntheserefugees them.
to persuade the King to return these refugees to them.
the
When Negus King,asked Muslims explain
the the
When Negus the King, asked the Muslims to explain
their presence his country,one them,Ja'far
in
their presence in his country, one of them, Ja'far b.b.
Abi Talib, cousin the Prophet,
Abi Talib, a cousin of the Prophet, spoke in the fol-
spokein the fol-
lowing manner:
lowing manner:
"O King, werean uncivilised
we people, worshipping
"0 King, we were an uncivilised people, worshipping
idols, eating carrion, committingabominations,
idols, eating carrion, committing abominations,
breaking natural ties,treating guests badly, andour
breaking natural ties, treating guests badly, and our
strongdevouring weak. Thuswe wereuntilGod
the
strong devouring the weak. Thus we were until God
sentus an apostle whoselineage, truth,trustworthi-
sent us an apostle whose lineage, truth, trustworthi-
5

16. ness,and clemency know. He summoned to
we
ness, and clemency we know. He summoned us to us
acknowledge God's unityand to worshipHim and
acknowledge God's unity and to worship Him and
to renounce stonesand images,
the whichwe and
to renounce the stones and images, which we and
our fathersformerlyworshipped.He commanded
our fathers formerly worshipped. He commanded
usto speakthe truth, befaithfulto
us to speak the truth, be faithful to our engagements,
ourengagements,
mindfulof tiesof kinship kindhospitality,
the and
mindful of the ties of kinship and kind hospitality, andand
to refrain from crimes and bloodshed. He forbade
to refrainfrom crimesand bloodshed.He forbade
us to commitabominations to speaklies,and
and
us to commit abominations and to speak lies, and
to devourthe property orphans, vilifychaste
of
to devour the property of orphans, to vilify chaste
to
women. He commanded to worshipGod alone
us
women. He commanded us to worship God alone
and notto associate anything withHim,and he gave
and not to associate anything with Him, and he gave
us orders about prayer,almsgiving,
us orders about prayer, almsgiving, and fastingand fasting
(enumerating commands lslam). We con-
the of
(enumerating the commands of Islam). We con-
fessedhistruthandbelieved him,andwe followed
in
fessed his truth and believed in him, and we followed
him in what he had brought fromGod,and we wor-
him in what he had brought from God, and we wor-
shippedGod alonewithoutassociating
shipped God alone without associating aught with aughtwith
Him. We treated as forbidden whathe forbade,
Him. We treated forbidden
as what he forbade, and
and
as lawfulwhat he declared
as lawful what he declared lawful. Thereupon
lawful. Thereupon ourour
peopleattacked us,treated harshly seduced
people attacked treated us harshly andseduced
us, us and
us from our faith to try to make us go back to the
us from our faith try to make us go back the
worshipof idolsinstead the worship God,and
worship idols instead of the worship of God, and
to regardas lawfulthe evildeedswe oncecommit-
regard lawful the evil deeds once commit-
ted. So whenthey got the betterof us, treatedus
ted. So when they got the better us, treated us
unjustlyand circumscribed lives,and camebe-
unjustly and circumscribed our lives, and came be-
our
tweenus andour religion, cameto yourcountry,
tween and religion, we came to your country,
we
havingchosenyou aboveall others. Herewe have
having chosen you above all others. Here we have
beenhappyin yourprotection, we hopethatwe
been happy in your protection, and we hope that we
and
6

17. shallnot be treatedunjustly whilewe are with you,
shall not be treated unjustly while we are with you,
o King. 1I (The life of Muhammad, P., 151 -152, Tr.,
O King."(TheLifeof Muhammad, 151- 152,Tr.,
P.,
AlfredGuillaume).
Alfred Guillaume).
InitiallytheProphet was ableto somefollowers.
Initially.the Prophet was able to win some followers.
But the new religiondid not servethe interests the
But the new religion did not serve the interests of the
classes that held power and influence. lt anguished
classes that held power and influence. It anguished
them deeply seethat their religionand the entire
them deeply to see that their religion and the entire
system hegemonythey had built for themselves
system of hegemony they had bu iIt for themselves
aroundit, was beingquestioned. They had doubt
around it, was being questioned. They had no doubt
that allowedto flourish,lslamwould destroy their
that if allowed to flourish, Islam would destroy their
privileges and bring them down the level the
privileges and bring them down to the level of the
commoners. Thiswas unacceptable them. There-
commoners. This was unacceptable to them. There-
fore, they began oppose lslam and persecute
fore, they began to oppose Islam and persecute the the
Muslims.Theweakamong them,theslaves those
and
Muslims. The weak among them, the slaves and those
in the lower strata the society,becameeasytargets.
in the lower strata of the society, became easy targets.
They were abused, beatenup, and tortured
They were abused, beaten up, and tortured with suchsuch
vengeance that ultimatelythe Prophethad allow
vengeance that ultimately the Prophet had to allow
them migrate otherplaces
to suchasAbyssinia and
them to migrate to other places such as Abyssinia and
laterMadinah. Finally, with hopes of the Makkan
later Madinah. Finally,with hopes the Makkan
heathens everaccepting call receding zero, he
his
heathens ever accepting his call receding to zero, he
was himselforderedby Allah to move Madinah
was himself ordered by Allah to move to Madinah
whose people had shown interest lslamand had
in
whose people had shown interest in Islam and had
invitedhim there,promising protecthim. But as
invited him there, promising to protect him. But as
soon as he stepped the soil Madinah,the sur-
on
soon as he stepped on the soil of Madinah, the sur-
roundingJewsbegan conspirewith the Makkans
rounding Jews began to conspire with the Makkans
destroyhim and his call. This led the outbreak
to destroy him and his call. This led to the outbreak
7

18. of hostilities between two: the Muslimson the one
the
of hostilities between the two: the Muslims on the one
side,and the restof the Arabsspearheaded their
side, and the rest of the Arabs spearheaded by thei r
by
mostpowerfuland leading tribe,the Quraysh, the
most powerful and leading tribe, the Quraysh, on the
on
other. The battlesthat ensued saw the Muslims
other. The battles that ensued saw the Muslims
emergevictorioussometimes, while at othersit was
emerge victorious sometimes, while at others it was
theirenemies who triumphed. Finally a peace deal
their enemies who triumphed. Finallya peacedeal
was struckin the sixth year aftermigration. This al-
was struck in the sixth year after migration. This al-
lowedfreeand easyintermixing Muslims
lowed free and easy intermixing of Muslims with the
with the
non-Muslims givingthe latterfreeaccess the mes-
non-Muslims giving the latter free access to the mes-
to
sage lslam. During the two yearsthat followed
sage of Islam. During the two years that followed
more peoplehad succumbed the call lslamthan
more people had succumbed to the call of Islam than
they had in the pastnineteen years
they had in the past nineteen years since its birth. But
sinceitsbirth. But
short later,the peacetreatywas breached
a short while later, the peace treaty was breached by
the Makkans.The Prophet marched themwith ten
the Makkans. The Prophet marched on them with ten
on
thousand followers andMakkahwassubdued
thousand followers and Makkah was subdued without
without
resistance. The rest the Arabs,waitingfor the out-
resistance. The rest of the Arabs, waiting for the out-
come the strugglebetweenthe Prophetand the
come of the struggle between the Prophet and the
paganleaders, beganto embracelslam in hundreds
pagan leaders, began to embrace Islam in hundreds
and thousands.The Prophet died two yearslater.
and thousands. The Prophet died two years later.
Muhammad's Personality
The personality Prophet
The personality of Prophet Muhammad, on whom be
Muhammad, whom be
on
peace,is one of the mostfascinating history. No
peace, is one the most fascinating in history.
in
reformer beentested
reformer hasbeen tested with harsher
has harsher conditions
cond itions than
than
he. Appearing Arabiawhen it was passing
he. Appearing in Arabia when was passing through
in through
its darkestperiod, he was given a peoplethat were
its darkest period, he was given people that were
I
8

19. considered lowest the in thosetimes. They
considered the lowest of the low in those times. They
the
were held in such esteem that the neighbouring
were held in such low esteem that the neighbouring
Romans Persians, thoughtthem incorrigible,
Romans and Persians, who thought them incorrigible,
and
did not wish expandtheir rule over them. Also,
did not wish to expand their rule over them. Also,
the Prophet not enjoy the help and support his
did
the Prophet did not enjoy the help and support of his
people. On the contrary, they opposed him
own people. the contrary, they opposed him
tooth and nail. Nor did he havethe nobilityon his
tooth and nail. Nor did he have the nobility on his
side. In fact,one the complaints the prominent
side. In fact, one of the complaints of the prominent
was that the Prophet was all the time sur-
chieftains was that the Prophet was all the time sur-
chieftains
roundedby, what they considered lowly people
as,
rounded by, what they considered as, lowly people
whose companythey detested.Finally,he was op-
whose company they detested. Finally, he was op-
posed even the Jewsand Christians,
posed even by the Jews and Christians, to whom a
from Cod was not new phenomenon.
Messenger from God was not a new phenomenon.
Messenger
the
Yet, overcoming universal opposition his mis-
Yet, overcoming the universal opposition to his mis-
sion,hewas able transform unrulydesert-dwell-
the
sion, he was able to transform the unruly desert-dwell-
ers into the mostcivilisedand dynamicpeopleany
ers into the most civilised and dynamic people any
age has produced. Shortlyafter him the Muslims
age has produced. Shortly after him the Muslims
defeatedthe centuries-oldRoman and Persianem-
defeated the centuries-old Roman and Persian em-
pires,and subduingthe bestpart the then known
pires, and subduing the best part of the then known
world, established their own rule, religion,culture,
world, established their own rule, religion, culture,
and language that have lasted this day.
and language that have lasted to this day. No man man
has achievedthis in history. doubt, his own
has achieved this in history. No doubt, his own
charming andverypowerfulpersonality played very
charming and very powerful personality played a very
important role in this transformation. lt deserves,
important role in this transformation. It deserves,
therefore, closerexamination.
therefore, closer examination.
9

20. III REVELATIONS
III REVELAliONS
What ls Revelation?
What Is Revelation?
Eiuin" revelations messages cod to mankind
are
@ivine revelations are messages of God to mankind
of
sentdown through Prophets.Revelations
sent down through Prophets. Revelations give a de-
give a de-
taileddescription thequalities attributes cod
of
tailed description ofthe qualities and attributes of God
and of
in whom man is required believeand whom he is
in whom man is required to believe and whom he is
to
requiredto serveand worship. In addition, Divine
required to serve and worship. In addition, Divine
revelations also contain the code
revelations also contain the code of life on which
life on which
depends people's well-beingin this life and salvation
depends people's well-being in this life and salvation
in the Hereafter. some the existingreveared
in the Hereafter. Some of the existing revealed Books
Books
are the Torah (the Pentateuch, the first five Books
are the Torah (the Pentateuch, or the first five Books
of the Old Testament) which was revealed to Musa
the old Testament) which was revealed Musa
(Moses),Zabur (Psalms) revealed to Da'ud (David),
(Moses), Zabur (Psalms) revealed Da,ud (David),
/njiJ (the Testament) revealed ,lsaflesus),
/niil (the New Testament) revealed to 'Isa (Jesus), and
and
finafly, the Qur'an, revealed Muhammad,(peace
finally, the Qur'an, revealed to Muhammad, (peace
be upon him and on all prophets).
upon and Prophets).
What Occasioned A New Revelation?
What Occasioned A New
The Qur'an tellsusthat its revelation
The Qur'an tells us that its revelation wasoccasioned
was occasioned
by the corruption'sthat previousmessages Cod
by the corruption's that previous messages of God
of
sufferedat the handsof their foffowers.The Torahfor
suffered at the hands of their followers. The Torah for
instancehas been re.written entirely from memory
instance has been re-written entirely from memory
l10
0

21. after it was lostfor a long period. lt containsstories
after it was lost for a long period. It contains stories
of Prophets getting drunk (Cenesis, 9:20),othershav-
of Prophets getting drunk (Genesis, 9:20), others hav-
ing sexualintercourse with noneotherthantheir own
ing sexual intercourse with none other than their own
daughters (Cen.,20:30-38), and yet othersworship-
daughters (Gen., 20:30-38), and yet others worship-
ping idols(1 Kings, 1 1-8). Eventhe concept the
1
ping idols (1 Kings, 11::1-8).Even the concept of the
of
One Universal Cod had been replaced by that
One Universal God had been replaced by that of
Yahweh, national
Yahweh, the national God ofthe jews. Max I. Di mont
the Cod of theJews.Max l. Dimont
the well known Jewish scholar writesin his famous
the well known jewish scholar writes in his famous
work "Jews, Cod and History': "The final fusion
work "Jews, God and History": "The final fusion of
the five books Moses,calledthe Pentateuch,
the five books of Moses, called the Pentateuch, (the (the
Testament) occurredaround450 B.C.- in other
Old Testament) occurred around 450 B.C. - in other
words, eight sixteenhundredyearsafter some
words, eight to sixteen hundred years after some of
the events narrated themtook place."Thistime lag
in
the events narrated in them took place." This time lag
obviouslyledto manyerrors and interpolations
obviously led to many errors and interpolations creep-
creep-
ing intothe text,which led to innovations religious
ing into the text, which led to innovations in religious
in
practices, warranting raise
the new Prophet
practices, warranting the raise of a new Prophet with
with
new revelation.
a new revelation.
It was Jesus Christ,peacebe upon him,
It wasjesus Christ, peace be upon him, who was sent
was sent
reformjudaism, reinstall the rule of Divine Law as
to reform Judaism, reinstall rule DivineLaw as
the
statedin the Torah,and sweepaway all innovations
stated in the Torah, and sweep away all innovations
introducedafter Moses. But he was rejected the
introduced after Moses. But he was rejected by the
majority who tried to get him crucified. But Allah
majority tried get him crucified. But Allah
Most High raisedhim the heavens
Most High raised him to the heavens alive. He de-
alive. He de-
partedsaying:"Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; it is
parted saying: "Neverthe/ess, you the truth; is
expedientfor you that I go away; for if I go not away,
expedient for that away; if not away,
the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart,
the Comforterwill not come unto you; but if depart,
l11
l

22. will send him unto you." (John,16:h. F-|e was of
II will send him unto you." (John, 16:7). He was of
course referring to Muhammad,may Allah's peace
course referring Muhammad, may Allah's peace
to
and blessings upon him.
be
and blessings be upon him.
The message revealed Jesus
to was alsodistortedby
The message revealed to jesus was also distorted by
his followers.This happened primarilybecause
his followers. This happened primarily because the the
message revealed him did not survive itsoriginal
to in
message revealed to him did not survive in its original
form. What are known as the Cospels Matthew,
form. What are known as the Gospels of Matthew,
Mark, LukeandJohn(theNew Testament) not the are
Mark, Luke and john (the New Testament) are not the
writings either Christ, or Christ's Apostles. They
writings either of Christ, or of Christ's Apostles. They
areworks laterand obscure authors and the earliest
are works of later and obscure authors and the earliest
them was probablycommittedto writing at least
of them was probably committed to writing at least
half centuryafterJesus Christ, not later. Eventhe
half a century after Jesus Christ, if not later. Even the
originals theseCospelshave not survived. The
originals of these Gospels have not survived. The
oldest manuscript (whichdates around135 years
oldest manuscript (which dates around 135 years afterafter
is
f esus) in ancient Creek, whichwasnotthe language
jesus) is in ancient Greek, which was not the language
either Christ his Apostles. Therefore, cannot
of either Christ or his Apostles. Therefore, it cannot
be saidaboutany portionofthe Gospels with certainty
be said about any portion of theCospels with certainty
that is the word God.
that it is the word of God.
Thefollowingis a statement
Thefollowing is statement from "Thejerome Biblical
from "TheJerome Biblical
Commentary," voluminous work which has been
Commentary," a voluminous work which has been
prepared leading
prepared by leading Catholic
Catholic and Protestant scholars:
and Protestant scholars:
"The term "divine inspiration of Scripture"
"The term "divine inspiration Scripture" denotesdenotes
the special
the special influence God uponthe humanwriters
influence of God upon the human writers
of the Bible,an influence sucha naturethat Cod
the Bible, an influence of such nature that God
is said be the author of the biblical books" (p.,500).
is saidto be the author thebiblicalbooks"(p., 500).
t2
12

23. This is say that they admit that theseare not the
This is to say that they admit that these are not the
words Cod but onlywrittenunder divinethe
actual words of God but only written under the divine
actual
guidance. The samework states further:"Although
guidance. The same work states further: "Although
Cod is the author Sacred Scripture, is also true
it
God is the author of Sacred Scripture, it is also true
that humanbeings madetheirown genuine contribu-
that human beings made their own genuine contribu-
tion the production the sacredbooks- point
tion to the production of the sacred books - a point
firmly statedby (Pope)Pius Xll in Divino Afflante
firmly stated by (Pope) Pius XII in Divino Afflante
(p.,
Spiritu" 503).
Spiritu" (p., 503).
Thus,the loss the originalrevelation, and the fact
Thus, the loss of the original revelation, and the fact
thatJesus Christ in placeof the One
that Jesus Christ was worshipped in place the One
was worshipped
Cod, necessitatedfreshrevelation. wassentdown
lt
God, necessitated a fresh revelation. It was sent down
about 600 yearsafterJesus and is in our handstoday
about 600 years after Jesus and is in our hands today
in the form the Qur'an. As against previously
the
in the form of the Qur'an. As against the previously
revealed books,the Qur'an hasbeenpreserved its in
revealed books, the Qur'an has been preserved in its
originalform. well known Arabist, Arthur J. Ar-
original form. A well known Arabist, Arthur J. Ar-
berry,writes in the forewordto his work "The Koran
berry, writes in the foreword to his work "The Koran
Interpreted": "Apart from certain orthographical
Interpreted": "Apart from certain orthographical
modifications the originally
of somewhat primitive
modifications of the originally somewhat primitive
method writing,intended renderunambiguous
to
method of writing, intended to render unambiguous
and easythe task reading and recitation, Koran
the
and easy the task of reading and recitation, the Koran
as printedin the twentieth centuryis identical with
as printed in the twentieth century is identical with
the Koranasauthorised Uthmanmorethan 1, 400
the Koran as authorised by Uthman more than 1, 400
by
yearsago."
years ago."
Uthman (ra),it may be noted,was the third caliph
Uthman (ra), it may be noted, was the third caliph
afterMuhammad, peace uponh im,
be gotcopies
after Muhammad, peace be upon him, who got copies
l3
13

24. of the originalcompilation
of the original compilation circulated widely in the
circulated widely in the
world lslam.
world of Islam.
t4
14

25. IV THE QUR'AN
IV THE QUR'AN
What ls The Glur'an?
What Is The Qur'an?
m.
Ll he Qur'an is the final Revelationof Cod to man. lt
lrhe Qur'an is the final Revelation of God to man. It
was revealedto the final Prophet,Muhammad,on
was revealed to the final Prophet, Muhammad, on
whom be peace. lts main topicsare:the Existence
whom be peace. Its main topics are: the Existence of of
Cod, the Unityof His Being; eualitiesandAttrib-
God, the Unity of His Being; His Qualities and Attrib-
His
utes, episodes from the lives the prophets were
utes, episodes from the lives of the Prophets that were
that
sentto variousnations with the special
sent to various nations with the special emphasis on
emphasis on
the account the struggle betweenthem and those
the account of the struggle between them and those
who rejected them, the ultimate outcome of the re-
rejectedthem, the uftimateoutcome the re-
jectionof God's message; the principles of a good and
jection God'srnessage; principles goodand
the
virtuouslife; the frame-work of rules and regulations
virtuous life; the frame-work rulesand regulations
for organising personal, family,and communitylife,
for organising personal, family, and community life,
the return to God, the setting of the scaleand the
the return cod, the setting up the Scale and the
judgementof eachman'sfaithand deedson the Day
judgement each man's faith and deeds the Day
of Resurrection Reckoning
Resurrection and Reckoning followed by entryinto
and followed entry into
everlasting
everlasting Heavenor Hell. The eur,an also men-
Heaven Hell. The Qur'an also men-
tions in passing
tions passing somehistorical
some historical truths,scientific facts,
truths, scientific
facts,
makes observationson natural phenomena and
makes observations natural phenomena and
prophesizes
prophesizes certainevents.
certain events.
Herearesomeexamples eur'anic revelations.
Here are some examples of Qur'anic revelations. The
of The
first chaptersays:
first chapter says:
l15
5

26. "ln thenameof Atlah, Compassionate, Merciful'
"In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
the the
flffpraise6etoAffafr,tlie Lor[of Worffs.
;4.[[praise 6e to ;4.ffali, tfreLordofWorCdS.
rITuCompassionate, tficfrlercifu[
fJ1ie Cotnpassiorute, :Merciful
tlie
Lord of tlie Da1 ofJudgement.
Lor[ of tfic,ClJay of Tu[gemcnt- .
lJ1iee atorcf,oweworsfitp,
Itfiee andlJ1iy atonrdo weseefr
alone do we worsliip, arrtlfrl liefp alone [o we seeR.:.
hefp
guide tu to tfrestraiglit Patfr.
Suilt us tlie straigfrt patli.
lJ1ie patfroftliose tftou liasfavoure['
Itfrepatli of tfrose fras
lJ1iou favoured.
Notoftliose tfint eamedrzTiy aryer,nor of tfrose fosttfre
:Not of tfiose earnedllfry
tliat anger, norofthose tfrntCost tlie
tliat
Way."
eloyJ'
chapter the Qur'an says:
One of the shortest chapter of the Qur'an says:
One the shortest
tfte thefulercifu[
"In tlie name ofjtffali, the Compassionate, the :Merciful
of
"In tfrenrtmr Attafr, ComPf,ssiotute,
rI swear) (By tlie rrime.
'(I swear) tfrefiffia.
$y
Verify :Man is in peril
IltritJ fuIan in Peri[
is
tftose 6e[iwed fr[ gooffeeds. (Ani saae)
Save tliose who 6e[ievedanddidgooddeeds. (JIntf save) those
Saae wfro anl tftose
tfut enj I tfrellrutfi an"dryiircdpers er4nc "
e o w e' (C tet
frnp
qJUzt enjoinedtlie rr'rutli andenjoinedperseverance. " (Cliapter:
oin^e
103)
103)
Thefollowingpieceisthef irstpartof a chapter entitled
The following piece is the first part of a chapter entitled
"The Sun":
"TheSun":
16
l6

27. ''In tfie mzme ofAlCali, tfie CompassioTUlte, tlie :MercifuL
"In tficnnme ofAtkt tficgompassionnte,fuIercifuf
tfie
'81 tficsunantritsmoming firigfttness
ItBy tlie sun antiits momino 6riglitness
and 6y tlie moon wfien sfiefo«OWs it,
on[ 6Jtftemoonwfi.en sfrcfo[Iaws it,
q tfiedaywfrpn dispfuys
and 6y tfie tfay wfien it d'ispCays it
arr[
and 6y tlie nifjlit when it enshrouds it!
n r[ b tfrcnigfitwfren ensfrrouf,s it!
<By tlie freaven antrI{im wfroSuitt
{fi tfu fieaven antiHim who 6ui{t it
and 6y tlie earth and' 6y Jfim who eJ(J:end'ed'it!
n t[ fu tfrceartftarr[ 6JI{im wftoe4enfef it!
cBy sout,
<By tfie sou£, andJfim who perfecte[it
tfrc an^[t{imwfro perfected'it
antrhupire[ jt.(witfr conscicnce wfratis wrongfor an[
ofl
and'inspired'it (witli conscience of) wliat is wrono for it atuf
(what zs) right!
(wtut ts)rwttt!
Prosperous is he who punfics it,
Wosperous fiewfio purifies it,
is
and'fai£ed' is frcwho seduces it.
anf,faitefis fie wfio sef,uces it."
/I
The Challenge of the Qur'an.
Ghallenge Qur'an.
Many questions can be raisedabout the Qur'an.
Many questions can be raised about the Qur/an.
What is the proof that is the revelation Cod?
What is the proof that it is the revelation of God?
MaybeMuhammadmade it up himself.Also, the
Maybe Muhammad made it up himself. Also, if the
previous revelations havebeentampered, what is the
previous revelations have been tampered, what is the
proof that the Qur'an has been preserved as was
proof that the Qur'an has been preserved as it was
revealed?
revealed?
The answer the firstquestion counter-question.
is
The answer to the first question is a counter-question.
ls there anotherexamplein history an unlettered
Is there another example in history of an unlettered
man producing literary masterpiece? greatrelig-
lts
man producing a literary masterpiece? Its great relig-
l7
17

28. ious merit apart,the Qur'an hasbeenacknowledged
ious merit apart, the Qur'an has been acknowledged
piece Arabic literature.
as an unparalleled piece of Arabic literature. How
as an unparalleled
received education,
could Muhammad, who received no education, who
could Muhammad,
could not even read and write, and produced
could not even read and write, and who produced
nothingtill the age 40, suddenly come up with an
nothing till the age of 40, suddenly come up with an
all-timemasterpiece, at one stroke?
and
all-time masterpiece, and at one stroke?
Thereisevidence galore provethatneither
to Muham-
There is evidence galore to prove that neither Muham-
mad nor any other human could haveauthoredthis
mad nor any other human could have authored this
Book. Before discussing any it, let us look into the
Book. Before discussing any of it, let us look into the
itself find out clears thesedoubts.
Qur'an itself to find out how it clears these doubts.
Qur'an
find thatthe Qur'an repeatedly asserts that is no
We find that the Qur'an repeatedly asserts that it is no
man'swriting but directrevelation Cod. lt also
man's writing but a direct revelation of God. It also
tellsus that Allah Himselfhasundertaken preserve
tells us that Allah Himself has undertaken to preserve
in itsoriginal form. To further claimit challenges
its
it in its original form. To further its claim it challenges
itsreaders that theyarein anydoubtaboutitsDivine
its readers that if they are in any doubt about its 0 ivi ne
origin,then they may produce another writingequal
origin, then they may produce another writing equal
to in merit. The logicbehindthischallenge should
to it in merit. The logic behind this challenge should
be obvious. lf this Book is not Cod's revelation
be obvious. If this Book is not God's revelation but but
a product humanmind, then,what is possible
productof human mind, then, what is possible for for
one man is possible another. lf the challenge
for
one man is possible for another. If the challenge
cannot be answered one set people can be
cannot be answered by one set of people it can be
answeredby anotherset people. lf is not an-
answered by another set of people. If it is not an-
sweredin one age, be answeredin another.
swered in one age, it will be answered in another.
And the challenge simply produce
is threeverses,
And the challenge is simply to produce three verses,
singlechapter equalmerit. But could not
or a single chapter of equal merit. But if it could not
188
1

29. be done in 14 hundred years -- and it has not been
be done in 14 hundredyears and it has not been
done -- then it must be admitted that it is of Divine
done then it must be admittedthat it is of Divine
origin. The challenge courseremains
of
origin. The challenge of course remains open to this
open to this
day.
day.
Nonetheless, otherthanthe challenge, which we can-
Nonetheless, other than the challenge, which we can-
not ignore,we present someother reasons demon-
not ignore, we present some other reasons to demon-
to
stratewhy Qur'an could not have been written by
strate why Qur'an could not have been written by
Muhammad,or, by any other human.
Muhammad, or, by any other human.
PREDIGTIONS THE QUR'AN
OF
PREDICTIONS OF THE QUR'AN
About Arabs and Islam
About lslam
Dur,ingits revelation, which took 23 years com-
During its revelation, which took 23 years to com-
plete, the Qur'an made several predictions of the
plete, the Qur'an made several predictions the
ultimatedestruction of those
ultimate destruction thosewho opposedits mes-
opposed its mes-
sage. When revealed, the predictions sounded a
sage. When revealed,the predictionssounded
wishfulthinkingasthe response the Prophet's
wishful thinking as the response to the Prophet's mes-
mes-
sagehad beenfar from encouraging.
sage had been far from encouraging. Duringthe first
During the first
2O of the 23 yearsof his Apostolicmissionhe could
20 the years his Apostolic mission could
win very few peopleto his side. However,one pre-
people his side. However, pre-
diction was so clearand specificthat it can be given
diction was so clear and specific that can given
no otherexplanation
other explanation exceptDivine.
except Divine.
l19
9

30. In the sixth year aftermigrationfrom Makkah Mad-
In the sixth year after migration from Makkah to Mad-
inah, the Prophetset out with about sevenhundred
inah, the Prophet set out with about seven hundred
followers Makkah the intention perform
followers for Makkah with the intention to perform
pilgrimage 'Umrah. He
the lesser knownin Arabicas
the lesser pilgrimage known in Arabic as 'Umrah. He
was stopped the Quraysh outside Makkah at
was stopped by the Quraysh outside Makkah at a
place called Hudaibiyyahand refusedentry to the
place called Hudaibiyyah and refused entry to the
holy city. This was against prevalent
all rules. Nev-
holy city. This was against all prevalent rules. Nev-
the Prophetapplied peace. lt was ac-
ertheless the Prophet appl ied for peace. It was ac-
ertheless
cepted. But the conditionsset the Qurayshwere
cepted. But the conditions set by the Quraysh were
so humiliatingthat some senior Companions
so humiliating that some senior Companions ex- ex-
pressed their strongdispleasure. One the condi-
pressed their strong displeasure. One of the condi-
tionswas that the Muslimswould returnfrom where
tions was that the Muslims would return from where
theycamewithoutperforming pilgrimage. that
the For
they came without performing the pi Igrimage. For that
they have come the next year.
they would have to come the next year.
But truly speaking Muslimshad no choice. They
the
But truly speaking the Muslims had no choice. They
were too weakagainst pagan
the Arabs.Duringthose
were too weak against the pagan Arabs. During those
daysthe Prophet saw in dreamthat he would enter
days the Prophet saw in a dream that he would enter
Makkah triumphantlyand also receivedrevelation
Makkah triumphantly and also received revelation
confirming vision.lt said:"TrulyhasAllahfulfilled
his
confirming his vision. It said: "Truly has Allah fulfilled
the vision He showed His Messenger. You shall
the vision He showed to His Messenger. You shall
surelyenterthe Holy Mosque, with Allah'sWill, in
surely enter the Holy Mosque, with Allah's Will, in
security,(some you) shavingyour heads,(others)
security, (some of you) shaving your heads, (others)
cutting (their hair) short,not fearing(anyone)"
cutting (their hair) short, not fearing (anyone)" [The
ffhe
- 48: 271. The prophecy,however,seemed
Qur'an - 48: 27]. The prophecy, however, seemed
Qur'an
impossible fulfilment.The Prophet then hadwith
impossible of fulfilment. The Prophet then had with
him sevenhundredmen and perhaps tw'iceas many
him seven hundred men and perhaps twice as many
20
?0

31. able bodied men at Madinah. As againstthis the
able bodied men at Madinah. As against this the
Christians Najranalonewere capable raisingof
Christians of Najran alone were capable of raising an
an
army of a hundredthousand soldiers shortnotice.
at
army of a hundred thousand soldiers at short notice.
And the Christians were not the mostnumerous
And the Christians were not the most numerous peo-peo-
ple in Arabia, nor were they the most powerful.
ple in Arabia, nor were they the most powerful. A
singletribe,the BanuHawazin,devoid the help
single tribe, the Banu Hawazin, devoid of the help of
Quraysh,was able raise22,OOA peopleagainst
Quraysh, was able to raise 22,000 people against the
the
Prophet two yearslater.TheMakkans
Prophet two years later. The Makkans themselves had
themselves had
casually collected army 20,000to raidMadinah
an
casually collected an army of 20,000 to raid Madinah
an year earlier. Had the Makkans,
an year earlier. Had the Makkans, Jews and other
Jewsand other
tribeswanted,they could havejointly raised army
tribes wanted, they could have jointly raised an army
an
quartermillion against Muslims,although,
the
of a quarter million against the Muslims, although,
just 10,000would havebeensufficient wipe Mad-
just 10,000 would have been sufficient to wipe Mad-
to
inah off the map. With suchan imbalance power,
inah off the map. With such an imbalance of power,
what chancedid the ageingProphet,
what chance did the ageing Prophet, then 59, have of
then 59, have
entering Makkahtriumphant? But,trueto the predic-
entering Makkah triumphant? But, true to the predic-
tion, it did happen. ln just two yearsMakkahwas
tion, it did happen. In just two years Makkah was
subdued without resistance. humancould have
subdued without resistance. No human could have
foreseen turn events.
this
foreseen this turn of events.
About The Romans
About
The abovewas a prophecy in the Qur'an concerning
The above was prophecyin the Qur'an concerning
an event in Arabia. But Arabiawas a remote corner
an event Arabia. But Arabia was remotecorner
of the then known world, known to the outsiders
the then known world, known the outsiders for
for
its hungry,ferocious,
its hungry, ferocious, untameddesertdwellers.The
untamed desert-dwellers. The
civilisedworld was divided into two major powers.
civilised world was divided into major powers.
21
2l

32. Both vast, powerful, and severalcenturiesold: the
Both vast, powerful, and several centuries old: the
Romanand the Persian.The Romans (known by the
Roman and the Persian. The Romans (known by the
laterhistorians the Byzantine) ruledoversomeparts
later historians as the Byzantine) ruled over some parts
as
Europe,the whole Syria,Pafestine, Egypt,and
of Europe, the whole of Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and
North Africa. The PersianEmpirehad its roots in
North Africa. The Persian Empire had its roots in
Persia. The two superpowersof the time had long
Persia. The two super powers of the time had long
been warring with each other in an effort to expand
been warring with each other in an effort to expand
territories.Lately, Persians
the were particularly
territories. Lately, the Persians were particularly suc-
suc-
cessfulunderthe greatest their emperors
cessful under the greatest of their emperors Chosroes
Chosroes
ll who had begunhis campaigns against Romans
II who had begun his campaigns against the Romans
the
early in the seventh century the Christian (Mu-
early in the seventh century of the Christian era (Mu-
era
hammadwas then about 30 yearsold and not yet
hammad was then about 30 years old and not yet a
Prophet).Chosroes throughthe Romandefences
tore
Prophet). Chosroes tore through the Roman defences
and within 30 yearsreduced illustrious
and within 30 years reduced the illustrious empire to
the empireto
shambles havingwrestedaway the bestpart Syria,
shambles having wrested away the best part of Syria,
Palestine, Egypt and all the areas
Palesti ne, Egypt and all the areas below the Capital of
below the Capital
the empire,Constantinople (today'slstanbul).
the empire, Constantinople (today's Istanbul).
Twelve the thirty years victory-filled
Twelve of the thirty years of victory-filled campaigns
campaigns
Chosroes were conducted
of Chosroes were conducted during the reign of the
during the reign the
RomanemperorHeraclius,
Roman emperor Heraclius, who, being more a man
who, being more man
the pleasantries the palacethan the battlefields,
of the pleasantries of the palace than the battlefields,
watchedwith completehelplessness the destruction
watched complete helplessness destruction
the
of his empire. The greatest
his empire. The greatest blow came when the
came when the
Persians
Persians wrested
wrested from hishands
from his hands Jerusalem carried
Jerusalem andcarried
and
away the relicsof the holy city to Persia,
away the relics the holy city Persia, including
including
the "Holy Cross," which Christwas supposed
the Cross,lI on which Christ was supposed to
72
22

33. have been crucified. lt was at this juncturethat the
have been crucified. It was at this juncture that the
Prophet,then in his 4th or 5th year of Apostleship,
Prophet, then in his 4th or 5th year of Apostleship,
received followirigastonishing
the prediction: "AIif.
received the following astonishing prediction: "Alif.
Lam. Mim.Ihe Romanshavebeen defeated, (the
Lam. M7m. The Romans have been defeated, in (the in
Iand)/oweston earth. But after(this) defeat theirs
af
land) lowest on earth. But after (this) defeat of theirs
they soonbe victorious. Within a few years.With
they will soon be victorious. Within a few years. With
Allah is the decision in the past and in the future.
Allah is the decision,, in the past and in the future.
that day shall the faithful reioice"(Ch. AI-Rum:
On that day shall the faithful rejoice" (Ch. AI-Rum:
1-4).
1-4).
Referring this prediction famousEnglish
to the
Referring to this prediction the famous English histo-
histo-
rianEdward Cibbon(1737-17941wrote following
rian Edward Gibbon (1737-1794) wrote the following
the
lines in the great historicalwork
lines in the great historical work of the eighteenth
the eighteenth
century, "The Decline And Fall The Roman Em-
century, "The Decline And Fall Of The Roman Em-
pire" (vol. P.,79, London, '1911):
pire" (vol. 5 P., 79, London, 1911):
'At the timewhenthe prediction saidto havebeen
is
"At the time when the prediction is said to have been
delivered, prophecy
no couldbe moredistantfrom
delivered, no prophecy could be more distant from
its accomplishment, sincethe first twelveyears
its accomplishment, since the first twelve years of
Heraclius announced approaching
the dissolution
Heraclius announced the approaching dissolution of
the empire."
the empire."
But then something happened. Heraclius changed.
But then something happened.Heraclius changed.
Assuming the role
Assuming the role of a hero, and borrowing all the
hero,and borrowingall the
gold that the churches
gold that the churches could lend him, he set sail
could lend him, he set sail
quietlyinto the Mediterranean with a smallband
quietly into the Mediterranean Seawith small band
Sea
of soldiers. He landed at the shoresof Svria and
soldiers. landed at the shores Syria and
23

34. defeated Persian army sent intercept him. He
defeated the Persian army sentto intercept
the him.
marched on carrying in the processhis victorious
marched carrying the process his victorious
armies as far as the royal cities Casbin and lspahan,
armiesas far asthe royalcitiesof Casbin and Ispahan,
which had never been approached a Romanem-
had never been approached by Roman em-
peror before. There he facedthe largest
peror before. There he faced largest ever-Persian
ever-Persian
army, so fearful that his bravestveteranswere left
army, so fearful that his bravest veterans were left
speechless with awe. Althoughhe knew nothingof
speechless awe. Although he knew nothing
the prophecy the Qur'an, Heraclius addressed his
the prophecy of the Qur'an, Heraclius addressed his
commanders in prophetic words: "Be not terrifiedby
commanders in prophetic words: "Be not terrified
the multitude of your foes. With the aid of Heaven,
the multitude your foes. the aid Heaven,
one Roman may triumphovera thousand
one Roman barbarians."
maytriumph over thousand barbarians."
The victory was his. The decisive battle was at
The victory was his. The decisive battle was at
Ninevah. And little later he recovered the
Ninevah. And a little later he recovered the "Holy
Cross." sevenyearsHeraclius
In had liberated the
all
Cross." In seven years Heraclius had liberated all the
provincesthat had been lost in thirty years. The pre-
provinces that had been lost in thirty years. The pre-
the Qur'an had come true. And
diction of the Qur'an had come true.
diction And
again,Heraclius went backto the same
astonishingly again, Heraclius went back to the same
astonishingly
old life pleasure and ease, forcingCibbon state:
old life of pleasure and ease, forcing Gibbon to state:
conspicuous history,that of
in
"Of the characters conspicuous in history, that of
"Of the characters
Heraclius one of the most extraordinary in-
is and
Heraclius is one of the most extraordinary and in-
consistent. In the "first and last years"of a long
consistent. In the "first and last years" of a long
reign,the emperor appears be the slaveof sloth,
to
reign, the emperor appears to be the slave of sloth,
of pleasure, and of superstition, carelessand
the
of pleasure, and of superstition, the careless and
impotent spectator publiccalamities."
impotent spectator of public calamities."
of
24
24

35. It was as Heracliushad woken up from his sloth
It was as if Heraclius had woken up from his sloth
only fulfil the prophecy the Qur'an.
only to fulfil the prophecy of the Qur'an.
Miracles of Scientific Nature
The Qur'an is Book guidanceand not treatise
The Qur'an is a Book of guidance and not a treatise
on science. But does make passing references
on science. But it does make passing references to
scientificand naturalphenomena.
scientific and natural phenomena. How do thesethese
statements sound,after thousand and four hundred
statements sound, after a thousand and four hundred
years? Theyshouldseemoutdated.Butthat'snot the
years? They should seem outdated. But that's not the
case.
case.
Embryology: Muslimscholar, Sheikh AbdulMajeed
Embryology: A Musl im scholar, Sheikh Abdul Majeed
Zindani,sayshe gathered together thoseverses the
Zindani, says he gathered together those verses of the
that speak the process human concep-
Qur'an that speak of the process of human concep-
Qur'an
tion, development and birth, put them in order,and
tion, development and birth, put them in order, and
showedthe collectionto world-knownProfessor
showed the collection to a world-known Professor of
embryology,seeking opinion. The scientist
his
embryology, seeking his opinion. The scientist told
told
him that Sheikh Zindaniwrotean article embry-
on
him that if Sheikh Zindani wrote an article on embry-
ology, basingit entirelyon the materialhe had on
ology, basing it entirely on the material he had on
hand,no one would believe that it is from book 14
hand, no one would believe that it is from a book 14
centuries old!
centuries old!
25
25

36. Barriers the Sea:In several
in places Qur'anstates
the
Barriers in the Sea: In several places the Qur'an states
that Allah hasplaceda barrierbetween seas.Forthe
that Allah has placed a barrier between the seas. For
instance: "He has set free the two seasso that they
instance: "He has set free the two seas so that they
might meet;yet betweenthem is a barrierwhich they
might meet; yet between them is a barrier which they
(ch.
may not transgress" 55, verses 19&20).Similar
may not transgress" (ch. 55, verses 19&20). Similar
statements appearin verse61 Chailter27.
statements appear inverse 61 of Chapter 27. Now
verses this kind had remained enigmatic until the
verses of this kind had remained enigmatic until the
very moderntimeswhen it wasdiscovered when that
very modern times when it was discovered that when
straitseparates seas, the Redseais separated
as
a strait separates two seas, as the Red sea is separated
fromthe IndianOceanby the Strait BabAl-Mandab,
from the Indian Ocean by the Strait of Bab AI-Mandab,
the seas distinctlyseparated
are from eachother
the two seas are distinctly separated from each other
so that both the physicaland chemicalproperties
so that both the physical and chemical properties of
the waters,as well as the maritimelife in both
the two waters, as well as the maritime life in both
is
the seas distinctly different fromthe other.Thestrait
the seas is distinctly different from the other. The strait
actsas wall clearlyseparating two into different
the
acts as a wall clearly separating the two into different
maritime worlds.
mariti me worlds.
Some scholars who havestudied Qur'anandcom-
the
Some scholars who have studied the Qur'an and com-
pared its statements scientificmatters
on with those
pared its statements on scientific matters with those
in other revealed literatures,
suchas Dr. MauriceBu-
in other revealed literatures, such as Dr. Maurice Bu-
caille is Frenchsurgeon, have reachedinter-
caille who is a French surgeon, have reached inter-
esting conclusions concerning Divine
the origin the
esting conclusions concerning the Divine origin of the
holy Qur'an and the interpolations the previous
holy Qur'an and the interpolations of the previous
revelations. Bucaille published findings
Dr. has the
revelations. Dr. Bucaille has published the findings
hisstudies bookcalled:
in "The Bible, Qur'an,
the
of his studies in a book called: "The Bible, the Qur'an,
and Science" ("LaBible,le Coran /e Science"
and Science" ("La Bible, Ie Coran et Ie Science" first
first
26
26

37. publishedin Frenchin May 1976). He states his
published in French in May 1976). He states his
in
conclusions the following words:
conclusions in the following words:
'What initially strikesthe readerconfronted the for
'What initially strikes the reader confronted for the
first time with text of this kind is the sheerabun-
first time with a text of this kind is the sheer abun-
danceof subjects the
discussed: Creation, astron-
dance of subjects discussed: the Creation, astron-
omy,the explanation certainmatters
of concerning
omy, the explanation of certain matters concerning
the earth,the animaland vegetable kingdoms,
the earth, the animal and vegetable kingdoms, hu- hu-
man reproduction, Whereas
etc. monumental
man reproduction, etc. Whereas monumental er- er-
rors are to be found in the Bible, couldnot find
rors are to be found in the Bible, I could not find a
singleerror in the Qur'an. had to stop and ask
single error in the Qur'an. I had to stop and ask
if
myself: manwas the author the Qur'an,
of
myself: if a man was the author of the Qur'an, howhow
could he havewrittenfacts in the seventhcentury
could he have written facts in the seventh century
A.D. that today are shownto be in keeping
A.D. that today are shown to be in keeping with with
modern scientific (p.,
knowledge" 120,English
modern scientific knowledge" (p., 120, English edi-edi-
tion,American TrustPublication, 1979).
tion, American Trust Publication, 1979).
Here is further evidencefrom anotherauthority in
Here is further evidence from another authority in
science. This is from Keith L. Moore, Professor
science. This is from Keith L. Moore, Professor of
Anatomyand Associate Dean,BasicSciences, Uni-
Anatomy and Associate Dean, Basic Sciences, Uni-
versity Toronto,Canada. He writes in his book:
versity of Toronto, Canada. He writes in his book:
"The Developing Human"(Saunders,
"The Developing Human" (Saunders, 1982):
1982):
"lt is cited in the Koran...that humanbeingsare
"It is cited in the Koran ...that human beings are
produced
produced froma mixture of secretion fromthe male
from mixture secretion from the male
and the female.Several references are made to the
andthe female. Several references madeto the
are
creation humanbeingfrom sperm-drop it
creation of a human being froma sperm-drop and it
and
27
27

38. is alsosuggested the resulting
that organism settles
is also suggested that the resulting organism settles
in the woman like seed,six days afterits begin-
in the woman like a seed, six days after its begin-
ning." (The Human blastocyst beginsto implant
ning:' (The Human blastocyst begins to implant
aboutsix days afterfertilisation). The Koran,(and
about six days after fertilisation). The Koran, (and
the Prophet's sayings) statethatthesperm
also drop
the Prophet's sayings) also state that the sperm drop
developsinto "clot congealed blood"(an im-
develops into a "clot of congealed blood" (an im-
planted blastocyst spontaneously
or aborted con-
planted blastocyst or a spontaneously aborted con-
ceptuswouldresemble bloodclot). Reference
ceptus would resemble a blood clot). Reference is is
also madeto the leech-like appearance the em-
also made to the leech-like appearance of the em-
bryo..."
bryo..."
Thesearejust few the instances from the Qur'an
These are just a few of the instances from the Qur'an
which demonstrate that encounter very seri-
which demonstrate that we will encounter very seri-
ousproblems explaining contents the Qur'an
in the
ous problems in explaining the contents of the Qur'an
assume that Muhammadis its author.
if we assume that Muhammad is its author.
28
28

39. ISLAM
V ISLAM
What Islam?
What is lslam?
TIn this simplest term: "Islam is submission with love
[n this simplest term: "lslamis submission love
to the Wi II of Allah. lt canalsobe defined the sum
the ll Allah." It can also be defined asthe sum
" as
thosetruths which Cod's Messengers have in-
of those truths to which God's Messengers have in-
vited mankind since timesimmemorial. In practical
vited mankindsincetimes immemorial.In practical
terms and in the words of an ancientscholar,lmam
termsand in the words an ancient scholar, Imam
Shatibi: "Islam is the systemby which a man is per-
Shatibi:"lslam is the system which man is per-
submit Allah, in thatarea hisexistence
suaded to submit to Allah, in that area of his existence
suaded
in which he enjoys free will, just as he is already
in which he enjoysfree will, just as he is already
submitted in the area in which he has no choicebut
submitted the areain which he has choice but
in
to live by his instincts." word lslamalsosignifies
The
to live by his instincts." The word Islam also signifies
peace. And so it can also be defined as a system of
peace. And so can also be defined as system
life and code practice that putsman at peace
Iife and a code of practice that puts man at peace with
Allahandwith Hiscreation. Prophet Muhammad,
Allah and with His creation. Prophet Muhammad, on on
whom be peacehasdefined"theMuslim asone from
whom be peace has defined "the Musl im as one from
andtongueotherMuslimsareat peace.
whose hands and tongue other Musl ims are at peace."
whosehands "
look at some the practicalaspects
Let us now look at some of the practical aspects of
Let us
lslam.
Islam.
29
29

40. The Pillars of lslam
The Pillars of Islam
Apartfrom beinga faith,lslamis alsoa system life,
Apart from being a faith, Islam is also a system of life,
of
followingwhich the individual
following which the individual and the community
and the community
are requiredto organise their lives. Therefore,
are required to organise their lives. Therefore, there there
are many things in lslam that are obligatory:those
are many things in Islam that are obligatory: those
without which neitherthe faith is complete, the
without which neither the faith is complete, nor the nor
responsibility being a Muslim can be shouldered.
of
responsibility of being a Muslim can be shouldered.
Of theseobligations, five are of utmostimportance.
Of these obligations, five are of utmost importance.
They are traditionallyknown as the five pillars of
They are traditionally known as the five pillars of
lslam,i.e.,thoseon and aroundwhich the edificeof
Islam, i.e., those on and around which the edifice of
fsfam is built. They are 1.. Faith, 2. Salah (the five daily
Islam is built. Theyare1 Faith, Salah fivedaily
2. (the
Prayers), Zakah (or the welfaredue),4. Fasts
3.
Prayers), 3. Zakah (or the welfare due), 4. Fasts and, and,
5. Hajj.
5. Haii.
Faith:lt is the declaration, (shahadah Arabic)that
Faith: It is the declaration, (shahadah in Arabic) that
in
"Thereis god saveAllah (theOne Cod),and (that)
"There is no god save Allah (the One God), and (that)
Muhammadis His Messenger."
Muhammad is His Messenger."
Salah (Prayers):
Salah(Prayers): Everybelieverin lslamis requiredto
Every believer Islam is required
pray five timeseveryday: beforedawn, at noon, mid-
pray times every day: before dawn, noon,
afternoon,sunset,and at nightfall. Although it is
afternoon, sunset, and nightfall. Although is
obligatoryfor men to offerthe prayersin the mosque
obligatory men offer Prayers mosque
in congregation, Prayers be offeredanywhere.
congregation, the Prayers can offered anywhere.
can
Zakah (Ihe Weffareduel: Zakah is the welfar+.due
Zakah (The Welfare-due): Zakah the welfare-due
offeredin the way of Allah to secure pleasure
offered in the way of Allah to secure His pleasure and
and
30
30

41. to purify one'swealthand soul. Thereare two kinds
purify one's wealth and soul. There are kinds
of zakah: the voluntaryand the obligatory. The vol-
zakah:the voluntary and the obligatory. The
untaryzakah (knownassadaqah Arabic)shouldbe
untary zakah(known as sadaqah in Arabic) should
practised a Muslim as frequently possible,
practised by Muslim as frequently as possible, and
as and
althoughits literalmeaning charity, can also in-
is
although its literal meaning is charity, it can also in-
clude anythingthat can be done promotegeneral
clude anything that can be done to promote general
happiness. Prophet Muhammad, whom be peace,
happiness. Prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace,
on
has said: "Your smile in the face of your brother is
has said: "Your smile in the face your brother is
your (effortsto) promote virtue and stamp
sadaqah; your (efforts to) promote virtue and stamp
sadaqah;
out the evil is sadaqah; guide ma has lost
out the evil is sadaqah; to guide a ma who has lost
has lost his
his way is sadaqah; to help a man who has lost his
his way is sadaqah; help man
sight is sadaqah, remove the stones,thorns, and
sight is sadaqah, to remove the stones, thorns, and
bonesfrom the path the peopleis sadaqah, the and
bones from the path of the people is sadaqah, and the
emptying of your pail into another man's pail (atthe
emptying your pail into another man's pail (at the
well) is sadaqah."
well) is sadaqah."
The obligatory zakah is due once every year from
The obligatory zakah is due once every year from
holdsaboutB0 grams gold,silver
everyone who holds about 80 grams of gold, si Iver of
everyone
equalprice,or equalamount moneyin possession
equal price, or equal amount of money in possession
for year and above.The calculation and spending
for a year and above. The calculation and spending
the zakah-sums the individual's responsibility.
of the zakah-sums are the individual's responsibility.
are
The amountdue is two and halfpercent the gold,
The amount due is two and a half percent of the gold,
silveror cashin possession.
silver or cash in possession.
One month, every year,during the month
Fasts: One month, every year, during the month of
Fasts:
Ramadhan, Muslim is required fastfrom dawn to
to
Ramadhan, a Muslim is required to fast from dawn to
311
3