1. ISLAM is the Abrahamic
Mystery of Ishmael
The Qur’an confirms this undeniable truth about Abraham,
who is the leader of all mankind. (Genesis 12:2; 13:14; 15:1,5). From
the Biblical and Qur’anic point of view, Abraham was the Father
of the Semitic people i.e. subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic people
that includes Hebrew, Aramaic, Arabic, and Amharic. Abraham
was not a dualist, Trinitarian and Polytheist but Monotheist and
chosen as the Father of many nations. In Genesis chapter 17
after Ishmael was born, God renew his promised and covenant by changing
Faith and Pr actices his name from Abram to Abraham and from him all his descendants
were circumcise as a covenant with the One True God. God fulfilled
his promised to Isaac through Israel, the sons of Jacob of whom Jesus the
of Muslims
Messiah was born and the Arabs from Ishmael of whom Muhammad the last
and Final Prophet1 and Messenger was born (Genesis 25:12-16; Deuteronomy
33:2; Habakkuk 3:3 Isaiah 42:11,12). His two sons, Ishmael and Isaac
Prototype in the Bible inherited this pure belief from their Father Abraham and
acknowledged and accepted by their descendants (Genesis 25:12-
18; I Chronicle 1:28-31) until Jesus Christ and to Muhammad,
continue to preach this Monotheistic religion. The Qur’an says: “
And who can be better in religion than one who submits himself to
by: isa abdullah biago Allah; and he is a righteous man, and follows the religion of
Abraham in worshipping none but Allah alone. And Allah did take
Abraham as an intimate friend.” (4:125). In addition, in the Bible
he was chosen by God as a Father of many nations, the Qur’an
clarify this covenant and promise, Allah says: “ Verily, I am going to
make you Abraham AN IMAM that is a leader for mankind.
And Abraham said,‘ and of my offspring. Allah said to Abraham,
1May peace, and the blessing of Allah, be on His Messengers
Muhammad, Jesus, Moses and others.
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2. “COVENANT OF PROPHETHOOD includes not the polytheists and Let me give you a slight briefing about Muslim culture in
wrong doers… And this religion of Islam was enjoined by Abraham general perspective past and present. Those who are familiar with
upon his sons and by Jacob, saying” O my sons! Allah has chosen the Biblical information, Arabs and or the Muslims are the real
for you the religion, then die not except in the Faith of Islam…and adherent of the Biblical faith and practices which many of them are
indeed, We sent NOAH AND ABRAHAM, AND PLACED IN THEIR part of their religious obligation. The Bible is a sacred scripture of
OFFSPRING PROPHETHOOD AND SCRIPTURE. Moreover, among them, the Christian in general. Originally, it is written in the Semitic
there are some who guided; but many of them are rebellious or language, such as Aramaic and Hebrew, which is the sister-language
disobedient to Allah. ” (2:125, 132; 57:26). This prophetic of Arabic, and many of its idiom, grammatical form, words, culture,
declaration and revelation was confirmed by Giulio Basetti-Sani, a practices belief and topography are Middle East culture and
Roman Catholic clergy says: " Islam is a mystery linked with practices. Let me show some Biblical Faith and practices of the
Muslims in the Bible. Before we prolong to this exposition, biblical
the blessing obtained by Abraham from God for his son scholars like Rev. H.S. Miller says: The Arabic belongs to the branch
Ishmael and Ishmael's progeny. This line of though, of the Semitic language, preserving original Semitic form. It is a
derived from the Bible, is the one to take in order to rich, simple flexible language and render valuable help in the light
given sounds, grammatical forms, and words with their meaning in
grasp the significance of Islam… Islam might well be connection with the Old Testament study. It is the language of the
the Abrahamic mystery of Ishmael.” With regard to the Koran, one of the principal languages of the world. (page 162
covenant with Isaac, Jesus is the fulfillment however the Jews and Israelites General Biblical Introduction). In addition, the Watchtower
received him not and rejected him (John 1:11; Luke 19:41-44; John 19: 12-16). admitted: " the language of the peoples of Arabia is a member of the
Jesus said unto them: “ Have you never read in the scriptures: the very stone South Semitic group and has remained more stable than the other
which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Semitic language. It has therefore, proved helpful in improving the
Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore, I tell you, the understanding of many expression and words of the ancient Hebrew
kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a of the Bible (Insight Vol. 1 p. 141). Therefore, Arabs and its
nation producing the fruits of it.“ (Matthew 21:42-44; compare Genesis language. i.e. the Arabic is one of the way of understanding the
17:20 Ishmael is a fruitful nation- RSV). God blessed Ismael and fulfilled His faith, cultural, tradition and the true recipients of its birthright.
promised. Richard Wolff says: "According to Scripture the Arabs
:
descended from Abraham through Ishmael. God granted a special Faith and Practices
blessing to Ishmael because of Abraham."2 Shahada (Declaration of the Oneness
Auxiliary Culture of God and His Prophets)
In the Islamic faith, there is an important standard by which a
man is judged as a Muslim or a Kafir (unbeliever). The declaration
2 is called Shahada (Confession of Faith) in Arabic, the first
Israel Act III , Richard Wolff p. 81
2

3. principles in the belief in the Oneness of Allah (Tawheedullah). A
Muslim declares his Faith by reciting sincerely and conviction, " LA “ And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening
ILAHA ILLA ALLAH, MUHAMMADAR RASULULLAH." This sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God
saying means, " There is no worthy of worship and other deity of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that
except Allah (swt) and Muhammad is the last Messenger of Allah.”. thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have
The Shahadah is the ground foundation upon which Islam is based. done all these things at thy word.” (1 Kings 18: 36)
Shahada is a statement of belief to be contemplated and
remembered repeatedly through all the days of his life on this “And this is life eternal that they might know thee the only true
world. It is a covenant of our promise to the Almighty God. On the God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)
other hand, a commitment to a total self-surrender to God’s will.
Anyone who declares this (Shahada) is a new person and expected Prayer and Worship of the Muslims
to change his thoughts and deeds if contrary to the Islamic way of Prayer constitutes one pillar of Islam and is considered the
life or standards and principles. Foundation of Religion. Any Muslim who fails to observe his prayer
To believe in Allah as the Only True God must worship Him and has no reasonable excuse is committing a grave offense and a
alone; the believers must reject or negate all types of worship to heinous sin. To neglect prayer is to oppress the good qualities in
anyone or anything. The phrase there is no deity; reject all human nature and unjustifiably deny it right to adore and love the
false deity, while the phrase "except Allah" confirms that right to aspire and ascend the right to excel and goodness and
Only Allah is the true God. The Holy Qur'an says: " There is no ilah achieve noble aims.
(god or deity) except Allah “La ilha illa Allah” it denotes denying
Allah.
everyone and everything other than Allah. The ANGELS, TIMES OF REQUIRED PRAYERS
the PROPHETS and the rest of MANKIND, IDOLS 1. Fajr (dawn). From the first light appearing in the sky (about one
(Qur’an 39:44; 21:283), IDEOLOGY, INTERCESSION OF and a half hours before sunrise) until sunrise
2. Dhuhor (noon) from the decline of the sun (about 20 minutes
SAINTS, ANCESTORS, Qur’an (44:8), PERSONAL
after it has reached its zenith) until Asar.
PASSIONS (Qur’an 27:43), NATURE (Qur’an 7:54), are not 3. Asar (afternoon). From mid-afternoon (when the length of a
gods nor do they deserve neither to be worship nor to adore. This shadow is equal to the length of its object until sunset.
fundamental conviction of the Muslim are embodied and 4. Maghrib (sunset) from the setting (i.e., disappearance) of the
promulgated in the Bible. sun until Isha.
5. Isha (Evening). From the disappearance of the red glow in the
Shahada in the Old and New Testament sky (about one and a quarter hours after sunset) until midnight. It
“ Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the extends until fajr for those who, for some reason, are unable to pray
LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, in the first of the night.
so shall ye prosper.” ( 2 Chronicle 20:20)
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4. As you could notice, all these required timing and “ And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all people
procedures for Muslims to pray are openly and circuitously answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands; and THEY
embodied in Biblical references, which is the practices of Old, and BOWED THEIR HEAD, AND WORSHIP THE LORD WITH THEIR
New Testament believers. Such as… FACE TO THE GROUND.” (Nehemiah 8:6)
PROSTRATION (SUJUD) IN PRAYING. A Muslim who is praying PRAYER FROM MORNING UNTIL EVENING. Prayer is incumbent
prostrate by placing the forehead and nose on the ground. In this upon every Muslim (male and female) who is of sound mind and
position, has reached puberty. There are five required prayers in every 24
the forehead, hands, knees and toes should be touching the ground, hours and other voluntary (Sunnah) prayers, by which the Muslim
this is called Sujud. Prostration is an act of worship with face on the may gain additional reward. The obligatory prayer is called fardh.
ground that portrait adoration or submission to the One and Only (see Times Required Prayers)
True God -Allah.
PRAYER IN ALL DAYS ( 5 Times within the whole Day )
The Bible portrait this procedures. “ Thou art my God; be gracious to me, O Lord, for thee do I cry all
the day.” (Psalms 86:3)
“ And he went a little farther, and FELL ON HIS FACE, and prayed, “And he told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always
(Matthew 26:39) to pray and not lose heart. (Luke 18:1)
“ And Moses made haste, and BOWED HIS HEAD TOWARD THE
EARTH, AND WORSHIPPED. (Exodus 34:8) TIME OF PRAYER (Fajr [Morning], Dhuhor [Noon], Asr
[Afternoon], Magreb [before sunset] and Isha [evening])
“ And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly In the morning [Fajar]
unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they FELL “ O LORD, in the MORNING thou dost hear my voice; in the
UPON THEIR FACE; and the Glory of the LORD appeared unto them.
morning I prepare a sacrifice for thee, and watch.” (Psalms 5:3; Ps.
“ (Numbers 20:6) 8:3)
“ And Abram (Abraham) FELL ON HIS FACE; and God talked with EVENING, MORNING & NOON - [Isha, Fajr and Dhuhor]
him…” (Genesis 17:3) “ But I call upon God; and the LORD will save me. Evening and
morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan and he will
“ … And Joshua fELL ON HIS FACE TO THE EARTH, and did worship, hear my voice.” (Psalms 55:17)
…” (Joshua 5:14)
AFTERNOON PRAYER [Asr]
“ Now Peter and John went up together into the Temple at the hour
of prayer, the ninth hour (3 o clock in the afternoon) [Acts 3:1]
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5. TAKING OFF THE SHOES BEFORE ENTERING
MORNING AND BEFORE SUNSET (Fajr and Magreb Prayer) THE HOUSE OF WORSHIP. Cleanliness is part and partial of the
“ From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same Islamic faith especially a requirement or conditions necessary for
the LORD’s name is to be praised.” (Psalms 113:3) prayer. Clean surrounding, body, clothing and place from the
contamination by any impurities. Not only that, Mosques was
ALL NIGHT (Tahajud or Istikara)- they pray in one accord, consecrated for the worship of devotees and it should be free from
praising continually in the temple- (Acts 1:14; 24:53) such foulness. By removing, our shoes and sleeper or anything that
might be carrying dirt is partly a safe measure of pure worship and
LIFTING THE HANDS IN PRAYER AND PROSTRATION. devotion. This act of devotion was inculcated to Prophet Moses.
Muslim who wants to recite any supplication, he can do it by lifted up
his hands up to the sky and or cupped his hands in front of him. The best “ And he said, Draw not nigh hither; put off thy shoes from off thy
example of this was performed by Ezra, a biblical Prophet. feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.” (Exodus
3:5)
“And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all people
answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands; and they “ And the Captain of the LORD’s host said unto Joshua, loose thy
bowed their head, and worshipped the LORD with their face to shoes from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is
the ground.” (Nehemiah 8:6) holy.” (Joshua 5:15)
Washing (Wudu) before Prayer. Wudhu (Washing or Masjid (House of Prayer). A place of Prayer is called “ House of
Ablution) is one of the requirements before a Muslim could Prayer” or “ MASJID in Arabic. The English word “ Mosque” is
perform his prayer, and going to bed. from the Spanish word mezquita , and from the Arabic word
“masjid” which the root word is sajda ( Arabic) meaning to
prostrate oneself, worship. It is also a building used for public
The Bible, illustrate the procedure performed worship by Muslims (p. 758 Merriam –Webster’s Collegiate
by Moses and Aaron Dictionary 10th Edition, Philippines 1999). Jesus called the
“ And he set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the Jerusalem temple a “ House of Prayer” in Arabic Masjid, hence a
altar, and put water there, to wash withal. And Moses, Aaron, and Mosque in English. Jesus said: “ And said unto them, it is written,
his sons washed their hands and their feet thereat. When they went My house shall be called the House of Prayer,” (Matthew 21:13)
into the tent of the congregation, and when they came near unto
the altar, they washed, as the LORD commanded Moses.” (Exodus CALENDAR IS BASE ON THE LUNAR MONTH. Calendar is a
40:30,31,32) fixed system and or table of period that counts and marks the
beginning and ending, length, and divisions of the common year
and arranging days and longer divisions of time such as weeks and
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6. months in a definite order. There are two well-known type of all subscribers of this religious duty. Fasting shaped the social,
calendar that counts each year, the Solar and Lunar. Solar is a cultural, moral and commercial life with basic laws and principles
system based on the sun together with group of celestial bodies that which are most in conformity with human nature and hence
are held by its attraction and revolved around it. The Lunar applicable in all times as human nature does not change. Here is an
Calendar measured by the moon’s revolution. The Christian, in explanation of the spiritual meaning of the Islamic Fasting.
general used the Solar Calendar akin and originally from the Greek
mythology adapted by the Roman Catholic, also known as 1. It teaches man the principles of sincere love; because
Gregorian calendar introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII as a when he observes the Fasting, he does it out of deep love for
revision of the Julian calendar, adapted in Great Britain and in God; and the man who loves God truly is a man who really
American colonies. However, Islamicaly, the Muslim used officially knows what love is.
the Calendar called Hijrah Calendar based on lunar, analogous to 2. It equips man with a creative sense of Hope and an
the Biblical counting of years, months and weeks. Here is one of the optimistic outlook on life; because when he fasts he is
examples mentioned in the Bible. hoping to please God and seeking His grace.
3. It imbues man with a genuine virtue of effective
“ And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, devotion, honest
and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship
before me, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 66:23) dedication and closeness to God; because when he fasts,
he does so for God and for His sake alone.
ABSOLUTE FASTING. Fasting or As-Siyam is to abstain “ 4. It cultivates in man a vigilant and sound
completely” from food, drinks, intimate intercourse and smoking, conscience, because the fasting person keeps his past secret as
before the break of the dawn until sunset, during the entire month well as in public. In Fasting, especially, there is no mundane
of Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic Calendar. It is also authority to check man's behavior or compel him to observe the
expected that during fasting month the Muslim also refrain from all Fasting. He keeps it to please God and satisfy his own
bad deeds and speech as much as possible. Absolute fasting is the conscience is being faithful in secret and in public.
common practice of the Biblical Prophets; it is the total avoidance of 5. It indoctrinates man in patience and unselfishness,
all food and liquid (Ezra 10:6; Esther 4:6 Acts 9:9). Fasting is an act because when he rests he feels the pains of depravation but
of worship, which teaches self-control and resistance to passion, endures patiently. Truly this depravation may be only
likes the prophets and men of God. Jesus fasted: “ And he had temporary, yet there is no doubt that the experience makes him
fasted forty days and forty nights he was afterward hunger. “ realize the severe effects of such pains on others. The meaning
(Matthew 4:2) of this experience in a social and humanitarian sense is that
The Biblical prophets like David (Psalms 35:13), Daniel such a person is much quicker than anybody else in
(Daniel 9:3), Moses (Duet. 9:9), Elijah (I Kings 19:8) and the first sympathizing with his fellow men is and responding to their
believers or followers of Jesus Christ (Acts 13: 2; 14:23) were
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7. needs is. That is an eloquent of unselfishness and genuine 10. It originates in man the real spirit of social
sympathy. belonging of Unity and brotherhood, of equality
6. It is an effective lesson in applied moderation and before God as well as before the law. This spirit is the
willpower. The person who observes his fasting properly is natural product of that when man fasts; he feels that he is
certainly a man who can discipline his passionate desires and joining the completely Muslim society in observing the same
place his self above physical temptations. Such is the man of duty in the manner at the same time for the same motives to the
personality and character, the man of willpower and same end. No sociologist can say that there has been at any
determination. period of history anything comparable to this institution of
7. It shows man a new way of wise saving and sound Islam. People have been crying throughout the ages for
budgeting; because normally when he eats quantities or less acceptable belonging, for unity, for brotherhood, for equality,
meal he spends less money and effort. In addition, this is a but how echoes less their voices has been, and how very little
spiritual semester of home economics and budgeting. success they have meet!
8. It enables man to master the art of mature 11. It is a godly prescription for self-reassurance and
adaptability. We can easily understand the point once we self-control. When a man fasts in the proper manner, he is in
realize that fasting makes man change the entire course of his control of himself, exercises full command over his passions,
daily life. When he makes the change, he naturally adapts disciplines his desires and resists all evil temptation.
himself to a new system and moves along to satisfy the new
rules. This, in long run, develops in him a wise sense of PROHIBITION OF UNLAWFUL THINGS
adaptability and self-created power to overcome the Eating of the flesh of swine. Expatriate or Visitors to Gulf
unpredictable hardships of life. A man who values constructive country, a Non-Muslim might take notice of the word Halal
adaptability and courage will readily appreciate the effects of (Lawful) and Haram (unlawful or forbidden) from the lips of the
fasting in this respect. populace. The main purpose of a True Religion must be build an
9. It grounds man in discipline and healthy survival. ideal community in this universe; a religion that promote moral,
When a man observes the regular course of fasting on political and cost-effective well being; social harmony and peace, as
consecutive days of the month of Ramadan, he is certainly well as good health of its believer or followers. Hence, the
applying himself to a high form of discipline and a superb sense progressive and developing country sees that preventive measures is
of order. Similarly, when he relieves his stomach and relaxes his considering it so important and exerting its effort to educate the
digestive system, he is indeed insuring his body, not to mention students and the populace alike. In Islam, preventive measures are
the soul, against all harms that result from stomach overcharge. in four types, cleanliness, food and drinking, public health and
In this manner of relaxation he may be sure that his body will physical exercise. Islamic doctrine promote to the populace a
survive free from the usual disorder and break, and that his soul healthy principles which modern science consider as very basic in
will continue to shine purely and peacefully. driving away diseases before it strikes, eliminating it as if possible.
7

8. Hence, to define health means the physical and mental well being and the like, and dead animals and birds not slaughters properly.
and free from diseases and pain. About the swine the Bible says: “ (Qur’an 2:172-173; 5:4-6).
And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be cloven footed, yet Consequently, most forbidden food mentioned in the Qur’an
he chewed not the cud; he is unclean to you. Of the flesh shall ye and particularly in the Bible are not customary diet of the non-
not eat, and their carcasses shall ye not touch; they are unclean to Muslims, with exception of some eastern countries being served as
you.” (Leviticus 11:7-8 see also Deuteronomy 14:8) exotic food such as rats, snakes, worms and earth worms and et
There are several passages in the Bible, articulating that citera. Swine flesh is the most popular and a normal delicacy all
because of sin (a transgression of the law of God). God inflicted the over the world. Why eat pork when it is among the forbidden food
human being with diseases (Psalms 103:3; Exodus 15:26 ) This in the Scripture of Islam and Christianity? Abstention from eating
ruling , in Islam issue an instructions and teachings on diseases pork is one of the measures to keep man free from diseases, and to
prevention so that it adherents will always stay healthy. promote good health of the body. In other religions, food selection
is a minor thing and not part of their religious duties. It must be
included in the religious tenets, for religion is the channel of God’s
The Importance of Abstention mercy and instruction for the well being of the creation.
From Eating Pork
To protect the public from psychosis and deterioration,
weakness and immoderation, indecency and inducement, Islamic Character and Physiological
countries prohibited certain things pertaining to food and drinking. Composition of Pig
Muslims promotes a healthy measure to ensure the well being of the All types of animals are lawful to be eaten whether those
society including the expatriate. Some of it are those that intoxicate living on land or in the water with the exception of those animals
such as wine or liquors (Qur’an 2:219; 4:43; 5:93-94). Hence, the specifically forbidden in Al-Qur’an revealed by the Almighty Creator
core of our topic here are to nourish our body with clean food to and the teaching of the Prophet with clear and well-defined
promote healthy body, a special attention must be focus on diet. A instructions. However, with regards to the PORK, according to
deceived person may argue that food or diet has no direct important Bong Barrameda that:
effects on the general condition of the person. The authentic
principles in Islam with regards to diet are this, “All things which
pure and good for man are lawful while they have to take it “ The pig being closer physiological similarity to humans than
moderately.” Beyond this principles, there are certain types of food any other mammal. Its digestive organs, teeth, blood, and skin
specified by God as forbidden, such as the meat and products of are strikingly akin to their human counterparts… Because of
this physiological compatibility, pigskin is used as a
swine (pork, bacon, ham, hotdog, lard), of wild animals that use component in artificial heart valves and as a soothing natural
claws or teeth to kill their victims (tigers, wolves, leopard) and all covering for severe burns.“
types of birds of prey like hawk, vultures, crows), reptiles, worms (Trivia, Phil Daily Inquirer, July 10, 1992)
8

9. poverty…Who hath woe? Who hath sorrow? Who hath contentions?
Who hath babbling? Who hath wounds without cause? Who hath
Therefore, pig meat consumption is likely an act consuming redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to
human flesh. seek mixed wine? (Proverbs 20:1; 23:20-21; 23:29-32 see also
Pig belong to the forbidden animals, and not Leviticus 10:8-9; Hosea 4:11,12,;);
allowed to be eaten by the believers. Pig eats almost anything The harmful effect of Alcohol and intoxicants in general,
dirty and they are very lazy animals. It is the most avaricious of alcohol causes damage resulting in a chronic inflammation of
all domestic animals. Amongst all animals, pig is the nerves and kidneys, in arteriosclerosis, hepatic petrification, and
cradle of harmful viral and bacterial diseases. Its meat cardiac weakness. Some medical expert found that though liquors
serves as carrier of diseases to mankind and plays the major role in are taken in small does, they are greatly harmful to the enzymes
transmitting some of these diseases. A better measure is to abandon along the gastrointestinal tract, which are indispensable to the
eating pig meat. It is this very reason that made it unfit for human proper functioning of the digestive process. A small dosage of liquor
consumption. Allah describes it as an abomination, in Al-Qur’an ( causes a rise in blood pressure. It has destructive effects on the
Sura An’am :145) gastrointestinal tract. The liver is an organ most sensitive to the
harmful effects of alcoholic compounds et citera, that we cannot
EATING OF DEAD ANIMAL cause by sickness or Accident. As for enumerate whole bad effects of alcohol or liquor.
animals, which die in an accident or sickness, Islam prohibits eating
their flesh. If by sickness then there is no doubt the disease or THE PRACTICE OF CIRCUMCISION TO MALE, as a symbol of
poisoning still dwells in the carcasses though the flesh of the carcass adherence to the covenant of Abraham with God (Luke 2:21;
is sterilized by cooking, and eating of it may cause death.. The Genesis 17); Circumcision is not only hygienic in its effects but also
Biblical prohibition of eating dead animals was mentioned in a memorial adherence to the obedience of Gods covenant with
Deuteronomy 14:21, it says” Ye shall not eat of any thing that dieth Abraham. In Genesis 17: 9-14 “And God said unto Abraham, thou
of itself. ” shall keep my covenant therefore, thou and thy seed after thee in
their generations. This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between
DRINKING OF INTOXICANTS To protect people health, Islam you, thy seed, and me after thee; every man-child among you shall
prohibits the drinking of intoxicants (Qur’an 5:90). The Prophet be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin;
says: “ Every intoxicants is a liquor, and all liquor are prohibited. He and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt you and me. And he
also says that God curse is on him who drinks it, him who offers it, that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man-
him who buys, him who sells it, him who produces it, him who child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought
transport it and him whom it is transported to. “ This prohibition is with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. He that is born
also injunction in the Bible it says: “ Wine is a mocker, strong drink in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be
is raging, and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise…Be not circumcised; and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an
among winebibbers; For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh
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10. of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his stunning display of their body and faces is the outcome of cultural
people; he hath broken my covenant.” In the New Testament, Jesus attack against the modesty of women and the moral of the society
in his childhood, his mother and foster father adhere to this will collapse. Women guard your modesty! Revert to the fashion set
covenant and put into practice by circumcising him. “And when by the Almighty God.
eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his
name was called Jesus.” (Luke 2:21) THE GREETING, says Peace be with you, in Arabic ASSALAMU
ALAIKOM (John 20:19, 21 26; Matthew 10:12-13). It known and
WEARING OF VEIL for women (Genesis 24:65; I Corinthians 11:3- cannot be denied that the greeting: Assalamu Alaikom is the code
6). The woman, who makes herself a dazzling display, by uncovering word used by Muslims and as a greeting to identify themselves
her beauty and make-up for every body to enjoy, excites dormant among each other. This greeting is the most and stands out
desires. This exposure causes her to be harmed by the hands of salutation of all times. This is not only a greeting but also as a
human wolves. On the other hand, the covered women hides her prayer and wishes to our Almighty God the Creator for someone
beauty and make-up so that only her face and hands are exposed whom we address this. Assalamu Alaikom cannot be equal with
according to one ruling or only eyes are exposed according to the another type of reverential greeting, for this reason, Prophets of
other ruling. What desires this covered woman excites, and what God habitually used this admirable phrase of courtesy. Muslim are
instinct does she incite? This is the brief reason why Muslim women obliged to commence this phrase to greet his brother and as his
wear their veil. They promote spiritual purity that wits of men could desire to promote harmony or in one accord with each other. Jesus
not decontaminate with rubbish imagination. The prohibition of used this phrase of greeting among his disciples saying, “Peace be
exposing once physical shape of a woman had lot of discussion. One unto you “ (John 20:19,20), in the same way he instructed his
of the wisdom behind the commandment was embodied in Old disciples to salute the greetings of Peace of whom they met into a
Testament as well as in the New Testament. In Old Testament, we house.” (Matthew 10:19,20). I n addition, the Muslim to show
can find an example how human behave herself: “For she had said greatest etiquette civility is advising to response and return the
unto the servant, what man is this that walketh in the field to meet salutation more courteous or equal courtesy. So, say “Assalamu
us? And the servant had said. It is my master: therefore she took a Alaikom “to everyone whom you meet and or if someone greet you
veil, and covered herself.” In the same way, in the New Testament it with this greeting, reverse it:” Wa alay-kum As –Salam” (Peace be
says: “Every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head unto you also) as a reply.
uncovered dishonored her head: for that is even all one as if she
were shaven. For if the women be not covered, let her also be shorn: ASPIRATION OF GUIDANCE FROM GOD by saying “INSHA ALLAH,
I
but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be it means, “ If God permit” or “God’s willing.” (James 4:14,15). This
covered For a man indeed ought not be cover his head, forasmuch expression is a confirmation of subordination to God’s wills and is a
as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of cautious utterance of a Muslim as adherence to one of the Pillars of
man. “( I Corinthians 11:5-7). The scenery that you observe Faith in Islam, which is “ belief in the Divine Destiny “ or Qadar in
nowadays of unveiled women along the busy streets and making Arabic. Men were created with distinct personality and intelligence
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11. and enjoy the privilege of freedom to choice. However, our will and
choice are restricted of what God is ordained to do. Islam is Arabic
word which means submission, obedience to the will of God. Islam
came from the root word Salam meaning peace, hence Men can
attain peace of mind and soul through submission to God’s will.
Insha Allah is the phrase of submission, a man’s will subordinate to
God’s will. This expression leads man to put forth all his effort and
movement to reach his aspiration, keep his hopes even stricken by
catastrophe. If frustration ends up from attaining his objectives,
belief in Qadar and trust in God is his weapon. The other wisdom of
Qadar and Submission to God’s will is always accompanied with
bravery, courage and openhandedness. Well, my dear expatriate,
whomever you meet and discussed something that would be or to be
accomplished say “Insha Allah.! Welcome to Islam
Welcome to Islam, explore more and discover the Biblical
land, its people, places, plants and animals, tradition and culture,
religion and beliefs. You can fully understand the Bible by
understanding Arabs and the Muslims, places, culture, custom and
religion. Welcome to Islam, the foundation of Muslim believers, and
the core of their daily living and principles of life. Their sources and
code of life is the Qur’an. John William Drapper says: “ The
Koran abounds in excellent moral suggestions and precepts;
Its composition is so fragmentary that we cannot turn to a single
page without findings maxims of which all men must approve this
fragmentary construction yields texts, and mottoes, and rules
complete in themselves, suitable for common men in any of the
incidents of life.” ( A History of the Intellectual Development of
Europe, 1875 Vol. 1 pp. 343-344) In addition, The Watch Tower
commented: “The Shariah, or Cannon Law based on
principles of the Qur’an regulates a Muslim’s entire life in
the religious, political, and social senses ... The faith of the
Qur’an had penetrated into Spain and was at the French border. “
(Mankind Search for God, Watch Tower p. 291 , 292, 1990 )
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