Misconceptions about Animals Rights : Cruelty to impure animals.

Islam is a religion devoted to the concept of mercy. Muslims are encouraged to be merciful towards each other, towards all of humankind, towards animals, and even towards the environment. God is the Most Merciful and all mercy originates from Him. When Prophet Muhammad explained the quality of God’s mercy, he used the metaphor of a mother animal showing mercy towards her offspring[1]. Cruelty is not acceptable under any circumstances.

“And We have sent you O Muhammad not but as a mercy for all of humankind, jinn, and all that exists.” (Quran 21:107)

Islam is also concerned with giving and securing rights. The Sharia, or God’s laws as embodied in the Quran and the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad, endeavours to protect rights. Human beings have both rights and responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is to secure the rights animals have to safety, security, and kind treatment. We are responsible before God to ensure that animal rights are upheld and respected. Cruelty to animals is a grave sin and can result in severe punishment.

“A woman was tortured and put in Hell because of a cat which she locked up until it died from hunger.” Prophet Muhammad said. She neither fed it nor let it drink when it was locked up, nor did she set it free to eat the insects of the earth.

It is true that God has decreed certain animals impure, specifically the dog, and the pig. This however is not a licence for cruelty. Impurity simply indicates that there are certain precautions to take, and particular regulations to follow when dealing with these animals. Treating animals, including the pig, and the dog, with kindness can result in great reward; just as treating animals with cruelty can lead a person to the hell fire.

The Prophet said, “A man saw a dog eating mud from (the severity of) thirst. So, that man took a shoe (and filled it) with water and kept on pouring the water for the dog until it quenched its thirst. So God approved of his deed and made him enter Paradise.” [2]

“While a man was walking he felt thirsty and went down a well and drank water from it. On coming out of it, he saw a dog panting and eating mud because of excessive thirst. The man said, ‘This (dog) is suffering from the same problem as me. So he went down the well, filled his shoe with water, caught hold of it with his teeth, climbed up, and watered the dog.God thanked him for his (good) deed and forgave him his sins.” The people asked, “O messenger of God! Is there a reward for us in serving (the) animals?” He replied, “Yes, there is a reward for serving any living creature.”[3]

God has made it abundantly clear that the meat of the pig is impure[4] and that the dog is an impure animal. We may never know or understand why God has ordained some things and prohibited others. However, a Muslim submits to God’s commands willingly, without needing to know the reason behind the divine rule. Moreover, God has expressly stated that a believer hears the words of his Lord and obeys them.

“‘We hear and we obey.’ And such are the successful (who will live forever in Paradise).” (Quran 24:51)

Hearing and obeying rules set down by God cannot be interpreted as a license to be cruel to any living creature. Although pigs and dogs can cause obvious harm to human beings, such as the meat of the pig harbouring diseases and bacteria harmful to man, or packs of dogs causing disease there is no justification for cruelty towards them.

Prophet Muhammad ordered the culling of the dogs of Medina[5]; however it was to protect the rights of the people to live freely and easily, not for sport or to inflict pain. There were no animal shelters or vaccinations for diseased dogs; therefore killing the dogs was the only feasible way of protecting the people from harm.

“My father (one of Prophet Muhammad’s companions) said. “ During the lifetime of God’s messenger, the dogs used to urinate, and pass through the mosques (come and go...)”[6]

Islam is clear about the right of animals to be treated with mercy and kindness; however it is important to remember that animals were created for the benefit of humankind. We are not permitted to either ill-treat animals or work them beyond their capacity. One the other hand it is not acceptable to place the life of animals on an equal or higher status then the lives of humans. Thus it is permissible to slaughter certain animals for food or necessity; it is also permissible to use animals to advance medical science. In both cases however cruelty is forbidden.

Humankind is permitted to use animals to satisfy their legitimate needs, not to satisfy base desires, without any thought of the pain suffered by the animals. Any experimentation done for the sake of luxury is forbidden; therefore believers should be sure the products they buy have not been produced by inflicting undue cruelty on animals. They should also try to be certain that the meat they eat was slaughtered in a humane way.

Umar ibn Al Khattab, the second leader of the Muslims after the death of Prophet Muhammad, saw a person dragging a goat by its leg to slaughter it. He said to him, “May ruin overtake you; if you would kill it let it be in the proper manner.”[7] Umar told the people that animals should not be treated harshly or unkindly. He expressed his concern for animals, and his fear of God questioning him about his treatment of animals, by saying, “If a camel was to stumble in Euphrates valley, I fear that God will question me about it”.[8]

Humankind was put on this earth to be the custodian of God’s creation. Treating animals with kindness and mercy is just one of the responsibilities embedded in that custodianship. The impure status of some animals has no bearing on their right to live their life free from pain and suffering.

Water and Sanitation

Water, or H2O, forms the basis of all bodily fluids, including blood, spinal fluid, saliva, and joint lubricant. It makes up two thirds of body weight, regulates the body temperature and without an adequate supply of water humans would die within a few days. Water is essential for maintaining health, personal cleanliness, and general hygiene. Water is also indispensible to agriculture and industry. Clearly, water is a crucial concern for planet earth and its inhabitants. Not surprisingly then, Islam takes the issue of water and its conservation very seriously. Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, was born in the Arabian Dese rt, a place where water has always been a matter for concern. Water has constantly been a common theme in Arabic literature and poetry and has had an impact on the development of Islamic architecture and art. Islamic cities, usually developed around the mosque, made available running water and basins for ablution (washing before prayer), public drinking fountains, and drinking troughs for animals. Such fountains and basins were often decorated with Quranic inscriptions, usually verses pertaining to the centrality and sacredness of water in Islam. Quran refers to water as the substance that sustains life, and the key agent for purification. He says: “We made from water every living thing.” (Quran 21:30) Muslims believe that water is a gift from God and that it is a proof of God’s existence, greatness and His Uniqueness. God calls on us to contemplate the rain, the rivers, and the salty and sweet water; He calls on us to recognise water as a sign of His Bounty. God provides us with the water we need, but could just as easily withhold it. “[More precisely], is He [not best] who created the heavens and the earth and sent down for you rain from the sky, causing to grow thereby gardens of joyful beauty which you could not [otherwise] have grown the trees thereof? Is there a deity with Allah? [No], but they are a people who ascribe equals [to Him].” (Quran 27:60) Water is indeed a blessing and a mercy from God and we are obligated to use it wisely and make concerted efforts to keep it free from pollutants. Water in its pure form is clear, colourless, odourless, and has an agreeable taste. It contains only a minute amount of minerals and is free from bacteria, organic pollutants, and parasites. Unfortunately, over the centuries water has become contaminated. Rainwater is infected by air pollution, rivers and streams have become tainted by decaying matter, household garbage, and toxic chemicals and oceans are polluted by refuse and sanitary waste. All over the globe, rivers and seas are no longer viable sources of food, millions of people have no access to clean fresh drinking water, and contaminated water spreads diseases such as typhoid and schistosomaisis. Polluting stagnant water supplies contaminated with bodily waste is especially dangerous. More than 1400 years ago, Prophet Muhammad warned the people of the dangers of drinking from, or bathing in contaminated water. He prohibited urination and defecation any where near or in a water source,[1] and pointed out the repugnance of using places where people rest, collect water or clean themselves as a toilet area. This prohibition may be extended to any water pollutants, such as industrial waste, and household rubbish, that may adversely effect human health or endanger the environment, flora, or fauna. God commands us in the Quran not to do mischief upon the earth after He has set in order (Quran 7:85), and denounces those who go about the earth spreading corruption and destroying crops and livestock. (Quran 2:205) Many of the traditions of Prophet Muhammad make it clear that preserving the purity of water is very important. He said, “no one who wakes from sleep must put his hand into any utensil until he has washed it three times, as he does not know what his hand has touched”,[2] and he warned against leaving food and water uncovered overnight. Prophet Muhammad instructed his followers to tie up the mouths of their water skins and to cover their food containers. (Ibn Majah) Water is a highly valued and precious resource and Islamic law goes into detail to ensure its fair and equitable distribution. There are two fundamental precepts that guide the right to water. The right of thirst establishes the universal right for humankind to quench their thirst and that of their animals, and the right of irrigation giving users the right to water their crops. Various traditions passed down from Prophet Muhammad relate to who has the priority over water and whether or not it can be owned. Some sayings relate to the quantity of water one is allowed to take for drinking or irrigation and yet others prohibit the overuse of water sources even when there is an abundant amount available. Water is one of the greatest blessings bestowed on humankind. When rain falls and replenishes the parched land the mercy of God can be seen in every droplet. Pure water falling from the sky; but God is all-powerful and can just as easily withhold His blessings. He reminds us of this when He says, “And We sent down from the sky water (rain) in (due) measure, and We gave it lodging in the earth, and verily, We are Able to take it away.” (Quran 23:18) Islam recognises that human beings are the custodians of the earth and all that is on it, including vegetation, animals, oceans, rivers, deserts, and fertile land. God provides us with the things we need to survive successfully and flourish, but we are obligated to care for them and preserve them for future generations. Water is one resource that is becoming difficult to protect. Verses from the Quran and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad implore us to be mindful of our obligations and to keep the sources of water clean and available to all of humankind.

• What is Islam ?

  Islam is not a new religion, but the same truth that God revealed through all His prophets to every people. For a fifth of the world's population, Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the majority have nothing to do with the extremely grave events which have come to be associated with their faith.

    
  A Moroccan in prayer                     Muslims praying in Jerusalem outside
                                          the Dome of the Rock 

• Who are the Muslims?

  One billion people from a vast range of races, nationalities and cultures across the globe - from the southern Philippines to Nigeria - are united by their common Islamic faith. About 18% live in the Arab world; the world's largest Muslim community is in Indonesia; substantial parts of Asia and most of Africa are Muslim, while significant minorities are to be found in the Soviet Union, China, North and South America, and Europe.

• What do Muslims believe?

  Muslims believe in One, Unique, Incomparable God; in the Angels created by Him; in the prophets through whom His revelations were brought to mankind; in the Day of Judgement and individual accountability for actions; in God's complete authority over human destiny and in life after death. Muslims believe in a chain of prophets starting with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the Baptist, and Jesus, peace be upon them. But God's final message to man, a reconfirmation of the eternal message and a summing-up of all that has gone before was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through Gabriel.

• How does someone become a Muslim?

  Simply by saying 'there is no god apart from God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God.' By this declaration the believer announces his or her faith in all God's messengers, and the scriptures they brought.

• What does 'Islam' mean?

  The Arabic word 'Islam' simply means 'submission', and derives from a word meaning 'peace'. In a religious context it means complete submission to the will of God. 'Mohammedanism' is thus a misnomer because it suggests that Muslims worship Muhammad rather than God. 'Allah' is the Arabic name for God, which is used by Arab Muslims and Christians alike.

• Why does Islam often seem strange?

  Islam may seem exotic or even extreme in the modern world. Perhaps this is because religion does not dominate everyday life in the West today, whereas Muslims have religion always uppermost in their minds, and make no division between secular and sacred. They believe that the Divine Law, the Shari'a, should be taken very seriously, which is why issues related to religion are still so important.

• Do Islam and Christianity have different origins?

  No. Together with Judaism, they go back to the prophet and patriarch Abraham, and their three prophets are directly descended from his sons Muhammad from the eldest, Ishmael, and Moses and Jesus from Isaac. Abraham established the settlement which today is the city of Makkah, and built the Ka'ba towards which all Muslims turn when they pray.

• What is the Ka'ba?

  The Ka'ba is the place of worship which God commanded Abraham and Ishmael to build over four thousand years ago. The building was constructed of stone on what many believe was the original site of a sanctuary established by Adam. God commanded Abraham to summon all mankind to visit this place, and when pilgrims go there today they say 'At Thy service, O Lord', in response to Abraham's summons.

  

• Who is Muhammad?

  Muhammad, was born in Makkah in the year 570, at a time when Christianity was not yet fully established in Europe. Since his father died before his birth, and his mother shortly afterwards, he was raised by his uncle from the respected tribe of Quraysh. As he grew up, he became known for his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity, so that he was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes. The historians describe him as calm and meditative.

  Muhammad was of a deeply religious nature, and had long detested the decadence of his society. It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the Cave of Hira near the summit of Jabal al-Nur, the 'Mountain of Light' near Makkah.

• How did Muhammad become a prophet and a messenger of God?

  At the age of 40, while engaged in a meditative retreat, Muhammad received his first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel. This revelation, which continued for twenty-three years, is known as the Quran.

  
  The Mountain of Light
  where Gabriel came to
  Prophet Muhammad. 

  As soon as he began to recite the words he heard from Gabriel, and to preach the truth which God had revealed to him, he and his small group of followers suffered bitter persecution, which grew so fierce that in the year 622 God gave them the command to emigrate. This event, the Hijra, 'migration', in which they left Makkah for the city of Madinah some 260 miles to the north, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar.

  After several years, the Prophet and his followers were able to return to Makkah, where they forgave their enemies and established Islam definitively. Before the Prophet died at the age of 63, the greater part of Arabia was Muslim, and within a century of his death Islam had spread to Spain in the West and as far East as China.

  
  The Prophet's Mosque, Madinah,
  the dome indicates the place where
  his house stood and where he is buried. 

• How did the spread of Islam affect the world?

  Among the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was the simplicity of its doctrine - Islam calls for faith in only One God worthy of worship. It also repeatedly instructs man to use his powers of intelligence and observation.

       
  Taj Mahal, India.                                Hui Shen Mosque, China,
                                                  Built in the 7th Century.

  Within a few years, great civilizations and universities were flourishing, for according to the Prophet, 'seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim man and woman'. The synthesis of Eastern and Western ideas and of new thought with old, brought about great advances in medicine, mathematics, physics, astronomy, geography, architecture, art, literature, and history. Many crucial systems such as algebra, the Arabic numerals, and also the concept of the zero (vital to the advancement of mathematics), were transmitted to medieval Europe from Islam. Sophisticated instruments which were to make possible the European voyages of discovery were developed, including the astrolabe, the quadrant and good navigational maps.

• What is the Quran?

  The Quran is a record of the exact words revealed by God through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad. It was memorized by Muhammad and then dictated to his Companions, and written down by scribes, who cross-checked it during his lifetime. Not one word of its 114 chapters, Suras, has been changed over the centuries, so that the Quran is in every detail the unique and miraculous text which was revealed to Muhammad fourteen centuries ago.

     
  This opening chapter of The Quran, the Fatiah, is
  central in Islamic prayer. It contains the essence
  of The Quran and is recited during every prayer.

• What is the Quran about?

  The Quran, the last revealed Word of God, is the prime source of every Muslim's faith and practice. It deals with all the subjects which concern us as human beings: wisdom, doctrine, worship, and law, but its basic theme is the relationship between God and His creatures. At the same time it provides guidelines for a just society, proper human conduct and an equitable economic system.

• Are there any other sacred sources?

  Yes, the sunna, the practice and example of the Prophet, is the second authority for Muslims. A hadith is a reliably transmitted report of what the Prophet said, did, or approved. Belief in the sunna is part of the Islamic faith.

• Examples of the Prophet's sayings

  The Prophet said:

  'God has no mercy on one who has no mercy for others.'

  'None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.'

  'He who eats his fill while his neighbor goes without food is not a believer. '

  'The truthful and trusty businessman is associated with the prophets the saints, and the martyrs.'

  'Powerful is not he who knocks the other down, indeed powerful is he who controls himself in a fit of anger. '

  'God does not judge according to your bodies and appearances but He scans your hearts and looks into your deeds.'

  'A man walking along a path felt very thirsty. Reaching a well he descended into it, drank his fill and came up. Then he saw a dog with its tongue hanging out, trying to lick up mud to quench its thirst. The man saw that the dog was feeling the same thirst as he had felt so he went down into the well again and filled his shoe with water and gave the dog a drink. God forgave his sins for this action.' The Prophet was asked: 'Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals?' He said, 'There is a reward for kindness to every living thing.'

  From the hadith collections of Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi and Bayhaqi

• What are the 'Five Pillars' of Islam ?

  They are the framework of the Muslim life: faith, prayer, concern for the needy, self-purification, and the pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able.

  • 1) FAITH

    There is no god worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is His messenger. This declaration of faith is called the Shahada, a simple formula which all the faithful pronounce. In Arabic, the first part is la ilaha illa Llah - 'there is no god except God'; ilaha (god) can refer to anything which we may be tempted to put in place of God - wealth, power, and the like. Then comes illa Llah: 'except God', the source of all Creation. The second part of the Shahada is Muhammadun rasulu'Llah: 'Muhammad is the messenger of God.' A message of guidance has come through a man like ourselves.

    
    The Shahada inscribed over entrance to Ottoman
    Topkapi Palace (the museum contains a mantle
    worn by the Prophet, among other treasures),
    Istanbul. 

  • 2) PRAYER

    Salat is the name for the obligatory prayers which are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam, and no priests, so the prayers are led by a learned person who knows the Quran, chosen by the congregation. These five prayers contain verses from the Quran, and are said in Arabic, the language of the Revelation, but personal supplication can be offered in one's own language.

    Prayers are said at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall, and thus determine the rhythm of the entire day. Although it is preferable to worship together in a mosque, a Muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories and universities. Visitors to the Muslim world are struck by the centrality of prayers in daily life.

    A translation of the Call to Prayer is:

    God is most great. God is most great.
    God is most great. God is most great.
    I testify that there is no god except God.
    I testify that there is no god except God.
    I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
    I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
    Come to prayer! Come to prayer!
    Come to success (in this life and the Hereafter)!
    Come to success!
    God is most great. God is most great.
    There is no god except God.
    

      
    New Mexico, U.S.A. Prayer call from Abiquiu Mosque.

    
    Courtyard of Great Mosque, Herat, Afghanistan. 

  • 3) THE 'ZAKAT'

    One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakat means both 'purification' and 'growth'. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.

    Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakat individually. For most purposes this involves the payment each year of two and a half percent of one's capital.

    
    Zakat keeps the money
    flowing within a
    society, Cairo.

    A pious person may also give as much as he or she pleases as sadaqa, and does so preferably in secret. Although this word can be translated as 'voluntary charity' it has a wider meaning. The Prophet said 'even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is charity.'

    The Prophet said: 'Charity is a necessity for every Muslim. ' He was asked: 'What if a person has nothing?' The Prophet replied: 'He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity.' The Companions asked: 'What if he is not able to work?' The Prophet said: 'He should help poor and needy persons.' The Companions further asked 'What if he cannot do even that?' The Prophet said 'He should urge others to do good.' The Companions said 'What if he lacks that also?' The Prophet said 'He should check himself from doing evil. That is also charity.'

  • 4) THE FAST

    Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from first light until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are pregnant or nursing are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year. If they are physically unable to do this, they must feed a needy person for every day missed. Children begin to fast (and to observe the prayer) from puberty, although many start earlier.

    Although the fast is most beneficial to the health, it is regarded principally as a method of self purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry as well as growth in one's spiritual life.

  • 5) PILGRIMAGE (Hajj)

    The annual pilgrimage to Makkah - the Hajj - is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to perform it. Nevertheless, about two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another. Although Makkah is always filled with visitors, the annual Hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic year (which is lunar, not solar, so that Hajj and Ramadan fall sometimes in summer, sometimes in winter). Pilgrims wear special clothes: simple garments which strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before God.

    
    Pilgrims praying at the mosque in Makkah.

    The rites of the Hajj, which are of Abrahamic origin, include circling the Ka'ba seven times, and going seven times between the mountains of Safa and Marwa as did Hagar during her search for water. Then the pilgrims stand together on the wide plain of Arafa and join in prayers for God's forgiveness, in what is often thought of as a preview of the Last Judgment.

    In previous centuries the Hajj was an arduous undertaking. Today, however, Saudi Arabia provides millions of people with water, modern transport, and the most up-to-date health facilities.

    
    Pilgrim tents during Hajj.

    The close of the Hajj is marked by a festival, the Eid al-Adha, which is celebrated with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere. This, and the Eid al-Fitr, a feast-day commemorating the end of Ramadan, are the main festivals of the Muslim calendar.

• Does Islam tolerate other beliefs?

  The Quran says: God forbids you not, with regards to those who fight you not for [your] faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them; for God loveth those who are just. (Quran, 60:8)

  It is one function of Islamic law to protect the privileged status of minorities, and this is why non-Muslim places of worship have flourished all over the Islamic world. History provides many examples of Muslim tolerance towards other faiths: when the caliph Omar entered Jerusalem in the year 634, Islam granted freedom of worship to all religious communities in the city.

  Islamic law also permits non-Muslim minorities to set up their own courts, which implement family laws drawn up by the minorities themselves.

  ABOVE: Mosque of Omar and Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem. When the caliph Omar took Jerusalem from the Byzantines, he insisted on entering the city with only a small number of his companions. Proclaiming to the inhabitants that their lives and property were safe, and that their places of worship would never be taken from them, he asked the Christian patriarch Sophronius to accompany him on a visit to all the holy places.

  The Patriarch invited him to pray in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, but he preferred to pray outside its gates, saying that if he accepted, later generations of Muslims might use his action as an excuse to turn it into a mosque. Above is the mosque built on the spot where Omar did pray.

  RIGHT: According to Islam, man is not born in 'original sin'. He is God's vicegerent on earth. Every child is born with the fitra, an innate disposition towards virtue, knowledge, and beauty. Islam considers itself to be the 'primordial religion', din al-hanif, it seeks to return man to his original, true nature in which he is in harmony with creation, inspired to do good, and confirming the Oneness of God.

• What do Muslims think about Jesus?

  Muslims respect and revere Jesus, and await his Second Coming. They consider him one of the greatest of God's messengers to mankind. A Muslim never refers to him simply as 'Jesus', but always adds the phrase 'upon him be peace'. The Quran confirms his virgin birth (a chapter of the Quran is entitled 'Mary'), and Mary is considered the purest woman in all creation. The Quran describes the Annunciation as follows:

  'Behold!' the Angel said, 'God has chosen you, and purified you, and chosen you above the women of all nations. O Mary, God gives you good news of a word from Him, whose name shall be the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, honored in this world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near to God. He shall speak to the people from his cradle and in maturity, and shall be of the righteous.'

  She said: 'O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me?' He said: 'Even so; God creates what He will. When He decrees a thing, He says to it, "Be!" and it is.' (Quran, 3:42-7)

  Jesus was born miraculously through the same power which had brought Adam into being without a father:

  Truly, the likeness of Jesus with God is as the likeness of Adam. He created him of dust, and then said to him, 'Be!' and he was. (Quran, 3:59)

  During his prophetic mission Jesus performed many miracles. The Quran tells us that he said:

  I have come to you with a sign from your Lord: I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it and it becomes a bird by God's leave. And I heal the blind, and the lepers and I raise the dead by God's leave. (Quran, 3:49)

  Neither Muhammad nor Jesus came to change the basic doctrine of the belief in One God, brought by earlier prophets, but to confirm and renew it. In the Quran Jesus is reported as saying that he came:

  To attest the law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden you; I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear God and obey Me. (Quran, 3:5O)

  The Prophet Muhammad said:

  Whoever believes there is no god but God, alone without partner, that Muhammad is His messenger, that Jesus is the servant and messenger of God, His word breathed into Mary and a spirit emanating from Him, and that Paradise and Hell are true, shall be received by God into Heaven. (Hadith from Bukhari)

• Why is the family so important to Muslims?

  The family is the foundation of Islamic society. The peace and security offered by a stable family unit is greatly valued, and seen as essential for the spiritual growth of its members. A harmonious social order is created by the existence of extended families; children are treasured, and rarely leave home until the time they marry.

• What about Muslim women?

  Islam sees a woman, whether single or married, as an individual in her own right, with the right to own and dispose of her property and earnings. A marriage dowry is given by the groom to the bride for her own personal use, and she keeps her own family name rather than taking her husband's.

  Both men and women are expected to dress in a way which is modest and dignified; the traditions of female dress found in some Muslim countries are often the expression of local customs.

  The Messenger of God said:

  'The most perfect in faith amongst believers is he who is best in manner and kindest to his wife.'

• Can a Muslim have more than one wife?

  The religion of Islam was revealed for all societies and all times and so accommodates widely differing social requirements. Circumstances may warrant the taking of another wife but the right is granted, according to the Quran, only on condition that the husband is scrupulously fair.

  CLOCKWISE: Muslims from Turkestan, Scotland, Saudi Arabia. Denmark, Egypt.

• Is Islamic marriage like Christian marriage?

  A Muslim marriage is not a 'sacrament', but a simple, legal agreement in which either partner is free to include conditions. Marriage customs thus vary widely from country to country. As a result, divorce is not common, although it is not forbidden as a last resort. According to Islam, no Muslim girl can be forced to marry against her will: her parents will simply suggest young men they think may be suitable.

• How do Muslims treat the elderly?

  In the Islamic world there are no old people's homes. The strain of caring for one's parents in this most difficult time of their lives is considered an honor and blessing, and an opportunity for great spiritual growth. God asks that we not only pray for our parents, but act with limitless compassion, remembering that when we were helpless children they preferred us to themselves. Mothers are particularly honored: the Prophet taught that 'Paradise lies at the feet of mothers'. When they reach old age, Muslim parents are treated mercifully, with the same kindness and selflessness.

  In Islam, serving one's parents is a duty second only to prayer, and it is their right to expect it. It is considered despicable to express any irritation when, through no fault of their own, the old become difficult.

  The Quran says: Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and be kind to parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, do not say 'uff to them or chide them, but speak to them in terms of honor and kindness. Treat them with humility, and say, 'My Lord! Have mercy on them, for they did care for me when I was little'. (17:23-4)

• How do Muslims view death?

  Like Jews and Christians, Muslims believe that the present life is only a trial preparation for the next realm of existence. Basic articles of faith include: the Day of Judgment, resurrection, Heaven and Hell. When a Muslim dies, he or she is washed, usually by a family member, wrapped in a clean white cloth, and buried with a simple prayer preferably the same day. Muslims consider this one of the final services they can do for their relatives, and an opportunity to remember their own brief existence here on earth. The Prophet taught that three things can continue to help a person even after death; charity which he had given, knowledge which he had taught and prayers on their behalf by a righteous child.

• What does Islam say about war?

  Like Christianity, Islam permits fighting in self-defense, in defense of religion, or on the part of those who have been expelled forcibly from their homes. It lays down strict rules of combat which include prohibitions against harming civilians and against destroying crops, trees and livestock. As Muslims see it, injustice would be triumphant in the world if good men were not prepared to risk their lives in a righteous cause. The Quran says:

  Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not transgress limits. God does not love transgressors. (2:190)

  If they seek peace, then seek you peace. And trust in God for He is the One that heareth and knoweth all things. (8:61)

  War, therefore, is the last resort, and is subject to the rigorous conditions laid down by the sacred law. The term jihad literally means 'struggle', and Muslims believe that there are two kinds of jihad. The other 'jihad' is the inner struggle which everyone wages against egotistic desires, for the sake of attaining inner peace.

• What about food?

  Although much simpler than the dietary law followed by Jews and the early Christians, the code which Muslims observe forbids the consumption of pig meat or any kind of intoxicating drink. The Prophet taught that 'your body has rights over you', and the consumption of wholesome food and the leading of a healthy lifestyle are seen as religious obligations.

  The Prophet said: 'Ask God for certainty [of faith] and well-being; for after certainty, no one is given any gift better than health!'

• How does Islam guarantee human rights?

  Freedom of conscience is laid down by the Quran itself: 'There is no compulsion in religion'. (2:256)

  The life and property of all citizens in an Islamic state are considered sacred whether a person is Muslim or not.

  Racism is incomprehensible to Muslims, for the Quran speaks of human equality in the following terms:

  O mankind! We created you from a single soul, male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one another. Truly, the most honored of you in God's sight is the greatest of you in piety. God is All-Knowing, All Aware (49:13)

  
  University Mosque of Al Azhar - a center of learning since 969 AD.

  
  Mosque in Iran.          Mosque in Mali.

• Islam in the United States

  It is almost impossible to generalize about American Muslims: converts, immigrants, factory workers, doctors; all are making their own contribution to America's future. This complex community is unified by a common faith, underpinned by a countrywide network of a thousand mosques.

  Muslims were early arrivals in North America. By the eighteenth century there were many thousands of them, working as slaves on plantations. These early communities, cut off from their heritage and families, inevitably lost their Islamic identity as time went by. Today many Afro-American Muslims play an important role in the Islamic community.

  
  Mosque in New Mexico, U.S.A.

  The nineteenth century, however, saw the beginnings of an influx of Arab Muslims, most of whom settled in the major industrial centers where they worshipped in hired rooms. The early twentieth century witnessed the arrival of several hundred thousand Muslims from Eastern Europe: the first Albanian mosque was opened in Maine in 1915; others soon followed, and a group of Polish Muslims opened a mosque in Brooklyn in 1928.

  In 1947 the Washington Islamic Center was founded during the term of President Truman, and several nationwide organizations were set up in the fifties. The same period saw the establishment of other communities whose lives were in many ways modeled after Islam. More recently, numerous members of these groups have entered the fold of Muslim orthodoxy. Today there are about five million Muslims in America.

  
  The Islamic Cultural Center, Washington DC. 

• The Muslim World

  The Muslim population of the world is around one billion. 30% of Muslims live in the Indian subcontinent, 20% in Sub-Saharan Africa, 17% in Southeast Asia, 18% in the Arab World, 10% in the Soviet Union and China. Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan comprise 10% of the non-Arab Middle East. Although there are Muslim minorities in almost every area, including Latin America and Australia, they are most numerous in the Soviet Union, India, and central Africa. There are 5 million Muslims in the United States.

O mankind! We created you from a single soul, male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one another. Truly, the most honored of you in God's sight is the greatest of you in piety. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (Quran, 49:13)

Azizah Magazine

America's Muslim Family.

Hullabaloo

Islamic Horizons

The Message

The Holy Qur'an for the Next Generation

Alhumdulillah, Muslims live in every corner of the globe. They speak every language and come in every variety of skin color, culture and ethnic group. There are also many Muslims who live in countries where English language and culture are dominant.

For Muslims whose native language is Urdu, Malay, Turkish or Swahili, there are good translations of the meaning of the Qur'an for them to study. The same is not true for Muslims who speak English, especially for the youth and college aged Muslims.

Translations which use awkward language, old-style English, unimaginative grammar constructs or dry, overly technical language are not serving English speaking Muslims very well.

In fact, a new phenomenon has developed in the English speaking world. Millions of born Muslims and converts are learning everything they know about Islam from books of 'aqeedah and other primers which explain Islamic teachings. Hardly anyone learns Islam from the Qur'an. Hence we have developed an "Islam without the Qur'an."

This is a travesty, for no book of 'aqeedah or fiqh can replace the noble words of the Creator of everything. To rectify this situation we will need a translation of the Qur'an that uses modern English grammar and words in an accurate and dependable format, easily accessible to native speakers of English. This is the project we have undertaken.

How Should Islamic Studies Be Taught?

The Holy Qur'an instructs the Blessed Prophet Muhammad thus:

"It is part of the Mercy of Allah that you deal kindly with them, because if you were harsh with them, they would have run away from you. So overlook their faults and ask Allah's forgiveness for them..." (3:159)

Contrast the above ayah with the following real-life example that is played out everyday in many Islamic Studies classes all over the world: The students are all sitting before the teacher silently. The teacher yells at the students about how they are not following the Qur'an and Sunnah. The students are feeling guilty, especially since they don't know how to follow the Qur'an and Sunnah to begin with! The teacher never told them how to do it. He or she has just been lecturing them on Fiqh issues and giving them low grades because they didn't memorize their assigned Surahs on time.

In some countries, the teacher of Islam would have a stick and could beat the children at will. In North America, usually the only tool of repression and humiliation at the teacher's disposal is his tongue. So he covers up his own lack of progress in getting the students to learn and practice Islam by insulting them and lashing out at them, calling them poor examples of Muslims and even sometimes labeling them kuffar! (See Qur'an 20:44) When the teacher calms down, he goes back to his dry, boring lecture format and seems oblivious to the vacant stares and wandering eyes of the children who come to hate Islamic studies classes with a passion.

Is it any wonder that so-called Islamic states such as Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have the lowest levels of personal morality and support for the Islamic movement? Those people actually seem to want to be free of the type of Islam they've been exposed to and they run after everything Western and secular, thinking that it's better. It's sad that they don't realize they have not been receiving real Islam but instead have been subjected to faulty educational methods and frustrated teachers.

Both you and I know that such an educational scheme could never produce an Abu Bakr, 'Ali, A'ishah or Fatimah. We also know that the Blessed Prophet didn't yell and beat people or lecture and bore them to death. If you've ever read about the Sahaba and how they interacted with the Blessed Prophet, then you'll immediately recognize that there was a dynamism to the relationship, an energy and an enthusiasm. Those people were of the same species as ourselves, so why did they love Islam and Muslims today loathe it?

How did you learn your way of life? Were you in a school where Islam and Arabic were part of the curriculum? If you came from another country this is most likely the case. Which of your teachers of Islam were your favorites? Which did you despise? Who do you believe gave you the greatest love of Islam and Allah? Was Islam suppressed in your country of origin or were you raised as a non-Muslim in a Western country and only discovered Islam later on?

Who taught you or who influenced you? If you answered these questions and then reflected pleasantly on your responses, there's a good chance you would identify dedicated, good, pleasant, sincere Muslims as the most influential on your growth of Eman.

Now would you like to put a teacher in front of students in your school like that? Of course! This type of person can convey the spirit and heart of Islam with wisdom and compassion. So why, (and I'm speaking specifically to administrators here,) would you place a person whom the children dislike at best and despise at worst in your classrooms in North America? If you are one of the lucky few who have sincere, compassionate Muslims in your school, then this doesn't apply to you. I'm speaking about the many schools where the Islamic Studies position is filled by someone who, although they may know half the Qur'an by heart, haven't one ounce of understanding about how to reach "Americanized" kids.

Is it possible that a person can know a lot but be an ineffective teacher? Of course! Even if that person is an immigrant from a Muslim country? Doubly so! Having knowledge or being born in a "Muslim" country doesn't automatically mean a person can teach. Having knowledge also doesn't mean a person can relate matters of the heart and soul to others. I have personally seen schools hiring teachers of Islam for no other reason than that the person is a relative of someone in the community.

You know the old joke: a person gets off the plane and starts to look for a big-money job. He can't find one because he speaks lousy English and has few organizational skills. So what does he do? He goes to the local Islamic school and applies for a job to tide himself over until he can find a "real" job. (Usually the school hires him because it can't find local Muslims willing to work for slave wages.) I'm sure you've seen it before because I've seen it over and over.

Islamic Studies is the one subject that must be the best in the eyes of the student. If the child feels a dislike for the teacher, then by extension, he or she will dislike the subject. I'm sorry, children are primitive in their emotions and will make that association. Also, even if the teacher seems like a nice guy and the students sort of think he or she is okay, if the teacher appears disorganized or teaches from a jumble of photocopies, then the students will get the impression that Islam is backward and not anything to be taken seriously. Islamic Studies must appear as professional and as organized as math or English. Therefore, to improve the state of Islamic Studies in your school, helpful and basic guidelines are provided in a later chapter for you to consider.

Following that (or any) checklist will not mean that your Islamic Studies program will be perfect, but, Insha'llah, it may save needless headaches and help promote a better and more healthy attitude towards Islam by both the teachers and the students.

About Our Syllabi

There is not currently any meaningful Islamic studies syllabus available for grades KG-12 at this time. Although many Muslim organizations, publishing houses included, have produced what they call "curricula" and "Syllabi", these, in fact, are usually nothing more than lists of any old books they have lying around to fill in any gaps or empty spaces in their graphs and charts.

I'm serious. If you take a look at those book lists, you will find no rhyme or reason in the selection of books, especially for the upper grades. They're just as likely to pick some scholarly tome written by a long deceased Maulana as a wholly inappropriate book dealing with irrelevant and tedious subject matter.

I'm sure it's not because the developers of these "syllabi" are just being lazy. Rather, I believe that very few Muslims involved in planning for education have ever gone through the experience of choosing Islam as their personal way of life, i.e. going through a conversion experience. When a person in born into a Muslim family or nation, it is too easy to not see the dynamism and personal spiritual nature of the Islamic experience.

Consequently, they may view Islam more in a ritualistic sense or in a cultural sense. People who actually rejected their parent's religion and accepted Islam, however, more often understand that Islam is a deeply personal and spiritually purifying experience. Given that Muslim children, especially those living as minorities in non-Muslim countries, can never be expected to take the ritual and cultural side of Islam for granted, all that is left is to win their hearts and minds to the Islamic way of thinking. Then and only then can the fiqh of Islam be introduced.

Therefore, a proper Islamic studies curriculum in a non-Muslim environment, must have, as its focus, the promotion of Islam as a viable alternative to non-Muslim beliefs and values. The "why" of Islam must be given prominence over the "how" of Islam. If the "why" is never fully established in the minds of the students then the "how" will have no impact on them.

Given that the ideal books for teaching Islam are not all in place yet, we have decided to tackle the problem in a two-fold manner. First, to satisfy immediate needs, we have reviewed hundreds of books and have developed a running syllabus for each grade so that the most appropriate materials can be used.

Second, we are actively involved in the writing and publication of textbooks to meet the needs of Islamic education today. At this time, we have produced, in conjunction with Noorart, four Islamic Studies textbooks and numerous literature selections. Among these are the following books:

The Problem with Islamic Education

"Welcome to our school," hummed the principal delightedly as he ushered the new teacher into his office. "We've been looking for a good Islamic Studies teacher for months now. Alhumdulillah, we're happy to have you."

"I look forward to starting next week. How are the children? What can I expect on the first day?" replied the new teacher.

"Great! We have some nice children. However, there are a few kids who will be coming straight from public school. You know what that means." Both men made a painful grimace with their faces, recalling their past experiences with "Muslim" kids who were raised virtually as non-Muslims.

"Not every Muslim parent is very smart." the teacher intoned. "But I believe in the power of Allah's Message. Insha'llah, our program will be strong enough to handle such kids."

"Yes, Insha'llah," answered the principal.

"By the way," asked the new teacher, as he leaned forward in his seat. "Can I see a copy of your Islamic Studies curriculum. I'd like to get familiar with it before classes start next week. Also, can I get my copies of the Islamic Studies textbooks? I want to get my lessons done right away."

The principal leaned back in his chair. He folded his hands in front of him and tilted his head to one side. "Brother," he began, "I'm sorry we don't really have anything to give you. Our last Islamic studies teacher taught his classes from photo-copies and lectures. The one before that used the "Red Book" for all the grades from KG to 9. So I'm afraid you'll have to develop your own program."

The new teacher, who was just hired, opened his mouth in astonishment. "You mean there's no program?"

The principal nodded in the affirmative.

"And there's no books?"

"You'll have to select some yourself and order them." he responded.

The new teacher sat quietly for a moment. He knew he could probably throw some quick hodge-podge program together to last him a few weeks. But he had to design the whole Islamic Studies program? He had to choose and order the books? This school is quite a few years old and it's supposed to be an "Islamic" school--but it's minus the Islamic curriculum! Even if he ordered the books they wouldn't be there for the start of classes. He realized it was going to be a long year.

The principal leaned forward and whispered, "I'm sorry. We've had so many things to keep up with, you know, with fundraising and all, that we just never had time to develop a proper curriculum. I wish it were different."

This sort of conversation has been replayed in nearly every Islamic School, Masjid and Muslim learning institute in North America. If you deleted the word "Islamic" in the dialogue and replaced it with the word "Arabic studies" you would see the same story as well. Islamic Studies and Arabic Language programs are in disarray in most of our educational establishments.

Volumes have been written on the importance of education in Islam, so I won't waste your time (and my space) in repeating what you already know. Instead, let's discuss your educational objectives in running an Islamically-based class, School or Sunday School.

I believe that those Muslims who go through the trouble of opening up a full-time school or Sunday school do so only for the pleasure of Allah. Unless a person is committed, then why would they suffer the innumerable headaches associated with such a project? Parents, on the other hand, send their children to private Islamic schools for any of three reasons: 1) They wish to instill Islam in their off-spring. 2) The local public schools are dangerous for children and are racked by drugs and violence. 3) Parents want their children to get a "prep school" type of education with small classes and individual attention.

But whatever the motivation, the children are in our schools. What are we going to do about it? If we simply want to provide a safe, academically-oriented environment, then we might as well shut our doors and send our children to Catholic schools, because in the end, if the student graduates from your school with good grades and escapes bodily harm and drugs, what difference does it make if- in the end- his or her soul is lost and he or she is headed on a path to hell-fire?

Our students may become doctors, lawyers, presidents, millionaires even billionaires! But if they leave Eman aside or never were exposed to it and live the life of the world, what good will that pile of money do them in the grave?

Therefore, the first objective of any Islamic school should be to "save the souls" of the young boys and girls placed in our care. So what if some of the families are Muslim in name only! So what if the family owns a liquor store or has riba-based businesses. It's not the fault of the child! The parents may have put their child in your school to keep them from getting pregnant or using drugs, but their motives do not prevent you from treating that child as a wandering soul in need of da'wah. Each and every student is our own future! If they are allowed to be spiritually aimless then we have weakened the future of Islam here by that much.

Because Islam and Arabic are oftentimes the two most disorganized subjects in our schools, and because they are sometimes taught by people who have little command of English, our students look upon the two most precious subjects as irrelevant and backward -- even undesirable! (Especially if the teacher is one of those harsh, angry types who yell a lot.)

We have teachers who teach from a jumble of photocopies, who are worn out from having to develop everything themselves, who are not appreciated by the administration as much as a math or science teacher is, and who have little in the way of curriculum guidance to help them measure the knowledge taught from grade to grade. Having a "degree" from a traditional "Madrassah" also is no qualification to develop curriculums for a modern educational institution. The teacher may be knowledgeable, but the fact remains that most teachers, even good ones, need guidance in what to teach, when to teach it and how much of it to explore.

This bleak situation must change! We can't simply publish endless books, like some publishers do, that are not useful in the classroom, and then think that the state of Islam and Arabic education is improving. Instead, we must identify grade-specific books that can be organized into a coherent, cohesive program that any school can adopt. We also have to organize lists of objectives stating what each child should know in each grade as a core base of required knowledge. After these objectives are met, the teacher can teach whatever he or she wants by way of enrichment.

The purpose of this web-site is clear. For both subjects, Islamic Studies and Arabic Language, we will present the most effective books we have seen and break them down by grade level. Second, we will provide a list of what the children should be taught in each grade. This is the basic curriculum that has been in the development process for five years running. In addition, to extend the reach of Islamic themes even further, we will provide the means to integrate Islamically-oriented reading materials into the reading and English programs of any school or classroom.

With the grace of Allah this information is presented for your use. To adopt any curriculum is easy. Implementing it is the real challenge. If you have any suggestions for the improvement of this curriculum, feel free to write us at our e-mail address.

Also, if you are aware of new book that may be useful for Islamic or Arabic studies, send us a copy or the info about it. The suggested changes can be integrated into future revisions of this on-line guide for the benefit of Muslims all over North America. Our ultimate plan, as was mentioned previously, is to continue to revise this web page as new materials become available and to update it often, reflecting the changes made. May your efforts bear success, Insha'llah.