The American University of the Emirates

Islamic Culture
2nd Semester 2009-2010

ISLAMIC Culture

Course Code: CREDIT HOURS: 3

Assessment and Marking System

Attending and participation Quizzes Assignments Project & Presentation Mid term Exam Final Exam Total

10% 20% 10% 10% 20% 30% 100%

Chapter 1 Definition of Culture and Islamic Culture

Is culture innate or is it learned?

It is learned through socialization process. It is shared, communicated and transmitted by members of a social group and defines boundaries between different groups.

What are the bases of the Islamic culture?

The Quran and Sunnah represent the solid foundation for the development of Islamic culture.

What are the sources of the Islamic culture?

The Quran, the Sunnah, the heritage of the Islamic nation.

Are all nations equal before Allah? Why?

The Islamic nation stood as the greatest nation due to true beliefs and constructive knowledge. Allah has given superiority to the Islamic nation since they call for good to follow and it calls to avoid bad deeds.

What are the stages that Islamic culture passed through?

1- Birth, Growth and Innovation. Quran calls believers to think about the universe, heaven and earth. This led various branches of science and knowledge to develop. 2- Development and Progress. From the Middle 3rd century to the middle of the 10th century A.H. 3- Weakness and Recession. A phase of social and intellectual stagnation.

?What are the reasons for the scholarly leap

1
Islamic atmosphere for knowledge and .scholars

........

Knowledge is one of Allahs Attributes

Knowledge is the Greatest advantage of Adam over the angels

Knowledge is the first thing revealed in the Quran

Knowledge is the characteristi c of most honorable people

( )

Knowledge is comprehensive and not limited

)

Freedom 0f intellect and attaining knowledge

One religion One knowledge

Rulers encouraging scholars

The basic components of the scholarly methodology of Islam

Divinity Absolute belief in Allah

Comprehensive System Combining the world

Comprehensive Knowledge No limits

Ijtihad Independent opinion judgment

What are the factors that elevate the role of conjecture? (Guessing)

1- Pursuit of base desires. 2- Customs of for fathers. . 3- Blind submission to the great and powerful. .

What is the Islamic outlook in the world?

Realism Proper conception of the universe

Monotheism Belief in the oneness of Allah

Gaining knowledge through reflection and experiment

Acquiring knowledge through the stable system of action and reaction

Correct thinking

Future Making with conscious efforts

Receivery knowledge through revelation

The Islamic outlook consists of knowledge, freedom, and responsibility. It is an outlook of hope, optimism and possession of purpose.

What are the contributions of Islam civilization?

Astronomy Calculating times for the prayers Qeblah Lunar calendar

Geography
Al Idrisi & Ibn Khaldoun Navigation invention

Humanity
Mathematics

Translating the works of the Roman & the Greeks

Medicine

Al Khawarezmi

Al Razi

Mediums of Islamic Culture

The family 1. Obey Allah 2. Comfort and blessing

The Masjed Played vital role

Education a. Teacher b. Students c. Program

Media - Internet -Newspaper -Radio

Society Important to deepen the Islamic culture

Chapter Two - Introduction to Islam

The importance of Religion to mankind

What is religion? Religion may be defined broadly as the human quest for, experience of, and response to the holy or sacred. This universal human activity expresses itself in at least three ways: in thought (the intellectual expression), in action (the practical expression), and in fellowship (the communal expression).

Religion can take many forms, or perhaps many aspects. These include beliefs, rituals actions, ethical actions, and formation of religious communities

Religion in Arabic is called dean, comes in Quran and refers to a number of things 1. The day of Judgment and Hereafter. 2. The Law and Constitution 3. The best obedience and worship 4. Each one owns belief and way of life 5. The Creed and what people believe in. 6. The creed, legislation and way of life

The Importance of Religion

Religion is important for both individuals and societies

A. Individuals 1. Humanistic need: Allah created all human beings with the need to belief and to worship. Allah has taken such an oath from all humans.

2. Intellectual need

Man consists of a body and a soul that both need something to fulfil and make them survive. Man is unable to explain to himself the mystery of life, birth, death, infinity, or eternity. 3. Spiritual need Only religion and beliefs can sustain the need of spirit. The religion is able to provide a psychological peace and a spiritual strength there is faith. )28 . (

4. Religion as a liberation force:

As religion teaches the human being that his life and death belong only to Allah.
Thus, he / she believes that no one is able to harm him enslave him. Religion liberate you from all types of myths and answer all questions of life. It is a liberator of human from all aspects of oppression, fear and tyranny.

B. The importance of religion for society

Religion treats every one equally and with no preference, to wealth, family status, or any other distinctions. Religion leads to a rapprochement between individual values and those of the society, values of cooperation and solidarity to achieve the interest of individuals and society alike.

What is Islam?

Islam means submission and surrendering in peace to the will of Allah Almighty. We must submit to Allah and live according to his revealed law. With the ability to satisfy both mind and soul. Islam invites people to contemplate upon the marvels of creation, and challenges them with intellectual arguments.

The Message of all prophets

Islam is not a new religion. It is a continuation of the simple and powerful of pure monotheism revealed by Allah throughout history. All prophets and messengers called for the same eternal message. (Monotheism).

Evidence of Gods Existence 1. Evidence of Nature The first and foremost evidence is human nature that exists in all mankind, the human is inclined to believe in Allah. 2. Evidence of causation: It is rational and logical that any creation must have a creator. It is called the Law of Causality as nothing happens by itself.

Evidence of Gods Existence 3. Evidence of universe. Anyone who wonders about the universe can see the greatness of Allahs creation, in every part of this vast universe, in its skies, humans, animals and all creatures. 4. Evidence of Guidance. Allah not only created, but also guided the creatures to play their role and functions that Allah placed for them the universe.

Chapter Three

Faith & Belief Pillars of Belief

Faith & Belief

To be under the fold of Islam, there are 6 pillars of belief that must Muslims need to Accept

Islam based upon two basic principles.

1. Witness of the Oneness of ALLAH. The most important thing is belief in God. If you neglect this aspect , the whole belief system would be disrupted. Belief in the oneness of Allah is based on three dimensions:

-Allah Divinity
-Allah Godhood

-Allah Unique names and attributes

2. Belief in Angels
Angels not like human. They are created as beings with intellect. They are invisible creatures but in some occasions they may take the form of humans. Besides, they have tasked with certain functions and duties. Angel Gabriel is assigned with revelation, to Allahs prophets and messengers. Other angels are in charge of rain, mountain, blowing the horn and the time of thunder bolting and resurrection. Angel of death in charge of taking peoples souls at time of Death.

Angels are assigned to each human being to keep record of all deeds and actions until death, where accounts will be presented on the day of Judgment.

3. Belief in Revealed Scriptures (Holy Books) To guide and redirect humanity. All revealed books and scriptures to His messengers. There are five Holy books revealed by Allah to His messengers

A. Al - Suhuf to prophet Abraham. B. Al-Zabur to prophet Dawood C. Al Tawrah to prophet Mousa, and it was for the guidance of the sons of Israel. D. Al Injeel. The Gospel to prophet Jesus (Essa). It sets as competent and confirmation to Torah.

MUHAMMAD
Peace and Blessings of Allah Be Upon Him & His Family

E. AL Quran to prophet Mohammed , the last of the books. It contains 30 parts that make 114 chapters

The features of Quran

Muhammad (PBUH) was Born in Makah, in 570 AD

1. The only divine book which Allah pledged to preserve. 2. It contains summery of divine teachings and commandments by previous books. (Torah and Bible) 3. The Quran came easy for people to understand. 4. It contains the purposes of Islamic law, addressing the causes of happiness in this life and hereafter. 5. The final book as the prophet was last of the prophets and messengers. 6. It is well-known that Apostles came with the same message. All of them, calling for oneness of God, Allah, but each had a different legislation depending on the nature and times of its people. Only prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was for all Humanity. As it is the final message.

4. Belief in Prophets and Messengers

All the prophets and messengers were human beings and none of them was divine. They were sent to bring good tiding to mankind.

Muhammad (PBUH), the messenger of God

Muhammad was sent by Allah. And Allah conveys the prophet to humanity. He was born in (571/ 570) AD, in the city of Mecca.

1. His father died before his birth. 2. When he was six, his mother died. 3. He was raised by his grandfather. 4. At the age of eight, his uncle raised him. 5. He grew up as shepherd and trader in caravans. 6. Muhammad )PBUH) was married to Khadija at the age of 25, and they had five children. 7. Khadija was first woman to accept Islam.

8. Khadija is the epitome (example) of faithful and devoted wife in Islamic History. 9. Muhammad (PBUH) was a man of kind qualities, he was known as the trustworthy, honest and at the age of 40, he received the revelation from Allah the Almighty through the angel Gabriel. 10. The revelation continued for 23 years, is known Quran..

What kind of suffering did Muhammad (PBUH) face

He suffered for delivering Gods message from: 1. He was ridiculed and persecuted, and the opposition was so intense that he and his followers left the city of Mecca and migrated to the city of Medina. 2. This took place in 622 AD. It marks the first year of the Islamic Colander.

3. He established a city - state, gave it a written constitution which proved that he was a very successful politician. Statesman, warrior, General and ruler. 4. when he migrated to Median, the number of his fellow Muslims was about 5000. 5. He died at the age of 63. 6. Arabian peninsula was under the fold of Islam.

7. At the time of his last pilgrimage in Mecca, he determined his famous farewell address to 150.000 people. 8. He had come to Mecca as pilgrim. 9. within a hundred years, Islam became an established religion in the Asian, African and European countries.

Messengers and prophets had task and duties such as: 1. Conveying the message of God to His creation . 2. Reminding people and guiding them 3. Educating and preparing people. 4. Being a living example for their people.

5. Belief in Hereafter & the Day of Judgment.

Believe in the hereafter is a fundamental pillar in Islam. It contains three elements of faith: A. Believing in the resurrection of dead; B. Believing in the day of Judgment; C. Believing in Heaven and Heaven and Hell.

Since Allah gives life and death is unpredictable and may occur at any time, everyone, therefore, should try to do good deeds to earn pleasure of Allah and abstain from evil. With this perception, a Muslim has to live a various life all the time.

6. Destiny

Islam teaches that every thing that happens, occurs in the universe is controlled by Allah, and in part of His eternal plan. Nothing occurs or takes shape within heavens or on earth but with His Knowledge and by His order.

Five Pillars of Islam

1. Shahada Declaration of faith

This is the first worship

2. Prayer: It is the focal and the most visible act of worship that shapes daily life 3. Fasting Sawm: Fast every year, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, from break of dawn till sun set.

4. Charity Zakat
It is compulsory, it is an obligatory form of charity on ones annual saving and not income. The word zakat means purification and growth, as wealth is purified when giving the poor their right in the amount of which 2.5% of ones saving each lunar year.

5. Pilgrimage Hajj in Mecca.

It is an act of obedience and worship that was first practiced for thousands of years to the first house (Holy Place)

Chapter Four / Source of Legislation in Islam

The main legal sources in Islam are Quran and Sunnah. Muslims rely on decision made by rightly guided Khalifas, and the general consensus of early Muslim jurists.

The sources of legislation in Islam

1. Holy Quran 2. Sunnah 3. Ijmaa: Unanimous decisions of the early Muslims Ulama (scholars) 4. Qiyas: Analogy 5. Istihsan: to choose the better between two alternatives for good reasons. 6. Ijtihad: exertion a logical deduction of a learnt man of Islam

1. Quran: It is the first and main source of Islamic culture. It is the basis of all its realities and perceptions, on which other sources depend. Allah blessed all the humanity with the Quran in which everything was made clear. Quran is an Arabic word derived from and qara in the Arabic language is to combine the annexation.

The Quran acts a guide to peoples lives. It shapes the society through its legislative affairs, economical, political and social life. Quran constitutes the most comprehensive concept of Islam on the practical level as the first source of Sharia, or legislation. Quran includes aspects of belief, acts of worship, laws, and moral principles that govern all aspects of human conduct.

Quran Names & Attributes.

There are many names for The Holy book 1. Al Quran: it is derived from the word qara means read and recite as mention in Surah Yasin Chapter 36 2. AL-Kitaab The book This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah

Some of the Quran attributes are:

3. Al-dhir: The Mention, reminder, as it contains reminders, facts, admonition (warning) and stories of perished (destroyed) nation. ) ( 4. Al furqan: The criterion that means it has distinguished between true and false. )(

5. Al-tanzeel: The Revelation, as it was reveled by God. ( ) 6. Al- shifaa: The Healing and cure, as it is a cure for the heart and mind. ( ) 7. Al-baseera: The Guidance and enlightenment. )(

8. Al-noor: The light ( ) 9. Al-Hakeem: The wise ( ) : 10. MubaraK: Full of blessings ( ) : 11. Al-Majeed: The Glorious ( )

Why Quran had been revealed gradually?

1. Proving the truthfulness of prophet and his revelation. 2. Gradating in legislation to stabilize the faith of the believers, such as the gradual prohibition of alcohol. 3. Strengthening the heart of the prophet and the believers, and increases their patience in times of hardship.

Verses of Holy Quran are classified into four categories.

1. Verses that deal with aspects of faith, such as belief in Allah, His Angles,. His books, His apostles, the Hereafter, and so on. 2. Verses that deal with aspects of practical rulings, such as worship, transactions, and system of governance.

3. Verses that deal with stories of prophets and their nations. 4. Verses that deal aspects of morality and manners for both individual and society.

2- Sunnah

The Sunnah is the next main source of Islamic Law. It is defined as the traditions and customs of Muhammad" or "the words, actions and silent assertions of him". It includes the everyday sayings and utterances of Muhammad, his acts, his tacit consent, and acknowledgments of statements and activities.

Why do Muslims consider Sunnah as a source of Law? Because it can be found in the Quran that commands Muslims to follow Muhammad (PBUH). Muslims scholars consider the Sunnah to be essential supplements to and clarifications of the Quran.

As we notice, the Quran contains many rules for behavior expected of Muslims but there are no specific Quranic rules on many religious and practical matters. Much of Sunnah is recorded in the Hadith.

Types of Nabawi, and Qudsi

The former being restricted to the sayings of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), while the latter pertains to the sayings of the Prophet through the medium of Divine inspiration.

Chapter Five / Characteristics of Islam

1. Monotheism To worship Allah alone with not partner 2. Godliness or Divinity It is not a man-made religion or ideology that was founded or established by disciples of any prominent figure like other religions.

3. Universality Islam is a universal for all humankind, with no restriction to race or gender. 4. Comprehensiveness Islam is a comprehensive religion and a way of life that covers all aspects of human beings life. It is not only concerned with affairs of this world but also with the affairs of the Hereafter.

5. Final and Preserved Message The Quran is the revealed book of Allah, it has been in existence for the past fourteen centuries. The message of Islam has been preserved by Allah in its original from, and Allahs Guidance is available without adulteration

6. Relevance Islam is suitable for all humans at all times. Many ideologies and philosophies make mistakes by being strongly biased to one side over the other. Being strict within element of stability makes it rigid, while lack of flexible constant generates absence of values and ethics. The solution is balance between these two elements.

7. Tolerance In Islam, freedom of belief and expression is granted for everyone. Islam tolerates other faith and ideologies, Muslim are ordered to deal kindly, be fair and just with others regardless of their belief or ideological stand.

8. Humanity Islam is humanistic in its nature. The Quran demands freedom, justice, and equality. 9. Moderation and balance Islam makes a balance between the worldly pleasure and the hope and action to achieve the hereafter. It strikes a balance between elevating mans spirit and providing for his physical needs.

10. Rationality, practicality and Simplicity Islams teachings are simple and clear, they are free from superstitions and irrational beliefs, pillars of belief and acts of worship are based on reason and sound logic.

11. Scientific Islam urges its followers to respect science and scientists. Islam considers scientists as the heirs of prophets.

12. Elevated status of women Pre-Islam era, women were treated unfairly and downgraded, Newborn baby girls were immediately buried alive out of fear of humiliated by others or for fear of poverty. Women did not have the right to own property or receive inheritance.

13. Religion of Nature Islam is religion of true instinct and Nature, its teachings and rulings do not contradict human nature. On the contrary, whenever systems, laws or beliefs are far from Islam we can easily find that they do not oppose and contradict the human beings nature

14. Positiveness Islam requites its followers to be positive in their society. It highlights to them their aim in life, and prepares them to play positive role and active roles.

15. Gradation The Quran used the method of gradation since its revelation. Verses and legislation that continued to be revealed over the period of twenty three years was not revealed all at once, such as mandate of forbidding alcohol.

16. Morality Islam has a unique system of values and morals, which is reflected in belief and action. Moral values are not attending to the interests of individual material benefits, nor are they just a mirage.

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 and was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes. The historians describe him as calm and contemplative. Muhammad was of a deeply religious nature, and had long detested the decadence of his society. It became his habit to contemplate from time to time in the Cave of Hira near the summit of Jaba al-Nur, the 'Mountain of Light' near Makkah.

At the age of 40, while engaged in a meditative retreat, Muhammad, peace be upon him, received his first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel. This revelation, which continued for 23 years, is known as the Quran. 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.

Mohammed
570-632 CE

CE simply means Common Era or Christian Era

570: born in Mecca after the death of his father Orphaned at 8, he came under the care of the clan chief ca. 595: Married Kadijah, a wealthy widow and his business partner ca. 610: He received a vision from the angel Gabriel, telling him You are the Messenger of God Revelations continued throughout his life, recorded as the SURAS (verses/chapters) of the Quran ca. 613: began to preach to friends and followers Opposition in Mecca from powerful mercantile class

Mohammed
Born 570 AD to the tribe of Quraish
Labeled Al-Ameen (the honest and trustworthy) even before the revelation

The last messenger from Allah

Role model that all Muslims should follow Allah says: We have not sent you except as a mercy to all creation (21:107)

Savior and Liberator

Times Before Muhammad True Concept of God- Lost
True Concept of God- Restored Ignorance & Darkness Knowledge & Light Barbarism & ruthlessness Kindness & mercy Sexual Slavery, Nudity & Persecution of women Usury and Exploitation Fear and terror Class and Colour discrimination Womens status and rights Justice and fairness Peace and security Love and Brotherhood

Times After Muhammad

Muhammad- An Introduction

Bestowed Prophet hood when he began receiving revelation at 40, the first verses
Read in the name of your Lord who created, created man from clots of blood. Read! Your Lord is the most Bounteous, who has taught the use of the pen, has taught man what he did not know. (Quran- Chapter 96)

Called people to the truth, faced persecution in Makkah

Migrated to Medina where he was welcomed wholeheartedly A new phase began where Muhammad laid the foundations of a society based on Divine guidance.

MAHATMA GANDHI Speaking on the character of Muhammad, (pbuh) says in YOUNG INDIA:

"I wanted to know the best of one who holds today's undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind.. I became more than convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life.

MAHATMA GANDHI

It was the rigid simplicity, the utter selfeffacement of the Prophet, the scrupulous regard for his pledges, his intense devotion to this friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle. When I closed the 2nd volume (of the Prophet's biography), I was sorry there was not more for me to read of the great life."

The Quran
The main scripture and one of the basic sources of Islamic teachings and laws It is considered the literal word of Allah that was revealed to Mohammed by the angel Gabriel over a period of 23 years The original and complete text of the Quran is available to everybody in Arabic, the language in which it was revealed

Translations of the meaning into many other languages are widely used.

The Quran
Deals with the foundations of creeds, morality, the history of humanity, worship, knowledge, wisdom, the relationship of man to Allah and Allah to man, and all aspects of interpersonal relationships. Teaches mankind the purpose of ones life and the duties and obligations toward oneself, family, relatives, community, fellow human beings, and The Creator.

The Quran
A linguistic miracle

Allah says, say if the whole of mankind and jins were to gather together to produce the like of this quran, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support(17:88)
Accurate scientific facts

Allah says, the heaven, We have built it with power, Verily we are expanding it (51:47)

The Quran as a comprehensive Legislation

The Quran constitutes the most comprehensive concept of Islam on the practical level as the source of the Sharia, the Divine laws and legislation. Why is Quran Comprehensive? Includes: law as well as underlying purposes and moral principles, and creed to which every Muslim must subscribe.

Islamic Sharia is designed and suitable not only for Muslims, but for all mankind at all times. On one hand, man made laws are subject to alteration and based on theories.

Chapter Three Faith and Belief

Islam is studied under two broad Headings

Pillars of faith

Acts of worship

Pillars of faith: All Muslims Profess acceptance of God Almighty (Allah) as the one and only God and Mohammed as the final messenger of God.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Oneness of God Belief in Angels Revealed Scriptures Prophets & Messengers of Allah The Accountability The Hereafter The Divine Decree The Destiny

1. Oneness of God
Belief in the existence of one God is the First pillars of faith. God is the most High and Exalted, the sole Creator and Sustainer of all that exist.

Al- Ikhlas

The Sincerity, Oneness Of Allah

Say: He is Allah, the One and Only; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him.
98

Allah has no body nor form, no physical attributes or characteristics. Space does not encompass Him, nor do the earth and the heavens contain Him. He has no beginning and no end. He does not beget nor is he begotten, and he has no physical dimensions like hunger, sleep, rest, procreation, etc., for He is the one who gives such attributes and dimensions to His creatures. The Quran has described Gods attributes in many places, e.g.

2. Belief in Angels
Allah created angels and but unlike human beings, they are subservient to the will of God and carry out Gods commands. Angels are concealed from us. We cannot see them. Allah may show them to some of his servants. - Angels' Functions: We belief that angels are assigned certain functions. - Virtues of belief in Angels: Belief in the Angels leads to appreciating the dignity of Allah, His might, and His sovereignty. Page 52

3. Revealed Scriptures
Islam has been practised by the righteous since the creation of mankind and all prophets of God preached the same message. 4. Prophets & Messengers of Allah: In Islam the word prophet does not mean the one who prophesies the future, but it means the messenger of God, and it is denoted by the Arabic word Nabi. The Quran states that God sent a Warner or a guide to every community, nation or tribe of people.

- Messengers Are Human beings: We believe that all messengers are created human who have none of the divine qualities of Allah. - Virtues of Belief in Messengers: believe in Messengers directs us to appreciate Allahs mercy through sending great messengers to humanity to guide them to the straight path. Through messengers, we knew aspects of the belief that could not be seen. Through messengers people were guided to the proper worship and led their lives.

5. The Accountability The Hereafter Islam teaches that God created human beings and endowed them with immoral souls. Each soul is an individual soul and valued. It is eternal soul, where as the body has a transient (passer-by) existence, the soul has permanence (continuity). And each person is responsible for his or her own actions.

- Virtues of Belief in the Day of Judgment

- Endeavour to obey. Allah to get reward of that day and avoid any disobedience to him for fear of His punishment. True belief in the Hereafter should make man more careful and vigilant about making himself and giving hope to his efforts.

6. The Divine Decree The Destiny

Islam teaches us that every thing that happens in the universe, from the smallest to the greatest events, is controlled by God and is a part of His eternal plan. There is no such thing as random or chance events, and nothing happens without His direction or command. Nothing occurs or takes place within the heavens or on earth but with His knowledge and by His order.

Levels of Belief in Predestination (It has Four Levels)

1. Knowledge: Muslims believe that Allah knows everything. He knows what has happened, what is happening, what will happen and how it will happen. 2. Recording: Muslims believe that Allah has recorded in the secured Tablet ( al-Lowh alMahfuz) whatever is going to happen until the Day of Judgment.

3. Will: Muslims believe that Allah has willed

everything in heaven and Earth. Nothing happens except by His will. Whatever He wills will take place and whatever He does not, will not take place.

4. Creation: To believe that Allah is the Creator of all

things. This level includes whatever Allah Himself does and whatever His creatures do. Thus each saying, deed, or omission of the people is known to Allah, who has recorded, willed, and created them.

Mans Free Will

Muslims believe, that Allah has granted man a power and a free will by which he performs his actions.

That mans deeds are done by this power and free will can be proven by the following points:

1. Directing man to do or not to do. If man has no

free will and power, these directions mean that Allah is asking man to do that which he cannot do. This proposition is rejected by Allahs wisdom, mercy and truthful statement.

2. Praising the virtuous for his deeds and blaming the

evil-doer for his actions and rewarding each of

them with what he deserves. If the action is not done by the individuals free will, then praising the virtuous is a joke and punishing the evildoer is an injustice, and Allah is, of course, far from joking and being unjust. 3. Allah has sent messengers who are bearing good tidings, and warning. If the individual's action is not performed by his free will, his argument has not invalidated by the sending of messengers.

4. Every doer of actions feels that he does or does

not do a thing without any coercion. He stands up and sits, comes in and goes out, travels and stays by his on free will without feeling anybody forcing him to be any of these action in fact, he clearly distinguishes between doing something of his own free will and someone else forcing him to do that action. The Islamic law also wisely distinguishes between these states of affairs. It does not punish a wrongdoer for an action done under compulsion.

Virtues of Belief in predestination and the Divine Decree: