Deen–e–Haneef & Millat–e–Ibrahim (ﷺ)

“Deen–e–Haneef” (الدین الحنیف) is known as the pure monotheistic religion that rejects any type of partnership with Allah (SWT). Monotheism is the belief or doctrine in which the one God is a singular existence that acknowledges an all-supreme being and only one deity. This is the purest religion that completely conforms to Islam and is preached by all of Allah’s Messengers and Prophets, from Adam () to Muhammad (ﷺ). Ibrahim () also preached Deen–e–Haneef as Allah’s (SWT) chosen Deen. He utterly denounced ascribing any partner to Allah (SWT) and constantly followed pure monotheism.

Millat–e–Ibrahim is known as the ideology and creed of Ibrahim () based on pure monotheism. He completely surrendered to Almighty Allah, the one and the only God, refraining from associating any partner with Him.

The following verses are related to the above topic:

اِنَّ اِبْرٰهِیْمَ كَانَ اُمَّۃً قَانِتًا لِّلّٰهِ حَنِیْفًا ؕ وَلَمْ یَکُ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِیْنَ ۝ شَاكِرًا لِّاَنْعُمِہٖ ؕ اِجْتَبٰهُ وَهَدٰىهُ اِلٰی صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِیْمٍ ۝ وَاٰتَیْنٰهُ فِی الدُّنْیَا حَسَنَۃً ؕ وَاِنَّہٗ فِی الْاٰخِرَۃِ  لَمِنَ الصّٰلِحِیْنَ ۝ ثُمَّ اَوْحَیْنَاۤ اِلَیْكَ اَنِ اتَّبِعْ مِلَّۃَ اِبْرٰهِیْمَ حَنِیْفًا ؕ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِیْنَ۝

“Ibrahim was a community in himself, devoted to Allah, a monotheist, and was not of the polytheists. Thankful for His blessings. He (Allah) chose him and guided him to a straight path. And We gave him goodness in this world, and in the Hereafter, he will be among the righteous. Then We inspired you: ‘Follow the religion of Ibrahim, the Monotheist. He was not an idol-worshiper’.” (16:120 – 123)

مَا كَانَ اِبْرٰهِیْمُ یَهُوْدِیًّا وَلَا نَصْرَانِیًّا وَلٰكِنْ كَانَ حَنِیْفًا مُّسْلِمًا ؕ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِیْنَ ۝

“Ibrahim was neither a Jew nor a Christian. He was upright and devoted to God, he was never from those who ascribe partners with Allah.” (3:67).

قَدْ كَانَتْ لَکُمْ اُسْوَۃٌ حَسَنَۃٌ فِیْۤ اِبْرٰهِیْمَ وَالَّذِیْنَ مَعَہٗ ۚ اِذْ قَالُوْا لِقَوْمِهِمْ اِنَّا بُرَءٰٓؤُا مِنْکُمْ وَمِمَّا تَعْبُدُوْنَ مِنْ دُوْنِ اللّٰهِ ۫ كَفَرْنَا بِکُمْ وَبَدَا بَیْنَنَا وَبَیْنَکُمُ الْعَدَاوَۃُ وَالْبَغْضَآءُ اَبَدًا حَتّٰی تُؤْمِنُوْا بِاللّٰهِ وَحْدَہٗۤ

“You have had an excellent example in Ibrahim and those with him; when they said to their people, ‘We are quit of you, and what you worship apart from Allah. We denounce you. Enmity and hatred have surfaced between us and you, forever, until you believe in Allah alone’…………” (60:4)

قُلْ اِنَّنِیْ هَدٰىنِیْ رَبِّیْۤ اِلٰی صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِیْمٍ ۬ۚ دِیْنًا قِیَمًا مِّلَّۃَ اِبْرٰهِیْمَ حَنِیْفًا ۚ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِیْنَ ۝

“Say (O Prophet), ‘My Lord has guided me to a straight path, an upright religion, the ‘Deen’(creed) of Ibrahim the ‘Haneef’ (the purest), who was not of those who associate partners with Allah.” (6:161)

وَ مَنْ اَحْسَنُ دِیْنًا مِّمَّنْ اَسْلَمَ وَجْهَہٗ لِلّٰهِ وَهُوَ مُحْسِنٌ وَاتَّبَعَ مِلَّۃَ اِبْرٰهِیْمَ حَنِیْفًا ؕ وَاتَّخَذَ اللّٰهُ اِبْرٰهِیْمَ خَلِیْلًا ۝

“And who is better in religion than he who submits himself wholly to Allah, and is a doer of good, and follows the true faith of Ibrahim the Monotheist? Allah has chosen Ibrahim for a friend.” (4:125)

وَ مَنْ یَّرْغَبُ عَنْ مِّلَّۃِ اِبْرٰہٖمَ اِلَّا مَنْ سَفِهَ نَفْسَہٗ ؕ وَلَقَدِ اصْطَفَیْنٰهُ فِی الدُّنْیَا ۚ وَاِنَّہٗ فِی الْاٰخِرَۃِ لَمِنَ الصّٰلِحِیْنَ ۝ اِذْ قَالَ لَہٗ رَبُّہٗۤ اَسْلِمْ ۙ قَالَ اَسْلَمْتُ لِرَبِّ الْعٰلَمِیْنَ ۝ وَوَصّٰی بِهَاۤ اِبْرٰہٖمُ بَنِیْهِ وَیَعْقُوْبُ ؕ یٰبَنِیَّ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ اصْطَفٰی لَکُمُ الدِّیْنَ فَلَا تَمُوْتُنَّ اِلَّا وَاَنْتُمْ مُّسْلِمُوْنَ۝

“Who would turn away from the religion of Ibrahim, except he who fools himself? We chose him in this world, and in the Hereafter, he will be among the righteous. When his Lord said to him, ‘Submit!’ He said, ‘I have submitted to the Lord of the Worlds.’ And Ibrahim enjoined his sons, and Yaqoob (Jacob – grandson) too, ‘O my sons, Allah has chosen this religion for you, so do not die unless being Muslims (the submitted ones)’.” (2:130 – 132)

قُلْ صَدَقَ اللّٰهُ  فَاتَّبِعُوْا مِلَّۃَ اِبْرٰهِیْمَ حَنِیْفًا ؕ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِیْنَ ۝

“Say (O Prophet), ‘Allah has spoken the truth, so follow the religion of Ibrahim. He was the follower of the pure religion (Monotheism); he was never from Polytheists” (3:95)

وَاِذْ قَالَ اِبْرٰهِیْمُ لِاَبِیْهِ وَقَوْمِہٖۤ اِنَّنِیْ بَرَآءٌ مِّمَّا تَعْبُدُوْنَ ۝ اِلَّا الَّذِیْ فَطَرَنِیْ فَاِنَّہٗ سَیَہْدِیْنِ۝ وَ جَعَلَهَا كَلِمَۃًۢ بَاقِیَۃً فِیْ عَقِبِہٖ لَعَلَّهُمْ یَرْجِعُوْنَ ۝

“When Ibrahim said to his father and his community, ‘I am totally innocent of what you worship. Except for He who created me, for He will guide me.’ And he left it as an ever-lasting word among his progeny, so that they may return.” (43:26 – 28)

 

Prophet Ibrahim (): The Leader of Humanity

Ibrahim () was one of the greatest Prophets of Allah (SWT). He was blessed with many noble qualities. Almighty Allah tested in many ways, and in all the tests he showed his forbearance and excellence through his obedience to and trust in his Lord. So, he was one of the most committed, tested, and obedient servants, as well as a beloved friend and a great prophet of Allah. Allah (SWT) upheld the high status of Ibrahim () terming him “Khalilullah”, which means “Friend of Allah” (4:125).

Ibrahim () suffered many afflictions, made a lot of sacrifices, and faced a good number of tests and challenges throughout his life as a preacher of pure monotheism. In every situation, he showed patience and devotion to the Almighty Allah and surrendered to Him alone. He renounced all other beliefs and turned his face devoutly towards Allah alone (6:79, 60:4). Because of his sincere submission and unflinching faith and conviction, Allah (SWT) blessed him with the leadership of mankind, as He said in the Qur’an: “I am making you a leader of humanity.” (2:124).

 

Prophet Ibrahim (): The Father of Muslim Ummah

Prophet Ibrahim () was a staunch proponent of pure monotheism. So, Allah (SWT) termed ‘Deen (Path) of Ibrahim’ as ‘Haneef’ – the purest Monotheism (3:95). Ibrahim () totally renounced associating any partner with Allah (SWT). Islam, the chosen Deen of Allah (SWT) and preached by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), is quite in conformity with the monotheistic concept of Ibrahim (). So, in the Holy Qur’an Allah (SWT) declared Ibrahim () as the religious Father of the Muslim Ummah. The verses on this topic are quoted below:

وَجَاهِدُوْا فِی اللّٰهِ حَقَّ جِهَادِہٖ ؕ هُوَ اجْتَبٰىکُمْ وَمَا جَعَلَ عَلَیْکُمْ فِی الدِّیْنِ مِنْ حَرَجٍ ؕ مِلَّۃَ اَبِیْکُمْ اِبْرٰهِیْمَ ؕ هُوَ سَمّٰىکُمُ الْمُسْلِمِیْنَ ۬ۙ مِنْ قَبْلُ وَفِیْ هٰذَا لِیَکُوْنَ الرَّسُوْلُ شَهِیْدًا عَلَیْکُمْ وَتَکُوْنُوْا شُهَدَآءَ عَلَی النَّاسِ ۚۖ فَاَقِیْمُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ وَاٰتُوا الزَّکٰوۃَ وَاعْتَصِمُوْا بِاللّٰهِ ؕ هُوَ مَوْلٰىکُمْ ۚ فَنِعْمَ الْمَوْلٰی وَنِعْمَ النَّصِیْرُ ۝

“And strive in His Cause as you ought to strive, (with sincerity and under discipline). He has chosen you, and has imposed no difficulties upon you in ‘Deen’ (religion); it is the Deen of your father Ibrahim. It is He Who has named you Muslims, both before and in this (Revelation); that the Messenger may be a witness for you, and you be witnesses for mankind! So, establish regular Prayer, give regular Charity, and hold fast to Allah. He is your Protector – the best Protecting Friend and the best Helper!” (22:78)

اِنَّ اَوْلَی النَّاسِ بِاِبْرٰهِیْمَ لَلَّذِیْنَ اتَّبَعُوْهُ وَهٰذَا النَّبِیُّ وَالَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا ؕ وَاللّٰهُ وَلِیُّ الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ

“Verily the people who are closest to Ibrahim are those who truly follow his ways, and this Prophet (Muhammad ﷺ), as well as those who are true believers – Allah is the Protecting Friend of the true believers.” (3:68)

 

Legacy of Prophet Ibrahim ()

As mentioned in the Qur’an, Prophet Ibrahim () was described as a “community in himself” (16:120), which indicates the great legacy he left behind as leader of mankind. Ummat-e-Muhammadi carries the legacy of Ibrahim () and follows his ideology of pure monotheism. Muhammad (ﷺ), the final and final prophet and messenger of Allah (SWT) as well as the Prophet of Islam, was sent to follow Ibrahim’s creed and establish Islam as a universal religion.

Hajj and Umrah, the fifth pillar of Islam, are inextricably linked with the legacy of Ibrahim (). At the command of Allah (SWT) he founded the city of Makkah and built Ka’ba, the House of Allah for pilgrimage. The rituals of Hajj and Umrah bear the memories of Ibrahim (), his son Ismail () and his wife Hajar (). Allah (SWT) was so pleased with them that He made some of their sincere and sacrificial deeds obligatory rituals for performing Hajj and Umrah.

The following verses give an account of the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim ():

اَلَمْ تَرَ اِلَی الَّذِیْ حَآجَّ اِبْرٰہٖمَ فِیْ رَبِّہٖۤ اَنْ اٰتٰىهُ اللّٰهُ الْمُلْكَ ۘ اِذْ قَالَ اِبْرٰہٖمُ رَبِّیَ الَّذِیْ یُحْیٖ وَیُمِیْتُ ۙ قَالَ اَنَا اُحْیٖ وَاُمِیْتُ ؕ قَالَ اِبْرٰہٖمُ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ یَاْتِیْ بِالشَّمْسِ مِنَ الْمَشْرِقِ فَاْتِ بِهَا مِنَ الْمَغْرِبِ فَبُهِتَ الَّذِیْ كَفَرَ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ لَا یَہْدِی الْقَوْمَ الظّٰلِمِیْنَ ۝

“Have you not seen him who argued with Ibrahim about his Lord, because Allah had given him sovereignty? Ibrahim said, ‘My Lord is He who gives life and causes death.’ He said, ‘I give life and cause death.’ Ibrahim said, ‘Verily Allah causes the sun to rise from the East, so you bring it forth from the West,’ so the blasphemer was stunned and confounded. Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.” (2:258)

وَ اِذِ ابْتَلٰۤی اِبْرٰہٖمَ رَبُّہٗ بِكَلِمٰتٍ فَاَتَمَّهُنَّ ؕ قَالَ اِنِّیْ جَاعِلُكَ لِلنَّاسِ اِمَامًا ؕ قَالَ وَمِنْ ذُرِّیَّتِیْ ؕ قَالَ لَا یَنَالُ عَہْدِی الظّٰلِمِیْنَ۝

“And when his Lord tested Ibrahim with certain words (commands), and he fulfilled them. He (Allah) said, ‘I am making you a leader of humanity.’ He (Ibrahim ) said, ‘And from my descendants too?’ He (Allah) said, ‘My pledge does not include the wrongdoers’.” (2:124)

وَاِذْ قَالَ اِبْرٰہٖمُ رَبِّ اجْعَلْ هٰذَا بَلَدًا اٰمِنًا وَّارْزُقْ اَهْلَہٗ مِنَ الثَّمَرٰتِ مَنْ اٰمَنَ مِنْهُمْ بِاللّٰهِ وَالْیَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِ ؕ قَالَ وَمَنْ كَفَرَ فَاُمَتِّعُہٗ قَلِیْلًا ثُمَّ اَضْطَرُّہٗۤ اِلٰی عَذَابِ النَّارِ ؕ وَبِئْسَ الْمَصِیْرُ ۝

“When Ibrahim said, ‘O My Lord, make this a peaceful land, and provide its people with fruits—whoever of them believes in Allah and the Last Day.’ He (Allah) said, ‘And those who disbelieve, I will give them a little enjoyment, then I will drive them to the punishment of the Fire; how miserable the destiny!” (2:126)

وَاِذْ جَعَلْنَا الْبَیْتَ مَثَابَۃً لِّلنَّاسِ وَاَمْنًا ؕ وَاتَّخِذُوْا مِنْ مَّقَامِ اِبْرٰہٖمَ مُصَلًّی ؕ وَعَهِدْنَاۤ اِلٰۤی اِبْرٰہٖمَ وَاِسْمٰعِیْلَ اَنْ طَهِرَا بَیْتِیَ لِلطَّآئِفِیْنَ وَالْعٰكِفِیْنَ وَالرُّكَعِ السُّجُوْدِ ۝

“And We made the House (Ka’ba) a focal point for the people and a sanctuary. Use the Maqam-e-Ibrahim (shrine of Ibrahim) as a place of prayer. And We commanded Ibrahim and Isma’il, ‘Sanctify My House for those who make Tawaf around it, and those who stay in it, and those who bow down and prostrate’.” (2:125)

وَاِذْ بَوَّاْنَا لِاِبْرٰهِیْمَ مَكَانَ الْبَیْتِ اَنْ لَّا تُشْرِکْ بِیْ شَیْئًا وَطَهِرْ بَیْتِیَ لِلطَّآئِفِیْنَ وَالْقَآئِمِیْنَ وَالرُّكَعِ السُّجُوْدِ ۝

“We showed Ibrahim the location of the House (Ka’ba): “Do not associate anything with Me; and purify My House for those who make ‘Tawaf’ (walk around), and those who stand to pray, and those who bow down and prostrate.” (22:26)

وَاِذْ یَرْفَعُ اِبْرٰہٖمُ الْقَوَاعِدَ مِنَ الْبَیْتِ وَاِسْمٰعِیْلُ ؕ رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا ؕ اِنَّكَ اَنْتَ السَّمِیْعُ الْعَلِیْمُ۝ رَبَّنَا وَاجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَیْنِ لَكَ وَمِنْ ذُرِّیَّتِنَاۤ اُمَّۃً مُّسْلِمَۃً لَّكَ ۪ وَاَرِنَا مَنَاسِكَنَا وَتُبْ عَلَیْنَا ۚ اِنَّكَ اَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِیْمُ ۝ رَبَّنَا وَابْعَثْ فِیْهِمْ رَسُوْلًا مِّنْهُمْ یَتْلُوْا عَلَیْهِمْ اٰیٰتِكَ وَیُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتٰبَ وَالْحِکْمَۃَ وَیُزَكِیْهِمْ ؕ اِنَّكَ اَنْتَ الْعَزِیْزُ الْحَكِیْمُ ۝

“As Ibrahim raises the foundations of the House (Ka’ba), together with Ismael, (prayed) ‘Our Lord, accept it from us, You are the Hearer, the Knower.’ ‘Our Lord, and make us submissive to You, and from our descendants a community that submissive to You. And show us our rites (of Hajj) and accept our repentance. You are the Acceptor of Repentance, the Merciful.’ ‘Our Lord, and raise up from among them a messenger of themselves, who will recite to them Your revelations, and teach them the Book and wisdom, and purify them. You are the Almighty, the Wise’.” (2:127 – 129)

اِنَّ اَوَّلَ بَیْتٍ وُّضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّذِیْ بِبَكَۃَ مُبٰرَکًا وَهُدًی لِّلْعٰلَمِیْنَ ۝ فِیْهِ اٰیٰتٌۢ بَیِّنٰتٌ مَّقَامُ اِبْرٰهِیْمَ ۬ۚ وَمَنْ دَخَلَہٗ كَانَ اٰمِنًا ؕ وَلِلّٰهِ عَلَی النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَیْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ اِلَیْهِ سَبِیْلًا ؕ وَمَنْ كَفَرَ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ غَنِیٌّ عَنِ الْعٰلَمِیْنَ ۝

“Undoubtedly, the first house established for mankind is the one at Bakkah (Makkah); blessed, and guidance for all people. In it are evident signs – ‘Maqam–e–Ibrahim’ (the Post of Ibrahim). Whoever enters it attains security. Pilgrimage to the House is a duty to Allah for all who can make the journey. But as for those who refuse—Allah is Independent of the worlds.” (3:96-97)

 

Simplicity and Universality of Islamic Worship

Islamic faith resonates with the inherent nature of individuals and fulfills their spiritual needs. So, Islam is a religion of ‘Fitrah’ (innate/natural) and as such the simplicity and universality of Islamic worship is quite natural. The devotion, humility and sincerity of prayers have established a direct link of human souls with their Creator – Almighty Allah. The Islamic system of worship upholds true allegiance and obedience only to Allah (SWT), ensuring equality for all humans before Him and emancipating humanity from the slavery of innumerable false gods, evil desires and egoistic attitudes. Strong and unblemished faith in one God, humbleness in prayers, and piety and righteousness in all deeds are the primary criteria for gaining Allah’s favor. Islam has no conflict between religiosity and secularity as it coordinates both for all practical purposes of life within the limits set by Allah (SWT). The Hajj congregation of Muslims in Makkah from various parts of the world demonstrates the universal brotherhood of Muslim of Ummah. The rituals of Islamic worship are simple and uncomplicated, never impose a burden on the worshippers. Allah says:

لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللهُ نَفْسًا اِلَّا وُسْعَهَا لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَا اكْتَسَبَتْ ۝

“Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity. To its credit is what it earns, and against it is what it commits………” (2:286)

وَ لَا نُكَلِّفُ نَفْسًا اِلَّا وُسْعَهَا وَ لَدَیْنَا كِتٰبٌ یَّنْطِقُ بِالْحَقِّ وَ هُمْ لَا یُظْلَمُوْنَ ۝

“We never burden any soul beyond its capacity. And with Us is a book of record that tells the truth, and they will not be wronged.” (23:62)

اَلَمْ اَعْهَدْ اِلَيْكُمْ يٰبَنِىۤ اٰدَمَ اَنْ لَّا تَعْبُدُوْا الشَّيْطٰنَ اِنَّه لَكُمْ عَدُوْ مُّبِيْنٌ۝ وَاَنِ اعْبُدُوْنِىْ هٰذَا صِرٰطٌ مُّسْتَقِيْمٌ۝ وَلَقَدْ اَضَلَّ مِنْكُمْ جِبِلًّا كَثِيْرًا اَفَلَمْ تَكُوْنُوْا تَعْقِلُوْنَ۝

“Had I not a covenant with you, O Children of Adam, that you shall not worship Satan? That he is your avowed enemy? And that you shall worship Me? This (Islam) is a straight path. He (Satan) has misled a great multitude of you. Did you not understand?” (36:60 – 62)

لَیْسَ الْبِرَّ اَنْ تُوَلُّوْا وُجُوْهَکُمْ قِبَلَ الْمَشْرِقِ وَالْمَغْرِبِ وَلٰكِنَّ الْبِرَّ مَنْ اٰمَنَ بِاللّٰهِ وَالْیَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِ وَالْمَلٰٓئِكَۃِ وَالْكِتٰبِ وَالنَّبِیّٖنَ ۚ وَاٰتَی الْمَالَ عَلٰی حُبِّہٖ ذَوِی الْقُرْبٰی وَالْیَتٰمٰی وَالْمَسٰكِیْنَ وَابْنَ السَّبِیْلِ ۙ وَالسَّآئِلِیْنَ وَفِی الرِّقَابِ ۚ وَاَقَامَ الصَّلٰوۃَ وَاٰتَی الزَّکٰوۃَ ۚ وَالْمُوْفُوْنَ بِعَہْدِهِمْ اِذَا عٰهَدُوْا ۚ وَالصّٰبِرِیْنَ فِی الْبَاْسَآءِ وَالضَّرَّآءِ وَحِیْنَ الْبَاْسِ ؕ اُولٰٓئِكَ الَّذِیْنَ صَدَقُوْا ؕ وَاُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْمُتَّقُوْنَ ۝

“It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards east or west; but it is righteousness to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your wealth, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfill the contracts which you have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the righteous.” (2:177)

Friends and Foes of Islam

The ideological divide between Islam and its opponents has fostered animosity toward Muslims since the time of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). All the major religions strayed from the path of Ibrahim (), who advocated pure monotheism in order to establish Allah’s Deen on earth. The Quraysh idolaters of Makkah and the Ahlul Kitab (People of the Book) of Madinah opposed Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his followers violently. Amongst them, the Quraysh of Makkah, as well as the Jews and hypocrites of Madinah, were the severest enemies of Islam. The Quraysh persecuted the Prophet (ﷺ) and his followers in various ways, drove them out of Makkah, and even attempted to assassinate him. Madinah’s Jews and hypocrites violated the terms of the Madinah Charter, plotted against the Prophet (ﷺ) and Muslims, and collaborated with Makkan Quraysh to drive them out. The Jews were too much jealous of Islam and Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). They also attempted to assassinate him and drive away his companions who migrated to Madinah. In many verses, Allah (SWT) exposed their plots against Muslims and clearly explained their animosities towards Muslims.

The following verses give an account of Islam’s friends and foes in Allah’s (SWT) sight.

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا لَا تَتَّخِذُوْا بِطَانَۃً مِّنْ دُوْنِکُمْ لَا یَاْلُوْنَکُمْ خَبَالًا ؕ وَدُّوْا مَا عَنِتُّمْ ۚ قَدْ بَدَتِ الْبَغْضَآءُ مِنْ اَفْوَاهِهِمْ ۚۖ وَمَا تُخْفِیْ صُدُوْرُهُمْ اَکْبَرُ ؕ قَدْ بَیَّنَّا لَکُمُ الْاٰیٰتِ اِنْ کُنْتُمْ تَعْقِلُوْنَ ۝ هٰۤاَنْتُمْ اُولَآءِ تُحِبُّوْنَهُمْ وَلَا یُحِبُّوْنَکُمْ وَتُؤْمِنُوْنَ بِالْكِتٰبِ کُلِّہٖ ۚ وَاِذَا لَقُوْکُمْ قَالُوْۤا اٰمَنَّا ۚ٭ۖ وَاِذَا خَلَوْا عَضُّوْا عَلَیْکُمُ الْاَنَامِلَ مِنَ الْغَیْظِ ؕ قُلْ مُوْتُوْا بِغَیْظِکُمْ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ عَلِیْمٌۢ بِذَاتِ الصُّدُوْرِ ۝ اِنْ تَمْسَسْکُمْ حَسَنَۃٌ تَسُؤْهُمْ ۫ وَاِنْ تُصِبْکُمْ سَیِّئَۃٌ یَّفْرَحُوْا بِهَا ؕ وَاِنْ تَصْبِرُوْا وَتَتَّقُوْا لَا یَضُرُّکُمْ كَیْدُهُمْ شَیْـًٔا ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ بِمَا یَعْمَلُوْنَ مُحِیْطٌ ۝

“O Believers!  Do not befriend the outsiders who never cease to ruin you. They love to see you suffer. Hatred has already appeared from their mouths, but what their hearts conceal is worse. We have made the messages clear for you, if you understand. You are those who love them, but they do not love you, and you believe in all Scriptures. And when they meet you, they say, ‘We believe’; but when they are alone, they bite their fingers in rage at you. Say, ‘Die in your rage; Allah knows what is within the hearts.’ If something good happens to you, it upsets them; but if something bad befalls you, they rejoice at it. But if you persevere and maintain righteousness, their plots will not harm you at all. Allah comprehends what they do.” (3:118 – 120)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْۤا اِنْ تُطِیْعُوا الَّذِیْنَ كَفَرُوْا یَرُدُّوْکُمْ عَلٰۤی اَعْقَابِکُمْ فَتَنْقَلِبُوْا خٰسِرِیْنَ ۝ بَلِ اللّٰهُ مَوْلٰىکُمْ ۚ وَهُوَ خَیْرُ النّٰصِرِیْنَ ۝

“O Believers!  If you obey those who disbelieve, they will turn you back on your heels, and you end up losers. Allah is your Master, and He is the Best of Helpers.” (3:149 – 150)

الَّذِیْنَ یَتَّخِذُوْنَ الْکٰفِرِیْنَ اَوْلِیَآءَ مِنْ دُوْنِ الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ ؕ اَیَبْتَغُوْنَ عِنْدَهُمُ الْعِزَّۃَ فَاِنَّ الْعِزَّۃَ لِلّٰهِ جَمِیْعًا ۝ وَقَدْ نَزَّلَ عَلَیْکُمْ فِی الْكِتٰبِ اَنْ اِذَا سَمِعْتُمْ اٰیٰتِ اللّٰهِ یُکْفَرُ بِهَا وَیُسْتَہْزَاُ بِهَا فَلَا تَقْعُدُوْا مَعَهُمْ حَتّٰی یَخُوْضُوْا فِیْ حَدِیْثٍ غَیْرِہٖۤ ۖ اِنَّکُمْ اِذًا مِّثْلُهُمْ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ جَامِعُ الْمُنٰفِقِیْنَ وَالْکٰفِرِیْنَ فِیْ جَهَنَّمَ جَمِیْعَا۝ الَّذِیْنَ یَتَرَبَّصُوْنَ بِکُمْ ۚ فَاِنْ كَانَ لَکُمْ فَتْحٌ مِّنَ اللّٰهِ قَالُوْۤا اَلَمْ نَکُنْ مَّعَکُمْ ۫ۖ وَاِنْ كَانَ لِلْکٰفِرِیْنَ نَصِیْبٌ ۙ قَالُوْۤا اَلَمْ نَسْتَحْوِذْ عَلَیْکُمْ وَنَمْنَعْکُمْ مِّنَ الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ ؕ فَاللّٰهُ یَحْکُمُ بَیْنَکُمْ یَوْمَ الْقِیٰمَۃِ ؕ وَلَنْ یَّجْعَلَ اللّٰهُ لِلْکٰفِرِیْنَ عَلَی الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ سَبِیْلًا۝

“Those who make friendship themselves with the disbelievers instead of the believers – Do they seek honor in them? But all honors belong to Allah. He has revealed to you in the Book that when you hear Allah’s revelations being rejected, or ridiculed, do not sit with them until they turn to some other topic. Otherwise, you would be like them. Allah will gather the hypocrites and the disbelievers, into Hell, altogether. Those are such hypocrites who stay waiting for your well and woe: if you attain victory from Allah, they say, ‘Were we not with you?’ But if the disbelievers get a turn, they say, ‘Did we not side with you, and defend you from the believers?’ Allah will judge between you on the Day of Resurrection, and Allah will give the disbelievers no means of overcoming the believers.” (4:139 – 141)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْۤا اِنْ تُطِیْعُوْا فَرِیْقًا مِّنَ الَّذِیْنَ اُوْتُوا الْكِتٰبَ یَرُدُّوْکُمْ بَعْدَ اِیْمَانِکُمْ کٰفِرِیْنَ ۝ وَكَیْفَ تَکْفُرُوْنَ وَاَنْتُمْ تُتْلٰی عَلَیْکُمْ اٰیٰتُ اللّٰهِ وَفِیْکُمْ رَسُوْلُہٗ ؕ وَمَنْ یَّعْتَصِمْ بِاللّٰهِ فَقَدْ هُدِیَ اِلٰی صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِیْمٍ۝

“O Believers!  If you obey a party of those who were given the Scripture, they will turn you into disbelievers after your belief. And how could you disbelieve, when Allah’s revelations are being recited to you, and among you is His Messenger? Whoever firmly holds the words of Allah has been guided to a straight path.” (3:100 – 101)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا لَا تَتَّخِذُوا الْیَهُوْدَ وَالنَّصٰرٰۤی اَوْلِیَآءَ ۘؔ بَعْضُهُمْ اَوْلِیَآءُ بَعْضٍ ؕ وَمَنْ یَّتَوَلَّهُمْ مِّنْکُمْ فَاِنَّہٗ مِنْهُمْ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا یَہْدِی الْقَوْمَ الظّٰلِمِیْنَ ۝

“O Believers!  Do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies; some of them are allies of one another. Whoever of you befriends himself with them is one of them. Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.” (5:51)

لَتَجِدَنَّ اَشَدَّ النَّاسِ عَدَاوَۃً لِّلَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوا الْیَهُوْدَ وَالَّذِیْنَ اَشْرَکُوْا ۚ وَلَتَجِدَنَّ اَقْرَبَهُمْ مَّوَدَّۃً لِّلَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوا الَّذِیْنَ قَالُوْۤا اِنَّا نَصٰرٰی ؕ ذٰلِكَ بِاَنَّ مِنْهُمْ قِسِّیْسِیْنَ وَرُهْبَانًا وَاَنَّهُمْ لَا یَسْتَکْبِرُوْنَ ۝

“You will find the people most hostile towards the believers are the Jews and the polytheists. And you will find the nearest in affection towards the believers are those who say, ‘We are Christians.’ That is because among them are priests and monks, and they are not arrogant.” (5:82)

اِنَّمَا وَلِیُّکُمُ اللّٰهُ وَرَسُوْلُہٗ وَالَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوا الَّذِیْنَ یُقِیْمُوْنَ الصَّلٰوۃَ وَیُؤْتُوْنَ الزَّکٰوۃَ وَهُمْ رٰكِعُوْنَ ۝ وَمَنْ یَّتَوَلَّ اللّٰهَ وَرَسُوْلَہٗ وَالَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا فَاِنَّ حِزْبَ اللّٰهِ هُمُ الْغٰلِبُوْنَ ۝ یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا لَا تَتَّخِذُوا الَّذِیْنَ اتَّخَذُوْا دِیْنَکُمْ هُزُوًا وَلَعِبًا مِّنَ الَّذِیْنَ اُوْتُوا الْكِتٰبَ مِنْ قَبْلِکُمْ وَالْکُفَّارَ اَوْلِیَآءَ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ اِنْ کُنْتُمْ مُّؤْمِنِیْنَ ۝ وَاِذَا نَادَیْتُمْ اِلَی الصَّلٰوۃِ اتَّخَذُوْهَا هُزُوًا وَلَعِبًا ؕ ذٰلِكَ بِاَنَّهُمْ قَوْمٌ لَّا یَعْقِلُوْنَ ۝

“Your friends are only Allah, His Messenger and those Believers who pray regularly, and pay Zakat and bow down (in salat). Whoever allies himself with Allah, and His Messenger, and those who believe – surely the Party of Allah is the victorious. O you who believe! Do not befriend those who take your religion in mockery and as a game, be they from among those who were given the Scripture before you, or the disbelievers. And obey Allah, if you are believers. When you call to the prayer, they take it as a joke and a game. That is because they are people who do not reason.” (5:55 – 58)

لَا یَتَّخِذِ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ الْکٰفِرِیْنَ اَوْلِیَآءَ مِنْ دُوْنِ الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ ۚ وَمَنْ یَّفْعَلْ ذٰلِكَ فَلَیْسَ مِنَ اللّٰهِ فِیْ شَیْءٍ اِلَّاۤ اَنْ تَتَّقُوْا مِنْهُمْ تُقٰىۃً ؕ وَیُحَذِّرُکُمُ اللّٰهُ نَفْسَہٗ ؕ وَاِلَی اللّٰهِ الْمَصِیْرُ ۝

“Believers are not to take disbelievers for friends instead of believers. Whoever does that have no connection with Allah, unless it is to protect your own selves against them. Allah warns you to beware of Him. And to Allah is the return of all.” (3:28)

اَفَتَطْمَعُوْنَ اَنْ یُّؤْمِنُوْا لَکُمْ وَقَدْ كَانَ فَرِیْقٌ مِّنْهُمْ یَسْمَعُوْنَ كَلٰمَ اللّٰهِ ثُمَّ یُحَرِّفُوْنَہٗ مِنْۢ بَعْدِ مَا عَقَلُوْهُ وَهُمْ یَعْلَمُوْنَ ۝ وَاِذَا لَقُوا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا قَالُوْۤا اٰمَنَّا  ۚۖ وَاِذَا خَلَا بَعْضُهُمْ اِلٰی بَعْضٍ قَالُوْۤا اَتُحَدِّثُوْنَهُمْ بِمَا فَتَحَ اللّٰهُ عَلَیْکُمْ لِیُحَآجُّوْکُمْ بِہٖ عِنْدَ رَبِّکُمْ ؕ اَفَلَا تَعْقِلُوْنَ ۝ اَ وَلَا یَعْلَمُوْنَ اَنَّ اللّٰهَ یَعْلَمُ مَا یُسِرُّوْنَ وَمَا یُعْلِنُوْنَ۝

“(O Muslims) Do you hope that they (Jews) will believe in you, when some of them used to hear the Word of Allah, and then deliberately distort it, even after understanding it? And when they meet the believers, they say, ‘We believe,’ but when they meet each other privately, they say, ‘Would you inform them of what Allah has disclosed to you, then they might dispute with you concerning it before your Lord?’ Do you not understand? Do they not know that Allah knows what they conceal and what they reveal?” (2:75 – 77)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا لَا تَتَّخِذُوْا عَدُوِّیْ وَعَدُوَّکُمْ اَوْلِیَآءَ تُلْقُوْنَ اِلَیْهِمْ بِالْمَوَدَّۃِ وَقَدْ كَفَرُوْا بِمَا جَآءَکُمْ مِّنَ الْحَقِّ ۚ یُخْرِجُوْنَ الرَّسُوْلَ وَ اِیَّاکُمْ اَنْ تُؤْمِنُوْا بِاللّٰهِ رَبِّکُمْ ؕ اِنْ کُنْتُمْ خَرَجْتُمْ جِهَادًا فِیْ سَبِیْلِیْ وَابْتِغَآءَ مَرْضَاتِیْ ^قۖ    تُسِرُّوْنَ اِلَیْهِمْ بِالْمَوَدَّۃِ ^قۖ   وَاَنَا اَعْلَمُ بِمَاۤ اَخْفَیْتُمْ وَمَاۤ اَعْلَنْتُمْ ؕ    وَمَنْ یَّفْعَلْهُ مِنْکُمْ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ سَوَآءَ السَّبِیْلِ ۝ اِنْ یَّثْقَفُوْکُمْ یَکُوْنُوْا لَکُمْ اَعْدَآءً وَیَبْسُطُوْۤا اِلَیْکُمْ اَیْدِیَهُمْ وَاَلْسِنَتَهُمْ بِالسُّوْٓءِ وَ وَدُّوْا لَوْ تَکْفُرُوْنَ ۝

“O Believers! Do not take My enemies and your enemies as friends, offering your friendship to them, when they have rejected truth that has come to you. They have expelled the Messenger and yourselves because you believed in Allah as your Lord. If you have mobilized yourselves to strive for My cause and to seek My pleasure, how come you secretly befriend them? I know what you conceal and what you reveal. Whoever among you does that has strayed from the right way. If they can besiege you, they will turn to enemies of you, and they will extend their hands and tongues against you with evil intent. They wish that you would disbelieve.” (60:1 – 2)

عَسَی اللّٰهُ اَنْ یَّجْعَلَ بَیْنَکُمْ وَبَیْنَ الَّذِیْنَ عَادَیْتُمْ مِّنْهُمْ مَّوَدَّۃً ؕ وَاللّٰهُ قَدِیْرٌ ؕ وَ اللّٰهُ غَفُوْرٌ رَّحِیْمٌ ۝ لَا یَنْهٰىکُمُ اللّٰهُ عَنِ الَّذِیْنَ لَمْ یُقَاتِلُوْکُمْ فِی الدِّیْنِ وَلَمْ یُخْرِجُوْکُمْ مِّنْ دِیَارِکُمْ اَنْ تَبَرُّوْهُمْ وَتُقْسِطُوْۤا اِلَیْهِمْ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ یُحِبُّ الْمُقْسِطِیْنَ ۝

“Perhaps Allah will create friendship between you and those of them you consider enemies. Allah is Capable. Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. As for those who have not fought against you for your religion, nor expelled you from your homes, Allah does not prohibit you from dealing with them kindly and equitably. Allah loves who are just.” (60:7 – 8)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا لَا تَتَوَلَّوْا قَوْمًا غَضِبَ اللّٰهُ عَلَیْهِمْ قَدْ یَئِسُوْا مِنَ الْاٰخِرَۃِ كَمَا یَئِسَ الْکُفَّارُ مِنْ اَصْحٰبِ الْقُبُوْرِ ۝

“O Believers!  Do not befriend a nation with whom Allah has become angry, and they have despaired of the Hereafter like the disbelievers of the graves have lost their hope.” (60:13)

اَلَمْ تَرَ اِلَی الَّذِیْنَ تَوَلَّوْا قَوْمًا غَضِبَ اللّٰهُ عَلَیْهِمْ ؕ مَا هُمْ مِّنْکُمْ وَلَا مِنْهُمْ ۙ وَ یَحْلِفُوْنَ عَلَی الْكَذِبِ وَ هُمْ یَعْلَمُوْنَ ۝ اَعَدَّ اللّٰهُ لَهُمْ عَذَابًا شَدِیْدًا ؕ اِنَّهُمْ سَآءَ مَا كَانُوْا یَعْمَلُوْنَ ۝

“Have you observed those who make friends with a people with whom Allah has become angry? They are not of you, nor of them. And they knowingly swear to a lie. Allah has prepared for them a terrible punishment. Indeed, evil is that what they do.” (58:14 – 15)

لَا تَجِدُ قَوْمًا یُّؤْمِنُوْنَ بِاللّٰهِ وَالْیَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِ یُوَآدُّوْنَ مَنْ حَآدَّ اللّٰهَ وَرَسُوْلَہٗ وَلَوْ كَانُوْۤا اٰبَآءَهُمْ اَوْ اَبْنَآءَهُمْ اَوْ اِخْوَانَهُمْ اَوْ عَشِیْرَتَهُمْ ؕ اُولٰٓئِكَ كَتَبَ فِیْ قُلُوْبِهِمُ الْاِیْمَانَ وَاَیَّدَهُمْ بِرُوْحٍ مِّنْهُ ؕ۝

“You will not find a people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, loving those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, even though they were their parents, or their children, or their siblings, or their close relatives. These are people in whose hearts Allah has inscribed faith, and has supported them with a spirit from Him……” (58:22)

اِنَّمَا یَنْهٰىکُمُ اللّٰهُ عَنِ الَّذِیْنَ قٰتَلُوْکُمْ فِی الدِّیْنِ وَاَخْرَجُوْکُمْ مِّنْ دِیَارِکُمْ وَظٰهَرُوْا عَلٰۤی اِخْرَاجِکُمْ اَنْ تَوَلَّوْهُمْ ۚ وَمَنْ یَّتَوَلَّهُمْ فَاُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الظّٰلِمُوْنَ ۝

“But Allah prohibits you from befriending those only who fought against you over your religion, and expelled you from your homes, and aided in your expulsion. Whoever takes them for friends – these are the wrongdoers.” (60:9)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا لَا تَتَّخِذُوْۤا اٰبَآءَکُمْ وَاِخْوَانَکُمْ اَوْلِیَآءَ اِنِ اسْتَحَبُّوا الْکُفْرَ عَلَی الْاِیْمَانِ ؕ وَمَنْ یَّتَوَلَّهُمْ مِّنْکُمْ فَاُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الظّٰلِمُوْنَ ۝

“O Believers!  Do not ally yourselves with your parents and your siblings if they prefer disbelief to belief. Those of you take them as friends – these are the wrongdoers.” (9:23)

اَمْ حَسِبْتُمْ اَنْ تُتْرَکُوْا وَلَمَّا یَعْلَمِ اللّٰهُ الَّذِیْنَ جٰهَدُوْا مِنْکُمْ وَلَمْ یَتَّخِذُوْا مِنْ دُوْنِ اللّٰهِ وَلَا رَسُوْلِہٖ وَلَا الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ وَلِیْجَۃً ؕ وَاللّٰهُ خَبِیْرٌۢ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ ۝

“Or do you think that you will be left alone until Allah identifies which of you have striven, and taken no friends apart from Allah, His Messenger, and the believers? Allah is well Aware of what you do.” (9:16)

اَلَمْ تَرَ اِلَی الَّذِیْنَ اُوْتُوْا نَصِیْبًا مِّنَ الْكِتٰبِ یَشْتَرُوْنَ الضَّلٰلَۃَ وَیُرِیْدُوْنَ اَنْ تَضِلُّوا السَّبِیْلَ۝ وَاللّٰهُ اَعْلَمُ بِاَعْدَآئِکُمْ ؕ وَكَفٰی بِاللّٰهِ وَلِیًّا ٭۫ وَكَفٰی بِاللّٰهِ نَصِیْرًا ۝

“Have you not seen those who were given a part of the Book? Yet they buy misguidance and wish you would lose the way. But Allah knows your enemies best. Allah is sufficient as a Protector, and Allah is sufficient as a Supporter.” (4:44 – 45)

وَاِنْ كَادُوْا لَيَفْتِنُوْنَكَ عَنِ الَّذِىۤ اَوْحَيْنَاۤ اِلَيْكَ لِتَفْتَرِىَ عَلَيْنَا غَيْرَه وَاِذًا لَّاتَّخَذُوْكَ خَلِيْلًا۝ وَّلَوْلَاۤ اَنْ ثَبَّتْنٰكَ لَقَدْ كِدْتَّ تَرْكَنُ اِلَيْهِمْ شَيْـًٔا قَلِيْلًا۝

“They almost lured you away from what We have revealed to you, so that you would invent something else in Our name. In that case, they would have taken you for a friend. Had We not given you firmness, you might have inclined towards them a little.” (17-73 – 74)

وَ لَنْ تَرْضٰی عَنْكَ الْیَهُوْدُ وَلَا النَّصٰرٰی حَتّٰی تَتَّبِعَ مِلَّتَهُمْ ؕ قُلْ اِنَّ هُدَی اللّٰهِ هُوَ الْهُدٰی ؕ وَلَئِنِ اتَّبَعْتَ اَهْوَآءَهُمْ بَعْدَ الَّذِیْ جَآءَكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ ۙ مَا لَكَ مِنَ اللّٰهِ مِنْ وَّلِیٍّ وَلَا نَصِیْرٍ۝

“The Jews and the Christians will never be pleased with you, unless you follow their religion. Say, ‘Allah’s guidance is the only guidance.’ Should you follow their desires, after the knowledge that has come to you, then you will have no guardian nor any helper against Allah.” (2:120)

 

Zionist State of Israel: Ethnic Cleansing of Palestinian Muslims

The State of Israel was the outcome of the Belfour Declaration of Britain made after World War I to establish a homeland for the stateless Jewish people in Palestine which was inhabited by Arab Muslims and Christians since time immemorial. Under this Declaration Mandatory Palestine was established in 1920, and the British obtained a Mandate for Palestine from the League of Nations in 1922. Thus, Mandatory Plastiline became a geopolitical entity between 1920 and 1948 in Palestine under the terms of the League of Nations.

A violent ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian Arab population known as Nakba (catastrophe) was perpetrated by Zionist terrorist groups and the State of Israel in 1948 through forced displacement and dispossession of Arabs from their homeland, property, and belongings, along with the destruction of their society. This initiated the dismantling of Palestinian society and the long–lasting rejection of the right to return for Palestinian refugees and their descendants. About 7,50,000 people, i.e. half of the Arab population were driven out of their homes. Zionist terrorist groups and the State of Israel conducted hundreds of massacres. Over 500 towns and villages were demolished to replace them with Jewish settlers. Biological warfare was conducted by poisoning village wells. Thus, the Arab population rapidly declined and 78% of the total land area of the former Mandatory Palestine was taken under the control of Israel. This process of eliminating Arab Muslims from Palestine has been continuing since 1948 and until recent times it is going on. Approximately 45,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip, along with their shelters, properties, establishments, and even hospitals. The entry of international humanitarian assistance for the victims is being often denied and interrupted by Zionist Israel.

The Zionist state of Israel was established in 1948 by some radical Zionist leaders of Freedom Party (Tnuat Haherut). The ideology and political philosophy of this party was similar to the Nazi and Fascist parties, and it was formed following the former Irgun Zvai Leumi, a terrorist, rightwing, chauvinist organization in Palestine. This party inspired Jewish community with aggressive nationalistic spirit, religious mysticism and racial superiority. Menachem Begin, leader of the Freedom Party of Israel made a visit in the United States in 1948, with the aim of drawing American support for his party in the upcoming election of Israel as well as to build political ties with conservative Zionist elements in the United States.

Albert Einstein, the Nobel laurate and one of the famous Scientists of the world, although his Jewish identity, was a humanitarian and peace activist. He was extremely disappointed with inhuman treatment of Zionist militant groups with Palestinian people. To this respect Albert Einstein wrote a historic open letter to the New York Times in 1948 during the visit of Begin, clearly explaining why militant Zionist leaders of Israel were not at all trustworthy to deserve any monetary or moral support from American people. That letter was also signed by great personalities like Hannah Arendt and Sidney Hook. Among other signatories more than 20 Jewish intellects viewed their same opinion. All of them wanted to aware Americans and the world to the imminent dangers of racism, fascism, terrorism and religious fanaticism in the newly formed state of Israel. They also predicted the devastating results that the world is seeing nowadays, the atrocities being inflicted upon Palestinians by the Zionist regime of Israel. They wrote in the letter, “The public avowals of Begin’s party are no guide whatever to its actual character. Today they speak of freedom, democracy and anti-imperialism, whereas until recently they openly preached the doctrine of the Fascist state. It is in its actions that the terrorist party betrays its real character; from its past actions we can judge what it may be expected to do in the future.” In support of their opinion, they cited an example of ‘Attack on Arab Village’ as follows:

“A shocking example was their behavior in the Arab village of Deir Yassin. This village, off the main roads and surrounded by Jewish lands, had taken no part in the war, and had even fought off Arab bands who wanted to use the village as their base. On April 9 (THE NEW YORK TIMES), terrorist bands attacked this peaceful village, which was not a military objective in the fighting, killed most of its inhabitants “240 men, women, and children” and kept a few of them alive to parade as captives through the streets of Jerusalem. Most of the Jewish community was horrified at the deed, and the Jewish Agency sent a telegram of apology to King Abdullah of Trans–Jordan. But the terrorists, far from being ashamed of their act, were proud of this massacre, publicized it widely, and invited all the foreign correspondents present in the country to view the heaped corpses and the general havoc at Deir Yassin.”

Franz Kafka, Isaac Asimov, Erich Fromm and Noam Chomsky and other eminent Jewish personalities strongly opposed the policies and methods of the militant Zionists. They were joined by world’s icons of peace like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and Jimmy Carter.

 The signatories of the letter were:

Isidor Abramowitz, Hannah Arendt, Abraham Brick, Rabbi Jesurun Cardozo, Albert Einstein, Herman Eisen, M.D., Hayim Fineman, M. Gallen, M.D., H.H. Harris, Zelig S. Harris, Sidney Hook, Fred Karush, Bruria Kaufman, Irma L. Langheim, Nachman Maisel, Seymour Melman, Myer D. Mendelson, M.D., Harry M. Orlinsky, Samuel Pitlick, Fritz Rohrlich, Louis P. Rocker, Ruth Sager, Itzhak Sankowski, I.J. Schoenberg, Samuel Shuman, M. Zinger, Irma Wolpe and Stefan Wolpe.

[Ref: https://www.globalresearch.ca/albert-einsteins-letter-warning-of-zionist-facism-in-israel/5438170]

Anti–Islam Propaganda:

Anti–Islam propaganda often aims to create a negative image of Islam and its followers, portraying them as violent, oppressive, and extremist. This kind of propaganda can fuel hatred and discrimination towards Muslims, which is unacceptable and goes against the principles of equality and respect for diversity. It is important to combat any form of propaganda or misinformation that aims to divide people based on religion, race, or any other characteristic. Instead, it is important to strive to promote mutual understanding, respect, and tolerance towards all people, regardless of their beliefs or background.

Islamophobia is a kind of anti–Islam propaganda led by some western media. They use this term in order to instill fear in people’s minds, labeling Islam a terrorist religion. Some extremist organizations such as al–Qaeda, ISIS, and others, using Islamic designations to damage Islam’s image globally under the support of western powers. They have been sponsoring these extremist groups, providing all forms of support to carry on their terrorist activities in Afghanistan and Middle East countries. For over 20 years, unjust and futile wars have been fought in Afghanistan in the name of the ‘war on terror’; massacres and destructions have been committed in Iraq in the name of possessing ‘weapons of mass destruction,’ which was a proven lie; and civil wars have been instigated in Libya, Syria, and other Arab countries in the name of ‘regime change’ and ‘establishing democracy’. All of this was done to sow discord among Muslim countries and in order to further their nefarious goals of selling weapons to this region and siphoning off their oil and other vital resources. Islam never advocates terrorism and extremism but maintains utmost restraint in all religious affairs. Muhammad’s (ﷺ) prophetic mission was not to gain worldly power or fortune but to build peace and justice in society. Islam always encourages people to fight injustice, persecution, oppression, murder, and chaos. The Qur’an says:

وَ الْفِتْنَۃُ اَکْبَرُ مِنَ الْقَتْلِ ؕ

“Persecution is more heinous than fighting.” (2:217).

وَ اِذَا قِیْلَ لَهُمْ لَا تُفْسِدُوْا فِی الْاَرْضِ ۙ قَالُوْۤا اِنَّمَا نَحْنُ مُصْلِحُوْنَ ۝ اَلَاۤ اِنَّهُمْ هُمُ الْمُفْسِدُوْنَ وَلٰكِنْ لَّا یَشْعُرُوْنَ ۝

“And when it is said to them (unbelievers), ‘Do not make mischief on earth,’ they say, ‘We are only reformers.’ In fact, they are the troublemakers, but they are not aware.” (2:11 – 12)

 اَنَّہٗ مَنْ قَتَلَ نَفْسًۢا بِغَیْرِ نَفْسٍ اَوْ فَسَادٍ فِی الْاَرْضِ فَكَاَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِیْعًا ؕ وَمَنْ اَحْیَاهَا فَكَاَنَّمَاۤ اَحْیَا النَّاسَ جَمِیْعًا ؕ ….

“……. if anyone kills a person – unless in retribution for murder or spreading corruption in the land – it is as if he kills all mankind while if any saves a life it is as if he saves the lives of all mankind” (5:32).

وَ لَا تَقْتُلُوا النَّفْسَ الَّتِیْ حَرَّمَ اللّٰهُ اِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ ؕ

“Nor take life – which Allah has made sacred – except for just cause” (17:33).

 

Misleading Information about Islamic Jihad

A group of anti–Islam critics has always attempted to tarnish Islam’s image by labeling Jihad “radicalism” and claiming that Islam was spread forcibly by the sword rather than by its ideology. They were so jealous of Islam’s revolutionary growth since the time of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) that they repetitively spread this false propaganda. They misunderstood the necessity of Jihad and took it as an aggression to convert people to Islam against their will. In reply to this, we may quote below the observations of three world personalities that refuted all misconceptions:

• “I wanted to know the best of the life of one who holds today an undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind… I became more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet, the scrupulous regard for pledges, his intense devotion to his 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.” [Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation of India in ‘Young India’ (periodical), 1928, Volume X].
• “The greatest success of Mohammad’s life was effected by sheer moral force without the stroke of a sword.” [London, 1870] [Edward Gibbon (1737 – 1794) – History of The Saracen Empire]
• “No other religion in history has spread so rapidly as Islam. The West has widely believed that this surge of religion was made possible by the sword. But no modern scholar accepts this idea, and the Qur’an is explicit in support of freedom of conscience.” (James Michener in “Islam: The Misunderstood Religion,” Reader’s Digest, May 1955, pp. 68 – 70.)

The critics of Islam failed to understand that religion is deeply related to one’s heart, which cannot be established by force. Without sincere faith at heart, one cannot be a true Muslim. So, Islam has forbidden any type of compulsion or coercion in religion. The Qur’an justifiably says:

لَا اِكْرَاهَ فِى الدِّيْنِ

“Let there be no compulsion in religion ………” (2:256)

وَ قَاتِلُوْا فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ الَّذِیْنَ یُقَاتِلُوْنَکُمْ وَلَا تَعْتَدُوْا ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا یُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِیْنَ ۝

“And fight in the cause of Allah, those who fight against you, and do not commit aggression. Indeed, Allah does not love those who are aggressors,” (2:190).

 وَلَا تَقْتُلُوْۤا اَنْفُسَکُمْ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ بِکُمْ رَحِیْمًا ۝ وَمَنْ یَّفْعَلْ ذٰلِكَ عُدْوَانًا وَظُلْمًا فَسَوْفَ نُصْلِیْهِ نَارًا ؕ وَكَانَ ذٰلِكَ عَلَی اللّٰهِ یَسِیْرًا ۝

“(O you who believe!) ……… And do not kill yourselves, for Allah is Merciful towards you. Whoever does that, out of hostility and wrongdoing, We will cast him into a Fire. And that would be easy for Allah.” (4:29 – 30)

 

Gender Violence: Another Propaganda against Islam

On Gender Issues, Western academics and media frequently launch propaganda against Islam. Their stereotypical rhetoric serves nothing but to demoralize Islam. They habitually cite examples of wearing Veil and Hijab by Muslim women as a symbol of disgrace. Western societies promote nudity in the name of women’s liberation. Free mixing, trading sex, pornography, and lasciviousness are common in their communities. All these malevolent practices have turned their women into sex commodities and ruined their dignity and image and peace of family life. Gender violence like rape and immoral sex is found as common practice in many societies because of nudity and free mixing. On the other hand, Islam places a high value on keeping physical and mental purity and decency for both men and women. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) warned that ‘in later generations, there would be people ‘who are clad yet naked.’ So, Islam forbids nudity and unrestrained free mixing. It has a set of fundamental principles for ensuring and protecting women’s rights, which are as follows:

• According to Islam, all human beings, both men and women, are born in a pure state and must strive to retain that purity throughout their lives.
• The Dress code of Islam has revered and dignified women with modesty and purity, as well as protecting them from sexual abuse.
• In order to create a harmonious environment in the home and society, Islam has recognized the complementary and supportive roles of men and women.
• In Islam, men and women are friends of one another, and women have rights like those of men, according to what is fair.
• Islam has granted women the necessary rights by acknowledging their rightful share in a property through inheritance, asset ownership, and income.
• During the Dark Ages of the 7th century, Islam established the status of women by outlawing harmful practices such as female infanticide, prostitution, and other severe injustices against women.
• Forced marriages without women’s consent were declared invalid by Islam.
• Women have been given the right to marry according to their choice, and also to divorce their husbands if required.
• Women in Islam have the right to receive ‘Mohor’ (compulsory dowry) as financial security from their husbands when they marry.
• Islam has provided equal access to education for both men and women. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The pursuit of knowledge is a duty of every Muslim – man or woman.” (Ibn Maja).
• In Islam, women have been given the right to participate in religious, social, and political affairs, and so on.
• By treating his family members as equal partners and not discriminating against them Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) set a good example. As regards the husband-wife bond, he said: ‘The best among you is the one who is the best to his wife, and I am the best among you to my wives.’ (Ibn Majah Book 9, Hadith 1977).
• Khadija (), the first wife of the Prophet (ﷺ) was the first person to accept Islam and was a staunch supporter of her husband from the beginning of his prophetic mission.
• The Prophet’s (ﷺ) daughter Fatima ()and his wife Ayesha () were both highly educated and esteemed women in Islam.

Gender justice provides everyone with more freedom and happiness. According to Islam, mankind is descended from the single pair of Adam and Eve and that the whole of humanity as a whole is their offspring. In Allah’s (SWT) sight, all people are equal; the only differences between humans are righteousness and piety. Therefore, all forms of discrimination, such as those based on race, color, gender, wealth, etc., are prohibited in Islam, as they contravene the fundamental spirit of equality. Allah (SWT) says: “……… They (wives) are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them……..” (2:187).

Gender equality and justice are synonymous in Islam. Allah (SWT) asks humans to be just in all situations. On the Day of Judgement, one’s skin, tone and gender are unimportant as the Prophet (ﷺ) said, ‘Verily Allah does not look to your external appearances and your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds.’ (Muslim). Islam requires every Muslim to be upright and treat all people fairly, regardless of their race, color, gender, ethnicity, wealth, status, or whether they are friends or foes.

Gender difference is a natural phenomenon and not a sign of inequality. Though the roles of both are complementary and supportive in the family and society, they are not alike. The Qur’an says: “Male and female are not alike.” (3:36). Gender roles are different, both men and women are accountable to Allah (SWT) for performing their own roles as specified in Islamic laws.

The reproductive roles of women are unique but fragile. Islam recognizes sociobiological differences between men and women, which gives both somewhat distinct advantages over each other. It entails the upkeep and care of childbearing responsibilities as well as household chores. They must work part-time during menstruation and pregnancy, and they must also stay at home during prenatal and postnatal periods.

Allah (SWT), the Creator of all things, knows best which role is suited for whom. The Qur’an says: “Would He not know, He Who created? He is the Delicately Wise, the Abreast.” (67:14). Allah (SWT) has given a husband the leadership of the family with greater responsibilities, solely to maintain family discipline and not to impose any arbitrary or irrational decisions. In Islam, a mother’s status to her children is three degrees higher than that of the father.

Lack of adherence to Islamic rules and beliefs in some Muslim societies, along with the pernicious effects of the western lifestyle, has challenged the dignity and honor of Muslim women. For this reason, women are being abused and exploited in various ways. So, the picture of women’s status in Muslim societies does not conform to the Shariah of Islam.

The Qur’anic verses on Gender issues are quoted below:

یٰۤاَیُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوْا رَبَّکُمُ الَّذِیْ خَلَقَکُمْ مِّنْ نَّفْسٍ وَّاحِدَۃٍ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالًا كَثِیْرًا وَنِسَآءً ۚ وَّاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ الَّذِیْ تَسَآءَلُوْنَ بِہٖ وَالْاَرْحَامَ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ عَلَیْکُمْ رَقِیْبًا۝

“O mankind! Fear your Lord, who created you from a single soul, and created from it its mate, and spread from them innumerable men and women from the two. And fear (about your duty to) Allah in whose name you demand (your rights) from one another and be mindful with respect to the ties of kinship; surely Allah is ever watchful over you!” (4:1)

وَالْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ وَالْمُؤْمِنٰتُ بَعْضُهُمْ اَوْلِیَآءُ بَعْضٍ ۘ یَاْمُرُوْنَ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَیَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَیُقِیْمُوْنَ الصَّلٰوۃَ وَیُؤْتُوْنَ الزَّکٰوۃَ وَیُطِیْعُوْنَ اللّٰهَ وَرَسُوْلَہٗ ؕ اُولٰٓئِكَ سَیَرْحَمُهُمُ اللّٰهُ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ عَزِیْزٌ حَكِیْمٌ۝

“The believing men and believing women are friends of one another. They advocate virtue, forbid evil, perform the prayers, practice charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. These – on whom Allah will have mercy. Allah is Noble and Wise.” (9:71)

وَ لَهُنَّ مِثْلُ الَّذِیْ عَلَیْهِنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ  وَلِلرِّجَالِ عَلَیْهِنَّ دَرَجَۃٌ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ عَزِیْزٌ حَكِیْمٌ۝

“…… And women have rights similar to their obligations, according to what is fair. But men have a degree over them. Allah is Mighty and Wise.” (2:228)

مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِّنْ ذَكَرٍ اَوْ اُنْثٰی وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْیِیَنَّہٗ حَیٰوۃً طَیِّبَۃً ۚ وَلَنَجْزِیَنَّهُمْ اَجْرَهُمْ بِاَحْسَنِ مَا كَانُوْا یَعْمَلُوْنَ۝

“Whoever, either male or female, works righteousness and is a believer, We will grant him/her a good life – and We will reward them according to the best of what they used to do.” (16:97)

یَوْمَ تَرَی الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ وَالْمُؤْمِنٰتِ یَسْعٰی نُوْرُهُمْ بَیْنَ اَیْدِیْهِمْ وَبِاَیْمَانِهِمْ بُشْرٰىکُمُ الْیَوْمَ جَنّٰتٌ تَجْرِیْ مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْاَنْهٰرُ خٰلِدِیْنَ فِیْهَا ؕ ذٰلِكَ هُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِیْمُ ۝

“On the Day when you see the believing men and believing women – their light radiating ahead of them, and to their right: (They will be said) ‘Today for you the good news of the gardens beneath which rivers flow– they will be dwelling therein forever. That is the great triumph’.” (57:12)

وَمِنْ اٰیٰتِہٖۤ اَنْ خَلَقَ لَکُمْ مِّنْ اَنْفُسِکُمْ اَزْوَاجًا لِّتَسْکُنُوْۤا اِلَیْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَیْنَکُمْ مَّوَدَّۃً وَرَحْمَۃً ؕ اِنَّ فِیْ ذٰلِكَ لَاٰیٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ یَّتَفَكَرُوْنَ ۝

“And of His signs is that He created for you mates from among yourselves, so that you may find tranquility in them; and He planted love and compassion between you. In this are signs for people who reflect.” (30:21)

لِلرِّجَالِ نَصِیْبٌ مِّمَّا تَرَكَ الْوَالِدٰنِ وَالْاَقْرَبُوْنَ ۪ وَلِلنِّسَآءِ نَصِیْبٌ مِّمَّا تَرَكَ الْوَالِدٰنِ وَالْاَقْرَبُوْنَ مِمَّا قَلَّ مِنْهُ اَوْ كَثُرَ ؕ نَصِیْبًا مَّفْرُوْضًا ۝

“Men receive a share of what their parents and relatives leave, and women receive a share of what their parents and relatives leave; be it little or much — a fixed share.” (4:7)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا لَا یَحِلُّ لَکُمْ اَنْ تَرِثُوا النِّسَآءَ كَرْہًا ؕ وَّلَا تَعْضُلُوْهُنَّ لِتَذْهَبُوْا بِبَعْضِ مَاۤ اٰتَیْتُمُوْهُنَّ اِلَّاۤ اَنْ یَّاْتِیْنَ بِفَاحِشَۃٍ مُّبَیِّنَۃٍ ۚ وَعَاشِرُوْهُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ ۚ فَاِنْ كَرِهْتُمُوْهُنَّ فَعَسٰۤی اَنْ تَکْرَهُوْا شَیْئًا وَیَجْعَلَ اللّٰهُ فِیْهِ خَیْرًا كَثِیْرًا ۝ وَّاِنْ اَرَدْتُّمُ اسْتِبْدَالَ زَوْجٍ مَّكَانَ زَوْجٍ ۙ وَّاٰتَیْتُمْ اِحْدٰهُنَّ قِنْطَارًا فَلَا تَاْخُذُوْا مِنْهُ شَیْئًا ؕ اَتَاْخُذُوْنَہٗ بُہْتَانًا وَّ اِثْمًا مُّبِیْنًا ۝ وَكَیْفَ تَاْخُذُوْنَہٗ وَقَدْ اَفْضٰی بَعْضُکُمْ اِلٰی بَعْضٍ وَّاَخَذْنَ مِنْکُمْ مِّیْثَاقًا غَلِیْظًا ۝

“O Believers!  It is not permitted for you to inherit women against their will. And do not coerce them in order to take away some of what you had given them, unless they commit a proven adultery. And live with them in kindness. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike something in which Allah has placed much good. If you wish to replace one wife with another, and you have given one of them a fortune, take nothing back from it. Would you take it back fraudulently and sinfully? And how can you take it back, when you have had intimate relationship with one another, and they have received from you a solid commitment?” (4:19 – 21)

وَلَا تَتَمَنَّوْا مَا فَضَّلَ اللّٰهُ بِہٖ بَعْضَکُمْ عَلٰی بَعْضٍ ؕ لِّلرِّجَالِ نَصِیْبٌ مِّمَّا اکْتَسَبُوْا ؕ وَلِلنِّسَآءِ نَصِیْبٌ مِّمَّا اکْتَسَبْنَ ؕ وَسْئَلُوا اللّٰهَ مِنْ فَضْلِہٖ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ بِکُلِّ شَیْءٍ عَلِیْمًا ۝

“Do not desire what Allah has given to some of you in preference to others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of his favor. Indeed, Allah has knowledge of everything.” (4:32)

[For more verses on Women Rights – Please see Chapter: 26]

The Noble Women as Mentioned in the Qur’an

The Holy Qur’an mentioned some noble women directly by name or indirectly by context, which are cited below:

Maryum bint e Imran ()

بِقَبُوْلٍ حَسَنٍ وَاَنْۢبَتَهَا نَبَاتًا حَسَنًا ۙ وَكَفَّلَهَا زَكَرِیَّا ۚؕ کُلَّمَا دَخَلَ عَلَیْهَا زَكَرِیَّا الْمِحْرَابَ ۙ وَجَدَ عِنْدَهَا رِزْقًا ۚ قَالَ یٰمَرْیَمُ اَنّٰی لَكِ هٰذَا ؕ قَالَتْ هُوَ مِنْ عِنْدِ اللّٰهِ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ یَرْزُقُ مَنْ یَّشَآءُ بِغَیْرِ حِسَابٍ ۝

“Her (Maryum’s) Lord accepted her with a gracious reception, and brought her a beautiful upbringing, and entrusted her to the care of Zachariah. Whenever Zachariah entered into her room, he found her with sustenance (including fruits beyond seasonal). He said, ‘O Mary, where did you get this from?’ She said, ‘It is from Allah; Allah provides to whom He wills without reckoning’.” (3:37)

وَاذْکُرْ فِی الْكِتٰبِ مَرْیَمَ ۘ اِذِ انْتَبَذَتْ مِنْ اَهْلِهَا مَكَانًا شَرْقِیًّا ۝ فَاتَّخَذَتْ مِنْ دُوْنِهِمْ حِجَابًا۪ فَاَرْسَلْنَاۤ اِلَیْهَا رُوْحَنَا فَتَمَثَّلَ لَهَا بَشَرًا سَوِیًّا ۝قَالَتْ اِنِّیْۤ اَعُوْذُ بِالرَّحْمٰنِ مِنْكَ اِنْ کُنْتَ تَقِیًّا۝ قَالَ اِنَّمَاۤ اَنَا رَسُوْلُ رَبِّكِ ^قۖ  لِاَهَبَ لَكِ غُلٰمًا زَكِیًّا ۝ قَالَتْ اَنّٰی یَکُوْنُ لِیْ غُلٰمٌ وَلَمْ یَمْسَسْنِیْ بَشَرٌ وَّ لَمْ  اَکُ بَغِیًّا ۝ قَالَ كَذٰلِكِ ۚ قَالَ رَبُّكِ هُوَ عَلَیَّ هَیِّنٌ ۚ وَ لِنَجْعَلَہٗۤ اٰیَۃً لِّلنَّاسِ وَرَحْمَۃً مِّنَّا  ۚ      وَكَانَ اَمْرًا مَّقْضِیًّا ۝

“And mention Maryum in the Scripture, when she withdrew from her people to an eastern location. She screened herself away from them, and We sent to her Our spirit, and He appeared to her in a perfect shape of human. She said, ‘I seek refuge from you to the Most Merciful, if you fear (Allah).’ He said, ‘I am only the messenger of your Lord, to convey you the good news of a pure son.’ She said, ‘How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, and I was never unchaste?’ He said, ‘It shall be so as said your Lord: It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign for humanity, and a mercy from Us. It is a matter already decided’.” (19:16 – 21)

وَاِذْ قَالَتِ الْمَلٰٓئِكَۃُ یٰمَرْیَمُ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ اصْطَفٰكِ وَطَهَرَكِ وَاصْطَفٰكِ عَلٰی نِسَآءِ الْعٰلَمِیْنَ ۝ یٰمَرْیَمُ اقْنُتِیْ لِرَبِّكِ وَاسْجُدِیْ وَارْكَعِیْ مَعَ الرّٰكِعِیْنَ ۝ ذٰلِكَ مِنْ اَنْۢبَآءِ الْغَیْبِ نُوْحِیْهِ اِلَیْكَ ؕ وَمَا کُنْتَ لَدَیْهِمْ اِذْ یُلْقُوْنَ اَقْلَامَهُمْ اَیُّهُمْ یَکْفُلُ مَرْیَمَ ۪ وَمَا کُنْتَ لَدَیْهِمْ اِذْ یَخْتَصِمُوْنَ۝ اِذْ قَالَتِ الْمَلٰٓئِكَۃُ یٰمَرْیَمُ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ یُبَشِّرُكِ بِكَلِمَۃٍ مِّنْهُ ٭ۖ اسْمُهُ الْمَسِیْحُ عِیْسَی ابْنُ مَرْیَمَ وَجِیْہًا فِی الدُّنْیَا وَالْاٰخِرَۃِ وَمِنَ الْمُقَرَّبِیْنَ ۝ وَیُكَلِّمُ النَّاسَ فِی الْمَہْدِ وَكَہْلًا وَّمِنَ الصّٰلِحِیْنَ۝ قَالَتْ رَبِّ اَنّٰی یَکُوْنُ لِیْ وَلَدٌ وَلَمْ یَمْسَسْنِیْ بَشَرٌ ؕ قَالَ كَذٰلِكِ اللّٰهُ یَخْلُقُ مَا یَشَآءُ ؕ اِذَا قَضٰۤی اَمْرًا فَاِنَّمَا یَقُوْلُ لَہٗ کُنْ فَیَکُوْنُ ۝

“The angels said, ‘O Maryum, certainly Allah has chosen you, and has purified you. He has chosen you over all the women of the world. O Mary, be devoted to your Lord, prostrate and bow down with those who bow.’ These are accounts from the Unseen, which We reveal to you (O Prophet). You were not with them when they cast their pens (lots) as to which of them would take charge of Maryum; nor were you with them as they disputed. The Angels said, ‘O Mary, Allah gives you good news of a Word (child) from Him. His name is Al–Masih, Isa the son of Maryum, well–esteemed in this world and the next, and one of those nearest ones. He will speak to the people from the crib, and in adulthood, and will be one of the righteous.’ She said, ‘My Lord, how can I have a child, when no man has touched me?’ He said, ‘It will be so. Allah creates whatever He wills. To have anything done, He only says to it: ‘Be’, and it becomes’.” (3:42 – 47)

وَمَرْیَمَ ابْنَتَ عِمْرٰنَ الَّتِیْۤ اَحْصَنَتْ فَرْجَهَا فَنَفَخْنَا فِیْهِ مِنْ رُّوْحِنَا وَصَدَّقَتْ بِكَلِمٰتِ رَبِّهَا وَکُتُبِہٖ وَكَانَتْ مِنَ الْقٰنِتِیْنَ۝

“And Maryum, the daughter of Imran, who guarded her chastity, and so We breathed into her of Our Spirit; and she believed in the truth of her Lord’s Words and His Books and was among the devout. (66:12)

وَ الَّتِیْۤ اَحْصَنَتْ فَرْجَهَا فَنَفَخْنَا فِیْهَا مِنْ رُّوْحِنَا وَجَعَلْنٰهَا وَابْنَهَاۤ اٰیَۃً لِّلْعٰلَمِیْنَ۝

“And she who guarded her virginity. We breathed into her of Our spirit and made her and her son a sign to the universe.” (21:91)

فَحَمَلَتْهُ فَانْتَبَذَتْ بِہٖ مَكَانًا قَصِیًّا ۝ فَاَجَآءَهَا الْمَخَاضُ اِلٰی جِذْعِ النَّخْلَۃِ ۚ قَالَتْ یٰلَیْتَنِیْ مِتُّ قَبْلَ هٰذَا وَکُنْتُ نَسْیًا مَّنْسِیًّا ۝ فَنَادٰىهَا مِنْ تَحْتِهَاۤ اَلَّا تَحْزَنِیْ قَدْ جَعَلَ رَبُّكِ تَحْتَكِ سَرِیًّا۝ وَهُزِّیْۤ اِلَیْكِ بِجِذْعِ النَّخْلَۃِ تُسٰقِطْ عَلَیْكِ رُطَبًا جَنِیًّا ۝ فَکُلِیْ وَاشْرَبِیْ وَقَرِّیْ عَیْنًا ۚ فَاِمَّا تَرَیِنَّ مِنَ الْبَشَرِ اَحَدًا ۙ فَقُوْلِیْۤ اِنِّیْ نَذَرْتُ لِلرَّحْمٰنِ صَوْمًا فَلَنْ اُكَلِّمَ الْیَوْمَ اِنْسِیًّا۝

“So, she conceived him (Isa ), and secluded herself with him in a remote place. The labor-pains brought her to the trunk of a palm-tree. She said, ‘Oh! I wish I had died before this and been completely forgotten.’ Whereupon he (Angel) called her from beneath her: ‘Do not worry; your Lord has placed a stream beneath you. And shake the trunk of the palm-tree towards you, and it will drop ripe dates to you. So, eat, and drink, and be consoled. And if you see any human, say, ‘I have vowed a fast to the Most Gracious, so I will not speak to any human today’.” (19:22 – 26)

فَاَتَتْ بِہٖ قَوْمَهَا تَحْمِلُہٗ ؕ قَالُوْا یٰمَرْیَمُ لَقَدْ جِئْتِ شَیْئًا فَرِیًّا ۝ یٰۤاُخْتَ هٰرُوْنَ مَا كَانَ اَبُوْكِ امْرَ اَ سَوْءٍ وَمَا كَانَتْ اُمُّكِ بَغِیًّا ۝ فَاَشَارَتْ اِلَیْهِ ؕ قَالُوْا كَیْفَ نُكَلِّمُ مَنْ كَانَ فِی الْمَہْدِ صَبِیًّا ۝

“Then she (Maryum) came to her people with him (child). They exclaimed, ‘O Maryum, surely you have done something terrible. O sister of Haroon (Aaron), your father was not an evil man, and your mother was not an adulteress.’ So, she pointed to him (child). They said, ‘How can we speak to an infant of the lap’?” (19:27 – 29)

وَبِكُفْرِهِمْ وَقَوْلِهِمْ عَلٰى مَرْيَمَ بُهْتٰنًا عَظِيْمًا۝

“And (the Jews were cursed) for their disbelief, and their monstrous slander against Maryum.” (4:156)

 

Wife of Imran ()

اِذْ قَالَتِ امْرَاَتُ عِمْرٰنَ رَبِّ اِنِّیْ نَذَرْتُ لَكَ مَا فِیْ بَطْنِیْ مُحَرَّرًا فَتَقَبَّلْ مِنِّیْ ۚ اِنَّكَ اَنْتَ السَّمِیْعُ الْعَلِیْمُ ۝ فَلَمَّا وَضَعَتْهَا قَالَتْ رَبِّ اِنِّیْ وَضَعْتُهَاۤ اُنْثٰی ؕ وَاللّٰهُ اَعْلَمُ بِمَا وَضَعَتْ ؕ وَلَیْسَ الذَّكَرُ كَالْاُنْثٰی ۚ وَاِنِّیْ سَمَّیْتُهَا مَرْیَمَ وَاِنِّیْۤ اُعِیْذُهَا بِكَ وَذُرِّیَّتَهَا مِنَ الشَّیْطٰنِ الرَّجِیْمِ۝ فَتَقَبَّلَهَا رَبُّهَا ۝

“The wife of Imran said, ‘My Lord, I have vowed to You what is in my womb is to be dedicated (for your service), so accept from me; You are the Hearer and Knower.’ And when she delivered her, she said, ‘My Lord, I have delivered a girl,’ and Allah was well aware of what she has delivered, (she said further) ‘and the male is not like the female, and I have named her Maryum, and I seek Your protection for her and for her descendants from Satan the outcast’.” (3:35 – 36)

 

Mother & Sister of Musa ()

وَ اَوْحَیْنَاۤ اِلٰۤی اُمِّ مُوْسٰۤی اَنْ اَرْضِعِیْهِ ۚ فَاِذَا خِفْتِ عَلَیْهِ فَاَلْقِیْهِ فِی الْیَمِّ وَلَا تَخَافِیْ وَلَا تَحْزَنِیْ ۚ اِنَّا رَآدُّوْهُ اِلَیْكِ وَجَاعِلُوْهُ مِنَ الْمُرْسَلِیْنَ ۝

“We inspired the mother of Musa: “Nurse him; then, when you fear for him, drop him into the river, and do not fear, nor grieve; We will return him to you, and make him one of the messengers.” (28:7)

اِذْ اَوْحَیْنَاۤ اِلٰۤی اُمِّكَ مَا یُوْحٰۤی ۝ اَنِ اقْذِفِیْهِ فِی التَّابُوْتِ فَاقْذِفِیْهِ فِی الْیَمِّ فَلْیُلْقِهِ الْیَمُّ بِالسَّاحِلِ یَاْخُذْهُ عَدُوٌّ لِّیْ وَعَدُوٌّ لَّہٗ ؕ وَاَلْقَیْتُ عَلَیْكَ مَحَبَّۃً مِّنِّیْ ۬ۚ وَلِتُصْنَعَ عَلٰی عَیْنِیْ ۝

“When We inspired your (Musa’s) mother with the inspiration. `Put him in the chest; then drop him into the river. The river will wash him to shore, where an enemy of Mine and an enemy of his will pick him up. And I have bestowed upon you love from Me, so that you may be reared before My eye.” (20:38 – 39)

وَاَصْبَحَ فُؤَادُ اُمِّ مُوْسٰی فٰرِغًا ؕ اِنْ كَادَتْ لَتُبْدِیْ بِہٖ لَوْ لَاۤ اَنْ رَّبَطْنَا عَلٰی قَلْبِهَا لِتَکُوْنَ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ ۝ وَقَالَتْ لِاُخْتِہٖ قُصِّیْهِ ۫ فَبَصُرَتْ بِہٖ عَنْ جُنُبٍ وَ هُمْ لَا یَشْعُرُوْنَ ۝ وَحَرَّمْنَا عَلَیْهِ الْمَرَاضِعَ مِنْ قَبْلُ فَقَالَتْ هَلْ اَدُلُّکُمْ عَلٰۤی اَهْلِ بَیْتٍ یَّکْفُلُوْنَہٗ لَکُمْ وَهُمْ لَہٗ نٰصِحُوْنَ۝ فَرَدَدْنٰهُ اِلٰۤی اُمِّہٖ كَیْ تَقَرَّ عَیْنُهَا وَلَا تَحْزَنَ وَلِتَعْلَمَ اَنَّ وَعْدَ اللّٰهِ حَقٌّ وَلٰكِنَّ اَکْثَرَهُمْ لَا یَعْلَمُوْنَ

“The heart of Musa’s mother became restless. She was about to disclose him (Musa), if We had not strengthened her heart so that she might remain a firm believer. She said to his (Musa’s) sister, ‘Trail him’. So, she watched him from afar beyond their knowledge as if she was a stranger. At first, We forbade all wet nurses to him until she (sister came up and) said, ‘Shall I tell you about a family that can raise him for you, and will look after him?’ Thus, We returned him to his mother, that she may be comforted, and not grieve, and know that Allah’s promise is true. But most of them do not know.” (28:10 – 13)

 

Asiya (): Wife of Fir’awon

وَضَرَبَ اللّٰهُ مَثَلًا لِّلَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوا امْرَاَتَ فِرْعَوْنَ ۘ اِذْ قَالَتْ رَبِّ ابْنِ لِیْ عِنْدَكَ بَیْتًا فِی الْجَنَّۃِ وَنَجِّنِیْ مِنْ فِرْعَوْنَ وَعَمَلِہٖ وَنَجِّنِیْ مِنَ الْقَوْمِ الظّٰلِمِیْنَ ۝

“And Allah illustrates an example of those who believe: the wife of Fir’awon, when she said, ‘My Lord, build for me a house by You in Paradise, and save me from Fir’awon and his evil deeds, and save me from the oppressive nation.” (66:11)

 

Ummul Moo’minin Ayesha ()

لَوْ لَاۤ اِذْ سَمِعْتُمُوْهُ ظَنَّ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ وَالْمُؤْمِنٰتُ بِاَنْفُسِهِمْ خَیْرًا ۙ وَقَالُوْا هٰذَاۤ  اِفْکٌ مُّبِیْنٌ۝ لَوْ لَا جَآءُوْ عَلَیْهِ بِاَرْبَعَۃِ شُهَدَآءَ ۚ فَاِذْ لَمْ یَاْتُوْا بِالشُّهَدَآءِ فَاُولٰٓئِكَ عِنْدَ اللّٰهِ  هُمُ  الْکٰذِبُوْنَ ۝ وَلَوْ لَا فَضْلُ اللّٰهِ عَلَیْکُمْ وَرَحْمَتُہٗ فِی الدُّنْیَا وَالْاٰخِرَۃِ لَمَسَّکُمْ فِیْ مَاۤ اَفَضْتُمْ فِیْهِ عَذَابٌ عَظِیْمٌ۝ اِذْ تَلَقَّوْنَہٗ بِاَلْسِنَتِکُمْ وَتَقُوْلُوْنَ بِاَفْوَاهِکُمْ مَّا لَیْسَ لَکُمْ بِہٖ عِلْمٌ وَتَحْسَبُوْنَہٗ هَیِّنًا^ق وَهُوَ عِنْدَ اللّٰهِ عَظِیْمٌ ۝ وَلَوْ لَاۤ اِذْ سَمِعْتُمُوْهُ قُلْتُمْ مَّا یَکُوْنُ لَنَاۤ اَنْ نَّتَكَلَّمَ بِهٰذَا^قۖ سُبْحٰنَكَ هٰذَا بُہْتَانٌ عَظِیْمٌ ۝ یَعِظُکُمُ اللّٰهُ اَنْ تَعُوْدُوْا لِمِثْلِہٖۤ اَبَدًا اِنْ کُنْتُمْ مُّؤْمِنِیْنَ۝

“When you heard about it, why not the believing men and women think well of one another, and say, ‘This is an obvious lie’? Why did they (slanderers) not bring four witnesses to testify to it? If they fail to bring the witnesses, then in Allah’s sight, they are liars. If were it not for Allah’s favor upon you, and His mercy, in this world and the Hereafter, you would have suffered a great punishment for what you have ventured into. When you rumored it with your tongues, and spoke with your mouths what you had no knowledge of, and you considered it trivial; but according to Allah, it is serious. When you heard it, you should have said, ‘It is not for us to repeat this. By Your glory, this is a serious slander.’ Allah cautions you never to return to the like of it, if you are believers.” (24:12 – 17)

 

Ummul Moo’minin Jainab ()

وَ اِذْ تَقُوْلُ لِلَّذِیْۤ اَنْعَمَ اللّٰهُ عَلَیْهِ وَاَنْعَمْتَ عَلَیْهِ اَمْسِکْ عَلَیْكَ زَوْجَكَ وَاتَّقِ اللّٰهَ وَتُخْفِیْ فِیْ نَفْسِكَ مَا اللّٰهُ مُبْدِیْهِ وَتَخْشَی النَّاسَ ۚ وَاللّٰهُ  اَحَقُّ اَنْ تَخْشٰهُ ؕ فَلَمَّا قَضٰی زَیْدٌ مِّنْهَا وَطَرًا زَوَّجْنٰكَهَا لِكَیْ لَا یَکُوْنَ عَلَی الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ حَرَجٌ فِیْۤ اَزْوَاجِ اَدْعِیَآئِهِمْ اِذَا قَضَوْا مِنْهُنَّ وَطَرًا ؕ وَكَانَ  اَمْرُ اللّٰهِ مَفْعُوْلًا۝

“When you said to one whom Allah had blessed and you had favored, ‘Keep your wife to yourself, and fear Allah.’ But you hid within yourself what Allah was to reveal. And you feared the people, but it was Allah you were supposed to fear. Then, when Zaid ended his relationship with her (Jainab ), We gave her to you in marriage, that there may be no restriction for believers regarding the wives of their adopted sons, when their relationship has ended. The command of Allah is always fulfilled.” (33:37)

 

Ummul Moo’minin Hafsa ()

وَاِذْ اَسَرَّ النَّبِیُّ اِلٰی بَعْضِ اَزْوَاجِہٖ حَدِیْثًا ۚ فَلَمَّا نَبَّاَتْ بِہٖ وَاَظْهَرَهُ اللّٰهُ عَلَیْهِ عَرَّفَ بَعْضَہٗ وَاَعْرَضَ عَنْۢ بَعْضٍ ۚ فَلَمَّا نَبَّاَهَا بِہٖ قَالَتْ مَنْ اَنْۢبَاَكَ هٰذَا ؕ قَالَ نَبَّاَنِیَ الْعَلِیْمُ الْخَبِیْرُ ۝ اِنْ تَتُوْبَاۤ اِلَی اللّٰهِ فَقَدْ صَغَتْ قُلُوْبُکُمَا ۚ  وَاِنْ تَظٰهَرَا عَلَیْهِ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ هُوَ مَوْلٰىهُ وَجِبْرِیْلُ وَصَالِحُ الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ ۚ  وَالْمَلٰٓئِكَۃُ بَعْدَ ذٰلِكَ ظَهِیْرٌ ۝ عَسٰی رَبُّہٗۤ اِنْ طَلَّقَکُنَّ اَنْ یُّبْدِلَہٗۤ اَزْوَاجًا خَیْرًا مِّنْکُنَّ مُسْلِمٰتٍ مُّؤْمِنٰتٍ قٰنِتٰتٍ تٰٓئِبٰتٍ عٰبِدٰتٍ سٰٓئِحٰتٍ ثَیِّبٰتٍ وَ اَبْكَارًا۝

“The Prophet told something in confidence to one of his wives (Hafsa ). But when she disclosed it (to another wife Ayesha ), and Allah made it known to him; he told her part of it, and he avoided another part. Then, when he informed her of it, she said, ‘Who told you of this?’ He said, ‘The All-Knowing, the All-Informed, apprised me.’ If you (both Hafsa  and Ayesha ) repent to Allah, then your hearts have sure turned. But if you band together against him, then Allah is his Ally, as is Gabriel, and the righteous believers. In addition, the angels will assist him. Perhaps, if he divorces you, his Lord will give him in exchange wives better than you: submissive, believing, obedient, penitent, devout, fasting – previously married, or virgins.” (66:3-5)

 

Impact of the Quranic Concepts on Humanity:

The Quranic concept of the Unity of Allah and His sovereignty over all creations has the greatest impact on humanity for their success in this life and afterlife.  Unity and solidarity of human beings as the best creation of Allah (SWT) lead to achieving such success. According to Islam, mankind is the unique and best creation of Allah (SWT). They have been created with free will and other distinctive qualities to serve Allah’s purposes. The significance of human creation lies in the fact that Allah (SWT) has made them His ‘Khalifa’ (viceroy) on earth to worship Him alone and rule this world following His instructions. To this end, in all ages, He sent His Prophets and Messengers along with the Scriptures for guidance of humanity. In continuity of this Divine Plan, Islam came in last as the final religion.  Allah (SWT) declared in the Holy Qur’an: “…. This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My blessings on you, and have chosen for you Islam as your Deen (code of life) ….” (5:4). Thus, Islam has gained universal recognition as the final religion of mankind.

The world of Islam, with a variety of races and cultures comprised of 1.5 billion Muslims, is bound by a sense of unity and belonging to a single Ummah (community). This belongingness and unity have established Islamic civilization based on spirituality, rationality, and universality. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his rightly guided disciples translated the Qur’anic codes into their day-to-day practical lives, making Islam a model for humanity.

The Islamic belief on pure monotheism – the unity of God has had a great impact on humans’ thought, conscience, morals, lifestyle, and culture. Islam has recognized the common bond of humanity with respect to their origin and ancestry. The origin of the human race from a single pair has strengthened the unity of mankind. The equality and justice of Allah (SWT) applies to all people and focuses on all humans regardless of social status, race, color, or religion. This unity and solidarity of humanity that Islam offers is a great strength for human civilization. The related verses quoted below justify the above statement:

یٰۤاَیُّهَا النَّاسُ اِنَّا خَلَقْنٰکُمْ مِّنْ ذَكَرٍ وَاُنْثٰی وَجَعَلْنٰکُمْ شُعُوْبًا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوْا ؕ اِنَّ اَکْرَمَکُمْ عِنْدَ اللّٰهِ اَتْقٰکُمْ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ عَلِیْمٌ خَبِیْرٌ ۝

“O mankind! We created you from a male and a female, and made you races and tribes, that you may know one another. The best among you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous. Allah is All-Knowing, Well-Aware.” (49:13)

شَرَعَ لَكُمْ مِّنَ الدِّيْنِ مَا وَصّٰى بِه نُوْحًا وَالَّذِىۤ اَوْحَيْنَاۤ اِلَيْكَ وَمَا وَصَّيْنَا بِه اِبْرٰهِيْمَ وَمُوْسٰى وَعِيْسٰۤى اَنْ اَقِيْمُوْا الدِّيْنَ وَلَا تَتَفَرَّقُوْا فِيْهِ…. ۝

“He prescribed for you the same religion He enjoined upon Nooh, and what We revealed to you, and what We enjoined upon Ibrahim, and Musa, and Isa that: ‘You shall uphold the religion and create no division therein.’…….” (42:13)

اِنَّ هٰذِہٖۤ اُمَّتُکُمْ اُمَّۃً وَّاحِدَۃً ۫ۖ وَاَنَا رَبُّکُمْ فَاعْبُدُوْنِ ۝

“This community of yours (Messengers & Prophets) is one community, and I am your Lord, so worship me.” (21:92)

 كِتٰبٌ اَنْزَلْنٰهُ اِلَيْكَ لِتُخْرِجَ النَّاسَ مِنَ الظُّلُمٰتِ اِلَى النُّوْرِ بِاِذْنِ رَبِّهِمْ اِلٰى صِرٰطِ الْعَزِيْزِ الْحَمِيْدِ ۝

“…… A Book which We have revealed unto you (O Prophet), so that you might lead mankind out of the depths of darkness into light – by the leave of their Lord – to the Way of (Him) the Exalted in power, worthy of all praise!” (14:1)

وَ اَنْزَلْنَاۤ اِلَیْكَ الْكِتٰبَ بِالْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَیْنَ یَدَیْهِ مِنَ الْكِتٰبِ وَمُهَیْمِنًا عَلَیْهِ فَاحْکُمْ بَیْنَهُمْ بِمَاۤ اَنْزَلَ اللّٰهُ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ اَهْوَآءَهُمْ عَمَّا جَآءَكَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ ؕ لِکُلٍّ جَعَلْنَا مِنْکُمْ شِرْعَۃً وَمِنْهَاجًا ؕ وَلَوْ شَآءَ اللّٰهُ لَجَعَلَکُمْ اُمَّۃً وَّاحِدَۃً وَلٰكِنْ لِّیَبْلُوَکُمْ فِیْ مَاۤ اٰتٰىکُمْ فَاسْتَبِقُوا الْخَیْرٰتِ ؕ اِلَی اللّٰهِ مَرْجِعُکُمْ جَمِیْعًا فَیُنَبِّئُکُمْ بِمَا کُنْتُمْ فِیْهِ تَخْتَلِفُوْنَ ۝ وَاَنِ احْکُمْ بَیْنَهُمْ بِمَاۤ اَنْزَلَ اللّٰهُ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ اَهْوَآءَهُمْ وَاحْذَرْهُمْ اَنْ یَّفْتِنُوْكَ عَنْۢ بَعْضِ مَاۤ اَنْزَلَ اللّٰهُ اِلَیْكَ ؕ فَاِنْ تَوَلَّوْا فَاعْلَمْ اَنَّمَا یُرِیْدُ اللّٰهُ اَنْ یُّصِیْبَهُمْ بِبَعْضِ ذُنُوْبِهِمْ ؕ وَاِنَّ كَثِیْرًا مِّنَ النَّاسِ لَفٰسِقُوْنَ ۝ اَفَحُکْمَ الْجَاهِلِیَّۃِ یَبْغُوْنَ ؕ  وَمَنْ اَحْسَنُ مِنَ اللّٰهِ حُکْمًا لِّقَوْمٍ یُّوْقِنُوْنَ

“To you We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety: so, judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging from the Truth that has come to you. To each among you, we have prescribed a law and an open way. If Allah had so willed, He would have made you a single nation, but (His plan is) to test you in what He has given you: so, strive as in a race in all virtues. The goal of you all is to Allah. It is He Who will show you the truth of the matters in which you dispute, and this (He commands): Judge you between them by what Allah has revealed, and follow not their desires, but beware of them lest they beguile you from any of that (teaching) which Allah has sent down to you. And if they turn away, be assured that for some of their crime it is Allah’s purpose to punish them. And truly most men are rebellious. Do they then seek after a Judgement of (the days of) ignorance? But who, for a people whose faith is assured, can give better Judgement than Allah?” (5:48-50)

کُنْتُمْ خَیْرَ اُمَّۃٍ اُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَاْمُرُوْنَ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُوْنَ بِاللّٰهِ ؕ وَلَوْ اٰمَنَ اَهْلُ الْكِتٰبِ لَكَانَ خَیْرًا لَّهُمْ ؕ مِنْهُمُ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ وَاَکْثَرُهُمُ الْفٰسِقُوْنَ ۝

“You are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah. If only the People of the Book had faith, it would have surely been better for them: among them are some who have faith, but most of them are perverted transgressors.” (3:110)

Contribution to Human Development

The teachings of the Qur’an and Hadith have opened the door to acquiring knowledge for all in their spiritual and moral development. During the entire medieval period Islam made tremendous contributions in the fields of beneficial knowledge and life skills. Islamic literature, arts and culture, and architectural and scientific developments enriched human civilization in many ways. The socioeconomic advancement of mankind reached its peak during that time due to Islamic rules of law and justice and good governance. Islam has raised humanity’s rank to Khalifa (Viceroy) of Almighty Allah, opened the horizons of human thoughts and vision over Allah’s signs of creation, elevated women’s role and status by building a new relationship between man and woman, and granting them the right to participate in religious, social, and political activities.

The related verses to this topic quoted below:

وَالْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ وَالْمُؤْمِنٰتُ بَعْضُهُمْ اَوْلِیَآءُ بَعْضٍ ۘ یَاْمُرُوْنَ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَیَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَیُقِیْمُوْنَ الصَّلٰوۃَ وَیُؤْتُوْنَ الزَّکٰوۃَ وَیُطِیْعُوْنَ اللّٰهَ وَرَسُوْلَہٗ ؕ اُولٰٓئِكَ سَیَرْحَمُهُمُ اللّٰهُ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ عَزِیْزٌ حَكِیْمٌ۝

“The believing men and believing women are friends of one another. They advocate virtue, forbid evil, perform the prayers, practice charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. These – on whom Allah will have mercy. Allah is Noble and Wise.” (9:71)

وَعَدَ اللّٰهُ الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا مِنْکُمْ وَعَمِلُوا الصّٰلِحٰتِ لَیَسْتَخْلِفَنَّهُمْ فِی الْاَرْضِ كَمَا اسْتَخْلَفَ الَّذِیْنَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْ ۪ وَلَیُمَكِنَنَّ لَهُمْ دِیْنَهُمُ الَّذِی ارْتَضٰی لَهُمْ وَلَیُبَدِّلَنَّهُمْ مِّنْۢ بَعْدِ خَوْفِهِمْ اَمْنًا ؕ یَعْبُدُوْنَنِیْ لَا یُشْرِکُوْنَ بِیْ شَیْئًا ؕ وَمَنْ كَفَرَ بَعْدَ ذٰلِكَ فَاُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْفٰسِقُوْنَ ۝

“Allah has promised, to those among you who believe and work righteous deeds, that He will, of a surety, grant them in the land, inheritance (of power), as He granted it to those before them; that He will establish in authority their religion – the one which He has chosen for them; and that He will change (their condition), after the fear in which they (lived), to one of security and peace: ‘They will worship Me (alone) and not associate aught with Me.’ If any do reject Faith after this, they are defiant and wicked.” (24:55)

وَلْتَکُنْ مِّنْکُمْ اُمَّۃٌ یَّدْعُوْنَ اِلَی الْخَیْرِ وَیَاْمُرُوْنَ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَیَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ ؕ وَاُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُوْنَ ۝

“And there should be a group among you to call towards what is good, and command what is righteous, and forbid from evil. These are indeed the successful ones.” (3:104)

Establishing Socioeconomic Justice

Islam has presented an exploitation–free economic system establishing the rights of the poor over the wealth of the rich through the compulsory Zakat system. Islam has recognized the responsibility of the state to ensure the basic needs of the poor through Baitul Maal (state treasury). Islam has ensured an additional safety net for the poor through Sadaqa (voluntary charity) and Kaffara (paying penalty money to the poor for the expiation of some kinds of sin), introducing the system of Qard–e–Hasana (interest–free loan for the needy) in lieu of exploitative usury, and prohibiting illegal business practices like hoarding, racketeering, tempering the measuring scales, etc.

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا لَا تَاْکُلُوْۤا اَمْوَالَکُمْ بَیْنَکُمْ بِالْبَاطِلِ اِلَّاۤ اَنْ تَکُوْنَ تِجَارَۃً عَنْ تَرَاضٍ مِّنْکُمْ وَلَا تَقْتُلُوْۤا اَنْفُسَکُمْ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ بِکُمْ رَحِیْمًا ۝ وَمَنْ یَّفْعَلْ ذٰلِكَ عُدْوَانًا وَظُلْمًا فَسَوْفَ نُصْلِیْهِ نَارًا ؕ وَكَانَ ذٰلِكَ عَلَی اللّٰهِ یَسِیْرًا ۝

“O Believers!  Do not consume each other’s wealth illicitly, but trade by mutual consent is legitimate. And do not kill yourselves, for Allah is Merciful towards you. Whoever does that out of hostility and wrongdoing – We will cast him into a Fire. And that would be easy for Allah.” (4:29:30)

وَالَّذِیْنَ فِیْۤ اَمْوَالِهِمْ حَقٌّ مَّعْلُوْمٌ ۝ لِّلسَّآئِلِ وَالْمَحْرُوْمِ ۝

“And in the wealth of those people there is a rightful share, for the beggars and the deprived ones.” (70:24-25)

مَاۤ اَفَآءَ اللّٰهُ عَلٰی رَسُوْلِہٖ مِنْ اَهْلِ الْقُرٰی فَلِلّٰهِ وَلِلرَّسُوْلِ وَ لِذِی الْقُرْبٰی وَالْیَتٰمٰی وَالْمَسٰكِیْنِ وَابْنِ السَّبِیْلِ ۙ كَیْ لَا یَکُوْنَ دُوْلَۃًۢ بَیْنَ الْاَغْنِیَآءِ مِنْکُمْ….

“Whatever Allah gave to His Messenger from the inhabitants of the villages belongs to Allah, and to the Messenger, and to the relatives, and to the orphans, and to the poor, and to the wayfarer; so that it may not be accumulated solely among the wealthy among you. ………..” (59:7)

اِنَّمَا الصَّدَقٰتُ لِلْفُقَرَآءِ وَالْمَسٰكِیْنِ وَالْعٰمِلِیْنَ عَلَیْهَا وَالْمُؤَلَّفَۃِ قُلُوْبُهُمْ وَفِی الرِّقَابِ وَالْغٰرِمِیْنَ وَفِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ وَابْنِ السَّبِیْلِ ؕ فَرِیْضَۃً مِّنَ اللّٰهِ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ عَلِیْمٌ حَكِیْمٌ۝

“Charities (Zakat) are for the poor, and the destitute, and those who administer them, and for reconciling hearts, and for freeing slaves, and for those in debt, and striving in the path of Allah, and for the traveler in need – (it is) an obligation from Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, Most Wise.” (9:60)

… اَوْفُوا الْمِکْیَالَ وَالْمِیْزَانَ بِالْقِسْطِ وَلَا تَبْخَسُوا النَّاسَ اَشْیَآءَهُمْ وَلَا تَعْثَوْا فِی الْاَرْضِ مُفْسِدِیْنَ ۝ بَقِیَّتُ اللّٰهِ خَیْرٌ لَّکُمْ اِنْ کُنْتُمْ مُّؤْمِنِیْنَ ۬ۚ وَمَاۤ اَنَا عَلَیْکُمْ بِحَفِیْظٍ ۝

“……. Give full measure and full weight, in all fairness, and do not cheat the people out of their rights, and do not spread corruption in the land. What Allah leaves with you (as profit) is best for you, if you are believers. And I am not a guardian over you.” (11:85 – 86)

Establishing Socio–political Harmony in Islam

The “Madinah Charter,” framed by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in collaboration with all tribes and religious groups living in Madinah for the establishment of a multi-religious political entity with religious freedom and peaceful coexistence, was a unique example of socio-political harmony in Islam. This charter incorporated the principles of justice and freedom of religion, and also instituted a series of rights and responsibilities among them for participation in common matters including protection of their land from external aggression. It also brought an end to the prolonged enmities and strife between the two principal tribes of Madinah, named ‘Aus’ and ‘Khazraz’. A moderate and ideal Muslim Ummah and a model Islamic state was established in Madinah during Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) lifetime. Within a short span of time, half of the world came under the domain of Islam. The related verse is quoted below:

لَکُمْ  دِیْنُکُمْ  وَلِیَ  دِیْنِ۝

“To you be your religion, and to me my religion.” (109:6)

 وَقُلْ اٰمَنْتُ بِمَاۤ اَنْزَلَ اللهُ مِنْ كِتٰبٍ وَاُمِرْتُ لِاَعْدِلَ بَيْنَكُمُ اللهُ رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّكُمْ لَنَاۤ اَعْمٰلُنَا وَلَكُمْ اَعْمٰلُكُمْ لَا حُجَّةَ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمُ اللهُ يَجْمَعُ بَيْنَنَا وَاِلَيْهِ الْمَصِيْرُ۝

“……. Say (O Prophet): ‘I believe in the Book which Allah has sent down, and I am commanded to judge justly between you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord: for us (is the responsibility for) our deeds, and for you for your deeds. There is no dispute between us and you. Allah will bring us together, and to Him is (our) Final Goal’.” (42:15)

وَ كَذٰلِكَ جَعَلْنٰکُمْ اُمَّۃً وَّسَطًا لِّتَکُوْنُوْا شُهَدَآءَ عَلَی النَّاسِ وَیَکُوْنَ الرَّسُوْلُ عَلَیْکُمْ شَهِیْدًا ؕ….. ۝

“Thus, We made you a moderate community, that you may be witnesses to humanity, and that the Messenger may be a witness to you…………” (2:143)

اَلَّذِیْنَ اِنْ مَّكَنّٰهُمْ فِی الْاَرْضِ اَقَامُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ وَاٰتَوُا الزَّکٰوۃَ وَاَمَرُوْا بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَ نَهَوْا عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ ؕ وَلِلّٰهِ عَاقِبَۃُ الْاُمُوْرِ ۝

“(Believers are) those who, if We establish them in the land, will establish regular prayer and pay Zakat (poor-due), enjoin the right and forbid wrong: with Allah rests the end (and decision) of (all) affairs.” (22:41)

وَ لَا تُطِیْعُوْۤا اَمْرَ الْمُسْرِفِیْنَ ۝ الَّذِیْنَ یُفْسِدُوْنَ فِی الْاَرْضِ وَلَا یُصْلِحُوْنَ ۝

“And do not obey the command of the transgressors – who spread turmoil on earth, and do not make reforms.” (26:151-152)

وَاعْتَصِمُوْا بِحَبْلِ اللّٰهِ جَمِیْعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوْا ۪ وَاذْکُرُوْا نِعْمَتَ اللّٰهِ عَلَیْکُمْ اِذْ کُنْتُمْ اَعْدَآءً فَاَلَّفَ بَیْنَ قُلُوْبِکُمْ فَاَصْبَحْتُمْ بِنِعْمَتِہٖۤ اِخْوَانًا ۚ وَکُنْتُمْ عَلٰی شَفَا حُفْرَۃٍ مِّنَ النَّارِ فَاَنْقَذَکُمْ مِّنْهَا ؕ كَذٰلِكَ یُبَیِّنُ اللّٰهُ لَکُمْ اٰیٰتِہٖ لَعَلَّکُمْ تَہْتَدُوْنَ ۝

“And hold fast to the rope of Allah, altogether, and do not become divided. And remember Allah’s blessings upon you; how you were enemies, and He reconciled your hearts, and by His grace you became brethren. And you were on the brink of a pit of fire, and He saved you from it. Allah thus clarifies His revelations for you, so that you may be guided.” (3:103)

Islam and the Challenges of Modern Civilization

The modern civilization of today, in spite of its highest scientific advancement, is facing a great challenge because of the spiritual poverty of human beings, which is threatening humanitarian values, destabilizing social order, and disrupting social relationships. The world is facing an increasing number of social conflicts and political instability, which can have disastrous consequences for human lives and livelihoods. Conflicts can lead to displacement, poverty, and the breakdown of social systems. Racism, injustice, exploitation of the weak, extreme inequality of income, conflict of ideologies all these have created catastrophe on this earth. Modern technological advancements have also posed risks to humanity. For example, the development of weapons of mass destruction, nuclear bombs, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology can be disastrous threat to humanity and lead to catastrophic events if they are not managed properly and addressed effectively.

The consumeristic and immoral lifestyle muddled by too much indulgence in alcohol and drugs, rape, violence, and other crimes is eroding humans’ spirituality and the moral fabric of society, as well as disrupting the social and natural environment. As a result, family structure is dismantling, self-centeredness is spiraling upward, and tensions are running high. Besides, industrial pollution and the indiscriminate exploitation of natural resources have all contributed to climate change, leading to environmental disasters. Climate change is caused by the excessive release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, heavily dependance on non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels, minerals, and water, deforestation, and industrial processes. The increasing demand for these resources is leading to their depletion, which can have severe consequences for the global economy and social stability. It leads to global warming, sea level rise, extreme weather events, and loss of biodiversity, which can have disastrous consequences for human health, food security, and economic stability. All these challenges of modern civilization are numerous and interconnected.

In the face of the aforementioned challenges, guidance of the Qur’an and Hadith is desperately needed. The Qur’an has given proper guidance to the humanity to encounter such challenges as mentioned in the following verses.

وَاِذَا تَوَلّٰی سَعٰی فِی الْاَرْضِ لِیُفْسِدَ فِیْهَا وَیُہْلِكَ الْحَرْثَ وَالنَّسْلَ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ لَا یُحِبُّ الْفَسَادَ ۝ وَاِذَا قِیْلَ لَهُ اتَّقِ اللّٰهَ اَخَذَتْهُ الْعِزَّۃُ بِالْاِثْمِ فَحَسْبُہٗ جَهَنَّمُ ؕ  وَلَبِئْسَ الْمِهَادُ ۝

“When he gains power, strives to spread corruption on earth, destroying properties and lives. Allah does not like corruption and anarchy. And when he is told, ‘Beware of Allah,’ his pride leads them to more sin. Hell is enough for him – a dreadful abode.” (2:205 – 206)

ظَهَرَ الْفَسَادُ فِی الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ اَیْدِی النَّاسِ

“Disaster has spread out in the land and sea, because of what (corruption) people’s hands have earned …….” (30:41)

وَاَنْزَلْنَاۤ اِلَیْكَ الْكِتٰبَ بِالْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَیْنَ یَدَیْهِ مِنَ الْكِتٰبِ وَمُهَیْمِنًا عَلَیْهِ فَاحْکُمْ بَیْنَهُمْ بِمَاۤ اَنْزَلَ اللّٰهُ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ اَهْوَآءَهُمْ عَمَّا جَآءَكَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ ؕ لِکُلٍّ جَعَلْنَا مِنْکُمْ شِرْعَۃً وَمِنْهَاجًا ؕ وَّلَوْ شَآءَ اللّٰهُ لَجَعَلَکُمْ اُمَّۃً وَّاحِدَۃً وَلٰكِنْ لِّیَبْلُوَکُمْ فِیْ مَاۤ اٰتٰىکُمْ فَاسْتَبِقُوا الْخَیْرٰتِ ؕ اِلَی اللّٰهِ مَرْجِعُکُمْ جَمِیْعًا فَیُنَبِّئُکُمْ بِمَا کُنْتُمْ فِیْهِ تَخْتَلِفُوْنَ ۝

“And We have revealed to you the Book, with truth, attesting the Books that preceded it, and guarding the truths revealed therein. So, judge between them according to what Allah revealed, and do not follow their desires if they differ from the truth that has come to you. For each of you We have assigned a law and a way. Had Allah willed, He could have made you a single nation, but He tests you through what He has given you. So, compete in righteousness. To Allah is your return, all of you; then He will inform you of what you had disputed.” (5:48)

اِنَّ اللّٰهَ یَاْمُرُکُمْ اَنْ تُؤَدُّوا الْاَمٰنٰتِ اِلٰۤی اَهْلِهَا ۙ وَاِذَا حَكَمْتُمْ بَیْنَ النَّاسِ اَنْ تَحْکُمُوْا بِالْعَدْلِ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ نِعِمَّا یَعِظُکُمْ بِہٖ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ سَمِیْعًۢا بَصِیْرًا ۝

“Verily, Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those, to whom they are due; and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice. Verily, how excellent is the teaching which He (Allah) gives you! Truly, Allah is Ever All-Hearer, All Seer.” (4:58).

 كِتٰبٌ اَنْزَلْنٰهُ اِلَيْكَ لِتُخْرِجَ النَّاسَ مِنَ الظُّلُمٰتِ اِلَى النُّوْرِ بِاِذْنِ رَبِّهِمْ اِلٰى صِرٰطِ الْعَزِيْزِ الْحَمِيْدِ ۝

“…… A Book which We have revealed unto you (O Prophet), so that you might lead mankind out of the depths of darkness into light – by the leave of their Lord – to the Way of (Him) the Exalted in power, worthy of all praise!” (14:1)

ثُمَّ جَعَلْنٰكَ عَلٰی شَرِیْعَۃٍ مِّنَ الْاَمْرِ فَاتَّبِعْهَا وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ اَهْوَآءَ الَّذِیْنَ لَا یَعْلَمُوْنَ ۝ اِنَّهُمْ لَنْ یُّغْنُوْا عَنْكَ مِنَ اللّٰهِ شَیْئًا ؕ  وَاِنَّ الظّٰلِمِیْنَ بَعْضُهُمْ اَوْلِیَآءُ بَعْضٍ ۚ  وَاللّٰهُ وَلِیُّ  الْمُتَّقِیْنَ۝

“Then We put you on Shariah (a distinctive path of Religion): so, follow you that (way), and follow not the desires of those who know not. They will be of no use to you in the sight of Allah. It is only wrongdoers are protectors of one to another: but Allah is the Protector of the Righteous.” (45:18-19)

کُنْتُمْ خَیْرَ اُمَّۃٍ اُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَاْمُرُوْنَ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُوْنَ بِاللّٰهِ ؕ وَلَوْ اٰمَنَ اَهْلُ الْكِتٰبِ لَكَانَ خَیْرًا لَّهُمْ ؕ مِنْهُمُ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ وَاَکْثَرُهُمُ الْفٰسِقُوْنَ ۝

“You are the best of peoples, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah. If only the People of the Book had faith, it would have surely been better for them: among them are some who have faith, but most of them are perverted transgressors.” (3:110)

فَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ وَاَطِیْعُوْنِ ۝ وَلَا تُطِیْعُوْۤا اَمْرَ الْمُسْرِفِیْنَ ۝ الَّذِیْنَ یُفْسِدُوْنَ فِی الْاَرْضِ وَلَا یُصْلِحُوْنَ ۝

“But fear Allah and obey me; And follow not the command of prodigals, – who make mischief in the earth, and do not establish peace (reforming their ways).” (26:150 – 152)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَآءَتْکُمْ مَّوْعِظَۃٌ مِّنْ رَّبِّکُمْ وَشِفَآءٌ لِّمَا فِی الصُّدُوْرِ ۬ۙ وَهُدًی وَرَحْمَۃٌ  لِّلْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ ۝

“O mankind! There has come to you a direction (Qur’an) from your Lord and a healing for the (diseases) in your hearts, and a guidance and a Mercy to true believers.” (10:57)

وَ هُوَ الَّذِیْ جَعَلَکُمْ خَلٰٓئِفَ الْاَرْضِ وَرَفَعَ بَعْضَکُمْ فَوْقَ بَعْضٍ دَرَجٰتٍ لِّیَبْلُوَکُمْ فِیْ مَاۤ اٰتٰکُمْ ؕ  اِنَّ رَبَّكَ سَرِیْعُ الْعِقَابِ ۫ۖ وَ اِنَّہٗ لَغَفُوْرٌ رَّحِیْمٌ

“It is He Who has made you (His) agents, inheritors of the earth: He has raised you in ranks, some above others: that He may try you in the gifts He has given you: for your Lord is quick in punishment: yet He is indeed Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” (6:165)

لَنْ تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتّٰی تُنْفِقُوْا مِمَّا تُحِبُّوْنَ ۬ؕ وَمَا تُنْفِقُوْا مِنْ شَیْءٍ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ بِہٖ عَلِیْمٌ ۝

“By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you love; and whatever you give, surely Allah knows it well.” (3:92)

وَ اعْتَصِمُوْا بِحَبْلِ اللّٰهِ جَمِیْعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوْا ۪ وَاذْکُرُوْا نِعْمَتَ اللّٰهِ عَلَیْکُمْ اِذْ کُنْتُمْ اَعْدَآءً فَاَلَّفَ بَیْنَ قُلُوْبِکُمْ فَاَصْبَحْتُمْ بِنِعْمَتِہٖۤ اِخْوَانًا ۚ وَکُنْتُمْ عَلٰی شَفَا حُفْرَۃٍ مِّنَ النَّارِ فَاَنْقَذَکُمْ مِّنْهَا ؕ كَذٰلِكَ یُبَیِّنُ اللّٰهُ لَکُمْ اٰیٰتِہٖ لَعَلَّکُمْ تَہْتَدُوْنَ ۝

“And hold fast to the rope of Allah altogether, and do not become separated. And remember Allah’s favors upon you; how you were enemies, and He reconciled your hearts, and by His grace you became brethren. And you were on the brink of a pit of fire, and He saved you from it. Allah thus clarifies His revelations for you, so that you may be rightly guided.” (3:103)

How the Western Economy and Monetary Systems Lead to Economic Slavery

Introduction

Although slavery has been legally abolished in most parts of the world, it continues to exist in modern forms. Today’s “slavery” may not involve physical chains, but it manifests through human trafficking, child labor, and—more subtly—through the global economic and banking system. While human trafficking and forced labor are recognized by international organizations (ILO, 2022), the financial system has created a form of economic slavery that traps individuals, families, and even nations in cycles of debt.

Modern Forms of Slavery

Human trafficking remains a global problem, forcing millions into labor and sexual exploitation (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, 2022). Children are particularly vulnerable due to poverty and lack of education.

However, there exists a less visible but equally powerful system of bondage: debt slavery. As David Graeber (2011) notes in Debt: The First 5,000 Years, debt has historically been a mechanism of social control. Today, through modern banking, individuals and nations alike become trapped in repayment obligations that limit freedom, diminish prosperity, and perpetuate inequality.

The Debt Trap and Consumer Credit

Modern banks encourage borrowing by extending easy credit—credit cards, personal loans, mortgages—often beyond people’s true means. This creates the debt trap, where individuals spend decades repaying loans while banks profit from interest.

Even when borrowers manage repayments, their dependence on credit locks them into lifelong obligations. Mortgages and rising house prices exacerbate the problem, as families must devote decades of labor to repay the bank or face eviction. As Thomas Piketty (2014) shows in Capital in the Twenty-First Century, debt and capital accumulation reinforce wealth inequality, creating conditions of economic servitude.

Money Creation by Banks – The Hidden Mechanism

A common misconception is that banks merely lend out existing deposits. In reality, as the Bank of England (2014) explained in its paper Money Creation in the Modern Economy:

“Whenever a bank makes a loan, it simultaneously creates a matching deposit in the borrower’s bank account, thereby creating new money.”

Thus, most money in circulation is not physical cash but digital credit created by banks through lending. Unlike renting a car or borrowing a tool, where the item must exist, bank lending manufactures money through accounting entries.

When loans are repaid, this digital money disappears, shrinking the money supply. The system therefore ties economic growth to ever-expanding debt, creating dependence on banks’ willingness to lend.

Instability and Crisis: The 2007–08 Example

When banks are confident, they expand credit, inflating house prices and asset values. When confidence collapses, credit tightens, money supply contracts, and asset values crash.

This dynamic fueled the 2007–08 global financial crisis. Risky sub-prime lending in the U.S. inflated a housing bubble; once defaults began, panic spread, and markets collapsed. Governments were forced to bail out failing banks with trillions in taxpayer money (Stiglitz, Freefall, 2010), while ordinary people suffered through foreclosures, unemployment, and austerity.

Quantitative Easing and Inequality

To stabilize economies, central banks introduced Quantitative Easing (QE): creating digital money to purchase financial assets. However, QE disproportionately benefited the wealthy.

The Bank of England (2012) estimated that its £375bn QE program between 2009–2011 increased the wealth of the richest 5% of households by about £128,000 each, while offering little to the poorest 50%. Similarly, IMF studies (2015) confirm that QE widened inequality by boosting stock and property values, assets concentrated in elite hands.

Thus, QE illustrates how the financial system privileges the few while burdening the many—deepening economic slavery.

A Broken System

The current monetary system:

• Makes the economy dependent on private banks’ confidence.

• Inflates asset bubbles and household debt.

• Transfers wealth upward during crises.

• Leaves governments and taxpayers responsible for rescuing the very system that exploits them.

As long as money creation remains in private hands, instability and inequality will persist.

The Alternative: Interest-Free and Sovereign Money

Islamic finance offers an alternative rooted in justice: Qard Hasan (benevolent, interest-free loans). Instead of exploiting borrowers through interest, this system promotes fairness and reduces inequality (Iqbal & Mirakhor, An Introduction to Islamic Finance, 2011). By prohibiting riba (usury), it prevents perpetual debt cycles and strengthens community welfare.

Parallel to this, the Sovereign Money movement in the West proposes that only the state should issue money, not private banks. This principle was at the heart of the UK’s 1844 Bank Charter Act, which sought to confine money creation to the state. Updating this idea for the digital age could restore public control over money and eliminate debt-driven instability (Jackson & Dyson, Modernising Money, 2012).

Universality of Justice

Systems built on truth and fairness must be universal. Unlike religions tied to a tribe or figure, Islam—meaning “submission to God”—presents itself as a universal way of life. Its economic principles, including the prohibition of usury and the promotion of wealth circulation, aim to protect all humanity from exploitation.

Conclusion

The modern Western economic and monetary system has replaced physical chains with financial chains. Through debt-based money creation, interest-driven lending, and crisis-driven bailouts, it reduces millions to economic slavery. Wealth flows upward, inequality grows, and instability becomes the norm.

To escape this cycle, humanity must reconsider how money is created and circulated. By replacing exploitative debt with interest-free lending and sovereign money systems, we can build an economy rooted in justice, stability, and true freedom.

Key References

• Bank of England (2014). Money Creation in the Modern Economy.

• Bank of England (2012). The Distributional Effects of Asset Purchases.

• David Graeber (2011). Debt: The First 5,000 Years.

• Thomas Piketty (2014). Capital in the Twenty-First Century.

• Joseph Stiglitz (2010). Freefall: America, Free Markets, and the Sinking of the World Economy.

• IMF (2015). QE and Inequality: Distributional Effects of Monetary Policy.

• Iqbal, Z. & Mirakhor, A. (2011). An Introduction to Islamic Finance: Theory and Practice.

• Jackson, A. & Dyson, B. (2012). Modernising Money.

Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ): A Living Qur’an and a Model for Humanity

The Qur’an is a guidance and mercy from Allah (SWT) for humanity, and its messenger, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), was sent by Him as a mercy and blessing for all creations (Ref: 6:155, 10:57-58, 45:20, 81:27-28, 21:107 & 25:1). As a result, both the Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) have a universal impact on all people and creations. The Qur’an took its practical form in Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) lifestyle, which made him a living Qur’an as well as a model for humanity. Thus, he got recognition as a model for the whole creation.

The following verses prove the above statement:

وَهٰذَاكِتٰبٌ اَنْزَلْنٰهُ مُبَارَكٌ فَاتَّبِعُوْهُ وَاتَّقُوْا لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُوْنَ۝

“And this is a Book which We have revealed as a blessing – so follow it and be righteous, that you may receive mercy.” (6:155)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَآءَتْکُمْ مَّوْعِظَۃٌ مِّنْ رَّبِّکُمْ وَشِفَآءٌ لِّمَا فِی الصُّدُوْرِ ۬ۙ وَهُدًی وَرَحْمَۃٌ  لِّلْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ ۝

“O mankind! There has come to you a direction (Qur’an) from your Lord and a healing for the (diseases) in your hearts, and a guidance and a Mercy to true believers.” (10:57)

لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِىْ رَسُوْلِ اللهِ اُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَنْ كَانَ يَرْجُوْا اللهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْاٰخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللهَ كَثِيْرًا۝

“(O People) You have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah.” (33:21)

وَمَآ اَرْسَلْنٰكَ اِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعٰلَمِيْنَ۝

“We did not send you (O Muhammad ﷺ) except as mercy to the Universe.” (21:107)