Teach Yourself Islam
Introduction
This is a basic self study course of Islam . Islam, the last of messages
of Allah the creator to
mankind, is a universal guidance to the human race everywhere, up to the end
of time. Islamic teachings are embodied in the Qur’an, the word of God, revealed
to the seal of messengers Muhammad p.b.u.h. (Peace be upon him). The
Prophet's teachings and life are considered to be a detailed interpretation
and a human model of the message .
*
Sources:
Qur’an; Hadith (Prophet’s tradition); and Science of Sources.
* Faith:
Principles of faith (Tawhiid); and Comparative Religion.
*
Worship: Purification; Prayer; Zakat (Alms); Fasting ; and Hajj (Pilgrimage).
* Behavior:
Morals; and Manners.
*
Family: Marriage; and Inheritance.
*
Economy:
Wealth; Trade; and Business.
*
The
Nation: The State; Penalties; and Jihad.
As for quotations of
Qur’an, given in this course, readers are strongly discouraged from
memorizing such texts in English, for serious reasons. First of all, any
translation, specially of Qur'an, the miraculous words of Allah, would fall
short of conveying their true meanings and objectives, as comprehended in
Arabic. Second, a Muslim could never appreciate or taste the glory of such
words and structure, in any language other than Arabic. And third, which is
most serious, future generations could most probably fall into the pitfall of
using the English translation as an authentic substitute, for knowledge,
praying, legislation … etc . This very pitfall was the principal origin of
distortions that befell the scriptures of the previous messages.
For more detailed studies, readers are referred to carefully selected specialized references. These also include useful references of more general nature, i.e. interpretations of Qur’an, Hadith translations, Sirah (Prophet’s history), dictionaries and light readers. Those who wish to pursue a more advanced, as well as challenging, study of Islam are urged to study the Arabic language. This would pave their way to comprehend not only the magnificence of Qur’an and the wisdom of Hadith, but also to be able to use the wealth of Islamic literature. A list of language – learning resources are referred to in the "Read More" references.
Study Guide
1) Study Carefully the
Main Points.
2) Review the Related Evidence of the Qur'an and Sunnah.
Try to Recall at least one or two quotations, supporting every point of the
subject.
3) For Self-check, Attempt to Answer the Revision Questions at the
end of the lesson.
4) For Further Reading, View the Read
More References.
