ISLAM
The True Religion
ESSENCE: ‘SERVITUDE’ TO GOD | OBJECTIVE: PURIFICATION (TAZKIYA) | DESIRED BEHAVIOR OF PRACTICES: EXCELLENCE (IḤSĀN)
MUHAMMAD (PBUH)
THE FINAL SOURCE OF GOD’S RELIGION
QURAN
- In its original Arabic
- Preserved by consensus & mass transmission
- Protected by God Himself
SUNNAH
- Abrahamic practices renewed by Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) - Preserved by consensus & mass practice
- Continuation alongside Qurʾān
Belief in God
Belief in Angels
Belief in Prophets
Belief in Scriptures
Belief in the Day of Judgment
Dhāt (Essence)
Beyond human
perception
Attributes
God’s Way
(Sunnat Allāh)
Majesty
The King, the Almighty, the Compeller,
Perfection
Most important is the Oneness of God,
the Unique, the rock of refuge,
Elegance
The Pure, the Source of Peace, and the Giver of Security,
Trial
(test through life & death, ease & hardship)
Guidance & Misguidance
No burden beyond capacity
Rise & fall of nations
Divine support for entrusted missions
Repentance & forgiveness
Reward & punishment in this world
Mediators of God’s commands
Prophets (Nabī)
Responsible for warning (Indhār)
and glad tidings (Bashāra)
Messengers (Rasūl)
Prophets with Additional Responsibility of establishing the testimony (Shahāda)
Finality of Prophethood
Necessity of Prophets
Clear signs of authenticity
To complete the guidance
To complete the Argument (Itmam al-Hujja)
Prior prophecies
Recognition by scholars of Israelites
Bestowed with Miracles and Extraordinary Signs
Internal consistency of revelation
Fulfilled prophecies (eg, Roman victory)
Messengers complete the Argument (Itmam al-Hujja)
Torah
Psalms
Gospel
Qurʾān (Final, preserved)
Evidence
Events
Stages
Signs
Gog and Magog (definite sign, additional in Hadiths)
Self-accusing soul
Human demand for justice
Incompleteness of man & universe
Divine attributes of justice & mercy
Messengers’ testimony & punishment
First trumpet
Cosmic upheaval
Re-creation
Second trumpet & presentation
Death
Barzakh (intermediate state)
Gathering (Maḥshar)
Hell & Paradise
Sources of divine guidance
Basic Principles
Virtues & Vices
Elegance & Perfection (Jamāl o Kamāl)
Innate Guidance
Clarified by Prophets & Revelation
Enjoined
Forbidden
Justice (ʿAdl)
Kindness (Iḥsān)
Spending on relatives
Obscenity (Faḥshāʾ)
Detestable acts (Munkar)
Transgression (Baghy)
Oneness of God (Tawḥīd) – Citadel of virtues
Polytheism (Shirk) – Unforgivable crime
The Ten Commandments
Virtues
Vices
Worship God
Kindness to Parents
Spending in the way of God
Chastity & Virtue
Keep Agreements
Honesty in weight and measure
Violating Sanctity of Life
Usurping Orphans’ Property
Superstitions
Pride & Arrogance
Islam
Faith
Devotion (Qunoot)
Truthfulness
Perseverance
Reverent Humility (Khushūʿ)
Charity
Fasting
Guarding Private Parts
Abundant Remembrance
Outward dimension of religion
Tongue, eyes, ears, hands, feet under divine guidance
Prophets as perfect examples of submission
Constant obedience with sincerity
State of perpetual servitude in all circums-tances
Reverence before God like one in a royal court
Consistency of word, deed, & intention
Speech, action, and intention in harmony
Opposite is hypocrisy
Humility from awe of God’s grandeur
Expressed in prayer, especially night prayer
Extends to compassion toward others, making society like paradiase
Cultivates self-restraint & patience
Purpose: God-consciousness (taqwā)
Quality of those who consistently avoid wrongdoing
Inner dimension of religion
Certainty & surrender of heart & mind
Purifies heart, enlightens intellect, refines intentions
Grows with remem-brance, Qurʾān recitation, reflection on signs
Modesty in dress and conduct
Preserving chastity and dignity
Avoiding nudity and lewdness
Protecting sexual organs from misuse or exposure
Continuous remembrance of God (dhikr)
Daily speech infused with God’s name (subḥān Allāh, al-ḥamdu li-llāh, in shāʾ Allāh, etc)
Reliance on God in all affairs
Worship extending to every action
Reflection on creation as signs of God
Awareness of purpose of creation and Day of Recompense
Self-restraint & perseverance
Embracing trials as from God
Courage to defend truth even unto death
Trust in God (“Indeed we belong to God and to Him we return”)
Promise of mercy and grace for the perseverant
First level: obligatory zakāt
Second level: surplus wealth as right of others
Third level: sacrificing personal needs for others
Open-handed generosity paired with prayer
Prayer (Ṣalāh)
Mandatory Charity (Zakāt)
Fasting (Ṣawm)
Pilgrimage (Ḥajj & ʿUmrah)
Sacrifice (Qurbānī)
Daily obligatory prayers
Friday prayer (Jumuʿah)
Festival (ʿĪd) Prayers
Funeral prayer (Janāzah)
Prescribed rates (gold, silver, produce, livestock, trade)
Recipients (poor, needy, collectors, debtors, travelers, welfare)
Distribution guidelines
Ramadan fasts
Exemptions (illness, travel, weakness)
Compensation (feeding, later fasting)
Eid al-Aḍḥā ritual
Eligible animals
Distribution of meat
Iḥrām, Ṭawāf, Saʿī
Standing at ʿArafāt
Stoning (Ramy al-Jamarāt)
Sacrifice with Ḥajj
Marriage
Mixed gatherings
Parents
Orphans
Prohibitions
Terms and Conditions
Rights and Duties
Limitations
Divorce
After Husband’s Death
Relations Prohibited for Marriage (Muḥarramāt)
Unlawful Comparison (Ẓihār)
Oath of Abstention from Intimacy (Ilāʾ)
Overt mutual consent
Bridal gift (mahr)
Chastity
Belief in monotheism
Husbands bear financial responsibility and household leadership
Husbands to Uphold justice, integrity, and honor; do not harm or wrong the wife
Wives to ooperate in harmony; safeguard husband’s privacy and dignity
Head of household may take disciplinary steps in prescribed order
Polygyny: Limit of four wives; justice among them mandatory
No intercourse during menstruation or postnatal bleeding; resume only after ritual purity
Waiting Period for widows: 4 months and 10 days
No Waiting Period if unconsummated; ends at childbirth if pregnant
Respectful, indirect proposal allowed during widow’s ʿIdda; formal proposal or secret pledge forbidden
Widow free afterward, observing dignity and social norms
Husband must provide one year’s support by will
Allowed when reconciliation fails despite all efforts
Divorce in state of purity (ṭuhr) with no conjugal relations; per prescribed waiting period (ʿIdda) — with fairness and witnesses
Waiting Period: 3 cycles or 3 months, or until birth if pregnant; none if unconsummated
Reconciliation allowed during ʿIdda, twice only; third divorce is final
After each completed divorce, both are free to remarry, Must not interfere in ex-spouse’s affairs
Mother may nurse up to two years with fair compensation; father or heir may appoint another by mutual agreement
Gifts, dowry, and support cannot be reclaimed or denied
Permission & Privacy
Modesty & Conduct
Women’s Attire & Adornment (zīna)
Enter homes only with permission and greeting
Respect privacy; depart if entry refused
Normal family visits allowed with etiquette
No restriction in public or shared spaces
Seek permission during three private times
After puberty, permission required for entry
Lower gaze; avoid lustful or prolonged looks
Dress modestly; cover adornments properly
Women should cover their chests
Adornments covered except before close relatives; customary visible ones exempt
Elderly women to remain modest even if exempt
Honor and thank parents above all others after the Creator
Show love, gentleness, and obedience with respect
Never follow them in disbelief or sin
Treat them with kindness and continually pray for them
Guard and return orphan wealth with honesty and care
Never consume or misuse their property for gain
May marry their mothers only if justice and fair treatment ensured
Provide kindly, witness transfer, and remember God’s accountability
Purpose
Designated Sacred Region
Divine Governance
Principles of Political Law
Purification of the collective system
Arabian Peninsula - No permanent settlement of followers of other religions
At times directly administered by God
Last instance: Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH)
Fundamental Principle
Fundamental Responsibility
Religious Duties
Rights of Muslims
System of Governance
No legislation may contradict God and His Messenger
Equal rights for those observing prayer & Zakāh
No other aspect of faith enforced by law
State cannot violate life, property, honor, intellect, freedom of opinion
Leaders selected by public consultation
Government formed by opinion of the people
Leadership bound by consensus /majority in collective affairs
Entrust duties by merit;
Uphold justice & fairness
Establish prayer
Collect Zakāt
Enjoin good and forbid evil
Leaders or their representatives to lead Friday and Festive prayers
Only tax state can collect
Proactively serves needy
Purpose Purify economic life; ensure justice, fairness, and mutual support
Illegitimate Consumption of Wealth (akl al-amwāl bi’l-bāṭil) prohibited
Non-private Properties under state ownership
Documentation & Testimony
Distribution of Inheritance
Writing & Responsibility
Witness Requirements
Exceptions & Conditions
Wills & Testimony
Truth & Accountability
Preliminary Obligations
Primary Heirs
Children’s Shares
Substitute Heirs (Siblings)
Designated Heirs
Principle of Beneficial Kinship
Debts are paid first from the estate
Execute valid will before distributing inheritance
Heirs cannot receive more than legal share, except for justified need
Parents, spouse, and children receive prescribed shares
Parents: one-sixth each if children or siblings exist
No children: mother gets one-third, father two-thirds
Husband: half if no children, quarter if children
Wife: quarter if no children, one-eighth if children
Sons receive twice the share of daughters
Only daughters: one gets half, two or more share two-thirds
Only sons: inherit entire estate equally
If no children, siblings inherit after parents and spouse
Brothers receive twice the share of sisters
If no primary heirs, deceased may appoint an heir
One sibling: one-sixth; multiple siblings: one-third; remainder to appointee
Shares reflect benefit and support provided in life
Sons and husbands receive double due to financial responsibility
Record financial dealings to prevent disputes and corruption
Scribe writes justly in both parties’ presence
Borrower ensures document accuracy; guardian may assist if needed
The testimony shall be established by two men, or by one man and two women.
Witnesses must not refuse or distort the truth
Casual dealings exempt; major transactions require documentation
Neither scribe nor witness may be harmed or pressured
Collateral allowed when no scribe available during travel
Appoint two trustworthy witnesses for wills and legacies
In travel necessity, two non-Muslims may witness
Witnesses swear by God to remain impartial
False testimony betrays both people and God
Counter-oaths allowed against biased or unjust witnesses
Invitation of Prophets
Invitation of Progeny of Abraham
Invitation of Scholars
Invitation of the State
Invitation of the Individual
Strategy of Invitation
Prophets (Nabī): Issue warnings and convey glad tidings
Messengers (Rasūl): Issue warnings, convey glad tidings and establish Shahāda
Establish the same Shahāda as that of the Messengers
Enjoin good, forbid evil, and advocate righteousness
Enjoin good and forbid evil within their sphere of influence
Face hostility with patience; retribution only within ethical limits
Responsible only to convey; guidance is God’s domain
Convey with wisdom, exhortation, and respectful argument
Faith in What They Preach
Consistency Between Word and Deed
Uncompromising Truthfulness
Warning through the Qurʾān
Purpose
Nature
Command
Obligation
Participation
Avoidance or Fleeing
Moral Boundaries
Divine Support
Prisoners
Spoils
Defend peace, liberty; end persecution (Fitna)
Divine undertaking, not personal gain
Collective duty; no individual authority
Only with required strength
Virtue; sin if neglect after general call
Once obligated, cowardice is a sin and strictly forbidden
Honor treaties; no attack on neutrals; avoid arrogance
Earned when all requirements are met and through patience & perseverance
Release or ransom; no killing or slavery
For collective benefit; state decides use
Purpose
Fixed Punishments
Discretionary Punishments (Taʿzīr)
Eradication of evil and corruption (fasād)
Enforcement of God’s decree for transgressing believers who violate life, property, or societal order
Reminder of punishment of the Hereafter for others
Means of purification for offenders who repent
Insurrection & Corruption on Earth
Homicide and Assault
Adultry
False Accusation of Adultery (Qadhf)
Theft
Deterrent execution
Deterrent crucifixion
Cross-limb amputation
Exile from land
Retribution (Qiṣāṣ)
Blood Money (Diyah)
Other forms of expiation based on circumstances
100 lashes upon conclusive proof
Amputation of the hand
Against a Virtuous Person: Must present 4 eyewitnesses, or face 80 lashes and rejection of future testimony
Between husband and wife: In absence of witnesses, resolved through oaths
Lesser forms of these crimes
Other crimes beyond those specified
Decided by Muslim authorities through consultation
Purpose
Prohibitions Inherent in Human Nature
Sharia Prohibitions
Exception
Purify by distin-guishing pure and impure food & drink
Clarify doubtful cases
Predators, scavengers, reptiles, insects, humans
Avoid utility animals (elephant, horse, donkey)
Excreta & urine
Intoxicants
Pig
Blood
Carrion (mayta)
Animals slaughtered in name of other than God
Natural or accidental death of animal
If mauled by the hunting animal
Shrine sacrifices
Slaughter by polytheists
No mention of God’s name at slaughter
In dire necessity (iḍṭirār)
Permissible only without desire, within limits
Purpose
Eating & Drinking
Greetings
Sneezing Etiquette
Physical Purification & Cleanliness
Funeral Rituals
Festivals
Purification & Refinement of character and culture
Mention God’s name before eating
Eat/drink with right hand
“Peace be upon you” (Al-salāmu ʿalaykum)
Response to greeting
“All praise is to God” (Al-Ḥamdu li-llāh)
Response “May God have mercy on you” (Yarḥamuka Allāh)
Washing the deceased
Shrouding
Burial
Īd al-Fiṭr
ʿĪd al-ʾAḍḥā
Keep mustache trimmed
Remove pubic hair
Remove armpit hair
Clip nails
Circumcision of boys
Clean nose, mouth, & teeth
Wash private parts after relieving oneself (Istinjāʾ)
Ritual bath after menstruation & postnatal bleeding
Ritual bath after sexual impurity (Ghusl al-janāba)
Purpose
Forms
Expiation (Kaffāra)
To purify speech through truthfulness and sincerity
To purify conscience through repentance and expiation
To purify conduct through accountability in words
Trivial Oaths
Binding Oaths
Insignificant and meaningless, no accountability
Personal pledges are elevated to highest seriousness
Swearing by God is calling Him as witness
Should be safeguarded, not taken lightly
Firm intent; affects rights, obligations, or lawful/unlawful
Accountability before God
May need to be broken if fulfilling violates rights
Feed ten poor people (standard of own family meals)
Or clothe ten poor people
Or free a slave
If none possible -fast 3 consecutive days
ISLAM — The True Religion
ESSENCE: Servitude to God | OBJECTIVE: Purification (Tazkiya) | PRACTICE: Excellence (Iḥsān)
