Manar-AL-Islam

from a (pair of a male and a female, and made you
into nations and tribes that you may know each
other.”(49:13).
In summary, Islam tolerates and respects
followers of non-Islamic religions. Contrary to the
popular belief, Islam spread in a peaceful way.
Islam, Violence and Extremism
How does Islam view violence and
extremism
Violence and extremism are in complete
opposition to the essence of Islam. Islam is based
on peace, mercy, and goodness. Indeed, peace
is the greeting of Muslims amongst themselves.
Violence and extremism in all its forms are strictly
prohibited. In the Holy Quran, Allah, the Exalted,
calls for moderation and tolerance:”Thus We have
made you an Ummah (nation) justly balanced,
that you might be witness over the nations, and the
Messenger a witness over yourselves.”(2:143).
Any religious dialogue with non-Muslims must be
based on presenting the truth to them in the best of
ways. The Prophet (pbuh) is told that his primary
task is only to convey the message, that he is only
a reminder, that he cannot force people to accept
the faith and that he must invite people to the way of
Allah with wisdom and good admonition. Muslims
are prohibited from arguing with the people of the
book except in the best of ways.
Furthermore, Islam urges Muslims to meet any
wrong with kindness in hope that enemy may
become a friend” Nor can Goodness and Evil be
equal. Repel (Evil) with what is better: then will he
between whom and you was hatred, become as it
were friend and intimate! (41:34).
Islam condemns fanatism and extremism. In fact
Islam considers an attack on one single person,
an act on all mankind:”If anyone slew a person –
unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief
in the land – it would be as if he slew the whole
people.”(5:32).
In summary, Islam is a faith of mercy and tolerance
that advocates justice and peace. Islam also
preserves and safeguards man’s freedom, honor
and dignity. Islamic rulings and principles aim at
safeguarding human rights, which include every
human’s right to live in peace and security, and
practice one’s religious beliefs.
PRAYING Five Times a Day
Why do Muslims pray five times a day
Praying five times a day is considered the second
most important of Islam’s five pillars, after professing
that “There is no god but Allah and that the Prophet
Muhammad is Allah’s messenger.”
Muslim considers prayer to be a spiritual and
physical act, with various standing, bending, and
prostrating postures symbolizing devotion to Allah.
As human beings we have a physical body, an
intellect and a spirit and the ritual prayers involve
all three of those aspects. The five prayers are
continuous reminders of Allah. At fixed intervals, no
matter how busy, all of a sudden Muslim takes a
few minutes to remember Allah. Allah, the Exalted,
says in the Holy Quran:” And Perform prayer. Verily,
the prayer prevents from great sins of every kind,
unlawful acts, disbelief, polytheism, and every kind
of evil deeds.”(29:45). Prophet Muhammad once
asked one of his companions:”Tell me if there was
a river at your door step in which you washed five
times a day, would any of your dirt remain.” He then
said:”That is like the five times prayer with which
Allah wipes out sins.”
In summary, Salah (prayer) is the direct contact or
link between the worshipper and Allah, the Exalted.
It builds a strong defense against evil.
March 2011
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