Islam is about belief in God, free will, accountability of one's actions towards sustaining harmony and managing the equilibrium of a given society, and an acknowledgment that Muhammad (pbuh) was God's prophet.
Who is a Muslim?
Any one who subscribe to the above idea is considered a Muslim.
Any one who subscribe to the above idea is considered a Muslim.
Prophet Muhammad understood the human nature, and was cognizant that it is human for an individual to regress to "me, me and me" causing him or her to mess up the cohesiveness of a given society. To keep checks and balances in place, the principles of equality, rather humility are built in to every aspect of an active Muslim life, like the pledge, prayers, fasting, Zakat and the Hajj pilgrimage.
His last sermon emphasized equal opportunity "All mankind is from *Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves."
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is a mercy to mankind, meaning a liberator of humanity from the shackles of oppression, encouraging freeing slaves, liberating women from bondage and places every human on equal footing.
To preserve the senses of oneness among his followers, the Prophet added one of the most beautiful clauses of pluralism as a check to regressing one to to me, me, and me alone is better kind of arrogance; it was to learn to respect the otherness of other.
He said, over a period of time the followers will group themselves in to 73 (or 72) tribes, a metaphorical number to indicate ‘many.’ Then he added each one needs to race in doing good to fellow beings and there will be one who will earn the greatest rewards. As expected of humans, the literalists believe that they are the righteous ones and the other 72 (or 71) are not. What the Prophet probably meant can be explained in a school analogy where the teacher tells his or her 73 students, all of you must study hard and do well in the exams, there will be only one who will score the highest and earn the title of first rank and every one must aspire for that. It does not mean the 72 other will all score zero, it means that a majority will pass in varying degrees and earn their own equilibriums of peace and tranquilities. A few will no doubt fail and bear the burden for it.
YOU ARE A MUSLIM
“You are a Muslim, if you believe in one God and bear witness that Prophet Muhammad is his last messenger.” You may belong to any one of the 73 tribes, yet, you are a Muslim. We believe if there were a roll call on the Day of Judgment by religion, Prophet Muhammad will probably say If you are a Muslim, raise your hand.
All our writings listed in the sites on the left panel will keep that attitude. No group will be considered superior or inferior. Only Allah knows who is pious and who is not and he judges individuals and not groups.
All our writings listed in the sites on the left panel will keep that attitude. No group will be considered superior or inferior. Only Allah knows who is pious and who is not and he judges individuals and not groups.
If you believe this (draft) pledge has merit, add your note with your name and website or blog address. Insha Allah, we will publish this in two formats:
PROPHET'S LAST SERMON:
- "O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.
- O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every *Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. God has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. God has judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn 'Abd'al Muttalib (Prophet's uncle) shall henceforth be waived...
- Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
- O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under God's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.
- O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.
- All mankind is from *Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
- Remember, one day you will appear before *God and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
