BASIC QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR NEW MUSLIMS

Islam lexically means to surrender, to submit, to obey. This religion is called Islam because it is a religion based on surrendering to and obeying the commands of Allah.

Islam is a lifestyle, a system of belief and practice, conveyed to people by Allah through prophets, leading people to happiness in this world and the hereafter. Islam is a divine law that guides sane people, through their own choices, to what is truly good.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) defined Islam in various ways. One of those definitions is as follows:

“Islam is built upon five pillars: Bearing witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad (pbuh) is His servant and messenger, performing the prayers, giving zakah, performing hajj to the House (the Kaaba), and fasting during Ramadan.” (Bukhari, Iman 1; Muslim, Iman 22; Nasai, Iman 13; Tirmidhi, Iman 3)

A person becomes a Muslim by sincerely believing in and expressing with his tongue kalima ash-shahada statement, which is the fundamental condition for embracing Islam.

The Arabic statement is as follows: “Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluh.”

Kalima ash-shahada statement consists of two parts: one expressing tawhid (the oneness of Allah) and the other expressing the prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh) (peace be upon him). The first part testifies that there is no god but Allah, and the second part testifies that Muhammad (pbuh) is the servant and messenger of Allah. This testimony signifies the verbal expression of a definitively established knowledge and belief.

These five pillars are mentioned in the hadith of our Prophet (pbuh). The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:

“Islam is founded upon five things: bearing witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger; performing the prayers; giving zakah; performing Hajj to the Kaaba; and fasting during Ramadan.” (Bukhari, Iman, 1, 2; Muslim, Iman, 19, 22; Tirmidhi, Iman, 3; Nasai, Iman, 13).

Those five principles mentioned in the hadith are among the pillars of Islam; they are like the poles of a tent. Other rulings are built upon them. Islam has many fards (obligatory duties). However, those mentioned in the hadith are considered among the fundamental conditions of Islam.

Belief has six pillars: They are belief in Allah, the hereafter, angels, books, prophets, and predestination (qadar). It is necessary for a person to believe in all six of those pillars to become a believer. A person who does not believe in even one of those pillars of belief cannot be a believer because the pillars of belief are interconnected.

1. Belief in Allah

A Muslim believes, first and foremost, that Allah exists and is one and that this universe is His creation. He has no partner, equal, or likeness in His essence, attributes, or actions. His attributes do not resemble those of creation.

The chapter of al-Ikhlas is described by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to be equivalent to one-third of the Quran because it concisely expresses the principle of tawhid (the oneness of Allah), which is the foundation of Islam, and describes Allah.

The meaning of the chapter is as follows:

“1. Say (O Prophet): He is Allah, the One and Only.
2. Allah, the Eternal, Absolute.
3. He begetteth not, nor is He begotten.
4. And there is none like unto Him.”

2. Belief in the Angels

Every Muslim believes that Allah Almighty has subtle creatures called “angels.” They glorify Allah and also fulfill other duties assigned to them. Those creatures, which are free from rebellion, are not subject to trials like humans; their nature is pure; they are innocent, and their status is fixed.

3. Belief in the Books

Allah revealed books to some of the prophets He sent to humankind. In those books, Allah informed people of His commands and prohibitions; He taught them what is good and beautiful, and showed them the right path.

As Muslims, we believe that the Torah, the Psalms, and the Gospel — the divine books— were sent respectively to Moses, David, and Jesus (peace be upon them), and that those books contain no decrees contrary to the true religion of tawhid. However, those books were not preserved and their originals were lost. We cannot say that the books that Jews and Christians have today contain nothing of the revelations sent to the prophets. However, it is a fact that they are mixed with superstitions and false beliefs. Therefore, we are cautious about those books. We accept that the decrees within them that are consistent with the Quran are the product of revelation.

We assume that any rulings that contradict the Quran were added to those books afterwards. Regarding the reports in those books that are neither consistent with nor contradictory to the Quran, we remain silent. We neither accept nor reject them. This is because there is just as much of a chance that they are not revelations as there is that they are. The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said to his Companions regarding the issue:

- Do not affirm or deny the words of the People of the Book. Rather, say:

“We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma’il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one and another of them: And we bow to Allah (in Islam).” (al-Baqara, 136)

4. Belief in the Prophets

It is a divine law that Allah Almighty warns humanity through a prophet who is also from among humans.

“Pre-eternal power, which does not leave ants without a prince or bees without a queen, certainly does not leave mankind without prophets.” (Hakikat Çekirdekleri)

In this world, man is like a ship exposed to violent and terrifying waves. The captains that can save him from the dangers of those formidable waves and bring him to safe shore are the prophets.

“Know that among mankind prophethood is the summary and foundation of human good and perfections; True Religion is the index of prosperity and happiness; belief is sheer, transcendent good. Since apparent in this world are a shining beauty, an extensive and exalted good, an evident truth, and superior perfection, self-evidently truth and reality lie in prophethood and in the hands of prophets.” (Lem’alar, 17. Lem’a, Dokuzuncu Nota)

Prophets are creations and servants of Allah. A Muslim is obligated to believe in all the prophets. If a person denies the prophethood of any of them, he exits Islam.

For example, a person who does not believe in the Prophet Moses (Musa) or the Prophet Jesus (Isa) cannot be a believer. Their prophethood is definite based on the Quran. Believing in them is a requirement of believing in both the books and the prophets.

The Quran speaks highly of Jesus as follows:

“Say ye: We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham, Isma’il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) prophets from their Lord: We make no difference between one and another of them: And we bow to Allah (in Islam).” (al-Baqara, 2:136)

“To Jesus the son of Mary We gave clear (Signs), and strengthened him with the holy spirit.” (al-Baqara, 2:253)

“We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of apostles; We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the holy spirit. Is it that whenever there comes to you an apostle with what ye yourselves desire not, ye are puffed up with pride?- Some ye called impostors, and others ye slay!” (al-Baqara, 2:87)

5. Belief in the Hereafter

One of the most important pillars of belief is believing in resurrection after death and in the afterlife. Allah Almighty, who bestows both material and spiritual blessings upon humanity in this worldly life, will grant His beloved servants who pass this worldly test boundless physical and spiritual blessings in Paradise.

Just as Allah brings all the plants and animals that die in autumn back to life in spring, He will surely resurrect the deceased in the hereafter. This is a requirement of both His mercy and justice.

All Abrahamic religions agree on this fundamental belief.

The following is stated in the Quran:

“And he makes comparisons for Us, and forgets his own (origin and) Creation: He says, ‘Who can give life to (dry) bones and decomposed ones (at that)?’ Say, ‘He will give them life Who created them for the first time! for He is Well-versed in every kind of creation’.” (Ya-sin, 78-79).

This verse explains that resurrection is possible, and even easier than the initial creation.

6. Belief in Predestination (Qadar)

One of the pillars of belief is believing in predestination (qadar).

Qadar lexically means measure, assessment, appreciation, and decision-making. In other words, when we speak of belief in qadar, we refer to a conception of the universe founded on the interconnected relationships and delicate balances that must be observed in all beings—a universe designed by Allah’s infinite knowledge and wisdom, and governed by His justice and perfect measure.

Qadar has two parts. The first one: Every being in the universe, “with its essence, form and all its characteristics”, is predetermined by Allah’s knowledge and created accordingly.

“It is He who created all things, and ordered them in due proportions.” (al-Furqan, 25:2)

The second one is related to human free will. Whatever a person chooses and does with his free will, whether good or evil, Allah creates it. Humans are responsible for this second part. Paradise and Hell are the consequences of this right of choice granted to human free will.

- There are dozens of verses in the Quran that testify to the existence of human free will.

“It (every soul) gets every good that it earns, and it suffers every ill that it earns.” (al-Baqara, 2:286)

“Say, ‘The truth is from your Lord’: Let him who will believe, and let him who will, reject (it)’.” (al-Kahf, 18:29)

Allah is the only being who creates, preserves, and governs the universe and everything in it. He is the only Lord worthy of worship. Nothing is equal to Him.

Allah possesses all perfect attributes and is free from all imperfections. He is the possessor of absolute power, knowledge, and wisdom.

The name “Allah” belongs solely to Him. No other being has ever been, nor ever will be, referred to by this name.

As a matter of fact, the following is stated in the Quran:

“Verily, I am Allah. There is no god but I: So serve thou Me (only), and establish regular prayer for celebrating My praise” (Taha, 14)

The attributes of Allah are the qualities that enable us to know Him correctly. Those attributes are divided into two: essential (dhati) attributes and positive (thubuti) attributes.

Essential attributes are those qualities that belong exclusively to Allah and are not found in any other being. They are: existence (wujud), pre-eternity (qidam), everlastingness (baqa), being unlike anything else (mukhalafatun lil-hawadith), self-existence (qiyam bi-nafsihi), and oneness (wahdaniyyah).

The essential attributes express Allah’s perfect qualities. They are: being alive (hayah), knowing everything (ilm), willing (iradah), having power over everything (qudrah), hearing (sam’), seeing (basar), speaking (kalam), and creating (takwin).

Essential attributes belong solely to Allah and are not shared with any other being. Positive attributes exist in other beings as names, but they are infinite and perfect in Allah, whereas they are limited and imperfect in humans.

Human beings are obligated to believe in their Lord, to know Him, to worship Him, and to live on the straight path He has shown. As a matter of fact, Almighty Allah says, “I have only created Jinn and men, that they may serve Me.” (adh-Dhariyat, 56) And the believers always seek guidance from Allah with the prayer “Show us the straight way” (al-Fatiha, 6).

A believer should perform righteous deeds as Allah has instructed in the Quran and should prefer what is lawful and avoid what is unlawful. Allah Almighty gives this glad tiding by saying, “Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has Faith, verily, to him will We give a new Life, a life that is good and pure.” (an-Nahl, 97) He informs us about halal by saying, “Eat of what is on earth, Lawful and good.” (al-Baqara, 168), “The things that my Lord hath indeed forbidden are shameful deeds, whether open or secret.” Thus, He explains what is haram. (al-A’raf, 33).

One of the most important duties of a believer is to follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Indeed, the following is stated in the Quran: “Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct)” (al-Ahzab, 21). The verse “If ye do love Allah, follow me: Allah will love you” (Aal-i Imran, 31) clearly states that following the Prophet is a requirement of loving Allah.

Knowing and believing in the existence and oneness of Allah, that He possesses all perfect attributes, and that He has no equal or likeness is the foundation of belief. This truth is most succinctly expressed in the phrase “La ilaha illallah” (There is no god but Allah). Therefore, this phrase is called the word of tawhid. Whoever says this phrase and believes in it becomes a believer and a monotheist.

As a matter of fact, Allah Almighty says, “Then set not up rivals unto Allah when ye know (the truth)” (al-Baqara, 22). Associating partners with Allah means worshipping other beings besides Him, showing absolute obedience to them, or believing that everything came into existence spontaneously and by chance; they are regarded as associating partners with Allah knowingly and denying Him.

According to Islam, the Trinity belief in Christianity is considered polytheism (shirk) because it contradicts the oneness of Allah. According to this belief God is understood as a threefold entity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, Islam clearly states that Allah is one, without partner, equivalent, or counterpart. Indeed, the following is stated in the Quran: “So believe in Allah and His apostles. Say not ‘Trinity’: desist: it will be better for you: for Allah is one Allah. Glory be to Him: (far exalted is He) above having a son.” (an-Nisa, 171). The verse, “They do blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity...” (al-Maida, 73) clearly states the falsity of that belief.

According to narrations, beginning From the Prophet Adam, through Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, up to the Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad (pbuh), one hundred and twenty-four thousand prophets were sent. All of those prophets preached the same religion to humanity. The name of this religion is Islam.

Throughout history, different laws have been applied according to the eras and circumstances of humankind. However, the fundamentals of belief have never changed; the same truth has been preached by all prophets.

At the time when humanity reached maturity, the Quran was revealed, and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was sent as the last prophet. He conveyed to humanity the unchanging principles of Islam and its final divine law, which will be valid until the Day of Judgment.

Details about his life, family, struggles, miracles, and conquests are found in books of siyar (biography of the Prophet).

The Holy Quran is the last sacred book revealed by Allah to mankind. The Quran was revealed to the last Prophet, Muhammad (pbuh), through the angel Gabriel (Jibril) and has been transmitted through continuous chains of narrators to this day.

The Holy Quran is a guide to both material and spiritual guidance for the individual and society, for all classes of people, in all countries and in all eras, encompassing all aspects of human life. Everyone, from the head of government and the commander to the ordinary citizen and the man on the street, finds something involving them in it. They derive from it the knowledge and lessons necessary for their worldly and otherworldly peace and happiness.

The Holy Quran consists of thirty parts (juzes) and comprises one hundred and fourteen chapters (surahs). Each chapter contains many verses (ayahs). Everything in the Quran is the word of Allah and was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) through divine revelation, reaching us today without any alteration.

We should memorize as much of the Quran as possible, understand its meanings, reflect on it, and apply its decrees to our lives. Explanations of the Quranic verses are found in books of commentary (tafsir).

The virtues and characteristics of the Quran are stated in the verses as follows:

“And this is a Book which We have revealed as a blessing: so follow it and be righteous, that ye may receive mercy.” (al-An’am, 6/155).

“And this is a Book which We have sent down, bringing blessings, and confirming (the revelations) which came before it: that thou mayest warn the mother of cities and all around her. Those who believe in the Hereafter believe in this (Book), and they are constant in guarding their prayers.” (al-An’am, 6/92).

Hadith is the verbal or written expression of the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)—comprising his words, deeds, approvals, as well as his moral and human qualities. In this sense, hadith is synonymous with the Sunnah.

Over time, the term hadith came to be used as the general term for the reports narrated from the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) not only conveyed the divine revelation he received from Allah to people, but also explained it and made it a concrete example by applying it in his own life. Therefore, he is also called “The Living Quran”.

Islamic scholars generally accept that hadiths related to religious issues were revealed by Allah to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and they cite the following verses as evidence:

“Nor does he say (aught) of (his own) Desire. It is no less than inspiration sent down to him.” (an-Najm, 53/3-4)

Sunnah lexically means “path, way, nature, principle, law.” Terminologically, it refers to all the words, actions, and tacit approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Tacit approval means that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) saw or heard an action and did not object to it, that is, he approved it by remaining silent.

The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) is the model person whom Allah loves and is pleased with. The love for Allah of any person who does not follow him is doomed to remain merely a word. While this is the truth, to turn away from the Sunnah, under the illusion of acting only according to the verses of the Quran, means to abandon resembling the one whom Allah loves.

If a person attempts to interpret the Quran according to his own opinion, rather than in the light of the hadiths, the path that emerges will not be that of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh). And the destination of that path is clear. The purpose of understanding the Quran is to live by it and to spread its teachings. In this regard, the greatest guide is the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) Let us read this truth directly from the verses of the Quran:

“So take what the Messenger assigns to you, and deny yourselves that which he withholds from you. And fear Allah. for Allah is strict in Punishment.” (al-Hashr, 59/7)

“He does not speak of his own accord. His speech is only through revelation.” (an-Najm, 53/3-4)

“Nor does he say (aught) of (his own) Desire. It is no less than inspiration sent down to him.” (an-Nisa, 4/80)

Bid’ah means views and practices that were not observed or practiced during the time of the Prophet (pbuh) and his noble Companions, that have no parallel and are not part of Islam but emerged later and are regarded as acts of worship, and the behaviors that are contrary to the Sunnah.

Many innovations (bid’ah) have entered the lives of Muslims today. Therefore, anyone who wishes to fulfill the commands of their religion must pay attention to this matter; they must know that words, attitudes, and behaviors that constitute additions or omissions in religion are prohibited are forbidden and they must eliminate them from their lives. The only sources to consult here are the Quran, the Sunnah, and the true madhhab (school of thought) followed by every believer.