Importance of Prayer in Islam

  

The importance of the prayer in Islam cannot be understated.  It is the first pillar ofIslam that the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, mentioned after mentioning the Testimony of Faith, by which one becomes a Muslim.  It was made obligatory upon all the prophets and for all peoples.  God has declared its obligatory status under majestic circumstances.  For example, when God spoke directly to Moses, He said,

“And I have chosen you, so listen to that which is inspired to you.  Verily, I am God! There is none worthy of worship but I, so worship Me and offer prayer perfectly for My remembrance.” (Quran 20:13-14)

Similarly, the prayers were made obligatory upon the Prophet Muhammad during his ascension to heaven.  Furthermore, when God praises the believers, such as in the beginning of the chapter entitled ‘al-Muminoon’ (the Believers), one of the first descriptions He states is their adherence to the prayers.

Once a man asked the Prophet about the most virtuous deed.  The Prophet stated that the most virtuous deed is the prayer.  The man asked again and again and for the first three times, the Prophet answered, “The prayer,” then on the fourth occasion he stated, “Jihad in the way of God.”[1]

The importance of prayer is demonstrated in many of the Prophet’s statements.  For example, the Prophet said,

“The first matter that the slave will be brought to account for on the Day of Judgment is the prayer.  If it is sound, then the rest of his deeds will be sound.  And if it is incomplete, then the rest of his deeds will be incomplete.”[2]

The importance of the prayers lies in the fact that no matter what actions one performs in his life, the most important aspect is one’s relationship to God, that is, one’s faith (imaan), God-consciousness (taqwa), sincerity (ikhlas) and worship of God (ibaadah).  This relationship with God is both demonstrated and put into practice, as well as improved and increased, by the prayer.  Therefore, if the prayers are sound and proper, the rest of the deeds will be sound and proper; and if the prayers are not sound and proper, then the rest of the deeds will not be sound and proper, as the Prophet himself stated.

In reality, the prayer is performed properly – with true remembrance of God and turning to Him for forgiveness – it will have a lasting effect on the person.  After he finishes the prayer, his heart will be filled with the remembrance of God.  He will be fearful as well as hopeful of God.  After that experience, he will not want to move from that lofty position to one wherein he disobeys God.  God has mentioned this aspect of the prayer when He has said,

“Verily, the prayer keeps one from the great sins and evil deeds” (Quran 29:45)

Nadwi has described this effect in the following eloquent way,

Its aim is to generate within the subliminal self of man such spiritual power, light of faith and awareness of God as can enable him to strive successfully against all kinds of evils and temptations and remain steadfast at times of trial and adversity and protect himself against the weakness of the flesh and the mischief of immoderate appetites.[3]

The overall affect that the properly performed prayers should have upon humans is described in other verses in the Quran:

“Verily, man was created impatient, irritable when evil touches him and ungenerous when good touches him.  Except for those devoted to prayer those who remain constant in their prayers…” (Quran 70:19-23)

As for the Hereafter, God’s forgiveness and pleasure is closely related to the prayers.  The Messenger of God said,

“God has obligated five prayers.  Whoever excellently performs their ablutions, prays them in their proper times, completes their bows, prostrations and khushu[4], has a promise from God that He will forgive him.  And whoever does not do that has no promise from God.  He may either forgive him or punish him.”

The prayers are a type of purification for a human being.  He turns and meets with his Lord five times a day.  As alluded to above, this repeated standing in front of God should keep the person from doing sinful acts during the day.  Furthermore, it should also be a time of remorse and repentance, such that he earnestly asks God for forgiveness for those sins that he committed.  In addition, the prayer in itself is a good deed that wipes away some of the evil deeds that he performed.  These points can be noted in the following hadith of the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him:

“If a person had a stream outside his door and he bathed in it five times a day, do you think he would have any filth left on him?” The people said, “No filth would remain on him whatsoever.” The Prophet then said, “That is like the five daily prayers: God wipes away the sins by them.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim)

In another hadith, the Prophet said,

“The five daily prayers and the Friday Prayer until the Friday prayer are expiation for what is between them.” (Saheeh Muslim)

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[1] This is form a hadith recorded by Ahmad and ibn Hibban.  According to al-Albani, the hadith is hasan.  Muhammad Nasir al-Din al-Albani, Sahih al-Targheeb wa al-Tarheeb (Beirut: al-Maktab al-Islami, 1982), vol.  1, p.  150

[2] Recorded by al-Tabarani.  According to al-Albani, it is Sahih.  Al-Albani, Sahih al-Jami, vol.1, p.  503.

[3] Nadwi, p. 24

[4] Khushu` in the prayer is where the person’s heart is attuned to the prayer.  This feeling in the heart is then reflected on the body.  The person remains still and calm.  His gaze is also lowered.  Even his voice is affected by this feeling in the heart.  For more details on this concept (as well as the difference between it and khudhu`), see Muhammad al-Shaayi, al-Furooq al-Laughawiyyah wa Atharahaa fi Tafseer al-Quran al-Kareem (Riyadh: Maktabah al-Ubaikaan, 1993), pp.  249-254.  

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Friday – The Best Day of the Week

Friday is a very important day for Muslims.  It is more significant and more beneficial than any other day of the week.  It is the day that Muslims gather together to pray in congregation. Directly before the prayer they listen to a lecture designed to empower them with valuable knowledge about God, and the religion of Islam.  It is a blessed day that has been designated as such by God, Almighty; no other day of the week shares its virtues.

A believer’s entire life is one of worship; even celebrations are conducted as worship.  While there is no special place or special time to worship God, there are moments, days, or times that God has made more superior; Friday is one of those times.

From the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, we learn that “The best day in the sight of God is Friday, the day of congregation”.[1]  Congregational prayers (obligatory for men) are one of the most strongly emphasized duties in Islam.  It is a time when Muslims come together to worship One God, and  find strength and comfort by standing shoulder to shoulder and reaffirming their faith and devotion to Him.

“O you who believe! When the call to prayer is proclaimed on Friday hasten earnestly to the remembrance of God, and leave aside business.  That is best for you if you but knew.” (Quran 62:9)

In many predominantly Muslim countries Friday is a weekly holiday, sometimes combined with either Thursday or Saturday.  However there is no mandatory closing of businesses except during the time of the congregational prayer.  In western countries many Muslims try to take their lunch break during the time for prayer, usually in the very early afternoon.

Prophet Muhammad told his followers  that “The five daily prayers, and from one Friday prayer till the next, serves as an expiation for whatever sins have been committed between them, provided one does not commit any major sin.”[2]

It is important that a Muslim not neglect Friday Prayer due to work, study, or other worldly matters.  Believers should make attending this prayer a priority since ignoring it three times  in a row, with no valid reason, will cause a believer to stray from the straight  path.

While it is only men who are obliged to attend the Friday congregational prayer there are also many recommended acts that can be performed by men, women or children during this day.  These acts include, taking a bath and wearing clean clothes, saying numerous supplications to God, sending blessings upon Prophet Muhammad, and reading Chapter 18 of the Quran, which is entitled ‘The Cave’.

Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said, “There is no day more virtuous than Friday.  In it there is an hour in which no one will pray to God except that God will hear his prayer”.[3]

"Friday consists of twelve hours, one of which is the hour where supplications are granted for believers.  This hour is sought during the last hour after Asr (the third prayer in the day).[4]"

"Whoever recites ‘The Cave’ on Friday, God will give him a light to the next Friday."[5]

"The best day on which the sun rises is Friday.  It is the day Adam was created.  It is the day when Adam entered the Heavenly Gardens, the day when he was expelled from it and also the day he died.  Friday is the day on which the Day of Resurrection will take place.”[6]

Friday is also the day on which one of the greatest verses in the Quran was revealed.

“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion.” (Quran 5:3)

A story from the life of the second Caliph Omar, illustrates the significance of Friday.   A learned person from among the Jews said to Omar Ibn Al Khattab “In the Quran you people read a certain verse; if that verse had been revealed to us, we would have celebrated that day annually.” Omar asked, “Which verse is that?”  The man replied, “This day, I have perfected your religion for you’.  Omar then said, “Verily I remember the day and the place where this verse was revealed.   It was already a double celebration for us.  Firstly it was Friday-a day of Eid (celebration) for all Muslims and secondly, it was the day of Arafat – the most important day of the Hajj.” Omar further stated that this verse was revealed after Asr (afternoon prayer) while Prophet Muhammad was sitting on his camel.

Friday is a special day; the congregational prayer performed on this day holds special significance in the life of a Muslim.  This is well noted and discussed by Islamic scholars both past and present.  Thirteenth century Islamic scholar Ibn Taymiyyah said: “The most excellent day of the week is Friday according to the consensus of scholars” [7]  and his student Ibnul -Qayyim mentions 32 special characteristics of Friday in his book Zad Al- Ma’ad.   Prophet Muhammad said “Verily, this is the Eid day (day of celebration) that God has prescribed for the Muslims”[8].  Believers would be wise to take advantage of the blessings God sends down to His slaves on Friday.  This is a day of congregation, a day of celebration and a day of contemplation and supplication.

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Footnotes:

[1] Bayhaqi, authenticated by Sheikh Al Albani.

[2] Saheeh Muslim

[3] At Tirmidhi

[4] Abu Dawood,.  An Nasei

[5] Bayhaqi

[6] Saheeh Muslim, Abu Dawood, An Nasei & At Tirmidhi.

[7] Majmu’ah Fatawa

[8] Ibn Majah, authenticated by Sh Al Albani.

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Rights of Allah

by Muhammad ibn Sâlih al-'Uthaymîn

Allah's Rights upon His creation are the rights that must be kept the most. Allah is the sole Creator and Sustainer of the universe. He is the Almighty who created everything with absolute wisdom. Allah is the One who initiated every being from nothing. He is the One who protects humans in their mothers' wombs, as infants, as children and as adults. He, alone, sustains all humans and provides them with food and every aspect of life. Allah said, 

                 "And Allah has brought you out from the wombs of your mothers while you know nothing. And He gave you hearing, sight and hearts that you might give thanks (to Allah)." [16:78]             

If Allah refuses sustenance to anyone he will be instantly destroyed.  Allah's mercy is what keeps humans and everything else alive.

Allah's control over his slaves is perfect. His bounties are countless. If this is His role in the life of humans, then His rights are what one must keep the most. 

Allah does not need sustenance from His slaves. He said, 

   "We ask not of you a provision. We provide it for you. And the good end is for the Muttaqeen (the ones who fear Allah)."  [20:132]              

Allah only wants one thing from His slaves.

"And I (Allah) created not the Jinn and mankind except they should worship Me (alone). I seek not any provision from them nor do I ask that they should feed Me. Verily, Allah is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong." [51:56-58]          

      

Allah only wants mankind to worship Him alone and ascribe no partners with Him in worship, and truly be His slaves. He wants them to surrender to His will, as they surrender to His control for the means of their lives. It is only fair to worship only the One who holds the existence of everything and everyone is in His Hands. One should thank Allah who, alone, provides for him by worshipping Him alone. Allah said:

   "And whatever of blessings and good things you have, it is from Allah. Then, when harm touches you, unto Him you cry aloud for help." [16:53]        

       

    "And strive hard in Allah's cause as you ought to strive (with sincerity). He has chosen you (to convey Islam), and has not laid upon you in religion any hardship, it is the religion of your father Abraham (Islam). It is He (Allah) who has named you Muslims both before and in this (the Quran), that the Messenger (Mohammad) may be a witness over you and you be witnesses over mankind. So offer prayer perfectly, give Zakat (compulsory charity), and hold fast to Allah, He is your Lord, what an excellent Lord and what an excellent helper!" [22:78]    

What Allah requires His slaves to do is easy. He does not want hardship to come to those striving to worship Him. He said

What Allah wants from us is to worship Him with sincerity, and to perform religious deeds. Five prayers a day bring forgiveness from Him and purity in the heart. Muslims must try to perform prayer in the best form:

                "So fear Allah as much as you are able.[64:16]             

              

The Prophet said

                 "Stand while praying, if you cannot then while sitting, and if you cannot then while laying on your side." [Al-Bukhari]

Allah also wants His slaves to pay a small amount of their money to the poor, the needy, strangers who have no money, the indebted and to others who are eligible to take money from Zakat. 

Zakat is so minimal that it does not harm the rich, yet it provides tremendous benefits for the poor. Allah also requires fasting in the lunar month of Ramadhan. He said:

                 "So whoever of you sights the (crescent on the first night of the) month (of Ramadhan), he must fast that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number (of days he misses) from other days." [2:185]  

       

Also, Hajj (pilgrimage) to Makkah once in lifetime is obligatory upon all Muslims, if they are able to do so. In general, we have the obligation to abide by all of Allah's orders, and stay away from all He had made forbidden upon us.

Above mentioned are the duties of Allah's slaves towards Him. They are not difficult to perform. The reward outweighs the requirements by far. The reward is

                 "And whoever is removed away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he indeed is successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception." [3:185]       

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Fearing Allah in Open and Secret

 Possessing fear of Allāh is one of the most sublime qualities of those having īmān; Allāh says:

“The believers are only those who, when Allāh is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely.”  Sūrah al-Anfāl, 8:2

Allāh also says:

“And give good tidings to the humble [before their Lord]. Who, when Allāh is mentioned, their hearts are fearful.” Sūrah al-Ḥajj, 22:34-35

Fearing Allāh in open and secret is one of the greatest signs demonstrating need and total deprivation before Him; whoever realises His greatness and omnipotence; His unconquerable authority; His eye that does not sleep; and reveres Him a manner befitting will truly fear Him:

“But for he who has feared the position of his Lord are two gardens.”Sūrah al-Raḥmān, 55:46

Allāh also says

: “But as for he who feared the position of his Lord and prevented the soul from [unlawful] inclination, then indeed, Paradise will be [his] refuge.”Sūrah al-Nāzi‘āt, 79:40-41

And He says:

“...That is for he who fears My position and fears My threat.”Sūrah Ibrāhīm, 14:14

One whose condition is such will have possessed a vigilant heart that shakes out of trepidation and is always in intimately conversant with its Lord. The heart will seek refuge in Him and plead for recourse bring a heart that is poverty-stricken and servile;

 Allāh says

: “Is one who is devoutly obedient during periods of the night, prostrating and standing [in prayer], fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord, [like one who does not]? Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?”Sūrah al-Zumar, 39:9

Allāh also says

: “Their sides part [i.e., they arise] from [their] beds; they supplicate their Lord in fear and aspiration...”Sūrah al-Sajdah, 32:16

He also says:

“And those who spend [part of] the night to their Lord prostrating and standing [in prayer]”Sūrah al-Furqān, 25:64

Al-Ḥasan al-Baṣrī said,

‘Tears run down their cheeks in fear of their Lord.’

Contemplate the saying of Allāh:

“Say, ‘Believe in it or do not believe.’ Indeed, those who were given knowledge before it – when it is recited to them, they fall upon their faces in prostration, And they say, ‘Exalted is our Lord! Indeed, the promise of our Lord has been fulfilled.’ And they fall upon their faces weeping, and it [i.e., the Qur’ān] increases them in humble submission.”Sūrah al-Isrā’, 17:107-109

This is a total need for Allāh and dejection displayed before Him; Sayyid Quṭub said

: “They are unable to control themselves; they do not merely prostrate but ‘they fall upon their faces in prostration’, then their tongues actuate with the sensation of Allāh’s greatness and true promise that has become fused into their emotions, ‘Exalted is our Lord! Indeed, the promise of our Lord has been fulfilled.’ Being affected in this way overwhelms them and words no longer suffice as a manifestation of what is raging in their bosoms - tears stream down their faces conveying that profound effect words cannot express.”Fī Ẓilāl al-Qur’ān, vol. 5 p. 2245

The condition for genuine fear is that which occurs in private as the heart is attached only to Allāh neither turning to anyone nor anything else; Allāh says:

“Indeed, those who fear their Lord in private will have forgiveness and great reward.”Sūrah al-Mulk, 67:12

Allāh also says:

“Who fear their Lord in private, while they are of the Hour apprehensive.” Sūrah al-Anbiyā’, 21:49

And Allāh says:

“And Paradise will be brought near to the righteous, not far, It will be said], "This is what you were promised – for every returner [to Allāh] and keeper [of His covenant]. Who feared the Most Merciful in private and came with a heart returning [in repentance].” Sūrah Qāf, 50:31-33

The Prophet said in an authentic hadith:

“Allāh will give shade, to seven, on the Day when there will be no shade but His...”

One of the seven mentioned is

“...a person who remembers Allāh in seclusion and his eyes are then flooded with tears.”Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī

Al-Ḥāfiẓ Ibn Ḥajar commented concerning on this seclusion,

‘...because this will as far as possible be away from ostentation; and the intent here is to be secluded from turning to other than Allāh even if one is (physically) in the company of others.’ Fatḥ al-Bāri’, vol. 2 p. 147

Fear of Allāh is a form of worship connected to the heart that drives one to strive, to be earnest, and to have a disposition to perform acts of devotion; the Messenger of Allāh said:

“Whoever fears, will travel during the night, and whoever travels during the night, will reach the destination.” Al-Tirmidhī 4/633, no. 2450

For this reason Al-Ḥāfiẓ ‘Ubaydullāh Ibn Ja‘far said,

‘A slave cannot seek aid for his religion with anything better than the fear of Allāh.’Siyar al-A‘lām al-Nubulā’, vol. 6 p. 9

The reality of this worship of the heart is borne across the limbs and thus we find in the aforementioned hadith about the seven who will have Allāh’s shade:

“...a man who refuses the call of a charming woman of noble birth for illicit intercourse with her and says: I am afraid of Allāh...”

Disobedience presented itself before him in its most accomplished decorative appearance and most splendid manner of temptation and here was a man like any other man yet nothing but the fear of Allāh prevented him from her. There is a similar incident to this in the tale of the three persons who were caught stuck in a cave, when one of them supplicated:

“O Allāh! You know that I was in love with a cousin of mine, like the deepest love a man may have for a woman, and she told me that I would not get my desire fulfilled unless I paid her one-hundred Dinars (gold pieces). So, I struggled for it till I gathered the desired amount, and when I sat in between her legs, she told me to be afraid of Allāh, and asked me not to deflower her except rightfully (by marriage). So, I got up and left her. O Allāh! If You regard that I did it for Your sake, then deliver us from this predicament.”Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī

And in a variant narration:

“O Allāh! If You consider that I did that for fear of you than please remove the rock.”

This meek woman resigned herself to him and could only muster the matter of reminding him to fear Allāh but his heart awoke and became replete with fear of Allāh, which prevented him from committing the sin; the saying of Sa‘īd Ibn Jubayr is an exceptional definition of fear:

“(Real) fear means to fear Allāh to the extent that your fear prevents your disobedience – that is fear.” Ḥilyah al-Awliyā’, vol. 4 p. 276 and Siyar al-A‘lām al-Nubulā’, vol. 6 p. 9

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The Final Goal

by Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah

Allah, Most High, says,

“There is not a single thing except that its depositories and treasures are with Us.” [al-Hijr (15): 21]

This verse contains one of the treasures [of the Qur’an], this being that nothing is sought except from the One who possesses its depositories and treasures, the One in whose hands lie the keys to these treasures. Seeking something from anyone else is to seek something from someone who neither possesses it nor has any authority over it.

The saying of Allah, Most High,

“...and that to your Lord is the final goal,” [al-Najm (53): 42]

contains an invaluable treasure, this being that every objective that is not intended for His sake and is not connected [in any form or fashion] to Him is temporary and soon to disappear. This is because its final goal is not with Him. The final goal lies only with the One to whom all matters find their conclusion, terminating at His creation, will, wisdom and knowledge. Therefore, He is the source of every desired matter.

Everything that is beloved, if it is not loved for His sake then this love is nothing but grief and torment. Every act that is not performed for His sake is wasted and cut off. Every heart that does not reach Him is wretched and veiled, barred from achieving success and happiness.

Therefore, Allah has mentioned every objective in His saying,

“There is not a single thing except that its depositories and treasures are with Us.” [al-Hijr (15): 21]

and He has mentioned the motivation for everything in His saying,

“...and that to your Lord is the final goal,” [al-Najm (53): 42]

Therefore, there is nothing beyond Allah that deserves to be sought and nothing finds its conclusion with other than Him. 

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Understanding Islam "Morality and Ethics"

Islam is a comprehensive way of life, and morality is one of the cornerstones Islam.  Morality is one of the fundamental sources of a nation’s strength, just as immorality is one of the main causes of a nation’s decline.  Islam has established some universal fundamental rights for humanity as a whole, which are to be observed in all circumstances.  To uphold these rights, Islam has provided not only legal safeguards, but also a very effective moral system.  Thus, whatever leads to the welfare of the individual or the society and does not oppose any maxims of the religion is morally good in Islam, and whatever is harmful is morally bad.

Given its importance in a healthy society, Islam supports morality and matters that lead to it, and stands in the way of corruption and matters that lead to it.  The guiding principle for the behavior of a Muslim is “Virtuous Deeds”.  This term covers all deeds, not only acts of worship.  The Guardian and Judge of all deeds is God Himself.

 

The most fundamental characteristics of a Muslim are piety and humility.  A Muslim must be humble with God and with other people:

“And turn not your face away from people (with pride), nor walk in insolence through the earth.  Verily, God likes not each arrogant boaster.  And be moderate (or show no insolence) in your walking, and lower your voice.  Verily, the harshest of all voices is the voice (braying) of the ass.”  (Quran 31:18-19)

Muslims must be in controls of their passions and desires.

A Muslim should not be vain or attached to the ephemeral pleasures of this world. While most people allow the material world to fill their hearts, Muslims should keep God in their hearts and the material world in their hand.  Instead of being attached to the car and the job and the diploma and the bank account, all these things become tools to make us better people.

“The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail, but only he (will prosper) that brings to God a sound heart.” (Quran: 26:88-89)

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News of the Past

One of the strongest evidences of Prophet Muhammad’s truth is his knowledge of the Unseen world: his accurate knowledge of previous nations and future prophecies.  No matter how intelligent, a man cannot authoritatively speak of the past based upon mere intelligence.  The information has to be learned.  Muhammad was a human being, who did not live in the midst of the nations he spoke of, did not inherit any knowledge of their civilization, or learn it from a teacher. God says:

“That is from the news of the unseen which We reveal to you, [O Muhammad].  And you were not with them when they cast their pens as to which of them should be responsible for Mary.  Nor were you with them when they disputed.” (Quran 3:44)

“That is from the news of the unseen which We reveal, [O Muhammad], to you.  And you were not with them when they put together their plan while they conspired.” (Quran 12:102)

Consider the verses:

“And We gave Moses the Scripture, after We had destroyed the former generations, as enlightenment for the people and guidance and mercy that they might be reminded.  And you, [O Muhammad], were not on the western side [of the mount] when We revealed to Moses the command, and you were not among the witnesses [to that] but We produced [many] generations [after Moses], and prolonged was their duration.  And you were not a resident among the people of Madyan, reciting to them Our verses, but We were senders [of this message].  And you were not at the side of the mount when We called [Moses] but [were sent] as a mercy from your Lord to warn a people to whom no Warner had come before you that they might be reminded.  And if not that a disaster should strike them for what their hands put forth [of sins] and they would say, ‘Our Lord, why did You not send us a messenger so we could have followed Your verses and been among the believers?’” (Quran 28:43-47)

These events in the story of Moses were related by Muhammad.  Either he witnessed them and was present there, or learned it from those who knew.  In either case, he would not be God’s prophet.  The only other possibility, rather an inescapable conclusion, is that Muhammad was taught by God Himself.

A few facts must be considered to recognize the full strength of the argument.  Muhammad did not learn from any religious scholar, there were no Jewish or Christian scholars in Mecca at the time, and he did not know any language other than Arabic.  In addition to the previous, he could neither read nor write.  No Meccan, Jew, or Christian ever claimed to be Muhammad’s teacher.  Had Muhammad learned from any source, his own companions who believed in him would have exposed him.

“Say, ‘If God had willed, I would not have recited it to you, nor would He have made it known to you, for I had remained among you a lifetime before it.  Then will you not reason?’” (Quran 10:16)

Despite their strong opposition, the unbelievers could not attribute his knowledge of the past and present to any source.  The failure of his contemporaries is sufficient proof against all later skeptics.

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The Correction of Jewish and Christian Misunderstandings

Below are two examples of the Quran correcting what had undergone change in Jewish and Christian beliefs:

(1)  The Jews claim Abraham to be a Jew, the father of the Jewish nation, whereas the Christians consider him to be their father as well, as the Roman Catholic Church calls Abraham “our father in Faith” in the Eucharistic prayer called Roman Canon recited during Mass.  God responds to them in the Quran:

“O People of the Scripture, why do you argue about Abraham while the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed until after him?  Then will you not reason?” (Quran 3:65)

(2)  The Quran forcefully denies the crucifixion of Jesus, an event of immense proportions to both religions:

“And [We cursed them] for their breaking of the covenant and their disbelief in the signs of God and their killing of the prophets without right and their saying, ‘Our hearts are wrapped’ [i.e., sealed against reception].  Rather, God has sealed them because of their disbelief, so they believe not, except for a few.  And [We cursed them] for their disbelief and their saying against Mary a great slander, And [for] their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of God.’  And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them.  And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it.  They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption.  And they did not kill him, for certain.” (Quran 4:155-157)

This Quranic denial raises some fundamental questions.

First, if Islamic doctrine were borrowed from Judaism and Christianity, why did it deny crucifixion?  After all, both religions agree it took place!  For the Jews, it was Jesus the imposter who was crucified, but for Christians, it was the Son of God.  The Prophet Muhammad could have easily agreed to the crucifixion of Jesus, this giving more credit to his message.  If Islam were a false religion, an imitation of Judaism or Christianity, or if Muhammad was not true in his claim, Islam would not take an uncompromising stand on this issue and declare both religions to be outright wrong in this matter, as there is nothing as such to gain by its denial.

Second, if Islam had borrowed the myth of crucifixion from these two religions, it would have eliminated a point of major contention with them, but Islam brought the truth and could not vindicate a myth just to appease them.  It is quite possible the Jews were responsible for crucifying Jesus, for their historical transgressions against the prophets of God has been documented in the bible and the Quran alike.  But in regards to Jesus, the Quran states forcefully:

“And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him.”

How is it possible, then, to say that the Muhammad produced the Quran by information learnt from Jewish or Christian scholars when he brought ideologies uprooting their doctrine?

Third, the denial of crucifixion by itself negates other Christian beliefs:

(1)   Jesus’ atonement for sin’s of man.

(2)  Burden of original sin carried by all men.

(3) Deconstructs the myth of the cross and its veneration.

(4) The last supper and the Eucharist.

Thus we see that the stories the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, told of nations of past were not mere folklore, nor were they learnt from Jewish or Christian learned men.  Rather, they were revealed to him from above the seven heavens by the God of creation.

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Entering Mecca’s Grand Mosque (al-Masjid al-Haram)

In the sixth year after the Prophet was forced to migrate from Mecca to Medina, he saw himself visiting Mecca and performing pilgrimage in a vision mentioned in the Quran:

“Certainly has God showed to His Messenger the vision (i.e. dream) in truth.  You will surely enter al-Haram mosque, if God wills, in safety, with your heads shaved and [hair] shortened[1], not fearing [anyone].  He knew what you did not know and has arranged before that a conquest near [at hand].” (Quran 48:27)

God made three promises:

(a)   Muhammad would enter into Mecca’s Grand Mosque.

(b)  Muhammad would enter in a state of security.

(c)   Muhammad and his companions would get to perform pilgrimage and fulfill its rituals.

Ignoring the hostility of Meccans, Prophet Muhammad gathered his companions and embarked on a peaceful journey to Mecca.  But the Meccans continued to be hostile and he was forced to return to Medina.  The vision remained unfulfilled; however, an important treaty was signed between the Prophet and the Meccans, which would prove of great significance.  It is due to this treaty that Muhammad performed a peaceful pilgrimage with his companions the very next year.  The vision had found its fulfillment.[2]

The Quranic Prophecy; ‘The Unbelievers Will Lose’

Muslims were subject to severe persecution in Mecca at the hand of pagans.  At one time they were boycotted for three years, and the perpetual shortage of food sometimes bordered on famine.[3]  Any talk of victory was unimaginable.  Despite all odds, God prophesized in Mecca:

“[The pagans’] assembly will be defeated, and they shall turn their backs [in flight]!.” (Quran 54:45)

The Arabic verb yuhzamu is preceded by sa (an Arabic prefix denoting the future tense), making it a distinct prophecy awaiting fulfillment in future.  And so it was in the holy month of Ramadan, two years after the Prophet’s migration from Mecca to Medina that the Meccans were defeated in the Battle of Badr and forced to retreat.[4]  Umar, the second caliph of the Muslims after the Prophet, used to say that they did not know how the Quranic prophecy would be fulfilled until they themselves witnessed it coming true at the famous battle of Badr! (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

The Quranic Prophecy; ‘Believers Will Get Political Authority’

Despite severe oppression at the hands of Meccans, Muslims were given good news fromGod:

“God has promised those who have believed among you and done righteous deeds that He will surely grant them succession [to authority] upon the earth just as He granted it to those before them and that He will surely establish [therein] their religion which He has preferred for them and that He will surely substitute for them, after their fear, security, [for] they worship Me, not associating anything with Me.  But whoever disbelieves after that - then those are the defiantly disobedient.” (Quran 24:55)

How such a promise from Almighty God would be fulfilled to the oppressed, brutalized Muslims in Mecca was impossible to imagine at the time it was made.  It was  fulfilled, nevertheless.  Indeed, God made Muslims secure and gave them political sway in a matter of years.

“And Our word [decree] has already preceded for Our slaves, the messengers, [that] indeed, they would be those given victory.” (Quran 37:171-172)

At first, the Muslims established their own state, by the invitation of the people of Medina, when God commanded they migrate there from Mecca.  Then, within the lifetime of the Prophet, that state expanded to hold sway over the whole of the Arabian Peninsula, from the Gulf of Aqaba and the Arabian Gulf to the Arabian Sea in the south, including the place from whence the Muslims had been driven out (Mecca itself).  This decree was ongoing, for the expansion of the Muslim political and religious dominion did not stop at the Arabian Peninsula.  History gives a living testimony that the Muslims addressed by these verses ruled the lands of the former Persian and Roman empires, an expansion that amazed and won admiration of world historians.  In the words of Encyclopedia Britannica:

“Within 12 years after Muhammad’s death, the armies of Islam took possession of Syria, Iraq, Persia, Armenia, Egypt, and Cyrenaica (in modern Libya).”[5]

The Quran’s Prophecy Regarding the Hypocrites and the Tribe of Banu Nadhir

God says in the Quran:

“Surely, if they are expelled, never will they (hypocrites) go out with them, and if they are attacked, they will never help them.  And if they do help them, they (hypocrites) will turn their backs, so they will not be victorious.” (Quran 59:12)

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(For) indeed if they are driven out they go not out with them, and indeed if they are attacked they help them not, and indeed if they had helped them they would have turned and fled, and then they would not have been victorious.

“Have you not observed how those who are hypocrites, tell their brothers (i.e. associates) among the People of the Scripture who disbelieved, ‘If you are expelled, we will surely also leave with you, and we will never anyone against you; and if you are attacked (i.e. by the Muslim militia), we will surely aid you.’  But God bears witness that they are liars.  If they (i.e. the Jews) are expelled, they (i.e. the hypocrites) will not leave with them, and if they are fought, they will not aid them.  And [even] if they were to aid them, they will surely turn their backs; then they will not be aided.” (Quran 59:11-12)

The prophecy was fulfilled when the Banu Nadhir were expelled in August 625 CE from Medina; the hypocrites did not accompany them or come to their aid.[6]

The Quranic Prophecies concerning Future Confrontations

“They will not harm you except for [some] annoyance.  And if they fight you, they will show you their backs (i.e., flee); then they will not be aided.” (Quran 3:111)

“And if those (Meccans) who disbelieve were to fight you, they would certainly turn their backs (i.e., flee).  Then they would not find a protector or a helper.” (Quran 48:22)

Historically, after these verses were revealed, the unbelievers in the Arabian Peninsula were never able to withstand the Muslims again.[7]

We see from the prophecies discussed in these articles that the claim many detractors of Muhammad’s Prophethood are utterly unfounded.  They have based their criticism on the challenge to show that what Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, foretold, if anything, and what came true of his foretelling.[8]  Demonstrably, he did prophesize, with God’s guidance, and demonstrably, what he was directed to tell us did actually occur.  Therefore, by the criterion of the detractors, Muhammad was the Messenger of God, and the last of the prophets to be sent, by both his statements in the Sunnah (narrations from his life) and the word of the Quran.

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Footnotes:

[1] Some of the rites of Hajj.

[2] See ‘Mercy For the Worlds,’ by Qazi Suliman Mansoorpuri, vol.1, p. 212 and ‘Madinan Society At The Time Of The Prophet,’ by Dr. Akram Diya al Umari, vol. 2, p. 139.

[3] ‘Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources’ by Martin Lings, p. 89.

[4] ‘Mercy For the Worlds,’ by Qazi Suliman Mansoorpuri, vol. 3 p. 299 ‘Madinan Society At The Time Of The Prophet,’ by Dr. Akram Diya al Umari, vol. 2, p. 37.

[5] “arts, Islamic.” Encyclopædia Britannica from Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service. (http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-13813)

[6] ‘Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources’ by Martin Lings, p. 204.  ‘Mercy For the Worlds,’ by Qazi Suliman Mansoorpuri, vol. 3 p. 302.

[7] ‘Risala Khatim al-Nabiyeen Muhammad,’ by Dr. Thamir Ghisyan.

[8] You may say in your heart, ‘How will we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?’  When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken.  The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him. (The Bible, New American Standard Version, Deuteronomy 18:21-22)

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