FAQs

The Creator has different names in different languages, for example Moses (pbuh) spoke Hebrew, he called the Creator Eloha in Hebrew. Jesus (pbuh) spoke Aramaic, he called The Creator Alaha in Aramaic. Muhammad (pbuh) spoke Arabic, he called The Creator Allah in Arabic. In English, we call The Creator God, in French He is called Dieu, in Persian He is called Khuda. So the Creator is known by different names in different languages.

The order, balance and equilibrium in the universe points to one Creator. If there were more than one god, then there would be disorder and confusion. For instance, if there were more than one god, one would say that the earth should spin clockwise; the other would say ‘no, it should be anti-clockwise’. Or, on the size of the earth, one would say ‘it should be the size of what it is’, the other one might say ‘no, it should be double of what it is’, and so on. So it wouldn’t work.

Also, do you know of a country where there is more than one king? Do you know of a country with two Presidents? Do you know any school with more than one head teacher? You see, it would not work, (The Quran 21:22)

Of course, all the prophets of God previously preached in the existence and belief in only one God. We read this in the Old Testament, the Torah, the Gospel and Prophet Moses (pbuh) and Prophet Jesus (pbuh), all preached the existence of one God only. (Deut 6:4 and Mark 12:29)

In Arabic there are two, third person singular pronouns ‘heya and huwa’ she and he. In English there are three’ it, she and he’. ‘It’ is generally used for lifeless objects, so we can not use that for the Creator. ‘She’ is expected to give birth but God Almighty does not give birth, therefore we are only left with ‘He’. The fact is that God Almighty is the Spiritual Being, He is neither a he nor a she, however due to limitations of the human tongue we refer to Him in third person singular pronoun as ‘He’.

The Holy Quran tells us ‘Qul hu-wallahu-Ahad’ He is Allah The One. Then why is Allah saying ‘We’ for Himself? For instance we read in the Quran - 15:9 “We sent down the Quran and We will preserve it, safeguard it and protect it”.

‘We’ is the language of Royalty. When Royal decrees and ordinances are pronounced ‘We’ is used. Therefore in the Quran, in this context God Almighty uses ‘We’ as first person plural for Himself.

In the Holy Quran, in a personal relationship with God Almighty ‘I’ is used. When it’s a remote relationship, ‘He’ is used and when Allah SWT speaks for Himself, then ‘We’ is used.

Please refer to booklet “The Existence of the Creator” by Shamshad M. Khan available free from IPCI, 434, Coventry Road, Birmingham B10 0UG. It can also be downloaded on the internet: www.ipci-iv.co.uk

Everything that is created has a creator. When we refer to God Almighty, we are referring to the uncreated Creator. Therefore He is uncreated God Almighty.

God Almighty is the Originator of the primal origin. The Cause of all the causes.

(Please refer to booklet, “Existence of the Creator” available free from IPCI, it can also be downloaded on the internet www.ipci-iv.co.uk)

We read in the Bible - John 4:24 that God Almighty is The Spiritual Being.

According to Islamic teachings also He is The Spiritual Being, The Infinite Being, and cannot be seen by finite human eyes. As we read in the Quran, when Prophet Moses expressed his wish to see God Almighty, he was told “you cannot see Me”. (Quran 7:143)

If you cannot see God Almighty then surely you cannot draw a picture of His Being. 

God Almighty has created us, He is our maker and He has also given us guidelines to follow in order to be successful in this life and in the hereafter.

A manufacturer of a computer gives you a manual, so that you follow that manual and operate the computer according to the guidelines given, in order to get optimum performance from it. For example, connect it to a stabilised voltage supply, turn the power button on and press the buttons in pre-determined configuration as guided and described in the manufacturers manual, then you’ll find that the computer will give you good service, it will be reliable, durable and you’ll be pleased and satisfied with it. So similarly our Maker has also given us guidelines to follow.

The final guidelines came in the form of the Quran which is the manual for human guidance and if you follow these guidelines you will then have a successful life in this world and in the hereafter.

God Almighty, is our Creator and He wishes that we remember Him and submit before Him, at least five times a day and acknowledge the blessings that we receive from Him, for example the air that we breathe, the water we drink, the food that we eat, the system that He has designed and organised for us. He has made everything conducive to support life, we must therefore acknowledge that fact and thank Him for it continuously.

In order to maintain our physical wellbeing we need to eat food, drink water etc. Similarly in order to maintain our spiritual wellbeing we should submit to our Creator and pray to Him.

God Almighty says in the Quran “I have created the jinn and mankind only that they may worship Me.”(51:56), when we pray to God Almighty it keeps us away from evil deeds (Quran 29:45). Also we must remember that this life is a test that God Almighty has designed for us. When He created paradise, He decided that only the deserving will enter it. We are therefore, all going through the test and if we pass the test, God willing, we shall enter paradise.

According to the teachings of Islam, everyone has direct contact with God Almighty. Indeed when we pray to Him, we pray to Him directly without any mediator or mediation. When we pray to Him we follow the examples of the Holy Prophet Muhammed (pbuh). When he experienced the Ascension and presented himself before the presence of God Almighty, he prayed to Him directly, so following his example we also pray to Him in the same way.
Due to this reason, Prayer or Salah is called the ‘Ascension of a believer’.

Today it’s highly unlikely that people wherever they may be haven’t heard of God, We are told in the Holy Quran (7:172) that when God Almighty created Adam (pbuh) He also created all the human beings spiritually at the same time. They were at the time, asked; “who is your Lord?”  They all answered; “you are our Lord, we testify”. The acknowledgement of The Creator is therefore present in our unconscious mind. However, there may be a remote island where the message has not reached; we’re also told in the Holy Quran (91:7-8), where God Almighty says; “By the soul that We perfected and in it We planted the Criterion”. Therefore the criterion of good and bad is built in. When you do something bad, something within you, called conscience, tells you that it is bad and that you shouldn’t have done that. For instance, if somebody tells a lie, something within them tells them that it is wrong and that they shouldn’t have done that; or if somebody steals, something within them tells them that it’s wrong and that they shouldn’t have done that. Those people that haven’t heard of God, they will be judged according to God given conscience within, which tells them, as to what is right and what is wrong.

It would be impossible to justly reward or punish anyone in this life.
 
If a person saves the life of six people after greatly risking his own, how would you reward him? Would a bravery medal be a just reward?
 
If Hitler who killed six million people was to be punished, how can you apply just punishment? Would one death penalty be a just punishment?
 
Therefore Allah (SWT) will apply just reward and just punishment in the hereafter.

The fact is that God Almighty has power over all things but He only does Godly things.
 
If He was to create another God like Himself, for example, that new God would be a created god. But God Almighty, the true Creator, is uncreated. Therefore, He cannot create another God like Himself.
 
God Almighty is Just, He has to act as a Just Judge and therefore He has to be fair and apply justice to all.
 
God Almighty cannot throw you out of His kingdom because where will He throw you when everywhere is His domain? He can obliterate you but He cannot throw you out of His kingdom.
 
Also as ‘the Truth’ and ‘the Holy’ are His attributes, He cannot therefore do anything based on lie or evil.

The Holy Quran tells us that Allah (SWT) is on ‘arsh’ and ‘arsh’ really means ‘throne’. ‘Throne’ is the seat of Authority but not a physical one. Allah (SWT) occupies the seat of authority, not physically because God Almighty is The Spiritual Being, (John 4:24).
‘No vision can grasp Him but His grasp is over all visions’ (Quran 6:103).
Holy Quran (50:16) states, He is closer to us than our jugular vein and that He knows our most secret thoughts. God Almighty does not need to go anywhere because He comprehends, everything through His knowledge (Quran 7:89), therefore He does not need to come down to Earth.

A question was put to the Holy Prophet (pbuh),”Why did God Almighty create everything?” The Holy Prophet (pbuh) answered “Allah (SWT) was a hidden treasure and He wished to be recognised (Hadith Qudsi – Tafseer Ibn Kabeer) , therefore He created the angels, He created the Universes, He created the human beings and the animals, etc. All the creatures that He created including the mountains and the planets and the stars etc. glorify Him. However, we do not know and cannot comprehend the tasbih or in the manner that they express their glorification of Allah (SWT). (The Quran 17:44)

 We human beings have two types of needs, physical needs and spiritual needs. In order to satisfy our physical needs we eat, drink and breathe air. Similarly, in order to satisfy our spiritual needs, we pray to Allah (SWT), it’s also an act of expressing our gratitude, servitude and remembrance to Him. It benefits us spiritually, also it links us with Allah (SWT), the more we pray with devotion and humility, the closer the bond becomes. (The Quran 20:14)

Allah (SWT) is our Creator, He is our Maker, manufacturer. He has given us a book of guidance or a manual, the Holy Quran, the last and final revelation. He Himself has undertaken the responsibility to preserve the message of the Holy Quran, (The Quran 15:9)
 
He also sent Messengers and Prophets, the last and final one being the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who exemplified the Quran, was known to be a walking, talking Quran and who is the only Prophet whose life can be viewed in the full light of history.
 
In addition to that, God Almighty says that “by the souls We have perfected and in it We have planted the criterion,” (The Quran – 91:7-8).
So the criterion is built-in. That is to say we know what is right and what is wrong because it is built in, in us. If somebody tells a lie or steals, something within them (conscience) tells them it is wrong and they shouldn’t have done that.
 
So, we have the manual of guidance, we have a model who exemplified it and we also have a built-in criterion which tells us what is right and what is wrong. Moreover, Allah (SWT) has given us free will to decide. We are free to choose to do good deeds or bad deeds. And Allah (SWT) does not in any way allow His knowledge to influence the decisions we make. Allah (SWT) is the Infinite Being, for Him past, present and future are the same, therefore He knows what we shall do. The knowledge He has as to what we are going to do is often called pre-destination.
 
Because Allah (SWT) does not allow His knowledge to influence our decision in any way and because He has given us free will to choose and because we decide, therefore we are responsible for the decisions that we make. Therefore we are accountable hence the test. That is what accountability is all about.

The point is that if a lecturer comes to a student and says ‘look, you shouldn’t take the exam/test this year because you will fail.’ The student is surely going to reply and say, ‘good sir, please be fair; how can you say that I shall fail when I haven’t taken the test yet? Let me take the test and if I fail then I will accept that I have failed.’
 
In order to be fair, we are required to go through the test and prove ourselves. Then the accountability we shall face will be justified because we shall have gone through the test. We will be shown exactly what we did as everything is recorded. The judgement will be based on that, and God Almighty assures us that there will be absolutely no injustice. (The Quran – 3:25, 4:77, 4:124, 17:71, 40:17, 46:19)

The Creator is known by different names in different languages.
 
Prophet Moses in Hebrew called Him Eloha, Prophet Jesus in Aramaic called Him Alaha, Prophet Muhammad in Arabic called Him Allah (May peace be upon them all).
 
In English He is called God, in French He is called Dieu, in Persian He is called Khuda.
 
Also Allah, the Most Exalted, has many names that depict or describe His qualities and attributes. God Almighty is the Spiritual Being, the Infinite Being and the Eternal Being, we mortal/finite beings cannot comprehend Him or recognise Him fully. These attributive names give us some idea about the character of God Almighty.
 
For example, amongst His attributive names are: ‘Ar-Rahman’ (The Most Kind) and ‘Ar-Raheem’ (The Most Merciful). We read in the Holy Quran that Allah has decreed upon Himself the rule of Mercy (6:12, 6:54). We know then that primarily He is the Most Kind, the Most Merciful.
 
The Holy Quran also informs us that God Almighty gives at least tenfold and even up to seven hundred times and more reward for good deeds that we do, (The Quran 6:160, 2: 261). He is therefore Most Magnanimous.

God Almighty is our Creator, Maker, Manufacturer.

If you buy a computer, the Maker provides you with a Manual explaining the rules of dos and do nots that we must follow if we want the best out of the computer and to ensure that it works properly, is reliable and durable.

Similarly, our Maker has also given us Manuals. The last and final Manual is the Quran, sent to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), who demonstrated as to how the injunctions of the Holy Quran should be implemented.

 
In addition to the above, God Almighty tells us in the Quran (91:7-8), ‘By the soul that We have perfected and in it We have planted the Criterion (of right and wrong). Therefore morality is built in.
 
When one tells a lie, for example, something within one (call it conscience) tells one that it is wrong, and it should not have been done.
 
So in this manner God Almighty does speak to us.

According to the Bible, “God Almighty ended his work…and he rested on the seventh day…”, (Gen 2:2)
 
However, according to the Quran God Almighty says; ‘We created the heavens and the earth and everything between in six days (phases) without tiring.’ (Quran 50:38)
 
Also; ‘…No slumber can seize Him nor sleep…’, (The Quran 2:255)

God Almighty is the Spiritual Being, the Infinite Being, we finite mortals cannot see Him with our physical eyes with limitations.
 
When Moses (pbuh) expressed his desire to see God, he was told; “…By no means can you see Me, but look upon the mount, if it abide in its place then shall you see Me. When the Lord manifested His glory on the mountain, it turned into dust. And Moses fell down unconscious..." (The Quran 7:143)
 
Also; “No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision: He is above all comprehension, yet is acquainted with all things.” (The Quran 6:103)  

God Almighty is the Spiritual Being. He is not physical and cannot therefore be a part of anything physical. Everything around us is manifestation of His creative Powers.
 
‘He is the Creator, the Inventor, the Fashioner, to Him belong the best names. Whatever is in the heavens and earth is glorifying Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.’
(The Quran 59:24)

Allah the Most Exalted has numerous names; ninety nine are commonly recited for tasbih (rosary) for the purpose of His remembrance. 

It is generally understood that ‘Ism Azam’ is ‘Allah’, when uttered with utmost humility and from depth of the heart, Allah the Most Glorified answers such supplications.

Either in our youth or later in life we all ask ourselves two questions:
 
    1.    What am I to be?
    2.    What am I to become?
 
Throughout the ages, philosophers, from Aristotle to Kant, have also tried to answer these questions.
In attempting to answer the first question: “What am I to be?”, one could say that since I live in this world I must be what is in accordance with the nature of this world… .
 
And in attempting to answer the second question: “What am I to become?”, one could say that I must become what is in accordance with the nature of myself.
 
But then what is the nature of this world and what is the nature of myself ?
 
Each answer gives rise to many other questions, chains of questions.
 
The German philosopher Kant, therefore, concluded that these questions can not be answered philosophically or through reason.
 
However, the questions above have been answered through revelations by Prophets and Messengers of God Almighty.
 
These revealed messages tell us what we were before we were born, what the purpose of life is and what will happen to us after we die..

According to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) God Almighty sent 124,000 Prophets at different times and different places, (Hadeeth – Musnad Ahmed).

According to the Holy Quran, Prophets were sent to every community, (Quran 13:7).

Prophet Nuh (Noah), Prophet Ibraheem (Abraham), Prophet Musa (Moses), Prophet Eisa (Jesus) and Prophet Muhammad , may the Mercy, Peace and Blessings of Allah SWT be upon them all.

According to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), God Almighty sent 315 Messengers to different people and different locations at different times, (Musnad Ahmed).

Prophets and Messengers are sent by God Almighty to teach and guide human kind.
 
However, the Messengers warn their respective communities that unless they pay heed and listen to them, the punishment from God Almighty is inevitable.
 
This is because the people disbelieved and denied that there is any life after death and that they will be held responsible for the actions, and will be punished or rewarded in the hereafter.
 
Prophet Nuh (Noah), peace be upon him, preached for centuries but his people refused to believe. Therefore, God Almighty commanded the Prophet Nuh (pbuh) to build an ark, (Quran 11:37). He then sent the floods where the whole community was drowned, except the believers and Prophet Nuh (pbuh) who were safe aboard the ark, (Quran 7:64, 11:41).
 
Prophet Ibraheem (Abraham) (pbuh) also preached but his community stubbornly rejected his call and was destroyed.
 
Similar fate followed the communities of all other Messengers; Prophet Lut (Lot), Prophet Hud, Prophet Saleh, Prophet Moses, Prophet Jesus and Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon them all.

All Prophets and Messengers receive Inspiration / Revelation.
 
However, it is generally understood that only the Messengers of God Almighty are given scripture.
 
As we read in the Holy Quran about scriptures given to Prophet Ibraheem and Musa, peace be upon them, (Quran 87:19), Gospel given to Jesus, peace be upon him, (Quran 3:84, 57.27). And finally the Quran given to the last and final Prophet and Messenger Muhammad, peace be upon him, (Quran 2:97, 2:185, 6:19, 6:114…).

The Prophets and Messengers performed miracles with the permission of God Almighty. They were given miracles as evidence that they are specially chosen teachers sent to their respective communities.
 
Prophet Moses (pbuh) was sent to Pharaoh and his community, who was a ruthless and tyrant king. As Moses (pbuh) dreaded that Pharaoh may kill him. So God Almighty gave him initially two miracles; firstly his staff turning into snake and secondly his hand becoming white and shining when drawn to the side, (Quran 20: 17-36).
 
Miracles were given in accordance with what was needed at the time.
 
In the era of Moses (pbuh), magic was common so he was given appropriate miracles to draw the attention of the people at large.
 
In the times of Jesus (pbuh) medicine was practiced to cure ailments, so Jesus (pbuh) was given miracles to cure the born blind, the leapers and the sick. He was given the permission to raise the dead with God’s permission. He could make a bird of clay, blow on it and it would be livened to fly with God’s permission… (Quran 5:110, Mat 8:3, Mat 9:30, John 12:1…).
 
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also performed numerous miracles as we read in various ahadeeth, e.g. producing water from dry wells, little food was blessed by him was enough to feed the multitude, splitting of the moon into two parts (Quran 54:1, Hadeeth – Bukhari), etc. etc…
 
However, the miracle that he himself claimed is the Quran. He said that the wonders of the Quran will never seize, it will unfold new meaning for every new age. (Bukhari, Musnad Ahmed, Tirmizi)
 
In the age of science, scientists are amazed at the statements made in the Quran relating to modern science. What science is discovering today was mentioned in the Quran fourteen hundred years ago.
 
Dr Maurice Bucaille, a French medical surgeon and scientist, was so amazed at the statements made in the Quran relating to modern science that he learned classical Arabic and studied the Quran in Arabic paying particular attention to the verses relating to modern science. He did pioneering work in this field. His documentary entitled “Al-Quran – The Book of Signs” can be viewed on YouTube. He wrote two books; ‘The Bible, the Quran and Science’ and ‘What is the Origin of Man?’ He also delivered talks on the subject, available in the form of booklet, ‘The Quran and Modern Science’. For further information please contact IPCI.
 
There are many other Scientists of our time who were equally amazed at this phenomenon of the Quran and made remarkable statements.

The first man and the first Prophet, the Prophet Adam (pbuh) is the first Prophet of Islam.
 
The Holy Quran tells us that all the Prophets and Messengers in essence preached the same religion, that is the religion of Islam, (Quran 42:13, 23:36).

The Holy Quran states that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the seal of the Prophets, (Quran 33:40).

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said; there is to be no new Prophet or Messenger after me, (Bukhari, Muslim).

Muslims believe that there is to be no NEW PROPHET, after the advent of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

However, Muslims do believe in the second coming of Jesus (pbuh), because he will not claim to be a new Prophet, rather it will be his second coming.

When he came the first time, he preached the Law given to Moses (pbuh), the TORAH.

Jesus (pbuh) said that he did not come to abolish the (Mosaic) Law but to fulfil it (Mat 5:17).

In his second coming he will repeat what he had said in his first coming, but will on this occasion fulfil the Quranic Law.

When you buy a computer, the manufacturer provides you with a manual giving directions as to how the computer should be operated in order to get the best results out of it. A list of dos and do nots.

Our Maker has also given us scriptures/manuals with list of dos and do nots, which, if followed ensures success in this world and the hereafter.

The only manual/scripture available that can claim to be in its pristine purity, with us today exactly as it was revealed over 1400 years ago, is the Holy Quran.

It is also the only scripture from God Almighty where the Maker Himself undertakes the responsibility of preserving it, (The Quran 15:9).

Previously the responsibility was given to man, but he failed and as there is to be no new Prophet and no new revelation after Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), therefore Allah SWT Himself took the responsibility to preserve it.

There are five copies of the original still extant, one in Tashkent, two in Istanbul, one in Sana and one in Cairo.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had said that wonders of the Quran will never seize, it will unfold new meaning for every new age, (Bukhari, Musnad Ahmed, Tirmizi).

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was a model, who implemented the Quran in his life time, he was known as walking talking Quran, (Bukhari).

And the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the only Prophet whose life can be viewed in the full light of history.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also said that God Almighty will send Reformers each century, who will represent Islam in synchrony with the contemporary era, (Sunan Abu Dawood).

Also Islam gives us the permission to employ Ijtihad, so that if we confront a problem where the solution is not present in the Quran or the traditions of the Prophets then we can apply our own Allah given intellect and arrive at an acceptable solution. (Sunan Abu Dawood)

In addition to the above God Almighty has given us a built in criterion, ‘the conscience’.

So that if we do something wrong our Allah given criterion within us tells us that it is wrong and that we should not do it, (Quran 91:7-8).

To summarise then; following are the reasons why there is no need for any new Prophet or new revelation:

1.      The Quran, preserved by God Almighty, (Quran 15:9).

2.      The Prophet who implemented the Quran, and whose life can be viewed in the full light of history.

3.      Quran states that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the seal of the Prophets, (Quran 33:40).

4.      Quran unfolding new meaning for every new age, (Bukhari, Musnad Ahmed, Tirmizi).

5.      God Almighty will send Reformers every century, (Sunan Abu Dawood).

6.      Permission to employ Ijtihad, (Sunan Abu Dawood).

7.      God Almighty has given us built-in criterion, (Quran 91:7-8).

a)   let us examine what the term “Son of God” means according to the Bible:
 
i)    Adam was son of God                                                 (Luk 3:38)
ii)  Jacob was the first born                                              (Exodus: 4:22)
iii) Ephraim the first born                                                (Jeremiah 31:9)
iv) David art my son, today have I begotten thee        (Psalms 2:7)
v)  Isaac was begotten son                                             (Heb 11:17)
vi) Sons of God saw the daughters of men that
     they were fair and they took them wives of all
      which they choose.                                                      (Gen 6:2)
vii)   As many as are led by the spirit of God are
       the sons of God                                                       (ROM 8:14)
 
The list goes on….                                                                      
 
b)   God Almighty is the spiritual being (John 4:24), then how can He have a son physically? Metaphorically of course, He is our Creator, Sustainer and in that sense we are all         children of God.
 
c)    (i) When Centurion saw Jesus ( or who ever he was) crucified he said that he    
     was son of God.  (Mark 15:39)
 
(ii) When Centurion saw Jesus ( or whoever he was) being crucified; he said 
        that he was a righteous man, (Luk 23:47). This confirms that in Biblical tongue term ‘son of God’ equates ‘righteous person’ or ‘Godly person’.
 
d)   John Hick was the Head of Department of Theology at Birmingham University. He compiled a book entitled; “The myth of God Incarnate”. It consists of ten essays contributed         by Professors of various Universities e.g. Oxford, Cambridge, Wolverhampton etc. confirming that Jesus never claimed to be ‘son of God’ physically. Rather  he was ‘a man         approved of God’ (Mat 2:22)
        Jesus has been mentioned as ‘son of man’ several times in the Bible as well as ‘a Prophet’ numerous times in the Bible.
 
e)   The term “Begotten” in (John 1:18) and (John 3:16) have been removed in the RSV Bible. RSV Bible was compiled by 32 highly eminent scholars of the Bible and is backed         up by 50 denominations of Christianity.
    The compilers mention in the preface that KJV goes back to the ancient manuscripts and has in it grave errors. However, RSV goes as far back as the most ancient         manuscripts and they discovered that the term ‘begotten’ introduced in KJV is interpolation.
 
f)     In (Numbers 23:19) we read; ‘God is not a man that He should sin and not son of man that he should repent.
 
g)   The person on the cross cried with a loud voice “… Eli, Eli lama sabachthani?” That is to say; “My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34 , Mat 27:46)
 
        If Jesus was son of God, surely he would have known that that was the purpose of his life, his destiny and would not have yelled as such.
        According to Gospel of St Barnabas, it was Judas Iscariot, the Traitor who was crucified…
        The point is that none of the disciples knew the real facts because according to the Bible they all forsook him and fled, (Mark 14:50)
 
h)   Of course the confusion began when Christianity reached Rome, as the Romans followed Greek mythology, where the sun was worshipped, the planets were worshipped, the         stars were worshipped etc. etc.
        For example: Jupiter comes down to earth in the form of a man, cohabitates with a woman and a son is born, and is called son of god.
 
i)     We must remember that the Roman Emperor in the times of Jesus was Augustus, known as the son of god. His father was Julius Caesar who was known as god. Temples          were built in his name where he was worshipped.
        Furthermore, the Kings were known as gods, the queens as goddesses and the royal children as godlings. In that environment they took ‘son of god’ mentioned in the Bible           literally, giving rise to the confusion; “Jesus being the son of God literally”, and the confusion continues…
 
QURANIC PERSPECTIVE
 
They say: "(Allah) hath begotten a son": Glory be to Him. Nay, to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: everything renders worship to Him. (Holy Quran 2:116)      
Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah.” (Holy Quran 3:45)
O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: Nor say of Allah aught but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) an apostle of Allah, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him: 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. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs. (Holy Quran 4:171)
To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth: How can He have a son when He hath no consort? He created all things, and He hath full knowledge of all things.
(Holy Quran 6:101)
 
They say: "(Allah) hath begotten a son!" - Glory be to Him! He is self-sufficient! His are all things in the heavens and on earth! No warrant have ye for this! Say ye about Allah what ye know not? (Holy Quran 10:68)
Further, that He may warn those (also) who say, "(Allah) hath begotten a son".
(Holy Quran 18:4)
 
It is not befitting to (the majesty of) Allah that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! When He determines a matter, He only says to it, "Be", and it is. (Holy Quran 19:35)
 
For it is not consonant with the majesty of ((Allah)) Most Gracious that He should beget a son. (Holy Quran 19:92)
He to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth: no son has He begotten, nor has He a partner in His dominion: it is He who created all things, and ordered them in due proportions. (Holy Quran 25:2)
Had Allah wished to take to Himself a son, He could have chosen whom He pleased out of those whom He doth create: but Glory be to Him! (He is above such things.) He is Allah, the One, the Irresistible. (Holy Quran 39:4)
And Exalted is the Majesty of our Lord: He has taken neither a wife nor a son. (Holy Quran 72:3)     
 
 
A booklet entitled “Sonship of Jesus” is available free from IPCI and can also be downloaded; www.ipci-iv.co.uk

According to the teachings of Islam, Prophet Noah (pbuh) was sent to a community. He preached for hundreds of years but they were very stubborn. They refused to believe.
 
In the end the punishment came in the form of flood. The few followers of Prophet Noah (pbuh) were saved because they were in the ark.
 
Prophet Noah (pbuh) was commanded to build the ark in advance in preparation for the flood.
 
According to the teachings of Islam the flood was localised, not global.
He was at the time, commanded to take with him in the ark, a pair of each animal in use, not a pair of each creature on earth.
 
So that when the ark would eventually rest on Mount Judi, in the region of Ararat (todays south eastern Turkey) a new life would begin and animals in use; cows, sheep, goat would be needed, (The Quran 7:59-64, 11:25-44, 11:41, 25:37, 51:46…) 

According to the teachings of the Bible, the Prophets did commit sins, grave sins.
 
For example:
Prophet David committed adultery, (2 Samuel 11:4),
Prophet Solomon committed idolatry, (1 Kings 11:10).
 
However, according to the teachings of Islam, Prophets and Messengers of God Almighty are specially protected and cannot commit sins.
 
The criterion is that, as teachers, they must practise themselves first what they are trying to teach others.
 
They can however, make an error of judgement, but even that error is for righteous intentions. As they are human beings however and do not have knowledge of the future (except what Allah has given them) they can make errors.
 
As we read in the case of Prophet Yunus (Jonah) (pbuh) that when God Almighty had informed him that punishment will now come as after many, many years of preaching, his people stubbornly refused to believe.
 
Upon receiving this revelation he left his community. He was hasty. He failed to wait until the order from God Almighty came for him to emigrate. Later, when he repented he was forgiven by God Almighty.
 
However, due to his error, his community was saved. For when they saw the punishment coming the king and the people realised that that was what Jonah forewarned them about, they all fell into prostration before God, repented, were forgiven, and punishment averted. Prophet Yunus (Jonah) (pbuh), later returned to his community, as commanded by God Almighty and continued preaching to them, (The Quran 10:48).
 
In the case of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), once he was talking to a group of Quraishite leaders who had come to see him to know about his deen. As he was engrossed in conversation with them, his wife’s cousin an old blind man, Ibn Ummul-Maktum who was already a Muslim, came to see him and began to ask him questions. The blind man interrupted again and again, while the Prophet (pbuh) was engrossed in conversation with leaders of the Quraish.
 
At this, the Prophet (pbuh) spoke to him a little harshly, because he thought that the blind man can come to him anytime and learn, whereas these leaders, who had come to learn from him, presented an exceptional opportunity to preach to them. And even if only one of them accepted Islam, it would strengthen the small Muslim community.
 
His intention was obviously pure and based on serving his mission, the promulgation of his deen.
 
However, Allah (SWT) was displeased and the Prophet was corrected, because he was sent also as one at highest pinnacle of character, (The Quran 80:1-13, 68:4).
 
 
In response to the answer above, sometimes another question follows:
But Prophet Adam committed a sin, although he was a Prophet of God, please explain?
 
The fact is that Adam (pbuh) was not a Prophet when he made the mistake of eating from the forbidden tree.
 
The station of Prophethood was bestowed upon him later, when he was commanded to teach his children the religion of Islam.

i)    According to the Quran his coming will be a sign of the doomsday, (The Quran 43:61).
 
ii)   Jesus (pbuh) is the only Prophet whose status presents confusion for his followers. Many regard him as “the son of God”; whereas the Quran states categorically that he was         a Prophet and Messenger of God Almighty.
 
In his second coming he will assuredly eradicate this confusion.

We find in the Bible Prophetesses are mentioned, (Exodus 15:20, Judges 4:4, 2 Kings 22:14, Chronicles 34:22…). However, there is no mention of female Messengers.
 
It must be remembered that to be a Prophet and Messenger of God Almighty is an extremely difficult assignment, as the Messengers of God Almighty suffered much due to opposition, oppression and torture from their respective communities.
 
Moreover, women are different to men as they have to go through various biological cycles; the menstrual cycle, the ante-natal and post-natal cycles, the pre-menopausal cycle, menopausal cycle, post-menopausal cycle etc., which affect them psychologically, emotionally and physically etc. etc.
 
And God Almighty says that He does not put any burden on any one more than they can bear, (The Quran 2:286).

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was born in 570 CE (12 Rabi-ul-Awwal).
 
His mother had a dream before his birth and was ordered to name him Ahmad, meaning: The Most Commendable. His grandfather Abdul Muttalib after the Prophet’s birth gave him the name Muhammad: meaning Praiseworthy, which was also his title.
 
In the Quran, we read the Prophet Eisa (pbuh) had predicted his arrival by name, Ahmad, (Quran 61:6).
 
His title was Abul-Qasim, after his first son Qasim, meaning the Distributor. He has many other names and titles also, e.g. The Messenger of Allah, the seal of the Prophets…, (The Quran 33:40).
 
He passed away in the year, 632 CE.

In order to answer this question, we must appreciate what were the circumstances before the advent of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). At the time, as we know, people used to worship the idols, the mountains, the air, the oceans, the rivers, the trees, the snakes and the crocodiles and they also worshipped human beings. So in those days, anything and everything was worshipped.
 
People thought everything was god in some way (god with a small ‘g’), therefore they were afraid to touch or investigate anything; they were extremely superstitious.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) preached that the only one worthy of worship is One God, the Almighty, the Supreme Entity, the Creator.
‘La ilaaha’ – there is no god (referring to false gods) so whatever false gods and misconceptions they had about objects of worship were not worthy of worship.
‘illa Allah’ – except Allah, the God Almighty.
 

He also said that God Almighty has made everything subservient to man. This belief eradicated superstitions.

 
The believers only worshipped the One Creator, Allah.
 
This over time influenced human beings globally. People then were no longer afraid to carry out researches.
 
The first revelation: ‘iqra bismi rabbi kalla zi khalakh’ – ‘Read, recite, proclaim in the name of thy Lord Who created…’, Muslims therefore took it seriously and began to investigate as they were no longer afraid. Muslim scientists, over a period of time, laid down the foundation of modern science.
 
If Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) would not have come, then all these advancements in sciences would not have happened. The electricity we use, the motor cars we drive, the aeroplanes we take for granted, the mobiles phones and so on would not have been around because people would have still been afraid and superstitious.
 
And most of all, people would have still been worshipping the idols, the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains and human beings etc.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the last and final Prophet sent to humanity.
 
Previously Prophets and Messengers were sent to their respective communities, however, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is sent to the entire world, to all humanity, (The Quran 7:158).
 
God Almighty Himself undertook, the responsibility to preserve the scripture, the Quran, given to him.
 
And he is the only Prophet whose life can be viewed in the full light of history.
 
As he implemented the teachings of the Quran in his life, therefore, Muslims are required to focus on his teachings and examples and follow those.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the teacher sent to renew and reaffirm the religion of Islam and teachings of all the other Prophets before him.

He received the revelation brought to him through the archangel Jibrael (pbuh), implemented it in his own life and promulgated its message to others around him.

As he is the Universal Messenger, he commanded his followers to spread the message to all corners of the world.

The same question can be asked about other Prophets of God Almighty.
 
Why did God Almighty choose Prophet Abraham (pbuh) to be the Prophet?
 
Why did God Almighty choose the Prophet Moses (pbuh) to be the Prophet?
 
The answer is that God Almighty, Allah (SWT) according to His plans and wisdom, sends Prophets as and when He sees appropriate.

    When you buy a computer, the manufacturer provides you with a manual giving directions as to how the computer should be operated in order to get the best results out of it. A list of dos and do nots.
 
Our Maker has also given us scriptures/manuals with list of dos and do nots, which, if followed ensures success in this world and the hereafter.
 
The only manual/scripture available that can claim to be in its pristine purity, with us today exactly as it was revealed over 1400 years ago, is the Holy Quran.
 
It is also the only scripture from God Almighty where the Maker Himself undertakes the responsibility of preserving it, (The Quran 15:9).
 
Previously the responsibility was given to man, but he failed and as there is to be no new Prophet and no new revelation after Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), therefore Allah SWT Himself took the responsibility to preserve it.
 
There are five copies of the original still extant, one in Tashkent, two in Istanbul, one in Sana and one in Cairo.
 
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had said that wonders of the Quran will never seize, it will unfold new meaning for every new age, (Bukhari, Musnad Ahmed, Tirmizi).
 
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was a model, who implemented the Quran in his life time, he was known as walking talking Quran, (Bukhari).
And the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the only Prophet whose life can be viewed in the full light of history.
 
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also said that God Almighty will send Reformers each century, who will represent Islam in synchrony with the contemporary era, (Sunan Abu Dawood).
 
Also Islam gives us the permission to employ Ijtihad, so that if we confront a problem where the solution is not present in the Quran or the traditions of the Prophets then we can apply our own Allah given intellect and arrive at an acceptable solution. (Sunan Abu Dawood)
 
In addition to the above God Almighty has given us a built in criterion, ‘the conscience’.
So that if we do something wrong our Allah given criterion within us tells us that it is wrong and that we should not do it, (Quran 91:7-8).
 
To summarise then; following are the reasons why there is no need for any new Prophet or new revelation:
 
1.    The Quran, preserved by God Almighty, (Quran 15:9).
2.    The Prophet who implemented the Quran, and whose life can be viewed in the full light of history.
3.    Quran states that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the seal of the Prophets, (Quran 33:40).
4.    Quran unfolding new meaning for every new age, (Bukhari, Musnad Ahmed, Tirmizi).
5.    God Almighty will send Reformers every century, (Sunan Abu Dawood).
6.    Permission to employ Ijtihad, (Sunan Abu Dawood).
7.    God Almighty has given us built-in criterion, (Quran 91:7-8).

The Prophet’s father had actually passed away before the Prophet (pbuh) was born. He had gone on a trading journey, suffered from fever and died while returning to Makkah from Madinah.
 
It was customary in those days for the children from aristocratic families to acquire the services of wet nurses of Bedouin tribes living away from towns, so that they may be raised in cleaner environments.
 
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) lived with Hazrat Halima (RAA) who was his wet nurse. She lived with her husband in the outskirts of Taif for almost five years. Afterwards, he lived with his mother until she also expired when he was six years of age.

The greatest sin in Islam is ‘shirk’, that is, to associate anyone or anything with God Almighty, this sin He will not forgive on the day of Judgement, (Quran 4:48, 116…).
 
The Muslims love the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) more than anything or anyone in the world.
 
If a picture was made, Muslims would place it higher than anything else. Overcome by the overwhelming love and respect they have, they may inadvertently bow before it.
 
This the Prophet (pbuh) forbade strictly, because a Muslim is not allowed to bow down to anyone except Allah SWT, the God Almighty.
 
Therefore anything (picture, statue etc.) that may lead to shirk is strictly forbidden in Islam.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) used to isolate himself for a few days at a time, away from everyone.
 
He used to go to Cave Hira, located at the outskirt of Makkah.
 
It was there that the Angel Jibrael (pbuh) appeared before him and asked him; “read”! The Prophet replied, “I cannot read”.
 
The Angel Jibrael (pbuh) again said, “read”! The Prophet (pbuh) again replied, “I cannot read”.
The third time, the Angel Jibrael (pbuh) embraced him hard and again said, “read”. The Prophet (pbuh) realised that read also means, to recite, to proclaim. The Angel Jibrael (pbuh) then said; “Read in the name of thy Lord Who created…”
 
The Prophet (pbuh) repeated the words after him. This consisted of the first five ayahs of the Holy Quran, (The Quran 96: 1-5), being the first revelation received by the Prophet (pbuh) through Angel Jibrael (pbuh).
 
Incidentally, it is predicted in the Bible: “…And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, read this I pray thee, and he sayeth, ‘I am not learned’”, (Isaiah 29:12).

There are many predictions in the Bible relating to the forthcoming of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
 
In the Old Testament, we read:
 
GOD ALMIGHTY SPEAKS TO MOSES:
 
“I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee Moses…” (Deu 18:18-20, Acts 3:22).
 
Rev. James L. Dow, commenting on the above verse, in “Collins Gem Dictionary of the Bible” writes;
 
“…The only man in history who can be compared even remotely to him (Moses) is Mahomet. The scriptures account tends to elaborate for the sake of impression, but behind all the elaborations stands a man of tremendous worth and achievement, whose mark upon the life of the world is as important as it is incalculable.”
 
Also in the New Testament if we surmise; John 14:16, 15:26, 16:7, we find Jesus (pbuh) reported to have said that I have many things to show unto you, but you cannot bear them now. It is therefore expedient that I go away; when I go away, I shall send you another Comforter. And he will show you all things, he shall abide with you forever and he shall glorify me.
 
For detailed explanation of many predictions about the forthcoming of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) please obtain a copy of booklet, “Muhammad in the Bible” by ex-Vatican trained Priest Br Idris Tawfiq, also “The Bible – a comparative study” by Br Shamshad M. Khan both available free from IPCI. 

In addition to the Bible, the Prophet’s (pbuh) forthcoming is mentioned in other scriptures also:
 
Parsi scriptures:
Sasan 1: A Mercy for mankind from Arabia, (Quran 21:107).
Yasna 43: ‘The Soshyant – the Truthful one’, (the Prophet pbuh with title of Al-Ameen,
                                            the Truthful, Trustworthy).
 
Buddhist scriptures:
The Gospel of Buddha: Coming of the Maitreya Buddha.
 
Hindu scriptures:
Atharva Veda: promotor of peace, emigrant, camel rider, the truthful one, praying in the battlefields….
 
For detailed explanation, please obtain a copy of booklet; ‘Muhammad (pbuh) in Parsi, Buddhist and Hindu Scriptures’ by Dr Imran Ali, available free from IPCI.

In Makkah is located the Kaabah, built by Prophet Abraham and his son Ismael, may peace be upon them both.
 
People had been praying in the Kaabah since it was built.
And the followers of Islam prayed like we do today, since the days of Prophet Abraham (pbuh).
 
So the answer is, yes, people did pray when Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was born.

During Hijrah, the Prophet (pbuh) and his companion Abu Bakr Siddiq (RAA) went in the opposite direction towards south and hid in Cave Thawr for three days and three nights because the enemies were vigilantly searching for them.
 
After three days they began their journey and reached Quba, outskirts of Madina after eleven days. 

The root word for Quran is Qara’a, meaning to read, to recite, to proclaim.
 
Plural of Qara’a is Quran; referring to compilation of readings, recitations and proclamations.
 
Important to note also that Qara’a is infinite form of verb, when used as name, it implies that thing or person possess character in their perfection.

The Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) by God Almighty through Angel Jibrael (pbuh).
 
It was revealed over a period of 23 years, and was memorised by the Prophet (pbuh) and many of his companions. It was also written down after each revelation.
 
Before the demise of the Prophet (pbuh) in the last month of Ramadhan, Angel Jibrael (pbuh) recited it to the Prophet (pbuh) twice; the Prophet (pbuh) also recited it twice to his companions in the Masjid Nabvi.
 
Soon after he passed away, it was compiled according to the instructions of the Prophet (pbuh). This is the Quran that is with us today.
 
Many copies of the original were written and sent to various parts of the Muslim world in the reign of the third Caliph Usman (RAA).
 
Five copies of the original are still extant, one in Tashkent, two in Istanbul, one in Sanaa and one in Cairo.

It obviously depends on the size of the paper and the size of the font used for composing the Quran.
 
Omar Aqta, the calligrapher of the Mongol ruler Tamburlaine, transcribed a miniature Quran so small that the entire text was fitted into a signet ring.
 
He also created the Quran in gold lettering on huge pages so large that a wheelbarrow was required to transport it.

There are in the Quran:
 
114 Chapters
30 Parts
7 Manzils
540 Rukus
77,934 Words
323,671 Letters

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was an Arab and was sent primarily to the Arabic speaking community.
 
Therefore the language of communication naturally has to be Arabic.
 
As there is to be no new Prophet after the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), therefore the duty of promulgating the message of Islam became obligatory on the followers of the last Prophet and Messenger Muhammad (pbuh).

No one really knows how old the Arabic language is and indeed no one knows as to how it evolved.
 
With the advent of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) it had developed sufficiently as medium of communication to receive the last and final Revelation, the Quran.
 
The Arabic language is renowned to be the most scientifically advanced language in the world, the most mathematically advanced language in the world and the most time, space and energy saving language.
 
Traditions tell us that Prophet Adam (pbuh) spoke in Arabic, however Allah (SWT) knows best.

One should respect the Holy Quran as it is the last and final Revelation from God Almighty.
 
The Holy Quran should not be left open unnecessarily; however whatever we do is determined by our intention.
 
Often you find that in Museums and Exhibitions the Quran is presented open so that the visitors may appreciate the script of old times. In this case of course it is perfectly in order to do so.

In the Quran are mentioned names of 25 Prophets that most people do not know.
 
Just imagine if there were 124,000 Prophets mentioned, what a mammoth task it would be to read all those names let alone remembering them.
 
And in any case there is no need because, according to the teachings of the Holy Quran the essence of the message has always been the same, (Quran 42:13). Therefore, only the teachings of those Prophets and Messengers are mentioned that are necessary for guidance and those that we can relate to.

The Holy Quran itself testifies that this Revelation is from God Almighty: (The Quran 2:97, 7:2, 12:2, 13:1, 13:30, 13:36, 14:1, 15:9, 17:82, 17:105-106, 18:1, 25:6, 26:192, 38:29, 39:2, …).
 
God Almighty gives a standing challenge that if you think the Quran is from anyone else, other than Allah SWT then bring a chapter like it and take for helpers anyone besides Allah SWT and you will never be able to do so, (The Quran 2:23-24, 11:13).
 
The Quran is guidance for entire humanity, (The Quran 39:41).
 
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is a Messenger for entire humanity, (The Quran 7:158).
 
There is a built in mathematical order in the Quran, so that if a letter is taken out or a letter inserted, it would disrupt that mathematical order.
 
It is therefore perfect.
 
Please obtain copy of booklet, “Al-Quran, the Ultimate Miracle).
 
There are numerous statements made in the Holy Quran, relating to modern science, fourteen hundred years ago that have been recently discovered.
 
e.g. Creation of the Universe, The Big Bang, (The Quran 21:30).
Expanding Universe, (The Quran 51:47).
Shape of the Earth being ostrich egg shaped, (The Quran 79:30).
Predetermined orbits of heavenly bodies, (The Quran 21:33).
The fact that plants have also sexes male and female, (The Quran 20:53).
Recently discovered water cycle mentioned in numerous places in the Quran, (7:17, 36:24, 25:48-49, 39:21…), etc. etc.
 
There are other statements made in the Quran relating to modern science, which science has yet to discover:
 
Life on other planets in the universe and beyond, (The Quran 65:12).
Toward the end of times oceans will boil, (The Quran 81:6).
Sky will turn copper colour, (The Quran 70:8). etc. etc.
 
The above information proves that the Holy Quran is from God Almighty and is perfect.

The Quran that we have today has reached us through:
 
1.      Consensus
2.      Continuity of oral tradition
3.      Continuity of written tradition
4.      Established history
 
The Quran as it was revealed, so it was memorised by the Prophet (pbuh) and the companions (RAA), it was also written down.
 
It is the only book that can be committed to memory easily and there have always been millions over the years globally who committed it to memory.
 
If all the Qurans disappeared, the people who know it by heart will simply rewrite it again.
 
It was also there in written form when the Prophet (pbuh) passed away and was compiled in the order dictated by the Prophet (pbuh) by consensus immediately after him.
 
Copies were made and sent to different parts of the world, five are still extant, one in Sanaa, two in Istanbul, one in Cairo and one in Tashkent.

No one knows as to where is the very first original copy of the Quran.
 
However, we have copies made from it, five of which are still extant.
 
And it really does not matter whether it exists or not, for detailed answer, please read answer to question 10.

The Holy Quran is the only scripture that can claim to be in its pristine purity, with us today exactly as it was revealed to the Prophet (pbuh) over 1400 years ago.
 
The Holy Quran mentions about scripture given to Prophet Abraham, (Quran 87:19). Torah given to Prophet Moses, (Quran 2:87). Psalms given to Prophet David, (Quran 4:163, 17: 55). Gospel given to Prophet Jesus, (Quran 5:46). May God’s peace be upon them all.
 
However, the present day Bible consisting of Old Testament and New Testament is neither the Torah nor the Gospel. But there are parts in it that may contain portions of the Torah and the Gospel.
 
The Torah was completely destroyed when Jerusalem was ransacked by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC (Jer 52:30) and rewritten through memory in 536 BC when King Cyrus allowed them to return to Jerusalem (Ezra 6:14).
 
The first five books of the Old Testament are ascribed to Moses, but it’s evident that they were certainly not written by Moses, or in an age contemporary with Moses.
 
While other books were written / rewritten after the return from captivity, these books sometimes overlap and sometimes contradict each other.
 
The New Testament was not written in the times of Jesus (pbuh) but written about Jesus (pbuh) by authors known and unknown.
 
St Paul wrote various letters to churches and he actually distorted the teachings of Jesus (pbuh). There are contradictions between his teachings and St James’ teachings.
 
The four Gospels: Gospel according to St Mathew, Mark, Luke and John; it appears were not written by them at all; hence the term “according to”, … “according to”…and were compiled some 60-100 years after Jesus (pbuh).
 
So the present day Bible is neither the Torah nor the Gospel, hence the Muslim standpoint that it may contain portions of the Torah and the Gospel and that it is not in its entirety the word of God.
 
Not surprisingly, nowhere in the Bible does it say that it is the word of God.

This life is a test and we have been given the freedom to choose. There is no compulsion.
 
Some people do not believe in the existence of the Creator, it is their choice.
 
However, if people take this life seriously and wish to know as to what is the purpose of life, what we were before birth and what will happen to us after we die, then they will have to turn to the last and final Revelation, the Holy Quran.

Indeed the original sin is mentioned in the Holy Quran about seven times, narrated from different angles each time because there are many lessons to be learned from it.
 
Basically we must abstain from satanic characteristics, jealousy, greed, pride, disobedience, and not admitting ones mistake, trying to mislead others, putting blame of one’s mistake on to others etc. etc.
 
According to the Bible, Adam and Eve were not forgiven and their sin multiplied and was inherited by all human beings. Therefore everybody that is born is born a sinner hence the need for vicarious atonement, (1 Corinthians 15:22).
 
However, according to the Quran, they begged forgiveness; God Almighty is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful. He forgave them, (Quran 2:37).
 
Therefore sin was not passed on, and every baby is born innocent. There is no need for baptism or atonement.
 
Lesson for us is that, if we made a mistake we must ask for forgiveness and not be stubborn like Satan.

There are two types of punishments advocated in Islam, Hudood and Taziraat.
 
Hudood refers to shariah as mentioned in the Holy Quran, there are only five, where human beings would not know what the punishments, as ultimate deterrent should be.
 
All the others called Taziraat, are left to the judges to pass judgement according to the acceptable legislations prevalent at the time.
 
According to the shariah, Muslim men and women have equal rights and I don’t think anyone will object to that.
 
Other punishments mentioned are murder, theft, creating mischief in the land, adultery and false accusations.
 
The punishments mentioned in the Holy Quran are only applicable when there is absolutely no provision to exercise leniency to the culprit, amazingly punishments mentioned in the Bible for the same crimes are much more severe.
 
For further explanation please go to YouTube and listen to: ‘Punishments according to sharia law by Shamshad M. Khan.’

As a general rule, it is not possible to translate from one language to another exactly.

In the case of the Holy Quran it is impossible, as the Holy Quran consists of classical Arabic language, par excellence, the only perfect book in the world. Its poetic language, its lyrics, its style can never be translated into another language.

However if the translator has knowledge of classical Arabic and takes into account the context, rather than, word to word meaning then the essence of the message can be conveyed.
 
Other factors to be taken into account are:
 
i)      When revealed?
ii)    What were the circumstances when injunctions were revealed?
iii)  To whom is it addressing?
iv)  How was is it implemented by the Prophet (pbuh) at the time?
v)    What impact did it have on the Muslim community at that time?
vi)  What are the other injunctions / ayahs / verses in the Holy Quran relating to subject matter at hand and how it would influence your deduction…? etc. etc.
 
Of course the choice of words used by the translator depending on his understanding will also influence the shade of meaning.

In the Holy Quran seven heavens and earth are mentioned several times.
 
In the Quran it states that He has created seven heavens and earth like this one and His command reaches amongst them all, (Quran 65:12).
 
Commenting on this verse Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (RAA) said, like this one means like this one, with the inhabitants on it.
 
Number seven in Arabic is a mystical figure, it means seven, several, uncountable…, it therefore indicates that there are seven / many / uncountable universes like ours with earth/s having inhabitants on it.
 
Modern astronomy today, also points to multi-verse, that is the existence of many universes besides our own.

Yes, Disciples of Jesus (pbuh) are mentioned in the Quran but not by name.

“…Jesus said, who will be my helper to (the work of) Allah?” Said the Disciples: “We are Allah’s helpers: We believe in Allah, and do bear witness that we are Muslims.” (The Quran 3:52).

When the Prophet (pbuh) sent Hazrat Muaz bin Jabal (RAA) as governor to Yemen, he asked him that if he confronted a problem how will he solve it? Hazrat Muaz (RAA) answered that he will look for solution in the Quran. “What if you don’t find the solution in the Quran?” the Prophet (pbuh) asked. Hazrat Muaz (RAA) replied then I shall look for the answer in the traditions of the Prophet (sunnat). “What if you don’t find it there?” the Prophet (pbuh) asked. Hazrat Muaz (RAA) said then I shall use my Allah given intellect and will do my utmost to find solution.
 
At this reply, the Prophet (pbuh) was pleased and prayed for him, (Hadeeth Bukhari).
 
Generally speaking, the sources are: the Quran, the Hadeeth, Qiyas, Ijmah and Ijtihad.
 
Qiyas refers to something similar that may have occurred in the time of the Prophet (pbuh) based upon which a solution can be found. Ijmah refers to all Muslim scholars agreeing on certain issue/issues unanimously. And Ijtihad refers to solutions found using learned intellect.

According to the Holy Quran, we have been given a built in criterion, so that if one tells lies, something within tells one that it is wrong and that one should not do that, (Quran 91:7-8).
 
You can call it conscience; however when someone becomes a habitual liar or thief then the conscience is blackened and does not jolt one any more.
 
It is therefore important to read the Quran as a serious student as it is a constant reminder from the Creator telling us what we should / should not do.
 
It is also important to read a good book of seerah, on the life of the Prophet (pbuh) at least once a year to familiarise ourselves as to how he implemented the teaching of the Quran in his life, (pbuh).

As a matter of respect, it is recommended that a Muslim touches the Quran in a state of wudu.
 
However, it is not essential.
 
In the Holy Quran, we are told that no one touches it but the pure, (The Quran 56:79). This ayah is often misunderstood.
 
In fact it was revealed in response to the allegations of the kuffar that the Prophet (pbuh) is receiving this kalam from satan.
 
So Allah (SWT) is telling them that only the pure touch it and bring it to the Prophet (pbuh).
 
The Holy Quran in this context also states; “It is not the word of soothsayer…”, (The Quran 69:42).
 
And “…it is not the word of devil the accursed”, (The Quran 81:25).
 
“…IT IS INDEED REVEALED TO YOU FROM YOUR LORD…” (The Quran 5: 64).

If the non-Muslim is Arabic speaking then of course, you would have to give him a Quran with Arabic text.
 
As for others a translation in other languages can be given.
 
However, we must bear in mind that the Prophet (pbuh) sent letters to various non-Muslim kings and emperors, inviting them to Islam all began with:
“In the name of Allah, Most Kind, Most Merciful”, the first Ayah of the Holy Quran written in Arabic.
 
These letters were not always treated with respect.
 
One must bear in mind therefore that the first and foremost duty of a Muslim is dawah, that is, promulgation of the message of Islam.

In the Holy Quran we read that Prophet Solomon (pbuh) sent a letter to Queen Saba (Sheba).
 
This letter was taken by a hoopoe bird and was dropped in her palace court.
This letter began with the first ayah of the Quran:
“In the name of Allah, Most Kind, Most Merciful”, (The Quran 27:21-44)
 
The message for us therefore is that it is, as Muslims our first and foremost duty to pass on the message of Islam, and the message of the Quran. 

The Holy Quran is no ordinary book written by a human being. It was revealed in the form of speeches to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
 
Its main objective is to deliver through the Prophet (pbuh) warning and glad tidings. It has three main topics, the Unity of God, the Prophethood and the hereafter.
 
If you were to appreciate that each chapter is a speech and the chapters are mostly in pairs. As Chapter 2, Al-Baqarah and Chapter 3, Ale-Imran are in pairs, perhaps more readily to appreciate are Chapters 113 Al-Falaq and 114 An-Nas being in pairs.
 
The Holy Quran consists of seven manzils / groups:
 
1 consists of Surahs 1 – 5
2 consists of Surahs 6 – 9
3 consists of Surahs 10 – 24
4 consists of Surahs 25 – 33
5 consists of Surahs 34 – 49
6 consists of Surahs 50 – 66
7 consists of Surahs 67 – 114
 
In Chapter One, Al-Fatiha, the supplicant asks Allah (SWT) for guidance, in response is given the Quran. This is why in each rakah of salah we recite Al-Fatiha and then read a portion of the Quran.
 
Each group has a theme.
The theme of the first group is to communicate the truth to the Jews and Christians in a conclusive manner, to institute a new ummah in their place, its spiritual purification and segregation from the disbelievers and a description of its final covenant with the Almighty.
The theme of the second group is to communicate the truth to the polytheists of Arabia in a conclusive manner, spiritual purification of the believers and their segregation from the disbelievers and a description of the last miniature Day of Judgement witnessed in this world before the advent of the greater Day of Judgement.
The third, fourth, fifth and sixth groups have the same theme: delivering warning and glad tidings and spiritual purification of the believers and their segregation from the disbelievers.
The theme of the seventh group is to warn the leadership of the Quraysh of the consequences of the Hereafter, to communicate the truth to them in a conclusive manner, and, as a result, to warn them of a severe punishment, and to give glad tidings to Muhammad (sws) of the dominance of his religion in the Arabian peninsula. Briefly, this can be stated as delivering warning and glad tidings.
If the first group is not taken into consideration, the sequence of the groups is from the end to the beginning (the seventh to the second group). Consequently, the seventh group ends on delivering warning and glad tidings. After that, in the sixth, fifth, fourth and third groups besides the theme of delivering warning and glad tidings, the theme of spiritual purification of the believers and their segregation from the disbelievers is also added. The second group is the culmination of the groups. It is here that the indhār of Muhammad (sws) reaches its culmination too. Thus besides the themes of delivering warning and glad tidings, and the spiritual purification of the believers and their segregation from the disbelievers, the worldly Judgement of God is also depicted which is actually a miniature Day of Judgement that will take place before the actual Day of Judgement.
The first group specifically addresses the People of the Book instead of the polytheists of Arabia and in this respect differs from the rest. However, it too relates to the worldly judgement pronounced in the second group in Surah al-Tawbah after conclusive communication of the truth to them and the spiritual purification of the believers and their segregation from the disbelievers is discussed in the earlier surahs of the group in the very manner the rest of the groups starting from the end to the beginning in an ascending order sequence relate to the worldly judgement pronounced in the second group in Surah al-Tawbah. Thus the second group is the culmination of all the groups. The topic of indhār after passing through various phases reaches its peak of worldly judgements in this group from both sides. The only difference is the addressees.
It is evident from this that from the second to the seventh group a descending order arrangement has been adopted in order to relate this arrangement with the first group.
The first group has been placed for the foremost because the recipients of the Quran are its addresses the foremost. Except for the first group, the Makkan surahs of each group discuss delivering of warning and glad tidings and of communicating the truth to the addresses in a conclusive manner, while the Madinan surahs discuss the spiritual purification and segregation of the believers. However, both the Makkan and Madinan surahs are in harmony and consonance with one another in each group and relate to one another in a manner a root and stem are related to the branches.
The narrative of the miniature day of judgement that was set up in the land of Arabia as a consequence of Muhammad’s (pbuh) advent has been preserved forever in the Quran in this beautiful sequence. Viewed thus, the Quran validates to the ultimate extent this premise of religion that one day a greater day of judgement will be set up for all the people of this world.
 
When reading the Holy Quran, if the above information is kept in mind, it will be apparent that the contents of the Quran fit in place perfectly.

In order to understand the Quran as a serious student, in depth especially as a Daee the following points should be born in mind:
 
i)  When were the injunctions under discussion revealed?
ii)   Who are the addressees?
iii) What were the circumstances at the time?
iv)  How were these implemented by the Prophet (pbuh) at that time?
v)    What impact did it have on the Muslim community at that time?
vi)  What lessons are there in it for us now?
vii)     What kind of questions can be asked regarding subject matter under discussion and how    would you answer those?
viii)   What kind of criticism could be raised and how would you combat that?
ix)  What are the other ayahs in the Quran relating to subject matter under discussion and how would it influence your deduction?
etc. etc.
 
Please bear in mind that for ordinary people who wish to know only the dos and don’ts from the Quran, it is a simple book.
 
However, for scholars who will no doubt be well versed in Arabic and who wish to indulge in an in depth study of the message of the Quran, it is a most difficult book.
 
No wonder the Quran is described by the Prophet (pbuh) as the living miracle.

The root word for Islam is SLM:
 
SALM means peace and SILM means to surrender.
 
Islam therefore means peace and submission to God Almighty.
                                                         
The root word for Muslim is also SLM, Muslim is a person who follows the path of Islam.

There are only about 20 percent Arabic speaking Muslims in the world.

 Islam is not confined to any people, place or person, it is a global religion.

 According to the Holy Quran all Prophets and Messengers of God Almighty preached Islam and that they were all Muslims.

It began since the first man set foot on earth. The first man and first Prophet of Islam was Prophet Adam (pbuh).

He was commanded by God Almighty to teach his children to believe in the Creator, God Almighty and obey His commandments, in order to attain peace and success in this world and the hereafter.

And that is Islam.

There are estimated to be over 2.2 billion Muslims in the world today.

The largest Islamic country in the world by population is Indonesia consisting of approximately 273 million.

By size, the largest Islamic country is Kazakhstan consisting of 2.725 million Km2.

There are over 50 Muslim majority countries in the world.

However, the Muslim population is spread throughout the world. You will find Muslims living in all countries of the world.

Firstly, you are required to believe in the Creator, if there is doubt, please obtain a copy of, “Existence of the Creator” from IPCI. It is free and you can also download a pdf copy on the internet.
 
As the Holy Quran questions, are you your own Creator?, (Quran 52:33).
Nay! Indeed He is the Creator of All, (Quran 39:62).
 
God Almighty sent Revelation to His chosen Messengers. A manual of guidance from the Manufacturer / Creator.
 
The only Scripture / Revelation that can claim to be in its pristine purity, with us today exactly as it was revealed over 1400 years ago is the Holy Quran.
 
And the Prophet who demonstrated it and showed human kind as to how it should be followed, is the only Prophet whose life can be viewed in the full light of history, is the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
 
If you wish to follow a true religion therefore, you really have no choice except to turn to the Holy Quran for guidance.
 
Islam is the only religion that makes it a precondition to believe in all the Prophets and Messengers of God Almighty. It is a great source of consolation because you know that you are not denying or rejecting any true Prophet of God Almighty.

Christians say ‘God is Love’,
Hindus say ‘God is Beauty’
Sikhs say ‘God is Truth’
 
Muslims say that the Creator is Allah, that is His name and He has numerous Attributes; He is ‘Al-Wudoodu’, the All Loving, He is ‘Al-Mussawiru’, the Creator of beautiful things, and He is ‘Al-Haq’, The Truth.
 
He is called by different names in different languages. Prophet Moses in Hebrew called Him Eloha, Prophet Jesus in Aramaic called Him Alaha, Prophet Muhammad in Arabic called Him Allah (may peace be upon them all).
 
He is known by different names in different languages. In English we call the Creator, God. In French He is called Dieu, in Persian He is called Khuda.

According to the Holy Quran, all Prophets preached Islam and that they were Muslims.
 
However, Jews do not believe in Jesus and Prophet Muhammad, Christians also do not believe in Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon all the Prophets and Messengers of God Almighty.
 
The Holy Quran tells us that the essence of the teachings has always been the same.
 
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) did not bring any new religion, rather he came to renew and reaffirm the same religion that was preached by all Prophets of God Almighty.
 
Important to note also is that Moses (pbuh) never preached Judaism. Juda was the name of the eldest son of Jacob (pbuh) which he could not have preached.
 
Jewish Rabbis tell us that a Jew is still a Jew even if he is an atheist, that is by virtue of lineage not by virtue of belief.
 
And Jesus (pbuh) never preached Christianity, no where does it say in the Bible that he preached Christianity.
 
According to the teachings of the Quran they all preached Islam and that they were Muslims.

Islam is not stagnant, it is progressive.
 
There is a great deal of flexibility relating to basic rules, and the dos and do nots.
 
For example: if there is no water for wudu, tayammum can be performed. During travel, prayers can be shortened and combined.
 
If one is ill or travelling, fasts can be postponed or expiation can be offered by feeding the poor and the indigent.
 
Eating pork or unlawful meat is strictly forbidden, however if ones life is threatened due to hunger even that can be consumed to save ones life, etc., etc.
 
Moreover, in case an issue / problem arises for which a solution can not be found in the Quran or the tradition of the Prophet (pbuh), ijtihad can be exercised, i.e. using ones learned intellect to solve the problem at hand.
 
As Islam is for always and for everyone globally, it therefore has to be diverse that is why different traditions are practiced by Muslims living in different parts of the world. However, these diversities and traditions all fall within the framework of the teachings of Islam, which are broad, flexible, tolerant and progressive.

According to the Holy Quran each person is blessed with a built-in criterion of knowing as to what is right and what is wrong, (Quran 91:7-8).

If one tells a lie, for example, something within tells one that It is wrong; if one steals something within reminds one that it is wrong.

On the day of judgement, people to whom message of Islam did not reach will be judged according to this built-in criterion or conscience.

The Holy Quran states that God Almighty is the originator of heavens and earth, whenever He wills it to be and it is, (Quran 2:117).

And He created the heavens and the earth in six phases (days), (Quran 7:54).

Phase (day) mentioned here can vary in duration, it can be as long as millions or even billions of years.

In order to answer this question you have to ask yourself three more questions:
 
                  i.                                                                                                                      Who controls the media?
                ii.                                                                                                                      What are their ulterior objectives?
              iii.                                                                                                                      Why?
 
The answer to your questions lies within the answers to these three questions.

Indeed according to the Bible and the Quran we all descend from Adam and Eve.

The skin colour of human beings is affected by climatic conditions. In hot countries it becomes darker and in colder countries fairer over a long period of time.

Similarly blood group can change due to dietary intake over a long period of time.

It has now been scientifically proven also that we all descend from one man and one woman. Please go to the internet and look for “Scientific Adam".

Baptism refers to the original sin.
 
As we read in the book of Genesis in the Bible, that Eve and Adam committed a sin of eating from the forbidden tree.
 
On account of Adam’s sin, all human beings are born deprived of sanctifying grace and inherit God’s punishment. Therefore, every baby is born a sinner.
 
According to the teaching of Islam, Adam and Eve made a mistake, repented and begged God Almighty for forgiveness.
God Almighty is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful; He forgave them, (Quran 7:23, 2:37).
And no bearer of burden shall bear the burden of another, (Quran 35:18).
 
Similarly, communion refers to the last supper and the story of drinking wine and eating bread etc.
 
However, Muslims believe that Jesus (pbuh) was not crucified but was saved by God Almighty,  (The Quran 4:157).
 
According to the Gospel of St Barnabas also, it was Judas Iscariot who was crucified, not Jesus (pbuh).
 
In short Muslims do not observe such Christian sacraments, however Muslims do believe in and do follow the general rule of law as dictated in the Ten Commandments.

Jihad means to strive, to struggle, primarily against one’s own adverse desires.
 
However, Islam does grant permission to fight in self defence, to protect one’s life, honour and property, when there is no peaceful alternative possible.
 
This does not conform to the teachings of the Bible, where Jesus (pbuh) has reported to have said that whoever strikes you on right cheek turn to him the other also, (Mat 5:39, Luke 6:29).
If someone asks for your coat give him your cloak also etc., (Mat 5:40, Luke 6:29).
 
In the second world war however, we did not follow the teachings of the Bible, we did not follow the teachings of Jesus (pbuh), we did not turn the other cheek.
 
Nay, we followed the teachings of the Quran, we followed the teachings of Muhammad (pbuh).
 
We fought in defence to protect our life, honour and property because there was no peaceful alternative possible.
 
And it is a good job that we did, had we not done so, we may not have had the freedom that we have today.