ISB539 - Individual Assignment PDF

Preview

Summary

BA249 - BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (HONS.)ISLAMIC BANKINGISB539- ISLAMIC THEOLOGIESINDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT -15 QUESTIONS FROM NON MUSLIMREGARDING ISLAMIC AQIDAHNAME STUDENT IDNUR FAQIHAH BINTI BUSTAMAM 2020182623LECTURER’S NAME:PROFESOR MADYA ZALUDDIN SULAIMANUITM SEGAMAT, JOHOR.GROUP:JBC2492...

Description

BA249 - BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (HONS.) ISLAMIC BANKING

ISB539- ISLAMIC THEOLOGIES

INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT -15 QUESTIONS FROM NON MUSLIM REGARDING ISLAMIC AQIDAH

NAME NUR FAQIHAH BINTI BUSTAMAM

STUDENT ID 2020182623

LECTURER’S NAME: PROFESOR MADYA ZALUDDIN SULAIMAN UITM SEGAMAT, JOHOR.

GROUP: JBC2492A

SUBMISSION DATE: 24 DECEMBER 2020

INTRODUCTION All praises is due to Allah. We praise Him, seek for His assistance and forgiveness and we seek refuge with Him from evils of our souls and our misdeeds. No one can mislead whosoever Allah guides and none can guide whosoever Allah causes to go astray. In this work, I, Nur Faqihah Binti Bustamam (2020182623), collected 15 questions from Non Muslims regarding Islamic Aqidah and answering them from different sources. I seek Allah to guide us to the straightway, the way of those, on whom Allah has bestowed grace.

1) What does Muslims believe? The Muslim doctrine is both basic and balanced. It is helpful for both our human discernment and our human instinct (fitrah). Islam's epistemology makes a fine harmony between the supernatural experience of selected Prophets who have truly demonstrated their veracity by methods for marvels and prophecy, and the regular human sensual experience and reason. These different sources of knowledge do not conflict or negate, yet complement one another and make an ideal agreement within the metaphysics and theology that the Islamic scriptures build. As a Muslim, we believe in the Six Pillars of Beliefs as laid out in the Qu’ran and Hadith as follows: 1) Believe in God. Muslims believe that Allah is the name of the One True God and the creator of all things. 2) Belief in the Angels of God. Muslims believe in angels, unseen beings who worship God and carry out God’s orders throughout the universe. 3) Belief in the Books of God. Muslims believe that God revealed holy books or scriptures to a number of God’s messengers. 4) Belief in the Prophets or Messengers of God. Muslims believe that God’s guidance has been revealed to humankind through specially appointed messengers, or prophets. 5) Belief in the Day of Judgment. Muslims believe that on the Day of Judgment, humans will be judged for their actions in this life. 6) Belief in the Divine Decree. This means that God is all-powerful and nothing can happen without His permission, however, he has given human beings freedom to choose whether to be good or bad. In the end, everyone will be questioned about how they lived in this life. This is based on Surah An-Nisa’: “O you who believe! Keep faith in Allah and His Messenger and the Book which He revealed to His Messenger, and the Book which He revealed before. Whose disbelieves in Allah, His angels, His Books, and His Messengers and the Last Day, he verily has wandered far astray.” [Al- Quran 4:136]

2) How do Muslims know their God? Muslims know the name of God for all the worlds as "Allah". This name was not designed by man, but was pronounced by God himself through His revelation. The name "Allah" was already used long before the arrival of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), among them by Jews and Christians with nicknames such as "El", "Elah" or "Elohim". Even during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), when asked the polytheists who created the heavens and the earth, they called "Allah". This can be refer to the words of Allah in Surah Luqman (meaning): “And if you ask them as to who has created the heavens and the earth, they will certainly say, “Allah.” Say, “AlHamdulillāh ” (Praise be to Allah). But most of them do not know.”

[Al-

Qur’an 31:25] Thus in Islam, the most important concept of divinity is Allah as the only God worshipped. This concept is contained in the first part of the two words of syahadah contained in the Pillars of Islam. In fact, faith in Allah as the One True God is the main difference between Islam and other major religions in the world. Muslims also believe that Allah is not only God for Muslims, but also God for all human beings, and God for all beings that exist in the universe. As stated in Surah Al-Fatihah, “[All] praise is [due] to Allah, Lord of the worlds – [Al-Qur’an 1:2]

3) How can we believe in God, when we cannot see Him? If God exists, why we cannot see Him? Not all existing things can be seen with the naked eye. The examples are wind and air. We cannot see the wind and the air but we can feel the existence of the wind and the air. Is there a sign of the wind? We see the leaves of the tree swaying. We cannot see God because God does not allow it now, however, there are many signs of God's existence on this earth. Why does God not allow it now? Because that is a test for believers whether they want to believe in the existence of God or not. How does the existence of this universe have to do with God? The existence of clouds, sky, sea, mountains, and everything must have their creator, that is, God. Man is certainly not able to do all of them. There must be a power that creates all of

them, and it is our God, Allah. What is the evidence that says this world is not man-made but God? Scientists have proven through study that this world existed millions of years before humans or any living thing on earth. If the earth existed before life existed, who created the earth and life? That is Allah, the God who created the earth and the life that existed before the earth and life were created. What about trees, animals from the smallest germs to the largest such as elephants and giraffes? Of course God made. God made man. If human beings can make human beings, of course all married couples have children, and there are no couples who do not have children. If man could make man, of course man would make his children all beautiful and handsome. Everything in this universe is a sign of God. If there is no God, of course this world does not exist. Since this universe already exists, then of course there is a God. This is according to verse 164 in Surah Al-Baqarah, “Surely, in the creation of heavens and earth, and the alternation of night and day, and the ships that sail in the sea, carrying that which benefits men, and in the water Allah sent down from the sky, then revived with it the earth after it was dead, and in every creature He has scattered on it, and in turning of winds, and in the clouds employed to serve between heaven and earth, there are signs for those who have sense. [Al Qur’an 2:164]

4) In Islam, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the last Prophet. But, at the end of time, the Prophet Jesus (AS) will come down. Why not say the last Prophet Jesus as the last? Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was the last prophet to receive and complement the Book of Revelation from heaven. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is also the last based on the year of his birth. For example, if the youngest child dies, while the eldest child is still alive, the eldest child retains his rank as the eldest. Prophet Isa (AS) will come down before the Resurrection only to correct his people who have been far astray. This is in line with hadith, Narrated Jubair bin Mutim: Allah's Apostle ‫ ﷺ‬said, "I have five names: I am Muhammad and Ahmad; I am Al-Mahi through whom Allah will eliminate infidelity; I am Al-Hashir who will be the first to be resurrected, the people being resurrected there after; and I am also Al-'Aqib (i.e. There will be no prophet after me)." [Bukhari & Muslim]

5) In Islam, do Muslims worship Prophet Muhammad? No, Muslims do not worship prophet Muhammad (SAW) or some other prophets. Muslims have faith in all prophets including Adam, Noah, Abraham, David, Solomon, Moses and Jesus. Muslims believe and accept that Muhammad (SAW) was the last prophet and messenger of Allah. Starting with Adam (Prophet Adam as) and subsequent prophets such as Noah (Prophet Noah as), Abraham (Prophet Ibrahim as), Moses (Prophet Moses as), David (Prophet David as), and Jesus (Prophet Jesus as), they all carry the same message, which is to impress God. So is the call of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to the people around him, whether slaves, clergy or tribal leaders, even the Persian and Roman rulers to worship the One True God (Allah). Muslims believe that God (Allah) alone is to be worshipped because not any human being can be God. This is in line with verse 1-4 in Surah Al-Ikhlas, “ Say (O Muhammad): ‘(My Lord) is Allah, the One; God who is the focus of all beings to ask for any desire; He begat not, neither was he born; And there is none like Him.” [Al-Qur’an 112:1-4]

6) Can anyone become a Muslim? Anyone can be a Muslim by having declarations. There are two declarations that are necessary to be a Muslim. Firstly, to bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah. Secondly, to bear witness that Prophet Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. These declarations are called as ‘kalimat syahadah’ and must be said in Arabic. There are five pillars in Islam which are, the profession of faith, namely that there is only one God (Allah) and that Muhammad is the Messenger of God (kalimat syahadah), the five daily prayers, perform zakat, fasting during daylight hours in the month of Ramadan and perform hajj to Mecca once in a lifetime, if one is mentally, physically, and financially able to do so. After a person recites ‘kalimat syahadah’ and becomes a Muslim, they then will be taught about other four the pillars of Islam. On the authority of Abdullah, the son of Umar ibn al-Khattab (ra), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah ( ‫ )ﷺ‬say, "Islam has been built on five [pillars]: testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of

Allah, establishing the salah (prayer), paying the zakat (obligatory charity), making the hajj (pilgrimage) to the House, and fasting in Ramadhan." [Bukhari & Muslim] As a Muslim, we must also believe in the six beliefs of Islam. Firstly, belief in oneness of God (Allah). Second, belief in the Angels. Third, belief in the holy books sent to all the prophets. Fourth, belief in all the prophets sent by God. Fifth, belief in the Day of Judgment and life after death. And the sixth is belief in divine decree.

7) How will God determine who goes to Heaven and Hell? As a Muslim, we believe that only God knows where a person will end up in the afterlife, since only God knows a person’s intentions, deeds, circumstances, and limitations. We also believe that God will judge human beings according to His complete justice on the Day of Judgment based on both their beliefs and actions, taking into account the opportunities and abilities that He gave them. Those who do good will be rewarded and those who do wrong will be punished accordingly. Thus, He created Heaven and Hell and there are admission criteria for both. Muslims believe that the present life is a temporary one. It is a test and if we pass the test, we will be given a life of permanent pleasure in the company of good people in Heaven. As Allah has said in Surah Luqman, “Verily, those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, for them are Gardens of delight (Paradise).” [Al-Qur’an 31:8] And Allah also stated in Surah Al-Baqarah, “But if you do not - and you will never be able to - then fear the Fire, whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers.” [AlQur’an 2:24]

8) What is the proof of the authenticity of the Qur’an? Muslim scholars and historians portray the historical backdrop of the Qur'an and the endeavors of Muslims since the beginning of Islam to protect the Qur'an in its original structure. During the Prophet Muhammad's life, there are individuals memorized, recited, and wrote down the Qur'an. Not long after the passing of the Prophet Muhammad, the Qur'an was arranged and transcribed by specialists who carefully checked each verses by coordinating it against both the written verses and memorized verses. The finished transcript was then copied

and distributed across the developing Islamic domain. These copies filled in as the reason for all copies of the Qur'an written or printed since. Today these earliest written versions of the Qur'an are same to contemporary copies of the Qur'an. While interpretations of the Qur'an may different, all copies of the Qur'an in Arabic contain almost identical language. This standardization, combined with the huge number of individuals who keep on memorizing the whole Qur'an, guarantees the content's authenticity. Allah has stated in Surah Al-Ma’idah, “We have revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ this Book with the truth, as a confirmation of previous Scriptures and a supreme authority on them. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and do not follow their desires over the truth that has come to you. To each of you We have ordained a code of law and a way of life. If Allah had willed, He would have made you one community, but His Will is to test you with what He has given ˹ each of˺ you. So compete with one another in doing good. To Allah you will all return, then He will inform you ˹ of the truth˺ regarding your differences.” [Al-Qur’an 5:48]

9) What does halal mean in Islam? Halal is an Arabic word meaning legitimate or allowed. Something contrary to halal is haram, which implies unlawful or prohibited. While the term is utilized in relation to numerous parts of life, it is explicitly used in relationship to food. Halal alludes to any food products that is not forbidden. Concerning meat products, halal implies that the animal was butchered according to Islamic rules, which comprise reciting God's name over the animal before butcher and emptying all the blood out of the animal. This can refer to Surah al-Baqarah,“He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah . But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit], there is no sin upon him. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” [Al-Qur’an 2:173]

10) Why Muslims are prohibited from eating pork?

Basically, pigs are animals that are clearly forbidden in Islam through the Qur'an and Sunnah and the ijma '(agreement) of the scholars. Among the verses of the Qur'an that emphasize this prohibition are the words of Allah SWT in Surah Al-Baqarah (meaning): “He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine…” [Al-Qur’an 2:173]

Ibn Kathir said, “Similarly, it is forbidden to eat pork that dies by being slaughtered or dies in unusual circumstances. Pork fat is also forbidden to be eaten as its meat because the mention of meat in the verse only shows the generality (aghlabiyyah) or in the meat also includes its fat, or the law is taken by way of qiyas (analogy). Ibn al-‘Arabi said: “The people have agreed that it is illegal for pork and all parts of its body. In the verse it is mentioned with the word ‘meat’ because a pig is an animal slaughtered with the intention of taking its meat. … And lard is included in the pork ban. ” Answering the above question, the ban on pigs is because it brings some harm whether in terms of chemistry, microbes and attitudes (psychology). Dr Yusuf al-Qaradhawi in his book al-Halal wa al-Haram fi al-Islam when commenting on the ban on pork said: The third thing that Allah SWT forbids is pork. This is because healthy habits will look dirty and will not like it. Because of this pig, his favorite food is from dirty, disgusting and unclean things.

11) Why do Muslims fast in the month of Ramadan? During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for a month. Fasting is by not taking food and drink during the day. For married couples, they are also not allowed to have sex while fasting during the day. In Arabic, fasting is called al-saum (‫)الصوم‬. Muslims will wake up early in the morning for sahur. At the end of the day (at sunset), fasting is considered complete with Muslims being allowed to eat as usual. After breaking the fast, Muslims will perform Maghrib and Isyak prayers as usual and supplemented with Tarawih prayers at the mosque. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to give alms, recite dhikr, recite the Qur'an and do various good deeds.

Muslims fast because it is the command of Allah SWT as He says in Surah AlBaqarah: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous” [Al-Qur’an 2:183] There may be too many scientific studies to read about the benefits of fasting. For Muslims, there are various benefits of fasting. Among them are:

1) It helps a person to appreciate the lives of their less fortunate by being hungry and thirsty as they feel. In other words, a person will be more grateful for the pleasures of his life and not shy away from helping those in need. 2) It gives a person the ability to control self-will and lust. While fasting, Muslims learn to control their own desires such as hunger and thirst and avoid committing evil. Next, it prevents Muslims from doing things that bring more harm to themselves and other useless activities.

12) What is the greatness of the Qur’an? The Quran is the greatest miracle of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that guides Muslims as long as they adhere to it. Nuzul means descending or moving while Al Quran means recitation or assembly. It is said to be a recitation because the Quran is to be read by Muslims. It is also said to be a collection because in the Quran there are verses that explain various things that include matters of monotheism, worship, crime, muamalat, munakahat and so on. The event of nuzul Al-Qur’an took place on Friday night, 17 Ramadhan, in the 41st Cave of Hira 'from the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) through the mediation of the angel Gabriel. “And this is confirmed through the word of God in Surah Al-Baqarah which means: During the month of Ramadan the Qur'an was sent down as a guidance to the people with Clear Signs of the true guidance and as the Criterion (between right and wrong).” [AlQur’an 2:185] Al-Qur’an is called the greatest miracle because of its greatness. Its greatness are people who read, memorize and see the Quran while thinking about the miracles in its arrangement are rewarded. Besides, Al Qur’an is a source of guidance for the happiness of Muslims in this world and in the hereafter. There is no one, whether among humans or jinn, is

able to create verses that resemble the Quran. The word of God in Surah Al-Baqarah which means: “If you are in any doubt whether it is We Who have revealed this Book to Our servant, then produce just a surah like it, and call all your supporters and seek in it the support of all others save Allah. Accomplish this if you are truthful.” [Al-Quran 2:23]

13) What do Muslims believe in angels? The word angel is a plural of the Arabic word malak (‫ا‬฀‫ )مل‬which means strength. So angels are the forces that obey the provisions and commands of God. Believe in angels is the second belief of the six pillars of belief in Islam. That means Muslims must believe in angels. Angels in Islam, are the servants and creations of Allah who are made of light and glorious and protected from immorality. As was reported in hadith, "The Angels were created out of light and the Jann was created out of a mixture of fire and Adam was created out of what characterizes you." [Muslim] The angels are not gender, not husband or wife, not thousands or fathers and have no children. They do not sleep and do not eat or drink. They are able to incarnate to the desired form with the permission of Allah. For example, the angels came to the people of Lot resembling handsome men. Angels are said to have wings and are able to fly at speed (corresponding to light moving fast).

14) Why Muslims walked around Kaaba? Do Muslims worship Kaaba? The Kaaba is the Qibla, as Allah says in the Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah: “So, We will certainly assign to you a Qiblah that you would like. Now, turn your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque (Al-Masjid-ul-Harām), and (O Muslims), wherever you are, turn your faces in its direction.” [Al Qur’an 2:144] The Kaaba is the qibla or directi...