By Imam Ibrahim Dremali

ISLAMIC CENTER OF DES MOINES

6201 Franklin Avenue Des Moines, IA 50322
Tel: (515) 255-0212 / Fax: (515) 255-2356
www.islamiccenterofdm.org
1. What is Islam?
Answer: Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life.
Islam is not a new religion, but is the eternal truth that God
revealed through all His prophets to all people. Muslims, who
are a fifth of the world’s population, follow a religion of peace,
mercy, and forgiveness. The majority of Muslims have nothing
to do with violence or other grave events which have come to be
associated with their faith.
2. What does Islam mean?
Answer: The Arabic word Islam simply means 'submission', and
derives from a word meaning 'peace'. In a religious context, it
means complete submission to the will of God.
'Mohammedanism' is thus a misnomer because it suggests that
Muslims worship Muhammad (peace be upon him) rather than
God. 'Allah' is the Arabic name for God, which is used by Arab
Muslims and Christians alike.
3. Why does Islam sometimes seem strange?
Answer: Islam may seem exotic or even extreme in the modern
world where religion is seen as separate from daily life.
Muslims have religion foremost in their minds and make no
distinction between secular and sacred. They believe that the
Divine Law, “the Shari'a”, should be taken seriously and
practiced daily. For this reason, issues related to religion are
very important as they dictate how Muslims live their life.
4. Do Islam and Christianity have different origins?
Answer: Together with Judaism, they all trace back to the
prophet and patriarch Abraham, and the three prophets who are
directly descended from his sons -Muhammad (peace be upon
him) from the eldest, Ishmael, and Moses and Jesus from Isaac.
Abraham established the settlement, which today is the city of

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 Makkah, and built the Kabah towards which all Muslims turn
when they pray.
5. What is the difference between “Islam” and “Muslim”?
Answer: “Islam” is the name of the religion. Persons who
practice Islam are called “Muslims”
6. Who are Muslims?
Answer: Muslims today come from different nationalities and
cultures across the world and are united by their common
Islamic faith. The largest Muslim community is in Indonesia
with substantial numbers in Asia and most of Africa. Around
18% of Muslims live in the Arab countries. Muslims are also
found in the Soviet Union, China, North and South America,
and Europe.
7. What do Muslims believe?
Answer: Muslims believe in One, Unique, Incomparable God,
the Angels created by Him, and the prophets through whom His
revelations were brought to mankind. Muslims believe in a chain
of prophets starting with Adam including Noah, Abraham,
Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Aaron, David,
Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the Baptist and Jesus, (peace be
upon them). In God's final message to man, a reconfirmation of
the eternal message and a summing-up of all that has gone
before was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon
him) through the Angel Gabriel.
8. Who is Allah?
Answer: Allah means the God. Allah is the name that he calls
Himself in the Qur’an where this originates. It can also be found
in an Aramaic copy of the Bible, and even Christian Arabs say
Allah. Muslims believe in Allah's complete authority over
human destiny and in life after death.

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9. Does Allah look like us?
Answer: No, Allah is perfect. He is not like any of His
creations. He has told us that He has hands, eyes, a face, and
feet, but all of these attributes are befitting to His might and
glory. A Muslim does not say a single thing about Allah other
than what Allah says about Himself. Allah is perfect and unique.
10. What does it mean to believe in Allah?
Answer: To believe in Allah means to believe in total
perfection, and uniqueness. It means to believe in His prophets
because they are His, and He sent them, we cannot pick and
choose. A Muslim must believe in all the prophets of Allah. It
means to believe in the Angels! We must love them all. We
cannot hate an Angel say, for example, Michael to whom rain
and the vegetation of the Earth are attributed, or Gabriel to
whom revelation (bringing down the scriptures to the prophets)
is attributed. It means to believe in Allah's predestination of
good and bad. It means to believe in the last day: The Day of
Judgment.
11. Can we see Allah?
Answer: Nothing is as beautiful as Allah--He is perfection.
Looking at Allah is the greatest pleasure of the people in
Paradise but this pleasure Allah does not give to anyone but the
believers.
12. Does Allah see us?
Answer: Allah sees us and knows everything about us. He
knows us better than we know ourselves. There is not a leaf on a
tree that blows away or stays in its place that He does not know
of. There is not a dry spot, nor a wet spot, nor a grain in the
depths of the earth except that Allah knows it.

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13. Does Allah answer my prayers?
Answer: We know that Allah hears and answers all our prayers.
This can be in 4 ways:
1- Getting what we ask for!
2- Getting something as good or better!
3- Being spared something bad that would have happened
otherwise.
4- Being rewarded on the Day of Judgment with a much greater
reward than what we were asking for on earth.
14. Who is Muhammad (peace be upon him)?
Answer: Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born in Makkah
in the year 571 A.D. Since his father died before his birth and
his mother shortly afterwards, he was raised by his uncle from
the respected tribe of Quraish. As he grew up, he became known
for his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity so much that he was
sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes. Historians
describe him as calm and meditative. Muhammad (peace be
upon him) was of a deeply religious nature, and had long
detested the decadence of his society. It became his habit to
meditate from time to time in the Cave of Hira near the summit
of Jabal al-Nur, the Mountain of Light near Makkah.
15. How did Muhammad (peace be upon him) become a prophet
and a messenger of God?
Answer: At the age of 40, while engaged in a meditative retreat,
Muhammad (peace be upon him) received his first revelation
from God through the Angel Gabriel. This revelation, which
continued for twenty-three years, is known as the Qur’an.
As soon as he began to recite the words he heard from Gabriel,
and to preach the truth that God had revealed to him, he and his
small group of followers suffered bitter persecution, which grew

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 so fierce that in the year 622 God gave them the command to
emigrate. This event, the Hijrah, 'migration', in which they left
Makkah for the city of Madinah some 260 miles to the north,
marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar.
After several years, the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his
followers were able to return to Makkah, where they forgave
their enemies and established Islam definitively. Before the
Prophet (peace be upon him) died at the age of 63, the greater
part of Arabia was Muslim, and within a century of his death
Islam had spread to Spain in the West and as Far East as China.
16. What is the Qur’an?
Answer: The Qur’an is a record of the exact words revealed by
God through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him). It was memorized by Muhammad (peace
be upon him) and then dictated to his companions, and written
down by scribes, who crosschecked it during his lifetime. Not
one word of the 114 Surahs or chapters has been changed over
the centuries. The Qur’an is in every detail the unique and
miraculous text which was revealed to Muhammad (peace be
upon him) fourteen centuries ago.
17. What is the Qur’an about?
Answer: The Qur’an, the last revealed Word of God, is the
prime source of every Muslim's faith and practice. It deals with
all the subjects that concern us as human beings: wisdom,
doctrine, worship, and law, but its basic theme is the relationship
between God and His creations. At the same time, it provides
guidelines for a just society, proper human conduct and an
equitable economic system.
18. Are there other sources of Islamic Shariaa’ (Law)?
Answer: Yes, the Sunnah, the practice and example of the

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 Prophet (peace be upon him), is the second authority for
Muslims. A Hadith is a reliably transmitted report of what the
Prophet (peace be upon him) said, did, or approved. Belief in the
Sunnah is part of the Islamic faith.
Examples of the Prophet's sayings: The Prophet (peace be upon
him) said:
'God has no mercy on one who has no mercy for others.'
'None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what
he wishes for himself.'
'Powerful is not he who knocks the other down, indeed powerful
is he who controls himself in a fit of anger.'
(From the Hadith collections of Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi and
Baihaqi.).
19. Who is Jesus to us?
Answer: Jesus (peace be upon him) is a true prophet, sent by
Allah like Moses, Abraham, Lot, Noah, Jonah, Joseph, etc.
(peace be upon them).
20. Who were the parents of Jesus (peace be upon him)?
Answer: Jesus is the son of Virgin Mary who had no biological
father. Allah created Jesus without a father just as He created
Adam without a mother and father. Allah states in the Qur’an,
“The similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam; He
created him from dust, then said to him "Be": and he was.” 3:59
21. Can Jesus (peace be upon him), or Muhammad (peace be
upon him) be worshipped?
Answer: No, Allah does not accept that a prophet, a person, an
angel, a cow, a stone, or any part of creation be worshipped in
place of Him or even along with Him. Worship must be to Allah
alone, the Creator.

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22. Is Allah the same as what Christians call "the father"?
Answer: Allah is the Creator, who Jesus (peace be upon him)
worshipped. He is the Creator who spoke to Moses and split the
sea for Moses and his followers. That is Allah. But Allah tells
us: "Say Allah is one, He is Perfect, He has never begotten, nor
was He begot, and there is no one equal to Him."
23. Is there a trinity in Islam?
Answer: No. Allah is one and perfect.
24. Can anyone become a Muslim?
Answer: Yes anyone can. There are two declarations, which are
necessary:
1- To bear witness that no one deserves to be worshipped except
Allah.
2- To bear witness that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon
him) is the Messenger of Allah.
This makes a person Muslim. After a person becomes Muslim
she/he is taught about prayers, fasting, alms to the poor, and
pilgrimage. These are the pillars of Islam.
Muslims are brothers and sisters. A Muslim should love for his
brother or sister what he/she loves for him/herself. Allah's
wealth does not run out and Allah can provide for us all. We
pray for each other and love each other. We love for our
brothers and sisters what we love for ourselves.
25. What about someone who has never heard of Islam?
Answer: Allah is the Most Just. It is inconceivable to perceive
of anyone acting with more benevolence than Allah. Allah is the
Most Just and in the Qur’an He said: "We will not punish
without sending someone to warn you". The "We" here is the
majestic ‘We’ used in Arabic. So if a person had never heard
about Islam, and was never warned clearly, Allah would have a

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 special test for that person that He knows is equal to the chance
that person would have had on earth.
26. When is the Day of Judgment?
Answer: Only Allah knows.
27. Are there signs for the Day of Judgment?
Answer: Plenty. Many have already occurred.
To name a few:
*Objects will begin to talk. Like TV, Radio, and so on.
*There will be much killing. The killer won't know why he
killed, and the person that was killed won't know why he was
killed.
*The Antichrist will come.
*Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) son of Mary will return.
*Gog and Magog will be set free.
*The sun will rise from the west (after this sign there can be no
more repentance).
28. What is it that keeps us from entering Heaven?
Answer: Worship of anyone other than Allah is the greatest sin.
It is called shirk, and this is not forgiven except through
repentance.
29. Do we believe that Allah created the heavens and earth in 6
days?
Answer: Yes, we do.
30. Do we have free will?
Answer: Yes, of course. Allah does not punish us for something
we did not do on our own. At the same time, our will is not
inspired of Allah's will. We cannot do anything if Allah does not
allow it. In other words nothing goes on in Allah's kingdom
without His knowledge.

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31. Did Allah create evil?
Answer: Yes, Allah created the good and the bad. Whatever bad
happens to us is due to our sins. We sin and Allah pardons much
of what we do; however, when something bad happens to us it is
our fault, and we are to blame. Bad things that happen to a
person are a chance for that person to reflect and ask: "Why is
this happening to me?" A chance for a person to return from his
sin and obey and worship Allah.
32. Who are my best friends?
Answer: Your best friends are the ones that care where you go
after you are dead. This is how the prophets acted. They cared
that we go to heaven, even if it meant some hardship on earth.
33. Who is my worst enemy?
Answer: That would be the devils, whether they are human
devils (evil people), or Jinn devils (like Iblis). The Arabic word
for a devil is Shaytan (similar to Satan). Satan wants us all to go
to hell. He wants us to be bad on earth. Whether we get rich or
do wrong things that we appear to enjoy, he does not care, but
he wants to make sure we don't go to heaven.
34. Why is the family so important to Muslims?
Answer: The family is the foundation of Islamic society. The
peace and security offered by a stable family unit is greatly
valued, and is seen as essential for the spiritual growth of its
members. A harmonious social order is created by the existence
of extended families; children are treasured, and rarely leave
home until the time they marry.
35. What about food?
Answer: Although much simpler than the dietary law followed
by Jews and the early Christians, the code which Muslims
observe forbids the consumption of pig meat or any kind of

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 intoxicating drink. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon
him) taught that 'your body has rights over you', and the
consumption of wholesome food and the leading of a healthy
lifestyle are seen as religious obligations. The Prophet (peace be
upon him) said: 'Ask God for certainty [of faith] and well-being;
for after certainty, no one is given any gift better than health!'
36. What is the Kaa’bah?
Answer: The Kabah is the place of worship, which God
commanded Abraham and Ishmael to build over four thousand
years ago. The building was constructed of stone on what many
believe was the original site of a sanctuary established by Adam.
God commanded Abraham to summon all mankind to visit this
place, and when pilgrims go there today they say 'At Thy
service, O Lord', in response to Abraham's summons.
37. Who are amongst the people that must fast in the blessed
month of Ramadan and those that are not obliged to fast in
this month?
Answer: Those who must fast: all mature and sane Muslims,
male and female. Those who are exempted: the sick, the
travelers, too old to fast, women in child birth, women with
periods, pregnant or breast feeding women whose health is
endangered.
38. What facts about the month of Ramadan have been related
by Hadith in regards to what takes place related to heaven
and hell?
Answer: The gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell
are shut.
39. Can I perform Hajj every year?
Answer: Performing the Hajj ONCE is compulsory for Muslims
who are financially and physically able to do so. There is no rule

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 prohibiting anyone from performing the Hajj more than once. If
you plan to perform it yearly, you are obviously financially well
endowed.
40. What is the position of Women in Islam?
Answer: Many books have been written on this topic. It follows,
then that any answer given here must necessarily be incomplete,
barely scratching the surface. Accordingly, we will address only
two aspects of question:
A. Do women in Islam have equality with men?
B. Are Muslim women required to wear the head coverings?

A. Before Islam came to the seventh century Arabs; they were

a loosely organized society of tribes who were constantly
warring with each other. Women in this pre-Islamic
society, known as the age of ignorance, were truly second-
class citizens. They were completely dominated by men,
and had no opportunities to reverse these oppressive
conditions.
Typical of their status was the fact that they were prevented
from inheriting property. When a parent died, his property
was divided among his sons. His daughters got nothing.
Actually, it was worse than that. For example, a son could
inherit his father’s wife (assuming, of course, she was not
his mother). Children, too (both male and female) were also
excluded from their “rightful” inheritance.
Then along came Prophet Mohammed and revelations,
bringing a message of equality for all, for men and women
{for} master and servants. In its own words, the Qur’an
makes the case:

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“O ye who believe! Ye are forbidden to inherit women
against their will. Nor should ye treat them with harshness,
that ye may take away part of the dower ye have given
them, except where they have been guilty of open
lewdness; on the contrary live with them on a footing of
kindness and equity. If ye take a dislike to them it may be
that ye dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it a
great deal of good.” 4:19

“For Muslim men and women, for believing men and

women, for devout men and women, for true men and
women, for men and women who are patient and constant,
for men and women who humble themselves, for men and
women who give in charity, for men and women who fast
(and deny themselves), for men and women who guard
their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in
Allah's praise, for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and
great reward.” 33:35

“And those who launch a charge against chaste women, and

produce not four witnesses, (to support their allegations),
flog them with eighty stripes; and reject their evidence ever
after: for such men are wicked transgressors;” 24:4

“And We have enjoined on man (To be good) to his

parents: in travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and
in years twain was his weaning: (hear the command),
"Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents: to Me is (thy
final) Goal.” 31:14

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B. On the matter of whether Muslim women are required to
wear the head coverings, following are the instruction in
the Qur’an:
“Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze
and guard their modesty, that will make for greater purity
for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they
do.”
“And say to the believing women that they should lower
their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not
display their beauty and ornaments except what (must
ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils
over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to
their husbands, their fathers, their husbands' fathers, their
sons, their husbands' sons, their brothers or their brothers'
sons, or their sisters' sons, or their women, or the slaves
whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of
physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the
shame of sex; and that they should not strike their feet in
order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O
ye Believers! turn ye all together towards Allah, that ye
may attain Bliss”. (24: 30-31)

“O Prophet! tell thy wives and daughters, and the believing

women, that they should cast their outer garments over
their persons (when abroad): that is most convenient, that
they should be known (as such) and not molested. And
Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (33:59)

The Qur’an requires both men and women to dress

modestly. How that modesty is expressed is interpreted

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 differently from one society to another, from one time to
another.
41. Who is an Imam?
Answer: Literally, the word “Imam” means he who stands in
front of others, hence the person who leads a congregation or
group prayer. In actual practice, an Imam is an Islamic religious
leader. Generally, he is the leader of a congregation, although
that is not a necessary condition for being an Imam.
Traditionally, the person selected by the community to be an
Imam is the one among them who is most knowledgeable about
the Qur’an and Hadith.
42. What is the meaning of JIHAD?
Answer: The word Jihad comes from the root word jahada,
which means to struggle. So Jihad is literally an act of struggling
or striving. Let us now discuss the question ‘Isn’t it true that
“Jihad” means “Holy War”’? The answer is “Yes” and “No”.

Yes, it is true that some translations render the word “Jihad” as

“Holy War”. But that is only the LESSER part of the story. No,
it is not true, if by “Holy War” is meant that Muslims have the
right to declare war on whomever we choose, whenever we
choose; that is false accusation.

Let us now understand the meaning: “Jihad” is “Holy War”. The

Qur’an is very clear that Muslims have the right to defend
themselves when attacked, against injustice, and fight in
Defensive wars to protect the Faith. Islam, like many other
religions, allows for armed self-defense, or retribution against
tyranny, exploitation, and oppression. But, we are warned not to

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be excessive in our response, and the moment the enemy stops
fighting and seeks peace, we are instructed to end all hostilities.

Islam enjoins upon all Muslims to work actively to maintain the

balance in which God created everything. However, regardless
of how legitimate the cause may be, the Glorious Qur’an never
condones the killing of innocent people. Terrorizing the civilian
population can never be termed as jihad and can never be
reconciled with the teachings of Islam.

“Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not
transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors.” 2:190

“…but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who

practice oppression. “ 2:193
The much more important meaning of the word “Jihad” refers to
the struggle within oneself, and represents the Greater Jihad.
This type of inner struggle or striving refers to the great effort it
requires to be a person of virtue and submit to God’s will in all
aspects of life. This struggle is a constant in our daily living.
Exercising the patience and perseverance to achieve those
personal goals that foster righteous living, to ward off the
ubiquitous invitations to do evil, to live each day more
righteously than we did the day before, these are the elements
that make up The Great Jihad.

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 FACTS ABOUT ISLAM

1) "Islam" literally means "peace through submission to God".

2) "Muslim" literally means "anyone or anything that submits
itself to the will of God".
3) Islam is not a culture. Its followers number over 1.9 billion
worldwide. Along with Judaism and Christianity, it is
considered to be one of the three Abrahamic traditions.
4) There are five pillars of practice in Islam. These practices
must be undertaken with the best of effort in order to be
considered a true Muslim: A) Shahadah - declaration of faith
in the oneness of God and that Muhammad is the last prophet
of God. B) Formal prayer five times a day. C) Fasting during
the daylight hours in the month of Ramadan. D) Poor-due
"tax" - 2.5% of one's savings given to the needy at the end of
each year. E) Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once, if physically
and financially able.
5) There are six articles of faith in Islam. These are the basic
beliefs that one must have in order to be considered a true
Muslim. They are belief in: A) the One God. B) all the
prophets of God. C) the original scriptures revealed to
Prophets Moses, David, Jesus, and Muhammad. D) the
angels. E) the Day of Judgment and the Hereafter. F) the
divine decree (or destiny).
6) Islam is a complete way of life that governs all facets of life:
moral, spiritual, social, political, economical, intellectual,
etc.

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7) Allah is not the God of Muslims only. He is the God of all
people and all creation. Just because people refer to God
using different terms does not mean that they are different
gods. Spanish people refer to God as "Dios" and French
people refer to God as "Dieu", yet they are all the same God.
Interestingly, most Arab Jews and Arab Christians refer to
God as "Allah". And the word Allah in Arabic appears on the
walls of many Arab churches.
8) The Islamic concept of God is that He is loving, merciful,
and compassionate. But Islam also teaches that He is just and
swift in punishment. Nevertheless, Allah once said to
Prophet Muhammad, "My mercy prevails over my wrath."
Islam teaches a balance between fear and hope, protecting
one from both complacency and despair.
9) Terrorism, unjustified violence, and the killing of innocent
people are absolutely forbidden in Islam. Islam is a way of
life that is meant to bring peace to a society, whether its
people are Muslim or not. The extreme actions of those who
claim to be Muslim may be, among other things, a result of
their ignorance or uncontrolled anger. Tyrant rulers and those
who commit acts of terrorism in the name of Islam are
simply not following Islam. These people are individuals
with their own views and political agendas. Fanatical
Muslims are no more representative of the true Islamic
teachings than Timothy McVeigh or David Koresh are of
Christianity. Extremism and fanaticism is a problem that is
common to all religious groups.

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10) The word "jihad means the inner struggle that one endures in
trying to submit their will to the will of God. Some Muslims
may say they are going for "jihad" when fighting in a war to
defend themselves or their fellow Muslims, but they only say
this because they are conceding that it will be a tremendous
struggle. But there are many other forms of jihad which are
more relevant to the everyday life of a Muslim such as the
daily struggles against self-desire, the struggle against a
tyrant ruler or against the temptation of Satan, etc., etc.
11) Women are not oppressed in Islam. Any Muslim man that
oppresses a woman is not following true Islam. Among the
countless teachings of Prophet Muhammad which protected
the rights and dignity of women is his saying, "...the best
among you are those who treat their wives well."
12) Islam grants Muslim women numerous rights in the home
and in society. Among them are the right to work and earn
money, the right to financial support, the right to an
education, the right to an inheritance, the right to being
treated kindly, the right to vote and representation on a
board, the right to a dowry, the right to keep their maiden
name, the right to worship in a mosque, etc.,
13) All Muslims are not Arab. Islam is a universal religion and
way of life which includes followers from all races of people.
There are Muslims in and from virtually every country in the
world. Arabs only constitute about 20% of Muslims
worldwide. Indonesia has the largest concentration of
Muslims with over 120 million.

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 SELECTED VERSES FROM THE NOBLE QUR’AN

There is no better way to learn about Islam than to read the Noble
Qur'an and to observe the practices of a devout Muslim. The Noble
Qur'an, the revelation given to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon
him) almost 1400 years ago, is an instruction book for people of all
times and all places as to how one can live their life correctly. It
contains therein, among other things, the qualities that one should
adopt in order to please the Creator and to obtain true peace on Earth.
The ultimate result from a sincere striving towards such qualities
would be the fulfillment of the human being's purpose in this life
(submission to the One God) and the attainment of the reward in the
next life (eternal Paradise!) Muslims use this book as a standard for
correct faith and action because they have a firm belief that the
Creator knows what is best for His creation.

"This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those

who fear Allah." (2:2)

"Do they not ponder on the Qur'an? Had it been from other than
God, they would surely have found therein much discrepancy."
(4:82)

"(This is) the revelation of the Book in which there is no doubt -

from the Lord of the Worlds. Or say they: "He (Muhammad) has
fabricated it?" Nay, it is the truth from your Lord" (32:2-3)

"Verily the most honored of you in the sight of God is (he who is)
the most righteous of you." (49:13)

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"Do no evil nor mischief on the (face of the) earth." (2:60)

"Show gratitude to Me and to your parents, unto Me is the final

destination." (31:14)

"So glorify the praises of your Lord and be of those who prostrate
themselves (to Him)." (15:98)

"The servants of (God) Most Gracious are those who walk on the
earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say,
'Peace!'" (25:63)

"And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And
that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them
attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect,
nor shout at them but address them in terms of honor. And lower
unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy,
and say: "My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did
bring me up when I was small." (17:23-24)

"Establish regular prayer: for prayer restrains from shameful and

evil deeds; and remembrance of God is the greatest (thing in life)
without doubt." (29:45)

"God! There is no god but He - the Living, the Self-subsisting,

Supporter of all. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all
things in the heavens and on earth. Who is he that can intercede
with Him except with His permission?" (2:255)

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"And to God belongs the unseen (secrets) of the heavens and the
earth, and to Him returns all affairs (for decision): so worship
Him, and put your trust in Him: and your Lord is not unmindful
of what you do." (11:123)

"God is He, than Whom there is no other god - the Sovereign, the
Holy One, the Source of Peace (and Perfection), the Guardian of
Faith, the Preserver of Safety, the Exalted in Might, the
Irresistible, the justly Proud. Glory to God! (High is He) above
the partners they attribute to Him." (59:23)

"(Remember) when the angels said: "O Mary! Verily, God gives
you the glad tidings of a Word from Him, his name will be the
Messiah (Jesus), the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and
in the Hereafter, and will be one of those who are near to Allah.
He will speak to the people in the cradle and in manhood, and he
will be one of the righteous. She said: "O my Lord! How shall I
have a son when no man has touched me." He said: "So (it will
be) for God creates what He wills. When He has decreed
something, He says to it only: "Be!" and it is." (3:45-47)

"And mention in the Book (the Quran) Ibrahim (Abraham).

Verily! He was a man of truth, a Prophet. When he said to his
father: ‘O my father! Why do you worship that which hears not,
sees not and cannot avail you in anything? O my father! Verily!
There has come to me of knowledge that which came not unto
you. So follow me. I will guide you to a Straight Path. O my
father! Worship not Satan. Verily! Satan has been a rebel against
the Most Beneficent (God).'" (19:41-44)

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"And among His Signs is this, that He created you from dust, and
then - behold you are human beings scattered (far and wide)! And
among His Signs is this, that He created for you wives from
among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has
put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed
signs for a people who reflect. And among His Signs is the
creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of your
languages and colors. Verily, in that are indeed signs for men of
sound knowledge. And among His Signs is the sleep that you take
by night and by day, and your seeking of His Bounty. Verily, in
that are indeed signs for a people who listen. And among His
Signs is that He shows you the lightning, by way of fear and
hope, and He sends down water (rain) from the sky, and therewith
revives the earth after its death. Verily, in that are indeed signs for
a people who understand." (30:20-24)

"God it is He Who has created the heavens and the earth, and all
that is between them in six Days. Then He rose over the Throne.
You (mankind) have none, besides Him, as a protector or helper,
or an intercessor. Will you not then remember? He arranges every
affair from the heavens to the earth, then it will go up to Him, in
one Day, the space whereof is a thousand years of your
reckoning. That is He, the All Knower of the unseen and the seen,
the Almighty, the Most Merciful. Who made everything He has
created good, and He began the creation of man from clay.
(32:4-7)

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 WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF OUR LIFE?

My dear respected readers,

I hope you have enjoyed and benefited from these questions and
answers. Now that you are done, I would like for you to think
about our lives…your life…my life. What do you think is the
purpose of our lives? Why were we born?
Think about our bodies. Who created the massive and intricate
control systems that independently maintain the body and enable
us to live our lives?
Think about the world around you; the stars, the sky, the heavens,
the earth. Its design is so powerful and precise, beyond our
imagination and calculation.
Think about its Creator. And has all this been created at random,
for a foolish purpose?
Think about the fish, animal life, plants, insects, and each tiny
organism that lives on the planet. And what about all the other
life forms that have eluded our sophisticated technology and that
remain to be discovered? They each follow a natural law given to
them by the Creator. Think about it…
Why do you think God created all this? My dear readers, God
created all this because He loves us. There is a definite purpose
and wisdom outside the realm of human understanding that is
behind the creation of man and the entire universe. The One who
has the Wisdom and Love to create all these beautiful, intricate
life forms is the Only One deserving of our praise and gratitude.
He who has created all these systems and gave us our bodies, our
breath, our children, our family and our abundance---is He not
worthy of our praise, recognition and worship? We must
surrender ourselves to the One responsible, be grateful to our
Creator, obey His laws, be thankful to Him and worship Him.
This is the purpose of our life. Remember this.
And this is who we are ….. MUSLIMS.

With great love and respect,

Ibrahim Dremali
Imam Ibrahim Dremali
imam@islamiccenterofdm.org

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