ULUMUL QURAN
Allah created human beings and jinn to worship Him. He sent prophets to human beings because there were many religions and they needed to be united. The Quran was needed to:-
- To guide humankind voluntarily; without force.
- To give human beings a universal message.
- Show humans the difference between right and wrong.
- Show humans how to make it to the heaven.
- Show the difference between truth and falsehood.
- Make humans understand the science of the universe.
- Give information on the unseen world, eg. angels, heaven, demons, etc
OTHER NAMES OF THE QURAN ARE
Furqab, Al Kitab, Tanzil, Hudaa, Rahman
The Quran was revealed over a period of 32 years.
After people proved to be faithful to the Quran, the verses in Madina were revealed. This verses were about legislations, regulations, rights and obligations.
The Quran was sent from Allah, via his angel Gabriel and received by the prophet Muhammad.
Incident Of The First Revelation to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) In The Cave of Hira
The Prophet often went to the cave that was in Mt. Jabal, to meditate and think deeply about the state of the society. Angel Jibril appeared before him in the cave ordering him to read Q 96:1-2. The Prophet, however, could not read. Angel Jibril embraced him powerfully three times urging him to read. Q 96:3-5. The Prophet was instructed to read the first five verses of Surah Al Alaq which became imprinted in his memory. The Prophet was filled with fear and went back home to his wife, Khadija. He later consulted Khadija’s cousin who revealed to him that he was meant to be a prophet.
Why Was The Quran Revealed In Portions?
- To make it easier and more understandable.
- To serve as a miracle and challenge to non-believers.
- To strengthen the Prophet (P.B.U.H)
- It was an intense moment for the prophet so it was revealed slowly.
- For the gradual implementation of the laws of Allah.
- To give room for gradual spiritual development.
BENEFITS OF THE GRADUAL REVELATION OF THE QURAN
Memorization: It was easier for the early Muslims to memorize portions of the Quran, and to understand it.
Strengthening of Faith: Faith in God was built before focus was put on obeying commands. The prophet was also criticized and mocked by people but because of the gradual revelation, he did not give up.
To prove the miraculous nature of the Quran: The sacred scripture was revealed over a period of two decades and yet is not contradictory, meaning it doesn’t contain facts that are opposite of one another.
To reveal Islamic laws gradually – So that the future Muslim state in Madina could be formed correctly, with Islamic laws in place.
To prove how truthful Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was – Idolaters used to ask Prophet Muhammad questions to outwit him but they never succeeded. Allah always came through for the prophet and would help him answer the questions effectively.
The Significance Of The Holy Quran
- It is a symbol for Islam.
- It is a unifying factor for Muslims worldwide.
- It motivates Muslims to learn Arabic so that they read it in it’s original form.
- It is an original source of the Islamic law; Sharia Law.
- Other generations are able to learn about Allah and his ways thanks to the Quran.
- The Quran has helped in the preservation of the Arabic language.
- It puts the fear of Allah in Muslims.
- Reading the Quran gives hope and encouragement to followers of Islam.
- Gives guidance on how to worship Allah in a way that pleases him.
SELECTED CHAPTERS
Q 93 – Ad – Dhuha (The Morning Brightness)
- Wad duhaa (By one morning brightness)
- Wal laili itha sajaa (And by the night when it covers with darkness)
- Ma wad da’aka rabbuka wa ma qalaa (Your lord has ot taken leave of you, O Muhammad, nor has He detested you)
- Walal-aakihratu khairul laka minal-oola (And the Hereafter is better for you than the first life.
- Wa la swafa y’uteeka rabbuka fatarda (And your Lord is going to give you, and you will be satisfied)
- Alama ya jidka yateeman fa aawaa (Did He not find you an orphan and gave you refuge?)
- Wa wa jadaka daal lan fahada (And he found you lost and guided you)
- Wa wa jadaka ‘aa-ilan fa aghnaa (And he found you poor and made you self-sufficient)
- Fa am mal yateema fala taghar (So as for the orphan, do not opress him)
- Wa am mas saa-ila fala tanhar (And as for the petitioner do not repel him)
- Wa amma bi ni’mati rabbika fahad dith (But as for the favor of your Lord, report it)
Lessons From The Surah
- Allah did not forget nor forsake His Prophet.
- The next life is better than the current and indeed, better is coming
- Allah favors his Prophet and loves those who obey him.
- What kind of behavior Allah approves of.
Al – Balad (The City)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
- Laaa uqasimu bihaazal balad (I swear by this city, Makkah)
- Wa anta hillum bihaazal balad (And you, O Muhammad, are free of restriction in this city)
- Wa waalidin wa maa walad (And by the father and that which was born of him)
- Laqad khalaqnal insaana fee kabad (We have certainly created man into hardship)
- Ayahsabu Al-lai yaqdira alaihi ahad (Does he think that never will anyone overcome him?)
- Yaqoolu ahlaktu maalal lubadaa (He says “I have spent wealth in abundance”)
- Ayahsabu al lam yarahoo ahad (Does he think that no one has seen him?]
- Alam naj’al lahoo ‘aynayn (Have we not made for him two eyes?)
- Wa lisaananw wa shafatayn (And a tongue and two lips?)
- Wa hadaynaahum najdayn (And have shown him the two ways?)
- Falaq tahamal-aqabah (But he has not broken through the difficult pass)
- Wa maaa adraaka mal’aqabah (And what can make you know what is breaking through the difficult pass)
- Fakku raqabah (It is the freeing of a slave)
- Aw it’aamun fee yawmin zee masghabah (Or feeding on a day of severe hunger)
- Yateeman zaa maqrabah (An orphan of near relationship)
- Aw miskeenan zaa matrabah (Or a needy person in misery)
- Summa kaana minal lazeena aamanoo wa tawwasa bisssabri wa tawaasaw bilmarhamah (And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion)
- Ulaa’ika as-haabul maimanah (Those are the companions of the right)
- Wallazeena kafaroo bi aayaatinaa hum as-haabul Mash’amah (But they who disbelieved in our signs- those are the companions of the left)
- Alaihim naarum mu’sadah (Over them will be fire closed in)
Lessons From the Surah
- What awaits those who believe and follow Allah
- What awaits those who do not follow Allah
- How true believers conduct themselves
- Wealth and abundance being a test
- Harship is part of the life of humankind
HADITH
The Hadith is a collection of sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad which are a major source of guidance for Muslims.
Four Categories of Hadith
Qaul – Sayings of the Prophet
Fi’il – Actions of the Prophet
Taqrir – Actions of some of the companions of the Prophet
Sifat – The physical appearance, attributes and qualites of the Prophet
The Three Components of the Hadith”
The matn – The actual narrative of the Prophet
The Isnad (the chain of human reporters who documented an Islamic hadith. If not for the isnad, people could say whatever they wanted and claim it was part of the hadith.
The Rawi – The reporter of hadith e.g Bukhari
How Hadith Influences A Muslim’s Way of Life
- It is a guide for daily life.
- Is a source of wisdom and knowledge.
- It strengthens their faith.
- Encourages good character.
DIFERRENCES BETWEEN HADITH QUDSI AND HADITH NABAWY
Hadith Qudsi is the sacred sayings of Allah while Nabawy are the sayings of the Prophet.
Meaning and message are from Allah for Qudsi but in Nabawy the wording is the Prophet’s.
Qudsi’s hadith is limited in number while in Nabawy it is not.
Qudsi is compiled in one book while Nabawy has many compilations.
Qudsi is second in importance to the Quran while Nabawy is the third.
Qudsi is considered fully authentic and true while Nabawy has some defects.
Importance of Hadith
- Guides Muslims on how to live, eg. moral conduct.
- Encourages learning of Islamic literature and culture.
- Helps Muslims understand the Prophet and his way of life.
- Makes it easier to understand the Quran.
- It’s a second source of Sharia Law.
- Helps in spiritual development of believers.
- Strengthens the faith of believers.
- Supplements the Holy Quran.
SELECTED HADITH
Hadith On Intentions
Umar Bin – Khattab
Whether our actions are right or wrong, they are determined by our intentions. We should always check our hearts to see if our intentions are honorable.
Our actions should be for the good of others and please Allah. Allah shall reward us for sure.
Deeds are accepted or rejected based on the intention.
Even if the deed is not completed, Allah still rewards us if the intention was pure.
Additional Notes
Allah rewards and multiplies the good deeds done by humans.
Angels write down and take note of our good and bad deeds.
REWARDS OF OUR SINCERITY IN WORSHIPPING ALLAH
Calamities and bad luck can be removed.
Bad habits can be turned into acts of worship.
One will be saved on the day of judgement because of sincerity.
A good, small deed can be magnified ten times.
Hadith On Choice Of Friends
Imam an Nawawi said that the Prophet compared a good friend to a seller of musk. We are encouraged to have friends who are good mannered, who walk in wisdom and are kind. The Prophet (PBUH) told us not to have companions who commit evil deeds, and not to sit with backbiters,
Quran 25:27-29
And remember the day when the wrongdoer will bite his hands and say “Woe to me! Would that I had taken a path with the Messenger. Woe to me! If only I had not taken so and so as a friend! He has led me astray from this Reminder after it had come to me
PILLARS OF IMAN
Being a Muslim means being obedient to Allah and obedience to Allah is impossible unless one firmly believers in La Ilaha Illallah.
In Islamic teachings, faith in one Allah is the most important principle in Islam. All other beliefs, commands and laws of Islam are under this.
Effects Of Tawheed on Human Life
- One who denies la ilaha illallah will not succeed in life or in the afterlife.
- For self-respect to be developed, one must believe in Tawheed.
- Humility is important for Muslims because one must know that whatever you have, has been given to you by Allah.
- Belief in Tawheed makes Muslims to have strong determination, patience, perseverance and trust.
- Greed, jealousy and envy cannot dominate a Muslim’s life because of the belief in La Ilaha Illallah. Instead, peace becomes a part of their life.
- Knowing that only Allah has all the power and that He alone can bless or harm one’s life gives Muslims peace and freedom from fear.
- The most important effect of La ilaha illallah is it makes Muslims obey Allah and live a life that has meaning.
The Significance of Tawheed In The Life of a Muslim
- Because we were all created by Allah, whether black or white, Kikuyu or Luo, Tawheed brings about unity among Muslims.
- It makes one live within the limits that Allah imposes on one’s life.
- It makes one aware that Allah knows what you are upto in your life – good or bad.
- One is confidently able to communicate with Allah.
- It improves a Muslim’s self-esteem knowing that your life is in the hands of Allah.
Shirk
This means worshipping others as you worship Allah. It also means believing that the source of power, blessings or curses can come from other beings apart from Allah.
- Shirk-al-Akbar
This is a very serious sin in Islam. It means worshipping or praying to someone or something else aside from Allah.
Praying to another being apart from Allah – Shirk ad- Dua
Acts of worship toward other beings aside from Allah – Shirk-al-Niyyah- wal-Iradah wal-Qasd
Obedience directed to other beings apart from Allah – Shirk-at-Taa
Showing love that should be directed to Allah to another being – Shirk-al-Mahabbah
2. Shirk-Al-Asghar Ar-Riya (Acts performed to show off)
This is worshipping Allah in order to gain praise, adoration or worldly benefits from other people instead of worshipping Allah sincerely or truthfully.
3. Shirk-Al-Khaf
This is not being satisfied with what Allah has decided for your life. Complaining that you had already done this and the other and don’t deserve what has happened to you.
How Does Shirk Affect Muslims?
- Practicing shirk can bring about disharmony among Muslims as the said person will be disliked by true believers.
- Whoever practices Shirk will be punished by Allah in the afterlife.
- Even when someone does many good acts, if they practised Shirk, those acts will be deemed as worthless.
- Shirk is condemned by Allah and whoever practices it cannot earn the favor of Allah.
- A Muslim who practices Shirk cannot be trusted in the community and does not have peace of mind.
DEVOTIONAL ACTS
- Tajjahud Prayer
It falls under the fourth category of prayers known as Nafl. This prayer is optional and missing it is not considered a sin. It is done at night. Allah is believed to come down from heaven to see who is sacrificing their sleep to worship Him.
Importance Of Tahajjud Prayer
- It brings Muslims near to Allah
- It is a good time to seek for forgiveness and repetance.
- Those who do it regularly receive blessings from Allah.
- It is a good time to have prayers answered.
- These prayers bring mercy and peace into a Muslim’s life.
2. Tahiyat Ul Masjid Prayer
This prayer is performed when a Muslim enters the mosque. This prayer can ONLY be performed in the mosque.
Importance
- It’s a way of honoring and respecting the Mosque
- It shows that one relies on Allah.
- It makes one a Wali, a friend of Allah.
- Performing this prayer will ensure that one is honored in heaven.
- A way of being grateful for Allah for all his blessings.
3. Dhuha Prayers
These prayers are done about 20-30 minutes after sunrise. They are not mandatory but are encouraged. and are performed for forgiveness. These prayers provide blessings to the believer, give one peace of mind and lead to the forgiveness of sins.
Prayers on Special Occasions
- Swalatul janaza – Funeral prayer for the dead.
- Swalatul ul musafir – The traveller’s prayer.
- Swalat ul kusuf – A prayer done during a solar eclipse to remember Allah’s power.
- Swalat Ul Istiqfar – A prayer to seek Allah’s forgiveness during hard times.
The Importance of Congregational Prayer
- When Muslims from different races, ethnic backgrounds and nationalities meet, there is equality as Allah does not judge on external factors.
- Love and unity comes about as Muslims meet frequently.
- Muslims grow to care for each other as they pray together.
ZAKAT
This is a religious duty for Muslims to help the needy amongst them at the end of the Ramadhan fasting month.
Zakat has a spiritual and communal purpose. For the spiritual part, any sins the person may have commiteted during the fast are cleansed. For the communal part, it brings about brotherhood among different social classes i.e the rich and the poor, and ensures that wealth circulates within the Muslim community.
What Reward Do Muslims Receive For Offering Zakat?
- It blesses the wealth of the one giving it.
- Allah is pleased when Muslims give Zakat and blesses the person in this life and the next life.
- Fosters unity because the needy in society do not feel forgotten.
- It purifies the one giving it from greed and selfishness.
Which Items Are Exempted From Zakat Payment?
- A home which the owner occupies.
- Cars or animals which the owner uses for transportation.
- Personall jewellery like earrings, bracelets, chains.
- Personal furniture, personal clothing.
Saum
This is the Arabic term for fasting and is the 4th pillar of Islam. Every Muslim of age and sound mind is required to do so.
There are different types of fasts.
Nadhir
A fast observed to fulfill a vow that a Muslim made to Allah.
Qadha
A fast that is observed because a Muslim missed certain days of fasting in Ramadhan because of illness, pregnancy etc.
Kafara
A fast similar to Qadha but where a Muslim missed certain days of Ramadhan for no legitimate reason.
Fardh
A must-do fast observed during the month of Ramadhan.
Benefits of Fasting During the Month of Ramadhan
- Health benefits, for example, it detoxifies i.e cleans up the body since one is not eating.
- It prepares Muslims in times of hardship.
- It fosters unity and brotherhood among Muslims as they fast and pray together. AKHLAQ
- It brings Muslims closer to Allah.
- It shows obedience to Allah.
- It shows devotion and loyalty to Allah as all classes of people, rich or poor, all races, fast at this time.
AKHLAQ (MORAL VALUES)
This is the practice of morality and good character. There are vices (immoral behaviours) and virtues (good behaviours) in Islam.
Principles of Islamic Morality
- Avoiding to commit sins or going against teachings of Islam
- Repenting
- Fearing Allah and obeying Him
- Having faith in Allah
Importance of Morality in Islam
“And indeed, you are of a great moral character” Q 68:4
- It leads a Muslim man or woman to paradise where they will live in joy for al eternity.
- It brings one closer to Allah.
- It leads to a society that is moral and that has good behaviour.
- Having good character is part of the Islamic faith.
Every Muslim should:-
- Spend their money responsibly.
- Pray often.
- Treat people justly and fairly
- Be patient and compassionate and kind.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a very important part of Islamic teachings.
We need Allah to forgive us but we should also forgive others when they wrong us.
- Muslims forgive in order to be accepted by Allah.
- To improve relationships with others.
- To inherit the world/paradise to come.
- Muslims in order to get blessings from Allah.
- Forgiving others heals and blesses you.
- Forgiving others get rids of sins.
Prohibitions in Islam
Drug abuse is prohibited in Islam. A drug is a substance that causes changes in the normal functioning of your body. There are legal and illegal drugs.
Drugs can be smoked, inhaled, swallowed or drank.
Effects of Drug Abuse
- It leads to people neglecting their responsibilites.
- It leads to wastage of money.
- It leads to ill health.
- It leads to road accidents because the driver cannot see or think properly.
- Drug addicts commit crimes like theft to get money to buy drugs.
MUAMALAT (SOCIAL RELATIONSHIP)
These are the rules for fairness and justice in Islam.
Marriage is known as Nikah.
The Purpose of Marriage In Islam:-
- For companionship and friendship
- In order to get children who will be obedient to Allah
A Muslim Wife
- Is expected to keep her husband’s secrets.
- Is expected to be faithful to her husband.
- Should obey her husband.
- Should make the home a pleasant place for the family.
- Should ask for permission before leaving the house.
- Should be consulted on decisions that affect her in the marriage.
- Can inherit property and other assets if her husband passes away.
A Muslim Husband
- Should pay dowry for the wife.
- Should provide for his wife and children in form of clothing, food, shelter etc.
- Should be fair in case he is married to more than one wife. Polygamy is allowed in Islam.
- Should be treated with love and kindness in his home.
TRADE AND FINANCE IN ISLAM
Muslims are expected to make money in a ‘halal’ that is legitimate way.
- Through agriculture (but should not keep pigs)
- Via employment
- Through gifts
- Via retirement
- Via inheritance from a parent or someone else.
Muslims should not earn money in a haram way, that is, a way that is not approved by Allah or His Prophet.
Sources of Income Prohibited In Islam
- Gambling
- Fraud
- Theft and Corruption
- Interest (Riba)
- Bribery
- Alcoholic businesses
- Witchcraft and magic
ISLAMIC HERITAGE AND CIVILISATION
Terms to remember:
Islah – reform
Jahiliyyah – a time of ignorance. It is the period of time in Arabia before Islam, known as the period of Iqlas.
The Jahilliyah:-
- Worshiped many gods and had idols.
- Mistreated women. Women could not inherit and some were buried alive.
- Involved themselves in alcoholism, gambling, adultery and other vices.
- Enjoyed wars and violence.
- Were tribalists and thought their tribe was superior to others.
But on the flip side, they were courageous, hospitable. Some were poets and singers and great astronomers (they studied the stars)
Islam brought the following changes to the Jahiliyya practices.
- Jahiliyya Arabs changed from worshipping many gods (polytheism) to worshipping Allah only.
- Islam brought unity to the Arabian tribes.
- Alcoholism, adultery, gambling and other vices reduced significantly.
- Justice became the new way of life.
- Women began to be treated well. They could now receive dowry and inheritance.
Find the Islamic Religius Studies Grade 7 Quiz here and try it out!