IPP (Introduction, Translator& Note-pl

Islam and the Prophet of Peace

Translated By Mir Mahboob Ali

From Bengali “Shantir Nabi”

By Fazlur Rahman Khan

Islam and the Prophet of Peace is a book on the life of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)Translated by Mir Mahboob Ali from Bengali "Shantir Nabi" by Fazlur Rahman Khan, a retired Joint Secretary of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

God says in Al-Qurän:

Say, ‘O men! I am sent Unto you all, as the Apostle Of God,’ (Al-Qurän – 7: 158).

God hath chosen him above you, and hath gifted him abundantly with knowledge and bodily prowess: (Al-Qurän - 2: 247).

We sent thee not, but as a Mercy for all creatures (Al-Qurän - 21: 107).

You have indeed in the Apostle of God a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in God and the Final Day, and who engages much in the praise of God (Al-Qurän - 33: 21).

And thou (standest) on an exalted standard of character (Al-Qurän - 68: 4).

There hath come to you From God a (new) light And a perspicuous Book (Al-Qurän - 5:17).

Verily thou art one of the Apostles (Al-Qurän - 2: 252).

O Prophet! Truly We have sent thee as a Witness, a Bearer of Glad Tidings, and a Warner, - and as one who invites To God’s (Grace) by His leave, and as a Lamp spreading Light. (Al-Qurän - 33: 45-46).

God and His Angels Send blessings on the Prophet: O ye that believe! Send ye blessings on him, And salute him With all respect (Al-Qurän - 33:56).

Say : If ye do love God Follow me: God will love you And forgive you your sins: (Al-Qurän - 3: 31).

The Prophet says:

My words are laws for you, my examples are your ideals, and my life is the expression of the Truth.

Table of Contents

Chapter I

La Ilaha Illallahu (There is no god, but Allah)

Muhammadur Rasulullah:

Prophet of the Jinni and Humankind: Muhammad:

Messenger of Peace Muhammad:

Muhammad in the Ancient Scriptures:

Hinduism:

Prophecies in the Atharva Veda: The Kuntap Sukt in Atharva Veda: The First Mantra:

The Blessed Name of the Prophet: He Will Be Safe Among His Foes: The Camel-rider Rishi: Wives of the Prophet: The Prophet’s Ascension: The Gold Coins: The Ten Chaplets: Three Hundred Good Steeds: The Ten Thousand Cows:

Muhammad In Shloka 5:27:1 In Rig Veda:

Zoroastrianism

Buddhism

The Last Buddha Maitreya: Characteristics of Buddha: Characteristics of Maitreya Buddha:

Confucianism:

Judaism:

Christianity:

Jesus Christ:

Hazrat Muhammad In the Bible:

Muhammad: A Prophet Like Musa (Moses):

The King of Glory Muhammad:

Migration (Hijrat) Of Muhammad:

Muhammad Arrives with Ten Thousand Companions:

Judge Muhammad: The Last Prophet:

Muhammad - The Terminator of Idolatry: Muhammad -The Modern Warrior: Destroyer of
Idols: The Son of Man – Destroyer of Evil: Muhammad:

Al-Amin: Muhammad:

Non-Muslim Thinkers and Scholars on Muhammad:
Non-Muslim Scholars on Islam: Islamic Law and Constitution:
Muhammad in the Book ‘The Hundred’: 2

Chapter II

Meccan Period:

Birth: Father’s Death: Wet Nurse: Mother’s Death: Death of Grandfather:

Childhood: Life at Abu Talib’s House, Journeys: Experiences of Early Life, Guidance For
Later Life:

Okâz Fare: Hilful Fudhul:

Marriage with Bibi Khadija (Radiallahu-Anha):
Livelihood:
Restoration Of The Ka’aba (House Of The Lord):
The First Step to Abolish Slavery:
Revelation of the First Divine Message:
Promotion of Education among Muslims:
Beginning Of Islam: Introduction of Salat (Prayers):
The First And Second Hijrat To Abyssinia:
Hamza and Omar’s Ordination in Islam:
Death of Abu Talib and Ummul Muminin Khadija:
Me’räj and Introduction of Salat (Prayers):
The First Pledge of Aqaba: The Second Pledge of Aqaba and Preparation for Migration (Hijrat):

Chapter III

Medinease Period

The First Hegira

Arrival in Medïna: Reaching Kobba and Building the First Mosque: Establishment of Masjidun Nabubi and Azan: Foundation of an Islamic State and the Caliphate:

Medïna Sanad (Pact of Medïna) and Establishment of Inter-Community Peace:

Expansion of Education in Medinease Males and Females:

Administration: Conspiracy of the Enemy: Recourse to Arms for Defence:

Change of Qibla:

The Second Hegira:

The Battle of Badr: Hazrat Fatima’s Marriage and Introduction of Fasting:

The Third Hegira:

Battle of Ohud:

The Fourth Hegira:

Betrayal by the Idolaters at Rajee and Beer-e-Mowna:

Reason of the Jewish Hostility:

The Fifth Hegira:

Defiance of Charter and Rebellion by the Jewish: The Battle of Khandaq (Ditch):

The Sixth Hegira:

Hudaibiya Pact: Benefits of Hudaibiya:

Deputation to Other Countries:

The Seventh Hegira:

The Battle of Khaibar: A Jewish Woman Poisons the Prophet: Pilgrimage (Hajj):

The Eight Hegira:

The Battle of Muta: The Conquest of Mecca: Conversion of Abu Sufiyan: Entering Mecca and Declaration of General Amnesty: The Battle of Hunaian: The Siege of Tayef:

The Ninth Hegira:

The Expedition of Tabuk: Usury Prohibited and Introduction of Zakat (Regular Charity):

The Tenth Hegira:

The Farewell Pilgrimage: The Farewell Sermon: Descent of the Last Divine Message (Wahy): Apostle’s Address at Gadir-e-Kham and Admiration of Ali:

Return to Medïna: Mission Completed:

The Eleventh Hegira:

Death: The Last Khutba (Sermon) of the Prophet: (delivered in the Masjidun-nabubi):

Chapter IV

Muhammad’s Personality: Divine Revelations: Physique, Dress, Food Habits, Preferences and Behaviour: Exchanges of Gifts: Alms: Exchanging Greetings: Fellowship with the Companions: Obedience of God:Equality of Status: Household Management: Lifestyle:

Relatives’ Perception of Muhammad:
Worshipping (Ibadah): Patience and Tenacity: Benevolence: Equality: Spartan Life: Reliance on God: Self-control: Compassion: Magnanimity and Forgiveness: Devout Companions: Multi‑faceted Philosophy:

Part II Chapter I

Islamic System of Education: The First Student of the World: The Framework: The First Ordinance of God: The Holy Qur’än on Acquiring Knowledge: Some Important Sayings of Muhammad on Education: Necessity of Studying the Qur’än: Muhammad: the Teacher: Need of Education at the Beginning of Islam: Lessons to Serve the Humanity: Appointment of Scribes: Expansion of Education:

Hazrat Ali’s Discourse:

Comments of Dr. Maurice Bucaille: No Man Can Write A Book Like The Holy Qur'än:

Discoveries of Non-Muslim Scientists: The Holy Qur'än - A Treasure of Knowledge:

Need of Education and Knowledge:

The First International Islamic University: Islamic Education System:

Science in Islam: The Features of Islamic Education: Astronomy and Mathematics: Geography and Mapping: Medicine: Chemistry and Physics: Botany: Agriculture and Horticulture:

Illiteracy and Ignorance:

Examples of Islamic Education in the MuslimWorld: The Role of Saudi Arabia: King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University, Riyadh: Examples of Educational Systems:

Conclusion:

Chapter II

Status of Women in Islam: Men and Women:

Women in Other Religions: Women in Hinduism: Women and the Roman Civilization: Women in Buddhism: Women in Judaism: Women in Christianity: Women in Arab Heathen Religion: Women at the Advent of Islam:

Rebuttal of Allegations against Eve:

Place of Women According to The Qur’än and Ahadith:

Veil (Hizab) in Islam: Marriage in Islam: Dowry (Mehr) In Islam: Rights of Wives in Islam: Physical Inability of Women: Menstruation: Menopause: Nervous and Mental Symptoms: Symptoms in the Stomach and Duodenum: Symptoms of Heart and Blood Vessels: Genital Condition: Other Symptoms:

Husband Wife Relationship and Duties: Kind Hearted Women:

Polygamy in Islam: Non-Muslim Thinkers’ Support for Polygamy: Divorce or Annulment of Marriage in Islam:

Muslim Women’s Contribution to the World: Modern Women in the East and the West:

Chapter III

Pre-Islamic Era:
The Pious Consorts of Muhammad:

Wives of the Prophet at a Glance: Hazrat Khadijatul-Kubra: Hazrat Shawda Bint Jomaa: Hazrat Ayesha Siddiqa: Hazrat Hafsa: Hazrat Joynab Bint Khozaima: Hazrat Umme-Salma: Hazrat Joynab Bint Jahash: Hazrat Juwaiera: Hazrat Maria Kibtia: Hazrat Sofia: Hazrat Umme-Habiba: Hazrat Maimuna:

Necessity of Marriages of the Prophet:

Chapter IV

Social Management in Islam:

Creation of Man: The Birth: The Death: Fathers - Mothers: Family and Relatives:

This Life and Hereafter: Righteous Deeds: The Truth and The Falsehood: Trusts and Custody of Wealth: Kindness: Restraint: Forgiveness: Composure And Patience: Return of Trust Deposit: Integrity in Business and Trade: Accounting: Charity and Dole:Begging - an Abominable Act: Prohibition of Usury: Distribution of Zakat (Regular Charity) Compulsory:

Zakat Acts as a Social Security in Islam:

Assets (Categories): Zakat is due on: Nisab (Amount at which Zakat is due): Rate of zakat: Counting Zakat-Year: Quantity of Zakat to be given: Charity and Zakat:

Miserliness: Usury: Renouncing Miserliness:

Punishment for Theft and Misappropriation: Punishment of Adultery:

Justice and Neutral Testimony: Commitment: Loyalty and Honesty: Proscription of Illegal Income:

Eating Halal and Eschewing Haram Food: Halal (Permitted) Food: Haram (Proscribed) Food: Meat of Dead Animals: Blood: Pork: Meat of Animals that Die of Asphyxia Prohibited: Animal beaten or clubbed to Death:

Ban on Gambling and Drinking: The Holy Qur'änabout Intoxicants: Benefits of Alcohol: Disadvantages of Alcohol: Gambling is Illegal: Advantages of Gambling: Disadvantages:

Restraining Arrogance and Pride: Tolerance: Benevolence (Service to Others): Modesty, Humility, Politeness, and Shirking Calumny:

Orphans or Fatherless Children: Wastefulness and Extravagance: Slander, Calumny: Pride: Tyranny:

Assets and Riches: Clemency: Indecency: Weight and Measure: Fraud: Pretenders and Hypocrites: Actions and Consequences: Repentance and Prayer for Forgiveness:

Sayings and Ideals of the Prophet (PBUH):

No Celibacy in Islam: Islam is not confined to Mosques:

The First Social Welfare Organization of the World:

The First Nursing Corps in the World:

Rights of Neighbours in Islam:

Health and Hygiene in Islam:

Tibbun Nabi: Honey:Henna (Law Sonia Alba):Mustard: Fenugreek (Melilotus Indica): Mushroom: Ginger (OfficinaleRose): Wheat (Titicum Vulgare): Bitter Plum (Zizyphus Jujuba):Bottle Gourd (Logenaria Sicararla): Onion (Allium Cepa): Garlic (AlliumSativum Linn): Olive: Barley: Fennel (Nigella Sativa): Sandal Wood:Dates (Phoenix Sylvestris):

Preventive Measures against Infectious Diseases:

Cleanliness in Islam:

Raising Children in Islam:

Rights of Parents in Islam:

Slaves (Servants) in Islam: Beginning of Slavery: Emergence of Slavery in Ancient India: Condition of Slaves at the Advent of Islam: Islamic State’s Declaration on Slaves: Liberty: Education: Socio- Religious Status of Slaves in Islam: Servants in the Modern Third World:

Kindness to Mute Animals:

Allah Is Merciful:

La Ilaha Illallahu Muhammadur Rasulullah:

Introduction
The Messenger of Peace

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Praise be to Almighty Allah who through His Benevolence sent His beloved Messenger (Peace be upon him) as Rahmatullil Al-Amin (Mercy of the Worlds). May eternal felicity be the lot of those who devotedly follow the sunnats (Traditions and Sayings) of the holy Prophet (PUBH)!

‘Islam’ is an Arabic word meaning submission and obedience to Almighty Allah’s commands as in the Holy Qurän. It is a complete way of life for humankind from birth to death. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) before asking his followers to act according to the Qurän fully practised Quränic ordinances himself. Thus, a person who accepts Islamic way of life and acts according to the practices of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is a Muslim.

Islam, sometimes, is erroneously called Mohammedanism and Muslims as Mohammedans. This error, perhaps, is a reflection of the fact that some religions are named after their founders and others are known by the identity of the community in which those prospered. For example, Christianity is named after Jesus Christ (Alaihe Wassallam), Buddhism after its founder Buddha and Judaism after the tribe of Judah. Islam has not been named after Muhammad (PBUH), as, it is the religion of Alallah, Rabbul Alamin (Lord of the Worlds), revealed for the guidance of humankind through all the prophets, right from Adam (AS) to the last prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Therefore, it is ‘Islam’ and ‘NOT’ Mohammedanism, which is a misnomer.

Muslims worship Allah and only Allah, while Christians worship God, though Jesus Christ (AS) called Him Ely, while he was being taken for crucifixion as per Old Testament. Hindus worship one Ishwar or Bhagawan but various deities like Durga, Shiva, Kali, etc. are worshipped as sharers of powers with the Supreme Lord. Followers of other religion worship Jehovah, Zahuramazda etc. Unlike Christians and Hindus, the cardinal basis of faith in Islam is the ‘Oneness of Allah’. A Muslim declares his faith by reciting ‘La Ilaha Illallahu Muhammadur Rasulullah’ (There is no god, but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger).

Whenever, humankind had deviated from the path of truth, indulged in evil acts, and defied the Commands of Allah contained in His Books, the Torah, the Bible and Al-Qurän, Allah sent Prophets or Messengers, from time to time, calling them back to the ‘Path of the Truth’, according to the Qurän. Allah sent about one hundred twenty four thousand prophets to this world and Muhammad (PBUH) is the last of His Prophets and the book revealed to him Al-Qurän names twenty-five of them.

“Adhering to the tenets of Islam as practiced and propagated by Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), the earlier Muslims accomplished astonishing achievements, material and spiritual and attained ‘Silme Kaffa’ (supreme bliss). That as urged by the Holy Qurän, ought to be the cherished goal of every believing heart, but alas! The later Muslims deviated from the real path of Islam and got them increasingly absorbed in temporal enjoyments, ultimately, degrading into the present material and spiritual backwardness. The flame of love of Allah no longer glows in its majestic brilliance, in the hearts of the Muslims now as it did before. “The sterling qualities, resignation to His Will, love of His creatures and feelings of universal brotherhood, of the blissful days of Islam, are almost absent in the present day Muslims”, says, Hazrat Shah Sufi Azangachi (R), a renowned Sufi Saint of the Indian subcontinent.

He further said, “The life of Islamic education has become so deem that the right path leading to nearness of Almighty Allah can hardly be seen by its glow. There are learned men but a very few of them live like true Muslims. Although the glory of spirit of Islam is trumpeted loudly all around, very few Muslim care about establishing its ‘haqqaniat’ (absolute truth) and ‘sadaqat’ (trusted sincerity). The few real ‘Sufis’ and ‘Aulias’ (saints), who in their daily life manifest the intrinsic force of their faith, usually keep themselves at a distance and pass their life in seclusion. On the other hand, many ‘Pirs’ (spiritual guides) have started dispensing remedies for material and spiritual ailments of Muslims, but not as selflessly as did the prophets and earlier saints of Islam. Consequently, supreme bliss is as distant as ever. That must be the consequence when personal monetary and material interests mix up with religious actions of a ‘Pir’.

Now we are in an era where spiritual values are steadily on the wane are under complete subjugation of values pertaining to material welfare and temporal enjoyment. Humankind’s preoccupation for attainment of worldly objects makes them forgetful of the life hereafter. Acquisition of wealth and multiplying the acquired wealth by means foul or fair is the present day trend consuming the human race, unabated. In the ruthless pursuit of self-aggrandizement, all accepted moral and ethical values are sacrificed at the altar of personal achievements. Corruption, tyranny, injustice and all other evil conceivable evil practices are the order of the day. Moral standard has become so low that the perpetrators of these heinous deeds do not even feel the pricks of conscience. Human is by nature susceptible to fall under the satanic influences. He cannot perceive the satanic forces misguiding him. The baser desires in human are heavily inclined toward the earth (worldly affairs). These along with the provocation of satanic influences constantly mislead him from the right path. Unrestrained obedience of to the dictates of Satan and his associates slowly but surely deviate him away from the path of Allah. In this state of the mind where Satan rules the apparently attractive suggestions form the ‘Nafs’ (instinct or natural propensity) and the wily Satan exercise a commanding influence over the human and he bows down to his wishes. Thus, gradually he accepts his baser desires as his god and blatantly disobeys Allah’s Commands.

The striving for material welfare along with its enjoyment in this world is the inherent tendency of man. This tendency is the animal instinct in man. The mission of man in this world is not to remain contented with animal instinct and to follow the evil motto: ‘eat, drink and be merry’. Man is a superior being. In fact, Almighty Allah has created man as the ‘Ashraful Makhluqat’ (The best and the noblest of all creations).”

Today’s world is the most advanced in science, technology and knowledge. However, the Muslims could not keep pace with the modern world, because they have deviated from the path of God and his Prophet (PBUH). They are engaged in fighting among themselves. Taking this opportunity not only the non-Muslims, but also some derailed Muslims are showing the audacity to blaspheme and use profane language against even the Prophet. This creates more misunderstanding among the non-Muslims regarding Islam.

I travelled to many countries of the world and met cross section of the people. I observed, most of the educated men, women were quite ignorant, and even some of them have misconception about Islam and its Holy Prophet-Muhammad (PBUH). This has been painfully reflected in the writings of Shamael, a Muslim lady from Bangladesh who resided in Dhaka and London. She writes, in her book ‘An open letter to the Pope’, However, my love admiration and respect for the holy prophet (PBUH) whom I adore with all my heart and soul inspired me motivated dedicated me to write this book. This book is specially written for the non-Muslim Readers for their better understanding the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the religion of Islam in its true perspective. In this book, writings from different religious orders have been reproduced which made forecast about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) several thousand years ago. In this book, I have also reproduced the opinions of the internationally renowned scholars who hold the Prophet in their highest esteem.

The arrival of Muhammad (PBUH) has been prophesied in Hindu scripture Veda, Zoroastrian scripture Zend-Avesta, Buddhist scripture Dighi-Nikaya, Deliberations of Confucius and in the Jewish Torah and the Christian Bible. All these great men in their respective scriptures reverently describing Muhammad (PBUH) as a very respectable great reformer, instructed the followers to obey and follow him, at his advent. Moreover, the scholars of the modern era in numerous books, magazines, papers etc., like, ‘The Bible, the Qurän and Science’, ‘Veday Purane Muhammad (Muhammad in the Veda Purana)’, ‘Araber Itihash (History of the Arabs)’, ‘Prophet of Islam’ and ‘The Hundred’ described Mohammed (PBUH) as the greatest men that ever lived. They have reached that verdict by scrutinizing his life and work and the revolutionizing impact they had on the world that transformed the world forever. Only Muhammad had been successful in both spiritual and secular fields, which no other great men have ever achieved. For every step of life, from the cradle to the grave, he has left instructions by acting on them. His diligence, ability, righteousness, truthfulness, magnanimity, benevolence, selfless devotion to the welfare of the humanity captivated people’s admiration and evoked respect and obedience. So pure and all embracing was his love for the creations of God that not even the mute animals were excluded from his graceful care. He single-handed transformed the earth with such tremendous speed, which no other great men ever could. Muhammad (PBUH) made people aware of piety, vices, taught them goodness, and righteousness, transformed the heathen barbarous lowly people into a vibrant civilized nation. This great man’s life and the religion he preached must be widely publicized for the benefit of this world. The first translator of the Holy Qurän into Bengali, Reverend Girish Chandra Sen- Scholar, Saint and a leading follower of Raja Ram Mohan Roy of Calcutta, India, the founder of the Brahma Samaj, a splinter group of Hinduism- says: “The translation of the Bible in the languages of the world made it easily available and affordable, to all. For that, by reading about the divine character of Jesus and his heavenly sermons numerous people of all nationalities have been benefited and enlightened. However, the main canonical book of the mighty Muslims, the Qurän, is wrapped up in the difficult Arabic language, off limit to non-Muslims. Muslims do not sell their Qurän to others, and forget reading, non-Muslims cannot even touch the Qurän. Arabic is not generally cultured among other nations. Therefore, if even, perchance, someone obtains a copy of the Qurän, he cannot comprehend the meaning due to the lack of knowledge in Arabic…”

Many, many books have been written in, translated into, many languages, on the eventful and dynamic life of Muhammad (PBUH). Most of the books deal with his life after divination. His thirteen years' struggle, against the oppression and inhuman persecution by the Meccans, and the life after migration, in Medïna spanning ten years, prevailed. These periods are mainly spent in fighting to repulse the tyrannous infidel Quraish persecution and in the struggle to preach Islam. The Prophet (PBUH) had to defend himself and his followers from the conspiracy of the pagan Quraish and Jews. Very naturally, therefore, battles and wars dominate these Meccans and Medinease periods. The formative periods of his life from the fifteenth year to the fortieth year, is missing. These long twenty-five years had been the preparatory periods, before divination. It therefore, has a very profound relevance to the make up of Muhammad (PBUH) the person. In this period, he travelled extensively going from county to country on business. He gained valuable Knowledge of the culture, life and religion of many peoples during these journeys. Devotion to and involvement in social work, social development, social reform, humanitarian activities, earned Muhammad (PBUH), the respect and confidence of his people. The As-Sadique (Dependable and Al-Amin (Trustworthy of the people, set brilliant examples of dependability, benevolence, compassion, righteousness, love, respect, tolerance and self sacrifice. Since, there is no elaboration of these qualities, most of the biographies of the Prophet, ignorant people including the so called learned, misunderstood the Prophet and his personality. Taking this opportunity, the so-called progressive Muslim intelligentsia are engaged in misleading campaigns against theQurän, the Prophet (PBUH) and Islam, more vehemently than the non Muslims, mainly because, these so-called learned progressives are, apparently, ignorant, about Islam and Islamic History. Knowingly or unknowingly they do not try to understand that education is mandatory (Farz) for every Muslim, male and female. Therefore, the Prophet (PBUH) tried his best to develop every Muslim, as a wise, intelligent person through education. Later, his capable Caliphs followed his education policy. Fourteen hundred years ago when the western Jewish-Christian world was living in ignorance and darkness, the Muslims, illuminating the world with the blaze of knowledge marched forward. Forebears of today's Jewish-Christian westerners were yet to see the light of civilization. They were totally immersed in the darkness of primitive, ignorant, superstitious and barbarous wilderness. While, they were known as the most backward, undeveloped and uncivilized nation, Muslims were hailed in Asia and Africa and Europe (Spain) as the most forward and civilized people. For their knowledge, sagacity, chivalry and magnanimity, they were known all over the world. Muslims excelled in Science, Medicine, History and Literature and in every field, they traversed and reigned supreme in the world. They established themselves as a strong civilized nation and earned name and fame as rulers.

Allah The Most Exalted said in the Holy Qurän,

Before this, We wrote In the Psalms after the Message (Given to Moses), ‘My servants, The righteous shall Inherit the earth’. (Al-Qurän - 21:105).

God has promised, to those among you who believe and work righteous deeds, that He will, of a surety grant them in the land, inheritance (of power), as He granted it to those before them, that He will establish in authority their religion - the one which He has chosen for them; and that He will change (their state), after the fear in which they (lived), to one of security and peace: (Al-Qurän - 24:55).

In the beginning of Islam, the ascent of Muslims and their stride forward was the result of the education policy and ideals of the Apostle (PBUH). Within ten years, they could rise to the pinnacle of success, because, every Muslim men and women followed and carried out, Muhammad’s (PBUH) policies in letter and spirit. Islam lost its glory because its followers have deviated from divine directives of the Holy Qurän and the ideals of the Prophet (PBUH). Allah the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds says in Holy Qurän:

O ye assembly of Jinns and men! If it be Ye can pass beyond The Zones of the Heavens And the earth, pass ye! Not without authority Shall ye be able to pass! (Al-Qurän - 55:33).

No Muslim could earn the honour, in spite of this clear indication, but the non-Muslim Americans conquered the moon, through Neil Armstrong, the first man to foot his feet on the moon in 1969. To regain those glorious days of Islam, each individual of the Islamic nation should recast their lives by the ideals of the Apostle (Peace be upon him) and the Holy Qurän. Muslims should live an honest and clean life to be able to reign again.

Many non Muslim scholars and thinkers, indisputably, recognize their glorious contribution in all branches of human knowledge. One of them is Lord Bertrand Russell of the United Kingdom. That many inventions of modern science are based on the works of the Muslim scientists, he wrote in his book “The Reawakening of the East." In most of the Bengali Biographies of the Prophet (PBUH), his Policies on Education and Code of Social Life are discussed or elaborated properly. This gave the chance to non Muslims and few misguided, libertine Muslims to criticize Islam and the Prophet (PBUH).

It is difficult to describe adequately, the eventful, dynamically active life, and incomparably brilliant personality of the Apostle (PBUH). Thousands of books, in all the major languages of the world, are written on each aspect of his character. He is not only a Preacher, but is the greatest Prophet (PBUH), Sage, Savant, Ruler, Statesman, Politician, Orator, Reformer, Soldier and Warrior. A Philosopher, Thinker, Physician, Engineer, Scientist, Jurist, Conqueror, Businessperson, Muhammad (PBUH) was a very kind-hearted man. He was the protector, the deliverer of the slaves, the poor, widowed, orphans and old and the wretched. A few of these qualities are discussed in this book. Muhammad (PBUH) has taught his disciples by example. He lived with them practicing all the religious, social and family rites, strictly according to the guidance of God, as stated in the Holy Qurän. Whatever he uttered and did were by the Will of God. Therefore, his practices and utterances would lead and guide the Muslim-world, onto the ‘Straight Path, ‘(Siratul Mustaquim), as the Polestar, until the Doomsday. In theQurän and Hadith (Sayings of Muhammad: PBUH) warnings, advice and instructions are given for all the activities from birth to death. These instructions deal with all aspects of human life ranging from Social Management, Statecraft to love, marriage, social work and inheritance, etc. His life style is the reflection of Allah’s Will, as coded in the Holy Qur'än.

The Harbinger of God, Muhammad (PBUH) was as great a Preacher as he was a Social Reformer, Social Worker and Promoter of Social Development. God therefore, Has called him the “Peace and Prosperity of the Universe (Oma Arsalnaqa Illah Rahmatullil Al-Amin).” He is the Greatest of the Greatest. His contribution to Human welfare and Social reform far exceeds the combined contribution of all the great men. In the world, he is the first to set up a Social Welfare Organization like, Hilful Fuzul. As he is the first to organize a group of dedicated ladies to nurse the wounded and the sick, therefore, the noble profession of nursing is truly his invention. He advised, encouraged and prodded the rich among his followers to support those in need. Taxing the rich at a rate of 2½ % per annum, he raised money and arranged to distribute that among the poor. From the Baitul Mal (Government Treasury), interest free loans were issued to the poor and needy. Before him, the world could not imagine of such extensive economic measures.

The Great Prophet (PBUH) is the first to abolish all differences among men. He declared all human beings equal, irrespective of cast, creed, colour, sex and birth. Islam abolished slavery and through Muhammad’s (PBUH), humanitarian policy slavery was totally uprooted from the Muslim-world within the next two hundred years. Fourteen Hundred years ago, he did not enact harsh laws and apply force to abolish slavery. Slavery died a natural death because of his policy of equality.

To unshackle the females from all bondage of torment, torture, inequality and tyranny he is the very first in the world. Muhammad (PBUH) the champion of fraternity and equality, bestowed women with the title, “The Flower of Paradise.” Women have been elevated to the lofty heights hitherto unknown, for he declared, “Heaven is at the feet of the Mothers.” Fourteen hundred years ago, when Christian and Jewish women were engrossed in ignorance and enslaved by the man, Muslim women were free and equal with man. The Christian and Jewish women were rotting as concubines and commodities for enjoyment, shackled in the superstitious male dominated society, valued no more than domestic animals. Unlike their Christian and Jews counterparts, Muslim women were competing with their men in every field. They were emancipated, educated, and treated with great respect and honour. Women took part in religion, politics, literature, legal practice, education, science, medicine and even in business and battles. Ladies enjoyed all the rights and their opinions were respected and in cases were even final.

Non-Muslim historians show the audacity to call Muhammad (PBUH) an Emperor, because of their ignorance about Muhammad (PBUH) and his religion. He was an Emperor no doubt, but not of this mundane world. The divine Emperor of the Worlds, despite being the Head of State of the Muslim State Medïna, stayed in thatched hut made of date leaves. There were no pomp and grandeur of Palaces and bodyguards, servants and slaves or pompous offices in Medïna. He lived like an ordinary man in an ordinary hut. Muhammad (PBUH) ran the state work of the Muslim-world from Masjidun Nabubi (Mosque of the Prophet) attired in simple clothes stitched all over. Here the Emissary of God met and conferred with honourable Ambassadors, Plenipotentiaries of kings, and guests from other countries in a very friendly atmosphere. Important state, political, religious and social matters were discussed here with the Representatives. He neither wanted anything for his own happiness and comfort nor for his heirs. He never asked favour from anybody other than God Most High, full of Grace and Mercy. In the service of Islam and humanity, he strolled through the streets of Medïna. To the service of the shelter less, orphans, disabled, slaves, sick, oppressed, helpless, and wretched and the destitute, he devoted his life and sacrificed his temporal happiness. They took precedence over his family members. For the Almighty Most Magnanimous and His Faith, the Prophet (PBUH) sacrificed everything.

Preaching after the divination, the Message of God the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds, Prophet (PBUH) faced strong opposition from the Quraish idolaters. He had to bear the inhuman treatment, extreme harassment, pain and agony, silently. Nonetheless, he did not protest or curse them, but prayed to God for their deliverance and guidance. In spite of his persistent effort to bring them to the right path, they intensified their harassment and oppression, and remained determined to eliminate the Rasul (Messenger of God). Muhammad (PBUH) therefore, at the behest of God left his motherland for Medïna. In Medïna, the Jews opposed Islam like the Meccan Quraish. Reaching Medïna the Prophet (PBUH) felt relieved. However, it was not to be, as the Quraish joined hands with the Medinease Jews and began to intrigue against him. To destroy the nascent Islamic state in the bud, armed heavily, they advanced on Medïna. According to the Command of Allah Most High, under the leadership of the Prophet (PBUH) armed Muslims repulsed the attack.

In Mecca for a long thirteen years, the infidel Quraish subjected him to inhuman treatment, torment and torture by, yet the Prophet (PBUH) silently tolerated. Unlike Mecca, the Apostle (PBUH) executed both the duties of the Head of State and the Spiritual Leader, in Medïna. Therefore, it was h is duty to protect the lives and properties of the innocent citizens of the emerging Muslim State. Unfortunately, when at the call of duty, he took up arms against the enemies of Islam; particularly the non Muslim historians branded him a warmonger. Some non Muslims tauntingly say that he had the Holy Qurän in one hand and the sword in the other as if to say, accept Islam or die. Almighty Allah repeatedly declared in His Divine Book that in Islam there is no place for coercion. The following quotations from the Holy Qurän attest the fact that the charge is totally false:

Let there be no compulsion, In religion: (Al-Qurän - 2: 256).”

We know best what they say; and thou art not one to compel them by force (Al-Qurän - 50: 45).

To you be your Way, and to me mine (Al-Qurän - 109: 6).

Revile not ye those whom they call upon Besides God, lest they out of spite Revile God in their Ignorance (Al-Qurän -: 108).

But if any turn away, We have not sent thee as their caretaker (Al-Qurän - 4:80)

but if any turn back, thy duty is to convey the message (Al-Qurän - 3:20)

There is no instruction by Allah, anywhere, to convert people by force. Once, Muhammad’s (PBUH) disciples requested him to curse the idolaters. The Prophet (PBUH) answered, “I am sent not to curse, but only to show compassion (Hadith).”

God’s instructions in the Holy Qurän were strictly followed by the Prophet (PBUH) with the utmost sincerity. The rights and privileges that he granted to the non Muslims are rarely known in history. No non Muslim-country gave such privileges to the people of other faiths than their own. He would accept all the just demands of the non Muslims without compromising the “Oneness of God.” The Apostle (PBUH) would not interfere in others’ religious matters. Once he allowed Christian priests, in the Masjidun Nabubi to pray. There is no such example in history before this. All his life the Prophet (PBUH) tried to establish good friendly relations, with other non Muslim countries and with the non Muslims within the country. On his initiative with the consent of all the communal leaders, a written treaty was concluded, to enable the citizens in the new Muslim country to live in peace and harmony, side by side. In history, this is renowned, as the “Treaty of Medïna.” For the peace, prosperity, welfare and universal fraternity he sent emissaries carrying letters to the kings and rulers of other countries in Asia, Africa and Europe. Quoting the Holy Qurän, he invited them to Islam and peace. Responding to these missions of goodwill, many kings and heads of states sent gifts for him. Before these no other policies, influenced the world so profoundly and nobody took such extensive initiatives internationally. Never before, the whole world was so quickly and so rapidly motivated as by Muhammad (PBUH).

His duties as the Head of state compelled him to take up arms to protect the lives and properties of innocent citizens. He did not go by rule of Jesus, “turning the other cheek.” Instead, Muhammad (PBUH) bared the Evil and shielded the Gentle. This greatly enabled him to bring peace and tranquillity in the Islamic world in a very short time. New horizon was opened in the annals of history by this glorious example. Within only ten years, he established an Islamic country comprising different nations and people of diverse cultures and religions. Law and order situation was so good that nobody would dare look at a beautiful woman; walking all alone, even in the night with very expensive jewellery and clothes on. She could travel from one end to the other of the town, unworried.

George Bernard Shaw said that if Muhammad (PBUH) were the leader of the world, the world would be a better place to live in joy, happiness, peace and prosperity. I think, Muhammad’s (PBUH) accomplishments in establishing peace and stability in the Arab world should be expounded more elaborately.

This unique achievement was possible through his devotion to Social Reform, Social Management and selfless Humanitarianism. For the ultimate comprehension of the Prophet (PBUH) and the Holy Qurän, it is necessary to glean knowledge, scientifically to undiluted perfection. Unfortunately, today ninety-five percent of the Muslims are illiterate. About the Holy Qurän and its contents, they do not have distinct idea. How can the average Muslim enlighten non-Muslims, about a divine subject so obscure to them? Neither, they have any clear perception of God and His creations, nor can they comprehend the sublime motive of God. They are unable to comprehend His divine Will, to send the Man to the earth; create males and females, winds, clouds, earth, the solar system, rivers, springs, fountains, mountains, ravines, valleys, forests, trees, plants, animals, birds, insects, food and water. They do not know why God created Man and Jinn, life and death, happiness, sorrow, disease, health, virtue, vice, good, evil, hell and heaven. Totally ignorant, they are about lives of the Prophets and the savants. Their knowledge about sciences, like, Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Physics, Pharmacy, Medicine, Zoology, Geology, Marine Science, Aeronautics, Meteorology, Astrology, Geography, Archaeology, Sociology, Political science, Law and Jurisprudence, etc., are unmentionable. Revealing studies of these sciences, mentioned above has tremendously awed scientists, philosophers and scholars of today.

According to Professor Abdus Salaam the Nobel Laureate, one-eighths part of the Holy Qurän deals with Scientific information. Supporting him, French Scientist, Philosopher and Writer, Dr. Maurice Bucaille, probing closely, said that the Holy Qurän is the only divine book free of any lapses. Not only, that he has also said that in the Holy Qurän, many scientific hints are there, which would prove true under modern scientific scrutiny. In his book entitled, “The Bible, TheQurän and Science,” he wrote, “it is necessary to have knowledge of all the branches of Science to comprehend the Holy Qurän.” He says that an expert in the Holy Qurän should be a scientist, so that he could coordinate the branches of science. Dr. Maurice Bucaille opines that the Holy Qurän still holds undiscovered scientific information and to retrieve those more research is needed. Muslims, because of their backwardness in science today, are unable to understand and comprehend the divine scientific information in the Holy Qurän says Dr. Bucaille.

History testifies that once the Muslims were the most advanced, educated and cultured nation in the world. The reason was that they simply followed the Holy Qurän and the Prophet (PBUH) and cultivated knowledge. Muslims then were pious, tolerant and diligent. They searched for knowledge and researched to find out truth about God’s creation such as the solar system, the planets and the constellations. Sincerely and honestly, everybody worked hard, at his or her own jobs. In their personal, profession and social life and humanitarianism, they were united, devoted and compassionate. Sincerity, truthfulness, diligence, righteousness was the norm of the day, in all occupations. Their generous conduct, simple and nice behaviour, cooperative and helping nature benefited everybody, irrespective of cast, creed and birth. Not only, their nation but foreigners also were benefited. Under the guidance of Muhammad (PBUH) and inspired and educated by him Muslims established a strong, civilized, welfare state. Their name and fame transcended the boundary of their nation. This glorious achievement has been written in golden letters in history of the world.

In this golden era of the Muslim supremacy, students from other countries and nations came to study in the Muslim educational institutions, specially, in the universities. In the fields of Medicine and Medical Science, the fame of Islamic scholars spread in all directions. Even Emperors and Kings requested their opinions. Not only in Medicine, had they also made tremendous progress in Astrology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Philosophy, and Literature. The whole world glowed with the radiance of their talented contribution in almost all branches of knowledge. Those glorious days of Islam are no more. Today Muslims are the most backward, illiterate, underdeveloped nation in the world. They are the second largest religious group after the Christians with a population of 1,500,000,000. Nevertheless, they are behind the Christians, Hindus, Jewish, Buddhists and Zoroastrians, in scholarship and other accomplishments. The Muslims as the majority rule over about 45 modern nations. All of them are classified in the underdeveloped group and are dependent on the Christian west, specially, the United Sates. In spite of being independent states, these countries factually have no capacity to draw, independently, any economic or financial plans. Independently, they even cannot take decisions, on important matters like defence of their own nation.

If the Great Prophet’s (PBUH) principles are followed with complete faith and unerring devotion by the Muslims of the world, God sure will Reward them, as promised. If they follow the teachings of Islam as the disciples of Muhammad (PBUH) did, they surely can bring peace, prosperity, security, bliss and happiness to the earth. Specially, they could probably negotiate permanent peace and mutual love among the religious communities of the world.

In my humble opinion if today’s Muslims were educated, they could have better informed the world, as explained in the foregoing paragraphs, about the life and work of the Prophet (PBUH), then the situation would have been different. Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, the Jewish and all other communities would understand each other’s religion, paving the way for peaceful and harmonious coexistence.

Muslims had ruled Spain and the Indian sub-continent for about eight hundred years enormously contributing to its development. Sufis and savants from outside worked relentlessly and selflessly in the service of ‘Equality and Humanity’ professed by Islam. The population attracted by the ideology of fraternity and equality took shelter under the soothing shade of Islam, since they were utterly tyrannized by the caste system. Hundreds of Sufis and religious men are sleeping in their last resting-places all over the Indian sub-continent. They went and stayed in the remotest places to enlighten the people and earned the respect of people irrespective of caste and creed. Like the Christian missionaries who are serving distressed humanity, now, throughout the underdeveloped world, especially, in Asia and Africa.

In this way, Islam spread to Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, China and Japan and even in Americas. No Muslim conqueror-warrior went to these countries. Islam spread there through love, affection and devotion of the Muslim traders, who preached along with commerce and trade. Inspired by the ideals of the Prophet (PBUH), these seafaring traders attracted the local people by their truthfulness, righteousness, manners, love, and compassion. That is why today there are more Muslims in China than even independent India. With the arrival of the Muslims, unprecedented social, political and economic developments took place cannot be denied, since, history bears testimony and the relics from the Muslim period are the witnesses in these two great countries. If the majority is made to comprehend all these, then the communal misunderstanding might diminish largely. For that, the Muslims are to be educated first.

Originally, this book I written in Bengali entitled, “Shantir Nabi” (Prophet of Peace). Under a plan to get, it translated into different languages I have started with the English version styled as “Islam and the Prophet of Peace.”

This book may be used as guide to basic knowledge and code of conduct as prescribed in the Holy Qurän and practiced by the holy Prophet (PBUH) of Islam. This book may also be used for the purpose of research and may be reproduced to benefit of those seeking truth but not to malign Islam. Anybody may translate this book into any international language and publish without changing its contents with the permission of the author.

I pray to Allah, the Almighty that He may grant all the people of the world, irrespective of cast and creed, particularly, the Muslims, the good fortune to follow the Prophet (PBUH). To God the Most Gracious, Most Merciful, I pray humbly that He may let us all be non-communal, generous, erudite, sagacious, gifted like, Dr. Maurice Bucaille of France, Dr. Ved Prakash Upadhaya and Professor Asit Kumar Bandapadhaya of India. Let Him Grant us all the good fortune of studying and benefiting from the Holy Qurän.

I would convey my regards and indebtedness to all the learned men whose books I have consulted and quoted from, in course of writing this ‘Life of the Prophet (PBUH)’. I am indebted to Mir Mahboob Ali who not only translated this book into English but also enriched it by incorporating more verses and references from the Holy Qurän and sayings of the Prophet (PBUH). I pray to almighty Allah, Most Merciful and Most Kind to grant him a long, successful, happy, austere, pious and prosperous life. May God, Grant him and members of his family good health, happiness, strength and resources to continue his work on Islam and its Prophet (PBUH).

I would request readers to kindly forgive any inadvertent mistake that may have crept in, in spite of, all our best efforts, in content or otherwise. Please let me know of any lapses, mistakes and incongruity, so that amendments may be made in future editions, God Willing.

I, most humbly, pray to Almighty Allah, Most Merciful, Most Gracious, Most Kind, the Lord of the Worlds, the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe that May He Grant us good senses, Guide us to ‘Siratul Mustaquim’ (Straight Way). May He grant us the good fortune to follow the path of his Prophet (PBUH)! May He absolve my parents, friends, well-wishers, and us of our sins and accept this humble work. Amen!



Most Humblest and the meanest servant of Allah,

Fazlur Rahman Khan,

D-32/3-A, Shah Jahan Road, Muhammadpur, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.

Translator’s Note

ﺑﺴﻢ ﺍﷲ اﻟﺮﺣﻤﻦ ﺍﻟﺮﺣﻴﻢ

All praise be to Allah and peace be on Muhammad His munificent Prophet

I have almost perchance stumbled on to the job of translating a book from Bengali into English. Before this, I had occasions to translate from Bengali into English and vice versa but nothing of the present magnitude and importance. The writer is a friend of my late father Mir Jalal Ahmed. I knew him from my childhood but never had any occasion of engaging into a meaningful conversation with him before I met him at a friend’s after about thirty years. He is all grey and I have started greying. I recognized him from the name, he from my father’s. However, before everything else we had already talked and decided about translating his Bengali book ‘Shantir Nabi’ (The Prophet of Peace) into English. Thinking that this is what God wants me to do, I unhesitatingly accepted the offer, immediately. We have styled the English version as ‘Islam and The Prophet of Peace’.

After I had gone through the book and discussed further with the author, the uniqueness of treatment of the subject matter impressed me. The author has put equal emphasis on the pre-Prophet-hood period of the Prophet’s (PBUH) life and his insistence on education. He elaborately discussed Muhammad’s (PBUH) Educational Programs and his efforts to educate his followers. The Prophet (PBUH) continued to enlighten his disciples in not only spiritual matters but also urged and made provisions to educate them in worldly subjects. That doubly encouraged me to go ahead with the translation of the book. I think that there is no greater honour for a Muslim to be able to associate himself with a work on Islam and its Prophet. I consider myself fortunate and thank God for granting me the opportunity.

All references of the Holy Qurän in this book are quoted from ‘The Meaning of the Glorious Qurän: Text Translation and Commentary’ by Abdullah Yusuf Ali. This translation is available in all the Muslim countries of the world, especially, in the Chanceries of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia all over the world. Unfortunately, in spite of the availability of such authentic translations and commentaries of the Holy Qurän non-Arabic Muslims heavily depend on books written by non-Muslims. These books are, more often than not, attempts at maligning the Prophet (PBUH) and his religion.

On Islam and its Holy Prophet (PBUH) there is no dearth of books, but the shortcoming is in the devotion to learning about him and his religion. They quote to show their knowledge of the Qurän from dubious sources but would not read the Qurän on the pretext that that is in a language they do not understand. Before, passing remarks on the subject – for it is a far more serious subject than ordinary people realize - why not at least study it, if not in Arabic, read the authentic translations in the languages understandable. Before engaging in a discourse on the Holy Qurän, for that matter on any scripture, is it not a prerequisite to read that like any other mundane subjects? People tend to forget that and pose as if they know since they are learned pundits in other subjects. Real knowledge certainly humbles a person; I shudder at the haughtiness, audacity and profane utterances of these self-proclaimed pundits. May God humble them and make them bend under the weight of spiritual knowledge. May God grant me tolerance, and knowledge about Him, accept me as one of His very humble servants. Amen!

The writer in his introduction very elaborately discussed the need to know and practice Islam and the reason to prefer this before other religions. Islam claims that all prophets from Adam (AS) to Muhammad (PBUH) preached the same religion. God sent a Messenger, whenever, the people deviated from his ways and perfected his religion through Muhammad (PBUH) and finalized the descent of prophets. Therefore, there arises no question of superiority or inferiority of religions but it is the culmination of a process, which reached perfection and Islam is the final product. Whereas, Jesus Christ or Isa (AS) sought to rectify imperfections in Moses or Musa’s (AS) religion, Muhammad (PBUH) brought new cannons to perfect and finalize religion.

There are striking similarities in Islam with the other great monotheistic religions of the world namely: Zoroastrianism and Hinduism, besides, Judaism and Christianity. Clearly, these religions preached ‘Unity’ of Godhead. Therefore, any incongruous ideas with the idea of One God must have crept in through later manipulations of stake groups: the clerics, who monopolized religion. Islam freed religion from this monopoly. We hear clear resonance in ‘…God the One and Only;’ (Al-Qurän – 112:1) in Zoroastrian ‘He is one…’ and Hindu scripture’s “God is One without a partner)” is of Islam’s ‘There is no god but Allah’. Islam therefore, deserves a far greater attention of adherents of other religions. They must devote much more time and energy to understand and comprehend Islam fully, before maligning and turning their heads away. The pretenders to knowledge of the Qurän, among my brethren, please, be careful in your utterances, and read the Qurän first, carefully.

Education is compulsory in Islam irrespective of gender and status. This is not a secular or religious education but a combination of both. No education is complete and perfect without the spiritual accomplishments, for humans have souls. We should not only seek materialistic gains through knowledge but we should also seek enrichments of our souls, for without souls we are nothing but mere machines. Islam has not decried mundane activities and has not encouraged an ascetic life. Islam does not support celibacy. Regarding the followers of Jesus Christ, Allah says in the Qurän:

...But the Monasticism that they invented for themselves, We did not prescribe for them: (We recommended) only the seeking for Good pleasure of God: but that they did not foster as they should have done. Yet We bestowed, on those among them who believed, their (due) reward, but many of them are Rebellious transgressors. (Al-Qurän - 57:27)

The Prophet of Islam (PBUH) said, “I pray in the middle of the night but still I am married and live with my wives. This is my way (Sunnah). That who does not follow my way shall not be counted as my disciple (Bukhari and Muslim). “Celibacy is not for my followers,” says Muhammad (PBUH). So very naturally, a Muslim has to live a family life and go through the trials a tribulation of that life. Therefore, a Muslim must be prepared to earn his living to support his family, and to keep God’s world running earthly knowledge is required. On the other hand, worship God, we must, and run our spiritual and worldly life strictly according to the Qurän and Sunnah. Those are our guidelines and only by following them, we can attain deliverance.

A very frequent and general allegation against Islam is restriction on women. Before getting into any discussion, it must be clarified at the outset that the kind of unrestrained freedom we see in the western countries is not sanctioned by any major religions of the world. To judge the magnitude of the freedom granted to women by Islam, which is radical in essence and practice, it is necessary to discuss rights granted to women by other religions. The kind of unrestrained freedom practised by women in the western countries do not have the sanction of their religions and is surely considered as sinful judging by their own religious cannons. Western democracies that boast of a liberal society where women lib is a fad only recently granted voting rights to women. Whereas, Islam more than a thousand years ago guaranteed women a respectful life of a human being, with rights unknown to women world over. They were guaranteed rights such as right to remarry, divorce and property. On the other hand, women were no better than cattle and had absolutely, no rights as an individual. Mothers were glorified by the declaration: ( ﺍﻟﺠﻨﺔ ﺗﺤﺕ ﺍ ﻗ ﺪﺍﻡ ﺍﻻ ﻣﻬﺎ ﺖ ) Haven lies at the feat of mothers.” This example might interest readers to look deeper into Islam to understand the phenomenal changes that Islam brought to womanhood long, long ago. The world has profoundly been stirred to senses as to the state of all classes of oppressed population. Therefore, before criticizing a religion, it is necessary to compare it with other religions, not modern code of conducts and laws enacted by man, which is necessarily faulty and in the end does not augur well for the human race.

Tolerance and perseverance are great virtues preached by Islam, but unfortunately, today’s Muslims very rarely practice those. Islam teaches us to treat all equally as human beings and not to discriminate or persecute anybody because of caste, creed or status. ‘Live in Peace and Let Others Live in Peace’ is what Islam preaches but in our zeal to emphasize our Muslim hood, we do not hesitate to persecute minorities and show indignation to other religions given the slightest opportunity. Today we are Muslims in only name and assert that by expressing hatred for others and condoning injustices and sinful activities done in the name of Islam. To be a good Muslim one needs to accommodate others and show compassion to all creations of God.

Islam preaches austerity, not miserliness, piety, not denial, control, not indulgence and decency, not lasciviousness. There is no room for celibacy in Islam but it provided for severe penalties for adultery. The Holy Qurän says:

Nor come nigh to adultery: for it is a shameful (deed) and an evil, opening the road (to other evils). (Al-Qurän - 17:32)

No other system has provided for such a severe punishment like death for adultery with great caution. The message is clear. Islam provides for a natural approach to this life but does not concur to unbound liberty in any matter. Polygamy is sanctioned, but with great restraint. It is evident from the verse of the Holy Qurän:

Ye are never able to be fair and just as between two women, even if it is your ardent desire. (Al-Qurän - 4:129).

Islam has enjoined on its followers to treat wives equally:

But if ye fear that ye shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one, or (a captive) that your right hands possess. (Al-Qurän - 4:3).

Islam condemns conspirators and mischief mongers. God says:

Do not mischief on the earth, after it hath been set in order, but call on Him with fear and longing (in your hearts): For the Mercy of God is (always) near to those who do good” (Al-Qurän - 7:56).

Islam preaches peace and for that, restraint in actions of man is required. That is why God has clearly mentioned things that are permitted and things that are not permitted which according to God’s direction, the Prophet (PBUH) elaborated through his utterances and actions. Therefore, to establish an ideal world it is necessary that we follow theQurän and the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). Pride, falsehood, indecency all evil things are to be shunned “… and He forbids all shameful deeds, and injustice and rebellion: He instructs you that ye may receive admonition” (Al-Qurän - 16:90). And as no sane person can have any objection to that, than where is the conflict with Islam, there is none. Islam is not in conflict with other religions, moral or ethical codes; it only perfects the process of religion that God began with Adam. God says:

…Not despair over matters that pass you by, not exult over favours bestowed upon you. For God loveth not any vainglorious boaster, - (Al-Qurän - 57:23).

Islam glorifies charity and compassion. It has repeatedly asked us to be charitable and compassionate to family members including servants, relatives, friends, neighbours and all irrespective of caste, creed, status and gender. The Holy Qurän says,

Kind words and covering faults are better than charity,” (Al-Qurän - 2:263).

Therefore, a Muslim should be pious, truthful, kind and compassionate, charitable and completely dependent on God, the Almighty. He should always remember that we are His servants, we have come from Him and we are to return to Him. His Kindness is what we seek and our deliverance is His Wish: “Except for those who repent before they fall into your power: in that case, know that God is Oft forgiving, Most Merciful” (Al-Qurän - 5:37).

A great virtue of this book is that this book can be used as guide for appropriate quotations from theQurän. Therefore, it may serve as a quick reference book for guidance in situations we may seek divine instructions, which we must, faced with such situations.

I would take the opportunity to thank everybody that encouraged me during this long five years that I took to translate and transcribe this book. Foremost among them is my wife Atia H. Jehan who unknowingly has been a great help. My mother, brothers and sisters, their spouses all bore with me during my long hours of work by keeping me in humour. I am also thankful to my two lovely daughters, Ambreen and Aveen, who have been a constant source of joy, which they are too young to realize. May God grant them perception and piety! I wish the writer a long and peaceful content life and God’s special grace hereafter. He has been a constant inspiration and without his persistent encouragement, I would not have been able to complete the work while going through a very difficult phase of my life. May God grant all Muslim brethren and me, peace, courage and perseverance to conquer all adversities! I am also thankful to Mr. Shamsul Huda of the Institute of Public Heath Nutrition (IPHN) of Bangladesh, who typed a portion of the book without any remuneration. Allah may accept this work, make it a source of guidance for our intended targets and the instrument for our emancipation from evil deeds, and we may earn His forgiveness! Forgive me God, my weakness and accept my brethren in faith and me among the Redeemed! Amen!

Humblest servant of Allah
Mir Mahboob Ali
Dhaka, 1999