by Dr. Ali Shehata
Why This Book?
Scanning through the shelves at your local library or bookstore, you will find a number of books on Islam filled with every perspective and opinion throughout the spectrum of Islamic ideas. Yet, the vast majority of these books share a number of flaws for the person who seeks to understand the world of Islam and Muslims. Many are authored by non-Muslims or non-practicing Muslims, espousing or representing minority views that are not representative of mainstream Islam, and more often that not, arguing points from the author’s point of view, rather than from the religious texts of Islam. Any Muslim or non-Muslim who claims to be a “scholar” should back up their statements and explanations of Islamic principles through clear references to authentic Islamic revelations, yet in many other books such references are often lacking or sparse. So this has presented a dilemma to many a new Muslim who seeks to understand Islam better—“What do I read?” This dilemma has been solved partially by some Mosques that offer a collection of books, each covering a specific subject, to the one seeking to understand Islam better. Of course, this idea is great if you own a bookstore, but it is overwhelming to the person who just wants to understand some of the core beliefs of Islam.
Furthermore, many converts to Islam have often complained that the books they find on basic Islamic issues and beliefs are often written by immigrants or by those living outside the West. Thus, the Western practitioner of Islam is at times confused or unable to understand how certain principles may apply to them in the West. This is unfortunate due to the very large number of Muslims who currently live in the West and where Islam currently represents the second largest religion in most of Europe1, with a considerable number of adherents in other nations like the United States2 and the United Kingdom. Muslims in these countries are a very heterogeneous group and comprise large numbers of converts, particularly in the US and Europe, as well as immigrants and the growing number of first generation Muslim citizens of such Western nations.
1 https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/essays/demographics-of-islam
2 Willingham, AJ. (2018, Jan 11). By 2040, Islam could be the second-largest religion in the US. Retrieved from:
https://edition.cnn.com/2018/01/10/politics/muslim-population-growthsecond-religious-group-trnd/index.html
Truly, Islam offers much to the world, but do not think that this book is intended to “covert you”. In Islam, the choice of religion belongs to the individual and no one can compel another to take one religion over another; for guidance comes only from God. Rather, this book is made available to help you understand more about this religion from its holiest texts and written from the perspective of those who not only have lived their whole lives in the West, but who also profess and practice Islam. Every attempt has been made to support any claim with the relevant and authentic reference, as opposed to the giving of personal opinions. It is this combination of features that make this book different than the vast majority of other books on Islam that you may come across in your search for understanding. May God guide us all to the truth and help us to come together in His Mercy and Grace, in peace and security – Amen.
Dr. Ali Shehata — Central Florida 4/2007
Important Terminology Used in this Book
In order to best understand the way of life known as Islam, it is helpful to understand some of the language of Islam. Throughout this book, a select number of essential terms will be used to facilitate a better understanding of the subjects discussed. Below you find these terms defined briefly, and later in the book some of them will be explained further.
Allah – the Arabic word for One True God, found in both the Arabic Bible and in the Quran. The word Allah is unique for not being gender specific and not having any plural. It is fully interchangeable with the word “God” both in this book, and in general.
Quran – the divine Book and revelation from Allah that was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad and represents, word for word, the speech of Allah in the Arabic language in which it was revealed without additions; also spelled Koran. When quoting the Quran in this book, the translation of the meanings will be presented in the English language followed by their location in the original book in the following format {chapter: verse}.
Hadith – the second form of divine revelation from Allah revealed to the Prophet Muhammad that represents the sayings, approvals and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. When quoted in this book, the translation of their meanings will be followed by their location in the original collection in the following format [scholar who compiled particular Hadith collection]. Some of the commonly quoted compilers in this book are: Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah, Abu Dawood, Nasaa’ee, Tirmithi and Ahmad.
Sunnah – often interchangeable with the word Hadith; it generally means the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad and his teachings.
Islam – the name of the religion. Its name shares the same root as the Arabic word peace (salam), and it literally means submission to God’s will by obeying Him and living life according to His commandments.
Muslim – a follower of the religion of Islam, similar to how a follower of Christianity is a Christian, or a follower of Judaism a Jew, and so forth.
Caliph – the name of the leader of the Muslim Empire or Muslim Caliphate. The term caliph stems from the Arabic word, khalafa, which means succession, thus the Caliphs were leaders who succeeded the Prophet Muhammad in caring for and administering the affairs of the Muslims worldwide. There has been no Caliph for the last 100 years.
Companion – used to describe the disciples of the Prophet Muhammad who learned from him and many of whom later went on to carry his teachings to other nations and peoples.
Hijab – generally used to mean the head scarf worn by Muslim women, but it actually refers to the complete modest outer wear of a Muslim woman that hides her form.
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