so one-sided that many Muslims considered it a humiliation; but, in reality, it paved the way for what the Quran called a “clear victory.”24 This treaty put an end to the atmosphere of confrontation, which

the faith. After this treaty, and the conciliatory effect it had on non- Muslims, the message of Islam spread rapidly throughout Arabia. In just two years, the number of Muslims increased tenfold. There

Makkah could ever be conquered by force of arms, yet it succumbed two years later to the force of Islamic teachings. One important aspect of the Prophet’s method was compassion towards his foes, even when

compassionate behaviour to other fellowmen. In this way Islam motivates us to be compassionate in our dealing with each other. One who wants to receive God’s grace will have to show compassion to others

for all. There is a very interesting story, recorded by al-Bukhari in this regard. The Prophet of Islam once saw a funeral procession passing by a street in Madina. The Prophet was seated at that time.

Prophet, it was the funeral of a Jew (not a Muslim). The Prophet replied: ‘Was he not a human being?’ What it meant was that every human being is worthy of respect. There may be

yourself in adoration and bring yourself closer (to God)” (96:19). The Prophet Muhammad e was once asked ‘What is the essence of ibadah?’ He replied: “The worship of God as though you are seeing Him. Or if you

you are not seeing Him, He is seeing you.” There are two kinds of ibadah, or worship, in Islam, the first kind of ibadah have been prescribed at specified times—salat, sawm, zakat, hajj, (prayer, fasting

fasting, almsgiving, pilgrimage). These forms of devotion are called the pillars of Islam. Then there are unspecified forms of ibadah, which consists of dhikr and fikr (3:191), meaning to remember God with

compassionate behaviour to other fellowmen. In this way Islam motivates us to be compassionate in our dealing with each other. One who wants to receive God’s grace will have to show compassion to others

for all. There is a very interesting story, recorded by al-Bukhari in this regard. The Prophet of Islam once saw a funeral procession passing by a street in Madina. The Prophet was seated at that time.

Prophet, it was the funeral of a Jew (not a Muslim). The Prophet replied: ‘Was he not a human being?’ What it meant was that every human being is worthy of respect. There may be

is so, what it is?” Different traditions have been recorded in the Hadith about ism-e-aazam. We give below two traditions by Imam Ahmad: 1. Anas ibn Malik narrated that, once the Prophet of Islam heard

and the heavens without any model. Greatness and Honour are Yours.” On hearing this, the Prophet of Islam said: “You have called God with ism-e-aazam, when He is called in this way He will certainly answer

a manifestation of the social authority of a definable group. Where no social authority exists, on what basis can one be ordained to carry out the commandment of Imamat? The above statement has been made

view of the feasibility of enforcing commandments. But there is an equally important requirement of Islam: the principle of gradualness to be observed when enforcing the commandments. Viewed from this angle

minority, however religiously aware, is not required to begin launching its Islamic mission as a campaign for the enforcement of Islamic laws. The same will hold true for a Muslim society which has degenerated

has the power to punish is the greatest possible virtue. According to a tradition, the Prophet of Islam once observed: “When you overpower your enemy, make his forgiveness an acknowledgement of your power

having invested you with power.” (Adab al-Duniya wa al-Din, al-Mawardi, p. 400) What is morality or ethics? Morality is what defines the nobility of human character. In human relations the noble character

privately. Talking of these failings in public is highly objectionable. The Prophet of Islam has said: “Do you know what backbiting is?” The Companions said: “God and His messenger know the best.” Thereupon

your talking about your brother in a manner which he does not like.” The Prophet was then asked: “But what if we actually find that failing in our brother which we alluded to?” The Prophet said: “If that failing

receive oral or written comments from academic circles which acknowledge that Al-Risala’s is the first Islamic movement in modem times which has attempted to steer Muslims resolutely away from negative activities

note that she needed none of the philosophizing of the women’s liberationists to be able to perform what she regarded as her bounden duty in the eyes of God. Whereas my brothers and I set about our tasks

underestimate the role of woman as mother. It is perhaps her greatest role in human affairs. In Islamic history, there are numerous examples of the strong and decisive influence of mothers upon their families

It should be borne in mind that this is a formula which accords both with Islam and with nature. What we should do, therefore,—if not in principle, then at least in practice—is put aside all political

have a direct bearing on the present situation. 1. As recorded by Sahih al-Bukhari, the Prophet of Islam was once seated by the wayside when a funeral procession passed by. On seeing it, the Prophet stood

which opposed Islam. But the view the Prophet took of him kept apart the two sides of his personality. From one point of view, he was a Jew and a dire opponent of Muslims and their religion, Islam, but, from