course of action in the name of Islamic movements or Islamic Jihad. Were Muslims to do so in the name of their own communal interest and people attributed that to Islam, this would amount to misunderstanding

misunderstanding based on an allegation. But when Muslims themselves attributed their activities to Islam, it becomes a case of proper understanding and not that of misunderstanding. Furthermore, the educated

activities of Muslims to be Islam itself. And their thinking is further confirmed when they find that Muslims engage themselves in these activities in the very name of Islam. Given this state of affairs

first statement. It is because a concession had to be made to practical exigencies. The Prophet of Islam, on the one hand, would stand in prayer when he was alone for such a long time that his feet would

practical requirement will be given preference according to the circumstances, because that alone is what is practicable. In such matters, trying to adhere to the ideal is just not feasible. From this we

with others it should not be the ideal viewpoint or ideal justice which should be adhered to. Rather what should be appreciated is the real requirement or real situation of the people

untiring the efforts of the preacher, and no matter how accurately he presents the true message of Islam, it is more the response of his audience that determines whether his call is accepted or not. The

The character of the Arabs was a valuable factor which contributed towards their acceptance of Islam. They were children of nature, brought up in simple, natural surroundings. Despite their seeming stubbornness

time of ignorance that preceded Islam. They would adhere to these principles, they said, unless the Prophet gave them other instructions. The Prophet then asked them what these principles that they had

It is natural to get angry. What is bad is failure to control anger. Lack of control over one’s anger is selfdefeating.SEEKING REFUGE FROM THE DEVILThe Prophet of Islam said, “Satan is your enemy. Whenever

from a clot [of blood]. Read! Your Lord is the Most Bountiful One who taught by the pen, taught man what he did not know. Yet man behaves arrogantly, because he thinks himself self-sufficient: truly, all

your Lord.” (96:1-8) These are the verses of the Quran which were first revealed to the Prophet of Islam. This shows God’s method of sending revelation to the Prophet, and explaining its purpose. Its purpose

of Islam now started armed onslaughts against the Muslims. Yet after several full scale wars and so many minor armed conflicts the balance failed to tip on any side. Apparently the history of Islam reached

reached an impasse. At this critical juncture, according to the Quran, the Prophet of Islam was shown the straight path in this matter (48:3-4). This straight path was to create a conducive atmosphere for

state of war. This event is referred to in the history of Islam as Sulh-e-Hudaybiyya. This peace treaty diverted the field of encounter between Islam and its rivals from the battlefield to Da‘wah field. This

INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM IN ISLAMINTELLECTUAL FREEDOM IN ISLAM Discover God Freely Man has been granted total intellectual freedom in Islam. Rather, the truth is that it was Islam itself which brought into

that revolution in human history which granted freedom of expression to all human beings. Prior to Islam in all periods of human history, the system of absolutism prevailed in the world, leading to man being

of attempting to put a stop to the act of criticism and disagreement itself. This is the demand of Islam as well as the demand of nature. The attribute of a true believer described in the Hadith (words and

of society. Complete Islam for an individual is only required of him according to his capacity. A political interpretation of Islam was disseminated to implement the ‘complete Islam’. However, as to the

from real Islam. It was a case of totally distorting the reality of Islam in terms of consequences. Of the ensuing evils, the first kind of harm done by the political interpretation of Islam was changing

target of the Islamic mission. According to the Quran, the real goal is: “To seek ways to come closer to Him.” (5:35). However, according to the political interpretation, the “real” goal of Islam became, on

education, he finds himself in a room with all its windows open to the outside world. This is why Islam attaches such great importance to knowledge and education. The Quran, it should be noted repeatedly

he bestows upon the world a real life treasure. The very great importance attached to learning in Islam is illustrated by an event in the life of the Prophet. At the battle of Badr, in which the Prophet

history of Islam, established by the Prophet himself. It was of no matter to him that all its teachers were non-Muslims, all were prisoners of war, and all were likely to create problems again for Islam and Muslims

search of practical methods, what is actually worthy of consideration is the situation and circumstances rather than an absolute ideal. The importance of idealism in Islam is no doubt as great as that