AN ISLAMIC PRINCIPLEPatience and Tolerance THE PROPHET advised, “It is not proper for any Muslim to disgrace himself.” People enquired as to how someone might disgrace himself? The Prophet replied, “By

with.” (Musnad, Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal) This Hadith of the Prophet reveals an important principle of Islam, that in a composite society, whenever an evil or unpleasant situation arises, it is not prudent for

approach of patience, tolerance and avoidance is undoubtedly one of the most important principles of Islam.

direct kind. In view of this fact, critics hold that all faiths, including Islam, have no scientific basis. They contend that Islamic theology is not based on primary rationalism, but on secondary rationalism

science. There is now no difference between the two in terms of scientific reasoning. Let us, then, see what modern scientific reasoning is all about. Scientific Argument Religion, or faith, relates to issues

by rational people. This state of affairs presented a challenge not only to other religions but to Islam as well. The existence of God, as a designer (cause) was presumed because His design (effect) could

number of people entered the fold of Islam as had never before been witnessed. (Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, vol. 4, p. 170) This great increase in terms of numbers made Islam a; majority religion in Arabia,

facilitated its dominance throughout the land. 2. The second well-known example of the caravan of Islam having reached an impasse came about with the emergence of the brute force of the Tartars in the first

as though the journey of Islam had once again reached a point from which there could be no further advancement. At exactly that point in time, the ideological power of Islam made its appearance. Muslims

measure up Islamic realities by the highest standards of human knowledge and to establish its authenticity by purely logical arguments. In ancient times the study of religion could be done only as something

religion, and that is Islam. All other religions are lacking in this historical credibility. After this intellectual revolution it has become possible to establish the truth of Islam vis-à-vis other religions

basis of human knowledge. That Islam is the only authentic version of divine religion may be fully supported by arguments. These modern development in our times have taken Islam to the point of unopposed victory

the service of the Islamic cause, just as they are essential to one working in some other, secular field. Firstly, one must be fully equipped with contemporary knowledge, and secondly one must show oneself

If people who show capability and alertness of this nature apply themselves to the service of the Islamic cause, then they too will achieve the desired goal.Talking TallA group of sightseers around Delhi

is the book of God. It has been preserved in its entirety since its revelation to the Prophet of Islam between AD 610 and 632. It is a book that brings glad tidings to humankind, along with divine admonition

their beds, calling upon their Lord in fear and in hope, and spend out of what We have provided them with. No soul knows what joy is kept hidden in store for them as a reward for their labours. (32: 15-17)

This cause is always internal, located inside you. Two examples from the time of the Prophet of Islam clearly illustrate this point. One is related to the defeat Muslims faced in the Battle of Uhud, in

suffering from the same serious problems as secular Muslim states. This is because these so-called Islamic countries are as backward as the latter in the intellectual and economic fields. This is why the

small stature.” Perceiving this common human failing, a modern poet implores people: “Don’t criticize what you can’t understand.” The trouble is, people tend to judge matters on how they affect their own selves

more accurate to call it “illogic”. What is taught in the name of logic has nothing to do with true logic. It is not conducive to the logical presentation of Islam vis-à-vis modern education. The administrative

INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM IN ISLAMAcceptance of Truth MAN has been granted total intellectual freedom in Islam. Islam with its message of freedom of expression brought a revolution in human history to all

truth is that the secret of all human progress lies hidden in intellectual freedom. According to Islam the first benefit of this intellectual freedom is that man receives that highest good which is called

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 true believers described in the Hadith is: ‘Whenever