About Me

Mwdawah is organized solely to bring Islam to you. We are located: Islamic Center of Wisconsin 720 Parkway Bld Appleton WI 54911 920-882-3001 We hope to be airing lectures on Islamic topics with in the coming month on a weekly basis. It will be aired from the Oshkosh to Greenbay. If you have any questions, don't be shy and drop by, call or send us an email.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

How does Islam guarantee Human Rights?

Freedom of conscience is laid down by the Qur'an itself:

'There is no compulsion in religion'.
Al-Quran 2:256

The life and property of all citizens in an Islamic state are considered sacred. Racism is incomprehensible to Muslims, the Qur'an speaks of human equality as follows:

O mankind! We created you from a single soul, male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one another. Truly, the most honoured of you in God's sight is the greatest of you in piety. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware. Al-Quran 49:13

What does Islam say about War?

Like Christianity, Islam permits fighting in self-defence, in defence of religion, or on the part of those who have been expelled forcibly from their homes. It lays down strict rules of combat which include prohibitions against harming civilians and against destroying crops, trees and livestock. As Muslims see it, injustice would be triumphant in the world if good men were not prepared to risk their lives in a righteous cause. The Qur'an says:

Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not transgress limits. God does not love transgressors. If they seek peace, then seek you peace. And trust in God for He is the One that heareth and knoweth all things. Al-Quran 2:190 & 8:61

War, therefore, is the last resort, and is subject to the rigorous conditions laid down by the sacred law. The term Jihad literally means 'struggle', and Muslims believe that there are two kinds of Jihad. The other 'Jihad' is the inner struggle which everyone wages against egotistic desires, for the sake of attaining inner peace.

How do Muslims view Death?

Like Jews and Christians, Muslims believe that the present life is only a trial preparation for the next realm of existence. Basic articles of faith include: the Day of Judgement, resurrection, Heaven and Hell. When a Muslim dies, he or she is washed, usually by a family member, wrapped in a clean white cloth, and buried with a simple prayer preferably the same day. Muslims consider this one of the final services they can do for their relatives, and an opportunity to remember their own brief existence here on earth. The Prophet taught that three things can continue to help a person even after death; charity which he had given, knowledge which he had taught and prayers on their behalf by a righteous child.

Is Islamic Marriage like Christian Marriage?

A Muslim marriage is not a 'sacrament', but a simple, legal agreement in which either partner is free to include conditions. Marriage customs thus vary widely from country to country. As a result, divorce is not common, although it is not forbidden as a last resort. According to Islam, no Muslim girl can be forced to marry against her will: her parents will simply suggest young men they think may be suitable.

What About Muslim Women?

Islam sees a woman, whether single or married, as an individual in her own right, with the right to own and dispose of her property and earnings. A marriage dowry is given by the groom to the bride for her own personal use, and she keeps her own family name rather than taking her husband's. Both men and women are expected to dress in a way which is modest and dignified; the traditions of female dress found in some Muslim countries are often the expression of local customs.

The Messenger of God said:
'The most perfect in faith amongst believers is he who is best in manner and kindest to his wife.'