to strive to discover the signs of God hidden in nature and to acknowledge God at the elevated level of God-realization. In this way, he brings into existence a Godly or divine civilization. In the present

freedom in this present world, he establishes a civilization which is non-spiritual in nature. But God wants a spiritual civilization: very soon this world will come to an end and will be replaced by a

Quran, 42:36) It is in this world, called the Hereafter that it would be possible, according to God’s desired plan, to bring a high level of spiritual civilization into existence. Here it would be possible

loyal and obedient creatures of God, endowed with special powers and authority to facilitate the workings of the universe. Angels are among the creatures created by God. They have been endowed with special

universe. But all their actions are in total submission to God; not even in the minutest degree do they deviate from the instructions given by God. At every moment, there are innumerable happenings in the

the QuranThe following is a quotation from Chapter 71 of the Quran, titled ‘Noah’: In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful We sent Noah forth to his people, saying, ‘Warn your people

that you should worship God [alone] and be conscious of Him. Pay heed to me. He will forgive your sins and will grant you respite till an appointed time. When the time appointed by God arrives, it cannot be

What is the matter with you that you deny the greatness of God, when He has created you through different stages of existence? Do you not see how God has created the seven heavens one above another, and made

to Islam, is to be found in prophethood. Throughout human history, God in His infinite mercy selected certain individuals to communicate His message to mankind, so that all human beings might be given

chosen people were called prophets, or messengers. A prophet is a person chosen by God as His representative. When God appoints someone as His Prophet, He sends His angel to him to inform him of

God. Real faith is one which is attained as a result of internal conviction. The faith, or iman, arrived at by rational arguments alone is not the faith which is desirable for man. It is only the beginning

faith.SEEKING GOD’S PLEASUREWhen the truth is fully revealed to a seeker after deep study, one starts living with profound inspiration that helps one to perform such acts as aim at seeking God’s pleasure.

Islam, such action is approved of by God which is performed purely to please Him (57:27) and for His approval (2:265). An act in which there is no intention of pleasing God is not an approved act with regard

can engage only in the initial flamd. In the unlimited world of God, a believer will have the opportunity to express the ultimate flamd of God in eternal Paradise. Rabindra NathTagore (died 1941) a famous

believer discovers God, he spontaneously desires to praise God. He wants to sing the song of God’s majesty. But his time in this world comes to an end without the feeling that the glory of God has been extolled

not for any believing man or woman, when God and His Messenger have decreed an affair that they should have any choice in their affair. Whosoever disobeys God and His Messenger has gone astray, into manifest

who surrender to God and accept the true faith; who are devout, sincere, patient, humble, charitable and chaste; who fast and are ever mindful of God—on these, both men and women, God will bestow forgiveness

forgiveness and a rich reward.’ (The Quran, 33:35) Clearly, there is nothing in all this to suggest the God-inspired adoption of a warlike stance, and the verses which follow relate only to correctness in personal

constant jihad means strict adherence to the will of God in all aspects of one’s life, and the prevention of any obstacle coming in the way of fulfilling God’s will—for instance, the desires of the self, the

things directly thwart righteous actions. Overcoming all such hurdles and persevering in obeying God’s commands are the real jihad. And the word jihad has been used primarily in this sense. We quote here

for the sake of God. (6/20) 2. A mujahid is one who exerts himself for the cause of God (6/22) 3. A mujahid is one who struggles with his self in submission to the will of God. The present world

applicable to the given situation. Islam is a religion which teaches non-violence. According to the Quran, God does not love fasad, violence. What is meant here by fasad is clearly expressed in verse 205 of the

causing huge losses in terms of lives and property. Conversely, we can say with certainty that God loves non- violence. He abhors violent activity in human society, as a result of which people have

statements in the Quran. For instance, we are told in the Quran that Peace is one of God’s names (59:23). Those who seek to please God are assured by verse 5 of the sixteenth surah that they will be guided by Him