ISLAM 101
The Faith of Islam
By: The late Imam Mohamad Jawad Chirri
The Prophet Mohammad introduced to the world the Faith of Islam, whose followers, the Muslims, are approximately one fifth of the world's population. Islam means readiness to accept and obey the order of God.

The Prophet introduced a book that contains the doctrines of the faith, along with many other things. The book is "The Qur'an" which means "The Recited." It is a fitting name to the most recited book. Every Muslim is supposed to pray five times a day, and a portion of the Qur'an must be recited in every prayer.

The book was introduced by the Prophet, not as his own, but as containing the direct words of God. The teaching of Islam forms two departments: (1) The Doctrines that deal with man's belief, and (2) the practical part which deals with man's action as a practicing Muslim. As to the department that deals with the Muslim's belief, there are some doctrines pertaining to God; and some others concerning life after death; others dealing with the Prophethood; and others pertaining to man.

GOD AND HIS ATTRIBUTES
Islam teaches that the Universe had been created by a Mighty, Wise, Merciful, Ever-living and Loving God. In proclaiming this doctrine, Islam does not rely on a book or authoritative word, not even the words of the prophets, because the belief in God should come before the belief in any prophet or religious book. Furthermore, the religious books and the prophets are not believed by all people, while the evidence of the existence of God must be universal and available to everyone. For this, the Holy Qur'an offers the very existence of the universe, its order, the life, the marvelous structures of the eyes and the hearing as signs of the existence of God, His Wisdom and benevolence. Islam describes God as Infinite in life, power and knowledge.

ONE GOD
That God is only One is the most emphasized theme in the Holy Qur'an. Islam is uncompromising in Monotheism (the belief in the oneness of God). God is One Alone, without partner or associate. For this, Islam is called the religion of the belief in One God. Professing the belief in His oneness is the first phrase in the Declaration of The Faith:

"I bear witness that there is no god but the Almighty God, and that Mohammad is a Messenger of God."

More than one administration for the Universe is like more than one administration for a city or a state or a country. It would produce disorder. The existence of order in the Universe indicates the existence of one Universal Administrator. From the Qur'an:

"If there were in them (the Heavens and the Earth) gods, besides the Almighty God, they would have been in state of disorder. Glory be to Him. He is above what they describe. "

"The Almighty God, there is no god but He, the Ever-living, the Self-subsisting by Whom all subsist. Slumber overtakes Him not nor sleep. To Him belongs what is in the Heavens and whatever is on the Earth. Who is he that intercedes with Him but with His permission? He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they encompass nothing of His
knowledge except what He chooses. His power extends over the Heavens and the Earth, and the preservation of them both tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Great. " 2:255