Lessons About Islam

Part 1 : Foreword

The present series contains a lecture given on Islam by Shaheed Ayatollah Dr. Beheshti on October 14, 1965 to the Epiphany Community Hamburg, where he was the Imam of "Islamic Centre of Hamburg" at that time. For those who don't have recourse to the more detailed Islamic text, the present articles offer an opportunity to understand the principles of Islamic beliefs and laws.

The lectures have been selected here on account of the possibility of acquaintance with the fundamentals of Islamic teachings without demanding much of the reader's time and its simplicity. It is written in a relatively simple language, presents a summary of the teachings of Islamic beliefs and provides some information for those who are not able to examine Islamic matters deeply in a specialised manner. I believe that one of the most valuable styles for promotion of culture, sciences and religion is through simple writings.

The present lectures are a part of the invaluable legacy of the martyr Ayatollah Dr. Beheshti. Despite its briefness, it successfully presents the principles and outlines of the ISLAMIC CODE OF BEHAIVIOUR. The attractive comprehensiveness of the book together with the need to illuminate the high station of that great Islamic figure, impelled the Islamic Propagation Organisation (IPO) to present a re-edition of the work which was first published by The Islamic Centre of Hamburg.

1: Introduction

Dear Ladies and gentlemen: Let me greet first those who - free from arrogance and prejudice - seek the truth, those who humble themselves in its presence regardless of what the truth may be, those who do not blindly oppose it when it requires apprehension and when it ought to be embraced, those who carefully and wisely investigate each problem and having in good conscience evaluated it follow nothing but the best.

The Holy Qur'an says:

"And thus preach joy to My servants. Those who listen to the word and follow the best of it. Those are the ones whom Allah has guided and they are the wise people."

Sura 39: Verses 17-18.

You have invited me to talk to you about Islam today. The actual reason seems to be that you have heard of "Islam" and thereby have been urged to seek further knowledge and learn of its truth. Let me give you good tidings: should you set out on this highway with sincerity and thus follow it, the gateway of a true understanding of Islam will be opened up to you and you shall pursue your course smoothly. I shall attempt in short a talk to explain the cornerstone of Islamic teachings and some of its fundamental features. It will be your turn to consider matters carefully and if you come across anything you would like to understand more thoroughly, do not hesitate to set forth your questions. The subject will be much clarified in the process of question and answer. In order to banish any lingering restraint you may have at question time, let me tell you that I am as keen to hear you as you are at the moment to hear me. May I finally add that what I may relate about Islam is confined to the results of my personal inquiries, and I have not relied upon inherited beliefs and dogmas or upon the ideas of other thinkers.

I have primarily relied upon the Qur'an which is the sacred text of all Muslims, a book revealed to Mohammed (SAW) so that it may be available to all men at all times and is the most fundamental source of acquaintance with Islam. A book which in myriads of copies has been available to all peoples throughout the centuries. The question results, if one can rely on a better and more trustworthy source to get acquainted with Islam.

If we are of the opinion that Qur'an can be considered the most important Islamic source, it does not mean that sources, for example Hadith (statements or actions of the Prophet (SAW), handed down to us), are absolutely of no value. There is no doubt that a remarkable portion of Islamic teachings ought to be understood by means of these sources. But Hadith and similar sources are only valuable, if they report truly on statements or actions of the Prophet Mohammed(SAW).

Doubtful traditions are therefore no acceptable source to us. In order that the false and doubtful traditions exercise no disadvantageous influence on Islam, the principles of this religion demand all traditions- Hadith, etc.- be first compared with Qur'an, thus eliminating such relevant points which do not comply. Therefore, everybody who wants to realise a true investigation of Islam and its principles must consequently first thoroughly know Qur'an in each and every respect and compare each and every theme in tradition, history and similar fields with the same.

2: Only One God

The cornerstone of Islam is "Tawheed", i.e. Monotheism. "Tawheed" means belief in only one God and that existence in general - among other things the order of nature--is a manifestation of His grand design, as well as turning to God in prayer and glorification, away from worshipping any other.

The first article of faith is: "La ilaha, illa-llah" - "There is no God but Allah." And the first step towards Islam: "Ashhadu an la ilaha illa-llah" - "I testify that there is no God beside Allah."

Not only my tongue but also my heart and inner light all proclaim that there is no other than the Creator of the world who is worthy of adoration. All the other teachings of Islam are founded upon this and have their sources here. Accordingly Islam proclaimed monotheism to be the path to salvation: "Qulu la ilaha illa-llah, tuflihu" - "Say: There is no God but Allah, and thereby you will attain salvation."

This means: Say and act sincerely, and believe with all your heart that apart from the only Creator of the world there is nothing worthy of adoration and this shall be your path to salvation.

3: Correct Knowledge of God

Islam has attached importance, more than anything else, to the proper knowledge of God, free from any aberration. It is chiefly here that Islam is outstanding. Consequently, in the course of my talk will have to be a basis for your future acquaintance with Islam, I shall attend to this feature.

4: The Invisible God

The only God to whom Islam invites everyone is inaccessible to the senses. He is beyond the reach of eyesight nor is He open to touch. Qur'an says in this respect:

"No vision can grasp Him but His grasp is over all vision. He is above all comprehension yet Omniscient." Sura 6: verse 103

Vision does not penetrate beyond colour and figure but God has neither one nor the other. His glory is beyond the reach of vision and other senses in general.