Can we find an explanation of the great universe? Is there any convincing interpretation of the secret of its existence? We realize that no family can function properly without a responsible head, that no city can prosperously exist without sound administration and that no state can survive without a leader of some kind. We also realize that nothing comes into being on its own.

Moreover, we observe that the universe exists and functions in the most orderly manner, and that it has survived for hundreds of thousands of years. Can we, then, say that all this is accidental and haphazard? Can we attribute the existence of man and the whole world to a mere chance? Man represents only a very small portion of the great universe, and if he can make plans and appreciate the merits of planning, then his own existence and the survival of the universe must also be based on a planned policy.

This means that there is a Designing Will behind our material existence, and that there is an extraordinary power to bring things into being and keep them moving in order. In the world there must be a Great Force in action to keep everything in order. In the beautiful nature there must be a Great Creator who makes the great charming pieces of art and produces everything for a special purpose in life.

The deeply enlightened people recognize this creator and call Him Allaah. He is not a man because no man can create or make another man. He is not an animal, nor is He a plant. He is neither an Idol nor is He a Statue of any kind, because none of these things can make itself or create anything else. He is different from all these things, because He is the maker and Keeper of them all. The Maker of anything must be different and greater than the things that he makes.

There are various ways to know "Allaah" and there are many things to tell about Him. The great wonders and impressive marvels of the world are like open books in which we can read about Him. Besides, Allaah comes to our aid through the many messengers and revelations He has sent down to humanity. These messengers and revelation tell us everything we need to know about our Creator.

The complete acceptance of the teachings and guidance of our Creator as revealed to all His messengers (Peace Be Upon Them) is the religion of Islaam. Islaam enjoins faith in the oneness and the sovereignty of Allaah, which makes man aware of the meaningfulness of the universe and of his place in it. This belief frees the human being from all fears and superstitions as it makes him conscious of the presence of the Almighty Allaah, and of his obligation towards Him.

This faith must be expressed and tested in action, for faith alone is not enough. Belief in one God "Allaah" requires that we look upon all humanity as one family under the universal Omnipotence of the Creator, and Nourisher of all. Islaam rejects the idea of a chosen people while on the other hand, it approves that belief in the Creator, and doing righteous deeds is the only way to heaven. Thus, a direct relationship is established with Allaah and without any intercessor at that.

Islaam is not a new religion. It is, in essence, the same message and guidance which Allaah revealed to all His prophets, like Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, David, Moses, Jesus and Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Them). But the message which was revealed to Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him) is Islaam in its comprehensive, complete and final form.

The Qur'aan is the revealed words of Allaah and the basic source of Islaamic teachings and Laws. It deals with the basis of creeds, morality, history of humanity, worship, knowledge, wisdom, god-man relation, and human relationship in all aspects---comprehensive teachings of which, can be built sound systems and social justice, economics, politics, legislation, jurisprudence, law and international relations, all of which are important contents of the Qur'aan.

The Hadith, which contains the teachings, sayings, approvals and actions of prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) meticulously reported and collected by his devoted companions, explains and elaborates the Qur'aanic verses.

THE FUNDAMENTAL ARTICLES OF FAITH IN ISLAAM (THE BELIEF):

1. Believes in one God Supreme and Eternal, Infinite and Mighty, Merciful and Compassionate, The Creator and The Provider, He begets not, nor was He begotten, and there is none equal or comparable unto Him.

2. Believes in all Messengers of Allaah without any discrimination among them, as every known nation has a Warner or messenger from Allaah. They were chosen by Allaah to teach humanity and deliver His Divine message. The Qur'aan mentions the name of some of them, and Muhammad(Peace Be Upon Him) stands as the last messenger and the crowning glory of the foundation of prophet hood.

3. Believes in all original scriptures and revelations of Allaah, accepting them as the guiding light that the messengers received to show their respective people the right path to Him. In the Qur'aan, special reference is made to the books of Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus (Peace Be Upon Them), but long before the revelation of the Qur'aan to Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) some of these books and revelations had been lost or corrupted. The only authentic and complete book of Allaah in existence today is the Qur'aan, which has been preserved as it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) in its pristine, pure form.

4. Believes in the angels of Allaah, recognizing them as purely spiritual and splendid beings whose nature requires no food or drink or sleep. They are honored servants who are assigned certain functions, and spend their days and nights in the worship of Allaah. They do not speak before Allaah does, and they act only by His command.

5. Believes in the last Day of Judgment, acknowledging that this world will end someday, and that the dead will rise to stand for their final and fair trial. People with good records will be generously rewarded and warmly welcomed to the heaven of Allaah, and those with bad records will be punished and cast into Hell.

6. Believes in Fate, whether good or bad, which Allaah, measured and ordained for all creatures according to his previous knowledge, and as deemed suitable by his wisdom. And in the timeless knowledge of Allaah, and in His power to plan and execute His plans, nothing could happen in His Kingdom against His will. His knowledge and power, which are always in action, command over His creation. He is wise and merciful, and whatever he does must have a meaningful purpose. If this is established in our minds and hearts, we should accept with good faith all that He does, although we may fail to understand it fully, or think it is bad.

1. Shahadatain (Testimony): To bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah(The Creator), and that Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) is His messenger, with the prophet hood of Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) essentially professed to oblige the Muslims to follow his exemplary life as a model.

2. Salah: Daily prayers are offered five times a day as a duty towards Allaah. They strengthen and enliven the belief in Allaah and inspire man to a higher morality. They purify the heart and prevent temptation towards wrong doings and evil things. They are: - Salatu-l-Fajr (The Dawn prayer).- Salatu-l-Duhr (The noon prayer). - Salatu-l-Asr (The afternoon prayer). - Salatu-l-Maghrib (The sunset prayer). - Salatul-l-Isha (The evening prayer)

3.Zakah (Charity): The literal and simple meaning of Zakah is purity, while its technical meaning designates the annual amount in kind or cash that a Muslim with means must distribute among the rightful beneficiaries from his yearly net savings. But the religious and spiritual significance of Zakah is much deeper and more valuable than its Humanitarian, and Soc.-political value.

4.Sawm (Fasting): The Muslims during the month of Ramadan do not only abstain from food, drink and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset but they are also required to abstain from evil intentions and desires throughout the whole months of the year in general, and during the month of Ramadan in particular. It teaches love, sincerity and devotion, and develops a sound social conscience, patience, selflessness and will power as well.

5.Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca): It is to be performed once in a lifetime, so long as one can afford it financially and physically, and it is the largest annual convention of faith where Muslims meet to know one another, study their common affairs and promote their general welfare without prejudice or bias as to one's color, race, nationality as well as status in life. After all, everyone is equal in the face of Allaah, and so hajj therefore demonstrates in effect the universality of Islaam and the brotherhood and equality of Muslims.

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