Summary of 6.18′ “Dress Code Continued”In the last few programs we focused on the safeguarding of honor as one of the objectives of Islamic law and part of the moral teachings of Islam.’ More importantly we dealt with issues as to the prohibition of fornication and adultery.’ There are also preventative measures that Islam requires

Summary of 6.17′ “Modesty and Dress Code”Our main emphasis last time was to understand why Islam includes the matter of dress in its code of behavior.’ We indicated that Islam doesn’t look at the matter of dress as a decorative thing or for protection from weather conditions.’ In Islam dress in accordance with the Quran

Summary of 6.16 “Sexual Morality”First, we started by emphasizing that Islam considers the pursuit of the satisfaction of the sexual urge outside the boundaries of legitimate and recognized marriage a major sin.’ Examples of this would be adultery, fornication, homosexuality or any other sexual perversion. ‘ Secondly, we emphasis that the program that Islam lays

Summary of 6.15 “Prohibitions To Protect Honor: General”There are five basic points we addressed last time.’ First of all we discussed safeguarding honor as one of the five basic objectives of Islamic law, the others being protection of faith, life, mind and property.’ This specific topic refers more specifically to sexual morality in an Islamic

Summary of 6.14′ “Diet: Other Issues”Basically what we are covering are the five objectives of Islamic Sharia’a which are the criteria that indicate what is lawful and unlawful in Islam.’ In some of the earlier programs in the series we talked bout safe guarding faith which involves avoiding things like shirk (associating others with God),

Summary of 6.12′ “Diet: Intoxicants”We discussed four basic areas last time.’ First of all, we discussed how Islam prohibits everything that clouds the mind.’ Even though the term used in the Quran is khamr some people mistakenly translate it into wine but rather it is anything that clouds the mind as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said.’

Summary of 6.12′ “Diet: Intoxicants”We discussed four basic areas last time.’ First of all, we discussed how Islam prohibits everything that clouds the mind.’ Even though the term used in the Quran is khamr some people mistakenly translate it into wine but rather it is anything that clouds the mind as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said.’

Summary of 6.11′ Diet: IngredientsIn terms of the main criteria for the lawful and unlawful we have objectives of Islamic law or Sharia and then we have examples of things we should avoid in order to reach those objectives.’ We mentioned that the main objective of Islamic law is to safeguard faith, life, mind, honor

Summary of 6.10 “Diet: Pork (Medical Aspects)”After covering a broad classification of the different types of fats and oils we looked at the neutral lipids.’ The lipids come in various forms known as monoglycerides (MG), diglycerides, triglycerides and free fatty acids.’ We focused on the triglyceride molecule is composed of glycerol and three fatty acids.’

Summary of 6.9 “Diet: Pork (Religious Aspects)”We discussed five basic areas last week.’ First of all we discussed some of the verses in the Quran which specify the prohibition of eating pork and we said that in Chapter six the impression is left that eating pork is not only prohibited for Muslims but that it

Summary of 6.8 “Diet: General” Last week we continued our discussion on prohibitions in Islam and more specifically on the issue of dietary laws.’ We sited the verse in the Quran (5:3) that summarizes prohibited foods in Islam.’ These foods include an animal that died on its own, from a fall, of strangulation, beaten to

Summary of 6.7′ “Prohibitions to Protect Faith and Life”The main criteria for the lawful or unlawful in Islam are the objectives of Islamic law of known as Sharia’a which is summarized to include five basic areas.’ These areas are to safeguard faith, life, mind, honor and property.’ Then we dealt with each of these objectives

Summary of 6.6 “The Lawful and Unlawful”There were five basic points that we discussed last time.’ First of all, we said that in Islam there is no distinction between secular or religious as all aspects of life come under one jurisdiction and as such the moral code in Islam is not a separate compartment but

Summary of 6.5 “Characteristics of Islamic Moral Code”We basically coved four points.’ The first point was the objectives and goals of the Islamic moral code. ‘We indicated that the main purpose of the moral code is to build up an Islamic personality which lives by faith in God which is nourished with divine love which

Summary of 6.4 “Muslim View of The Universe”In the last program we discussed the relationship of the human and the universe.’ The first point made is that the whole universe was made to be subservient to mankind.’ An example of this is found in (45:13) where it mentions that God made subservient to whatever is

Summary of 6.3 “Human Nature in Islam”The foundation of any ethical system raises the question of how a person views their own nature.’ We started by exploring and critiquing some of the common views of human nature.’ The first view was that man evolved from animals.’ We said that this basically denies the existence of

Summary of 6.2 “Foundations of Islamic Ethics” The discussion began by distinguishing between religious and secular morality. We noted that religious morality encompasses fundamental aspects such as the concept of God, belief in the hereafter, the nature of human beings, and a person’s role on Earth. In terms of the concept of God, Islam emphasizes

Summary of 6.1 “Main Ethical Questions”There is hardly any difference among people of today that the world is facing a crisis as our civilization is being threatened.’ Some say that the problem is economic, social, technical or political which only emphasizing the symptoms of the problem rather than the real causes.’ We tried to indicate

Summary: Many writers who write about Islam are not totally familiar with Islam.’ They present the Five Pillars of Islam as the whole of Islam.’ However, it took us twelve sessions just to explore in some reasonable degree of depth (not total deapth) the meaning and significance of each of the Five Pillars. The Five

Summary of 5.10 “Hajj: History Continued”The basic emphasis in the first two programs was on the historical aspect and the importance of the holy city of Mecca.’ We said that upon the command of God Abraham took his wife Hagar and her son Ishmael to the wilderness of Mecca where they dwelled.’ We compared the

Summary of 5.9 “Hajj: HistoryFirst of all, we said that the pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the five Pillars of Islam and a duty on every Muslim male or female who is financially and physically able to do it at least once in their lifetime. ‘ Secondly, we dispelled some of the common misconceptions

5.9 Hajj: HistoryHost:’ What does Hajj or pilgrimage mean? Jamal Badawi: Hajj is one of the five basic pillars of Islam.’ The other four being the testimony of faith, performance of the five daily prayers, payment of poor’s due, fasting and then Hajj is the fifth and last in the series of Pillars in Islam.

5.8 Siyam (Fasting)Host:’ What is the month of Ramadan and its significance to Muslims? Jamal Badawi: In the Quran in (2:185) ‘Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is

5.7 Zakah (Charity)Host:’ What is the meaning of the term Zakah which can be roughly translated as charity?’ There are many translations that are assigned as the meaning for Zakah such as tithe, religious tax, alms, charity and so on. Jamal Badawi: Quite frankly non of those terms fully explain the meaning of the Islamic

Summery of 5.5 “Prayers: Form & Significance Continued”First we started by giving the translation and meanings of the recitations and supplications that are mentioned in the prayers.’ We indicated that these supplications have to be in the original Arabic language, which gives the opportunity for any Muslim in the world at any given time in

Summery of 5.4 “Prayers: Form & Significance”Last time we covered three major points.’ The first was a brief description of how the main unit in the prayer called raka’a is performed.’ We described briefly the various movements, standing in the beginning of the prayer including the recitation that is said in the beginning of the

Summery of 5.3 “Preparation of Prayers”The first thing we emphasized last time was the importance of prayer and how it is the second most important pillar in Islam after the confession of faith, belief in God, and that leaving prayers out of neglect is regarded as a major sin but leaving prayers with an attitude

Summary of 5.2 “Purity and Hygiene”Last week’s program dealt mainly with the question of purity or cleanliness as a preparation for prayers.’ We mentioned that in the most common cases all that is needed before prayers is ablution which is washing the hands three times, rinsing the mouth, nostrils and face three times, washing the

Summary of 5.1 “Testimony of Faith”There were there basic points that we discussed last time.’ First was the quotation from Prophet Muhammad that the infrastructure of Islam is based on five pillars the testimony, prayer, payment of poor’s due, fasting and performing the pilgrimage once in a life time. ‘ The second major point we

5.1 Testimony of FaithHost:’ What are the Five Pillars of Islam and what is the origin of this expression? Jamal Badawi: The term and the specification of the number appear in more than one saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).’ One of the most famous sayings is narrated in the collection by Muslim and says that

4.14 Books of Allah‘ Host:’ Can you explain the belief in genuine prophets that came before Prophet Muhammad and the belief in the Holy Books? ‘ Jamal Badawi: If a Muslim believes in all the prophets that were sent throughout history from Adam to Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad then it logically follows that a

4.13 Al-Qadar (Measure) Host:’ Could you give us a brief summery of the nature of the arguments related to this question of free will and predestination? ‘ Jamal Badawi: Human beings have always faced a very difficult dilemma regarding the questions of having free will, if we really control our destiny or if we just

Summary of 4.11 “Accountability, Paradise & Hellfire”We talked about a number of issues in the last series.’ One was accountability and we mentioned that all human beings will stand before God and will be given their book of deeds.’ Those who receive it in their right hand are safe and a sign that their good

Summary of 4.10 “Signs of the Hour”As far as the final day as we mentioned before the sky would be unveiled or opened, the stars will be dispersed, the oceans will burst into fire, mountains will vanish or be thrown around like flakes of teased wood, the earth will have severe earthquakes but above all,

Summary of 4.9 “Resurrection”First we addressed a common question as to how we can come back to life after we turn to dust.’ We indicated how the Quran responds to this question that after all it is He, God, who created us from virtually nothing to start with and it is He who has the

Summary of 4.8 “After Death” First of all we referred to the Quran in (39:42) and the illusion that the souls of the dead and living could possibly meet during the time of sleep and then when a person awakens God sends back those people’s souls to live further and keeps back the souls of

Summary of 4.7 “Death Continued”On the question of suicide we indicated that this is a sin according to Islam.’ The reason being is that life is a trust from God and we are not supposed to dispose of it according to our whims.’ We have to respect that trust and fulfill our mission on earth

Summary of 4.6 “Death”There were two basic areas that we covered last time.’ One was to continue on the experience of death as described in the Quran.’ We concluded that basically an individual at the time of death usually hopes to come back to life in order to continue good deeds or to make them

Summary of 4.5 “The Soul”We basically tried to make five points last time.’ One is the belief in the life hear after is one of the basic pillars of Islam.’ Secondly we tried to make it clear that at the heart of believing in the life hereafter is the belief in the existence of the

Summary of 4.4 “Dreams, Omens, Envy & Charms”I would summarize it in four basic points.’ First of all we discussed the difference between the ability of human beings using partial evidence that is available to them and using God given understanding of the laws in nature, created by God, in order to forecast or predict

Summary of 4.3 “Divination, Astrology, & Magic”We started by explaining the various meanings of magic.’ We said that could mean simply enchantment or attraction and it could also mean playing a little trick just like bringing a rabbit out of a hat which is ok if used for entertainment.’ We talked about another type of

Summary of 4.2 “JinnAmong God’s creators there are two basic types the seen and the unseen.’ We said that among the seen creators we have the humans and others.’ And we said that among humans we have the believers and the unbelievers.’ Among the unseen creators there are the angels as one category, the subject

Summary of 4.1 “AngelsOne of the fundamental articles of faith in Islam that the Quran mentions is the belief in angels.’ Angels are creators that are not seen by us and they were created from light (we don’t know for sure what the nature of the light is).’ The fact that God created them from

SummaryHamad Rasheed (host):’ In today’s program we begin our fourth series in our Islam in Focus program.’ This series will deal with Muslim Beliefs.’ Today’s program is the first in the series and deals with belief in the angels of God. To begin could you comment on this series of Muslim Beliefs and the last

3.8 Other References and Conclusions Host: In the last program you gave various points showing that the Comforter or the Advocate who was foretold by Jesus in the Gospel of John is in fact Prophet Mohammed, may peace and blessings be upon him, and not the Holy Ghost. Can you explain, for the benefit of

Summary of 3.1 – 3.6The first six programs in this series deal with the foretold advent of Prophet Mohammed in the Old Testament. ‘ 3.7 Jesus’ Prophecy (Paraclete)Host: In the last six programs in Islam in Focus, we’ve examined prophecies in the Old Testament dealing with the advent of Mohammed. Today’s program will examine the

Summary of 3.5 “Characteristics”When we analyzed the forty-second chapter of the Book of Isaiah in the Bible, it was quite obvious that there were many indications on the identity of the prophesied prophet. And we said that those indications applied to none other than Prophet Mohammed. ‘ First of all, the verses say that this

Summary of 3.4 “Location”We continued showing that in the Bible itself there are plenty of prophecies concerning the advent of Prophet Mohammed. We have shown in previous series the lineage of the Prophet. He comes from the Ishmaelite side of Abraham and we dismissed some of the biased views towards Ishmael being an illegitimate son,

Summary of 3.3 “A Prophet Like Unto Moses”Last session we discussed that, in the Book of Genesis, God has made a clear and definite promise to Ishmael, the first son of Prophet Abraham may peace and blessings be upon him, to bless him and make of him a great nation. In fact, the very word

Summary of 3.2 “Lineage of the Awaited Prophet”There are several prophecies in the Bible foretelling the advent of Prophet Muhammad may peace and blessing be up on him. Many of these prophecies, however, have been interpreted in a traditional way, for hundreds of years, and many are not aware that in fact they do refer

Summary of 3.1 “Methodology”The main point discussed in the previous lecture was regarding the references in the bible that show Muhammad was foretold in the Bible. Two main stances were raised and discussed. It is true that Muslims do not take the Bible as a source of faith since the Qur’an is considered the last

Series 2 Prophets SummaryThe first two series focused primarily on the Islamic testimony- attesting that there is no deity worthy of worship other than Allah (God) and that Muhammad is His last and final messenger. The first series dealt specifically with the concept of monotheism in Islam. The second discussed the belief in Prophet Muhammad

Summary of Previous Lecture “Prophecy, Ingenuity & Miracles”The last lecture continued exploring the definition of prophet-hood in Islam.’ Five basic points were touched upon.’ One was the difference between prophecy and prophet-hood.’ A person is not a prophet because he has a prophecy or the ability to foretell the future.’ A prophecy is only one

Summary of Previous Lecture “Revelation & Characteristics” Two basic areas were discussed in this lecture.’ One was continuing the discussion concerning the concept of revelation.’ The main highlight was that the last and most authenticated form of revelation came to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), through the agent angel Gabriel.’ We know this revelation was dictated

Summary of 1.6 “Divine Attributes (Forgiveness)”What we did last time was to more or less conclude the discussion of the positive or affirmative divine attributes of God. Last lecture there were two basic issues that we spent the majority of the lecture on. The first, was to correct one of the common errors and misconceptions

Summary of 1.5 “Divine Attributes Continued”This lecture mainly discussed the positive, or affirmative, attributes of Allah. We reviewed the topic of creation and said that God is the Creator and that creation goes hand in hand with sovereignty. We then discussed the attributes of life and eternity; we said that God is living. Not only

Summary of 1.4 “Forms of Shirk Continued & Divine Attributes”We previously discussed the reason behind the negation found in the Islamic creed and how it relates to monotheism. We then discussed the worship of human beings whether they were saints, prophets, great persons, clergy. Then we discussed that following people who take the liberty of

Summary of 1.3 “Forms of Shirk”In the last lecture, we continued the explanation of Muslim creed, which says basically that there is no deity except for Allah and that Mohammed (peach be upon him) is Allah’s final messenger. We explained, also, that Allah is the Arabic term for God as the creator and sustainer of

Summary of Previous Lecture “Analysis of Creedal Formula” The previous lecture discusses the Islamic concept of creed. The first of the three major points discussed was the profession of faith. The statement when said with conviction a person Muslim instantaneously. This statement is Ashhadu ana la illaha illa Allah wa ashhadu ana Mohammadan rasula Allah

Summary of previous lecture “Source of Knowledge about God”There were two points that were discussed in the previous lecture. The first dealt with the basic sources of knowledge about God or about beliefs in general. The second was the Islamic term for God. The first issue is the one we spent the most time and

There are five basic points that should be remembered. First, is that it is a mistake to assume that every Muslim is an Arab. Not every Muslim is an Arab and not every Arab is a Muslim. To even tie Islam to the Middle East is also a misconception. The Muslim population is close to

Salam Alaikum Peace be upon you, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to a new episode of Islamicfocus. I am Mohammed Hosni, and I will be acting as your host on today’s program. We have beenpromising you for several weeks now, a series of episodes dealing with the fundamental teachings andtenets of Islam. And I’m happy