[كونزيت]

Islam is a universal religion. The Messengers prior to the advent of the Prophet Muhammad were sent to their respective people, as the Qur'an says: "We did indeed send, before you, Messengers to their (respective) people, and they came to them with clear signs." ( Holy Qur'an, 30:47)

The Prophet Muhammad was not sent to a particular tribe, race or set of people, but rather to all mankind, as the Qur'an states: "We have not sent you but as a Messenger to all mankind, giving them glad tidings, and warning them (against sin), but most of men know not." (Holy Qur'an, 34:28)

"Say: 'O mankind! I am sent unto you all, as the Messenger of Allah, to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth." (7:158) "We sent you not but as a mercy for all the nations." (Holy Qur'an, 21:107)

These and similar other Verses of the Qur'an point to the fact that there is now no question of race or nation, or of a "chosen people" or the "seed of Abraham" or that of David; of Jew or gentile, Arab or non-Arab, white or colored. The expression "all mankind" in the above-mentioned Verses point to the universal and everlasting character of the message of Islam.

It is worthwhile to note here that all the Messengers before Muhammad came with certain miracles to lend support to the message to their time and the place where they were sent. Moses had a rod which, when he threw it, would turn into a snake. He did this in the presence of the Pharaoh to prove to him and to his magicians that he was truly sent from God.

This snake quickly swallowed up the magicians' ropes and rods that seemed to move about like snakes. He also used it to strike a dry path for his followers through the Red Sea into the Sinai Peninsula. They crossed on foot while Pharaoh, who came in pursuit with his troops, was overwhelmed by the sea. He and his men all perished while Moses and his followers safely crossed the sea.

Jesus Christ, son of Mary, who had a miraculous birth, was also supported with certain miracles, which were restricted to his time. He would, by Allah's leave, make out of clay the figure of a bird and breathe into it, then it becomes a real bird with flesh and blood! He would also cure the blind and the lepers, raise the dead and inform the people of what they ate and stored in their homes, by Allah's leave!

The Prophet Muhammad was also supported with numerous miracles, the greatest of all is the Noble Qur'an which is still in its original form and which will continue to guide people and illuminate their hearts and souls till the Day of Judgment! The Qur'an is Allah's Word and whoever earnestly wishes true guidance should read and study the Qur'an. "If there were a Qur'an with which mountains could be moved (from their places), or the earth could be cloven asunder or the dead could be made to speak, (this would be the one!)." (Holy Qur'an, 13:31)

The Qur'an has no dark corners or ambiguous expressions. It speaks clearly and guides to the right path. It is straight, clear and understandable. Therein no confusion is to be found: "Praise be to Allah Who has sent to His slave (i.e., Muhammad) the Book and has allowed therein no crookedness. (He has made it) straight (and clear) in order that He may warn (the disbelievers) of a terrible punishment from Him, and that He may give glad tidings to the believers who work righteous deeds, that they shall have a goodly reward, wherein they shall remain for ever." (Holy Qur'an, 18:1-2)

It is a guide to all, and to those who accept its guidance, a source of mercy and the way to salvation. Allah instructs us to earnestly seek to understand it: "Do they not then earnestly seek to understand the Qur'an, or is that there are locks upon their hearts?" (Holy Qur'an, 47:24)

It is not meant for one class or race; it is universal and is addressed to all the worlds: "Verily this is no less than a message to all the worlds." (Holy Qur'an, 81:27)

The fact that it is still with us in its original form is a clear indication of the universality of Islam.

Moderation in All Spheres of Life

Islam stresses moderation in everything and commands its followers to eschew all extravagances in any direction. It takes deep interest in the spiritual as well as the material well-being of man. It commands its followers to prepare themselves for the Hereafter while at the same time lawfully enjoying their portion of life as long as they do not transgress the limits set by Allah.

The Holy Qur'an states: "Seek, with (the wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget your portion in this world." (Holy Qur'an, 28:77)

'Ali (RA), son of Abu Talib the fourth rightly-guided Caliph, said: "Work for your life as though you are going to live forever, and work for your Hereafter as though you are going to die tomorrow."

Once the prayers are performed, the believers are encouraged to go about their business: "And when the prayer is finished, then disperse in the land and seek of Allah's Bounty, and remember Allah frequently that you may prosper." (Holy Qur'an,26:10)

The Islamic course is one of equitable and realistic moderation and the Qur'an calls Muslims a just nation: "Thus have We made of you a just (and the best) nation, justly balanced." (Holy Qur'an, 2:143)

Unlike other religions and ideologies, Islam does not stress the spiritual at the expense of the material, or vice versa. Rather, it brings both of them into harmony. Islam commends moderation while observing our religious duties and strongly condemns going to the extremes in this respect.

Following the middle course in worship is the best alternative as well as the natural way of discharging our duties towards our Creator. Islam prohibits us from overburdening ourselves with duties that are bound to put us off the religion altogether.

It requires us to discharge our duties within our capacity, and to the best of our ability. The Qur'an says: "Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you." (Holy Qur'an, 2:185)

"On no soul does Allah place a burden greater than it can bear." (Holy Qur'an, 2:286)

Islam commands its followers to take a middle course between niggardliness and extravagance, be it in their ordinary spending or in charity. They should strike a perfectly just measure between the two extremes. The Qur'an says: "And let not your hand be tied (like a niggard's) to your neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach (like a spendthrift's), lest you become blameworthy and destitute." (Holy Qur'an, 17:29)

The Qur'an describes the devoted slaves of Allah as those who: "When they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes)." (Holy Qur'an, 25:67)

The Qur'an even calls spendthrifts "brothers of Satan" because of their foolishness. The Satan fell by his ingratitude to Allah, so those who misuse or squander Allah's gifts are also ungrateful to Allah: "And render to the kindred their due rights and to the poor and to the wayfarer, but squander not (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift. Verily spendthrifts are brothers of Satan. And the Satan is ever ungrateful to his Lord." (Holy Qur'an, 17:26-27)

The Prophet says: "The children of Adam have not filled a 'vessel' worse than their stomachs. A few morsels would be sufficient for them to keep soul and body together. If they have to, then they should allow a third for their food, a third for their drink and a third for easy breathing." (At-Tirmithi and Ibn Majah