(Fundamental beliefs) Islamiat English Medium Class 11th, Grade 11, HSSC Part-2 Notes according to Sindh, Karachi Board ICS Group 1 (Maths, Physics, Computer Science) syllabus | Class XI Islamiat Notes Chapter #1, Unit 1 online read and pdf Download Now.
Karachi, Sindh Board Islamiat Notes Chapter #1 Fundamental Beliefs
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Q.1: Describe the basic beliefs of Islam separately? Write a short note on each of them.
Fundamental Beliefs:
There are five fundamental beliefs of faith in Islam. These beliefs reveal Allah’s scheme for guiding man in this world, and also to define the nature, position, and status of man in it. These beliefs are:
- 1) Belief in God
- 2) Belief in the Angels
- 3) Belief in God’s revealed Books
- 4) Belief in the Prophethood
- 5) Belief in the Day of Judgment
1) Belief in God:
Muslims believe in one, unique, incomparable God, Who has no son nor partner, and that none has the right to be worshipped but Him alone. He is the true God, and every other deity is false. He has the most magnificent names and sublime perfect attributes. No one shares His divinity, nor His attributes. In the Quran, God describes Himself:
“Say He is God, the One. God, to Whom the creatures turn for their needs. He begets not, nor was He begotten, and there is none like Him.”
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No one has the right to be invoked, supplicated, prayed to, or shown any act of worship, but God alone.
God alone is the Almighty, the Creator, the Sovereign, and the Sustainer of everything in the whole universe. He manages all affairs. He needs none of His creatures, and all His creatures depend on Him for all that they need. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing, and the All-Knowing. Perfectly, His knowledge encompasses all things, the open and the secret, and the public and the private. He knows what has happened, what will happen, and how it will happen. No affair occurs in the whole world except by His will. Whatever He wills are, and whatever He does not will is not, and will never be. His will is above the will of all the creatures. He has power over all things, and He can do everything. He is the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and the Most Beneficent. In one of the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), we are told that God is more merciful to His creatures than a mother to her child. God is far removed from injustice and tyranny. He is All-Wise in all of His actions and decrees. If someone wants something from God, he or she can ask God directly without asking anyone else to intercede with God for him or her.
God is not a trinity. God has said in the Quran:
“Indeed, they disbelieve those who say, “God is the third of three (in a trinity),” when there is no god but one God. If they desist not from what they say, truly, a painful punishment will befall the disbelievers among them. Would they not rather repent to God and ask His forgiveness? For God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. The Messiah (Jesus), son of Mary, was no more than a messenger…”
Islam rejects that God rested on the seventh day of the creation, that He wrestled with one of His angels, that He is an envious plotter against mankind, or that He is incarnate in any human being. Islam also rejects the attribution of any human form to God. All of these are considered blasphemous. God is the Exalted. He is far removed from every imperfection. He never becomes weary. He does not become drowsy nor does he sleep.
The Arabic word Allah means God (the one and only true God who created the whole universe). This word Allah is a name for God, which is used by Arabic speakers, both Arab Muslims, and Arab Christians. This word cannot be used to designate anything other than the one true God. The Arabic word Allah occurs in the Quran about 2700 times. In Aramaic, a language related closely to Arabic and the language that Jesus habitually spoke, God is also referred to as Allah.
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2) Belief in the Angels:
The word “Malaika” is plural of “Malak ” which means a messenger. The word “Rasool” is also used for angels because Rasool also literally means a messenger. The angels are called “Malak” and “Rasool” because they act as messengers between Allah and His Creatures. It is necessary to believe in the angels as we believe in Tawheed and Risalat. The angels are born out of heavenly light (Noor) and they are running the world under orders of Allah. The commands of Allah are transmitted to them through invitation and they carry out these orders throughout the universe. Allah says in the Holy Quran:
“They do not disobey Allah when they are ordered to accomplish anything and they do only what they are ordered”
Angels are countless in number but the names and duties of a few of them are as under
1. Hazrat Jibrail (A.S.)
He brings Allah’s messages and scriptures to His Prophets.
2. Hazrat Meakail (A.S.)
He is responsible for sending rain and food to Allah’s creatures.
3. Hazrat Izraeel (A.S.)
His duty is to bring death or in other words, he draws out the souls of the living bodies at the time of death.
4. Hazrat Israel (A.S.)
He will blow the trumpet on the Day of Judgment:
5. Kiraman-Katibeen
They are deputed to record the good and bad deeds of people.
6. Munkar Nakeer
Their duty is to question the people about their deeds in their graves. (Tirmizi).
7. Some remain busy in Allah’s remembrance and some are deputed to say Durood and Salaam on the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). The Holy Qur’an says:
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“Lo! Allah and his angel’s shower blessings on the Prophet (S.A.W). O you who believe! Ask blessings on him and salute him with a worthy salutation.”
3) Belief in God’s Revealed Books:
All Divine Teaching is contained in the Books of Allah which are a source of Guidance for present and future generations. It is man’s duty to learn, remember and spread the guidance and command of Allah as contained in His Books. Unless he believes in their truth, how can he obey them and preserve them for future generations? Belief in Divine Books, in fact, implies following and obeying the teaching contained in them. Allah describes the faithful as under:
“And who believe in the revelation sent to thee, and before their time.”
There are many divine books of which the following four are very famous:
- 1. Taurat which was revealed on Hazrat Musa (A.S.)
- 2. Zabur which was revealed on Hazrat Daud (A.S.)
- 3. Injeel which was revealed on Hazrat Isa (A.S.)
- 4. The Holy Quran which was revealed on Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W)
Apart from these divine books, Sahifas were revealed on Hazrat Adam (A.S.) and Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) and other prophets.
It is obligatory for a Muslim to have faith in all the revealed books. He has to follow the laws laid down by the Holy Quran. The faith in the previous books means that those were true books but the Laws prescribed by them have since been superseded by the laws of the Holy Quran.
4) Belief in the Prophethood
Allah conveys His message to humanity through messengers. They form a link between humans and the heavens, in the sense that Allah has chosen them to deliver His message to humanity. Divine messages were not conveyed to mankind except through the messengers. It is the system of communication between the Creator and the created. Allah does not send the angels to every single individual, nor does He ‘open the skies’ so people can climb up to receive the message. Allah says:
“It is not fitting for a man that Allah should speak to him except by inspiration, or from behind a veil, or by the sending of a Messenger to reveal, with Allah’s permission, what Allah wants.”
His way of communication is through human messengers who receive the message through the angels. Allah only sent men as prophets and messengers. No angels were sent with a message to mankind. He, the Exalted, says:
“And they say, “Why was there not sent down to him by an angel? But if We had sent down an angel, the matter would have been decided; then they would not be reprieved. And if We had made him [i.e. the Messenger] an angel, We would have made him [appear as] a man, and We would have covered them with that in which they cover themselves.”
Allah sent Prophets for the guidance of different nations in the world. It is said in the Holy Quran:
“For we assuredly sent amongst every people an apostle.”
Every Muslim is required to believe in the Prophethood of all the prophets without any discrimination. Allah says:
“We make no distinction between one and another of His apostles.”
In the chain of Prophets, the last one is Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) who concluded this chain. Now all the people of the world are bound to follow the teachings of the last prophet.
5) Belief in the Day of Judgment:
The belief in the world hereafter Akhirat is one of the fundamental Islamic beliefs. The word “Akhirat” means anything which happens afterwards. Opposite to this, the word “Dunia ” means something nearby. Technically the belief in the world hereafter means that a man does not become permanently extinct after his death. but his spirit remains intact till such time when Allah will infuse that spirit in the dead body and will again revive it to reward or punish him for his good and bad actions. The virtuous people will be granted a place in the paradise that is full of gifts and blessings of Allah. The evil people will be put in hell which is a place of torture. Allah says in the Holy Quran:
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“As for the Righteous, they will be in Bliss: And the Wicked they will be in the Fire.”
The belief in the hereafter is an important part of the teachings of Islam. Its significance has been emphasized in the Holy Quran. In Surah Baqarah the virtuous have been defined as:
“And (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter.”
Without faith in the world hereafter, a man is likely to fall prey to selflessness and self-indulgence, forgetting altogether the demands of culture, nobility, and justice. This would mean the rule of the jungle over human society.
Q.2: Briefly describe the arguments in support of the existence of Allah as given in the Holy Quran?
Whenever we look at something we always think of its creator. A house reminds us of its builder and a watch of the watchmaker. We cannot think of a house or a watch coming into being without a builder or a watchmaker. Therefore, the universe draws our attention to its creator. We cannot even imagine that a universe, so large and compact can come into being without any creator.
1. Creator of the Heavens and the Earth
Allah is the creator of the heavens and the Earth. There is no doubt about Allah, the creator of heaven and the earth. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:
“Is there a doubt about Allah, the creator of the heavens and the earth?”
2. Organization and discipline in the universe:
When we have a close look at the universe, we find an organization and discipline, never being disorderly: Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:
“Who created the seven heavens one above another; you see no incongruity in the creation of the Beneficent God; then look again, can you see any disorder? Then turn back the eye again and again; your look shall come back to you confused while it is fatigued.”
3. The Sun and the Moon are moving in their specific orbits:
The sun and the moon are moving in their orbits. The sun does not enter the orbit of the moon and the moon does not move towards the sun. The day and night pass within their respective fixed durations:
“It is not permitted to the Sun to catch up the Moon. nor con the Night outstrip the Day. Each (just) swims along in its own) orbit (According to Law).”
4. Specific discipline and Pattern in the Universe:
In the universe, there is a specific discipline and pattern Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:
This discipline and control indicate the presence of super and sublime power, governing it.
5. To Think about the System of the Universe:
Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:
“Behold! In the creation of the heavens and earth and the alternation of the day and night, there are indeed signs for men of understanding.”
6. Creation of the Artistry of Allah.
The regularity of day and night, the movement of the moon, the sun and the earth are the evidence of Allah’s wisdom and power.
7. an- The Masterpiece of Allah:
Allah says in the Holy Qur’an:
“There they created of nothing, or were they themselves the creators? Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Nay, they have no firm belief.”
8. Entire Universe is evidence of the existence of Allah:
Like the earth, the sky and the entire universe is evidence of the existence of Allah, man also echoes this fact. A study of history shows that the civilized, as well as Savage nations, had the concept of the belief in the existence of omnipotent Allah. Archaeological research shows that even primitive societies and nations believed in Allah in one form or another. This indicates that faith in Allah is part of Human nature.”
9: On the earth are signs for those who assured faith.
Allah says in the Holy Quran:
“In the earth are signs for those who assured faith. As also in our own selves will ye not then see.”
10: The creator of the universe is only Allah:
The creator of the universe is only Allah. This is the inevitable conclusion of human thought. If there had been more than one God, their collision and confrontation would result in the total destruction of the universe. The existence of the universe in an organized form is proof positive that there is one Allah. The Holy Quran confirms this:
“If there were in the heavens and the earth, other Gods besides Allah, there would have been confusion in both.”
Q.3: Define shirk and discuss its types?
In Islam, shirk is the sin of practising idolatry or polytheism, i.e. the deification or worship of anyone or anything other than the singular God i.e. Allah. Literally, it means ascribing or the establishment of “partners’ ‘ placed beside God. It is the vice that is opposed to the virtue of Tawhid (monotheism).
In Islam, shirk is an unforgivable crime if it remains unpardonable before death. Allah may forgive any sin if one dies in that state except for committing shirk. The following verse of the Holy Qur’an asserts:
“Surely Allah does not forgive that anything should be associated with him, and forgives what is besides that to whomever He pleases, and whoever associates anything with Allah, he devises indeed a great sin.”
It means that whoever dies as a polytheist, there is no chance of his salvation. Although Allah (S.W.T.) may forgive any of those who have committed any other sin. Allah (S.w.T.) says:
“Surely whoever associates (others) with Allah, then Allah has forbidden to him the garden, and his abode is the fire; and there shall be no helpers for the unjust.”
Also, the Holy Qur’an states:
“Do not associate aught with Allah; most surely polytheism is a grievous iniquity.”
TYPES OF SHIRK:
I. SHIRK IN THE ENTITY OF ALLAH (Shirk bil-Zat):
This means the belief in the existence of someone sharing the powers and authority of Allah. One form of this belief is to accept someone as equal to Allah and the second form is to consider Allah as the offspring of someone or to consider someone as the offspring of Allah. Therefore, belief in the existence of two or more gods is Shirk. Similarly to consider someone as the son or daughter of Allah is also shirk. Allah says:
He begetteth not, not is he begotten. and there is none like unto him
2. SHIRK IN THE CHARACTERISTICS OF ALLAH (Shirk bil-Siffat):
This means that the belief that characteristics of Allah are possessed by someone else or to consider that someone else possesses the same knowledge, power and will similar to Allah or to consider someone as omnipotent as Allah is Shirk. Allah says in the Holy Quran:
“There is nothing whatever like unto Him.”
Every creature is dependent on Allah and all its qualities are granted by Allah. However, all characteristics of Allah are inherent and not granted by anyone else.
3. SHIRK IN THE DEMANDS OF THE CHARACTERISTICS: (Shirk with the Taqa-Zai-Siffert):
Allah possesses great qualities. The demand for these qualities is that only Allah is worthy of worship and obedience. only Allah Should be the centre of our obedience and love. It should be our faith that Allah is the provider and sovereign. The man should follow the laws laid down by Allah. All other laws must be subservient to the laws of Allah. It is said in the Holy Quran:
“And you Allah is one Allah; there is no god but He.”
Allah must be considered as the real provider and we should offer thanks to Him sincerely. The expression of gratitude to Allah should be made in letter and spirit. We should worship only Allah and in our life, we should never consider anyone else as a sharer in the powers and authority of Allah.
We should always take care that shirk is not only the worship of stone or wooden idols but also the belief that our needs can be fulfilled by someone other than Allah. In case of every difficulty, we should seek the help and blessing of Allah, the most powerful and the most merciful. There are a large number of Muslims who verbally believe in Allah but they beg fellow human beings to help them in their problems like health, employment, offspring, etc. as if they had the same power and authority as possessed by Allah only. Allah describes this human weakness as under:
“Yet they take (for worship) gods other than Allah, (hoping) that they might be helped! They have not the power to help them, but they will be brought up (before Our Judgment-seat) as a troop (favouring them).”
Q.4: Describe in detail the characteristics of the Prophethood of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH)?
Answer:
Characteristics of Prophethood of Hazrat Muhammad:
The chain of prophets began with Hazrat Adam (A.S) culminated with the prophethood of Hazrat Muhammad(S.A.W). He is the last prophet of Allah who possessed all the granted to prophets before him separately. The Prophethood of Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.) bears many qualities. Some of these characteristics are described as under:
UNIVERSALITY:
The prophets coming before Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.) were deputed to serve a particular nation or a particular country. The prophethood of Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.) is meant for all mankind and for all times to come till the day of judgment. Allah says:
“Say Oh men! I am sent unto you all, as the Apostle of Allah, to Whom belongeth.”
2. CANCELLATION OF THE PREVIOUS SHARIAT’S:
With the advent of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.), the previous Shariats enforced by prophets before him stand canceled. Human beings are bound to act upon the Shariat enforced by Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.). Allah says:
“If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah) never will it be accepted of him.”
3. CONCLUSION OF PROPHETHOOD:
With Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) the Deen (religion) of Allah, was finally revealed in its entirety. This Deen i.e Islam is meant for all mankind for all times to come. No other religion is now needed for the guidance of man. Allah says:
“This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.”
4. PRESERVATION OF THE HOLY QUR’AN:
The divine books revealed to other prophets are either non-existent or have been subjected to tampering and alterations on a large scale. It is very difficult to derive proper guidance from these books as these are a mixture of right and wrong teachings. However, the Holy Qur’an revealed to Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.) is intact in its original form. Even after the passage of fourteen hundred years, there has not been a change of a single letter in its original text. Not only is the Holy Qur’an preserved in the written form but it is also preserved in the hearts and minds of millions of people.
5. PRESERVATION OF THE SUNNAH:
Besides the Holy Qur’an Allah has provided for the preservation of the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). There was a large number of Muhadiseen in every age who devoted their lives for the preservation of the Sunnah. As Sunnah is in fact, an explanation and clarification of the teachings of the Holy Qur’an, it is bound to be preserved like the Holy Qur’an till the Day of Judgment.
6. VAST SCOPE AND APPLICATION:
The teachings of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) are not theoretical but completely feasible. He always practically followed what he preached. When we look at his life we see that he possessed the Best pattern of behavior in all aspects of life. He was a model for his followers in his married life, the conduct of political affairs, treatment with the children or the older people, his conduct during peace or war, the conduct of religious rites or conduct of public affairs, his dealings with his relatives or neighbors. Allah says:
“He has indeed in the Apostle of Allah a beautiful pattern of (conduct).”
7. THE CULMINATION OF PROPHETHOOD:
The culmination of Prophethood means that the chain of prophets which started with the advent of Hazrat Adam (A.S.) and was followed by many prophets was finalized by Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.). Prior to his induction as the last prophet, there were many prophets who enforced their religious systems according to the divine books revealed on them including some of the prophets who followed the divine books and religious systems introduced by their predecessors. This chain of prophethood culminated with Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.) upon whom a comprehensive and eternal book was revealed to enforce a perfect religious system. He is the last prophet and exponent of a perfect Deen (Religion). His religious system has cancelled all the previous systems of religion. After him, no prophet is to be deputed.
7. MIRACLES:
The prophets are said to have worked miracles or Moajza. Moajza means the showing of some unnatural things. Almost all prophets had some miracles which they used during their life in order to convince people and bring them to the fold of Islam.
8. WAHI:
The chief characteristic of prophets of Allah is wahi (Revelation). Allah conveyed His messages to the prophets through the angel, Hazrat Jibrael. The commandments which the Almighty Allah had revealed for the guidance of mankind was only bestowed to the prophets of Almighty Allah.
Q.5: Write a detailed note on Holy divine books.
All Divine Teaching is contained in the Books of Allah which are a source of Guidance for present and future generations. It is man’s duty to learn, remember and spread the guidance and command of Allah as contained in His Books. Unless he believes in their truth, how can he ‘obey them and preserve them for future generations? Belief in Divine Books, in fact, implies following and obeying the teaching contained in them. Allah describes the faithful as under:
وَالَّذِيۡنَ يُؤۡمِنُوۡنَ بِمَآ اُنۡزِلَ اِلَيۡكَ وَمَآ اُنۡزِلَ مِنۡ قَبۡلِكَۚ
“And who believe in the revelation sent to thee, and before their time.”
There are many divine books of which the following four are very famous.
- I. Taurat which was revealed on Hazrat Musa (A.S.)
- 2. Zabur which was revealed on Hazrat Daud (A.S.)
- 3. Injeel which was revealed on Hazrat Isa (A.S.)
- 4. The Holy Qur’an which was revealed on Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.)
Apart from these divine books, Sahifas were revealed on Hazrat Adam (A.S.) and Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) and other prophets. In all these Books the fundamental articles of religion like the oneness of Allah, His characteristics, worship of Allah, faith in Prophethood, faith in the Day of Judgement and reward and punishment for actions were common. However, in view of the changing demand of different ages, separate and different codes of Shariat were prescribed in these books. The books following the earlier ones cancelled the laws prescribed by the previous books. Similarly, the Holy Qur’an which was revealed last of all cancelled all the shariats prescribed by the previous divine books. Now it is obligatory to follow only the laws laid down by the Holy Qur’an. The faith in the previous divine books means that those were true books but the laws prescribed by them have since been superseded by the laws of the Holy Qur’an.
6: What are the effects of the belief in the oneness of Allah on human life?
Answer:
The belief in the oneness of Allah brings about remarkable and revolutionary changes in the personality of man, described as under:
I. SELF-RESPECT:
The belief in the oneness of Allah creates self-respect in a man who believes that his Creator, Master, Source of powers and Sovereign is Allah. A true believer bows only before Allah and fears only Him. He has no need to degrade himself by worshiping lifeless idols or powerful human beings. He would prefer to accept death instead of bowing his head before any artificial god. Allama Iqbal said:
وہ ایک سجد ہ جسے تو گراں سمجھتا ہے
دیتا ہے ہزار سجدوں سے آدمی کو نجات
2. HUMILITY:
Tauheed develops an attitude of humility because a true believer realizes that he is helpless before Allah and everything in his possession is a gift of Allah who is the only provider as well as depriver. Therefore, there is no justification for a man to show arrogance. The holy prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) has condemned pride. He said that a person having a mite of pride will never enter paradise.
3. BROAD VIEW OF LIFE:
A believer in the oneness of Allah is never narrow-minded. He has firm faith in the mercy and beneficence of Allah Who is the Creator and Provider of the universe. As a result, a true believer possesses a universal sense of sympathy, love, and service. He works for the betterment of mankind as his first and foremost ideal.
4 COURAGE AND DETERMINATION:
Belief in Allah makes a man brave and determined. A true believer knows that Allah is Omnipotent and every object in the universe has been created by Him. Therefore, only Allah is fit to be worshipped and obeyed. This belief enables the believer not to be afraid of anyone else. He becomes an embodiment of courage and determination. He is able to challenge and defy the greatest of tyrants. He becomes an image of the following verse of the Holy Qur’an:
Translation:
“Whosoever follows My guidance, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.”
5. OPTIMISM AND CONTENTMENT:
A true believer is never disappointed and always waits for the blessings and help of Allah. He knows that Allah is always with him. Allah is the most merciful and beneficent and His blessings are numberless. When a man seeks blessings and helps from Allah, he is full of contentment.
6. PIETY:
The belief in the oneness of Allah creates piety in the heart of man. It is the faith of every true believer that Allah knows the innermost secrets of man. A man may be able to conceal his crimes from the eyes of other people but Allah always has the knowledge of his deeds as well as intentions. This faith prevents a man from committing sins in public or in private and encourages him to perform good deeds. A good human society is always based on the good deeds of the people. A man can perform good actions if his heart is enlightened with the power of true faith.
Faith and true actions are essential for our welfare and salvation. it has been repeatedly observed in the Holy Quran:
Translation:
“Except such as have faith, and do the righteous deed”
As a tree is known by its root, faith is recognized by the good actions of a man. If a man claims that he possesses faith but his conduct and action is not good it means that he is not a true believer. The belief in the oneness of Allah demands that one should perform good deeds and avoid committing evil deeds.
8. TRUST IN ALLAH:
The individuals who believe in Allah in all their worldly transactions rely on Allah for their success. All their efforts fundamentally revolve around their firm trust in Allah. Such people know that Allah alone is the master and real creator. They trust in Allah in the correct way, that is they sincerely put in efforts to do a thing and leave the result to Almighty Allah. It is no good to expect results without putting in efforts of any kind and just raising the slogan of “Reliance on Allah.”
9. PEACE OF MIND:
The believers in the Doctrine of Allah develop peace of mind. Whatever is the outcome of their efforts in connection with the worldly transactions their hearts remain satisfied. They are not discouraged by failures and do not lose hope for the better as they know that the Almighty Allah is there to help them, the only Allah Who is omnipresent, omnipotent Allah who never leaves His bondman alone when he is in trouble. Hence the believer bears the troubles bravely for Allah is good, kind and great Merciful of the b Merciful.
Q. 7: Write a summary of the teachings of the Holy Quran on the subject of life in the world hereafter.
Belief in the Day of Judgement is one of the most important articles of faith of a Muslim. Its importance is manifested by its mention at numerous places and occasions in the Holy Quran. For example, in the very beginning of the Holy Quran, Allah says about those who have faith in Islam that among other beliefs they have faith in the hereafter. Allah says:
“And (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter.”
With reference to the belief in the world hereafter, the teachings of the Holy Qur’an are summarized as under:
I The worldly life of man is followed by the life of the world hereafter. Life in the world is temporary and life in the world hereafter is permanent. The consequences of all the actions of man do not arise completely in this temporary life of the world. The real consequences are faced by man in the life in the world hereafter.
2. As every object existing in this world has a fixed age and expires after its prescribed limit, similarly the entire system of the universe has a fixed age after which it will expire and will be replaced by another system.
3. When the system of this world is destroyed and is replaced by another system, man will again be granted a new physical life. He will appear before a great court and will be answerable and accountable for all his actions. He will be rewarded for good deeds and will be punished for his misdeeds.
The doubts of non-believers and the verdict of the Holy Qur’an
In the Holy Qur’an, the doubts of non-believers regarding the world hereafter have been set at rest in a very logical and convincing manner. The heathen of Makkah did not believe in the world hereafter. Their doubts have been reproduced in the Holy Qur’an as under:
“And they say “What! When we lie, hidden and lost, in the earth, shall we indeed be in a Creation renewed?”
“Who can give life to the (dry) bone and decomposed ones (at that)”
“And who sunder what God has ordered to be joined and do mischief on
truth: this cause loss only to themselves”
Reasonable and rational thinking on the part of man leads him to believe in the world hereafter. Every person admits that a good action is always rewarded and bad action results in the punishment of the wrong-doer. However, the consequences of all our actions do not appear in this world. Sometimes a person who spends all his life committing evil deeds remains free from punishment in this world. Sometimes very pious people who Led a virtuous life in this world were tortured to death instead of getting a reward for their good deeds. The question arises whether the criminals will go unpunished forever and the virtuous remain unrewarded for their good deeds. Is there no justice proportionate to the good and evil deeds of human beings in this world and the world hereafter? Allah says:
“Did ye then think that we had created you in jest and that ye would not be brought back to Us (for an account)?
When we think over this aspect we cannot help believing that life in the world hereafter is a reality where people will be rewarded or punished for their good or bad deeds. The virtuous will be rewarded generously and the wicked will be punished severely, excepting those forgiven by Allah.
Q.8: What is meant by angels? What do you know about كراماً كاتبين?
The angels:
The word “Malaika” is plural of “Malak ” which means a messenger. The word “Rasool” is also used for angels because Rasool also literally means a messenger. The angels are called “Malak” and “Rasool” because they act as messengers between Allah and His Creatures. It is necessary to believe in the angels as we believe in Tawheed and Risalat. The angels are born out of heavenly light (Noor) and they are running the world under orders of Allah. The commands of Allah are transmitted to them through invitation and they carry out these orders throughout the universe. Allah says in the Holy Quran:
“They do not disobey Allah when they are ordered to accomplish anything and they do only what they are ordered”
Angels are countless in number but the names and duties of a few of them are as under 1. Hazrat Jibrail (A.S.)
He brings Allah’s messages and scriptures to His Prophets.
2. Hazrat Meakail (A.S.)
He is responsible for sending rain and food to Allah’s creatures.
3. Hazrat Izraeel (A.S.)
His duty is to bring death or in other words, he draws out the souls of the living bodies at the time of death.
4. Hazrat Israfeel (A.S.)
He will blow the trumpet on the Day of Judgment:
5. Kiraman-Katibeen
They are deputed to record the good and bad deeds of people.
6. Munkar Nakeer
Their duty is to question the people about their deeds in their graves. (Tirmizi).
7. Some remain busy in Allah’s remembrance and some are reputed to say Durood and Salaam on the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). The Holy Qur’an says:
“Lo! Allah and his angels’ shower blessings on the Prophet (S.A.W). O you who believe! Ask blessings on him and salute him with a worthy salutation.
Kiraman Katibin (كراماً كاتبين ):
In Islam, the two kiraman katibin (كراماً كاتبين ), are two angels called Raqib and Atid, believed by Muslims, who record a person’s good and bad deeds. This two katibin sit on a person’s right and left shoulders respectively. The work of the Kiraman Katibin is to write down and record every action, thought, or feeling a person has each day. One angel figuratively sits on the right shoulder and records all good deeds, while another sits on the left shoulder and records all bad deeds. The Book in which the angels are writing is the cumulative record of a given person’s deeds.
Q.9: Write a note on the Following:
Nafakh Soor:
The angel that will blow the trumpet is called Israfel. His name is mentioned among the four great angels in the hadiths. Israfel will blow two times, in the first one, the Doomsday will occur and in the second blowing, the resurrection will occur. Because of this duty to him, He is called the angel of Soor (the Trumpet). When the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was asked about the nature of the trumpet, he answered: “A horn that is blown” (Ahmad b. Hanbal, II, 196).
The prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that “Israfel is awaiting the order of blowing while He grasps the trumpet”. (Tabari Jami-ul Bayan, VII, 211; Ibn Kathir, Tafsiru’l-Qur’an-il Azim, Egypt, n.d. II, 276)
Effects of World hereafter on a life of a person:
1. Man develops a hatred for evil:
A firm believer in the Day of Judgment knows fully well that all his acts, good or bad, are being recorded honestly in his book of record and that on the Day of Judgment, he will be sent to Paradise or thrown into Hell according to his deeds. This is why a believer in Islam tries his best to do noble deeds and abstains from ignoble or sinful acts.
2. Bravery and Heroism:
A person who has full faith in the Day of Judgment is fully conscious of the fact that Allah gives him life and He only takes out the life of him; he knows that he has to live in this world for a short while only as compared with his life after death. This belief makes him bold and courageous; he is ever-ready to give his life for a righteous cause in the name of Allah. This boldness on his part entitles him for a reward in the shape of a perpetual abode in the Paradise.
3. Patience and Perseverance:
A believer in the Day of Judgment cultivates in himself the qualities of ‘Sabr’ (patience), which denotes a cheerful attitude of resignation and understanding as opposed to murmuring and rebellion. This is because he is aware of the fact that whatever trouble, sorrow or inconvenience he shall have to undergo for a just cause in the name of Allah shall be amply rewarded on the Day of Judgment.
4. The impetus for Spending Money:
The doctrine of the Day of Judgement makes a true Muslim immune from hoarding wealth because he has full belief in the fact that hoarding of money is not liked by Allah and that a person who spends money to please Allah entitles himself for reward on the Final Day.
5. A sense of Responsibility:
Fear of Allah’s wrath on the Doomsday for sinful or mischievous acts done in this world enables a Muslim to feel his responsibilities for doing good to others and for leading a pious and noble life. This element of a sublime character is possible only if one is conscious of the reckoning of good or evil deeds on the Day of Judgment.
06: Neither arrogant nor Rebellious
A believer of the day of judgment will be neither arrogant nor will be rebellious to mankind, drawing bliss to his virtuous deeds.
07. Safeguard Mankind from his lawlessness
This belief safeguards mankind from lawlessness, and tyranny, and inspires him to protect his society at the risk of his life for which recompense has been promised in the coming life.
8. The sense of accountability
The man who has full faith in the world hereafter will think before committing any sin as to what result of it will ensure on the day of judgment. The concept of the day of judgment and sense of accountability will put a shackle in his feet, and he will not go astray.
9. Desire for virtues
A person who believes in life hereafter realizes that all his apparent and secret words and deeds are recorded and preserved in his or her records of deeds. On the last day, everyone’s aamal nama will be given into his hand. Having knowledge about this fact the believer in the life hereafter tries his level best to perform more righteous deeds and virtues.
Famous Angels:
1. Hazrat Jibrail (A.S.)
He brings Allah’s messages and scriptures to His Prophets.
2. Hazrat Meakail (A.S.)
He is responsible for sending rain and food to Allah’s creatures.
3. Hazrat Izraeel (A.S.)
His duty is to bring death or in other words, he draws out the souls of the living bodies at the time of death.
4. Hazrat Israfeel (A.S.)
He will blow the trumpet on the day of Judgment:
5. Kiraman-Katibeen
They are deputed to record the good and bad deeds of people.
6. Munkar Nakeer
Their duty is to question the people about their deeds in their graves. (Tirmizi).
7. Some remain busy in Allah’s remembrance and some are deputed to say Durood and Salaam on the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.).
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) was required to present himself as a living model and an ideal man during his lifetime. Not only was he responsible to convey the message of Allah but he was also responsible to reform human life according to this message. The communication of the message of Allah could be accomplished through angels but mere communication was not the real object. It was essential to ensure full compliance of the commands of Allah that this message should be conveyed to human beings by a man who, despite being a perfect man, may face the problems and difficulties experienced by ordinary human beings. It was expected of him that he would constitute a model society based on the system of life laid down by the divine message.
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