Muslims before their Creator
Syed Badrul Haque appreciates a new work on Islam
26 October 2007, 18:00 PM
God: An Islamic Perspective
Salahuddin Ahmed
A.S. Noordeen, Kuala Lumpur
Today Islam is in the spotlight on the world stage when presidents, prime ministers and ordinary people in non-Muslim countries are eager to know more about Islam. The book under review has illuminated the concept of Allah, the Creator and Sustainer of mankind. Muslims believe that Allah pervades the life of man from the time of his birth until his soul returns to Him at the time of his death.
The book under review contains six chapters. Chapter 1 deals with the traditional concepts about Allah as the Supreme Lord of the world, emphasising His strict monotheistic character and the distinct aspects that flow from it. Chapter 2 deals with the Prophets and Messengers of Allah whom He sent to the world to convey His message for the right guidance of mankind. Unlike the Jews and Christians (People of the Book) Muslims believe in all the Prophets of Allah, which include Prophets Ibrahim, Musa. 'Isa (Jesus) and Muhammad(s). Chapter 3 deals with the Qur'an, the last Book of Allah confirming His earlier Books. Chapter 4 deals with Islam, the religion acceptable to Allah. All the Prophets of Allah preached strict monotheism, i.e. Islam, which will prevail over all other religions. Chapter 5 deals with worshipping Allah, emphasising that all aspects of the life of a Muslim are meant for worshipping ('ibadah) Allah. The various modes of worshipping Allah are performing Prayers (salat), Fasting (siyam) in the month of Ramadan and performing Hajj. Chapter 6 deals with the role of Allah as the 'Master of the Day of Judgement' emphasising the importance of the Hereafter (al-akhirah) and the distinction between Paradise (Jannah) and Hell (Jahannam).
The reviewer believes that readers who have spent some time in the study of Islam, particularly the Qur'an, will find this book interesting and helpful in appreciating the transcendent position of Allah in Islam. Readers who have general interest in Islam will find this book opening a new dimension in their vision of Allah. The work will help Muslims adopt the role of 'the moderate community' in the challenging circumstances of the twenty-first century. There is a duty upon Muslims to project Islam as the same religion that was preached by the Prophets Ibrahim, Musa, 'Isa and Muhammad(s), who all proclaimed worshipping only Allah, for the right guidance of mankind and establishing peace and harmony in the world.
Syed Badrul Haque, formerly Public Relations Officer to President, People's Republic of Bangladesh, is a contributor to the Daily Star.
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