Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Foreword

The holy Qur’an, the last of the Divine Books, revealed by the Creator to the last of His Messengers, is unarguably the only Divine Book we have that has not undergone any distortion or corruption since its revelation. The last Revelation, coming as it does 610 years after the birth of Jesus, tells us about the role and mission of Jesus. The Qur’an also informs us about the miracles and powers that Allah Almighty had bestowed upon Jesus, andemphasises upon the virtues of his mother Mary.

Mary was a devout woman such that she received blessing of God, and on many occasions she received food from the heavens. The conception of Jesus was also extraordinary in that he did not have a father, and his conception took place by the Will of God. By the Will of God he spoke from birth, when announced to the people that he was a prophet.

Jesus was sent as a prophet to the Children of Israel, in a long tradition of prophets sent to them by the Creator of existence. He was the bearer of the same message that prophets and messengers before him had brought, the unity and indivisible oneness of the Creator,Eloh in Hebrew or Allah in Arabic, to abide by, and in harmony with the teachings of Allah, and to prepare for the life of the hereafter.

{Say: We believe in Allah and what is revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and his descendents, and what was entrusted to Moses and Jesus and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have surrendered.}51

{The Messenger believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believeth in Allah, His angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say) “We make no distinction between any one of His Messengers.” And they say: “We hear, and we obey, (we seek) Thy forgiveness, our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys.”}52

Different prophets and messengers are sent to different nations and peoples to guide them to the truth, to better life here and in the hereafter, but they always carry the same message from the one and only Creator to the masses. There was not, and there could not be any contradiction between the various messengers. If we come across any discrepancies, this is due to corruption and distortion that have occurred - intentionally or not - in the course of history.

Jesus was sent to the people of Israel to affirm the message of the prophets and messengers who had come before him and to give the news of the Final Messenger who is to come after him. With his name, Muhammad, being translated from Greek/Hebrew into English as the Comforter, or the Spirit of Truth, Jesus refers to Muhammad and the significance of his role to guide mankind on many occasions. This is quoted in the New Testament in the following:

Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is expedient for you that I go away, for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. [John 16:7] I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. [John 16:12]

However when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth; for He shall not speak from Himself, but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak; and He will show you things to come. [John 16:13]

He shall glorify Me, for He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you. [John 16:14]

As a complement to the above work, and to present the teachings of Islam and the holy Qur’an about God’s messengers in general and Jesus Christ in particular, the editorial board considered it appropriate, and for the convenience of the non-Muslim reader who is not familiar with Islam to include a section on statements made by Allah Almighty in the Qur’an about Jesus son of Mary. This would give the reader an insight into the teachings of the Qur’an about Jesus. The following are some of the verses of the holy Qur’an about two noble mortals who are much respected in Islam.

The Conception, Birth and Naming of Mary

{Allah did choose Adam and Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family ofEmran above all people.

Offspring, one of the other; and Allah hears and knows all things. [Remember!] When the wife ofEmran said: “O my Lord! I do dedicate unto Thee what is in my womb for Thy special service: so accept this of me: for Thou hear and know all things.”

When she was delivered, she said: “O my Lord! Behold! I am delivered of a female child!” - and Allah knew best what she brought forth - “and the male is not the same as the female. “I have named her Mary” .}53

Protection of Mary and her Progeny

{. . and I commend her and her offspring to Thy protection from the Evil One, the Rejected.}54

Mary and her trustee Zechariah

{This is part of the things unseen, which We reveal unto thee (O Prophet!) by inspiration: thou was not with them when they cast lots with arrows, as to which of them should be charged with the care of Mary: nor was thou with them when they disputed (the point).}55

Allah Chooses Mary

{Right graciously did her Lord accept her: He made her grow in purity and beauty}56

{And (remember) when the angels said: “O Mary! Allah hath chosen thee and purified thee, chosen thee above the women of all nations.}57

Mary the Truthful

{(Mary) was a woman of truth.}58

Preparation of Mary for the Task

Sustenance (Provision) of Mary

{. . And to the care of Zechariah was she assigned. Every time that he entered (her) chamber to see her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: “O Mary! Whence (comes) this to you?” She said: “From Allah: for Allah provides sustenance to whom He pleases, without measure.”}59

Mary the Devout

{O Mary! Worship thy Lord devoutly: prostrate thyself, and bow down (in prayer) with those who bow down.}60

Mary'sHonour and Virtue

{And (remember) she who guarded her chastity: We breathed into her of Our Spirit, and We made her and her son a Sign for all peoples.}61 {And Mary, the daughter ofEmran , who guarded her chastity; and We breathed into (her body) of Our spirit; and she testified to the truth of the words of her Lord and of his Revelations, and was one of the devout (Servants).}62

The good tidings of Jesus to Mary

{Behold! The angels said: “O Mary! Allah gives Thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus. The son of Mary, held inhonour in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah.}63

Mary's reaction to the news of bearing Jesus

{She said: “O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man hath touched me?” He said: “Even so: Allah creates what He wills: when He hath decreed an order, He but says to it, “Be”, and it is!}64

Conception and birth of Jesus

Bearing of Jesus

{Relate in the Book (the story of) Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place in the East.

She screen herself from them; then We sent to her Our Spirit, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects.

She said: “I seek refuge from thee to the Most Gracious: (come not near) if thou do fear Allah.”

He said: “Nay, I am only a messenger from thy Lord, (to announce) to thee the gift of a pure son.”

She said: “How shall I have a son, when no man has touched me, and I am not unchaste?”

He said: “So (it will be): thy Lord said, “That is easy for Me: and (We wish) to appoint him as a Sign unto men and a Mercy from Us”: it is a matter (so) decreed.”}65

Mary's seclusion from the people

So she conceived him, and she retired with him to a remote place.66

Labour pain

{And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree: she cried (in her anguish) “Ah! Would that I had died before this! Would that I had been a thing forgotten and out of sight!”}67

Birth of Jesus

{But (baby Jesus) cried to her from beneath the (palm-tree): “Grieve not! For thy Lord hath provided a rivulet beneath thee;

“And shake towards thyself the trunk of the palm-tree; it will let fall fresh ripe dates upon thee.”}68

After the birth of Jesus

Jesus advises his mother on how to address the people

{And if thou do see any man, say, “I have vowed a fast to the Most Gracious, and this day will I enter into no talk with any human being”}69

Mary addresses the people

{So she brought him (baby Jesus) to her people, carrying him. They said: “O Mary! Truly an amazing thing have thou brought! “O sister of Aaron! thy father was not a man of evil, nor thy mother a woman unchaste!”

But she pointed to him. They said: “How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?”}70

Jesus defends his mother

{He said: “I am indeed a servant of Allah: He hath given me revelation and made me a prophet;

“And He hath made me blessedwheresoever I am, and hath enjoined on me Prayer and Charity as long as I live.}71

Jesus is kind and polite to his mother

{“(He) hath made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable;

“So Peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again)!”

Such (was) Jesus the son of Mary: (it is) a statement of Truth, about which they (vainly) dispute.}72

Jesus and his mother were not Divine

Jesus and his mother are Miracles of Allah

{And We made the son of Mary and his mother as a Sign: We gave them both shelter on high ground, affording rest and security and furnished with springs.}73

Jesus denies being Divine

{And behold! Allah will say: “O Jesus the son of Mary! Did thou say unto men, 'Worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of Allah'?” He will say: “Glory to Thee! Never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, Thou would indeed have known it. Thou know what is in my heart, though I know not what is inThine . For Thou know in full all that is hidden.}74

Those who attribute Divinity to Jesus commit heresy

{In blasphemy indeed are those who say that Allah is Christ the son of Mary. Say: “Who then hath the least power against Allah, if His Will were to destroy Christ the son of Mary, his mother, and all, everyone that is on the earth? For to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between. He creates what He pleases. For Allah hath power over all things.”}75

Jesus is Not Allah

{They do blaspheme who say: “Allah is Christ the son of Mary.” But said Christ: “O Children of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.” Whoever joins other gods with Allah, Allah will forbid him the Garden, and the Fire will be his abode. There will for the wrongdoers be no one to help.

They do blaspheme who say: Allah is one of three in a Trinity: for there is no god except One God. If they desist not from their word (of blasphemy), verily a grievous penalty will befall the blasphemers among them. Why turn they not to Allah and seek His Forgiveness? For Allah is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful.}76

Jesus is Not the Son of Allah

{The Jews call Ezra a son of Allah, and the Christians call Christ the son of Allah. That is a saying from their mouth; (in this) they but imitate what the Unbelievers of old used to say. Allah's curse be on them: how they are deluded away from the Truth!}77

{It is not befitting to (the majesty of) Allah that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! when He determines a matter, He only says to it, “Be,” and it is.}78

Jesus is Allah's Word and a Spirit from Him

{O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: nor say of Allah aught but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) A Messenger of Allah, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a Spirit proceeding from Him: so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not “Trinity”: desist: it will be better for you: for Allah is One God: glory be to Him: (far Exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belong all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough is Allah as a Disposer of affairs.}79

Jesus and his mother are salves and servants of Allah

Jesus is a slave and servant to Allah {The similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him “Be”: and he was.}80

{. . In fact he (Jesus) is not more than a servant: We granted Ourfavour to him, and We made him an example to the Children of Israel.}81 {Christ disdains not to serve and worship Allah, nor do the angels, those nearest (to Allah): those who disdain His worship and are arrogant; He will gather them all together unto Himself to (answer).}82 {He (Jesus) said: “I am indeed a servant of Allah: He hath given me revelation and made me a prophet}83

{(then Jesus said:) “It is Allah Who is my Lord and your Lord; then worship Him. This is a Way that is straight.”}84

Jesus is a human being chosen by Allah

{Christ, the son of Mary, was no more than a Messenger; many were the Messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They had both to eat their (daily) food. See how Allah does make His Signs clear to them; yet see in what ways they are deluded away from the truth!}85

Jesus is not but a Messenger of Allah

{Christ, the son of Mary, was no more than a Messenger; many were the Messengers that passed away before him.}86 {We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of Messengers; We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, Clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. Is it that whenever there comes to you a Messenger with what ye yourselves desire not, ye are puffed up with pride? Some ye called impostors, and others ye slay!}87

{Sayye : “We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Abraham,Ismael , Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and that given to Moses and Jesus, and that given to (all) Prophets from their Lord: we make no difference between one and another of them: and we bow to Allah (in Islam).”}88

We have sent thee inspiration, as We sent it to Noah and the Messengers after him: We sent inspiration to Abraham,Ismael , Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the Psalms.}89

{That was the reasoning about Us, which We gave to Abraham (to use) against his people: We raise whom We will, degree after degree: for thy Lord is full of wisdom and knowledge.

We gave him Isaac and Jacob: all (three) We guided: and before him, We guided Noah, and among his progeny, David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses and Aaron: thus do We reward those who do good:

And Zechariah and John, and Jesus and Elias: all in the ranks of the Righteous:

AndIsmael and Elisha, and Jonah, and Lot: and to all We gavefavour above the nations.}90

Jesus is a Messenger to the Children of Israel

{And (appoint him) a messenger to the Children of Israel, (with this message): “I have come to you, with a Sign from your Lord, . (I have come to you), to attest the Law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was (before) forbidden to you; I have come to you with a Sign from your Lord. So fear Allah, and obey me.”}91

{. . In fact he (Jesus) is not more than a servant: We granted Ourfavour to him, and We made him an example to the Children of Israel.}92

Jesus confirms the Torah and brings theEngeel

{And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him theEngeel : therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah.}93 {And Allah will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Law and theEngeel }94

{Then, in their wake, We followed them up with (others of) Our Messengers: We sent after them Jesus the son of Mary, and bestowed on him theEngeel }95

The Miracles of Jesus

The Miracles point to the Divine Support Not to the Divine Nature.

Spoke from birth

{He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. And he shall be (of the company) of the righteous.}96 {But she pointed to him. They said: “How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?”

He (Jesus) said: “I am indeed a servant of Allah: He hath given me revelation and made me a prophet.”}97 {Then will Allah say: “O Jesus the son of Mary! Recount Myfavour to thee and to thy mother. Behold! I strengthened thee with the Holy Spirit, so that thou did speak to the people in childhood and in maturity.”}98

Created a bird from clay

{“. . in that I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah's leave”}99 {Behold! I taught thee the Book and Wisdom, the Torah and theEngeel . And behold! Thoumakest out of clay the figure of a bird, by My leave, and thoubreathest into it, and itbecometh a bird by My leave,}100

Cured the born blind and the sick

{“… and I heal those born blind, and the lepers, …by Allah’s leave”}101 {“... and thouhealest those born blind, and the lepers, by My leave.”}102

Raised the dead

{“… and I quicken the dead, by Allah's leave…”}103 {. . And behold! Thoubringest forth the dead by My leave.}104 Knew what the people eat and store {“… and I declare to you what ye eat, and what ye store in your houses.”}105

Feast from the Heavens: Jesus requests Allah’s leave for the miracle

{Behold! The Disciples said: “O Jesus the son of Mary! Canthy Lord send down to us a Table set (with viands) from heaven?” Said Jesus: “Fear Allah, if ye have faith.”

They said: “We only wish to eat thereof and satisfy our hearts, and to know that thou has indeed told us the truth; and that we ourselves may be witnesses to the miracle.”

Said Jesus the son of Mary: “O Allah our Lord! Send us from heaven a Table set (with viands), that there may be for us - for the first and the last of us - a solemn festival and a Sign from Thee; and provide for our sustenance, for Thou art the best sustainer (of our needs).”

Allah said: “I will send it down unto you; but if any of you after thatresisteth faith, I will punish him with a penalty such as I have not inflicted on any one among all the peoples.”}106

Jesus is supported by Archangel Gabriel

{Then will Allah say: “O Jesus the son of Mary! Recount Myfavour to thee and to thy mother. Behold! I strengthen thee with the holy spirit.}107

Jesus Curses the Unbelievers amongst the Israelites

{Curses were pronounced on those among the Children of Israel who rejected Faith, by the tongue of David and of Jesus, the son of Mary, because they disobeyed and persisted in Excesses.}108

Jesus never died

Allah Rescues Jesus from the Jews

{. . That they (the Jews) said (in boast), “We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah”; but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not. Nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.}109

Ascension of Jesus to the Heavens

{Behold! Allah said: “O Jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to myself and clear thee (of the falsehood) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who followthee superior to those who reject Faith, to the Day of Resurrection: then shall ye all return unto Me, and I will judge between you of the matters wherein ye dispute.}110

Jesus is amongst those who Inherit the Earth

{Before this We wrote in the Psalms, after the Message (given to Moses): “My servants, the righteous, shall inherit the earth.”}111 {They will say: “Praise be to Allah, Who has truly fulfilled His promise to us, and has given us (this) land in heritage: we can dwell in the Garden as we will: how excellent a reward for those who work (righteousness)!”}112 {And We wish to be gracious to those who were being depressed on the land, to make them leaders and make them heirs.}113

Jesus promises the coming of Prophet Muhammad

{And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said: “O Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allah (sent) to you, confirming the Law (which came) before me, and giving Glad Tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad.”}114

The Author

Ayatollah al-Udhma Imam MuhammadShirazi is undoubtedly the most eminentMarje ‘ or Religious Authority of Muslim world. A charismatic leader who is known for his high moral values, modesty and spirituality, ImamShirazi is a mentor and a source of aspiration to millions of Muslims; and the means of access to authentic knowledge and teachings of Islam. He has tirelessly devoted himself, and his entire life, to the cause of Islam and Muslims in particular, and to that of mankind in general. He has made extensive contributions in various fields of learning ranging from Jurisprudence and Theology to Government, Politics, Economics, Law, Sociology and Human Rights.

Born in Najaf, Iraq, in 1347 AH, 1928 AD, the youngShirazi continued his studies of different branches of learning under the guidance of various eminent scholars and specialists, as well as his father, the renownedMarje ‘ of the time, Ayatollah al-Udhma Mirza Mahdi Shirazi . In the course of his training he showed an outstanding talent and a remarkable appetite for learning as well as a tireless commitment to his work and the cause he believed in. His extraordinary ability, and effort, earned him the recognition at the age of 25, by theMaraje ‘ and scholars of the time, of being aMujtahid , a fully qualified religious scholar and lawmaker in the sciences of Islamic jurisprudence and law. He was subsequently able to assume the office of theMarje ‘ at the early age of 33 in 1380 AH, 1961. ImamShirazi is distinguished for his intellectual ability and holistic vision. He has written various specialized studies that are considered to be among the most important references in the relevant fields. He has enriched the world with his staggering contribution of more than 1000 104 books, treatise and studies on various branches of learning. His works range from introductory works for the youth to literary and scientific masterpieces. Deeply rooted in the Holy Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet of Islam, his vision and theories cover such areas as Legislation, Management, Environment, Sociology, Theology, Philosophy, History Human Rights, Law and Islamic beliefs or doctrine. His work on Islamic Jurisprudence (the al-Fiqh series) for example constitutes 150 volumes, which run into more than 70,000 pages. Through his original thoughts and ideas he has championed the causes of issues such as the family, human rights, freedom of expression, political pluralism, non-violence, andShura or consultative system of leadership.

Throughout his life, because of his total dedication to the Teachings of Islam, and because of his views on various issues, which are based on those teachings, he came under sustained pressure from the authorities in Iraq as well as in Iran. His views on, and his call for issues such as freedom of expression, party political pluralism, peace and non-violence brought about the wrath of the authorities in Iran. His uncompromising stance on implementing the teachings of Islam in all aspects of government including such vital matters as leadership by consensus orShowral-Foqaha ’-al-Maraje ‘ (religious authorities’ council of leadership) attracted the fury of those at the helm.

He was therefore forced into house arrest for more than twenty years. His staff, followers, and family members were subjected to continued harassment, arbitrary arrest and torture.

Having spent the entire of his adult life striving for the greater enlightenment of the Muslims and mankind, ImamShirazi died in suspicious circumstances in the holy city of Qum, Iran, on Monday the 2nd Shawwal 1422 AH, 17th December 2001. More than half a million people attended his funeral procession the following day.

ImamShirazi believed in the fundamental and elementary nature of freedom in mankind. He used to call for freedom of expression, political plurality, debate and discussion, tolerance and forgiveness. He strongly believed in the consultative system of leadership and calls for the establishment of the leadership council of religious authorities. He continuously called for the establishment of the universal Islamic government to encompass all the Muslim countries. These and other ideas are discussed in detail in his books of more than 1000.

1. What is Islam? Beliefs, principles, and a way of life

Few would dare to attempt to summarize the Islamic faith in a book of this size but this is the aim of the late Grand Ayatollah MuhammadShirazi , one of the most eminent Islamic authorities of modern times. Eschewing complicated jargon and deliberately using succinct and lucid language within a “question and answer” format, he has sought to convey the richness and profound spirituality of the Islamic message in all its aspects to the widest possible audience. There are necessarily some Arabic and technical terms but these have been kept to a minimum. The late ImamShirazi covers all the main aspects of Islam, from the fundamental beliefs such as the Oneness of God, His justice, andprophethood to topics like ablutions, praying, fasting, and performing the Hajj. He also deals with such diverse subjects as Islamic law, economics, politics, the Islamic view of society, the issue of freedom in Islam, and so on. This is a book which will not only be useful for Muslims who want to find out more about their religion, but it will also be interesting for non-Muslims who seek a concise introduction to what Islam is all about.

2. Fundamentals of Islam

In this book the author outlines the five fundamental principles of Islam, namelyTawheed (the Indivisible Oneness of God),Adl (Divine Justice),Nubowwah (Prophethood ),Imamah (Leadership of mankind), andMe’ad (Resurrection). For each principle, the author presents a brief, and to the point, discussion on the significance of the issue concerned. The book could serve as a good introduction to Islamic beliefs.

3. The Family

In this book the author highlights the problems he sees both in Islamic societies and in west societies today that arise from the phenomenon of unmarried young men and women, through to birth control and contraception. He surveys the idea of marriage in various religions and schools of thought, and discusses polygamy from the Islamic perspective. As well as being a call to the Muslim world to revert to the true teachings of Islam, this book can also be of use as an introduction to others who seek some answers to the social problems of today. This is because Islam provides detailed teachings that promise success in every area of human 106

life on individual and societal levels, and furthermore the practicality and success of those teachings have been proven in the course of history. 4. The Qur’an: When was it compiled?

In this book the author addresses the issues of when the Holy Qur’an was compiled, on what and whose instructions was this task carried out, and who accomplished its compilation in the form that it is available today. In this work the author presents undisputable evidence as to address these crucial questions. Through historical, methodical and logical analyses, the author establishes how and when the compilation of the Holy Qur’an was achieved. In the latter half of the book the author cites many Prophetic traditions (hadith ) on the significance of the learning and recitation of Holy Qur’an. It is a must read for every Muslim, and any non-Muslim who follows Islamic issues.

5. If Islam were to be established

This book can serve as the Muslim's guide to the Islamic government. If an Islamist opposition group has a plan for an Islamic government, this book would help to check various aspects of the plan. In the absence of such a plan, this book would present one. To the non-Muslims, the book presents a glimpse of a typical Islamic system of government. The book would also serve as a yardstick for anyone to check the practices of any government that claims to have implemented an Islamic system of government.

6. War, Peace and Non-violence: An Islamic Perspective

In this work the author addresses three controversial issues, which have come to be associated with Islam. Through his extensive knowledge of the teachings of Islam, the author presents the Islamic stand on war, peace and non-violence, as found in the traditions and teachings of the Prophet of Islam, which could serve as exemplary models for the Mankind. Detailed accounts of the traditions of Prophet in his dealings with his foes during war or peace times are presented in this book, which gives the reader a clear insight into the way and the basis upon which the Prophet of Islam used to conduct his affairs in this respect.

7. The Islamic System of Government

In this introductory book the author outlines the basic principles of a government based on the teachings of Islam. The author begins with the aim and objectives of the government according to Islam and the extent of 107

its authority in that framework. He then addresses, from the Islamic viewpoint, the significance and fundamental nature of such issues as consultative system of government, judicial system, freedoms, party political pluralism, social justice, human rights, foreign policy, etc. The author also outlines the policies of a government on issues such as education, welfare, health, crime, services, etc. as well as such matters as the government's income, and authority.

8. Islamic Beliefs for All

In this book the author discusses the five fundamental principles of Islam. These principles areTawheed or the Indivisible Oneness of God,Adl or Divine Justice,Prophethood ,Imamah or the Leadership of mankind after the prophet, and Resurrection. What distinguish this book are the author's subtle approach in addressing the issues concerned and the simple examples given to illustrate the discussion. This authoritative work is not only important to Muslims, but it would also be of interest to those non- Muslims who seek to explore Islam and its doctrine. This easy to read book would be a valuable reference for Religious Education.

9.Husayn - The Sacrifice for Mankind

This is a collection of articles about a totally unique individual who, through his remarkable sacrifices, managed to change the course of history and the direction that mankind was heading for. He is none other thanHusayn , the grandson of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, and the second son of Fatima and Ali, peace be upon them. ImamHusayn peace be upon him stood up to tyranny and oppression and gave everything he had, including his life and the lives of his most beloved sons and brothers as well as those of his closest allies, in order to awaken the masses, reform society and rectify the distortion that has been inflicted on Islam.

The articles in this work cover some aspects of the aims and objectives of ImamHusayn’s movement, the difference between his strategy and that of his brother ImamHasan in facing tyranny and despotism, the examples he set, and the lessons that are learnt from the events that lead up to Karbala fourteen centuries ago. Besides the benefits of his movement, the personality of ImamHusayn peace be upon him as reflected by the manyhadith and teachings of Prophet Muhammad is also discussed. Also included in this work are a number of questions and answers about the commemoration ceremonies observed by the Muslims around the world on the occasion ofAshura .

10. The rights of prisoners according to Islamic teachings

In general, Islam considers imprisonment as a case of last resort in many circumstances, however, according to Islamic teachings there are only a few offences that would lead to imprisonment. Under non-Islamic system, of course the offender should be reprimanded, but any chastisement prescribed by Islamic teachings may only be implemented if all the relevant criteria and the preconditions prescribed are also met. If the criteria are not met, then the prescribed punishment may not be executed. In this book the author addresses such issues as the fundamental nature of freedom, the rights of prisoner, and the harmful effects of imprisonment on the individual concerned as well as on society, and the kind of offences that would lead to imprisonment under an Islamic system. The author also cites a few cases to demonstrate the attitude the Islamic ruler should take towards offence; to try to find reasons to waive the punishments in any particular case. The author also addresses the issue of torture in general, and mental and physical ill treatment that is carried out under the guise of interrogation and extracting confession from a detainee or a suspect.

11. Aspects of the political theory of ImamShirazi

Muhammad G.Ayub is a well-known Islamist political activist within the Iraqi circle who has established a long history of political struggle over the past three decades. He was attracted by the views of the Imam MuhammadShirazi in the fields of social and political sciences. This prompted the author to write this book to introduce the reader to these views that have remained relatively unknown amongst Muslim activists and reformists. It covers such aspects on politics as freedom of expression, party-political pluralism andorganisation , social justice, peace and non-violence, human rights, consultation system of government, etc.