Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

www.alhassanain.org/english

The Roots of Religion

A book that explains the Usul al-Deen (Roots of Religion). It helps resolve questions and doubts in relation to God, Prophethood, Imamate, Death and Jugement Day.

Compiled and published by Dar Rah-e Haq

www.alhassanain.org/english

Notice:

This version is published on behalf of www.alhassanain.org/english

The composing errors are not corrected.

Table of Contents

Introduction 9

Lesson 1: Why Religion? 10

The Obligation of Thanksgiving 10

The Prevention of Possible Danger and Harm 11

The Most Dangerous Harm 11

Questions 12

Lesson 2: Experiment beyond the physical senses 14

The Constructs of the Mind 16

Questions 18

Notes 19

Lesson 3: Design in the Universe 20

The Cells of the Body 20

Questions 21

Note 22

Lesson 4: The Designer of the Universe 23

The Computer 23

The Automatic Kitchen 23

How Does the Automatic Kitchen Work? 23

Questions 24

Lesson 5: Unveiling the Secrets of Nature 26

Questions 27

Notes 28

Lesson 6: Lavoisier’s Law and Creation 29

Questions 30

Lesson 7: The Creatures Eternal need for Allah 32

Questions 33

Lesson 8: Allah the Self-sufficient 34

A Testable and Irrefutable Law 34

Does God Have a Centre? 34

Is God visible? 35

God does not need the creatures 35

Questions 35

Lesson 9: Allah's Omniscience More knowledge - more benefit? 37

Something beyond compare 37

The evidence of God's knowledge 38

The difference between Creator and Maker 38

Questions 39

Lesson 10: The Unique in Power and Strength 40

The Wide and Mysterious Universe 40

An Order Superior to the Natural One 41

Questions 42

Lesson 11: Allah the Unique 44

Why man leaves the worship of One God 44

The Confrontation between True Religion and Polytheism 45

The consequence of tawhid 46

Questions 47

Note 47

Lesson 12: Dualism and Monotheism 48

Good and Evil 48

The avoidance of Danger 48

Difficulties and experience 49

Criteria for Good and Evil 49

Questions 50

Lesson 13: The Just God 52

1. Fear of failure 52

2. Privation of rights 52

3. Ignorance 52

What is Justice? 53

Questions 54

Lesson 14: The Vicissitudes in the Life of Man 55

The Reason for Variation in the World of Creation 55

Questions 56

Lesson 15: Prophets and Human Guidance 57

What is man created for? 57

Conscience 57

Human Ideologies 58

The necessity for the sending of Messengers 59

The Necessity for Miracles 60

What are Miracles? 61

Miracles are only a Proof of Prophethood 61

Questions 61

Notes 62

Lesson 16: The purity of the Prophets 63

Why the Prophets must be ma'sum (Infallible) 63

1. The Principle of Instruction 63

2. Confidence and Acceptance 64

How can a man be ma'sum, (infallible)? 64

1. Real Love of God 64

2. The Deep and Perfect Insight of the Prophets 65

Questions 67

Notes 67

Lesson 17: Hazrat Musa (A.S.) He to whom Allah spoke 68

Questions 75

Notes 75

Lesson 18: Hazrat 'Isa Jesus ( a.s.) 76

Maryam, the mother of Isa 76

Zakariyya and Yahya 76

'Isa, Jesus, the Messiah 77

Hazrat Isa Messiah, or the Slave of God 79

Sayings of the Messiah 80

Questions 81

Notes 82

Lesson 19: Muhammad, the Radiance that shone forth in the Darkness 83

The World before Islam 83

The Religions and Beliefs of the People 83

a) In the Arabian Peninsula 83

b) In Iran 84

c) In Europe 84

d) In India 85

Class and Racial Differences 85

The Situation of Women in Pre-Islamic Society 85

The Birth of Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam (S) 86

The Prophet's Migration (Hijrah) 87

Questions 89

Notes 90

Lesson 20: Muhammad the Foretold Prophet 91

Time of Expectation and Hope 91

Some More Historical Evidence 92

The Predisposition of the People of Medina towards Islam 93

The Attraction of Salman to Islam 94

Questions 96

Notes 97

Lesson 21: Al-Qur’an, the Miracle of Islam 98

Prophets and Miracles 98

The Qur’an, the Everlasting Miracle 98

Unequalled Eloquence 98

The Enemies' Judgement 99

Harmonisation of its Themes 100

Scientific Wonders in the Qur’an 100

The Qur’an Makes a Challenge 102

Questions 103

Notes 104

Lesson 22: The Message of Islam 105

The Message of Islam 105

Contentment and Faith Go Together 105

1. Islamic Fraternity 106

2. Watchfulness by the People 106

3. The Status of Knowledge 107

4. Work and Effort 108

5. Marriage and Running a Family 109

Questions 110

Notes 111

Lesson 23: The Last Message, The Last Prophet 112

The Universality of Islam 112

The God of Islam and the Qur’an 112

The Equality of All in Islam 113

Islam and Freedom of Thought 114

Islam and the Invitation to Thought and Education 114

Islam's Life-Concept 115

Islamic Commands and the Advance of Time 115

Does Islam Dispense with Contemporary Ideologies and Systems of Thought? 116

The Continuation of Divine Assistance 116

How can Islam be Practised in the present Day and Age? 116

Questions 117

Notes 117

Lesson 24: The Imamat, Succession to the Prophet (S) 119

Is the Qur’an Not Sufficient? 120

Questions 122

Notes 124

Lesson 25: The Spiritual Guidance of the Imam 125

Indications of Spiritual Life in Islam 126

How is the Spiritual life Found? 126

Life Guidance 127

What is Spiritual Guidance? 127

The Man from Damascus 128

Maytham at-Tammar 129

Uways al-Qarni 131

Qanbar 131

Questions 132

Notes 133

Lesson 26: Amir al-Muminin Ali , the Chosen Successor of the Prophet 134

The Successor to the Prophet (S) 134

The First Leader 134

The Devoted and Prudent Prophet (S) 134

The Historical Hadith of Ghadir 135

The Chain of Narration of the Hadith of Ghadir 136

A Short Investigation into the Meaning of the Hadith of Ghadir 137

Questions 140

Notes 141

Lesson 27: A Brief History of the Saqifah 142

Is the Prophet Subject to the Opinion of the Majority? 142

Did Consultation Take Place after the Death of the Prophet? 143

A Brief History of Saqifah 144

Now You Judge 145

How was 'Ali's Right Usurped? 146

1. The Troops of Usamah 147

2. The Matter of the Pen and the Inkpot 147

Questions 148

Notes 149

Lesson 28: The Twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi (a.j.) 151

Belief in Imam Mahdi (a.j.) and Universal Reform 151

Belief in al-Mahdi (a.j.) and the Sunni Authorities 152

The Hidden Reformer 153

The Opinion of Sociologists 155

The Length of al-Mahdi's Life 156

The Occultation of the Imam of the Age (a.j.) 157

Why is the Imam of the Age out of the Public sight? 158

The Benefits of the Existence of the Hidden Imam (a.j.) 160

Questions 161

Note 162

Lesson29: The Return 163

1. The Wisdom and Justice of Allah 163

Retribution 164

Questions 166

Note 167

Lesson 30: After Death 168

Death 168

Purgatory (Barzakh) 168

The Questioning in the Grave 169

The Torment of the Grave 170

The Remembrance of Death 171

The Garden 172

Hell 173

Intercession (ash-Shafa'ah) 173

Questions 174

Note 175

Introduction

Contrary to what some people say, that ideological matters do not have any effect on human life, we think that these are matters which form our way of living and lead it accordingly to our ideas and beliefs.

Someone who does not believe in the Source of the Universe, the God of the Worlds and in Resurrection and the Day of Judgement will not have any relation with God, nor can he open an account in the Next World to derive the benefits of his deeds. He will find himself without any obligation and will do such things which a man believing in God and the Next World would never do. He won’t be related to God and he will be indifferent to God’s guidance or the guides who have come from Him to human beings.

Even the social relations of man are linked to ideological matters. Someone who believes in God and the Day of Judgement won’t indulge in crimes, cheating, unjust dealings, oppression and exploitation of others.

Because of the deep relation between ideological matters and human life, it is necessary for everyone to study them

In order to place at the disposal of our sisters and brothers who are seekers of the Truth, we have prepared a set of thirty lessons in which such ideological matters and these issues have been propounded and solved in a simple and concise way.

This text can also be used as text book in religious classes for youngsters. We hope you will find it beneficial and effective.

Any questions and comment to improve these lessons will be welcomed.

May Allah help all the seekers of Truth and reality.

English Department of Dar Rah e-Haq

Rabi’al-Awwal, 1402,

January, 1982

Lesson 1: Why Religion?

We shall (continue to) show them evidence of Our existence in the world and within their souls until it becomes clear that the Qur’an is the truth. Is it not sufficient for you that your Lord witnesses all things? (41:53).

They are certainly doubtful about their meeting with their Lord. God indeed encompasses all things (41:54).

There are some people who maintain that they have no obligation to investigate and find out if it is necessary to learn about religion. They think that there is no reason and need to make them consider religion?

The following explanations will demonstrate in two ways the necessity and need of inquiry into religion.

Wisdom dictates that every man should give thanks for those benefits, which he has received.

Wisdom also dictates that he acknowledge the need to prevent every kind of possible danger or harm.

Let us consider each of these two points.

We gave wisdom to Luqman so that he would give thanks to God. Those who give thanks to God do so for their own good. Those who are ungrateful should know that God is Self-sufficient and Praiseworthy (31:12).

The Obligation of Thanksgiving

It is our good fortune to benefit from and the excellencies of life in this world: Consider how our digestive system, respiratory apparatus, the heart and other organs of the body work. Each one of these is in its turn greater than the limit of our knowledge and even our imagination. Likewise the light of the sun, the existence of plants, the mines and resources hidden deep in the heart of the earth; all of them are great benefits which, by the knowledge and power that has been given to him, man can make use of.

Greater than all of these, however is the genius and understanding of man himself, which can break a mighty mountain into pieces and create from water and iron the most enormous power and the most delicate objects.

Now this question poses itself: Should we not engage ourselves in research and inquiry until, if there is a benefactor, we acknowledge that benefactor, so as to fulfil our duty and offer him our thanks?

Suppose a benevolent and charitable man adopts a baby who has lost his father and mother, and provides for him every kind of sustenance for life and growth. He arranges for the child to be brought up, and when he is ready for education provides him with the best teachers and books. Similarly he places every possible facility within his reach, and, in short, provides in every way for his welfare. Does this child not then have an obligation to try to find out first who this man is, and secondly, about his great generosity, his whole soul overflowing with thanks for his benefactor?

It is the same in the field of existence, and we are obliged to engage in inquiry till we acknowledge the existence of the Benefactor and Creator Himself and render our thanks.

Making efforts to acquire the true religion is also a command of wisdom. He who has not yet found the right way, and is wandering without direction must not rest his feet until he has found the way of Truth and the true religion, satisfied by enlightening proofs and clear evidence. And when he has reached the source of spiritual life and the true religion, his heart full of peace and rejoicing, he should begin to give his thanks to the Creator Himself.

Believers, save yourselves and your families from the fire, wherein people and stones used as fuel and is guarded by stern angels who do not disobey God's commands and do whatever they are ordered to do (66:6).

The Prevention of Possible Danger and Harm

If a child were to come and tell you that he saw a poisonous snake. Also if he saw it go into the room you were in, you would immediately jump up from where you were and undertake a thorough search of every nook and cranny until you found it, or were satisfied that it was not there

Similarly, if, while travelling by night in a dangerous country, you learnt that bandits were waiting on the road ahead to ambush you, without doubt you would wait until the way ahead was clear of danger, and would not take a single step forward until then.

In these two examples it has been made clear that we are compelled by reason to investigate conceivable dangers. It is possible that some of the harmful things may turn out to be nothing at all, and other people may not pay any attention to them, but if an injury carries the price of a human soul, and a life is destroyed, it cannot be ignored.

The Most Dangerous Harm

In the history of mankind, we learn of people who were famous for telling the truth and acting honestly. They claimed that they were messengers of God, and they called people to have faith in God and to act in a certain way. As a result of the efforts and the persistent sufferings of these special people in all corners of the world, many groups had faith in them. Thus the birth of Jesus became the beginning of the Christian calendar and the migration of the Prophet Muhammad started the Muslim calendar.

Now, we see that these messengers attracted men to religion and to follow particular rules, caused them to fear punishment for their bad deeds and made them sure that they would be tried in the Great Court of Justice before the Righteous and Wise Judge. They trembled at the hardships and perils of Resurrection and the harshness of the punishment there, and made men fearful of these things. The question is, do their warnings make us realize the possibility of harm and danger in the same way as did the warning of the small child?

Is it right that we should ignore the words and deeds of the real religious people of this world, when it is they who, in their belief and faith stood watch over the soul, and spared themselves no kind of sacrifice?

Clearly, the words of the messengers, if they do not make a man certain, at least provoke him to think; perhaps what they say is true. Then what in fact is our duty, if it is correct that the messengers tell the truth? What answer will we give in the Court of Justice of God?

Here reason reckons the necessity of preventing this “at least possible” harm, and religion urges us to follow.

What is more, these messengers call man to a healthy and civilized life. They also say that after death an extensive new world and everlasting blessings await one who has performed his duty, and give glad tidings that in that place is another existence overflowing with peace of mind and certainty of spirit, where there is no disease, distress, agitation, anguish or fear. Does reason allow us to ignore this important message?

Must we not give weight to the fears and threats of the messengers, who say that sins and transgression have their penalty, and follow religion and give our thought to it?

The main points:

To those who have said, “God is our Lord,” and who have remained steadfast to their belief, the angels will descend saying,

“Do not be afraid or grieved. Receive the glad news of the Paradise, which was promised to you (41:30).

We are your guardians in this world and in the life to come, where you will have whatever you call for, (41:31)

…a hospitable welcome from the All-forgiving and All-merciful God.” (41:32).

a. It is necessary to acknowledge the existence of a benefactor. Allah, God is the greatest benefactor.

b. It is necessary to seek protection against a danger that may befall one. Allah, God is the greatest protector.

Questions

1. What kind of people does not like thinking about religion?

2. What does the obligation of Thanksgiving prove?

3. What is the value of the different parts of our body?

4. What should be our attitude to someone who does us favors?

5. What should be our attitude to one whom made all these good things for our body and all natural resources for our benefits?

6. What is the greatest of all these favors and why?

7. After considering all these, what questions do arise?

8. Is the case of our creation similar to bringing up an orphan baby and educating the same?

9. What would be the obligation of such a baby after growing up?

10. Do we need to learn about our creator and why?

11. What would wisdom require us to do in this matter?

12. Is prevention of possible danger necessary?

13. What would we do if a child said that a poisonous snake is approaching?

14. What would one do after learning bandits have blocked the road what would you do?

15. What compels us to investigate in both snake and bandit cases?

16. What is the most dangerous harm for man?

17. What kind of people were the Prophets?

18. To whose warning should we pay much attention, to the warning of the snake and bandits or to the warnings of the Prophets?

19. Is it right to ignore what religious peoples concern about?

20. If the warnings of the messengers are true, what is our duty?

21. Where can man find true peace, happiness and everlasting comfort?

22. Can you think of some other evidence of the existence of God?

23. What do verses 53-54:41 say?

24. What does verse 12:31 say?

25. What does verse 6:66 say?

26. What do verses 41:30-32 say?

Translation of two Hadith, reports about the two very heavy matters that the holy prophet of Islam just before leaving this world said he will leave behind for the guidance of his followers:

1) Muslim (the author of Sahih of Muslim) has said, “ Zuhayr Ibn harb and Shuja’ Ibn Mukhallad both reported through certain narrators who reported from Zayd Ibn Arqam who said, “One day Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) addressed us at the oasis called Khumm, which is located between Mecca and Madina. The holy Prophet after praising Allah and mentioning His glories preached and reminded people of their duties. He then said, “O people I am only a mortal thus, perhaps the messenger of my Lord will call me soon and I shall then have to accept and follow his call while I will be leaving among you two heavy matters.

a) The first of the two is the book of Allah in which there is guidance and light. You must hold firmly the book of Allah and hold it is as (Authentic source of) guidance. He exhorted people about the book of Allah and spoke about the attractive matters of the holy book.

b) Then he said, “Another heavy matter is my Ahlul Bayt (my family). I remind you of Allah in the matters of my Ahlul Bayt. I remind you of Allah in the matters of my Ahlul Bayt. I remind you of Allah in the matters of my Ahlul Bayt.

Husayn asked Zayd, “ Who are of his Ahlul Bayt (family), Zayd? Are his wives of his family? He Zayd said, “His wives are of his family but of his Ahlul Bayt are those to who alms is prohibited to use after him. He said, “They are the family of Ali, the family ‘aqil, the family of ja’far and the family of Abbass. He said to all of these people the use of alms is prohibited.”

2) Muslims has said, “Abu Bakr Ibn Abi Shaybah and Muhammad Ibn Abdullah Ibn Nummayr (in the words of Abi Bakr) has reported through a chain of narrators from ‘a’ishah who said, “One morning the holy Prophet came out with a murahhal (printed material) gown made of black wool.

Then Hasan (one of his grandsons) came and took him inside the gown. After him his grandson Husayn came. He took him inside the gown. Then Fatimah (his daughter) came. He took her inside the gown. Then Ali came. He took him inside the gown. Then the holy Prophet said,

“People of the house, God wants to remove all kinds of uncleanness from you and to purify you thoroughly. (33:33)”.