Islamic Studies Lecture 2: Articles of Faith

The second article of Islamic faith focuses on belief in God's angels.
This belief is vital for purifying the concept of Tawhid and protecting it from shirk (polytheism).

Angels represent spiritual beings created by God.
Classifications of entities associated with God by polytheists:
- Material existence: Perceptible entities like the sun, moon, and animals.
- Unseen beings: Entities like angels involved in the universe's administration.
Muhammad (PBUH) explained that angels should not be worshipped or associated with God's divinity.
Angels:
- Chosen creatures of God, incapable of sin or disobeying God.
- They are tasked with efficiently executing God's commands.
- Record all human actions, leading to an account during the Day of Judgment.
The intrinsic nature, attributes, and qualities of angels are not specified, thus believers must accept their existence as informed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Denial of angels is considered kufr (disbelief).

Angels surround humanity and observe actions without distraction.
They do not have autonomy or authority over divine affairs, reinforcing their subservience to God.

No Fallen Angels: In Islam, angels cannot fall from grace; there is no division between 'good' and 'evil' angels.
Creation from Light: Angels were created from light, distinctly beautiful and rarely depicted.
Gabriel (Jibreel): The chief angel; seen in his original form by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Attendants of the Throne of God are among the greatest angels, celebrating God's praises continuously (Quran 21:20).

The exact number of angels is known only to God.
Every day, seventy thousand angels visit the Kaaba in Mecca.
Notable angels include:
- Jibreel (Gabriel)
- Mika'eel (Michael)
- Israfeel: Responsible for blowing the Horn on Judgment Day.
- Malik: The guardian over Hell.

Angels can assume human forms:
- Gabriel appeared as a man to Mary (Quran 19:17).
- Angels visited Abraham in human shape.
Tasks of angels include:
- Executing God's laws on Earth.
- Directing rain (Mikael) and taking souls at death (Angel of Death).
- Guardian angels protect individuals throughout life.
- Recording deeds (sacred scribes).
- Testing souls in the grave (Munkar and Nakeer).
- Breath of life into fetuses and writing their destinies.
- Traveling around searching for sessions that remember God.

Each angel’s role showcases God's magnificence, and belief in them bolsters one's faith in divine creation.

The third article of faith is about belief in the Books revealed by God through His prophets.
Acknowledged books include:
- Books of Prophet Abraham (extinct)
- Torah of Moses
- Zabur (Psalms) of David
- Injil (Gospel) of Jesus
Belief in the existence and divinity of these books as divine directions remains unchanged despite the corruption acknowledged by adherents of these faiths.

Complete preservation of the Quran contrasts with previous scriptures, which have been altered.
Important differences between the Quran and earlier texts include:
1. Original texts of earlier Books largely lost; the Quran remains unchanged.
2. Former texts intermingle human and divine words, while the Quran contains pure divine directives.
3. Inauthentic claims regarding earlier Book origins, while the Quran’s authenticity is widely recognized.
4. Language challenges prevent proper understanding of former texts; the Quran is in a living language.
5. Earlier books addressed specific peoples; the Quran is for all humanity, promulgating universal principles.
6. Earlier scriptures lacked comprehensiveness of moral duties; the Quran offers complete guidance for life.

According to Imam Fakhruddeen Raazi, the distinctions are:
- Rasool: A prophet with miracles, new books, and a new law; engages people directly.
- Nabi: A prophet who continues the work of previous prophets without new scriptures or invalidation of prior guidance.
Total prophecies recognized a sum of 124,000 prophets, but specific belief is mandated for those mentioned in the Quran.

All prophets are equal; acceptance of one necessitates acceptance of all.
Silence is maintained regarding unnamed prophets outside Quranic mention, to avoid affronting potential prophets.

Universal Message: Unlike previous prophets, he delivered guidance meant for all humanity.
Preservation of Teachings: His teachings remain intact and accessible; past prophets' teachings became contaminated over time.
Completeness of Guidance: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered the final and complete form of divine guidance; all previous codes were transcended.

Muhammad is Khatam-an-Nabiyyin (last prophet).
His life and teachings are preserved accurately and serve as a timeless guide.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the archetype of perfect humanity, embodying instructional examples for behavior, decision-making, and ethics.
The need for additional prophethood does not exist due to the full, untainted legacy he left, which fulfills spiritual and ethical needs across all eras.

Islam represents a comprehensive code encompassing divine guidance suited for humanity's diverse needs.
The solution to humanity's issues lies in grasping and perpetuating the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The mission outlined by the Prophet emphasizes the propagation of divine principles, solidifying the framework for a just society governed by God's laws.