Islamic studies : Textbook 8 - Learn about Islam Series by Safar Publications

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Islamic Studies
Textbook 8
safar publications
0000
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Contents
Introduction
Unit 1: Essential Knowledge
6
I
The Basics of Islam
10
2
Being Like the Prophet:
Everyday Sunnahs
20
3
History of the Muslim World: A Timeline
24
Unit 2: Islamic Beliefs
4
Belief in the Existence of God
40
5
The Holy Qur'an: From Revelation to Preservation
50
6
'Alam al-Ghayb: The Hidden Realm
58
7
"Adl and Fadl: Divine Justice and Grace
66
Unit 3: Fiqh (rituals and rulings)
8
Perfecting Şalah through Voluntary Prayers
76
9
Imamah: Leading Salah
84
10
Hajj - The Great Pilgrimage: 'Umrah
11
Hajj - The Great Pilgrimage: The Rites of Hajj
12
Money Matters: Rulings and Obligations
13
Death and Burial
118
➢ རྞ སྐྱ ཎྜ སྠཽ ཎྜ
100
108
Unit 4: History of Islam
14
Stories of the Prophets: Musa & Harun Part 1
128
15
Stories of the Prophets: Musă & Harun Part 2
134
16
Lives of the Şahabah:
The Companions of the Prophet
140
147
Understanding the Qur'an and Sunnah:
The Four Schools of Figh
146
18
Muslim Contributions to Modern Civilisation
156
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BELIEF IN THE EXISTENCE OF GOD
41
Arguments for the existence of God
Among the many arguments Muslims scholars - both past and present - have proposed for the existence of God, three are of particular importance. These can be summarised as follows:
1. 'Everything around me points to God'
2. God is the only being able to select one form over another in creation'
3. 'Everything with a beginning has a cause: and God is the cause for what is around us'
Human eyes can see
colours, shades and tones in a way that the most advanced
camera still cannot replicate.
The Qur'an encourages humans to think about the perfection and order around them, as reflecting on these signs will lead one to believe in Allah's existence and oneness.
Allah
says, "In the creation of the heavens and earth; in the alternation of night and day;
in the ships that sail the seas with goods for people; in the water which God sends down from the sky to give life to the earth when it has been barren, scattering all kinds of creatures over it; in the changing of the winds and clouds that run their appointed courses between the sky and earth: there are signs in all these for those who use their reason" (2:164).
1. Everything around me points to God
One argument that Muslim scholars have made to explain why it is perfectly logical (based on facts and sound reasoning) to believe in God, is by pointing out the perfection and order in ourselves and around us. When we observe the marvels of the world and indeed the universe, we notice a fine order even amongst the most complex of creations - such as humans. Such order and perfection could not exist without a wise, all-powerful, and all- knowledgeable being creating and maintaining it; such a being can only be God.
For instance, consider the complexity of the human body and how each body part is perfectly formed and has a specific function in the body. The eyes, for example, can see colours, shades and tones in a way that an advanced camera still cannot copy.
Similarly, consider how the universe is so finely tuned that it allows life to flourish on earth; had the earth been a little closer to the sun, no life could exist, and currently, there are no known
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The Basics of Islam
UNIT 1: ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE
The three aspects of din
The Prophet explained the three main aspects of the din (the Muslim way of life) in the presence of Jibril. The three aspects are:
Islam, which means to bear witness there is no god but Allah
and
Muḥammad is Allah's Messenger; to establish salah, to give Zakāh, to fast in Ramadan, and to perform Hajj.
Iman, which is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, in the Last Day, and in qadar (fate)- both good and bad.
Iḥsan, which is to serve Allah as if you see Him, and though you do not see Him, He sees you.
Love for the Prophet
Loving the Prophet, as well all his companions (şahabah), is important to a Muslim. The Prophet said, "A person who has three qualities will experience the delightfulness of belief:
1. When Allah and His Prophet are dearer to them than anything else;
2. When they love a person only for the sake of Allah;
3. When they dislike returning to disbelief as much as they dislike being thrown into the fire."
With regard to following his Sunnah, Anas ibn Malik, reported that the Prophet
said, "Whoever revives my Sunnah, loves me, and whoever loves me, shall be in Paradise with me
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Safar Islamic Studies Textbook 8 is written for ages 13 and above and is designed to equip learners with the necessary knowledge and tools to develop a deep- rooted love and relationship with Islam.
The series allows learners to fulfil their religious rites and duties in an informed manner through learning, understanding and embodying the Qur'an and Sunnah. And with ample focus on spiritual and personal development, our textbook will equip students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills they need to make sound moral and ethical choices in a modern world with confidence, integrity and flair.
Workbooks and resources
Comes with workbook, Teacher's Guide and additional resources on the Safar Teacher's Toolbox available online: www.safarpublications.org
9781912437481
Features:
Bespoke and functional design Printed in full colour, Textbook 8 showcases bespoke illustrations.
More than a textbook Although the textbook is primarily used for teaching. the book is also a life guide for young Muslims, thereby fulfilling a purpose beyond the classroom.
Unit based cumulative learning and ample content
The book follows a unit-based structure and learning objectives in each chapter provide clear aims. The textbook has ample interesting content to cover more than a full academic year's worth of learning.
Keywords and literacy skills Keywords and vocabulary lists help with overall Arabic and English literacy skills of students.
A complete system creates a complete syllabus
As with the primary syllabus, the textbook ties in with our Learn by Heart Series and builds on the primary syllabus (Books 1-6) and Textbook 7.
A tried and tested syllabus As with all our publications, the books are tried and tested by teachers and students at Safar Academy as well as consulting external students, teachers and 'ulama'.
safar publications
ISBN 978-1-912437-48-1
Cover illustration: Elly Walton