Islamic Concept of Angels (Malāʾikah)

1. Definition & Nature of Angels

Angels are spiritual beings created by Allah from light (nūr). They are:

 Invisible to humans unless Allah wills otherwise (e.g., Prophet Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬saw Jibrīl
in his true form).
 Genderless, do not eat, sleep, or reproduce.
 Always obedient, with no free will to disobey Allah (Quran 66:6).

2. Major Angels & Their Roles

Angel (Arabic) Role Quranic Reference

Jibrīl (Gabriel) Brings divine revelation to prophets. 2:97

Mīkāʾīl (Michael) Oversees sustenance, rain, and natural events. 2:98

Isrāfīl Will blow the trumpet on Judgment Day. Hadith (Tirmidhi)

ʿAzrāʾīl Angel of death, takes souls at appointed times. 32:11

Malik Guardian of Hellfire. 43:77

Ridwān Guardian of Paradise. Hadith sources

Kiramān Kātibīn Two angels (Raqīb & ʿAtīd) recording human deeds. 50:17-18

Munkar & Nakīr Question souls in the grave. Hadith (Bukhari)

3. Belief in Angels as a Pillar of Faith

 Six Articles of Faith (Īmān): Belief in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the
Last Day, and divine decree (Quran 2:285).
 Denying angels is disbelief (kufr).

4. Angels in Human Life

 Protection: Angels guard humans by Allah’s command (13:11).
 Prayer & Worship: Angels pray for believers and attend gatherings of remembrance.
 Special Moments: Angels descend during Laylat al-Qadr (97:4) and supplicate for
forgiveness.

5. Differences Between Angels, Jinn, & Humans

Feature Angels Jinn Humans

Origin Light Fire (smokeless flame) Clay

Free Will No (always obey) Yes (can obey or disobey) Yes

Visibility Normally unseen Normally unseen Visible

6. Misconceptions About Angels

 No hierarchy of "good vs. evil" angels (unlike some beliefs).

 Not intermediaries for worship—only Allah is to be worshipped.
 Not "fallen angels" (Iblīs is a jinn, not an angel).

7. Quranic & Hadith References

 Quran 35:1: "All praise is to Allah, Creator of the heavens and the earth, Who made the
angels messengers with wings..."
 Hadith (Muslim): "Angels are created from light, jinn from fire, and Adam from what has
been described to you (clay)."

Conclusion
 Angels play a vital role in Islamic cosmology, acting as Allah’s emissaries in revelation,
preservation, and judgment. Belief in them is essential for a Muslim’s faith. Their
existence reinforces Allah’s absolute power and the precision of His divine order.

Would you like a deeper focus on any specific aspect (e.g., angels in Judgment Day,
interactions with prophets)?

2.Islamic Concept of Divine Books (Kutubullāh)

1. Definition & Importance

 Divine Books: Scriptures revealed by Allah to guide humanity through His prophets.
 Belief in them is a pillar of faith (Quran 2:285).
 Purpose: Provide moral, legal, and spiritual guidance.

2. Major Revealed Books

Quranic
Book Prophet Key Features
Reference

Ṣuḥuf Ibrāhīm (Scrolls Prophet Ibrāhīm

Early moral teachings, now lost 87:18-19
of Abraham) (AS)

Jewish law, covenant with Bani

Tawrāh (Torah) Mūsā (Moses) 3:3, 5:44
Israel

Zabūr (Psalms) Dāwūd (David) Wisdom, prayers, songs of praise 4:163, 17:55

Guidance for followers, good

Injīl (Gospel) ʿĪsā (Jesus) 5:46, 3:3
news of Prophet Muhammad (‫)ﷺ‬

Final, preserved, universal

Qurʾān Muhammad (‫)ﷺ‬ 15:9, 2:2
guidance for all humanity
 3. Status of Previous Scriptures

 Original Message: All divine books taught Tawḥīd (monotheism) and righteousness.
 Distortion (Taḥrīf): Earlier scriptures were altered by people over time (Quran 2:79,
5:13-14).
 Quran as the Final Authority:

o Preserved by Allah (15:9).

o Abrogates & Corrects previous distortions (5:48).

4. Unique Features of the Quran

 Miraculous Eloquence (Iʿjāz): Linguistic perfection unmatched by humans (17:88).

 Complete Way of Life: Covers faith, law, ethics, and spirituality.
 Universality: For all times and peoples (7:158, 34:28).

5. Muslims’ Duty Towards Divine Books

 Believe in all (Quran 2:136).

 Follow only the Quran & authentic Sunnah (5:48-49).
 Respect earlier scriptures but reject corrupted parts.

6. Hadith on Divine Revelation

 Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬said: "The example of me and the previous prophets is like a man who built
a house perfectly, except for one missing brick. People who see it admire it but say, ‘If only
this brick were placed!’ I am that brick—the final prophet." (Bukhari)

7. Common Misconceptions

 "People of the Book" (Ahl al-Kitāb): Jews & Christians are respected but must accept
Islam’s finality.
 No "New Testament" in Islam: The true Injīl is not the current Bible but the original
teachings of Jesus (AS).
 3: introduction to prophethood.

Introduction to Prophethood (Nubuwwah) in

Islam

1. Definition & Purpose of Prophethood

 Nubuwwah: Divine appointment of prophets to guide humanity to Allah.

 Purpose:

o Teach Tawḥīd (Oneness of Allah).

o Establish justice and moral law.
o Warn against evil (disbelief, oppression).
o Serve as perfect role models (Quran 33:21).

2. Characteristics of Prophets

 Infallibility (ʿIṣmah):

o Protected from major sins and errors in conveying revelation.

o May commit minor human errors, but Allah corrects them (e.g., Prophet Adam’s
repentance in 2:37).
 Miracles (Muʿjizāt): Supernatural acts proving their truthfulness (e.g., Musa’s staff, Isa’s
healing).
 Universal Message: Some prophets sent to specific nations (e.g., Yunus to Nineveh),
while Muhammad (‫ )ﷺ‬was sent to all humanity (34:28).
 3. Types of Divine Messengers

Term Definition Example

A prophet who receives revelation but may Most prophets, e.g., Yahya
Nabi (‫)نبي‬
not have a new scripture. (AS).

A messenger given a new divine Musa (Tawrah), Muhammad

Rasūl (‫)رسول‬
law/scripture. (Quran).

Ulu’l-ʿAzm ( ‫أولو‬ The five "resolute" prophets with supreme Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa,
‫)العزم‬ trials. Muhammad (53:64( )‫)ﷺ‬.

4. Key Prophets in Islam

1. Ādam (AS): First human and prophet.

2. Nūḥ (AS): Preached for 950 years; built the Ark.
3. Ibrāhīm (AS): Father of monotheism; tested with sacrifice.
4. Mūsā (AS): Freed Bani Israel from Pharaoh.
5. ʿĪsā (AS): Born miraculously; will return before Judgment Day.
6. Muhammad (‫)ﷺ‬: Final prophet, seal of prophethood (33:40).

Note: 25 prophets are named in the Quran; tradition states 124,000 were sent (Hadith,
Ibn Hibban).

5. Proofs of Prophethood

 Miracles:

o Quran’s linguistic inimitability (17:88).

o Splitting of the moon (54:1).
 Prophecies:

o Roman victory foretold (30:2-4).

o Spread of Islam (61:9).
 Moral Perfection: Prophet Muhammad’s (‫ )ﷺ‬life is the ultimate ethical example.

6. Finality of Prophethood

 Muhammad (‫ )ﷺ‬is the Last Prophet:

o Quran 33:40: "He is the Messenger of Allah and the seal of the prophets."
o Hadith (Bukhari): "No prophet will come after me."
 Rejects all claimants to prophethood post-Islam (e.g., Baha’ullah, Mirza Ghulam
Ahmad).

7. Muslim’s Duty Toward Prophets

 Believe in all prophets (2:285).

 Love and respect them, especially Muhammad (‫)ﷺ‬.
 Follow the Sunnah as the practical application of the Quran.

8. Misconceptions Clarified

 Prophets vs. Saints (Awliyā’): Saints are righteous but not recipients of revelation.
 "Prophets in Every Nation" (10:47): Allah sent guidance to all civilizations, though not
all are named in the Quran.
 Jesus in Islam: A prophet, not divine (5:75); he will return to defeat Dajjal (Antichrist).

Key Verse:
"We sent no messenger except in the language of his people to make things clear for
them." (Quran 14:4)

4.Introduction to Quranic Sciences (ʿUlūm al-

Qurʾān)
1. Definition & Importance

ʿUlūm al-Qurʾān ("Sciences of the Quran") is the systematic study of the Quran’s:

 Revelation (how it was sent down)

 Compilation (how it was preserved)
 Structure (chapters, verses, themes)
 Interpretation (meanings, context, rulings)
 Linguistic & Rhetorical Features (miraculous eloquence)

Why Study Quranic Sciences?

 Ensures correct understanding & prevents misinterpretation.

 Connects readers to the Quran’s historical and linguistic depth.
 Provides tools for scholars (mufassirūn) to derive rulings.

2. Major Branches of Quranic Sciences

Category Key Topics Examples

How the Quran was revealed to Gradual vs. sudden revelation,

Revelation (Wahy)
Prophet Muhammad (‫)ﷺ‬ Meccan/Medinan verses

Compilation (Jamʿ Writing, preservation, and Oral transmission, Abu Bakr’s

al-Qurʾān) standardization of the Quran compilation, Uthman’s codex

Tafsīr bil-Ma’thūr (by

Tafsīr (Exegesis) Interpretation methods Hadith), Tafsīr bil-Ra’y (rational
analysis)

Qirā’āt Different authentic ways of reciting

7 or 10 Qirā’āt, rules of Tajwīd
(Recitations) the Quran

Reasons/circumstances behind Battle of Badr (8:1), Hijab ruling

Asbāb al-Nuzūl
verses’ revelation (33:53)

Sword verse (9:5) abrogates

Naskh (Abrogation) Verses that replace earlier rulings
tolerance verses

Linguistic, scientific, and historical

Iʿjāz al-Qurʾān The Quran’s miraculous nature
miracles

Story of Musa (AS), parable of the

Amthāl & Qaṣaṣ Parables and stories in the Quran
spider (29:41)

3. Key Historical Developments

 Early Era: Companions learned directly from the Prophet (‫)ﷺ‬.

 Classical Period: Works like Al-Burhān (Zarkashī) and Al-Itqān (Suyūṭī) systematized
Quranic sciences.
 Modern Era: Focus on thematic (Mawḍūʿī) and scientific tafsīr.

4. Famous Books on ʿUlūm al-Qurʾān

1. Al-Burhān fī ʿUlūm al-Qurʾān – Badr al-Dīn al-Zarkashī (14th century)

2. Al-Itqān fī ʿUlūm al-Qurʾān – Jalāl al-Dīn al-Suyūṭī (15th century)
3. Mabāḥith fī ʿUlūm al-Qurʾān – Mannāʿ al-Qaṭṭān (Modern classic)

5. Practical Applications

 For Scholars: Deriving rulings (ahkām), reconciling verses.

 For Students: Correct recitation (Tajwīd), understanding context.
 For General Readers: Avoiding misinterpretation (e.g., extremism).

Example: Knowing Asbāb al-Nuzūl prevents misusing verses like 5:51 ("Don’t take
Jews/Christians as allies") out of historical context.

6. Misconceptions Clarified

 "Quranic sciences are only for scholars."

o Basic knowledge (e.g., Meccan/Medinan themes) benefits every Muslim.

 "The Quran was compiled randomly."

o Divine arrangement (Tawqīfī), not human decision.

 "All Quran interpretations are equal."

o Valid tafsīr must follow strict methodology.

Key Verse:
"Indeed, it is We who sent down the Quran and indeed, We will be its
guardian." (Quran 15:9)

5: introduction to islamic Ethics .

Introduction to Islamic Ethics (Akhlāq)

1. Definition & Scope

Islamic Ethics (Akhlāq) refers to the moral principles derived from

the Quran and Sunnah, governing individual and societal behavior. It encompasses:

 Personal Conduct (honesty, patience, humility)

 Social Interactions (justice, kindness, fulfilling rights)
 Spiritual Development (sincerity, gratitude, repentance)

Key Quranic Verse:

"Indeed, Allah commands justice, goodness, and generosity to relatives, and forbids
immorality, oppression, and injustice." (Quran 16:90)

2. Sources of Islamic Ethics

 Source Role in Shaping Ethics Example

Primary source; outlines

Quran "Speak kindly to people" (2:83)
virtues & vices

Prophet’s (‫ )ﷺ‬practical "The best among you are those with the best
Sunnah
example character." (Bukhari)

Legal rulings on moral

Fiqh (Jurisprudence) Prohibition of interest (ribā)
dilemmas

Ijtihād (Scholarly Adapting ethics to new

Bioethics in modern medicine
Reasoning) contexts

3. Core Ethical Principles

1. Tawḥīd (Oneness of God)

o All actions must align with Allah’s commands.

o "Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him." (4:36)
2. ʿAdl (Justice)

o Fairness in speech, dealings, and governance.

o "Be just, even if against yourselves." (4:135)
3. Iḥsān (Excellence)

o Doing good beyond obligation (e.g., forgiving others).

o "Allah loves those who do good." (3:134)
4. Amanah (Trustworthiness)

o Honesty in work, promises, and leadership.

o "Return trusts to their rightful owners." (4:58)
5. Taqwā (God-Consciousness)

o Moral self-restraint out of fear of Allah.

o "The most noble among you are the most righteous." (49:13)
 4. Islamic vs. Secular Ethics

Aspect Islamic Ethics Secular Ethics

Foundation Divine revelation + reason Human reason/social consensus

Moral Authority Allah’s commands Changing societal norms

Objective Pleasing Allah + societal benefit Societal benefit alone

Accountability Answerable to Allah (Hereafter) Legal/social consequences

Example: Lying is always haram in Islam (unless for life-saving exceptions), whereas
secular ethics may justify "white lies."

5. Key Areas of Applied Ethics

 Business Ethics: Prohibition of fraud, exploitation (Hadith: "Do not withhold goods to
inflate prices.").
 Medical Ethics: Sanctity of life, organ donation rulings.
 Environmental Ethics: "Do not waste water, even at a flowing river." (Hadith, Ibn Mājah).
 Digital Ethics: Avoiding gossip on social media (Quran 49:12).

6. Moral Development in Islam

 Self-Purification (Tazkiyah): Combating greed, arrogance, and hypocrisy.

 Role Models: Prophets (e.g., Yusuf’s patience), righteous scholars.
 Repentance (Tawbah): Allah forgives sins when one sincerely reforms.
 Hadith:
"A strong believer is better than a weak believer, but both are good. Strive for what
benefits you and seek Allah’s help." (Muslim)

7. Misconceptions Clarified

 "Islamic ethics are rigid."

o Flexible within divine limits (e.g., mercy overrules strict punishment in some cases).
 "Only rituals matter, not character."

o Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬said: "I was sent to perfect good character." (Muwatta)

 "Ethics are secondary to beliefs."

o Bad character can nullify good deeds (e.g., arrogance, backbiting).

Key Dua for Ethical Living:

"O Allah, guide me to the best manners, for none guides to them except You." (Muslim)

6: Brief study of surah Hujurat 49.

Brief Study of Surah Al-Hujurat (49)

"The Chapter of Manners"

1. Introduction

 Meccan/Medinan: Medinan (revealed after the Conquest of Makkah).

 Verses: 18
 Theme: Social ethics, unity, and Islamic etiquette.
 Name Meaning: "The Private Rooms" (refers to v.4, where the Prophet’s ‫ ﷺ‬privacy was
disrespected).

2. Key Themes & Lessons

Verse
Topic Key Teachings
Range

- Lower voices in his presence.

Etiquette with the - Do not raise voices like pagans.
1-5
Prophet ‫ﷺ‬ - Respect his authority (v.1: "Do not proceed before Allah
and His Messenger").

- Avoid spreading rumors.

6 Verifying News - "If a wicked person brings news, verify it" (prevent
fitnah).

Divine Blessing of - Allah’s mercy granted believers faith and love.

7-8
Faith - Follow truth and justice.

- Reconcine between fighting believers.

9-10 Conflict Resolution
- "Believers are brothers" (v.10).

- No mockery, nicknames, or backbiting ("Do not spy or

11-12 Social Manners backbite").
- Backbiting = "Eating a dead brother’s flesh" (v.12).

- All humans equal before Allah; nobility is

through taqwā (piety).
13 Universal Equality
- "We created you from male and female… the most noble
is the most righteous."

- Bedouins claimed faith superficially (v.14).

True vs. Superficial
14-18 - True believers submit fully ("Faith has not entered your
Faith
hearts").
 3. Practical Applications

1. Social Media Conduct:

o Avoid spreading unverified news (v.6).

o No cyberbullying or mockery (v.11).
2. Community Relations:

o Reconcile disputes (v.9).

o Brotherhood over tribalism (v.13).
3. Self-Reflection:

o Check intentions: Is faith deep or superficial? (v.15).

4. Key Quotes

 On Brotherhood: "The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your
brothers." (49:10)
 On Equality: "The most noble of you in Allah’s sight is the most righteous." (49:13)
 On Gossip: "Would any of you like to eat his dead brother’s flesh?" (49:12)

5. Connection to Modern Challenges

 Cancel Culture: Islam teaches reconciliation, not public shaming (v.9-10).

 Identity Politics: Rejects racism/classism (v.13).
 Fake News: Mandates verification (v.6).
 Reflection Question:
How can you apply one lesson from this surah to improve your daily interactions?

7: islamic concept of Bidah and sunnah

Islamic Concept of Bidʿah (Innovation) & Sunnah

1. Definition of Sunnah

 Literal Meaning: "Way" or "Practice."

 Islamic Usage: The teachings, actions, approvals, and lifestyle of Prophet
Muhammad (‫)ﷺ‬.
 Types of Sunnah:

o Sunnah Qawliyyah (Sayings) – e.g., Hadith.

o Sunnah Fiʿliyyah (Actions) – e.g., How he prayed.
o Sunnah Taqririyyah (Silent Approvals) – e.g., Not objecting to a companion’s act.

Quranic Command:
"Obey Allah and His Messenger." (3:32)

2. Categories of Sunnah

Type Description Example

Highly recommended acts the Taraweeh

Sunnah Mu’akkadah (Emphasized)
Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬consistently performed. prayers, Adhan.
 Type Description Example

Sunnah Ghayr Mu’akkadah (Non- Acts the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬did Extra voluntary
Emphasized) occasionally but not regularly. fasts.

Wearing white,
Sunnah ‘Aadiyyah (Habits) Daily practices not tied to worship.
using miswak.

3. Definition of Bidʿah (Innovation)

 Literal Meaning: "Something newly introduced."

 Islamic Usage: Adding to or altering religion in ways not practiced by the Prophet
(‫ )ﷺ‬or his companions.
 Ruling:

o Bidʿah in worship is forbidden (Hadith: "Every innovation is misguidance." – Muslim).

o Worldly innovations (e.g., technology) are permissible unless they violate Shariah.

Quranic Warning:
"Or do they have partners who legislate for them in religion what Allah has not
authorized?" (42:21)

4. Types of Bidʿah

Type Description Examples Ruling

Celebrating
Bidʿah
Completely new acts falsely Mawlid (birthdays Haram
Ḥaqīqiyyah (True
attributed to Islam. of prophets), (Forbidden).
Innovation)
invented prayers.
 Type Description Examples Ruling

Bidʿah Adding extra

Mixing valid acts with invalid
Idāfiyyah (Relative Rak’ahs to Haram.
intentions/methods.
Innovation) obligatory prayers.

Controversial: Some scholars Building

Bidʿah Permissible (if
allow non-worship madrasas,
Ḥasanah (Good no Shariah
innovations that benefit compiling Hadith
Innovation) violation).
Muslims. books.

Note: Majority scholars reject "good Bidʿah" in worship (based on Hadith: "Whoever
innovates in this matter of ours what is not part of it will have it rejected." – Bukhari).

5. Differences Between Sunnah & Bidʿah

Aspect Sunnah Bidʿah

Source From Prophet (‫ & )ﷺ‬companions. Human-invented.

Purpose Worship as taught by Islam. Changing/adding to worship.

Reward Accepted by Allah. Rejected if in religion.

Example Praying Sunnah before Fajr. Adding a 5th prayer time.

6. Why Is Bidʿah Dangerous?

1. Implies Islam is incomplete (Quran 5:3: "Today I have perfected your religion.").
2. Leads to division (e.g., sectarian differences over invented practices).
3. Worship becomes about desires, not revelation.
 Hadith:
"Avoid newly invented matters, for every Bidʿah is misguidance." (Abu Dawud)

7. Common Misconceptions

 "Bidʿah Ḥasanah exists in Hadith!"

o The phrase refers to linguistic innovation (e.g., charity drives), not religious.
 "If it’s a good deed, it can’t be Bidʿah."

o Good intentions don’t justify unapproved worship (e.g., chanting Allah’s name in
groups).
 "Scholars differ, so Bidʿah is flexible."

o Only in worldly matters, not worship (Ijmaʿ on rejecting new rituals).

Key Principle:
"The worst matters are the newly invented ones." (Muslim)