Learn about Islam at the IEC Among the primary goals of IEC is to inform and educate non-muslims and muslims about Islam, and provide information about Islam on varying levels of inquiry, from the casual passer-by to a believing and practicing Muslim who wishes to extend his knowledge and level of piety. Extensive literature is available in the form of kits. There are three sets of literature kits, starting from the introductory level which introduces Islam as a religion to a non-muslim to the intermediate and more advanced topics such as Fiqh and Islamic teachings and principles. Free copies of the Holy Quran are also available. Please contact us at (713) 787 5000, extension 3, for more information or send an email to info@iec-houston.org What is the purpose of our creation? Why are we here? The word Islam means, submission to the will of God, and a Muslim is one who submits to the Will of God. In the Holy Quran, God says: "I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me." (51:56) Therein lies the answer to the questions above. Worship is living your life in accordance with God's commands, by submitting to God's Will. As stated in Sayyid Rizvi's introduction to Islam, we are here according to God's plan: the wordly life is a test; it is a chance to prove ourselves as deserving of the eternal blissful life in the hereafter. God did not create us just for few years of this life. To be created just for this world's life would amount to a joke played by the Creator with the human species. Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, said, "You have not been created to perish; on the contrary, you have been created for eternal life." Intro from Al-Islam.org by Masooma Beatty: Islam was not born in the 7th century A.D. Rather, it is the same religion that God revealed through His messengers (peace be upon them) to every people. Islam sometimes seems strange to non-Muslims because it is a religion which impacts every part of life, from eating and sleeping to working and playing. It is not only a personal religion, but also a social one. Muslims seek to live in accordance with God's laws. By doing so, they strive to obtain nearness to God and victory over temporary trials and temptations in this world. All aspects of their practice including prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage are intended to help meet this goal. Although strict by secular standards, Islam is not an ascetic religion. Islam requires its followers to be active participants in their communities. Muslims believe that God is One, indivisible, and they believe in all the prophets of the Christians and Jews including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the Baptist, and Jesus (peace be upon them). Muslims also recognize another prophet named Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family), who is a direct descendant of Abraham through his first born son, Ishmael. His prophethood may be prophecied in the Bible in several places, including Deut 18:18 and John 14:16. The Qur'an is the holy book of Muslims. It contains many stories that are familiar to Christians and Jews. It was not created by man but was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) through the Angel Gabriel at the command of God. It contains no scientific fallacies or internal contradictions. In fact, it contains much scientific knowledge discovered by scientists only in the last century. The Qur'an is an unparalleled Arabic literary masterpiece. Furthermore, it survives in its original revealed form, unlike the Torah and the Gospel. Listen to the Holy Quran yourself in Arabic with English translation People living in the West and throughout the world should not allow themselves to be ignorant about Islam and Muslims. For example, there are six million Muslims living in the United States out of 1.2 billion in the world. Only 18% of Muslims live in the Arab world. Demographers say that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the U.S. (and the world) due to high birth rate, immigration, and high conversion rate. By the year 2000, Islam is predicted to be the second largest religion in America if it is not already, surpassing Judaism, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witness, and other religions. Here are some things you can do with regard to your Muslim neighbors, students, employees, and coworkers that would be appreciated: Respect their religious convictions by allowing them to pray, dress, fast, and socially interact according to their beliefs. Be sensitive about dietary constraints, particularly when it comes to alcohol and pork. Feel free to ask questions! For more introductions to Islam, visit: An Introduction to Islam, by Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi An Introduction to Islam, by Dr. Liyakatali Takim An Introduction to Islam, by Mulla Bashir Rahim An Introduction to Islam, by Ayatullah Ghulpayghani An Introduction to Islam, by M.A. Shakir