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Page 16
The Islamic Bulletin
Issue 10
First and most importantly, Dr. Speight has tried his very best to
remove some misunderstandings about Islam by helping Chris-
tians to overcome the tendency of stereotyping the Muslims.
He outlines the worldwide distribution of Muslim population,
identifying the predominantly Muslim countries, as well as those
where they are in minority, thereby pointing out their geo-po-
litical importance.
Dr. Speight discusses beliefs and worship of the Muslims, rightly
emphasizing the highest esteem and the exalted place to which
the Holy Quran and Hadith are held by the Muslims. He briefly
discusses how the Holy Quran repeatedly makes mention of
the prophets of the Jews and Christians, and other stories and
incidents, also reported in the Bible.
Dr. Speight briefly touches upon moral values, social justice,
human rights as well as practice of politics and economics as
emphasized in Islam. Family life, marriage, divorce and position
of women in Islam are discussed and also similarities and differ-
ences between Islam and Christianity, with a recommendation
to be open-minded and understanding.
Dr. Speight is forthright in giving credit to Muslims contributions
in the advancement of modern science, mathematics, medicine,
philosophy, culture and civilization, etc., which got Europe out
of the “dark age”.
Though he notes only a few examples and very briefly, yet he
has belied the popular and favorite theme of the news media of
today, which paints the Arabs, nay all Muslims, as uncivilized,
uneducated and barbarous terrorists. Two prayers of Hazrat Ali
Zainul Abidine (pbuh) are also included herein.
However, some of his assertions need clarification and comment.
For example, on Page 42, Dr. Speight mentions that Abraham
(pbuh) “repudiated” Hagar.
This is actually the Biblical version, which differs from the Holy
Quran and Hadith. The Holy Quran reports Abraham saying,
“O
our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley
without cultivation, by Thy Sacred House...” (Quran 14:37)
This arrangement of keeping his two wives at separate places
was to keep peace in the family.
On page 45, Dr. Speight writes, “The Quran does not give the
name of the son who was offered” in sacrifice, but the Hadith
refers to Ismail (pbuh) as the son who was sacrificed by Abraham
(pbuh), whereas the Bible refers to Isaac as that son.
In addition, on Page 68, Dr. Speight in his discussion of the
Shi’a sect, he offers the opinion that the Shia’s maintain that
Muhammad “really did prefer his cousin and son-in-law, Ali,
and that this preference was suppressed by the leaders who had
another opinion on succession.” They believe that Ali’s selection
as Muhammad’s successor was divinely ordained and not strictly
dependent upon the will of the Holy Prophet (pbuh).
However, Dr. Speight does go on to point out that “...it is safe
to say that the elements of unity [previously discussed] ...hold
Sunni and Shi’a together more strongly than their divergences
keep them apart.”
“God is One” is an introductory descriptive neat little book writ-
ten in simple and easy to understand language. It is nevertheless,
very informative not only for non-Muslims but also for Muslims
who are not knowledgeable about contributions of early Muslims
to modern civilization.
This book may help fill the gap, at least a little, in removing a
misunderstanding about Islam. He has rightly mentioned that
misunderstanding about Islam is due to environment. No doubt
this book is written for the Christian laity to adapt their approach
and behaviors toward understanding Islam for the propagation
of Christianity.
However, on balance, “God is One” is a positive contribution
to the better understanding of Islam.
The following holidays are observed among Muslim
communities throughout the world:
‘Eid al-Fitr -
also known as the Little Feast, marks the
end of the great fast of Ramadan. It is on the first day
of Shawwal.
‘Eid al-Adha -
Feast of Sacrifice, also known as the Great
Feast, 70 days after Eid al-Fitr, on the 10th of Dhu al-
Hijjah.
Ra’s al-Sannah -
New Year’s Festival, falls on the first of
the month of Muharram.
Mawlid an-Nabi -
the Prophet’s Birthday, is celebrated
on the 12th day of the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal.
Eid Mubarak!! Happy Eid!!
H
olidays