I & M 101: People, Things, Deeds
People:
1. Statistics
2. Prophets, personalities
3. Society, culture, customs, organizations
4. Politics, movements, institutions
5. Da'wah
6. Religious practices, food, health, economy
7. Education
8. Important persons: prophets, companions, scholars, imams
9. People at large, non-Muslims
Statistics
According to a study in 2015, Islam has 1.8 billion adherents, making up about 24.1% of the world population.
Most Muslims are either of two denominations: Sunni (80–85%, roughly 1.5 billion people) or Shia (15-20%, roughly 240–340 million people).
For more detailed facts about Muslims, visit the pew research center. CLICK HERE
__________________________
Other Personalities
Angels: belief in angels is one of the pillars of creed in Islam. There are different roles of angels, some known by names. For example, Jibreel (Gabrael) is the archangel.
Iblis: Also known as Shaitan (Satan) is of the Jinn, and not an angel. Bothe the angels and Iblis were cited in the Quran as part of the story of creation of Adam.
Prophets, Personalities
Prophets: In the Quran, a total of 25 prophets are mentioned. However, according to some Hadith, 120 thousand prophets and messengers have been sent.
The main messengers of significance and popularity are (in chronological order): Adam, Noah, Ibrahim, Musa, Essa (Jesus), and Muhammad (PP upon all). Muslims believe in all the prophets and messengers. (Quran, 2:285).
By the same token, Allah mentions in the Quran that prophets and messengers, just like everything else, are of various degrees, attributes, and status with Allah.
That said, the ultimate most important fact about prophets for Muslim creed, is that prophet Muhammad (PPBUH) is the last and final prophet and messenger sent as mercy to all mankind and to the worlds.
Prophet's companions receive special attention also, especially the first 4 successors (Khalfahs): Abu Bakr, Omar, Othman, and Ali.
Things
Symbols, Signs, Clothing, Tools, Religious items, Food
Symbols, signs
These symbols, though associated with Islam, are not necessarily fixed or mandatory. The developed over the years with Islamic culture. The most common ones are the crescent and the star. Both of these are mentioned in the Quran.
Clothing
Perhaps the most common and well known item representing Islam in contemporary times is the Hijab (Head cover). This is an integral part of a woman's modest expectation. Any other special clothing, for men, for example is optional, or cultural. The islamic guideline for both men and women is to make sure the garment is descent, modest and fulfills the purpose of covering the attractive parts without itself being tempting or luring. (Quran,7:26)
Tools, Religious items
No special object is considered sacred in Islam or a mandatory symbol, or object of worship. However, some people use things like the rosary beeds, and prayer rug, among others, which is more of a cultural influence.
One important tool though that is useful is a compass that determines the direction of the Quiblah.
Food
Forbidden food, drink, and substances include:
1. pork
2. alcohol
3. meat of dead animal
4. Blood
5. Meat of animal not slaughtered according to Shari'ah
6. Tobacco and illicit substances
Deeds & Conduct
1. Iman and good deeds
2. Sincerity, piety, intentions
3. Muslim characters, good conduct, manners
4. Mistakes, sins, transgression
5. Seeking forgiveness and repentance
6. Family and social life
7. Fellow Muslim rights, duties
8. Types of brotherly conduct
9. Charity, philanthropy
10. Special treatment (of special groups) (parents, neighbors, women, etc.)
11. Dietary and other practices, moderation
12. Modest, healthy living
13. Animals, the environment
14. Earth and space
Faith, piety, and good deeds
Taqwa (piety) is mentioned frequently in Quran, and good deeds are almost always conjoined with faith or belief.
The famous Hadith of the prophet declares: "Deeds are but the intentions behind them". to the point that a Muslim can be rewarded for a deed that he did not do, just because he had the intention to do it.
more importantly, each good deed gets 10 fold reward, whereas a bad deed gets recorded as only one.
Good character, manners
Good character and manners are of utmost significance. The prophet declared: "the closest to me among you on the day of judgment are the ones with good manners"
In fact the prophet was the best role model for good manners that Allah described him in the Quran as "indeed, you are of great nature / character / manner".
manners can be innate in nature as well as developed. increasing faith and piety and good companionship are ways to develop good manners.
An article in Islamcity.org lists 75 attributes to have. CLICK HERE to see.
Sins, Mistakes, Repentance
The Prophet (PPBUH) stated: "All sons of Adam (Humans) is fallible., and the best of fallible is the repentant." (Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah).
In Islam, sins vary in grade and nature and intention. Some mistakes are even allowable (such as those due to forgetfulness). Some sins are related to worship and defying Allah's commands, while others are related to violations against other people.
All sins, however, are forgivable if the sinner repents properly before dying. One exception is to associate others with Allah. Abstaining from committing sins gets rewarded, and doing good deeds erases the bad ones.
Transgression is considered one of the gravest sins.
Sincere repentance requires deep sorrow, pledge to not go back to that sin, and if people's rights are violated, to first correct that.
Family and social life, World Peace
Islam upholds the family and social relationships.
A Muslim is supposed to be kind and gentle not only with his family and close ones, but with others at large.
everyone has rights and responsibilities.
certain populations though stand out and receive extra attention. Those include neighbors, women, children, elderly, people of special needs, orphans, and alike.
Muslims also carry special duties towards fellow Muslims. The prophet (PPBUH) has highlighted 6 such simple duties in one Hadith, including offering blessings when one sneezes, to visiting the sick.
In the same regards, Muslims are expected to be kind to fellow human beings and even animals. The concept of brotherhood is not only limited to Muslims, rather it extends to the world. The Quran asserts this fact (49:13).
Thus, Philanthropy and doing good is unlimited for Muslims, contributing to and enhancing world peace.
The Environment, The World
Muslims also have duties towards their surroundings: the environment, the world at large, and even space. Hence, Allah often mentions these entities for Muslims to ponder over and utilize properly.