Islam is to believe in and to worship The One True God (“Allah” in Arabic) alone, and to accept Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as His final Messenger.
Approximately 1 in 4 people (23%) are Muslim – over 1.5 billion Muslims.
Followers of Islam are known as Muslims who can be from any racial or ethnic background.
God calls on us to acknowledge Him through His signs. God has made it our responsibility to recognize Him. This is part of the test of this life. Without the right attitude, no amount of information can make someone believe.
Objectivity & an open mind
Preconceived barriers/misconceptions to not believing
Humbleness & sincerity
Pride & arrogance
Contemplation about our purpose
Focus only on the material world
Receptive to God’s signs
Dismiss everything as meaningless
The first reason for believing in God relates to reflecting on the origin of the universe.
How did the universe come to exist?
Did it come from nothing? From nothing, comes nothing. So, obviously not. Did it create itself? No, this is irrational. It is like saying a mother gave birth to herself. Has it always existed? No, modern science concludes that the universe is not eternal and had a beginning. Was it created? Yes. Muslims believe something beyond the universe created it – The Creator.
But who created God?
God was not created. Unlike the universe and the rest of creation, God is eternal, has always existed, and has no beginning.
Another simple reason for believing in God is by pondering over the order of the universe using the following logic:
Anything that is ordered indicates intelligence
Our solar system is highly ordered with intricate systems, laws & patterns
The order in our universe indicates the intelligence of the Creator!
Many features in the universe clearly indicate it to be specially designed to support life. If these measurements were slightly different to what they currently are, life could not exist. Examples below.
Ozone Layer
Thickness of earth’s crust
Oxygen % in the air
Distance from sun
The relative size of the sun, earth & moon
Could a large complex universe form by coincidence, without supervision? It should be noted that Islam encourages scientific research and reflection. The role of science helps us describe the many observed patterns that God places in His creation and appreciate the extent of His power and wisdom.
The Quran provides a strong argument for the existence of God and it is unmatched in its style, wisdom, guidance, eloquence as well as its uniqueness in how it addresses the reader.
No errors or contradictions
Pure & clear descriptions of God
Pinnacle of arabic linguistic beauty
Revealed via Prophet Muhammad who was illiterate
Preserved – no alterations in 1400 years
Deep insights into human behavior
Memorized by millions of people
Contains scientific facts not known at that time
“On earth, there are signs for those with sure faith; and in yourselves too, do you not see?”Quran 51:20-21
Balance of hope in God’s Mercy and fear of His punishment
I have a noble purpose
If good happens, be grateful. If bad happens, have patience
This life is a test and God sees everything I do
Put my trust in God – nothing happens except by His permission
Everything I have is from God
Genuine hope & concern for non-Muslims to be guided
Focus on what is in my control & try my best
I will return to God and be accountable
In Halifax, especially and Bedford and Clayton Park are, the Muslim population has grown rapidly during the last decade and is expected to grow even faster in the coming years. The Muslim community in these areas were always concerned about performing their religious duties.
