Islamic Beliefs and Thoughts, A Beacon for Children (Part Five)
Question: What kind of person is referred to as an Islamic personality?
Answer: An Islamic personality refers to a Muslim whose way of thinking is aligned with Islamic values, meaning they possess an Islamic mindset and disposition. Such a person fulfills their desires in accordance with Sharia. An Islamic personality is not defined by outward appearances, luxurious clothing, or similar superficial aspects, which is often the case today.
Question: Can you give an example of an Islamic and a non-Islamic way of thinking today?
Answer: A person with an Islamic mindset views life as a test and values only what is prescribed by Shariah, seeking the pleasure of Allah (SWT) in their actions. In contrast, a person with a non-Islamic mindset tends to prioritize people’s approval and personal benefit over seeking the pleasure of Allah (SWT).
Question: What kind of beliefs and thoughts did the people of Mecca have during the time of the Prophet (PBUH)?
Answer: At that time, the prevalent beliefs included tribalism, nationalism, idol worship, and strong Arab and tribal sentiments. The Prophet (PBUH) gradually transformed these beliefs by replacing them with Islamic faith, thought, and sentiments. As a result, the people stood firm against oppression until they achieved their goals, ultimately establishing Islamic governance and founding the Prophetic state. Within approximately 24 years after the Prophet’s (PBUH) passing, they managed to defeat the two great empires of the time—Persia and Rome.
Question: Where were the secret gatherings, sessions, and study circles of the Prophet (PBUH) mainly held?
Answer: Most of the Prophet’s (PBUH) educational and character-building gatherings were held at the house of Arqam in Mecca.
Question: How did the Prophet (PBUH) struggle during the 10 years of his public preaching?
Answer: During approximately 10 years of public preaching, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) criticized the dominant thoughts, prevailing beliefs, emotions, and governing systems of society, while presenting correct alternatives. This phase, along with the earlier secret phase of about 13 years, is known as the Meccan period.
Question: During these 13 years of the Meccan period, when the Prophet (PBUH) aimed to establish Islamic governance and implement Shariah, did he engage in any violent actions?
Answer: Throughout this Meccan period, while striving to lay the foundation of an Islamic state, the Prophet (PBUH) never resorted to violence. Instead, he actively prevented violent actions from occurring.
Question: What activities did the Prophet (PBUH) undertake during the approximately 10 years of governance in the Medinan period?
Answer: During his time in governance, the Prophet (PBUH) implemented Islamic principles within the Islamic state for those living under its rule. He also spread Islam beyond its borders through preaching and jihad across the Arabian Peninsula until he passed away.
Question: Were there Jews, Christians, or other non-Muslims living within the Islamic state of the Prophet (PBUH)?
Answer: Yes, Islam is a religion intended for all humanity and ensures security for both Muslims and non-Muslims. In the state of the Prophet (PBUH), Jews and Christians coexisted. Instead of zakat, which was required of Muslims, they were required to pay jizyah (a tax for non-Muslims under Islamic rule). The total duration of the Prophet’s (PBUH) prophethood was 23 years; he was appointed as a prophet at the age of 40 and, according to the widely accepted view, lived for 63 years.
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