In The Name Of Allah
Most Merciful Most Gracious
Introduction
One
of the most critical questions in modern ages is: What is Islam? And do all
humanity understand and realize its ultimate massage and call? The answer on
those questions, among others, is not an easy task, but the endeavor to reach
and touch the line of truth about Islam must not stop. Some Muslims assume that they have utmost comprehension of the massage of their own religion;
while other Muslims claim they have a better understanding of Islam's teachings
and purposes. In fact, This continuous debate must be viewed as a positive
aspect for Islam, as long as every one starts rightfully from the Holy Qur'an and Sunnah references.
Likewise, this inspection will surely lead to healthful richness of Islam
according to Holy Qur'an and distinguished Sunnah of the Prophet -peace and
blessings of Allah be upon him. Therefore, we intend, by forming down this blog,
to highlight on one of the important pillars of Islam, which is life, way of
thinking and actions of the Prophet Muhammed -peace and blessings of Allah be
upon him- which constitutes the second source of Islamic laws and legislation.
Nevertheless, it is essential to point out
the main obstacle of conveying the exact image of the Prophet Muhammed -peace
and blessings of Allah be upon him- properly
and accurately. The obstacle is, of course, the issues of religious translation.
Actually, there is an unsolved debate among Arab translators whether to use Transliteration
when translating Islamic texts, terms and definitions, as a necessity for their
special holiness and sacredness, or
to translate those special words and phrases according to translation usual
rules. For example, when the name of God (Allah) is translated or
transliterated like this, are we certain that non-Muslim reader grasp the exact
meaning of the word? Or would he/she perhaps misunderstand the concept thinking
that Muslims have a special kind of divine entity different than other
religions? Moreover, we have words such as Salaat (where the common mistake is
to translate it as "prayers" because it has a specific defining rule
and conception), and Zakat (which is translating it as "alms" or as "charitable
money payed to the poor" do not convey its exact meaning). This issue makes religious translation more
problematic than it looks, particularly translating Islamic texts and phrases. However,
non-Muslim readers can link any of those terms (i.e. the transliterated ones)
to reality, if they make an effort in realization of their actual applications
and how they are practiced or viewed. unfortunately, It is not an easy process,
but we encourage deeper researches and real realization of the exact meaning of
them. Besides, these efforts -if needed- are required for emergence of Islamic
terms in global languages, and that must be considered as a positive
interaction worldwide. But, any way, we will truthfully try making an effort to explain
what we think needs interpretation elaboration.
Finally, I must clarify that I will
translate selective articles from the blog The Prophet of peace
written by Dr. Muhammed Ahmad Al-Mubaiydh, who published many books such as Peace
Culture: The Mentality and The Reality Desired, Peace Culture Of
Islam Prophet, The Prophet Of Mercy, and many other books, and I shall cooperate vastly with him in order to present this blog in the most suitable and rightful manner about the prophet of Islam for English readers, whether Muslims or non-Muslims. So the
above mentioned blog derives its articles mainly from those books by Dr. Al-Mubaiydh, where he has written them about Prophet Muhammed -peace and blessings of Allah be upon
him- which will be translated here -by Allah willing- along unlimited time, to
the best of my knowledge and ability. In addition, I and Dr. Al-Mubaiydh
welcome any suggestions, comments, criticism or even worthy corrections for the aim of rendering this blog more effective and clear for delivering its noble
purposes. So help me God.
"And my guidance can not come except
from Allah, in Him I trust and unto Him I repent" Hud: 88
{وَمَا تَوْفِيقِي إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْهِ
أُنِيبُ} هود: 88
Faisal
Kareem
