By The LADO Group

بِسْمِاللَّهِالرَّحْمَنِالرَّحِيمِ

What is the reason for this paper? Why do we need a message for non-Muslims? Why do we need a message to Latinos? The whole purpose or existence of LADO (Latino American Dawah Organization) is the propagation of Islam to anyone interested. However, LADO’s emphasis is to show Islam to Hispanics or Latin Americans. Our basic mission is “… to promote Islam among the Latino community within the United States by becoming better-educated Muslims and by working with like-minded Muslims …”

From the beginning of recorded history, humanity has been seeking the meaning of life – Why are we here? Who am I? Where did we come from? Where are we going? What happens after death? Does another supernatural world exist? What is the purpose of my creation? Islam answers these questions and many more. For a run down, let’s start with the basics of Islam.

Basic Islamic beliefs (Aqeeda)

Five Pillars of Islam

1. The testimony of faith or the shahaadah (šhahadah, شهادة) is the first of the five pillars of Islam. “Shahaadah” means “to testify” or “to bear witness” in Arabic. The shahaadah is the Muslim declaration of belief in the oneness of God and in Muhammad as his final prophet. Recitation of the shahaadah is done publicly. It is said daily by Muslims. Merely saying this out loud and in public automatically makes one a Muslim. The declaration goes:

أشهد أن] لا إله إلاَّ الله و [أشهد أن] محمد رسول الله]

“I testify that there is nothing worthy of worship except God and that Muhammad is His messenger.”

2. Prayer (Salat, صلاة) – the establishment of five daily obligatory prayers is the second pillar of the Islamic creed. It is the ritual prayer practiced by Muslims in supplication to God. The salaat is compulsory upon all mature Muslims. In central and south Asian languages ​​such as Persian, Urdu, Hindi and Turkic languages ​​it is commonly known by the term namaz (نماز).

The purpose of salaat is primarily to act as an individual’s communion with God. It enables one to stand in front of God, thank and praise Him, and ask for Him to show one the “right path” (as mentioned in the opening chapter of the Quran “Suratul-Fatihah” [Chapter of Opening] which is recited in every prayer). In addition, the daily ritual prayers serve as a constant reminder to Muslims that they should be grateful for God’s blessings. It ensures that every Muslim prioritizes Islam over all other concerns, thereby revolving their life around God and submitting to His will. The salaat also serves as a formal method of God’s remembrance.

The salat is also mentioned as a means to keep the believer safe from social wrong and moral deviancy (Qur’an 29:45):

“Recite what has been sent down to you of the Book, and establish the prayer. Prayer forbids indecency and dishonor. The remembrance of Allah is greater, and God knows what you do.”

3. The paying of obligatory alms (Zakât, زكاة) is the third of the five pillars of Islam. It refers to spending a fixed portion of one’s wealth, which is generally 2.5% of the total savings, for the poor or needy, people whose hearts need to be reconciled, slaves, those in debt, those in the way of God, and the travelers in the society.

The basis of zakaat is given in the Qur’an: “Of their goods take alms, that so thou mightest purify and sanctify them; and pray on their behalf, verily thy prayers are a source of security for them.” (9: 103)

4. Fasting (Sawm, صوم) is the refraining from eating, drinking, smoking and for married couples, satisfying sexual needs from dawn to dusk in the month of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar.

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is specifically mentioned in three consecutive verses of the Qur’an:

“O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint.” (2: 183)

“(Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (Should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will, – it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew. ” (2: 184)

“Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. God intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful. ” (2: 185)

Prohibitions during Ramadan include not eating, drinking and having sexual intercourse between dawn (fajr), and sunset (maghrib). During Ramadan, Muslims are also expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam by refraining from violence, anger, envy, greed, lust, angry and / or sarcastic retorts, and gossip. Muslims should make an extra effort to get along with each other better than normal. All obscene and irreligious sights and sounds are to be avoided. Purity of both thought and action is important. The fast is an act of deeply personal worship in which Muslims seek a raised level of closeness to God. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities and its purpose being to cleanse your inner soul, and free it of harm.

Fasting during Ramadan is not obligatory for several groups for whom it would be excessively problematic. Children before the onset of puberty are not required to fast, though some do. Also some small children fast for half a day instead of a whole day so they get used to fasting. However, if puberty is delayed, fasting becomes obligatory for males and females after a certain age. According to Qur’an, if fasting would be dangerous to people’s health, such as to people with an illness or medical condition, and sometimes elderly people, they are excused. For example, diabetics and nursing or pregnant women usually are not expected to fast. According to Hadith, observing the Ramadan fast is not allowed for menstruating women. Other individuals for whom it is usually considered acceptable not to fast are those in battle, and travelers who intended to spend fewer than five days away from home. If one’s condition preventing fasting is only temporary, one is required to make up for the days missed after the month of Ramadan is over and before the next Ramadan arrives. If one’s condition is permanent or present for an extended amount of time, one may make up for the fast by feeding a needy person for every day missed.

The Islamic holiday of Eid ul-Fitr (عيد الفطر) marks the end of the Islamic fasting of the month of Ramadan. Eid ul-Fitr is known by various other names throughout the Muslim world as well.

5. Pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca is called Hajj (حج) and is the fifth of the Islamic pillars. This is done during the Islamic lunar month of Zul-Hijjah. It is compulsory once in a lifetime for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so.

In spite of some physical hardships, pilgrims who complete the Hajj consider it one of the greatest spiritual experiences of their lives. Many Muslims regard the Hajj as one of the great achievements of civilization because it brings together people from around the world and focuses them upon a single goal: the worship of God without pretensions to race or social status.

The Hajj rituals have a deep psychological significance for Muslims. The pilgrimage is usually a very profound experience for those who participate. When life is lived according to the precepts of the religion and the mind is in a suitable condition, the pilgrimage can spiritually transform the individual.

Six articles of belief

In the Hadith of Al-Muslim and Al-Bukhari, Muhammad (pbuh) the messenger of Almighty God explains: “That faith (or al-Imán)) is to affirm your faith in Allah, His angels, His revealed books, His messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe in the divine destiny whether good or bad. “

The six articles of the faith are:

1. Belief in God (Allah), the One. There is no one and nothing else worthy of worship (tawhid). Tawhid (توحيد) means the unity of God. It is the basic pillar on which all of Islam stands. Such is the importance of Tawhid that the following chapter of the Qur’an (112) is said to be 1/3 of the whole scripture:

“[1] Say: He, Allah, is One. [2] Allah is He on Whom all depend. [3] He begets not, nor is He begotten. [4] And none is like Him.”

Fakhrud-Din Ibn Asakir, a prominent scholar, in his book Brilliance of the Minarets wrote the following on Sunni creed:

Know, may Allah guide us and you, that it is obligatory upon every accountable person to know that Allah is the only God in His Dominion.

I have created the entire world, the upper and lower, the Arsh and Kursiyy, the heavens and earth, and what is in them and in between them. (See Surat al-Furqan, 2).

All the creation is subjugated to His Power. No speck moves except by His will. He has no manager for the creation with Him, and has no partner in Dominion. (See Surat at-Tawbah 129, Surat al-An’am 110, and Surat Az-Zumar, 62).

He is attributed with Life and is Qayyum (the Sustainer of All that exists). He is not seized by somnolence or sleep. (See Surat al-Baqarah, 255).

He is the One Who knows about the unforeseen and what is evidenced by His creation. Nothing on earth or in heaven is hidden from Him. He knows what is on land and in sea.

Not a leaf does fall but He knows about it. There is no grain in the darkness of earth, nor anything which is moist or dry but is inscribed in a clear Book. His Knowledge encompasses everything. He knows the count of all things. (See Surat al-Jinn, 28).

He does whatever He wills. He has the power to do whatever He wills. (See Surat Qaf, 29 and Surat at-Takwir, 29).

To Him is the Dominion and He needs none; to Him belong the Glory and Everlastingness. To Him are the Ruling and the Creating. He has the Names of Perfection. No one hinders what He decreed. No one prevents what He gives. He does in His dominion whatever He wills. He rules His creation with whatever He wills. (See Surat al-Ma’idah 120, Surat Adh-Dhariyat 58, Surat Fussilat 12, Surat ‘Al’ Imran 4, Surat al-‘Isra ’23, Surat adh-Dhariyat 56, Surat Yunus 99, and Surat al-Qasas 68).

He does not hope for reward and does not fear punishment. (See Surat adh-Dhariyat 57).

There is no right on Him that is binding, and no one exercises rule over Him. Every endowment from Him is due to His Generosity and every punishment from Him is just. He is not questioned about what He does, but they are questioned. (See Surat an-Nur 21 and Surat al-‘Anbiya ’23).

I have existed before the creation. He does not have a before or an after. He does not have an above or a below, a right or a left, an in front of or a behind, a whole or a part. (See Surat ash-Shura 11).

It must not be said: When was He? Or where was He? Or how is He? I have existed without a place. I have created the universe and willed for the existence of time. He is not bound to time and is not designated with place.

His management of one matter does not distract Him from another. Delusions do not apply to Him, and He is not encompassed by the mind. He is not conceivable in the mind. He is not imagined in the self nor pictured in delusions. He is not grasped with delusions or thoughts. (See Surat Yasin 82, Surat ash-Shura 11 and Surat al-Ikhlaas 112: 4).

The goal of Muslims is to obtain perfection in worship. There is a famous saying to attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, that we should worship God as if we can see Him. And, although we cannot see Him, Muslims undoubtedly believe He is constantly watching over us.

2. Belief in all of the Prophets (nabi) and Messengers (rusul) of God. Islamic tradition dictates that prophets were sent by God to every nation. Each prophet, with the exception of Muhammad (pbuh) was sent to convey God’s message to a specific group of people or nation. Muhammad’s mission is one for the whole of humanity.

The concept of prophecy in Islam is broader than Judaism and Christianity. Muslims distinguish between a “rasul” (a messenger) and a “nabi” (a prophet). Both are divinely inspired recipients of God’s revelation. However, messengers are given a message for a community in book form and, unlike prophets, are assured success by God. While all messengers are prophets, not all prophets are messengers. All prophets are held in high esteem and many are mentioned by name in the Qur’an. All prophets received wahi (revelation) from God. The revelations to the prophets who received a Sharia (divine code of life) were ultimately collected together in the form of a holy book. These prophets are also messengers.

The first prophet is Adam and the last prophet is Muhammad. Many prophets have titles by which they are called by. Muhammad’s (pbuh) title is Seal of the Prophets. Jesus’ (pbuh) title is Messiah and Word of God. Jesus is regarded as a prophet like others before him. He is one of the greatest prophets and like many Christians, Muslims believe that he was the result of a virgin birth. There are traditionally five prophets that are regarded as especially important in Islam: Noah (Nuh), Abraham (Ibrahim), Moses (Musa), Jesus (Isa) and Muhammad. Together these special prophets are known as Ulul Azmi (or the Resolute). There are many incidents and narratives from the lives of many prophets mentioned in the Qur’an. The Qur’an has a special focus and rhetorical emphasis on the careers of the first four of these five major prophets. Of all the figures before Muhammad, Moses is referred to most frequently in the Qur’an.

The Prophet Muhammad is the last Prophet sent to Humanity. He is the best example of the Muslim character. Much has been written about him. He has been consistently shown to have been sincere, truthful, courageous, wise, patient, forgiving, compassionate, humble, respectful, generous, grateful, and optimistic.

3. Belief in the Holy Scriptures (kutub) sent by God (including the Qur’an) is a fundamental tenet of Islam. The holy scriptures are the records that were dictated by God to prophets. They are the Suhuf-i-Ibrahim (the Scrolls of Abraham), the Tawrat (Torah), the Zabur (the Psalms), the Injil (the Gospel), and the Qur’an.

4. Belief in angelic beings (malaa’ika). In the Qur’an, angels are called “Malaa’ikah” (singular form is malak, similar to the Hebrew word mal’ach). The belief in angels is central to Islam. As with the Qur’an, it was dictated to the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) by the chief of all angels, the archangel Gabriel (Jibreel). Angels are the agents of revelation in Islam.

In Islam, angels are benevolent beings created from light and do not possess free will. They are completely devoted to the worship of God and carry out certain functions on His command, such as recording every human being’s actions, placing a soul in a newborn child, maintaining certain environmental conditions of the planet (such as nurturing vegetation and distributing the rain ) and taking the soul at the time of death. Angels are described as being beautiful and having different numbers of wings (Gabriel is attributed as having 600 wings in his natural form, for example). They have no gender. They can take on human form but only in appearance. As such, angels do not eat, procreate or commit without as humans do.

According to the majority of Islamic scholars, angels are incapable of committing sin and therefore cannot fall from grace. Satan, who is described as a fallen angel by Christians, is considered a separate entity made of fire. These are called jinn. The jinn, such as Satan, can choose to do evil because they have free-will. In Islam, Satan is not considered as a fallen angel. The following Quranic verse states this succinctly:

“And when We said to the Angels; ‘Prostrate yourselves unto Adam.’ So they prostrated themselves except Iblis. He was one of the jinn … “(Surat Al-Kahf, 18:50).

Angels, unlike the fiery nature of jinn, are beings of goodness and cannot choose to disobey God, nor do they possess the ability to do evil.

The angels have various functions. The archangel Gabriel is credited with sending the message of God to all the Prophets (including the Psalms, Torah, other books from the Bible and the Qur’an). Other angels include Michael who discharges control of vegetation and rain, Israfil (Sarafiel) will blow the trumpet at the Day of Resurrection, and Azrael, the angel of death. The angels Nakir and Munkar are assigned to interrogate the dead before Judgment Day; and there are nineteen angels over-seeing the punishments of hell unflinchingly (Surat Al-Muddaththir, 74:30). There are eight massive angels that support the Throne of God (Surat Al-Haaqqa, 69:17). Every human being is assigned two angels to write a record of all actions done by the individual throughout their life, which will be used in evidence for or against the person by God on the Day of Judgment.

Humans do not turn into angels upon death as is commonly thought nowadays. Rather they are physically resurrected in body and soul to be judged by God on judgment day. This brings us to our next point.

5. Belief in the Day of Judgment and in the Resurrection (life after death). Yawm al-Qiyamah (يوم القيامة literally “Day of the Resurrection”) is the Last Judgment in Islam. Belief in Qiyࢠmah is a fundamental tenet of faith in Islam. The trials and tribulations associated with it are detailed in both the Qur’an and the Hadith. There are many commentaries of Islamic expositors and scholarly authorities such as al-Ghazali, Ibn Kathir, Ibn Majah, Muhammad al-Bukhari, and Ibn Khuzaimah who explain Qiyamah in detail. Every human, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, is held accountable for his or her deeds and are judged by Allah (God) accordingly (Qur’an 74.38). Al-Qiyࢠmah is also the name of the 75th Sura or chapter of the Qur’an.

Qiyamah is known by many names. It is called “Day of the Resurrection” in the Holy Qur’an 71:18. It is also known as “the Hour” (Qur’an 31:34, 74:47), “Day of the Account” (Qur’an 72: 130), “Day of Gathering,” “Day of Reckoning,” and “Day of Distress” (Qur’an 74: 9).

At a time unknown to man but preordained, when people least expect it, Allah will give permission for the Qiyࢠmah to begin. The archangel Israfil, referred to as the Caller, will sound a horn sending out a “Blast of Truth” (Qur’an 50: 37-42, 69: 13-18, 74: 8, 78:18). This event is also found in Jewish eschatology, in the Jewish belief of “The Day of the Blowing of the Shofar” found in Ezekiel 33: 6

The Qu’ran mentions the duration of the Qiyamah as 50,000 years. Maulana Muhammad Ali interprets this verse (ayat) as, “… A day of the spiritual advancement of man is spoken of as being equal to fifty thousand years to show immense vastness of that advancement. Or, the day of fifty thousand years may be the day of final triumph of Truth in the world, from the time when revelation was first granted to man. “

During judgment, a man’s or a woman’s own book of deeds will be opened, and they will be apprised of every action they did and every word they spoke (Qur’an 54: 52-53). Actions taken during childhood are not judged. The account of deeds is so detailed that the man or woman will wonder at how comprehensive the account is. Even minor and trivial deeds are included. When the Hour is at hand, some will deny that al-Qiyࢠmah is taking place and will be warned that al-Qiyࢠmah precedes the Day of Pining (distress) (Qur’an 30: 55-57, 19:39 ). If one denies a deed he or she committed, or refuses to acknowledge it, his or her body parts will testify against him or her.

Throughout judgment, however, the underlying principle is that of a complete and perfect justice administered by Allah. The accounts of judgment are also replete with the emphasis that Allah is merciful and forgiving, and that mercy and forgiveness will be granted on that day insofar as it is merited.

The coming of the Mahdi (“the divinely guided one”) will precede the Second Coming of Jesus (‘Isa). It is agreed that ‘Isa (Jesus) and the Mahdi will work together to fight evil in the world and to cement justice on Earth.

“Even if the entire duration of the world’s existence has already been exhausted and only one day is left before Qiyama (Day of Judgment), Allah will expand that day to such a length of time, as to accommodate the kingdom of a person out of my Ahlul Bayt (family) who will be called by my name. He will then fill out the earth with peace and justice as it will have been full of injustice and tyranny before then. “
Sahih Tirmidhi, V2, P86, V9, P74-75.

6. Belief in Destiny (Fate) (qadar). Qadar is usually translated as “predestination” in the English language. It is a rendering of the belief called al-qada wal-qadar in Arabic. The phrase means “the divine decree and the predestination.” This phrase reflects the Muslim belief that God has measured out the span of every person’s life, their lot in life whether good or bad, and whether they will follow the straight and righteous path or not. This is why when Muslims refer to the future, they will say the phrase “Insha’Allah,” or “if God wills.” This is also found in Spanish – “ojalá” and “si Dios quiere.” The phrase recognizes that human knowledge of the future is limited and that all that may or may not come to pass is under the control of God.

Muslims believe that the divine destiny was written down in the Preserved Tablet (al-Lawhul-Mahfuz) by God and that all that has happened and will happen and which will come to pass is written. Many westerners have a problem with this concept because it is misunderstood. According to this belief, a person’s action is not caused by what is written in the Preserved Tablet but rather the action is written in the Preserved Tablet because God knows what the person’s nature will cause them to do.

Another perspective asserts that God is Omniscient and therefore has foreknowledge of all possible futures. With divine power, God then also deems which futures will be allowed and man’s choice is between those possibilities approved by God.
Misconceptions

Is Islam an Arab religion?

Only about 12% of the world’s Muslims are Arabs. There are more Muslims in Indonesia, for example, than in all Arab countries combined. Large populations of Muslims also live in India, China, other parts of Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. There are also significant Muslim populations in Europe.

Arabs belong to many religions, however, including Islam, Christianity, Druze, Judaism and others. There are further distinctions within each of these, and some religious groups have evolved new identities and faith practices outside of the Middle East. One must be careful to distinguish religion from culture. Although Arabs are connected by language and culture, they have different faiths. Common misperceptions are to think that Arab traditions are Islamic, or that Islam unifies all Arabs. Most Arabs are Muslim but most Arabs outside of the Middle East are Catholic or Orthodox Christians, for example.

Islam and Terrorism

When a gunman attacks a mosque in the name of Judaism, a Catholic IRA guerrilla sets off a bomb in an urban area, or Serbian Orthodox militiamen rape and kill innocent Muslim civilians, these acts are not used to stereotype an entire faith. Never are these acts attributed to the religion of the perpetrators. Yet how many times have we heard the words ‘Islamic or Muslim fundamentalist’ etc. linked with violence?

It should be clear that to use the term “Muslim terrorist” or “Islamic terrorist” or whatever is favored nowadays is an oxymoron. By killing innocent civilians, a Muslim is committing a tremendous sin. The very phrase is offensive and demeaning of Islam. It should be avoided. As the general level of awareness and understanding of Islam increases, it is hoped that people will keep “terrorism” and “Islam” separate from each other.

The Holy Qur’an, the word of God, teaches us a number of things with regards to human life:

“Nor take life – which Allah has made sacred – except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have given his heir authority (to demand retaliation or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life , for he is helped (by the Law). ” Qur’an 17:33

“If they seek peace, then seek you peace. And trust in Allah for He is the One that heareth and knoweth all things.” Quran 8:61

“Whoever kills a soul, unless for a soul, or for corruption done in the land, it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one, it is as if he had saved mankind entirely” Qur’an 5:32

If when one analyzes the situation, the question that should come to mind is: Do the teachings of Islam encourage terrorism? The answer: Certainly not! Islam unequivocally forbids the terrorist acts that are carried out by some misguided people. They are totally against the norms of Islam. It should be remembered that all religions have cults and misguided followers, so it is their teachings that should be looked at, not the actions of a few individuals.

Muslims and the Media

In many cases, the press seems to prefer to publish or air images of people who look different and/or exotic. In trying obtain a more interesting image, they may emphasize the difference between Muslims and non-Muslims. There is actually much variety among Muslims, though. Most American Muslims do not wear traditional clothing, for example. News organizations whose collective reports give the impression that American Muslims generally dress differently than non-Muslim Americans are being inaccurate. This is also the case in the Muslim world as well.

Then there is the problem of what passes for news. Many times people’s opinions are what count as newsworthy items. Some of these people may include so-called ‘experts’ who have an agenda or an ax to grind. This is particularly the case since 11-09-2001. What Muslims would like to see portrayed in the media is fairness, accuracy, and responsibility.

Like many groups, Muslims say that reporters stay away unless there is a problem to report, or if there is a national or global crisis for which they want reaction. This keeps people out of sight except when they are associated with trouble. The solution is to cover Muslims consistently and continuously. By paying attention to what this community says is significant, reporters can offer deeper and fuller coverage. An example of this is how a spate of hate crimes against Muslims and mosque desecration is on the rise the world over but hardly any reporting makes it into news broadcasts.

Islamic Spain

Al-Andalus or Andalusia (Spanish: Andalucía) was the Arabic name given to those parts of the Iberian Peninsula governed by Muslims from 711 to 1492. It refers to the Governorate (ca. 711- 740), the Emirate (750-929) , the Caliphate of Cordoba (929-1031) and its taifa successor kingdoms.

Prior to the arrival of the Moors, the Visigothic rivals of King Roderic had gathered along with Arians (followers of Arius; an early Christian sect) and Jews fleeing forced conversions at the hands of the Catholic bishops who controlled the Visigothic monarchy. The Egyptian historian Ibn Abdel-Hakim relates that Roderic’s vassal, Julian, count of Ceuta had sent one of his daughters to the Visigothic court at Toledo for education and that Roderic had impregnated her. After learning of this, he made his way to Qayrawan (in modern day Tunisia) and requested the assistance of Musa ibn Nusayr, the Muslim governor in North Africa. Power politics and a personal vendetta may have played a larger part, as Julian and other notable families were extremely discontented with the existing status quo in the Visigothic kingdom. In exchange for lands in Spain, Julian promised ships to carry Ibn Nusayr’s troops across the Strait of Hercules (Strait of Gibraltar). Hence the ‘invasion’ was more of an invitation.

Under the command of Tariq ibn Ziyad, a small force landed in Gibraltar on April 30, 711. After a decisive victory at the Battle of Guadalete on July 19, 711, Tariq ibn-Ziyad brought most of the Iberian Peninsula under Muslim occupation in a seven-year campaign. They moved northeast across the Pyrenees and into France but were defeated by the Frank Charles Martel at the Battle of Poitiers in 732. The Iberian peninsula, except for the Kingdom of Asturias, became part of the expanding Umayyad empire, under the name of al- Andalus. This was the start of nearly eight centuries of Islamic rule in Spain from 711-1492. Muslim influence in Spain extended until at least 1614, however.

Things did not remain under Moorish control, though. Slowly the Christian reconquest (commonly referred to as La Reconquista) of Spain was under way. In 1236 the Christian Reconquista led to the conquer of the last Islamic stronghold of Granada under Mohammed ibn Alhamar to the Christian forces of Ferdinand III of Castile. From there on Granada became a vassal state to the Christian kingdom for the next 250 years until January 2, 1492 when the last Muslim leader Boabdil (Abu Abdillah) of Granada surrendered complete control of the remnants of the last Moorish stronghold Granada, to Ferdinand and Isabella, Los Reyes Catà ³licos (“The Catholic Monarchs”). The Portuguese Reconquista culminated in 1249 with the subjugation of Algarve (Arabic: al-Gharb, the extreme west) by Afonso III.

At first the Muslims were promised freedom of religious practice. They were called Mudejars (from the Arabic word Mudajjan, meaning tame or domesticated. It was a derogatory term for Muslims living under Christian rule). In 1499 the primate of Spain, Ximénez de Cisneros, arrived in Granada and was soon applying strong pressure on the Muslims to become Christian. About 50,000 Moors in Granada were coerced by Cardinal Cisneros into mass baptisms and conversion. They were given the option: they must convert or leave. Many chose to leave even though they could not take their properties with them. These refugees found their way to various parts of the world including Latin America (see below) as well as the various countries in North Africa, Mali, Sicily and Turkey. Soon after, an uprising followed known as the First Rebellion of the Alpujarras. In 1526 the Inquisitor General moved to Granada to speed things up. But the process dragged on for years with many Muslims pretending conversion (taqiyya) to survive. They were called Moriscos (Moor-like). People who refused the choices of baptism or deportation to Africa were systematically eliminated.

Serious uprisings began in the Alpujarras (Arabic: al-Bajara, literally The Highlands) mountains near Granada; one was so long and well fought that Philip II of Spain finally had to call in Austrians to help him put an end to it. What followed was a mass exodus of Moors, Jews and Gitanos (Gypsies) from Granada. They left the city and the villages to the mountain regions (and their surrounding hills) and the rural country. In time, Cisneros reported that “There is now no one in the city who is not a Christian, and all the mosques are churches.” Eventually, between 1609 and 1614, Spain gave expulsion orders to the Moriscos. Only six percent were to be allowed to stay, most of who were children and their mothers, and some 250,000 to 500,000 Moriscos were driven out. The Muslims were never to be heard of again in Spain until recent times. To this day, many of the descendants of the Moriscos within Morocco still own the keys to their ancient homes within Spain.

Islam in Latin America

Islam came to the Americas via three routes. The first, which is contentious, was before Columbus. The second was the immigration of refugees escaping the Catholic Inquisition. The third was the enslavement of Muslims, mostly Africans.

In his book, “They Came Before Columbus,” Professor Ivan Van Sertima argues that African and Arab Muslims as well as others knew of the New World before Columbus set sail. Indeed, he offers intriguing facts to argue his point such as linguistic cues within Native American languages. The Taino Indians (the Native Americans of the larger Caribbean islands) of Hispaniola (today’s Dominican Republic and Haiti) reported that a black-skinned people had previously come before Columbus with spears tipped with a metal alloy called gua-nin. The alloy was found to have a similar composition to those found in the West African nation of Guinea. The very word, gua-nin, appears to have come from one of the West African tribes: Fula, Mandingo, Bambara, Mande, Kabunga or others that share linguistic traits.

Van Sertima and others also argue that cultural dissemination was facilitated because many Native Americans were not so different from the Muslim explorers, allowing more than one wife, being very religious but at the same tolerant, and being keen on learning new things. Some tribes are said to have even worn turbans and hijab- like dresses. Indeed, the very myth of the god Quetzalcoatl returning from a distant land in the west may have been inspired by Muslim explorers. Quetzalcoatl was described as being white or wearing white (there are many contradicting traditions relating to this – white was and is a common color worn by Muslims) and having a beard (which is a strange description considering that many Native American tribes are literally beardless) .

The Moorish Muslims also came to the New World escaping the Inquisition. Many came quite legally being that lots were forced to convert to Catholicism. At first, their conversions were taken for granted and thought of a genuine which is why they had leeway to travel. Later, their travel was restricted because many of the conversions were false-conversions or conversions made in order to survive (taqiyya). As early as 1503, Nicolás de Ovando, the royal governor of Hispaniola, requested of Queen Isabela the banning of slaves with the knowledge of Portuguese and Spanish, specifically Jews and Muslims, who “were a source of scandal to the Indians and caused some to flee their owners “to establish Maroon communities in the mountains. In 1543, a royal decree was passed forbidding Gypsies, Jews, Moors and Protestants from immigrating to the New World. In 1574, Las Leyes y Ordenanzas Reales de las Indias del Mar Oceano – The Royal Laws and Ordinances of the Indies of the Ocean Sea – insisted that “all Berbers, male and female slaves, as well as Moors recently converted to Christianity, including their children, should be expelled from the Indies. ” After such laws were enacted to prevent free movement, these Muslims came to the New World illegally. The dissemination of these laws indicates that a significant amount of Mudejars were already living in the Spanish colonies. Many of these Muslims were helped by their Christian comrades, however, because of their (the Muslims’) superior naval knowledge. In a world hungry for knowledge, they were a sought after commodity. In 1574, Las Leyes y Ordenanzas Reales de las Indias del Mar Oceano – The Royal Laws and Ordinances of the Indies of the Ocean Sea – insisted that “all Berbers, male and female slaves, as well as Moors recently converted to Christianity, including their children, should be expelled from the Indies. ” After such laws were enacted to prevent free movement, these Muslims came to the New World illegally. The dissemination of these laws indicates that a significant amount of Mudejars were already living in the Spanish colonies. Many of these Muslims were helped by their Christian comrades, however, because of their (the Muslims’) superior naval knowledge. In a world hungry for knowledge, they were a sought after commodity. In 1574, Las Leyes y Ordenanzas Reales de las Indias del Mar Oceano – The Royal Laws and Ordinances of the Indies of the Ocean Sea – insisted that “all Berbers, male and female slaves, as well as Moors recently converted to Christianity, including their children, should be expelled from the Indies. ” After such laws were enacted to prevent free movement, these Muslims came to the New World illegally. The dissemination of these laws indicates that a significant amount of Mudejars were already living in the Spanish colonies. Many of these Muslims were helped by their Christian comrades, however, because of their (the Muslims’) superior naval knowledge. In a world hungry for knowledge, they were a sought after commodity. Las Laws y Ordenanzas Reales de las Indias del Mar Oceano – The Royal Laws and Ordinances of the Indies of the Ocean Sea – insisted that “all Berbers, male and female slaves, as well as Moors recently converted to Christianity, including their children, should be expelled from the Indies. ” After such laws were enacted to prevent free movement, these Muslims came to the New World illegally. The dissemination of these laws indicates that a significant amount of Mudejars were already living in the Spanish colonies. Many of these Muslims were helped by their Christian comrades, however, because of their (the Muslims’) superior naval knowledge. In a world hungry for knowledge, they were a sought after commodity. Las Laws y Ordenanzas Reales de las Indias del Mar Oceano – The Royal Laws and Ordinances of the Indies of the Ocean Sea – insisted that “all Berbers, male and female slaves, as well as Moors recently converted to Christianity, including their children, should be expelled from the Indies. ” After such laws were enacted to prevent free movement, these Muslims came to the New World illegally. The dissemination of these laws indicates that a significant amount of Mudejars were already living in the Spanish colonies. Many of these Muslims were helped by their Christian comrades, however, because of their (the Muslims’) superior naval knowledge. In a world hungry for knowledge, they were a sought after commodity. The dissemination of these laws indicates that a significant amount of Mudejars were already living in the Spanish colonies. Many of these Muslims were helped by their Christian comrades, however, because of their (the Muslims’) superior naval knowledge. In a world hungry for knowledge, they were a sought after commodity. The dissemination of these laws indicates that a significant amount of Mudejars were already living in the Spanish colonies. Many of these Muslims were helped by their Christian comrades, however, because of their (the Muslims’) superior naval knowledge. In a world hungry for knowledge, they were a sought after commodity.

The Spanish administration brought to the New World a fanatical fascination with race. These they termed castes or castes. So- called pureblooded Spaniards were almost guaranteed high-ranking positions or access to them but any hint of mixed blood was looked down upon. Different ethnic groups were looked on as dangerous, immoral, uncivil, and prone to sin. Gradually, a racial classification system evolved. They included such common terms as mulatto and mestizo. The racial categories, however, also included Moriscos, Albinos (the offspring of one Morisco parent and one Spanish parent), Lobos (the offspring of several races including Moriscos) as well as several others. The casta or racial system was systematized in the 16th and 17th centuries, which goes to show that the Moors were still active in this period in the New World.

Slaves from various stock also reinforced the hidden Islamic culture prevalent in the early colonization of the New World. Berbers, Moors, East and Sub-Saharan Africans made it to the New World bound in chains. Of the Sub-Saharan African Muslims, various tribal groupings survived the treacherous trek to the New World. Some such tribes were the Mandingo, Hausa, Bambara, Yoruba, Mande, Kabunga, Kankana, Toranka, and Vei just to name a few. Laws and royal decrees were also enacted to prevent particular tribes of African Muslims from coming to the New World because of their objectionable (to the Spaniards) influence on other African slaves. Many of the slave revolts that occurred in the colonies were due to these African Muslims organizing for their freedom. It was because of unscrupulous slave traders, however, that many of these decrees and ordinances were ignored.

Unfortunately, the Islamic practices of the slaves, ‘new Christians’ and freed caste peoples was eventually eradicated. Centuries of regularized assaults on the religious convictions of these people made it difficult for the transmission of Islamic knowledge to pass from generation to generation. Up until recently, with the immigration of Muslims to the New World again, most knowledge of an Islamic distinction was lost. Some peculiar Islamic cultural holdovers (such as the prohibition of eating pork, wearing the scarf and mantilla, attending church on Fridays, etc) may have remained until this day, however. The eradication of Islam took centuries, though, and the memory of Islam was not wiped out overnight. As it beats as 1835, the African Muslims in Brazil (known as Males) conducted the largest slave revolt in the Americas which culminated with more than 500 being sentenced to death, prison, whippings, and deportation. Even as late as 1910, the Brazilian government counted an estimated 100,000 African Muslims living there.

How did Islam come to benefit and influence our lives today?

Erudite traditions, diverse inventions and cultural innovations were passed onto the West by Muslims. This happened particularly through Spain where scholars from the rest of Europe would come to study. The idea of ​​a school “graduation,” from which we all take part of nowadays when our studies finish, complete with cap and gown (tunic and skullcap) is in complete imitation of the Muslims. Another innovation is the use of symbols for numbers instead of the clumsy Roman system of letters. They were adapted from the numbers used in India by Muslims. We can thank the Muslims for the use of paper. Although a Chinese invention, its use was spread throughout the world because of Muslims. Who doesn’t wake up in the morning to the smell of coffee? Some people cannot make it through the day without it. The use of coffee is one particular ‘Saracen’ habit that the world has yet to acknowledge. A host of diverse topics never heard of in Europe were studied: zoology, sociology, and algebra, to name a few, thanks to Muslims. A noteworthy effect on Europe that helped bring about the renaissance was the translation and transmission of classical and philosophical works and ideas from ancient Greece (as well as Persia, India and China). Muslims also brought foreign foods (fruits and vegetables) and spices with them which they introduced to Europe. The list of things they brought and did for Europe is enormous and can go on and on. They were directly responsible for bringing Europe out of the dark ages and into the Renaissance which in turn brought us into the industrial revolution and the modern age. habit that the world has yet to acknowledge. A host of diverse topics never heard of in Europe were studied: zoology, sociology, and algebra, to name a few, thanks to Muslims. A noteworthy effect on Europe that helped bring about the renaissance was the translation and transmission of classical and philosophical works and ideas from ancient Greece (as well as Persia, India and China). Muslims also brought foreign foods (fruits and vegetables) and spices with them which they introduced to Europe. The list of things they brought and did for Europe is enormous and can go on and on. They were directly responsible for bringing Europe out of the dark ages and into the Renaissance which in turn brought us into the industrial revolution and the modern age. habit that the world has yet to acknowledge. A host of diverse topics never heard of in Europe were studied: zoology, sociology, and algebra, to name a few, thanks to Muslims. A noteworthy effect on Europe that helped bring about the renaissance was the translation and transmission of classical and philosophical works and ideas from ancient Greece (as well as Persia, India and China). Muslims also brought foreign foods (fruits and vegetables) and spices with them which they introduced to Europe. The list of things they brought and did for Europe is enormous and can go on and on. They were directly responsible for bringing Europe out of the dark ages and into the Renaissance which in turn brought us into the industrial revolution and the modern age. A host of diverse topics never heard of in Europe were studied: zoology, sociology, and algebra, to name a few, thanks to Muslims. A noteworthy effect on Europe that helped bring about the renaissance was the translation and transmission of classical and philosophical works and ideas from ancient Greece (as well as Persia, India and China). Muslims also brought foreign foods (fruits and vegetables) and spices with them which they introduced to Europe. The list of things they brought and did for Europe is enormous and can go on and on. They were directly responsible for bringing Europe out of the dark ages and into the Renaissance which in turn brought us into the industrial revolution and the modern age. A host of diverse topics never heard of in Europe were studied: zoology, sociology, and algebra, to name a few, thanks to Muslims. A noteworthy effect on Europe that helped bring about the renaissance was the translation and transmission of classical and philosophical works and ideas from ancient Greece (as well as Persia, India and China). Muslims also brought foreign foods (fruits and vegetables) and spices with them which they introduced to Europe. The list of things they brought and did for Europe is enormous and can go on and on. They were directly responsible for bringing Europe out of the dark ages and into the Renaissance which in turn brought us into the industrial revolution and the modern age. A noteworthy effect on Europe that helped bring about the renaissance was the translation and transmission of classical and philosophical works and ideas from ancient Greece (as well as Persia, India and China). Muslims also brought foreign foods (fruits and vegetables) and spices with them which they introduced to Europe. The list of things they brought and did for Europe is enormous and can go on and on. They were directly responsible for bringing Europe out of the dark ages and into the Renaissance which in turn brought us into the industrial revolution and the modern age. A noteworthy effect on Europe that helped bring about the renaissance was the translation and transmission of classical and philosophical works and ideas from ancient Greece (as well as Persia, India and China). Muslims also brought foreign foods (fruits and vegetables) and spices with them which they introduced to Europe. The list of things they brought and did for Europe is enormous and can go on and on. They were directly responsible for bringing Europe out of the dark ages and into the Renaissance which in turn brought us into the industrial revolution and the modern age. Muslims also brought foreign foods (fruits and vegetables) and spices with them which they introduced to Europe. The list of things they brought and did for Europe is enormous and can go on and on. They were directly responsible for bringing Europe out of the dark ages and into the Renaissance which in turn brought us into the industrial revolution and the modern age. Muslims also brought foreign foods (fruits and vegetables) and spices with them which they introduced to Europe. The list of things they brought and did for Europe is enormous and can go on and on. They were directly responsible for bringing Europe out of the dark ages and into the Renaissance which in turn brought us into the industrial revolution and the modern age.

Other ways they have influenced us, specifically people of Hispanic descent, are through culture and language. Even after 400 years of the last known Moriscos being heard from, people of Hispanic heritage can boast having Moorish blood as many of their last names attest. Old Arabic names still survive with us to this day, such as Alameda (al-Muwatta), Baez (Bayás), Cid (Sayyid), Guadalupe (Wadi al-Lupus), Medina (Madinah), Toledo (Tulayta), etc. There are literally dozens upon dozens of Arabic surnames among Hispanics. There are also customs that are (or were) customs attributable to the Moors, for example, the saying and refrain ‘mi casa es su casa (my home is your home),’ ‘go con Dios (go with God),’ ‘ if God wants (God willing), ” I wish (God willing), ‘etc. There are other Moorish concepts and ideas that are still part of Hispanic culture such as the idea ‘vergüenza’ which is a mixture of honor and shame. The idea is originally an Arab concept called “‘ar.” Other concepts are those of measurements which are still in use today in many countries. Some of these measurements are the ‘arrelde’ and ‘arroba’ – their Arabic equivalents are ‘ar-Ratl’ and ‘ar-Rub’ah.’ Lots of people nowadays resent Muslims, however, if you think of it – where would we truly be without them? Other concepts are those of measurements which are still in use today in many countries. Some of these measurements are the ‘arrelde’ and ‘arroba’ – their Arabic equivalents are ‘ar-Ratl’ and ‘ar-Rub’ah.’ Lots of people nowadays resent Muslims, however, if you think of it – where would we truly be without them? Other concepts are those of measurements which are still in use today in many countries. Some of these measurements are the ‘arrelde’ and ‘arroba’ – their Arabic equivalents are ‘ar-Ratl’ and ‘ar-Rub’ah.’ Lots of people nowadays resent Muslims, however, if you think of it – where would we truly be without them?

Latino Muslims Today

Latino Muslims come from all walks of life. Most choose Islam as a way of life because they like the simplicity of just praying directly to God instead of an intercessor. If you ask a Latino Muslim why they chose Islam, they will invariably say “because it’s the truth.” Conversion is personal thing, of course, and many factors may influence why a personal chooses Islam.

Islam among Latinos has a long history of which we touched upon here. Today, there are approximately six million Muslims in Latin America. There are about 1½ million Muslims in Brazil and close to a million more in Argentina. The rest are scattered throughout Latin America. In the United States, there are anywhere from 100 thousand to 200 thousand Muslims of Hispanic descent. Hispanic Muslims are made up of people who converted to Islam or were born to converts of Islam as well as Muslim who were born to the faith from immigrants to Latin American countries.

Islam is a brotherhood – a brotherhood of believers. Islam is a universal brotherhood that transcends all brotherhoods (see Surat al-Hujurat 49:10). Islam is the truth. In fact, Islam is a guidance and a mercy to humanity from God. It teaches truth, justice, mercy, unity and equality (see Holy Qur’an 112: 1-4, 17:54, 59:10 and 16:97 respectively). The goals of Islam are simple: belief in the One God and obedience to Him, the brotherhood of humanity, justice and the protection of people’s rights.

Conclusion

To conclude, this message is an invitation to Islam – an invitation for a better world society. This message is not intended solely to Latinos – this message is for all humanity. All of the world’s problems (drug addiction, promiscuity, poverty, robbery, corruption, etc) have a solution in Islam. Look into your hearts – is there something missing? Discover Islam – it can help fill the gap. This message is from our Creator – verily, He does not need us but we are always in need of Him.

“O humankind! It is you who stand in need of God, whereas He alone is self-sufficient, the One to whom all praise is due.” The Holy Quran 35:15.

Notes:

Al-Djazairi, SE, “The Hidden Debt to Islamic Civilization” Bayt Al-Hikma Press 2005 ISBN # 0-9551156-1-2

Boyd Thatcher, John, “Christopher Columbus, His Life, His work, His Remains” GP Putnam & Sons 1903

Esposito, John L., “Islam: The Straight Path” Ed. Oxford University Press 2005

Esposito, John L., “Oxford Dictionary of Islam” Ed. Oxford University Press. 2003.

Gomez, Michael, “Black Crescent: The Experience and Legacy of African Muslims in the Americas” New York University Press, ISBN # 0-521-60079-0

Harvey, Leonard Patrick, “Islamic Spain, 1250 to 1500” Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1992. ISBN 0-226-31962-8.

Kennedy, Hugh, “Muslim Spain and Portugal: A Political History of al-Andalus” Longman 1996 ISBN 0-582-49515-6

Latino American Dawah Organization, Muslim Organizations in Latin America www.LatinoDawah.org & www.HispanicMuslims.com

Lovejoy, Paul E, “Muslim Encounters with Slavery in Brazil” New York University, ISBN # 1-55876-378-3

Luscombe, David, “The New Cambridge Medieval History: Volume 4” Cambridge University Press 2004 ISBN # 0-521-41411-3

Manuela, Marin, “The Formation of Al-Andalus: History and Society” Ashgate 1998 ISBN 0-86078-708-7

Menocal, Maria Rosa, “Ornament of the World: How Muslims, Jews, and Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain” Back Bay Books 2002 ISBN 0-316-16871-8

Netanyahu, Benzion, “The Origins Of The Inquisition In Fifteenth Century Spain” Random House, Inc. 1995 ISBN 0-679-41065-1

Olson, Christa Johanna, “The Construction and Depiction of Race in Colonial Mexico” http://institutohemisferico.org

Reis, Joao Jose, “Slave Rebellion in Brazil: The Muslim Uprising of 1835 in Bahia” John Hopkins University Press, London 1993

Sanchez-Albornoz, Claudio, “The Islam of Spain and the West” Madrid 1974

Saudi Aramco World, “The Islamic Connection” May / June 2004 www.SaudiAramcoWorld.com

Saudi Aramco World, “The Second Flowering: Art of the Mudejars” January / February 1993 www.SaudiAramcoWorld.com

Van Buren, Thomas, “Transnational Music and Dance in the Dominican Republic”

Van Sertima, Ivan, “The Came Before Columbus” Random House 2003