ALLAH'S GUIDANCE TO MANKIND

We have now come to know that Allah created the universe, the stars, planets, earth, human beings and all other things in it. He created the first human being, whose name was Adam ('Adam'-means clay or earth, as he was created from clay). Allah has created Adam (peace be upon him) without any father and mother. Then Allah created Eve (Haowa) as Adam's companion and partner from part of Adam's rib bones. 'Haowa' means who has been created from Hai-oo, a living being. Then the whole mankind was created from this single pair of man and woman.

"O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)"  Al-Qur'an,  49:13

However, there was an exception in creating Jesus, the messenger of Allah. Jesus was created without a father, and there is no miracle on the part of Allah, the Creator to do so, as He created Adam (peace be upon him)  without any father and mother before, and He also created Haowa (Eve) from one of the rib bones of Adam (peace be upon him).

After sending Adam and Haowa to earth, Allah did not sit idle and watch them helpless on earth. He taught Adam how to find living on earth and how to lead their lives there. Allah loves His Creation, especially, the human beings who are the best among Allah's creation. Therefore, He wants to guide human beings towards good.

Let us cite a practical example. When we buy an electrical and/electronic appliance, we are given an operating manual from the manufacturer. This manual tells us how to use the appliance and how to look after it so that it provides us with the best service.  Likewise, as Allah has created mankind, He is the one Who knows best how human beings should lead their lives on earth. It is the duty of all individuals to learn about Allah and to live according to His will. But we cannot accomplish these by ourselves. Therefore, Allah has sent divine guidance from heaven from time to time to His chosen messengers and prophets on earth to guide humanity. He sent many messenger on earth since Adam was sent. The actual number of them is known to Allah alone. However, we have come to learn the names of some great messengers of Allah through the various holy scriptures. Some of them are:

1. Adam
2. Noah (Nuh)
3. Abraham (Ibrahim)
4. Isaac (Isahaq)
5. Jacob (Yacub-who was later surnamed as 'Israel' by Allah. 'Israel'-means Soldier of Allah)
6. Joseph (Yuosuf)
7. Moses (Musa),
8. David (Dawud)
9. Jesus (Esa),
10. Muhammad (Peace be upon all of them).

All of these chosen individuals have brought the same message and have served as examples to their people of how Allah desires all human beings to live. Through these selected people, we have been told why mankind was created, what will happen to us after death, and what Allah expects of us. But most importantly, we have been told that Allah is unique-He has no partners, no sons or daughters, and no competitors.

All the Prophets and Messengers of Allah preached the same guidance from Allah and they asked others to follow the guidance. The name of the guidance was ISLAM-which means the complete submission of one's will and desire to the will of Allah, the Creator and Sustainer. A Muslim is he, who believes in ISLAM (submits to the will of Allah) and acts according to its guidance.