Paganism to Islam during Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Islam uses the term "Paganism" to describe a variety of practices, including polytheism and the worship of gods other than Allah (Arabic for "one") during the last messenger and prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). 

Polytheists are people or groups who believe in and worship several gods or deities, much as pagans. The Greek words "poly," which means numerous, and "theos," which means deity, are the source of the name "polytheism". In polytheistic belief systems, a pantheon of gods or goddesses, each with unique characteristics, spheres of influence, and responsibilities, are acknowledged and revered.

Whereas, the idea that there is only one god or supreme entity is known as Monotheism. Monotheistic believers embrace this ultimate divine entity's uniqueness and unity. Polytheistic belief systems emphasize the existence of several gods, whereas monotheistic belief systems emphasize the existence of a single, transcendent, all-powerful god.

"Surely, Allah does not forgive that anything should be associated with Him, and forgives what is besides that to whomsoever He pleases; and whoever associates anything with Allah, he devises indeed a great sin." (Quran 4:48)

The worship of saints, idols, or any other created being is likewise condemned by Islamic teachings. Islam's central teaching is the worship of the one true God, alone and without partners.

It is important to remember that in Islamic theology and discourse, the term "paganism" is not frequently employed to refer to other belief systems. The rejection of polytheism and the assertion of God's unity are usually the main points of emphasis instead.

Prophet Nuh lived in a society that had turned away from monotheistic religion and had adopted a number of immoral customs, including polytheism.

Abraham, often referred to as Ibrahim in Islam, was raised in an idolatrous culture. His people were polytheists who revered a variety of statues and idols. 

The Quran recounts Abraham's reflections and rejection of his people's pagan beliefs. Abraham questioned the legitimacy of worshiping statues and celestial bodies, as described in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:51–70). He tried to get his people to consider the pointlessness of worshiping inanimate objects by having a conversation and argument with them.

Following the teachings of Muhammad (peace be upon him), Muslims reject polytheism and associate Allah with associates. Instead, they believe in the absolute oneness of God.

During the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad, the conversion of pagan populations to Islam was a difficult process involving many variables. Over the course of his 23-year prophetic mission, Muhammad preached monotheism and extended invitations to convert to Islam. 

• Prophetic Character
• The Message of Monotheism
• Social and Economic Justice
• Inclusivity
• Miracles and Signs
• Patience and Perseverance
• Personal Relationships
• Military and Political Success

A number of these causes combined to cause the gradual conversion of people to Islam. It's critical to recognize that the conversion process was dynamic and that people changed to Islam for a variety of reasons, impacted by both psychological and intellectual elements.

According to the Quran:

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:163):

"And your god is one God. There is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate."

Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1-4):

"Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'"

Surah Al-An'am (6:102):

"That is Allah, your Lord; there is no deity except Him, the Creator of all things, so worship Him. And He is, over all things, Disposer of affairs."

Surah Al-Shura (42:11):

"There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing."

Surah Al-Fussilat (41:6):

"Say, 'I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is one God. So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord, let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone.'"

Surah Al-Ankabut (29:46):

"And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them, and say, 'We believe in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you. And our God and your God is one, and we are Muslims [in submission] to Him.'"

Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:91):

"Never did Allah take to Himself a son, and never was there with Him any (other) god -- in that case would each god certainly have certainly taken away what he created, and some of them would certainly have overpowered others; glory be to Allah above what they describe!"

These verses highlight Allah's qualities, His unique oneness, and His rejection of all conceptions of spouses, associates, or children. One of the main tenets of Islam is tawhid, and these verses highlight how monotheistic Islam is.

During Paganism, denying their own god and accepting the one and only God of Islam was one of the first challenges that Pagans had to face in order to accept Islam. It is said that there were about 368 Pagan Gods during the time of Muhammad (peace be upon him). When pagans believed in about 368 gods, they were perplexed and cynical about how on earth they could repudiate the god their own ancestors worshipped and then acknowledge that there is only one god. He discussed all 99 qualities of Allah. Muhammad (pbuh) did not tell them to stop believing in God; rather, he told them to embrace Allah, the Arabic name for the single God. 

https://myislam.org/99-names-of-allah/

Here are some similarities:

99 Names of Allah (Asmaul Husna), and Pagan Deities in Pre-Islamic Arabia:

1. Allah (الله)
Hubal: Chief god of the Kaaba in Mecca. Considered principal deity of the Quraysh tribe.

2. Allah Ar-Rahman (الرحمن) The Most Gracious
Al-Lat: Goddess associated with fertility, venerated in Ta'if.

3. Allah Ar-Rahim (الرحيم) The Most Merciful
Al-Uzza: Goddess associated with love and beauty, significant to the Quraysh tribe.

4. Allah Al-Malik (الملك) The Owner of Sovereignty
Manat: Goddess associated with fate and destiny. Considered one of the daughters of Allah in some traditions.

5. Allah Al-Quddus (القدوس) The Holy
Wadd, Suwa, Yaghuth, Ya'uq, Nasr: Idols or deities worshiped by various tribes in different regions of Arabia.

6. Allah As-Salam (السلام) The Peace
Dhu al-Khalasa: Idol located in Yemen, associated with the tribe of Banu Hamdan.

7. Allah Al-Mu'min (المؤمن) The Faithful
Al-Kutbay: Deity worshiped by the Banu Tamim tribe.

8. Allah Al-Muhaymin (المهيمن) The Guardian
Ruda: God revered by the Banu Qasi tribe.

9. Allah Al-Aziz (العزيز) The Almighty
Yaghuth: Idol worshiped in the region.

10. Allah Al-Jabbar (الجبار) The Compeller
Ya'uq: Another idol venerated by some tribes.

11. Allah Al-Mutakabbir (المتكبر) The Majestic
Nasr: Deity or idol associated with pre-Islamic Arabian polytheism etc.

Before embracing Islam, Umar bin Khattab (RA) reportedly said that one day, while traveling, he realized it was time for prayer, but he had left his God at home. With the help of some dates, he was able to mold his conception of God and pray. He ate his God later without hesitation because he was hungry. He laughed after telling the incident and said, It's a good thing I was introduced to Islam, adding that the genuine God need not take the form of a physical object.

In another incident, Umar was known for his humility, and it is said that he spoke to the Black Stone during Tawaf, saying, "I know that you are a mere stone and can neither harm nor benefit. Had I not seen the Prophet (peace be upon him) touching (and kissing) you, I would never have touched (and kissed) you." Prophet Adam was the first to receive the black stone from Angel Gabriel. When Adam would kiss it when he was upset, Allah would pardon him for his humility and sincere desire for forgiveness. What if, in Umar's instance, it was claimed that he and other Muslims were actually worshiping the black stone? It shows how cautious he was when he approached a stone, weighed its possible advantages, and avoided conflating it with his one God in the face of criticism from other faiths.

In summary, while preaching all 99 attributes of one Allah by Muhammad (peace be upon him), Pagans interested in Spiritual Search, Intellectual Inquiry, Emotional and Psychological Factors, and Guidance from Religious Authorities began to realize that, while one Allah sounded a lot like their own God, it also shared similarities with all 368 other Gods that existed at that time. That is to say, accepting Islam and submitting to Allah, the only God, may have been much more comfortable for individuals who were young, liberal, impoverished, poor, and struggling.
 

Allah looks for Quality not the Quantity, according to Islam

 
The ideas of quality and quantity have applications in Islam across a range of domains, including as moral conduct, religious observance, and personal growth. Although Islam stresses the value of number in some acts of worship, it also stresses the value of quality. 

Islam emphasizes sincere and thoughtful deeds while promoting a balance between quantity and quality in all facets of life. While there are numerical criteria for some religious commitments, the motive and caliber of the deeds still matter most. An important part of Islamic teachings is aiming for perfection and keeping quantity and quality in check.


Here is a nice motivational video that explains how Allah judges us and what to expect in the future:

                       

In the early days beginning when God Allah was first creating everything he said to the Angels bring me the earth and the angels they said why do you want to create this us in a negative way. Why do you want to make this thing Adam his sons his children? They will commit mischief, they will fight, they will shed blood, they will do all kinds of evil, because they will have freewill and we, we worship you, we praise you? So why do you create this thing when we worship you? And Allah says you don't know what I know. 

So then we are created and now this gathering and the angels are climbed all the way to the heavens, where they are asked a question the question now is from Allah he asks them remember these people you said why do you make them why have they gathered? why have they come together? And the angels are so amazed by us they say you're our Allah they're praising you for Jaannah (heaven). But have they seen me? So they Angels realize no Allah they don't see you. What if they saw me? That would praise you even more than us. These people truly love you. What else do they say? They say alhamdulillah. For what? Dunya (earth). They thanked me for dunya? What is dunya? The word itself is if this was creation the bottom of the bottom the very bottom of the bottom. The word dunya means lowly, underneath that is what is given to us and we treasure. So much so Allah says what if I gave or showed them what I actually made for them, the rest of creation? They would thank you so much more. What else do they say? They say Allah Akbar. They say you are the greatest. So they are amazed by you o Allah. Have they seen me? No. Have they seen my powers? No. What if they were to see? They would worship you so much more. Remember the Angels first said why do you create this and now they're praising us the Angels they see us we were created with freewill do what you want and we were limited we cannot see God yet and then on top of that we were created inSun which means they will forget forgetful they are forgetful and then upon that they were given Freewill, desires, and then upon that they were surrounded by fatahna fitna (test), temptations, desires etc. and then they were put here and now amongst all of that they came here to remember Allah. The angels say this is amazing. And so they say to Allah, before they said why do you make them? Now they're saying to Allah, give them the best reward, these people are amazing, and the angels praise you by name.

Why Allah asks Angels to praise us?

While Muslims-

1. Because, of our declaring Allah as the 1 true God
2. Our 5 daily prayers
3. Fasting in Ramadan
4. Performing Hajj, and
5. Charity in Allah's cause

Allah created Angels with perfection. They are 100% perfect with no mistakes. On the other hand, Allah created Human's, and Jinn's with Freewill. Believe in Allah, and submit to His will, or question in His existence.

Allah said to Angels above, you don't know what I know. 

What did Allah know?

Here is a Hadith on that-
1) Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The first man to be called on the Day of Resurrection will be Adam who will be shown his offspring, and it will be said to them, 'This is your father, Adam.' Adam will say (responding to the call), 'Labbaik and Sa`daik' Then Allah will say (to Adam), 'Take out of your offspring, the people of Hell.' Adam will say, 'O Lord, how many should I take out?' Allah will say, 'Take out ninety-nine out of every hundred." They (the Prophet's companions) said, "O Allah's Apostle! If ninety-nine out of every one hundred of us are taken away, what will remain out of us?" He said, "My followers in comparison to the other nations are like a white hair on a black ox."

حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ، حَدَّثَنِي أَخِي، عَنْ سُلَيْمَانَ، عَنْ ثَوْرٍ، عَنْ أَبِي الْغَيْثِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏"‏ أَوَّلُ مَنْ يُدْعَى يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ آدَمُ، فَتَرَاءَى ذُرِّيَّتُهُ فَيُقَالُ هَذَا أَبُوكُمْ آدَمُ‏.‏ فَيَقُولُ لَبَّيْكَ وَسَعْدَيْكَ‏.‏ فَيَقُولُ أَخْرِجْ بَعْثَ جَهَنَّمَ مِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِكَ‏.‏ فَيَقُولُ يَا رَبِّ كَمْ أُخْرِجُ فَيَقُولُ أَخْرِجْ مِنْ كُلِّ مِائَةٍ تِسْعَةً وَتِسْعِينَ ‏"‏‏.‏ فَقَالُوا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِذَا أُخِذَ مِنَّا مِنْ كُلِّ مِائَةٍ تِسْعَةٌ وَتِسْعُونَ، فَمَاذَا يَبْقَى مِنَّا قَالَ ‏"‏ إِنَّ أُمَّتِي فِي الأُمَمِ كَالشَّعَرَةِ الْبَيْضَاءِ فِي الثَّوْرِ الأَسْوَدِ ‏"‏‏.‏

Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 6529
In-book reference : Book 81, Hadith 118
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 8, Book 76, Hadith 536
  (deprecated numbering scheme)
 
So, What did Allah know?-
Allah knew, He will allow 1% of every 100 to enter heaven. The remaining 99% will go to Hell first to be purified.

https://islamasmercy1.blogspot.com/2023/11/hellfire-dweller-according-to-islam.html

Allah is not looking for Quantity. He is looking for Quality, so that he can reward them.
"The deeds are considered by the intentions, and a person will get the reward according to his intention." [Sahih Al-Bukhari 1]

There are always consequences to our actions. Every thought, statement, and action we take has an impact on both ourselves and other people. Because everything is interrelated, our actions spread out and have an impact on others, much like ripples on a pond; and the only real authority who truly understands our intentions is Allah.

“Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire." [Quran 2:201]

Need for one God, Allah, according to Islam

 
Allah is the Arabic name for God in Islam. A fundamental component of Islam, the concept of Allah is engrained in Muslims' religious systems. Understanding Allah's importance in Islam requires an awareness of three crucial factors:

• Monotheism
• Creator and Sustainer
• Guidance through Revelation
• Worship and Submission
• Justice and Mercy
• Connection and Personal Relationship

The idea of Allah in Islam denotes the conviction that there is only one, all-knowing, all-powerful God who created, sustains, and leads humanity. Allah is important because He gives Muslims a structure for their beliefs, acts of devotion, direction, and spiritual ties.

According to the Quran:

The fundamental source of guidance and direction for Muslims is the Quran, which is revered as the sacred book of Islam. It includes the precepts, ideas, and teachings that make up the cornerstone of the Islamic faith. The importance of Allah is underscored and restated in numerous verses throughout the Quran. The following are some salient features of Allah as described in the Quran:

Oneness of God (Tawhid): 
The Quran strongly emphasizes the oneness of God. Verses in the Quran repeatedly stress that there is no god but Allah. For instance, in Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1-4), it states: "Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, nor is there to Him any equivalent.'"

Creator and Sustainer: 
The Quran describes Allah as the creator of the heavens and the earth and all that is within them. It highlights Allah's power to create and sustain life. For instance, in Surah Ar-Ra'd (13:16), it is mentioned: "Say, 'Who is the Lord of the heavens and the earth?' Say, 'Allah.' Say, 'So have you taken besides Him allies not possessing [even] for themselves any benefit or any harm?' Say, 'Is the blind equivalent to the seeing? Or is darkness equivalent to light?'"

Guidance and Revelation: 
The Quran is considered the word of Allah as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It serves as a guide for humanity, providing moral, ethical, and spiritual guidance. Several verses emphasize the importance of following this divine guidance, such as in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185): "The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion."

Attributes of Allah: 
The Quran describes numerous attributes of Allah, highlighting His mercy, compassion, justice, and forgiveness. Verses emphasize that Allah is compassionate and merciful towards His creation. For instance, in Surah Al-An'am (6:54), it is stated: "And when those come to you who believe in Our verses, say, 'Peace be upon you. Your Lord has decreed upon Himself mercy: that any of you who does wrong out of ignorance and then repents after that and corrects himself - indeed, He is Forgiving, Merciful.'"

These are but a few of the lessons about Allah that the Quran teaches. There are several passages in the Quran that address the importance, qualities, and function of Allah in the lives of believers. A fundamental aspect of Islamic practice and belief is comprehending and adhering to the lessons about Allah found in the Quran.

According to Hadith:

Muslims rely heavily on the Hadith, a compilation of the Prophet Muhammad's sayings, deeds, and endorsements, for direction and interpretation of the Quran. The Hadith supplement the Quran by offering further background, explanation, and useful advice on a range of topics related to life, religion, and worship. In reference to the relevance of Allah in the Hadith, numerous sayings emphasize the qualities and value of Allah. Because there are so many Hadith and precise citation is required, it is hard to provide particular reference numbers; nonetheless, here are some explanations in the Hadith:

Allah's Messenger said: "The beginning of the time for Salat is pleasing to Allah, and the end of its time is pardoned by Allah."

Grade: Da'if (Darussalam)
Reference : Jami` at-Tirmidhi 172
In-book reference : Book 2, Hadith 24
English translation : Vol. 1, Book 2, Hadith 172

Anas narrated that the Messenger of Allah(s.a.w) said:
"The Hour will not be established until 'Allah, Allah is not said on the earth."

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2207
In-book reference : Book 33, Hadith 50
English translation : Vol. 4, Book 7, Hadith 2207

Narrated Ibn `Abbas:
Allah's Wrath became severe on him whom the Prophet (ﷺ) had killed in Allah's Cause. Allah's Wrath became severe on the people who caused the face of Allah's Prophet to bleed.

Reference : Sahih al-Bukhari 4074
In-book reference : Book 64, Hadith 119
USC-MSA web (English) reference : Vol. 5, Book 59, Hadith 401
  (deprecated numbering scheme)

'Ubadah bin As-Samit narrated that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said:
"Whoever loves to meet Allah, Allah loves to meet him. Whoever is averse to meeting Allah, Allah is averse to meeting him."

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2309
In-book reference : Book 36, Hadith 6
English translation : Vol. 4, Book 10, Hadith 2309

The Hadith literature is extensive and comprises various collections, the most well-known of which are Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawood, Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Sunan An-Nasa'i, and Sunan Ibn Majah, to name a few. In order to identify certain Hadith passages or references that address the importance of Allah, one must consult these collections, along with the corresponding volumes and hadith numbers. On these subjects, scholarly works and specialized literature on Hadith frequently offer in-depth references and discussions.


The question of why a belief in Allah is necessary or important in Islam touches upon the core of religious, philosophical, and existential considerations. For Muslims, the need for Allah, or God, encompasses several fundamental aspects:

• Judgement and Accountability: Believing in Allah also means believing in accountability. Muslims think that their decisions and deeds will be evaluated. This faith in divine judgment promotes accountability and a sense of duty in one's behavior.
• Altruism & Charity: Having faith in Allah highlights the significance of giving to the poor and needy. It promotes deeds of kindness and generosity as well as a sense of obligation toward the less fortunate.
• Identity & Community: People in a community are often brought together by their shared faith in Allah. It serves as the cornerstone of a common identity and creates a feeling of community among people who share similar values, encouraging collaboration and support from one another.
• Connection and Solace: The bond that believers have with Allah provides them with a lot of comfort, strength, and support. During trying circumstances, consolation and a sense of security can be found in prayer, petition, and a belief in a higher power.
• Comfort and Solace: In difficult or sad circumstances, having faith in Allah can bring solace and consolation. The belief that Allah is a source of strength in conquering obstacles and is aware of their sufferings provides comfort to believers.
• Dignity and Equality: The ideas of equality and human dignity are strengthened by faith in Allah. Muslims promote a sense of dignity and respect for one another by holding that all people are equal before Allah, regardless of color, ethnicity, or social standing.
• Empowerment and Resilience: Those who have faith in Allah are frequently endowed with resilience and patience in the face of adversity. It offers a basis for handling difficulties and misfortune.
• Eternal Life and Preparation: Believing in Allah entails having faith in an afterlife, which inspires believers to act morally to prepare for it and achieve an eternal life.
• Freedom and Liberation: By emphasizing the spiritual and moral dimensions of life, belief in Allah provides a sense of freedom and liberation from consumerism and social pressures.
• Gratitude and Remembrance: Muslims frequently thank Allah for all of life's blessings. Gratitude and attentiveness are maintained when one remembers Allah via acts of worship, such as prayers, supplications, and almsgiving.
• Direction and Guidance: The Quran and Hadith, which describe the belief in Allah, provide instructions on how to live a moral and satisfying life. It offers moral guidance and instruction on how to get along with people, participate in society, and work toward bettering oneself.
• Hope and Afterlife Belief: Having faith in Allah frequently entails having afterlife beliefs. This gives hope for a hereafter where good deeds are rewarded and injustices are righted, as well as an endless existence and a feeling of justice.
• Intellectual and Spiritual Fulfillment: Believing in Allah, for many, provides solutions to important existential issues and, on a spiritual level, cultivates a closer relationship with the divine.
• Connectivity with Creation: The connectivity of all creation is emphasized by belief in Allah. It fosters compassion and stewardship by fostering a sense of obligation toward the environment, other living things, and humans.
• Meaning and Purpose: A framework for comprehending life's purpose is provided by belief in Allah. It helps people understand their place in the cosmos and provides meaning to life. It provides a moral and spiritual compass to help in decision-making and behavior.
• Moral Framework: Moral frameworks are frequently based on faith in Allah and observance of religious precepts. It provides people with moral guidance by highlighting values like justice, kindness, honesty, and compassion.
• Self-Control and Personal Discipline: Having faith in Allah promotes self-control and personal discipline. It encourages balance and moderation in behavior, consumerism, and interpersonal relationships, among other areas of life.
• Quest for Wisdom and Knowledge: The quest of wisdom and knowledge is encouraged by faith in Allah. Muslims are urged to pursue knowledge and education in order to gain a deeper grasp of the world and Allah's signs found therein.
• Seeking Mercy and Forgiveness: Asking for pardon for one's transgressions and weaknesses is a necessary part of believing in Allah. Believing in Allah's forgiveness and mercy inspires believers to work toward improving themselves and seeking repentance.
• Sense of Purpose and Contribution: Believing in Allah gives one a sense of purpose by highlighting the significance of doing good deeds, being kind to others, and improving society.
• Source of Hope and Optimism: Hope and optimism for a better future are derived from faith in Allah. It inspires believers to withstand adversity and have faith in heavenly direction.
• Spiritual Development and Personal Growth: Having faith in Allah promotes both spiritual and personal development. It inspires Christians to work toward bettering themselves and to acquire characteristics like kindness, patience, and humility.
• Submission and Surrender: The word "Islam" itself denotes giving in to Allah's will. In order to attain peace and contentment in their life, believers are exhorted to submit their will to Allah's will through the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
• Provision and Sustenance: Believing in Allah frequently entails accepting that He is the source of all provisions and sustenance. This knowledge promotes contentment with one's circumstances and thankfulness for the blessings one has received.
• Unity and Brotherhood: The Muslim community is strengthened by believers' sense of solidarity, compassion, and support, which is fostered by their belief in Allah.
• Unity and Oneness: Believing in Allah confirms the oneness and unity of God and emphasizes the idea of Tawhid. Islam's central tenet—that there is only one God—acts as a unifying factor for Muslims worldwide.

Individuals' beliefs regarding the necessity of Allah in Islam, or any other belief system, differ. Many people believe that having faith in a greater force gives them a framework for making sense of the mysteries of life, discovering their role in it, and navigating its many complexity. It provides consolation, support, and a moral compass. In the end, a person's need for Allah is quite personal and may stem from a desire for direction, purpose, and a sense of belonging to something bigger than themselves.

 

In conclusion, the crucial aspect of the Creator is to view Him as the origin or source. For instance, life would just exist as an object without Allah. The fact that Allah, the only God, is within us is what gives us life. It's the spirit itself. All we can do to achieve in life and obtain what we desire is to pray for it and hope that, should Allah grant us His will, we shall be granted it. Because of this, we should constantly be honest with our inner selves (our soul) and have faith that Allah would accept us, bless us, provide for us, ease our burdens, and assist us in achieving our goals.

Islam the Oldest Religion suggested by Jinn Hama

 

Hama (Hama bin Heem bin Laqees bin Iblees) was the son of Heem, the son of Lakhis, the son of Iblis. He was the great grandson of Iblis, the Satan. Hama was converted to Islam by the First Messenger Noah and he was alive till the Last Messenger Muhammad (pbuh). He is considered to be one of the immortals (a Jinn) who was alive during Muhammad (pbuh).

Authenticity:

Al-Haafith Ibn Hajar, in his book Al-Isaabah fi Tamyeez As-Sahaabah, wrote a biography for the narrator of the story of Haamah ibn Al-Haym and said: “Haamah ibn Al-Haym ibn Laqees ibn Iblees was mentioned by Ja’far Al-Mustaghfiri among the Companions (of the Prophet  sallallaahu `alayhi  wa  sallam (may  Allaah exalt his mention)) and said: ‘The chain of narrators of this Hadeeth narrated by him is not verified (not authentic).’ ”

However, he mentioned in his book Al-Fataawa Al-Hadeethiyyah that this story is reported by several chains of narrators that reach the degree of Hasan [Good].

Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) meeting with Hama:

Abdullah bin Umar has narrated from his father Umar Faruq — I was sitting with Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) on one of the hills of Tahama when an old man presented himself in front of the Prophet and saluted him. Messenger [The prophet] answered and said, Your voice and accent seem to be those of the jinn race (demon).

He answered, I am Hama bin [son of] Him bin Laqis bin Iblis (Satan). Messenger asked, What is your age? He answered, At the time when Qabil [Cain] killed Habil [Abel] I was 43 years old….

… In the age of  Prophet Nuh (AS) [Noah] I used to live with Muslims in a mosque…. I had told Nuh that I was a part of the gathering of the killers of Habil bin Adam [Abel, son of Prophet Adam AS]. I desire God’s forgiveness.

Will God accept my repentance?  Nuh said, Allah SWT (God) is forgiving and merciful. Get up and do wudu and offer two prostrations [of prayer]. I acted on  Nuh’s advice and I hadn’t yet lifted my head from the prostration when Nuh said, lift your head from prostration, your repentance is accepted….

… I often used to go on pilgrimage to see Prophet Yaqub (AS) [Jacob]. 
I was with Prophet Yusuf (AS) [Joseph] in the place of his captivity. 
I used to meet Prophet Ilyas (AS) [Elijah] in the wilderness, and I still meet with Ilyas [on occasion].

I have seen  Prophet Musa (AS) [Moses] too. He educated me in the books of the Old Testament and told me that when you meet Prophet Isa (AS) [Jesus] give him my regards. I conveyed  Musa’s greetings to Isa.

Isa (Jesus) told me that when you meet Prophet Muhammad (SAW), you should convey my greetings to him. It is the narrator’s statement that when he heard this, Messenger [The Prophet] started crying and said, May salutations keep reaching Prophet Isa (AS). And till the world exists O Hama, may there be peace upon you. You have fulfilled what was entrusted to you.

(Sahih Hadith)


Islam holds that Adam was the first man and the Prophet, and all of humanity descended from him and Eve.

 

The Prophets' chronological order in Islam:

Adam - 1st man and 1st prophet in Islam
Noah - 1st Messenger in Islam
Muhammad - Last Prophet (& Messenger) in Islam
Messengers [Messages (books)] - around 314 books in Islam. 314 Messengers.
Prophets - It is believed in Islam, that there were around 124,000 prophets.

Muslims in Islam, are required to embrace new teachings from the coming messengers and acknowledge Allah, the One God, as the supreme authority on religion. For example, until the year 609 AD, Jesus fulfilled the dual role of Prophet and Messenger for them (pbuh). After 610 AD, nevertheless, it would be Muhammad (pbuh).

To sum up, only Islam affirms the existence of the first and last messenger of Islam and claims that the one God, Allah, sent these messengers with around 314 messages (books), which were fulfilled over time by 124,000 prophets. In addition, Hama (the jinn), who was converted to Islam by Noah the First Messenger, accepted teachings of other messengers, lived and received Islam also from Muhammad the Last Messenger (pbuh), proves Islam to be the oldest Religion from that same God.

What is the Oldest Religion according to Islam?

 

Religion is a complex and multifaceted term that encompasses a range of beliefs, practices, rituals, and values associated with a system of faith or worship. It is a cultural, social, and spiritual phenomenon that plays a significant role in the lives of individuals and communities. Religion usually offers explanations for the beginning, purpose, and nature of existence and incorporates beliefs in supernatural or divine persons, powers, or forces. It frequently offers a framework for comprehending the universe, human morality, and death. Religions frequently contain doctrines, sacred writings, rituals, and traditions that serve as a guide for their followers' beliefs and actions.

How many different religions exist today?

Worldwide, many different religions are practiced. Due to the wide range of beliefs and the differences within each religious tradition, it is difficult to give a precise figure. However, the following list of significant religions:

• Christianity
• Islam
• Hinduism
• Buddhism
• Sikhism
• Judaism
• Bahá'í Faith
• Jainism
• Shinto
• Zoroastrianism

There are a number of indigenous and tribal faiths in addition to these, as well as several smaller religious movements and recent religious movements. Different religious traditions exist and are developing in various parts of the world, creating a diverse and dynamic religious landscape.

What is the Oldest religion?

Islam holds that Adam was the first man and the Prophet, and all of humanity descended from him and Eve.

Chronological order of the Prophethood in Islam:

• Adam - 1st man and 1st prophet in Islam
• Noah - 1st Messenger in Islam
• Muhammad - Last Prophet (& Messenger) in Islam

• Messengers [Messages (books)] - around 314 books in Islam. That means, there were around 314 Messengers.
• Prophets - It is believed in Islam, that there were around 124,000 prophets.

According to Islam, while 314 messages came down to those Messengers, there have been 124,000 prophets since Adam, the first man, to carry out Allah's word. Muslims are commanded to accept the last religious word from Allah, the One God. For instance, Jesus served as both their Prophet and Messenger up until the year 609 AD. (pbuh). However, it would be Muhammad (pbuh) after 610 AD.

The following verse from the Quran affirms the finality of Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) prophethood:
"Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets. And ever is Allah , of all things, Knowing." (Quran 33:40)

Besides, here is a Hadith that emphasizes the finality of Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) prophethood:
Narrated by Abu Huraira, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "My similitude in comparison with the other prophets before me is that of a man who has built a house nicely and beautifully, except for a place of one brick in a corner. The people go about it and wonder at its beauty, but say: 'Would that this brick be put in its place!' So I am that brick, and I am the last of the Prophets." (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 334)

This Quran verse, and the Hadith also explicitly states that he is the last of the prophets, indicating that there will be no prophet after him.

In conclusion, Muslims are persuaded that Islam is the oldest religion since it is the only one with sufficient evidence for the existence of the First Man and the Prophet, Adam (pbuh), and the Last Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) from one God, Allah.