Islam and Evidence

Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but the Messenger of Allah and the final seal of the prophets. Allah has knowledge of all things. (Surat al-Ahzab, 40)

As is stated in the above verses, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) is the last prophet. Through the verses that begin with "Say”, Allah conveyed to our Prophet (saas) what needed to be said to people. Through these verses, our Prophet (saas) communicated Allah's message.

The Prophet Muhammad (saas) said that those who fear Allah and seek to be forgiven, should follow him:

Say, “If you love Allah, then follow me and Allah will love you and forgive you for your wrong actions. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Surah Al ‘Imran, 31)

This call of the Prophet Muhammad (saas) still applies universally. Allah enjoined strict obedience on the messengers He sent, and in many verses, states that obedience to the messengers is, in actuality, obedience to Allah.

The Prophet (saas) also stressed the importance of obedience in the hadiths:

“Whoever obeys me, obeys Allah, and whoever disobeys me, disobeys Allah, and whoever obeys the ruler I appoint, obeys me, and whoever disobeys him, disobeys me.” (Sahih Bukhari)

For this reason, obedience to the messenger is at the heart religion and showing this obedience surely comes about through strict submissiveness to the issues conveyed by messengers.

It has only been possible to reveal the health benefits of fish by a great many scientists working in well-equipped research laboratories. The fact that such a valuable source of nutrition is indicated in the Qur'an, and especially that it is described as a fatigue eliminator in Surat al-Kahf (chapter 18), is nothing short of awe-inspiring. All the benefits provided by fish are a great blessing given us by our Lord. As with all foods, it is Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, Who has created the superior structure in fish for our benefit.

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Fish is an essential source of nutrition for the healthy functioning of the heart, and the prevention of heart disease. It contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which act as a shield for our health, and can reduce the risk of heart disease, strengthen the immune system, and provide essential fatty acids that the body does not manufacture. These Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in marine plankton, and are more effective for human health than those found in vegetable oils. Omega-3 fatty acids are of particular importance for the elderly, as inflammation increases with age and can be a major cause of health problems. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, have numerous health benefits, such as increasing energy levels, improving concentration, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

They are also important for the development of newborn babies, joint health, and the healthy functioning of the brain and nervous system. Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as having an anti-inflammatory function. Eating a diet rich in fish is a great way to get the necessary Omega-3 fatty acids to ensure a healthy body and mind. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish and are known to have a variety of health benefits. These include improved cardiovascular health, decreased risk of asthma and psoriasis, and improved skin health.

Studies also show that societies with diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as the Greenland Eskimos and Japanese, have lower incidences of heart and artery disease. Fish is recommended as a form of treatment for its proven benefits for coronary health, and more benefits are being discovered every day. This blessing from God is described as a fatigue eliminator in the Qur'an, demonstrating the superior structure in fish that Allah has created for our benefit.

With the superior moral values he possessed, Prophet Muhammad brought peace and security to all Arab lands and furthermore constitutes a role model for all humanity with the principles he taught. It should be known that these characteristics and resignation in the face of events are universal values ones that will apply at all times. The solution to many present-day problems therefore lies hidden in Islamic moral values and the Sunnah of our Prophet. The duty of Muslims is to adopt these characteristics of the Prophet as a role model and to present them to all humanity. God addresses all humanity in the words of the Quran.

''Oh Humanity! The Messenger has brought you the truth from your Lord, so it is better for you to believe. But if you do not believe, everything in the heavens and the Earth belongs to God. God is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (Surat an-Nisa':170)

Our Lord provides the substances required by human beings in this fruit, which is so pleasant to eat, already packaged and at the ideal levels for human health. The way that this special blessing from Allah is mentioned in the Qur'an may indicate the importance of the fig for human beings. (Allah knows best.) From the point of view of human health, the nutritional value of the fig was only established with the advance of medicine and technology. This is another indication that the Qur'an is indisputably the word of Allah, the Omniscient.

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Figs are rich in fibre and are known to reduce cholesterol levels, protect against colon cancer, and contain antioxidants, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and phytosterol. Therefore, figs are a highly beneficial fruit for human health, providing essential fibre, reducing cholesterol, and protecting against cancer and other diseases. They contain insoluble and soluble fibre, which can accelerate the digestive system, reduce the risk of colon cancer, and reduce cholesterol levels in the body. They also contain antioxidants, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and phytosterol, which help protect against disease and reduce cholesterol.

Figs contain more fibre than any other fruit or vegetable, with one single dried fig providing 20% of the daily recommended intake. Therefore, regular consumption of figs is an ideal way to increase fibre intake and improve human health. Figs are a nutritious fruit with numerous health benefits. They are low in fat, sodium, and cholesterol and high in fibre, making them ideal for those trying to lose weight. Figs also contain high levels of minerals such as potassium, calcium, and iron.

They are an excellent source of calcium, providing the same amount as a crate of milk. Figs are also used to treat asthma, coughs, and chills and are believed to provide strength and energy to long-term patients in recovery. They are high in sugar, with 51-74% of the fruit being composed of sugar, making them a sweet and beneficial treat.

Notes:

122. "Nutrition;" www.californiafigs.com/nutrition/

123. Ibid.

124. Ibid.

125. Dr. Joe A. Vinson, "The Functional Food Properties of Figs," Cereal Foods World, February 1999, vol. 44, no. 2.

126. Ibid.

127. "California Figs;" www.californiafigs.com/industry/page2.html.

128. Ibid.

At the time when Muhammad was charged with the prophethood a terrible custom prevailed in Arabia. Some families regarded daughters as a source of shame and killed them as soon as they were born.

Our Prophet interest in and love of children swiftly did away with such barbarity. He told them to make no distinction between male children and female. He also taught them that killing their daughters was a grave sin and an act of cruelty. By demonstrating equal love for and interest in both, he set an excellent example to the whole society.

The following is an example of what the Prophet said about female children.

''A daughter is a lovely child; affectionate, eager to help, mild and full of sacred feelings of motherhood.''

Our Prophet also warned the faithful to treat their children justly and said,

''Fear God and treat your children with equal justice.''

Dates are also a good source of iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. This fruit is particularly important for pregnant women, who need to consume a great many vitamins, minerals and proteins. Dates are a nutritious fruit mentioned in the Qur'an, and are an excellent choice for pregnant women. They have a high sugar content which increases energy levels and stimulates milk hormones. The substance oxytocin, found in dates, is used in modern medicine to aid childbirth and increase milk production.

Dates also contain a form of sugar which prevents blood sugar levels from rising too quickly, beneficial for those with diabetes, and a range of vitamins, minerals and proteins essential for pregnant women. Dates are a nutrient-rich food, containing minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, sulphur, phosphorus, and chlorine, along with vitamins A, beta-carotene, B1, B2, B3, and B6. Folic acid, a B vitamin, is especially important to pregnant women for its role in the formation of new blood cells and cell renewal. Potassium helps regulate water balance and oxygen to the brain, while iron helps control haemoglobin synthesis. Phosphorus and calcium protect against bone weakness.

Additionally, dates contain vitamin B6 and magnesium which reduce stress, and vitamins B1 and A which boost immunity and strengthen bones and teeth. Eating dates during pregnancy can provide the body with essential vitamins and minerals to protect against anaemia, infection, and other disorders.

The benefits of the date, especially during pregnancy and only recently established by modern medical science, were indicated in the Quran many years ago.