
During the past 50 years, as we begin the 21st century of the common era and complete the first quarter of the 15th century of the Islamic era, changes to our way of life have been rapid and dramatic. We have been confronted by immense advances in science, medicine, techology and communications.

Although it may appear obvious that the Qur'an is Allah's revelation in the Arabic language, it must be emphasised that the Qur'an is in Arabic. No interpretation, elucidation, exposition, explanation, or rendition may ever claim to be anything other than an attempt to clarify the meaning of that Arabic.

Over the centuries, introductory books on Islam have tended to focus on the rituals of mosques and specific Islamic occasions. Little or no emphasis has been given to Islam's moral values or to its holistics view in which each individual's well-being is regarded as essential for the health and harmony of society.

Every branch of knowledge employs its own specific framework, methodology and processes to arrives at its objectives. In the early days of Islam, Muslims sought the Prophet's guidance to resolve matters they found problematic, and in some instance he sought further Divine revelation to inform his response. When he was no longer with them, the Muslim community relied upon reports of his companions such as Ali, Ibn 'Abbas or Abdullah ibn Mas'oud on how the Prophet had dealt with specific matters.

Considered to the pillar of religion, prayer characterizes Muslim life. While those who stand in prayer are showered with Allah's mercy and surrounded by Angels, one of their number remarks, 'If people comprehended the extent of its benefits, their prayer would be endless.'