```markdown # *Al-Islām: Ma‘álimuh wa Mawáqifuh* ## *The Foundations of Islam: Its Landmarks and Positions* by ## *‘Abd al-Raḥmān ‘ Azzām* ### Translated from the Arabic by #### *Kamal I. H. al-Shiqri* *Foreword by* ##### *Muḥammad ‘ Abd al-Qādir ‘ Aṭṭār* ##### *P a r t I* ### *I. A New Epoch* The coming of Islam into the world was the greatest event in history after the advent of Christ. For centuries preceding it, the world had been sunk in the darkness of ignorance, barbarity and moral degradation. Nations were in a state of perpetual warfare, trampling upon justice and righteousness. The masses were groaning under the tyranny of kings and the oppression of the priests, and life was devoid of all spiritual and moral uplift.

Then came Muḥammad, the Prophet of Islam, who like a bright sun rose on the horizon of the East, dispelling the darkness, redeeming humanity from its sins, and inaugurating a new era of justice, equality and moral uplift.

His mission was not merely religious, but it was also political, social and intellectual. It gave man back his dignity, his freedom and his right to live a life of righteousness. It broke down the barriers of race and nationality, and united all peoples under the banner of Islam. It ushered in a golden age of learning and civilization, and laid the foundations of a new world order based on the eternal principles of justice, equality and brotherhood.

### *II. The Coming of Islam* The advent of Islam marked a turning point in the history of mankind. For centuries before its appearance, the world had been plunged into moral and spiritual darkness. Nations were engaged in constant warfare, and the masses were groaning under the yoke of tyranny and oppression.

It was in this bleak environment that Islam emerged, a beacon of light and hope. The Prophet Muḥammad, guided by divine revelation, began his mission of reform, preaching the oneness of God, the equality of all human beings, and the importance of justice and compassion.

Islam was not merely a religion; it was a comprehensive way of life that addressed all aspects of human existence. It provided a framework for social, political, and economic organization, emphasizing the principles of consultation, accountability, and mutual responsibility.

The early Muslims, inspired by their faith, established a society based on these principles, which soon flourished and spread throughout the Arab world and beyond. The Islamic civilization that emerged was a testament to the transformative power of the faith, characterized by advancements in science, art, philosophy, and governance.

### *III. The Arabian Peninsula* Before the advent of Islam, the Arabian Peninsula was a land of stark contrasts. Nomadic tribes roamed the deserts, their lives dictated by the harsh realities of survival and the intricate web of tribal loyalties. Cities like Mecca and Medina, however, were centers of trade and culture, where poets and merchants mingled and where the Ka‘bah, a pre-Islamic shrine, drew pilgrims from across the region.

Society was largely tribal, with a complex system of alliances and rivalries. While polytheism was prevalent, with various idols worshipped at the Ka‘bah, there were also pockets of Judaism and Christianity, and a general awareness of monotheistic traditions.

Socially, the status of women varied, with some enjoying a degree of respect while others faced severe limitations. Slavery was also a common institution. Morally, tribal honor and custom often took precedence over universal ethical principles, leading to practices such as infanticide and blood feuds.

It was into this environment that Islam emerged, offering a radical vision of a society founded on the absolute oneness of God, the equality of all believers, and a code of ethics that emphasized justice, compassion, and mercy. The Prophet Muḥammad's teachings challenged the existing social and moral order, advocating for the rights of the weak, the abolition of unjust practices, and the establishment of a community bound by faith rather than tribal affiliation. ```