Stories from Early Islam — Page 4
4 • One God, • The Angels, • The Books of God, • The Prophets, and Life after Death. • Belief or faith is called Iman. One who believes is therefore a mo’min (believer). The words Muslim and mo’min convey the same meaning. Islam is a great bounty of God. It is a blessing not only for Muslims but also for the whole of mankind. It safeguards peo- ple against all social evils. Drugs, liquor and all other intoxicants are totally forbidden in Islam. Gambling is not allowed. Eating of the flesh of swine is not permitted. All these are harmful to us and to society. The lending of money on interest is also forbidden as it tends to accumulate wealth within a limited circle and is otherwise harmful in its effects.