Al Islam

On March 12, 1990, at the invitation of the Department of Islamic Studies, Seville University, Spain, Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad delivered an address entitled 'Islam -- A Discourse on its Elementary and Fundamental Teachings'. He was advised by the Head of the Department to introduce Islam at an elementary level, keeping in view that most of the audience, drawn from other departments and the general public, would have very little knowledge of Islam. The time allotted for the speech was one hour.

This treatise developed out of that speech. The author has expanded on various themes, which time had not permitted in the original lecture. Additionally, in converting the spoken word into writing, certain changes and amendments were affected by the speaker himself.

The name of Muhammad, the Holy Prophet of Islam, has been followed by the symbol (sa) which is an abbreviation for the salutation 'may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.' The names of other prophets and messengers are followed by the symbol (as) an abbreviation for 'on whom be peace.' The actual salutations have not generally been set out in full, but they should, nevertheless, be understood as being repeated in full in each case.