(40:64) Allah, it is he Who has made for you the earth as a dwelling place and the sky as a canopy. and has given you shape and made your shapes good (looking) and has provided you with good things. That is Allah, your Lord: so Blessed be Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).

(39:6) He created you (all) from a single person (Adam) ; then made from him his wife {Hawwa , (Eve)}. and He has sent down for you of cattle eight pairs (of the sheep , two , male and female ; of the goats , two , male and female of the oxen , two , male and female and of the camels, two, male and female). He creates you in the wombs of your mothers: creation after creation in there veils of darkness. Such is Allah your Lord His is the Kingdom. La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). How then are you turned away?

(7:54) Indeed your Lord is Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and then He rose over (Istawa) the Throne (really in manner that suits His Majesty). He brings the night as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly , and (He created) the sun, the moon, the stars subjected to His Command. Surely, His is the Creation and Commandment. Blessed is Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)! (10:32) Such is Allah, your Lord in truth. So after the truth, what else can there be, save error. How then are you turned away?

2) Who is Allah?

(59:23-24)

23:He is Allah beside Whom La Ilaha Illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the King, the Holy, the one Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All- Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory, be to Allah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him .

24:He is Allah, the creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise .

(20:14)

“Verily! I am Allah! La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), So worship Me, and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as- Salat) for My Remembrance.

(2:255)

Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), Al-Hayyul-Qayyuum (the Ever Living the One Who sustains and protects all that exists). Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission?

He Knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass any thing of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. (This Verse 2:225 is called Ayat-ul-Kursi) .

(35:13)

He merges the night into the day (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the night is added to the hours of the day), and He merges the day into the night (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the day is added the hours of the night). And has subjected the sun and the moon: each runs its course for a term appointed. Such is Allah, your Lord; His is the Kingdom , And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even a Qitmir (the thin membrane over the date-stone).

(3:18)

Allah bears winess that La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He always) maintains His creation in justice La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the All- Mighty, the All-Wise.

(3:51)

Truly! Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone). This is the straight Path.

3) Did you think that Allah created you only for play and without any purpose?

(3:115)

“Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?”

4) For what did Allah create mankind?

(51:56)

And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone).

5) What did Allah command us to do?

(4:58)

Verily! Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due; and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice. Verily, how excellent is the teaching with He (Allah) gives you! Truly, Allah is Ever All-Hearer, All-Seer.

(6:151)

Say (O Muhammad (PBUH)):“Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: be Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and dutiful to your parents; Kill not your children because of poverty – We provide sustenance for you and for them; come not near to Al-Fawahish (shameful sins, illegal sexual intercourse) whether committed openly or secretly; and kill not anyone whom Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause (according to Islamic law). This He has commanded you that you may understand.

6) From where shall we seek guidance?

(1:1 – 6)

1: In the Name of Allah, the Most. Gracious, the Most Merciful.

2: All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).

3: The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful .

4: The Only Owner (and the only Ruling judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e the Day of Resurrection)

5: You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything).

6: Guide us to the Straight Way.

7) Who shall we invoke in time of disaster?

(29:65)

And when they embark on a ship, they invoke Allah, making their Faith pure for Him Only: but when He brings them safely to land, behold they give a share of their worship to others .

(10:12)

And when harm touches man, he invokes Us, lying on his side, or sitting or standing. But when We have removed his harm from him, he passes on as if he had never invoked Us for a harm that touched him! Thus it is made fair-seeming to the Musrifun that which they used to do.

What happened to the previous nations when they disobeyed Allah?

(29:40)

So We punished each (of them) for his sins; of them were some on whom We sent Hasib (a violent wind with shower of stones) (as on the people of Lut (Lot) , and of them were some who were overtaken by As-saihah (torment – awful cry. (as Thamud or Shuabs people), and of them were some whem We caused the earth to swallow (as Qarun (Korah), and of them were some whom We drowned (as the people of Nuh (Noah), or Firaun (Pharaoh) and his people). It was not Allah Who wronged them, but they wronged themselves.

9) Does Allah guard and save the Quran from corruption?

(15:9)

Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Quran) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption).

10) Who should we worship?

(20:14)

“Verily! I am Allah La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so worship Me, and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-assalat) for My Remembrance.

11) What is the religion of Allah?

(3:19)

Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam. Those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) did not differ except, out of mutual jealousy, after knowledge had come to them. And whoever disbelieves in the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, then surely, Allah is Swift in calling to account.

12) What is the religion accepted by Allah?

(3:85)

And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.

13) Where does the Quran come from?

(42:3)

Likewise Allah, the All-Mighty the All-Wise sends Revelation to you (O Muhammad (PBUH) ) as (He sent Revelation to) those before you.

(6:114)

(Say (O Muhammad (PBUH)) “Shall I seek a judge other than Allah while it is He Who has sent down unto you the book (the Quran), explained in detail.” Those unto whom We gave the Scripture (the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) know that it is revealed from your Lord in truth. So be not you of those who doubt.

14) Why did Allah send messengers?

(4:64)

We sent no Messenger, but to be obeyed by Allah’s Leave.

15) Do we have to believe in all the messengers?

(2:285)

The Messenger (Muhammad (PBUH) _) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His angels, His Books, and His Messengers. (They say), “We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers” – and they say, “We hear and we obey. (We seek) Your Forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return (of all).”

16) What happened to the previous scriptures?

(4:46)

Among those who are jews, there are some who displace words from (their) right places and say: “We hear your word (O Muhammad (PBUH)) and disobey,” and “Hear and let you (O Muhammad (PBUH) _) “hear nothing.” And Raina with a twist of there tongues and as a mockery of the religion (Islam) And if only they had said: “We hear and obey”, And “Do make us understand,” it would have been better for them, and more proper; but Allah has cursed them for their disbelief, so they believe not except a few.

(5:13)

So because of their breach of their covenant, We cursed them and made their hearts grow hard. They change the words from their (right) places and have abandoned a good part of the Message that was sent to them. And you will not cease to discover deceit in them, except a few of them. But forgive them and overlook (their misdeeds).

Verily, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (good-doers).

17) Who is the last messenger?

(3:144)

Muhammad (PBUH) is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels (as disbelievers)? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah; and Allah will give reward to those who are grateful.

18) To whom did Allah send the last messenger Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)?

(34:28)

And We have not sent you (O Muhammad (PBUH)) except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all mankind, but most of men know not.

19) What did Allah prepare for those among the Jews and Christians who believe?

(57:28)

O you who believe (in Musa (moses) (i.e. Jews) and Isa (Jesus) (i.e. Christians)! Fear Allah, and believe in His Messenger (Muhammad (PBUH) _), He will give you a double portion of His Mercy, and He will give you a light by which you shall walk (straight). And He will forgive you. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

20) What is the likeness of lsa (Jesus) before Allah?

(3:59)

Verily, the likeness of Isa (Jesus) bofore Allah is the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then (He) said to him: “Be” – and he was.

21) What did Allah say about Mary?

(3:42 – 47)

42:And (remember) when the angels said: “(O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah has chosen you, purified you (from polytheism and disbelief), and chosen you above the women of the Alamin (mankind and jinn) (of her lifetime).”

43:O Mary! “Submit yourself with obedience to your Lord (Allah), by worshipping none but Him Alone) and prostrate yourself, and Irkai (bow down) along with ArRakiun (those who bow down).”

44:This is apart of the news of the Ghaib (unseen, i.e. the news of the past national of which you have no knowledge) which We reveal to you (O Muhammad (PBUH) ) You were not with them, when they cast lots with their pens as to which of them should be charged with the care of Maryam (Mary); nor were you with them when they disputed.

45:(Remember) when the angels said: “O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah gives you the glad tidings of a Word (“Be”- and he was! I.e. Isa (Jesus) the son of Maryam (Mary), from Him, his name will be the Messiah Isa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), held in honour in this world and in the Hereafter, and will be one of those who are near to Allah.”

46:“He will speak to the people in the cradle and in manhood and he one of the righteous.”

47:She said: “O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me.” He said: “So (it will be) for Allah creates what He wills.

When He has decreed something, He says to it only: “Be!” – and it is.

22) Was Jesus crucified and died on the cross?

(4:157–158)

157:And because of their saying (in boast), “We killed Messiah Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), the Messenger of Allah,” – But they killed him not, nor crucified him, but they resemblance of Isa (Jesus) was put over another man (and they Killed that man), and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely; they killed him not (i.e. Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary) (PBUT)).

158:But Allah raised him (Isa (Jesus) up (with his body and soul) unto Himself (and he (PBUH) is in the heavens). And Allah is Ever All- Powerful All-Wise.

23) Was Jesus the son of God ( Allah )?

(112:1 – 4):

1:Say (O Muhammad (PBUH)): “He is Allah, (the) One.

2:(Allah the self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, (He neither eats nor drinks).

3:He begets not, nor was He begotten.

4:And there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him.

24) How could you be secure?

(6:82)

It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e. by worshipping others beside Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided.

25) What is the life of this world?

(57:20)

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. (It is) as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers – evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers – good-doers). And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.

26) Whatever of blessings and good things you have , is it from Allah?

(16:53)

And whatever of blessings and good things you have, it is from Allah.

Then, when harm touches you, unto Him you cry aloud for help.

27) How could you guarantee the blessings of Allah?

(14:7)

And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: “If give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allah), I will give you more (of My Blessings); but if you are thankless (i.e. disbelievers), verily My punishment is indeed sever.”

28) How could you save yourself from a painful torment?

(61:10 – 11)

10:O you who believe! Shall I guide you to a trade that will save you from a painful torment?

11:That you believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad (PBUH) _ ).

29) Whosoever puts his trust in Allah , what will happen to him?

(65:3)

And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things.

30) What is the destination of the disbelievers?

(57:15)

So this Day no ransom shall be taken from you (hypocrites), nor of those who disbelieved (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism).

Your abode is the Fire. That is your maula (friend – proper place), and worst indeed is that destination.

31) What is the destination of the believers?

(4:57)

But those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism) and do deeds of righteousness, We shall admit them to Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), abiding therein forever. Therein they shall have Azwajun Mutahharatun (purified mates or wives), and We shall admit them to shades wide and ever deepening (Paradise).

32) How could you be happy?

(16:97)

Whoever works righteousness- whether male or female – While he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter).

With the rules he imposed on Muslims, his just and tolerant attitude towards those of other religions, languages, races, and tribes, and his way of not discriminating between rich and poor, but treating everybody equally, Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) is a great example to all of mankind.

Allah says this to His Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in one verse,

[They are people who listen to lies and consume ill-gotten gains. If they come to you, you can either judge between them or turn away from them. If you turn away from them, they cannot harm you in any way. But if you do judge, judge between them justly. Allah loves the just.] (Al-Ma’idah 5:42)

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) abided by Allah’s commands, even with such difficult people, and never made any concessions in his implementation of justice. He became an example for all times with the words [My Lord has commanded justice] (Al-A`raf 8:29).

A number of incidents testify to the Prophet’s justice. He lived in a place where people of different religions, languages, races, and tribes all coexisted. It was very difficult for those societies to live together in peace and security and check those who sought to spread dissension. One group could become aggressive towards and even attack another over the slightest word or action. Yet, the justice of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was a source of peace and security for those other communities, just as much as it was for Muslims. During the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), Christians, Jews, and pagans were all treated equally. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) abided by the verse [There is no compulsion where the religion is concerned] (Al-Baqarah 2:256), explaining the true religion to everyone, but leaving them free to make up their own minds.

In another verse, Allah revealed to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) the kind of justice and conciliation he needed to adopt towards those of other religions:

[So call and go straight as you have been ordered to. Do not follow their whims and desires but say, “I believe in a Book sent down by Allah and I am ordered to be just between you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord. We have our actions and you have your actions. There is no debate between us and you. Allah will gather us all together. He is our final destination.] (Ash-Shura 42:15)

This noble attitude of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), being in total harmony with the morality of the Qur’an, should be taken as an example of how members of different religions today should be treated.

The Prophet’s justice brought about understanding between people of different races. In many of his addresses, even in his final sermon, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stated that superiority lay not in race, but in godliness, as Allah states in the verse

[Mankind! We created you from a male and female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you might come to know each other. The noblest among you in Allah’s sight is that one of you who best performs his duty. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.] (Al-Hujurat 49:13)

Two hadiths report that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,

“You are sons of Adam, and Adam came from dust. Let the people cease to boast about their ancestors.” (Abu Dawud)

“These genealogies of yours are not a reason to revile anyone. You are all children of Adam. No one has any superiority over another except in religion and taqwa (godliness).” (Ahmad)

During his final sermon, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) called on Muslims in the following terms:

“There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab and for a non-Arab over an Arab; or for white over the black or for the black over the white except in piety. Verily the noblest among you is he who is the most pious.”

The agreement that was made with the Christians of Najran in the south of the Arabian Peninsula was another fine example of the justice of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). One of the articles in the agreement reads,

The lives of the people of Najran and its surrounding area, their religion, their land, property, cattle, and those of them who are present or absent, their messengers and their places of worship are under the protection of Allah and guardianship of His Prophet.

The Compact of Madinah, signed by the Muslim immigrants from Makkah, the indigenous Muslims of Madinah, and the Jews of Madinah is another important example of justice. As a result of this constitution, which established justice between communities with differing beliefs and ensured the protection of their various interests, long years of enmity were brought to an end. One of the most outstanding features of the treaty is the freedom of belief it established. The relevant article reads

The Jews of Banu `Awf are one nation with the Muslims; the Jews have their religion and the Muslims have theirs.

Article 16 of the treaty reads,

The Jew who follows us is surely entitled to our support and the same equal rights as any one of us. He shall not be wronged nor his enemy be assisted.

The Prophet’s Companions remained true to that article in the treaty, even after his death, and they even practiced it with regard to Berbers, Buddhists, Brahmans, and people of other beliefs.

One of the main reasons why the golden age of Islam was one of peace and security was the Prophet’s just attitude, itself a reflection of Qur’anic morality.

The justice of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also awoke feelings of confidence in non-Muslims, and many, including polytheists, asked to be taken under his protection. Allah revealed the following request from the polytheists in the Qur’an, and also told the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) of the attitude he should adopt towards such people.

[If any of the idolaters ask you for protection, give them protection until they have heard the words of Allah. Then convey them to a place where they are safe. That is because they are a people who do not know. How could any of the idolaters possibly have a treaty with Allah and with His Messenger, except for those you made a treaty with at the Masjid al-Haram? As long as they are straight with you, be straight with them. Allah loves those who do their duty.] (At-Tawbah 9:6-7)

In our day, the only solution to the fighting and conflict going on all over the world is to adopt the morality of the Qur’an, and, like the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), never to depart from the path of justice, making no distinction between different religions, languages, or races.

By: Harun Yahya
Muslim Thinker — Turkey

In a statement, the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said:

“We condemn this cowardly attack in the strongest terms possible and ask that the perpetrators be punished to the full extent of the law. No religious or political ideology could ever justify or excuse such wanton and indiscriminate violence. The attack was particularly heinous in that it targeted the all-volunteer army that protects our nation. American Muslims stand with our fellow citizens in offering both prayers for the victims and sincere condolences to the families of those killed or injured.”

Along with innumerable condemnations of terror, CAIR has in the past launched an online anti-terror petition drive called “Not in the Name of Islam,” initiated a television public service announcement (PSA) campaign against religious extremism and coordinated a “fatwa,” or Islamic religious ruling, against terrorism and extremism.

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

The story of how I came to embrace Islam is not a very long story, and in many respects, I think that the story of how Allah (God) continued to guide me after I entered Islam is more of an inspiring story.

Nevertheless, this story begins with my name. I was given the name Tarik at birth. In the 60s, the 70s, and even the 80s, it wasn’t all that unusual for some Americans to give their children African names. Many times, the names they chose from Africa were actually Islamic names, which is what happened with my name.

Throughout my life before Islam I periodically met other people named Tarik, or someone who knew the significance of my name and they would ask me, “Do you know what your name means?” I would reply proudly as I had been taught: “It means ‘star of piercing brightness.’”

Sometimes I would add the story of the famous Tariq ibn Ziyad who conquered Spain in the year 711 A.D.

Ironically, despite knowing those important facts about the meaning of my name, I did not know the Islamic significance of my name until later, when I was a student in college.

I started college at the age of 16 majoring in pre-med/biology with the intent, at that time, of becoming a doctor. I knew that if I was going to have such an important responsibility, I would need a good methodology to follow in my life.

During my freshman year, I attempted to read the Bible, but Christianity had begun not to make sense to me.

While studying the marvelous complexity of cell biology that year, several of my classmates and I reaffirmed our belief in the Creator and that creation was not an accident as some scientists speculated.

During spring break, I had a theological discussion with my grandmother, with whom I was very close. And she, despite being a Christian, made a remarkable statement that I paid close attention to.

She said: “I worship God and I don’t worship Jesus, because I feel safer worshipping God!” She advised me not to pray in the name of Jesus anymore and to just pray to God!

When I returned to college after that conversation, I continued to pray every night before sleeping as I had been taught. But I decided that I would no longer pray in the name of Jesus, and to direct my prayers only to God.

Once I made that decision, I started to feel guilty about praying lying down in bed. So I began to pray kneeling at the side of my bed, which felt better to me.

Still searching for something that would guide me safely through life, one day I asked God to guide me while walking across campus.

During my junior year in college, a fellow student who I knew embraced Islam saw me walking across campus and he greeted me with “as-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you)! Having grown up in the 1970s in Chicago, I had heard this greeting many times, so I replied: “Wa alaikum us salaam!”

He then asked me if I was a Muslim, to which I replied (at that time), “No. I am United Methodist.” He replied: “Oh! I thought you were a Muslim because your name is Tarik!”.

Not long after that encounter, he came to a study session that I and a few classmates were having, and he attempted to inform us about Islam. He was very young and very new to Islam himself, so he didn’t know very much. But he did warn us about the dangers of worshipping Jesus, the son of Mary.

Of course that was a familiar statement, but I still didn’t know much about Islam, but I did learn what Muslims looked like because my friend had a very distinct appearance and demeanor after his conversion.

When I returned home that summer, I took a summer job as a telemarketer where I met a Muslim named Ahmed. Despite being a Puerto Rican convert to Islam, he had the same distinct look and demeanor as my friend from college, so I asked him, “Are you a Muslim?”

He smiled and replied: “Yes Tarik. Are you?”

I answered, “No. I am a United Methodist.”

He smiled and said wryly: “With a name like Tarik you should be a Muslim.”

He began talking to me about tawheed (the oneness of God). I was impressed with the concept of Islamic monotheism.

Eventually, he invited me over to his house and showed me a copy of the English translation of the Quran. I was very impressed by the respect that he had for this Book, and I asked him if I could borrow it in order to read it. He reluctantly agreed, saying that it was his only copy of the Quran, and he sternly advised me to respect the Book and keep it clean and in a place of respect in my home.

I couldn’t wait to read it!

Two weeks later, I invited Ahmed to my house and we sat and talked again about Islam. I informed him that I believed the Quran was the truth and that I wanted to become a Muslim.

The very next day we went together to the Islamic Center in Washington D.C. and I embraced Islam.

A few years after my conversion, Allah blessed me to be able to study Islam at the Islamic University of Medina where I earned an Associate’s degree in Arabic language and a Bachelor’s degree in Hadith Sciences.

I hope the story of how I came to Islam encourages others to embrace Islam. I also hope that my story encourages my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters to share the true message of Islam with those around them in word and deed.

DUBAI – Newly formed Qatar-based company Alnoor Holdings is raising the finance for a 150-million-dollar blockbuster biopic about the life of the Prophet Mohammed, it said on Tuesday.

Barrie Osborne, a Hollywood movie industry veteran of over 40 years whose credits include Lord of the Rings and The Matrix, has signed up as producer of the documentary epic.

“Barrie Osborne has agreed to produce the film and hopefully we should start to shoot in the first quarter of 2011,” Raja Sharif, Alnoor’s vice-president for international affairs, told AFP.

The film will respect Islamic traditions forbidding images of the prophet, so Mohammed himself “will not appear,” Sharif said.

Qatar-based Sunni cleric Sheikh Yusuf Qaradawi, head of the Association of Muslim Scholars, will lead the research and serve as technical consultant on the project, Alnoor said.

Osborne said: “I am inspired by this opportunity to bring such epic entertainment to the world and excited by the chance to inspire and enlighten by bringing the story of one of history?s greatest figures to audiences around the world.”

Alnoor chairman Ahmed Al-Hashemi said: “There are more than 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide and Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. The story of the Prophet has great contemporary relevance for Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and Alnoor is delighted to announce it as our first project.”