From Revelation to Revolution: Mallam Hafiz Buhari Defines the Beginning of Islam

Discover how the foundational revelation of Islam sparked a global revolution, as explained by Muslim scholar Mallam Hafiz Buhari on The Real Talk Podcast. This article breaks down his key teachings on the origins of Islam, the unity of prophets, and the core principle of Tawhid—the Oneness of God in Islam.

Introduction

The beginning of Islam marks a pivotal shift from divine revelation to societal revolution, transforming individual faith into a comprehensive way of life. On November 5, Ghanaian podcast host Elizabeth Essuman welcomed Muslim scholar Mallam Hafiz Buhari to The Real Talk Podcast, where he illuminated these origins. Buhari emphasized that Islam’s message is timeless, linking prophets like Abraham, Moses, and Jesus to its core tenets.

Keywords like “Islam revelation” and “revolution in Islam” capture this essence: a divine message (revelation) that upended pre-Islamic Arabia, promoting justice, monotheism, and equality. Buhari’s discussion, available on YouTube, offers an eye-opening perspective on why Islam views history through the lens of submission to one God.

Why This Matters Today

In an era of religious pluralism, understanding the beginnings of Islam fosters interfaith dialogue. Buhari’s explanation demystifies misconceptions, such as the role of earlier prophets in Islamic theology, making it accessible for seekers exploring “prophets in Islam.”

Analysis

Mallam Hafiz Buhari’s podcast appearance provides a scholarly dissection of Islam’s foundational narrative. He frames the beginning of Islam not as a 7th-century event but as the culmination of prophetic revelations spanning millennia.

Revelation as the Spark

Buhari describes the “revelation of yesterday” as the Quran’s descent upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in 610 CE at the Cave of Hira. This event, verified in Islamic sources like Sahih al-Bukhari, initiated Tawhid—the absolute Oneness of God in Islam. The revelation challenged polytheism, usury, and tribalism in Mecca, setting the stage for revolution.

From Revelation to Revolution

The transition to “revolution today” refers to Islam’s rapid expansion. Within decades, it unified Arabia and influenced empires. Buhari links this to Prophet Muhammad’s teachings on ethics, governance, and spirituality. Historical records, including Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasul Allah, confirm how the Hijra (migration to Medina in 622 CE) birthed the first Islamic state, embodying revolutionary principles like the Constitution of Medina.

Prophets as Muslims

A key claim: Abraham (Ibrahim), Moses (Musa), and Jesus (Isa) were Muslims. In Islamic terminology, “Muslim” means one who submits to Allah. Quran 3:67 states Abraham was neither Jew nor Christian but a “hanif” (monotheist). Similarly, Quran 5:44-47 portrays Moses and Jesus upholding Tawhid, aligning with the beginnings of Islam.

Summary

In the episode, Mallam Hafiz Buhari outlines Islam’s creed: “There is no god but Allah; He is One, with no partners; sovereignty and praise belong to Him; He gives life and death; He is Eternal, Most Excellent, and Most Powerful.” He critiques the Christian Trinity as incompatible with this, calling it blasphemous since Tawhid rejects any addition to God’s unity (Quran 4:171).

The discussion highlights Prophet Muhammad’s merits, including his role as the final messenger (Quran 33:40), his mercy to creation (Quran 21:107), and miracles like the Quran’s linguistic inimitability. Buhari stresses Islam’s singular message: worship of One God, echoed across prophetic missions.

Key Points

Practical Advice

Applying Mallam Hafiz Buhari’s insights on the beginning of Islam enhances daily life through Tawhid.

Incorporate Tawhid Daily

Start with the Shahada: “La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur rasulullah” (There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is His messenger). Recite it five times daily in Salah (prayer), fostering mindfulness of God’s unity.

Follow Prophetic Example

Emulate Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah: charity (Zakat), kindness, and justice. Historical examples include his forgiveness at Mecca’s conquest, promoting reconciliation.

Study Islamic Origins

Read Quran chapters like Al-Ikhlas (112) for Tawhid. Engage podcasts like The Real Talk for modern insights, building informed faith.

Promote Revolution Ethically

Advocate social justice—end poverty, uphold rights—as Islam did post-revelation, per Medina’s constitution.

Points of Caution

While exploring “revolution in Islam,” avoid misinterpretation.

Respect Interfaith Boundaries

Islam mandates respect for “People of the Book” (Quran 29:46). Buhari’s views critique theology, not persons; dialogue, don’t debate divisively.

Avoid Extremism

True revolution is spiritual and ethical, not violent. Prophet Muhammad exemplified peace treaties, countering radical distortions.

Verify Sources

Cross-check claims with Quran/Hadith, not unverified social media. Buhari’s podcast is authentic but contextualize within broader scholarship.

Comparison

Comparing Islam’s beginnings with other faiths highlights uniqueness.

Islam vs. Judaism and Christianity

All Abrahamic faiths affirm monotheism, but Islam insists on unadulterated Tawhid. Judaism’s Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4) echoes this; Christianity’s Trinity (Matthew 28:19) diverges, which Buhari notes as additive—rejected in Quran 5:73.

Prophets’ Continuity

Islam sees 25 named prophets (Quran 6:83-86) as a chain; others recognize subsets. Abraham as “Muslim” (submitter) unifies, unlike sectarian divides.

Revelation vs. Scripture

Quran claims preservation (15:9); Bible/Torah have variant texts. This underpins Islam’s revolutionary claim as final revelation.

Legal Implications

Discussions like Mallam Hafiz Buhari’s on religious origins carry no direct legal issues in secular jurisdictions like Ghana, protected under freedom of speech (Ghana Constitution Article 21) and religion (Article 21(1)(b)). However, in contexts of hate speech laws (e.g., UK’s Public Order Act 1986), critiques must avoid incitement. Islamically, Quran 109:6 upholds “to you your religion, to me mine,” prohibiting coercion.

Conclusion

Mallam Hafiz Buhari masterfully traces the beginning of Islam from revelation to revolution, underscoring Tawhid and prophetic unity. This podcast not only educates on “Oneness of God in Islam” but inspires ethical living. Whether exploring “prophets in Islam” or daily faith, these teachings remain relevant, urging reflection on submission to the One True God.

Watch the full episode to grasp how yesterday’s revelation fuels today’s revolution— a timeless call to monotheism and justice.

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