Five Pillars of Islam - Social Importance and Benefits

Islamic structure has a solid foundation just like every sound structure have a solid foundation in order to remain strong. Islam’s solid foundation is the five pillars, forming the basis of Islamic teaching as taught by Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The Five Pillars of Islam are the five obligations that every Muslim must satisfy in order to live a great and responsible life according to Islam.

The Five Pillars of Islam enclose the basic moral obligations for Muslims which we all should follow and act upon them. Those who inspect the basics of Islam are usually told about the “Five Pillars” of the religion Islam. These five pillars of Islam have the great impact on Muslim’s life.

1. Islam is built upon the Five Pillars of Islam which are as follows:
2. The Declaration of Faith (Shahadah)
3. Salah (Establishing regular Prayers)
4. Zakat (Paying charity)
5. Sawm (Fasting in the month of Ramadan)
6. Hajj

Now we will discuss these five pillars of Islam in detail about their importance, benefits and how they affect the Muslim’s life.

(1)

• Shahadah: The first pillar of Islam is the confession of faith; there is no God but Allah and Muhammad (SAW) is His last Prophet. Under this pillar, all other obligations are incorporated, for to believe in Allah and Muhammad (SAW) as His Prophet is to obey their teachings and the example of Muhammad’s life. We can also say that sincerely reciting the Muslim undertaking of faith is Shahadah. It must be based on a sincere and firm belief from the heart, as well as being expressed verbally. The declaration of the first pillar has two parts; the first part of the declaration signifies that no person, object or vitality has the right to be worshipped except Allah alone. Allah alone has the power over all things because He is the only Creator and Sustainer of all that exists in this world. Allah has no partner without any doubt. The second part of the declaration is that Muhammad (SAW) is Allah’s final Messenger. He is the last and final Prophet in a long chain of Prophets sent to call the people to the obedience and worship of Allah alone.

One will become a true Muslim only if he/she will utter Shahadah and also accept it by heart.

(2)

• Salah: The second pillar is prayer (Salah). Muslims are expected to engage in prayer five times a day, facing Mecca. Prayer provides a pattern of Muslim life. Muslims hope to please Allah by remembering him constantly by offering prayer regularly. Salah is basically performing practice prayers in a proper way five times daily. In Quran Allah Almighty says: “Indeed, I am Allah! There is none worthy of worship but I, so worship Me and offer the prayer for My remembrance” (Quran 20:14). Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Prayer is a pillar of the religion (Islam). Whoever establishes it, establishes a religion; and whoever destroys it (neglects it), destroys religion.” So we can say it is obligatory on every Muslim to offer prayer five times a day for the sake of Almighty Allah and also if you want to complete your faith. After Shahadah, it is the most important pillar of Islam.

Benefits of Salah

• Prayer establishes a personal and spiritual connection between the Muslim and his Creator based on faith and love
• It will have an enduring effect on the person, filling his heart with contentment, peace, and closeness with Allah
• Through prayer, Muslim remembers the greatness of his Creator and supplicates to Him for his needs and wishes
• Repeatedly humbling oneself before Allah prevents a person from falling into sin
• Salah is the type of purification for one’s soul
• Salah is an opportunity for repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah

When Salah is performed correctly with complete concentration, humility, and sincerity, it will have an enduring effect on the person, filling his heart with contentment, peace, and closeness with Allah. We should pray five times a day if we want to close to Allah and should make Dua in front of Him for anything for any cause He will absolutely listen and fulfill.

(3)

• Zakat: Zakat is paying an alms (or charity) to benefit the poor and the needy people for the sake of Almighty Allah. The meaning of the word “Zakat”, is both ‘purification’ and ‘growth’. Muslims are required to give at least 2.5 percent of their annual capital to the poor, either directly or through Muslim charitable organizations. Giving to the poor is intended to achieve a generous lifestyle and a sense of caring for the Muslim community, especially those lacking physical and financial means. We as a Muslim believe that if we give poor or needy people from our income and wealth then we will become trustworthy to Almighty Allah. As Allah (SWT) mentioned in Holy Quran: “Those who establish the prayer (Salah) and give the charity (Zakat) these are the ones who will prosper” (Quran, 31:4-5). The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Allah has made Zakat obligatory simply to purify your remaining wealth.” By fulfilling this obligation, Muslims purify their remaining wealth, as well as ensure both financial and spiritual growth.

Benefits of Paying Zakat

• Purify one’s heart from greediness, selfishness, and arrogance
• Made people be sympathetic and compassionate towards needy and poor
• Reminds blessings of Allah and encourage to be grateful to Almighty Allah
• Reduce poverty from society and balance the gap between different socio-economic classes and groups.

If someone wants to give more than specified that is 2.5 percent then he can give if he has a will to do more for needy people for pleasing Almighty Allah.

(4)

• Sawm: Sawm is fasting during the month of Ramadan for Almighty Allah because it is the Holy month of Allah. Fasting involves refraining from such things as food, tobacco, and sexual relations during daylight hours. One should also abstain from all sinful actions. These periods of fasting are to encourage and enable Muslims to develop self-control, to oppress bad habits, and to refocus their minds towards personal spiritual progress. Allah Almighty said in the Holy Quran:”Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain piety” (Quran, 2:183). As with any act of worship, fasting requires obedience and submission to Allah’s commands through the highest degree of commitment and sincerity. Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory on every physically and mentally capable adult Muslim. Children, the sick, the mentally unfit, the elderly, menstruating women, and travelers are privileged.

Benefits of Fasting

• Promotes self-purification and spiritual growth
• Fasting has health benefits it is proven scientifically
• Forgiveness of sins
• Purifies the soul and helps it acquire obeying Almighty Allah by restraining desires, and promotes steadfastness
• Create awareness about the state of affairs across the globe and the hardships encounter
• Fasting is a mean of learning self-restraint and patience

(5)

• Hajj: The fifth pillar is Pilgrimage. All Muslims are expected to make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime if their finances and health grant. During the pilgrimage, Muslims dress in white garments and remove all indicators of status or class. This practice is intended to help Muslims recognize that before Allah they are all equal. Racial, gender and economic differences are subdued as commonalty of Muslims from many nations bow together to worship Allah. Performing the pilgrimage is a temporary suspension of all worldly activities, and is a time for one to reflect, worship, seek the forgiveness of Allah and attain His closeness. In Holy Quran Allah (SWT) says: “And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makah) to the House (Kabah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, for those who can afford the expenses (for one’s transportation, provision, and residence)” (Quran, 3:97). This great act of worship consists of many components including sacrificing an animal, supplicating, visiting and praying at various sites, circling the Kabah, walking between two mountains, as well as many other rituals, all of which are performed over a period of 6 continuous days. During Hajj Brotherhood is increased, as is the sense that all Muslims, regardless of their differences, are one nation.

The five pillars of Islam have been prescribed by Allah, and a Muslim is required to believe and act according to them. They are practical as well as easy, and the blessings and wisdom behind them are multiple. Carrying out the Five Pillars demonstrates that the Muslims are putting their faith first, and not just trying to fit it in around their worldly lives. These five pillars provide the solid structure for the betterment and success of all humanity. It’s obligatory on us (Muslims) to practice these in our lives for getting benefits in this life and the Hereafter. 

If you are planning for Hajj or Umrah this year, then contact us because of British Haj Travel Ltd is one of the leading Hajj and Umrah travel agency company in the UK. We have the huge range of Hajj packages and Umrah packages with all inclusive facilities. Call us for further details at ***0203 9170 999***

source: quranreading.com

Hajj and its role in strengthening our faith

Hajj and its role in strengthening our faith

Hajj is a once-in-a-life time obligation upon us whose health and means permit it. It is an essential part of our faith and practice as it is the fifth pillar of Islam. It symbolises central concepts of Islam and commemorates the trials of the Prophet Abraham.

Hajj provides us with the opportunity for a spiritual rebirth that gets us closer to the Almighty .We are united through submission to the will and communal worship of our beloved creator.

The role that Hajj plays in strengthening our faith springs from our determination, perseverance, patience and control of acts.

Diverse rites are performed during Hajj; all of them reinforce our attachment to Allah. By attending Hajj and communally performing its rites, we strengthen bonds with the Almighty.  During the Ihram for example, we wear unique white garments that symbolizes human equality and unity in front of Allah . It is of great importance for us as we feel that barriers of discrimination are completely and that there are no differences to separate us. Such feeling significantly deepens connection with Allah.

Thus, Hajj is important as a fulfillment of pillars that strengthens our faith. It affects us to affirm commitment to Allah where the strengthening of the global Islamic community would be possible.

Our most intensive experience as Muslims is to perform Hajj. Hajj allows us the recognition of the Oneness of the Almighty .It equally offers us the opportunity to awaken our consciousness of his centrality.

Moreover, the collective form of worship during Hajj offers us a sense of belonging. One feels that he/she is part of the Umma. Hajj is the pillar by which we increase our certainty of faith as we see more than two millions performing it. It forges our Muslim identity.

When supplicating during Hajj, we seek forgiveness of our previous sins. Hence, we develop a sense of spiritual rebirth and renewal to strengthen our faith and loyalty to the Almighty.

Essentially, Hajj plays a crucial role in strengthening our faith. All its rites reflect a unified strong faith in Allah.

Source: go-makkah.com

How to enhance faith after the performance of Hajj

How to enhance faith after the performance of Hajj

Those whom the Almighty has favored to perform Hajj and Umrah should be thankful to Him for he has chosen them among His servants to perform these acts of worship, and they should implore and make Dua'a (Supplications) so that their good deeds be accepted. Being able to perform Hajj and Umrah is a great favor that deserves gratitude.   

Moreover, Pilgrims who accomplished Hajj and Umrah should keep their minds and souls attached to Allah, remembering Him constantly because He says : So when you have accomplished your Manasik , remember Allah as you remember your forefathers or with a far more remembrance. (Al-Baqarah 200)

The performance of Hajj and Umrah, as Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said in the hadeeth, purifies sins and makes a person like a newborn and thus closer to the Almighty. It is therefore important for pilgrims to do their best to preserve this state of purity as best they can. They should be consistent in remembering the Almighty and remain steadfast in performing the prayer and the other required religious duties.

Furthermore, they should keep reading the holy Quran on a daily basis  and occupy their time by doing good deeds and keep company with righteous Muslims. After accomplishing Islam's fifth pillar, pilgrims should pray to the Almighty to make their hearts steadfast in obeying Him and following His prescriptions and orders.

Those who were favored to perform Hajj and Umrah should equally stay away from Haraam (forbidden) and carry the noble message of Islam by inviting Muslims to do good deeds and increasing the number of their good deeds too.

Article by: go-makkah.com

Fasting in summer a quality of faith

Fasting in summer a quality of faith

THE blessings related to fasting are truly astounding. Those who fast are able to scale the ranks; expiate their sins; tame their desire; give much in charity; engage in a variety of acts of worship; give thanks to their Creator; avoid being swayed by impulses of disobedience and violations; distance themselves from the blazing Fire; and tap on the doors of Paradise. Fasting possesses so many virtues; some of these are presented below.

1. Sa’ihun: Allah describes the righteous believers in the Qur’an with many names. One such description is sa’ihun. Allah says, “(The believers whose lives Allah has purchased are) those who repent to Allah, who worship Him, who praise Him, who are the sa’ihun, those who bow down (in prayer), who prostrate themselves (in prayer), who enjoin virtue and forbid vice, and who observe the limits set by Allah. And give glad tidings to the believers.” (Qur’an, 9:112)

Sa’ihun literally means travelers and many scholars mention that this refers to those who fast. Some scholars of the Arabic language state that the fasting person was named a traveler (sa’ih) because a traveler has no provision with him but eats wherever and whenever he finds food.

2. Fasting has no equivalent: Abu Umamah relates: “I approached the Messenger of Allah and asked, “O Allah’s Messenger, command me with a matter by which Allah will benefit me” (in another narration, ‘Command me with an action by which I will enter Paradise’) He replied, “Take to fasting for it has no equivalent”.’ (Al-Nasa’i) It was said that smoke (from cooking) was never again noticed during the day in Abu Umamah’s house and if it was, then people knew for sure he had guests.

3. Allah claims the action for Himself: This reveals its sublime and dignified status. The Prophet said: “Allah Almighty said, ‘Every deed a person does is for his own self except fasting; it is for Me and I compensate for it’.” (Bukhari/Muslim)

One reasoning given is that fasting is free of riya’, which means to perform an action not solely for Allah but to be noticed by others in order to seek their awe, praise or worldly gain. Ibn Al-Jawzi said, “All acts of worship are noticeable (by others) when performed and it is rare for it to be free of some tarnishing, except fasting.” (Al-Fath, vol. 4)

4. Superiority of reward: Al-Qurtubi discusses the meaning of the aforementioned hadith “and I compensate for it.” He says, ‘This means that the measure of rewards for actions (in general) are known to people and that they are multiplied anywhere from 10 to 700 fold to whatever Allah wills, to the exception of fasting as Allah rewards one for it without any pre-determined measure.” (Al-Fath, vol. 4) Al-Manawi states, ‘This is a sign of the immense compensation and rich rewards for it because if Al-Karim (The Most Generous) informs that he will grant an offering without any intermediary, this necessitates its swiftness and merit’. (Fayd Al-Qadir)

5. Suitability of fasting: Allah is Al-Ghani (The Rich), Al-Qayyum (The Self-Sustainer and Supporter of all) and Al-Samad (The Self-Sufficient Master), Who has no need for food or drink and Whom all creatures need). Al-Hafidh said, ‘The lack of need for food and other desires is a characteristic of the Lord Almighty; because a fasting person draws near to Him in a manner appropriate to His own attributes, He ascribed it to Himself.’ Al-Qurtubi said, ‘The actions of slaves are all in agreement to their own dispositions except for fasting.

This is appropriate to one of the characteristics of Al-Haqq (The One True Deity); it is as if He is saying, “My servant draws near to Me with a matter that is connected to one of My attributes”.’ (Al-Fath, vol. 4)

6. Fasting expiates sins: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The trials (fitnah) a person experiences through his family, wealth, self, children and neighbor are expiated by fasting, prayer, charity, commanding virtue and forbidding vice.” (Al-Buhkari/Muslim)

7. Praise from Allah and supplication from the Angels! The Prophet said, “Indeed Allah sends His salah (praise, grace, honor, blessings, mercy) and His angels send salah (ask Allah for them to be praised, graced etc.) upon those who take the pre-dawn meal.” (Ibn Hibban in his Al-Sahih and others)

If Allah and His angels send salah for those who take the pre-dawn meal, which is an aid to fasting, what do you think about fasting itself?

8. A formidable shield: The Messenger said, “Fasting is a shield from the punishment of Allah.” (Al-Bayhaqi in Shu’ab Al-Iman, Ahmad, Al-Nasa’i) He also said, “Fasting is a shield with which a servant protects himself from the Fire.” (Al-Tabarani in Al-Kabir, Ahmad, Al-Nasa’i) He also said, “Fasting is a shield from the Fire just like one of your shields in battle.”(Ahmad, Al-Nasa’i, Ibn Majah) Al-Manawi says, “A protection in this world from disobedience by curtailing desire and preserving the limbs and in the Hereafter from the Fire.” (Fayd Al-Qadir, vol.4) Ibn Abd Al-Barr stated, “As a virtue of fasting, this is surely sufficient for you!”

9. The summer fast: Abu Musa relates, ‘Allah decreed upon Himself that whoever goes thirsty for Him on a hot day, that He would grant him water on the Day of Judgment.’ (Related by Al-Bazzar) Fasting in summer is a quality of faith because of the length of a summer day and the severity of its heat.

10. The winter fast: The Prophet said, ‘Fasting in winter is easy prey.’ (Ahmad/others) Omar Ibn Al-Khattab said, ‘Winter is prey (for the taking) for worshippers.’ (Ahmad in Al-Zuhd)

11. Al-Rayyan: “In Paradise, there are eight doors. One of these doors is called Al-Rayyan and only those who fast will enter through it.” (Al-Bukhari) “Indeed there is a door in Paradise called Al-Rayyan. Those who fast will enter through it on the Day of Judgment. It is only they who will enter it and when they have entered, it will be closed so that no one else can enter.” (Al-Bukhari/Muslim)

— Sheikh Farid Haibata studied Arabic Language and other religious sciences at the Islamic University in Madinah and is a prominent Islamic scholar in the West.

Al-Zarkashi said, “Rayyan means to be well-sated with drink, the opposite to thirst; it was named this in compensation for the thirst and hunger endured by those who fasted.’ (Mirqah Al-Mafatih Sharh Mishkah Al-Masabih)

Izz Al-Din Ibn Abd Al-Salam said, “As for the restriction of those entering Paradise through the door of Al-Rayyan to only those who fasted, they were set apart because of the distinction and nobility of their worship.” (Fawa’id Al-Sawm)

12. A fine finale: The Prophet said, ‘Whoever passes away on a day he fasts will enter Paradise.’ (Al-Bazzar/Ahmad)

Al-Manawi said, ‘i.e., whoever completes his lifetime with a day of fasting either dying while fasting or after having broken the fast for that day, will enter Paradise along with the forerunners and foremost generations or without any previous punishment.’ (Fayd Al-Qadir)

13. An intercessor: The Prophet said, ‘Fasting and the Qur’an will intercede for the servant on the Day of Resurrection. Fasting will say, “My Lord, I forbade him food and desire so accept my intercession for him”. The Qur’an will say, “My Lord, I prevented him from sleep at night, so accept my intercession for him”. So their intercession will be accepted.’ (Ahmad/Al-Tabarani on Al-Kabir)

14. Accepted supplication: The Prophet said, “Three supplications are responded to: the supplication of the one fasting; the one oppressed and the traveler.” (Al-Bayhaqi)

He also said, “There are three whose supplication will not be rejected: the fasting person at the time of breaking his fast; the just ruler and the supplication of an oppressed person.” (Ibn Hibban, Ahmad)

15. Two occasions for joy: The Prophet said, “The fasting person has two occasions for joy, one when he breaks his fast and the other when he meets his Lord.” (Al-Tirmidhi/Ahmad)

16. A smell more pleasant than musk: “Every deed a person does is for his own self except fasting; it is for Me and I compensate for it. Indeed, the smell of the fasting person’s mouth is more pleasant to Allah than that of musk.” (Muslim and Ibn Hibban)

17. Fasting prevents distraction: Al-Manawi states, “Fasting was legislated to tame the desires of the soul and to put a stop to what causes one to be in servitude and enslaved by things; if people continue to satisfy their desires they will be enslaved by things and will be disconnected from Allah. Fasting severs any connection to devoting servitude to other than Him and delivers freedom from being bound to what one covets; the meaning of freedom is to own things and not for things to own a person. If they do own and control him, wisdom is upturned and what is to be preferred becomes the opposite and what is most lofty becomes the most low...’ (Fayd Al-Qadir)

18. Realizing the need for gratitude: Al-Qastalani says concerning the aims and virtues of fasting, ‘It causes one to offer much gratitude for one’s blessings and bounties and to acknowledge the previous blessings of satisfying one’s need because of hunger and thirst; this causes one to strive to be grateful since something is truly known by its opposite.’ (Madarik Al-Maram fi Masalik Al-Siyam)

19. Opportunity and incentive to more acts of worship: Izz Al-Din Ibn Abd Al-Salam, “As for the opportunity to engage in more acts of worship, this is because it reminds one of the hunger and thirst of the dwellers of the Fire so it urges one to perform more acts of worship in order to attain salvation from the Fire. As for restraining impulses of disobedience and violations, this is because a soul that has had its fill desires and yearns for disobedience whereas if it is hungry and thirsty it desires food and drink. The desire of the soul for deliverance (from hunger and thirst) and being preoccupied with this is better than its yearning for disobedience and sin. This is why some of the early generations (salaf) preferred fasting to all other acts of worship; when questioned why, they replied, ‘For Allah to look upon me whilst my soul is challenging me concerning food and drink is more beloved to me than for Him to look upon me whilst it is challenging me concerning disobedience....” (Fawai’d Al-Sawm)

20. Opportunity for being charitable and benevolent

Al-Qastalani said, ‘...the fasting person experiences hunger so he comprehends the severity of the pain of hunger; this urges him to be benevolent to those who are without food. It also causes him to reflect on the harms of being powerless and isolated; as only one who is afflicted with a difficulty can really be aware of it...’ (Madarik Al-Maram)

21. A gentle heart and safeguarded limbs

The Prophet said, “There will enter Paradise a people whose hearts are like the hearts of birds.” (Muslim)

Al-Qastalani lists as one of the benefits of fasting, ‘The gentleness of the heart and much weeping; and this is one of the causes of happiness. Eating one’s fill does away with the light of real knowledge and imposes harshness and disentitlement.’

He also lists, ‘Safeguarding the limbs from persisting in wrongdoings; this is one of the greatest benefits to fasting. In fact it lies at the foundation of fulfilling the purpose. If one’s soul is touched with the pain of hunger it becomes submissive and obedient and distracted with this circumstance from extending its aspirations toward vile thoughts and thus its limbs will cease from committing improper movements and will stop short of violating what is sacred. The limbs are seven: the eye, ear, tongue, stomach, private parts, hand and foot. The soul supports these limbs and is the considered root. If the root weakens the branches weaken likewise and this is the secret to fasting...’ (Madarik Al-Maram)

— Sheikh Farid Haibata studied Arabic Language and other religious sciences at the Islamic University in Madinah and is a prominent Islamic scholar in the West.

Source: arabnews.com

What is Ramadan and why is it important in the Muslim faith ?

What is Ramadan and why is it important in the Muslim faith ?

Ramadan   is the name of the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar. It is an   important month in the Islamic calendar and culture. Each day during the month   of Ramadan, Muslims around the world observe the sacred month by fasting   during day light hours (from dawn to sunset), performing nightly prayers in   addition to the daily obligatory prayers, and concluding each day’s fast over   food with family and friends.  At the end of the month is a three-day   holiday that celebrates the conclusion of the month with Eid al-Fitr and   prepares individuals to return to their regular daily routine.

Fasting   is one of the pillars of Islam. “The month of Ramadan, during which the Qur’an   was revealed, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance and the   criterion; and whoever of you is resident, let him fast the month” (al-Qur’an,   2:185).

Fasting   is compulsory upon every sane, adult, healthy Muslim male who is not traveling   at that time. As for a Muslim female, she must not be menstruating or having   post-childbirth bleeding. People who are insane, minors, and those who are   traveling, menstruating, or going through post-childbirth bleeding, and the   elderly and breast-feeding or pregnant women do not need to observe the   fast.

There   are those who may not fast but have to make up the missed days of fasting at a   later date.  These include those who are ill (not chronically) and   travelers. “And [for] him who is sick among you or on a journey, [the same]   number of other days.” (al-Qur’an, 2:184). Elderly men and women are exempted   from fasting; so are the chronically ill, and those who have to perform   difficult jobs under harsh circumstances and who could not find any other way   to support themselves. They are not obliged to make up the days they missed   but in turn are obliged to feed one poor person a day (for every day of   fasting that they do not perform). Pregnant and breast-feeding women who fear   for themselves or for their babies may break their fast, feed one poor person   for every day they miss, and make up the missed days at a later time. Women   who are constantly pregnant or breast-feeding are not obliged to make up the   days. Though the young are not required to fast, it is proper for their   parents or guardians to encourage them to fast so they will become accustomed   to it at an early age. They may fast as long as they are able to and then   break it.

The main   objective of fasting is to achieve piety and righteousness. This implies   becoming conscious of our Creator, increasing our awareness of His Majesty,   exalting and glorifying His names and attributes, appreciating His greatness,   recalling His blessings upon us, and being grateful and thankful for His   guidance. “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was   prescribed to those before you, so you may remain conscious of God”   (al-Qur’an, 2 : 183).

During  Ramadan while individuals abstain from food and drink during day light hours,   they get together over food with families and friends in the evenings. The   meal with which the fast is broken is called iftar. Usually the meal is simple   designed to provide nourishment, but may sometimes be sumptuous when there is   a large get-together of family and friends.

Abstaining from   food has great ramification on the person observing the fast, physical as well   as spiritual. It is an exercise for the discipline and control of the baser   self. One learns how to restrain one’s urges and desires. Fasting frees the   person from the bondage of lusts and desires. Abstaining from intakes also   reminds us of the less fortunate ones, the poor and the destitute. Fasting   gives us a general sense of how they feel. It boosts the morale of the poor by   knowing that even kings have to go hungry for a while. Fasting makes the rich   realize and understand what the poor goes through day after day. Fasting also   purifies one’s heart and tongue. One is urged to control himself and learn how   to abstain from vain talk, lying, and cheating. Although fasting is beneficial   to health, it is mainly a method of self-purification and self-restraint. By   cutting oneself from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person   focuses on his or her purpose in life by constantly being aware of the   presence of God.

The   month of Ramadan is not only the month of fasting. It is also the month of the   Qur’an. The Qur’an is the Muslim Scripture. “Ramadan is the (month) in which   the Qur’an was sent down, as a guide to mankind, also Clear (Signs) for   guidance and the differentiation (between right and wrong)”(al-Qur’an, 2 :   185). According to a prophetic tradition, it is believed that all Abrahamic   Scriptures including the Scrolls of Abraham, the Torah, the Gospel, the Psalms   of David, and the Qur’an were revealed in the month of Ramadan.

Practicing   Muslims congregate at mosques observing the nightly prayers (tarawih)   that start after the last prayer of the day, about an hour and a half after   sunset. The nightly prayers usually last for nearly an hour. Every night the   Imam (leader in prayer) recites an equal portion of the Qur’an so that by the   27th or the 29th night of Ramadan the entire Qur’an would have been recited by   the Imam from his memory. Reciting the Qur’an not only brings one nearer to   God, but also rejuvenates one’s spirit and soul. Reciting the Qur’an,   reflecting upon the divine words, and acting upon the divine teachings are   central to Ramadan.

As the   end of Ramadan approaches, Muslims prepare for Eid al-fitr (end of fasting   celebration), which draws Ramadan to a close. Eid is a time of giving gifts,   sharing food, gathering with family and taking a holiday.

‘My path to faith was not that easy’

‘My path to faith was not that easy’

Radko is a former atheist, based in Czechoslovakia. He became Christian, only to find crucial questions left unanswered. In this first part of his narrative, he describes how he gradually moved toward Islam.

I ONCE knew an atheist who claimed he’d never believed in God’s existence. In his view, believers were supposed to be people of weak character who felt the necessity to find a crutch for their inability and laziness, so they attended church. He felt agitated if, when the debating religion, he could not persuade the opponent with his arguments. He despised believers in an almost hysterical way. He had, however, a very good friend who believed in God. They agreed to refrain from discussing religion whenever together.

One day this man, probably in a rare moment of weakness, accepted the invitation of his friend to visit his church. To himself, he laughed at the thought of speaking out in the middle of mass and laughing and pointing his finger at the believers from the pulpit. However, as we know, God works in mysterious ways. He went to church, stood in the back benches, and stared at the people praying.

The mass service started and he gave all of them a sarcastic glance. Then the sermon began, lasting about 15 minutes. Suddenly, in the middle of the sermon, tears welled in his eyes. A strange feeling of joy and happiness washed away his animosity, a feeling that engulfed his entire body. After mass, the two friends left together. They were silent until the moment they were to part ways, when he asked his friend whether they could go to church together again. They agreed to go again the next day.

It’s possible some of you might have guessed that I was that stubborn atheist. I had felt nothing but contempt and hatred toward people of faith. But after that sermon in 1989, when the priest discussed how we should not judge others if we don’t want to be judged, my life suddenly took a dramatic turn.

I started attending church services regularly and was thirsty for any information on God and Jesus Christ. I took part in meetings with Christian youngsters where we exchanged our spiritual experiences. I felt resurrected. Suddenly I felt the need to be in the company of believers. I needed to make up for the past 18 years.

I was brought up in an atheist family, who except for having me baptized, did not exercise any attempt to guide my spiritual development. I remember being in sixth grade when a comrade was sent by the Communist Party to explain to us why God does not exist. I remember myself absorbing his every word. In my case, I needed no convincing. I believed everything he said. His arrogance, contempt, and hatred toward believers became mine. But now I had to make up for all those years.

I met with a priest and others who guided me in this new direction. I was full of so many questions, to which they responded. Later I was to realize a big mistake: I accepted everything without contemplation or reflection. I could say that they explained things to me in a ‘take-it-as-it-is’ manner, but that would not be fair to them. It was, in fact, my mistake. I didn’t reflect upon their words, nor did I think critically. This would cause me a lot of complications later. In retrospect, I believe an important factor that influenced my behavior was age. I was too young to properly comprehend matters so serious and complicated as faith.

I wished to become a good Christian, and God knows I tried very hard. Yet over time, I could not reconcile the contradictions found in the Bible, such as the divine nature of Prophet Jesus and the concept of inherited sin. Priests tried to respond to my questions, but eventually, their patience began to run thin. I was told that such matters should be accepted on faith, and that these questions were a waste of time and would only serve to distance me from God. Till this day, I recall myself quarrelling with a spiritual leader, an event that restarted my self-destructive tendencies. Maybe I wasn’t right after all. I was young.

How I became Muslim
My path toward Islam wasn’t easy at all. You may think that since I was disappointed with Christianity, I would have immediately accepted Islam as my faith. This could have been very simple, but all I knew about Islam at the time were things like Muslims refer to God as Allah, they read the Qur’an instead of the Bible, and they "worship" Muhammad (peace be upon him). Also, I think I was not yet ready to accept Islam.

So I withdrew from the church community and claimed to be a soloist Christian. I found out, however, that even though I didn’t miss the community of believers or church, God was ‘settled’ so deep in my heart that I couldn’t let Him go. I didn’t even try. Quite the opposite, I felt happy to have God around and hoped He was on my side.

Later I began to engage in one stupidity after another, living a life of luxury and lust. I did not realize that such a road would lead me away from God and toward hell. A friend of mine says that you need to hit rock bottom in order to feel the ground beneath your feet. This is exactly what happened to me. I fell really deep. I can just imagine how Satan must have been waiting for me with open arms, but God did not give up on me and gave me another chance.

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Article by: www.arabnews.com

Hajj and Its Influence on Boosting Faith

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and it is obligatory for every Muslim who has the physical and financial ability, as Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And [due] to Allaah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way.} [Quran 3:97]

The rituals of Hajj have a great influence on boosting faith, because it is an established fact that Faith (Eemaan) increases through good deeds and decreases through sins and misdeeds.

Hence, every Muslim, whether or not he has performed Hajj, should contemplate the sublime meanings of these rites to reap the fruits of increasing Faith and strengthening his trust in Allaah The Almighty.

Ihraam:

Why do men wear two pieces of white cloth, and avoid form-fitting clothes when they enter the state of Ihraam?

The clothes of Ihraam are similar to the shroud, so, they remind us of death so we can prepare ourselves for it.

These clothes also remind us of the Resurrection when we will be barefoot and naked without any dress or shroud.

These clothes also remind us of the Blessings of Allaah The Almighty upon us, as He Says (what means): {O children of Aadam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment….} [Quran 7:26]

This is the clothing in this world, but what about our clothing on the Day of Resurrection, when we will be naked? The answer is in the last part of the verse in which Allaah The Exalted Says (what means): {But the clothing of righteousness - that is best.} [Quran 7:26]

Just as we leave the sewn clothes when we enter the state of Ihraam, we have to make all our good deeds fully devoted to Allaah The Almighty without associating anyone with Him.

Talbiyah:
 
Talbiyah means saying “Labbayak Allaamumma Labbayk Labbayka La Shareek Laka Labbayk (Here I am at Your service O my Lord. Here I am. Here I am at Your service and under Your Command and You have no partners.)”

Talbiyah is an acknowledgment of servitude and absolute submission to the Mighty Lord.

Before Islam, the disbelievers used to perform Hajj and make Talbiyah but they used to add, “At Your service. You have no partner except the partner that You have. You own Him and whatever he owns.”

Tawaaf(circumambulation around the Ka‘bah):

When one performs Tawaaf around the Ka‘bah, he should remember that this is the first House of Allaah The Exalted on earth and that:

-   Whoever enters it shall be safe.

-   Allaah The Almighty made the House a place of return for the people and a place of security.

-   Ibraaheem (Abraham) and Ismaa‘eel (Ishmael), may Allaah exalt their mention, raised its foundations.

-   Hearts long for it and when they leave, they always wish to return.

-   ‘Abdul Muttalib, the grandfather of the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said, “The house Has a Lord, and He Will Protect it.”

-   The Quraysh used to live around it. They were polytheists and used to circumambulate it naked.

-   It is the birthplace of the call of Islam.

Kissing the Black Stone:
 
-   The Black Stone is nothing but a stone, i.e., it can neither harm nor benefit.

-   Kissing this stone is an act of Sunnah (Prophetic tradition), but believing that it can benefit, harm, or do anything is an act of Shirk (polytheism).

-   Fighting other people to reach it is a sin.

Kissing the Black Stone is an act of the Sunnah for whoever can reach it without harming other people or intermixing with men (for women); however, kissing any other stone opens the doors of Shirk. The believer kisses the Black Stone while his heart is attached to Allaah The Almighty rather than the stone itself.

Drinking the water of Zamzam:
 
This is a stressed act of the Sunnah, but when the believer drinks it, his heart should be attached to the blessing of Allaah The Almighty, along with the belief that Allaah The Almighty has endowed this water with the ability to cure diseases. Nevertheless, the believer always knows that Allaah The Almighty can cure him through any other water or medicine, and that He can also delay the recovery of a person even if he drinks the water of Zamzam.

These are some of the indications and meanings that are implied in the Quranic verse in which Allaah The Exalted Says (what means): {And if Allaah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him. And if He touches you with good - then He is over all things competent.} [Quran 6:17]

Hence, whoever attaches his heart to Allaah The Almighty alone has fulfilled true monotheism, which is the right of Allaah The Almighty over His slaves.

Sa‘y (ritual running) between Mount As-Safa and Mount Al-Marwah:
 
Pilgrims and those who perform ‘Umrah run between these two hills, to remember and to contemplate.

Near As-Safa, Ibraaheem may Allaah exalt his mention left his wife and young child in a barren valley in obedience to Allaah The Almighty, but we, on the other hand, find it difficult to leave our sins!

The believing wife obeyed her Lord and then her husband regarding an issue that may have led to her death along with her baby.

The mother of Ismaa’eel may Allaah exalt his mention ran between As-Safa and Al-Marwah hoping that she would find some water for her baby who was about to die of thirst.

This demonstrates sheer faith when its sweetness penetrates the heart!

Standing at ‘Arafaat:
 
This is the greatest pillar of Hajj and every pilgrim must stand at ‘Arafaat; otherwise, his Hajj will be invalid. The gathering of the pilgrims on ‘Arafaat reminds us of the Day of Assembly: {The Day He will assemble you for the Day of Assembly} [Quran 64:9]

Whoever remembers the Day of Assembly should prepare himself well for it.

On the Day of ‘Arafah, the pilgrim may face difficulty in obtaining water. So, when he gets it, he should remember the verse in which Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And the companions of the Fire will call to the companions of Paradise, "Pour upon us some water or from whatever Allaah has provided you." They will say, "Indeed, Allaah has forbidden them both to the disbelievers."} [Quran 7:50]

During the Farewell Pilgrimage, a man fell while he was riding his she-camel and making Talbiyah and he broke his neck. Thereupon, the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “Wash him with water and lotus leaves, and shroud him in his two garments, but do not apply perfume to him or cover his head, for he will be raised on the Day of Resurrection reciting Talbiyah.”

He died while making Talbiyah, which is an act of worship; hence, he will be resurrected while performing the same act of worship.

So what about those who die while committing sins?

This is a fact that many people have become heedless of, namely: there is no refuge and no place of safety from Allaah The Almighty but with Him.

Article by: www.islamweb.net