A. Muslims believe in One God "Allah", Supreme and Eternal, Infinite and Mighty, Merciful and Compassionate, Creator and Provider.
B. Muslims believe in a chain of prophets starting with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael. Muslims believe in all messengers of Allah without any discrimination among them. Every known nation had a warner or messenger from Allah who were chosen by Allah to teach mankind and deliver His Divine message. But God's final message to man, a reconfirmation of the eternal message and a summing-up of all that has gone before was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel.
C. A Muslim believes in all the scriptures and revelations of Allah. They were the guiding light which the messengers received to show their respective peoples the Right Path of Allah. In the Qur'an, special reference is made to the books of Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus. But long before the revelation of the Qur'an to Muhammad, some of those books and revelations were lost or corrupted. The only authentic and complete book of Allah in existence today is the Qur'an.
D. A Muslim believes in the angels of Allah. They are a pure creation and are splendid beings whose nature requires no food, drink or sleep. They spend their days and nights in the worship of Allah and in implementing His commands.
E. A Muslim believes in the Day of Judgment. This world will come to an end someday, and the dead will rise to stand for their final and fair trial. People with good records will be generously rewarded and warmly welcomed to the Heaven of Allah, and those with bad records will be punished and cast into Hell.
F. A Muslim believes in the timeless knowledge of Allah and in His power to design and execute His plans, and that nothing could happen in His Kingdom against His Will. His knowledge and power are in action at all times and in full command over His creation. He is wise and merciful, and whatever He does must have a meaningful purpose. If this is established in our minds and hearts, we should accept with good faith all that He does, although we may fail to understand it fully, or think it is bad.
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Friday, September 4, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
What is Muslims required to do during Ramadan? When is Ramadan and How Long is its Dates Calculated?
Muslims around the world are expected to fast from sun rise until sun set. Fasting requires abstinence from food and liquids, smoking and sexual intercourse during the given time. Apart from the mentioned, it is expected of a Muslim to stay away from all such deeds which may be the sign of a bad character, may hurt someone else or may become a cause of disruption in society.
If a Muslim is fasting by not eating, drinking or smoking but indulging in deeds that are frowned upon by God, it makes the fasting merely an act of starving and not one with spiritual depth in it. Hence deeds such as back biting, anger, hiding the truth or deceiving, stealing or partaking in other activities that are not permissible are especially avoided during the holy month.
The Islamic calendar is based on lunar movements and therefore the time of the year or dates when Ramadan would fall is not the same each year. Like any other Islamic month, Ramadan is either 29 or 30 days long.
In the most Muslim countries like Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, India etc there are official moon-sighting organizations that come together from all cities of the country to check for moon sighting. The first moon sighting of each month lasts for only a few minutes and is a very thin crescent. If the moon is seen in any part of the country, it indicates the beginning of Ramadan. Other countries especially Arab nations follow Saudi Arabia for convenience; Saudi Arabia is where Mecca is located and happens to be the holiest place for Muslims.
If a Muslim is fasting by not eating, drinking or smoking but indulging in deeds that are frowned upon by God, it makes the fasting merely an act of starving and not one with spiritual depth in it. Hence deeds such as back biting, anger, hiding the truth or deceiving, stealing or partaking in other activities that are not permissible are especially avoided during the holy month.
The Islamic calendar is based on lunar movements and therefore the time of the year or dates when Ramadan would fall is not the same each year. Like any other Islamic month, Ramadan is either 29 or 30 days long.
In the most Muslim countries like Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, India etc there are official moon-sighting organizations that come together from all cities of the country to check for moon sighting. The first moon sighting of each month lasts for only a few minutes and is a very thin crescent. If the moon is seen in any part of the country, it indicates the beginning of Ramadan. Other countries especially Arab nations follow Saudi Arabia for convenience; Saudi Arabia is where Mecca is located and happens to be the holiest place for Muslims.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Ramadan is significant to Muslims
A. Most importantly, the first revelation of the Quran is believed to have been revealed during this month. Quran is the holy book of Muslims believed to have been revealed to Muhammad, who was the last of God's prophets on earth. Muslims recite the Quran at home and read its translations and many try to attend classes where its translation is further explained by learned scholars.
B. Ramadan is the holiest of Islamic months where the reward of the good deeds are multiplied excessively. Muslims make sure they can reap maximum reward during this month and try to focus upon achieving those good deeds.
C. It is a month of purification of mind, soul and acts - hence Muslims are expected to stay away from bad deeds along with food, drink and smoke and spend this time focused on pleasing Allah and humanity.
D. According to Islamic teachings, the first 10 days of Ramadan are of mercy, next 10 days are for forgiveness, and last 10 days are of distance from Hellfire. Muslims pray excessively during this month not only because the rewards are greater, but also in order to win the mercy, forgiveness and distance from hell that has been promised to them.
E. Ramadan is about sharing - the fact that one abstains from eating and drinking reminds one of the hardship of those who cannot afford to eat or drink as much. It teaches one patience in front of hardship and gratitude to God at all costs.
F. Muslims perform the most charitable acts during this month. "Zakat" which is compulsory charity on all Muslims calculated according to the savings one has over a year's time can be given out all year through but Muslims spend most on zakat during this month. Apart from this there is "fitra" which is compulsory charity during Ramadan, specifically calculated on the cost of food items like grain and wheat, and is given to the needy.
G. Continuing with the idea of sharing, Muslims share food with their neighbors, family, friends and the poor during Ramadan. This increases the sense of community and love.
B. Ramadan is the holiest of Islamic months where the reward of the good deeds are multiplied excessively. Muslims make sure they can reap maximum reward during this month and try to focus upon achieving those good deeds.
C. It is a month of purification of mind, soul and acts - hence Muslims are expected to stay away from bad deeds along with food, drink and smoke and spend this time focused on pleasing Allah and humanity.
D. According to Islamic teachings, the first 10 days of Ramadan are of mercy, next 10 days are for forgiveness, and last 10 days are of distance from Hellfire. Muslims pray excessively during this month not only because the rewards are greater, but also in order to win the mercy, forgiveness and distance from hell that has been promised to them.
E. Ramadan is about sharing - the fact that one abstains from eating and drinking reminds one of the hardship of those who cannot afford to eat or drink as much. It teaches one patience in front of hardship and gratitude to God at all costs.
F. Muslims perform the most charitable acts during this month. "Zakat" which is compulsory charity on all Muslims calculated according to the savings one has over a year's time can be given out all year through but Muslims spend most on zakat during this month. Apart from this there is "fitra" which is compulsory charity during Ramadan, specifically calculated on the cost of food items like grain and wheat, and is given to the needy.
G. Continuing with the idea of sharing, Muslims share food with their neighbors, family, friends and the poor during Ramadan. This increases the sense of community and love.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Islamic Months and Days
Names of the Islamic months
1. Muharram ul Haram
2. Safar
3. Rabi-ul-Awwal
4. Rab-ul-Akhir
5. Jamadi-ul-Awwal
6. Jamadi-ul-Akhir
7. Rajab
8. Sha'aban
9. Ramadan
10. Shawwal
11. Dhul Qadah
12. Dhul Hijja
Names of the Islamic days of the week
1. yaum as-sabt (Sabbath day)
2. yaum al-ahad (first day)
3. yaum al-ithnayn (second day)
4. yaum ath-thalatha' (third day)
5. yaum al-arba`a' (fourth day)
6. yaum al-khamis (fifth day)
7. yaum al-jum`a (gathering day)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Hajj (Pilgrimage)
Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the five pillars of Islam. Hajj was made obligatory in the 9th year of Hijra. The Holy Prophet sent off 300 Muslims under the leadership of Hazrat Abubakr Siddique to Mecca so that they could perform Hajj. That was the year when it was banned for the Mushrikeen to enter Ka’ba. It was also made unlawful to perform Tawaaf with naked body.
The following year, 10th Hijra, the Holy Prophet announced a head of time he himself would perform Hajj that year. He led tens of thousands of Muslims to Hajj that year and demonstrated to Muslims how to perform all the rites and rituals of the Hajj. This Hajj is known in history as Hajjatul Wida’ or Farewell Pilgrimage because this proved to be the last Hajj the Holy Prophet performed. At the end of this farewell pilgrimage, the divine revelation that had started some 22 years ago came to an end with the following verse of Surah Al-Maidah:
“This day I have completed My commandments for you, and have brought to its fullness the favor that I have bestowed upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion”.
Hajj is an act of worship just like Salat and Sawm Muslims from all over the world gather in Mecca in the last month of Muslim calendar and worship Allah. Hajj is a special worship that lasts for several days. This is an occasion that brings Muslims of all countries, colors, and races to one place – the Ka’ba. This is a unique opportunity of worshipping Allah collectively in a large gathering at one place.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Eid-ul-Fitr and Ramadan
During the holy month of Ramadan was when Allah gave Prophet Muhammad the Holy Qur'an. One day, Muhammad had a vision in which the angel Jibril told him how Allah wanted people to live. The Allah's words were revealed to Muhammad through the angel over a period of 23 years, and the words were written down to form the Qur'an. We celebrate Ramadan to remember this very special month.
Ramadan is a time when we fast during the daylight hours. We go without food or drink until sundown. Instead of feeding our bodies, we pray and read the Qur'an. We also make extra effort not to say or listen to anything harmful. These things make us feel closer to Allah, and also remind us of people who may not have enough to eat.
During Ramadan, every day Muslim families wake up before the sun rises to eat a meal together. This meal is called Suhur. It is the only thing we eat until the evening. After Suhur, everyone offers the Fajr prayer together. Even young children should fast at least a few days during Ramadan. Many kids also give up eating their favorite foods andtry to improve themselves by avoiding bad habits.
Muslims are supposed to read the entire Qur'an during the month of Ramadan. It is important to know that all five daily prayers should be offered as well, or the day's fasting has no meaning at all.
When the sun sets, we break our fast by drinking water and eating dates. Then we offer the Maghrib prayer together. Afterwards, everyone enjoys a delicious meal called Iftar.
Fasting during Ramadan is REQUIRED of Muslims once they reach the age of puberty, or between the ages of 11 and 15. Ramadan is a time when Muslims give up some of their personal comforts to become closer to Allah. It is a time to remember the important teachings that Allah gave to our dear Prophet. Those teachings include respecting and understanding others, and remembering those who are less fortunate.
Ramadan is a time when we fast during the daylight hours. We go without food or drink until sundown. Instead of feeding our bodies, we pray and read the Qur'an. We also make extra effort not to say or listen to anything harmful. These things make us feel closer to Allah, and also remind us of people who may not have enough to eat.
During Ramadan, every day Muslim families wake up before the sun rises to eat a meal together. This meal is called Suhur. It is the only thing we eat until the evening. After Suhur, everyone offers the Fajr prayer together. Even young children should fast at least a few days during Ramadan. Many kids also give up eating their favorite foods andtry to improve themselves by avoiding bad habits.
Muslims are supposed to read the entire Qur'an during the month of Ramadan. It is important to know that all five daily prayers should be offered as well, or the day's fasting has no meaning at all.
When the sun sets, we break our fast by drinking water and eating dates. Then we offer the Maghrib prayer together. Afterwards, everyone enjoys a delicious meal called Iftar.
Fasting during Ramadan is REQUIRED of Muslims once they reach the age of puberty, or between the ages of 11 and 15. Ramadan is a time when Muslims give up some of their personal comforts to become closer to Allah. It is a time to remember the important teachings that Allah gave to our dear Prophet. Those teachings include respecting and understanding others, and remembering those who are less fortunate.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Living a Muslim in America
America is a country with many, many religions. Islam is growing very fast in America, Alhamdulillah. But for now, there may not be as many Muslims where you live as there are Christians, Jews, or others. We want to make sure that the iman (faith) in our hearts and souls stays strong and helps us to live as Allah has told us to.
It is very important to practice our iman throughout our whole lives, and start now as kids. When you live in a country where there aren't many Muslims, you have to try a little harder to practice that iman. Do you have any Muslim friends? They'll probably be the best friends you will have. Stick with them, and you'll feel even more proud to be a Muslim!
Even more important in helping you feel like a part of Islam, is your FAMILY. If you ever feel confused about your iman, go to your mother or father or another grown-up relative, and Inshallah they will straighten things out for you. Also, when you're with your family, you feel like you really belong to a group who has the same ideas about your iman as you do.
It is very important to practice our iman throughout our whole lives, and start now as kids. When you live in a country where there aren't many Muslims, you have to try a little harder to practice that iman. Do you have any Muslim friends? They'll probably be the best friends you will have. Stick with them, and you'll feel even more proud to be a Muslim!
Even more important in helping you feel like a part of Islam, is your FAMILY. If you ever feel confused about your iman, go to your mother or father or another grown-up relative, and Inshallah they will straighten things out for you. Also, when you're with your family, you feel like you really belong to a group who has the same ideas about your iman as you do.
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