Tawheed: Shahadah: The Declaration of Faith/God/ Allah is One. Muhammad (pbuh) is the God’s Prophet and messenger) Salah: The Daily Prayers “How to Perform the Salah Prayer, Actions and Sayings” Zakat: Annual Charity giving to the poor and needy Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan Hajj: Pilgrimage to Makkah the House of Allah Fulfilling these obligations provides the framework of a Muslim’s life, and weaves their everyday activities and their beliefs into a single cloth of religious devotion. No matter how sincerely a person may believe, Islam regards it as meaningless to live life without putting that faith into action and practice. Carrying out these duties fully and sincerely helps to demonstrate that the Muslim is putting their faith first and is submitting to the will of Allah (swt).

The Five Pillars of Islam

The foundation of Islam is firmly established upon five fundamental principles known as the Five Pillars. These commandments form the core structure of a Muslim’s faith and actions. Practicing these pillars is essential for every Muslim.

 Five Pillars of Islam

The ‘Five Pillars of Islam’ is the term given to the five main duties that are compulsory upon every Muslim.

The Five Pillars consist of:

Tawheed: Shahadah: The Declaration of Faith Salah: The Daily Prayers Zakat: Annual Charity Sawm: Fasting (during the month of Ramadan) Hajj: Pilgrimage to Makkah

Fulfilling these obligations provides the framework of a Muslim’s life, and weaves their everyday activities and their beliefs into a single cloth of religious devotion.

No matter how sincerely a person may believe, Islam regards it as meaningless to live life without putting that faith into action and practice.

Carrying out these duties fully and sincerely helps to demonstrate that the Muslim is putting their faith first, and is submitting to the will of Allah.

Shahadah

THE CONCEPT OF GOD IN ISLAM

What do Muslims worship?

Islam means ‘submission’ to the one true God, known in the Arabic language as ‘Allah’. To a Muslim this name has enormous significance. ‘Allah’ is not just a name used to obtain the attention of the Almighty God. ‘Allah’ is one of the strongest names that Almighty God chose for Himself and there are many reasons why He chose this name.

In the Arabic language, and other languages for that matter, a name has particular meaning. When one chooses a name for a child or a person, one chooses a name that one hopes shows the qualities and attributes of the person or child. The name ‘Allah’ is the same, but it is a very complex name in which all His attributes that are known or unknown to humans are included.

Due to the limitations and imperfections of the human mind, no one can claim to know the true meaning of this Holy name. The only thing that every creation should know is that when this Holy name is called, Almighty God will answer the caller’s request.

‘Allah’ ^(SWT) Is not a new name exclusive to Islam. It is the same name that Adam ^{(peace be upon him)} our forefather used to call the Creator. It is the same name that all the Prophets including Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad ^{(peace be upon them)} used to refer to Him. Proof of that is everywhere in the Qur’an, the Holy book of Islam and in the original books of Abraham, Moses and Jesus.

In Islam, one who submits to Allah ^(SWT) is termed a ‘Muslim’. Thus God, and not any human, is central to the Muslim faith. To understand Islam we must therefore first understand the nature of Allah ^(SWT). People have a natural inclination to question, and most people have turned to God at some point in their lives. We accept that no system, stage or family exists without a head and no beautiful piece of art exists which was not created by someone. It is natural to see that the best creation, the world and all that lives in it, must also have a Lord and a Creator.

Muslims believe that this world has not come into existence because of a series of random coincidences. Instead Muslims believe that the Universe was created and is sustained by a supreme force, Allah ^(SWT). Life is not an accident, it has meaning and purpose, this amazing world and the power of the human mind and the human spirit cannot be the result of chance.

Like most religious people, Muslims do not believe that our limited minds can either fully prove God’s existence or truly comprehend the nature or power of His Divine Being. However, Muslims believe they are given a unique way of understanding God’s nature. Muslims believe that the Qur’an is the unique word of Allah ^(SWT) in which He defines His character and names His attributes.

In the Name of Allah; the Most Kind, the Most Merciful  Say, “He is Allah, [who is] One, The Eternal refuge,  He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent.”

These words come from the Holy Qur’an, the Holy book of Islam. They summarise some of the most important characteristics of Allah ^(SWT). In the Qur’an we are taught that Allah ^(SWT) is a universal God for all people and times, and has been worshipped by all those who believe in one God only, from the time of Adam ^(AS) and Eve ^(AS). He communicated with mankind through many prophets and messengers throughout the course of history. The last message was delivered to Prophet Muhammad ^{(peace be upon him)} in the form of Qur’an.

1. The Most Kind, the Most Merciful.

Each chapter of the Qur’an begins with these words; a constant reminder that God in Islam is a Compassionate, Merciful God. In the Qur’an, Allah ^(SWT) describes how He is the Loving, the Provider, the Generous and the Benevolent, the Forgiving, the Patient and the Appreciative. This is why Muslims, who wish to please Allah ^(SWT), try to be kind and gentle, humble and submissive to Allah ^(SWT). Muslims must be aware of how we use our health and wealth. As Muslims, we do not believe that the rich, powerful, beautiful or popular person is better. It is only person’s hidden piety that makes them a better human being.

2. Say: He is God: The One.

Central to the belief of a Muslim is the Oneness of Allah ^(SWT). This is shown in the use of the name Allah ^(SWT) as it is a name which cannot be pluralized or gendered. This may seem a very simple concept, yet it is also very complex. In Islam, no partners are ascribed to God, Muslims reject the idea that He has a son or family or is divisible into parts, and nothing shares His power or divinity.

3. The Everlasting Refuge.

Allah’s ^(SWT) mercy encompasses all who repent to Him. Islam acknowledges our weaknesses and sins and encourages us through our prayer and actions such as charity, to show our obedience to God and hopefully receive His forgiveness, while continually trying to improve ourselves.

Allah says in the Qur’an: Say,

“O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah . Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Qur’an 39:53)

Allah ^(SWT) is not, however, reliant on our worship to Him, He is independent of it and we cannot “pay back” the gifts he has given us. It is not Allah ^(SWT) we harm by our sin, but our own souls.

4. He begets not, nor is He begotten.

Allah ^(SWT) is beyond human understanding or explanation. We do not give Him human characteristics or attributes; this would diminish Him. Allah ^(SWT) is the only being who was not created; He exists out of time and is in control of creation and the maintenance of the Universe. To create, Allah ^(SWT) simply says, “Be” and it is; as He did with Adam ^(AS) and Eve ^(AS) and with the Prophet Jesus ^{(peace be upon him)}. Muslims do not believe that Jesus was God’s son; God has no need of human children and forgives us without an intercessor. Instead, we are all valued creations of God, but that does not mean we share His attributes.

5. And there is none like unto Him.

Muslims believe the worst sin is to associate partners with Allah ^(SWT). Unless submission to God is absolute it will be flawed. People idealize other people, money, fame and beauty. These all lead people away from God.

Islam means to ‘submit’, to be a Muslim is to be someone who submits to God. It is the acknowledgement that we are not the most powerful or completely in control. Islam is to desire and seek a relationship with one’s Creator, Allah ^(SWT). Acceptance that Allah ^(SWT) is above all else means we cannot simply believe we must also act. It is clear in the Qur’an that we are responsible for acting out the laws that Allah ^(SWT) has given us.

Although Allah ^(SWT) is far removed from all He has created, He is still close to the believer. By living according to the Qur’an’s perfect system one comes closer to Allah ^(SWT). Allah ^(SWT) loves His servants for striving in His path.

Allah ^(SWT) is not only the Most Merciful and the Most Kind, He is also the Judge.

‘Do you think that We created you for nothing and that you would not be returned to Us.’ (Qur’an 23:115)

Muslims believe that when we die we will be judged fairly according to our faith and actions. Faith without action leads to hypocrisy. It is through actions that our faith develops.

Allah ^(SWT) gives us a total way of life to be followed; if we submit to this way of life it will bring us closer to God and improve our character. Muslims therefore submit to God willingly, knowing it is through submission they will become better and more fulfilled people, pleasing their Creator they will attain ultimate happiness since God, the source of true and permanent happiness and contentment, is pleased with them. This is the true goal of life.

Salah – The Five Daily Prayers

‘Salah’ is the Arabic word which refers to the formal prayers that all Muslims must perform. As the Second Pillar of Islam, prayer in Islam holds a position of great importance in the life of a Muslim. It is the means by which a person shows their obedience to and love for God, and provides them with opportunities to beseech God and thank Him on a regular basis. By taking time out of our worldly lives five times a day, the prayer gives Muslims perspective and balance, ensuring that their spirits as well as their material bodies are cared for and nourished.

There are five daily prayers which Muslims perform at set times of the day. The prayers are said in Arabic language. However, if a new-comer to Islam is not able to say it in Arabic he or she could say in their language until, step by step they learn how to recite the Salah in Arabic.

For further information on Learning to Pray click here.

Prayer Times:

Fajr: the Dawn prayer performed before the sun fully rises. Dhuhr: the Lunchtime prayer performed after the sun has passed its highest point. ‘Asr: the Afternoon prayer performed in the late afternoon. Maghrib: the Dusk prayer performed just after the sun has set. ‘Isha: the Night prayer performed at night.

It is important to remember that Muslims do not pray for the benefit of Allah, rather they pray for their own benefit. By doing this not only they are fulfilling Allah’s commands, but it also earning great spiritual benefit for themselves.

When praying, Muslims follow a strict set of movements. These movements were revealed to the Prophet by Allah via Angel Gabriel.

The words of the prayers are said in Arabic in order to ensure that all Muslims, all over the world, and all throughout history, recite the exact same words that were said by the Prophet Muhammad ^(PBUH). However, Muslims are highly encouraged to learn the meaning of these words in their native language as well in order to understand what they are saying, so that their prayer is meaningful to them.

In Islam there is no need of a priest or imam or any an intermediary when it comes to prayer. During or after the Salah, the worshipper can ask Allah directly for anything they need, or thank Him directly for what He has bestowed on them.

Sawm – Fasting

The word ‘Sawm’ refers to the obligation for Muslims to fast during the month of Ramadhan, the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar. Muslims do not only abstain from physical things during Ramadan. They are also expected to do their best to avoid evil thoughts and deeds as well. During the days of Ramadan all adult Muslims abstain from the following things during the hours of daylight, from sunrise to sunset:

Eating or drinking of any sort Smoking Sexual activity Any wrong doing which is prohibited in Islam

There are many reasons for fasting:

First and foremost is the fact that by fasting, Muslims are obeying the commands of Allah.

Fasting also reminds Muslims to remember the poor and needy who do not have food or provisions. The hunger that is felt during Ramadhan gives Muslims some indication of the suffering of others and acts as a persuasion to remember these people and to help them.

Fasting also helps Muslims to develop their character and faith. Fasting teaches believers self-control helping them to free themselves from the bonds of reliance on set meal times. Abstaining from food and drink also helps Muslims to focus on worship, giving them time to reflect on their faith and strengthen it.

Recently, scientists have discovered many physical benefits of fasting. The research shows, during the time that a person is not eating, the body’s digestive system can focus on its other functions, such as balancing the red and white blood cell count, repairing organs or any other of its fourteen important functions, rather than focusing constantly on the digestion of food. Therefore fasting can also improve a person’s health, as their organs are able to repair and work properly.

Whilst fasting is obligatory upon all adult Muslims, there are exceptions and among those who may also be excused from fasting are:

The Sick The elderly who find it very difficult to fast, or for whom it may be dangerous health-wise Pregnant women (under certain conditions) Breast-feeding women (under certain conditions) Menstruating women If traveling more than 45 miles away from his/her place of residence

Once the sun has set, Muslims are allowed to eat and drink again as normal. Although it is custom in many countries that the evening meal for breaking the fast, known as (Iftar), be a lavish affair, the Iftar meal should not resemble a banquet, since the Month of Ramadhan and the act of fasting is about abstention from eating and drinking, for physical and spiritual reasons. The breaking of the fast therefore, is not an excuse to eat excessively.

The breakfast meal, eaten before fasting starts again before the sun begins to rise the next morning is known as ‘Suhur’. Again this should be eaten in moderation.

At the end of month of Ramadhan, Muslims celebrate the festival of Eid al-Fitr. They attend special morning prayers, then celebrate with food and often gifts.

Muslims are reminded that the lessons learned from this holy month should not be forgotten; they should not indulge in food and waste it simply because they have the opportunity to eat during daylight hours again.

Zakat – Charity

Zakat is the term for the compulsory yearly charity that all Muslims must give to the poor and needy or those of any of the seven categories of people mentioned in the following verse:

‘Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to Truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.’ (Qur’an 9:16)

This duty is regarded as an act of worship and self-purification as it requires sacrificing your own wealth for the benefit of others.

The figure set for Zakat is 2.5% of a person’s wealth each year. The giving of Zakat also helps to unite the Muslim community as it forms a bond between members and encourages individuals to help each other. It also reminds Muslims that all wealth belongs to Allah and that Muslims should not cling to worldly possessions.

For more information about Zakat please see the site below or other sites related to the topic.

Hajj – The Pilgrimage

Hajj is the name of the Pilgrimage to Makkah, in Saudi Arabia. It is duty incumbent upon any Muslim who is able and can afford to go there and perform the rituals included in the pilgrimage. This should be done at least once during a Muslim’s lifetime.

‘In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.’ (Qur’an 3:97)

The origins of Hajj and its rituals date back to the time of the Prophet Abraham, over four thousand years ago.

The procedure of Hajj takes place in the month of Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar.

‘And proclaim to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass’ (Qur’an 22:27)

‘Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do – Allah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah. And fear Me, O you of understanding.’ (Qur’an 2:197)

The procedure of performing Hajj unites Muslims from all over the world. People of every colour, race and ethnic background come together in the holy city of Makkah to perform the same actions, at the same time, wearing the same clothes and saying the same words.

This duty reminds all Muslims that everyone was created equal by Allah, and the only distinguishing factor between them is the strength of their faith and piety.

‘O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.’ (Qur’an 49:13)

In the year 2009 it is claimed that over 3 million Muslims made the pilgrimage. This number represents the largest annual gathering of any faith in the world.

The rituals of Hajj include the following:

Ihram: Putting on the ‘Ihram’, which is the two piece of unstitched white cloth that all men must wear whilst performing Hajj. This clothing reminds all Muslims that they are equal in the sight of Allah. Women do not face the same restrictions as men, however they are also encouraged to wear simple clothing.

Tawaf

The circling of the Ka’bah, the cubed building in Makkah (known as the House of God), towards which all Muslims face when praying five times a day.

Sa’ee

A fast walk or run between the two hills of Safa’ and Marwa near the Ka’bah, in the footsteps of Hajar the wife of Abraham (Ibrahim), when God ordered him to leave her and their infant son Isma’il in the desert. This lead to the formation of the city of Makkah.

‘Indeed, as-Safa and al-Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs ‘umrah – there is no blame upon him for walking between them. And whoever volunteers good – then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing.’ (Qur’an 2:158)

In desperation, Hajar ran several times between these two hills in search of water for her son to drink as the weather was extremely hot and their water was finished. As a result, Allah caused the well of Zam zam water to appear by Isma’il’s feet. This ritual thus commemorates Hajar’s struggle.

Visiting and staying at Mina, Arafat and Muzadalifah, three sacred places near Makkah.

Stoning the Jamaraat

Throwing pebbles at three pillars in Mina which represent Satan (Shaytaan).The stoning of these pillars represent Muslims’ rejection and defiance of the Shaytaan, or the devil. This ritual also dates back to the time of Abraham as when he was called by Allah to sacrifice his son, he was approached by Shaytaan several times who tried to encourage him against Allah’s Command.

Ibrahim threw stones at Shaytaan, showing his rejection if his temptation, and his submission to Allah’s command.

Sacrifice of an animal

Again, this tradition stems from the time of Prophet Ibrahim. Ibrahim was ordered by Allah to sacrifice his son. He and his son willingly set out to fulfill the command. However, as just Abraham was about to sacrifice his son, Allah stopped him, saying that he had proven his loyalty. Allah then sent a ram for them to sacrifice instead.

‘And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice’ (Qur’an 37:107)