ISLAM ISLAM ISLAM ISLAM ISLAM ISLAM ISLAM ISLAM ISLAM ISLAM

Literally, Islam means submission and obedience to the will of Allah (swt) - A follower of Islam is called a Muslim. I am proud and thankful to say that i was born into the religion Alhamdulillah and inshaAllah will do my best in keeping my faith strong - Muslims believe that there is only one God, Allah (swt), and that Muhammad (saw) is His messenger. "La Ilaha Illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah" - Prophet Muhammad (saw) is the seal of prophethood. Islam is not just a religion, it is a complete way of life - The Muslims Holy Book, the Qur'an has not been altered from its original form and message. I could sit here and type all that I know about Islam. But there are so many websites that better explain Islam than I would, so i decided to add links to websites i really liked. Although, I did decide to mention a few very important components of ISLAM. Also there are a few links to cool stuff that i recieved thru email i found to be worth sharing.


* (swt) = Subhana wa ta Allah = Allah is pure of having partners & is exalted from having a son
* (saw) = Sallalahu Alayhi Wasallam = Peace Be Upon Him


5 PILLARS OF ISLAM

The 5 Pillars of Islam are the basic foundation of ISLAM. They are as follows:

In order to maintain a strong and stable imaan (faith), it is vital to recognize all 5 pillars. If one of these pillars is lacking, then the foundation becomes unstable, and the imaan becomes weak. How long can a table, whose 4th leg has broken, last?

SHAHADA

Shahada is the Declaration of Faith. In order to be a Muslim, one has to recite and believe in this declaration.

"Ashhadu Alla Ilaha Illa Allah Wa Ashhadu Anna Muhammad Rasulu Allah"
"I bear witness that there is no deity other than Allah(SWT) and that Muhammad(SAW) is his servant and Messenger."


SALAAT

Salaat (prayer) is an extremely significant part of ISLAM. There are 5 daily fard (mandatory) prayers at prescribed times throughout a day. 1) Fajr 2) Zuhr 3) Asr 4) Maghrib and 5) Isha. There are also various prayers and supplications for different purposes. It is very important to be consistent with salaat. There is a Hadith (saying of the Prophet Muhammad) that says:


"On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger
of Allah (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: 'The first of his actions for
which a servant of Allah will be held accountable on the Day of Resurrection will be his prayers.
If they are in order, then he will have prospered and succeeded; and if they are wanting, then he
will have failed and lost.....'" (at-Tirmidhi - Hadith Qudsi).


SAWM

The Arabic word sawm means to fast. All adult Muslims must fast from dawn to sunset everday of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. This means abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking, and conjugal relations during the hours of fasting. Fasting develops self-control and helps us to overcome faults such as selfishness, greed and laziness. The purpose of fasting is to make a Muslim able to control his passions in order to become a person of good deeds and intentions. Fasting helps Muslims remain truly obedient to Allah's commands. The Holy Qur'an says:


"O you who believe; Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you are expected to be truly obedient". (2:183).

* "ISLAM - Beliefs and Teachings" by Ghulam Sarwar


ZAKAH

Zakah (welfare contribution) is another act of 'Ibadah (worship). The Arabic word Zakah means growth, increase and purification. Zakah must be paid once a year on savings at the rate of 2.5%. This rate applies to cash, bank savings and gold and silver jewelry. Payment of Zakah is a means of keeping our wealth clear of greed and selfishness. It also helps strengthen the unity of the Ummah and emphasizes the importancce of Islamic Brotherhood.

WOMEN IN ISLAM

HIJAB - a must read story


HIJAB - an excellent article

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