The 32 duties that are obligated for a Muslim > IMAAN

In Islam there are 32 duties that a muslim is obligated to do or to believe. These duties are divided in different kind of segments like Imaan, the 5 pillars of islaam and Prayers. Inshallah in the coming days each of the segments will be described and discussed. In this blog post the Imaan is described:

What is Imaan?

Imaan (Faith): To accept everything that the holy Prophet (PBOH) of Allah (SWT) has given us with your heart  and say that, that is what you believe.

The mandatory elements of Imaan:

There are six elements of Imaan that are mandatory for muslims to  believe:

• 1)      In the existence of Allah (SWT) and that he is the only one;
• 2)      In the angels of Allah (SWT);
• 3)      In the books sent by Allah (SWT);
• 4)      In the Prophets of Allah (SWT);
• 5)      In life after death, the hell and the paradise. That people will rise from their death and that Kayamat will come;
• 6)      That all things, good and bad, are the will of Allah (SWT).

What is Belief in Allah (SWT)?

The Belief in Allah (SWT) is that you should believe that Allah (SWT) is the Sole Creator, Sustainer, Provider and the One in Whose Hand is the disposal of all affairs.  Everything stands in need of Him, but He stands in need of none.  He is the Only One Who is worthy of being worshipped.  He has the Best Names and Perfect Attributes.

Who are the Angels?

The Angels are the creatures of light.  They are Allah's obedient slaves, they do that which Allah (Swt) commanded them to do and are not able to be disobedient. 

 

What do you mean by belief in the books? 
The Islamic holy books are the records which most Muslims believe were dictated by God to various Islamic prophets. They include the Tawrat (Torah), the Zabur (commonly the Psalms), the Injil (the original Gospel of Jesus), and the Qur'an.

What do you mean by belief in Prophets?

It means that Allah (SWT) sent the Messengers like Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), Ibrahim (Abraham), Nuh (Noah), etc. (peace be upon them all) and sent down the books like the Torah, Injeel (Gospel), Zaboor (Psalms), etc. to call the people to worship Allah (SWT) Alone, associating nothing with Him.  He sealed (finalized) the Messengers with Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

 This is some simple information on Imaan, Insh'Allah other segements will be up soon!!

Questions & Answers about Islaam

Assalamoalaikum,

On today's blog some questions and answers about Islaam, these are common questions that still learn us of what we are (humans) and that we are created by Allah (swt) and are nothing without his will! So always say Alhumdulliah in every aspect of life!

Q1: Who is your God?:

A1: Allah (swt)

Q2: What does God mean?:

A2: It means that He who is adored, because He possesses everything and he controls the whole universe.

Q3: Who has created you?:

A3: Allah (swt) has created me.

Q4: What does Allah (swt) mean?:

A4: There is nothing like him, he is not born and he does not give birth. He is the Creator of the universe and anything and everything belongs to him. Allah is the name of the high and holy Creator.

Q5: Who’s servant are you?

A5: I am the servant of Allah (swt)

Q6: Where do we come from and where are we going?

A6: We come from Allah (swt) and we will return to Allah (swt)

Q7: Why are we created?

A7: We are created to worship and to be His servant.

Q8: What is the duty of the people?

A8: Live life according the obligation of Allah (swt) and the instruction given by Prophet Mohammad (PBOH).

Q9: Since when are you a muslim?

A9: Sinds “Qalu Billah” we are muslims, Alhumdulliah

Q10: What does “Qalu Billah” mean?

A10: Before the Great and Holy Allah (swt) created the universe, he created the souls of all people. He then called them to Himself and He asked them:

‘’ Alastu Birabbikum’’ (Am I not your God?)

And the souls promised: ‘’Qalu Billah’’ (Yes, You are our God, we only listen to you and will ask only You for help). The period in which this took place is called the ‘’ Qalu Billah”

Q11: What does ‘’ Alhumdulliah’’ mean?

A11: All praise is to Allah (SWT)

Q12: How can we thank Allah (SWT) for all the living that we continuously get from him (eyes, minds, bodies, noses, understood, hands, feet, food and drink)?

A12: By saying: Many thanks to Allah (swt)

Q13: What do you say when you start to eat or drink something?

A13: Then I say Bismillaahhir rahmaanir rahiem

Q14: Where is Allah (swt)?

A14: Allah (swt) is alway everywhere.

Q15: What is your faith?

A15: My faith is Islaam.

Q16: How do you enter Islaam?

A16: By saying the faith testimonies of the Tawheed and the Shahada, you will enter Islam

Q17: What is your Holy Book?

A17: My Holy Book is the Holy Quraan

Q18: What is your Qiblah (the direction of prayer)?

A18: The Ka’Bah

Q19: What and where is you origin?

A19: My origin lies in the people/descendants of Prophet Adam (PBOH)

Q20: Who is your Prophet?

A20: My Prophet is Mohammad (PBOH)

The Blessings Of Bismillah

Assalamoalaikum,

As muslims, one of the first things we often learn is Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim. Following the practice of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) and his Household (Ahlul Bayt), Muslims begin with the name of Allah before doing anything.

The most important and biggest example is the fact that Bismillah occurs at the head of every chapter (surah) in the Holy Qur'an, with the exception of the 9th chapter, Surah al-Baraa'at (also called Surah al-Tawbah).

The Arabic way of writing Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim:

The Meaning of Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim:

  "In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate".

The importance and virtues of Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim:

The Devil:

“ I fallowed a child that was on it’s way to home. When the child opened the door of his house, he did not say “Bismillah”! This meant that I could enter the house with the child.

When the child started to eat his supper, he did not say ‘’Bismillah’’ This meant that I could eat a long with the child, because again he did not mention the name of Allah (swt)! I am so happy!!!’’

The child was not paying attentions to his actions and did not mention the name of Allah (swt) when he entered the house. This way the devil got the opportunity to enter the house and eat a long.

The Devil:

“The next day I fallowed another child that was on it’s way to home. When the child reached the door of his house and reached to open it he said “Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim” OH NO!! I could not enter the house any more, because the house because a prohibited area for me!

Then the child sat down for supper and he again said “Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim” before starting his supper! OH NO!! Now I can not eat a long with him!’’

Because the child was attentive of his actions and had made a habit of saying “Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim”  before everything he did, he did not give the devil a chance of participating in any of his actions. This way what ever he did was blessed by Allah (swt) and he was protected from the harms of the devil.

As a Muslim it is very essential then we start our every new action with ‘’ Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim’’ This way we will make sure that the devil does not get the chance to participate and join or actions.

Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim

Allah is the first thing I say,

And full of faith I say,

Every night when I go to bed and

Every morning when I wake up:

Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim.

When eating and when drinking,

When opening my book,

When doing my job or homework,

When I start to do anything new,

I say: Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim.

When I say Bismillah,

And focus towards Allah,

I focus towards my Lord,

Then my heart gets stronger,

And I know what to say,

Because it is Allah (swt) who is holding my hand!

So make it a habit of saying Bismillah, before starting anything so that Allah (swt) blesses your action and helps you accomplish things in life!

Mothers

From Surah al-Rahman are the glorious words of our Creator: "Then which of the favors of your Lord will your deny?" 

Yet how often we deny the greatest of favors that the Bestower has granted us. This favor, in the form of a woman......

A woman who carried us within her for almost a whole year of her short life in this world, bearing every hardship and discomfort to protect and nurture our frail being as the Fashioner gently prepared us to come into this worldly realm....

A woman who braved death's door, embracing pain unimaginable to even the most stalwart of warriors, that our tiny form may chance to take its first breath, open its eyes to the light of a new home, and feel her warm, soft caress, as she forgets all that she went through, to make comfortable our awakening into a new world....

A woman who had forsaken rest, slumber, and dreams for far too many nights; to rise instead, and answer the pitiful wail of a helpless creature that always new she would be there to answer its plaintive cry, even as the whole world slumbered on into the dead of the night......

A woman who bore weakness to give forth from her being, a pure and heavenly nectar to nourish our growing bodies and our thirsty souls with sustenance to define our humanity ever onward......

A woman who watered and pruned our character with all the patience and care of a master gardener turning a wild shrub into a beautiful tree.......

A woman who was always there for us, no matter how many backs were turned to us, no matter how many doors closed in our face, to give us a shoulder to cry on, an ear to heed our complaint, a comforting bosom to embrace when there was no other.......

A woman who, even after all of our blunders, all of our impudence, all of our ungrateful gestures and insolent remarks, will not hesitate to say I forgive you when no one else in the world will....

A woman who we call Mother.

If we only knew her lofty station in the sight of He whose mercy is endless, a single portion of which He showered upon the world and it manifested itself as the undying compassion of the mother to her child. 

"THEN WHICH OF THE FAVORS OF YOUR LORD DO YOU DENY?" 

To deny is to show ingratitude. To show ingratitude is to lose one's blessings......like sand flowing through one's fingers.

To show ingratitude to the all Merciful is to show ingratitude to the means He creates out of His endless mercy. WHAT OF THE MEANS WHICH BROUGHT US INTO THE WORLD?

If one's mother is alive, then cry out of thankfulness to Allah, go to her, sit at her feet, kiss her on the forehead, look her in the eyes and tell her how blessed you are for someone like her......

Tell her how much you love her.....

And never forget the immortal words of our beloved Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace):

"Paradise is under the feet of the mother...."

From a loving son

Calamities and disasters are a test for the believers!

Assalamualikum warhamtullahi wabarakatuhu!!

Praise be to Allaah. 


Calamities and disasters are a test, and they are a sign of Allaah’s love for a person, because they are like medicine: even though it is bitter, despite its bitterness you give it to the one whom you love – and for Allaah is the highest description. In the saheeh hadeeth it says: “The greatest reward comes with the greatest trial. When Allaah loves a people He tests them. Whoever accepts that wins His pleasure but whoever is discontent with that earns His wrath.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (2396) and Ibn Maajah (4031); classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi. 

Calamities are good for the believer in the sense that reward is stored up for him the Hereafter thereby; how can it be otherwise when he is raised in status thereby and his bad deeds are expiated? The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When Allaah wills good for His slave, He hastens the punishment for him in this world, and when Allaah wills ill for His slave, he withholds the punishment for his sins from him until he comes with all his sins on the Day of Resurrection.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi (2396); classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi. 

Al-Hasan al-Basri (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “Do not resent the calamities that come and the disasters that occur, for perhaps in something that you dislike will be your salvation, and perhaps in something that you prefer will be your doom.” 

Al-Fadl ibn Sahl said: “There is a blessing in calamity that the wise man should not ignore, for it erases sins, gives one the opportunity to attain the reward for patience, dispels negligence, reminds one of blessings at the time of health, calls one to repent and encourages one to give charity. 

Through calamity the believer seeks reward, and there is no way to attain it but patience, and there is no way to be patient except with resolute faith and strong will. 

Remember the words of the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “How wonderful is the affair of the believer, for his affairs are all good, and this applies to no one but the believer. If something good happens to him, he is thankful for it and that is good for him. If something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience and that is good for him.” (Narrated by Muslim, 2999). 

So if calamity befalls a Muslim, he must say Inna Lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’oon (Verily to Allah we belong and unto Him is our return), and say the du’aa’s that have been narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). 

How wonderful are those moments in which a person turns to his Lord and knows that He alone is the One Who grants relief from distress. How great is the relief when it comes after hardship. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“but give glad tidings to As‑ Saabiroon (the patient). 

156. Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: ‘Truly, to Allaah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.’

157. They are those on whom are the Salawaat (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones”

[al-Baqarah 2:155-157] 

Muslim (918) narrated that Umm Salamah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “There is no Muslim who is stricken with a calamity and says what Allaah has enjoined – ‘Verily to Allaah we belong and unto Him is our return. O Allaah, reward me for my affliction and compensate me with something better’ – but Allaah will compensate him with something better.” 

She said: When Abu Salamah died, I said: Who among the Muslims is better than Abu Salamah, the first household to migrate to join the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)? Then I said it, and Allaah compensated me with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). 


And Allah knows best

JazakAllahu khairan

The Virtues of Hijab

1. An act of obedience. 

The hijab is an act of obedience to Allah and to his prophet (pbuh), Allah says in the Qur'an: 

`It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His messenger have decreed a matter that they should have an option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, has indeed strayed in a plain error.' (S33:36). 

Allah also said: 

'And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things) and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc) and not to show off their adornment except what must (ordinarily) appear thereof, that they should draw their veils over their Juyubihinna.'(S24:31). 

Juyubihinna: The respected scholars from As-Salaf As-Saleh (righteous predecessors) differed whether the veil cover of the body must include the hands and face or not. Today, respected scholars say that the hands and face must be covered. Other respected scholars say it is preferable for women to cover their whole bodies. 

2.The Hijab is IFFAH (Modesty). 

Allah (subhana wa'atala) made the adherence to the hijab a manifestation for chastity and modesty. Allah says: 

'O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) over their bodies (when outdoors). That is most convenient that they should be known and not molested.' (S33:59). 

In the above Ayaah there is an evidence that the recognition of the apparent beauty of the woman is harmful to her. When the cause of attraction ends, the restriction is removed. This is illustrated in the case of elderly women who may have lost every aspect of attraction. Allah (swt) made it permissible for them to lay aside their outer garments and expose their faces and hands reminding, however, that is still better for them to keep their modesty. 

3. The hijab is Tahara (Purity) 

Allah (swt) had shown us the hikma (wisdom) behind the legislation of the hijab: 

`And when you ask them (the Prophet's wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and their hearts.' (S33:53). 

The hijab makes for greater purity for the hearts of believing men and women because it screens against the desire of the heart. Without the hijab, the heart may or may not desire. That is why the heart is more pure when the sight is blocked (by hijab) and thus the prevention of fitna (evil actions is very much manifested. The hijab cuts off the ill thoughts and the greed of the sick hearts: 

`Be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy or evil desire for adultery, etc) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner.' (S33:32) 

4. The hijab is a Shield 

The prophet (pbuh) said: 

"Allah, Most High, is Heaven, is Ha'yeii (Bashful), Sit'teer (Shielder). He loves Haya' (Bashfulness) and Sitr (Shielding; Covering)." 

The Prophet (pbuh) also said: 

"Any woman who takes off her clothes in other than her husband's house (to show off for unlawful purposes), has broken Allah's shield upon her. " 

The hadith demonstrates that depending upon the kind of action committed there will be either reward (if good) or punishment (if bad). 

5. The hijab is Taqwah (Righteousness) 

Allah (swt) says in the Qur'an: 

O children of Adam! We have bestowed raiment upon you to cover yourselves (screen your private parts, etc) and as an adornment. But the raiment of righteousness, that is better.'(S7:26). 

The widespread forms of dresses in the world today are mostly for show off and hardly taken as a cover and shield of the woman's body. To the believing women, however the purpose is to safeguard their bodies and cover their private parts as a manifestation of the order of Allah. It is an act of Taqwah (righteousness). 

6. The hijab is Eemaan (Belief or Faith) 

Allah (swt) did not address His words about the hijab except to the believing women, Al-Mo'minat. In many cases in the Qur'an Allah refers to the "the believing women". Aisha (RA), the wife of the prophet (pbuh), addressed some women from the tribe of Banu Tameem who came to visit her and had light clothes on them, they were improperly dressed: 

"If indeed you are believing women, then truly this is not the dress of the believing women, and if you are not believing women, then enjoy it." 

7. The hijab is Haya' (Bashfulness) 

There are two authentic hadith which state: "Each religion has a morality and the morality of Islam is haya'" AND "Bashfulness is from belief, and belief is in Al-Jannah (paradise)". The hijab fits the natural bashfulness which is a part of the nature of women. 

8. The hijab is Gheerah 

The hijab fits the natural feeling of Gheerah, which is intrinsic in the straight man who does not like people to look at his wife or daughters. Gheerah is a driving emotion that drives the straight man to safeguard women who are related to him from strangers. The straight MUSLIM man has Gheerah for ALL MUSLIM women In response to lust and desire, men look (with desire) at other women while they do not mind that other men do the same to their wives or daughters. The mixing of sexes and absence of hijab destroys the Gheera in men. Islam considers Gheerah an integral part of faith. The dignity of the wife or daughter or any other Muslim woman must be highly respected and defended. 

Eid al-Adha

Praise be to Allah. 

Assalamu a'laikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu my dear sisters, Eid Mubarak may Allah Most Kind bestow his mercy upon you and your families InshAllah ! 

What is Eid al-Adha?

At the end of the Hajj (annual pilgrimage to Mecca), Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). In 2010, Eid al-Adha will begin on November 16th, and will last for three days.

What does Eid al-Adha commemorate?

During the Hajj, Muslims remember and commemorate the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Abraham. The Qur'an describes Abraham as follows:

"Surely Abraham was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous." (Qur'an 16:120-121)

One of Abraham's main trials was to face the command of Allah to kill his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to Allah's will. When he was all prepared to do it, Allah revealed to him that his "sacrifice" had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his love for his Lord superceded all others, that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God.

Why do Muslims sacrifice an animal on this day?

During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith.

Allah has given us power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life. Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. By saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred.

The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others.

It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This is a misunderstanding by those of previous generations: "It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." (Qur'an 22:37)

The symbolism is in the attitude - a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. Each of us makes small sacrifices, giving up things that are fun or important to us. A true Muslim, one who submits his or herself completely to the Lord, is willing to follow Allah's commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord desires from us.

What else do Muslims do to celebrate the holiday?

On the first morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world attend morning prayers at their local mosques. Prayers are followed by visits with family and friends, and the exchange of greetings and gifts. At some point, members of the family will visit a local farm or otherwise will make arrangements for the slaughter of an animal. The meat is distributed during the days of the holiday or shortly thereafter.