Religions - Muslim - Extra info

Islam is the name of the religion that Muslims believe in. It has a twofold meaning, peace and submission to the will of Allah, the One God. Muslims should live in peace with the Creator, within themselves, with other people, the environment, and the whole universe.  Thus, Islam is a total system of Living.

Muslims consciously and conscientiously give themselves to the service of Allah. This means to act on what Allah enjoins in the Qur’aan and what His beloved Prophet, Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) encouraged in his Sunnah and Hadith (his lifestyle and saying) These are the two sources of Islam.  The Qur’aan is the word of Allah; its authenticity, originality, and totality are intact.  The Sunnah or Hadith is the sayings, deeds, habits, traditions, practise and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).  In simple terms “Sunnah” means habit, practise, and customary procedures of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).  The Hadith are the real explanation, interpretation and the living example of the Prophet (PBUH) for the teachings of the Qur’aan.

Islam is real-life-oriented.  This translates into a life-encompassing religion built on five fundamental pillars:
  • Belief (Imaan)
  • Prayer (Salaah)
  • Fasting (Sawm)
  • Charity (Zakaah)
  • Pilgrimage (Hajj)

The first two Pillars are seen as spiritual aims. The third and fourth create empathy for collective responsibility through physical effort and economic intervention. The fifth is a culmination of all above facets, synthesising individual effort with collective action.

Belief (Imaan) – There is no God but Allah and that Muhammad (PBUH) is His Messenger.  The declaration of Faith is a simple formula which all Muslims must believe and pronounce to affirm the Message of Allah.

Prayers (Salah) – There are five daily prayers in Islam. These prayers involve both the body and the mind and consist of a series of bowings and prostrations together with recitation of the Qur’an and praising Allah. These regular prayers serve as an ongoing reminder of our purpose in life and prevent us straying from the straight path.

Fasting (Sawm) – As we go through life, it is easy to become pre-occupied with satisfying our material needs.  Therefore, once a year, Muslims exercise patience by abstaining from food and drink & intimate sexual relations during daylight hours for the duration of the month of Ramadan.  More time is spent in prayer & recitation of the Qur’aan to heighten our awareness of Allah. The fasting month is concluded with the Festival of Eid al Fitr.

Charity (Zakaah) – Once a year every Muslim above the poverty threshold must give 2.5% of their excess wealth (which is not in regular use) to those who are needy or without support. This promotes social responsibility.

Pilgrimage (Hajj) – Once in a lifetime a Muslim must try to perform Hajj in Makkah. Pilgrims leave behind their busy world, dress in simple clothing, symbolizing unity and modesty and carry out a number of rituals.  The conclusion of Hajj is celebrated with the Festival of Eid al-Adha

The other important aspect of Islam is Shari’ah (Islamic Legal code) and it consists of branches.  It is essential for the Muslims to adopt all five Branches

The Shari’ah (Islamic Legal Code) consists of five branches- 

Beliefs (Aqaa’id) – This includes belief in the One Allah, the Angels, the Books revealed by Allah, the Prophets, in Destiny (that everything Good and Bad is from Allah), Life after Death , the Day of Judgment, the existence of Paradise & Hell, as well as other beliefs.

Righteous deeds (A’maal) – Include offering prayers (Salah), giving  charity, Fasting, performing Hajj, observing cleanliness, remembering Allah frequently, covering the essential parts of the body, offering Sacrifice, payment of any debts, abstaining from Usury,

Transaction, contracts, business (Muaamalaat) – By Muaamalaat we mean affairs which have a monetary aspect to them, such as, business transactions, debts, contracts, service and labour, etc. There are laws governing these issues.

Moral character (Akhlaaq) – Akhlaaq is an Arabic word meaning behaviour or character or, more accurately, ‘moral character’.  The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has stated "I have been sent for the purpose of perfecting good morals." Inculcating good manners among the people and purifying them as per the noble teachings of Islam was the ultimate responsibility given to the Prophet (PBUH) and after him the believers are to set an ideal example of Islamic Character before the public.

Beautiful social conduct (Husn-e-muaasharaat) – The need for proper observance of Muasharat (Social Etiquette) is of greater importance than Muamalaat (mutual or business dealings). Rectitude in mutual or business dealings largely ensures the protection of material wealth while beautiful conduct with others ensures the protection of the heart. It is quite obvious that the rank of the heart is greater than that of material wealth. In the rectification of Social Etiquette is also the protection of the honour and reputation of others. Takabbur (pride) & pomp, jealousy, greed, etc, destroy the roots of Society.