Basics of Islam

Worship of Allah is foremost in a Muslim�s mind all the time. There are also five formal acts of worship which help strengthen a Muslim�s faith and obedience. They are often called the �Five Pillars of Islam.�

 Testimony of Faith (Kalima)- 1.

This is simply the declaration, �I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.� As mentioned previously, all of Islam is based on faith in the Unity of God. When one declares this statement, one testifies to the Unity of Allah, and to the message of the Prophethood. When one bears witness that Muhammad is His messenger, one is confirming that all of the prophets before him were also His messengers � Allah is One and His message is one (that is Al-Quran). A person becomes a Muslim when he or she declares this statement with purity of heart and conviction of faith.

 Prayer (Salat)- 2.

Formal prayer is the most important act of worship; it is mankind�s connection to Allah through which one gathers strength, guidance and peace of mind.  Islam prescribes five formal prayers daily, through which Muslims repeat and refresh their beliefs, taking time out of their busy day to remember Allah and renew the effort to follow His guidance. Five times each day (before dawn, noon, afternoon, after sunset, and evening) Muslims rise, cleanse with water, and present themselves directly before Allah for prayer.

Far from being a ritualistic and mindless activity, prayer constantly reminds us of the purpose of life itself, refreshes our faith, and keeps our belief in Allah alive and ever-present. We go back to our wordly affairs conscious of our duties and strengthened against sin. Prayers said in congregation bond Muslims together in love and brotherhood. Prayer also symbolizes the equality of believers; there is no hierarchy, and all stand side-by-side in rows and bow only to Allah.

Aside from the five formal prayers each day, Muslims begin and complete every activity with Allah ever-present in their minds. The words �Bismillah� (In the name of Allah) precede every action, and �Alhamdilillah� (Thanks be to Allah) completes it. Muslims also make private supplications, and words in praise of Allah fall constantly off one�s lips.

 Fasting (Sawm)- 3.

�O you who believe!  Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may learn self-restraint.  Fast for a fixed number of days�.Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Qur�an, as a guide to mankind, and clear signs for guidance and judgment between right and wrong. So every one of you who is present at home during that month should spend it in fasting�.Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties. He wants you to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance you shall be grateful� (Qur�an 2:183-185).

What the prayers seek to do five times a day, fasting in the month of Ramadan (9th month of the lunar year) does once a year. During this month, Muslims do not eat anything nor drink even a drop of water during the daylight hours.  Each and every moment during the fast, we suppress our desires and remember Allah alone.This places in us a consciousness of duty and a spirit of patience that helps strengthen faith in Allah.Discipline and hardship during this month bring us face to face with the realities of life and the suffering of so many throughout the year.  The whole month is filled with increased devotion, piety, and purity of mind, soul and body.

 Almsgiving (Zakat)- 4.

Every Muslim whose financial conditions are above a certain specified minimum, must pay annually at least 2.5% of his savings to a deserving needy person, a new convert to Islam, a traveler, or one overwhelmed by debts.This fosters in a Muslim the quality of sacrifice and rids one of selfishness, greed and vanity. As all wealth is a gift from Allah, one has the duty to help his needy brethren when he is able.

 Pilgrimage (Hajj)- 5.

Once in a lifetime, a Muslim who is financially and physically able must go on the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, during the month of Hajj (12th month of the lunar year).  Mecca is the spiritual center of the Muslim world. It was here that Abraham built the first house of worship (the Kaaba), towards which all Muslims stand in unity in their daily prayers.

�The first House of worship appointed for men was that at Bakka (Mecca),
full of blessing and of guidance for all the worlds. It it are Signs manifest -
the Station of Abraham � whoever enters it attains security.  Pilgrimage there to is a
duty men owe to Allah, for those who can afford the journey��
(Qur�an, Ali Imran:96-97).

When this house was desecrated into a center of pagan worship, it was the prophet Muhammad that cleansed it of its 300+ idols and rededicated it to the worship of Allah alone.

All pilgrims dress in pure white cloth, and are required to suppress passion, refrain from any bloodshed, and be pure in word and deed.

�For Hajj are the months well-known.If any one undertakes the journey therein, let there be no obscenity,nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj.Andwhatever
good you do, be sure Allah knows it. And take aprovision with you for the
journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct��
(Qur�an, Al-Baqarah:197).

The pilgrimage is a great international conference, wherein all people, kings or peasants, black or white, stand before Allah as equals.During the ten days of the annual pilgrimage, several million Muslims from all over the world, of all nations, languages, and colors come together in the largest spiritual gathering of the world.

The teachings of Islam indicate a balance between the life of this world and the life of the next.  While often seen as a radical or extreme religion, Muslims consider it the middle road.

�Thus have We made of you a community justly balanced��
(Qur�an, Al-Baqarah:143).

Muslims do not live this life selfishly, with complete disregard for God. Nor do they neglect the world to devote themselves solely to worship.Muslims strike a balance by fulfilling the obligations of and enjoying this life, always mindful of their duties to Allah and to others.Extremity in either direction is frowned upon.

God-fearing people should be the best in morals andmanners.Islam forbids any action which infringes on the rights of others or harms oneself.Forbidden to Muslims are:  dishonesty, theft, murder, suicide, bribery, forgery, interest and usury, gambling, lottery, consumption of alcohol or pork, backbiting, gossiping, slandering, hoarding, destruction of property, cruelty to animals, adultery, fornication, etc.

While forbidding these things, Islam enjoins upon mankind the use of all clean, healthy and useful things, and asks us not to deprive our bodies of clean food and healthy recreation.  Islam also encourages marriage and stable family life, modesty, generosity, hospitality, respect for parents, honorable treatment of women, helping those in need, etc.

The law of Islam forbids public nudity and orders Muslims to use decent and dignified dress.  Muslims are called upon to practice moderation in this area as well.   One of Muhammad�s companions once said, �Eat what you wish and wear what you wish if you can avoid two things: extravagance and conceit.�  In dress and behavior, Muslims are to be modest.

�Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty;
that will make for greater purity for them; and Allah is Well-Acquainted with
all that they do. And say to the believing womenthat they should lower their 
gaze and guard their modesty; that they should no display their beauty and
ornaments�� (Qur�an, An-Nur:30-31).

According to the Prophet�s tradition, no man should expose his body from the navel to the knees, nor should a woman expose any part of her body except her face and hands while in public.  This is called �covering� and to keep these parts covered is the religious duty of every man and woman.Through this directive, Islam cultivates in its followers a deep sense of modesty, purity and respect.

Islam enjoins mankind to control and regulate sexual desires and seek its fulfillment only within the bonds of marriage.  Marriage is a solemn contract, and the basis of a stable family and society.  The Qur�an describes husband and wife as comforts for and protectors of one another.Divorce, while frowned upon, is permitted in cases where the marriage is irrevocably damaged.

Throughout our lives, we must always be respectful of ourparents.They suffer and make sacrifices for us throughout our lives. Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said that �Heaven lies under the feet of mothers,� so high are they in respect and admiration.  Our duties to our parents come second only to our duties to Allah, and the majority of Muslim families have close extended family ties.

�Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind 
to parents. Whether one orboth of them attain old age in your life, say not to them
a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address themin terms of honor. And,
out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say, My Lord! Bestow on
them Your Mercy, even as they cherished me in childhood.�
(Qur�an, Al-Israa:23-24).

There is no place in a Muslim�s heart for racial, national, gender, or other prejudices.  There is One Creator, and we are all His creation.The diversity of human life is one of the Signs of Allah, part of the beauty of His creation, and something to be admired and respected.

 �And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations 
in your languages and your colors; verily in that are Signs for those who know�
(Qur�an, Ar-Rum:22).

Righteousness is the only distinguishing factor among people.

�O mankind!  We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into
nations and tribes sothat you may know one another.Verily, the most honored among
you in the sight of Allah is the one whois the most righteous.Indeed, Allah is 
All-Knowing, All-Aware� (Qur�an, Al-Hujurat:13).

In dealing with non-Muslims, the believers are instructed not to be intolerant or narrow-minded.  We must not abuse or speak ill of other religious leaders, nor say anything insulting.

�Invite all to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and
argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious. For thy Lord knows best
who have strayed from His path, and who receive guidance�
(Qur�an, An-Nahl:125).

We must not seek dissention unnecessarily, but live in peace and amity.Nor can a Muslim pass judgment on whether someone will be to Heaven or Hell � only Allah is the Judge.

�Those who believe in the Qur�an, and those who follow the Jewish scripture, and
the Christians and the Sabians � any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and
work righteousness � shall have their reward with their Lord. One them shall be
no fear, nor shall they grieve� (Qur�an, Al-Baqarah:62).

There is a special place in a Muslim�s heart for Christians and Jews, whom the Qur�an calls �People of the Book,� meaning people who have received previous scriptures.  Muslims are encouraged to seek good relations especially with them, as they have more in common to us than that with the pagans or atheists.

��nearest among them in live to the believers will you find those who say, We are Christians,� because among them are men devoted to learning, and men who
have renounced the world, and they are not
arrogant� (Qur�an, Al-Maidah:82).

When arguments or debates arise, Muslims are to treat them with kindness, try to find common ground, and if differences persist, to simply say, �Well, to you be your way, and to me mine.�

Muslims are absolutely forbidden from forcing their faith on others; this negates the very idea of free will and choice.  The Qur�an says,

�There is no compulsion in religion�� (Qur�an, Al-Baqarah:256).

It is up to each individual to investigate religion, and personally make a decision as to its validity and their faith in it.  Muslims are not in a position to force anything on anyone � the job of guidance belongs to Allah alone.

�If it had been your Lord�s Will, they would all have believed, all who are on
earth! Will you then compel mankind, against their will, to believe?! No soul
can believe, except by the Will of Allah�.
(Qur�an, Al-Yunus:99).

   Faith in the Unity of God

As mentioned previously, Muslims believe in the absolute unity of God (Allah). The essence of Islam is expressed in the phrase �La ilaha illa Allah� meaning �There is no deity but Allah�.

�And your God is One God; there is no god but He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful� 
(Qur�an, Al-Baqarah:163).

 This statement of faith distinguishes a Muslim from an unbeliever, a polytheist (the believe of more than one God), or an atheist (the belief that God does not exist). A Muslim is one who grasps the full meaning of this phrase, realizes its significance, reposes true belief in it, and accepts and follows it in action and spirit. Belief in the Unity of God means that there is no being worthy of worship except Him, that it is only to Him that heads should bow in submission and adoration, that He alone possesses all powers, that all are in need of His favour, and that all must seek His help and mercy. This belief is the bedrock of Islam; all other beliefs, commands, and laws of Islam stand firm on this foundation.

 Faith in Allah�s Angels

Angels are also Allah�s creatures, spiritual beings that are under His command. They administer Allah�s kingdom, carrying out His orders obediently. They have no free-will or ability to disobey; it is their very nature to be Allah�s faithful servants. These angels surround us, and their duties include recording man�s deeds in this life, which will be presented on the Day of Judgement.

 Faith in Allah�s Prophets

Allah is transcendent and beyond all physical limitations of man, so through the medium of an angel, Allah causes His command to be revealed to His human messengers and thus to mankind. The purpose of our life on this earth is to worship Allah and obey His commands. Through His Grace and Benevolence, Allah sent prophets and messengers to every nation, in order to communicate with and guide mankind to the right path.

The prophets who were sent to mankind include (among others) Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, Moses, David, Jesus, and finally, Muhammad (peace be upon all of Allah�s prophets). These (and many other) chosen men all came with the same message:  Islam. That is, they taught of faith in One Almighty God, faith in the Day of Judgment, faith in the Prophets and the Books, and asked people consequently to live a life of obedience and submission to their Lord. This is the definition of a Muslim.

�Abraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian; but he was upright, and bowed his
will to Allah�s (which is Islam).And he joined not gods with Allah�
(Qur�an, Ali Imran:67).

Some of these prophets brought revealed books (see below). They were all men guided by Allah to teach mankind and guide them on the straight path. Muslims believe in them all and make no distinction between them.

�Say:�We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and what was 
revealed toAbraham, Ishmael,Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in the Books 
given to Moses, Jesus, and the Prophets, from their Lord; wemake no distinction
between one and another among them, and to Allah do we bow our will in
Islam� (Qur�an, Ali Imran:84).

Muslims believe that the final prophet, Muhammad, came to invite people back to the true teachings of the previous prophets, and to bring to mankind a final and all-encompassing guidance: the Qur�an. The Qur�an remains in its complete and unadulterated form; there is therefore no need for any more prophets to come.   Allah�s message is complete.

 Faith in Allah�s Revealed Books

Muslims believe in books that Allah has sent down to mankind through His prophets. These books include the Books of Abraham, the Torah of Moses, the Psalms of David, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These books all had the same source (Allah), the same message, and all were revealed in truth.This does not mean that they have been preserved in truth.Muslims (and many other Jewish and Christian scholars and historians) find that the books in existence today are not the original scriptures, which in fact have been lost, changed, and/or translated over and over again, losing the original message.

�They change the words from their right places and forget a good part of the
Message that was sent them�� (Qur�an, Al- Maidah:13).

Reading these books today, we have no way of knowing what portion was revealed by Allah, and what was recorded and changed by man.

Muslims believe that Allah sent a final revelation, the Qur�an, through the final Prophet of Allah, Muhammad (peace be upon him and all of Allah�s messengers).

�None of Our revelations do We abrogate or cause to be forgotten, but We
substitute something better or similar�� (Qur�an, Al-Baqarah:106).

The sending of this divine Book is not a new and strange event; but only to confirm, restate, and complete those divine instructions which people had mutilated or lost in antiquity.

�To thee (Muhammad) We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that
came before it,and guarding it in safety�� (Qur�an, Al-Maidah:48).

The Qur�an is addressed to all of humanity. It seeks to guide mankind in all walks of life; spiritual, temporal, individual and collective. It contains directions for the conduct of life, relates stories and parables, describes the attributes of Allah, and speaks of the best rules to govern social life. It has directions for everybody, every place, and for all time. The Qur�an was revealed and preserved in the Arabic language. While translations into other languages may differ in word choice, the original Arabic script has been uncorrupted and unchanged since its revelation in the 7th century.

 Belief in qadar (We believe everything in this world happens by the will of Allaah, whether it is good or bad)

The true Muslim believes in the timeless knowledge of God and in His power to plan and execute His plans. God is not indifferent to this world nor is He neutral to it. His knowledge and power are in action at all times to keep order in His vast domain and maintain full command over His creation. He is Wise and Loving, and whatever He does must have a good motive and meaningful purpose. If this is established in our minds, we should accept with good Faith all that He does, although we may fail to understand it fully, or even think it is bad. We should have strong Faith in Him and accept whatever He does because our knowledge is limited and our thinking is based on individual or personal considerations, whereas His knowledge is limitless and He plans on a universal basis.

Belief in the Last Day and resurrection after death

Muslims believe that this world will come to an end on a day Allah has appointed.

�Every soul shall have a taste of death; and only on the Day of Judgment shall you
be paid your full recompense�� (Qur�an, Ali Imran:185).

Everything will be demolished, and all of the human beings who had lived in this world will then be restored to life and will be presented before Allah.

The entire record of every man and woman � of all their deeds and misdeeds � will be presented before Allah for final judgment.

One who excels in goodness will, by the Mercy of Allah, receive a goodly reward; one whose wrongs overweigh his good deeds will be punished.

It is neither faith nor just to treat everyone equally.

�Is then the man who believes no better than the man who is rebellious and wicked? 
Not equal are they� (Qur�an, As-Sajda:18).

Allah on that day will judge with Justice, and every soul will receive what it has earned. While unsure of their fate in the Hereafter, Muslims are confident of the Mercy and Justice of Allah.

�Say: �Oh My servants who have transgressed against their own souls! 
Despair not of the Mercy of Allah, for Allah forgives all sins, for He is Oft-Forgiving,
Most Merciful.� (Qur�an, Az-Zumar:53).

Those who emerge successfully from Judgment will go to eternal Paradise; those who are condemned and deserve punishment will be sent to Hell. Allah is the perfect and fair Judge.

In Islam, faith and good works go hand-in-hand. A mere verbal declaration of faith is not enough, for belief in Allah makes obedience to Him a duty. Only when your practice is consistent with your profession will you be a true Muslim. Faith in Allah will be your strength, and the Qur�an your guide.

The Muslim concept of worship is very broad.  Muslims consider everything they do in this life according to Allah�s will, an act of worship. Speaking the truth, refraining from gossip, dealing honestly in commercial affairs, treating one�s parents with respect and honor, helping the poor and needy, dealing lovingly and fairly with family members � whatever is done for the sake of Allah is called FIve Pillars of Islam.

Basic of Islam

A person who accepts Islam is called a Muslim. It means "one who surrenders". A Muslim is required to do all that Allah and his Messenger Muhammad (PBUH) have told not to do.

Allah and his Messenger (PBUH) have told us to do good deeds like being kind to our parents, to help others who are less fortunate and to be kind to animals.

Allah is One and Almighty.
He is our Lord.
He is created everything that is in the earth and the heavens.
He has no partner.
He has no mother or father, son or daughter.
He is Eternal.
There is nothing similar to Him.
He knows everything.
He sees everything.
He hears everything.
Nothing is hidden from Him.

He is Kind and Loving. He is Gracious and Merciful.
He is Clement and Forgiving.
Allah has beautiful Names which indicate His Attributes.
He is the One Who provides each and every one of His creation with the means to survive. 
He is the One Who created everything for our survival like the earth in which crops grow, water living things drink from, the air which they breathe and kindling for fire.
Muslim should turn only to Him in their times of need and sadness.
Muslim should seek help only from Him.
He is the One Who worthy of worship. Nothing else should be worshipped but He. There is no greater sin than Shirk, which means to associate partners unto Allah and believe that they can give us benefit or cause us harm, or worship or seek help from others besides Him.

Muhammad (PBUH) was the Prophet. Allah chose him to reveal His Last Message. He came with complete guidance for mankind. He received the Noble Quran from Allah through Angel Jibril. He was born in Makkah and was orphaned at a young age. He was cared for by his grandfather and then his uncle after grandfather died. Muhammad (PBUH) led an honest life, and was known as As-Sadiq (the truthful) and Al-Amin (the trustworthy) He received the first Revelation at the age of forty. 

He lived in Makkah for thirteen years, and called people to Islam. However, most of the people of Makkah refused to follow him. Theu made fun of him and tortured him and those who followed him. He suffered a great deal, but continued to preach the Word of Allah. He was forced to leave Makkah and go to Al-Madinah for ten years calling peoples to obey Allah. He had fight those who tried to stop him from spreading the Message of Allah.

Before he died, the whole Arabia had accepted Islam. He passed away at the age of 63. This shows that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a human being just like us. He was not a Divine being, but was only a slave of Allah. Muslims must obey him, respect him, love him, but must not worship him nor attribute to him qualities which Allah possesses.

Muslims must follow his excellent example and follow the Right Path according to his teachings. He taught that all men, whether rich or poor, of whatever colour or race, are equal before Allah. it is only their obedience to Allah and their good deeds which may make some people better than others. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us to love, respect and be kind to one another, and to others of Allah creation.

He was the last and fianl Prophet. No Prophet shall come after him. Those who obey Allah and follow the teachings of His Messenger Muhammad (PBUH) be rewarded with Paradise in the Hereafter.

A Muslim must have Iman. Iman means to have firm belief in six things:

1: The first believe in Allah, to believe that He exists, He is One, and He Alone is the creator, Sustainer and Lord over everything, and He Alone is worthy of worship.

2: The second is to believe in the angels who are also the creation of Allah. Allah created them from light, and they always obey Him. They have been assigned various tasks which they carry out faithfully. Some of them were given the task of carrying the Message to the Prophets. Others are assigned to record the good and bad actions of human beings. The number of angels is well-known to us. They are Jibril, Mikail, Izrail and Israfil.

3: The third is believe in Allah Prophets. They were His Messengers on this earth, and were responsible for teaching Islam to their people. They came to teach people to do good, and lived their lives according to what they preached. The first man was also the Prophet, and he was Adam (PBUH). The last Prophet was Muhammad (PBUH). Some other famous ones are Nuh ( Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Ismail (Ishmael), Ishaq (Isaac), Musa (Moses) and Isa (Jesus). A Muslim must believe in all the Prophets and give them due respect but they should not be worshipped.

4: The fourth is to believe in the Books of Allah. Allah revealed Books to His Prophets. These Books contain the guidance of Allah for mankind. The Noble Quran is the Book revealed to our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The three Books known to us which were revealed before the Quran are the Torah which was revealed to Musa, the Zabur which was sent down to Dawud, and Injil which given to Isa. Some people who were disobedient to Allah have distorted some of these Books to mislead the people. Allah has protected the Noble Quran from any kind of distortion.

5: The fifth is to believe in life after death. A Muslim has to believe that life in this world will come to an end one day. Everything in this world will perish. Then Allah will bring all human being back to life and judge them according to their deeds which they did while they lived on earth. The people who have obeyed Allah and spent their lives doing good will go to Paradise. There they will have everything good that they could possibly want, as a reward for their good deeds. The people who have disobedient to Allah Commands and have done bad things will go to Hell. There they will be cast into a big Fire as punishment for their bad deeds.

6: The sixth is to believe that everything comes from Allah. This means that Allah knows everything that is Going to happen whether it is a good thing or a bad thing. Nothing in this world takes place without His Permission or Knowledge. If something good happens to a Muslim, he should thank Allah for it. He should be patient and ask Allah for relief if something bad happens to him.

 This is the Holy Book which was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a guidance to mankind. It was revealed to him over twenty-three years. The first revelation to him when he was contemplating in the cave of Hira.

Then suddenly Angel Jiril appeared to him and asked him to read. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "i cannot read" The Angel embraced him tightly and then released him saying, "Read" Again the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,  "i cannot read" Once again angel Jibril embraced him tightly and then released him saying: Surah Al-Alaq, Verse: 1-5

Recite in the name of your Lord who created -

Created man from a clinging substance.
Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous -
Who taught by the pen -

Taught man that which he knew not

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was terrified and rushed to his house. He told his wife Khadijah (PBUH) what had happened. She consoled him and asked him to rest. The Verses of The Quran continued to be revealed to the Prophet (PBUH) telling him to ask the people to follow the Right Path of Islam.

Every time the verses were revealed, the Prophet (PBUH) would order his people to write them down. All verses of the Quran were presevred in this way. Later they where made into a Book which we have today.

The Quran is the Book of guidance for all mankind, It contains all the basic principles of the religion os Islam. It has given the details of the matters of Belief, the duties which are compulsory for Muslims to perform, and code of conduct which Muslims must follow.

Muslims must recite the Quran in Arabic and learn its meaning in their own languages. They must also act according to its teachings. There are 114 chapters in the Quran. Some are very long, and some are short. The Quran is divided into 30 parts. This is to make it easy for people to recite one part a day, and finish reciting it in a month. Recitation of the Quran and remembering its chapters and verses by heart are good deeds for which a person will be rewarded.

You have earlier learnt that Islam is based on Five Pillers. Now let us look at each pillar in turn:

1. Shahadah: 

This is to firmly believe in the heart and decide:
This is Shahadah. It is the very basis of Islam. Once a person declares it, he becames a Muslim. The Shahadah has two parts/ The first part is a declaration that Allah is the only Lord and Ruler, and He Alone is worthy of worship.

He has no partner, and He cannot be compared with other thing. Everything which in this universe is under His control and works according to His command. Mankind is also required to live according to the Commands of Allah.  Allah loves those who follow His Command. Allah dislike those who disobey Him.

The second part of the Shahadah is the declaration that Muhammad (PBUH) os the Messenger of Allah. He was the one who brought the Quran to us. Muslims are required to obey the Prophet (PBUH)  and follow his example without any hesitation.

Muslims are also required to honour and respect him, and ask Allah to give him blessing and salutations. Whenever his name is mentioned we must say:

2. Prayer (Salat)

This is to pray (perform Salat) five times a day. It is the distinguishing feature of Islam. A person abandons prayer at the risk of going out of Islam. Prayer is the most ssential obligatory duty which a Muslim must perform. This is the most obvious act which a Muslim does to show his obedience to Allah. Salat is also a means ot remembering Allah.

In prayer a person leaves everything and devotes himself to the worship to Allah. He dose exactly what he has been instructed by Allah's Messenger Muhammad (PBUH) . He changes from one posture to another in a composed manner, focusing his mind on Allah. He feels that he is standing before Allah the Almighty. Prayer is indeed a means of bringing mankind close to Allah.

In prayer, one stands facing the direction of the Kabah, bows and kneels before his Lord. He recited the Opening Chapter of the Quran ( Surat Al-Fatihah) praising and glorifying Allah, and asking for His Support and Help. This is Al-Fatihah,

In the name of Allah , the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
[All] praise is [due] to Allah , Lord of the worlds -
The Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful,
Sovereign of the Day of Recompense.
It is You we worship and You we ask for help.
 Guide us to the straight path - 
The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] anger or of those who are astray.

Because of its importance, every Muslim male or female must learn how to perform Salat. Children should start performing it from the age of seven. When they reach the age of ten, their parents should discipline them if they dont do it. Prayer must be done by all Muslims and in all conditions. Those who cannot stand, can pray sitting down. Those who cannot sit, can do it lying down. Travelers should shorten their prayers.

There are five prayers each day. There are:

Fajar, which is observed at dawn before then sun rises.
Zuhr, which is observed at noon when the sun start to decline from the meridian.
Asr, which is to be observed in the late afternoon.
Maghrib, which is to be observed when the sun sets.
Isha, which is offered at night before going to bed.

One can therefore see that a Muslim's day starts and ends with prayer. The first thing a Muslim dose when he/she awakes in the morning is to think of Allah, praising Him and giving Him thanks. At the close of the day after doing all his/her daily activities he/she remembers Allah in his/her prayer, praising and thinking Him before he/she sleeps.

Prayer may be offered individually or in congregation. When it is performed in a congregation, the people stand in straight rows. The person who leads the prayer in called the Imam. He stands in front of the rest of the congregation. The congregation follows him in each step of the prayer. It is best to perform all the five obligatory prayers in congregation.

On Friday, prayer in congregation is compulsory for men. Women may also attend if they like. This Friday prayer is performed in place of the normal noon prayer. Before the prayer, the Khutba (sermon) is given by the imam. This contains guidance for Muslims as to how to deal with the problems of daily life.

Before performing prayer, a person must make sure that his body, clothes and his place of worship are clean. A special act of cleansing, called Wudu (ablution) must be done before prayer.

Wudu is performed by first washing hands. This is followed by rinsing the mouth and nose. Then the face is washed and the forearms up to the elbows. After this, wet hands are passed over the head and inside and outside of the ears. Finally, the feet are washed up to the ankles.

Each time Wudu, is made, all these parts should not be washed more then three times except when passing wet hands over the head which is to be done only once. If a person has done Wudu and then puts on socks, he does not need to take them off when he next makes Wudu. He may just pass wet hands over them once.

3. Zakat

Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. It is a way to doing our duty to other Muslims. Zakat is also to remind a person that his wealth is not his own, but its real owner is Allah. This should make a person ready to spend it in accordance with Allah's Command. Zakat is an annual payment made by people. It is not a tax imposed by Islam, but a due fixed by Allah so that the wealth of a person may be purified.

Zakat becomes due on savings which have been kept for one full year. Two and half percent of the total money is given to those who are in need. For example, if a person has 1000$ in savings which he has kept for a year then he will pay 25.00$.

Zakat is an act of worship. It is also a way of showing sympathy to those who are less fortunate. It is meant to take away from our hearts greed and the love of money. It is also a bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
Zakat purifies one's wealth. Wealth on which Zakat has not been paid will be a source of punishment for its owner.

4. Fasting

Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 183 O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.

Fasting means to keep away from eating, drinking and the sexual act from dawn to sunset. Fasting is a compulsory for every Muslim during the month or Ramdan.

Fasting is both a physical and spiritual exercise. The person who is fasting is required to keep himself away from any act which displeases Allah. He should not engage in any evil behavior He should not say bad things nor quarrel with anyone. If he does not control himself and avoid evil deeds. his fast will not bring him any benefit nor reward from Allah.

Fasting through Ramadan trains one to control the desires. It also teaches one to discipline the behavior. Fasting helps one to strengthen his will-power. It also develops a person's endurance and steadfastness.

Fasting provides Muslims with the opportunity to experience the hunger and thirst suffered by many starving people in this world. Only in this way can Muslims learn and understand what it really feels like not to have food or drink. A Muslim will then be able to show sympathy, and be prepared to help and support them. This is why the fasting month of Ramadan is called the Month of Endurance and Sympathy.

Fasting is the true manifestation of obedience to Allah. The person who is fasting does so for the sake of Allah. For this reason, Allah has prepared a great reward for those who fast. They will go into Paradise through a very special gate.

During the month of Ramadan, a special prayer is offered which is called Tarawih. Parts of the Noble Quran are recited during Tarawih. Usually, the recitation of the whole Book is completed by the end of the month.
The month of Ramadan is also important for another reason. In it is a very special night called Laylat-ul-Qadr. It was on this night that the Noble Quran was revealed. It is night full of blessings. Muslims are encouraged to spend that night worshipping and remembering Allah.

Worship during Laylat-ul-Qadr carries the reward of more then one thousand months. We are not told when exactly in Ramadan that night is, but Allah's Messenger Muhammad (PBUH) said that it was one of the odd-numbered nights in the last ten days of Ramadan. He encouraged Muslims to spend most of their time in worshipping Allah in Ramadan, especially during the time when they might find Laylat-ul-Qadr.

Indeed, We sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Decree.
And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree?
The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.
The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter.
Peace it is until the emergence of dawn. 

A day of celebration called Eid-ul-Fitr comes after the end of Ramadan. It is a day to rejoice the success of completing the month of fasting. It is a happy occasion and is full of joy. The day starts with special prayer and reciting the words of praise and glory of Allah. Before going to the Eid prayer every Muslim is required to give Sadqat-ul-Fitr for himself and his dependents.

Sadqat-ul-Fitr is the giving of either money or food to the poor and needy so that they could satisfy their needs on that day, and join in celebrating the day of joy and happiness. It is also meant to purify fasting in Ramadan from any fault or defect.

5. Hajj (Pilgrimage)

The fifth pillar of Islam is to perform Hajj or pilgrimage to the Holy Land of Makkah. It is compulsory on Muslims who can afford the expenses and physically able to undertake the journey. It is obligatory only once in a Muslim's Life.

Hajj was performed for the first time by the Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail (PBUH). Ibrahim was ordered by Allah to call people for pilgrimage  It is in response to his call call that Muslims rush to Makkah every year. They carry out the act of Hajj with devotion and sincerity. They confirm their readiness to forsake worldly enjoyment and comfort for the sake of Allah.

Hajj is the largest annual gathering of Muslims. They come from all over the world to assemble in the Holy Land. They meet one another and exchange good wishes.

Hajj is true demonstration of the fact that Islam is a universal religion and all Muslims are brothers and equal to one another. Pilgrimage wear the same clothing and gather on the plain of Arafat. This is a reminder that all mankind will one day gather on the Day of Judgement when they will be presented to Allah. They will stand equal before Allah except in the degree of piety and righteousness. Hajj symbolises devotion to Allah and obedience of His Commands.