Showing posts with label ISLAM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ISLAM. Show all posts

The message of the arrival of Imam Mahdi and the Dajjal in the voice of a newborn born in 2004 - ২০০৪ সালে জন্ম নেয়া নবজাতকের কন্ঠে দাজ্জালের আগমন বার্তা এবং ইমাম মাহদীর আগমন

The message of the arrival of Imam Mahdi and the Dajjal in the voice of a newborn born in 2004
২০০৪ সালে জন্ম নেয়া নবজাতকের কন্ঠে দাজ্জালের আগমন বার্তা এবং ইমাম মাহদীর আগমন
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হযরত আবু সাঈদ খুদরী রাদিয়াল্লাহু আনহু নবী করীম সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম কর্তৃক বর্ণনা করেছেন। নবী করীম সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম ইরশাদ করেছেন, 'দাজ্জাল আত্মপ্রকাশ করলে ঈমানদার ব্যক্তিদের মধ্যে এক ব্যক্তি তার কাছে যাবে। তার সাথে দাজ্জালের প্রহরীদের দেখা হবে।
তারা তাকে বলবে, ‘কোথায় যাওয়ার ইচ্ছা করছ’?
সে বলবে, ‘আমি এই আবির্ভূত ব্যক্তির কাছে যেতে ইচ্ছা করছি’।
প্রহরীরা বলবে, ‘আমাদের রবের প্রতি কি তোমাদের ঈমান নেই’?
সে বলবে, ‘আমাদের রবের ব্যাপারে তো কোনরূপ গোপনীয়তা নেই’।
তারা বলবে, ‘একে হত্যা কর’।
কিন্তু এদের মধ্যে কেউ কেউ বলাবলি করবে, ‘তোমাদের রব কি তোমাদেরকে তার অগোচরে কোন ব্যক্তিকে হত্যা করতে নিষেধ করেননি’?
সুতরাং তারা তাকে দাজ্জালের কাছে নিয়ে যাবে। যখন মু’মিন ব্যক্তি দাজ্জালকে দেখবে তখন বলবে, ‘হে লোক সকল! এই তো সেই দাজ্জাল যার প্রসঙ্গে রাসূলুল্লাহ সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম বলে গেছেন’।
এরপর দাজ্জালের নির্দেশে তার দেহ হতে মাথা বিচ্ছিন্ন করে দেয়া হবে। তার পেট ও পিঠ উন্মুক্ত করে পিটানো হবে আর বলা হবে, ‘তুমি কি আমার প্রতি ঈমান স্থাপন কর না’?
উত্তরে মু’মিন ব্যক্তি বলবে, ‘তুমিই তো সেই মিথ্যাবাদী মাসীহ দাজ্জাল’।
সুতরাং তার নির্দেশে মু’মিন ব্যক্তির মাথার সিঁথি হতে দু’পায়ের মধ্য পর্যন্ত করাত দিয়ে চিরে দু’টুকরা করা হবে। দাজ্জাল তার দেহের এ দুই অংশের মধ্য দিয়ে এদিক হতে ওদিকে গমন করবে। এরপর সে মু’মিন ব্যক্তির দেহকে সম্বোধন করে বলবে, ‘পূর্বের মত হয়ে যাও’।
তখন সে আবার পরিপূর্ণ মানব হয়ে দাঁড়িয়ে যাবে। আবার সে বলবে, 'এখন কি তুমি ঈমান পোষণ কর?'
মু’মিন মানবটি বলবে, ‘তোমার সম্পর্কে এখন আমি আরো প্রত্যক্ষ অভিজ্ঞতা অর্জন করলাম’।
সে মানবদেরকে ডেকে বলবে, ‘হে মানবমণ্ডলী! আমার পর এ আর কারো কিছু করতে পারবে না’।
দাজ্জাল পুনরায় তাকে হত্যা করতে চাইবে। কিন্তু আল্লাহ তার ঘাড়কে গলার নিচের হাড় পর্যন্ত পিতলে মুড়িয়ে দেবেন। ফলে সে তাকে হত্যা করার আর কোন উপায় পাবে না। বাধ্য হয়ে সে তার দু’হাত ও দু’পা ধরে ছুঁড়ে ফেলবে। মানুষ ধারণা করবে দাজ্জাল তাকে আগুনে নিক্ষেপ করেছে। কিন্তু প্রকৃত পক্ষে সে বেহেশতে নিক্ষিপ্ত হবে।
রাসূলুল্লাহ সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম ইরশাদ করেছেন, ‘এই ব্যক্তি বিশ্ব জগতের রব আল্লাহর কাছে মানবের মধ্যে সবচেয়ে উন্নত স্তরের শহীদের মর্যাদা লাভ করবে’।
( মুসলিম শরীফ)
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এখন আপনাদেরকে আমি একটি বিস্ময়কর ঘটনা জানাতে চাই। গত ২০০৮ সালের ৬ই ফেব্রুয়ারী প্যালেস্টাইনের টিভি চ্যানেল আল আকসা টিভিতে সেখানকার একজন আলেম ঈসা বাদওয়ান এক সাক্ষাতকারে এক বিস্ময়কর তথ্য দেন। যা নিশ্চিতভাবে মুসলিম জাহানের জন্য ভাবার বিষয় এবং সতর্কবার্তা।
এখানে সাক্ষাতকারের অংশটি তুলে ধরছি।
ঈসা বাদওয়ানঃ একজন লোক, যাকে আমি ব্যক্তিগতভাবে চিনি এবং বিশ্বাস করি, সঙ্গত কারণেই আমি তার নাম বলতে চাচ্ছি না – তো তিনি একদিন রাস্তা দিয়ে গাড়ি চালিয়ে যাচ্ছিলেন। পথিমধ্যে একজন বৃদ্ধ স্ত্রীলোক তাকে থামালো এবং ঐ স্ত্রীলোককে হাসপাতালে নিয়ে যাওয়ার জন্য অনুরোধ করল। কারণ, ঐ বৃদ্ধার মেয়ে ঐ হাসপাতালে সন্তান প্রসব করেছে। লোকটি ঐ বৃদ্ধার অনুরোধটি রাখল এবং তাকে হাসপাতালে পৌঁছে দিয়ে হাসপাতালের বাইরে প্রায় এক ঘণ্টা অপেক্ষা করল। এক ঘণ্টা করে ঐ বৃদ্ধা তার মেয়ে এবং মেয়ের নবজাতক শিশুপুত্রকে নিয়ে বের হয়ে গাড়িতে উঠল। যখন তারা গাড়িতে উঠল, তখন ঐ নবজাতক সবাইকে অবাক করে দিয়ে সালাম দিল। আমরা অবাক হয়ে সালামের উত্তর দিলাম।
সাক্ষাতকার গ্রহণকারীঃ নবজাতক কথা বলে উঠল?
ঈসা বাদওয়ানঃ হ্যাঁ, নবজাতক শিশুটি। এবং আমরা এটা শেখ নিজারসহ অন্যান্য আলেমকে জানিয়েছিলাম তখন। তো লোকটি যা বলল তা হল যে, শিশুটি বলল, “আমিই হলাম সেই বালক যাকে দাজ্জাল হত্যা করবে, এরপরে আর কাউকে সে হত্যা করতে পারবে না।” এবং আমরা হাদিস থেকে জানি যে, দাজ্জাল যাকে হত্যা করে জীবিত করবে এবং আবার হত্যা করবে কিন্তু পরে আর জীবিত করতে পারবে না। সে হবে একজন যুবক। যাকে শ্রেষ্ঠ শহীদ বলা হয়েছে। আর যুবক বলতে ১৮ থেকে ২০ বছর বয়সকেই বুঝায়।
আমি মনে করি, এই ঘটনা আমাদের জন্য অনেক খুশির খবর বহন করে। কারণ, আমরা হাদিস থেকে জানি যে, দাজ্জালের আগমন ঘটবে ইমাম মাহদির উপস্থিতিতে ইস্তাম্বুল জয়ের পর।
সাক্ষাতকার গ্রহণকারীঃ এখন সেই বাচ্চার কি অবস্থা?
ঈসা বাদওয়ানঃ হ্যাঁ, এখন আমরা আলেমরা তাকে চিনি। এবং আমরা তার খেয়াল রাখছি। আমি সব মানুষকে এবং সব আলেমদেরকে জানাতে চাই যে, বিজয় অতি নিকটে। ইমাম মাহদি এখন আমাদের মাঝেই অবস্থান করছে (এই বাচ্চার জন্মের উপর ভিত্তি করে)।
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ইনশাল্লাহ, ফিলিস্তিনবাসী, খুব শিগগিরই এ বিজয়ের সাক্ষী হবে এবং এই ধর্মকে (ইসলামকে) এর আলোকে ছড়িয়ে দিবে।
(সাক্ষাতকারের অংশ বিশেষ শেষ)
এই শিশুটির জন্ম হয় ২০০৪ সালে। আর উদ্বিগ্নের বিষয় হল, ২০০৮ সালে এই সাক্ষাতকার জনসম্মুখে প্রকাশ হবার কয়েক মাস পর ২০০৮/২০০৯ সালে ইসরাইল রাসায়নিক গ্যাস প্রয়োগ ও বোম্বিং শুরু করে ১৪০০ শিশু হত্যা করে এবং প্রায় ৪০০০ শিশুকে আহত করে। শুধু তাই নয়, ইসরাইল এই সাক্ষাতকারে উল্লেখিত আলেম শেখ নিজারকে হত্যার উদ্দেশ্যে সাক্ষাতকারের ১১ মাস পরে এফ ১৬ বিমান দিয়ে ২০০০ পাউন্ডের বোমা নিক্ষেপ করে। যার ফলে শেখ নিজার তার চার স্ত্রী ও এগার সন্তানসহ শহীদ হন। শেখ নিজার ছিলেন গাজার অন্যতম প্রভাবশালী আলেম। তিনি মদিনা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় ও ইমাম সাউদ বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় হতে দ্বীন শিক্ষা লাভ করেন। এর পাশাপাশি তিনি ইসরাইলের সাথে যুদ্ধরত আল কাসসাম মুজাহিদ ব্রিগেডের একজন দায়িত্বশীল কমান্ডারও ছিলেন।
২০০৪ সনে জন্ম গ্রহণকারী এই বাচ্চাই যদি সেই সে যুবক হয়,
তবে সে ২১ থেকে ২৫ বছর বয়সী যুবক হবে ২০২৫ থেকে ২০২৯ সালে।
একই সময় ইমাম মাহদীর ও আগমন সময়। কেননা দাজ্জাল যখন ঐ ছেলেকে হত্যা করবে তখন ইমাম মাহদী দাজ্জালের বিরুদ্ধে যুদ্ধের প্রস্তুতি করবেন। ইমাম মাহদীর আগমন সময়টাও একই সময় হবে। আল্লাহ ভালো জানেন।
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যা হোক, এগুলো সবই শুধু ঐ বাচ্চার দাবীর উপর ভিত্তি করে হাদিসের মাধ্যমে গণনা। কিন্তু একমাত্র আল্লাহই ভবিষ্যৎ সম্পর্কে জানেন।
তবে, অবশ্যই সতর্ক বিশ্বাসী বান্দা হিসাবে আমরা আমাদের চারপাশে ঘটে যাওয়া ঘটনাগুলোকে হাদিসের আলোকে বিশ্লেষণ করব এবং সজাগ দৃষ্টি রাখবো হাদিসে বর্ণিত মুসলিম ভূখণ্ডগুলোর প্রতিটি রাজনৈতিক, অর্থনৈতিক, সামাজিক সর্বোপরি সামরিক পরিস্থিতির উপর।

Hajj and Umrah Guide.

Hajj and Umrah Guide.
Download Hajj and Umrah Guide From Here : 
http://www.google.com.bd/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CDcQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.islamicbulletin.org%2Ffree_downloads%2Fhajj%2Fenglish%2Fhajj_english_letter_size.pdf&ei=pxhvU-PqL4_38QW-84KIAg&usg=AFQjCNH2v7M7ixXvoIm-KaQik9c4Gkwbgg&sig2=2ywTKIIHxuNgJa9QgdhdMg

Question :- What is Islam? Or what do you know about Islam? Or what do you know about meaning of Islam? How many pillars are there in Islam? Discuss with verses of Quran and Sunnah.

Question :- What is Islam? Or what do you know about Islam? Or what do you know about meaning of Islam? How many pillars are there in Islam? Discuss with verses of Quran and Sunnah.

 



Introduction :
          Islam is the complete code of life and surely the way of acceptable to Allah. It is the best universal model for all humanity. It covers all the things people do in their life time. Over all Islam shows us the best way to conduct our private, social, political, economical, moral and spiritual affairs of life. For this reason the Quran states that-
وَمَنْ يَبْتَغِ غَيْرَ الْإِسْلَامِ دِينًا فَلَنْ يُقْبَلَ مِنْهُ وَهُوَ فِي الْآَخِرَةِ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ  
         
          And whoever seek a religion other than Islam. It will never be accepted of him and in the here after he will be one of the losers. If Allah wants I am describing according to question about it’s details below.

What is Islam :
If we want to know about Islam properly we should know about it’s verbal meaning and definition.

Verbal meaning of Islam :
The word Islam is a verbal noun. It comes from the root ( سلم ) silm which means-
(a)  To surrender
(b)  To submit
(c)  To resign
(d)  To show loyalty
(e)  To abide by
 Thus, ( اسلم امره الى الله ) meaning : He committed his cause to Allah. Allah said in the holy quran-                    اذ قال ربه اسلم قال اسلمت لرب العالمين     

When his lord said him submit (be a Muslim), He said, I have submitted myself (as Muslim) to the lord of the alamin (mankind, jinn and all the exist)
         
          And Islam ( الاسلام ) also is from ( سلم ) salam means : 1. Peace
                                                                                            2. Tranquility
                                                                                            3. Comfort
                                                                                            4. Weal

          After all Islam means entering into peace, so the meaning of Islam is combined with one another (surrender and peace). In short speach Islam is to make peace in life by surrendering to Allah.
Definition of Islam :
          The best definition of Islam is the definition of prophet (saw). He said,
الاسلام ان تشهد ان لااله الا الله وان محمد رسول الله و تقيم الصلوة وتؤتى الزكوة وتصوم رمضان والحج البيت ان استطعت اليه سبيلا
Islam is to testify of you that there is no deity (owing the right to be worshipped) but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s messenger to offer the prayers, to pay zakat (poor tax), to perform Hajj and to do serve that during the month of Ramadan.

·       Imam Abu Hanifa said: Islam is surrendering to Allah by obeying the order of Allah and his prophet (saw) and avoiding form forbidden things by them.
·        The author of mujamul oasit states: To show modesty and allow everything what the prophet (sow) brought out from Allah.
·       Al Quamusul fiqhe: Islam is to abide by all what about the Allah’s apostle said to obey.
·       George burnudsahw said: Islam is not only s religion but also a complete, comprehensive, dynamic, and scientific code of life.

Pillars of Islam :
          Narrated ibn umar Allah’s apostle said,
 عن ابن عمر رضى الله عنهما قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : بني الاسلام على خمس شهادة ان لا اله الا الله وان محمد رسول الله واقام الصلوة وايتاء اللزكاة والحج وصوم رمضان – (الحديث متفق عليه)

Islam is based on (the following) five (pillars) –
1.    To testify that there is no deity (Appropriate for worship) but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s messenger.
2.    To offer the prayers.
3.    To pay Zakat.
4.    To perform Hajj.
5.    To observe fast during the month of Ramadan. (Bukhari and Muslim).

To testify about Allah and his prophet (saw) :
          According to sunnah the first pillar of Islam is to testify that there is no ilah but Allah. (None has the right to be worshiped but him) and that muhammad (saw) is the messenger of Allah. Thus, Hadith Zibrael said-
وقال يأمحمد : اخبرنى عن الاسلام- فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : الاسلام ان تشهد ان لااله الاالله وان محمدا عبده ورسوله  - ( الجزء من حديث جبرائيل)
          This is a part of Hadith of prophet (saw). That refers about testify to Allah and his messenger. This oral and cordial faith or trust about Allah demands that all kinds of power of source and only one owner of sovereignty is Allah. The second part of this faith about the messenger of Allah demands that all kinds of order and prohibition about every part of life will be recognized from his. It is obligatory to be a muslim or to enter into Islam because all performances of Islam is depended on the Testimony about this two things.
         
To offer the prayers :
          The second pillar of Islam is to perform the obligatory prays (Salat) (perfectly fulfilling all it its condition and with full submission to Allah). Allah states in the Quran-
 وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآَتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَارْكَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاكِعِين                                        (البقرة : 43(
         
          And keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and bow down with those who bow down. After trusting to Allah and his prophet. The most important duty of a muslim is to perform five times salat in a day. Allah said-               ((العنكبوت : 45              وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ تَنْهَى عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنْكَرِ
         
          And keep up prayer, Surly prayer keeps (one) away from indecency and evil. It is a sign of unity and brotherhood. The prophet (saw) said the only one variety between muslim and non muslim is salat. The five times prayer in a day refreshes as well as our body and mind.       
To pay Zakat :
         It is one of the most significant pillar of Islam to pay the poor-rate (the obligatory charity). If a muslim owns 7.5 tolas of gold or 52.5 tolas of silver or an equivalent amount of money. He should pay 2.5 percent as zakat. It is also the basic of Islamic economic system. We see in the holy Quran how many time Allah said about salat. He also said about zakat (poor tax).
وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآَتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَمَا تُقَدِّمُوا لِأَنْفُسِكُمْ مِنْ خَيْرٍ تَجِدُوهُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ (البقرة : 110)
         
          And keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and whatever good you send before for yourselves. You shall fond it with Allah. Surely Allah sees what you do.
          We know that to remove poverty from our society the zakat system is very very important.


To perform Hajj :
          We know that to perform Hajj is a pillar of Islam. The prophet (saw) said-   وتحج البيت ان استطعت اليه سبيلا
        
         To perform hajj for those who can afford it in terms of money, health, security and legal company in cas-of women is obligatory to be a complete muslim. The hajj eject () from people, all kinds of people, white, black, rich, poor. They gather in same place as like own brothers. There is no friction, no pride among them, so it is a symbol of world wise unity and universal brotherhood. Allah said-  
وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا ( العمران : 97)
         
          At last we can say that the hajj is the greatest conference of muslim ummah/nation.

To observe fast :
          The holy prophet (saw) said :
وتصوم رمضان / وفى حديث اخ)(    : صوم رمضان
        
         To fast the month of Ramadan is another pillar of Islam. The fast is to abstain from eating, drinking, sex and all other things that are not permitted during fasting from dawn to sunset. It is very beneficial for our health that is proved by scientists. The fast also develops our mind. It is helps us to learn abstinence and how to we fear Allah. The fast also learn how to make a man his spiritual life. Allah said-  
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ (البقرة : 183)
         
          O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may guard (against evil).
          The fast is likable worship to Allah. So Allah states in Hadith kudsi- الصوم لى وانااجزى به                                                                                
          Fasting for me and I will pay the return of the fast myself.

Conclution :
          Islam is the complete code of life. It describes all parts of life such as particular, social, religious, political, national, International and global life. So every people should know about Islam to bring out the peace in society. Allah states that:ان الدين عند الله الاسلام (العمران : 19)                                   Surely, the way of life acceptable to Allah is Islam.  

Meaning of Islam

Meaning of Islam

The Meaning of Islam

Islam is derived from the Arabic root "Salema": peace, purity, submission and obedience. In the religious sense, Islam means submission to the will of God and obedience to His law.


Lissan al-Arab, one of the most authoritative lexicons of the Arabic language, mentions that the word 'Islam' is derived from the root verb istaslama (استسلاما); which means 'to submit' or 'give in' or 'surrender'.

The word Islam derives from the Arabic triconsonantal root sīn-lām-mīm (SLM [ س ل م ]). Many different words are created from this root word by inserting different vowels between the three root consonants. Many English speakers wrongly assume that if two Arabic words share the same root word then their meanings are related when in reality the fact that some words share the same root word does not imply a relationship between the meanings of the words. For instance, all of these words are derived from the root S-L-M:










Islam اسلام Submission
Salam سلام Well-being/Peace
(Derivation of) Salama سلما The stinging of a snake or the tanning of the leather
Saleema سليما To be saved or to escape from danger (when refering to a female)
Saleem سليم To be saved or to escape from danger (when refering to a male)
Aslam اسلم To submit
Istaslama استسلاما To surrender
Musal مسل Undisputed
Tasleem تسليم To receive a salutation or becoming submitted
Many people have wrongly attempted to equate the word Islam with peace by showing that Islam, meaning 'submission', shares a root word with Salaam, meaning 'peace'. But if such relationships between the meanings of Arabic words can be created then that would imply that there is a relationship between one of the derivations of the infinitive Salama, meaning the stinging of the snake or tanning the leather, and Salam, meaning peace; a relationship which obviously does not exist.

Everything and every phenomenon in the world other than man is administered totally by God-made laws, ie. they are obedient to God and submissive to his laws, they are in the State of Islam. Man possesses the qualities of intelligence and choice, thus he is invited to submit to the good will of God and obey His law, ie, become a Muslim.

Submission to the good will of God, together with obedience to His beneficial Law, ie, becoming a Muslim, is the best safeguard for man's peace and harmony.

Islam dates back to the age of Adam and its message has been conveyed to man by God's prophets and messengers, including Abrahim, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad.

Islam's message has been restored and enforced in the last stage of the religious evolution by God's last prophet and messenger, Muhammad.

The word Allah in the Arabic language means God, or more accurately, The One and Only Eternal God, Creator of the Universe, Lord of all lords, King of all kings, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful. The word Allah to mean God is also used by Arabic speaking Jews and Christians.



Description or What is Islam

Description or What is Islam
 

What is Islam?

Islam is about…

Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. Indeed, one out of every five persons on this earth is a Muslim. There are nearly 3 million Muslims living in United Kingdom and the number is growing. Yet, unfortunately, Islam is also the most misunderstood religion. Muslims live in different parts of the world ranging from China to Argentina, Russia to South Africa. The country with the largest Muslim population is Indonesia.
Islam means the active submission to the one God. It is strictly a monotheistic religion since it restricts worship to the one supreme Lord who is the Originator and Creator of the universe. Peace (the root from which the word Islam is derived) is attained through complete obedience to the commandments of God, for God is the source of all peace. Muslims are those who believe in one God and in Muhammad as the final Prophet of God. They devote their lives to the service of God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.
Islam teaches that God (called Allah in Arabic) is the source of all creation and that human beings are the best of His creation. He communicates by inspiring them towards goodness and by sending Prophets who deliver God’s message. Muslims believe that the first Prophet was Adam followed by a long chain of Prophets to guide humanity. The Qur’an, according to Muslim belief, is the word of God revealed to Prophet Muhammad. It mentions many other Prophets like Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, Moses, Jacob, Joseph and Jesus. All the Prophets brought the same message, i.e., belief in one God, upright human conduct and belief in the accountability of human acts at the end of time.
Islam is the final religion revealed to human beings through the last Prophet who was called Muhammad. He was born in Mecca (in Saudi Arabia) in the year 570 A.D. Muhammad was a very truthful and honest person. He was also very pious and detested the moral decadence of his society. At the age of forty, God asked him, through the angel Gabriel, to proclaim the religion of Islam publicly. God’s message to humanity was delivered in the Qur’an which was revealed to Muhammad. The Qur’an, which is the holy book for Muslims, contains 114 chapters (called Suras). Muslims believe that it is the pure word of God, unadulterated over 14 centuries. It deals with issues that affect human beings in their earthly lives; issues like piety, upright human conduct, worship, the creation of a just and virtuous society and the practice of ethics.
Islam has two major schools of thought – the Shi’a and the Sunni. The Sunnis believe that the community selected its own leader after Prophet Muhammad’s death whereas the Shi’as believe that the Prophet had appointed ‘Ali, by divine will, to be his successor. Leadership is thus divinely designated. It is to be noted that both the Sunnis and the Shi’as are united in their major beliefs i.e., they believe in the same God, the same book, the same Prophets and pray in the same direction. The differences are mainly theological and jurisprudential.


What is Islam?
The Arabic word ‘
Islam’ stands for ‘Submission’ or ‘Peace’. In a religious context, it implies the peace that reaches out to one when one completely submits oneself to the will of Almighty God. This is achieved only when the individual acts in accordance with the direction of his Creator in all spheres of life.

The 'Five Pillars' of Islam are the foundation of Muslim life

The 'Five Pillars' of Islam are the foundation of Muslim life
The 'Five Pillars' of Islam are the foundation of Muslim life:
  • Faith or belief in the Oneness of God and the finality of the prophethood of Muhammad;
  • Establishment of the daily prayers;
  • Concern for and almsgiving to the needy;
  • Self-purification through fasting; and
  • The pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able.
 

 Iman or Faith

"There is none worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is the messenger of God." This declaration of faith is called the Shahadah, a simple formula that all the faithful pronounce. The significance of this declaration is the belief that the only purpose of life is to serve and obey God, and this is achieved through the teachings and practices of the Last  Prophet, Muhammad.
 

Salah or Prayer

Salah is the name for the obligatory prayers that are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam and there are no priests. Prayers are led by a learned person who knows the Qur'an and is generally chosen by the congregation.
Prayers are said at dawn, mid-day, late-afternoon, sunset and nightfall,  and thus determine the rhythm of the entire day. These five prescribed prayers contain verses from the Qur'an, and are said in Arabic, the  language of the Revelation. Personal supplications, however, can be  offered in one's own language and at any time.
Although it is preferable to worship together in a mosque, a Muslim may  pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories and universities. Oftentimes visitors to the Muslim world are struck by the centrality of prayers in daily life.
A translation of the Adan or Call to Prayer is:
God is Great.
God is Great.
God is Great.
God is Great.
I testify that there is none worthy of worship except God.
I testify that there is none worthy of worship except God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
Come to prayer!
Come to prayer!
Come to success!
Come to success!
God is Great!
God is Great!
There is none worthy of worship except God.
 

Zakah
The financial obligation upon Muslims.

 An important principle of Islam is that everything belongs to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakah means  both "purification" and "growth." Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need and for the society in general. Like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.
 Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakah individually. This involves the annual payment of a fortieth of one's capital, excluding such items as primary residence, car and professional tools.
An individual may also give as much as he or she pleases as sadaqa-h,  and does so preferably in secret. Although this word can be translated as "voluntary charity" it has a wider meaning.
The Prophet said, "Even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is an act of charity." The Prophet also said: "Charity is a necessity for every Muslim." He was asked: "What if a person has nothing?" The Prophet  replied: "He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity." The Companions of the Prophet asked: "What if he is not able to work?" The Prophet said: "He should help the poor and needy." The Companions further asked: "What if he cannot do even that?" The Prophet said: "He should urge others to do good." The Companions said: "What if he lacks that also?" The Prophet said: "He should check himself from doing evil. That is also an act of charity."
 
 

Sawm or Fasting

Every year in the month of Ramada-n, all Muslims fast from dawn until sundown--abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations with their spouses.
 Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are menstruating, pregnant or nursing, are permitted to break the fast and  make up an equal number of days later in the year if they are healthy and able. Children begin to fast (and to observe prayers) from puberty, although many start earlier.
Although fasting is beneficial to health, it is mainly a method of self-purification and self-restraint. By cutting oneself from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person focuses on his or her purpose in life by constantly being aware of the presence of God.  God states in the Qur'an:  "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may learn self-restraint." (Qur'an 2:183)
 
 

Hajj or Pilgrimage

 The pilgrimage to Makkah (the hajj) is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to do so. Nevertheless, over two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another.
 The annual hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic year (which is lunar, not solar, so that hajj and Ramada-n fall sometimes in summer, sometimes in winter). Pilgrims wear special clothes: simple garments that strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before God.
The rites of the hajj, which are of Abrahamic origin, include going around the Ka'bah seven times, and going seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa as did Hagar (Hajir, Abraham's wife) during her search for water. The pilgrims later stand together on the wide plains of 'Arafat (a large expanse of desert outside Makkah) and join in prayer for God's  forgiveness, in what is often thought as a preview of the Day of Judgment.
The close of the hajj is marked by a festival, the 'Id al Adha, which is celebrated with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere. This and the 'Id al Fitr, a festive day celebrating the end of Ramada-n, are the two holidays of the Islamic calendar.

Short Description : Pillars of Islam

Short Description : Pillars of Islam

Pillars of Islam


  • 1) Shahada: Testifying to God's One-ness:

    • The declaration "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His prophet."

  • 2) Salat: Prayer.

      • General Features of Islamic Prayer

        • Five prayer times each day:
          • early morning
          • noon
          • mid-afternoon
          • sunset
          • evening
        • Raq'ah: Bowing and prostration. Represents submission to God.
        • Ablutions, symbolic purification by washing hands, feet, etc. with water (or sand).
        • Qiblah, direction for prayer towards Mecca. Designated by Mihrab, niche in the wall.
        • Du'a, spontaneous private prayer exists, but is less important than communal worship.
    • Elements of Public prayer:

      • Masjid (Mosque):
      • Minaret (Tower for Muadhdhin to announce services).
      • Imam leads prayers. Worshippers stand behind in straight lines.
      • Imam or other scholar delivers a sermon (khutba ) from the pulpit (minbar).
      • Women are not required to attend prayers. When they do, they usually stand behind the men men.
      • Friday, Yawm al-Jum'ah (Day of Assembly), main day of public prayer.

  • 3) Zakat: Giving charity.

    • Originally a free-will donation (what is no called Sadaqah).
    • Now largely compulsory.
    • General rate: 2 1/2% of income annually.
    • Given only to needy Muslims, or for religious purposes, etc.

  • 4) Sawm: Fast

    • In memory of the revelation of the Qur'an.
    • During month of Ramadan, daylight hours.
    • Those who have medical exemptions etc. should fast at another time.
    • 'Id al-Fitr, Feast of Fast-breaking: at beginning of next month.

  • 5) Hajj: Pilgrimage.

    • Every Muslim man and woman (if physically and economically able) should try to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their life-time.
    • Egalitarian atmosphere, Ihram:
      • donning of simple white garments.
      • Refraining from sex, haircuts, jewelry, arguing, etc.
    • Importance of the Ka'ba, associations with Abraham, Hagar Ishmael and Muhammad.
    • Symbolic reenactments of past events:
      • Tawaf: Circling Ka'ba counterclockwise seven times, emphasizing its centrality.
      • Touching black stone of Ka'bah
      • Sa'y: Running seven times between hills and drinking from Zamam spring (recalling Hagar's running for water)
      • Throwing 49 stones at stone "Satan"s (recalling the resistance to Satan's attempts to prevent Abraham from sacrificing Ishmael).
      • On eighth day pilgrims move to the desert and live in tents. Rituals performed there include:
        • Wuquf: Standing in prayer at the Plain of Arafat and Mount of Mercy.
        • 'Id al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): Head or household slaughters animal for feast. Meat is also distributed to the poor.
      • Return to Mecca for second circling of Ka'bah.
      • Most pilgrims also visit Medinah.

The Five Pillars Of Islam

                  The Five Pillars Of Islam

The Five Pillars Of Islam

Islam has five primary obligations, or pillars of faith, that each Muslim must fulfill in his or her lifetime. They are as follows:

Shahadah, profession of faith, is the first pillar of Islam. Muslims bear witness to the oneness of God by reciting the creed "There is no God but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God." This simple yet profound statement expresses a Muslim's complete acceptance of and total commitment to Islam.
Salah, prayer, is the second pillar. The Islamic faith is based on the belief that individuals have a direct relationship with God. The world's Muslims turn individually and collectively to Makkah, Islam's holiest city, to offer five daily prayers at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and evening. In addition, Friday congregational service is also required. Although salah can he performed alone, it is meritorious to perform it with another or with a group. It is permissible to pray at home, at work, or even outdoors; however it is recommended that Muslims perform salah in a mosque.
Zakat, almsgiving, is the third pillar. Social responsibility is considered part of one's service to God; the obligatory act of zakat enshrines this duty. Zakat prescribes payment of fixed proportions of a Muslim's possessions for the welfare of the entire community and in particular for its neediest members. It is equal to 2.5 percent of an individual's total net worth, excluding obligations and family expenses.
Sawm, fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, is the fourth pillar of Islam. Ordained in the Holy Qur'an, the fast is an act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a richer perception of God. Fasting is also an exercise in self-control whereby one's sensitivity is heightened to the sufferings of the poor. Ramadan, the month during which the Holy Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, begins with the sighting of the new moon, after which abstention from eating, drinking and other sensual pleasures is obligatory from dawn to sunset. Ramadan is also a joyful month. Muslims break their fast at sunset with a special meal, iftar, perform additional nocturnal worship, tarawih, after evening prayer; and throng the streets in moods that are festive and communal. The end of Ramadan is observed by three days of celebration called Eid Al-Fitr, the feast of the breaking of the fast. Customarily, it is a time for family reunion and the favored holiday for children who receive new clothing and gifts.
Hajj, the pilgrimage to Makkah, is the fifth pillar and the most significant manifestation of Islamic faith and unity in the world. For those Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey to Makkah, the Hajj is a once in a lifetime duty that is the peak of their religious life. The Hajj is a remarkable spiritual gathering of over two million Muslims from all over the world to the holy city. In performing the Hajj, a pilgrim follows the order of ritual that the Prophet Muhammad performed during his last pilgrimage.
The five pillars of Islam define the basic identity of Muslims - their faith, beliefs and practices - and bind together a worldwide community of believers into a fellowship of shared values and concerns.

What is the difference between Islam and Iman?



What is the difference between Islam and Iman?

In verse 14 of Suratul Hujurat, we read:
قَالَتِ الأََعْرَابُ آمَنَّا قُلْ لَمْ تُؤْمِنُوا وَ لٌكِنْ قُولُوا أَسْلَمْنَا وَ لَمَّا يَدْخُلِ الإِِيْمَانُ فِي قُلُوبِكُمْ
“The dwellers of the desert say: We believe. Say: You do not believe but say, We submit; and faith has not yet entered into your hearts.”
The question that arises here is: What is the difference between 'Islam' and 'Iman'?
According to this verse, the difference between them lies in that Islam possesses the external form such that whoever recites the shahadatayn1 enters into the category of Muslims, after which all the Islamic rulings shall become applicable with respect to him.
But «man is an issue, which is internal (to man), and is associated neither with his tongue nor his exterior, but rather his heart.
There could be various motives for Islam - even material and personal benefits, yet Iman always stems from knowledge, awareness and spiritual motives and it is due to this Iman that taqwa (piety) manifests itself. This is witnessed in an eloquent statement of the Noble Prophet (S):
اَلإِسْلاَمُ عَلاَنِيَيَّةٌةُ وَ الإِيـمَانُ فِي الْقَلْبِ‏.
“Islam is (a) proclaimed (issue), whereas Iman is housed in the heart.”2
In another tradition, Imam as-Sadiq (a.s.) has said:
اَلإِسْلاَمُ يُحْقَنُ بِهِ الدَّمُ وَ تُؤَدَّى بِهِ الأََمَانَةُ وَ تُسْتَحَلُّ بِهِ الْفُرُوجُ وَ الثَّوَابُ عَلـى الإِِيـمَانِ.
“By means of Islam, the blood (of man) is safeguarded, trusts are returned, matrimony becomes lawful; but rewards are on account of «man.”3
And it is for this very reason that in some traditions the concept of Islam has been confined to the vocal testimony, whereas Iman has been emphasized as being testimony in conjunction with deeds.
اَلإِِيـمَانُ إِقْرَارٌ وَ عَمَلٌ وَ الإِِسْلاَمُ إِقْرَارٌ بِلاَ عَمَلٍ.
“True faith is to testify and to act while submission (al-Islam) is to testify prior to acting.”4
This meaning is also seen under the discussion 'Islam and Iman'; Fudhail ibne Yasar states: I heard Imam as-Sadiq (a.s.) say:
إِنَّ الإِيـمَانَ يُشَارِكُ الإِِسْلاَمَ وَ لاَ يُشَارِكُهُ الإِِسْلاَمُ إِنَّ الإِِيـمَانَ مَا وَقَرَ فِي الْقُلُوبِ وَ الإِِسْلاَمَ مَا عَلَيْهِ الْمَنَاكِحُ وَ الْمَوَارِيثُ وَ حِقْنِ الدِّمَآءِ.
“Verily, «man teams up with Islam but Islam does not team up with «man. Indeed, Iman is that which settles into the heart whereas Islam is that, which governs the rules of marriage and inheritance, and safeguards the (shedding of) blood (of man).”5
Nonetheless, this difference in meaning is applicable only when both these terms are used alongside each other, however if they are used separately, it is possible that Islam may refer to the same thing, which is referred to by Iman; i.e. each of these two terms may be used synonymously