"Beginners' Manual on Islam" (2) Complete Pages 1 139

Chapter 1

I NTRODUCTION - I SLAM

“
The way of life before God is Islam (peaceful
submission to His Will) Nor did the people of the Book
dissent therefrom except through envy of each other
after knowledge had come to them. But if any deny
the signs of God, God is swift in calling to account.
“
(Qur’an : Al-Imran 3:19)

What is Islam?

Islam is a complete way of life. It is the religion provided by the
Creator of the Universe for all mankind. Its teaching and
guidance cover all aspects of a person’s life. Islam tells us the
purpose of our creation, our destiny and our place among other
creatures and creations. It shows us the best way to conduct our
private, social, political, economic, moral and spiritual affairs
of life.

Meaning of the word “Islam”?

The word “Islam” in Arabic means complete submission and
obedience. “Submission” is acceptance of God’s commands and
“obedience” means putting God’s commands into practice.
Therefore a person who accepts the Islamic way of life is called
a “Muslim”, which means “a person who submits and obeys Allah’s
will by doing what is enjoined and refraining from that which has
been forbidden”.

Beginners' Manual on Islam

1

The word “Islam” also means peace from the root word ‘(SLM).
It is the way of peace and harmony. If we look around we see
that everything including the sun, the moon, the stars, the
mighty ocean, etc. are obeying a Law - the Law of God, the
Creator. We find no disorder or chaos in them. A superb
harmony and perfect order is evident in the system of nature. It
is by their being subservient to that Law and Will of the Creator
that we see everything in balance and harmony, peace and
tranquility.

By this sign it is obvious that for mankind to attain peace and
tranquility, he has to do likewise - to obey the natural laws of
the Creator. But Man has been created different from the rest
of creation. He has a free will and has been created in the best
of form, bestowed with the ability to think and reason, and with
this he has the responsibility of choosing between what is right
and what is wrong. Therefore to help mankind, Allah has
revealed His laws and guidance through His Messengers and
Prophets. They invite mankind to this Way of Life of submission
and obedience to the Will of Allah, so that mankind may fulfill
their true function as the representatives of God on earth. Islam
teaches mankind all that they need to know to be truly successful
- here in this world as well as in the hereafter. This way of life
was the religion preached by all the prophets and messengers of
Allah, and it was perfected and completed as a total way of life
by Allah’s final messenger, the seal of the Prophethood,
Muhammad (pbuh). It is the natural religion for mankind and
the only religion accepted by Allah.

Brief history of Muhammad (pbuh) 1 - the Seal of
Prophethood

The message of Islam has been brought to mankind through
various prophets and messengers of Allah since the beginning

1
(pbuh) means "peace & blessings of God be upon him"- a respectful address
whenever the messenger's name is mentioned.

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of the history of mankind. Unfortunately, the teachings of these
earlier messengers were either lost or were changed by subsequent
generations, thereby deviating from the true original message. Thus
it was necessary for mankind to receive the last of Allah’s
messengers, Muhammad (pbuh) who was given the Qur’an (the
final Book of Revelations) and with it, he re-established Islam
and perfected it. He was born in Makkah in 571 C.E. into the
Quraish tribe of Banu Hashim, who were direct descendants from
the Prophet Abraham through his first son, Prophet Ishmael
(peace be upon them) . He received his first revelation when
he was forty years of age in a cave of Hira, about 3 miles from
Makkah. For the next 23 years, he preached the message of Islam
and was able to transform the whole of Arabia from the worship
of idols to the worship of the One true God. His message of
Islam was not just meant for the Arabs but for the whole
universe, and it spread to all parts of the world. It provides
solutions to all the world’s problems and it unifies all people
into one universal brotherhood of Islam. The most significant
contribution was that it lay the foundation for the establishment
of a world civilization, ie. the Islamic Civilization. The two basic
sources of guidance that Muhammad (pbuh) has left behind for
all Muslims to follow are:

1 The Holy Qur’an (the revealed words of Allah)

2 His Sunnah (the Traditions or examples of the
Prophet Muhammad [pbuh])

The Qur’an is the book of Guidance from God, for all to follow.
It is the Criterion (to teach mankind what is right and what is
wrong) and revelations of Allah and it has remained pure and
unchanged in the Arabic, and will be so till the end of the world.
With it is the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). From
the first revelations that he received in Makkah and for the 23

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years of his prophethood, he succeeded in establishing Islam -
the complete way of life of peaceful submission to the will of
Allah. Prophet Muhammad’s life was the demonstration of how
Islam is to be. Based on the guidance of the Qur’an, and his way
of life, the best example for all to emulate, Allah tells us in the
Holy Qur’an :

“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah (Prophet
Muhammad [pbuh]), you have for you, the best
example.”
(Q : Al-Ahzab 33:21)

And in the Holy Qur’an too, Allah tells us the true purpose of
the role of Prophet Muhammad [pbuh], ie. :

“He (Allah) it is Who has sent His messenger
(Muhammad [pbuh]) with the guidance and the
religion of Truth, that he may proclaim it over
all religion, even though the idolaters may detest
it.”
(Q : As-Saff 61:9)

It is indeed noteworthy that within his lifetime, Arabia
underwent a tremendous reform; from idolatory to the worship
of the One God; from ignorance to knowledge and culture; from
an oppressive system to one which epitomises justice and the
brotherhood of man.

“Behold, the only [true] religion in the sight of
God is “al-Islam” (man’s self-surrender unto
Him)”
(Qur’an: aali-Imran: 3: 19)

“And strive hard in God’s cause with all the
striving that is due to Him: it is He Who has
elected you [to carry His message] and has laid

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no hardship on you in [anything that pertains to]
religion, [and made you follow] the creed of your
forefather Abraham. It is He Who has named you
- in bygone times as well as in this (divine writ)
“al-Muslimin” (“those who have surrendered
themselves to God”)”
(Qur’an: al-Hajj: 22: 78)

“Today have I perfected your religious law for you,
and have bestowed upon you the full measure of
My blessings, and willed that “al-Islam”(self-
surrender unto Me) shall be your religion.”
(Qur’an : al-Maa’-idah : 5 : 3)

Thus to use terms like “mohammadan” or “mussalman” or such
terms is regarded as most inappropriate and reflect a person’s
ignorance (or perhaps prejudice) of this religion.

From ‘historical perspective’

Anthropologist says, “Man is the specie of animal that worships.“
Religion is as old as man himself. But was there ever a single
religion for man, which assert truth that is universal - not a
man-made phenomenon? In explaining Islam as being that
religion we have to present the Qur’anic perspective of history
of man and of religion:
Muhammad [pbuh] never claimed to have found a new religion,
nor did he deny the truth, which have been revealed before
him. Rather, he was sent as a messenger following that series of
prophets, whose task was to bring mankind back, because
deviation and corruption to the Truth has led men astray from
the straight path which God has ordained.

If a Muslim was asked what was the religion of the past prophets
like Noah, Abraham, Moses or even Jesus (may peace be upon
them all), he would not hesitate to reply that it was “Islam”.
For to Muslims, there has always been one religion for mankind,
revealed through various prophets since Adam, sharing the same
basic truth, but with it’s practical laws gradually being perfected.


5

As these (practical laws) are related to differing living conditions
which gradually would evolved towards a higher and more
universal or global civilization).

“Say: ‘Nay, but [ours] is] the creed of Abraham,
who turned away from all that is false, and was
not of those who ascribe divinity to aught beside
God.’
Say: ‘We believe in God, and in that which has
been bestowed upon Abraham and Ishmael and
Isaac and Jacob and their descendants, and that
which has been vouchsafed to Moses and Jesus,
and that which has been vouchsafed to all the
[other] prophets by their Sustainer: we make no
distinction between any of them. And it is unto
Him that we surrender ourselves [Muslimuun].”

(Qur’an: al-Baqarah: 2: 135-136)

• Muhammad [pbuh] – The bringer of glad tiding, a warner
and seal of Prophethood

“O People of the Book! Now, after long time during
which no messengers have appeared, there has
come unto you [this] our Messenger to make [the
truth] clear to you, lest you say, ‘No bearer of glad
tidings has come unto us, nor a warner: for now
there has come unto you a bearer of glad tidings
and a warner - since God has power to will
anything,”
(Qur’an: al-Ma’idah: 5: 19)

“ Muhammad is not the father of any one of your
men, but is God’s Messenger and the Seal of all
the Prophets. And God has indeed full
knowledge of everything.”
(Qur’an: al-Ahzab: 33: 40)


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Adam (Adam)
* Peace and blessings of God be upon all the prophets*

Nuh (Noah)

Ham Sham Yaphet
( the Semitic line)

( the Hamitic line) ( the Japethic line)
“And indeed within
every community have
We raised up a
Messenger [with this
message):
Worship God, and shun
the powers of evil.”
(Qur’an: an-Nahl 16:
36)
Lut (Lot) Ibrahim (Abraham)

Isma’il (Ishmael) Ishaq (Isaac)
Ya’kub (Jacob)
Yusuf (Joseph)

Musa (Moses) Harun (Aaron)

Dawud (David)
Sulaiman (Solomon)

Zakariya (Zacha
Yahya (John the
Isa (Jesus)
Muhammad
(he was a direct
descendant of
Ishmael through the
Quraysh tribe from
clan of Bani Hasyim)

{note : only certain names of prophets are
given for their relevance and comparison]


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EXERCISE FOR CHAPTER 1

1 What does the word “Islam” in Arabic mean ?

2 Who was Muhammad (pbuh) ?

3 What is the Qur’an ?

4 What is the Sunnah ?

5 What was the major contribution of Islam to the world ?

NOTES:


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Chapter 2

TAUHID (The Oneness of God)

FOUNDATION OF THE MESSAGE OF ISLAM

“ If there were, in the heavens and the earth, other gods
besides Allah, there would have been confusion in both!
But limitless in His glory is Allah, enthroned in his
awesome almightiness (far) above anything men may
devise by way of definitions!
“
(Q : Al Anbiya 21:22)

The religion of Islam is based on the most fundamental and
important concept called TAUHID. It is the belief in the
Oneness of God, Who is the only Creator, Preserver, Sustainer
and Nourisher of all creations. It is summarised in a simple
“KALIMAH” or statement :

LAA-ILAA-HA-IL-LALLAH
(There is no god except Allah )

“Allah” [s.w.t.] 1 is the Arabic pronoun for God. It refers to
the One and only God. He does not have partners and does not
share His divinity with any one or anything. He alone is Lord
and Master of the Universe and all that is contained in it.
Nothing moves without His knowledge and His permission. He
1 [s.w.t] - abbreviation that usually follows the name Allah, for the Arabic phrase
which means "Glorious and exalted is He"


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is the source of all existence. He creates man and appoints for
each human being a fixed period of life. He gives man organs
and faculties so that man is the most capable amongst the
creatures on earth. In fact He has created this earth and
whatever it contains for man. Through His messengers and
prophets, He reveals the knowledge of Himself, and the purpose
of man’s creation. To help mankind achieve that purpose, He
prescribes a certain code of life which is the correct one - a
code of life which is practical and achievable. Allah also gives
man freedom of choice as to whether or not to adopt this code
as the actual basis of his life. With this freedom, man shall be
responsible for the choice he makes.
It is not enough for a person to say that he believes in
One God. Many idolators will tell you that they actually believe
there is only one supreme god. Yet they take on other things as
gods. Islam teaches that in believing in the Oneness of Allah, a
person must acknowledge the fact that Allah alone deserves to
be worshipped. And he is expected to show this belief in his
words and deeds.
In Islam, 'worship or serving Allah' is called “IBADAH”
and has a wide meaning. It is not restricted only to rituals of
prayers and devotion but includes guidelines that cover every
aspect of our life. Therefore a believer’s life is the
acknowledgement of his belief that he worships only Allah and
that he shows it by obedience to the Laws given by Allah. A
believer does all that Allah has commanded and refrains from
all that Allah has forbidden.
A believer fulfills this by following the complete code of
life that was brought and established by the last and final
messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad [pbuh]. Therefore the
KALIMAH OF TAUHID is followed by the second statement:-


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MUHAM-MADUR-RASUU-LULLAH
(Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah)

Beginning with this concept of TAUHID, which is the most
fundamental of the teachings of Islam, a person is motivated to
strive towards becoming a true Muslim. This concept of
TAUHID seeks to develop a Muslim towards a higher level of
consciousness, righteousness and piety in his relationship with
Allah and the rest of creation. In one reported exchange
between the Prophet Muhammad [pbuh] and a stranger (later
revealed to be the archangel Gabriel, who came to teach the
Muslims the religion), the Muslims were concisely taught
concerning the fundamentals of their religion :

“One day while we were sitting with the Messenger of
Allah (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon
him) there appeared before us a man whose clothes were
exceedingly white and whose hair was exceedingly black;
no signs of journeying were to be seen on him and none
of us knew him. He walked up and sat down by the
Prophet (may the blessings of Allah be upon him).
Resting his knees against his and placing the palms of
his hands on his thighs, he said: O Muhammad! Tell
me about Islam. The Messenger of Allah (may the
blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said : Islam
is to testify that there is no god but Allah and
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to perform the
prayers, to pay the zakat, to fast in Ramadhan, and to
make the pilgrimage to the House (Ka’aba) if you are
able to do so. He said: You have spoken rightly, and we
were amazed at him asking him and saying that he had
spoken rightly. He said : Then, tell me about Iman. He
said : It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books,
His messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe in
divine destiny, both the good and


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the evil thereof. He said : You have spoken rightly. He
said : Then tell me about Ihsan. He said : It is to worship
Allah as though you are seeing Him, and while you see
Him not yet truly He sees you.”
(Hadith reported by Muslim)

Thus in order to realise TAUHID (the belief in the Oneness of
Allah) a Muslim must understand and strive to establish in
himself 3 aspects:-

[1] IMAN - Belief or Faith/Conviction

[2] ISLAM - Obedience and submission
(through practice)

[3] IHSAN - Best or righteous conduct

All three constitute what every Muslim should know and fulfill.
One without the other is insufficient to truly realise the con-
cept of TAUHID.
For faith without obedience is meaningless and obedience
cannot be without faith. Together, faith and obedience must
lead to the best and righteous conduct of a Muslim who truly
submits himself to the will of Allah.

TAUHIID - Attesting to the Oneness of God

(3 aspects)

IIMAN 'AMAL IHSAN
Development Manifesting Inculcation
of by way of of
Conviction Practice Righteousness


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1 What does the Arabic statement “LAA-ILAAHA-IL-
LAL-LAAH” mean ?

2 What do you understand by the term TAUHID ?

3 What does the Arabic statement “MUHAM-MADAR-
RASUU-LUL-LAAH” mean ?

4 State the 3 aspects from which TAUHID is to be
established in a person who accepts the concept of the
Oneness of God?

5 What is the meaning of
a Iman ?
b Islam ?
c Ihsan ?

NOTES:


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Chapter 3

IMAN (Belief or Faith)

“
The Messenger believes in what has been revealed to
him from his Lord; as do men of Faith. Each one (of
them) believes in Allah, His angels, His books and His
Messengers: “(They say) we make no distinction
between one and another of His Messengers.” And they
say, “we hear and we obey.
“
(Q : Al Baqarah 2:285)

“Iman” means belief or faith. It deals primarily with abstract
concepts, termed as “the unseen”(al-Ghayb). Yet it is not blind
acceptance of notions of truth but it must correspond with our
awareness of things perceived by the faculty inherent in man.
Its basic appeal is to man’s reasoning and pure instincts. It seeks
to inform man what the purpose of this creation is; why many
things have been created. Man is informed by Allah concern-
ing their relationship, the reason for man's existence here, his
role and how to fulfill it as well as warn him of man’s responsi-
bility and final destiny. Man is being informed of all the things
created that can be seen as well as some of those that man can-
not see. It is so that man may know of his place in the grand
design of the whole of Allah’s creation. Therefore Iman or be-
lief is derived from the knowledge revealed by Allah to His
messenger, which a person has confirmed and which he is con-
vinced of thereby. This is to be nurtured by contemplation and
pondering over the signs that are around us, using reason and
instinct. The degree of Iman or belief therefore varies from time
to time and from person to person. The basic aspect of Iman or
belief is called ARKAANUL - IIMAN (The Articles of Faith).


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WHAT ARE THE ARTICLES OF FAITH IN ISLAM?
(ARKAANUL - IIMAN)

From the teachings of our Prophet Muhammad [pbuh], a Mus-
lim is to develop faith in seven aspects. A Muslim, when asked
of his belief, will say:-

[1] aa-mantu-bil-laahi I solemnly believe in Allah;

[2] wa-ma-laa-i-katihi and His angels;

[3] wa-kutu-bi-hi and in His revealed books;

[4] wa-rusu-lihi and in His messengers;

[5] wal-yau-mil-aa-khir and in the Day of Judgement;

[6] wal-qadri-khai-rihi and that the power of good

wa-shar-ri-hi-minallahi and bad is from Allah
ta’ala the most high;

[7] wa-ba’-thi-ba’dal maut and in the life after death


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1 What do you understand by the term “Iman” ?

2 How does one develop his “Iman” ?

3 List down the articles of faith on which Muslims are
to develop their faith.

NOTES:


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Chapter 4
THE DETAILED EXPLANATION OF ISLAMIC ARTICLES OF FAITH

[1]

B ELIEF IN A LLAH

“ And yet, some people choose to worship certain earthly
things or beings as deities that [are supposed to]
resurrect the dead; and they fail to realize that, had
there been in heaven or on earth any other deities other
than Allah, both [those realms] would surely have “
fallen in ruin! But limitless in His Glory is Allah,
enthroned in His awesome almightiness [far] above
anything that man can devise by way of definition!

(Q : Anbiya 21:21 - 22)

Who is Allah? What do we know about Allah?

“Allah” (God) is One and One alone. There is no other god
except Allah. He has no partner nor associates. He is the Creator
of everyone and everything. Everyone and everything depends
on Him for He is the Sustainer and Nourisher of the universe.
The knowledge concerning God is not a creation of human
imagination, but has been revealed by Him. Thus we find one
of the shortest and earliest revelations in the Qur’an:-

“Say: He Allah is One;
Allah is He on whom all depends;
He begets not, neither was He begotten;
And none is comparable to Him.”

(Q: Al Ikhlas 112:1-4)


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What does the term “Allah” mean?

The Arabic word “Allah” is unique and almost incapable of
translation into non-Semitic languages. The English word
“God”, although close, does not convey the actual meaning of
the word, “Allah”. It is not a common noun but is a proper noun
par excellence. We cannot obtain the plural of this word just as
“god” becomes “gods”, nor can we turn it into feminine like
“goddess”. It is an Arabic word referring to the One Supreme
Being with all the attributes of Perfection and Beauty in their
infinitude and it denotes none but the One and Unique God (a
being Who exists necessarily by Himself, ie. not caused or
created; endowed with all the attributes of perfection).
“Allah” [glorious and exalted is He], has revealed the
knowledge concerning Himself for us to know and to develop a
close relationship with Him. Islam firstly teaches Muslims that
God is full of Compassion and Mercy. When a Muslim begins
to read the words revealed by Allah, i.e. the Holy Qur’an, or
begins an act, the first praise that he says is the “Basmalah” ie.
the reciting of :

Bis-millaahir-Rahmaa-nir-raHiim
In the Name of Allah, The Most Compassionate,
the Most Merciful.

The Compassionate and Merciful

The Arabic word “RAHMAAN” informs us of an attribute of
Allah. The word is only expressive of God’s love to man, and
not of man’s love to man. Allah’s compassion is to one and all,
whether a believer or an unbeliever, whether a saint or a sinner,
a doer of good or evil. He provides for and sustains everyone
irrespective of their behaviour. When a Muslim recites His
name, he calls Allah first of all “AL-RAHMAAN” (the Most
Compassionate) and “AL-RAHIIM” (the Most Merciful) which
hints at God’s relation to man - the relation of love, sympathy,


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concern, solicitude, compassion and mercy. But He is also Just
and His Justice shall be fully be manifested only on the Day of
Judgement.

Most Beautiful Names of Allah

In the Holy Qur’an we learn many other attributes by the names
which Allah addresses Himself and we can invoke any of these
names. The names are collectively called “ASMAA-ALLAH-
AL-HUSNA” (The Most Beautiful Names of Allah). For
example, in the Holy Qur’an :-

Allah is He, whom there is no other god;
Who knows (all things) (‘AALIM)
Both secret and open,
He, the Most Compassionate (AR-RAHMAAN)
The Most Merciful; (AR-RAHIIM)
Allah is He, whom there is no other god;
The Sovereign, (AL-MAALIK)
The Holy One, (AL-QUDDUS)
The Source of Peace (AS-SALAAM)
(and Perfection)
The Guardian of Faith (AL-MU'MINU)
The Preserver of Safety (AL-MUHAY-MIN)
The Exalted in Might (AL-AZIZ)
The Irresistible (AL-JAB-BAR)
The Supreme (AL-MUTTAKAB-BIR)
Glory be to Allah!
(High is He) Above the partners they attribute to Him.
He is Allah,
The Creator (AL-KHAA-LIQ)
The Evolver (AL-BAA-RI)


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The Bestower of forms
(and colours) (AL-MUSAW-WIR)
To Him belong the Most Beautiful Names
Whatever is in the Heavens and on Earth
Both declare His Praise and Glory;

(Q : Al Hashr 59:22-24 )

Do not ascribe any partners to God

A Muslim strictly believes that Allah is One. The statement
“LAA-ILAA-HA- IL-LAL-LAAH” (There is no god except Allah)
shows that the believer does not worship any other except Allah.
Allah is the Creator of everything for the benefit of human
beings. None of these creations, the stars, sun, moon, man,
animals, wood, stones, etc. are to be worshipped. To worship
these things is to commit the gravest sin in Islam, termed
SHIRIK (meaning “to ascribe partners to God”).
Allah has no partner, nor adviser, nor helper. He is above
every need because need presumes deficiency. He is not like a
created thing with a body because a body needs space. He cannot
be seen because He has no body. He is everywhere because His
power and knowledge are magnificently apparent everywhere.
Nor can He be defined in terms of time. Since He is the Creator
of time, He is not affected by it (like getting old). In short,
there is none comparable to Him for Allah is One and only
One.

Man is to have a direct relationship with God

The relationship between man and his Creator, Allah, is direct
and personal since Allah is Omniscient (All-Knowing),
Omnipresent (Ever-Present) and Omnipotent (All-Powerful);
and does not require any intermediary. Even the saintliest of
saints, such as prophets, are only guides and messengers - it is


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left to the individual to make his choice and be directly
responsible to Allah.
In man’s weakness he may commit errors and transgression.
Yet, Islam recognises the possibility of pardon
through repentance and reparations by turning away from all
falsehood and wrong, and beginning to lead a life of submission
to the One God, Allah.
Knowledge concerning Allah has been revealed by Him
to us in the Holy Qur’an. For example :

Allah is near to us though we cannot see Him

And if my servants ask you concerning Me - behold, I
am near; I respond to the call of him who calls unto Me:
let them then, respond unto Me, and believe in Me, so
that they might follow the right way.
(Q : Baqarah 2:186)

Allah is merciful and is able to forgive all sins

Say : “[Thus speaks Allah] O you servants of Mine who
have transgressed against your own selves! Despair not
of Allah’s mercy : behold, Allah forgives all sins - for
verily, He alone is much-forgiving, a dispenser of grace!”
(Q : Az Zumar 39:53)

Allah is all-aware

No vision can encompass Him whereas He encompasses
all vision : for He is unfathomable, all-aware.
(Q : Al Anam 6:103)

To Allah is the final goal

That no bearer of burdens shall be made to bear another’s
burden; and nought shall be accounted unto


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man except what he is striving for; and in time [the
nature of] all his striving will be shown [to him in its
true light], whereupon he shall be requited for it with
the fullest requital; and that with thy Sustainer is the
beginning and the end [of all that exists];
(Q : Najm 53:38-42)


1 What or Who is God ?

2 List down the 4 important messages concerning God
in the short chapter 112 of the Holy Qur’an (Surah
al-Ikhlas).

3 Do you know the meaning of “BIS-MIL-LAAH HIR-
RAHMAA-NIR-RAA-HIIM” ?

4 All beautiful names (identifying goodness and
perfection) belong to Allah. Can you name some of
them ?

5 What should be our relationship to God ?

NOTES:


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Chapter 5
[2]

B ELIEF IN A NGELS

“
All praise is due to Allah, Originator of the heavens
and the earth, Who causes the angels to be [His]
message-bearers, endowed with wings, two or three or
four. [Unceasingly] He adds to His creation whatever
He wills:for verily, Allah has the power to will
anything.
“
(Q : Fatir 35:1)

What are Angels?

This world created by Allah is not only physical but also includes
spiritual elements, eg. we ourselves consist not only of a body
but an element referred to as a “soul”. A Muslim also believes
in the existence of spiritual beings in this universe called
“angels”. Angels are created beings although their nature is
different from ours. They are loyal to Allah and they should
never be regarded as partners or agents of Allah. There exists
an angelic world which cannot be seen by human sense-
perception in our everyday life. But man's imagination does not
deny the possibility of the existence of such beings. Literature
about them is abundant. They speak of this subject which may
show that our physical existence is not the only existence. But
regarding the knowledge of these spiritual beings, leaving it to
man’s imagination alone may bring about exaggeration. Thus
the truth concerning them has been revealed by Allah, to us.
Angels cannot be seen except by the command of Allah,
such as when they were sent to give lessons to human beings,


23

especially in the presence of the prophet. Created from light,
they can take on different forms. They have no special shape or
colour, and they neither eat, drink, sleep nor play. They have
neither wives nor children.

There exists a hierarchy of angels and Allah has informed
us of them and their functions. Prominent among them are:-

[1] JIBRAA‘IL (Gabriel) [a.s.] 1 - the leader of the angelic world.
His mission was primarily to bring revelations to the prophets
and messengers of Allah. The popular title given to him by Allah
is “RUH-HUL-QUDDS”- the Holy Spirit. But in Islam there
is no such notion as the Trinity of Christianity in which the
holy spirit shares a divine place. We understand the holy spirit
mentioned in previous scriptures to be the Archangel
JIBRAA‘IL, the trusted spirit and loyal servant of Allah; a
created being just like man is a created being.

[2] MI-KA‘IL (Michael) [a.s.]- one of the four most important
angels of Allah who acts as supervisor in the angelic world. His
duties are general, as he is the guardian spirit (of land, sea and
air) and the angel of providence.

[3] ISRAA-FIL (Seraphil) [a.s.]- another one of the four most
important angels whose duty is to blow the SOOR (trumpet/
horn) to signify the end of the world. He is also the guardian
angel in charge of the LOH-AL-MAHFUDZ (the protected
Board of Decree) in the angelic world.

[4] IZ-RA‘IL [a.s.]- another one of the four most important
angels who is also known as “Mala‘ikat-al-Maut” the angel of
death. He comes to every man at the hour of death to take away
the soul.

1 [a.s.] stands for "'alay-his-salaam " meaning "peace be upon him"

24

The names of the other angels are:-

[5] RIDWAAN [a.s.] who is the guardian angel of Paradise

[6] MAALIK [a.s.] who is the guardian angel of Hell

[7] RAQIIB [a.s.] who records every good act of man

[8] ‘AATID [a.s.] who records every evil act of man

[9] MUNGKAR [a.s.] who works with angel Naakir

[10] NAAKIR [a.s.] together with Mungkar, is in charge
of trialing man in the grave.

In short, Muslims believe in and confidently affirm the
existence of angels. We believe that the angels are the honoured
servants of Allah, created from light and who never disobey
Allah in what He commands them to do. They were all created
for a purpose by Allah and they fit in the grand design of the
creations of Allah.Thus, although many happenings in nature
can be explained by way of physical laws, these laws are only
part of the Law willed by Allah. There may be instances which
cannot be fathomed by physics, but such things do happen. For
a Muslim, it only shows that over all things, Allah has absolute
power. Knowledge of the angels is to assure man that even angels,
being the highest form of spiritual beings, were created only to
carry out the decree of Allah. In certain cultures, fear of the
unknown makes peoples’ lives uncertain whereby they have to
appease many so-called spirits and deities. They become
subservient to these spirits whereas it is to Allah alone that man
should be subservient. For man has been assigned a place of
honour as Allah’s representative on earth.


25


1 What are angels ?

2 What do you know about the Archangel Jibraa‘il ?

3 What do you know about the Archangel Mikaa‘il ?

4 Should we fear the angels ?

5 Should angels be worshipped ?

NOTES:


26

Chapter 6
[3]

B ELIEF IN REVEALED BOOKS

OF A LLAH

“ Thereupon Adam received words [of guidance] from
his Sustainer, and He accepted his repentance : for
verily, He alone is the Acceptor of Repentance,
Dispenser of Grace. [For although] We did say, “Down “
with you all from this [state]”, there shall, none the
less, most certainly come unto you guidance from Me :
and those who follow My guidance need have no fear,
and neither shall they grieve;

(Q : Baqarah 2:37-38)

What are the Books of Allah? How many were there and to
whom were they revealed?

From the beginning of the history of mankind, Allah has not
left man without guidance. Allah has communicated with man
by way of revelations to His prophets and messengers throughout
the ages. These were revelations which all the prophets received.
But not all were given divine books which formed the code of
living. We are told that there were four Revealed Books sent by
Allah to mankind:-

[1] TAURAH ( Torah ) the book revealed to Prophet
Musa (Moses) [pbuh]

[2] ZA-BUUR ( Psalms) the book revealed to Prophet
Daud (David) [pbuh]


27

[3] IN-JIIL ( Gospels) the book revealed to Prophet
‘Isa (Jesus) [pbuh]

[4] AL-QUR’AN ( ) the book revealed to Prophet
Muhammad (pbuh); the last
and final messenger of Allah.

The Qur’an also mentions and recognises the scrolls [SUHUF]
of Ibrahim (Abraham) [pbuh]. But today, there is no trace of
these scrolls. And we know of the sad story of the Taurah of the
Prophet Musa (Moses) [pbuh], and how writings of it were
destroyed by pagans or lost. The same fate befell the writings of
Zabuur of Prophet Daud (David) [pbuh]. As for the Injil of
Prophet ‘Isa (Jesus) [pbuh], we know that what he received from
God was not compiled or recorded during his lifetime. Thus for
Muslims, although we are to believe in these earlier revelations,
it does not mean that we are to accept the present day Bible.
They may contain some of these revelations amongst many other
words written by many unknown authors. Judging from the
history as well as internal evidence within the Bible, we know
that the Bible is just a collection of writings which serves to
preserve the history of the Jewish and early Christian
community. The Muslim is concerned only with the actual
revelation from God.

Al-Qur’an, the final Book of Revelation

Only the Qur’an has remained intact and available in the
original form in the Arabic language. It contains the Words of
Allah dictated word for word to the last messenger of Allah,
Muhammad [pbuh], through the Archangel Jibraa’il. Today,
Muslims all over the world recite and follow the same book and
in the same language as it was revealed. And the Qur’an will be
preserved in this pure form till the end of the world. It is the
Guidance, the Criterion, and the outstanding Miracle of the
last messenger of Allah - Muhammad (pbuh).

28

How does the Qur’an present itself?

As it is the Book dictated to Muhammad [pbuh] from Allah, it
offers itself to be scrutinised so that the reader can verify its
claim of divine authorship. One of the most important criteria
that it offers is that it is inimitable - the like of it could never be
produced by any other except Allah. It offers a challenge to all
to try and produce something like it. It has stood this test since
the time of Muhammad [pbuh] and the most glaring quality of
the Qur’an is its perfectness of the language and the simplicity
yet profoundness of its content (amongst other characteristics).
Even with the vast scientific knowledge acquired by man
today, it only magnifies the profound meaning of the Qur’an.
The Qur’an contains no inconsistencies. It even offers another
challenge to those who doubt its divine origin, ie. to try and
find any mistakes or discrepancies within it. With such
characteristics, there can be no doubt that this book, the Qur’an
is of divine origin.
Another of the most important criteria to consider is the
capacity for this Book to be preserved intact in its original form.
Today, wherever one may go amongst the Muslims, there is only
one Al-Qur’an. But most significant of all is that principles
taught in it are still relevant and diligently referred to by the
whole community of Muslims - it is the Book of Guidance.

1 Al-Qur'an means "the Recitation" and was revealed in the form of recitations, which
were also recorded in the form of writing. Although generally the Qur'an is taken to refer to
the written recorded form, the preservation of the Qur'an is actually concerned with the
pronouncing of the words from this Book. The science of its recitation, and the meticulous
rendering of each word from it, is what make its preservation unique. For the Qur'an is the
most often recited and memorised Book in the whole world.


29


1 In what form was the Guidance given to mankind ?

2 Name the 4 Books of Guidance from Allah, and to
whom they were revealed ?

3 Which of these Books can be found today, preserved
as it was originally revealed ?

4 What language was the Qur’an revealed in ?

5 Have you seen a copy of the Qur’an (ie. in Arabic) ?

NOTES:


30

Chapter 7
[4]

B ELIEF IN THE MESSENGER

OF A LLAH

“ And indeed, within every nation have We raised
up an apostle [entrusted with a message] :
“Worship Allah and shun the powers of evil!” And
among those [past generations] were people whom
Allah graced with Hisguidance, just as there was
among them [many a one] who inevitably fell prey
to grievous error : go then, about the earth and
behold what happened in the end to those who gave
“
the lie to the truth!
(Q : An Nahl 16:36)

Man needs to be guided

When we ask ourselves : Why have we been created? What is the
purpose of our being in this world? Does it end here? etc., we are in
fact asking the same and most fundamental questions that are
inherent in everyone, although some people may choose to
ignore them. From the first man up to the present, every one of
us has asked these questions which somehow require some
answers. Yet, with our limited knowledge, these basic questions
cannot be fathomed by ourselves.

The phenomenon of prophethood - what were their
characteristics?

Allah, who is Creator, has not left man to wander aimlessly in
this world. In His infinite mercy and compassion, He has


31

communicated through selected people in every age. These
people are called prophets (Nabi) and messengers (Rasul) of
Allah. They were men chosen by Allah to guide mankind along
the Right Path (SWIRAATUL MUSTAQIM). They were
endowed with qualities of being TRUTHFUL,
TRUSTWORTHY, REVEALING (the messages) and WISE.
The basic message that they brought was: “Worship none but
Allah for there is no god but HE”. They taught, guided and
trained people to follow the ways of Allah so that this world
can be a happy and peaceful place to live in. More importantly,
they conveyed the promise of a great reward in the life after
death for those who follow this guidance, and warned of a
grievous punishment for the wrongdoers.

Who were these Prophets ?

There were many prophets (Nabi) and messengers (Rasul) of
Allah sent to mankind. A Rasul is a prophet to whom Codes of
Religion or Commandments of Allah [swt] were given. A Nabi
is one who receives revelations, but does not necessarily bring
any new code of religion. However, he still abides by what the
previous Rasul has brought. To every nation prophets were sent
at different times. According to a saying of Muhammad (pbuh),
there were one hundred and twenty-four thousand prophets. The
Holy Qur’an mentions the most prominent twenty-five by name
(may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon them all) :

ADAM - (Adam) MUSA - (Moses)
IDRIS - (Enoch) HARUN - (Aaron)
NUH - (Noah) DZULKIFLI - (Ezekiel)
HUD - (Heber) DAUD - (David)
SALIH - (Methusela) SULAIMAN - (Solomon)
IBRAHIM - (Abraham) ILYAS - (Elias)
ISMA’IL - (Ishmael) AL-YASA’ - (Elisha)
ISHAQ - (Isaac) YUNUS - (Jonah)
LUT - (Lot) ZAKARIYYA - (Zachariah)


32

YA’KUB -
(Jacob) YAHYA - (John the
YUSUF -
(Joseph) Baptist)
SHUAIB -
(Jethro) ISA - (Jesus)
AYUB -
(Job) MUHAMMAD - the seal of
prophethood
[ * Names in brackets are possible Biblical equivalents.]

As Muslims, we must believe in all of these prophets and
messengers of Allah. They were all human beings who were
righteous and we should not refer to them as the sons of Allah.
All of them brought the same religion of submission and
obedience to the will of Allah (Islam), beginning with Prophet
Adam [pbuh] and which was completed and perfected with
Muhammad [pbuh], who was the last and the Seal of
Prophethood. After him there will be no more prophets sent to
mankind. Being the last messenger of Allah, his teachings have
been preserved by Allah and will remain so till the end of the
world. Through him, the message of Islam was transformed from
a message for a particular tribe or nation into a universal message
for all mankind. The Book of Revelation dictated to Him from
Allah is manifested in his life and personality collectively termed
as AS-SUNNAH (meaning “the Way or the Tradition”) which
have also been preserved in the AHADITH (Reports from the
Prophet). Thus not only do we have the Book of Guidance (ie.
the Qur’an) we also have the example of how the Guidance is
to be implemented (ie. the Sunnah).

Prophet as the best examplar

Verily in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad)
you have a good example for everyone who looks
forward [with hope and awe] to Allah and the
Last Day, and remembers Allah unceasingly.

(Q : al-Ahzab 33:21)


33

No more prophets after Muhammad [pbuh]

[And know that] Muhammad is not the father of
any one of your men, but is Allah’s Messenger and
the Seal of all Prophets. And Allah has indeed
full knowledge of everything.

(Q : al-Ahzab 33:40)


1 Who were the Prophets ?

2 State the characteristics of the Prophets.

3 Can you name some of these Prophets ?

4 Who was the Prophet closest to us in terms of time,
whose teachings are the most relevant for us to
follow ?

5 How should we regard the Prophets ?

NOTES:


34

Chapter 8
[5]

B
ELIEF IN THE DAY OF
JUDGEMENT AND LIFE IN THE
HEREAFTER

“ Thereupon Adam received words [of guidance] from
his Sustainer, and He accepted his repentance : for
verily, He alone is the Acceptor of Repentance,
Dispenser of Grace. [For although] We did say, “Down
“
with you all from this [state]”, there shall, none the
less, most certainly come unto you guidance from Me :
and those who follow My guidance need have no fear,
and neither shall they grieve;

(Q : Baqarah 2:37-38)

Concept of the Justice of God

Stemming from the knowledge that Allah is also AL-’ADL,
(ie. The Just), man has been commanded to establish justice.
In this universe, there exists Allah’s law of cause and effect.
This is a universal truth. Although the effect from a cause may
occur immediately, sometimes it takes a much longer period to
happen. But for sure there will be an effect to a cause. As to
man’s conduct, he has been shown the right and wrong. With
the free will given to him, he must exercise it prudently. He
must never think that he has absolute power and that his deeds
here in this world will never be accounted for. It is only because
of the mercy of Allah that He delays many of the inevitable
effects upon the wrongdoers. As for those who believe and do
good deeds, they will certainly be rewarded because of their
righteousness even though in this world they sometimes have

35

to face hardship. Therefore, although in this life true justice is
not seen to be fully manifested, Allah has warned mankind of
the Day when the full effect of His Justice will be meted out.

Life here is a temporary abode and a test

Hallowed be He (Allah) in whose hand all
dominion rests, since He has the power to will
anything : He who created death as well as life, so
that He might put you to a test [and thus show]
which of you is best in conduct, and [make you
realize that] He alone is almighty, truly forgiving.

(Q : al Mulk 67:1-2)

In the Qur’an, Allah has informed us that our life is but a test
and a trial. Given the limited term of our life, we are reminded
to always prepare ourselves. Death will surely overtake us.
Nothing of this creation will remain forever; everything will
face its destruction. Then Allah will resurrect mankind to life
again and they shall be brought to face the True Justice of Allah.
All records of their past deeds, no matter how small they may
be, shall be unfolded so that none shall be wronged except for
their own deeds. Successful indeed are those who heed the
warnings of all the prophets and messengers of Allah. They are
those who in this life, conscientiously seek the mercy of Allah
by turning to Him in repentance and striving patiently in the
path of submission and obedience to Him, ever careful of not
transgressing the limits.

The mercy and forgiveness of God

As long as we are alive, there is always the opportunity for us to
mend our ways and seek the forgiveness of Allah, the Merciful.
This message has been communicated through all the prophets.
As for the heedless, they will regret their arrogance of denying


36

or rejecting the warnings that have been conveyed to them.
They are those who, in this world, refuse to seek the mercy of
Allah even though Allah has said:

Say: O my servants who have trangressed against
their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of
Allah: for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-
forgiving, Most Merciful. Turn ye to your Lord (in
repentance and bow to His (Will), before the
Penalty comes on you: After that ye shall not be
helped.
(Q : As-Zumar 39:53-54)

Refutation against the doubters

Some sceptics have scoffed at the notion of the certainty that
man will be revived after death. They arrogantly argue that when
a man has turned to dust and ash, how could we speak of his
resurrection? This argument has been refuted by Allah with:

Was he not a drop of fluid which gushed forth?
Then he became a clot; then Allah shaped and
fashioned, and made of him a pair, the male and
female? Is not He (Who does so) able to bring the
dead to life?
(Q : Qiyaamah 75:37-40)

And he coineth Us a similitude and hath forgotten
the fact of his creation saying : Who will revive
these bones when they have rotted away? Say : He
(Allah) will revive them, Who produced them at
the first (instance), for He is Knower of every
creation.
(Q : Yaa-sin 36:78-79)


37

He (Allah) it is Who produces creation, then re-
produced it, and it is easier for Him (to raise the
dead). His, is the sublime similitude in the heav-
ens and in the earth, He is the Mighty, the Wise.

(Q : Rum 30:27)

For those who already accept that our existence owes itself to a
Creator (God), belief in the resurrection is a corollary to the
present life. It is not difficult to accept the possibility of
resurrection since we are already convinced that our existence
is created by Allah. But, those who are doubtful of it, should
first seek to explain how their present existence came about in
the first place. Until then, it is beyond their capacity to theorise
about what will happen after their death.

DAY OF RESURRECTION/JUDGEMENT DAY

After its destruction, a new creation shall Allah create and at
the appointed time, the angel Israafil [pbuh] shall be revived.
He will be commanded by Allah to blow the SOOR (siren/
trumpet) for the second time. Thenceforth, mankind will be
resurrected and gathered to face the judgement of Allah.
Mankind then will be left in a state of distress and great
discomfort. This long period of waiting will be ended with
Prophet Muhammad's supplication to Allah and the Judgement
will begin.

Book of Records

Every man shall receive his own book of records in which
nothing shall be left out. Every deed, no matter how small it
may be, the good as well as the bad, even if it be as an atom’s
weight, shall be revealed to him in this book. Allah, the Most
Just, does not wrong anyone. Each shall be judged on what he
himself has done. No mitigation nor legal disputations shall take


38

place on this Day for every organ of a man’s body which has
committed a wrong shall testify against him.

We shall set up scales of Justice for the Day of
Judgement, so that not a soul will be dealt with
unjustly in the least. And if there be (no more than)
the weight of a mustard seed, we will bring it (to
account): and enough are We to take account.
(Q : Anbiya 21:47)

ETERNAL LIFE IN THE HEREAFTER

Our life here is a temporary state. All the prophets were sent to
warn mankind of the inevitable life in the hereafter - a life that
is eternal, where we shall see the result of whatever we have
striven for. Just like the other laws of the Creator, where there
is cause and effect to everything, our life will definitely have a
consequence.

Then, remind others of the Truth, regardless of
whether this reminding [would seem to be] of use
[or not] : he who stands in awe of [of Allah] will
keep it in mind, but those who are aloof from it
will be the hapless wretch - ie. he who [in the life
to come] shall have to endure the great fire,
wherein he will neither die nor remain alive. Those
who purify themselves [in this world] will attain
to happiness [in the life to come] and remembers
his Sustainer's name and prays [unto Him]. But
nay [O Man], you prefer the life of this world,
although the life to come is better and more
enduring. Verily, all this has indeed been said in
the earlier revelations - the revelations of Abraham
and Moses.
(Q : Al A‘la 87 :9-18)


39

Paradise and Hell

The final place prepared in the hereafter is the Paradise [Al-
Jannah] as reward for the righteous, while Hell [An-Naar] awaits
those who reject the clear evidence and persist in living the life
of transgression.

Verily, those who [despite all evidence] are bent
on denying the truth - [be they] from among the
followers of earlier revelation or from among those
who ascribe divinity to anything beside Allah - will
find themselves in the fire of hell, therein to abide
: they are the worst creatures. [And] verily, those
who have attained to faith and do righteous deeds
- it is they, they who are the best of creatures. Their
award [awaits them] with Allah : gardens of
perpetual bliss, through which running water
flows, therein to abide beyond the count of time.

(Q : Al Bayyinah 98 : 6-8)


40


1 What do you understand by the concept of the
Justice of Allah ?

2 What will happen after our death ?

3 Even if we have committed wrong, can we be
forgiven by Allah while we are still alive ?

4 What must we do to deserve Allah’s forgiveness ?

5 What is Paradise and Hell ?

NOTES:


41

Chapter 9
[6]

B ELIEF IN THE QADA' AND
QADAR

“
(Allah’s foreknowledge)
No calamity can ever befall [man] unless it be by
Allah’s leave : hence, whoever believes in Allah
guides his own heart towards this truth; and Allah
has full knowledge of everything. Pay heed, then,
unto Allah and pay heed to the Messenger; and if
you turn away, [know that] Our Messenger’s only
duty is a clear delivery of this message; Allah! there
is no deity save Him! In Allah then, let the believers
“
place their trust.

(Q : At Taghaabun 64:11-13)

Allah’s knowledge and power encompass all

Belief in Allah is the source of strength and succour for Muslims
because it gives them confidence in facing the ups and downs of
life. In the Qur’an Allah informs us:

Allah! There is no God but He - the Living, The
Self-Subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him
nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on
earth. Who is there can intercede in His presence
except as He permitteth? He knoweth what
(appears to his creatures as) before or after or
behind them. Nor shall they compass aught of his
knowledge except as He willeth. His Throne doth


42

extend over the heavens and the earth and He
feeleth no fatigue in guarding and preserving them
for He is the Most High, The Supreme (in glory).


Man’s limited knowledge and responsibility

Man on the other hand does not know and cannot claim to
know the future. Allah does not burden man with responsibility
except in the things that man has control over. Man also knows
that there is cause and effect in Allah’s creation. Therefore man
must live responsibly, striving with his utmost within his
capability to make the correct choice of action, for which he
shall be held responsible.

Verily We created man from a drop of mingled
sperm, in order to try him : so We gave him (the
gifts), of Hearing and Sight. We showed him the
Way : whether he be grateful or ungrateful (rests
on his will).

(Q : Ad-Dahr 76:2-3)

How to face the test/trials of life

Life is a test and trial for man. Within the grand divine plan,
man must realize that events occurring in our life are inter-
related and often other causes outside our control may affect
our life. Although we shall not be held responsible for those
things which we have no control over, the fact that Allah has
allowed them to take place indicates that there is a certain
wisdom which we do not as yet understand. Certainly it requires
inculcation in ourselves the virtues of trusting [tawakkal] in


43

Allah, patiently perservering [as-Sabr’] and always being
conscious that Allah has power over all things. To Him alone
we must turn, for nothing can occur without His permission or
outside His knowledge.

Why the test for man?

Faith and belief in Allah is a virtue which mankind, in order to
attain it, must be tested. Mere claim to faith does not make a
person faithful in life. Every Muslim is to expect tests which are
the means given to us to attain the honour promised by Allah.
How easily sometimes we become forgetful of this; distracted by
the world with its ups and downs, thinking that Allah has
nothing to do with it. Such are the pitfalls which Muslims must
avoid. Tests from Allah occur in all events in our life. The good
as well as things we consider bad; happiness and sadness; health
and sickness, etc. are all ordained in the divine knowledge. This
will be unfolded to us by Allah in our life.

And there is not a thing but with Us are the stores
thereof, And we send it not down except in
appointed measures.
(Q : Hijr 15:21)

But Allah is Most Beneficent and Wise. All tests are meant to
elevate our rank amongst the rest of His creation. Virtues such
as being trustful of Him, patience and perseverance, etc. are
those that can only be attained through life experience. Allah
reminds us constantly that those who develop such virtues will
certainly be helped by Him.

And unto everyone who is conscious of Allah, He
[always] grants a way out [of unhappiness] and
provides him a manner beyond all expectations,


44

and for everyone who places his trust in Allah, He
[alone] is enough. Verily Allah always attains His
purpose : [and] indeed, unto everything has Allah
appointed [term and] measure.
(Q : At Talaq 65:2-3)


1 Can anything happen without Allah knowing it ?

2 What are we expected to do, since we do not know
the future ?

3 What will be our responsibility ?

4 Why are there tests/trials of life ?

5 How must we face these trials and tribulations of life ?

NOTES:


45

Chapter 10

ISLAM
(Submission and Obedience to the Will of Allah)

“ Because of this, then, summon [all mankind], and
pursue the right course, as thou hast been bidden
[by Allah]; and do not follow their desires.
“
(Q : Ash-Shura 42:15)

As has been explained, the second aspect of the concept of
TAUHID (belief in the Oneness of Allah) after Iman (faith) is
Islam - ie. submission and obedience to the Will of Allah. Faith or
belief without its manifestation in words and actions is
meaningless. True belief will motivate a believer to attest to it
in words and deeds, just like a seed after sprouting roots will
eventually bear stems that manifest themselves above the soil.
The deeper and firmer the roots, the stronger and sturdier will
the tree grow, which eventually will bear fruits. Thus “Islam” is
the natural consequence after “Iman” has been established.
“Submission” is acceptance of Allah’s commands and
“obedience” means putting Allah’s commands into practice.
Therefore a person who accepts the Islamic way of life is called
a Muslim. He submits to and obeys Allah’s Will by doing what
is enjoined and refraining from that which has been forbidden,
in every aspect of his life.

To do this a person must perform the five major practices called


46

ARKAANUL-ISLAM or the principles of Islam, as taught by
the Holy Prophet Muhammad [pbuh] who said:

BUN-YAL ISLAA-MU-‘ALAL- KHAMSIN
Islam is built on 5 things

SHA HAA-DATU-AN-
To bear witness that

LAA- ILAAHA IL-LALLAH
There is no god except Allah

WA-ANNA-MUHAMMADAN
And that Muhammad is
‘ABDUHUU- WA-RASUU-LUHU
His Servant and His Messenger

WA-IQAA-MUS-SWALAH
And to establish Swalah (prayer)

WA-IITAA - IZ-ZAKAH
And to pay Zakat (obligatory tax contribution)

WAL-HAJJIL-BAYTI
And to make pilgrimage to the House (Ka’aba in
Makkah) for Hajj
MANIS-TA-TWAA- ILAYHI SABII-LA
for those who have the means to (do) it

WA-SOO-MU-RAMADAAN
And to observe fast in the month of Ramadhan.


47

What are the 5 pillars (principles) of Islam?

From the above, the ARKAA-NUL ISLAM (Principles of
Islam) which every Muslim has to perform are :

[1] Declaration of Faith - by saying the kalimah shahadatain
(the attestation of faith) -

ASH - HADU AL-LAA - ILAAHA IL- LALLAAH
(I bear witness that there is no god except Allah)

WA-ASH HADU AN-NA MUHAMMADAR
RASUULULLAH
(And I bear witness that Muhammad is the
Messenger of Allah)

[2] Swalah - by performing the five daily obligatory prayers

[3] Zakat - by payment of tax on his wealth, to be
distributed to 8 catagories of Muslims in the
community

[4] Hajj - by making the pilgrimage to Mecca for
performance of Hajj (at least once in your
lifetime, if you are able)

[5] Fasting - by observing the daily fast in the month of
Ramadhan - 29 or 30 days)


48


1 What are the 5 principles of Islam ?

2 Can there be Faith without Practice ?

3 What or who is a “Muslim” ?

NOTES:


49

Chapter 11

THE DETAILED EXPLANATION OF
THE PRINCIPLES OF ISLAM

D ECLARATION OF
(Shahadatain)
F AITH

“ Allah [Himself] bears witness - and [so do] the
angels and all who are endowed with knowledge -
that there is no deity save Him, the upholder of
Equity: there is no deity save Him, the Almighty,
the Truly Wise.
“
(Q : Al Imran 3:18)

What is the Declaration of Faith ?

The first and most important act of being a Muslim is the
Declaration of Faith termed as “Kalimah Shahadatain”, ie. the
saying of :-

ASH-HADU AL-LAA - ILAA-HA- IL-LALLAAH
(I bear witness that there is no god except Allah)

WA-ASH-HADU ANNA-
MUHAM-MADAR-RASUU-LULLAAH
(And I bear witness that Muhammad is
the Messenger of Allah)


50

A person who, without any compulsion or coercion declares the
“Kalimah Shahadatain” has made the first step of coming into
the fold of Islam. As such, he/she is accepted as being a Muslim
by the whole Muslim community and is regarded as a brother/
sister in the universal brotherhood of Islam. This brief statement
is the gateway to Islam and therefore has a very important
significance. It is not merely repetition or recitation of words at
the time of conversion but is a very serious declaration which
will have to be upheld from then on and serves as the basis for
his/her whole life.

What is the significance of the declaration?

In the statement a person declares that he/she is a witness to
the two basic truths ie. that there is none worthy of worship
and devotion except Allah and that Muhammad [pbuh] is the
Messenger of Allah. Thus, by making this declaration, he/she
must strive to fulfill its ideal in his/her whole life. This brief
statement reflects the commitment which a Muslim constantly
seeks to portray - that of being a true witness. That is why the
highest achievement in Islam, which is martyrdom, is termed
SHAHID (which means being a true witness).

A Muslim never acknowledges any to be equal to Allah. Our
life is meant only to serve and worship Him. This can be
achieved by following the messenger sent by Him. To be witness
to the fact that Muhammad is Allah’s messenger means that we
accept him as the teacher sent by Allah to lead mankind out of
ignorance and darkness, into true knowledge and light. He has
been sent by Allah with the Book (al-Qur’an) and the DEEN
(the complete way of life; the religion of truth) so that this
DEEN shall triumph over all other systems or ways of life.
Therefore as our teacher and leader, his life is the best example
for us to emulate. The way of life taught by him is the only way
for mankind to truly achieve success; success in this world and
success in the hereafter.


51

Striving to become true witnesses

Being a true witness requires a person to be constant and
steadfast in striving on the path of God, ie. Islam. The two basic
sources from which the teachings of Islam are derived are the
two legacies left by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), namely:-

[1] AL-QUR’AN - (The book that contains the words of
Allah)
[2] AS-SUNNAH - (The traditions or the way of the
Prophet Muhammad [pbuh])

Therefore a person who declares the “Kalimah Shahadatain”
must strive to fulfill its meaning by following the Book of Guid-
ance (Al-Qur’an) and following the teachings of the messenger
of Allah (As-Sunnah). Only by doing this can a person truly
realise the way of life of complete submission to the Will of
Allah ie. AL - ISLAM.

Say : “To Allah belongs whatever is in the east and the
west; He guides whom He wills onto a straight way.”
And thus have We willed you to be a community of the
middle way [ie. justly balanced], so that [with your lives]
you might bear witness to the truth before all mankind,
and the Messenger might bear witness to it before you.

(Q : Baqarah 2:142-143)

What nullifies a person’s declaration?

A person after making the declaration is considered a Muslim
as long as he does not nullify it by :

[a] SHIRIK - which means to ascribe a partner to Allah. This
is in terms of believing that there are other gods, or that they


52

share the absolute power of Allah. Such a person is called a
“Mushrik”.

[b] RIDDAH - which means to rebel or renegade. It is the
manifestation of words or actions which shows that the person
is no more a Muslim. For example, by denouncing any one of
the principles of Islamic belief or in imitating the act of wor-
ship of the polytheists. Such a person is called a “Murtad”.


1 What is “Shahadatain” ?

2 What is the meaning of the statement “ASH-HADU
AL-LAA-ILAAHA-IL-LAL-LAAH” and “WA-ASH
HADU AN-NAA MUHAM-MADAR-RASUU-LUL-
LAAH” ?

3 What is the significance of this Declaration ?

4 What is “SHIRIK” ?

5 What is “RIDDAH” ?

NOTES:


53

Chapter 12

AS S-
(The Prayer)
WALAH

After the declaration of faith, the next major practice of a
Muslim is to perform SWALAH (the five obligatory prayers). It
is the next most important principle of Islam and is considered
as the pillar of the religion. Allah has said in the Holy Qur’an:-

“
“ Verily I am Allah. There is no god but I: So serve
thou Me (only). And establish regular prayer
(SWALAH) for My remembrance.

(Q : Taha 20:14)

What is Swalah?

Most often “Swalah” has been translated as prayers, but this is
not an accurate definition because in Islam prayers are divided
into two categories:-

[1] The non-specific form of prayer ie. supplication which is
called “DO’A”. This can be said in any language at any time. It
is encouraged that we invoke Allah for whatever our needs. The
Sunnah (example) from the Prophet Muhammad [pbuh] shows
how we are to develop reliance upon Allah in whatever
circumstances through do’a. Although the do’a shown by the


54

Prophet Muhammad [pbuh] is recommended, we are permitted
to compose our own since Allah listens to all those who call out
to Him.

[2] The specific form of prayer or devotion is called
“SWALAH”. Although in essence it is also supplication
or do’a, it is in the prescribed form based upon the
example as shown by the Prophet Muhammad [pbuh],
which comprises:

(a) Intention
(b) Postures and actions
(c) Recitations

The Prophet Muhammad [pbuh] has said:

“So establish your SWALAH as you see me
perform it.”
(Hadith reported by Bukhary)

WHAT ARE THE FIVE OBLIGATORY DAILY SWALAH?

Historically, the commandment for Swalah was given to the
Prophet Muhammad [pbuh] when he was brought in a miraculous
night journey of ISRA’ and MI‘RAJ from Makkah to Jerusalem
and then ascended to the Heavens.

Amongst the many obligations, Swalah is special in that it is a
form of worship which is bestowed upon Muslims. Just as Allah
brought the Prophet to ascend to Him, the prayer is, in a way, a
special audience granted to believers, five (5) times a day. The
fulfilment of Swalah provides a means for a Muslim to always be
in constant contact with and conscious of Allah, and not
distracted by mundane worldly affairs. This remembrance of
Allah will make a Muslim always under His Guidance.


55

“Set up regular prayers (SWALAH) for such
prayers are enjoined on the Believers at stated
times.”
(Q : An Nisa 4:103)

The five daily SWALAH obligatory upon Muslims are:

[1] SUBUH or FAJAR (dawn)
[2] ZUHUR (afternoon)
[3] ‘ASR (late afternoon)
[4] MAGHRIB (after sunset)
[5] ‘ISHA’ (night)

Note: For a male Muslim, it is obligatory for him to perform the
JUMA’AT (congregational) SWALAH in the mosque on Friday
during ZUHUR time. Juma’at congregational prayer is preceded
with sermons given by a preacher (Khatib).

IMPORTANCE AND BENEFITS OF SWALAH

The Prophet Muhammad [pbuh] has stressed the importance of
performing the obligatory Swalah and described it as the pillar
of our religion. Whosoever establishes it, he is establishing his
religion. Thus after the Shahadatain (Declaration of Faith),
Swalah is one of its fulfilments. Although performed at intervals,
it nurtures and regulates a Muslim’s life of worship and devotion
to Allah.

The timing of Swalah reminds us of the importance in Islam of
adopting a balanced way of life (note that the performance of
Swalah corresponds to the times when we think of food). If we
see the importance of food as a nourishment for our physical
self, then spiritual nourishment is equally important and this is
through Swalah.


56

And establish regular prayer (SWALAH) : for
prayer will give us the strength to be able to refrain
from shameful and unjust deeds; and remembrance
of Allah is the greater (thing in life) without doubt.

(Q : Ankabut 29:45)

We are weak and always forgetful. We are even so forgetful that
we become ungrateful to the Most Compassionate who has
bestowed upon us many favours. But Allah is so merciful that
He has prescribed for us Swalah which has the ability to transform
us into people who remember Him and thereby constantly seek
forgiveness from Him. It will also enable us to restrain ourselves
from shameful and unjust deeds because we remember Allah.
Thus we are in need of Swalah.
Once the Prophet [pbuh] asked his companions, “Do
you believe that dirt can remain on a person bathing
five times a day in a stream running in front of his doors?”
“No,” replied the companions. “No dirt can remain on
his body.” The Prophet [pbuh] remarked, “so exactly
similar and the effect of SWALAH offered five times a
day. With the Grace of Allah, it washes away all the
sins.”
(Reported by Bukhary and Muslim)

It is through our being close to Allah that we may be purified
and exalted by Him. Swalah is that key which He has given us
that we may receive His mercy and forgiveness for all our failings.
How apt it is that five times a day our life is intermittently paused
by our personal approach to Him in a special audience. It is also
done with our whole self not just our thoughts alone: our limbs
and our entire body also participate in His glorification,
humbling themselves before the Almighty.


57


1 What is Swalah ?

2 Name the 5 obligatory daily Swalah which Muslims
must perform, and state when each is to be
performed ?

3 What is JUMA’AT Swalah ?

4 What example did the Prophet (pbuh) describe to
the Companions regarding a person who performs
Swalah fives times a day ?

5 What are the benefits of Swalah ?

NOTES:


58

Chapter 13

P REPARING FOR S WALAH

The five considerations before performance of Swalah

[1] State of Purity
[2] Mode of Dressing
[3] Place of Performance
[4] Time for the Performance
[5] Direction to face towards

[1] STATE OF PURITY

“For Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly
and He loves those who keep themselves pure and
clean.”
(Q : Baqarah 2:222)

As Muslims, we are required to maintain a certain standard of
hygiene and cleanliness. Islam stipulates that Muslims must
know how to cleanse themselves, to know and be able to per-
form, on certain occasions, a complete bath and the washing of
certain parts of the body ie. ablution. The following are 3 things
every Muslim must know and be able to perform :

[a] Istinja’ (toilet hygiene)
[b] Obligatory Ghusl’ (bath)
[c] Wudhu’ (ablution)


59

WHAT IS “ISTINJA’” ?

Istinja’ means the cleansing of both the private parts after
urination or bowel movements using clean water, (preferably
running tap water). It is preferable to use toilet paper first before
washing. Use the left hand in cleansing and ensure the removal
of all traces of the discharge. If running water is not available,
then you may use other absorbent material such as paper but
preference must be given to the use of water.

It is obligatory for male Muslims to be circumcised, before which
the uncircumcised male must ensure that when he does the
istinja’, the foreskin is pulled back and the glans washed thor-
oughly.

Note: All discharges from the private parts are regarded as
impure and require cleansing. Other impure things are pus,
vomit, blood and carcasses of forbidden animals.

WHAT IS OBLIGATORY BATH (GHUSL’)?

“ O Ye who believe! Approach not prayers .....in
a state of impurity until after washing your whole
body.”
(Q : An-Nisa 4:43)

“If you are in a state of ceremonial impurity, bathe
your whole body.”
(Q : Maidah 5:7)

Obligatory ghusl’ is a complete washing (bath) which must be
taken as commanded by Allah, on all occasions when a Muslim
is affected with major impurity (termed “Jannabah”). The 5
occasions which cause one to be in a state of ceremonial impurity
(jannabah) ie. requiring the taking of this obligatory bath, are:-


60

[1] when a Muslim dies, in which case his body will be
given the bath.

[2] for women after their menstruation/monthly period*
* If the menstruation (which usually takes about 6 - 7
days to complete) becomes irregularly prolonged (ie.
longer than normal), give a grace period of a day, after
which the bleeding is not considered as menstruation,
but an ailment. After this grace period, if there is still
bleeding, the woman can begin to perform Swalah. But
each time, she has to take her obligatory bath immedi-
ately before performing the Swalah.

[3] for women who have lochia after childbirth ie. when
the post-natal bleeding has ceased

[4] when sexual penetration has occurred. In this case
both parties are in the state of ceremonial impurity
(even if the sexual act is not completed)

[5] when semen has been ejaculated

HOW TO PERFORM THE OBLIGATORY GHUSL’
There are 2 important criteria to be fulfilled:

[1] Intention
[2] Whole body is washed

The detailed performance of the obligatory bath
(sequential method)

[1] Cleanse the genitals (or do the istinja’)
[2] Wash the face, hands up the elbows, wipe the head and
ears


61

[3] At the start of the bath, formulate the intention in your
heart/mind :

“I am doing the obligatory bath (ghusl’) for the
sake of Allah.”
Then:
[a] wash the head thoroughly (including hair, beard,
sideburns, etc.)
If by pouring water over it, three times is preferred.

[b] wash the right half of the body thoroughly, from
shoulder down to the feet, and if by pouring water
over it, three times is preferred.

[c] wash the left half of the body thoroughly, from
shoulder down to the feet, and if by pouring water
over it, three times is preferred.

* “thoroughly” entails rubbing over the parts of the
body. If during the bath, soap or shampoo is used,
ensure that you rinse over it with water.

Bathing by immersion

One may also perform the obligatory bath by total immersion
eg. in pool, sea , river, etc. but the important criteria must be
met, ie. thoroughness and intention. Thus when one performs
the obligatory bath by total immersion, ensure that one moves
about while submerged so that all parts of the body come into
contact with water, preferably rubbing the hands over all parts
of the body. Intention accompanying the immersion is to be
formulated at the start of the bath. (Note that for total
immersion in static water, as in a container, the amount of water
has to be not less than 1.50 cubic metre capacity, to ensure that
it does not become contaminated.)


62

THINGS THAT ARE FORBIDDEN WHILE A PERSON
IS IN A STATE OF MAJOR IMPURITY (JANNABAH)

[1] Performance of Swalah

[2] Performance of TAWAF - circumambulating the
Ka’aba in Mecca

[3] Touching or carrying the Mushaf - (the Holy Qur’an
totally in Arabic)

[4] Reciting the Holy Qur’an as an act of devotion
* But it is permissible in “zikr" (daily utterances as a
form of remembrance), extollation and glorification of
Allah.

[5] Remaining inside any mosque

WHAT IS WUDHU’ (ABLUTION)?

“O Ye who believe! when ye prepare for prayer,
wash your faces and your hands (and arms) to the
elbows; rub your heads (with water) And (wash)
your feet to the ankles.”

(Q : Maidah 5:7)

From the above, “Wudhu’ (ablution)” means conditional
washing of certain parts of the body prior to the performance of
SWALAH.

HOW DO YOU PERFORM WUDHU’ (ABLUTION)?

The detailed manner of its performance, including preliminar-
ies as shown by the Prophet Muhammad [pbuh,] is as follows:


63

IS IN A STATE OF MAJOR IMPURITY (JANNABAH)

[1] Performance of Swalah

[2] Performance of TAWAF - circumambulating the
Ka’aba in Mecca

[3] The actual Wudhu’ begins with the washing of the face.
It is at this point that your intention must be made, or
formulated thus “I am performing this Wudhu’ for the
sake of Allah”. The face constitutes the area from the
top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin and between
the two ears.

[4] Then, the right arm is washed up to the elbow, followed
by the left arm.

[5] The head is wiped with moistened hands, followed by the
ears.

[6] The feet are then washed up to the ankles, the right foot
first and then the left.

Note:
[a] The washing of limbs in wudhu’ must all be done
following the sequence stated in Qur’an (5:7) viz. face,
hands, head and then the feet.
[b] It is recommended to use running tap water. Wherever
possible avoid using water in a small container as it
may become polluted by usage.
[c] It is recommended that washing be done 3 times for
each limb.

After wudhu’ it is recommended to recite:

“I bear witness that there is no god except Allah.


64

There is no equal to Him. And I bear witness that
Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger. O
Allah make me one who seeks repentance (from
you) and one who is purified (by you).”

(REFER TO ILLUSTRATION ON PAGE 106 FOR
PERFORMANCE OF WUDHU’)

What Nullifies/Spoils Wudhu’?

After performance of wudhu’, the following may cause it to be
nullified:-

[1] when any impurity proceeds from the two lower
openings viz. stool, gas, worms, urine, seminal
discharge.
[2] when one losses consciousness through sleep,
drowsiness, insanity, fainting, etc.
[3] when one touches, with the palm, the private parts of
any human being, including one’s own (#1).
[4] touching a person of the opposite sex whose
relationship is within the marriageable degree (*2)

EXCEPTIONAL METHOD OF PURIFICATION
TAYAMUM - Sand Ablution

“And if ye find no water, then take for yourselves
clean sand or earth and rub therewith your faces
and hands.”
(Q : An Nisa 4:43)
______________________________________________________________
(#1) This view is held by the Shafie mazhab based on the following basis:-
“Whosoever touches his genitals, let him re-take his wudhu.”
(Hadith reported by Abu Dawud, Tirmizi, Nasai and Ibnu Majah)
(*2) This view is held by the Shafie mazhab based on the literal understanding of :
“.....or when ye have been in contact (aw-laa-mastu) with women”
(Q: Maidah 5:7)

65

In exceptional cases where water is not available or cannot be
used, the alternative to an obligatory bath (Ghusl’) and ablu-
tion (wudhu’) is TAYAMUM (sand ablution).

How is Tayamum performed ?

With intention, the palms of the hands are tapped on the sur-
face of sand or where there is fine dust. Blow any coarse sand
away and then wipe the face with the palms, top downwards,
once only. Repeat the tapping a second time and wipe the two
hands up to the elbow, right and left (it must be done in this
order).

[2] MODE OF DRESSING

“O Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful ap-
parel at every time and place of prayer.”
(Q : A’raf 7:31)

[1] One must ensure that the dress/attire used for prayer is
clean from any traces of impurity such as urine, excrement,
blood, pus, etc.
[2] For ladies, the area of coverage is the whole body except
for the face and palms of the hands (shape of women
must be concealed by wearing loose clothes).
[3] For men, the area between the navel and the knees should
not be exposed.
[4] Of course, the material used should not be transparent.

[3] PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

“Allah has made for me the earth pure and as a
place for prostration.”
(Reported by Bukhary and Muslim)


66

All places that are clean and free from filth or impurity can be
used for prayer. No prayer should be offered in slaughterhouses,
garbage dump, toilet, stable, public access or where it may
endanger life, or on top of graves and on the roof of the Ka’aba.

[4] TIME OF PERFORMANCE

“Set up regular prayers; for such prayers are
enjoined on believers at stated times.”
(Q : An Nisa 4:103)

The appropriate time of performance is to be within the
prescribed period:-

Subuh - from dawn until the sun begins to rise (“shuruk” or
sunrise marks the end of dawn)
* Note that another name for “Subuh” is “Fajar”
Zuhur - from beginning of afternoon until the shadow of an
object is equal to its size. When Zuhur ends, ‘Asr
begins.
‘Asr - After Zuhur until the sun begins to set.
Maghrib - After the sun has completely set below the horizon,
when the sky becomes crimson. Maghrib begins and
shall remain until the crimson disappears.
‘Isha’ - When the crimson glow vanishes, it marks the night
or ‘Isha’ prayer time.

* Note: Nowadays the prayer timetable, which details times to the minute,
is available and can be conveniently referred to.

[5] DIRECTION TO FACE

Turn then, thy face in the direction of the Sacred
Mosque (Ka’aba in Mecca):


67

“Then face the Kiblat (direction) and say the
Takbir (glorification).”
(Report by Bukhary and Muslim)

Whenever one is to perform the SWALAH, the direction is
towards the most ancient house of worship established by Allah,
the Ka’aba in Mecca. For us in Singapore, the direction is
towards the north-west (the bearing is about 291o clockwise).

FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF SWALAH,
REFER TO SPECIAL ADDENDUM ON
“Detailed Performance of the Five Daily Swalah”

WHAT ACTS NULLIFY OR SPOIL SWALAH?

Swalah begins with the recitation of the first “Takbir”and ends
with the recitation of the “Salaam”. While performing it, any
one of the following acts/factors will cause it to be nullified:

[1] Swalah has to be performed while one is in a state of
purity. If one’s wudhu’ [ablution] is nullified such as when
any impurity proceeds from one’s body eg. urination, stool,
gas, worm or much vomitting - the swalah itself will be
invalidated. The wudhu’ has to be retaken before repeating
the swalah all over again.

[2] Talking will render the swalah invalid. But if need be, there
are ways of communication allowed eg. during
congregational prayer, a mistake by the Imam [prayer
leader] may be corrected by those praying behind him with
the saying of “sub-haanAllah” aloud.

[3] Making too much movement other than what is required


68

in swalah. “Too much movement” means 3 consecutive
movements of the major limbs.

[4] Drinking, eating or smoking while praying will nullify the
swalah.

[5] Turning the chest away from the Qiblat (ie. the direction
towards the Ka'aba) will invalidate a prayer.

[6] Changing the niat/intention eg. from that of performing
an obligatory (fardh) prayer to a recommended (sunnat)
prayer.

[7] Commiting breach of (or lacking in) any of the following
arkan (essentials) viz.:

[i] intention [niat] at the start of the prayer
[ii] all the postures: standing , bowing, prostration,
sitting
[iii] pausing for a moment while in a particular
position [tuma’ninah]
[iv] in the correct order of sequence
[v] essential recitations :
“takbiratul ihram”
“al-Fatihah”
“Tasy-syahud” with “swalawat”
and “Salaam”

[8] When the “aurat” [ie. the parts of the body that require
covering] becomes exposed - eg. for a man, the area
between the navel and the knees, and for a woman, all
parts of her body except for the face and hands up to her
wrists. But when the exposed area can be quickly covered,
the swalah will not be affected.


69


1 What are the 5 considerations before performing
Swalah ?

2 When does a Muslim have to take the obligatory bath
(Ghusl’) ?

3 How does one perform the ablution (Wudhu’)?

4 What is the alternative if one cannot perform the
obligatory bath (Ghusl’) or ablution (Wudhu’) ?

5 Which direction must one face when performing
Swalah ?

6. What acts can nullify/spoil Swalah ?

NOTES:


70

Chapter 14

F ASTING
“
“ O You who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as
it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may
(learn) self-restraint.

(Q: Al Baqarah 2:183)

What is the Obligatory Fast?

Fasting in Islam is amongst the forms of devotion that provides
a Muslim with necessary training in the exercise of self-denial,
so that he may become truly one who is able to submit himself
to the will of Allah.

In the month of Ramadhan, it is compulsory for every able
Muslim to observe the daily fast for the whole month. Exceptions
are for those who are on a journey, the sick, insane, infants, etc.
For every fasting day missed, it has to be made up in some other
months.

How to observe the Fast

The rule of fasting begins with intention to be formulated on
the night before the fast, in the language which one understands.
Basically, one must be conscious or aware of the fast to be
observed and the reasons for doing it. Thus, the intention
formulated in the heart or mind is as follows:-


71

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