HOW TO BECOME A
MUSLIM
All praise be to Allah, the Lord of the universe. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon Mohammad, His last messenger. The purpose of this hand-out is to correct a false idea spread among those willing to adopt Islam as their faith. Some people have a wrong notion that entering into the Islamic fold requires an announcement from the concerned person in the presence of high ranking scholars or shaikhs or reporting this act to courts of justice or other authorities. It is also thought that the act of accepting Islam, should, as a condition, have a certificate issued by the authorities, as evidence to that effect.
We wish to clarify that the whole matter is very easy and that none of these conditions or obligations are required. For Allah, Almighty, is above all comprehension and knows well the secrets of all hearts. Nevertheless, those who are going to adopt Islam as their religion are advised to register themselves as Muslims with the concerned governmental agency, as this procedure may facilitate for them many matters including the possibility of performing Hadj (Pilgrimage) and Umrah.
If anyone has a real desire to be a Muslim and has full conviction and strong belief that Islam is the true religion ordained by Allah for all human-beings, then, one should pronounce the “Shahada”, the testimony of faith, without further delay. The Holy Qur’an is explicit on this regard as Allah states:
“The Religion in the sight of Allah is Islam.” (Qur’an 3:19)
In another verse of the Holy Qur’an, Allah states:
“If unyone desires a religion other than Islam (Submission to Allah), Never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (their selves in the hell fire).”(Qur’an 3:85)
In addition, Islam is the only religion prevailing over all other religions. Allah states in the Holy Qur’an:
“To thee We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety:…” (Qur’an 5:48)
Mohammad, the Prophet of Allah (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him), said:
“The superstructure of Islam is raised on five (pillars): testifying that there is no God (none truely to be worshiped) but Allah, and that Mohammad is the messenger of Allah, performing the prayer, paying the Zakah (poor-due), fasting the month of Ramadan, and performing Hadj“.
The Shahada can be declared as follows:
“ASH-HADU ANLA ELAHA ILLA-ALLAH WA ASH-HADU ANNA MOHAMMADAN RASUL-ALLAH”.
The English translation is:
“I bear witness that there is no deity (none truely to be worshipped) but, Allah, and I bear witness that Mohammad is the messenger of Allah”,
However, it would not be sufficient for anyone to only utter this testimony oraly either in private or in public; but rather, he should believe in it by heart with a firm conviction and unshakeable faith. If one is truly sincere and complies with the teachings of Islam in all his life, he will find himself a new born person.
This will move him to strive more and more to improve his character and draw nearer to perfection. The light of the living faith will fill his heart until he becomes the embodiment of that faith.
What would be next after declaring oneself a Muslim? One should then know the real concept underlying this testimony which means the Oneness of Allah and meet its requirements. One must behave accordingly, applying this true faith to every thing one speaks or does.
What do the words of the “Shahada” signify? The significant point which every Muslim must know very well is the truth that there is no God (deity) to be worshipped other than Allah. He – glory be to Him – is the only true God, Who alone deserves to be worshipped, since He is the Giver of life and Sustainer and Nourisher of mankind and all creation with His unlimited bounties. Man must worship Allah, Who alone is worthy of worship.
The second part of the Shahada (i.e., Wa ash-hadu anna Mohammadan rasul-Allah) means that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is the servant and chosen messenger of Allah. No one must have two opinions about this matter. In fact the Muslim has to obey the commands of the Prophet (PBUH), to believe him in what he has said, to practice his teachings, to avoid what he has forbidden, and to worship Allah alone according to the message revealed to him, for all the teachings of the Prophet were in fact revelations and inspirations conveyed to him by Allah.
What is the meaning of worship? It simply means rendering sincere service, showing reverence for Allah. In a deeper shade of meaning, it implies total submission and complete obedience to Allah’s commandments both in utterances and actions of man whether explicit or implicit.
Worship fall into two categories:
Visible (manifest or outward)
Invisible (concealed or inward)
Visible worship includes acts such as uttering the two parts of the “Shahada”, performing prayers, giving Zakah (the poor-due), recitation of the Holy Qur’an, supplication, adoring Allah by praising Him, purifying our bodies before prayers, etc. This type of worship is associated with movement of the parts of the human body.
Invisible worship is to believe in Allah, in the Day of Judgement (in the Hereafter), in the Angels, in the Books of Allah, in the Prophets of Allah, in the Divine Decree of destiny (that good and bad are determined by Allah alone).
This type of worship does not involve movement of parts of the body but it surely has bearing on one’s heart which subsequently affects one’s way of life.
It should be borne in mind that any worship not dedicated to Allah alone will be rejected as one form of polytheism and this causes apostasy from the Islamic fold.
The next step for a newly revert to Islam is to purify himself by taking a complete bath. He should then resolve to comply with the principles and rules of Islam in their entirety. He should disown all forms of polytheism and false beliefs. He should reject evil and be righteous. Such rejection of evil and being righteous is one of the equisites of the motto of Islam – that is, Laa Ilaha Illallah.
Allah states in the Holy Qur’an:
“… whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy Hand-hold, that never breaks…” (Qur’an 2:256).
We have to consider that when we declare from our heart that “there is no god (deity) worthy to be worshipped but Allah”, it implies on our part love, devotion, faith and obedience to the rules of Islamic legislations which are legally binding on all Muslims. It is a requirement of “there is no god worthy to be worshipped but Allah” to love for the sake of Allah and to reject for the sake of Allah.
This is the firmest anchor of belief which materialise the meaning of “AL WALA” and “AL BARA”. It means that a Muslim should love and be loyal to his Muslim brothers. He should, as a practice, dissociate himself completely from the unbelievers and refuse to be influenced by them, both in worldly and religious matters.
We conclude with a humble prayer to Allah that may He cleanse the hearts and souls of those who are genuine seekers of truth and may He bless the community of believers. Aameen.
Showing posts with label jihad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jihad. Show all posts
Monday, 17 October 2011
Monday, 10 October 2011
The Truth about Islam.
ISLAM-Explained
Islam is based on the worship of One God (Allah). Muslims believe that everything in the world was created by God and that as the creation of God, it is our duty to worship our Creator. Allah is the same God of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (may peace be upon them all). With more than 1.2 BILLION followers world-wide, Islam is the world’s fastest growing religion.
The Basis of Islam
The belief in Allah is crucial to Islam. Allah is Perfect and not in the need of his creation. Allah is not in the need of a parent, grandparent, uncle, cousin, sibling, daughter or a SON! Allah was not born to anyone, nor does Allah have any children as the Holy Quran states, “Say: He, Allah, is One. Allah is He on Whom all depend. He begets not, nor is He begotten. And none is like Him” (112:1-4).
Muslims worship Allah alone as Islam is truly monotheistic! There are no intermediates in Islam. Worship of Prophets (e.g. Jesus or Muhammad), saints, or idols is strictly prohibited. To get to Allah, one goes directly to Him without the use of a priest or prophet.
Jesus in Islam
Jesus is greatly loved and respected in Islam. The belief in Jesus in Islam is that he was a Prophet of God, not the son of God. Jesus’ birth was a miracle as his mother was the Virgin Mary. Mary was a righteous servant of God and is considered one of the best women in history. Jesus preached the truth, the belief in One God as his message was distorted after his birth. In fact, Jesus mentions the coming of Muhammad by name in the Gospel of Barnabas. In Islam, the concept of one person dying for another person’s sins in unacceptable as Muslims don’t believe in ‘original sin’ as the Holy Quran states “No bearer of burden can bear the burden of another” (53:38).
What is the Quran?
Every Prophet had miracles. For example, Moses parted the Red Sea and Jesus could cure. Muhammad’s greatest miracle was the Holy Quran, the Muslim holy book. The Quran is the word of God and is recorded in Arabic. Even today, the Quran has not changed even one word from its context. The Quran is considered to be the Quran only in Arabic as people can differ over words and meanings lost when translated as has been the case with the Bible in the past. English versions of the Quran are often referred to as the translation of the meaning of the Quran.
The Five Pillars of Islam
1. Testimony of faith as one has to sincerely believe in the Oneness of God and the Prophethood of Muhammad.
2. Prayer as Muslims pray to Allah five times a day.
3. Charity to those less fortunate.
4. Fasting the month of Ramadan where Muslims abstain from food, water, and sexual intercourse from dawn until dusk.
5. Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca to commemorate Prophet Abraham. Hajj is only required to be done once in a lifetime if one has the means and ability to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Do Muslims believe in Heaven and Hell?
A.Yes, Muslims believe in Heaven and Hell and they believe that those who are righteous and follow the truth will be rewarded with
Who is Muhammad?
There have been hundreds of Prophets sent to mankind over time including Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Jesus. Muhammad is the seal of the Prophets. Just as Moses and Jesus were from the descendents of Abraham (through his son, Isaac), Muhammad is also from the descendents of Abraham (through his other son, Ismail). Some might claim Muhammad was just a very creative human being propagating himself. However, the Quran actually mentions Jesus and Moses more than it mentions Muhammad. Muhammad was known as a very humble and righteous man in the Arab worlds even before he received prophethood at age 40.
So No Trinity?
The belief in One God is innate in mankind. If you were to ask a three year old girl, “Who is your creator?” She would respond with her name for Allah or attempt to describe this One Supreme Being. No one would come up with the idea of the trinity unless they would be taught such a belief.
The oneness of God was also the original belief in Christianity as Jesus never stated he was the son of God. The belief that Jesus is the son of God did not come to surface until more than three hundred years after Jesus’ death. Ask yourself, is the trinity 1 in 3 or 3 in 1? The Bible itself never explicitly mentions the trinity, rather only subtly hints at it in John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.” However, this verse was added in the sixteen century and still the verse does not mention the trinity explicitly. David also mentions he is the child of God in the Bible. Why then do we not accept David as the son of God? No other prophet has been known to have preached or mentioned the trinity, including Moses.
Also, consider the belief of Jesus as the son of God. If this were the case, ask yourself, was Jesus around before time and did he know of the future and want to die for the sins of people then? The answer would have to be yes. Then, ask yourself, why were Jesus’ last words while at the Cross, “Oh God, why have You forsaken me?” Also, when Jesus died for three days, how many gods were there? Jesus, like Muhammad and Moses, was a human being and a prophet, who had human tendencies that included eating and sleeping ,going pee poo is that action of a god?
ISLAM-Explained
Islam is based on the worship of One God (Allah). Muslims believe that everything in the world was created by God and that as the creation of God, it is our duty to worship our Creator. Allah is the same God of Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad (may peace be upon them all). With more than 1.2 BILLION followers world-wide, Islam is the world’s fastest growing religion.
The Basis of Islam
The belief in Allah is crucial to Islam. Allah is Perfect and not in the need of his creation. Allah is not in the need of a parent, grandparent, uncle, cousin, sibling, daughter or a SON! Allah was not born to anyone, nor does Allah have any children as the Holy Quran states, “Say: He, Allah, is One. Allah is He on Whom all depend. He begets not, nor is He begotten. And none is like Him” (112:1-4).
Muslims worship Allah alone as Islam is truly monotheistic! There are no intermediates in Islam. Worship of Prophets (e.g. Jesus or Muhammad), saints, or idols is strictly prohibited. To get to Allah, one goes directly to Him without the use of a priest or prophet.
Jesus in Islam
Jesus is greatly loved and respected in Islam. The belief in Jesus in Islam is that he was a Prophet of God, not the son of God. Jesus’ birth was a miracle as his mother was the Virgin Mary. Mary was a righteous servant of God and is considered one of the best women in history. Jesus preached the truth, the belief in One God as his message was distorted after his birth. In fact, Jesus mentions the coming of Muhammad by name in the Gospel of Barnabas. In Islam, the concept of one person dying for another person’s sins in unacceptable as Muslims don’t believe in ‘original sin’ as the Holy Quran states “No bearer of burden can bear the burden of another” (53:38).
What is the Quran?
Every Prophet had miracles. For example, Moses parted the Red Sea and Jesus could cure. Muhammad’s greatest miracle was the Holy Quran, the Muslim holy book. The Quran is the word of God and is recorded in Arabic. Even today, the Quran has not changed even one word from its context. The Quran is considered to be the Quran only in Arabic as people can differ over words and meanings lost when translated as has been the case with the Bible in the past. English versions of the Quran are often referred to as the translation of the meaning of the Quran.
The Five Pillars of Islam
1. Testimony of faith as one has to sincerely believe in the Oneness of God and the Prophethood of Muhammad.
2. Prayer as Muslims pray to Allah five times a day.
3. Charity to those less fortunate.
4. Fasting the month of Ramadan where Muslims abstain from food, water, and sexual intercourse from dawn until dusk.
5. Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca to commemorate Prophet Abraham. Hajj is only required to be done once in a lifetime if one has the means and ability to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Do Muslims believe in Heaven and Hell?
A.Yes, Muslims believe in Heaven and Hell and they believe that those who are righteous and follow the truth will be rewarded with
Who is Muhammad?
There have been hundreds of Prophets sent to mankind over time including Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Jesus. Muhammad is the seal of the Prophets. Just as Moses and Jesus were from the descendents of Abraham (through his son, Isaac), Muhammad is also from the descendents of Abraham (through his other son, Ismail). Some might claim Muhammad was just a very creative human being propagating himself. However, the Quran actually mentions Jesus and Moses more than it mentions Muhammad. Muhammad was known as a very humble and righteous man in the Arab worlds even before he received prophethood at age 40.
So No Trinity?
The belief in One God is innate in mankind. If you were to ask a three year old girl, “Who is your creator?” She would respond with her name for Allah or attempt to describe this One Supreme Being. No one would come up with the idea of the trinity unless they would be taught such a belief.
The oneness of God was also the original belief in Christianity as Jesus never stated he was the son of God. The belief that Jesus is the son of God did not come to surface until more than three hundred years after Jesus’ death. Ask yourself, is the trinity 1 in 3 or 3 in 1? The Bible itself never explicitly mentions the trinity, rather only subtly hints at it in John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.” However, this verse was added in the sixteen century and still the verse does not mention the trinity explicitly. David also mentions he is the child of God in the Bible. Why then do we not accept David as the son of God? No other prophet has been known to have preached or mentioned the trinity, including Moses.
Also, consider the belief of Jesus as the son of God. If this were the case, ask yourself, was Jesus around before time and did he know of the future and want to die for the sins of people then? The answer would have to be yes. Then, ask yourself, why were Jesus’ last words while at the Cross, “Oh God, why have You forsaken me?” Also, when Jesus died for three days, how many gods were there? Jesus, like Muhammad and Moses, was a human being and a prophet, who had human tendencies that included eating and sleeping ,going pee poo is that action of a god?
Friday, 30 September 2011
Islam a complete code of life
Islam a complete code of life
Islam is an all-embracing way of life. It extends over the entire spectrum of life, showing us how to conduct all human activities in a sound and wholesome manner. It does not allow a hierarchy of priests or intermediaries between Allah and human beings, no farfetched abstractions and no complicated rites and rituals.
Everybody can readily understand the Quran and follow in the footsteps of the Prophet , to the best of his or her ability, assured by Allah that He will accept the deeds that each soul has the ability to offer (what means): "On no soul does Allah place a burden greater than it can bear." [Quran 2:286]
When we read the Quran or the Prophetic traditions, we find instructions regarding all aspects of life: political, social, economic, material, ethical, national and international. These instructions provide us with all the details needed to perform a certain act.
The Prophetic traditions go as far as showing us all the steps we need to follow, even the etiquette of using the bathroom: supplications to be said upon entering it and leaving it, how to clean ourselves properly and so on.
To summarize, Islam governs a Muslim's life in all its aspects. This is the reason why it is not only a religion but also a way of life.
Islam does not believe in wishful thinking. It clearly states that righteous conduct must be followed by belief in Allah. The Quran says (what means): "For those who believe and work deeds of righteousness is a reward that will never (fail)." [Quran 41:8]
And (what means):"Those who believe and work righteousness, joy is for them and a blissful place of (final) return." [Quran 13:29]
Islam, as the revealed Religion from Allah, is comprehensive and perfect. Its Divine Book, the Quran, is the most comprehensive book available to mankind for guidance and nothing has been omitted from it.
In order to guide mankind to the Right Religion, Allah has completed His Divine Favor upon us by making Islam the Perfect Religion. The last message that Allah has sent to His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad , for our Divine Guidance is the perfection of Islam.
As we mentioned above, when we read the Quran or the Prophetic traditions, we find instructions regarding all aspects of life. The following are some Quranic verses and Ahaadeeth (traditions), which reflect the comprehensiveness of Islamic economic, social, religious and cultural values.
Hakim bin Hizam narrated that Allah’s Messenger , said: “The seller and the buyer have the right to keep or return goods as long as they have not parted or till they part; and if both the parties spoke the truth and described the defects and qualities (of the goods), then they would be blessed in their transaction, and if they told lies or hid something, then the blessings of their transaction would be lost.” [Al-Bukhaari]
‘Abdullaah bin ‘Amr bin al-’Aas narrated that he heard Allah’s Messenger , saying: "Fornication will not appear among any people without their being punished by famine, and bribery will not appear among any people without their being punished by terror.” [At-Tirmithi]
Kindness to the Family, Parents, Relatives, Orphans, the Poor, the Needy and the Weak
Allah Says (what means): “...Treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer; and give zakaah (poor due)...” [Quran 2:83]
Everybody can readily understand the Quran and follow in the footsteps of the Prophet , to the best of his or her ability, assured by Allah that He will accept the deeds that each soul has the ability to offer (what means): "On no soul does Allah place a burden greater than it can bear." [Quran 2:286]
When we read the Quran or the Prophetic traditions, we find instructions regarding all aspects of life: political, social, economic, material, ethical, national and international. These instructions provide us with all the details needed to perform a certain act.
The Prophetic traditions go as far as showing us all the steps we need to follow, even the etiquette of using the bathroom: supplications to be said upon entering it and leaving it, how to clean ourselves properly and so on.
To summarize, Islam governs a Muslim's life in all its aspects. This is the reason why it is not only a religion but also a way of life.
Islam does not recognize any kind of separation between religion and life.
It openly rejects the Western saying: "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and unto God what is God's"; for everything should be dedicated to God alone and a Muslim is required to submit himself completely to the Will of Allah in all his affairs (what means): "Say: ‘Truly, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the worlds. No partner has He: this am I commanded, and I am the first of those who submit to His Will.’" [Quran 6:162]Islam does not believe in wishful thinking. It clearly states that righteous conduct must be followed by belief in Allah. The Quran says (what means): "For those who believe and work deeds of righteousness is a reward that will never (fail)." [Quran 41:8]
And (what means):"Those who believe and work righteousness, joy is for them and a blissful place of (final) return." [Quran 13:29]
Islam, as the revealed Religion from Allah, is comprehensive and perfect. Its Divine Book, the Quran, is the most comprehensive book available to mankind for guidance and nothing has been omitted from it.
In order to guide mankind to the Right Religion, Allah has completed His Divine Favor upon us by making Islam the Perfect Religion. The last message that Allah has sent to His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad , for our Divine Guidance is the perfection of Islam.
As we mentioned above, when we read the Quran or the Prophetic traditions, we find instructions regarding all aspects of life. The following are some Quranic verses and Ahaadeeth (traditions), which reflect the comprehensiveness of Islamic economic, social, religious and cultural values.
Fair, Honest Dealing in Trading, Buying and Selling
Allah Says (what means): “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: and fear Allah. For Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.” [Quran 5:8]Hakim bin Hizam narrated that Allah’s Messenger , said: “The seller and the buyer have the right to keep or return goods as long as they have not parted or till they part; and if both the parties spoke the truth and described the defects and qualities (of the goods), then they would be blessed in their transaction, and if they told lies or hid something, then the blessings of their transaction would be lost.” [Al-Bukhaari]
Weighing and Measuring of Goods for Business
Allah Says (what means): “Give full measure when you measure, and weigh with an even (i.e., honest) balance. That is the best (way) and best in result.” [Quran 17:35]Prohibition of Bribery
Allah Says (what means): "And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it (in bribery) to the rulers in order that (they might aid) you (to) consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know (it is unlawful).” [Quran 2:188]‘Abdullaah bin ‘Amr bin al-’Aas narrated that he heard Allah’s Messenger , saying: "Fornication will not appear among any people without their being punished by famine, and bribery will not appear among any people without their being punished by terror.” [At-Tirmithi]
Avoidance of Hoarding and Monopoly
The Prophet, sallallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "Do not withhold your money by counting it (i.e. hoarding it), (for if you did so), Allah would also withhold His blessings from you.” [Al-Bukhaari]Paying Salaries, Wages of Employees and Laborers on Time
The Prophet , said: “Allah says: ‘I will be against three persons on the Day of Resurrection: 1. One who makes a covenant in My Name, but he proves treacherous; 2. One who sells a free person (as a slave) and eats the price; and 3. One who employs a laborer and gets the full work done by him but does not pay him his wages.’” [Al-Bukhaari]Prohibition for Fighting, Murder and Other Crimes
Allah’s Messenger , said: “When two Muslims fight (meet) each other with their swords, both the murderer as well as the murdered will go to Hell-fire.” It was said: “O Allah’s Messenger! It is all right for the murderer but what about the murdered? Allah’s Messenger, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wasallam replied: “He surely had the intention to kill his companion.’” [Al-Bukhaari]Peace and Reconciliation
Allah Says (what means): “The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah; for Allah loves not those who do wrong.” [Quran 42:40]Respect and Kindness to Women
Allah Says (what means): “O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should you treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the dower you have given them, except where they have been guilty of open lewdness. On the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and equity if you take a disliking to them it may be that you dislike a thing, and Allah brings about through it a great deal of good.” [Quran 4:19]Kindness to the Family, Parents, Relatives, Orphans, the Poor, the Needy and the Weak
Allah Says (what means): “...Treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer; and give zakaah (poor due)...” [Quran 2:83]
Respect to Non-Muslims (People of the Book)
Allah Says (what means): “And dispute not with the People of the Book, except in the best way; unless it be with those of them who do wrong but say: ‘We believe in the Revelation which has come down to us and in that which came down to you; our God and your God is One; and it is to Him we submit (in Islam).’” [Quran 29:46]Conclusion
This compilation, although far from being complete, proves that Islam as the perfect religion for the whole mankind is indeed complete. Allah Almighty has chosen Islam as the only religion acceptable to Him. Islam is the best way of life for all. It serves as the best solution to all sorts of problems no matter how perplexing they may be. Islam is the absolute answer to those who seek a perfect religion and a complete way of life. It guides us to a well-balanced life, one that makes us happy and contented in this world and in the life Hereafter. It is the way to attaining supreme success in the everlasting world to come. In short, Islam, as the complete way for all, is Allah’s Mercy to the whole of mankind.
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