He walked up and sat down in front of the Prophet (Peace be upon him), with his knees touching against the Prophet’s and placing the palms of his hands on his thighs he said: “O Muhammad, tell me about Islam.”

The Messenger of Allah  said: “Islam is to testify that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to perform prayers, to give zakaah, to fast in Ramadan, and to make the pilgrimage to the House 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 (the man) said: “Tell me about Emaan.”

He (the Prophet, peace be upon him) said: “It is to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe in divine destiny (qadr), both the good and the evil of it.”

He said: “You have spoken rightly.”

He (the man) said: “Then tell me about Ihsaan.”

He (the Prophet) said: “It is to worship Allah as though you see Him, and if you do not see Him, then (knowing that) truly He sees you.”

He said: “Then tell me about the Hour.”

He said: “The one questioned about it knows no better than the questioner.”

He said: “Then tell me about its signs.”

He said: “That the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress, and that you will see barefooted, naked destitute shepherds competing in constructing lofty buildings.”

Then he (the man) left, and I stayed for a time. The he (the Prophet, peace be upon him) said: “O `Umar, do you know who the questioner was?”

I said: “Allah and His Messenger know best.”

He said: “It was Jibreel, who came to teach you your religion.”

It was related by Muslim.

عن عمر رضي الله عنه أيضا ، قال : بينما نحن جلوس عـند رسـول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ذات يوم اذ طلع علينا رجل شديد بياض الثياب ، شديد سواد الشعر لا يرى عليه أثـر السفر ولا يعـرفه منا احـد. حتى جـلـس إلى النبي صلي الله عليه وسلم فـأسند ركبـتيه إلى ركبتـيه ووضع كفيه على فخذيه، وقـال: ” يا محمد أخبرني عن الإسلام “. فقـال رسـول الله صـلى الله عـليه وسـلـم : (الإسـلام أن تـشـهـد أن لا إلـه إلا الله وأن محـمـد رسـول الله وتـقـيـم الصلاة وتـؤتي الـزكاة وتـصوم رمضان وتـحـج البيت إن اسـتـطـعت اليه سبيلا). قال : صدقت. فعجبنا له ، يسأله ويصدقه ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‌‌‌؟ قال : فأخبرني عن الإيمان . قال : أن تؤمن بالله وملائكته وكتبه ورسله واليوم الاخر وتؤمن بالقدر خيره وشره . قال : صدقت . قال : فأخبرني عن الإحسان . قال : ان تعبد الله كأنك تراه ، فإن لم تكن تراه فإنه يراك . قال : فأخبرني عن الساعة . قال : “ما المسؤول عنها بأعلم من السائل ” قال : فأخبرني عن أماراتها . قال : ” أن تلد الأم ربتها ، وان ترى الحفاة العراة العالة رعاء الشاء يتطاولون في البنيان” ثم انطلق ، فلبثت مليا ،ثم قال :” يا عمر أتدري من السائل ؟” قلت : “الله ورسوله أعلم “. قال : فإنه جبريل ، اتاكم يعلمكم دينكم “رواه مسلم [ رقم : 8 ]

Understanding the Meaning of The Basic Foundations of Islam

By Dr. Abdullah M. Khouj

Then is one who walks fallen on his face better guided or one who walks erect on a straight path? (67:22)

It is part of human nature that when we are introduced to something or hear about it, would like to know all about it at once. It is part of our nature also that it takes some time for us to be familiarized with things especially when it relates to our belief and values. Both involve detailed processes and involvement for us to grasp the meaning involved in their principles. This brief article is meant to help the reader glimpse the basic foundations of Islam: its meaning, basic principles and objectives. As will it deals with the guideliness of how Islam can help people live a better life.

Some people characterize Islam as a restrictive religion that requires believers to follow a long list of “do’s” and “don’ts.” Muslims are also sometimes described as emotional people who seclude themselves from others with their backward religion. Some even think that Muslims worship a different God.

Islam is an Arabic word derived from the consonant root ‘slm, which means “peace.” In the religious perspective it means submission to the will of Allah. Allah says:

Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to Allah, does good, and follows the way of Abraham the true in faith? For Allah did take Abraham for a friend. (4:125)

A Muslim surrenders his whole being to Allah the same God of all the revealed religions, including Judaism and Christianity out of gratitude for the gifts that he enjoys from Allah, including the gift of life, sight, hearing, health, and security. This act of submission begins with the recognition of Allah as the only power in the universe. He is the Creator, the giver of life and death, the Sustainer, the Controller of benefit and harm, the Ruler, and the Judge. This recognition is accompanied by love, fear, and dependency. Its outward result is obedience to His will. And, obedience agrees with human nature, as Allah tells us:

So set thou thy face steadily and truly to the Faith: (Establish) Allah’s handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made manldnd: No change (let there be) in the work (wrought) by Allah: that is the standard religion: but most among mankind understand not. (30:30)

Some may ask why do we have to submit to Allah, or why must we even have to think about Him?

When Allah created Adam out of clay, He put a soul in him. Thus, he became a living being with all the qualities that we enjoy to this day. As a being with a soul, a human being cannot function properly unless he/she constantly relates to the originator of his soul to receive sustenance and guidance. Without Allah’s guidance the human being would fall prey to Satan, the greatest enemy of humanity. Satan (Iblis)[i] has the ability to make the human being go against his own nature, and come under Satanic influence where he will be destroyed. Allah describes this matter in the following verses:

Behold! thy Lord said to the angels: “I am about to create man, from sounding clay, from mud moulded into shape; “When I have fashioned him (in due proportion) and breathed into him of My spirit, fall ye down in obeisance unto him.” So the angels prostrated themselves, all of them together: Not so Iblis: he refused to be among those who prostrated themselves. (Allah) said: “O Iblis! what is your reason for not being among those who prostrated themseives?” (Iblis) said: “I am not one to prostrate myself to man, whom Thou didst create from sounding clay, from mud moulded into shape.” (Allah) said: “Then get thee out from here: for thou art rejected, accursed. “And the Curse shall be on thee till the Day of Judg-ment.” (Iblis) said: “O my Lord! give me then respite till the Day the (dead) are raised.” (Allah) said: “Respite is granted thee, “Till the Day of the Time Appointed.” (Iblis) said: “O my Lord! because Thou hast put me in the wrong, I will make (wrong) fair-seeming to them on the earth, and I will put them all in the wrong, “Except Thy ser-vants among them, sincere and purified (by Thy grace).” (Allah) said: “This (Way of My sincere servants) is indeed a Way that leads straight to Me. “For over My servants no au-thority shalt thou have, except such as put themselves in the wrong and follow thee.” And verily, Hell is the promised abode for themall! (15:28-42)

In another chapter. Allah informs that if we follow His guidance we will be saved from the conflict, confusion, and trouble which Satan has in store for us.

We said: “O Adam! Dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden; and eat of the bountiful things therein as (where and when) ye wffl; but approach not this tree, or ye run into harm and transgression.” Then did Satan make them slip from the (Garden), and get them out of the state (of felicity) in which they had been. We said: “Get ye down, all (ye people), with enmity between your-selves. On earth will be your dwelling place and your means of livelihood for a time.” Then learnt Adam from his Lord words of inspiration, and his Lord turned towards him; for He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful. We said: “Get ye down all from here: and if, as is sure, there comes to you guidance from Me, whosoever follows My guidance, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. (2:35-38)

This guidance is the key to true learning and understanding. It contains the right principles of growth and wisdom that we need to deal with life’s demands and expectations, and it urges us to see the world in a wider perspective—to think about and to utilize what Allah has given us for our own and others’ benefit.

Because this struggle between mankind and Satan from the time of Adam (the struggle between good and evil) is so crucial, Allah from time to time has warned the children of Adam about their greatest enemy through His prophets and messengers. Allah’s message emphasizes the belief in Him alone, combined with a warning against following in Satan’s footsteps. If people choose to follow in Satan’s footsteps, they will go astray and destroy themselves.

We have sent thee inspiration, as We sent it to Noah and the Messengers after him: We sent inspiration to Abrahara, Isma’il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the Psalms. Of some Messenger We have al-ready told thee the story; of others We have not, and to Moses Allah spoke direct. Mes-sengers who gave good news as well as warning, that mankind, after (the coming) of the Messengers, should have no plea against Allah: for Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise. But Allah beareth witness that what He hath sent unto thee He hath sent from His (own) knowledge, and the angels bear witness: but enough Is Aliah for a witaess. (4:165-166)

This shows that Islam is not a new religion as many people think. It is a continuation of the previously revealed divine messages. However, Allah informs that with His last revelation, He has completed and perfected His message to guide people to an understanding of the purpose of their existence. He says:

This day have I perfected your religlon for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. But if any is forced by hunger, with no inclination to transgression, Allah is indeed Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (5:3)

Once more, belief and submission to the one God (Allah) is an innate predisposition. However, history shows us that people have often made the mistake of directing themselves and their worship toward something or someone in creation, not the Divine.  Belief is a critical issue for every human being, and particularly so for Muslims.  Belief (Iman) in Islam is the first foundation of the religion. That is: to believe in Allah alone and take no parteners with Him¹; to believe in the angels²; to believe in the messengers and prophets³ that He sent to mankind; to believe in the books that He revealed to mankind⁴; to believe in the afterlife⁵; and to believe in fate and destiny. Allah says:

The Messenger believeth in what hath been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believeth in Allah, His angels, His Books, and His Messengers. “We make no distinction (they say) between one and another of His Messengers.” And they say: “We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Thy forgiveness, Our Lord, and to Thee is the end of all journeys.” (2:285)

He also says:

O ye who believe! Believe in Allah and His messenger and the scripture which He hath sent to His Messenger and the scripture which He sent To those before (him). Any who denieth Allah, His angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Day of Judgment, hath gone Far, far astray. (4:136)

Iman, then, brings security and peace. When the individual realizes that he has no power over matters in his life, and that Allah is the only One who can change those matters, then the individual can, with peace and confidence rely entirely on Allah. Allah says:

Is one whose heart Allah has opened to Islam, So that he has received enlightenment from Allah, (No better than one hard-hearted)? Woe to those whose hearts are hardened against celebrating the praises of Allah! They are manifestly wandering (In error)! (9:22)

And as far as peace is concerned, Allah says:

It is those who believe And confuse not their beliefs With wrong, that are (Truly) in security, for they Are on (right) guidance.” (6:82)

To benefit from our belief and keep it continual, Allah provided us with a worship system to cover all aspects of our life.

He shows that sincerity of worship to Him frees the human self from illusion and contradiction, and elevates it from the deterioration of worshiping the devil or other created objects such as the sun or a statue. Allah shows the true creator of all things that He is. He says:

That is Allah, your Lord! There is no god but He, the Creator of all things; then worship ye Him; and He hath power to dispose of all affairs. (6:102)

Allah also shows that freeing ourselves from illusion and contradiction leads us out of ignorance and going astray. And thus, it will keep humans away from corruption. Worship as Allah mandates purifies the human being of every sin and it has good effect of reforming the human heart and polishing his character. This is clear if we study the worship system in Islam which includes:

Five Daily Prayers

Prayer in Islam is the direct communication between the individual and the Creator. It urges the individual to purify both his external and internal self. The prerequisite for prayer is the purification of the body, the clothes, and the place. The individual stands before the Creator with reverence; forwarding his heart to the Creator, confiding in Him and praising Him. The return of this action is the blessing of the Creator, Who includes the human being with His mercy. This blessing will effect the psychological condition of the believer so that he might more easily observe Allah in his heart and fear His punishment and thus, stay away from what causes His anger. Allah says:

Recite what is sent of the Book by inspira-tion to thee, and establish regular Prayer: for Prayer restrains from shameful and un-just deeds; and remembrance of Allah is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt. And Allah knows the (deeds) that ye do. (29:45)

The prophet (pbuh) shows the function of prayer in our life by saying:

The example of the five daily prayer is like a pure water river in front the door of one of you he washes himself from it five times a day. Do you see that will keep any of his dirt? The companion said: nothing. He said: the iive daily prayers take out sins as water takes out dirt.

Paying zakat (a mandatory contribution taken from the total savings of the rich)

Zakat is a purification of wealth, and it implements in the believer’s heart the love of giving. In return, it brings about kindness and friendship among people. Zakat shows the individual submission to the commandment of the Creator and the appreciation of His gift.

Fasting (daily from dawn to sunset for one month)

Fasting trains the individual to have self control and to be patient and truthful in his dedication to his faith.

Making pilgrimage to the sacred house in Makkah once in a Muslim’s life if he or she has the means to make the trip.

Pilgrimage makes the individual submit to the Creator, and helps to rid the pilgrim of worldly matters and to remember that when he returns to Allah he will leave every thing behind. The believer will be humbled and knows that his origin is from dust and that the preference among people is piety.

Islam mandated these types of worship to bring the individual closer to Allah, to bring him Good in this life, and comfort and pleasure in the eternal life. Worship in general will help the individual to overcome his weaknesses and elevate himself to be able to avoid sins. It will help him know and seek what is right, and know and avoid what is wrong. The individual will thus know his duties to his Creator, his people, and himself.

Human Behavior

Belief and worship has to be reflected in our behavior. For this reason, good deeds are part of a Muslim worship. Islam emphasizes the importance of moral character and moral values, as part of living a good life according to Allah’s mandates. The religion covers and fulfills all aspects of a human life, both individually and socially.

So set thou thy face steadily and truly to the faith;  (Establish) Allah’s handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made mankind;  No change (let there be) in the work (wrought) by Allah; that is the standard religion:But most among mankind understand not. (30: 30)

On the individual level, Allah urges the human being to use his mind, and to consider the mind as that which distinguishes humanity from the beasts.

Behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth;in the alternation of the night and the Day;in the sailing of the ships through the ocean for the profit of mankind;in the rain which Allah sends down from the skies, and the life which He gives therewith to an earth that is dead:In the beasts of all kinds that He scatters through the earth;in the change of the winds and the clouds which they trail like their slaves between the sky and the earth, (Here) indeed are Signs for a people that are wise. (2:164)

Allah also encourages the human being to acquire knowledge, wisdom, and a wider perspective on life.

And pursue not that of which thou hast no knowledge; for every act of hearing, or of seeing, or of (feeling in) the heart will be enquired into (On the Day of Reckoning) (17:36)

But say, “O my Lord! advance me In knowledge.” (20:114)

Appropriate knowledge is the key to wisdom. Allah explains that He grants this wisdom to whom He pleases.

He granteth wisdom to whom He pleaseth; and he to whom wisdom is granted receiveth indeed a benefit overflowing; but none will grasp the Message but men of understanding. (2:269)

Wisdom in turn helps the individual obtain a wider perspective:

By Allah’s will They routed them: And David slew Goliath: And Allah gave him Power and Wisdom And taught him whatever (else) He willed. And did not Allah check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief: But Allah is full of bounty to all the worlds. (2:251)

A wise person bases his ideas on proof and evidence and not on guesses, assumptions, nor unproven feelings.

Or, who originates Creation, then repeats it, and who gives you sustenance from heaven and earth? (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Say, “Bring forth your argument, if ye are telling the truth!” (27:64)

Allah also draws our attention to what is truly fulfilling to our heart, to our emotions and feelings:

Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts fmd satisfaction. (13:28)

Because we are inclined to follow our emotions in certain situations Islam prevents us from blind imitation and inactivity.

When it is said to them:”Follow what Allah hath revealed:”They say: “Nay! We shall follow the ways of our fathers:”What! Even though their fathers were void of wisdom and guidance? (2:170)

Islam aims to establish certain principles in a Muslim’s life to better his condition as an individual and reform his social life. To do so Islam emphasized that: The origin of mankind is one.

O mankind! Reverence Your Guardian-Lord, Who created you from a single person, created, of like nature, his mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women; fear Allah, through Whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (That bore you): for Allah ever watches overyou. (4:1)

The religion with Allah from Adam to Mohammed is one.

The same religion has He Established for you as that Which He enjoined on Noah That which We have sent By inspiration to thee  And that which We enjoined On Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: Namely, that ye should remain Steadfast in Religion, and make No divisions therein: To those who worship Other things than Allah, Hard is the (way) To which thou callest them. Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn (to Him). (42:13)

Allah’s message aims to free the human being from being enslaved to any power except the power of the Creator. Allah mentions this message in many verses of the Qur’an.

And your God is One God: There is no god But He, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. (2:163)

He it is Who shapes you In the wombs as He pleases. There is no god but He, The Exalted in Might, The Wise. (3:6)

People are equal in Allah’s sight.

O mankind! We created You from a single (pair) Of a male and a female, And made you into Nations and tribes, that Ye may know each other (Not that ye may despise Each other). Verily The most honoured of you In the sight of Allah Is (he who is) the most Righteous of you. And Allah has full Knowledge And is well-acquainted (With all things). (49:13)

In this principle, Allah establishes the human dignity without any distinction because of race, color, lineage, or wealth. Allah tells people that they are like one family, from one father and mother, with one Creator. And that Allah made them tribes and nations to communicate and know each other not to despise, oppress, and disrespect each other. Allah has set this principle; no one may attempt to substitute it with discrimination.

There should not be any force regarding religious belief. Allah says:

Let there be no compulsion In religion: Truth stands out Clear from Error: whoever Rejects Evil and believes In Allah hath grasped The most trustworthy Hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things. (2:256)

This shows that Iman is a natural instinct and compulsion contradicts it. The human mind and emotions, if are left alone with no outer influence will respond to this inner call to believe in Allah without any force.

A major outcome of Iman is peace. Peace is a cause of security and Allah knows the importance of peace and security in human life for this reason He calls humans to enter into such state. He says:

O ye who believe! Enter into Islam (state of submission to the Divine) Whole-heartedly; and follow not the footsteps Of the Evil One; for he is to you an avowed enemy. (2:208)

All these principles work under the umbrella of the three major foundations of Islam: belief, worship and relationship. They aim to bring about:

 1. A justly balanced individual and society.

Thus have We made of you an Ummat justly balanced. (2: 143)

 2. Happiness in this worldly life and getting Allah’s reward in the afterlife.

 3. Clear communication among peoples to know each other and relate to each other as Allah mandates.

O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into Nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (Not that ye may despise Each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most Righteous of you. And Allah has full Knowledge and is well-acquainted (With all things). (49:13)

4. Easy and clear instructions to apply the principles of the religion in all aspects of human life.

In the area of belief, the person dedicates him/herself to the belief in only one God (Allah). In the area of worship, the person’s life is always in continual relationship with the creator to receive guidance, to enjoy all the creator’s gifts, and to be thankful to the giver. In the area of relationship, the person must recognize Allah in every aspect of his/her life. This recognition and the moderate approach to fulfill one’s needs as mandated by the religion emphasize the fact that there is no extremity in Islam. Rather, the human being is instructed to fulfill his needs as he would live his life forever, and to consider being in the afterlife soon. Allah says:

“But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on thee, The Home of the Hereafter, nor forget thy portion in this World: but do thou good, as Allah has been good to thee, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land: For Allah loves not those who do mischief.” (28:77)

Allah describes those who live balanced life in the Qur’an as His servants and He is the Merciful. In one chapter of the Qur’an He gives some descriptions of such individuals and says:

And the servants of (Allah) Most Gracious are those who walk on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say, “Peace!” Those who spend the night in adoration of their Lord prostrating and standing and those who say: “Our Lord! avert from us the Wrath of Hell, for its Wrath is indeed an affliction grievous, “Evil indeed is it as an abode, and as a place to rest in”; Those who, when they spend, are not extravagant and not niggardly, but hold a just (balance) between those (extremes); Those who invoke not, with Allah, any other god, nor slay such life as Allah has made sacred, except for just cause, nor commit fornication, and any that does this (not only) meets punishment. (But) the Penalty on the Day of Judgment will be doubled to him, and he will dwell therein in ignominy, unless he repents, believes and works righteous deeds, for Allah will change the evil of such persons into good, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And whoever repents and does good has truly turned to Allah with an (acceptable) conversion, Those who witness no falsehood and, if they pass by futility, they pass by it with honorable (avoidance); Those who, when they are admonished with the Signs of their Lord, droop not down at them as if they were deaf or blind; And those who pray, “Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous.” Those are the ones who will be rewarded with the highest place in heaven, because of their patient constancy: therein shall they be met with salutations and peace, Dwelling therein; how beautiful an abode and place of rest! Say (to the Rejecters): “My Lord is not uneasy because of you if ye call not on Him: but ye have indeed rejected (Him), and soon will come the inevitable (punishment)!”

These verses describe individuals with genuine behavior and balance life. They are sincere in their relationship with their Creator, with themselves, and others. They aim to establish virtuous behavior and they remain steadfast to seek good and avoid evil. People with faith would not kill without just cause. A true believer could never kill another human being without just cause.

Some people have selected certain verses of the Qur’an regarding fighting and killing, taken these out of their context, and come to the terrible conclusion that Islam commands Muslims to fight and kill others. If one puts these selected verses back in context and intelligently reads the verses before and after them, while at the same time understanding the occasion of their revelation, then he would realize that Islam teaches its followers not to initiate fighting, nor to oppress other human beings. Islam absolutely prohibits the killing of a human being without justifiable causes. Allah commands the Muslims to be kind and fair with those who are not Muslims and cause no harm to them. He says:

Allah forbids you not, With regard to those who Fight you not for (your) Faith Nor drive you out Of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just. (60:8)

To conclude: Islam introduces the human being to the knowledge needed to guide him/her to understand him/herself and the purpose of his/her existence; and to live a better life based on continual relationship with his Creator, himself and others. It guides him to properly fulfill his spiritual, physical, social, mental, and emotional needs in order to deal with all life’s requirements, including the development of the world’s social, political and financial systems. It leads him to truly understand his place in the world. An essential part of such understanding is the importance of the family and its constitution; the basic foundations of such institution and the process of forming and maintaining it. It is the essential start that if it is formed correctly would help the human being in touch with himself and the world to understand the value of peace and realize the evil and danger of war and deal with national and international issues.

If people misunderstand Islam, then the problem is not with the religion; rather, it is with peoples’ misunderstanding or misconception of the religion.

End notes

1. A Muslim is commanded not to associate anyone or anything with his belief in and worship of Allah. Allah
says:

“O two companions of the prison are many different lords (gods) better or Allah, the One, the Irresistible? (12: 39)

2. Allah created the angels from light they are created to worship, glorify and praise Him all the time, and to serve His purposes. They never disobey Him. For example: Gabriel is the one who delivers Allah’s message to His messengers. Israiel is the angel who is in charge of death. Malik is in charge of hellfire.

3. There are four books mentioned in the Qur’an: the Torah, the Bible, David Solomon, and the Qur’an.

4. A Muslim believes that this Worldly life is temporal the other life is the eternal life. People will be resurrected with their body and soul. Their conditions in the afterlife will depend on their deeds in this worldly life and the mercy of Allah.

5. Good deeds are the deeds that agree with our nature and promote healthy personal and social life, such as: being just with oneself and others; being good to others especially parents, neighbor and relatives; feeding the poor and being considerate with the needy; being truthful even if it is against one’s interest; working for and helping others, as well as oneself and one’s family; and refraining from drinking and alcohol or taking drugs. In contrast, bad deeds are ones that do not agree with our nature and have negative effects in our health, behavior and life in general. Such deeds are: worshipping partners with Allah. It causes Allah’s anger. Just imagine that you help someone and turn around and thanks someone else, how would you feel? He is the one Who gives everything. A bad deed also is to kill someone without justifiable reason; or creating trouble for others by gossiping, backbiting, slandering, despising; and consuming alcohol and eating pork.

On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone slew a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then although there came to them Our Messengers with Clear Signs, Yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land.

To help those who are interested in gaining more information about the basic foundation of Islam, I refer them to read my book, Islam: Its Meaning, Objectives, and legislative system. If the reader is also interested to know more about the Qur’an and human nature, they are invited to read my book: The relevance of the Qur’an to human nature.

I heard the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, say: “Actions are (judged) by motives (niyyah), so each man will have what he intended. Thus, he whose migration (hijrah) was to Allah and His Messenger, his migration is to Allah and His Messenger; but he whose migration was for some worldly thing he might gain, or for a wife he might marry, his migration is to that for which he migrated.” [Al-Bukhari & Muslim]

عن أمـيـر المؤمنـين أبي حـفص عمر بن الخطاب رضي الله عنه ، قال : سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عـليه وسلم يـقـول : ( إنـما الأعـمـال بالنيات وإنـمـا لكـل امـرئ ما نـوى . فمن كـانت هجرته إلى الله ورسولـه فهجرتـه إلى الله ورسـوله ومن كانت هجرته لـدنيا يصـيبها أو امرأة ينكحها فهجرته إلى ما هاجر إليه ). رواه إمام المحد ثين أبـو عـبـد الله محمد بن إسماعـيل بن ابراهـيـم بن المغـيره بن بـرد زبه البخاري الجعـفي، وابـو الحسـيـن مسلم بن الحجاج بن مـسلم القـشـيري الـنيسـابـوري  رضي الله عنهما في صحيحيهما اللذين هما أصح الكتب المصنفه.

Commentary: According to some Ahadith, the reason for this Hadith is that a person sent a proposal of marriage to a woman named Umm Qais, which she turned down saying that he should have to emigrate to Al-Madinah for it. Accordingly, he did it for this specific purpose, and the two were married there. On account of this event, the man came to be known among the Companions as Muhajir Umm Qais.

On the basis of this Hadith, ‘Ulama’ are of the unanimous opinion that the real basis of one’s actions is Niyyah (intention) and everyone will be requited according to his Niyyah. It is true that Niyyah is founded in one’s heart, that is to say, one has first to make up one’s mind for what he intends to do and he should not express it verbally. In fact, the latter is a Bid’ah (innovation in religion) because no proof of it is found in Shariah.

The point which becomes evident from this Hadith is that Ikhlas (sincerity) is a must for every action. In other words, in every righteous deed, one should seek only the Pleasure of Allah; otherwise, it will not be accepted by Allah.

Abdullah M. Khouj, Director

We hear about happiness from our childhood and we know that it is connected with things that are pleasing to us. It is the opposite of misery. Even though happiness has global meaning, it means different things to differentpeople. It mainly depends on people’s background and their upbringing, as well as their ethical education. To some people, happiness means wealth; to others, it means position, and still to others, it means power and control. Even though these factors are the means to happiness, they are not the ends.

Islam teaches that human happiness does not originate from any of these above mentioned factors, and to a believer, a Muslim, happiness has a very different meaning. To better understand the meaning of happiness in Islam, Anas narrated the Prophet (Pbuh) as saying, “Whoever’s concern was the afterlife, Allah makes his richness between his eyes, gathers his inner self, and the worldly life will come to him with compliance. And whoever’s concern was for the worldly life, Allah will make his poverty between his eyes[1], disunite him[2] and he will not get anything from this worldly life except what has been written for him.” (Tirmidi)

In another hadith, the Prophet says, “Whoever wakes up and feels safe in his flock, feels healthy in his body, and owns his daily sustenance, it is as if he owns this worldly life.” (AI Nawawi Riyadh as Salaheen)

In these two hadith, the Prophet (Pbuh) draws an objective for a Muslims life, his means for happiness, and how to go about achieving it. He (Pbuh) clearly shows Muslims that happiness is not only in collecting money, or holding a position, or having a child; it is not only in gaining knowledge, and it cannot be found in any of the luxuries or joy of this worldly life. If happiness is found only in these things then we would find that the people of the highly advanced, sophisticated and rich countries are happy. But, reality shows the opposite.

In an article published in May 11, 2007 explains that according to WHO (world health organization) statistics, one person commits suicide every 40 seconds. Suicide rates all over the world have increased by 5-62% in the last two decades. Hardly any country is immune to this disease. What’s disturbing is that more young people are killing themselves than ever before. After the author writes about his short coming of the research he divides the countries into four groups depending in their suicide rates:

Group 1 (High suicide rate): Europe and major parts of Asia.

Group 2 (a medium high suicide rate): Countries like Belgium (21), Finland (20) Switzerland (18), Austria (18] France (17.6), S. Korea (17.9) and Japan (23.8] too have a fairly high rate of suicide.

Group 3 (medium suicide rate), only China and India seem to fit.

Group 4, with its low suicide rates? Well, there was no data from the Muslim countries.

Somehow, we recently witness the suicide rates are getting higher in some Arab and Muslim countries. Many people refer that to the economic instability. In an article published in the New York Times on April 22, 2011 Tara parker noted that in Sweden, Denmark even though the capital income for an individual is very high and the society is modem, there are high rates of suicide. Europe and America, also known for its people of wealth, knowledge, and industry, have certain unhappy symptoms of anxiety, restlessness, crimes, and suicide. This is an indication that wealth, prestige, and position are only means to happiness if we utilize them in a proper way. Many people are wealthy and have all the means for happiness but they are missing something that they don’t have. Allah draws the Prophet’s (Pbuh) attention to these facts when He says:

“Let not their wealth nor their following in sons dazzle thee: in reality God’s plan is to punish them with the things of this worldly life, and that their souls may perish in their very denial of God.” (9:55)

We can see that scientific technology, industry, inventions, wealth, and children alone did not make the people who have all these means happy. Sometimes, wealth, if it is not managed properly, can be destructive. Also children, if they are not educated and raised properly may be troublesome for their family and cause them grief.

For these reasons, the Prophet (pbuh) clarifies to the believers that happiness is an inner contentment. It comes from the intensity of one’s belief and the depths of one’s self and is established in one’s feelings and exhibited in his/her behavior. In this sense, happiness is comfort, peace, hope, contentment, satisfaction, and love. All of these traits are the fruit of a true faith coupled with sincere and lasting work to utilize and use, whatever Allah has given to human being in this worldly life. Happiness is not isolated to a dress to wear, food we enjoy eating, prestige we gain, or honor we earn. All of these, without a pragmatic aim and a correct picture of life, would be useless.

The Prophet (pbuh) clarifies that the believer is happy and content as long as he/she returns to Allah and requests from Him to comfort his soul and make him/her content. This was one of his supplications:

“O Allah I ask You a soul (self) that is contented with You; accepting Your decree, contented with what You give, and believe in meeting You.”

Contentment is the cause of happiness specially if the basic elements of this contentment are fulfilled. The first: is to accept what Allah decrees. That makes a person receives such decree with patience and thanks. A person would not feel arrogant when he has and would not feel despaired when he does not have. This leads to the second matter that is to be content with Allah’s gifts. Contentment is a trait of a natural personality. A healthy personality is the one that accept the decree of Allah and content of what He gives and does not envy, hold grudges or complain against Allah’s will. A contented self is the one that is saved from all kind of greed illnesses. Thus, the third matter is to meet with the Creator. This matter in particular makes the human being more ready to reach the higher levels of being human because it informs the human being about functions in this life as well as his/her responsibilities. A human being thus, becomes clear on how to please Allah and fulfills His mandates; even though he/she is under stress or suffering an illness or taking the oppression of poverty and deprivation, or facing oppression or torture, even death.

Islam draws the human being’s attention toward his true aim in life and shows him/her the best ways to reach them, to be happy in this worldly life, and to be successful in the hereafter.

Allah says:  

“We have not sent down the Qur’an to thee to be an occasion for thy distress.” (20:2)

He also said:

 “He said: “Get ye down, both of you, all together, from the Garden, with emnity one to another: but if, as is sure, there comes to you guidance from Me, whosoever follows My guidance, will not lose his way, nor fall into misery. But whosoever turns away from My Message, verily for him is a life narrowed down, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Judgment.” (20:123-124)

These verses show that the Qur’an contains the means for human happiness. It helps people come out of their misery and leads them to the straight path. It also shows that Islam aims to help people achieve happiness, comfort, and peace. It leads people to freedom by showing them the means for a happy life. Allah says in the Qur’an:

 “O mankind! There hath come to you a direction from your Lord and a healing for the disease in your hearts, and for those who believe Guidance and a Mercy. Say: “In the Bounty of God and in His Mercy, in that let them rejoice”: that is better than the wealth they hoard.” (10:57-58)

Ibn Kathir says that people should be happy with what they have received from Allah that is guidance and truth. It is better than the perishable, materialistic gains of this worldly life. These gains are like beautiful roses that we enjoy for a certain time and then they wilt and fade away.

Islam does not command Muslims to live the life of a vagabond. Rather, it commands the Muslim to be moderate in all aspects of his life. Allah says:

“But seek, with the wealth which God has bestowed on thee, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget thy portion in this world: but do thou good, as God has been good to thee, and seek not occasions for mischief in the land: For God loves not those who do mischief” (28:77)

Ibn Kathir says in the interpretation of this verse that a person has to use what Allah has given him/her of wealth and gifts in worshipping Allah and to be closer to Him. And to offer the things that would make a person gain success in this worldly life and the reward of Allah in the hereafter. A person does not have to forget to live a good life according to what Allah has described and to enjoy the good things in life.

 Say: Who hath forbidden the beautiful (gifts) of Allah, which He hath produced for His servants, and the things, clean and pure, (which He hath provided) for sustenance? Say: They are, in the life of this world, for those who believe, (and) purely for them on the Day of Judgment. Thus do We explain the Signs in detail for those who understand.

This verse came after the following verse:

“O Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer: eat and drink: but waste not by excess, for Allah loveth not the wasters.”

Allah has mandated on the individual certain duties he has to fulfill. An individual’s self has certain duties toward himself. His family has certain duties on him and his relatives have certain duties on him, as well as his neighbors. He has to do good things with people as Allah has been good with him. He should not misuse his wealth his health to seek corruption and hurt others.

Allah made things lawful to us to enjoy and be content and to be grateful to Him for these gifts. He has also prohibited certain things and commanded us to avoid them in order to save us from harming ourselves and others. Even the things He allowed us to enjoy we should enjoy in moderation, because some of these things can be a double edged sword if we use them excessively or in the wrong way.

Gaining wealth is allowed in Islam through legal and pure means. It is a gift from Allah. Misusing this gift, could lead the human and the society to destruction. Besides wealth, the individual holds this wealth to manipulate others or to ruin the economy and destroy his society. For wealth to give its fruits, it should be used in proper means to give a certain percent in charity, using it to perform Hajj, providing for the benefit of others, even using it in business with good manners. The Prophet (Pbuh) says:

 “The honest and the trusted merchant are with those who died in the cause of Allah at the Day of Judgment.” (Ibn Magid)

Also, when the individual spends his wealth on his family and his children or on those who are under his care, he will get rewarded from Allah. The Prophet (pbuh) says:

 “Whoever works and makes his intention to make a comfortable life for his wife, his children, and whoever is under his care, and establishes with them the command of Allah, and feeds them halal, it is a must that Allah will make him with those who died in His cause in their degree.” (AI Tabarani, Al Jamia Al Kabir)

Allah raises in rank or degrees those whom He wills, and the gifts that He gives to these individuals are many. Among them are, power, health, prestige, progress, development, and advancement in medicine. These gifts, when used properly, benefit the individual as well as the community. When a person is powerful or prestigious, his degree of influence is best used when it follows Allah’s will. In doing so this abilities are aimed toward a positive goal and serve to benefit himself and others. When a person enjoys good health, he not only functions well, but he can utilize life’s resources. However, if he uses his health to oppress or cause harm to others, then his good health does not serve to do good by assisting those who are less fortunate. Rather he gains isolation and hate.

The world we live in has been inundated with technology, progress, and development. Although this is necessary and is promoted in Islam, these topics can turn toward the detriment of the community if they are not proceeded with carefully. Islam has always encouraged progress and development and has often led the way in technology. However, it has been kept in mind that advancement is best realized when it is according to Allah’s mandates and aims toward benefitting the life of the whole society; rather the whole world.

Advancement in the field of medicine would be beneficial if it is used to help the better functioning of human life. Otherwise, what is the value of an immoral doctor or a scientist who aims toward the destruction of human life? Through these examples, we can realize how important it is for individuals to utilize the gifts that Allah has given them to benefit themselves and others. In doing so, they can find an inner fulfillment and joy through giving. When giving is done according to Allah’s will and not for self appreciation, then an individual finds the true meaning of happiness through their actions regardless of the circumstances.

As we witness the current event we realize that many non-Muslims perceive Muslims as back worded and quick to react. This is not the case with all Muslims. The Qur’an (the Muslims Book of Guidance) calls for a healthy normal human life that is congruent with the natural make up of the human being to create healthy individual, society, nation and nations. Allah the Creator shows that all could be achieved through the proper knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge in general and divine knowledge in particular helped us reach this level of advancement. Such advancement facilitated faster communication and clear understandings of human relations to reduce the lack of understand among people about each other. Communication is a key to human relation especially when it comes to religious values and their effects in our lives as human beings.

To make use of technology and its tools, our site presents the basic foundations of Islam and its teaching as a divine religion.

Islam is not a new religion, but a continuation, confirmation, and completion of the previously revealed divine messages sent in stages, and poured out in measure to mankind. Allah says:

“This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed my favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion” (5:3)

As our needs grow to understand Islam, this site focuses on the basic principles of Islam and shows that Islam is the guidance and light needed to achieve the proper life for better psychological and social health along with scientific advancement.

Director

Abdullah M. Khouj

By the grace and blessings of Allah, we have launched our new website.  It has more features to benefit the ummah insha’Allah.  Though it is fully functional at the moment, we will be populating the site with more information, services and functionalities over time insha’Allah so stay tuned.

We are in the process of bringing the bookstore online.  Insha’Allah our plans are to upload weekly khutbas, arabic classes for kids and other educational material.  So far we have the The Quran section with a very powerful Quran application, courtesy of the GlobalQuran project, and information or an instructional video on the five pillars of Islam.

May Allah bless and protect the Ummah of Muhammad SAW, and May He also bless you.

Jazak Allah Khair

Web Development Team

Shuaib

How to perform Wudhu ( Ablution ). Required for performing Salah or reading the Holy Qur’an Book.

—————-The proof mentioned————-

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “There is no wudu for him who does not mention Allah’s name upon it.” (Sahih – Ibn Maajah, At-Tirmithee, Abu Dawood, and others)

Humran (RA) narrates that Uthman (RA) called for water to make wudu and washed his hands three times… then said, “I saw Rasoolullah (SAW) make wudu just as I have made wudu.” (Sahih – Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “When you make wudu then wash your mouth.” (Sahih – Al-Baihaqee)

The Prophet (SAW) said, “When one of you makes wudu then let him enter water into his nose, then expel it.” (Sahih – Al-Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood)
Abd Khair (RA) said, “We were sitting looking towards Ali (RA) – as he made Wudu – and he entered into his mouth a handful of water with his right hand and washed his mouth and nose, then expelled it from his nose with his left hand – he did that three times, then said, ‘Whoever would like to see the way of purification of Rasoolullah (SAW) – then this is his purification.’” (Sahih – Ad-Daarimee)

Allah (SWT) said, “O you who believe! When you intend to offer prayer, wash your faces and your hands (fore-arms) up to the elbows, rub (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to ankles…” (Al-Ma’idah 5:6)

Humran ibn Abaan (RA) narrates that Uthman (RA) called for water to make wudu and so mentioned the way in which the Prophet (SAW) made wudu. Humran (RA) said, “Then he washed his face three times.” (Sahih – Al-Bukhari, Muslim)

Anas (RA) narrates that the Prophet (SAW), when he made wudu, used to take a handful of water and enter it below his chin and rub it through his beard and said, “This is what my Lord – the Great and Exalted – has ordered me to do.” (Sahih – Abu Dawood, Al-Baihaqee, Al-Haakim)

Allah (SWT) said, “O you who believe! When you intend to offer prayer, wash your faces and your hands (fore-arms) up to the elbows, rub (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to ankles…” (Al-Ma’idah 5:6)

Nu’aim ibn Mijmar (RA) said, “I saw Abu Hurairah make wudu – he washed his face and completed the wudu, then washed his right hand until he reached the upper arm, then his left hand till he reached the upper arm” – then in the end of the Hadith he said: “This is how I saw Rasoolullah (SAW) make wudu.’” (Sahih – Muslim)

Allah (SWT) said, “O you who believe! When you intend to offer prayer, wash your faces and your hands (fore-arms) up to the elbows, rub (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to ankles…” (Al-Ma’idah 5:6)

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “The two ears are a part of the head.” (Sahih – At-Tirmithee, Abu Dawood, and Ibn Maajah)

From Abdullah ibn Amr (RA) – about the way of performing wudu – he (SAW) said, “Then he (SAW) wiped his head and entered his two forefingers into his ears and wiped the backs of his ears with his thumbs”. (Sahih – Abu Dawood, An-Nasaa’ee, Ibn Maajah, Ibn Khuzaimah)

Ar-Rabee bint Mu’awwidh (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW), “Wiped his head with water remaining in his hand”. (Hasan – Abu Dawood and others)

Allah (SWT) said, “O you who believe! When you intend to offer prayer, wash your faces and your hands (fore-arms) up to the elbows, rub (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to ankles…” (Al-Ma’idah 5:6)

“Ibn Umar (RA) said, “Rasoolullah (SAW) fell behind us and then came upon us during a journey, then we found him and it was time for ‘Asr – so we began to make Wudu and wipe over our feet, so he (SAW) called out at the top of his voice, ‘Woe to the ankles from the Fire. (two or three times)’” (Sahih – Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

“Al-Mustaurad (RA) said, “When the Prophet (SAW) made wudu he would enter the water between his toes with his little finger.” (Sahih – Abu Dawood, At-Tirmithee, and Ibn Maajah)

Rasoolullah (SAW) said, “None of you makes wudu and completes the wudu then says: “Ash hadu an la ilaha illal lahu wah dahu la shareeka lahu wa ash hadu an-na muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasulhu” except that all eight Gates of Paradise are opened for him – so that he enters by whichever he pleases.” (Sahih – Muslim, Abu Dawood, At-Tirmithee, An-Nasaa’ee, Ibn Maajah)

“Allah hum maj ‘alnee minat taw-wabeena, waj ‘alnee minal muta tah-hireen.” (Sahih – At-Tirmithee)