WHAT IS ISLAM

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 WHAT IS ISLAM?
Can we find an explanation of the great universe? Is there any convincing
interpretation of the secret of existence? We realize that no family can
function properly without a responsible head, that no city can prosperously
exist without sound administration, and that no state can survive without a
leader of some kind. We also realize that nothing comes into being on its
own. Moreover, we observe that the universe exists and functions in the most
orderly manner, and that it has survived for hundreds of thousand of years.
Can we then say that all this is accidental and haphazard? Can we attribute
the existence of man and the whole world to mere chance.
Man represents only a very small portion of the great universe. And if he
can make plans and appreciate the merits of planning, then his own existence
and the survival of the universe must also be a planned policy. This means
that there is an extraordinary power to bring things into being and keep
them moving in order.
In the world then must be a great force in action to keep everything in
order. In the beautiful nature there must be a Great creator who creates the
most charming pieces of art produces every thing for a special purpose in
life. The deeply enlightened people recognize this creator and call him
Allah "God". He is not a man because no man can create or make another man.
He is not an animal, nor he is a plant. He is neither an Idol nor is He a
statue of any kind because non of these things can make itself or create
anything else. He is different from all these things because he is the maker
and keeper of them all. The maker of anything must be different from and
greater than things which he makes.
There are various ways to know God "ALLAH'' and there are many things to
tell about him. The great wonders and impressive marvels of the world are
like open books in which we can read about God. Besides, God Himself comes
to our aid through the many Messengers and revelations He has sent down to
man. These Messengers and revelations tell us everything we need to know
about God.
The complete acceptance of the teachings and guidance of God 'Allah' as
revealed to His Messengers Muhammad is the religion of Islam. Islam enjoins
faith in the oneness and sovereignty of Allah, which makes man aware of
meaningfulness of the Universe and of his place in it. This belief frees him
from all fears and superstitions by making him conscious of the presence of
the Almighty Allah and of man's obligations towards Him. This faith must be
expressed and tested in actions, faith alone is not enough. Belief in one
God requires that we look upon all humanity as one family under the
universal Omnipotence of God the Creator and Nourisher of all. Islam rejects
the idea of chosen people, making belief in God and good actions the only
way to heaven. Thus, a direct relationship in established with God, without
any intercessor.
Islam is not a new religion. It is, in essence, the same message and
guidance which Allah revealed to all Prophets. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ismael,
David, Moses and Jesus (PBUT). But the message which was revealed to Prophet
Mohammed (PBUT) is Islam in its comprehensive, complete and final form.
The Quran is the last revealed word of Allah and the basic source of Islamic
teachings and laws. The Quran deals with the basis of creeds, morality,
history of humanity, worship, knowledge, wisdom, God-man relationship, and
human relationship in all aspects. Comprehensive teaching on which, can be
built sound systems of social justice, economics, politics, legislation,
jurisprudence, law and international relations, are important contents of
the Quran. Hadith, the teachings, sayings and actions of Prophet Mohammed
(PBUT), meticulously reported and collected by his devoted companions.
Explained and elaborated the Quranic verses.
THE FUNDAMENTAL ARTICLES OF FAITH IN ISLAM
The true faithful Muslim believes in the following Principal articles of
faith:-
1. He believes in One God 'Allah', Supreme and Eternal, Infinite and Mighty,
Merciful and Compassionate, Creator and Provider.
2. He believes in all Messengers of God without any discrimination among
them. Every known nation had a warner or Messenger from God. They were
chosen by God to teach mankind and deliver His divine message. The Quran
mentions the name of twenty five of them. Among them Mohammad stands as the
last Messenger and the crowning glory of the foundation of Prophethood.
3. Muslin believes in all scriptures and revelations of God. They were the
guiding light which the Messengers received to show their respected peoples
the Right Path of God. In the Quran a special reference is made to the books
of Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus. But long before the revelations has been
lost or corrupted. The only authentic and complete book of God in existence
in the Quran.
4. The true Muslim believes in the Angels of Allah. They are purely
spiritual and splendid beings whose nature requires on food, drink or sleep.
They spend their days and nights in the worship of God.
5. Muslim believes in the last Day of Judgement. This world will come to an
end someday, and the dead will rise to stand for their final and fair trial.
People with good records will be generously, rewarded and warmly welcomed to
the Heaven of Allah, and those with bad records will be punished and cast
into Hell.
6. Muslim believes in the timeless knowledge of God and His power to plan
and execute His planes and nothing could happen in His Kingdom against His
will. His knowledge and power are in action at all times and command over
His creation. He is wise and merciful, and whatever He does must have a
meaningful purpose. If this is established in our mind and hearts, we should
accept with good faith all that He does, although we may fail to under stand
it fully, or think it is bad.
THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM
Faith without actions arid practice is a dead end, as far as Islam is
concerned. Faith by nature is very sensitive and can be most effective. When
it is not out of practice or out of use, it quickly loses its liveliness and
motivation power.
There are five pillars of Islam:
1. The declaration of faith: To bear witness that there is none worthy of
worship except Allah, and that Mohammad (PBUH) is His Messenger to all human
beings till the Day of Judgment. The Prophethood of Mohammad obliges the
Muslims to follow, His exemplary life as a model.
2. Prayers: Daily, prayers are offered five times a day as a duty towards
Allah. They strengthen and enliven the belief in Allah and inspire man to a
higher morality. They purify the heart and prevent temptation towards
wrong - doings and evil.
3. Fasting the month of Ramadan. The Muslims during the month of Ramadan not
only abstain from food, drink and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset but
also sincerity and devotion. It develops a sound social conscience,
patience, unselfishness and will - Power.
4. Zakkah: The literal and simple meaning of Zakkah is purity. The technical
meaning of this word designates the annual amount in kind or coin which a
Muslim with means must distribute among the rightful beneficiaries. But the
religious and spiritual significance of Zakkah is much deeper and more
lively. So it has humanitarian and sociopolitical values.
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah): It is to be performed once in a lifetime, if
one can afford it financially and physically.
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