At Ask Me Help Desk you can ask questions in any topic and have them
answered for free by our experts. To ask questions or participate in
answering them you must register for a free account. By registering you
will be able to:
Get free answers from experts in any of our 300+
topics.
3-His Books
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:253)
“Say ( O Muslims ), " We believe in Allâh and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Ibrâhim ( Abraham ), Ismâ'il ( Ishmael ), Ishâque ( Isaac ), Ya'qûb ( Jacob ), and to Al-Asbât [ the twelve sons of Ya'qûb ( Jacob ) ], and that which has been given to Mûsa ( Moses ) and 'Iesa ( Jesus ), and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islâm ). "
4-His Messengers 5-The Last Day
6-Divine pre-ordainment.
Surah Al Hadid (57:22,23)
“No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfûz), before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allâh.
In order that you may not be sad over matters that you fail to get, nor rejoice because of that which has been given to you. And Allâh likes not prideful boasters.”
Five Pillars of Islam
1-Ash-Shahadah (The testimony)
“To bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and that Muhammad (Pbuh) is the messenger of Allah.”
2-As-Salat (The prayer)
Five obligatory prayers that must be performed within the prescribed time. The significance of prayer is that it is the link between the Almighty and the believer, it is believed to be the first deed for which one will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment.
The prayer is a sign that distinguishes between Islam and disbelief.
3-Zakat (obligatory alms-giving)
For each of the different kinds of wealth
livestock, gold and silver, merchandise that is meant for sale, fruits and grains.
there is a minimum amount, that if one possesses that amount ,he must give Zakat when the year ends.
The exception is for grains and fruits, because Zakat for those items is due when they grow completely and become ripe, even if a year had not passed.
The Zakat wealth is given to the deserving, and the categories are of people who deserve Zakat are listed in the following verse:
Surah At-Taubah( 9 :60)
“As-Sadaqât (here it means Zakât) are only for the Fuqarâ'[] (poor), and Al-Masâkin[] (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and for to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islâm); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allâh's Cause, and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allâh. And Allâh is All-Knower, All-Wise.”
4-Fasting the month of Ramadan
Fasting the month of Ramadan is to abstain from food, drink and sexual intercourse from the time of early morning prayer till sunset.
By fasting, a Muslim benefits spiritually and physically. One of the spiritual benefits of fasting is that one feels for those who are poor, and who spends long periods of time without food and drink.
Those who are ill or on a long journey have the option of making up the same number of days he could not fast during Ramadan to be fasted before the next Ramadan.
Those who are old and unable to fast have the choice of fasting or feeding a poor person for each day they are unable to fast.
The month of Ramadan is also believed to be the month the Quran was revealed. Muslims in the month of Ramadan increase recitation of the Quran and try harder to stay away from all that is vile, like lying etc.
5-Hajj (Pilgrimage to the sacred House)
It is obligatory for a Muslim to perform Hajj at least once in his lifetime, and he/she must fulfill the following-
He/She is sane
Has reached the age of puberty
Is able-financially and physically to perform the Hajj.
Reference-
Explanation of Important Lessons (For every Muslim)-Written by Abdul-Aziz bin Abdulllah bin Baz .Compiled by Muhammad bin Ali bin Ibrahim Al Arfaj
Yes, and even though if Ramadan came and you recited Qur'aan alot, worshipped Allah(S.W.T), did everything good, and never did evil, you should'nt be acting bad and evil when the month of Ramadan ends.. Our religion should be always doing the right thing. Yes Allah(S.W.T) gave us fun[There are limits], in fact he does allow us to do stuff...but something he wont be angry of, or something that he warned us about in the Qur'aan. we should always be ready for death and dont do the evil...Or something bad we doo and we say"it is just small". That's wrong, In the sight of Allah (S.W.T), one little bad thing may affect you badly. And sometimes one little help or good you did may lead you to Paradise, just for that little thing you did, saved you from Hell Fire. So you never know what comes around. Always be ready, live life, but live it with the happiness that Allah (S.W.T) has old us. And remeber Allah (S.W.T) did all these rules to protect us. And oh yah, Allah (S.W.T) is always there for you, whenever you make duaa {asking} or pray for him, he's there and watching everything. He loves you, so love him back by worshipping him the way you want. I'm not saying sitt down and worship..All the good your doing for the Sakke of Allah (S.W.T) is a worship.
What does Islam mean?
The Arabic word "Islam" means the submission or surrender of one's will to the only true god worthy of worship "Allah" and anyone who does so is termed a "Muslim", The word also implies "peace" which is the natural consequence of total submission to the will of Allah.
Is Muhammad (pbuh) the founder of Islam and do Muslims worship him?
He is not the founder of Islam.He is the last Prophet amongst many prophets and messengers; some are mentioned in the Quran.
Muhammad(pbuh) is not considered divine and he is not worshipped by Muslims.
Quran (3:144) “Muhammad (Pbuh) is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels (as disbelievers)? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allâh, and Allâh will give reward to those who are grateful.”
Do Muslims worship the Stone building in Mecca?
Muslims do not worship the building in Mecca called the Kaaba, but this building determines the direction of worship. Wherever a Muslim may be, they will face the direction of the Kaaba at least five times everyday or even more when they pray the non-obligatory but very rewarding additional prayers.
Does Islam consider race to be a factor?
A Muslim can be of any nation or race.
Anyone who considers himself or herself to be a Muslim must not differentiate between different races or make claims that Islam is for one certain race.
The religion of Islam was revealed for all societies and all times and it accommodates widely differing social requirements. Circumstances warrant the need of another wife but the right is granted, according to the Quran, only on condition that the husband is fair between his wives.
Quran( 4:3)….then marry (other) women of your choice, two or three, or four but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one or that your right hands possess. That is nearer to prevent you from doing injustice.”
Multiple wives although permitted is not as widely practiced as people think. For a Muslim man it is a huge responsibility to take care of his family, let alone more than one wife, because he knows that he will be questioned by the Almighty for his treatment of his family, his wives and all his other deeds on the Day of Judgement.
Eating habits of Muslims
Quran (5:3,4)
“Forbidden to you (for food) are: Al-Maytatah (the dead animals - cattle-beast not slaughtered), blood, the flesh of swine, and the meat of that which has been slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allâh, or has been slaughtered for idols, etc., or on which Allâh's Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering, and that which has been killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, or by a headlong fall, or by the goring of horns - and that which has been (partly) eaten by a wild animal - unless you are able to slaughter it (before its death) and that which is sacrificed (slaughtered) on AnNusub[] (stone altars). (Forbidden) also is to use arrows seeking luck or decision, (all) that is Fisqun (disobedience of Allâh and sin). This day, those who disbelieved have given up all hope of your religion, so fear them not, but fear Me. This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islâm as your religion. But as for him who is forced by severe hunger, with no inclination to sin (such can eat these above-mentioned meats), then surely, Allâh is OftForgiving, Most Merciful.
They ask you (O Muhammad SAW) what is lawful for them (as food). Say: "Lawful unto you are AtTayyibât [all kind of Halâl (lawful good) foods which Allâh has made lawful (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk products, fats, vegetables and fruits, etc.)]. And those beasts and birds of prey which you have trained as hounds, training and teaching them (to catch) in the manner as directed to you by Allâh; so eat of what they catch for you, but pronounce the Name of Allâh over it, and fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is Swift in reckoning."
Can a Muslim be a vegetarian?
A Muslim cannot believe in vegetarianism as a part of faith or belief. A Muslim may be a vegetarian due to his/her personal dislike of certain meat or meat products or due to medical/dietary requirements.
Is Alcohol forbidden for Muslims?
Yes , and all other intoxicants.
Quran (5:90-91)''O you who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, dedication of stones, and divination by arrows, are an abomination, of Satan's handiwork: eschew such abominations that you may prosper."
Satan's plan is but to excite enmity and hatred between you, with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah, and from prayer: will you not then abstain?''
As can be seen, this prohibition extends not only to alcohol but to all intoxicants. It includes any activity that clouds the mind and is addictive to the point that it hinders one from the worship of Allah.
Muslim women cover their head and wear long dresses,why?
A woman wears the "hijab",in order to follow the commands of Allah in the Quran.
We believe that by following the commands of Allah we are drawing closer to Him by obeying the rules and obligations set by Allah for every muslim.
Quran (33:59)
"O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks all over their bodies. That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful."
Quran (24:30,31)
"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.). That is purer for them. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what they do."
"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent, and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, necks and bosoms, etc.) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husband's sons, their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful."
Personally as a muslim woman,when I started to wear the hijab,I felt better about who I was and what I wanted to be.
By covering up except for my hands and face,I did not have to worry about how my body looked in the clothes I wore or if my hair was in the latest style or if I looked fatter or thinner than the norm.
Not to say I was the type who worried about such things before,but it sure does cross all of our minds one time or another and wonder if we are dressed right.
By dressing in accordance to Islamic criteria,it helps us take our focus off our physical selves and puts the world into perspective that we are not here to see who looks more beautiful or more fashionable but to live right,pious lives and prepare for a day when we will be judged for our deeds and not our looks.
What about the face veil?
There is a difference of opinion regarding the face veil that some scholars are of the opinion that it is obligatory,while others deem it to be non-obligatory but a recommended practice.
Most women who do wear "niqab" or face veil believe it to be the right way and believe that they are emulating the "Mothers of believers" or the wives(May Allah be please with them) of the Prophet (pbuh).
What is the Islamic Year?
The Islamic year started from the migration (Hijra) of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD. It is a lunar year of 354 days. The first month is called Muharram. 2007-2008 AD is in Islamic year 1428-1429 AH.
The Islamic twelve months are:
1. Muharram
2. Safar
3. Rabi' al-awwal (Rabi' I)
4. Rabi' al-thani (Rabi' II)
5. Jumada al-awwal (Jumada I)
6. Jumada al-thani (Jumada II)
7. Rajab
8. Sha'ban
9. Ramadan
10. Shawwal
11. Dhu al-Qi'dah
12. Dhu al-Hijjah
What are the major Islamic festivals?
Idul Fitre, marks the end of fasting in the month of Ramadan and is celebrated with public prayers, feasts and exchange of gifts. Idul Adha marks the end of the Hajj or the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. After the public prayers, those who can afford, sacrifice a lamb or a goat to signify Prophet Abraham's(alaihi salaam) obedience to God, shown by his readiness to sacrifice his son Ishmael(alaihi salaam).
How do Muslims treat the aged?
In the Islamic world, it is rare to find “old people’s homes.” The strain of caring for one’s parents in this most difficult time of their lives is considered an honor and a blessing and good for spiritual growth. In Islam, it is not enough that we only pray for our parents, but we should act with limitless compassion, remembering that when we were helpless as children, they preferred us to themselves. Mothers are particularly honored. When Muslim parents reach old age, they are treated mercifully, with kindness and selflessness.
In Islam, serving one’s parents is a duty second to prayer, and it is their right to expect it. It is considered despicable to express any irritation when, through no fault of their own, the aged become difficult.
Quran, 17:23-24
" Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to your parents. If one of them or both of them reach old age with you, do not say to them a word of disrespect, or scold them, but say a generous word to them. And act humbly to them in mercy, and say, “My Lord, have mercy on them, since they cared for me when I was small.”
What are Jinn?
Allah created Jinn from the smokeless flame of a fire. Jinn, like angels, are unseen creatures. Unlike angels, however, Jinn are not sinless and have the potential to disobey Allah. The first Jinn recorded to have disobeyed Allah was Iblis. He was then called Shaytan, and any Jinn who is disobedient to Allah is referred to, in general as a shaytan (satan). Muttaqun OnLine - Jinn: According to Quran and Sunnah
Muslims believe in angels?
Muslims do believe in angels. We believe they are made of light. They are invisible to us and are neither male nor female. Angels are spiritual beings (not possessing physical bodies) and are sinless. They never disobey Allah in what He commands them, and act as they are commanded.
What is the worst sin in Islam?
Worship of anyone other than Allah is the greatest sin. It is called "shirk", and this is not forgiven except through repentance.
Masjid/mosque?
Masjid is the place of worship for muslims.It is recommended to pray in congregation all five prayers,Friday prayer,Eid prayers, etc.
Objects in masjids do not represent any great significance. There are no idols inside the mosque.
The characteristics of a masjid are:
-That it must be purified from dirt and impure things.
-The praying person must face in the direction of Mecca inside the Masjid.
-It is not favored to decorate mosques excessively, but moderately — the simpler the better as decorations will be a distraction while praying.
Men and women are segragated in prayer, as it would be distracting to men and women to stand beside the opposite sex during a time when we need to focus on praying to the Almighty.
What is the Quran?
Muslims believe Quran to be the last revealed word of Allah. It is the primary source of every Muslim’s faith and practice. It deals with all the subjects which concern human beings: wisdom, doctrine, worship, transactions, law, etc., but its basic theme is the relationship between Allah and His creatures.Quran is a guideline for muslims in our belief in Allah.
The Quran was revealed to Muhammad (pbuh)in Arabic only. So, any Quranic translation, either in English or any other language is only a translation or transliteration of the meaning of the Quran. The original Quran exists only in the Arabic in which it was revealed 1400 or so years ago.
This link has the transliteration of the whole Quran. Muttaqun OnLine: The Noble Quran
Muslims learn to at least recite some chapters/surahs of the Quran in Arabic,which are neccessary for the five daily prayers.There are many muslims who can recite the whole Quran by heart.
"In Islam, the Arabic word sunnah has come to denote the way Prophet Muhammad (saas), the Messenger of Allah, lived his life. The Sunnah is the second source of Islamic jurisprudence, the first being the Qur'an. Both sources are indispensable; one cannot practice Islam without consulting both of them. The Arabic word hadith (pl. ahadith) is very similar to Sunnah, but not identical. A hadith is a narration about the life of the Prophet (saas) or what he approved - as opposed to his life itself, which is the Sunnah as already mentioned." USC-MSA Compendium of Muslim Texts
------------------------
Islam on War?
Islam permits fighting in self-defense, in defense of religion, or on the part of those who have been expelled forcibly from their homes.
Quran (2:190,191,192,193)
"And fight in the Way of Allâh those who fight you, but transgress not the limits. Truly, Allâh likes not the transgressors.
And kill them wherever you find them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out. And Al-Fitnah is worse than killing. And fight not with them at Al-Masjid-al-Harâm (the sanctuary at Makkah), unless they (first) fight you there. But if they attack you, then kill them. Such is the recompense of the disbelievers.
"But if they cease, then Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. "
"And fight them until there is no more Fitnah and (all and every kind of) worship is for Allâh (Alone).But if they cease, let there be no transgression except against Az-Zâlimûn (wrong-doers, etc.)."
Quran (4:29,30)
"O you who believe! Eat not up your property among yourselves unjustly except it be a trade amongst you, by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allâh is Most Merciful to you."
"And whoever commits that through aggression and injustice, We shall cast him into the Fire, and that is easy for Allâh."
Linear Mode
