Tell them about Islam

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Islam (Arabic: الإسلام; al-'islām (help·info)) is a monotheistic religion originating with the teachings of Muhammad, a 7th century Arab religious and political figure. It is the second-largest religion in the world today, with an estimated 1.4 billion adherents, spread across the globe, known as Muslims. Linguistically, Islam means "submission", referring to the total surrender of one's self to God (Arabic: الله, Allāh), and a Muslim is "one who submits (to God)".

Muslims believe that God revealed the Qur'an to Muhammad and that Muhammad is God's final prophet. The Qur'an and the traditions of Muhammad in the Sunnah are regarded as the fundamental sources of Islam. Muslims do not regard Muhammad as the founder of a new religion but as the restorer of the original monotheistic faith of Adam, Ibrahim and other prophets whose messages had become corrupted over time (or according to some authorities only misinterpreted). Like Judaism, Christianity, and the Bahá'í Faith, Islam is an Abrahamic religion.

Today, Muslims may be found throughout the world, particularly in the Middle East and North, West and East Africa. Some of the most populous majority-Muslim countries are in South and Southeast Asia. Other concentrations are found in Central Asia. Only about 20 percent of Muslims originate from Arab countries. Islam is the second largest religion after Christianity in many European countries, such as France, which has the largest Muslim population in Western Europe, and the United Kingdom.

from the encyclopedia

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Islam is a universal religion. The Messengers prior to the advent of the Prophet Muhammad were sent to their respective people, as the Qur'an says: "We did indeed send, before you, Messengers to their (respective) people, and they came to them with clear signs." ( Holy Qur'an, 30:47)

The Prophet Muhammad was not sent to a particular tribe, race or set of people, but rather to all mankind, as the Qur'an states: "We have not sent you but as a Messenger to all mankind, giving them glad tidings, and warning them (against sin), but most of men know not." (Holy Qur'an, 34:28)

"Say: 'O mankind! I am sent unto you all, as the Messenger of Allah, to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth." (7:158) "We sent you not but as a mercy for all the nations." (Holy Qur'an, 21:107)

These and similar other Verses of the Qur'an point to the fact that there is now no question of race or nation, or of a "chosen people" or the "seed of Abraham" or that of David; of Jew or gentile, Arab or non-Arab, white or colored. The expression "all mankind" in the above-mentioned Verses point to the universal and everlasting character of the message of Islam.

It is worthwhile to note here that all the Messengers before Muhammad came with certain miracles to lend support to the message to their time and the place where they were sent. Moses had a rod which, when he threw it, would turn into a snake. He did this in the presence of the Pharaoh to prove to him and to his magicians that he was truly sent from God.

This snake quickly swallowed up the magicians' ropes and rods that seemed to move about like snakes. He also used it to strike a dry path for his followers through the Red Sea into the Sinai Peninsula. They crossed on foot while Pharaoh, who came in pursuit with his troops, was overwhelmed by the sea. He and his men all perished while Moses and his followers safely crossed the sea.

Jesus Christ, son of Mary, who had a miraculous birth, was also supported with certain miracles, which were restricted to his time. He would, by Allah's leave, make out of clay the figure of a bird and breathe into it, then it becomes a real bird with flesh and blood! He would also cure the blind and the lepers, raise the dead and inform the people of what they ate and stored in their homes, by Allah's leave!

The Prophet Muhammad was also supported with numerous miracles, the greatest of all is the Noble Qur'an which is still in its original form and which will continue to guide people and illuminate their hearts and souls till the Day of Judgment! The Qur'an is Allah's Word and whoever earnestly wishes true guidance should read and study the Qur'an. "If there were a Qur'an with which mountains could be moved (from their places), or the earth could be cloven asunder or the dead could be made to speak, (this would be the one!)." (Holy Qur'an, 13:31)

The Qur'an has no dark corners or ambiguous expressions. It speaks clearly and guides to the right path. It is straight, clear and understandable. Therein no confusion is to be found: "Praise be to Allah Who has sent to His slave (i.e., Muhammad) the Book and has allowed therein no crookedness. (He has made it) straight (and clear) in order that He may warn (the disbelievers) of a terrible punishment from Him, and that He may give glad tidings to the believers who work righteous deeds, that they shall have a goodly reward, wherein they shall remain for ever." (Holy Qur'an, 18:1-2)

It is a guide to all, and to those who accept its guidance, a source of mercy and the way to salvation. Allah instructs us to earnestly seek to understand it: "Do they not then earnestly seek to understand the Qur'an, or is that there are locks upon their hearts?" (Holy Qur'an, 47:24)

It is not meant for one class or race; it is universal and is addressed to all the worlds: "Verily this is no less than a message to all the worlds." (Holy Qur'an, 81:27)

The fact that it is still with us in its original form is a clear indication of the universality of Islam.

Moderation in All Spheres of Life

Islam stresses moderation in everything and commands its followers to eschew all extravagances in any direction. It takes deep interest in the spiritual as well as the material well-being of man. It commands its followers to prepare themselves for the Hereafter while at the same time lawfully enjoying their portion of life as long as they do not transgress the limits set by Allah.

The Holy Qur'an states: "Seek, with (the wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget your portion in this world." (Holy Qur'an, 28:77)

'Ali (RA), son of Abu Talib the fourth rightly-guided Caliph, said: "Work for your life as though you are going to live forever, and work for your Hereafter as though you are going to die tomorrow."

Once the prayers are performed, the believers are encouraged to go about their business: "And when the prayer is finished, then disperse in the land and seek of Allah's Bounty, and remember Allah frequently that you may prosper." (Holy Qur'an,26:10)

The Islamic course is one of equitable and realistic moderation and the Qur'an calls Muslims a just nation: "Thus have We made of you a just (and the best) nation, justly balanced." (Holy Qur'an, 2:143)

Unlike other religions and ideologies, Islam does not stress the spiritual at the expense of the material, or vice versa. Rather, it brings both of them into harmony. Islam commends moderation while observing our religious duties and strongly condemns going to the extremes in this respect.

Following the middle course in worship is the best alternative as well as the natural way of discharging our duties towards our Creator. Islam prohibits us from overburdening ourselves with duties that are bound to put us off the religion altogether.

It requires us to discharge our duties within our capacity, and to the best of our ability. The Qur'an says: "Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you." (Holy Qur'an, 2:185)

"On no soul does Allah place a burden greater than it can bear." (Holy Qur'an, 2:286)

Islam commands its followers to take a middle course between niggardliness and extravagance, be it in their ordinary spending or in charity. They should strike a perfectly just measure between the two extremes. The Qur'an says: "And let not your hand be tied (like a niggard's) to your neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach (like a spendthrift's), lest you become blameworthy and destitute." (Holy Qur'an, 17:29)

The Qur'an describes the devoted slaves of Allah as those who: "When they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes)." (Holy Qur'an, 25:67)

The Qur'an even calls spendthrifts "brothers of Satan" because of their foolishness. The Satan fell by his ingratitude to Allah, so those who misuse or squander Allah's gifts are also ungrateful to Allah: "And render to the kindred their due rights and to the poor and to the wayfarer, but squander not (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift. Verily spendthrifts are brothers of Satan. And the Satan is ever ungrateful to his Lord." (Holy Qur'an, 17:26-27)

The Prophet says: "The children of Adam have not filled a 'vessel' worse than their stomachs. A few morsels would be sufficient for them to keep soul and body together. If they have to, then they should allow a third for their food, a third for their drink and a third for easy breathing." (At-Tirmithi and Ibn Majah

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First

There is no god worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is His messenger. This declaration of faith is called the Shahada, a simple formula which all the faithful pronounce. In Arabic, the first part is la ilaha illa Llah - 'there is no god except God'; ilaha (god) can refer to anything which we may be tempted to put in place of God - wealth, power, and the like. Then comes illa Llah: 'except God', the source of all Creation. The second part of the Shahada is Muhammadun rasulu'Llah: 'Muhammad is the messenger of God.' A message of guidance has come through a man like ourselves.

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The Second Pillar is Prayer (Salat)

Salat is the name for the obligatory prayers which are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam, and no priests, so the prayers are led by a learned person who knows the Quran, chosen by the congregation. These five prayers contain verses from the Quran, and are said in Arabic, the language of the Revelation, but personal supplication can be offered in one's own language.

Prayers are said at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall, and thus determine the rhythm of the entire day. Although it is preferable to worship together in a mosque, a Muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories and universities. Visitors to the Muslim world are struck by the centrality of prayers in daily life.

A translation of the Call to Prayer is:

God is most great. God is most great.
God is most great. God is most great.
I testify that there is no god except God.
I testify that there is no god except God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God.
Come to prayer! Come to prayer!
Come to success (in this life and the Hereafter)!
Come to success!
God is most great. God is most great.
There is no god except God.


The Third Pillar is Zakat

One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakat means both 'purification' and 'growth'. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.

Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakat individually. For most purposes this involves the payment each year of two and a half percent of one's capital.

A pious person may also give as much as he or she pleases as sadaqa, and does so preferably in secret. Although this word can be translated as 'voluntary charity' it has a wider meaning. The Prophet said 'even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is charity.'

The Prophet said: 'Charity is a necessity for every Muslim. ' He was asked: 'What if a person has nothing?' The Prophet replied: 'He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity.' The Companions asked: 'What if he is not able to work?' The Prophet said: 'He should help poor and needy persons.' The Companions further asked 'What if he cannot do even that?' The Prophet said 'He should urge others to do good.' The Companions said 'What if he lacks that also?' The Prophet said 'He should check himself from doing evil. That is also charity.'


to be continued from islam city website

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The Forth Pillar of Islam
Fasting
Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from first light until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are pregnant or nursing are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year. If they are physically unable to do this, they must feed a needy person for every day missed. Children begin to fast (and to observe the prayer) from puberty, although many start earlier.

Although the fast is most beneficial to the health, it is regarded principally as a method of self purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry as well as growth in one's spiritual life.




The Fifth Pillar of Islam
The annual pilgrimage to Makkah - the Hajj - is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to perform it. Nevertheless, about two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another. Although Makkah is always filled with visitors, the annual Hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic year (which is lunar, not solar, so that Hajj and Ramadan fall sometimes in summer, sometimes in winter). Pilgrims wear special clothes: simple garments which strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before God.

The rites of the Hajj, which are of Abrahamic origin, include circling the Ka'ba seven times, and going seven times between the mountains of Safa and Marwa as did Hagar during her search for water. Then the pilgrims stand together on the wide plain of Arafa and join in prayers for God's forgiveness, in what is often thought of as a preview of the Last Judgment.

In previous centuries the Hajj was an arduous undertaking. Today, however, Saudi Arabia provides millions of people with water, modern transport, and the most up-to-date health facilities.

The close of the Hajj is marked by a festival, the Eid al-Adha, which is celebrated with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere. This, and the Eid al-Fitr, a feast-day commemorating the end of Ramadan, are the main festivals of the Muslim calendar.

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You can describe what is Islam about in two words...........Rights and limitations.

To be a muslim means to believe that Allah is unique . He does not have or need a son . He is not a father of any one . He is not a man . Nothing is similar to Him. May be these words are normal because you already Know them but it does make sense to non Muslim people . And it answers many questions that they have .

[Orkida]

Thank you tooooo much dear
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May Allah bless you

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You too my dear friend


happy to see you here