Your First 24 Hours In Islam Translated by Ahmad Darwish, Khadeijah A. Darwish (Anne) and a Chicago Sister Copyright © 1984-2010 http:///www.Allah.com http://www.Muhammad.com All rights reserved. Terms of Service - Copyright/IP Policy – Guidelines NOTICE: We do not collect personal information on this site COPYRIGHT NOTICE: All third party usage of any of our material are not allowed nor for resale. Usage is only for FREE personal browsing from our site and released media. Tenets of the Islamic Faith To know God is the first obligation of all who are mature and competent. (mukallaf – someone who has reached puberty and is of sound mind.) Allah is simply the Arabic word for God, Who is existent and not nonexistent, eternal without beginning or end, not originating in or subject to time or space, everlastingly abiding, dissimilar to anything within time or space, existing without need and not subject to any conditions, having nothing and no one that resembles Him. He is uniquely One, without co-sharing His existence, attributes or actions. So Almighty is He that, He possesses Divine Power, Will, Knowledge, and Life. He wills all, knows all, lives, hears, sees, and speaks all. Through His generosity, Allah sent the Prophets, protecting their prophethood, from any physical or spiritual harm, guarding them from the temptation of committing any sins, whether large or small. He also forbade any disability or disadvantage to come onto them. They lived among and like the rest. They were the best of all created being, and the highest of them was whom Allah chose to be the final seal of prophethood, our (humanity’s) Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace.) He is Allah’s messenger of the sacred law that supersedes all previously valid religious laws. Prophet Muhammad’s (Allah bless him and give him peace) Companions (Sahaba- those followers that new him in his time) were the finest generation, the best of them being Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman, and ‘Ali. (May the pleasure of Allah be upon them all.) We believe in everything that Allah has informed us of upon the tongue of Muhammad (May Allah bless him and give him peace) including the existence of hell and paradise. We believe in the angels and their questioning of the dead about their faith while in the grave, and of the Day of Judgment for the dead and their resurrection. We also believe in the scales of justice in which every soul’s good and bad deeds are weighed. We acknowledge the existence of the high and narrow bridge over hell in which believers will safely cross over into paradise. We also believe that the Prophets and the devout worshippers can plead to Allah on the behalf of their followers. To be called a Muslim one must believe in the basic principles of Islamic faith. These are the prayer rituals, rules, obligations, and beliefs, as said by Prophet Muhammad (May Allah bless him and give him peace) and practiced by Muslims. Persons who have not been exposed to Islam cannot be called non-Muslim because they have not had the opportunity to accept or reject the principles of Islam. Once a person has been informed of the principles of Islam they can then be identified as being a Muslim or a non-Muslim according to their acceptance or non-acceptance of the faith. Any person, who, upon knowing Allah’s laws, chooses to disobey any of them, is considered to be non-Muslim. The Fundamentals of Islam Before accepting Islam, one must have been informed of the Prophet’s message and voluntarily accepted its validity. One must also be of sound mind and reached puberty. The foundations of Islamic practice are made up of five things: Saying and accepting the two-part declaration of faith, “I declare that there is no god except Allah, and I declare that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” One must understand and believe all parts of the declaration and must utter them in their original order without separating them. This declaration can be said in any language (although it is preferred that it be said in Arabic) and must be stated before one can be considered a Muslim. The prescribed pattern of prayer (salat) Obligatory charity that equals 2.5 percent of annual savings (zakat) Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once if financially affordable Observing the fasting of the month of Ramadan The meaning of true faith (iman) is that one believes in Allah, His angels, His Revealed books, His messengers, the Last Day, and in destiny whether good and bad. In the Islamic lifestyle there are three moral guidelines: To do what Allah has commanded To avoid what He has forbidden To accept what He has destined There are four basic sources that support Islamic laws: The Koran The sayings and actions of the Prophet The scholarly interpretation of original law in order to apply new laws that fit the needs of a changing society (qiyas- extrapolation) The unanimous consensus of Islamic scholars The Sacred Law There are five classifications of Sacred Law. These are: Recommended (mandub) actions – whose performance is rewarded, and whose non-performance is not punished Essential (wajib) actions – whose performance is rewarded, and whose non-performance is punished Personally essential- an action that every individual is obligated to perform (i.e. ablution.) Communally essential – an action that can be performed by one person for the group (i.e. prayers at a funeral) Permissible (mubah) actions – whose performance is not rewarded and whose non-performance is not punished Offensive (makruh) actions – whose performance is not punished and whose non-performance is rewarded Unlawful (haram) actions – whose performance is punished and whose non-performance is rewarded Accepting the Islamic Faith In order to enter into the faith of submission to the Creator, one must declare this statement in the presence of two Muslim male witnesses after cleansing oneself with a shower or bath. Say: (It is recommended that it is spoken in Arabic but the English translation has been provided.) “Ash hadu = “I bear witness anla = that there is no ilaaha = god ella = except Allahu = Allah wa = and ash hadu = I bear witness anna = that Muhammadan = Muhammad abduhu = is His worshipper wa = and rasooluh.” = messenger.” “I believe in the above statement and in: Allah. All his angels. All his books. The Day of Recompense (Judgment.) The predetermined plan of Allah.” “I also acknowledge my obligatory duties. These are: The five daily prayers. Fasting during the month of Ramadan. Charity of at least 2.5 percent of annual savings. At least one Pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.” Right after you have completed your Declaration of Faith (above), it is obligatory to say your first prayer. After you have accepted Islam (by accepting the Declaration of Faith) it is obligatory to complete all prayers after that. Congratulations! You are now officially a Muslim! Do not forget to download: Millennium Biography of the Prophet Koran Prophetic Sayings Jurisprudence From www.Muhammad.com Study them at home and in circles in the Mosques under the Imams’ supervision Consumption Eat only halal or kosher meats. You can find such meats in specialty stores. If it is not halal or kosher, do not eat it. Halal is a way of slaughtering the animal and a way of preparing it for eating. Halal pertains only to red meats and poultry (non-carnivorous birds). It does not apply to any ocean life, which is permitted as is (i.e. fish, shrimp, crab, etc.) Be careful in eating deep-fried seafood or French fries, as they may have been fried in oil that has been used to fry other non-halal meats. By preparing the meat in a halal way, the animal’s suffering is greatly minimized. At the time of slaughter, the animal never sees the knife (which must be very sharp to minimize pain), and there are no other animals in viewing distance. The person who slaughters the animal must be Muslim or have been directed to kill the animal by a Muslim, and he must bless the animal by pronouncing the name of Allah (Bismilla Allahu Akbar) over it prior to slaughter. Once the animal has been slaughtered, it is hung upside down from its hind feet in order for all the blood to drain out. Muslims believe that eating meat with blood in it is unhealthy. As with any Muslim guidelines about life, each one has its practical reasons, but first and foremost, that rule has been directed to us by Allah through Muhammad (May Allah bless him and give him peace) and therefore it should be blindly upheld. Kosher meats are essentially prepared the same as halal but the Jews put more regulations on their meat. (i.e. A kosher store must be owned by a Rabbi.) Therefore Muslims can eat halal and kosher foods, but Jews only eat kosher. Resign from eating all pork products (including lard and pork by-products), as the swine consumes dirt and is a vital carrier of certain diseases (i.e. flu.)3 Resign from consuming any alcohol or mind-altering products. Allah forbids all products that alter the mind because decision-making skills are lost when under the influence of such chemicals. Also, alcohol and other drugs are unhealthy for the human body.3 Performing Ablution (wudu) for Prayer.3 Upon using the toilet, it is essential that one’s private area be fully cleansed with water, and the hands must be washed with soap before performing ablution (wudu.) This also applies to any time one uses the bathroom regardless if ablution needs to be performed. If one engages in any kind of intercourse, a full shower is needed in which every part of the body is rinsed, including the hair.4 Say: “Bismillah Arahmani Araheem.” (In the name of Allah the Merciful, the Most Merciful.) Wash hands: Rinse them up to the wrists making sure that no part of the hands are left dry. (3x) Wash mouth: Cup the right hand and fill it with water. Use the water to rinse the mouth. (3x) Wash nose: Sniff water up into the nostrils using the right hand and then eject it with the help of the left hand. (3x) Wash face: Splash water over the face covering the entire area from ear to ear, and from forehead to chin, making sure that no part of the face is left dry. (1x) Wash head: With wet fingers, wipe the head starting from the forehead and ending at the nape of the neck, then reverse the motion ending up at the forehead again. (1x) Wash ears: Gently insert wet fingertips into the ears and pass them through the ear canals. Complete the movement by passing the thumbs behind the ears from the bottom up. (3x) Wash feet: Starting with the right foot, rinse feet entirely including the ankles making sure that no part is left dry, especially between the toes. (3x) There are four conditions that can nullify a person’s last ablution. The ablution must be performed again if: Anything exits from any of the private areas, including flatulent. The person has slept. Bodily contact with another person of the opposite sex in a sexual manner has occurred. (But if sexual intercourse has occurred a full shower is needed.) One’s own hand touches their private area (i.e. using the restroom.)Ablution is not nullified by vomiting, nose bleeds, having an open wound5, or laughing during prayer. If one is uncertain that ablution is needed, according to Islamic law, one should err on the side of caution and perform the ablution to be certain. If one is traveling and does not have access to water, it is permissible to perform a dry ablution. Performed much the same way and in the same order, ablution can be accomplished by substituting water with tapping the earth with the hands. (One may omit ablution for head, ears, and feet if performing a dry ablution.) This also applies to those who would like to pray outside and do not have immediate access to water. But if one has made dry ablution and, before making prayer, finds water, it is obligatory to perform ablution again using water. For persons having bandaged wounds or a cast, it is acceptable to gently rub the area with wet fingertips to fulfill the ablution to that part of the body. If it is difficult to perform ablution on the feet (i.e. a working woman who is wearing panty hose and does not want to take the panty hose off in order to wash her feet), it is permissible to wipe the tops of the shoes with wet fingers only if the shoes have not been taken off since the last ablution. A person suffering from urinary incontinence must take care that the private area is cleansed immediately before prayer. It is also recommended that one wear an absorbent cloth to catch the urine. The Five Daily Prayers6 It is essential that you immediately begin to pray even though you may not be fully knowledgeable in the process of prayer yet. Just do what you can in prayer but it is imperative that you learn it quickly. Ablution must be made before any prayer can be performed. One should say all statements of prayer in Arabic, but performing it in your native language until you learn the Arabic does not make it void. Allah hears all who speak to Him. One must not speak sounds other than those for prayer. It is recommended that you use a prayer mat on top of which to prayer, but again, it is not necessary. A clean towel is sufficient. Below is a definition of one unit. (For each prayer there is an obligation to do a certain number of units.)7 Face southeast, as this is the direction of the Kabah, a building used as the Islamic compass created by Allah rebuilt by Abraham, located in the city of Mecca on the Arabian peninsula. If during any part of a prayer, the worshipper’s chest turns to face any other direction, the prayer is cancelled and must be performed over again. While standing, swing hands up above the shoulders. This symbolizes leaving the whole universe behind you and preparing yourself to hear only Allah (directing the ears toward Kabah.) During this movement one should say: “Allah is the Greatest.” “Allahu Ekbar.” Upon allowing the hands to come down, place the right hand over the left wrist, and place your hands over your abdomen. Recite the first chapter of the Holy Koran, and recite three or more consecutive verses of choice from the Holy Koran. Begin with: “I seek refuge with Allah, from satan, the stoned.”8 “Aothu bilahee min ash highton arajeem.” “In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful.” “Bismillah arahman araheem.” Chapter 1 “Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, the Merciful, the Most Merciful, Owner of the Day of Recompense. You (alone) we worship, and You (alone) we rely on for help. Guide us to the straight path, the path of those upon whom You have favored, not those whom anger is upon, nor those who have gone astray.” “Alhamdu lil lahi rabil alameen arahmani araheem maliki yaw mideen. Iyaka nabudu wa iyaka nestaeen. Ehdena aserata almostakeem. Seratal lathenna anamta alayhim ghayril magh dubi alayhim wa la dauleen (Ameen)” Example of Supplementary reading of Koran: Chapter: 112 Oneness - Al-Ikhlas Chapter 112 “In the Name of Allah the Merciful, the Most Merciful” “Say, Allah is One, the Called Upon. He has not given birth, and He has not borne. There is none equal to Him.” “Bismillah arahman araheem.” “Kul huwa Allahu ahad. Allahu asamad. Lam yalid wa lam yulad. Wa lam yakun lahu kufu wan ahad. When the reading is complete, swing arms up to shoulders, then allow the entire torso to fall down into a bent-over position, ending with the hands resting on the knees. Fill the movement with the words, “Allahu Ekbar.” In this bent over position, repeat three times or more (keeping to odd numbers): “Exalted my Lord, the Great.” “Subahana Rabia el alla.” In coming up to standing position, say: “Allah hears whosoever praises him.” “Samia Allahu leman hamidah.” While saying “Allahu Ekbar,” prostrate onto your knees with face touching the ground so that seven points are touching the floor. Face (forehead and nose) Two hands (closed fingers) Two knees Two feet In this position repeat three times or more (keeping to odd numbers): “Exalted is my Lord, the High.” “Subhana rabia el alla.” Come up into a sitting position in which your legs are resting underneath you, while saying “Allahu Ekbar.” In this position, your hands should be resting on your knees. While saying “Allahu Ekbar,” prostrate again. Once the seven points are resting on the ground say, “Subhanna rabia el alla,” three times or more (keeping to odd numbers.) This completes one unit. After the second unit of any prayer, all or part of the Greeting Prayer must be recited. “All greetings, prayers and goodness are for Allah. O Prophet, may the Mercy, the Blessings, and the Peace of Allah be upon you. Peace be upon us, and upon the good worshipper of Allah. I bear witness that there is no god except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His Worshipper and Messenger. (1st half ended.) O Allah, grant praise upon Muhammad and the kin of Muhammad as You granted praise upon Abraham and the kin of Abraham. Truly, You are the Most Praised and Noble. Bless Muhammad and the kin of Muhammad as You blessed Abraham and the kin of Abraham in the world. Truly, You are the Most Praised and Noble.” “At tayhi yatu lil layhe wa salawatu watyebat. Asalamu alayka ayuha anabey wa rahmatu lahi wa barakatu. Asalamu alayna wa alla ibady ilayhe asaliheen. Ash hadu anla ilaaha ella Allahu wa ash hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasooluh. (1st half ended.) Allah homma, solly alla Muhammadin wa alla eli Muhammadin kama saulighta alla Ebrah heem wa alla eli Ebrah heem. Ineka hameedon majeed. Allah homma, barik alla Muhammadin wa alla eli Muhammadin kama barokta alla Ebrah heem wa alla eli Ebrah heem fil alameen. Ineka hameedon majeed.” Upon completing all required units for a particular prayer, stay seated and turn head to the right and then to the left, saying both times: “Peace be upon you.” “Ah salamu alaycum.” This is referred to as the Peace Statement and it ends all prayers. If one has missed a prayer for a valid reason (i.e. being asleep or forgetting it), or if one has missed a prayer for a non-valid reason (i.e. choosing not to pray at the appropriate time) the prayer should be made up as soon as possible. The 24 Hour Prayer Schedule Morning Afternoon Late Afternoon Sunset Twilight 2 units 4 units 4 units 3 units 4 units *Beginning to *Begins just after *Begins when *After sun *No more be light, but sun has reached object’s shadow has fully daylight before sunrise its zenith equals its height set (darkness) *Koran recited *Koran recited *Koran recited *1st-2nd units *1st-2nd units aloud silently silently Koran read Koran read aloud aloud *3rd unit *3rd-4th units Koran read Koran read silently silently *Supplemental *Supplemental *Supplemental *Supplemental *Supplemental reading of Koran reading of Koran reading of Koran reading of Koran reading of Koran for both units for 1st-2nd units for 1st-2nd units for 1st-2nd units for 1st-2nd units *After 2nd unit *After 2nd unit *After 2nd unit *After 2nd unit *After 2nd unit recite full Greeting recite ½ Greeting recite ½ Greeting recite ½ Greeting recite ½ Greeting Prayer Prayer Prayer Prayer Prayer *After 4th unit *After 4th unit *After 3rd unit *After 4th unit recite full Greeting recite full Greeting recite full Greeting recite full Greeting Prayer Prayer Prayer Prayer *End w/ Peace *End w/ Peace *End w/ Peace *End w/ Peace *End w/ Peace statement statement statement statement statement Prayer times are constantly changing every day of the year. The internet is full of resources to tell you the exact times for prayer in your area. Just look up Prayer Times on any search engine to find a site or call your local Islamic Center for a yearly or monthly calendar. Purification Purification according to Islamic law means the action of removing any impurity or filth by rinsing the entire body or by performing ablution with pure water. There are two types of impurity each requiring its own purification process. Minor impurity requires ablution. Major impurity requires a full shower. Water is no longer pure if its taste, smell or color is different from pure water. Salt water is considered pure water. Use the right hand only for clean things, such as eating, feeding babies, and greeting people. Use the left hand for cleaning and personal hygiene. If one comes into contact with any of the following substances, the substance must be removed before one can be considered in a purified state.9 Blood or Puss Vomit Liquor (except wine that has naturally turned to vinegar) All substances that exits from any private areas, including semen and vaginal discharge10 Animal life that dies in a non-Islamic way, excluding aquatic life (it is considered pure) Hair from animals that are not slaughterable (i.e. lion or pig) Locusts Deceased human beings Saliva from dogs (Must be washed seven times. Washing machine is sufficient.) Swine To purify the mouth it is recommended to use a toothbrush, floss, tongue scraper, & mouthwash. After a state of major impurity, a complete water shower is needed. Major impurity comes from: Intercourse (meaning when the head of the penis passes through the vaginal ring.) Female or male orgasm. Death. (A person who dies must be given a shower before burial.) A woman’s menstrual period. Giving birth. Prenatal bleeding. There are three obligations while performing a purifying bath. These are that one must: Begin by saying, “In the name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate.” “Bismillahi arahmani araheem.” Consciously intend to purify one’s self through cleansing. Rinse all of the skin, including the hair to the roots, and under the nails. The following actions are unlawful to perform in a state a minor impurity. In order to perform any of these actions, ablution must be made. Prayer Touching of the Koran The required prostration upon hearing certain verses of the Koran Volunteer prostration to thank Allah The required circling of Kabah upon journey to Mecca The following actions are unlawful to perform in a state a major impurity. In order to perform any of these actions, a shower must be taken. Recitation of the Koran Intercourse immediately after a menstrual cycle The beginning of a fast immediately after a menstrual cycle To enter a mosque after a menstrual cycles has ended Specific Information for Men During prayer, men should take care to cover their bodies from the shoulders to the knees. Clothing should be loose and not reveal the shape one’s figure. Attending Friday prayer (juma) in a local mosque is obligatory for all able, Muslim males. In preparation, he must take a purifying bath/shower and clean his mouth. He should also wear perfume and wear white loose clothing. He should arrive at the mosque before the sun reaches its highest, for juma replaces his afternoon prayer. Specific Information for Women In Islamic faith it is understood that men are attracted to women by way of sight, whereas women are attracted to men by way of thought. Therefore in order to avoid any sexual thoughts on the part of the male during a time of prayer, it is necessary for a woman to cover her entire body save the face and hands. Contrary to Western opinion, the choice to cover the body is done out of respect for the woman, and some Muslim women cover up partly as a favor to their Muslim brothers.11 For the same reason, when men and women are praying together, the woman prays behind the man so that he cannot be sexually distracted by her presence, thus allowing him to focus on his prayer. All this being said, if you are female, it is obligatory to cover one’s self up during prayer (even if you are alone.)3 In Islamic thought, a woman should have the opportunity to rest during her menstrual period. Therefore, during her cycle, a woman must not participate in any of the five obligatory prayers.3 If however a woman begins to bleed and the bleeding ceases within 24 hours, it is not considered a menstrual cycle and therefore, she must make up all missed prayers. If the bleeding begins and stops repeatedly, usually referred to as spotting, this is considered menstruation and therefore no prayers should be performed. If a woman is in her menstrual cycle during a time of fast, she should not partake in the fast, but needs to perform the fast once her menstrual cycle has ended. If a woman for any reason chronically emits an unusually large amount of vaginal discharge, she should cleanse the area immediately before making any prayers. The Remembrance of Allah (Thikre) Remembrance - Although it is essential to state the Declaration of Faith during one’s initiation into Islam, stating it frequently is highly recommended. It means that one accepts the Oneness of Allah and the Prophethood of Muhammad (May Allah bless him and give him peace.) One can also continuously repeat the first statement as a means of contemplation. “I declare that there is no god except Allah.” “Ash hadu enla ellahah ella Allah.” Worship - Aside from believing in your heart, the next best form of worship is the prescribed pattern of prayer (salat.) Glorification - The best way to give glory to Allah is to say: “Exalted are You. We are unable to glorify You as You glorify Yourself.” “Subahanaka. Lan ohsee thana an ahlayeka anta kama athnighta alla nafsik.” Praise – The best way to give praise to Allah is to say: “Praise be to Allah, a kind of praise that equals His favors and the favors yet to come.” “Alhamdu lelahe hamdan yuafio neamahu wa yukafe u mazeeda.” Blessing on the Prophet (May Allah bless him and give him peace)12 – The best way to ask Allah to bless Prophet Muhammad (May Allah bless him and give him peace) is to say: “O Allah, grant praise upon Muhammad and the kin of Muhammad as You granted praise upon Abraham and the kin of Abraham. Bless Muhammad and the kin of Muhammad as You blessed Abraham and the kin of Abraham in this world. Truly, You are the Most Praised and Noble.” “Allah homma, solly alla Muhammadin wa alla eli Muhammadin kama saulighta alla Ebrah heem wa alla eli Ebrah heem. Wabarik alla Muhammadin wa alla eli Muhammadin kama barokta alla Ebrah heem wa alla eli Ebrah heem fil ala meen. Ineka hameedon majeed.” Blessing on the Prophet when saying his name12 – Although obligatory during the Declaration of Faith, it is strongly recommended that one give Prophet Muhammad (May Allah bless him and give him peace) this blessing at every mention of his name. “Prophet Muhammad (May Allah bless him and give him peace.)” “Prophet Muhammad (Saula Allahu aleahe wa sal lam.)” Daily rituals “Say [to them, O Muhammad]: This is My Path, I invite to Allah, and so do those who follow me with [spiritually guided] insight.” Koran [12.108] “We [Allah] have sent you (Prophet Muhammad) as a witness and as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner, so that you [followers] believe in Allah and His Messenger and that you support him, revere him (Prophet Muhammad), and exalt (Allah) Him, at the dawn and in the evening. Those who swear allegiance to you swear allegiance to Allah. The Hand of Allah is above their hands. He who breaks his oath breaks it against his self, but for he that keeps his covenant made with Allah, Allah shall give him a mighty wage.”[48.8-10] “Let whosoever is present [of my companions] inform the absent [every human]” Prophet Muhammad Reciting the Koran: “And recite what was revealed to you in the book of your Lord…” [18.27] “Recite what has been sent down to you of the book…” [29.45] “Recite from the Koran as much as is easy…” [73.20] “Recite it as it ought to be read...” [2.121] Studying the Hadith: “He does not speak out of desire; indeed it is not but a Revelation which is revealed” [53.3-4] “Whatever the Messenger gives you accept it and whatever he forbids you, abstain” [59.7] “And what we have sent down to you the Remembrance so that you can make clear to people that which has been sent down to them, in order that they reflect” [16.44] and [2.151] “We have not revealed to you (Prophet Muhammad) the Book except that you may clarify for them that upon which they differ, and as a guidance and mercy to a nation who believe.” [16.64] “We have sent among you a Messenger (Prophet Muhammad) from yourselves... who will teach you the Book and Wisdom, and teach you that of which you have no knowledge.” [2.151] “Indeed I was given the Koran and the like of it. Beware of a man who is full reclining on his sofa saying follow only this Koran, what you find in it legal make it legal and what you find in it forbidden forbid it. [The Prophet replied that] what the messenger of Allah forbids is what Allah forbids…” Prophet Muhammad The Prophet stood amongst us and said. “Do you think one of you reclining on his sofa thinks that what Allah has forbidden only in this Koran – I have ordered admonished and forbidden many things which are as the Koran, or more (in number)…” Defending Muslims against Non-Muslims – (Al Qaeda is way astray) “Be friendly to people and do not fight them till you invite them to Allah. For there is no family on earth whether in the city or the countryside that you bring them to me believers is more beloved to me than you capturing their women and children and killing their men.” Prophet Muhammad “That was why We wrote for the Children of Israel that who ever killed a soul, except for a soul slain, or for sedition in the earth, it should be considered as though he had killed all mankind; and that who ever saved, it should be regarded as though he had saved all mankind. Our Messengers brought them proofs; then many of them thereafter commit excesses in the earth.” [5.32] Kind Preaching and Admonition “Call to the Path of your Lord with wisdom and fine admonition. Dispute with them in the best manner*. Your Lord is well aware of those who have gone astray from His Path and He is well aware of those who are guided.” [16.125] “Let no one bar you from the verses of Allah after they have been sent down to you, but call to your Lord, and do not be amongst the idolaters.” [28.87] *“So invite and go straight as you are ordered, and do not follow their desires and say: ‘I believe in whatever Book Allah has sent down. I am ordered to be just among you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord. We have our deeds and you have yours; there is no argument between us and you, Allah will bring us all together, to Him is the arrival.’” [42.15] The Prophet said to Imam Ali, “Call to Islam and inform them of what is obligatory of the rights of Allah the High. By Allah, if Allah guides one person by you, it is better for you from the red rare camels.” Thikre - The Rites of Remembrance of Allah “Men (including Women) who exalt Him (in mosques), whom neither trade nor sale can divert from the remembrance of Allah, and establish the prayers, and pay the obligatory charity; fearing a Day when hearts and eyes shall be turned about” [24.37] “For… men and women who ritually remember Allah in abundance, for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a mighty wage.” [33.35] “Is it not time that the hearts of the believers be humbled to the ritual remembrance of Allah and the truth which He has sent down? They should not be like those who were given the Book before this, whose time became very long so that their hearts became hardened. Many of them were impious.” [57.16] “Believers, ritually remember Allah frequently, exalt Him at dawn and in the evening.” [33.41-42] “And when you have fulfilled your sacred duties remember Allah as you remember your forefathers or with deeper reverence.” [2.200] “Indeed I am Allah. There is no god except Me. Worship Me and establish the prayer for my ritual remembrance” [20.14] “Whosoever turns away from My ritual remembrance, his life shall be narrow and on the Day of Resurrection We shall raise him blind.” [20.124] “Indeed, satan seeks to stir up enmity and hatred among you by means of wine and gambling, and to bar you from the rites of remembrance of Allah and from praying. Will you not abstain from them?" [5.91] “Those who believe, and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah - Is it not with the ritual remembrance of Allah that hearts are satisfied.” [13.28] The Prophet, may Allah venerate him, said that Allah said: “I am as my worshipper thinks of Me and I am with him as he ritually remembers Me. If he ritually remembers Me in his self I remember him in Myself, and if he ritually remembers Me in a group, I remember him in a better group (assembly of angels).” The Prophet, may Allah venerate him, also said: “May I inform you about your best deeds and their finest with your King, and the highest of them in ranks, better for you than spending gold and silver, and better for you than you meet your enemy and you slay the neck of one another? The ritual remembrance of Allah.” “Allah has traveling angels, noble, they follow the gathering of ritual remembrance, so if they see a gathering with ritual remembrance of Allah, they sit and surround one another with their wings until they fill between them and the lower sky. When the gathering disperses, they raise to the heaven and Allah the Mighty the Glorified questions them, though He already has the knowledge, ‘From where have you come?’ ‘We came from Your worshippers on earth, they exalt You, they pronounce Your Greatness, they pronounce Your Oneness, they Praise You, and they ask of You.’ He further questions, ‘What do they ask of Me?’ ‘They ask paradise of You.’ ‘Did they see My paradise?’ ‘No, our Lord.’ ‘What if they had seen it!’ ‘And they are pleading that You save them.’ ‘What do they plead Me to save them from?’ ‘Your fire, our Lord.’ ‘Did they see My fire?’ ‘No, our Lord.’ ‘What if they had seen it!’ ‘They are asking for your forgiveness.’ He replies, ‘I have forgiven them and I have given them what they asked and I have saved them from what they pleaded.’ They added, ‘Our Lord, amongst them is so and so, an enormous sinner, he just passed by and sat with them.’ So Allah said, ‘I forgive him as well, for they are a group amongst whom no one sits that will be miserable.’” “Nothing will save you better from the punishment of Allah than rites of remembrance of Allah.” Every time the Prophet sat, they counted him saying “I ask Allah’s forgiveness” 100 times. It is obvious that whoever he sat with followed him, so it is therefore clear that they would be doing the same. Thus, when Muslims sit in any meeting they should make this thikre 100 times. You might begin to do this just one time at night and once in the morning, either solo or with friends and family. This is appropriate to do this inside or outside the mosque, so long as it is not in a place of filth. Further Thikre and Supplication Repeat 100 times: Except Allah there is no god Repeat 100 times: Veneration upon the Prophet, his family and his companions with Peace from Allah Repeat 100 times: Exalted is Allah with His praise Repeat 100 times: There is no god except Allah, none can share with Him, the Kingdom is His and Praise is His and He is able to do anything. For more fine details please refer to Imam Nawawi’s reference of Ritual Remembrance (Al Athkar) via your train of transmitters up to the Prophet. When you do this involve the Muslims around you. You revive the Prophetic Path and receive the rewards. Do not quit doing it, whether you have ablution or not or in the case of sisters, whether you are in the prayer cycle or not. *NOTE: Say it in English until you learn the Arabic! For Muslims and new converts: When a person embraced Islam, the Prophet himself, may Allah venerate him, would teach him and tell him to supplicate with the following words: “Oh Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, protect me, and give me provision.” The Prophet, may Allah venerate him, used to say: “Oh Allah, amend my spirituality, which is the core of my affairs, and reform my life which includes my livelihood, and rectify my hereafter which holds my appointment, and make life an increase in every good, and make death a rest from every evil.” “Oh Allah, protect me from the evil of what I have done and from the evil that I did not commit.” “Please protect me from inability, laziness, cowardice, greed, senility, and punishment of the tomb. O my Lord, give my soul fear of You and purify it, you are the best to purify. You are its Guide and Lord. O my Lord, protect me from knowledge that does not benefit, and from a heart that does not become humble, and from a self that does not get full and from a supplication that is not answered.” The Prophet, may Allah venerate him, said the masterpiece of requesting forgiveness is: “O Allah, You are my Lord, there is no god but You, you have created me and I am your worshipper, I am upon Your covenant and Your promise as possible as I can, I ask for Your protection from the evil of what I have done, I testify to Your favor upon me, and I confess my sin, so forgive me for no one forgives sins but You.” [If he says this in the beginning of the day, certain of it and he dies before the night, he among the inhabitants of Paradise. Whoever says it at the beginning of night and is certain of it and dies before morning, he is from the inhabitants of Paradise] By sunset and the call for Prayer say: “Oh Lord, in welcoming Your night and the departure of the day, and by the sound of the supplications and the arrival of the prayers to You, I ask You to forgive me.” When dusk comes say: “We and the whole Kingdom enter night for Allah. Praise is Allah’s, after Allah there is no god, none can share with Him, the Kingdom is His and Praise is His and He is able to do anything. My Lord, I ask you for the best of this night and what follows it; please protect me from the evil of this night and what follows it. Lord, save me from laziness, senility, pride, and trials in life. Lord, protect me from the Punishment of the Fire and the trial and punishment of the tomb.” When dawn comes say: “We and the whole Kingdom enter dawn for Allah. Praise is Allah’s, after Allah there is no god, none can share with Him, the Kingdom is His and Praise is His and He is able to do anything. My Lord, I ask you for the best of this day and what follows it; please protect me from the evil of this day and what follows it. Lord, save me from laziness, senility, pride, and trials in life. Lord, protect me from the Punishment of the Fire and the trial and punishment of the tomb.” Azhan Supplication: The Messenger, may Allah venerate him, said: “Whoever hears the call to prayer and says (the following) my intercession will be his: “Oh Lord of this complete invitation and commencing prayer, give our master Muhammad favor and the praised rank (of intercession) that you have promised him.” Additional prayer supplications - Check your first 24 hours in Islam online for prayer details. When standing to pray… Immediately after starting the prayer with “Allah is Greater”: “Oh Allah, distance me from my sins as you have distanced east from west. Oh Allah, cleanse me from my sins as a white dress is cleansed from dirt. Oh Allah, wash me from my sins with ice and cold water.” “I directed my faith for He who created the heavens and earth, uprightly surrendering, and I am not among the unbelievers. Truly my prayer, my worship, my life and my death are for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. He has no partner, and with this I was ordered and I am among the Muslims.” And when bowed: “Exalted, pure, Lord of the angels and the soul.” “Oh Allah, for You I bowed and I in You I believe, and to you I surrender. My hearing, my sight, my brain, my bones, and my nerves have humbled for You.” Rising from bow: “Our Lord, for You is all Praise, the fill of the heavens and the fill of the earth and the fill between them, after that the fill of whatever You will of things.” Standing after bow: “Oh Allah, our Lord praise is Yours the fill of the heavens and earth and thereafter the fill of what You will, You are the Owner of praise and glory. Rightly so is what the worshippers say and all of us are Your worshippers. There is none to prevent what you have given and there is no giver for what you have prevented. And those of influence have no benefit with You.” In Prostration: “Oh Allah, I have prostrated to You in You I believe and to You I have surrendered. My face has prostrated to Whom created it and gave it features, and fashioned its hearing and sight. Blessed oh Allah the Best Creator.” After Venerating the Prophet: “Oh Allah, protect me from the punishment of the tomb, from the punishment of the fire, and from the trials of life and death, and from the trial of the Liar Antichrist.” Before Concluding with Peace: “Oh Allah, forgive what I have done and things yet to come. What I have kept secret and what I have shown and what I have wasted, and whatever else You know more than me. You are the Forwarder and the Delayer. There is no god except You.” When standing Prayer in the middle of the Night: “Oh Allah, our Lord, All Praise is Yours, you are the Protector of heaven and earth and what is in them, all praise is Yours, you are the Igniter of the heaven and earth and what is in them, All Praise is Yours, You are the Truth and Your promise is the truth and meeting You is the truth, and Your saying is the truth. And Paradise is the truth and the fire is the truth and the prophets are truth and Muhammad is truth and the Hour (of meeting You) is truth. Oh Allah to You I have surrendered and in You I have believed, upon You I have relied and You I have directed myself and for You I have argued and deserted others, to You I come to Judgment, so forgive me for what I have forwarded and what is yet to come, and from what I have kept secret and from what I have shown and whatever else You know more than me. You are the Forwarder and the Delayer, there is no god except You and other than You, there is no god.” After the first Takbeer of the middle night prayer: Oh Allah, Lord of angels Gabriel, Michael, and Israfeel, Fashioner of heavens and earth having the knowledge of the seen and unseen. You judge between Your worshippers in their differences, Guide me with Your Permission to the truth in what they differ, indeed You guide whosoever You will to a straight path. “Oh Allah, make in my heart light, in my sight light, in my right side light, in my left side light, above me light, underneath me light, in front of me light, behind me light and make for me light.” Before going to sleep: “Oh Allah I surrender my soul to You and directed my face toward You I have trusted my affairs to You and rely on Your backing wanting and fearing You. There is no escape or shelter from You but You. I believe in Your book that You have sent down and Your Prophet, whom You have sent.” “With Your name I live and die.” “Exaltation, Oh Allah my Lord, with You I lay down on my side, and with You I let it rise. If You hold onto my soul, forgive it, and if You release is protect it with what You protect Your good worshippers.” Daily or Weekly Tomb Visitation: “Peace be upon you, inhabitants of the dwellings, amongst believers and Muslims. We, if Allah wills will join you. We ask Allah relief for us and for you.” On the Night of Honor: “Oh Allah, You are a Pardoner, You love pardoning, so Pardon us.” “Oh Allah choose for me, oh Allah select for me.” Free distribution Courtesy of: __________________________________ Individual to copy and distribute weekly 10 to 100 copies Ask local mosques and wealthy brothers/Sisters to print and distribute weekly 1000 to 10,000 Islam is spread by tongues/pens of traditional Imams and the wealth of the rich. 8/3/04 Any conclusion from the use of any other sources (bid’a) is unacceptable, and these four sources are equally binding for all believers. Those actions that are recommended for believers were required of Muhammad (May Allah bless him and give him peace.) I.e. The night vigil prayer (tahajjud) was required of Muhammad but is not essential for his followers. 3As with any Islamic law, there are practical reasons for it but because the law was given to us by Allah through his messenger Muhammad (May Allah bless him and give him peace) it should be blindly upheld regardless of reasoning. 4The hair must be rinsed thoroughly. Partial wetting is not acceptable. 5 If an open wound produces blood or puss, the liquid must be removed before prayer, unless it is unhealthy to do so. 6There is much more to learn about salat, but this text will provide the basics. For a more in depth look into salat refer to The Civil Islamic Law (fiqh.com.) 7If anyone is unable to physically perform any part of a prayer, it is acceptable to perform it in the best way possible. 8This statement must always be said before reciting any part of the Koran. It also should be said before using the restroom. 9One must be in a state of purity before making any prayers (salat.) 10Although semen and vaginal discharge are considered impure, the specific source of reproduction (sperm and egg) is pure. 11There are, of course, other reasons why a woman would choose to cover herself up. For a more in-depth look into this topic please refer to The Holy Koran. 12 Asking Allah for blessing upon Muhammad (May Allah bless him and give him peace) is considered Remembrance of Allah.