Islam 101 - What Do Muslims Believe?

Islam is a religion that is, unfortunately, largely misunderstood in the west. One of the most common questions is regarding the beliefs of the Muslims; what do Muslims believe? In this article I will attempt to give a brief overview of what it means to be a Muslim. I am largely basing this article on a famous hadith, or saying, of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which I will put at the end of the article.

Islam has five pillars, five basic acts that one must believe and do in order to be a Muslim. The first is the declaration of faith, stating with complete belief and sincerity that "there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah (God) and that Muhammad is His prophet and messenger." Islam does not accept any type of idol worshipping, whether that idol is a rock, a statue, a human being (like Jesus PBUH), or something a little less obvious like money, status or family.

After you have declared you worship of only God, you are then required to act on it. The second pillar is prayer, a Muslim is required to pray at a minimum of five times per day at specified times: dawn, mid-day, afternoon, sunset and evening. By this repetition we are constantly reminded of what is important which is God and working to gain a good place in the afterlife.

The third pillar is Zakat, which literally means purification. It is a tax that is paid by Muslims directly to the poor. It is different from income tax however, because Muslims are only required to pay 2.5% of their excess wealth that they have had in the bank for a full year. Also, unlike tithing, the money collected for Zakat is not permissible to be used to fund mosques, schools or any other public programs; the money is strictly for the use of the poor people. If every Muslim on the face of the earth actually paid their Zakat the way Allah commanded, that would be including kings and other incredibly rich, there would be no starvation in the world today.

The fourth pillar is fasting in the month of Ramadan from dawn to sunset. This act has many benefits, but the primary benefit is to soften the heart of the one who is fasting. Islam heavily emphasizes charity and feeding the poor and hungry, what better way to encourage a person to feed the hungry than letting them feel hunger too? Ramadan is a month of fasting and prayer, a time to re-dedicate oneself to Allah and Islam. Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an in Ramadan and increase in their good deeds and prayers. Everyone is required to fast except young children, old or sick people who would harm their health, a person traveling and a pregnant or nursing mother.

The fifth pillar is hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. Every Muslim is required to make the hajj at least once in their life if they are physically and financially able. If you are not physically or financially able to go then you have no sin, but you should always be trying to find a way to make the pilgrimage. Also, since we never know when we will die, it is important not to put it off into the unforeseeable future.

The next important subject is faith; what is faith? According to the abovementioned hadith, or saying, of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH), faith is believing in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the resurrection on the Last Day, and to believe in both the good and evil of divine destiny. That's a mouthful, so what does it mean?

To believe in Allah, which is the Arabic name for God for Christians, Jews and Muslims, means to believe in him as He commands. Tawhid is a fundamental belief in Islam, which is the oneness of God. Muslims do not believe in a trinity, nor do they believe that God is everywhere. Muslims believe that God is one, indivisible, and that He is above the seven heavens. How? We don't know. And, we don't ask. God exists before and after His creations, God does not resemble any of His creation, and any image that you can imagine does not resemble God. But, Allah is everywhere in his knowledge: he sees everything, hears everything, knows everything, is omnipotent and omniscient.

Belief in the angels is another tenet of faith. Muslims believe that the angels were created from light, that they are completely obedient to God, and that they are eternal beings that had a beginning, like humans, and unlike God who has no beginning or end. Muslims do not believe that Satan was a fallen angel because angels are completely obedient to Allah. Rather, the Qur'an tells us that Satan was one of the jinn, another being that was created from fire. There are an inexhaustible numbers of angels, Muhammad (PBUH) said that there is a place where the angels go to pray, each day 70,000 angels pray there, never to return again, and this has been happening since the beginning of time.

To believe in His books means that Muslims believe that the Qur'an is the last in a series of revelations that God has given to mankind throughout history. Muslims believe that throughout time, a prophet has come, either with a written text or without, he has preached to worship God alone, then he has died and the information was changed by man over time or completely lost, which meant eventually and new prophet would be sent. This has happened 124,000 times since the creation of man according to the prophet Muhammad (PBUH), but we only know the names of the 25 mentioned in the Qur'an. The previous books mentioned in the Qur'an are the Zabur which was given to David, the Torah which was given to Moses, the Injeel which was given to Jesus and the Qur'an which was given to Muhammad, peace be upon them all.

The messengers that we are required to believe in include the Biblical prophets, Muslims believe in Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Solomon, David, John, Enoch, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad just to name a few. Islam is not some new religion, it is the same religion taught by all of the prophets and messengers; worship only one God. It confirms the divine origin of the previous scriptures and corrects the manmade mistakes of those scriptures.

The fifth tenet of faith is belief in the Last Day, yowm al- qiyama in Arabic. Every Muslim believes that at the end of time every person will be resurrected and have to stand alone before God to be judged for what they did in their life. God is the only judge, even a Muslim isn't guaranteed a free pass to Heaven. God may or may not forgive any person of any sin. But, God has promised that he will never forgive the sin of worshipping something or someone else, that is called shirk in Arabic.

The last pillar of faith is the belief in the divine decree, both the good and evil thereof. Muslims believe that Allah has a will, and man has a will, but Allah's will overrides man's. So, if a person wants to do something, if it has not been willed by Allah he will never be able to do it. Likewise, if a person tries to avoid a thing that God has willed, no matter how he tries he will not avoid it. A human does have his own will as well. It is up to us how we spend our time on earth, who we worship and what we believe. We will be judged according to our intentions on the Day of Judgment.

That is a quick overview of what Muslims believe. I hope that you have enjoyed this article. Please visit www.AdvocateIslam.com for more information. God bless!

On the authority of Omer1 (may Allah be pleased with him), who said:*

One day while we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (i.e. Prophet Muhammed, may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), there appeared before us a man whose clothes were exceedingly white and whose hair was exceedingly black; no signs of journeying were to be seen on him and none of us knew him. He walked up and sat down by the Prophet (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). Resting his knees against his (the Prophet's) and placing the palms of his hands on his thighs, he said:

O Muhammed, tell me about Islam.

The Messenger of Allah (may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: Islam is to testify that there is no god but Allah and Muhammed is the Messenger of Allah, to perform the prayers, to pay the Zakat2 to fast in Ramadhan, and to make the pilgrimage to the House3 if you are able to do so.

He said: You have spoken rightly, and we were amazed at him asking him (the Prophet bpuh) and saying that he had spoken rightly.

He said: Then, tell me about Iman.4

He (the Prophet) said: It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in divine destiny, both the good and the evil thereof.
He said: You have spoken rightly.

He said: Then, tell me about Ihsan.5

He (the Prophet bpuh) said: It is to worship Allah as if you are seeing him, and while you see Him not yet truly He sees you.

He said: Then, tell me about the hour.6

He (the Prophet bpuh) said: The one questioned about it knows no better than the questioner. He said: Then, tell me about its signs.

He (the Prophet bpuh) said: That the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress, and that you will see the barefooted, naked, destitute herdsmen competing in constructing lofty buildings.

Then, he took himself off and I stayed for some time. Then he (the Prophet bpuh) said: O Omer, do you know who the questioner was? I said: Allah and His Messenger know better. He said: It was Jibril (Gabriel), who came to you to teach you your religion.7

The Messenger of Allah (bpuh) told the truth.

This Hadith was related by Muslim.

This Hadith was translated by Ezzeddin Ibrahim and Denys Johnson-Davies (Abdul Wadoud), "An-Nawawi's Forty Hadiths." 1976. Dar Al-Manar.

1 Omer Bin Al-Khattab, the second Caliph.

2. Often rendered as alms-tax or poor due, it is a tax levied on a man's wealth and distributed among the poor.

3. The Ka'aba and the Holy Mosque in Makkah.

4. Iman is generally rendered as religious belief or faith. However, being a fundamental term in Islam, the Arabic word has been retained.

5. In this context, the word ihsan has a special religious significance and any single rendering of it would be inadequate. Dictionary meaning for ihasan includes right actions, goodness, charity, sincerity, and the like. The root also means to master or be proficient at, and it is to be found in this meaning in Nawawi's Hadith Number 17.

6. i.e. of the Day of Judgment.

7. This phrase has more than one interpretation. Among those given by An-Nawawi in his commentary is that slave girls will give birth to sons and daughters who will become free and so be masters of those who bore them. The word ama, normally translated as a slave girl, is also capable of meaning any woman in that we are all slaves or servants of God. The words thus have the meaning: When a woman will give birth to her master, i.e. a time will come when children will have so little respect for their mothers that they will treat them like servants. The commentators point out that there the word rabba (mistress) includes the masculine rabb (master).

It Was Never About Islam

There is no doubt many of us Iranians and non Iranians look forward for a more healthy and humanistic problem solving style in Iran and around the world. Although, we Iranians have diverse points of view (like any other groups of individuals in this world), still we really hope for the best for our human world. Every where we meet, now and then we get into a more heated discussion on the subject of politics, Islam, religious faith, and cultural Diaspora. Obviously many of these topics influence our psychological health to a degree basically due to level of disagreement, verbal conflicts, and negativity.

The other day, I was listening to a very intellectual, educational, and interesting discussion in a dinner party. A few believed in the liberalization and modernization of Islam. Some others who are true practitioners of Islam explained why radical Muslims fear of change. Some other friends connected the serious concerns in our home country to Islam, while some others tried to take religion out of the context.

At some point the group realized that the discussion only ruined the joy of the socialization, a reason for changing the subject and switching to other areas of life.

Still, some of these individuals argued that our struggles are not about Islam or any other religion or religion in large. No one could disagree that human beings are suffering due to the notion of the abuse and misuse of religion.

I came to think further how the polarity among us Iranian about the roots for our issues keeps us confused and occupied at all times. The real problem is not the religion itself. We are in pain because religion in large has always been used as a tool for controlling people.

Having faith in Islam or any other religion is a human need and no one can deny people's right to have faith, any faith. The main concerns are how some people maltreat their power while not having any sense of when enough is enough.

Obviously we Iranian may always look back for the ways in which our life has changed due to loss, migration, and nostalgia, yet the real cause for our misery is never about Islam. Our sadness is pertinent to extend in which Islam is being blanket for all other activities. On the other side we keep hearing news about the attacks on people's faith back home.

To conceptualize our Iranian life, we need to be clear about the underlying issues for our distress. If we like to live a healthier life, we have to distinguish between misuse of power and people's need for faith, any faith.

My main interest is mental health and healthy relationship. I write mostly about how to explore mental health as a main source of having peace within our families and our communities.
I would like to promote peace, happiness, multicultural counseling and a healthy language in our daily life. I believe that we have to expand our understanding of mental health by viewing the cultural values into our ways of dealing with the world.
I like to emphasize on helping our youth as well as our next generations to integrate within whatever cultures they live in.

Convert Now to Islam

I invite you to convert to Islam. The reasons are many. I will mention the most important reasons:

1- One God:

In Islam, there is only One God. In many other religions, there are many gods. What wil happen if the God decided something and His son decided another contradicting thing? There will be a conflict between them and the universe will be destroyed.

2-Simple and Clear Religion:

You have to believe that there is no deity but Allah and that Mohammad is the apostle of Allah. You have to worship the God. And you will enter the Heaven. Besides, Allah will bless your life in our world.

3-We believe that Moses and the Chirst are the apostles of Allah.

They have invited their followers to follow Mohammad -may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him- when he appears. But some of their followers have changed the Bible.

4-In Islam, there are harmony and balance between the soul and the body.

Islam does not forbid materialistic pleasures, but Islam is a unit of enjoying our lives and more important obeying our God and Creator.

5-Clear and Simple Answers to the following Questions:

a-What is the origin of the universe?

The God has created the universe.

b-What is the purpose of our life?

We were created to live on the earth, but more important to worship our God.

c-What will happen to us after death?

There will be the day after. The believers will enter the Heaven and the unbelievers will enter the hell.

Fasting During the Month of Shawal (Shawwal)

We hope all of you have had a wonderful Eid-al-Fitr. Eid Mubarak to all of you again.

With the end of Ramadan, the month of Shawal follows. It has been recommended that Muslims fast 6 days during the month of Shawal.

Under the authority of Abi Ayoub Alansary, the Prophet (PBUH) had said, “whoever fasts Ramadan succeeded with 6 days of Shawal will be rewarded as if fasted the whole year”.

The 6 days could be fasted sequential or separately.

We recommend watching a recent video that answers questions regarding fasting in the month of Shawal. The answers are given by Dr. Muhammad Salah.

Some of the highlights of the video include:

While it is not necessary to fast the 6 days in Shawal sequentially, it is recommended that it is done sequentially.

The benefits of fasting during Shawal will apply only when one has completed the required 29 or 30 days of fasting during Ramadan.

A woman who has missed her Ramadan fasts due to her period has to make up for those missed periods before fasting the 6 days in Shawal. In the case when a woman has missed her periods for a longer than usual duration, and making up those missed Ramadan fasts during Shawal would not enable her to fast the 6 days during Shawal, then it is fine for her to first fast the 6 days of Shawal, then make up the missed Ramadan fasts.

Why We Fast During the Month of Shawal?
Benefits and Rewards of Fasting During Shawal

Indonesian Leader Communication Style at Idul Fitri

Both President and Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia had try to communicate with their constituent through different communication style commemorating Idul Fitri, one of the most significant holy day for Muslim. At the first day of Idul Fitri 1428 H. (13/10), President General (ret.) Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono organized open house in Presidential Palace for his family, bureaucrats, diplomats, and public. Several day after, on Wednesday (17/10) he visited Kampung Rambutan bus terminal on incidental inspection. Afterwards, he went to Indonesian State Police headquarters to hear reports from police about traffic control. FYI Indonesian peoples have unique tradition called "mudik" (back to homeland) because many Indonesian are local migrants (from village to city). When this holiday came, at least once in a year they back to homeland and this activity cause full traffic in every mode of transportation.

In the other side, Vice President Drs. Jusuf Kalla looked more attractive with his actions. He gave exclusive interview for Metro TV as the only one news television in Indonesia. This exclusive interview broadcasted he and his family gathered at that Islamic holiday at his house. Beside that, at the first day of Idul Fitri after Id praying (13/10), he also organized open house at his official residence for public and bureaucrats. But Indonesian watching his move in the when he went to several Indonesian former leaders. At the first day of Idul Fitri, he visited ex-President Megawati Soekarnoputri, ex-President K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid, and ex-President Prof. Dr. Ing. B.J. Habibie. He continued this rally at the second day of Idul Fitri (14/10),whenever he visited ex Vice President General (ret.) Try Sutrisno, ex-longest President Great General (ret.) H.M. Suharto, ex-Indonesian House of Representative Chairman Ir. Akbar Tandjung, Indonesian Supreme Court Chairman Prof. Bagir Manan, and Constitution Court Chairman Prof. Jimly Ashiddique. What I questioned about this rally is Kalla's decision to visit new Governor of DKI Jakarta (Greater Jakarta Special Capital Province) Dr.Ing. H. Fauzi Bowo whose notabene his undirect staff. This action is unusual for Indonesian culture.

Rumours spread amongst politician that Kalla's move done as the preparation for next Presidential election at 2009. But Kalla himself refused that opinion and said that only usual visiting to honor former leader of the nation.

However, they have choose their own way to communicate their care and participation in this most significant holy day for Indonesian peoples, considerate most of Indonesian people are Muslim (Indonesia is the biggest Muslim country in the world. It has approximately 190 million Muslim.) They try to put each of them as good leader who had big respect to religion, as Indonesia is religious -although have secular national principle- country. This communication action hopefully will boost support for each of them from Indonesian peoples, especially from their constituent at general election.

Education and Islam

Islam is the religion of peace, and it is one of the most sacred and trustworthy religions, which has given us guidance in every aspect of life. Islam has given us education with knowledge which has no limits. The Holy Quran is the most sacred book of Allah revealed on Prophet Muhammad (SAW), for the upliftment guidance and enriched messages to the humanity.

Education is the knowledge of putting one's potentials to maximum use. Without education, no one can find the proper right path in this world.

This importance of education is basically for two reasons. Education makes man a right thinker. Without education, no one can think properly in an appropriate context you. It tells man how to think and how to make decision. The second reason for the importance of education is that only through the attainment of education, man is enabled to receive information from the external world. It is well said that

"Without education, man is as though in a closed room and with education he finds himself in a room with all its windows open towards outside world."

This is why Islam attaches such great importance to knowledge and education. When the Quran began to be revealed, the first word of its first verse was 'Iqra' that is, read..

The reflective book of Holy Quran is so rich in content and meaning that if the history of human thought continues forever, this book is not likely to be read to its end. Every day it conveys a new message to the humanity. Every morning, it gives us new thoughtful ideas and bound us in the boundaries of ethics.

Islamic Education is one of the best systems of education, which makes an ethical groomed person with all the qualities, which he/she should have as a human being. The Western world has created the wrong image of Islam in the world. They don't know that our teachings are directly given to us from Allah, who is the creator of this world, through our Prophets.

The Muslims all over the world are thirsty of acquiring quality education. They know their boundaries and never try to cross it. It is the West, which has created a hype that the Muslim are not in a path of getting proper education. They think that our education teaches us fighting, about weapons, etc., which is so false. This is true that there are certain elements, which force an individual to be on the wrong path, because as we will mould a child, they will be like that, but it doesn't mean that our religion teaches improperly to us.

Our Holy Prophet (SAW), said,

Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.

And:

Seek knowledge even [if it is to be found in a place as distant as China. At the battle of Badr, in which our beloved Holy Prophet (SAW) gained victory over his foes, seventy people of the enemy rank were taken to prison. These prisoners were literate people. In order to benefit from their education the Prophet declared that if one prisoner teaches ten Muslim children how to read and write, this will serve as his ransom and he will be set free. This was the first school in the history of Islam established by the Prophet himself with all its teachers being non-Muslims. The Sunnah of the Prophet shows that education is to be received whatever the risk involved.

Today, the Muslims are acquiring good ideas, thoughts, knowledge, and skills, from all corners of the world. The world is moving very fast, and in this industrialize world, It is the duty of the teachers to give quality ethical integrated education to the Muslim students worldwide, because children are invaluable assets of future generations.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) encouraged all Muslims to acquire knowledge and share it. He said:

"Acquire knowledge, for he who acquires it in the way of Allah performs an act of piety; he who speaks of it, praises the Lord; he who seeks it, adores Allah; he who dispenses instruction in it, bestows alms; and he who imparts it to others, performs an act of devotion to Allah." (Bukhari, Muslim)

All the teachers of either secular or religious education should give more attention to the pupils inside the classroom. It is necessary that in the Islamic system that we should consider these dear children as our own children, and put aside all other considerations, and rise above all such things and realize our duty and our mission. We should raise the standards of education and attend to the needs of these children. We should realize our duties with earnestness and awaken to the sense of responsibility. It has been seen that there are certain teacher who are not fulfilling their duties with keen interest. I would like to request all the teachers that for the sake of God, for the sake of your revolutionary duty, teach the children with devotion and dedication.

It is important that we advance our work through discussions, debates, studies, and through proper distribution of work among ourselves.

We must never forget that we are living in an Islamic State, and our aim should be simultaneously to create both an independent as well as an Islamic culture in character. Independence and richness of content are indeed among the characteristics of the Islamic culture. Our system is an ideological system.

We should make our child enthusiastic, dynamic, and this search should pervade every corner of our society. We should aspire them to be truthful and sincere.

Self-sacrifice and generosity, love of freedom, the resolve for resistance and headstrong perseverance, the courage to welcome martyrdom-all these are the new values of the new generation, which should be taught according to the teaching of Islam.

The doors of the school should always be kept open for the sake of Islam, for the sake of the Muslim Ummah.

Munir Moosa Sewani is one of the famous, prominent and creative names in the field of Education since 8 years. He is a Master Trainer In Special Education, Post Graduate, Teacher Educator and a Teacher. He is a Freelance Writer and Photographer too. He is an author of the famous self-published storybook for children named as "The MORAL STORIES FOR CHILDREN" and has also written Biology course book for Secondary Classes. He has written almost more than 40 articles on social, health, educational and cultural issues, which are internationally recognized and published on most of the famous world wide websites, magazines and newspapers. He is also a Social worker, private tutor, career counselor, musician, lyrics writer and have multi- dimensional talents. His future plan is to write dozens of informative books and articles and to work for education and media too.

Preparing for Eid al Fitr 2009

Eid al Fitr Preparations

Can you believe that the holy month of Ramadan is almost over?

Muslims around the world are busy preparing for the end of Ramadan, and to begin the Eid al Fitr celebration. Eid al Fitr is only 3-4 days away depending on the region you live in.

Most Muslims around the world will be celebrating Eid al Fitr on September 20, 2009.

Eid Mubarak to all Our Muslims Readers!

Please enjoy the following excerpted article on how Muslims around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid al Fitr.

Eid Around the World

Muslim Children in India Hug on Eid

Saudi Children in New Clothes at Eid Morning Prayers

Eid Celebrations in Luxor, Egypt

Eid Preparations in Malaysia

Shopping for New Clothes

Shopping for Candy in Palestine

Iraq
In Iraq, the family will enjoy a breakfast of buffalo cream with honey and bread before going on to the family lunch together. Here, a lamb may be sacrificed for the occasion, and a special Eid sweetmeat called klaicha, a date-filled pastry, is made.

Egypt
Egypt sees four days of celebration, with preparations starting several days earlier. Special biscuits are made to give to friends and relatives on the day. The men will go to the mosque early in the morning, while the women start work on the preparation of the fish that will form the centrepiece of a great celebratory lunch.

Palestine
Here, in addition to prayers and family celebrations, a special sweetmeat, k'ak al-tamar, is made to serve with coffee.

Somalia
In Somalia, a three-day celebration starts with a family lunch which includes rice mixed with meat and vegetables, and pasta accompanied by anjira (a thin bread prepared liked chapatti). Halva, which in Somalia is more like a cumin-flavoured custard, is also served, along with special fried (or baked) biscuits made of flour, sugar, oil, warm water and baking powder.

Indonesia
In Indonesia, the family lunch consists of dishes made of chicken, lamb or beef, but never fish which is too ubiquitous in Indonesia to be considered as a celebratory dish. The traditional sweet is lapis legit, a rich layered cake. Here, the celebrations will last for a whole month.

Malaysia
In Malaysia, three public holidays mark Eid, but the visiting and celebrations will also continue for a month. Festive dishes include ketupat (rice cooked in wrapped coconut leaves) and lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo cane), served with beef rendang.

Iran
The one exception in all these celebrations is Iran where, although the day is marked as a public holiday, there are no specific dishes made to mark the occasion. This is perhaps because, unlike most Muslim countries, the climate varies widely from season to season, especially on the high Iranian plateau. The winters are very cold and the summers very hot, and the moveable feasts of the lunar calendar preclude the preparation of annual dishes.

Eid Mubarak!

When is Eid al Fitr 2009 in USA

What day is Ramadan Over in the USA in 2009?

Eid ul-Fitr 1430 AH (2009):
The astronomical New Moon is on Friday, September 18, 2009, at 18:44 Universal Time (9:44 pm Makkah time). On Saturday, September 19, 2009, sunset at Makkah is 6:20 pm local time, while moonset is at 6:36 pm local time. Therefore, first day of Shawwal, i.e., Eid ul-Fitr is Sunday, September 20, insha'Allah.

May Allah (swt) keep us on the right path, and accept our fasting and prayers. Ameen. For more detailed information, please visit: www.fiqhcouncil.org or www.moonsighting.com

Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi,
Chairman

Last 10 Nights of Ramadan Dua

Why is the last ten days of Ramadan very important to Muslims?

The blessed night, called Laylatul Qadr, occurs in one of the last ten nights of Ramadan and more probably in one of the last ten odd nights i.e. 2lst, 23rd, 25th 27th or 29th night. Laylatul Qadr is the crowning glory of the holy month of Ramadhaan. It is associated with the sending down of the Qur’an, the last Book of Allah on His last Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), for the guidance of mankind.

Fortunate is the person who spends Laylatul Qadr in prayer. The man or woman, who prays for the whole night during this Night, will deserve blessings and reward for the period as if he or she had been praying for eighty three years and four months consecutively. Since the Night of Power is better than one thousand months no one can actually measure the extent as to how much better it is.


“We have indeed revealed this (message) in the Night of Power: And what will explain to you what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down the Angels and the Spirit (Jibraeel) by Allah’s permission, on every errand: Peace! This until the rise of Morn!”
(Surah 97)

The Night of Power is the night of spiritual bliss. Our Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said concerning Ramadhaan:

“Verily this month has come to you; and therein is a night which is better than a thousand Months. Whosoever is deprived of it, is deprived of all good; and none is deprived of its good except a totally unfortunate person”.
(Ibn Majah)

“Whosoever stands up (in prayer) at the Night of Power out of faith and hopeful of reward, all his past sins will be forgiven.”
(Targhib)


Please find below an email forward that we received that has a brilliant suggestion for the last ten days of Ramadan dua.

Ultimate Last 10 Nights Dua

Step 1: Go somewhere really beautiful, where no one can disturb you.

Step 2: Imagine Allah says to you, "Ask whatever you wish and I shall grant it to you." Think of everything good you would ask for from this life and the next.

Step 3: After thinking of everything you can, sit down and write it out.

Step 4: Pick 5 things, your favorites, and consistently ask Allah for these 5 every night in the last ten. Your dua will be guaranteed to have landed on Laylatul-Qadr! How cool is that?

With best wishes to see you succeed at the highest level!

- Muhammad Alshareef
www.PostRamadan.com

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Sarung Instant khusus Balita "KAIFA" (0-5years)

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Info lengkap untuk Sarung Instant Balita (Bawah Lima Tahun) KAIFA & Peci KAIFA serta Sajadah Dakron, silahkan klik http://alqiada-kidswear.blogspot.com/ or email alqiada.muslimcorner@gmail.com or SMS +62 812 1969 7561

How to Calculate Zakat

Calculate Zakat Today

Zakat is an obligatory duty for Muslims and one of the five pillars of Islam.

Many Muslims prefer to pay Zakat in the month of Ramadan. Note this is different from the Zakat-al-Fitr. Please scroll down for definitions.

It is mandatory when two conditions are simultaneously satisfied:

Nisab and Due Date

- Nisab: The current NISAB value is approximately $2500.00. It is 3 oz of pure Gold.

- Due Date: Zakat is due after one Lunar (Hijri) year starting from either the first day you acquired the amount of Nisab or the day you paid Zakat last year.

Please dear brothers and sisters, take the time now to calculate your Zakat and pay it as soon as possible. Do not rush at the last minute.

Zakat Calculator

In order to calculate your zakat, please fill all of the fields. If the amount is -0-, please put 0.

1. Cash on hand and in bank accounts (saving, checking, etc.)
2. Refundable deposits (e.g. on rented apartment)
3. Non-delinquent loans (money you loaned to others)
4. Expected Tax refund
5. Gold and its certificate (1)
6. Shares, stocks, bonds, IRA, pension plans, options, etc.
7. Business cash on hand and in banks plus invoices due.
8. Business inventory (2)
9. Net income you are entitled to as of Zakat due date.
10. Total amount subject to Zakat (lines 1 through 9).
11. Zakat amount : If the amount is 0, then no Zakat is due.

Below please refer below for clarifications on Zakat questions.

Zakat Questions Answered (Zakat FAQ)

When should Zakat be paid?

Zakat can be paid any time during the year, in one lump sum or in installments. However, at the end of each year one must calculate one's Zakat and the amount due but not paid must be paid. In actual practice, many Muslims prefer to pay Zakat in the month of Ramadan. This is also fine. Bear in mind that for agricultural produce, it is preferred to pay Zakat after the harvest.

What is Nisab?

In Sharia (Islamic Jurisprudence) nisab (نصاب) is the amount which savings or capital or product must exceed in order for the Muslim owner to be obliged to give zakat. Several hadith have formulas for calculating nisab. One of the most well known states that No Zakat is due on wealth until one year passes.

In general, nisab is considered an amount equal to the essential needs of a person or family for one year. In many modern societies, nisab is often interpreted to equate a governmentally determined poverty threshold.

What is Zakat-al-mal, and what is Zakat-al-Fitr?

Zakat-al-Mal is the obligatory charity paid by an individual to the needy. It is obligatory on an individual who possesses wealth equal to or above a minimum amount called Nisab for an entire lunar year. For the purpose of calculating Zakat, different categories of wealth are defined. Nisab for the category of "Personal wealth" is three ounces of gold (or its equivalent amount in money). However, this amount is defined for each type of wealth separately. See under Nisab.

Zakat-al-Fitr is a special charity paid to the needy on or before the day of Eid-al-Fitr, which is first day of the month of Shawwal following the month of Ramadan. An individual who is in possession of the Nisab, (three ounces of gold or its equivalent amount), on the day of Eid-al-Fitr pays this Zakat. For Zakat-al-Fitr, one does not need to possess Nisab for the entire lunar year. This is paid as atonement for any shortcomings in the worship of Fasting during the month of Ramadan. This is calculated as a fixed amount per person. An individual pays this on his/her behalf and the dependents. This amount is specified as the cost of one normal meal and therefore it varies based upon the time and place. One may estimate this amount oneself or contact any Islamic scholar or institution for help.

Source: https://baitulmaal.org

Who is eligible to receive Zakat?

The holy Qur'an specifies eight (8) purposes for which the money from Zakat can be used. They are the following.

1) Poor (Faqir pl. Fuqara'): One who cannot support himself/herself, provided (or to the extent) that the recipient of Zakat does not reach the level of Nisab.

2) Needy (Miskin pl. Masakin): One who cannot adequately support himself/herself, and is reluctant to ask for help. Such an individual, therefore, is not easily recognized as someone who needs help. Such an individual is eligible for Zakat, provided (or to the extent) that the recipient of Zakat does not reach the level of Nisab.

3) Those employed to administer the collection, distribution, and administration of Zakat (Al-'Amilin): They need not remain below Nisab at the time of receiving compensation through Zakat.

4) Those individuals who have been recently reconciled to the Truth (Mu'allafat-al-Qulub): This category includes new Muslims, or those who are willing to support the Muslim State but need to be compensated. They could be non-Muslims as well. Such individuals can be in possession of Nisab and will not be disqualified because of that.

5) Freeing of those in bondage (Fi-al-Riqab): Since the custom of bondage or slavery is now extinct, freeing of slaves may not be needed any longer. However, this can be interpreted to include individuals who due to excessive debt do not have any hope of ever standing on their own two feet.

6) Those in debt (Al-Gharimin): Zakat money could be received by on who is in debt in order to pay off the debt or a part thereof provided at the time of receiving Zakat, he/she is not in possession of Nisab.

7) In the cause of Allah (Fi-sabil-Allah): Those who are going out or working in the cause of Allah (including the task of conveying the message of Islam) or in a battle declared by an Islamic State for just cause. Being in possession of Nisab does not disqualify them.

8) The wayfarer (Ibn-al-Sabil): Traveler who is in need of help during his travel.
One who belongs to the family of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) is not eligible for receiving Zakat.

Source: https://baitulmaal.org

"Of their goods take alms, that so thou might purify and sanctify them; and pray on their behalf, verily thy prayers are a source of security for them."
(Quran, 9:103)

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".

Islam - Basic Beliefs and Concepts

Islam is the most growing religion on earth, there are more than 2 Billion humans all over the world called Muslims. Islam is based on the Submission of human will to One God who is called in Arabic "Allah" The only One, The Superior and The Only Creator Of This Universe with no partners and all the existence under his own Control.

Islam was the religion given to Adam The first Man on Earth who was created by God, not as fallen being. All The Prophets & Messengers of God "Allah" to humankind on Earth were Muslims including Adam, Abraham, Moses, Aaron, Jacob, Jesus and Mohammad. They have the same basic Message to Mankind: "La Ilaha Illa Allah" which means no God worth of worshiping Except Allah and anything else is his servant and creation.

Although those prophets came with different books, practices and methods of worshiping, Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him and all other prophets) was the last Messenger of Allah On earth Before the Day of Judgment.

The Basic Message of Islam is the absolute Unity of Allah 'God' and he is not independent on anything or anyone else or even alike, he is not three on one nor father and son, Muslims beliefs on Jesus as Allah's Prophet and Messenger and his servant just like all other prophets Including Mohammad and Moses.

Islam believes that God and his creations are completely different entities. Allah is not his creation nor he is a part of it. Islam believes that his essence and his great knowledge are everywhere on his creation.

Islam calls the human away from the worshiping of the creation of Allah and invites him to the worshiping of the creator -- Allah himself, because the greatest sin of humanity is the worshiping of the creation.

Among the basics of Islamic Religion, the most important part is the belief in one God 'Allah' and He is the only Creator, Ruler, Lord, Administrator and Master of all that exists, And this Universe exists and functions because the will of Allah alone.

Allah responds to man's prayer and He is the only one who has the power to accept or reject it. He is the Master of man's destiny, no one ever else can interfere with the fate of others or even with his own fate!

All the humans hopes and fears should be only directed to Allah. He is the object of fear & source of favor.

That's the bedrock and most fundamental aspect of Islam religion, May Allah guide all of us to the truth and thank you for your time.

Ramadan Pictures in Iran

Pictures of Mosques Around the World
Ramadan in Mosques

Today we feature Ramadan pictures from Iran.

In Iran, there is popular sweet which called Zulbia and Bamieh. This sweet, which is most popular during Ramadan will be sold all over Iran in every dessert-shop!

Please click below for the Zolbia Bamieh recipe for this popular Persian (Iranian) dessert:

Zolbia Bamieh Recipe

Ramadan in Iran
2009 (1430)
Dessert Time in Iran


Source of images: http://isna.ir

5 Pillars of Islam

Islam means literally submission to God. This is something that is not taken lightly by Muslims all over the world. One set of guidelines that are closely adhered to are the 5 pillars of Islam. These are the 5 guidelines set down which should be followed by all Muslims regardless. They are called pillars as a pillar is used to hold up a structure to stop it from collapsing all around you, just as in Islam these 5 pillars are there to keep Muslims faith strong and support them in their life.

Pillar 1 - The recitation and belief in the Shahadah

To fulfill the Shahadah one must recite "I testify that there is no god but Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah". In Arabic it is read as "'ašhadu 'al-l ilha ill-llhu wa 'ašhadu 'anna mu'ammadan rasklu-llh".

Pillar 2 - Pray 5 times a day

This is one of the most fundamental rules set down and is one which should be done every day. Prayers begin at first light in the morning and are spread through out the day until the last prayer in the evening. Prayer is a way to cleanse your soul and to remind yourself that there is an after life and that we will all be held responsible for all that we do in our life day by day.

Pillar 3 - Charitable donations

It is referred to as Zakah in Arabic and is obligatory for Muslims to do so as long as they are able to without causing strife within their own lives. There are two types of Zakah that can be paid, one is related to the amount of food that is paid for during the holy month of Ramadan for his family. The secound type of Zakah is based on wealth and savings and is usually based around 2.5% of the wealth that has been saved for one full year.

Pillar 4 - Fasting

During the month of Ramadan it is obligatory for Muslims to take part in fasting during this time. It is required to refrain from foods, drinks, sexual activities, etc from dawn until dusk. This is a time for soul searching and seeking a greater insight into religion by studying Islam more in depth.

Pillar 5 - Pilgrimage to Hajj

All Muslims must make the necessary journey to the holy land of Makkah in Saudia Arabia. If you can not afford to go then there are provisions allowed which are permitted such as if a village was very poor then they could all collect their funds together and pay for a single individual to go then all can benefit from the rewards as they have completed the Hajj to the best of their abilities but only God can truly give rewards to those who are deserving.

One Man One Bag

“Asslm. Kalau butuh beras u zakat fitah atau komsumsi, SMS saja, beras saya antar. Harga 5,800/kg. Packing 5 dan 10 kg. Tks”

Demikian saya kirim SMS ke beberapa teman saya.

Ya, saya sedang menawarkan beras. Lho, apakah MusliMart sekarang jualan beras juga?

Tidak! Saya sedang bekerja untuk CiMart. Sebuah Usaha Bersama yang salah satu divisinya adalah toko sembako. Dan alhamdulillah, saya bertemu dengan teman-teman yang baik dan penuh semangat, dan kini sedang membesarkan usaha bersama ini.

Dari pemberitahuan via SMS ini, saya bisa menjual 80 kg beras bulan Agustus kemarin. Bagi pedagang beras ini pasti bukan jumlah yang bisa dibanggakan. Tapi tak apalah, yang penting saya sudah memulai. Dan bagi CiMart, ini adalah sebuah terobosan bagus.

Sejak berdiri April 2009, pembeli utama beras di CiMart adalah anggota ‘koperasi’ UB Cimart ini sendiri. Kalau ada orang lain di luar anggota, itu adalah warga sekitar toko yang mendengar bahwa harga beras di Cimart adalah yang terbilang murah di kelasnya.

Kalau setiap member dulu cuma membeli untuk keperluan sendiri, paling-paling cuma 10-20 kg per orang. Kini terobosan pemasaran dilakukan oleh Dirops yang baru yaitu Pak Cepi Prihadi: Setiap member diberi tantangan “One Man One Bag”. Artinya setiap member menjual 1 karung beras per bulan. 1 karung = 50 kg.

Terbayang jika setiap member bisa menjual 50 kg, berarti omset penjualan beras CiMart akan meningkat 3-5 kali lipat dari sebelumnya.

Banyak member yang tertantang. Motivasinya lebih banyak karena keinginan yang sama: membesarkan UB CiMart. Yang di dalamnya ada modal yang ditanam oleh anggota member itu sendiri.

Memang sepantasnya member harus tertantang. Minimal menyelamatkan modal bersama yang telah ditanamkan di dalamnya. Maksimal memberi keuntungan sebesar-besarnya. Lalu mensejahterakan karyawannya. Membuka cabang minimarket di mana-mana. Menjadi supplier sembako terkemuka di Bekasi.

Menyambut tantangan itu, saya mengambil 50 kg. Sampai di rumah saya letakkan di ruang tamu. Para tamu yang datang akan melihat saya jualan beras. Minimal tanya-tanya. Lalu saya tawarin, sekalian mengenalkan Cimart yang logonya tertera di plastic kemasan beras itu.

Selain itu saya juga tawarkan lewat SMS.

SMS di atas bukan SMS pertama. SMS sebelumnya saya cuma menyampaikan

bahwa saya jualan beras, jenis beras dan harga beras. Belum ada yang pesan… tapi sudah ada yang respon nanti akan beli beras ke saya. Alhamdulillah. SMS kedua saya tambah poin pelayanan pesan antar. Alhamdulillah, beras saya terjual habis. Tak cuma 50 kg, tapi 80 kg. Alhamdulillah. SMS saya telah berkerja.

September ini saya akan memulai batch ke dua. Penjualan sudah saya kombinasikan dengan penjualan baju muslim dannis di MusliMart. Lho? Ya… menjiplak ide www.bajupoeti.com, saya meluncurkan voucher belanja bagi pembeli baju muslim dannis di toko saya MusliMart.

Voucher bisa ditukar sembako di CiMart ataupun produk saya di MusliMart.

Kerjasama yang sangat indah. Toko sembako CiMart akan laku dan dikenal pelanggan saya yang sebelumnya sudah mengenal MusliMart.

Semoga Allah memberkahi rizki kita semua.

Cikarang Baru, Ramadhan 1430H/6 September 2009