Love Jesus, Muhammad and Moses www.JesusMuhammad.com Allah in Semitic is God, in the Gospel, Koran and Torah Submission to Allah, Islam is Semitic for the one religion brought by all Prophets Say [to them, Oh Muhammad]: This is My Path, I invite to Allah, and so do those who follow me with [spiritually guided] insight. Koran [12.108] Everything seems to be turned upside down these days. Crazy things are happening all over the world, we are fed with partial information, misinformation and so on. Many of us find ourselves in a state of complex ignorance - that is, we are ignorant that we are ignorant. We do not know the whole truth, through no fault of our own, and form our opinions accordingly. This brief booklet presents Islam in its true form and we stress: it is not the fanatical Saudi Wahabi cult, responsible since its inception for terrorism and the murder of many innocent believers in Mecca, Medina, and New York. Their actions are totally against the principals of Islam and Islam rejects and condemns them. Islam is the religion of peace, brotherhood, and tolerant co-existence among all mankind since Adam, not just amongst its followers. The foremost principal of Islam is the belief in the Oneness of God, the Creator of all, who has no partners. It is He who sent the Prophets to whom he gave His guidance, and the last prophet, Prophet Muhammad who was sent for all mankind rather than individual nations as was the case of previous prophets. Praise and peace be upon all the prophets of God! Many people have the inherent desire for guidance. However, in this complicated, fast moving technological society the pace of life is so consuming that one is soon distracted from his/her search. New religions are born almost every day only to fade into oblivion soon after. Many of us try to do good, but how many times has it turned out to be the opposite? We have all heard the phrase, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. So what are we to do? Without correct guidance we are going to keep falling into the same errors time and time again. Islam addresses each and every aspect of our life from conception to death. It is a complete religion, both spiritually and materialistically that shows us the right path to take. Allah, the Semitic Arabic pronoun for God, confirms this in the opening verses of His Holy Book, the Koran: That is the (Holy) Book, where there is no doubt. It is guidance for the cautious. There is no doubt that the Arabic Koran recited today is the same as it was when it was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad. This is because Allah in His Mercy promises in the Koran to protect this, His Final Revealed Word from alteration. The Koran contains guidance for every age up until the end of time and contains miraculous signs that await discovery in the appropriate centuries. One such sign that awaited discovery was the developmental stages of the fetus in the womb. This process only became known to physicians recently, many centuries after the revelation of the Koran, and it is impossible that it would have been known at the time of the sending down of the Holy Koran. Islam is not a new religion. It is the completion of teachings of Prophets Abraham, Moses and Jesus, all of whom preached that God is One and has no partners. It is tolerant and respectful of all other heavenly religions and their followers who share the belief in the One and only God. The Holy Koran teaches: "There is no compulsion in religion. Righteousness is now distinct from error. He who disbelieves in satans deception and believes in Allah has grasped the firmest tie that will never break, Allah is Hearing, Knowing. Koran 2:256 THE MEANING OF ISLAM Islam, Muslim and Salam are Arabic words Islam driven from peace and the name of Allah is Most Peace Giver and used in the religion of Islam is one religion since Adam, Noah, Therefore The word Muslim is an adjective derived from the noun Islam, and implies one who has peace within himself and share it with his fellow world people from his submission to Allah. There is absolutely no difference between Allah and the God of Abraham, Moses and Jesus. Muslims do not believe that Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him was the only prophet; rather they believe that he was the last of the prophets of the Old and New Testaments. The Holy Koran is the revealed and sacred scripture of Islam, and it teaches: "Say (O Muslims), We believe in Allah and that which is sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the tribes; to Moses and Jesus and the prophets of their Lord. We do not differentiate between any of them, and to Him we are submissive (Muslims.) Koran 2:136. THREAD OF ISLAM The most fundamental concept of Islam and the fountainhead of all its other principles and practices is the Oneness (in uniqueness - not mathematically) of Allah. Islam is monotheism in its purest form, and the logic of pure monotheism is the thread that runs through the entire fabric of the Islamic way of life. Islam teaches a fundamental difference between Allah, the Creator and that which He has created. The sky, the moon, the stars, the harmony and perfection of the natural world, the grace and beauty of the human body and the excellence of the human mind, the alternation of day and night, the change of the seasons, and the mystery of life and death all point to something beyond, greater than themselves. To the believer these are all signs of Allah. Islam teaches that Allah is not to be likened to anything that He has created. He is AllPowerful and All-Knowing; He is beyond any imperfection, and is the fulfillment of all Perfection. He is not a substance nor is He like any of His creatures. Allah is not a far away and distant God, nor is He unapproachable ideal. He is All-Kind, All Merciful, and the Turner of hearts. Islam teaches that Allah is eternal. He was not born, nor has He fathered a son or a daughter. Islam rejects the concept of the incarnation of Allah, which is found in Hinduism, Christianity, and other religions, and believes that the concept of incarnation limits the concept of Allah and destroys the believer's conviction of the activeness and perfection of Allah. The Koran describes Allah being perfect and active: "Allah, there is no god except He. The Living, the Everlasting. Neither dozing nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth. Who is he that shall intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what will be before their hands and what was behind them, and they do not comprehend anything of His knowledge except what He willed. His Seat embraces the heavens and earth, and preserving them does not weary Him. He is the High, the Great." Koran 2:255. ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY Islam rejects the notion that Jesus, peace be upon him, was the son of God. Rather it honors and respects him as one of the great messengers and prophets of Allah to the children of Israel. Islam rejects the Pauline concept of trinity and considers it a contradiction of pure monotheism. It also rejects the argument of some Christians that God made Himself incarnate in Jesus, peace be upon him, so that God could be known by men, and also rejects the argument that Jesus, peace be upon him, died on the cross for mankind's sins. To begin with, Islam believes that man can come to know Allah and feel close to Him by means of proper prayer, fasting, charity, pilgrimage, and righteous deeds. The very practice of Islam is meant to purify the believer's soul and to bring him/her closer to Allah. With regard to Jesus dying for our sins, Islam teaches that no human being can bear the burden of another's responsibility. Allah is very aware of our human weaknesses and imperfection. He does not condemn us because we are imperfect; rather He guides us to self-perfection and He forgives us and showers His Mercy upon us when we fail and then sincerely ask for His forgiveness. Muslims believe in the Divine origin of the Bible although Muslims doubt the historical authenticity of some parts of the Old and New Testaments and do not believe them to be exact representations of what Allah originally revealed. The Koran holds this view of the text of the Old and New Testaments, and in recent years, this view has been upheld by textual studies of biblical scholars. Muslims believe in the Angels of Allah and His Prophets, peace be upon them. They believe in the resurrection of the dead at the end of the world; they believe in the coming of the Day of Judgment and eternal life in Paradise or Hell. Although Muslims believe that Allah is All-Powerful and maintains complete control over His creation, they also believe that Allah has created man with free will and the ability to choose and act, and that Allah is just in making man morally responsible for what does during his/her lifetime. It is false to say that Islam teaches its followers to resign meekly and passively to their fate or destiny. Rather, Islam challenges the believer to fight against wrong and oppression and to strive for the establishment of righteousness and justice. FAITH AND ACTION Faith without action is a dead letter. Islam teaches us that faith by itself is not enough until it is transformed into action. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him said; "Faith does not depend on raising hopes, but it is something which is firmly established in the heart and testified to by action. Indeed, there are people who have been deceived by their hopes, so that they finally leave this world without merit. They used to say, 'We have good expectations from Allah.' Yet they only deceived themselves, for had they truly placed good expectations in Allah, they would have excelled in good deeds." Each Muslim is taught that he/she is personally responsible for his/her own actions. Islam teaches that every individual must carry the responsibility of his/her own actions and that no one can carry that burden for them. THE POSITION OF WOMEN IN ISLAM Islam teaches that woman is not inherently inferior to man; rather man and woman are of similar nature. They both are equal in intellectual and spiritual capacity. Furthermore, they are both equally responsible for their deeds before Allah. It is also true that Islam regards woman as having a primary role to play in the constitution and running of the family. Such is the importance of the role of motherhood that Prophet Muhammad informed us that Paradise lies under the feet of the mother, in other words one must respect, honor and be good to ones mother. If you visit a Muslim home it will become very noticeable how the entire family pivots around her and it is extremely rare in Muslim countries to hear of a mother or father being farmed off into a nursing home when they are elderly. Islam places great emphasis on the role of the Muslim woman as a wife and particularly as a mother, and Muslims are often of the opinion that the best position for the woman is in the home with her children and family. However, the Muslim woman is not prohibited from leaving her home to pursue education, a career, or other worthwhile and constructive goals that profit not only her but society as well. The Koran establishes the spiritual equality and mutual responsibility of man and woman in verses, such as the following: "But whosoever does good works of righteousness, whether they be a believing male or female, shall enter Paradise, and not be wronged a pit mark of a date stone. Koran 4:124. "And indeed their Lord answered them, 'I do not waste the labor of any that labors among you, male or female, you are from each other. Koran 3:195. The relationship of the Muslim husband to his wife is not that of master to slave. Rather the entire responsibility of economic support is placed on the shoulders of the husband alone. He cannot demand of his wife that she also become economically productive to support the family, although she is able to do this if she desires. The Koran explains this responsibility of men to women in the following verse: "Men are the maintainers of women for that Allah has preferred in bounty one of them over the other, and for that they have spent their wealth. Righteous women are obedient, guarding in secret that which Allah has guarded." Koran 4:34. We are often asked why Muslim women wear black and are completely veiled. This practice is nationalistic and not from Islam. The attire of a Muslim woman is that of modesty, where her figure is not apparent to outsiders, not of veiling, however a scarf is a necessity. In this day and age in particular, where rape is a common occurrence in the west, she finds modest clothing to be a protection from unwarranted advances by the opposite sex. The important point that should be made is that the religion of Islam has great respect for the woman. It does not teach that she is without a soul or that she is the root of all evil, neither does it define a woman as being inferior and must be kept in seclusion and subjugation. Both Judaism and Christianity preach that the fall of Adam from the Garden of Eden was the fault of Eve and as such women are to blame. This is not the teaching of Islam, the Koran directs all the responsibility to Adam himself, while adding that Allah turned to Adam in mercy and forgave him his sin. Therefore, Adam's sin stops with Adam himself, and Allah does not hold mankind responsible for the sin of Adam and rejects the concept of original sin. We cannot deny that the condition of women has at times been regrettable in the Muslim world, but the same can also be said of the rest of the world at large. We do not wish to justify these circumstances, but only to make the point that they did not originate from the teachings of Islam itself. Rather they are the results of short sightedness, ignorance, and human failure. Those believing women who were unjustly treated will be recompensed for their patience in the Hereafter because Allah is Just and does not love injustice. BROTHERHOOD AND EQUALITY OF MANKIND Islam teaches that the human family is one, that there is no superiority of white over black or black over white. Islam rejects radically all notions of racial prejudice and teaches that the only basis of distinction between human beings is their belief and individual moral qualities. The concept of Islamic brotherhood has two primary dimensions; the relationship of Muslims to Muslims and the relationship of Muslims to non-Muslims. As for the first category, Islam teaches that the brotherhood between all Muslims is to be absolute and total. The Arab has no privileges over the non-Arab, and, since there is no clergy or priesthood in Islam, all Muslims are basically equal, from top to bottom, from rich to poor, from educated to uneducated. As for the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims, the teaching of Islam is that this is to be a relationship of mutual respect and particularly of tolerance. It is preferable that Muslims and non-Muslims live in peace, protect each other, and cooperate with one another. As the Koran says: "There is no compulsion in religion" Koran 2:256 and "To you your religion, and to me my religion. Koran 109:6 REASON Muslims consider their religion to be very rational and consistent with the dictates of the believing and reasoning mind. Furthermore, the Koran teaches that rational faculty is one of the greatest gifts of Allah to humanity, and encourages us to use and develop it. Islam does not ask its followers to believe and then follow everything blindly and unquestioningly. The Koran says, for instance: "If you are in doubt of what We* have sent down to Our worshipper (Prophet Muhammad), produce a chapter comparable to it. Call upon your helpers, other than Allah, to assist you, if you are true." Koran 2:23 * When pronouns are capitalized they refer to the Creator, Allah. Examples: You, He, Him, His and, Own while words such as Our, Ours, Us and We denote His Greatness, not plurality. Islam encourages reasoning, thought and personal opinion. The Prophet peace be upon him said: "The differences of opinion among the learned of my followers are Allah's mercy." Islam has great respect for learning science and for man's exploration of the secrets of nature and of creation. In fact Allah challenges man on many occasions in the Koran to deepen his faith, knowledge, and wisdom from study and contemplation of the natural world, its harmony, symmetry, and beauty. For example: (It is He) who created the seven heavens, one above the other. You cannot see any inconsistency in the creation of the Merciful. Then return your gaze once more and yet again, your gaze comes back to you dazzled, and tired. Koran 67:3-4. The individual capacities and unique abilities of people are the gift of Allah, to be developed, perfected, and used for the benefit of humanity. Islam does not try to crush the individuality of its believers, but rather to guide each believer to perfection and purify his own uniqueness. This multiplicity of expressive and developed personalities enriches society and places it on a higher level, like the beauty of an intricate but unified arabesque. ISLAMIC ATTITUDE TOWARDS WAR (AL QAEDA IS ASTRAY!) In the eyes of some commentators on Islam and in the West (Judaic, Christian, and Islamic), Islam has been portrayed as a militant religion, a religion of blood, fire, and sword. We have already tried to draw attention to the fundamental concern of Islam for tolerance and religious freedom, and have also commented upon the emphasis Islam places on peace and cooperation among mankind. However, Islam is a practical religion, a religion which never ignores for a single moment the complexities and demands of the harsh realities and facts of life. Islam is fundamentally concerned with establishing societies in which the rights of freedom of belief, property, protection, dignity, and other general human rights are secure from both internal and external threats. So, as Islam teaches its followers to be merciful and inclined toward forgiveness and peace even in times of war, it never teaches them to turn the other cheek. The philosophy of "turning the other cheek" may be appropriate for private individuals and small day-to-day affairs however it spells social suicide if it is implemented by society as an absolute value. Islam therefore stipulates principles that Muslims are to follow before, during, and after war. Peace is to be established on the basis of justice. Muslims are not to be aggressive or to violate treaties they have made with others, but war is to be waged in defense of the Muslim community and what it stands for. It is forbidden for Muslims to be the initiators of war or terrorist activities. During war, killing of civilians and those who do no participate directly in the war is strictly forbidden. Prisoners are to be treated humanely. Destruction of lands, fruit trees, animals, and towns and villages are also forbidden where avoidable. Muslims are to incline to peace if the enemy is truthfully inclined to peace, and make treaties and agreements to preserve that peace and then observe those treaties as long as the enemy observes them. The concept of "jihad" is one of the highest concepts in Islam. The term has at times been translated as "Holy War". However, this translation is incomplete as jihad literally means "struggling." It is a concept that places great emphasis on the struggle of oneself with the temptations of satan; to do good and sacrifice. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him said, that the greatest jihad is the striving of the Muslim to purify himself. Jihad consists of all the striving the Muslim does in his external life, charity, righteous living and acts, the constant effort to achieve the Right Path in his dealings with his fellow men. This is true striving in the Way of Allah. THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM Islam sets down five principle duties that are obligatory upon all Muslims, and form the structure, or pillars, of his/her life. They are: 1. Belief in the Oneness of Allah, and the bearing of witness to this belief with the words: "I bear witness that there is no god except Allah, and that Muhammad is His Prophet and Messenger." 2. The five daily prayers at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset and nightfall. These five daily prayers help one to develop Allah consciousness in his/her everyday life. The importance of these cannot be over emphasized. They are a constant reminder to the worshipper of the Presence and Power of Allah and help the worshipper to keep his/herself from deviating from the Right Path. 3. The bestowal of charity on one's fellow man. Islam places great emphasis on generosity and charity as a means of purifying one's soul and drawing closer to Allah. The Muslim is enjoined to give voluntarily whenever he/she can; however, he/she is required each lunar year to pay an obligatory charity tax of 2 % of his/her annual savings. This obligatory charity is then given to orphans, the needy and the poor. The Zakat, which means obligatory charity enables the Muslim community to take care of all its members and insures that no one will be deprived of his/her basic human right to exist. 4. Fasting during the ninth month of the lunar year called "Ramadan." This fast is enjoined upon Muslims of good health and sound body who have attained the age of physical maturity and are not prevented from performing the fast by various circumstances like travel, sickness, mental illness, or specifically in the case of women, menstruation or childbirth. The fast of Ramadan begins at dawn and lasts until sunset. During this period the Muslim abstains from eating, and drinking, sexual activity and smoking. Fasting teaches self-discipline and control, while purifying the soul and body and strengthening one's consciousness of Allah. 5. The pilgrimage to Mecca. The pilgrimage is required of all Muslims at least once during their lifetime, if they have the financial means. The annual pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the greatest events of the Muslim world, uniting Muslims from every race and from every corner of the world. This is a great experience in the life of a Muslim that enables him/her to draw closer to Allah. The greatest blessing of going on pilgrimage is that all ones previous sins are wiped away and the pilgrimage returns them as pure as the day he/she was born. We would like to remind the reader that the Holy Mosque in Mecca was built by Prophet Abraham and his son, Prophet Ishmael. WHO IS A MUSLIM? Since there is no priesthood in Islam, no clergy and no official religious institution, all one has to do to become a Muslim is to be personally convinced of the truth of the teachings of Islam and bear witness that "There is no god except Allah, and that Muhammad is His Prophet." One of the great beauties of Islam is its simplicity, naturalness, and lack of formalities. Islam is the religion of Adam and of mankind in its earliest through the most advanced stages of development. Allah says in the Holy Koran: "Therefore set your face to the religion purely, the upright creation upon which He originated people. There is no changing of the creation of Allah. This is the valuable religion, although most people do not know. Koran 30:30. THE BENEFIT OF EMBRACING ISLAM Among the many benefits of embracing Islam are that once you bear witness that: "There is no god except Allah, and Muhammad is His Prophet," all your past sins are forgiven and are transformed into merits with an enormous reward awaiting you in Paradise! In addition, you receive a double reward for believing the Prophet Jesus if you are a Christian or the Prophet Moses if you are a Jew, before believing Prophet Muhammad, which means that you receive two huge rewards, and you know that Allah loves you because He guided you to Him. Your First 24 Hours In Islam 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 (humanitys) Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace.) He is Allahs messenger of the sacred law that supersedes all previously valid religious laws. Prophet Muhammads (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 souls 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 Allahs 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 Prophets 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.JesusMuhammad.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 animals 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 ones 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 persons 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.) Ones 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 worshippers 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 MorningAfternoonLate AfternoonSunsetTwilight 2 units4 units4 units3 units4 units *Beginning to*Begins just after*Begins when*After sun*No more be light, butsun has reachedobjects shadowhas fullydaylight before sunriseits zenithequals its heightset(darkness) *Koran recited*Koran recited*Koran recited*1st-2nd units*1st-2nd units aloudsilentlysilently Koran readKoran read aloudaloud *3rd unit*3rd-4th units Koran readKoran read silentlysilently *Supplemental*Supplemental*Supplemental*Supplemental*Supplemental reading of Koranreading of Koranreading of Koran reading of Koranreading of Koran for both unitsfor 1st-2nd unitsfor 1st-2nd unitsfor 1st-2nd unitsfor 1st-2nd units *After 2nd unit*After 2nd unit*After 2nd unit*After 2nd unit*After 2nd unit recite full Greetingrecite Greetingrecite Greetingrecite Greetingrecite Greeting PrayerPrayerPrayerPrayerPrayer *After 4th unit*After 4th unit*After 3rd unit*After 4th unit recite full Greetingrecite full Greetingrecite full Greetingrecite full Greeting PrayerPrayerPrayerPrayer *End w/ Peace*End w/ Peace*End w/ Peace*End w/ Peace*End w/ Peace statementstatementstatementstatementstatement 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 womans 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 ones 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 ones 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 ones 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 ones 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 Allahs 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 Nawawis 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 Allahs, 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 Allahs, 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 Final |
CopyrightŠAhmad Darwish - ahmad@mosque.com