YOUR WAY TO ISLAAM

AUTHOR: DR. MOHAMMAD SULEIMAN AL-ASHQER

TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH BY

DR. ABDUL-WARlS SAEED

Revised Edition with Additions 1415

J. D. C. SERIES ON ISLAM NO. 11


Note: Dear reader, this is a book which I found to be quite information, and believe that it can be very useful for the new Muslim, and the person interested in learning more about Islam. Sheikh Mohammad Al-Ashqar is a well known knowledgable scholar in Islam. May Allah reward him, and the Dr. Abdul-Waris Sa‘eed for their efforts in making this writing, and translating this valuable book.
There are many Arabic words in here. They have mostly been explained. Many of these words are common Muslim words that a Muslim will here frequently. For this reason I think it is good that they are also in Arabic so that you can begin to learn, and recognize these words.

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH MOST GRACIOUS, MOST MERCIFUL

“O you people, adore your Lord who created you and those who came before you, that you may have the chance to be righteous”. (The Qur’an 2:21)

Your Way to Islam

An invitation to all to join the faithful in their progress to Allah’s blessing. “Those who obey Allah and His Messenger are in the Company of those who are blessed by Allah, The Prophets, The Sincere (faithful), the Witnesses (Martyrs) and the Righteous (who do good), and what a beautiful fellowship!” (The Qur’an 4:69).

CHAPTER 1 PREFACE

1. Behold all that is around you on earth: things, plants,
   insects, animals, birds and fish...
   
2. Don’t you see that they have accurate systems governing
   and guiding their life?
   
3. Behold all that is above you in space: sun, moon, planets,
   stars, clouds, wind ... etc., aren’t they all functioning properly and accurately and rendering valuable services to our life on earth?
   
4. Think of yourself, of your organs, of your numerous and efficient body systems, how they are cooperatively functioning to secure healthful life for you!
   
5. Who created all these fantastic things? Who established their
   accurate systems? Who is controlling this huge and complicated universe?
   
6. No one dared so far to claim creating, or being able to create, any single thing, even a hair!!
   
7. The Creator and The Sustainer of all these Creatures is One only; if there were more than one there would have been confusion in the heavens and the earth! That One is Allah (the only true God).
   
8. It is very logical, then, to acknowledge this fact, to know our Creator and Provider to be grateful to Him, and to submit ourselves and our life to His Wise and Merciful Guidance.
   
9. Our Creator has endowed us with intellect to understand and
   with freedom to choose the right path.
   
10. Allah has showed us the right path through his messengers sealed by Mohammad and His Books completed by The Qur’an.
    
11. In front of us there are two ways: one is leading to bliss in this life and in the Hereafter that is Islam.
    
12. The other is leading to misery and loss in this world, and to eternal punishment in the Hereafter. The choice is ours, what are we going to choose? May Allah guide us into the Right Path! Aameen!
    

[size=18]CHAPTER 2 ISLAM WHY? FOR WHOM? WHEN? Islam.... Why?

1. Because Islam is the religion chosen by Allah for all humanity.
   
2. Because Islam is the religion of all prophets since Adam to Mohammad (Peace be upon them all).
   
3. Because Islam is the religion delivered by all Messengers of Allah and Islam is the seal of all heavenly revelations, and
   
4. Because Prophet Muhammad – Sallallahu alayhi wasallam – the Messenger of Islam is the last of God’s apostles, and Because The Qur’an is the last of Allah’s scriptures.
   
5. Allah ta’ala (Glory be to Him) says: “Do they seek other than the Deen (Religion) of Allah? While all creatures in the heavens and on earth have, Willingly or unwillingly, bowed to His Will (accepted Islam), and to Him shall they All be brought back,” (The Qur’an 3:83) “If anyone desires a Deen (Religion) other than Islam (submission to Allah) it will never be accepted from him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (everything) (The Qur’an 3:85).
   

Islam... for whom?

1. For every person upon whom Allah has bestowed life and intellect.
   
2. For those who can see the blessings of Allah.
   
3. For those who can hear the Words of Allah.
   
4. For those who can comprehend the signs of Allah.
   
5. For those whose hearts are full of love and gratitude to Allah.
   
6. For you, for me, and for those whose blessed hearts are open to faith.
   

Islam ... When?

1. Now and always.
   
2. Obey your heart’s call to faith.
   
3. It is your life chance.
   
4. A golden chance that might not strike your heart again.
   
5. Answer Allah’s call. He summons you.
   
6. “But your God is one God, submit your wills to Him (in Islam), and give the good news to those who humble themselves.” [The Qur’an 22:34].
   

CHAPTER 3 THE GREAT TRIP

1. If you become convinced that Islam is the true religion,
   
2. Seek a trustworthy Islamic authority such as an Islamic Center, a mosque, or an Islamic Organization.
   
3. Contact the person in charge and tell him about your wish to embrace Islam.
   
4. The person in charge will ask you some questions to know how far you are convinced with Islam.
   
5. This pamphlet will provide you with answers for such questions.
   
6. Before you reach that honorable occasion, i.e., declaring conversion to Islam, wash the whole of your body with the intention of converting to Islam. It is also recommended for this very special occasion, to shave under-arm and pubic hair, dress up, and apply a pleasant-smelling perfume to the body.
   

CHAPTER 4 WHAT DO YOU SAY TO DECLARE YOUR CONVERSlON TO lSLAM?

1. To achieve this, it is sufficient to say (in Arabic, if possible):
   

1. ’Ash-hadu ’an la ilaha ’illaal-lah!
   
2. Wa ‘ash-hadu ‘an-na Muhammadan rasulul-lah
   
3. Wa ‘ash-hadu ‘an-na ‘isa abdul-lahi wa rasuluhu
   
4. Bari’tu min kulli dinin yukhalifu dinal-Islam
   

The meaning of this is as follows:

1. I bear witness that there is no (true) god except Allah.
   
2. And I bear witness that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger.
   
3. And I bear witness that Jesus is the slave and messenger of Allah.
   
4. deny and refuse any religion except Islam.
   

Also you can say:

1. I (firmly) believe in Allah, His Angels, His scriptures, His Messengers, the Last Day, and in the ability of Allah to will the existence of good or bad.
   
2. I promise Allah not to associate with Him (in worship) anyone or anything (whatsoever), and,
   
3. I will steadfastly perform Salat (the Five Prayers), and
   
4. I will give out Zakat (special Islamic system of charity), and
   
5. I will never steal, and
   
6. Never commit adultery (or fornication), and
   
7. Never illegally kill a person, and
   
8. Never disobey Allah.
   
9. Praise be to Allah Who has guided me to belief !
   

Note: The person in charge, in front of whom a new Muslim has announced his conversion to Islam, prays Allah for him with such prayers:
Allah may forgive me and you! And Allah may accept (submission) from me and you! O Allah!
Accept him with those on whom You did bestow your Grace, of Prophets, the Sincere (lovers of Truth), the Witnesses, and the righteous! What a beautiful Fellowship!


CHAPTER 5 What is Islam?

1. Islam is (composed of) three (main) areas: Utterance, faith,
   and deeds.
   
2. The utterance was explained in chapter 4.
   
3. Faith is to believe in Allah, the Angels, the Heavenly Scriptures, Prophets, the last Day and in the ability of Allah to will the existence of good or bad.
   
4. Deeds are: Salat (Prayers), Zakat (Alms-giving), Siyam (Fasting), and Hajj (Pilgrimage).
   

CHAPTER 6 FAITH IN ALLAH

1. We believe that Allah is one God, our Lord and the Lord of everything,
   
2. Allah is the Creator of everything,
   
3. All other than Him are created, and are servants who share nothing with Allah.
   
4. Even Angels and Prophets are merely created servants submitting to Allah.
   
5. Among them are Jesus and Muhammad (Peace be upon them); both
   have no trace of deity (godhood).
   
6. Allah is the Living Self-Subsisting, Eternal, the First without a beginning and the Last without an end.
   
7. He hears everything and sees everything.
   
8. He is Most Gracious, Most Merciful, All-Dominating,
   
9. He has the Most beautiful Names and the Noblest Attributes.
   
10. He has created us out of nothing,
    
11. And made us in the best form.
    
12. He has given us all graces and bounties.
    
13. Hence we are not permitted to worship or submit to any other
    than Him, whether a favorite Angel or a chosen Prophet!
    
14. Whoever directs his prayers, bows or prostrates (in worship), or offers sacrifice to any other than Allah, he is an infidel! and not a Muslim even if he declares that he is a Muslim:
    

1. Allah says: “Say: Truly my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds. No partner has He. This I am commanded and I am the first of those who submit to His Will”. [The Qur’an 6:162 -163]
   
2. Islam is the religion of Monotheism: it denies the Dualism of
   Magians and the Trinity of Christians. Islam teaches that Allah is One and only One. No one shares with Him, His Dominion or His Command. He has the Most beautiful Names and the
   Noblest Attributes:
   
3. Allah says: “Say! He is Allah, the One. He is the Most Unique, the Eternal,the Absolute. He neither gives birth, nor is He born. And there is none like unto Him. “ [Al Qur’an 112).
   

More...

CHAPTER 7 FAITH IN ANGELS

1. Allah has created Angels to worship Him, to carry out His commands and to be His messengers to His Prophets.
   
2. One
   of the angels is Gabriel who used to bring down Revelation to our
   Prophet Muhammad 'Alayhis-Salatu was-Salamu (peace be upon him).
   
3. Another Angel is Michael who is in charge of rain falling.
   
4. A third one is the "Angel of Death" who is in charge of taking the souls of people whose death is due.
   
5. Angels are but servants honored by Allah.
   
6. Hence we honor them and speak of them respectfully.
   
7. But we worship none of them, nor do we take them as Allah's sons or daughters (as infidels claim).
   
8. We worship only Allah who created them in this wonderful kind of creation.
   

Allah
(Glory be to Him) says: "And they say: The Most Gracious has begotten a
son, Glory be to Him! They are but servants raised to honor. They do
not speak before He speaks, and they act (in all things) by His command.

He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they offer no
intercession except for those whom He accepted, and they stand in awe
and reverence of Him. If any of them should say, ‘I am a God besides
Him’, such one We should reward with Hell.
Thus do We reward those who do wrong”. [The Qur’an 21:26-29]

CHAPTER 8 FAITH IN HOLY SCRIPTURES

1. Allah has sent down to a number of Messengers, Books in order to proclaim them to mankind.
   
2. These Books contain the Words of Allah.
   
3. Among
   them are the Sheets of Ibrahim (Abraham), Taurat revealed to Moosa
   (Moses), Az-Zabour (psalms) revealed to Dawood (David), The Injil
   (Gospel) revealed to Isa (Jesus), And The Qur’an sent down to Muhammad,
   (Peace be upon them all).
   
4. Jews and Christians distorted some parts of their Books (Taurat and Injil).
   
5. Being the last Book assuredly guarded from corruption, The Qur’an confirms the truth in the previous Books and guards it.
   
6. Whatever, in those Books, differs from The Qur’an is corrupted or abrogated.
   
7. Allah
   (Glory be to Him) says: “To you We sent the scripture in truth
   Confirming the scriptures that came before it, And guarding it...”
   [The Qur’an 5:48].
   
8. Allah
   revealed The Qur’an in Arabic and has firmly promised to protect. His
   last Message from all corruption; He says about The Qur’an: “We have,
   without doubt, sent down the Message, and We will assuredly guard it
   (from corruption)” [The Qur’an 15:9]
   

CHAPTER 9 FAITH IN PROPHETS

1. We believe that: Allah chose from among mankind some Prophets
   to deliver His Guidance.
   
2. From among those Prophets He selected Some Messengers.
   
3. He sent to the Messengers Laws and commanded them to proclaim
   these laws and to clarify them to their people.
   
4. Some
   of the great Messengers of Allah were Nooh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham),
   Moosa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), and Muhammad (peace be upon them all).
   
5. Embracing Islam does not mean to disbelieve in Moosa, Isa, or any other prophet.
   
6. Islam teaches you how to believe correctly in all Prophets.
   
7. Allah
   (Glory be to Him) says in The Qur’an: “To you We sent the Scripture in
   Truth, Confirming the scriptures that came before it, And
   guarding it...” [The Qur’an 5:48]. Meaning: Clarifying the Truth they distorted.
   
8. Allah mentioned’ names of a number of Prophets, He says:
   
   “Say you (Muslims): We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to
   us, and to Ibrahim, lsma‘il, Isaac, Ya‘qoob (Jacob) and the Tribes, and
   that which was given to Moosa (Moses), and Isa (Jesus), and that which
   was given to all Prophets from their Lord. We make no difference
   between one and another of them, and we submit to Allah
   (in Islam)” [The Qur‘an 2:136]
   
9. The first Prophet was Adam, father of mankind, Alayhis-Salam
   (Peace be upon him).
   
10. Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam ‘Alayhis-Salatu was-Salamu
    (Peace be upon him) is the Seal (the last) of the prophets. No prophet is to come after him up to the end of this world.
    
11. Hence the fact that Islam is the only true religion to remain
    up to the Last Day.
    
12. He
    is Muhammad son of Abdullah son of Abdul-Muttalib. He is an Arab from
    (the famous tribe) of The Quraysh, a descendant of Ibrahim (Abraham)
    and Isma‘il (Ishmael) – Alayhimus-salatu was-salamu – (Peace, and
    prayers of Allah be upon them).
    
13. He was born in Makkah (Mecca) in 571 AD (Known as the Year of
    the Elephant).
    
14. Allah sent Revelation to him when he was 40 years old.
    
15. He stayed in Makkah 13 years calling people to (believe in)
    Allah.
    
16. Only a limited number of people believed in him.
    
17. After that he emigrated to Al-Madinah and invited its people
    to believe in Allah, and they accepted.
    
18. He became the leader of Makkah in the year 8 AH He died at the
    age of 63 after the whole of The Qur’an was revealed, and all Arabs embraced Islam.
    

CHAPTER 10 FAITH IN THE LAST DAY

1. We believe that there will be another life after this life.
   
2. When
   the determined term of this life comes to an end, Allah will command an
   Angel to sound the Trumpet and all mankind and all other creatures will
   die.
   
3. Then he (Angel) will sound it again, when, behold, all dead since Adam will stand out of their graves.
   
4. Then, Allah will gather all people to account them for what
   they did.
   
5. Those who believed (in Allah), accepted the Messengers (as
   truthful) and did good deeds (commanded by Allah), Allah will put them in Paradise.
   
6. In Paradise, they will enjoy eternal Bliss.
   
7. But those who rejected the Messengers and disobeyed Allah’s commands, will be put in Hell.
   
8. In Hell Fire, they will be in continuous eternal punishment.
   
9. O Allah! We ask Your Paradise and seek refuge with You from
   Fire of Hell! Aameen!
   
10. Allah
    (Glory be to Him) says: “As for those who had transgressed all bounds;
    and had preferred the life of this world; the Abode will be
    
    Hell-Fire. And for those who had feared of standing in front of their
    Lord’s (Tribunal); and had restrained (their) souls from lower desires;
    their Abode will be Paradise.” (The Qur’an 79:37-41)
    

[size=18]CHAPTER 11 FAITH IN FATE AND DIVINE DECREE

1. We
   believe in the timeless knowledge of Allah and in His power to plan and
   execute His plans and nothing could happen in His Kingdom against His
   will.
   
2. His knowledge and power are in action and command at all times
   over His creation.
   
3. He is Wise and Merciful and whatever He does must have a meaningful purpose.
   
4. If this is established in our minds and hearts, we should accept with good faith all that He does,
   
5. Although we may fail to understand it fully, or think it is bad.
   

CHAPTER 12 IBADAT (RELIGIOUS DEEDS)

1. Deeds in Islam are of two main categories
   
   
   1. ‘Ibadat, these are the rituals, or devotional duties, of
      worship: Salat, Zakat, Siyam, and Hajj.
      
   2. Mu’amalat,
      these include all life activities related to the individual, family,
      society, or the whole ‘Ummah (Muslim Community at large),political,
      economic, cultural, legal, ethical…, national or international.
      


2. Mu‘amalat when carried out in fulfillment of Allah’s Shari’a (Law) will be a sort of “Worship” in the general sense.
   
3. In
   this pamphlet, Mu’amalat will not be dealt with. You have to consult in
   each case either a book of Fiqh (Islamic Law) or any well informed
   Muslim scholar or authority.
   
4. The practical Pillars (Foundations) of Islam are Five:
   

1. The two Shahadas (Declarations of submission to Allah)
   
2. Salat (Prayer)
   
3. Zakat (Poor Due)
   
4. Siyam (Fasting of Ramadhan)
   
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage)
   

CHAPTER 13 THE TWO SHAHADAS (DECLARATIONS)

Ash-Shahadah means to say, with a firm belief in
heart, and mind, the following:

1. ’Ash-hadu ’an Laa ’ilaha ’illal-Lahu,
   
2. Wa’ash-hadu ’anna Muhammadan rasulul-Lah.
   

The meaning of these is:

1. I bear witness that there is no (true) god except Allah,
   
2. and I bear witness that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger.
   

These imply two things:

1. That are deeds must be sincere to God alone.
   
2. That we only worship God as Muhammad taught.
   

CHAPTER 14 SALAT (PRAYER)

We pray five times everyday:

1. The Fajr (dawn) prayer. Two Rak‘ahs (Units). Its time starts just after dawn and ends at sunrise.
   
2. The
   Dhuhr (noon) prayer. Four Rak‘ahs. Time starts just after sun moves
   down from its zenith and ends at the midpoint between zenith and sunset.
   
3. The Asr (Late afternoon) prayer: Four Rak‘ahs. Time starts after the end of the Dhuhr prayer and ends at sunset.
   
4. The Maghrib (Sunset) prayer: Three Rak‘ahs. Time starts
   just after sunset.
   
5. The Isha’ (Evening) prayer: Four Rak‘ahs. Preferable time starts when twilight disappears and ends at midnight.
   

CHAPTER 15 AT-TAHARAH (PURITY)

1. A Muslim must be pure and clean when he performs his prayer,
   (otherwise his prayers will not be valid).
   
2. At-Taharah is of two types: Wudu’, (Ablution) and Ghusl (full Ablution).
   

WUDU’ (Ablution) which is performed as follows:

1. Have Niyyah (the clear intention) of performing wudu’.
   
2. Say: "Bismil-Lahi r-rahmani r-rahim" (in the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful).
   
3. Wash the hands, rinse the mouth and clear with water the
   inside of the nose (sniffing).
   
4. Wash the face.
   
5. Wash the arms up to the elbows (start with the right arm)
   
6. Rub the head with wet hands, and the ears.
   
7. Wash the feet up to the ankles (starting with the right foot)
   
8. Say the two Shahadahs.
   

1. No need for reapplying Wudu’ as long as it has not been invalidated.
   
2. Wudu' is invalidated by: Passing of excrement, urine, wind or by sleeping.
   

GHUSL (Taking a shower):

A Muslim must take Ghusl after:

1. Ejaculation of semen because of any reason.
   
2. Intimate intercourse.
   
3. For women: End of Menstruation period.
   
4. End of the childbirth period.
   

Ghusl is washing the whole body with clean water.

TAYAMMUM (Dry Ablution):

In case of not having water for Wudu or Ghusl, or being unable to use it for any reason, apply the Dry Ablution:

1. Have Niyyah (the clear intention) of performing Tayammum’.
   
2. Say: "Bismillahir-rahmanir-rahim" (in the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful).
   
3. Hit the palms once on any clean dust-containing material,
   
4. then rub the face with the palms, then the hands.
   

CHAPTER 16 HOW TO PERFORM SALAT (PRAYERS)?

1. The
   best way for men is to perform salat in congregation with Muslims in
   the mosque. There you will be given more reward by Allah and you will
   leam easily how to pray.
   
2. Be sure that your body, clothes and place are clean.
   
3. Stand facing towards the direction of QIBLAH, that is the direction of the Sacred mosque in Makkah, in Al Hijaz (Saudi Arabia).
   
4. Raise the hands to the shoulder level and say: “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest).
   
5. Fold the hand on the chest, the right hand over the left.
   
6. Recite Al-Fatihah (The Opening Chapter of The Qur’an) and
   another chapter or some verses of The Qur’an (See App. 1)
   
7. Say. “Allahu Akbar” while making Ruku‘ (bowing and bending the body at a right angle placing the palms on the knees)
   
8. Say in Ruku’: “Subhana rabbiyal-atheem” (Glory
   be to my Lord, the Great!) three times.
   
9. Go
   back to the standing position saying: “Sami‘a ’allahu liman hamidah!
   Rabbana wa lakal-hamd.” (Indeed, Allah listens to one who
   praises Him O! Our Lord! All praises be to You)
   
10. Then,
    you say “Allahu Akbar” and immediately fall down to make the first
    Sajdah (Prostration) with forehead, nose, palms, knees and toes
    resting on the ground,-saying: “Subhana rabbiyal ’a‘la” (Glory be to
    my Lord, Most High) Three times.
    
11. Move
    from sajdah (prostration) position to sitting posture while saying;
    “Allahu Akbar!” While sitting, say “Rabbighfirli warhamni” (O My Lord!
    Forgive me! and have mercy on me)
    
12. After this, another sajdah is
    done in the same way with “Allahu Akbar” uttered before it, and
    “Subhana rabbiyal ’a‘la” Three times during Sujud.
    
13. After completing the second sajdah, one “Rak‘ah” is completed.
    
14. Stand up saying “Allahu Akbar” in order to begin a new Rak‘ah, exactly as the first Rak‘ah.
    
15. After finishing the second “Rak‘ah” you sit down and recite Part One and Part Two of “At-Tashahhud”.
    
16. Finally you turn the face to the right hand side and say:
    “As-Salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatul-lah” which means Peace be upon you and The Mercy of Allah!
    
17. Then you do the same to the left side.
    
18. Thus a two- Rak‘ah prayer is completed, such as the Fajr Prayer.
    
19. As
    for 4 Rak‘ah prayers such as the Dhuhr, only the first part of
    At-Tashahhud is recited after completing the second Rak‘ah. Then you
    stand up to perform two more Rak‘ahs in the same way, but without
    reciting any verses from The Qur’an after Al-Fatihah.
    
20. The ‘Asr and t ‘Isha’ prayers are performed exactly as the Dhuhr.
    
21. In the Maghrib Prayer, the final Tashahhud and “As-Salam…” come after the third Rak‘ah.
    

WHY WE PRAY

1. The Muslim observes his Prayers to show devotion and obedience
   to Allah, because Prayer is one of the greatest forms of worship that Allah likes His servants to offer.
   
2. To thank Him for creating us in the best form of creation.
   
3. Because He has guided us to the Deen (Complete way of Life,
   Religion) of Islam.
   
4. Prayer
   is a chance for a Muslim to express to his Lord whatever he feels and
   needs through Divine Words of Allah i.e. the Qur’an.
   
5. To remember his Lord and not forget His commands amid life’s pre-occupations.
   
6. To ask Allah, The Exalted, to give him aid and continuous guidance in the darkness of life.
   
7. To
   strengthen love and fear of Allah in the Muslim’s heart so that he
   might remain sticking to the Right Path of Islam, and its laws and
   manners.
   
8. Gaining good rewards from Allah and having our sins forgiven.
   
9. To rejoice when he finds himself on the Last Day pleased with the great reward allotted to him in the Gardens of Bliss.
   
10. Prayer
    is a unique training and developmental program which, if well and
    devotedly performed, can achieve for Muslims many valuable physical,
    ethical and spiritual gains such as cleanliness, health, order,
    punctuality, brotherhood, equality, social consolidation,… etc.
    

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CHAPTER 17 ZAKAT (Poor Due, Alms)

WHAT IS ZAKAT

1. The term “Zakat” originally means: growth, and purity.
   
2. In
   Islamic Law, it means paying every lunar year a certain percentage of
   your savings to certain charitable usage defined by The Qur’an.
   
3. If you have, for that period, an amount of money equal to the
   value of 85 grams of pure gold (now 1985, is about $1000) or more, you must pay 2.5%.
   
4. Zakat
   is paid for the poor and the needy Muslims, for the wayfarers, for
   propagating Islam or fighting for Islam, for helping new Muslims or
   encouraging non-Muslims to embrace Islam, for those who are burdened with debts and are unable to pay them.
   
5. If you have articles of trade, you calculate their Zakat in the same way.
   
6. You can ask some Muslim scholar or refer to any good reference
   book to know more about Zakat.
   

WHY WE PAY ZAKAT

1. To show devotion to Allah Who commanded us to do so and
   informed us that He loves the charitable.
   

]CHAPTER 18 SAWM, or SIYAM (Fasting)

ABOUT THE FAST

1. In Ramadan, (the 9th month of the lunar Islamic year) Muslims fast in
   obedience to Allah’s command and in gratitude for Allah’s Grace for
   revealing His Glorious Book, The Qur’an, in Ramadan.
   
2. Sawm (Fasting) is to abstain from eating, drinking and intimate intercourse from dawn to sunset.
   
3. If sick or on a journey, a Muslim is permitted to break his fast.
   
4. If he breaks the fast, he has to make it up by fasting a number of days equal to the days in which he broke fasting in Ramadan.
   
5. After the end of Ramadan comes “Eid al-Fitr” (the Holy day of Breaking the Fast) which is the 1st day of Shawwal, the month following Ramadan.
   
6. On the Eid morning, all Muslims congregate, in open grounds or in mosques, to perform “ Eid Prayer” to express their happiness and gratitude to Allah for enabling them to complete this duty of Fasting.
   
7. Concerning this important duty, Allah says: “O you who believe. Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may (observe) piety and self-restraint” [The Qur’an 2:183]
   
8. Also, He says: “Ramadan is the month in which was sent down The Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgement (between right and wrong). So, every one of you who is present (at his home, village, or town) during that month should fast it, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by other days”. [The Qur’an 2:185].
   

WHY WE FAST

1. We fast in obedience to Allah’s command, and because Allah loves those who fast.
   
2. To show our gratitude to Allah’s Grace of sending down His Guidance, The Qur’an, to guide us and the whole humanity.
   
3. To thank Allah for making us of those who believe in The Qur’an.
   
4. And because He enabled us to memorize His Book, to recite it, to study and understand it, and to benefit in its guidance.
   
5. To develop control on our material desires Allah planted in our nature.
   
6. To control ourselves in front of all things prohibited by Allah.
   
7. Fasting makes us remember the needy who suffer from hunger and
   deprivation. Hence, to become more sympathetic to them and help them with part of what Allah has bestowed upon us.
   
8. To check our engrossment in our desires, and increase our care for our spiritual entity through intensifying our deeds and acts of worship in this month of The Qur’an.
   
9. To increase our share of sincerity, consience, patience, discipline, as well as many healthful benefits.
   
10. Above all these, the great reward Allah promised to give us on the Last Day.
    

CHAPTER 19 HAJJ (THE PILGRIMAGE)

WHAT IS HAJJ

1. Hajj is a journey to ’Al-Ka‘bah (the sacred House of Allah) in Makkah
   (Mecca) with the intention of obeying Allah’s command and performing certain prescribed rites there. (For the details of performing Hajj, you may consult any Islamic reference book on the subject).
   
2. Performing Hajj is obligatory, once in a lifetime, upon every mature Muslim provided he is able (physically and financially).
   
3. The whole journey of Hajj and its rites conform to a unique form, the
   principles of Islam and commemorate Islamic milestones related to
   Prophets Ibraheem (Abraham), Ismael and Muhammad, ‘Alayhimus-salam.
   
4. The rites of Hajj are performed, in general, in the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah (the last month of the Islamic Year).
   
5. On the 9th of Dhul Hijah the culminating rite is performed at Mount
   ‘Arafat’ where all pilgrims, sometimes about two million, gather.
   
6. Pilgrims’ stand at ‘Arafat to declare their supplications to Allah and their repentance and need of His Mercy and Forgiveness.
   
7. This reminds us of the Grand Assembly on the Day of Judgment.
   
8. The next day (the tenth) is the great Eid ’Al-’Adha (The Feast of
   Sacrifice) when pilgrims offer their sacrifices. After slaughtering
   their sacrifices, pilgrims go to Makkah and make Tawaf (circumbulate) seven times around Al-Ka‘bah.
   
9. Muslims everywhere slaughter their sacrifices (of camels, cows, or sheep) after performing the Eid Prayer.
   
10. These sacrifices were prescribed in commemoration of the great
    sacrifice of Prophet Abraham (Alayhis-salam) when he was about to
    slaughter his only son, Ismael, whom he loved much, when Allah ordered him to do so to test his loyalty and obedience to Him.[/size]
    
11. After completing the acts of Hajj, you can enjoy visiting The
    Mosque of Prophet Muhammad – sallal-lahu ‘alayhi wa salam – in
    Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah (the illuminated town) and attend some Prayers there. The reward for praying at that Mosque is great.
    
12. When in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, pay a greeting visit to the
    Prophet’s grave and to his noble companions’ graves, in the Islamically accepted form.
    
13. Also visiting the Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem is recommendable in Islam.
    

[size=14]WHY WE PERFORM HAJJ

Purposes and lessons of performing Hajj are so many. Among them are:

1. Responding in obedience to Allah’s commands.
   
2. To be grateful to Allah for His Grace and Favors on us, such as health, wealth and children.
   
3. To glorify Allah by visiting and making Tawaf (gowing around) His Sacred House, Al-Ka‘bah.
   
4. (Al-Ka‘bah is the first House built on earth for worshipping Allah, which Ibrahim – The Friend – and his son Isma‘il erected by the instruction of Allah).
   
5. To pray at Al-Ka‘ba, which is the Qiblah (direction) to which all Muslims turn their faces in the five daily prayers.
   
6. To visit and stand in devotion to Allah at the Sacred Mountains such as Mount ‘Arafat. There we celebrate the praises of Allah, purify our
   souls and repent of all sins.
   
7. To see the places where Ibrahim, the noble Friend and Prohpet
   of Allah, and his first son Ismail – Alayhis-salam – stayed and worshiped Allah.
   
8. To visit the places where Prophet Muhammad – alayhis-salam – was born, brought up, received the Divine Message, suffered and
   struggled for spreading the light of Allah.
   
9. To meet our Muslim brethren coming from all countries, and to see the actualization of brotherhood, equality, cooperation and love
   among Muslims regardless of their differences in nationality, color,
   standard of living, and other worldly matters. To see the universality
   of Islam.
   
10. To practice patience, sacrifice, endurance, simplicity and other spiritual capacities we are in urgent need of.
    
11. To come back cleansed of our sins, so as to start a new page in our life, hoping to keep it free from sins until the end of life, so that we may be accepted and well rewarded by Allah in the Hereafter.
    

CHAPTER 20 HOW TO DEVELOP YOUR ISLAM?

1. Becoming a Muslim after becoming convinced is opening a plain page
   in your deed record.
   
2. Whatever bad deeds you have committed before, Allah will forgive
   because of your embracing Islam.
   
3. Becoming a Muslim is like starting a new life.
   
4. You have to grow and develop in Islam. How can you do so? By the
   following:
   

Firstly: Increasing your knowledge of Islam, through:

1. Reading the Qur’anic text.
   
2. Reading some interpretations of the Qur’an.
   
3. Reading Traditions (Sayings) of Prophet Muhammad, ‘Alayhis-salatu was-salamu).
   
4. Reading the biography of Prophet Muhammad –‘Alayhis-salatu was-salamu).
   
5. Reading the biographies of the great Muslim figures among our righteous fore-Muslims who propagated Islam and proclaimed it to mankind.
   
6. Attending Jumu‘ah (Friday) congregational prayer, listening to its Khutbah (sermon) and praying with Muslims.
   
7. Attending the two ‘Eid (holiday) prayers.
   
8. Performing the five daily prayers in congregation at the mosque whenever you are able to do so.
   
9. Attending Islamic religious, teaching sessions.
   
10. Contacting scholars, shaikhs, mosque imams (leaders) and preachers, introducing yourself to them and asking them
    about any Islamic matter you need to know. They are always happy to provide you with the required clarification.
    
11. Having one or more friends of good Muslims who are fairly knowledgeable about Islam to be your permanent reliable
    reference.
    
12. Read as much as you can of the basic sources of Islam (The Qur’an and As-Sunnah) and of the authentic and trustworthy
    writings about Islam to understand it more.
    
13. You will learn a lot about the laws and systems of Islam related to worship, family structure, life activities, manners, economic and public affairs.
    
14. You will know the ideology of Islam and its view in regard to creation, the universe, man, and life.
    
15. Islam is not rituals or morals only, it is in fact a comprehensive system for society, a constitution for the state and a way of life.
    

More....

CHAPTER 24 Allah’s AWLIYA (Allah’s Friends)

1. “Allah’s friends” are those true Muslims whom He loves and who love
   Him.
   
2. They are all the righteous Muslims who truly believe in Allah and
   constantly follow His commands.
   
3. Their reward is a good life in this world, and nearness to Allah in
   the Hereafter, in His Paradise.
   
4. However, they cannot do anything to help anybody after their death,
   nor in their life except through normal reasons.
   
5. Allah (Glory be to Him) says of them: “Behold! Verily on ‘friends
   of Allah’ there is no fear, Nor shall they grieve. Those who believe and
   constantly guard against evil. For them are Glad Tidings in this life and in the Hereafter; No change can there be in the Words of Allah, This is indeed the supreme felicity” [The Qur’an 10:62-64]
   
6. Therefore, be a good Muslim and you will be one of them.
   
7. Allah (Glory be to Him) says: “Those who obey Allah and the
   Messenger. Are with those who are blessed by Allah, Of the prophets, the (sincere) believers, the martyrs and the righteous (doers of good). And how excellent a company are they!” [The Qur’an 4:69]
   
8. On top of “Allah’s Friends” are His Noble Prophets.
   
9. And among them too are the true and sincere followers of Prophets.
   
10. And Prophet Muhammad’s companions and wives (Mothers of the
    Faithful).
    
11. The best of his companions are the Ten who were mentioned by name by Prophet Muhammad – Salla ‘Allahu alaihi wa sallam – as those who will be in Paradise.
    
12. These chosen companions are distinguished and known for their
    precedence, firmness and sacrifice in Islam.
    
13. On top of these Ten are the four righteous Caliphs (Khalifas) who
    were chosen by Muslims to rule the Muslim state after Prophet Muhammad – Salla ‘Allahu alaihi wa sallam – They are (in their caliphate order);
    
    
    1. Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (The sincere believer) (d. 13 AH)
       
    2. ‘Umaru Ibnul _Khattab (d. 23 AH)
       
    3. ‘Uthmanu bnu Affan, (d. 35 AH)
       
    4. ‘Aliy-yu bnu ‘Abi Talib. (d. 40 AH)
       


14. The rest of the Ten are: Az Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam, Sa‘d ibn Abi
    Waqqas, Talhatu ibn ‘Ubaydillah, ‘Abdurrahman ibn ‘Awf, ‘Abu ‘Ubaidah
    ‘Amru ibn Al-Jarrah and Sa‘eed ibn Zayd. (May Allah be pleased with them and with all other companions).
    

CHAPTER 25 ISLAMlC MORALS

1. A Muslim always speaks the truth, he never tells lies.
   
2. A Muslim is true to his word, not treacherous, honest, does not
   betray.
   
3. A Muslim does not speak badly of other Muslims behind their backs.
   
4. A Muslim is courageous, not cowardly.
   
5. A Muslim is very enduring in situations of defending the truth,
   bold in saying the truth.
   
6. A Muslim is just with others, even against himself; does not
   transgress others’ rights; also, does not accept to be treated unjustly by anyone; he is strong and does not accept to be humiliated by anybody.
   
7. A Muslim consults about all of his affairs, and (after that) puts
   himself in Allah’s hands.
   
8. A Muslim performs his work as perfectly as he can.
   
9. A Muslim is modest, merciful, does good and enjoins it, abstains
   from evil and forbids it.
   
10. A Muslim strives and fights for the victory of Allah’s cause, and
    for His Deen (religion) to spread.
    
11. A Muslim woman wears her Islamic dress which must cover the whole
    of her body, in front of any stranger (whom she can marry).
    

CHAPTER 26 AD‘IYA (SPECIAL SUPPLICATIONS)

1. Before you start eating or drinking, say: (bismillahi) meaning: “(I
   start) in the name of Allah”.
   
2. Eat with your right hand.
   
3. When you finish eating or drinking, say: (al-humdu lillah) meaning:
   “All praise is due to Allah”.
   
4. When you meet any brother in Islam, shake hands with him, smile at
   him, and greet him, saying: (as-salamu alaykum wa rahmatul-lahi), meaning “Peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy”.
   
5. And when a Muslim brother greets ye first, answer his greeting by
   saying: (wa ‘alaykumu s-salamu wa rahmatul-lahi wa barakatuh) which means:
   “And upon you (too) be the peace, and the mercy of Allah, and His
   blessings”.
   
6. When you see the dawn breaking or the fall of evening, say:
   (Asbahna (or Amsayna) ‘ala fitratil-Islam) “We enter the morning (or
   evening) with our Islamic nature pure”. (Wa kalimatul Ikhlas), and with the statement of sincere faith”. (Wa deeni nabiy-yina Muhammad) “Adhering to the Path of our Prophet Muhammad”. (Wa millati abina Ibrahima hanifan musliman) “And to the Path of our father Abraham, true in faith, a Muslim’ (Wa maa ’ana minal mushrikina) “And, certainly, I am not a polytheist”.
   
7. When you see the new moon, say: (Hilala Khayrin wa rushdin) “(You
   be) a moon of goodness and straight forwardness”, (Allahumma ahillahu ‘alayna bilyumni wal Iman) “Allah ! Make it dawn on us with blessing and belief”. (Was-salamati wal-Islam) “And with safety, and submission!”
   
8. When you visit a sick person, say: (Bismillah)”In the name of Allah” (Allahumma Adh-hibil ba’s rab-ban-nasi) “O Allah! Take harm away,
   Lord of mankind!” (Allahumma ishfi wa ‘antash-shafi) “O Allah Heal (him) !
   Your are (really) the healer,” (la shifa ’illa shifa’uka) “(In fact) there
   is no healing but the healing you give. “ (Shifa’an la yughadiru saqaman) “Grant recovery that leaves no ailment behind!”
   
9. When you enter the mosque say: (bismillah “In the name of Allah”
   (Was-salatu was-salamu ‘ala rasulillahi) “ Blessings and peace be upon Allah’s Messenger.” (Allahumma ‘ighfir li dhunubi) “O Allah ! Forgive me my sins, “(wa ftah li abwaba rahmatika) “And open for me the gates of your mercy”
   
10. When you go out of the mosque, say the same, but, instead of the
    last portion, say:
    
11. (wa ftah li abwaba fadlika) “And open for me the gates of your
    grace!”
    
12. When you go to your home, say: (Al-hamdu lil-lahil allathi ’at‘amana wa saqana wa ’aawana) “Praise be to Allah Who provides us with
    food, drink and shelter!”. (Fakam miman la kafiya lahu wala mu’wiya) “So many are there who have none giving them provision or shelter.” Repeat whenever you can, these favorite phrases of glorification,
    
13. (Subhanallah) “Glory be to Allah.!”.
    
14. (Walhamdulillah) “Praise be to Allah !”.
    
15. (Wa la’ilaha,illal-laah) “No (true) god except Allah
    
16. (Wallahu akbar) “Allah is the Greatest !”
    
17. (Wa la hawla wa la quwwata ’illa bil-lahi) ‘There is no power nor
    strength save by Allah !”.
    
18. Also, repeatedly send your prayers of blessings to Prophet Muhammad
    – Salla ‘Allahu alaihi wa sallam –, particularly when you hear his name
    uttered, or when you utter it; you will say: (Sallal-lahu alaihi wa
    sallama) “May Allah give him blessings and peace!”
    

CHAPTER 27 MUSLIM WOMAN

1. Women in Islam are the sisters of men.
   
2. She, just as man, is created by Allah.
   
3. Thus, she is invited to become Muslim.
   
4. She is commanded to have belief in Allah, obedience and love to
   Him.
   
5. Also, she must believe in the message of Prophet Muhammad – Sallal-lahu ‘alayhi wasallam.
   
6. Commanded to fulfill Salat, Siyam, Zakat and Hajj in worship to Allah.
   
7. Required to follow the Shari‘ah
   (Law) of Allah, exactly as man.
   
8. To bring up her children on the bases of Islam and its good morals,
   and to protect them.
   
9. She puts on full dress which covers all of her body in the presence
   of strangers.
   
10. When in her period (of menstruation or confinement) she abstains
    from praying, fasting, reciting The Quran, and remaining in mosques.
    
11. When her period expires, she must have Ghusl (Taking a bath), and
    make up for fasting, not for prayers.
    
12. She is exempted from attending Salat Al-Jumu`ah (Friday
    congragation Prayer )
    
13. She is not permitted to marry a non Muslim ( Christian ,Jew or
    atheist ) unless he announcees his faithful embrace of Islam .
    

Appendix 1

(Chapters from The Quran)

Surat Al-Fatihah

1. Bismil-lahi r-rahmani r-rahim(i)
   
2. ’Al-hamdu lil-lahi rabbil-‘aalameen(a)
   
3. ‘Ar-rahmanir r-rahim(i)
   
4. Maliki yawmid-deen(i)
   
5. lyyaka na‘budu wa Iyyaka nasta‘in(u)
   
6. Ihdina s-sirata l-mustaqeem(a)
   
7. Siratal-ladhina ’an‘amta ‘alayhim, ghayril-magdhoobi ‘alayhim
   waladdaal-leen(a)
   

1. In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
   
2. Praise be to Allah the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds.
   
3. Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
   
4. Master of the Day of Judgement.
   
5. You (alone) do we worship, and Your aid we seek
   
6. Show us the straight way!
   
7. The way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, those whose portion is not wrath and who do not go astray.
   

Surat Al-‘Asr (Time through Ages) - 103

Bismil-lahi r-rahmani r-rahim(i)

1. Wal-‘asr(i)
   
2. Innal-’insana lafee khusr(in)
   
3. ’lllal-ladhina ’aamanoo wa ‘amilus-saalihati
   
4. Wa tawasaw bil-haqqi wa tawasaw bis-sabr(i)
   

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most
Merciful.

1. By (the token of) time (through the ages)
   
2. Verily man is in loss,
   
3. Except those who have faith, and do righteous deeds
   
4. and join together in mutual teaching of truth and of constant
   patience [The Qur’an 103]
   

Surat Al-Ikhlas (Purity of Faith) - 112

Bismil-lahir rahmani r-rahim(i)

1. Qul huwa l-lahu ahad (un)
   
2. ’Al-lahus-samad(u)
   
3. Lam yalid wa lam yulad
   
4. Wa lam yakun lahu kufuwan ’ahad(un)
   

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most
Merciful.

1. Say: He is Allah, the One and the Only,

2. Allah, the Eternal, the Absolute;

3. He begets not, nor is He begotten;

4. And there is none like unto Him Surat Al-Kawthar (Abundance) - 108

Bismil-lahir rahmanir rahim(i)

1. ’Inna ’a‘taynakal-kawthar(a)
   
2. Fa salli li rabbika wanhar
   
3. Inna shani’uka huwal-’abtar(u)
   

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

1. To you have we granted the Fount (of Abundance)
   
2. Therefore to your Lord turn in Prayer and Sacrifice.
   
3. For who hates you, he will be cut off (from future hope).
   

Surat Al-Falaq (The Dawn) - 113

Bismi l-lahi r-rahmani r-rahim(i))

1. Qul ’a‘udhu bi rabbil -falaq(i)
   
2. Min sharri ma khalaq(a)
   
3. Wa min sharri ghasiqin ’idha wa qab(a)
   
4. Wa min sharrin-naf-fathati fil-uqad(i)
   
5. Wa min sharri hasidin idha hasad(a)
   

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

1. Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of the Dawn,
   
2. From the mischief of created things;
   
3. And from the mischief of darkness as it overspreads;
   
4. And from the mischief of those who practice secret arts;
   
5. And from the mischief of the envious one as he practices envy.
   

Surat An-Nas (Mankind) - 114

(Bismil-lahir rahmanir-rahim(i))

1. Qul ’a‘udhu bi rabbin-nas(i)
   
2. Maliki n-nas(i)
   
3. ilahi n-nas(i)
   
4. Min sharri l-waswasi l-khannas(i)
   
5. ’Alladhi yuwaswisu fi sudurin-nas(i)
   
6. Minal-jinnati wa n-nas(i)
   

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

1. Say: I seek refuge with the Lord and Cherisher of Mankind,
   
2. The King (or Ruler) of Mankind,
   
3. The (True) god of Mankind,
   
4. From the mischief of the Whisperer (of Evil), who withdraws (after
   his whisper),
   
5. The same) who whispers into the hearts of Mankind
   
6. Among Jinn kind, and Mankind.
   

Appendix 2

AT-TASH-SHAHHUD (Witnessing)

AT-TASHAHHUD

1. (at-tahiyyatu li-lahi) (was-salawatu) (wat-tayibatu)
   
2. (’As-salamu ‘alayka) (’ay-yuhan-nabiyyu) (wa rahmatul-lahi) (wa
   barakatuhu)
   
3. (’As-salamu ‘alayna)(wa ‘ala ‘ibadil-lahi s-salihinah)
   
4. (’Ash-hadu ‘al-laa ’ilaha ’illal-lahu)
   
5. (wa ’ash-hadu ’anna Muhammadan)(‘Abduhu wa rasuluhu)
   

1. All reverence is due to Allah, and (all) worship, and (all) good,
   
2. Peace be upon you, o Prophet!, and the mercy of Allah, and His
   blessings.
   
3. Peace be upon us all, and upon the righteous servants of Allah,
   
4. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah,
   
5. And I bear witness that Muhammad, is His servant and His Messenger.
   

Prayers for Abraham (after At-Tashahhud)

1. ’Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad
   
2. Wa ‘ala ’aali Muhammad
   
3. Kama sallayta ‘ala ’Ibrahim
   
4. Wa ‘ala ’aali Ibrahim
   
5. Wa barik ‘ala Muhammad
   
6. Wa ‘ala ’ali Muhammad
   
7. Kama barakta ‘ala ’Ibrahim
   
8. Wa ‘ala ’ali Ibrahim
   
9. Fil ‘aalamina
   
10. ’In-naka hamidun majeed
    

1. Allah! Send Your grace on Muhammad
   
2. And on the Family of Muhammad
   
3. As you have sent your grace on Ibrahim
   
4. And on the Family of Ibrahim
   
5. And send your blessings on Muhammad
   
6. And on the Family of Muhammad.
   
7. As you have blessed Ibrahim.
   
8. And the Family of Ibrahim.
   
9. In this world and in the Hereafter
   
10. Verily, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious.
    

Source: http://www.al-sunnah.com