I am starting this thread to indulge in discussion on relevant topics of islamiat for exams are not so far.

If anybody have related title's, material or any other article which he/she consider important for discussion, please share so others could also benefit from your knowledge.

First part of islamiat includes


I.Introduction of Islam.

Conceptof Islam.Importance of Deenin Human Life.Difference between Deen and Religion.Distinctive Aspects of Islam.Islamic Beliefs& its Impact on Individual & Society and the Fundamental of IslamIslamic Worships: Spiritual, Moral and Social Impact.

For it i found a topic which need discussion

"Why were we created. Faith in the existence of Divine being. "

You will be able to make your own notes as i do after reading this article.

"[BPraise be to Allaah.

Firstly:*

One of the greatest attributes of Allaah is wisdom, and one of His greatest names is al-Hakeem (the most Wise). It should be noted that He has not created anything in vain; exalted be Allaah far above such a thing. Rather He creates things for great and wise reasons, and for sublime purposes. Those who know them know them and those who do not know them do not know them. Allaah has stated that in His Holy Book, where He says that He has not created mankind in vain, and He has not created the heavens and the earth in vain. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):*

“Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?”

So Exalted be Allaah, the True King: Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Lord of the Supreme Throne!”

[al-Mu’minoon 23:115, 116]*

“We created not the heavens and the earth and all that is between them for a (mere) play”

[al-Anbiya’ 21:16]*

“And We created not the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, for mere play.

We created them not except with truth (i.e. to examine and test those who are obedient and those who are disobedient and then reward the obedient ones and punish the disobedient ones), but most of them know not”

[al-Dukhaan 44:38]*

“HaaMeem.

[These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’aan, and none but Allaah (Alone) knows their meanings.]

The revelation of the Book (this Qur’aan) is from Allaah, the AllMighty, the AllWise.

We created not the heavens and the earth and all that is between them except with truth, and for an appointed term. But those who disbelieve, turn away from that whereof they are warned”

[al-Ahqaaf 46:1-3]*

Just as it is proven that there is wisdom behind the creation of man from the standpoint of sharee’ah (Islamic law), it is also proven from the standpoint of reason. The wise man cannot but accept that things have been created for a reason, and the wise man regards himself as being above doing things in his own life for no reason, so how about Allaah, the Wisest of the wise?*

Hence the wise believers affirm that there is wisdom in Allaah’s creation, and the disbelievers deny that. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):*

“Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding.

Those who remember Allaah (always, and in prayers) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying): Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to You! (Exalted are You above all that they associate with You as partners). Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire”
[Aal ‘Imraan 3:190, 191]*

And Allaah says, describing the attitude of the disbelievers towards the wisdom of His creation (interpretation of the meaning):*

“And We created not the heaven and the earth and all that is between them without purpose! That is the consideration of those who disbelieve! Then woe to those who disbelieve (in Islamic Monotheism) from the Fire!”

[Saad 38:27]*

Shaykh ‘Abd al-Rahmaan al-Sa’di (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:*

Allaah tells us of His perfect wisdom in creating the heavens and the earth, and that He has not created them in vain, i.e., in play with no beneficial purpose.*

“That is the consideration of those who disbelieve” in their Lord, because they think that which does not befit His Majesty.*

“Then woe to those who disbelieve (in Islamic Monotheism) from the Fire!” Allaah created the heavens and earth in truth for truth. He created them so that His slaves might understand the completeness of His Knowledge and Power and the extent of His Might, and that He Alone is the One to be worshipped, and not those who have not created even an atom in the heavens or on earth. And that they might know that the Resurrection is true and that Allaah will judge between the people of good and evil. [/B]

Remember me in your prayers. Regards.

The Fast of Ramadan: Towards Spiritual Rejuvenation*

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is characterised by Muslims fasting. The Qur'an acknowledges that fasting; which is one of the pillars of Islam, has been an integral part of religious traditions through history [Qur'an 2:183]. Fasting is thus an institution commonly practiced by various religious communities particularly the People of the Book; for example, during Lent by Christians and on Yom Kippur by Jews.

Mode of Enhancement

Fasting in the Islamic tradition requires dawn till dusk abstention from food, drink and intimacy. It is, however far more than mere abstention from these necessities of daily living. To Muslims, fasting is a mode of enhancing self-discipline. It is an opportunity for regulating one's attitude and conduct, it serves as a protective shield; and is a means of attaining taqwa/piety, which the Qur'an considers as the pinnacle of human development.*

Unique expression of worship

Though prayer, pilgrimage and charity can be witnessed, fasting is a unique form of worship in that it not observable. Islam emphasizes this special institution of fasting as highly spiritual and moral discipline; both in motive and form. In motive, it requires purity of intention and honesty of purpose; and in form it demands abstention from engaging in any form of unlawful and improper behavior. This degree of sincerity coupled with self-control is an expression of mastery over one's carnal self, so necessary in developing a better human being, focusing on the larger purpose of existence.*

Moral & Spiritual Development

From ethical and moral perspectives, we should contemplate the higher purpose and the deeper meaning of our lives, trying to live meaningfully; balancing our physicality with our spirituality. Fasting promotes heightened level spiritual consciousness and spirituality has an internal as well as an external dimension. Internally, it refers to the purification of the self from the evils of bad intention, deceit, hypocrisy, selfishness, cowardice, arrogance, prejudice. Outwardly, it is manifested in one's positive attitude, good behaviour and noble character.


Social Consciousness

While fasting, we are far more aware of the hunger of the poor and the suffering of the oppressed and are therefore instructed to be more generous in this month. As a matter of fact, the feast of Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of the fast of Ramadan, cannot be celebrated unless those affording ones have disbursed the sadaqa-tul-fitr charity to the impoverished. This promotes attentiveness to social responsibility, interest in the welfare of society and inspires a continued spirit of generosity.

Muhasabah / Critical Self-Evaluation

As Ramadan unfolds, it behoves each fasting person to open a page from the book of muhasabah (critical self-evaluation) and to reflect on what is being achieved through the month. What benefits are derived, which behaviors are adjusted, what good practices are adopted, which bad habits are being relinquished? How does the prayers and fasting of Ramadan influence attitudes and perspectives; how is it improving relationships with families, friends and neighbours; how much has it increased consciousness of responsibility towards the destitute; how is it impacting on the body, the heart, the mind and the soul. If there is a genuine effort towards the spiritualization of one's being, the moralization of consciousness, empathy in attitude and goodness in conduct; then perchance a concerted effort is being made of treading on the pathway towards the objective of fasting - the attainment of taqwa (piety).

Spiritual Wayfaring

The Qur'an refers to the fasting ones as spiritual wayfarers So, the journey of Ramadan motivates each person to perpetuate the positive spirit being imbibed and to continue on the spiritual journey towards fulfilment and excellence. Ramadan Mubarak - A blessed Ramadan to all.


By Shaykh Sadullah Khan*

__________________
Keep your attitude like a king and Ego like a Slave; and build your dynasty of happiness and success.