Islam: a complete code of life

Islam is an all-embracing way of life.
It extends over the entire spectrum of life, showing us how to conduct all human activities in a sound and wholesome manner.

It does not allow a hierarchy of priests or intermediaries between Allah and human beings, no complicated rites and rituals.

Everybody can readily understand the Quran and follow in the footsteps of the Prophet

When we read the Quran or the Prophetic traditions, we find instructions regarding all aspects of life:

political, social, economic, material, ethical, national and international.
These instructions provide us with all the details needed to perform a certain act.
The Prophetic traditions go as far as showing us all the steps we need to follow, even the etiquette of using the bathroom:
supplications to be said upon entering it and leaving it, how to clean ourselves properly and so on.

To summarize, Islam governs a Muslim's life in all its aspects.
This is the reason why it is not only a religion but also a way of life.


1. Spiritual Life
Islamic prescription:
Prayer, fasting, charity giving, pilgrimage,
love for God and His Messenger,
love for truth and humanity for the sake of God,
hope and trust in God at all times and doing good for the sake of God.

2. Intellectual Life
Islamic prescription:
True knowledge based on clear proofs and indisputable evidence acquired by experience or experiment or by both.

The Quran points to the rich sources of knowledge in the whole universe.

Islam demands faith in God on the basis of knowledge and research and
leaves wide open all fields of thought before the intellect to penetrate as far as it can reach.

3. Personal Life
Islamic prescription:
Purity and cleanliness,
a healthy diet,
proper clothing,
proper behavior and
good healthy sexual relations within marriage.

4. Family Life
Islamic prescription:
A family is a human social group whose members are bound together
by the bond of blood ties and/or marital relationship and nothing else
(adoption, mutual alliance, common law, trial marriage. . . . etc.)

Marriage is a religious duty on all who are capable of meetings its responsibilities.
Each member of the family has rights and obligations.

5. Social Life
Islamic prescription:
Man is ordained by God to extend his utmost help and kindness to
other family members, relations, servants and neighbors.

No superiority on account of class, color, origin or wealth.
Humanity represents one family springing from one and the same father and mother.
The unity of humanity is not only in its origin but also in its ultimate aims.

6. Economical Life
Islamic prescription:
Earning one's living through decent labor is not only a duty,
but a great virtue as well.

Earning is man's private possession.
The individual is responsible for the prosperity of the state and
the state is responsible for the security of the individual.

The Islamic economic system is not based on
arithmetical calculations alone but also on morals and principles.

Man comes into this world empty-handed and departs empty-handed.
The real owner of things is God alone. Man is simply a trustee.

7. Political Life
Islamic prescription:
The sovereignty in the Islamic State belongs to God;
the people exercise it by trust from Him to enforce His laws.

The ruler is only an acting executive chosen by the people to serve them according to God's law.
The State is to administer justice and provide security for all citizens.

Rulers and administrators must be chosen from the best qualified citizens.

If an administration betrays the trust of God and the people,
it has to be replaced.

Non Muslims can administer their personal life of marriage,
divorce, foods and inheritance according to the Islamic law or to their own religious teachings.

They may pay Zakah (Islamic tax) or a different tax "Tributes" "Jizyah".
They are entitled to full protection and security of the state including freedom of religion.

8. International Life
Islamic prescription:
Man has a common origin, human status and aim.
Other people's interests and rights to life, honor and property are respected as long as the rights of Muslims are intact. Transgression is forbidden.

War Ethics
War is only justified if the state security is endangered.
During war destruction of crops, animals and homes,
killing non-fighting women, children, and aged people are forbidden.

Islam does not recognize any kind of separation between religion and life.

It openly rejects the Western saying: "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and unto God what is God's";

Fair, Honest Dealing in Trading, Buying and Selling
Weighing and Measuring of Goods for Business
Prohibition of Bribery
Avoidance of Hoarding and Monopoly
Paying Salaries, Wages of Employees and Laborers on Time
Prohibition for Fighting, Murder and Other Crimes
Peace and Reconciliation
Respect and Kindness to Women
Respect to Non-Muslims (People of the Book)

Conclusion
This compilation, although far from being complete, proves that Islam as the perfect religion for the whole mankind is indeed complete.
It serves as the best solution to all sorts of problems no matter how perplexing they may be.
Islam is the absolute answer to those who seek a perfect religion and a complete way of life.
It guides us to a well-balanced life, one that makes us happy and contented in this world and in the life Hereafter.
It is the way to attaining supreme success in the everlasting world to come.
In short, Islam, as the complete way for all, is Allah’s Mercy to the whole of mankind.
Islam is a total submission to God and His laws.

Sources of Knowledge


1 Senses

Senses make us to feel the material bodies and their characteristics but they does not help us solve the very basic problems of life and metaphysical objects e.g.
life is a thing whose start or end is out of our sight and hearing.
It is a fact that despite all the functions these senses are limited.
We can only perceive those things which are present and can be felt, but everything which is present cannot be felt.
Senses mean five forces which are called vision, smell, taste, touch and hear.
These senses are a definite source of knowledge whatever is the type of knowledge in the world there is only one basis that is sense.

2 Wisdom

Wisdom distinguishes between human being and animal.
But wisdom cannot present answers to the basic questions of life.
The reason is that alone wisdom is not enough to acquire knowledge.
Wisdom again depends on knowledge acquired through senses which are faulty in nature.

3 Intuition

supposition based on truth which gives the knowledge of the worlds
beyond common perception without the help of sense and wisdom.
They consider purification of mind is necessary to find truth and, moreover,
purification of mind is forsaking the world,meditation.
In fact the wisdom and spiritual powers are not beyond human senses and external effect.
Man’s surrounding, ideologies and edicts which are considered truth in his society also affect man’s observations.
The fact can be proved that mystics of different methodology and religions draw a picture which is different from each other in their design.

4 Revelation (Wahi)

The knowledge which is obtained through revelation is about the things which are usually beyond human perception.

Revelation is different from other sources of knowledge.
It is not based on some rationale or sensitivity.
It is the information which is revealed to a Prophet from the Master of this universe.

Revelation is never meaningless and unsocial like mysticism but it is for the guidance and reformation. So it becomes a source of practical life system.

Revelation is that kind of knowledge which God gives only to His pious and esteemed chosen people (prophets) for the sake of mankind welfare and guidance.

The Master of this universe knows solution of all the problems of this universe and the man living in it.
To run this universe and the man in it, God sent laws and regulations through His messengers (prophets).

SAUM (FASTING)


Meaning

"Saum" in Arabic, means to restrain and keep silence.
conscious abstinence (of a Muslim)

The Holy Qur-aan defines "Saum" as "patience" too
which means "self-control, perseverance and determination".

Food, drink and sexual relation between man and woman play very important role in human life that usually destroys human values and merits if not checked.
Regulating and keeping oneself away from such human needs for a certain period is Saum.



Significance

After Imaan, Salaah and Zakaah, the most important pillar of Islaam is Saum (Fasting) during the month of Ramadhaan (the 9th month of the Islaamic calendar).
Fasting is amongst the fundamentals of Islaam;


Shield against evils:

Like other tenets of Islam, Saum also inculcates spirituality and piety in Muslims.

The basic objective of Saum is not only to abstain from eating, drinking and bodily pleasures but to protect all organs and instincts of human body from committing evils and vices.

That’s why the Holy Prophet (PBUH) has declared Saum a shield against evils.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, “Who does not give up telling lies and implementing over it during the month of Ramadan, then the Almighty Allah does not need his/her abstention from eating and drinking.”

Thus Saum stands, according to Islam, for guarding oneself against selfishness, sensual and carnal desires and protecting one's instinctive restraint and perseverance.


Ramadan is a month of blessing for the Muslims.

During this month the reward of each Fardh/Obligatory worship is enhanced seventy times by Allah Almighty and
the reward of recommended worship or Nafal ibadat becomes equal to that of obligatory worship.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) has said, “The first ten days of Ramadan are blessing, 2nd ten days are forgiveness and last ten days are freedom from the blazing fire of hell.”

The fasts of Ramadaan were made compulsory in the 2nd year of Hijrat

“O’ ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, As it was prescribed for those who preceded you, That you may be reverent (gaining Taqwa-the fearness of God or the Righteousness of God).


“Verily, the most honorable of you with Allâh is that (believer) who has At-taqwa


Allah Says in Quran Surah Al-Baqarah Chapter#02 Verse#185
Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong).
So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting,
but if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later.


Fasting is an act of worship.
Through it a person can learn a great deal and can discover many things about him or her and others.
since abstaining from food and drink will make him or her continually aware that he or she is obeying Allah through an injunction, an Islamic duty.
This subtle form of continuous remembrance of Allah is a manner of compliance to the order of Allah, a manner to remember obedience to Him.
In itself, this awareness is a manner of worship.
One of the imperative factors of fasting is to restrain yourself not only from the eating and drinking but from all the evil deed from minor to major.


Advantages of Fasting

Fasting is an exercise of confronting hardships of life and prepares men for leading a simple life without luxuries and unwarranted comforts.

Fasting also inculcates in the Muslims extra ordinary qualities of patience, self restraint, discipline and punctuality etc.

It washes away the sins of Muslims and creates piety in them which is prime and ultimate objective of all worships of Islam including Fasting.

Gaining Taqwa (piety) Sense of Worship

The benefit of fasting is that acceptance and confession of Allah’s sovereignty.

Person during the fasting submit his will/desires to Allah Almighty .

Drawing closer to Allah
Fasting in the month of Ramadan will lead the believer very close to Almighty Allah, as believer restraining his all desires and obeying the commandments of Allah.

At whatever situation as u being hungry or thirsty, you keep yourself away from all the needs of time only for the sake of Allah.

Acquiring patience and strong will

In the domain of spirituality and morality, fasting makes us the master of our desires and we come out of the slavery of our lust and avarice.

Fasting also enables a person to develop his capacity of self-control and self-denial whereby he learns to master himself to a considerable extent.

It is a form of self-denial whereby a person controls and masters many of his wishes and desires, not only of eating and drinking, but many others.
He will discover that he does not have to be the slave of the dictates of self

Striving for Ihsaan and staying away from riyaa' (showing off)
Ihsaan means to worship Allah as if one seeks Him, and even though one does not see Him, He sees all.

That is why Allah said in a hadeeth qudsee, "Fasting is for Me and I reward it.


(Character Building)
Nevertheless this practice influence the person to carry on avoiding the evil deeds even after the month Ramadan that will really help us to improve in all sense morally, ethically and socially.

We become careful about our manners and conduct.
Ramadan is a great teacher, it teaches us to be good and helpful, to act and behave very well, to be nice to people and not to talk behind their backs, to be accepting and not accusing, to be people of patience, and to be very considerate.


Learning Self-discipline
One cannot knowingly break the fast before the sunset, as this will not be accepted by Allah.
Muslims should learn to be very strict in their lives, because they are people of an important message, which they mold their lives around.

Caring for one's health
Fasting has many medical benefits and it teaches Muslims to take care of their health and too build strong bodies.

The special benefit of fasting is the psychological state of mind of people which actually uplift the soul.

It also buttresses unity and cohesion among the Muslims by sharing common experience of life.

In the month of Ramadan all Muslim whether rich or poor, white or black they come together fast together, pray together Iftar together
and naturally bounding themselves in a unity of faith which lead tem to the success in this world as well as in the hereafter.

Mutual help

Love of Allah (swt) bound people to obey and fast in the month of Ramadan,
as we have previously depicted that month of Ramadan is the month of virtue, mercy and purity that brings people closer to each other, by understanding the nature and basic problems of people around us.


Secondary and Physical Benefits:

It is also having far reaching physical benefits, as it trains us in controlling the un-pleasant habit of over and excessive eating.

Fasting Rests Digestive System
It ameliorates the strength and performance of digestive organs by providing them rest.

Fasting Reduces Blood Sugar
Fasting Increases Fat breakdown
Fasting Corrects high blood Pressure
Fasting Promotes Weight loss
Fasting Promotes Healthy diet
Fasting Boosts Immunity
Fasting May Help to Overcome Addictions


Some authors show that fasting can help addicts reduce their cravings, for nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and other substance abuse.

The Prophet (may Allah send His blessing and peace upon him) said,
"Whoever does not abandon falsehood in word and action, then Allah has no need that he should leave his food and drink.

" (al-Bukhaaree) What we learn from this, is that we must pay attention to the purification of our manners.

For example: Do we give salaam to those we don't know and those we do know?

Do we follow the manners of Islam, by telling the truth and only telling the truth? Are we sincere? Are we merciful to the creation?

@SuperNova

Will you like to share the source?

__________________
To succeed,look at things not as they are,but as they can be.:)

Dear Amna sister i have collected this from different sources and have made my notes so i cant share any single source

JIHAD


Meaning
Jihad is the Arabic for what can be variously translated as "struggle" or "effort," or "to strive," "to exert," "to fight," depending on the context.
The word jihad comes from the word JUHD which means to strive, to struggle.

Misconceptions About Jihad
If we were to make a list of all the Islamic terms and concepts that have been inadvertently misconstrued or deliberately distorted, by the apologetic Muslims or Western orientlists, then Jihad can easily be placed at the top of that list.


Holy War & Harbun Mukkaddasa
The word Jihad is not synonymous with “Holy War” which is what the Western media wants everyone to believe.
In fact Holy War does not mean Jihad.

This word „holy war‟ was first used by the Christian crusaders who spread the religion at the point of a sword. And now it‟s used for the muslims unfortunately.

Because „holy war‟, in Arabic if you translate means Harbun mukkaddasa.
The word Harbun mukkaddasa doesn‟t appear anywhere in the Quran neither in the sayings of the Prophet

War & Qital
It is not the equivalent of war, for which the Arabic word is qital.
Jihad is exerting our best and greatest effort to achieve something.
Jihad has a much wider connotation and embraces every kind of striving in God‟s cause.
A mujahid is one who is sincerely devoted to his or her cause; who uses all physical, intellectual, and spiritual resources to serve it;
who confront any power that stands in its way; and, when necessary, dies for this cause.
Jihad in the way of God is our struggle to win God‟s good pleasure, to establish His religion‟s supremacy, and to make His Word prevail.

A highly misleading but popular idea in this respect is that any war in which the Muslims are engaged,
even if the motives are other than purely Islamic, is Jihad fi Sabeel lillah.
In view of the confusions and misunderstandings that surround this most fundamental of Islamic concepts.

The Quran does call for "jihad" as a military struggle on behalf of Islam.
But the Quran also refers to jihad as an internal, individual, spiritual struggle toward self-improvement, moral cleansing and intellectual effort.

It is said that Prophet Muhammad considered the armed-struggle version of Jihad "the little jihad," but considered the spiritual, individual version of Jihad--the Jihad within oneself--as "the great jihad."



Importance of Jihad
In the Holy Qur'an many verses clearly show the importance of Jihad (struggling for the sake of Allah) in the life of a Muslim and urges the believers to take part in this noble duty.
Allah mentions jihad in conjunction with imaan or belief, paradise and His pleasure.
Any person who claims to be a sincere believer in Allah should understand the obligation of jihad.


“O you who believe! Shall I show you a commerce that will save you from a painful doom?
You should believe in Allah and His Messenger, and should strive for the cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives.
That is better for you, if you did but know.”
(Al-Saff 10-11)


They alone are the mo‟min who come to believe in Allah and His messenger and afterwards never doubted, and who strive in the way of Allah with their wealth and their lives. Only they are truthful and sincere.
(Al-Hujurat 49:15)


“And do not say to those who have laid their lives in the cause of Allah that they are dead, but in fact, they are living, although you do not understand.”
(Al-Baqara: 2:154)



Allah (swt) has raised the status of Mujahid, the person who sacrifice his life in the way of Allah (swt) to the that extent to be consider alive till the Day of Judgment.

The great sacrifice in the cause of Allah is made in Jihad, because a loss of few lives, some thousands, some lacs, or even more does not count anything
as compared with the dreadful calamity that may befall mankind as a result of the victory of evil over good, and of aggressive atheism over the religion of Allah.

The sincere believers are anxious to sacrifice their wealth and lives for the sake of Allah and do their best to fight with their fellow Muslims who are oppressed by the enemies of Islam.

When jihad becomes obligatory on the Muslim and he does not concern himself with it, then he is similar to those bedouins who claim to have faith yet the true and complete faith had not actually entered into their hearts.

They say that they believe but they do not meet Allah‟s description of the believers.

“The true believers are only those who believe in Allah and His Messenger and afterward doubt not, but strive with their wealth and their lives for the cause of Allah. Such are the sincere”
(Al-Hujurat 49:14-15)


Types of Jihad

One could make Jihad by using good words,
using one's wealth for the sake of Allah,
or by using their physical strength to do good.

We can use these three different types of jihad depending on the time,
the place, the situation, or the individual.
We may apply these different types of jihad all together or individually.

1. Jihad against Ignorance:
This jihad means to teach people the truth and the good.
God Almighty addresses the Prophet as follows in the Quran:
“Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching;
and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious.” (an-Nahl, 125)
The following is stated in another verse:
“Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good,
enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong;
they are the ones to attain felicity.” (Aal-i Imran, 104)
The Quran is a spiritual drug that is enough to cure the material and spiritual,
and individual and social wounds of not only one nation but also all of the people to come until the Day of Judgment.
The duty of presenting this drug to humanity was given to Muslims.

2. Jihad against one's Soul:
Jihad-e-Akbar (The Greatest Jihad).

Struggling against one's self desires means forcing yourself to follow the orders of Allah
and to stay away from what Allah has ordered us to stay away from;
This Jihad is called Jihad-e-Akbar (The Greatest Jihad).
This includes performing the obligatory and the voluntary,
and to abandon all acts that are Haram (unlawful) or Makrooh (disliked).
This type of jihad also includes forcing oneself to behave with the best manners,
the best morals, and to stay away from bad behavior at a time when our desires tell us the opposite.

The believers are warned against the trick of the soul as follows in a verse:
“…nor follow thou the lusts, (of thy heart), for they will mislead thee from the Path of Allah.” (Sad, 26)

The Prophet (pbuh) stated the following
“The greatest jihad is the one against your soul.” He also said,
“Your greatest enemy is your soul, which is inside you.” (Ajluni, Kashfu’l-Khafa, Beirut, I, 143, Hadith No: 413)

The Prophet attracts attention to the importance of this jihad.
As a matter of fact, while returning from a battle, the Prophet (pbuh) said,
“We have returned to the great jihad from the small jihad.”
(Kanzu’l-Ummal, IV, 430, Hadith No: 11260 )
Thus, he expressed concisely that overcoming one's soul was more difficult and more important than fighting the enemy.

3. Jihad against Satan:
Obligatory Jihad Against Satan
Struggling against Satan means to defend yourself from his evil whisperings,
his doubtful matters, his temptations, and his lustfulness.
This type of jihad is an obligation for all individuals and no one can do it on another ones behalf.
We should understand that Satan's whisperings will never go away, and therefore, we must keep struggling throughout our lives.

The following verse in the Quran shows that Satan is the greatest enemy to man:
“Verily Satan is an enemy to you: so treat him as an enemy.”(Fatir, 6 )
Thus, attention is attracted to the fact that the greatest jihad is the one done against the greatest enemy.

4. Jihad Against Disbelievers and Hypocrites (with Weapons):
Jihad Fard Kifayah
The struggle against the disbelievers and the hypocrites.

which are: In the heart, the tongue, one's wealth and one's soul.
When struggling with the disbelievers, more than likely, we will use our hands or physical strength.
On the other hand, when struggling against the hypocrites, we will make jihad by using our tongue to preach to them.

These two types of Jihad are called Fard Kifayah ,
which basically means if some Muslims successfully perform these two types of jihad, then it will no longer be obligatory for other Muslims to perform it.

Otherwise, it remains obligatory upon all Muslims until the goal of Jihad is achieved.”

This jihad is not continuous.
It is not fard for everybody.
If the state has enough power,
jihad is fard al-kifayah; that is, when a group of people makes jihad,the other people are not held responsible.

certain conditions for Jihad
It is well known that the concept of Jihad is subject to certain conditions.

Jihad is meant for upholding the uprightness of the Word of Allah, for the victory of the suppressed, for safeguarding the places of worship and for defence against the aggression and atrocities of the tyrants.

In Islamic Shariah, the direction or order for killing is applicable to those enemies of Islam, engaged in fight against Muslims.

It applies to such enemies of Islam who are determined to seize their lands.

Not only that they are determined to deny the freedom to pronounce the name of Allah on the earth.

It is not meant for eliminating other religions, destruction of their places of worship or unwarranted massacre of Non-Muslims.

For propagation and acceptance of its teachings Islam recommends interesting and suitable form of preaching, persuasion and discussion.

"Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious. "(Surah Al Nahl, verse 125) Do not utilize power of the sword and so-called ‘Jihad'.

Permission for Jihad has been given for defence or in unavoidable circumstances, that too, subject to certain conditions.
It does not mean that if you find a Non-Muslim or their group, you rush for beheading them.


Conclusion

From this whole discussion we can conclude that there is no perfect Iman without the concept of Jihad.
Jihad is as compulsory as other fundamentals of Islam‟s are on their priority.
We all are doing jihad as we are striving and struggling hard for our existence and making our life on the on track prescribed by Allah and His Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Tawheed
(Oneness of God)


Introduction
Tawheed means to believe that Allah is the one and only God worthy of worship.
It is sometimes referred to as monotheism;
however; in the purest sense in that no other entity can in any way have the attributes or be equivalent or even in competition with Allah.
All acts of worship that a person does should be to Allah or for Allah Alone.
For example, the prayer should only be to Allah etc.

Tawheed is the essence of Islam, it is the core of Islam, it is what Islam stands for, and it is the reason why Allah created us.

All prophets and messengers were sent with the message of Tawheed,
the Quran itself is a book of Taweed, and those who have a firm and correct belief in Tawheed will indeed be the saved ones.

The Qur`an declares that “Nothing is like Him” (42:11).
Allah is omniscient and all-powerful.


ATTRIBUTES OF ALLAH

The One.

The First, The One whose Existence is without a beginning.

The Last, The One whose Existence is without an end.

Allah, He who has the Godhood which is the power to create the entities.

The Compassionate, The Beneficient, The One who has plenty of mercy for the believers and the blasphemers in this world and especially for the believers in the hereafter.

The King, The Sovereign Lord, The One with the complete Dominion, the One Whose Dominion is clear from imperfection.

The Unique, The One, The One without a partner.

The Eternal Owner of Sovereignty, The One who controls the Dominion and gives dominion to whoever He willed.

The Equitable, The One who is Just in His judgment.

The Guide, The One whom with His Guidance His belivers were guided, and with His Guidance the living beings have been guided to what is beneficial for them and protected from what is harmful to them.

The Source of Peace, The One who is free from every imperfection.

The Praiseworthy, The praised One who deserves to be praised.

The Mighty, The Strong,

The Maintainer, The Guardian, The Feeder, The Sustainer, The One who has the Power

The Creator, The One who brings everything from non-existence to existence.

The All-knowing, The Knowledgeable; The One nothing is absent from His knowledge.

The Watcher, The Watchful, The One that nothing is absent from Him. Hence it's meaning is related to the attribute of Knowledge.

The Most Glorious One, The Glorious, The One who is with perfect Power, High Status, Compassion, Generosity and Kindness

The Generous One, The Bountiful, The Gracious, The One who is attributed with greatness of Power and Glory of status.

The Reproducer, The One who brings back the creatures after death.

The All-Hearing, The Hearer, The One who Hears all things that are heard by His Eternal Hearing

The Restorer, The Giver of Life, The One who took out a living human from semen that does not have a soul. He gives life by giving the souls back to the worn out bodies on the
resurrection day and He makes the hearts alive by the light of knowledge.

The Great One, The Mighty, The One deserving the attributes of Exaltment, Glory, Extolement,and Purity from all imperfection

The Reserrector, The Raiser (from death), The One who resurrects His slaves after death for reward and/or punishment.

The Everlasting, The One that the state of non-existence is impossible for Him.

The Vast, The All-Embracing, The Knowledgeable.



Significance of Tawheed

Tawheed is the essence of Islam and the mainspring of its strength.
All other laws, beliefs and commands of Islam stand firm on this foundation.
Take it away, and there is nothing left of Islam.
Tawheed is the call of all the prophets to their people, it is mentioned in Qur’an

Tawheed is the only reason for the world's creation as Allah Says in Qu’ran

By declaring sincere belief in Tawheed, a disbeliever will become a Muslim.
Conversely, a Muslim will become a disbeliever (kafir) if he rejects any aspect of it.

By Tawheed we achieve salvation from Eternal punishment in the Hereafter, right guidance in this world, and forgiveness for sins.
Tawheed is only belief in Islamic ideology which does not have forgiveness of its rejection, means Allah will never forgive that person who associate partner with Allah.

There is a Sahih Hadith of Prohet Muhammad (pbuh)
Whoever fulfills Tawheed will be admitted to the Garden (Al-Jannah) in the Hereafter.

It is the reason for solving peoples' sadness because true happiness will be achieved if persons realize Tawheed within their heart.
They will also never feel psychologically enslaved even if physically captive.
It is the only reason for Allah's pleasure and rewards.

Islam is nothing if not an embodiment of the belief in Tawheed.
Tawheed prevents man from eternally remaining in the Hellfire.

The Prophet Muhammad stated in an authentic report:
Whoever dies and has so much as a mustard seed of faith in his heart shall enter Al-Jannah.


Effects of Tawheed on Personal Life (Individuals)

When an individual pronounces the testimonyI testify that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah and I testify that Muhammad is His Messenger), believing in it and acting upon it, he experiences a noticeable change in his life.
By understanding who his Lord is as well as the purpose of his creation,
he will be able to achieve success in this life and the next.
This success emanates from the following points:

1- A believer in this testimony can never be narrow in outlook.
He believes in Allah, Who is the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the Master of the universe and its Sustainer.
After this belief, he does not regard anything in the world as a stranger to himself.
He looks on everything in the universe as belonging to the same Lord he himself belongs.

2- This belief produces in man the highest degree of self-respect and self esteem.
The believer knows that Allah Alone is the Possessor of all power,
and that none besides Him can benefit or harm a person,
or provide for his needs, or give and take away life or wield authority or influence.
This conviction makes him indifferent to, independent on, and fearless of all powers other than those of Allah.
He never bows his head in homage to any of Allah's creatures, nor does he stretch out his hand before anyone else.
He is not overawed by anybody's greatness.
This attitude of mind cannot be produced by any other belief.


3- Along with self-respect, this belief also generates in man a sense of modesty and humbleness.
It makes him unostentatious and unpretending.
A believer never becomes proud, haughty or arrogant.
The boisterous pride of power, wealth and worth can have no room in his heart,
because he knows that whatever he possesses has been given to him by Allah,
and that Allah can take away just as He can give.
In contrast to this, an unbeliever, when he achieves some worldly merit, becomes proud and conceited
because he believes that his merit is due to his own worth.
In the same way, pride and self-conceit are a necessary outcomes and concomitants of 'Shirk'
because a polytheist believes that he has a particular relation with deities,
which does not exist between them and other people.

4- This belief makes man virtuous and upright.
He has the conviction that there is no other means of success and salvation for him except purity of soul and righteousness of behavior.
He has perfect faith in Allah Who is Above all needs, is related to none and is absolutely Just.
This belief creates in him the consciousness that unless he lives rightly and acts justly, he cannot succeed.
No influence or underhand activity can save him from ruin.

5- The believer never becomes despondent.
He has a firm faith in Allah Who is The Master of all the treasures of the earth and the heavens,
Whose grace and bounty have no limit and Whose power is infinite.
This faith imparts to his heart extraordinary consolation, fills it with satisfaction and keeps it filled with hope.
Although he may be met with rejection from all sides in this world,
faith in and dependence on Allah never leave him, and on that strength he goes on struggling.
Such profound confidence can result from no other belief than belief in Allah Alone.

6- This testimony of faith inspires bravery in man.
There are two things which make a man cowardly:
(a) fear of death and love of safety, and
(b) the idea that there is someone else besides Allah who can take away life,
and that man- by adopting certain devices- can ward off death.

Belief in 'Laa ilaaha illAllah'' blocks and drives away both these ideas.
The first idea goes out of his mind because he knows that his life and his property and everything else really belong to Allah, and he becomes ready to sacrifice his all for the pleasure of Allah.

He gets rid of the second idea because he knows that no weapon,
no man or animal has the power of taking away his life; Allah alone has the power to do so.
A time has been ordained for him, and all the forces of the world combined cannot take away anyone's life before that time.

It is for this reason that no one is braver than the one who has faith in Allah.
Nothing can daunt him: not even the strongest tempest of adversity and the mightiest of armies.

7- The belief in 'Laa ilaaha illAllah' creates an attitude of peace and contentment,
purges the mind of jealousy, envy and greed, and keeps away the temptations of resorting to base and unfair means for achieving success.
The believer understands that wealth is in Allah's hands, and He apportions it out as He Wills;
that honor, power, reputation and authority - everything - is also subjected to His Will,
and He bestows them as He Wills; and that man's duty is only to endeavor and to struggle fairly.

Effects of Tawheed on Collective Life (Social)

Belief in one God has deep impact on the social life of man.
This is certain that the basis of social and collective life is based on justice and equality, and perfect justice and equality is not possible without the concept of one God and unity of mankind.

Tawheed in Islam is that it implies the equity and unity of all people in their relation with Allah.
Thus, people of different social strata were not created by separate deities with varying levels of power, since this would violate Tawheed by putting barriers between them.

Instead, social dimension of Tawheed states that the same Allah created everyone, and so all people have the same fundamental essence.

In fact, the noblest person in Allah’s Sight is the one who is most Allah-conscious.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh )said: “Your Lord is One. You are from Aadam and Aadam was created from dust. An Arab is not superior to a non-Arab, nor a white person over a black person, except for his/her piety and righteousness.”

We know that all religions in the world preach peace, but even we witnessed violence, destruction of civilization and values human society.

It is just because of that nations in the world are not united on one base,
they have their own different religion, different God, that is the most focal point which serve as the basic block of violence and destruction.

Tawheed is only solution for the whole humanity to bring and maintain peace in the world.

Importance of Salah [ namaz ] in Islam

From Quran

“Pray to me and I will hear your prayer” Quran ( Quran 40:60).
Namaz, Salah or Prayer is obligatory on every Muslim man and woman after reaching adolescence. Among all the wonderful benefits of praying, here is

why Prayer is so important a deed in Islam:
Allah Is With Those Who Pray
“Oh ye who believe! Seek help with perseverance and prayer: for God is with those who patiently persevere (Quran 11:153)

Prayer Leads to Taqwa
“This is the Book in which there is no doubt, a guidance for those who have taqwa; who believe in the unseen, and who establish Salah, and spend out of what we have provided for them” (Quran 2: 2-3)

Prayer Is a Believer’s Deed
“The believers, men and women, are protecting friends of one another; they enjoin good and forbid evil, and they establish Salah, and give Zakah, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have His Mercy on them, and surely, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.” (Quran 9: 71)

Prayer Results in Allah’s Blessings
“So whatever you have been given is but (a passing) enjoyment for this worldly life, but that which is with Allah is better and more lasting for those who believe and put their trust in their Lord. And those who avoid the great sins and lewdness, and when they are angry, they forgive. And those who answer the Call of their Lord, and perform the Salah, and who conduct their affairs by mutual consultation, and who spend of what We have bestowed on them.” (Quran 42:36-38)

Prayer Reward in Akhirat
“Truly, those who believe and do righteous deeds, and perform Salah, and give Zakah, they will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” (Quran 2:277)
Prayers Keep You In Connection With the Almighty
“When have finished performing the Salah, remember Allah standing, sitting, and reclining, but when you are free from danger, perform the Salah. Surely, Salah is enjoined on the believers at
fixed times.” (Quran 4:103)

Command of Allah to Observe Prayers
“Guard strictly the Salah, especially the middle Salah. And stand before Allah with obedience.” (Quran 2:238)

Prayers Are A Way To Seek Allah’s Help
“Oh you who believe! Seek help through patience and Salah. Truly, Allah is with those who are patient.” (2:153)

Importance of Friday Prayer
“Oh you who believe! When the call is made for the Salah on Friday, come to the remembrance of Allah, and leave off business. That is better for you, if you only knew! And when the Salah has ended, you may disperse through the land, and seek the Bounty of Allah, and remember Allah much so that you may be successful.” (Quran 62 : 09-10)

Prayer Prevents From Satan
“Shaytaan desires only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah, and from Salah. So will you then not abstain
(from these evils)?” (Quran 5:91)

Prayer Saves from Troubles
“Recite that which has been revealed to you of the Book, and perform Salah. Verily, Salah prevents from lewdness and evils. And indeed, the remembrance of Allah (by you) is greatest. And Allah knows what you do.” (Quran 29:45)

Only Those Who Pray Can Be Your Good Friends
“Indeed, your protecting friend (Wali) is none other than Allah, His Messenger, and the Believers who establish Salah, and give Zakat, and bow down (in prayer). (Quran 5: 55)

Prayer and Women
“And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance, and perform Salah, and give Zakah, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah wishes only to remove uncleanness from you, Oh people of the House, and to purify you with a thorough purification.” (Quran 33:33)
Not Observing Prayer Is a Hypocrite’s Act
“Verily, the hypocrites seek to deceive Allah, but it is He who deceives them; When they stand up for Salah, they stand with laziness, only to be seen by men; and they do not remember Allah but a little.” (Quran 4:142)

Leaving Prayer Causes Kufr
“(And remain always) turning to Him (only), and be fearful and dutiful towards Him, and perform Salah and be not of those who commit Shirk.” (Quran 30: 31)

Leaving Prayers Destroys A Nation!
“Then, there came after them a generation who gave up Salah and followed lusts; so they will be thrown in Hell.” (Quran 19: 59)

1. Salah is an act of worship: It is not a custom. It is not a ritual. It is very special. It has no equal. It has no alternative. There are no excuses, even when you are ill, on a journey or even in a war.

2. Salah is the second and most important pillar of Islam.


3. Salah is a practical sign of obedience to the commands of Allah. It is the practical proof of our faith in Allah and Islam.


4. Salah is the only distinction between a Mo’min and a non-Mo’min.


5. Salah reminds you of Allah (SWT), when you get up in the morning, it reminds you three more times when you are busy during the day, and once again before you go to bed.

6. Salah is a direct contact or link between the worshipper and Allah with no earthly intermediaries. It is the Me’raaj of a Mo’min.


7. Salah builds a strong defense against evils which exist around us. It is said in the Holy Qur’an that, surely, Salah keeps you away from indecency and evil. This is why the prayer is described as “remembrance” to Allah (SWT).

8. Salah wipes out our sins: Prophet Muhammad (SAAWS) once asked his companions “Tell me if there was a river at the door step of one of you in which you washed 5 times a day would any of your dirt remain?” When he received the reply that none of it would remain he then said “That is like the 5 times Salah, with which Allah (SWT) wipes out sin.

10. Salah was the last will of the Prophet (SAAWS). As his soul departed he said with his last breaths: As-Salah, As-Salah.

11. Salah is the first thing that a person is judged by on the Day of Judgement. If it was good, the rest of all his deeds will be good. But if it was poor, the rest of all his deeds will be poor.

This narration sets a clear declaration as to how we will be judged on the Day of Judgement. We are given a clear message: [get your Salah in good order, and it will take care of the rest... Lose your Salah, and you are in big trouble]; Very simple message, but very powerful, and very direct.

That is how important Salah is. It was the first command in Islam, it was the last will of the Prophet (SAAWS), and it is the first act that we will be judged by on the Day of Judgement. Therefore, we need to know why it is so important, and how can we uplift our prayers and make our Salah in the manner that will give us the reward in this life and in the hereafter.

Importance of Salah in the life of the Muslim’s Ummah:


12. The knots “in the rope of Islam” will be undone one by one. Every time a knot is undone, people will adhere strongly to the next. (By undone, we understand that people no longer act by this aspect of Islam). The first knot to be undone is living by the law of Islam, and the last to be undone is Salah. What we take from this Hadith, is that when a Muslim community gives up Salah, it will be the last act in giving up their Islam. We have seen this happening across the world and across the generations. This is also why we see that when a Muslim community wants to hold on to Islam, and wants to be recognised as faithful, people make that extra effort to return to Salah.
In this society, we can look at Salah in Islam as our last line of defence. We hold on to it, we preserve ourselves as Muslims, and God willing, we preserve our children and their children and so on, as Muslims. If we lose Salah, God forbid, we lose everything, in this life and in the hereafter. That is truly a disaster.

This is what the Holy Qur’an says about those communities who gave up their Salah: [But after them there followed future generations who lost the Prayers and followed after lusts. Soon, then, will they face destruction] (S19, A59).
The following are just a few more verses from the Holy Qur’an to cast away any further doubts about the rule of establishing Salah in Islam:

[And establish regular prayer and give zakah and obey the Messenger, that you may receive mercy] (S24, A56)

[And be steadfast in prayer; give zakah and bow down your heads with those who bow down 'in worship] (S2, A43)

[They are those who, if We establish them in the land, establish regular prayer and give zakah, enjoin the right and forbid the wrong. With Allah rests the end (and decision) of (all) affairs] (S22, A41)

Brothers and sisters, there should be no doubt in our minds and hearts about the need to establish regular prayers. It is vital for our present community, and it is vital for our future generations.

We cannot instil in our children the need to establish regular prayers if we do not act as an example. We cannot understate this point. We have to act as an example to our children. We are asked to encourage our children by age seven, and we are asked to enforce prayers by age ten. There is no doubt as to what the instructions are. We are responsible for our children. We may feel happy that we have been able to establish regular prayers ourselves, and that we have preserved Islam in our community for this generation, but what about the next, and what about the one after. There is no room for leniency here, and we need to be very vigilant. Indeed, there is a Hadith that states that between the person and Kufr (wilfully renouncing Allah) is abandoning Salah on purpose. This was narrated by Muslim and by Ahmad, and it is also agreed by the Sahabah.

14. Importance of Salat al-Jama’ah (Congregational Prayer)

A. What about the role of the mosque and the Jama’ah prayers?

This is an important concept in Islam. Islam encourages the Jama’ah prayers. In an agreed Hadith, the Prophet (SAAWS) states that the Jama’ah prayers is worth 27 times the prayers of a person by himself. There is always more reward when we pray together.

In another hadith, the Prophet (SAAWS) states that the prayer of the man in Jama’ah is worth 25 times his prayers alone. When he performs good Wudu, and leaves his house for the sole purpose of prayers, with every step he takes his status is uplifted, and a sin is forgiven. As he prays, the angels will continue praying for him, saying, God bless him and God forgive him, until he finishes his Salat. This is the reward for establishing Jama’ah prayers.
In another Hadith, the Prophet (SAAWS) mentions that if three Muslims are present in a community, they need to establish Jama’ah prayers, or Satan will get to them, as we are weakened by being separate, and strengthened by the Jama’ah.
In fact, establishing Jama’ah prayers is a definite Sunnah, to the extent that we are informed in another Hadith, that if we leave the Jama’ah prayers, we are actually abandoning an established Sunnah of the Prophet (SAAWS).

15. Other examples of the reward for attending the mosque for Jama’ah prayers are the following Hadith.
The Prophet (SAAWS) said who ever attends the mosque and returns, God prepares for him paradise on every occasion he attends and leaves. The Prophet (SAAWS) also says when you witness a person that regularly attends to the mosque for prayers it is a testimony of his faith.
[The mosques of Allah shall be visited and maintained by those who believe in Allah and the Last day, and establish regular prayer] (S9, A18)
The Prophet (SAAWS) said; Shall I guide you to what wipes away the sins and lifts up your status.

The mosque is the home of every pious person. God will look after this person with mercy and guides him along the straight path to paradise.
Brothers and sisters; We all know that Salah is compulsory, but even with this pillar there are important issues that we need to address.
The most important for us, for the community in anywhere, is that we should encourage ourselves to attend the mosque for Jama’ah prayers more and more. Not just the Juma’ah prayers, but for most Jama’ah prayers if we can.

B. What are the worldly and spiritual benefits of Salat al-Jama’ah?

There is a great reward when Salah is offered in Jama’ah.
Salah gives us both Worldly and Spiritual benefits; these are listed below:

1. ISLAMIC EQUALITY:
In the congregation, rich and poor, high and low, all stand shoulder to shoulder. It is the best scene of mankind’s equality.

2. UNITY:
In this Salah all have one Niyyah, one language and identical actions. All kneel together, all go to Sajdah together.
This teaches us the lesson that we, as Muslims, should be united at all times.

3. LOVE AND CO-OPERATION:
People meet with one another in the Jama’ah Salah. They know the hardships and worries of one another and try to help each other. New things are known there. Mutual love develops. Circle of friendship is widened. We get an opportunity to perfect our life in the light of others experiences.

4. DISCIPLINE:
While offering Salah in Jamat we stand in rows, follow the Imam of Jama’ah and practice obedience to Allah, this forces discipline in us, which is the essential feature of a community’s life.

5. PRESTIGE OF ISLAM:
Our Mosques remain thriving – due to Salah in Jama’ah. It enhances the prestige of Muslims, and the Unity of Muslims affects greatly the enemies.

6. LIMITLESS REWARD:
Allah has put a big reward for Jama’ah Salah. Our Holy Prophet (PBUH) has laid great emphasis on Jama’ah Salah.
Therefore we should offer Jama’ah Salah as often as possible. We should know also know that if there are more than 10 people in Jama’ah, then nobody can estimate its limitless reward except Allah.
My last point is that we must all strive to maintain and protect our mosque, for it is this establishment that will hopefully look after our children and their children. Please invest in this mosque, both financially and with your efforts. This is where our community starts, and this is where we maintain our faith.

According to a Hadith a companion of Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) came to him one day and asked him "What is the thing that Allah (SWT) loves most?" Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) replied "The thing that Allah (SWT) loves most is when his people pray Salah on time."

Salah (Salat, Namaz) is a practical sign of obedience to the commands of Allah (SWT). Its importance has been emphasized about 500 times in the Noble Qur'an.

Once Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) shook a dry branch of a tree so that all of the leaves of the branch fell off than the Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) said "The sins of those who pray Salah, drop off as the leaves of this branch fell off."

Before Salah, we make Wudu. Wudu (Ablution) is a unique way of cleansing certain parts of our body so we are clean before bowing down to the one who created us, who created the universe the one and only Allah (SWT).

The Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) once asked his companions "Tell me if there was a river at the door step of one of you in which you washed five times a day would any of your dirt remain?" When Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) received the reply that none of it would remain he then said "That is like the five times Salah, with which Allah (SWT) wipes out sin.

The last thing that Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) emphasized at his deathbed was Salah. He also said the first thing we will have to answer about on the day of judgement is Salah.

While in Salah one communicates with Allah (SWT) and experiences his presence. That's why a Hadith says: Salah is the Meraj of a Momin (Namaz is called as Meraj-ul-Momineen).

The Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) also said "The key to Heaven is Salah. The key to Salah is Purification."

"Namaz is a pillar of Religion. If Namaz is accepted all other deeds are accepted. If Namaz is rejected then all other Deeds are rejected." (Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh)

Sayings on Salah (Salat, Namaz)

Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) said: "Almighty Allah (SWT) has set the light of my eyes in Salah (Salat, Namaz) and made it the most desirable thing for me, like the food for the hungry and the water for the thirsty. The hungry is contented after the meal and the thirsty is satisfied after drinking water. But my thirst for Salah (Salat, Namaz) is never quenched."

Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) said: "Everything has a face and the face of your religion is Salah (Salat, Namaz); none of you should stain the face of his religion."

Commander of the Believers Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (pbuh) said: "Almighty Allah (SWT) has ordained the obligation of faith for purification from polytheism and the obligation of Salah (Salat, Namaz) for refraining from pride and arrogance."


Imam Ali bin Moosa Al Ridha (pbuh) said: "When you are praying, avoid being drowsy, slumberous, playing and hastening. Pray with solemnity, gravity and soberness. It is up to you to remain attentive, humble and submissive in Almighty Allah's presence. Stand in front of your Lord as a slave appears before his master. Keep your feet in order and your stature firm. Do not look here and there. Be as if you could see Him; for, if you do not see Him, He sees you.