Ma‘iyyat Allah as Stated in the Quran

The doctrine followed by Ahl-us-Sunnah w-al-Jama‘ah (adherents to the Sunnah and the Muslim mainstream) is to follow the righteous predecessors in relation to the Names and Attributes of Allah. This doctrine states that the Beautiful Names and Exalted Attributes of Allah, the Almighty, are those evidenced by His Book and the Sunnah of His Prophet without any Tahrif (distortion of the meaning), Ta‘til (negation of the meaning or function of Allah's Attributes), Takyif (descriptive designation of Allah's Attributes), or Tamthil (likening Allah's Attributes to those of His Creation).

Ma‘iyyat Allah (the Company of Allah) is one of Allah’s Attributes stated in the Book of Allah and the Sunnah and means that Allah is with us in a way that befits His Majesty. Allah, the Almighty, says: “There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing.” (Quran 42: 11) It is also stated and confirmed that Allah rises over His Throne in the manner that befits His Majesty.

The root of Ma‘yyiah in the linguistic sense is the noun “Ma‘a,” which means companionship, company, assembly, and gathering of two things. However, the word “Ma‘a” does not linguistically entail any mixing, mingling, or connection, as some people claimed, but it means companionship and company in the general sense. For example, the moon accompanies the traveler and other people while it is so high and distant and does not mix or mingle with them.

In addition, the word “Ma‘iyyah” indicates knowledge and may mean support, if the context indicates this meaning. Ibn Al-Jawzi () said, “The word ‘Ma‘a’ has five meanings: company, as stated in the saying of Allah, the Almighty: ‘Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves.’ (Quran 48: 29)” Ibn ‘Ashour () said, “The word ‘Ma‘ahu’ means full companionship with obedience and support.”

This word may also indicate advocacy, as in the saying of Allah, the Almighty: “…when they were in the cave and he [i.e., Muhammad ()] said to his companion, ‘Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.’” (Quran 9: 40) As-Sa‘di () said, “This means by Allah’s help, advocacy, and support.” This word may also indicate knowledge, as stated in the saying of Allah, the Almighty: “…and no less than that and no more except that He is with them [in knowledge] wherever they are.” (Quran 58: 7) As-Sa‘di said: “This ‘Ma‘iyyah’ indicates knowledge and awareness, and ‘Inda (with), as stated in the saying of Allah, the Almighty: “And believe in what I have sent down confirming that which is [already] with you…” (Quran 2: 41) Ibn Kathir () and others said, “This is because the name of Muhammad () is written in the Torah and the Bible.” The word ‘Ma‘a’ also means “on,” as stated in the saying of Allah, the Almighty: “So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down on him—it is those who will be the successful.” (Quran 7: 157) Ash-Shawkani () said, “This verse means that they followed the Quran which was revealed to him when he was sent as a Prophet.”

Types of Ma‘iyyat Allah Stated in the Quran:

This word is mentioned in eighteen verses in the Quran, indicating that Allah is in the company of His Angels, the elite of His creation from among His Prophets, the Awliya’ (pious people), honest believers, and people in general. More than one scholar said that these Quranic texts indicate that Ma‘iyyat Allah has two meanings:

General Ma‘iyyah: This type of Ma‘iyyah indicates that Allah is with all His creation with His knowledge, i.e., His knowledge encompasses all His creation. He is aware of all His creation, witnesses them, and knows all about them. It is general because it includes all of Allah’s creation and is mentioned in many verses in the Quran, as the previous verse stated in Surah Al-Mujadilah.

Private Ma‘iyyah: It indicates awareness, advocacy, support, and granting of success, and is considered private because it is concerned with Allah’s Prophets and Awlia’ only. It is mentioned in the Quran in many verses, such as: “O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (Quran 2: 153) This means that Allah is with the patient, helping and granting them success and guidance.

The Impacts of Belief in this Ma‘iyyah:

Both types of Ma‘iyyah (general and private) have great impacts. The most important impacts of general Ma‘iyyah are as follows:

· Stirring in people’s souls a sense of awe at this Great Deity, Who knows the secrets and hidden matters.

· Hastening to obey Allah and abstain from acts of disobedience because Allah is fully Aware of His creation.

The impacts of belief in private Ma‘iyyah are as follows:

· Whoever is in the company of Allah will not be overcome by anyone or affected by anything, as he is connected with the source of power: Allah, the Predominant over His affairs, the Subjugator over His servants.

· The person who is in Ma‘iyyat Allah will not feel lonely because Allah is with him, putting him at ease, making him steadfast, and strengthening him.

· The person who is in Ma‘iyyat Allah will feel satisfied, reassured, and calm, as Prophet Mosa (‘alayhi assalam) said with full confidence and pride when he was surrounded by Pharaoh and his soldiers: “Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me." (Quran 26: 62)

After briefly clarifying the meaning of Ma‘iyyat Allah through the Quranic verses, it becomes clear to us that it is either general Ma‘iyyah, which encompasses all people and indicates knowledge, hearing, sight, awareness, ability, and dominance, although Allah is above His Throne, or private Ma‘iyyah with His elected servants, and this indicates advocacy, kindness, and support. - islamweb.net

Is It OK to Send My Daughter to Boarding School?

 

I would look at her age, stage of development, the issues of her being alone somewhere to learn versus being in the family unit, her Islamic education while she is in boarding school as well as how it would affect her emotionally being away from her family.

I would also consider the school itself to ensure it would provide a nurturing environment, a solid education as well as an Islamic atmosphere. I would make a list of the good points as well as the negative and depending on her age, I would discuss it with her to see how she feels about it.

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Check out this counseling video

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A child who is adamant about not going, or fears leaving her family may not do as well in a boarding school. Again, your question depends on her age, maturity, as well as family dynamics.

In addition, I would also suggest making istakharra regarding this decision as Allah knows best and is the best of planners.

- aboutislam.net

About Aisha Mohammad

Aisha has a PhD in psychology, an MS in public health and a PsyD. Aisha worked as a Counselor/Psychologist for 12 years at Geneva B. Scruggs Community Health Care Center in New York. She has worked with clients with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, panic disorder, trauma, and OCD. She also facilitated support groups and provided specialized services for victims of domestic violence, HIV positive individuals, as well youth/teen issues. Aisha is certified in Mindfulness, Trauma Informed Care, Behavioral Management, Restorative Justice/ Healing Circles, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, and Confidentiality & Security. Aisha is also a Certified Life Coach, and Relationship Workshop facilitator. Aisha has a part-time Life Coaching practice in which she integrates the educational concepts of stress reduction, mindfulness, introspection, empowerment, self love and acceptance and spirituality to create a holistic healing journey for clients. Aisha is also a part of several organizations that advocates for prisoner rights/reentry, social & food justice, as well as advocating for an end to oppression & racism. In her spare time, Aisha enjoys her family, photography, nature, martial arts classes, Islamic studies, volunteering/charity work, as well as working on her book and spoken word projects.

3 Things Helped Me Resist Temptation

 

I always hated doing mazes as a kid. It was beyond frustrating to be going down a path just fine, only to abruptly run into a dead end.

As I grew up, I realized that life is kind of like that, especially as it relates to as-siraat al-mustaqeem (the Straight Path).

Although the path itself is clear and straight, there are more and more dead ends put in our path by Satan, the dunya (this world), and our own nafs (inner self), until it ends up looking like a tangled up maze.

Temptation is a universal experience. Every single person commits sins—yes, even the “uncle” at the masjid with a long beard, and the straight-A student who comes from a good family. Even Adam and Hawwa (peace be upon them) were tempted to eat from the tree, and they’re some of the best humans to have existed.

Our attitudes towards sins differ, though. I’ve noticed that some people rely far too heavily on Allah’s mercy, to the point that they think it’s not a big deal to commit sins, while others despair after committing sins and think they’ll never be forgiven.

Ideally, though, we should have a perspective that is somewhere in between both of these points of view. After all, Islam is a religion of perfect balance. We should rely on Allah’s mercy, but only after we have sinned, not while we are planning or actively committing a sin. That’s what repentance is: feeling ashamed, asking forgiveness from Allah, and intending never to do it again.

But never committing a certain sin again can seem like an impossible task. This is where the concept of “temptation” comes in. The sins that we commit tend to be the ones that are most alluring to us or that are hardest to resist.

For example, a person might be more prone to lying, lewdness, or showing off, depending on their personality. It can be tough to resist these areas of weakness, but it is not impossible. Keep in mind that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) told us that the best of us are those who repent for our sins.

However, there is no doubt that prevention is better than cure. Meaning, rather than ending up in a sticky situation, it’s better to just avoid paths that lead to sin in the first place.

Just like everyone else, I am also not sinless. But here are some tips that have personally helped me to resist temptation and avoid sins:

1- Keep Good Company

I cannot stress this enough. It is also Prophetic advice. If you have good friends who prioritize Islam and their relationship with Allah, you are more likely to do the same.

The opposite is also true, in that if you have friends who shamelessly commit sins or don’t care about religion, you may end up following their path. For example, if your friends enjoy gossiping and backbiting, you might end up doing it while you are in their company, because that is just the topic of conversation.

2- Remember Death Often

This sounds morbid, I know. Most people avoid talking about death unless they are at a funeral because they think it is a frightening and depressing topic. As Muslims, we have been advised to do the exact opposite. In fact, we are encouraged to think of death often, because it keeps us from chasing our temptations and forgetting about the afterlife. Remembering death reminds us of our ultimate return to our Creator.

3- Engage in More Worship

This one might seem like common sense, but it can be tough to do. Praying all 5 daily prayers on time, doing voluntary fasts, reading Quran—all of these things require discipline, dedication, and sacrifice (such as prioritizing Allah over the dunya).

This doesn’t mean that people who spend much of their time worshiping are sinless, but if we make the intention to engage in more worship for the sake of strengthening our faith, inshaAllah this will help keep us away from sins.

These are just a few tips based on my own experiences. Staying away from temptation and sin is not easy; but it is so rewarding in both this life and the next.

May Allah make us of those who are sincere in our faith and stay away from our illicit temptations.

Ameen.

- aboutislam.net

World’s Largest Handwritten Qur’an on Display in Kashmir

 

A rare hand-written version of the world’s largest Holy Quran is currently on display at the Kashmir Press Club in Mirpur, Azad Jammu Kashmir.

The manuscript, measuring 41 feet in length and 8.5 feet in width, was meticulously crafted by renowned religious scholar and calligrapher Pir Imtiaz Haider Shah Noorani Mujadadi, Aaj.TV reported.

The three-day exhibition, which began on Sunday, offers visitors a chance to view the sacred text, complete with Urdu translations of all verses.

Open to the general public, the display has attracted religious scholars, students, and individuals from various backgrounds.

Previously showcased in several Pakistani cities, this is the first time the Quran is being displayed in Mirpur.

The Qur’an is a revelation from God, the Creator of the worlds, so He is the original author.

Memorizing the Holy Qur’an is one of the most important ways to preserve Allah’s message.

- aboutislam.net

Is It Permissible for a Muslim to Work as a Financial Analyst?

 

If you can find a job that doesn’t involve interest-based transactions, you should pursue it. However, if no alternative exists, you may continue your current job if you aren’t directly involved in such transactions. Should you choose to stay, purifying your income tainted by interest-based haram dealings is essential.

Remember, seeking Allah’s forgiveness is a powerful act that can bring hope and reassurance. Give additional charity beyond the obligatory Zakah.

I offer this guidance based on Imam Ibn Taymiyya’s ruling regarding the purification of income from haram influences. He derived his insights from the verse: “Maintain prayer at both ends of the day and during parts of the night, for good deeds drive away bad ones—this is a reminder for the mindful.” (Hud 11:114).

Meanwhile, I encourage you to keep praying to Allah for job opportunities that are entirely pure and wholesome.  Here is a supplication I recommend: Allahumma aghninee bi halalika an haramika wabi fadhlika amman siwaka “O Allah, grant me sufficiency through what You have made halal, so I am not driven to what is haram. Make me content with Your blessings, so I do not seek the favor of others.”

Almighty Allah knows best.

- aboutislam.net

About Sheikh Ahmad Kutty

Sheikh Ahmad Kutty is a Senior Lecturer and an Islamic Scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Can I Read The Quran in English?

 

At different times in our lives, our interest in Islam fluctuates. And this is caused by different things.

It seems to you that you have lost interest in Islam because you find the Arabic language confusing, but it might be other things which are contributing to this.

It might help to look at possible reasons and also address the question you ask about the Quran in English or Arabic. Your confusion about Arabic may just be one way that you are feeling your loss of interest.

Almighty Allah has spoken to men and women throughout history by means of different Prophets and Messengers. The first of these was Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) and the last in a long line was Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

In between, there were such figures as the Prophets Abraham, David, Moses, Solomon, and Jesus (peace be upon them all), to name just a few.

Through these people, Almighty Allah spoke His words to a particular people at a particular time in history. So, with Prophet Moses, for example, He spoke to the Jews at a particular time in their history. To Jesus, He spoke at a different time in history to a particular people, and so on.

A Book For All People & All Times

In the Quran, He spoke to all people for all time. Therefore, it was important to preserve the original message in its correct, original form. You see, we believe that all the previous messages were distorted over time through translation, or by being lost in part, or even by deliberate alteration by later generations.

Many of the translations of these earlier scriptures differ greatly in content. This is because of the way different words are translated. In the Quran, though, we find that the original has been preserved through time exactly how it was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad by the Angel Gabriel.

Because Allah Almighty intended that this revelation is for all time, He preserved it in its original form. One of the main ways in which this has happened is that the original Arabic is always used as the version to be quoted from. Translations give a guide to the meaning of the Arabic, but they are not the original Quran.

Allah revealed His words in Arabic because the people He revealed them to at the time and place were Arabs. What other language would He have used? It is not that Arabic is better or worse than any other language. It is simply because this was the language that the people spoke.

In order to preserve the original revelation, though, we keep the Arabic text as the one we refer to. It is the very one that Allah revealed to Prophet Muhammad.

Translations Are Fine

We need to be very clear about something here. Being Arab doesn’t make anyone a better Muslim. God never calls Muslims throughout the world to be Arabs. Nor does He call Muslims to copy the behavior and manner of Arabs. Islam is for all people and for all time. The Quran, though, is in Arabic.

In order to pray the five daily prayers, a Muslim needs to know just seven verses of the Quran in Arabic. This is not such a massive burden, is it?

In order to better understand our religion, though, it is most definitely best to be able to understand the Quran in its Arabic form. Translations are fine, but they can only ever give an approximation of what the original author intended.

I heard a very lovely idea the other day: that any writer likes to hear his work being read. Imagine, then, how pleased Almighty Allah must be when He hears us reciting His Book.

He gave us this Quran as a mercy to the whole of mankind. How pleased He must be with His creatures when He hears them reading and reciting out loud.

This is why we try to read the Quran in Arabic. If, however, the Arabic language is quite beyond us, we are not to blame nor should we feel badly. We can recite verses in Arabic by learning the sounds, and then find out what they mean by resorting to translations.

Don’t Feel Guilty

We must never be led to think, though, that these translations are an exact version of the Arabic in another language. Any translation of the Quran is only an approximation of the meaning of revelation.

You are free to read translations of the meaning of the Quran, remembering that the words of Allah were revealed in Arabic. You should not feel downcast or guilty that you don’t know Arabic. Try as best you can. But don’t allow Satan to weaken your faith as a result of this.

As for the first point, there can be many reasons that distract us from Islam. It could be that we are missing prayers on a regular basis, or that we are not saying them at the right time in the day, or rushed without concentration.

Maybe we are mixing with people whose lifestyles are not in accord with the lofty ideals of Islamic behavior.

It’s important from time to time to read about Islam and attend courses and lectures, so that we can learn more. Even if we think we know about Islam, there is always more to learn.

So, keep trying. Use translations of the meaning of Allah’s Book to help you understand. But try to learn verses that you can recite out loud and please Him even more.

- aboutislam.net

About Idris Tawfiq

Idris Tawfiq was a British writer, public speaker and consultant.He became a Muslim around 15 years ago.For many years, he was head of religious education in different schools in the United Kingdom.Before embracing Islam, he was a Roman Catholic priest.He passed away in peace in the UK in February 2016 after a period of illness.May Allah (SWT) have mercy on him, and accept his good deeds. Ameen.

How Does a Muslim Couple Build a Strong Marriage?

 

First of all, we need to understand some things about marriage and its philosophy in order to proceed through its steps as Islam prescribes and gain the maximum of benefits.

Being a sign of Allah and an indication of His great mercy to people, marriage represents a union between two families, rather than just two individuals.

When we think of marriage this way, we will realize that the ultimate aim is to link different people, regardless of their color or ethnicity, relying on one of the most important basis between two individuals: the relation of marriage.

Marriage Affirms Belief

One of the important hidden wisdoms of marriage is its being a form of affirming our belief in the Oneness of Allah.

Some people may raise a question mark here.

Here’s the explanation: When we marry, we are indirectly and practically saying that we need a partner, that this is part of our nature as human beings.

In this way, we confirm that only Allah does not need a partner.

It is through marriage that people refresh two types of relations: their relationship with Allah and their relationship with their society.

Likewise, when people marry, they refresh their relationship with society by practically saying that they are actively
participating through building a good family and shouldering its responsibility.

Family Ties

The unity of the family of the bride and the family of the groom is really a happy event.

Therefore, both families are required to share the happiness, and that is why Islam generally requires a guardian for the bride in most schools of Islamic jurisprudence.

It does not carry any negative message about the bride; rather, it gives a message that this marriage is a unification of two families together.

Of course in the West, or in cases where the bride does not have an involved family for whatever reason, especially if she is a convert, these requirements can be flexible.

Marriage… One Step at a Time

Step One: Set a Good Intention

Coming to the steps of the marriage, we need to realize that it all starts with the intention.

A person who intends to get married or to whom a marriage proposal is given is supposed to review his or her intention and purpose behind that marriage.

Defining the purpose is very important as it affects all the decisions that will follow.

Next: Find a Suitable Partner in a Suitable Way

Moving on to another step, we realize that once the person has reviewed his or her intention, he or she will be taking practical steps to find a partner.

Once he or she finds Mr. or Mrs. Right, the question is raised: “How should I approach my partner-to-be? Or whom should I approach first, the family or the partner?”

Personally, I believe that the lady or gentlemen — and not their family — should be approached first, because he or she is the one who will be getting married.

However, this should be done in the proper way.

Using a third party is a brilliant idea here. This third party should be someone who is just, trustworthy, and acceptable by both sides.

That could be a friend of the lady in case a man is proposing, or a friend of the man in case a lady is proposing.

Side-note: Yes, Women Can Propose Marriage!

Yes, I meant to say: “in case a lady is proposing”!

This should not sound strange to anyone as we find that Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) used this way when she intended to get married to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

She actually sent one of her friends, known as Nafisah bint Munabbih, who took the responsibility to find out if Prophet Muhammad will be interested in such a thing.

Following this step (i.e. once it is ascertained that the other party is interested in marriage), then the family should be involved.

The person should be speaking to his or her family and taking them to the other family and start the marriage process.

After The Engagement, Before the Marriage: Keep Things Halal

After the engagement, the fiancé and the fiancée should bear in mind that they are still not legally married.

This means they are allowed to utilize this period of engagement to explore each other’s characters and personalities without forgetting that they are still unmarried.

They are not allowed to have any type of physical contact or to get involved in any improper talk.

They can simply share their mutual views about their future together. And they can plan the upbringing of their children and leading a life that will end them up in Paradise.

Once they have got a full, or at least enough, exploration of their lives, they will start thinking with a family-oriented mentality, rather than with an individualistic one.

Next Step: The Marriage Contract, Know Your Rights

The following step is the marriage contract that necessitates that each of the two should be studying and reading about the rights and responsibilities of a husband and a wife in order to be able to go smoothly with the life ahead of them.

Both should bear in mind that after the contract, they are Islamically husband and wife.

They should be given some privacy to discuss closely and can exchange words of love and attraction freely.

This should be an introduction to the final step: the wedding day.

Final Step: The Wedding Day

It should be a very special, memorable day in the life of both families. It actually represents the culmination of all this process.

And it should not involve anything that will bring the husband and the wife the wrath of their Creator.

In fact, the wedding day should be a chance again for reviewing and renewing the intention so that the couple remind themselves that they are at the threshold of a new life and that they should be up to it.

They should remind themselves of the purpose of this life and live for that purpose.

In this way, they can find a meaning in every day they live together. And the families will really enjoy such a union.

- aboutislam.net

About Sheikh Ahmad Saad

Ahmed Saad is the founding director of Ihsan Institute of Arabic & Islamic Studies-UK. An international speaker and dynamic scholar. (http://www.ihsaninstitute.co.uk )

Ever Thought About Why You Live?

 

The most important questions in life are those that deal with the meaning and purpose of man’s existence.

The Quran explains that the human being has been placed on this earth to utilize his enormous potential to conduct himself in a manner which will fulfill his purpose in life.

{It is He who has created death and life that He may test which of you is best in deed.} (Al-Mulk 67: 2)

The Quran further explains that man’s role on earth is to live as his Creator desires him to live; in surrender and worship to Him alone.

This is not because Allah in any way needs his worship. Rather, it is because man needs to worship only his Creator and none else so that his own nature is not perverted and corrupted, and so that he does not live in opposition to his intrinsic character. Only by so living will his earthly life be set on the right path and prosper, bringing him peace and happiness.

{I have not created jinn and men except to serve Me. I desire of them no provision; neither do I desire that they should feed Me. Surely Allah is the All-provider; the Possessor of Strength.} (Adh-Dhariyat 51: 56-58)

Man, with no ‘mentionable’ history before birth, has been given the faculties of hearing and seeing, (Ad-Dahr 76: 2) two eyes and a tongue, and a pair of lips, (Al-Balad 90: 8-9) as well as the capacity to reason and discern between right and wrong in using his freedom of will.

Free will and accountability

Given freedom of will, judgment is inevitable. The human being must give an account of his conduct and must face the consequences of how he lives his life.

Obviously, to be judged fairly, this judgment must be made only after his earthly life has come to an end, and only by the One who gave this life, who knows everything, and who is All-powerful and All-just.

Only then can he be judged fairly, and duly rewarded and punished, for everything -from his innermost thoughts to the consequences of his conduct that extend far and wide, and beyond his life for generations to come.

{What! did you think that We created you in mere idle play, and that you would not be returned to Us? But, high exalted is Allah, the King; the True! There is no god but He, the Lord of the Noble Throne.} (Al-Mu’minun 23: 115-116)

A person’s ultimate destiny, therefore, lies in the Life to Come, in the Akhirah. Everyone will be judged there by due process of justice, fairly and equitably, mercifully and kindly. No one will be wronged or dealt with unjustly even by an atom’s weight.

{Surely Allah shall not wrong [even] as much as an atom’s weight.}(An-Nisa’ 4: 40)

{You are being recompensed only for what you had done before.} (At-Tahrim 66: 7)

Thus, everything in our lives is being recorded. Even the smallest of incidents will be replayed before our eyes on the Day of Judgment. That Judgment will be final and one from which there will be no escape. Paradise will be the reward for excellence in doing good, while Hell-fire will be the penalty for those who were ungrateful and indulged in evil:

{The parable of the Paradise promised to those who are conscious of Allah [is that of a Garden] through which running waters flow: its fruits will be everlasting, and [so will be] its shade. Such will be the destiny of those who remain conscious of Allah – just as the destiny of those who deny the truth will be the fire.} (Ar-Ra`d 13: 35)

The delights and pleasures of the Hereafter, as well as, the penalty for those who condemn themselves to darkness and the wrath of Allah are described in such great detail in the Quran that almost one quarter of it is related to the Akhirah. This is what the Prophet came to convey and this is what instills meaning and purpose to our lives. - aboutislam.net

Wife’s Financial Rights in Islam

Are Muslim women alaways dependent on the wealth of their husbands? In this video, Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan discusses the financial rights Muslim husbands owe their wives, explaining the husband’s responsibility for providing for his wife’s basic necessities. But is the wife obligated to contribute financially to the household? Click this video to find out! - aboutislam.net

What are the Benefits of Five Daily Prayers?

 

What are the Benefits of the Five Daily Prayers?

Praying five times a day is considered so important to Muslims that we call it one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

In other words, along with the declaration of faith, fasting in Ramadan, paying of Zakat and going on pilgrimage once in one’s life to Makkah, prayer is considered essential if we are to call ourselves Muslims.

As with everything in Islam, there is a reason behind all the things we do. Sometimes, if we don’t understand these underlying reasons, many things can just appear as external rules and regulations.

Modern men and women are not looking for extra burdens to put on their backs, so there is much more to praying than observing a regulation.

There is Much More to Prayer

Contrary to what many people think, there is much more to prayer than just asking for things!

Of course, we ask things of Almighty God, but we can also spend time thanking Him and praising Him. Indeed, the angels in heaven exist just to do this.

In the holy Quran we read:

{Most surely, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find solace.} (13:28)

In the Call to Prayer (the Adhan), which is called from the mosque five times a day, the caller says these words: “Come to prayer. Come to Success.”

In the Call for the Morning Prayer, he even adds the phrase, “Prayer is better than sleep.”

There is really nothing more beautiful in a Muslim country to wake up in the morning to hear Allah’s name being mentioned from every part of the city.

Even for those who are the only Muslims in their town, though, the morning Call to Prayer reminds them just how beautiful a gift prayer really is.

Imagine an air-raid siren being sounded in time of war. People hear the siren and run as fast as they can to take cover from the bombs that would soon be falling on them.

The Adhan is like this air-raid siren, but instead of calling people to take shelter from bombs it is asking them to come to God Almighty and take shelter from the cares of this life.

Prayer is a Gift

You see, prayer is not an escape from reality. It is an escape to reality. In prayer, we can put all things in perspective and see what is really important in life.

When our foreheads are touching the ground in prayer we can’t fool anyone.

Maybe in life, we manage to fool others by the way we dress or by the words we use.

Sometimes we even manage to fool ourselves. But Allah is not to be fooled.

He not only created the heavens and the earth and everything in between, but He also knows every leaf that falls from every tree. This is why we can truly be ourselves in His presence when we pray.

For Muslims, praying is not a regulation. It is a gift.

So why five prayers, and why at certain set times during the day?

You know, of all the Pillars of Islam, praying five times a day was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in heaven.

At first, he was told that Muslims should pray fifty times, but Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) urged Muhammad to go back and say that this was too much.

Allah Almighty then said ten times, and again Moses (peace be upon him) persuaded Muhammad (peace be upon him) to plead that this was too much.

Finally, Muhammad (peace be upon him) was told that Muslims must pray five times a day, and Allah added,

“I have enforced My obligation and made it light for my servants. He who prays these five prayers will be rewarded as if he had prayed fifty. What I decree cannot be changed.”  (Al-Bukhari)

Permeate the Whole Day with the Remembrance of Allah

The regulation of praying at certain set times is not just a random idea. The whole idea is to permeate the whole of one’s day with the remembrance of Allah.

Some new Muslims say that they lead very busy lives and ask if it is OK to say all the five prayers together in the evening when they have more time.

It is precisely because we live busy lives that we must pray at certain times.

The times are simple: when we get up, at noon, in the middle of the afternoon, in the early evening and at night.

By praying at these set times we give a routine of prayer to our day. We wake up thinking of Allah and we spend the day interrupting all of our busyness to think of Him again.

So, if you are new to Islam is it easy to adjust to the routine of praying at five fixed times a day?

Well, in my own case it certainly wasn’t easy and it took me some time to get used to it.

So if at first, you are not feeling all that uplifted by getting up to pray at four in the morning, stick with it. The routine itself will help you.

By doing good things we become good people. The routine of prayer will make you a better Muslim.

Useful Practical Tips

A few simple tips might help. If you find it difficult to get up for the Dawn Prayer, then buy yourself a loud alarm clock, or even two or three, and have them so far out of your reach that you have to get up to turn them off!

You might at first even get your telephone company to give you a wake-up call.

As well as an alarm clock, you can also get an alarm clock that will sound the call to Prayer five times a day. There are many Muslim bookshops that sell these and you could probably even get one online.

This kind of clock is especially helpful if you live in a country where the Adhan is not called publicly. If that is not possible, set your mobile phone to vibrate and be reminded of the prayer times even while you are in the office!

How to Curb Distractions

A problem people sometimes have in prayer is that they are distracted and cannot concentrate.

Well, it all depends on how well prepared we are. If we are going to our prayers straight from watching a football match or a sitcom on the TV, then our thoughts will not be on Allah alone. So we need to take time in preparing for prayer.

This, in fact, is what the ablution gives us time to do.

As we wash away the dirt that clings to our bodies, we prepare for the prayer to wash away the dirt that clings to our hearts and our lives.

So, for those new to Islam, setting off on a journey of prayer will bring great benefits.

The greatest one of all is that it will help us to put our lives into perspective, seeing that all things come from Allah and that it is to Allah that all will return.

- aboutislam.net

About Idris Tawfiq

Idris Tawfiq was a British writer, public speaker and consultant.He became a Muslim around 15 years ago.For many years, he was head of religious education in different schools in the United Kingdom.Before embracing Islam, he was a Roman Catholic priest.He passed away in peace in the UK in February 2016 after a period of illness.May Allah (SWT) have mercy on him, and accept his good deeds. Ameen.

What Are The 6 Articles of Faith?

 

There are six articles of faith for a Muslim.

Hadith on The 6 Articles of Faith

Umar ibn al-Khattab said: One day when we were with God’s messenger, a man with very white clothing and very black hair came up to us. No mark of travel was visible on him, and none of us recognized him. Sitting down before the Prophet, leaning his knees against his, and placing his hands on his thighs, he said, “Tell me, Muhammad, about Islam (submission).”

He replied, ‘Islam means that you should bear witness that there is no god but God and that Muhammad is God’s messenger, that you should perform the ritual prayer, pay the alms tax, fast during Ramadan, and make the pilgrimage to the House if you are able to go there.”

The man said, “You have spoken the truth.” We were surprised at his questioning him and then declaring that he had spoken the truth. He said, “Now tell me about Eman (faith).”

He replied, “Eman means that you have faith in God, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day, and that you have faith in the Divine Decree (measuring out, both its good and its evil).”

Remarking that he had spoken the truth, he then said, “Now tell me about Ihsan (the best possible practice).”

He replied, “Doing the best possible practice” means that you should worship God as if you see Him, for even if you do not see Him, He sees you.”

Then the man said, “Tell me about the Hour”

The Prophet replied, “About that he who is questioned knows no more than the questioner.”

The man said, “Then tell me about its signs.”

He said, “The slave girl will give birth to her mistress, and you will see the barefoot, the naked, the destitute, and the shepherds vying with each other in building (tall buildings)”

Then the man went away. After I had waited for a long time, the Prophet pbuh said to me, “Do you know who the questioner was, ‘Umar?” I replied, “God and His messenger know best. “He said, “He was Jibril. He came to teach you your religion. “

1- Belief in one God (Tawhid)

It means having absolute faith in the oneness of God. Allah is simply the Arabic word for God. Muslims believe that nothing can be likened to Allah. It is important to note that Allah has no plural in Arabic, showing the belief in the oneness of God. Tawhid has three sections: 

• • Tawhid ar-Rububiyyah – Unity of Lordship. He is the Creator, the One Who gave all things their power to grow and to move, the Owner of the Universe, 
  • Tawhid al-Asma wal-Sifat – Unity of Allah’s Names and Attributes. This describes Allah by the Names and Attributes with which He has described Himself either in the Qur’an or by the Prophet Muhammad pbuh. We only know of Allah, what He, Himself, has told us. Each of His Attributes is perfect.
    

    !Allah, there is no God but He, To Him belong the Most Beautiful names.” [Qur’an 20:8]

  • Tawhid al-Ibadah – Unity of Worship. He is our only Object of Worship. Only Allah is able to answer our prayers for example, so all worship is directed solely to Him. Note: Prayer is not the only form of worship. Allah has told us in the Qur’an:

“Call on Me (in prayer) and I will answer you.” [Qur’an 40:60]. also

“I have created mankind and Jinn to worship Me.” [Qur’an 51:56]

The chapter on Tawhid: Surat Al-Ikhlas (Quran: 112)

Qul huwa Allahu ahad
1. Say, “He is Allah, [who is] One,

Allahu assamad
2. Allah, the Eternal Refuge.

Lam yalid wa lam yoolad
3. He neither begets nor is born,

Wa lam yakul-lahu kufuwan ahad
4. Nor is there to Him any equivalent.”

The Reason for the Revelation of this Surah and its Virtues

It was revealed in Makkah.

Imam Ahmad recorded from Ubayy bin Ka`b that the idolators said to the Prophet, “O Muhammad! Tell us the lineage of your Lord.” So Allah revealed:

(Say: “He is Allah, One. Allah He begets not, nor was He begotten. And there is non-comparable to Him.”) Similar was recorded by At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Jarir and they added in their narration that he said,

“(As-Samad) is One Who does not give birth, nor was He born, because there is nothing that is born except that it will die, and there is nothing that dies except that it leaves behind inheritance, and indeed Allah does not die and He does not leave behind any inheritance.

(And there is none comparable to Him.) This means that there is none similar to Him, none equal to Him and there is nothing at all like Him.” Ibn Abi Hatim also recorded it and At-Tirmidhi mentioned it as a Mursal narration. Then At-Tirmidhi said, “And this is the most correct.”

2- Belief in angels (Malaikah)

Muslims believe Allah uses angels to communicate his messages to mankind. Angels are created from light (Jinn/Devils are created from fire). Angels have no free will, they only obey Allah. Examples of the angels are: Jibril a.s., The Angel of Death (Israfil), The Kraman Katiban (the two recording angels) that accompany each one of us, etc.

3- Belief in the revealed books 

Muslims believe in the pristine form of revelations from Allah. These are the Scrolls of Abraham (lost), the Zaboor (Psalms of David), the Torah, the Injil (Bible) and the Qur’an.

The Qur’an is the direct and unchanged word of God, revealed through Jibril a.s. to the Prophet Muhammad pbuh and preserved in its pristine form.

4- Belief in the prophets 

The Prophets were chosen by God to convey His Message to mankind. Allah is believed to have communicated with the prophets through the angels. All the prophets came with a similar message- Follow my example and worship One God. Muslims believe the prophets must be respected but never worshipped.

5-Belief in the Day of Judgement and the next life (Akhirah)

All Muslims believe that this life is a test. When they die, they will be judged by God and sent to either Paradise or Hell.

Allah tells us, in the Qur’an:

“I have created mankind and Jinn to worship Me,” [Qur’an 51:56].

This is the purpose of our life on earth and our deeds will “speak” for us.

6- Belief in the Divine Decree (Al-Qadar) 

Qadar means Allah has decreed whatever happens in the universe according to His prior knowledge and Will. 

• • Muslims believe total knowledge is with Allah. There is no past, present or future for Him, as He knows everything. This means that everything in the universe is following a divine master plan, which shows the importance of God’s Will.
  • Allah has had the Pen write everything in the al=Lawh al-Mahfuz (The Book of Decrees). [Qur’an 22:70] 
  •  Muslims believe everything happens by God’s Will and Permission.. [Qur’an 13:42]. 
  • Mankind has free will. They are free to choose their actions, good or bad, or not as the case may be. People can choose their own path in life but they will be accountable to Allah on the Day of Judgment for their actions. [Qur’an 2:286]

Islam comprises belief in the five pillars of Islam (Shahadah/Testimony), Prayer(5 times each day), Fasting, Zakat, and Hajj as well as faith in the unseen, the six articles of faith.

May I wish you every success as you embark on life as a Muslim. May Allah make your path easy for you, and grant you success, Amin.

And Allah knows best.

- aboutislam.net

About Daud Matthews

Daud Matthews was born in 1938, he embraced Islam in 1970, and got married in Pakistan in 1973. Matthews studied physics and subsequently achieved Chartered Engineer, Fellow of both the British Computer Society and the Institute of Management.He was working initially in physics research labs, he then moved to computer management in 1971. He lived and worked in Saudi Arabia from 1974 to 1997 first with the University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran,and then with King Saud University in Riyadh. He's been involved in da'wah since 1986.