Can People of Other Faiths Enter Mosques?

Our Mosques Should Be Open

In fact, our mosques should be open to people of all faiths or none.

Our Friday prayers, for example, could be attended by anyone.

If non-Muslims are looking to attend such a service, it might be a good idea to call ahead and find out, because policies at various mosques may be individuated and different one from another.

But in general, my advice to Muslims is to opening mosques so that non-Muslims can visit.

Ilyas Ally: The converse of that is: are Muslims allowed to attend synagogues, churches, and other places of worship?

Can Muslims Enter Churches & Synagogues?

Dr. Shabir Ally: Now, here the traditional scholarship would have said, no, because they might be thinking: OK, you go to another place of worship, maybe you are influenced to some other belief that is contrary to your own.

Maybe you start worshiping a god other than the One True God, the universal creator of the heavens and the earth.

So, you should refrain from all of these things. Now, they might say that an exception is made for the person who is a preacher of the religion.

So, he might go into another place of worship in order to guide the people towards the right path.

Nowadays, of course, the communities are interlinked. People are connected with each other. Families are, you know, have intermarriage, there are intermarriages between religions, and so on.

So, to keep all of these connections, sometimes it becomes necessary to attend another place of worship for maybe there is a wedding ceremony taking place, or some other event.

Or perhaps a Muslim is just accompanying a non-Muslim friend or relative to their place of worship and wants to associate with that community in some way.

So, the scholars would make some distinction between those who are established in religion and those who are not.

So, those who are well established in the religion, they would say, OK, there’s no danger. You’re going there: you already know your own faith, and there’s no danger in going into another place of worship.

And, so long as you do not worship another god or acknowledge a belief that is contrary to your own, then you’re fine.

Attending Funerals

Ilyas Ally: How about attending the funeral of a non-Muslim friend or relative?

Dr. Shabir Ally: The answer to this can be controversial. So, let me just clarify that there is a passage in the Quran, in the ninth chapter, that people will cite as indicating that Muslims cannot attend such funerals.

But I would say that this is in reference to those hypocrites in Medina who were clearly out to assassinate the Prophet (peace be upon him), to demolish the Islamic faith, and so on.

But in general, now, we’re not dealing with such persons, that we’re dealing with the average individual who is friendly towards Muslims. Muslims are friendly towards them. They would attend the funeral, and naturally Muslims would reciprocate by attending their funerals as well.

And Allah knows best.

- aboutislam.net

What is Your Highest Purpose in Life?

 

Our religion has a higher purpose than just avoiding Hellfire and attaining Jannah.

These rules of halaal and haraam are not empty rules; they serve a higher purpose.

“We’re not just here to obey Allah and save our skins,” said Sheikh Faraz Rabbani. “There is a higher purpose to religion.”

But what could be a higher purpose than avoiding Hellfire and attaining Jannah?

The reason we were created is to seek nearness to Allah, right here, right now, and for all eternity.

Ihsan: Awareness of Allah’s Constant Watchfulness

This idea is not new. It was mentioned in the hadith Jibreel by Prophet Muhammad.

“What is ihsan?” Angel Jibreel asked Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

“That you worship Allah as though you are looking at Him…” He (peace and blessings be upon him) replied.

Brothers and sisters: if we are not at that level, if we are not worshiping God as if He were in front of us, we are missing out on our highest purpose in this life.

We must strive to make ihsan a living, breathing art. We must live, submit, and pray with total consciousness of Allah.

What is this life? Who determines the Ultimate Reality? Who is more real? Us or God? Our reality is a dependent reality. We are only in existence because Allah created us.

We should not settle for empty rules and robot-like prayers, checking them off our to-do list.

Unless and until we are living in a near-constant state of awareness of God’s unwavering watchfulness of us, we are not living to our full potential.

That is the purpose of the religion. That’s what we should strive for. That is the driving reward we should seek beyond the pearls and virgins and riches of Jannah.

Ihsan through Self-Awareness and Time Management

Allah says:

We will show them Our signs in the universe and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that this Quran is the truth. Is it not enough that your Lord is a Witness over all things? (Quran 41:53)

Allah makes Himself truly known to us only when we are known to ourselves. He presents signs of Himself both within us and around us.

Spirituality, then, requires self-awareness and this requires higher time-management.

This is the ultimate wisdom behind Surat al-Asr:

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful: Time is witness that, surely, mankind suffers loss, except for those of faith, who do good, and become a model of truthful living, and together practice patience and constancy (Al-Asr, Translated by Kabir Helminski).

Rather than trying to fit prayer into our lives as an afterthought, we must schedule our lives around the prayers.

If we have any hope of meeting our goals, we must actively plan, and we must be vigilant of ourselves in ensuring we keep to those plans.

True Love for Allah

How can we claim to love Allah when we don’t think of Him, don’t draw near to Him, and don’t strive to seek that level of nearness that we can feel Him always beholding us?

Watchfulness, or muraqabah, means to watch over your inner states and actions, knowing very well that Allah always sees you.

Imam Al-Ghazali said:

“The reality of watchfulness is awareness of the One who is Watchful–Allah–and then directing one’s concern to Him.”

Through that, you’re watchful over your actions because of your awareness that God is watching you.

This reality, that God is always, always watching, should not create fear, but should create gratitude, hope and love, and it should translate into actions.

The Steps Toward Inner-Awareness and Ihsan

The first step toward developing ihsan is in being careful and conscious of Allah so you don’t disobey Him, and making sure you obey Him.

Then, because you know that Allah is watching, you strive to avoid whatever displeases Him, and you strive to please Him.

Finally, and this could take a lifetime: you constantly strive to remain conscious of Allah and strive to avoid heedlessness of Him.

Constant consciousness of Allah is a gift and a reward for self-awareness and dedicated self-watchfulness.

Consider the consequences of your thoughts. Thoughts become intentions and intentions become actions.

Ask yourself, “If I implemented this thought, would it preserve and promote guidance with gratitude for the sake of God?”

If not, abandon the thought. This will prevent the intention from forming in your heart, which will prevent you from acting on it.

However, be real. You must cultivate this awareness of God in a sustainable way. Don’t let yourself get out of hand.

Excess is from Shaitan

Excessiveness is not sustainable.

It is easy to feel like if I have excelled in this or that, this means that I must always excel in this or that.

Or, we can easily assume that success in one area this means that I must always excel in everything.

This can lead us to avoid excelling in anything for fear that we would then be expected by God to excel in all things!

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

Take up good deeds only as much as you are able, for the best deeds are those done regularly even if they are few. (Sunan Ibn Majah 4240)

If an action is not sustainable, it is against the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad.

When it comes to attaining the ultimate nearness to Allah, the constant awareness of His watchful gaze, remember: consistency is the key.

- aboutislam.net

About Kaighla Um Dayo

Kaighla Um Dayo is one of the authors of "The New Muslim's Field Guide", expected to be published in Feb. 2018. She is also a former Ask About Islam editor. She is also a regular contributor at islamwich.com, where she ruminates on life as a Muslim American. Her favorite things are meditation, painting, drinking tea, and being outside in nature.

Can Watching Movies Impact Iman?

 

If you watch movies regularly and the movies obviously don’t boost your spirituality, but rather include inappropriate scenes, language … etc, then this will certainly affect your spirituality and take away your focus in prayer.

Try to cut out the movies because you already know and you noted that it is affecting you negatively. But when you cut out something unlawful, you have to replace it with something lawful so you won’t relapse.

Find halal and pure alternatives to occupy you and fill your time instead of movies.

Alternatives?

Try going to the mosque more, attend halaqas (meetings for the study of Islam), surround yourself with good and righteous companions, volunteer in charity work, and help the needy …

There are many activities you can do that will make you a helpful and productive individual instead of allowing movies and this virtual world to rob you of your life and your youth.

All the halal activities we mentioned will definitely soften your heart and help you better connect with Allah in prayer.

How to Focus in Prayer?

Another tip for having a better connection in prayer is to enter into the prayer with the intention of asking Allah desperately for all you need. Think of prayer as the ultimate solution to your problems.

Dua (supplication) is very powerful and dua in sujood (prostration) is the strongest as you’re in the nearest position to Allah Almighty. Seek those moments of sujood as though you seek a treasure because it really is an infinite treasure.

Ask Allah to give you all goodness in this life and the next, and keep you away from harm. Ask Him to help you and soften your heart and rectify your affairs.

Don’t forget that we actually say to Allah in prayer 17 times a day in Surat Al Fatiha throughout the 5 daily prayers:

You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.  

So bring this ayah (verse) to life! Truly remember that you are standing there in prayer because you are asking Allah for help. Remember that Allah is The One who helps us truly worship Him and facilitates our connection with Him.

So ask Him and ask Him and ask Him. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised us to do the following:

Mu’adh (bin Jabal) (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) held my hand and said, “O Mu’adh, By Allah, I love you and advise you not to miss supplicating after every Salat (prayer) saying: ‘Allahumma a’inni ‘ala dhikrika wa shukrika, wa husni ‘ibadatika,’ (O Allah, help me remember You, expressing gratitude to You and worship You in the best manner)”. [Abu Dawud and An- Nasa’i]

So, remember this always and ask for this after every prayer as the Prophet recommended. Having a connection with Allah is not going to come from external sources, it’s going to come by asking Him and begging Him and seeking Him desperately.

That’s why He created us, to help us and guide us and connect with us.

Action Plan

So now, your action plan is to cleanse your eyes, ears, and heart from any impure things you are watching and consuming. Remember Allah says:

{And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart – about all those [one] will be questioned.} ( Qur’an 17: 36)

So cleanse yourself. Replace the impure with halal and pure activities. Seek Allah desperately through prayer and in sujood. Watch and listen to tafseer of Surat Al Fatiha so you can live its meaning in prayer, and insha’Allah your entire experience will transform for the better.

AlhamduliAllah that Allah guided you to ask so He can help you and show you what you need to do to connect with Him further. This in itself is a major blessing from Allah to you.

Watch this video and this video for answers regarding the spiritual void and consuming movies.

And Allah knows best.

- aboutislam.net

About Dina Mohamed Basiony

Dina Mohamed Basiony is a writer based in Cairo, Egypt. She specializes in Islam and spirituality. Dina holds an MA and BA in Journalism and Mass Communication from the American University in Cairo.

What Happened When Aishah Got Jealous?

 

Aishah Gets Jealous – A Moment in the Prophet’s Home

In this episode of Companions’ Confessions, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) faces a special situation.

He was with  some Companions in Aishah’s house when one of his wives sent to him a dish of food.

Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) got so upset and jealous that she smashed the dish.

How Should a Husband React in Such a Situation?

If you are a husband, think about it; what would your reaction be in such a situation?

In fact, Many men would consider it a test for their manhood. It’s an awkward situation, especially when your friends are present.

The Prophet Muhammad’s Gentle Response

But, how did the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) dealt with the situation?

- aboutislam.net

About Dr. Mohannad Hakeem

Dr. Mohannad Hakeem is an educator, activist, and author who has studied traditionally under multiple scholars in the Muslim world for the past 20 years. He is originally from Lebanon and currently resides in Dearborn, MI, USA, where he has helped establish multiple community initiatives and organizations, with a focus on youth empowerment and education. His most recent book, "The 40 Hadith on Community Service," draws inspiration from the Quran and the Sunnah to provide young Muslims with an "algorithm" for success and excellence in both the worldly life and the afterlife. In his professional career, Dr. Hakeem earned a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. In this role, he has taught several students, conducted research, and authored 80+ patents and technical papers.

Is the Airbnb Business Halal?

 

Islamic Ruling on Renting Property Through Airbnb

Income from renting your beach property through Airbnb is permissible (halal). Listing your property on a global platform does not imply your involvement in wrongdoing, even if the platform also features listings that may be problematic.

Allah says: “Do not cooperate in sin and transgression.” (Al-Ma’idah 5:2)

In Islamic law, cooperation in sin refers to directly assisting or supporting a forbidden activity. Renting out a lawful property to guests is a separate and legitimate transaction.

Why Airbnb Rental Income Is Considered Halal

• Your property is lawfully owned and rented.
• Your transaction is solely between you and your guests.
• The platform merely provides a marketplace service. As a Muslim property owner, you should ensure your listings and interactions align with Islamic ethics to maintain the halal status of your income.

Any unrelated activities conducted by other users of the platform do not render your lawful transaction unlawful.

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

How Can One Enter Paradise?

 

Apart from outlining the political foundations, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) laid down the social foundations of the new Muslim community in Madinah.

These were his first words which he uttered upon his arrival to Madinah. Imam al-Tirmidhi reported that the Prophet said:

“O people! Spread the greeting of peace, feed (the poor and needy), behave kindly to your relatives, offer prayer when others are asleep, and (thus) enter Paradise in peace.”

The Prophet started this hadith with drawing peoples’ attention to what he was going to tell them. This implies that what he told them about should be taken into consideration and followed as much as they could.

The hadith focused on four important issues which make one enter Paradise in peace. Muslims believe that after death there is another life (the Hereafter) in which they will receive God’s reward for doing good deeds and His punishment for doing bad deeds.

The timing of the Hereafter is known only to God. No one on the face of this earth knows about it even Prophet Muhammad himself.

Entering Paradise in peace means that these things lead Muslims to enter Paradise without being punished in Hell.

Spreading the Greeting of Peace

This is the first step in a Muslim’s journey to Paradise. The official greeting in Islam is as-salamu `alaykum (peace be unto you). This is a call for peace that Muslims remind themselves of all day when they meet each other.

There are many Quranic verses that promote the idea of spreading the greeting of peace in different situations. For example:

{O you who believe, do not enter houses other than your houses until you have [first] asked permission and greeted their occupants.} (Al-Nur 24: 27)

{But when you enter houses, bid peace to yourselves with a salutation from God, blessed and good.} (Al-Nur 24: 61)

{And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet with better than it, or return it. Surely God keeps count of all things.} (Al-Nisa’ 4: 86).

Why all this emphasis on spreading the greeting of peace?

Because it generates mutual love and removes hatred from peoples’ hearts. It is the same as introducing yourself to others or starting a conversion with someone you do not know. In western cultures, it is improper to start talking to someone without greeting him by “Hi” or “Hello”. It is the same in the Muslim culture. This greeting is a sign of respect to one another.

`Abd Allah ibn `Amr ibn Al-`As, one of the companions, reported: A man asked the Messenger of God: “Which act in Islam is the best?” The Prophet replied: “To give food and to greet everyone, whether you know or you do not.” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)

In Riyad al-Salihin, Imam al-Nawawi says commenting on this hadith:

“Feeding poor and destitute is an act of goodness, and so is fulfilling the needs of the indigent. Greeting everybody (saying “as-Salamu `alaikum”), whether an acquaintance or a stranger, is a good manner too. Both of these acts generate mutual love and remove hatred and ill will from hearts.”

In his al-Adab al-Mufrad, Imam al-Bukhari reports that the Prophet said: “Peace is one of the names of God which He has placed on the earth. Extend it among you. When a man greets people and they answer him, then he has a higher degree than them because he reminds them of peace. If no one answers him, he will be answered by one who is better and more excellent.'”

Based on this hadith and other hadiths and Quranic verses that recommend spreading the greeting of peace without restriction, the contemporary scholar Faysal Mawlawi views that:

“It is permissible for a Muslim to greet a non-Muslim using the word salam (Arabic for: peace). This view has been attributed to Ibn `Abbas, Ibn Mas`ud, Ibn Muhayriz, `Umar ibn `Abd Al-`Aziz, Sufyan ibn `Uyaynah, Al-Shu`abi, Al-Awza`i, and At-Tabari.

Moreover, this opinion was chosen by Rashid Rida in his Tafsir al-Manar and al-Shanqiti in his Adwa‘ Al-Bayan. As for the hadith which reads:

“Do not initiate (greeting) Jews and Christians with salam” (Muslim),

It was connected to an existing state of war at the time.

Feeding the Poor and the Needy

The second step in a Muslim’s journey to Paradise is feeding the poor and the needy. When you help others, you are fostering the social ties with them. You let them know that you are part of them. You are sharing their feelings.

Knock on the door of the people next door. Always ask about them to see if they need any help. Visit charitable associations that care about the poor and the needy.

The word “feed” should not be limited to the actual feeding by making meals for the poor and the needy. The scope of feeding is much wider.

Make it a daily habit to give something in charity. Spending on the poor gets you closer to God. Do not forget that spending on your family is more important than spending on others. The former is obligatory while the latter is supererogatory. Abu Hurairah narrated that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“You spent one Dinar for the fight for the sake of God, one Dinar to liberate a slave, one Dinar to a poor person, and one Dinar to support your family. The most rewarded Dinar is the one that you spent on your family.” (Muslim)

Look for those who are unable to pay school fees and help them out.There are many orphans who want to get married or complete their studies. Go to them and support them with your money.

God enumerates the rewards awaiting those who feed the poor and the needy in about 16 verses (Al-Insan 76: 7-22).

The Prophet is reported to have said: “In Paradise there are rooms which can be seen from the inside and the outside”. The Prophet was asked:

‘O Messenger of God for whom?’ He said: “For people who utter good, feed the poor, spend the night in prayer while the people are asleep.” (Al-Tabarani)

Behaving Kindly to Relatives

This is the third stop in a Muslim’s journey to Paradise. The Prophet draws our attention to a very important social value which is that of strengthening our family relations.

One cannot live in isolation. Everyone is in need of others and others are in need of him. A true Muslim cares for others as much as he cares for himself.

Being kind to one’s relatives is part of one’s belief. The Prophet said:

“Those of you who believe in God and the Hereafter should be kind to their relatives.” (Al-Bukhari)

About the reward of being kind to relatives, the Prophet said:

“Those of you who would like to have more providence and longer lives should be kind to their relatives.” (Muslim)

One’s parents come first in the relatives’ list. Do not forget your parents. Try to visit them every now and then. Always attend to their needs. After your parents come your relatives. They have the same right on you.

Islam’s care for relatives extends to those who even have a different religion. Islam made no distinction between a Muslim or a non-Muslim relative, a Muslim or a non-Muslim parent. This represents the universal aspect of Islam.

It is reported that Asma’, daughter of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, asked the Prophet’s permission to visit and help her non-Muslim mother and the Prophet told her: “Yes, keep a good relation with her.” (Muslim)

Offering Prayer When Others Are Asleep

This is the fourth and final stop in a Muslim’s journey to Paradise. The Prophet’s words ‘offering prayer while others are asleep’ signify uniqueness. You are doing something that not everybody is doing.

Very few people share you this unique value. When darkness prevails and everyone goes to bed, you are awake and worshiping God. You will feel it when you try it. It is all about closeness to God.

The Prophet said:

“The best prayer after the obligatory prayer is the night prayer.” (Muslim)

The best time for offering the tahajjud or qiyam al-layl is the last third of the night. `Aisha reported that the Prophet used to sleep in the first part of the night and stand in prayer in the last part of it.” (Muslim)

Prayer at night is a sign of sincere devotion to God. It purifies your heart and gets you closer to God.

Having done these four things, one gets a ticket to Paradise where he enjoys the pleasure of seeing God for whose sake he did these things in this life hoping for His mercy in the life to come.

The hadith under discussion is one of the Prophet’s legacies which he left behind. It is all about generating love among people, being kind to people, helping people, and getting closer to God.

- aboutislam.net

About Dr. Mohsen Haredy

Dr. Mohsen Haredy holds a PhD in Hadith literature from Leiden University, the Netherlands. He is the former Executive Manager and Editor-in-Chief of E-Da`wah Committee in Kuwait, and a contributing writer and counselor of Reading Islam. He graduated from Al-Azhar University and earned his MA in Hadith literature from Leiden University.

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.