The Fastest Growing Religion in the World Discover Why?
ISLAM is the fastest growing religion in the world. Because Islam is a complete way of life. It tells man about the purpose of his creation and existence, his ultimate destiny, his place among other creatures and more importantly, it provides him with guidance to lead a balanced and purposeful life which will enable him to avoid the Hell-fire and be rewarded with a place in Paradise in the life after death. The Arabic word Islam means voluntary surrender to the will of Allah and obedience to His commands. Allah is an Arabic word, the proper name of God. Muslims prefer to use Allah rather than God. MUSLIM A person who freely and consciously accepts the Islamic way of life and sincerely practices it is called a Muslim. BASIC BELIEFS The three fundamental Islamic beliefs are: Tawhid - Oneness of Allah; Risalah - Prophethood; Akhirah - Life after death.
FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM Islam has five pillars or basic foundations to act. Acting correctly and sincerely on these foundations will transform a Muslims life into the line of the Creator. Faithful practice of these duties inspires him to work towards the establishment of justice, equality and righteousness in society, and the eradication of injustice, falsehood and evil.
THE OURAN The Quran is the final Book of guidance from Allah, sent down to Prophet Muharmmad (pbuh) through the angel Gabriel (JibraiI). Every word of the Quran is the word of Allah. It was revealed in a period of 23 years in the Arabic language. Muslims learn to read it in Arabic and many memorize it completely. Muslims are expected to try their best to understand the Quran and practice its teachings. The Quran is unrivaled in its recording and preservation. The astonishing fact about this book is that it has remained unchanged even to a letter for over fourteen hundred years. The Quran deals with man and his ultimate goal in life. Its teachings cover all aspects of his life and the life after death. THE HADITH The Hadith is the collection of sayings, actions and silent approvals of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). It explains the Quran, and how to practice it. The Hadith were recorded meticulously by the Prophets companions. Six particular collections have became prominent and are regarded as the most authentic: Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Nasai and Ibni-Majah. PROPHET MUHAMMAD (peace be upon him) Muhammad (pbuh), the final messenger of Allah and the best of creation, was born in Makkah, Arabia, in the year 571 CE. His father, Abdullah, died before his birth and his mother, Aminah, died when he was only six. Later on he was looked after by his uncle Abu Talib. He married Khadijah, a noble lady of Makkah, when he was twenty five. He first received revelation from Allah at the age of forty, marking the beginning of his work as the messenger of Allah. The people of Makkah at that time used to worship idols. The prophet (pbuh) invited them to Islam. Some of them responded favorably and became Muslims, while others rebuked him and turned against him. He continued to preach the message of Allah and, gradually, the number of his followers increased. In the thirteenth year of his prophethood, in 622 CE, Muhammad (pbuh) migrated from Makkah to Madinah. The people of Madinah accepted him as their leader and he established the first Islamic state there. The Islamic calendar begins from the day of the migration (Hijrah) of the Prophet (pbuh). The Prophet (pbuh) organized the early Muslims and preached the message of Allah with unmatched patience and wisdom. Eventually Islam was established in the whole of Arabia and was set to make a tremendous contribution to the history and civilization of the world. Islam, as a way of life, can solve all human problems, and is the only hope for the present as well as the future. The need is to practice it faithfully. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) died in 632 CE at the age of sixty three. He left behind the Quran and his Sunnah as the source of guidance for all generations to come. FESTIVALS IDUL FITR IDUL FITR, one of the major festivals, is observed on the first day after the month of Ramadan. On this day, Muslims express their joy and happiness by offering a congregational prayer. Special food is prepared, and it is customary to visit friends and relatives and to give presents to children to make the occasion lively and special for them. IDUL ADHA begins on the 10th of the month of Dhul Hijjah and continues till the 12th. This celebration is observed to commemorate the willingness of Abraham when he was asked to sacrifice his own son - Ishmael. Abraham showed his readiness and Allah was very pleased. A lamb was sacrificed instead of Ishmael on Allahs command. Muslims offer congregational prayer on the day, and afterwards they sacrifice animals to seek the pleasure of Allah. The meat of the animal is shared amongst poor, relatives, neighbors and friends. MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE Marriage is the basis of family life in Islam. It is a solemn and yet a simple contract between a man and a woman. Marriages are generally arranged by parents, but with the consent of the couple, as required by Islamic law (Shari ah). Marriages are performed in a simple ceremony in the presence of relatives, friends and neighbors. Islam does not allow the free mixing of men and women; nor does it allow sex before marriage. Extra-marital sex is severely punishable. No discrimination is made on the basis of sex. Husband and wife are equal partners of the family and play their part in their respective fields. DIET Muslims are encouraged in the Quran to eat what is good for them, and are specifically forbidden to eat:
Islamic law requires an animal to be slaughtered Invoking the name of Allah. All varieties of alcoholic drinks are prohibited. These rules aim at rooting out the evil effects of food and drink in society.
DRESS Muslims must cover their bodies properly and decently. When it comes to dressing-up, simplicity and modesty are encouraged. No particular dress is recommended, however, the following general guidelines should be followed. A man must cover his body from the naval to the knees. It is compulsory for a woman to cover her whole body except the face and hands.
Pure silk and gold are not allowed for men. SOCIAL MANNERS Islam teaches decency, humility and good manners. A Muslim greets another Muslim by saying:
As-salamu Alaikum (peace be upon you) and the reply is:
Waalaikumus salam (peace be upon you too). Keeping promises, truthfulness, justice, fair play, helping the poor and needy, respect for parents, teachers and elders, love for children and good relations with neighbors are the most valued virtues of a Muslim. Islam condemns enmity, back-biting, slander, blasphemy, ridicule, use of offensive names, suspicion and arrogance.
|