The Arabic term 'islam means "peace"
and "submission" .---------------------Islam teaches that
one can only find peace in one's life by submitting to Almighty
God (Allah) in heart, soul and deed. ------------------Muslims
believe that true peace can only be achieved through true
obedience to the will of Allah. Commitment to Islam is supposed
to result in a constant struggle to achieve peace, justice and
equality.
1.Faith (Iman)
"Ashadu Allah Illa Ha Illah Lah, Wa Ashadu
Ana Muhammad ar-Rasulullah" -
"There are no gods besides Allah, Muhammad is the messenger
of Allah".
This declaration of faith is called the Shahada, and saying
this is the first step on the path of Islam. When one says
'There are no gods besides Allah', the believer is not only
shunning the worship of idols, prophets, saints and other
people, but he/she is also shunning things such as wealth or
power which, in this day and age, often replace Allah as a
person's goal in life.
2. Prayer Salat
All Muslims must perform five daily prayers as an act of
worship. Although it is preferable to pray in congregation
within a mosque, Salat can be performed almost anywhere; in
the home, in fields, in the street, at the office...
basically anywhere that is reasonably clean. The manner of
performing prayers is covered in.
3.Charity (Zakat)
Although the word Zakat is usually taken to mean
the obligatory charity donations given at the end of Ramadan
by those who can afford it, the word can also be taken to
mean 'purification' and 'growth'. One's possessions are
purified by setting aside a proportion of our wealth and
giving it to those less fortunate or who are eligible to
receive it. Of course, charity is not restricted to giving
money, as it can have a much wider meaning. As Muhammad
(peace and blessings be upon him) said, "...even meeting
your brother with a cheerful face is charity". Charity is
also any act of helping poor or needy persons, urging others
to perform good deeds and checking yourself from committing
sinful acts.
4.Fasting (Sawm)
One of the most well known tenets of Islam is fasting
during the month of Ramadan. Fasting during this month is
obligatory on all those who are able to do so above the age
of puberty (although many children begin fasting before this
age). However, fasting can be performed any time of the
year, and there are certain occasions when it is
particularly beneficial such as Ashura (the day when
Moses (peace be upon him) and his followers crossed the Red
Sea during the Exodus. Fasting begins from first light (fajr)
and ends at sunset (maghrib) and simply involves
abstaining from eating, drinking and legal sexual relations
(i.e. with one's wife/husband). Fasting is regarded as an
effective method of self-purification, because by cutting
yourself off from comforts, you gain a true sympathy with
those who are poor and hungry.
5. Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)
This annual pilgrimage must be performed by those Muslims who
are physically and financially able to do so at least once
during their lifetime. The rites of Hajj, which originate
from the time of the prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) include
circling the Ka'ba seven times (left), and walking between the
mountains of Safa and Marwa seven times, just as Abraham's wife
Hagar did during her search for water. Then the pilgrims (who
number in their millions) throw stones at pillars representing
the devil (Jamarat), and congregate at the mountain of
Arafat to pray for Allah's forgiveness (this act is often
regarded as a preview of the Day of Judgement). As with fasting,
pilgrimages are not restricted to Hajj but can be
performed at any time of the year, especially during Ramadan.
These pilgrimages are known as Umrah.
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