Post by angelscandle on Feb 21, 2010 7:42:37 GMT
The teachings of Quran and Hadith (sayings of Prophet Mohammad) revolves around two Arabic word namely, Emaan (Faith) and Amaal (Acts). Emaan is like the roots of a tree and Amaal are the stems, leaves or other parts of it. Just as without the roots, the tree cannot survive, similarly, without faith, the acts are useless. The teachings of Quran emphasize mostly on the beliefs and an overview the acts, whereas the Hadith explains both beliefs and acts in details. Muslims believe that although there may be reservations in the Hadith, but Quran is free from all the mistakes and is infallible. Quran is comprised of 114 Surahs (chapters) and 6236 Ayats (verses). Quran was preserved through writing and memorization. Undoubtedly, today Quran is the only book which is fully memorized by more than 10 million people all over the world. The teachings of Quran confirm the revelations of other books and scriptures on various prophets. But, at the same time, all these books are considered to be corrupted with time and do not contain the original script of God.
Six Articles of Faith
The six articles of faith are the main doctrines of Islam. All Muslims share beliefs in the following:
1. God
Islam preaches that there is only one Supreme, Eternal, Infinite and Unparallel entity, Allah (God). He alone is the creator of all the universe. Quran declares "That is God, your Lord. There is no god but Him, the Creator of everything. So worship Him. He is responsible for everything." (6:102)
2. Angels
Muslims believe in angels. They are comprised of light, and each have different purposes. Angel Gabriel brought the divine message to Mohammad. Two angels (Kiraaman and Katibeen) are assigned to record the actions of the human beings; one records good deeds, the other bad deeds. The angel of death (Azrael) takes the soul out of the body. Angels Munkir and Nakir questions each person in grave.
3. Scriptures
It refers to believing in all the four books; the Torah (Moses), the Psalms (David), the Gospel (Jesus) and the Quran (Mohammad). Muslims also believe that all other books are alteration with time by its followers. Muslims believe that Quran is the only book which can never be distorted as God has himself taken the responsibility of its protection, "We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)." (15:9)
4. Prophets
It is obligatory on every Muslim to believe in all the messengers from Adam to Mohammad without any discrimination. Quran treats all the prophets equally, "Say (O Muslims), we believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the Prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered." (2:136)
5. Resurrection
Muslims have faith that after the end of the world, every human will be resurrected from the grave. They will be held accountable for whatever they have done in their lives. The day is known as the Day of Judgment. On this day, justice will be done to every individual soul. The innocent ones will stay in Heaven, whereas, the corrupted ones will go to hell. Quran testifies it by saying, " This day We seal up mouths, and hands speak out and feet bear witness as to what they used to earn." (36:65)
6. Divine Creed
It is one of the main aspect of Islam. Believing in divine creed refers to predestination. Muslims believe that unlike living beings, God is not limited to anything; even with time. Everything that has happened, is happening, or will happen is evident to Him. Living beings are being given a free choice to do whatever they want to do, but God knows what choice they will make. It must also be clear that God's knowing does not restrict anyone from making a free choice. Quran proclaims, " Knowest thou not that Allah knows all that is in heaven and on earth? Indeed it is all in a Record, and that is easy for Allah."
The Five Pillars of Faith
The five pillars of faith are duties each Muslim performs to demonstrate his or her faith.
1. Testimony of Faith (Kalima)
One must state, "There is no god, but Allah, and Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah." It consists of three parts
a) To reject all the false gods.
b) To accept Allah as the only sole creator of everything.
c) To Mohammad as the last messenger of Allah.
Quran declares, "Say: He is Allah, the One and Only! Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not nor is He begotten. And there is none like unto Him. "
2. Prayer (Salat)
It is compulsory for every Muslim to pray five times a day at respective timings facing towards the direction of Mecca. During the prayer, Muslims narrate verses from the Holy Quran, specially the following prayer which is recited at least 17 time a day,
"All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and Sovereign of the Day of Judgment. It is You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path; The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked Your anger or of those who are astray." (1:1-7)
Quran tells about those who will get eternal success by stating that, "Certainly will the believers have succeeded, they who are during their prayer humbly submissive" (23:1-2)
3. Almsgiving (Zakat)
The word Zakat means "to grow" or "to purify". It literally means to gain Allah's blessings and purify the wealth by helping the needy. It is mandatory on every Muslim to give 2.5% of their yearly savings (or excess money) for charity.
Quran emphasizes the importance of zakat on various occasions, "Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to Truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah. and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom." (9:60)
4. Fasting (Sawm)
Following zakat, every Muslim is required to fast during the month of Ramadan from sunrise to sunset. During this period, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink, smoke or have an intercourse. It not only physical discipline in one's life, but it is also a way to feel the afflictions of the poor.
Quranic verses explain fasting in detail,
"O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint" (2:183)
"Ramadhan 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 any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful." (2:185)
5. Pilgrimage (Hajj)
Hajj literally means to "set out for place". For Muslim, it is a pilgrimage to Kaaba (House of Allah) in Makkah. It is the responsibility of every physically and financially able Muslim to perform this offering at least once in a lifetime. Hajj is performed on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah (the 12th and the final month of the Islamic calendar). Hajj is the symbol of unity among the Muslims. Millions of believers from all over the world participate in the ritual irrespective of their caste, color, creed or tradition. It tears down the difference of social status and brings all the Muslims on one platform. During this occasion, men only wear two unstitched clothes; one covers the lower part, and the other is wrapped around the shoulders. Women wear simple white dress and headscarf.
Allah says in the Holy Quran, "For Hajj are the months well known. If any one undertakes that duty therein, Let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj. And whatever good ye do, (be sure) Allah knoweth it. And take a provision (With you) for the journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct. So fear Me, o ye that are wise." (2:197)
Though this page has been carefully researched, the author does not claim expertise on Islam.Please send questions, comments, and corrections to emuseum@mnsu.edu and include the URL of this page.If you are Muslim, your feedback is much appreciated.
References:
McDowell, Josh and Don Stewart
1992[1983] Handbook of Today's Religions. Twelfth printing. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Islamic City
Basics of Becoming a Muslim. Electronic Document, www.islamicity.com/mosque/Muslim.htm, accessed March 14,2009.
Shelley, Fred M. and Audrey E. Clarke, eds.
1994 Human and Cultural Geography. Dubuque, Iowa: Wm. C. Brown Publishers.
Image Credits
"Allah" and "Muhammad" caligraphy intertwined. Wazir Khan Mosque. Photo taken by "Razanoor." www.flickr.com/photos/razanoor/166021178/
Written by
Salman Hakimwww.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/religion/islam/beliefs.html
Six Articles of Faith
The six articles of faith are the main doctrines of Islam. All Muslims share beliefs in the following:
1. God
Islam preaches that there is only one Supreme, Eternal, Infinite and Unparallel entity, Allah (God). He alone is the creator of all the universe. Quran declares "That is God, your Lord. There is no god but Him, the Creator of everything. So worship Him. He is responsible for everything." (6:102)
2. Angels
Muslims believe in angels. They are comprised of light, and each have different purposes. Angel Gabriel brought the divine message to Mohammad. Two angels (Kiraaman and Katibeen) are assigned to record the actions of the human beings; one records good deeds, the other bad deeds. The angel of death (Azrael) takes the soul out of the body. Angels Munkir and Nakir questions each person in grave.
3. Scriptures
It refers to believing in all the four books; the Torah (Moses), the Psalms (David), the Gospel (Jesus) and the Quran (Mohammad). Muslims also believe that all other books are alteration with time by its followers. Muslims believe that Quran is the only book which can never be distorted as God has himself taken the responsibility of its protection, "We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)." (15:9)
4. Prophets
It is obligatory on every Muslim to believe in all the messengers from Adam to Mohammad without any discrimination. Quran treats all the prophets equally, "Say (O Muslims), we believe in Allah and that which is revealed unto us and that which was revealed unto Abraham, and Ishmael, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes, and that which Moses and Jesus received, and that which the Prophets received from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and unto Him we have surrendered." (2:136)
5. Resurrection
Muslims have faith that after the end of the world, every human will be resurrected from the grave. They will be held accountable for whatever they have done in their lives. The day is known as the Day of Judgment. On this day, justice will be done to every individual soul. The innocent ones will stay in Heaven, whereas, the corrupted ones will go to hell. Quran testifies it by saying, " This day We seal up mouths, and hands speak out and feet bear witness as to what they used to earn." (36:65)
6. Divine Creed
It is one of the main aspect of Islam. Believing in divine creed refers to predestination. Muslims believe that unlike living beings, God is not limited to anything; even with time. Everything that has happened, is happening, or will happen is evident to Him. Living beings are being given a free choice to do whatever they want to do, but God knows what choice they will make. It must also be clear that God's knowing does not restrict anyone from making a free choice. Quran proclaims, " Knowest thou not that Allah knows all that is in heaven and on earth? Indeed it is all in a Record, and that is easy for Allah."
The Five Pillars of Faith
The five pillars of faith are duties each Muslim performs to demonstrate his or her faith.
1. Testimony of Faith (Kalima)
One must state, "There is no god, but Allah, and Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah." It consists of three parts
a) To reject all the false gods.
b) To accept Allah as the only sole creator of everything.
c) To Mohammad as the last messenger of Allah.
Quran declares, "Say: He is Allah, the One and Only! Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not nor is He begotten. And there is none like unto Him. "
2. Prayer (Salat)
It is compulsory for every Muslim to pray five times a day at respective timings facing towards the direction of Mecca. During the prayer, Muslims narrate verses from the Holy Quran, specially the following prayer which is recited at least 17 time a day,
"All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and Sovereign of the Day of Judgment. It is You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path; The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked Your anger or of those who are astray." (1:1-7)
Quran tells about those who will get eternal success by stating that, "Certainly will the believers have succeeded, they who are during their prayer humbly submissive" (23:1-2)
3. Almsgiving (Zakat)
The word Zakat means "to grow" or "to purify". It literally means to gain Allah's blessings and purify the wealth by helping the needy. It is mandatory on every Muslim to give 2.5% of their yearly savings (or excess money) for charity.
Quran emphasizes the importance of zakat on various occasions, "Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to Truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah. and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom." (9:60)
4. Fasting (Sawm)
Following zakat, every Muslim is required to fast during the month of Ramadan from sunrise to sunset. During this period, Muslims are forbidden to eat, drink, smoke or have an intercourse. It not only physical discipline in one's life, but it is also a way to feel the afflictions of the poor.
Quranic verses explain fasting in detail,
"O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint" (2:183)
"Ramadhan 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 any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful." (2:185)
5. Pilgrimage (Hajj)
Hajj literally means to "set out for place". For Muslim, it is a pilgrimage to Kaaba (House of Allah) in Makkah. It is the responsibility of every physically and financially able Muslim to perform this offering at least once in a lifetime. Hajj is performed on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah (the 12th and the final month of the Islamic calendar). Hajj is the symbol of unity among the Muslims. Millions of believers from all over the world participate in the ritual irrespective of their caste, color, creed or tradition. It tears down the difference of social status and brings all the Muslims on one platform. During this occasion, men only wear two unstitched clothes; one covers the lower part, and the other is wrapped around the shoulders. Women wear simple white dress and headscarf.
Allah says in the Holy Quran, "For Hajj are the months well known. If any one undertakes that duty therein, Let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness, nor wrangling in the Hajj. And whatever good ye do, (be sure) Allah knoweth it. And take a provision (With you) for the journey, but the best of provisions is right conduct. So fear Me, o ye that are wise." (2:197)
Though this page has been carefully researched, the author does not claim expertise on Islam.Please send questions, comments, and corrections to emuseum@mnsu.edu and include the URL of this page.If you are Muslim, your feedback is much appreciated.
References:
McDowell, Josh and Don Stewart
1992[1983] Handbook of Today's Religions. Twelfth printing. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Islamic City
Basics of Becoming a Muslim. Electronic Document, www.islamicity.com/mosque/Muslim.htm, accessed March 14,2009.
Shelley, Fred M. and Audrey E. Clarke, eds.
1994 Human and Cultural Geography. Dubuque, Iowa: Wm. C. Brown Publishers.
Image Credits
"Allah" and "Muhammad" caligraphy intertwined. Wazir Khan Mosque. Photo taken by "Razanoor." www.flickr.com/photos/razanoor/166021178/
Written by
Salman Hakimwww.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/religion/islam/beliefs.html
