Category 3

April 21, 2024 Muhadzir Comments Off on Category 3

Category 3

12-15 years

Ilmihal 3

  1. Belief that there is only One God (Allah) – Tawheed!

The belief in the One Allah is the duty of all Muslims. One of the primary responsibilities of all Allah’s messengers was to invite their people to believe in the existence of the One and Only Allah The Almighty, or in other words, to be the followers of Tawheedor the oneness of Allah.

Tawheed consists of the firm conviction in the following:

There is only One Allah, The Almighty; He is Eternal, and everything else perished or perishes; He is the Lord of everything that exists; Only He creates; Only He is worth worshiping and praying to.

  • Belief in Ghayb!

The Creator of the worlds, Allah The Almighty, informed us in the Qur’an that in addition to this temporary world we live in, there is another unseen world, which is called Ghayb. It cannot be perceived nor comprehended with our intellect and senses but needs to be believed in.

The belief in the world of the unseen entails: Belief in Allah The Almighty, the Creator of the worlds; Belief in the existence of Allah’s angels; Belief in the existence of jinns; Belief that before Judgment Day, this world will come to an end, and resurrection will happen; Belief in the Judgment Day; Belief in Jannah and Jahannam.

Knowledge about the unseen has only Allah The Almighty.

  • What is KUFR? What is SHIRK? What is NIFAQ?

Kufr is denial or disbelief in Allāh Almighty and other fundamental truths of faith. Kufr is among the gravest sins that a human can commit. An individual who committed kufr is called kafir or disbeliever.

Shirk or polytheism is one of the gravest sins. It implies subscribing an associate to Allāh Almighty, or in other words, believing that there are other deities besides Allāh Almighty. A person who commits shirk is called mushrikor polytheist.

Nifāq is hiding disbelief in one’s heart but expressing belief in words and actions in front of other people. The one who commits this sin is called munafiq or hypocrite.

  • The Beautiful Names of Allah – Al-Asma ul-Husna!

The main Allah’s name is Allah. It denotes One and Only God, the Creator, and the Ruler of everything that exists. Name Allah is mentioned 2698 times in the Qur’an. Besides this name that is the most frequently mentioned, Allah’s other beautiful names are known as Al-Asma Al-Husna and there is 99 of them.

Islamic scholars divided Allah The Almighty’s names into two groups:

Names of Beauty or Asma Al-Jamaal: these are names that reflect His mercy and for­ giveness. For example, Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful), Ar-Raheem (The Bestower of Mercy), Al-Kareem (The Most Generous), Al-Ghaffar (The Forgiving).

Name of Majesty or Asma Al-]alal: these are names that reflect justice, judgment, rigor, etc. . For example, names as Al-‘Adil (The Utterly Just), Al-‘Aziz (The Powerful), Sari’ al­ Hisaab (the One who is swift in reckoning).

Out of His enormous mercy, Allah The Almighty discovered His names to us and guided us to call Him through them.

  • What do we know about Allah’s angels?

Allah created angels in a beautiful shape with the ability to appear in human form, like the example of the angel Jibreel/Gabriel’s appearance to Muhammad, peace be upon him, or to Maryam.

Angels were created from the light (Noor); they are unseen and have intellect.

They do not eat nor drink; they do not sleep; they do not have gender, and they never commit sins. They always glorify and serve Allah, The Almighty, and that satisfies them.

Although angles are numerous, only Allah The Almighty knows how many of them are there.

  • What are the most known angels, and what are their responsibilities?

The most known angels and their responsibilities:

– Jibreel – he used to deliver Allāh’s revelations to His messengers. Qur’ān also calls him Rooh Al-Amin and Rooh Al-Qudus.

– Azrail – this is the angel of death. He takes souls from bodies at a time of death.

– Mikail is in charge of natural laws: moving of clouds and rainfall; significant droughts; blowing of winds; tornados; typhoons; growth of plants and fruitage.

– Israfil – he is in charge of blowing into As-Soor (trumpet) and announcing the Last and Judgment Day. When he blows the first time, he will announce the end of this world (doomsday), and when he blows the second time, it will announce resurrection and the beginning of Judgment Day.

– Kiraamun Al-Katibeen – noble recorders; they are with human beings, record their deeds and bring them positive thoughts.

– Munkir and Nakir – question every individual in his/her grave.

– Ridwan – Guardian of Jannah.

– Malik – Guardian of Jahannam.

In addition to these angels, Qur’an mentions an­ gels Harootand Maroot, and Zabaniyyah.

  • Other unseen beings: Jinns and Shaytans!

In addition to angels, Allah The Almighty created other unseen beings that we know as Jinnsand Shaytans.

Based on Islamic teachings, jinnsare created from fire before human beings. Jinnshave reason, intellect, colossal power, and capability. Among them are good and bad, believers and disbelievers, and they see us while we do not see them.

Jinns disbelievers are called Shaytans. Their leader is Iblis. Shaytansare open enemies to humans. They occupy human thoughts and encourage them to do wrong while presenting sins as beautiful and attractive.

Evil and corrupt humans, who attack people’s intellects and hearts to lead away from the Right Path and Islamic manners, are Shaytan’shelpers.

We ask Allah’s protection with the words A’UDHU BILLAHI MIN ASH-SHAYTANI AR­RAJEEM, which means “I ask Allah’s protection from the cursed Shaytan.”

We ask for protection from Shaytiinwith the recitation of Surahs Al-Falaq and An-Nas.

  • Belief in Alah’s books!

Allah’s Books contain His speech, revealed through angel Jibril/Gabriel to Allah’s mes­ sengers, delivering and explaining it to peo­ ple. Allah’s Books include guidelines, advices, directions about life and actions, and truths that people could never know otherwise.

Per Islamic tradition, hundred suhufs and four entire books were revealed:

Tawrah to Musa a.s.,

            Zabur to Dawood a.s.,

            Injeel to ‘Isa a.s.,

            Qur’an to Muhammad a.s.

Tawrah (Torah), Zebur(Psalms) and Injeel(Gospels) do not exist as originals since people modified it. Qur’an is preserved as original and is the guide to all humanity until the Judgement Day.

  • What are suhufs? Which prophets received them?

Suhufs are less extensive revelations that were revealed to the following prophets:

– Sheeth, peace be upon him, received 50 suhufs,

– Edrees, peace be upon him, received 30 suhufs,

– Ibrahim, peace be upon him, received 10 suhufs, and

– Musa, peace be upon him, received 10 suhufs.

  1. The Last Revelation – The Qur’an!

The Qur’an is the last revelation from Allah, The Almighty, that was given to the last Allah’s messenger, Muhammad, peace be upon him. It was revealed in Arabic language containing guidelines and regulations about the Islamic way of life, stories about previous revelations, prophets and their people, and the Hereafter’s life.

The revelation of the Qur’an started in the Night of Power (Lailat al-Qadr) in Ramadan of 610. It happened in the cave Hira on Mount Noor. The first verses revealed to Muhammad, peace be upon him, were the verses of Surah Al­ Alaq.

The revelation of the Qur’an was over twenty-three years, 13 years in Mecca, and 10 years in Medina. Qur’an has 114 chapters (surahs) and over 6,000 verses (ayats). It is divided into 30 parts that are called juz, and each juzhas 20 pages.

Upon a revelation, Muhammad, peace be upon him, would immediately invite one of the revelation scribes to record it. The entire Qur’an was recorded during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad, but it was not collected in a single book – Mushaf. The latter was done in the time of the first caliph Abu Bakr, which was later entrusted to the second caliph ‘Umar to safeguard it. After his death, it was given to the Prophet’s wife, Hafsa.

Qur’an is a guidance and clear proof for distinguishing truth from falsehood in the life of Muslims.

  1. What was the first order to humans from Allāh Almighty?

The first words of the Qur’ān revealed to Muhammad, PBUH, were about acquiring knowledge.

Allāh Almighty says: “Proclaim! (or read!) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created-Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood. Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful – He Who taught (the use of) the pen – Taught man that which he knew not.” (Qur’ān, 96:1-5)

  1. What are the ways the Qur’an is preserved?

Qur’ān is preserved in the three ways:

  • In Lawh al-Mahfuz, or the constantly well-preserved tablet with Allāh, The Almighty.
  • Through hifz or memorization of the Qur’ān, and
  • By recording it in the Book, Mushaf.
  1. Who are Allah’s messengers?

Allah’s messengers were chosen people who received rev­ elations from Allah, The Almighty. The first human being on Earth was Adam, peace be upon him, and he also was the first prophet. After Adam, Allah occasionally sent messengers to people, and their responsibility was to deliver Allah’s revelations. They used to explain it to people, command good, and forbid evil.

Hadiths refer to 124 thousand prophets, while only 25 of them were mentioned by name in the Qur’an. The most chosen prophets were Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, and Muhammad, peace be upon them. We call them Ulul ‘Azm, or the Resolute Ones.

  1. What attributes did all messengers have?

All messengers had the following attributes:

– Sidq – they always spoke the truth.

– Amanah – they were trustworthy, faithful, and reliable.

– Tableeg – they delivered Allāh’s revelations precisely and correctly. Nothing could stop them from delivering Allāh’s revelations even if they used to face lots of hardships.

– Ismat – they were clean from sins.

– Fatanat – they were intelligent and smart.

– Adalat – they were entirely just.

  1. What is mu’jizah and how can mu’jizahs – miracles be divided?

Mu’jizah is a miracle or an extraordinary act that Allāh’s messengers used by His Will and Permission to prove their prophethood. Allāh used to give His prophets miracles in the areas where their people were most skillful and most knowledgeable.

Mu’jizah/Miracles can be divided into two groups:

– Hissiyyah – miracles that can be experienced with the senses,

– Aqliyyah – miracles that can be comprehended with the intellect. 

  1. What are Isra and Mi’raj and when did Isra and Mi’raj happen?

Isra and Mi’raj occurred on Rajab 27th of 621 CE, or the 11th year after the prophethood. Isra refers to the first part of the night journey from Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca to Masjid Al-Aqsa in Quds or Jerusalem. There, Muhammad, PBUH led two rakah/units of prayer with souls of the previous prophets.

After the prayer, the second part of the journey known as Mi’raj began. It was the elevation to the heights of heaven. Muhammad, a.s., was lifted from Masjid Al-Aqsa through seven heavens.

He saw Jannah, Jahannam, and many other signs during Mi’raj that others could not see. He was in the most special and the highest place close to Allah The Almighty, and the prayers were prescribed there.

While performing the obligatory prayers, Muslims stand in front of their Lord five times a day, connecting with Him and being close to Him.It is the most intimate relation­ ship between the Creator and servant with­ out any intermediary, and thus the prayer is called Mi’raj of a believer.

  1. Mu’jizahs of some of the prophets!

When Musa, peace be upon him, lived in Egypt, magic was widely present. However, when Musas’ stick with Allah’s Will transformed into a snake that swallowed the magicians’ snakes (ropes), they realized that it was a real miracle – mu’jizah, not magic and

deception like their ropes. Magicians started believing in Allah. Some other miracles of Musa, peace be upon him, were splitting of the sea, white hand when he used to take it out from under his armpits.

The Almighty also gave miracles to ‘Isa, a.s. He cured a person who was blind since birth and leper; he also brought a dead back to life with Allah’s permission, he started speaking in the cradle, he made a clay bird life through his blow with Allah’s Will and permission.

Qur’an also mentions miracles of some other prophets:

Nooh, a.s.: he built an ark on land before the flood that hit disbelievers,

Salih, a.s.: his miracle was a camel that came out of the rock because his people asked for it as proof of his prophet­ hood,

Ibrahim, a.s.: he was thrown in a massive fire that became cold and safe for him. Also, four birds that he cut mixed and put on four hills. However, when he invited them, they came back to life and flew back.

Ismail, a.s.: spring Zamzam.

Yunus, a.s.: a colossal whale swallowed him, saved him, and brought him back to the seacoast.

In addition to the most significant miracle, the Qur’an itself, Muhammad, a.s., got the following miracles:

  • Isra and Mi’raj (night journey and elevation to Heaven),
  • Stump that cried when he stopped using it for delivery of his sermons,
  • Splitting of the moon,
  • Water was coming from between his fingers to provide water for an army.
  1. What is Judgement Day and what are its signs?

Allah The Almighty will judge people on Judgment Day for their good and bad deeds. Each person will individually appear in front of Allah, The Almighty, to give account for their deeds. Deeds will be placed on a scale. Those whose good deeds outweigh bad ones will be rewarded with Jannah. However, those whose evil deeds outweigh good ones will be punished with Jahannam except if Allah saves them out of His mercy.

Events preceding Judgment Day:

  • First blow of the angellsrafilin the Horn Death and destruction,
  • Doomsday, end of this world,
  • Barzakh – the abode of souls,
  • Second blow of the angel Israfil in the Hom and resurrection,
  • Gathering in the place of the final judgment,
  • Distribution of the book of deeds to each individual where we will find all good and bad deeds recorded.

Prophet, a.s., said: ‘The end of the world will not come until these ten events take place:

  • the appearance of a large thick smoke that will surround people,
  • the appearance of Dajjal (Anti-Christ) who will instill great suspicion among the people and cause great violence to the believers,
  • the appearance of an animal called Dabatul­ ard, that will talk to people and tell

them whether they are believers or infidels,

  • sunrise from the west,
  • the descent to Earth of ‘Isa, a.s., son of Maryam, the appearance of the people of Ja’joojand Ma’jooj, and their spread in the regions,
  • sinking into the ground of an area on the west side,
  • sinking into the ground of an area on the east side,
  • sinking into the land of an area in the Arabian Peninsula, and
  • the appearance of fire by Adan that will drive people to the place of the Trial.”

Science discovered that there is a part of the human body that never rots. That part of the body is placed at the end of our spine.

  1. Explain terms: Barzakh, Shafa’ah, Mizan, Hawd, Sirat?

Barzakh is the destination of human souls from death to resurrection.

Shafa’ah is the right of prophets, martyrs, Allāh’s friends, and other chosen servants to intercede for other people on Judgement Day. Qur’ān will have a right to intercede for those who engaged with it and followed its guidelines.

Mizan is the perfect Scale that will measure humans’ deeds on Judgment Day. It will have two sides: good deeds will be placed on one side, and bad deeds on the other.

Hawd is the spring of Allāh’s Messenger, Muhammad, peace be upon him, that will be flowing from the river Kawthar during Judgment Day. 

Sirat is the bridge over Jahannam. Those rewarded by Jannah will pass it; it will be a barrier for those punished by Jahannam.

  • What is Jannah and what Jahannam and who are they prepared for?

Jannah is the eternal abode in Akhirah prepared for believers. It is full of rivers and spacious chambers, a pleasant life without hardships, and where believers will get everything they wish. Jannah has a hundred levels, the highest being Firdaws, located under Allah’s throne – ‘Arsh. There are eight doors of Jannah. The most significant honor for believers in Jannah will be watching Allah, The Almighty.

Jahannam is the abode in Akhirah prepared for disbelievers, tyrants, and grave sinners. It is a scary abode that will be filled with people and stones. It will bean awful place where disbelievers will experience the most severe punishments. Their food will be from the tree Zaqqum and drink sweat and boiling water. The scariest sentence of Jahannam will be its fire which is 69 times more potent than the fire in this world.

Jahannam has seven doors and levels, one beneath the other, based on the intensity of punishments.

  • How should we behave when something that we don’t like happen to us?

When something terrible befalls humans that they do not like, it is a part of Allah’s decree, they are supposed to do the following:

  • Be patient with a temptation Allah gave them, do not grieve nor despair, while being aware that anything that occurred to them could not bypass them, and anything that they missed could not befall them.
  • Be satisfied with Allah’s decree because it is a condition of complete faith that Allah is the Creator of everything. It is a duty to be grateful for everything because we know that it is by the decree of Allah All-Knowing. Muhammad, a.s., said: “Strange are the ways of a believer for there is good in every affair of his; this is not the case with anyone else except in the case of a believer for if he has to feel delighted, he thanks (Allah). Thus, there is a good for him in it, and if he gets into trouble and shows resignation (and endures it patiently), there is a good for him in it.” (Muslim)
  • What is Kalimah Shahadah and what does it implies?

Kalimah Shahadah is the foundation of Muslims’ belief, and it has two parts.

The first part of Shahadah implies that nobody in this world is worth worshiping except Allah, The Almighty. Witnessing the Oneness of Allah denies worshiping of angels, prophets, saints, trees, Sun, Moon, stones, and graves because Allah, The Almighty created all of them.

The second part of Shahadah is the testimony that Muhammad, peace be upon him, is the last Allah’s messenger, which implies the following:

  • Witnessing that Allah The Almighty sent the last messenger Muhammad, a.s., with the Truth – Qur’an, to give good tidings and warn humankind.
  • That believing in the truthfulness of Muhammad’s words, actions, and what he informed us is also a revelation from Allah, The Almighty.
  • Why do we pray five daily prayers (Salah)?

Salah is performed exclusively for Allah, The Almighty, with a complete focus, presence, and awareness of body, mind, heart, and spirit. Besides the spiritual benefits of the prayers, Salah is the best protection in this worldly life, because one who performs the daily prayers regularly maintains a strong connection with Allah, The Almighty. Such a relationship becomes unbreakable if this duty is carried out consistently. Such a Muslim becomes conscious of Allah’s ever-presence in one’s life. This connection with the Almighty Lord keeps the one away from committing sins and performing actions that Allah is displeased with. Salah is liberation and relaxation for a believer.

  • Mandatory parts of prayer!

Mandatory parts of the prayer (fards) are that must be completed for the soundness of a prayer.  After the prayer, the one who finds out the one or more mandatory parts of their prayer were missed, will pray that prayer again.

  1. Iftitahi takbeer, or the opening takbeer. It implies saying words Allahu Akbar silently and while standing at the beginning of prayer.
  2. Qiyam, or standing in prayer. Standing in a prayer lasts as long as it takes to recite the mandatory part of the Qur’an.
  3. Qira’ah, or recitation of the Qur’ān. It implies reciting a surah or a few verses from the Qur’an in each rakah, or unit of prayer.
  4. Ruku’, or bending in prayer. It means bending at the waist to reach our knees so that our head is leveled with the back as much as possible.
  5. Sujood, prostrating twice in the prayer.  We perform it with the forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes on the ground and hold other parts of the body above the ground.
  6. Qada al–Akhirah, the last sitting in the prayer. This sitting is performed after the last unit/raka’h of a prayer. It lasts as long as we need to recite At-Tahiyyat, Salawaats, Du’a’ and Salam.

It is essential to mention that disabled in­ dividuals perform these parts of the prayer based on their ability.

  • What are prayer wajibs and give couple of examples!

Prayer wajibs are parts of the prayer that contribute to the completeness of our prayer. Thus, missing any prayer wajibs due to a mistake or forgetfulness will cause incompleteness of prayer, and sahwi sujudis needed.

When we pray after an Imam who missed one of the prayers wajibs due to a mistake or forget­ fulness, he will perform sahwisujud at the end of the prayer, and we will follow him.

If the one who performs prayer due to a mistake or forgetfulness misses more than three prayer wajibs, or intentionally misses one of them, s/he needs to perform that prayer again.

The following are SOME of the prayer wajibs:          

  • Not reciting anything except Subhanaka on the first rakah when we pray after an Imam.
  • Perform the first sitting in a prayer after the second rakah and remain sitting as long as we have time to recite At-Tahiyyat.
  • Recite Qunoot Du’a’ in Witr prayer.
  • Perform Salah (Prayer) based on ta’dilaerkan, while being focused, present, and calm.
  • What are prayer makroohs and give couple of examples!
–  

Makroohs are disliked actions that a Muslim should be avoiding. Makroohsin the prayer implies skipping a prayer sunnah, introducing something to the prayer that does not belong to, or doing something that will distract its proper performance.

The following are SOME of the prayer makroohs:

  • Turning around, setting our clothing, or touching something else while praying.
  • Incorrect bowing or sitting in the prayer without a valid excuse.
  • Lifting our gaze.
  • Closing our eyes without a need for that.
  • Yawning or stretching.
  • Reciting the same chapter of the Qur’an (surah) or verses on two different rakahs of Fard except for those who do not know more than that.
  • Praying in a room that has pictures of living beings on the walls or floor.
  • What is Jama’ah and what is essence of the congregational prayer?

Jama’ah (Dzemat) is a Muslim community where Muslims mutually respect, love, help, and advise each other.

The meaning of the congregational prayer is reflected in the following:

  • Jama’ah teaches us that humans are social beings. Our arrival and departure from this world are linked to a community.
  • Jama’ah and standing in the rows indicate the strength of a community and develop a feeling of the unity that holds a community firmly at the Straight Path.
  • Standing in rows reminds us about equality in front of our Lord, Allah The Al­ mighty, regardless of skin color, race, or amount of wealth.
  • The congregational prayer teaches us about purity, hygiene, devotion, and accuracy.
  • Connecting with others through congregational prayer develops mutual love, compassion, and mercy among Muslims.
  • The rows (saffs) also remind us about standing in front of Allah, The Almighty on Judgment Day.
  • Only a strong community – jama’ah, that cares about each of its members and is united guarantees individual and social success.
  • Prayers based on their degree!

Fard-prayers

  • Five daily prayers: we pray 17 rakah or units of prayer, 2 for Fajr/Sabah, 4 for Zuhr/ Podne, 4 for ‘Asr/Ikindija, 3 for Maghrib/ Aksam, and 4 for ‘Isha/Jacija.
  • Jumu’ah: 2 rakah or units of prayer.
  • Janazah-prayer

Wajib-prayers

Wajib prayers are payers that Allah, The Almighty, prescribed, but they are not Fard. They are:

  • 3 rakah/units of Witr that we pray together or after ‘Isha prayer.
  • 2 rakah or units of Eid al-Fitr (Eid after Ramadan).
  • 2 rakah or units of Eid al-Adha.

Sunnah – prayers

We divide them to:

  • Well-established ones (sunnah al-muakkada). The Prophet, a.s., always prayed them. They are: 2 rakah of Fajr, 6 of Zuhr, 2 of Maghrib, and 2 of ‘Isha.
  • Not well-established (sunnah ghayr al­muakkada). The Prophet, a.s., sometimes used to miss them. They are: 4 rakah of ‘Asr and 4 rakah of ‘Ishii, praying tahiyyat al-masjid, and the optional prayers that Muslims pray when they have a need, like Hajjah-Prayer, Istikhara-Prayer, the prayer for rain, and so on.
  • What is Janazah salah and what conditions should be fulfilled that Janazah prayer would be accepted?

Janazah is a special prayer for deceased Muslims. It is fard kifayah, or the duty of a community and its members. If nobody performs Janazah, everybody will have a sin. The following are conditions for a sound Janazah:

  • Deceased should be a Muslim
  • Deceased should be washed (ghusl) and placed in shrouds (kafins)
  • Deceased should be present in front of a congregation
  • Deceased’s right side should be facing qiblah.
  • What is fasting? What categories that people are in can postpone their fasting?

Every Muslim of age, who is mentally and physically healthy, home, and able to fast, is obliged to fast if they do not have a valid Shariah excuse as not to fast. 

Therefore, underage children, who are not mature, are not obliged to fast, but it is recommended that they start developing a habit of fasting. Similarly, mentally disabled, and women in their monthly period or postpartum are not obliged to fast. 

Mandatory parts of fasting:

  • Niyyah or the intention that a person through fasting performs an act of worship (‘ibadah) to Allah, The Almighty. Niyyah should entail the intention to fast the whole month of Ramadan, and such an intention is renewed every night for the next day.
  • Abstaining from eating, drinking, intercourse, and other bodily pleasures from dawn to sunset.
  • What are the benefits and virtues of fasting?

Muslims will benefit from fasting in this and the next world. The following are some of its benefits:

  • Fasting is a shield from sins and the Hellfire.
  • Only those who used to fast in this world will enter a Jannah door called Rayyan.
  • The immense joy of the one fasting will be the encounter with Allāh Almighty. 
  • Reward for fasting with Lord will be invaluable. 
  • Fasting wipes away human sins. 
  • Fasting will be intermediate to the human on Judgment Day. 
  • What are some options for optional fasting?

In addition to the mandatory Ramaḍān fasting, there is optional fasting that the Prophet encouraged. These days are:

  • Mondays and Thursdays,
  • Three “white days” around the middle of each Hijri month (13th, 14th, and 15th),
  • Day of ‘Ashurah (10th day of Muharram),
  • Day of Arafah (9th day of Dhul-Hijjah),
  • Six days of the month of Shawwal,
  • Fasting in the month of Muharram. 
  • What is Zakāh? Under what conditions does Zakāh become duty?

Zakāh is taking a part of our wealth if it reaches the value of Nisab. Zakāh is the fourth pillar of Islām, and it is fard – mandatory for every Muslim who meets the criteria for giving Zakāh. It is a condition of the faith to consider Zakāh as fard, and thus the one who denies it is deemed non-Muslim. Duty of giving Zakāh is based on the following conditions:

1. Freedom,

2. Ownership over one’s assets,

3. Assets needs to meet the value of Nisab,

4. Certain assets that meet the criteria of Nisab should be in one’s possession for one year.

  • What is the wisdom of Prescribing Zakah and where do we give Zakah?

There is a wisdom in every duty towards Allah, and the wisdom of Zakah is reflected in the following:

  • Purifying soul from bad habits of stinginess and greed, and developing a practice of spending and giving for the sake of Allah and on Allah’s path,
  • Purifying and increasing assets, and bringing blessings (barakah) to it,
  • Contributing to general good and well-being,
  • Preventing accumulation of wealth only among a limited number of people.

The Prophet’s, a.s., practice was to collect Zakah in a fund knownas Bayt al-Maal. After that, it was distributed among the categories mentioned in verse 60 of surah At-Tawbah.

  • What is Sadaqah al-Fitr? When do we give Sadaqah al-Fitr?

Sadaqah al-Fitr is a specific act of worship, prescribed in the second year after Hijrah and executed in the last days of Ramaḍān every year. It is the Eid charity given to purify fasting from possible shortcomings. All Muslims, adults and children, are included when giving Sadaqah al-Fitr. Sadaqah al-Fitr can be given in the last days of Ramaḍān, the latest before praying Eid-prayer. Sadaqah al-Fitr, given after Eid-prayer, is considered an ordinary charity.

  • What is Hajj? What are the conditions of the obligation of Hajj?

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islām, and all Muslims must perform it once in their life if they meet certain conditions.

Hajj is ‘ibadah that implies visiting Kaaba and other holy sites at a specific time.

Conditions of the Obligation of Hajj

For Hajj to be obligatory to Muslims, the following conditions must be met:

  • Maturity and that the one is physically and mentally ready,
  • Having material means,
  • Safety (mahram).
  • Collecting of the Hadith and most famous hadith collections?

The first hadiths were recorded during lifetime of Muhammad, a.s. To understand the religion, the companions followed the Prophet, a.s., socialized with him, and paid attention to his words.

The most fruitful era of hadith compilation was the end of the first and the beginning of the second century after Hijra. In this period, the science of hadith was developed to compile, select, and provide the thematic classification of hadiths.

They paid particular attention to sanad or the chain of narrators of hadiths.

Among the most famous and the soundest hadith collections are:

  •  Sahih Bukhari, and
  •  Sahih Muslim.

Besides these, there are: Sunan of Abu Dawood, Sunan of Tirmithi, Sunan of Nasai, and Sunan of Ibn Majah. These collections are recognized by the one name, Al-Kutubu Sitta, or the six collections. Further, it is worthwhile to mention Al-Muwata’, hadith collection of Imam Malik.

  • What are Af’aalu Mukallefeen? How are Af’aalu Mukallefeen divided?

Af’aalu Mukallefeen are Shariah regulations that refer to all adult and mentally capable Muslims. A person that falls under these regulations is known as mukallaf.

Af’aalu Mukallefeen are divided to eight regulations:

  • Fard, wajib, haram;
  • Sunnah, mustahaab, makrooh;
  • Mubaah and mufsid (other regulations).
  • What is Fard and how is it divided?

Fards are religious duties that Allah, The Almighty, strictly made obligatory to all adult and mentally capable Muslims. They are divided to:

Fard ‘Ayn – strict individual duties as are Shahadah, Salah (prayers), Sawm (fasting), Zakah, and Hajj.

Fard Kifayah – strict collective duties. If one group of Muslims fulfill them, others are released from doing them. An example of this would be performing Janazah­ prayer or buildingsomethingof great importance to the Muslim community as a mosque, school, hospital, etc.

  • What is ghusl and when is ghusl mandatory?

Ghusl is religious bathing prescribed in the Qur’an for us to be clean for performing prayers and reading the Qur’an.

Ghusl is mandatory in the following three situations:

  • To spouses after intercourse,
  • After ejaculation while asleep or awake,
  • To women after the monthly period and bleeding after delivery (post-partum).

Those under any of these three conditions are impure (junub) and cannot perform Islamic du­ ties until they take a bath.

  • What are fards of ghusl?

Thoroughly rinse the mouth and throat with water – ghargharah,

Rinse the nose – istinshaq,

Wash the whole body without leaving any parts dry-ghusli wujood.

  • When is it sunnah to take bath?

The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, informed us that it is sunnah to take a bath in three situations:

• Before Jumu’ah/Friday gathering,

• Before Eid prayer, and

• Before putting Ihrams on.

  • What is Haidh, Nifaas and Estihaza?

Haidh – menstruation (monthly period, monthly bleeding, monthly purification) is monthly bleeding from adult women’s uterus and can last for three to ten days. Woman with haidh is prohibited from praying, fasting, and from intercourse. Women do not have to make up missed prayers during haidh, but they will make up missed days of fasting.

Nifaas-post-partum bleeding from the uterus is the bleeding that women experience right after delivery, and it can last up to 40 days. Woman with nifaas is prohibited from praying, fasting, and from intercourse. Women do not have to make up missed prayers during nifaas, but they will make up missed days of fasting.

lstihaza is bleeding that adult woman experience in the period that is neither haidh nor nifaas. If it occurs during haidh, it can last less than three days or more than ten days; if during nifaas, it can last over 40 days. Woman, who has istihaza, is considered sahibiuzur and will follow regulations for a person in that state.

  • Who is Sahibi-Uzur?

Any individual with constant flow, leak, or drip of blood, urine, or other body fluid is considered Sahibi-Uzur. Due to these reasons, such a person cannot have Wudu for more than one prayer time. The same status has a person who cannot control passing gas.

Accordingly, such an individual will make Wudu for each prayer time of five daily prayers. They can pray optional prayers, make up missed prayers, and read Qur’an with the same Wudu within that particular prayer time.

  • What is marriage and who is obligated to get married?

Based on Islamic Law (Shariah), marriage is a contract between two individuals of the opposite gender who have and fulfill marriage conditions. Among these conditions, it is the consent of both individuals witnessed by two Muslim males or a Muslim male and two females.

The marriage isFard or obligatory to an individual who can support the family and cannot stay away from fornication and immorality.

  • What are the mutual responsibilities of spouses in marriage?

Based on Islamic teachings, spouses have their mutual responsibilities:

  • To nurture mutual love, respect, and understanding from the beginning of their marriage,
  • To take care of their marriage responsibilities,
  • To safeguard and nurture the warmth of their intimate life as long as the marriage lasts,
  • To give nice Islamic names to their children,
  • To partake in the upbringing and education of their children,
  • To encourage each other in fulfilling the Islamic duties,
  • To enjoin good and forbid evil to each other,
  • To mutually, based on their abilities, participate and contribute to the household material and different needs.
  • What is milk – based Kinship?

One of the permanent obstacles for Islamic marriage is milk kinship. A woman, who breastfed somebody else’s child before the child’s age of two, becomes its nursing mother, different from the child’s biological mother.

This kinship expands to some other relatives of the nursing mother, and thus:

  • Her daughters and sons become sisters and brothers through nursing to a child who their mother breastfed,
  • All other children, that she breastfed, become brothers and sisters through nursing,
  • Her sisters become child’s aunts through nursing,
  • Her mother becomes the child’s grandmother through nursing.
  • How to get married?

When two people, male and female, are interested in one another to enter marriage, they should:

  • Follow Islamic regulations when meeting and communicating,
  • Get to know each other,
  • Be honest and open to each other,
  • Exchange opinions and attitudes,
  • Discuss essential life topics,
  • Examine if they are compatible with each other.

According to Shariah, engagement is recommended, but not mandatory. Its purpose is to confirm serious marriage intentions and get to know each other and their families better.

It is recommended to announce marriage publicly, so people get to know about it.

It is a duty to officiate one’s marriage through the official offices and their representatives.

The groom offers marriage, and the bride accepts the offer. Mahr or marriage gift that the bride asks for is also confirmed on the wedding day.

  • Is it forbidden to divorce in Islam?

Based on Islamic principles, divorce is not recommended but permissible with valid reasons.

If, after a particular time, spouses realize that they cannot live together nor hope that things will get better, in that case, it is permissible that they get divorced. They should rather divorce than make life difficult for them and other family members.

  • What is Hijab and what is the purpose of it?

Hijab is a way of dressing Muslim women that covers the entire body except for the face and fists. Besides being a way of dressing, it symbolizes honesty, modesty, moderation, privacy, and morals. Allah,The Almighty, prescribed a hijab to Muslim women, so wearing it responds to Allah The Almighty’s order.

Hijab is an inseparable part of religious regulations about the proper dressing of Muslim women. It is an outer expression of her identity. Because of that, the hijab should not be tight, short, nor transparent.