Islam teaches that God has chosen, from
the beginning of the human race, men who will convey His message to the rest of
mankind. Much of this message was lost over a period of time, due to inaccurate
transmission and deliberate or accidental changes.
However, enough remain
of the scriptures or teachings of the early prophets such as Ibrahim
(Abraham), Musa (Moses) and Isa (Jesus) to show that this message has always
been one and the same throughout history. That is, the Oneness of God and the
duty of all human beings to obey Him and follow His guidance. The word
"Islam" means to surrender or to submit peace
Peace is achieved
through active obedience to the revealed Commandments of God for God is the
Source of all Peace. Commitment to Islam means striving for peace through:
·
justice
·
equal
opportunity
·
mutual
caring
·
consider
to rights of others
·
seek
of knowledge to better protect and utilise the resources of the universe
Islam propagates that
peace should be established throughout the human society of this world, in
preparation for a further dimension of human existence in the world to come,
the Afterlife. Islam's vision of peace is therefore truly universal.
Islam does not regard
itself as a new teaching which is different or separate from that of other
world religions. It is the reaffirmation of the ancient yet living truth of all
monotheistic religions.
Muslims = Arabs =
Malays?
It is incorrect to
identify a Muslim as an Arab or a Malay. A Muslim expresses his faith in the
following words:
"There is no god but
Allah and Muhammad is Allah's Messenger."
This simple statement
is the most important declaration in the life of a Muslim. From this expression
of belief in the Oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad stems all
Islamic concepts, attitudes, values, behaviour and relationships.
Thus, Muslims are not
confined to any race or group of people. They can be Arabs, Indians,
Pakistanis, Malaysians, Indonesians, Europeans, Africans, Americans, Chinese,
or any other nationality.
ALLAH, an Arabic word of rich and varied
meaning, denotes the One and Only God, who is adored in worship, who creates
all that exists, who has priority over all creation, who is high and hidden and
who is beyond all human understanding.
Muhammad (peace be upon him) was chosen
by God to deliver His Message of Peace, namely Islam. He was born in 570 C.E.
(Common Era) in Makkah (Mecca), Arabia. He was entrusted with the Message of
Islam at the age of forty. The revelation that he received is called the
Qur'an, while the message is called Islam.
Muhammad (pbuh) is the
very last Prophet of God to mankind. He is the final Messenger of God. He was
sent to inform mankind of the true mission of Isa (Jesus), Musa (Moses), Daud
(David), Yaaqub (Jacob), Ishak (Isaac) and Ibrahim (Abraham).
Muhammad (pbuh) is
considered to be the seal (last) of all the prophets and messengers that came
before him. He was entrusted with the power of explaining, interpreting and
living the teachings of the Qur'an, the final message from God for all
humanity.
The Muslims' belief system comprises the
following six articles of Iman (faith):
1.
Belief
in Allah (God)
A Muslim believes that Allah is the One and Only God, who is the Creator of the
Universe and the Sustainer of Life, and denies the existence of all other
claimants to divinity and supreme authority.
2.
Belief
in the Angels of Allah (God)
A Muslim believes in the existence of unseen beings, which are the creation of
Allah, designed for specific purposes. These beings are known as Angels. There
are Ten Angels mentioned in the Qur'an:
1.
Jibril, who conveys Allah's messages
to His prophets
2.
Mikail,who is entrusted with rain
and sustenance
3.
Israfil, who will sound the trumpet
on the Day of Judgement
4.
Izrail, who takes the soul of living
things
5.
Munkar
}
6.
Nakir
} who
question Man in his grave
7.
Raqib, who will record all good
deeds of Man
8.
Atid, who will record all evil
deeds of Man
9.
Malik, the Guardian of Hell
10.
Ridhuan, the Guardian of Paradise
3.
Belief
in the Messengers of Allah (God) A Muslim believes that Allah made among men
many prophets and messengers at various times and in many places throughout
history to guide men to the teachings of Allah. Among those who are named in
the Holy Qur'an are the following:
|
1) Adam |
13) Zulkifli (Ezekiel) |
|
|
2) Idris (Enoch) |
14) Shuaib |
|
|
3) Nuh (Noah) |
15) Musa (Moses) |
|
|
4) Hud |
16) Harun (Aaron) |
|
|
5) Salih |
17) Daud (David) |
|
|
6) Ibrahim (Abraham) |
18) Sulaiman (Solomon) |
|
|
7) Lut (Lot) |
19) Elias |
|
|
8) Ismail (Ishmael) |
20) Al-Yas'a (Elisha) |
|
|
9) Ishaq (Isaac) |
21) Yunus (Jonah) |
|
|
10) Ya'qub (Jacob) |
22) Zakaria (Zechariah) |
|
|
11) Yusuf (Joseph) |
23) Yahya (John the Baptist) |
|
|
12) Ayub (Job) |
24) Isa (Jesus) |
|
|
|
|
25) Muhammad |
4.
Belief
in the Books of Allah (God) A Muslim believes that Allah's Will is revealed to the
Prophets through the Angel, Jibril. These revelations were subsequently
compiled into books. Among the books were: Taurat, revealed to the Prophet Musa
Injil, revealed to the Prophet Isa Zabur, revealed to the Prophet Daud Quran,
revealed to the Prophet Muhammad
5.
Belief
in the Day of Judgement A Muslim believes in the Last Day which is: The day in
which all life on earth will cease to exist, when everything will be destroyed.
Afterwhich, the Day of Resurrection will take place. Both these events have been
predicted in the Holy Quran. On the appointed day, everything and everyone on
earth will perish. All of mankind will be brought back to life again on the Day
of Resurrection to appear before Allah and await His final judgement. Mankind
will be judged upon the actions they have made throughout their lives on Earth.
Those who lived good lives will be rewarded and punishment awaits those who
have been evil.
6.
Belief
that Allah (God) has the power to determine one's Destiny A Muslim believes
that all that is good and bad emanates from Allah. Allah governs all our
actions, but a true believer will be thankful to Allah for all his good deeds
and expresses remorse over his bad actions.
A Muslim does not lose
hope when he encounters failure as he acknowledges that it is a test from
Allah. At the same time, a Muslim should not be overly proud or display
arrogance for his achievements as he believes that his success have been willed
by Allah and he should be first and foremost thankful to Allah.
Muslims
have three distinct sources to advise them on Islam as their way of life:
The Holy Qur'an
The Holy Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the
7th century of the common era. After 1,400 years, it remains authentic in its
original Arabic text and is still used and understood by millions of people in
the world today. The Qu'ran is a timeless guide to Allah's teachings and
commandments which encompasses all place and sphere of human life.
The Sunnah (Tradition)
of The Prophet
The Sunnah (Tradition) of the Prophet Muhammad shows how he exemplified the
teachings and commandments of God into practice, and elaborated on the
principles laid down in the Qur'an to provide a true guide of their
interpretation which is applicable for adaptation to a future time and society.
Shari'ah (The Islamic
Law)
The Shari'ah sets out the way of worship prescribed in the Qur'an and the
Prophet's practices. It goes beyond the common understanding of worship as the
performance of religious rituals and encompasses the human life, either
privately or in public.
Muslims are enjoined
to organise their lives on the basis of a series of ritual acts of worship
which are ordained in the Qur'an as ways to constantly endear mankind to God,
accepting His Sovereignty and pledging to obey His commandments:
Declaration of belief
(Shahada)
This is the initial act of faith, expressed in a simple creed. It testifies
one's commitment to follow the straight path of God's guidance upon which
Muslims seek to live their lives:
"I bear witness that
there is no god but Allah;" "I bear witness that Muhammad is His
servant and His prophet."
Prayer (Salat)
Muslims pray five times a day. In addition, they also perform non-obligatory
complimentary prayers. These prayers have the effect of disciplining the
faithful and help them to tread the path of righteousness and to restrain from
indecency and evil. By doing so, a believer is drawn closer to Allah.
Purification of wealth
(Zakat)
This act requires the annual donation of a fixed amount of excess personal
assets for the benefit of the poor, the incapacitated, the deprived, and the
welfare of the community. It serves to remind Muslims that all that is good
comes from the bounty of God, and is enjoyed only by His mercy. Sharing becomes
an act of purification for the giver whose soul is disciplined against greed by
the virtue of putting others before himself.
Fasting (Sawm)
Fasting is observed throughout the daylight hours of the 29 or 30 days of the
Islamic month of Ramadan. It involves abstinence from eating, drinking, smoking
and marital intercourse. This reminds Muslims of their dependence upon Allah,
as well as their kinship with, and responsibility for the millions of human
beings in the world who experience involuntary fasting because of the lack of
provisions, or their unjust distribution.
During the month of
Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to perform special terawih prayers in the
mosques in congregation. They are also encouraged to perform as many good
deeds, acts of charity and prayers as possible as Allah had promised greater
rewards during this special month.
Pilgrimage (Haj)
All Muslims should perform this act of worship at least once in a lifetime, if
personal circumstances permit. The haj gathers the believers as members of the
diverse human family into a single community. From all walks of life, from all
trades and classes, and from every corner of the globe, Muslims assemble at
Makkah (Mecca) in response to Godıs call. They dress in the same simple way,
observe the same regulations and utter the same supplications at the same time
in the same way. During the haj, they are to maintain high standards of manners
and ethics, avoid quarrel and discord and strengthen their ties with one
another.
The pilgrims perform
prescribed acts of worship at the Holy House of the Kaaıba in Makkah (Mecca)
which, according to the Qurıan, was originally built by the Prophet Ibrahim
(Abraham) and his son, Ismail (Ishmael); and at Mount Arafat where they
remember the original way of life of Adam, the first human created by Allah.
The ritual is a
reminder of the Grand Assembly on the Day of Judgement when people will stand
equal before God, waiting for the Final Destiny, and where no superiority to
race or stock can be claimed.
Each of the above
prescribed acts of worship bring Muslims daily and repeatedly before God.
Living in peaceful
harmony
Islam emphasises not only the importance of relationship between man and Allah
but also the relationship with his fellow human beings. It is only with his
love for Allah that a Muslim would be able to love mankind. Thus, a Muslim
strives to live peacefully with all those around him, sincerely care and
respect his parents, his family, his friends, his neighbours, the poor and the
well-being of the community, the environment and the entire universe.
We hope that you have
gained from what we have to share here about Islam. It is important for all of
us, irregardless of race or religion, to understand and respect one anotherıs
beliefs so that we can live peacefully together in this World.
What are the common
Islamic Customs?
Islamic customs are comprehensive codes of life covering almost every aspect of
personal and social behaviour. They are not merely rules of courtesy for
various occasions but cover the whole range of human relations from the
simplest actions to the most elaborate of social occasions.
Forms of Greeting in
Islam
To another Muslim person :
'Assalamualaikum' (Peace be
upon you)
'Wa Rahmatullah' (and the Mercy of Allah)
'Wabarakatuh' (and His Blessings)
The answer to it is :
'Wa'alaikum Salam' (Peace be on you, too)
'Warahmatullah' 'Wabarakatuh'
Common Islamic
Expression In Islam, every good act is to begin in the name of Allah, by
saying: 'Bismillahir Rahmaanir Rahim' (In the name of Allah, Most Gracious,
Most Merciful)
Cleanliness
"Hygiene and cleanliness is half of the faith" said the Prophet
(pbuh)
Hygiene and
cleanliness of body is a pre-requisite for prayers. Prophet (pbuh) enjoined a
very high standard of personal hygiene and appearance.
Cleanliness in Islam
also encompasses more than just physical and environmental cleanliness. Islam exhorts
that every sphere of human activity be clean and free from defilement.
Islamic Code of
Dressing
Islam has prescribed a decent and proper dress code. Muslims are encouraged to
wear clothings which provide dignity and modesty. For Muslim women it is also
necessary that they are dressed fully covered with the exception of the face
and the hands.
There are different
varieties of costumes used by Muslims in different parts of the world.
Certainly climatic conditions and local customs play and important part in
determining the clothing styles of Muslims.
Dietary Rules (Halal
and Haram food)
Muslim commonly use two terms to describe food - "halal" and
"haram". "Halal" is an Arabic word which means permitted or
lawful. "Haram" means forbidden or unlawful. Haram foods must not be
eaten by Muslims.
All diets and food are
considered to be halal unless they are specified or mentioned in the Holy Quran
or Hadith (Traditions of Prophet Mohammad) as non-halal. Muslims are enjoined
to not only consume food which is halal but at the same time, food which is
good in terms of its nutritional value. Having a balanced diet is also highly
encouraged in Islam.
Finally, it should be
stated that Islam is a way of life. What is permissible in the Islamic diet far
outweighs what has been prohibited for health reasons and for this reason it
should be seen as a liberating principle, rather than a restrictive set of
rules.
Social
Conduct
Social life is encouraged in Islam in widening the circle of acquaintances and
relations. For instance, the weekly Friday prayers which is obligatory upon
every Muslim male, with certain exceptions, provides the opportunity for the
congregation to meet others and for those who already know each other to strengthen
their ties. Besides strengthening the social bond, Muslims are encouraged to
meet each other to avoid the psychological consequences of social isolation.
There are, however,
certain rules and etiquettes in the Islamic way of socialising which among others
include the following:
·
When Visiting Others
A Muslim does not enter another's property (eg. house or room) without getting
permission from the occupant, even if the occupant is very close to him.
The way of asking
permission to enter is by saying, 'Assalaamualaikum, may I enter?'. The request
to enter if permission is not granted, may be repeated three times. If
permission is still not granted, then the visitor should leave.
·
When
Receiving Guests
When a guest comes to visit, it is the duty of the host, if he is able, to be
hospitable and generous by offering him food and drink. If a guest arrives
unexpectedly, it is a Muslim's duty to see that he is adequately cared for.
·
When
Visiting The Sick
Among the social duties of a Muslim towards others is to visit them when they
become sick. Visiting the sick is one of the ways to express concern and care
for them and at the same time, strengthen and develop social relations. When
visiting the sick, the visitor should try to put hope and optimism into their
hearts. He or she should encourage the sick to accept the illness with full
patience and pray for the recovery of the patient.
·
Celebrations
Islam has two major festivals a year, one at the end of the month of fasting
known as "Aidilfitri" (Hari Raya Puasa) and the other towards the end
of the Pilgrimage period when all those who do not attend the Pilgrimage
celebrate a Festival of Sacrifice known as "Aidiladha" (Hari Raya
Haji).
Muslim festivals are
occasions for prayer, social greetings and reunions.
·
Aidilfitri
The festival of the Aidilfitri marks the end of the fast. On that day, the
community offers special congregational prayer. It is customary to visit one's
friends and relatives, all of whom participate in the joyous occasion. Children
receive gifts, new clothes and presents, while others exchange greetings and
wear their best clothes on this festive day.
It is the obligation
of every Muslim who is not poor to give charity to the poorer members of
society to enable them to enjoy the celebration in a decent manner. The
festival of the Aidilfitri is a time of thanksgiving to Allah to mark the end
of Ramadan, when Muslims able to fast observe the whole month seeking His
forgiveness.
Contrary to what many
non-Muslims think, Aidilfitri is not the New Year for Muslims. The New Year
falls on Muharram, two months after Aidilfitri.
·
Aidiladha
The Aidiladha occurs towards the end of the pilgrimage period (celebrated on
10th Dhul-Hijja). While Muslims in Makkah (Mecca) perform the haj, Muslims
throughout the world perform congregational prayer. They are encouraged to make
a sacrifice to God in the form of an animal and share its meat with the poor,
relatives and friends. The offering of the sacrifice is an annual celebration
to commemorate an occasion of Prophet Ibrahim's obedience to Allah. Prophet
Ibrahim was ordered to offer his son (Ismail) in sacrifice, an order which
father and son were ready to obey unquestioningly. But at the very last moment,
Allah commanded Prophet Ibrahim to stop the sacrifice and revealed that it was
a test of faith. Ismail's life was spared and ransomed by a ram. The offering
of the sacrifice is also an expression of thankfulness to Allah for His favours
and an affirmation of faith in Him.
·
Attending
Funerals (Death and Burials)
It is a duty of a Muslim community to arrange for a funeral upon the death of
another Muslim. Among others, things that should be observed by a Muslim
community are:
o
To
inform the deceased's relatives and friends.
o
Preparation
for the burial of the deceased by first bathing his/her body and shrouding it
with white cloth. This is followed by prayers and the burial of the deceased. n
Muslims are encouraged to follow and escort the deceased in the funeral
procession to the grave. Those who meet the procession are requested to stand
up.
It is also a Muslim's
duty to offer condolences, comfort and show sympathy to the bereaved. This
contributes to strengthening relationships within the Muslim community. One's
words should be chosen carefully to encourage the bereaved to accept God's
will.
While offering
condolence, speeches should be kept short and light. Jokes, laughing and
anything that may offend the bereaved family should be avoided.
It is forbidden for
the bereaved to express grief by wailing shrieking, beating the cheeks and
tearing hair, etc. However, silent weeping is allowed. It is the duty of a
Muslim to advise those who wail for the dead to stop
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