Tauheed (Monotheism)

Those who believe in hidden things (are on the right path).

(Surah: Al-Baqarah, Verse: 3)

Act Upon Only The Holy Quran And The Sunnah:

The holy prophet Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam in his revered words underlines as:

I am leaving behind in your midst two things in the presence of which you will never go astray, the book of Allah (Al-Quran) and my Sunnah.

(Rawah Al-Hakim Saheeh; Saheeh Al-Jami-us-Sagheer Al-Bani Part I, Page: 566)

Love Allah The Most:

Allah declares: The believers love their Allah the most.
(Surah: Al-Baqarah, Verse: 165)

Of All The Human Beings to Love The Holy Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam, The Most:

The holy prophet Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam affirms:

None of you can be a true Muslim; unless and until "I am dearer to him than his father, his son, and rest of the people.
(Hadees: Saheeh Bukhari Kitab-ul- Iemaan and Saheeh Muslim, Kitab-ul- Iemaan)

To Love Each Other Amongst Yourselves:

The holy prophet Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam affirms:

You cannot enter into the Heavens unless and until you enter into the folds of Islam; and you cannot enter into the folds of Islam till you do not love each other amongst yourselves.
(Saheeh Muslim Kitab-ul-Iemaan)

What You Like For Yourself, Like The Same For Your Muslim Brother:

The holy prophet Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam expresses in his sacred words as under:

None of you can be a true Muslim, unless he likes the same thing for himself and his brother.
(Saheeh Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Iemaan Saheeh Muslim, Kitab-ul-Iemaan)

Not To Annoy And Vex Your Neighbour:

The holy prophet Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam affirms:

I swear in the name of Allah, one cannot be a true muslim; Swear in the name of Allah one cannot be a true Muslim; swear in the name of Allah one cannot be a true Muslim: The honoured companions æ asked! O, prophet of Allah: Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam Who? The prophet of Allah affirmed. That man, whose neighbour is not in protection from his evils.
(Saheeh Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Adab)

Resolve All The Disputes In Accordance With The Command And Directives of The Holy Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam:

The Almighty declares:

If you have a dispute in any matter, then refer it to Allah and His messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day.
(Surah: An-Nisa, Verse: 59)

It is established from this verse that if a person does not go for a decision in case of a dispute, in conformity with commands and directives of Allah and His prophet Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam, (Al-Quran and Hadees) and refers the matter to some other authority; then he neither believes in Allah nor the Last Day. This simply means that leaving aside the Holy Quran and Sunnah and referring to verdicts pronounced by religious scholars representing various sects, is not the lawful approach and the person involved in all this is not a Muslim in true sense of the word.

To Uphold Only The Divine Law In Supremacy:

Allah declares:

For the believers, no command can be better but Allah's.
(Surah: Al-Maidah, Verse: 50)

To Create Fear In The Heart With The Remembrance of Allah: Get Stronger Inspiration With The Recitation of Holy Verses For Purifying And Meeting Demands of Faith, And Have All The Trust In Allah:

Allah declares:

Those are the true believers, whose hearts tremble in fear when is remembrance of Allah, and when His verses are recited their faith becomes stronger and they trust in their Allah.
(Surah: Al-Anfal, Verse: 2)

Not To Loose Heart From Allah's Blessings:

Allah declares:

No body loses hope from Allah's Mercy (The most Magnificent and the most glorified) save the infidels.
(Surah: Yousuf, Verse: 87)

To Bow The Head Down In Total Submission Whenever Called Upon Towards The Commands of Allah And His Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam:

Allah declares:

Whenever the believers are called upon towards Allah and His prophet, Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam so that He may give a verdict amongst them, they only say as: We have listened and submit in obedience. And such are the people to live in happiness.
(Surah: Al-Noor, Verse: 51)

Not To Have Friendship With Foes of Allah and His Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam:

Allah declares:

You will come across no such people, who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and still they have friendship with foes of Allah and his messenger, even if they happen to be their father, son and relations. And these are the people whose hearts have been sealed off with faith (By Allah)
(Surah: Al-Mujadilah, Verse: 22)

Not To Cause Damage or Harm to The Lives And Goods of The People:

The hadith of the holy prophet Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam, is narrated as under:

A true Muslim is one from whom people's lives and goods are in protection.
(Rawah An-Nasai Fe Kitab Al-Iemaan and Rawah Al-Tirmizi Fe Abwaab Al-Iemaan-un-Abi Huraira, Saheeh: 2/233)

Be A Well-Wisher of Allah, Allah's Prophet, His Book, All The Muslims And Their Leader:

In the revered words of the holy prophet Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam religion (is the name) of goodness and welfare. The honoured companions æ asked, O, prophet Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam of Allah, whose welfare? Replied the holy prophet Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam of Allah, His book, His prophet, the heads of Muslims and the Muslims in general.
(Saheeh Muslim)

 The Philosophy of "Prayers": Salat:

'Salat' (Prayers: Namaz) is a very distinctive divine command of Islam. It is distinctive because it is binding under all the circumstances. You may be at home or undertaking a journey, in health or sickness, in peace or at war, what ever the situation may be, there is no exemption or relaxation. 'salat' has to be offered.

After embracing Islam, this is the commandment of foremost significance, as in the world hereafter too, salat will be the first thing to be interrogated and accounted for. From the moment it becomes obligatory, one has to offer prayers at all times: there is no concession, no escape, it has to be offered for the whole life.

Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam, The moment these few words are recited by a person, he is invited towards salat. This is the first Commandment which has to be obeyed, and refusal to submit this very first command by any one will mean he never believed in Islam from the core of his heart; In other words as if he never accepted Islam.

According to the revered saying of the holy prophet Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam:

Indeed! The line of demarcation between man (Momin) and polytheism and blasphemy, is forsaking (this is the difference) of salat.
(Saheeh Muslim, Vol: 1, Page: 49)

So it is explicitly evident that salat is something, the forsaker of which goes back to the group, in which he was before entering into the folds of Islam. In other words his becoming a muslim carries no weight what so ever. Disobedience to the very first command of the Supreme Lord (Allah) simply means that the man did not accept the Creator as his absolute Lord. Instead he gave preference to himself and his desire over the command of Allah, and as such became a slave to his own self, not that of Allah. And it is for this reason that the forsaking of salat has been termed as polytheism.

In the light of revered saying of the holy prophet: (Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) forsaking of salat takes one to a position of sure and certain polytheism and blasphemy. This statement is a clear indication that there is certainly a mystery, a philosophy, a force, an institution for training, contained in salat, which is necessary for happiness and success in this world and the world hereafter. Without the institution of salat, neither in this world one could live in true joy and happiness, nor could aspire for an abode in the heavens. So Islam and salat are integral parts of each other, and the foremost identification of a muslim is that he offers prayers regularly and constantly.

Faith (Iemaan) and good and virtuous deeds alone will account for absolution in the life hereafter. Salat is itself both, the faith and the virtue. It will be highly appropriate to call 'Salat' as "Mother of Virtues". Salat is the first virtuous deed, which goes on till the life ceases to exist. For the betterment and rectification and reform of both, the individual and the society, there could not be a better, less or rather inexpensive, educational or training system than 'salat'. If we could in true sense of word, appreciate and perceive the significance, advantage and the position of 'salat', then our entire life, including all the segments, will be adorned and decorated; and then we will live the way the life demands from us.

Allah declares:

No doubt! Salat restrains from vulgar and evil things.
(Surah: Ankaboot, Verse: 45)

The verse throws light on the objective and purpose of salat; the purpose being to educate and train the man in such a manner that evils like rudeness, bad manners, poor conduct, all are erased and he becomes a well mannered, well behaved, decent and well cultured person. There is attraction and beauty in his own self (internally) and in his personality. The philosophy through which the salat restrains from evils is also unique and wonderful. There are innumerable evils and vices in this world, and to train, educate and forbid one not to commit any one of them, may not be possible for any one. However, it is quite different in case of salat. In 'salat' there is such a dynamic and inspiring force, that the man on himself starts restraining from evils and vices. In 'salat' while offering prayers, all the lawful and just things become unlawful and unjust. Even there is no freedom of mind and thought, the eyes are under control, the tongue is locked (no talk is allowed), hands and legs too, except the movement of salat, cannot move on their own. Food and water (eating, drinking) is also prohibited. So in brief, many times in a day, man is given the training of restraining from lawful and just things, and the exercise is repeated again and again. So when a man's body, mind and mental approach are trained to restrain from doing things otherwise just and lawful, then his mind develops and inculcates, within himself, a capability, a force which checks and prevents him all the time, and it is very easy to keep away from the charms and beauty of evils and vices. More over in salat, the verses of the holy Quran are recited, which informs the prayer about the evils and vices. In this way the message is repeated again and again and helps a lot in guarding against the evils.

Salat is not only a source of absolution in the life hereafter but it is also extremely necessary for a good righteous life in this world. It imparts training regarding good and decent manners of the society. Rights and duties of an individual and the society as a whole, salat is an effective and important tool for making an individual's life beautiful and peaceful. It always keeps the concept intact and fresh that man is Allah's slave The moment the 'Muazzin' gives the call: and the words "Hayya Alal Falah" strike the ears, the steps, with fondness and pleasure, start moving towards the mosque. And this is the training that whenever there is a 'call' for a good and noble cause, leave every thing aside and respond to the call. Salat also emphasizes a lot about personal hygiene. For salat it is imperative that we keep ourselves neat and clean, and it is achieved by means of Wazoo and use of 'Miswak' for cleaning the teeth and mouth. This cleanliness and personal hygiene plays a leading role in keeping us hale and hearty, so salat is a guarantee for healthy mind and healthy body.

The training, education and the command for offering prayers together in congregation (Ba Jamaat) provide the very "base" for our social life. There is assembly of people, from the near by areas, five times in a day. Those who assemble have the same belief and faith: Theirs Allah is one, prophet one, book one, the 'Qibla' one: And then they all have 'One Purpose' also. This concept and philosophy of unity and oneness is a source of education and invitation for external unity. What happens while offering prayers? All together, irrespective of old or young, rich or poor, capitalist or the labour, ruler and the subject, stand in a row, with shoulder to shoulder and step to step, as if a lead fortified wall. 

While in prayers, there is neither some body's place reserved or specified in the row, nor any one could be removed or asked to change his place. Be the ruler or the subject, they stand together and the superior does not feel disgraced about it. Mahmood and Ayaz stand shoulder to shoulder (It is a symbolic expression of King Mahmood and his obedient servant Ayaz) The very sense of arrogance, haughtiness and vain vanity, is crushed and trampled over five times a day, making the mind and soul clean and purified. So this demonstration of our unity and union emphasizes the truth that we are one people, one Ummah. 

We are brother and friend to each other. Our aims and objectives, our gains and losses are common and shared by all. Just imagine and visualize, what would happen, if people of a locality with such thoughts and feelings offer their prayers together? Certainly this would make our days and nights, some thing real pleasant and peaceful, something to be proud of. And only then we will be in a position to truly appreciate and realize the significance and importance the system of salat has to play in our lives.

There could never be peace and happiness in a society, unless and until people living there in have been imbibed with the passion and feeling of listening and obeying. Offering of salat together in a congregation provides an opportunity for education in this important direction also. It does create and inculcate the passion for obedience, respect for Imam, leader, and reverence to seniors and elders. In an event of an omission or error by the 'Imam', he is not interrupted or questioned spontaneously or abruptly, as it amounts to disrespect and arrogance to elders. 

The respect and honour to 'Imam' demands that his error ought to be pointed out in a very decent and nice manner. If there is error in recitation, then the same verse may be recited correctly by some of the follower; if the error in other than that then the words ( ' ‚ ‰ ½    ž ž ½ ¦) ought to be said reasonably loud to hint the error; meaning that only Allah is absolutely pure from all errors; and it is man liable to commit errors. Is it not really an opportunity to ponder? What a beautiful way to rectify or amend the errors of our guide, leaders and the patriarch. If at all the 'Imam' does not rectify the pointed error, one is not allowed to leave, and part with the Jamaat (congregation) The error is rectified in accordance with the divine law when the "Salat Ba Jamaat" is over. In this way no room is left for any dissension and discord, which could strike the system of "Salat Ba Jamaat. This training and education has a great role to play in our social life as it will totally erase the disputes and discords arising out of misunderstandings and differences based on interpretations of certain propositions.

So salat mends, improves and adorns different walks of our lives. It serves as a platform, an institution for the training and education of an individual and the society as a whole. It restrains from immodesty, shamelessness and evils; teaches a lesson of practical equality; inculcates and develops qualities like, love, affection, kindness, unity, sacrifice and selflessness, rendering of obligations and guards from indolence and helps acquiring self-restraint by practice. Develops quickness and regularity and creates the passion for listening and obedience. So, the mind, thought and the self of the 'Praying person' are trained and educated with such a discipline and control that afterwards he spends his entire life in obedience to Allah. And if at all mistakes and blemishes are committed, the process of rectification goes on simultaneously in the presence of an on going system of training and education and as such there is no turmoil or disturbance in the society of permanent nature.

Now we are really in a position from where we can understand and appreciate the importance of salat, both, in this world and the world hereafter. However, all these benefits that is goodness in this world and the salvation in the world hereafter could only be destined when the prayers be offered according to the way and method prescribed by Allah.

The holy prophet (Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam), was "taught the way how to offer prayers" by Allah through Gabriel (Alaihi Salaam) Then the holy prophet Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam commanded his companions: "Offer prayers as you see me offer prayers"

But in spite of Allah's command and the emphasis stressed by His prophet (Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam), things deviated and differences appeared "In the way and method" of prayers. For a long time, after the death of the prophet (Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam), there was no change in the manner and method for offering the prayers. Both men and the women used to offer prayers in an identical manner. However, later on the difference erupted not only between men and women's manner but also amongst men themselves. This was just the beginning of deviation from the right and established way and manner and as a consequence every sect and class started offering prayers according to its own manner. Although the only, and the right manner was the manner as described and demonstrated by the holy prophet Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam.

Now naturally the question arises as what is the lawful or established manner according to Sunnah for offering prayers? As an authentic reply to the question this book is being offered.

In the beginning of the "Title salat" under the topic titled "Adaab-e-Salat", attention has been drawn towards all those shortcomings and inappropriate and undesirable things which are being committed in salat by us, consciously or otherwise, erasing the beauty and charm of salat. And in such a salat the heart and the mind are wide apart; there is no sense, feeling or the element of fear, one must have while standing in front of the Almighty Allah. There is no spiritualism at all, only the ritualism is there, withdrawing away the soul from the body. This is not all, such a salat, devoid of its true charm and beauty, creates an aversion for those who are looking at all these rituals. However, just little attention and effort on our part will reverse the picture, making our salat beautiful and charming.

In the beginning of the title, salat "The significance of salat" has also been included. It is earnestly hoped that the readers will derive full advantage of the topic.

 Zakat

Literally the word Zakat means to purify, and according to the terminology of Al-Quran and the hadith, it is that money, wealth, which is deposited in the "Bait-ul-Maal" of the Islamic state, every year, or at the time of ripening of the crop, according to a specific tariff. Zakat is paid as it is a divine command, and the command of Allah is carried only to win His pleasure and favor.

The wealth allocated for the Bait-ul-Maal is called as Zakat, since its paying makes the goods and wealth purified and holy.

Zakat is the third commandment of Islam. It has been excessively mentioned in the Holy Quran in conjunction with salat. If infidels claim to be Muslims and start offering salat, the war will continue against them, unless and until they agree to pay Zakat.

According to the command of Allah in Surah Taubah:

And, when the limit for peace or truce has expired and even the sacred months have passed; then slay the infidels wherever you find them. Capture them and besiege them; and ambush them at every opportune moment. And, Lo! If they repent from blasphemy, establish salat, and offer Zakat; then get aside from their way. (Do not be at war with them). Indeed Allah is the most Merciful, and the most Beneficent.
(Surah: Taubah, Verse: 5)

It is only after having paid the Zakat that one enjoys the fruits of Muslim brotherhood in an Islamic society.

Any one, who refuses to pay Zakat, cannot acquire the status of a religious brother (Deeni Brother)

Allah declares again in Surah Taubah:

(These infidels) express no consideration (regarding) Muslims neither to their relationship, nor their accord or promise; and it is they who have crossed (all the limits of justice and fairness) (O! The believers) if they seek penitence; establish salat and offer Zakat, then they are your brethren in Islam; (then do not offer any resistance to them); for those who know and understand, We are giving a detailed account of Our commands (So that there is no problem in grasping and understanding them)
(Surah: Taubah, Verse: 10,11)

It is clearly established from the quoted verses that reciting of Kalimah and offering of salat alone is not enough as a surety for protection against one's life, property and the cherished status of a brother in an Islamic society. For enjoying an amicable and dignified place and position for a Muslim, it is must and obligatory to pay Zakat.

In Islam, "Iman" is linked to faith (Belief), the salat to body, and the Zakat to wealth. Zakat provides the very basis for the economic and political system of Islam. The wealth accumulated through the system of Zakat is utilized for the preparations of armaments and the equipments for the war. It is the Zakat, which provides the support and strength to the economic system of the Muslims.

So, Zakat is not only a solid source and platform for establishing a firm Islamic state, but also a practical demonstration of justice, sympathy and Islamic brotherhood.

The Soum/Fasting

Literally the word "SOUM" means to "hold on" "stop", "refrain from".

In religious terminology it means to refrain from eating, drinking and inter course.
(Surah: Baqarah, Verse: 187)

Note: Sayaam is the plural of Soum.

FARZ SAYAAM: THE OBLIGATORY FASTING:

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is "FARZ" obligatory and binding; so who so ever, happens to be in the month of Ramadan, ought to observe fasting.
(Surah: Baqarah, Verse: 185)

VIRTUES AND BLESSINGS OF RAMADAN:

As the month of Ramadan arrives the doors of paradise, heavens and blessings are made open, while the doors of hell are shut and closed, and the disobedient and rebellious Shaitans are chained.
(Saheeh Muslim)

Ramadan is a month of blessings, and this is the month in which the holy Quran was revealed and alighted. And there is the night in this month, which is of great excellence, eminence, grandeur, peace and blessings. And this is the night more virtuous, blessed and blissful than thousand months.
(Surah: Baqarah, Verse: 185)

During this month, every night, a proclaimer gives a call, like this. O, the seeker of virtues be  blessed, and the seeker of evil refrain from doing so. This is the month during which every night the Almighty Allah sets at liberty a large number of people from hell.
(Tirmizi, Kitab-us-Soum, Sanad: Saheeh)

VIRTUES AND BLESSINGS OF SOUM (FASTING):

The Soum (fasting) is like a protecting shield. The odour coming from the mouth of the fasting man is better than the fragrance of musk for Allah. The Soum is purely and exclusively for Allah, and He alone will give its reward.
(Saheeh Bukhari)

In paradise, there is a door known as the "RAIYYAN", through which only the fasting ones will enter, none else.
(Saheeh Bukhari)

For every virtue, there is a reward, ranging from 10 to 700 times, except the Soum (Fasting) How much is the requital for Soum ? Only Allah knows the requital for Soum (fasting).
(Saheeh Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim)

There are two joyous moments for the (Saim) the fasting man, one when he breaks the fast, and the second, when he will have an audience with his Creator, the Supreme Lord.
(Saheeh Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim)

One who observed a fast for one day, for the sake of Allah, then Allah on account of that fast will keep him (his face) away from hell at a distance equivalent to a traveling of seventy (70) years.
(Saheeh Muslim)

Hajj

All The Commandments of Hajj Are Specific To Allah Only

(HAJJ: A Journey of Pilgrimage To Holy Kaaba In Makkah City)

Allah declares:

The Hajj of Kaaba, by the people for Allah, is a divine command.
(Surah: Aal-e-Imran, Verse: 97)

Perform the 'Hajj' and Umrah for Allah.
(Surah: Al-Baqarah, Verse: 196)

The above mentioned verses reveal beyond any doubt that paying a visit to any place, some one's house, a shrine save the house of Allah, as if undertaking a holy journey like 'Hajj' and 'Umrah', is polytheism. Paying a sacred visit to Allah's house is worship of Allah, and worship is devoted to Allah only.

Allah declares:

People, ought to make a circuit (Tawaaf) of this ancient house (Holy Kaaba) This is (Command of Allah), and he who holds sacred things of Allah in honour; so it is good for him in the sight of Allah. And the cattle are lawful for you, save which have been forbidden before. So shun the filth of idols and also shun speaking lies. Just turn to Him only and do not ascribe partners to Allah. And one who ascribes a partner to Him, is like one fallen from the sky, and then birds had snatched him or the wind blown him to a remote place. (This is Command of Allah) and one who holds these things consecrated to Allah, then it is indeed the piety of the hearts.
(Surah: Al-Hajj, Verses: 29 to 32)

There are specific salutations and respects for the signs and customs of Allah. Any one who offers these exclusive salutation and respects to a place (other than an appointed place of Allah) like the tomb of a saint is indulging in polytheism. Making a circuit of this ancient house of Allah, embracing its walls, giving a kiss to its one stone and touching the other stone with hands. Then performing "Sa'i" in between the hills of this house, staying in its near by valleys and grounds, offering sacrifice and performing "Rami" (Throwing pebbles), all these rituals are adoration of Allah. Performing such rites at any body's shrine is polytheism.

Allah declares:

O believers! Indeed the drinking (Wine, Spirituous liquor) gambling, graves of saints and divining arrows are filthy deeds of Shaitan. Keep yourselves away from these, so that you may live in happiness.
(Surah: Al-Maida)

It is established from the verse that to accord such respect and reverence, exclusively attributed for signs and customs of Allah, to graves of saints, is an act of Shaitan.
The holy prophet, SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam (Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam) affirms:

Allah may cast curse upon the Jews and the Christians, for they converted the graves of their prophets into mosques; (in a way) the holy prophet Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam, was warning from what the Jews and Christians had committed. Then he said:

"I forbid you to do that."
(Saheeh Muslim)

The holy prophet Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam prayed to Allah:

O Allah! Convert not my grave into an idol.
(From Abu Huraira)

The above Hadees proves clearly that graves must not be converted into mosques, neither offer prayers at the graves, nor worship them.