Tuesday, April 22, 2008

How to Convert to Islam

The word “Muslim” means one who submits to the will of God, regardless of their race, nationality or ethnic background. Becoming a Muslim is a simple and easy process that requires no pre-requisites. One may convert alone in privacy, or he/she may do so in the presence of others.

If anyone has a real desire to be a Muslim and has full conviction and strong belief that Islam is the true religion of God, then, all one needs to do is pronounce the “Shahada”, the testimony of faith, without further delay. The “Shahada” is the first and most important of the five pillars of Islam.

With the pronunciation of this testimony, or “Shahada”, with sincere belief and conviction, one enters the fold of Islam.

Upon entering the fold of Islam purely for the Pleasure of God, all of one’s previous sins are forgiven, and one starts a new life of piety and righteousness. The Prophet said to a person who had placed the condition upon the Prophet in accepting Islam that God would forgive his sins:

“Do you not know that accepting Islam destroys all sins which come before it?” (Saheeh Muslim)

When one accepts Islam, they in essence repent from the ways and beliefs of their previous life. One need not be overburdened by sins committed before their acceptance. The person’s record is clean, and it is as if he was just born from his mother’s womb. One should try as much as possible to keep his records clean and strive to do as many good deeds as possible.

The Holy Quran and Hadeeth (prophetic sayings) both stress the importance of following Islam. God states:

“...The only religion in the sight of God is Islam...” (Quran 3:19)

In another verse of the Holy Quran, God states:

“If anyone desires a religion other than Islam, never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter, he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (their selves in the Hellfire).” (Quran 3:85)

In another saying, Muhammad, the Prophet of God, said:

“Whoever testifies that there in none worthy of being worshipped but God, Who has no partner, and that Muhammad is His slave and Prophet, and that Jesus is the Slave of God, His Prophet, and His word which He bestowed in Mary and a spirit created from Him; and that Paradise (Heaven) is true, and that the Hellfire is true, God will eventually admit him into Paradise, according to his deeds.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

The Prophet of God, may the blessing and mercy of God be upon him, also reported:

“Indeed God has forbidden to reside eternally in Hell the person who says: “I testify that none has the right to worship except Allah (God),’ seeking thereby the Face of God.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

The Declaration of the Testimony (Shahada)

To convert to Islam and become a Muslim a person needs to pronounce the below testimony with conviction and understanding its meaning:

I testify “La ilah illa Allah, Muhammad rasoolu Allah.”

The translation of which is:

“I testify that there is no true god (deity) but God (Allah), and that Muhammad is a Messenger (Prophet) of God.”

When someone pronounces the testimony with conviction, then he/she has become a Muslim. It can be done alone, but it is much better to be done with an adviser through the “Live Help” at top, so we may help you in pronouncing it right and to provide you with important resources for new Muslims.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Gathering engaged in Zikr

Abu hurairah RA and Abu Saeed RA both bore testimony to having heard from Rasulullah SAW, that the gathering engaged in Zikr of Almighty of Allah is surrounded by the angel on all sides, the grace of Allah and 'sakina' (peace and tranquillity) descend upon them, and Almighty Allah speaks about them, by way of appreciation, to His angels."

Important of Zikr

Rasulullah SAW said, "The contrast between a person who glorifies Almighty Allah and one who does not remember Him is like that between the living and the dead."

Missed Salat

Naufil bin Muawiyah RA narrates that he heard Rasulullah SAW saying, "A person who has missed one Salat is like one who has lost all his family and wealth."

Dont Neglect Salat

Abu Darda RA says, "My dear prophet SAW warned me saying, 'Do not ascribe anything as partner to Allah, though you may be cut into pieces or burnt alive or crucified; do not discard Salat intentionally, as Allah is free from any obligation to a person who knowingly neglects Salat; and do not take wine, for that is the key to all vices.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

No Such Thing As A Moderate Muslim - Dr. M

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today asked Muslims to do away with false assumptions when declaring themselves as moderate followers of Islam because the religion is indeed moderate.

The former prime minister said Muslims did not need to defend themselves as moderate or liberal Muslims as this gave a picture that were only partial followers of Islamic teachings while others (teachings) were deemed extreme.

"Islam is already a moderate religion...there is no need for us to show that were are more liberal Muslims than others. We are Muslims...period," he said when opening the 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Muslim Welfare Organisation of Malaysia (Perkim) here.

Dr Mahathir, who is also Perkim president, said that even if some Muslims were labelled extremists, it was not because of the teachings of Islam but a lack of understanding of them or the religion being manipulated by irresponsible followers.

"There is nothing extreme about Islam if we follow its teachings as contained in the Quran," he said.

Dr Mahathir said the ummah (faithful) and Islamic nations must intensify efforts to dispel the notion held by many of Islam as being extreme, its followers ignorant, poor, do not know how to administer a country and are fond of asking for help from others.

He said that if the negative perception of Islam continued, it would adversely affect efforts to spread the religion as "no one would be interested to join a religion whose followers are seen as losers".

"People will only be attracted when there is a successful track record...as such only when Muslims become successful in all spheres or better than others in them can we successfully carry out effective missionary activities," he said.

According to Dr Mahathir, efforts must also be intensified to give a clear an correct picture that the religion was not an obstacle to progress.

"We must encourage followers who want to be successful and competitive. We should show that Islam does not stand in the way of followers who want to attain great achievements," he said.

Dr Mahathir said that there were also certain quarters in the country who claimed that Malays had converted to Islam during the time of Prophet Mohamad, some 1400 years ago when in fact they only did so about 600 to 700 years back.

"There are also many who recently converted (to Islam) but their faith is no less strong than longtime Muslims. In fact, new converts oftentimes show better faith than born Muslims," he said.

Touching on Palestine, Dr Mahathir said the conflict between the Jews and Muslims there was not because of religion but lands confiscated by the former.

"That is the main reason, not because Muslims and Jews cannot live together. History has proven that...this conflict is because Muslims lost their homes and lands," added Dr Mahathir.

-- BERNAMA

Read More>>

Friday, March 7, 2008

Devotion to Salat

Salat is the most important of all forms of worship. It is, in fact, the first and foremost item to be reckoned with on the day of Judgement. Rasulullah SAW is reported to have said:
"Salat is the only line of demarcation between Kufr and Islam."

Thursday, March 6, 2008

The vital importance of Propagation of Islam

There can be no doubt that the act of "amr bil ma'ruf wa nahi 'anil mungkar" is that solid pillar of Islam, on which each and every article of faith rests. It is for this very mission that Allah Ta'ala deputed all the Holy Prophets. If, unfortunately, it is ignored or forgotten and its methods and practices are given up, one has to say that very purpose of prophethood is totally defeated and rendered meaningless. Thereafter, the conscience, which is capital wealth of man, will wither and degenerate. Indolence and dullness of mind will prevail.

Jazakallahu Khair

Usama ibne Zaid RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said: If the recipient of a kindness says to his benefactor Jazakallhu Khair (may Allah give you a better reward), indeed he has fully praised and been thankful. (Tirmidhi)

Note: To pray in these words express that I am unable to give you a better reward for this. Thus, these words carry praise for the benefactors. (Maariful Hadith)

Salam

Anas R.A narrates that Rasulullah SAW said to me: Sonny! When you enter your home offer salam to your family. It will be a blessing for you and the inmates of your home. (Tirmidhi)

Monday, February 4, 2008

Islam in China

Islam in China

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Islam in China has a rich heritage. China has some of the oldest Muslim history, dating back to as early as 650, when the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad, Sa`ad ibn Abi Waqqas, was sent as an official envoy to Emperor Gaozong. Throughout the history of Islam in China, Chinese Muslims have influenced the course of Chinese history. Today, Islam is one of the largest religions in China.

Islam was first brought to China by an envoy sent by Uthman, the third Caliph, in 651, less than twenty years after the death of the Prophet Muhammad. The envoy was led by Sa`d ibn Abī Waqqās, the maternal uncle of the Prophet himself. Yung Wei, the Tang emperor who received the envoy then ordered the construction of the Memorial mosque in Canton, the first mosque in the country. It was during the Tang Dynasty that China had its golden day of cosmopolitan culture which helped the introduction of Islam. The first major Muslim settlements in China consisted of Arab and Persian merchants. In the region, the Hui Chi tribe accepted Islam, and the name was the beginnings of the reference to the huihui or the Hui as they are know today.Read more>>

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Famous Convert To Islam

Islam is currently the fasting growing religion in America whose adherents hail from every race and ethnicity. In the United States, where Muslims number over six million, the Islamic faith has in many estimates surpassed Judaism and is believed to be the second largest religion in America after Christianity. According to one report, the Muslim population in America is said to be larger than that of the Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Methodists, and the Mormons. American Muslims outnumber Christian Scientists, Unitarians, Seventh-day Adventists, Quakers, Mennonites, and Jehovah's Witnesses combined.

The conversion rate among Americans is estimated to be at 135,000 per year, with African-Americans making up the largest group of converts followed by American women, as well as a significant number coming from the Latino community. During the Gulf War alone, it was reported that approximately 3,000 Americans converted to Islam.

Islam is also the fastest growing religion in the world and has an estimated 1.2 billion adherents throughout the globe. But who are the faces and personalities behind these converts to Islam? Khadija, wife of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), was the first to convert to Islam. Some of the more well-known converts to Islam from more recent times are the following..Read More>>

The Rights of Non-Muslims in Islam : Non-Muslim Residents

There is much talk these days about the allowance Islam gives to the existence of other religions in the world. Some of the opinion that Islam orders that Muslims fight the world until everyone becomes Muslim, creating ill feelings without actually knowing what the religion actually says in this regard, much more the existence of non-Muslims within an Islamic country.

In terms of residence within Muslim society, non-Muslims are classified into three types. To understand these types will deepen one’s understanding of the relationship between Muslims and peoples of other faith in an Islamic society:

Classification of Non-Muslims

A. Permanent Residents

Muslim jurists use the term ‘ People of the Covenant ’ (Arabic ‘dhimmi’ or ‘Ahl ul-Dhimma’ ) to refer to non-Muslim residents. It is not a derogatory term, as some have made it seem. In Arabic language the word ‘dhimma’ means a treaty of protection for non-Muslims living in Muslim territory. A similar term, ‘Ahl ul-Dhimma’ , means ‘People of the Covenant ,’ because they are protected under the covenant extended to them by Prophet Muhammad and the Muslims.[1] Non-Muslims are guaranteed protection in the Muslim society as long as they pay a head tax and abide by the specific legislations mentioned in Islamic Law. This covenant of protection is not limited to a specific duration; rather, stays in effect as long as those with whom the covenant is made abide by its conditions.[2] The good intent behind the term ‘dhimmi’ can be seen in the letter written by the Caliph Abu Bakr as-Siddiq[3] to the non-Muslims of Najran:

‘In the Name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful. This is the written statement of God’s slave Abu Bakr, the successor of Muhammad, the Prophet and Messenger of God. He affirms for you the rights of a protected neighbor, in yourselves, your lands, your religious community, your wealth, retainers, and servants, those of you who are present or abroad, your bishops and monks, and monasteries, and all that you own, be it great or small. You shall not be deprived of any of it, and shall have full control over it…’Read More>>>

Russian Muslim Women Win Headscarves Case

Walking around bareheaded among men is a great disgrace for Muslim women
The Russian Federation Supreme Court has upheld an appeal by ten Muslim women from the republic of Tatarstan and cancelled a decree from the Russian Interior Ministry, which had prohibited wearing headdresses in passport photographs, Interfax reports.More News>>

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Virtue of Wudu (Ablution)

Allah SWT says: O you who believe! When you rise to (perform) Salat, wash your faces and your fore arms to the elbows, and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to (including) the ankles.
Al-Maidah 5:6

Allah SWT says: And Allah loves those who purify themselves. (Tawbah 9:108)

Abu Hurairah RA narrates: I heard Rasulullah SAW saying: My Ummah will called on the Day of Resurrection with their limbs and faces shining from traces of Wudu. So whoever amongst you can increase the area of his radiance should do so (i.e. by performing Wudu regularly). (Bukhari)
Note: Meaning that Wudu should be performed throughly with such care that no part of the skin should remain dry. (Mazahir Haque)

Uthman ibne Affan RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said: Anyone who performs Wudu and excellently (meaning thereby to carefully observe all the etiquettes), his sins will come out from his body, even coming out from under his nails. (Muslim)
Note: The opinion of majority of the scholars is that minor sins, are forgiven by Allah through Wudu , Salat and other forms of worship. The major sins, are forgiven by Istigfar (seeking forgiveness) and Taubah (turning towards Allah with repentance). However, Allah by His bountiful Grace, may even forgive the major sins by virtue of above deeds (Nawawi)

virtue of salat in jammah congregation

Allah SWT says: And establish salat and give Zakat; and bow with those who bow in worship (i.e. pray in congregation) (al-baqarah 2:43)

Abu Hurarirah RA narrated that Nabi SAW said: The muadhdhin will receive forgiveness to the distance to which his voice reaches. All living and non-living things shall bear witness for him on the Day of Resurrection. He, who attends salat in congregation, for him is written the reward of twenty five salat, and it becomes an atonement for his sins between two Salat. (Abu Dawud)
Note: According to some Scholars the reward of twenty-five Salat is for the muadhdhin, and he gets forgiveness of his sins from the previous Adhan to this Adhan. (Badhl-ul-Majhud)

Ibne Umar RA narrates that Nabi SAW said: He who calls the Adhan for twelve years, Paradise is guaranteed for him and sixty blessings will be recorded for every adhan, thirty blessings will be recorded for every Iqamah. (Mustadrak Hakim)

Friday, January 25, 2008

Rasulullah's Journey to Taif

For nine years, since his selection by Allah for His mission, Rasulullah SAW had been delivering the message of Allah in Makkah and making all out efforts to guide and reform his community. Excepting a few persons who had either embraced Islam or who helped him, though not accepting his creed, all the rest in Makkah left no stone unturned in persecuting and deriding him and his followers. His uncle Abu Talib was one of those good-hearted people who helped him, in spite of his not entering the fold of Islam. The following years, on the death of Abu Talib, the Quresh got a free hand and therefore accelerated their sinister activities without check and hindrance. At Taif, the second biggest town of Hijaz, there lived Banu Thaqif-a clan strong in number. Rasulullah SAW left for Taif in the hope of winning them over to Islam, thus giving quarter to Muslim from the persecution of the Quresh, and also establishing a base for the future propagation of Islam. On reaching Taif he visited the three chieftains of the clan separately, and placed before each of them the message of Allah, and called upon him to stand by his (Prophet's) side.Instead of accepting his message, they refused even to listen to him and, notwithstanding the proverbial Arab hospitality, each of them treated him most contemptuously and rudely. They plainly told him that they did not like his stay in their town. The Prophet SAW had expected a civil, even a cordial treatment and due courtesy in speech from them, as they were the heads of the clan. But one of them sneered: "Hey, Allah has made you a Prophet!", The other exclaimed with derision : "Could Allah not lay His hand on anyone else, other than you, to make His Prophet?",The third one gibed at Him: "I do not want to talk to you, for if you are in fact a Prophet, then to oppose you is to invite trouble, and if you, only pretend to be one, why should i talk with an imposter?"
Rasulullah SAW, who was a rock of steadfastness and perseverance, did not lose heart over the rebuft from the cheftains, and tried to approach the common people; but nobody would listen to him. Instead they asked him to clear off from their town and go wherever else he liked. When he realised that further efforts were in vain, he decided to leave the town. But they would not let him depart in peace, and set the street urchins after him, to hiss, to hoot, to jeer at, and to stone him. He was so much pelted with stones that his body was covered with blood, and shoes were clogged to his ffet. He left the town in this woeful plight. When he was far out of the town, and safe from rabble, he prayed to Allah thus: "o, my Allah! To Thee I complain of the feebleness of my strength, of my lack of resources and my being unimportant in the eyes of people. O, most Merciful of all those capable of showing mercy! Thou art the Lord of the weak, and Thou art my own Lord. To whom art Thou entrust me; to an unsympathetic foe who should sullenly frown at me, or to an alien to whom Thou has given control over my affair? Not in the least do I care for anything except that I may Thy protection for myself. I seek shelter in Your light-the light which iluminates the Heavens and dispels all sort of darkness, and which controls all affairs in this world as well as in the Hereafter. Mat it never be that I should incur Thy wrath, or that Thou should be displeased with me. I must remove the cause of Thy displeasure till Thou art pleased. There is no strength nor power but through Thee." The heaven were moved by the prayer, and Jirail AS appaered before Rasulullah SAW, greeting him with Assalamo alaikum and said: "Allah knows all that has passed between you and these people. He has deputed an angel incharge of the mountains to be at your command." Saying this, Jibrail AS ushered the angel before Rasulullah. The angel greeted Rasulullah SAW and said: "O, Prophet of Allah! I am at your service. If you wish, I can cause the mountains overlooking this town on both sides to collide with each other, so that all the people therein would be crushed to death, or you may suggest any other punishment for them." The merciful and noble Prophet SAW said: "Even if these people do not accept Islam, I do hope from Allah that there will be persons from among their progeny who would worship Allah and serve His cause." Behold the conduct of our noble Prophet SAW, whom we profess to follow! We get so much irritated over a little trouble or a mere abuse from somebody that we kept on torturing and taking our revenge throughout our lives in every possible manner. Does it become people who claim to follow the magnanimous prophet SAW? Look, even after so much suffering at the hands of the Taif mob, he neither curses them nor does he work for any revenge, even when he has the full opportunity to do so.

virtue of salat

Allah SWT says: Verily Salat restrains (oneself) from immorality and all that is forbidden. (al-ankabut 29:45)

Allah SWT says: Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds, and establish Salat and give Zakat; their reward is with their Rabb (Sustainer &Cherisher), and neither fear shall come upon them, nor will they grieve (al-baqarah 2:277)

Allah SWT said to His prophet SAW: Perform salat from midday till the darkness of the night (i.e. Zuhr, 'Asr, Maghrib and 'Isha prayers) and recite the Quran in the early dawn (i.e. the morning prayer). Verily, the recitation of the Quran in the early dawn is witnessed (by angels) (al-isra 17:78)

Allah SWT says: O you who believe! When the Adhan is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah (Friday), then hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave all trading (and other engagements) aside. That is better for you, if you but knew. (al-jumu'ah 62:9)

Abdullah Ibne Umar RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said: Islam has been built upon five pillar: 1) To testify that none is worthy of worship but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, 2) to establish Salat, 3) to give zakat, 4) to perform Hajj, and 5) to fast (Saum) in the Ramadhan. (bukhari)

Jabir ibne Umar RA narrates that Nabi SAW said: The key to paradise is Salat and the key to Salat is Wudu. (Musnad Ahmad)

virtues of kalimah Lailaha illallah

Virtues of Kalimah Tayyibah

Abu Hurairah R.A narrates that Rasulullah SAW said: Iman (faith) has more than seventy branches; the superiormost one is saying La ilaha illallah (there is none worthy worship except Allah); and the inferior most is the removal of an obstacles from the way; and Haya is a branch of iman. (Muslim)

Note: The essence of Haya is that it restrains a man from evil and prevents a man from neglecting the obligations that he owes to others. (Riyad-us-salihin)

Abu Bakr RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said: He who accepts from me the Kalimah, which I presented to my uncle (Abu Talib at the time of his death) and he rejected it, this will be means for his salvations. (Musnad Ahmad)

Abu Hurairah RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said: Whenever a slave (of Allah) says La ilaha illallah sincerely, the doors of the skies are opened (for it to ascend) until it reaches the Arsh (Throne of Allah, and is readily accepted) provided he abstains from major sins. (Tirmidhi)

Note: To say sincerely means that it is free from pretence and hypocrisy. Abstaining from major sins ensures its rapid acceptance, and even if it recited without abstaining from major sins, it is still beneficial and rewarding. (Mirqat-ul-Mafatih)

Abu Hurairah RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said: He who says La ilaha illallah, it shall benefit him (be means for salvation) though before that he may be afflicted by what (punishment) is to befall him. (Bazzar,Tabarani,Targhib)

Umar RA narrates Nabi SAW said: O son of Khattab! Go and announce amongst the people that indeed none shall enter paradise except the Mu’minun (believers). (Muslim)

Anas RA narrates: I heard Nabi SAW saying: When the Day of Resurrection will take place, I will be allowed intercession, so I will say: O my Rabb! Send to paradise whoever had in their hearts a mustard seed of Iman (Allah SWT will accept my intercession), so they will enter Paradise. Then, I will say: Send to Paradise whoever had in his heart the smallest particle (of Iman). (Bukhari)