admin(continuation from the previous week)
11. What are the articles of faith in Islam?
In order for one to be a Muslim one must believe in the seven articles of faith, which are : (1) belief in the Oneness of God; (2) belief in the angels of God; (3) belief in the Divine revelations (Holy books); (4) belief in the Messengers of God; (5) belief in the Last Day (when this world will be brought to an end); (6) belief in the pre ordainment of all things by God Almighty (that God has full knowledge and control over all that occurs) and (7) belief in the resurrection and life hereafter.
12. What are the pillars of Islam?
The Pillars of Islam (arkan al-Islam) are five basic acts in Islam, considered obligatory for all Believers.
The Holy Qur’aan presents them as a framework for worship and a sign of commitment to the faith.
They are (1) the declaration of faith (shahaadahh); (3)fasting during the month of Ramadhaan (saum);(4) alms-giving/charity (zakah) to be given out annually, and (5) the pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj) at least once in a lifetime.
13. What is meant the Declaration of Faith?
The Shahaadahis the proclamation by a Believer of his/her belief in the Oneness of God Almighty and the belief in the Prophethood/Messengership of Muhammed (peace be upon him). The declaration is thus: “I testify that there no deity worthy of worship other than God alone (Allah) and I testify that Muham mad is the Messenger of God Almighty”.
This testament is the foundation for all other beliefs and practices in Islam.
The significance of this declaration is the belief that the only purpose of life is to serve and obey God Almighty, and this is achieved through the teachings and practices of His Last and Final Messenger to mankind – ProphetMuhammad (peace be upon him).
14. What is meant by the daily prayer – Salah?
Daily prayers, called ?alah, must be performed five times a day. Salah is intended to focus the mind on God Almighty, and is seen as a personal communication with Him that expresses gratitude and worship .
Each Salah (prayer) is composed of some units of bowing and prostration before The Almighty, coupled with recitation of passages from the Holy Qur’aan.
The five daily Salah are observed at a spread of times throughout the day starting with the first one just before sunrise; the Believer a break from the mundane matters of the worldly life at regular intervals during the day and provides him/her with the constant opportunity of direct communion with The Almighty as well as a regular power boost in terms of spirituality – throughout the day.
15. How do Muslims fast?
Fasting (Saum) is the abstinence from all food, drink and desires (among other things), from dawn to dusk, each day during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar – which is the month of Ramadhaan.
During Ramdhaan, Muslims get up early to have a pre-dawn meal, where after they will not have any food or drink throughout the day right through to sunset. It is only at sunset they will break the day’s fast.
16. Why do Muslims fast?
The fast is meant primarily to encourage a feeling of nearness to God Almighty and give Believers great spiritual upliftment.
During the fast Believers should express their gratitude for and dependence upon
The Almighty, atone for their past sins, and think of the needy.
The fast also provides the Believer the opportunity to “relax” and “cleanse” the digestive system which improves the general health and well-being.
Although fasting is beneficial to health, it is mainly a method of self-purification and self-restraint.
By cutting oneself from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person focuses on his or her purpose in life by constantly being aware of the presence of God.
17. What is meant alms-giving or Zakah ?
Zakah is giving a fixed portion of accumulated wealth by those who have been bestowed wealth by The Almighty, to help the less privileged in community and society.
It is considered a religious obligation (as opposed to voluntary charity) that the well-off owe to the needy because their wealth is seen as a “trust from God’s bounty”.
An important principle of Islam is that everything belongs to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust.
The word zakah means both “purification” and “growth.” Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need and for the society in general.
Like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth. Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakah individually.
This involves the annual payment of a fortieth (2 ½ %) of one’s nett savings at the end of each year.
(… to be continued next week)
For further information on Islam or a free copy of the Holy Qur’aan, please contact:
MajlisulUlama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars
Publications Department
P.O. Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare
Tel: 04-614078 / 614004, Fax : 04-614003
e-mail: [email protected]
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