I would like to become a musilim

21- why do the Muslims bow down to the Ka'aba in Their Prayer?

why do the Muslims bow down to the Ka'aba in Their Prayer? When Islam is against idol worship why do the Muslims bow down to the Ka'abah in Their Prayer Kabah is the cubical structure in the city of Mecca, which Muslims face at the time of their prayers. Ka'abah is the Qiblah i.e. the direction Muslims face during their prayers. It is important to note that though Muslims face the Ka'abah during prayers, they do not worship the Ka'abah. Muslims worship and bow to none but Allah. It is mentioned in Surah Baqarah: "We see the turning of thy face (for guidance) to the heavens: now shall We turn thee to a Qiblah that shall please thee. Turn then thy face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque: wherever ye are, turn your faces in that direction." [Al-Qur'ân 2:144] 1. Islam believes in fostering unity For instance, if Muslims want to offer Salaah (Prayer), it is possible that some may wish to face north, while some may wish to face south. In order to unite Muslims in their worship of the One True God, Muslims, wherever they may be, are asked to face in only one direction i.e. towards the Ka'abah. If some Muslims live towards the west of the Ka'abah they face the east. Similarly if they live towards the east of the Ka'abah they face the west. 2. Ka'abah is at the Center of the World Map The Muslims were the first people to draw the map of the world. They drew the map with the south facing upwards and north downwards. The Kaaba was at the center. Later, western cartographers drew the map upside down with the north facing upwards and south downwards. Yet, Alhamdullilah the Ka'abah is at the center of the world map. 3. Tawaf around Ka'abah for indicating one God When the Muslims go to Masjid-e-Haram in Makkah, they perform tawaf or circumambulation round the Ka'abah. This act symbolizes the belief and worship of One God, since, just as every circle has one centre, so also there is only one Allah (swt) worthy of worship. 4. Hadith of Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) Regarding the black stone, hajr-e-aswad, there is a Hadeeth (tradition), attributed to the illustrious companion of the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh), Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). According to Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, book of Hajj, chapter 56, H.No. 675. Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "I know that you are a stone and can neither benefit nor harm. Had I not seen the Prophet (pbuh) touching (and kissing) you, I would never have touched (and kissed) you". 5. People stood on Ka'abah and gave the adhaan At the time of the Prophet, people even stood on the Ka'abah and gave the ‘adhaan’ or the call to prayer. One may ask those who allege that Muslims worship the Ka'abah; which idol worshipper stands on the idol he worships? 6. Which direction is Kabah? Muslims try to find out which direction the Kabah is, in order to face while performing their prayers. Yet if they were not sure which direction is it then they should pray to the direction where they would suppose to be the correct one. Had they been worshipping Kabah itself, it would be unrealistic that they would be allowed to do their prayers any way even though they are not facing the correct direction of Kabah. But because they worship God and not the Kabah, they are allowed to worship even if they did not know to which direction to turn, because there will always be…God; "It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces towards East or West; but it is righteousness- to believe in God and the Last Day, and…" The Holy Quran (2.177)

22- ما هو ضمان دخول الجنة في الإسلام؟

22- Warranty of entering Paradise in Islam

Warranty of entering Paradise in Islam This is an overview about salvation in Muslims' belief: Islam grants every sincere to Allah in worship and obedience till death, a firm warranty of entering Paradise . In holy Qur'an, Allah said " But those who believe (in the oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism)and do deeds of righteousness, we shall admit them to the Gardens under which rivers flow (i.e. in Paradise) to dwell therein forever. Allah's promise is the Truth, and whose words can be truer than Allah ?! (of course, none)" 4:122. And said " Paradise (Adn i.e. everlasting Gardens) which the most Beneficent has promised to His slaves in the unseen. Verily, His Promise must come to pass" 19:61." Say: (Is that better or the Paradise of Eternity promised to the Muttaqun (pious and righteous persons who fear Allah much and love Allah much)?) It will be theirs as a reward and as a final destination" 25:15." But those who fear Allah and keep their Lord (Allah), for them are built lofty rooms ; one above another under which rivers flow (i.e. Paradise). (This is) the Promise of Allah, and Allah does not fail in His promise" 39:20. He do said. Islam promised to deliver all those who believe in Allah and do righteous deeds. Allah said " Yes, but whoever submits his face (himself) to Allah (i.e. follows Allah's Religion of Islam Monotheism)and he is a Muhsin (good-doer i.e. performs good deeds totally for Allah's sake only without any show off or to gain praise or fame, etc, and in accordance with the Sunnah of Muhammad) then, his reward is with his Lord (Allah). On such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve." 2:112 . On the other side, Islam promised disbelievers and disobedients a firm lasting torment in Fire of Hell. Allah said " Allah has promised the hypocrites - men and women- and the disbelievers, the Fire of Hell, therein shall they abide. It will suffice them. Allah has cursed them and for them is the lasting torment" 9:68 ." But those who disbelieve (in the oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism), for them will be the Fire of Hell. Neither it will have a complete killing effect on them so that they die, nor shall its torment be lightened for them. Thus do We requite every disbeliever !" 35:36. Said Allah. And about disbelievers in the Day of Reckoning, Allah said " This is Hell which you were promised ! * Burn therein this Day, for that you used to disbelieve." 36, 37:63. So, Allah does not fail His promise to whomever. Also, Allah said about the dwellers of Paradise and dwellers of Fire: " And the dwellers of Paradise will call out to the dwellers of Fire (saying) : (We have indeed found true what our Lord had promised us; have you also found true what your Lord promised ?) They shall say: (Yes) Then a crier will proclaim between them: (The Curse of Allah is on the Zalimun (polytheists and wrongdoers, etc) " 7:44. Thus, everybody devotes his life to faith and obedience till death, he certainly wins Paradise. And every disbeliever and wrongdoer died while disbelief, he must be burnt into Hell. And for the wisdom and greatness of Islam, Mu'min (believer) should spend his all life fearing Allah much and hoping for His mercy, yet, he never become sure of getting the Paradise, as he never knows if he will die while his faith, added to this, his deceiving feeling of pride and glory. In the same time, he shouldn't be convinced in entering Fire -whatever he has done- because this is considered as a forbidden despair leading to giving up the hope of Allah's mercy. So, he does deeds of righteousness and hopes for the reward of Allah, and avoid sins fearing torment, and even if he sins, he turns to Allah in repentance asking for forgiveness, then Allah forgives all sins and verily pardons whomsoever repents. And if Mu'min fears that he didn't do enough good deeds, he goes on increasing them with fear and hope. Moreover, whatever righteous deeds he has done, he should never be free of worry, neither be conceited, otherwise, he will come to nothing. He just does right deeds, hopes, fears, then waits and sees. But all deed must be done for God sake, not for fame nor for self-interest, with no show off, no pride, nor despair. About Mu'mins, Allah said, " And those who give that (Their charity)which they give (and also do other good deeds) with their heart full of fear (whether their alms and charities, etc, have been accepted or not) because they are sure to return to their Lord (for reckoning)." 23:60. In this way, Mu'min stays working hard with hope and fear till he meets his Lord with his belief in the oneness of Allah and his good deeds, then he wins Paradise with Blessing of Allah, and If you scrutinized these meanings, you will find that these motives are the most vital ones for hard work, and without them, Rightness couldn't be fulfilled. It's well known that, probability of making mistakes and desire to self-determination are innate natures in human soul, and human was created able to do right or wrong things as well, God has never compelled him to commit sins, He gave him all the chance to make his own decision, and let him free to repent and turn back to the Right Way. So, Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said, "The best sinners are thoese who repents more". The Mercy of Allah verily appears in Islam when we see Allah calling his slaves in Qur'an : " Say: O 'Ibadi (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah, verily Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful." 39:53. This is the nature of human and that was the way of salvation. So, it's very illogical to think that probability of making mistakes is an inaccessible barrier between God and humans, and that man can never get the Blessing of Allah, unless He sends His (false) Son to be lowly crucified under eyes of his Father, then God forgives whole humanity. It's just a silly play, and on hearing this lying story, I must deny it. One time, I have said to Christian man about this story: " So you say that God has sent His Son to be crucified for the salvation of current and coming humans, then, what is the destiny of those who died before He was born? ". He just said: " Our Priests must have an answer to this problem." Nothing more. And if he had ever found, it wouldn't have been more than pretense. If you studied Christian belief concerning salvation with an opened mind, you will find them thinking that God has sacrificed his only Son to expiate all humans sins, and this Son is a God, this Son has been beaten, slapped, cursed and crucified then died !! Doesn't this means that God is weak and vile. It's a masked atheism. Can't God forgive all sins any time with one word ?! If He has the power to (and they agree that too), why has He to sacrifice his Son for this ? Allah is high Exalted above all that . Christian belief in expiation the original Sin has a negative effect on humanity. look over Protestants who believe that any body is required to nothing but believing in the Son of God who was sent to be crucified and die for expiation humanity sins. So, he becomes sincere Christian deserving salvation, God Blessing, and Paradise !! Further more, they believe that crucifixion was for expiation humanity past, current and coming sins. So don't care for the current crimes of murder, stealing and raping filling up Christian society, because Jesus (Peace be upon him) was crucified for expiation them.Then, why have they to stop ?! Tell me for God sake, why do you imprison criminals, impose penalties and sometimes execute murderers, if you think that criminals were forgiven and salvaged by means of Jesus' blood.

23- مفهوم العبادة في الإسلام

23- Concept Of Worship In Islam

Concept Of Worship In Islam Bismillahi ar-rahmani ar-raheem In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful The concept of worship in Islam is misunderstood by many people including some Muslims. Worship is commonly taken to mean performing ritualistic acts such as prayers, fasting, charity, etc. This limited understanding of worship is only one part of the meaning of worship in Islam. That is why the traditional definition of worship in Islam is a comprehensive definition that includes almost everything in any individual's activities. The definition goes something like this: "Worship is an all inclusive term for all that God loves of external and internal sayings and actions of a person." In other words, worship is everything one says or does for the pleasure of Allah. This, of course, includes rituals as well as beliefs, social activities, and personal contributions to the welfare of one's fellow human-beings. Islam looks at the individual as a whole. He is required to submit himself completely to Allah, as the Quran instructed Prophet Muhammad to do: "Say (O Muhammad) my prayer, my sacrifice, my life and my death belong to Allah; He has no partner and I am ordered to be among those who submit, i.e.; Muslims." (6:162-163) The natural result of this submission is that all one's activities should conform to the instructions of the one to whom the person is submitting. Islam, being a way of life, requires that its followers model their life according to its teachings in every aspect, religious or other wise. This might sound strange to some people who think of religion as a personal relation between the individual and God, having no impact on one's activities outside rituals. As a matter of fact Islam does not think much of mere rituals when they are performed mechanically and have no influence on one's inner life. The Quran addresses the believers and their neighbors from among the People of the Book who were arguing with them about the change of the direction of Qibla in the following verse: "It is not righteousness that you turn your faces toward the East or the West, but righteous is he who believes in Allah and the Last Day and the Angels and the Book and the Prophets, and gives his beloved money to his relatives and the orphans and the needy and for the ransoming of captives and who observes prayer and pays the poor-due; and those who fulfill their promises when they have made one, and the patient in poverty and affliction and the steadfast in time of war; it is those who have proved truthful and it is those who are the God-fearing." (2:177) The deeds in the above verse are the deeds of righteousness and they are only a part of worship. The Prophet told us about faith, which is the basis of worship, that it "is made up of sixty and some branches; the highest of which is the belief in the Oneness of Allah, i.e., there is no God but Allah and the lowest in the scale of worship is removing obstacles and dirt from people's way." Decent work is considered in Islam a type of worship. The Prophet said: "Whoever finds himself at the nightfall tired of his work, God will forgive his sins." Seeking knowledge is one of the highest types of worship. The Prophet told his companions that "seeking knowledge is a (religious) duty on every Muslim." In another saying he said: "Seeking knowledge for one hour is better than praying for seventy years." Social courtesy and cooperation are part of worship when done for the sake of Allah as the Prophet told us: "Receiving your friend with a smile is a type of charity, helping a person to load his animal is a charity and putting some water in your neighbor's bucket is a charity." It is worth noting that even performing one's duties is considered a sort of worship. The Prophet told us that whatever one spends for his family is a type of charity; he will be rewarded for it if he acquires it through legal means. Kindness to members of one's family is an act of worship as when one puts a piece of food in his spouse's mouth. Not only this but even the acts we enjoy doing very much, when they are performed according to the instructions of the Prophet, are considered as acts of worship. The Prophet told his companions that they will be rewarded even for having sexual intercourse with their wives. The companions were astonished and asked: "How are we going to be rewarded for doing something we enjoy very much?" The Prophet asked them: "Suppose you satisfy your desires illegally; don't you think that you will be punished for that?" They replied, "Yes." "So," he said, "by satisfying it legally with your wives you are rewarded for it." This means they are acts of worship. Thus Islam does not consider sex a dirty thing that one should avoid. It is dirty and sinful only when it is satisfied outside marital life. ******************************************* It is clear, from the previous discussion that the concept of worship in Islam is a comprehensive concept that includes all the positive activities of the individual. This of course is in agreement with the all inclusive nature of Islam as a way of life. It regulates human life on all levels: individual, social, economic, political and spiritual. That is why Islam provides guidance to the smallest details of one's life on all these levels. Thus following these details is following Islamic instructions in that specific area. It is a very encouraging element when one realizes that all his activities are considered by God as acts of worship. This should lead the individual to seek Allah's pleasure in his actions and always try to do them in the best possible manner whether he is watched by his superiors or he is alone. There is always the permanent supervisor, who knows everything, namely, Allah. Discussing the non-ritual worship in Islam first does not mean undervaluing the importance of the ritual activities. Actually ritual worship, if performed in true spirit, elevates man morally and spiritually and enables him to carry on his activities in all walks of life according to the Guidance of God. Among ritual worships, Salah (ritual prayer) occupies the key position for two reasons. Firstly, it is the distinctive mark of a believer. Secondly, it prevents an individual from all sorts of abominations and vices by providing him chances of direct communion with his Creator five times a day, wherein he renews his covenant with God and seeks His guidance again and again: "You alone we worship and to You alone we turn for help. Guide us to the straight path." (1:5,6) Actually Salah is the first practical manifestation of Faith and also the foremost of the basis conditions for the success of the believers: "Successful indeed are the believers who are humble in their prayers." (23:1-2) The same fact has been emphasized by the Prophet (PBUH) in a different way. He says: "Those who offer their Salah (Prayer) with great care and punctuality, will find it a light, a proof of their Faith and cause of their salvation on the Day of Judgment." After Salah, Zakah (poor-due) is an important pillar of Islam. In the Quran, Salah and Zakah mostly have been mentioned together many times. Like Salah, Zakah is a manifestation of faith that affirms that God is the sole owner of everything in the universe, and what men hold is a trust in their hand over which God made them trustees to discharge it as He has laid down: "Believe in Allah and His messenger and spend of that over which He made you trustees." (57:7) In this respect Zakah is an act of devotion which, like prayer, brings the believer nearer to his Lord. Apart from this, Zakah is a mean of redistribution of wealth in a way that reduces differences between classes and groups. It makes a fair contribution to social stability. By purging the soul of the rich from selfishness and the soul of the poor from envy and resentment against society, it stops up the channels leading to class hatred and makes it possible for the springs of brotherhood and solidarity to gush forth. Such stability is not merely based on the personal feelings of the rich; it stands on a firmly established right which, if the rich denied it, would be exacted by force, if necessary. Siyam (fasting during the day time of the month of Ramadan) is another pillar of Islam. The main function of fasting is to make the Muslim pure from "within" as other aspects of Shariah make him pure from "without." By such purity he responds to what is true and good and shuns what is false and evil. This is what we can perceive in the Quranic verse: "O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may gain piety." (2:183) In an authentic tradition, the Prophet reported Allah as saying: "He suspends eating, drinking, and gratification of his sexual passion for My sake." Thus his reward is going to be according to God's great bounty. Fasting, then, awakens the conscience of the individual and gives it scope for exercise in a joint experience for all society at the same time, thus adding further strength to each individual. Moreover, fasting offers a compulsory rest to the over-worked human machine for the duration of one full month. Similarly fasting reminds an individual of those who are deprived of life's necessities throughout the year or throughout life. It makes him realize the suffering of others, the less fortunate brothers in Islam, and thus promotes in him a sense of sympathy and kindness to them. Lastly, we come to Al-Hajj (pilgrimage to the House of God in Makkah). This very important pillar of Islam manifests a unique unity, dispelling all kinds of differences. Muslims from all corners of the world wearing the same dress, respond to the call of Hajj in one voice and language; LABBAIK ALLAHUMMA LABBAIK (Here I am at your service O Lord!). In Hajj there is an exercise of strict self-discipline and control where not only sacred things are revered, but even the life of plants and birds is made inviolable so that everything lives in safety: "And he that venerates the sacred things of God, it shall be better for him with his Lord." (22:30) "And he that venerates the waymarks of God, it surely is from devotion of the heart." (22:32) Pilgrimage gives an opportunity to all Muslims from all groups, classes, organizations, and governments from all over the Muslim world to meet annually in a great congress. The time and venue of this congress has been set by their One God. Invitation to attend is open to every Muslim. No one has the power to bar anyone. Every Muslim who attends is guaranteed full safety and freedom as long as he himself does not violate its safety. Thus, worship in Islam, whether ritual or non-ritual, trains the individual in such a way that he loves his Creator most and thereby gains an unyielding will and spirit to wipe out all evil and oppression from the human society and make the word of God dominant in the world.

http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/tawheed/conceptofworship.html

24- الإسلام دين الفطرة

24- Islam is the religion of "Al-Fitrah" أو Islam is your Birthright

http://www.islamic-message.net/books/Islam_is_your_Birthright.pdf

25- عن الإسلام

25- In brief

In brief Islam is the second most popular faith in the world with over a Billion adherents. Those who follow Islam are called Muslims. Islam is now very strong in Asia, and is growing everywhere else in the world. There are over 120 million muslims in Indonisia making it the largest islamic country. There are 6 million Muslims in the USA and 3 million Muslims in Britain, making it the second most popular faith in these two countries. The Bare Essentials of Islam Over 1300 years old. Began in Arabia. Islam was revealed to humanity by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Muslims believe that there is only one God, called Allah. Islam was revealed to humanity by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was a human being, not a god. Muslims believe that Muhammad (pbuh) was the last prophet of God. The word "Islam" means "surrender to God". The Muslim ******ure is the Holy Qur'an. The Muslim building for communal worship is called a "Mosque". The "five pillars of Islam" help Muslims put their faith into action... Shahadah: declaration of faith. Salat: ritual prayer 5 times a day. Zakat: giving a fixed proportion to charity. Sawm: fasting. Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca. There are two main groups of Muslims... Sunni Muslims make up 90% of the world's Muslims. The other main group are the Shi'ite Muslims. Origins Islam was revealed to humanity through the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) during the 7th CE, in Arabia, and spread rapidly through the Middle East. Although Islam was not fully revealed to us until the 7th century, Muslims believe that it has always existed. Everything belongs to God The word "Islam" means submission to Allah (God), and Muslims believe that everything in life should be at the service of Allah. As a result, Muslims find it hard to accept the distinction that Western cultures make between a person’s religious life and the rest of their life. Muslims think such a distinction is entirely wrong. They believe that not only individuals, but also the institutions of society should serve Allah. Muslims submit to Allah by obeying his commands, and by living their whole lives in a way that is pleasing to Allah. Muslims combine faith and action in everything they do: they regard belief on its own, or good deeds on their own, as pointless. The 5 Pillars of Islam These are the five obligations that every Muslim must satisfy in order to live a good and responsible life according to Islam. ******ure The Islamic ******ure is the Holy Qur'an. Muslims believe that the Qur'an was revealed to humanity by God through the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). They believe the Qur'an is a perfect copy of a **** that exists eternally in heaven. Worship The place for communal Muslim worship is called a Mosque Muslims are required to pray 5 times a day, and although this need not be at a mosque, it must be done according to precisely laid down rules. Muslims do not regard this requirement for ritual prayer as in any way burdensome, but rejoice in the opportunity to do God's bidding. ` Muslim Groupings There are several different groups of Muslims, but all of them, in every country and community, regard their faith as a bond between them, and as a major part of their identity. The largest Muslim group consists of Sunni Muslims who make up 90% of the world's Muslims. The other main group is the Shi'ite Muslims, who are particularly strong in Iran.

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