ISLAMIC RITES

"Recite what is sent of the book by inspiration to thee, and establish regular prayer: for prayer restains from shameful and evil deeds; and remembrance of Alah is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt and Allah ows the (deeds) that you do." What are the 'Five Pillars of Islam'? There are five compulsory acts of worship that are paramount to Islam. They are the Vow of truth, Salat (Prayer), Zakaat (Charity), Fasting and Hajj (Pilgrimage).

What is the Vow of truth? "I testify that, none but Allah deserves to be worshipped and Muhammed (PBUH) is the messenger of Allah". It is after taking this pledge that one becomes a Muslim. The person who chants this pledge vows that he will offer worship to the One and Only creator and none else, and that he will lead his life, following the practice and example of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH).

FAQ on Top

What is Salat (Prayer)? "A person, who does not desist from bad and unjust deeds after offering prayers, strays away from Allah." Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) It is the compulsory responsibility of every Muslim to offer Salaat (namaaz) five times a day. The timings to be strictly adhered to fall before sunrise, during midday, evening, after sunset and at night. The Salaat is to be performed after doing ritual ablutions which symbolizes purification of body and soul. It is certain that the life of a true Muslim who sincerely takes the vow of truth and offers prayer five times, meticulously standing with folded hands, bowing, prostrating and sitting, thus involving oneself in a conversation with Creator, will be freed of all wrongs.

What is Zakaat (Charity)? "Of their wealth take alms, that so thou mightest purify and sanctify them; and invoke Allah for them. Verily! Your invocations are a source of security for them, and Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower." ( Holy Qur’an 9:103 ) The literal meaning of Zakat is ‘to purify’. It is not just a form of charity or almsgiving. Muslims are liable to set apart a share of their own wealth for those who suffer poverty and want in the society. This compulsory charity is known as Zakaat. The Zakaat rate of per annum is fixed at the of 2.5% for goods to be traded and 10% for agriculture produce, (5% if the produce is the result of irrigation). Certain minimum limits have been prescribed for each item, above which ‘Zakaat’ is due. The Zakaat is to be collected from those liable by the government or by an institution entrusted by the community, in order to distribute to the deserving.

What is Fasting ( Saum )? "Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgement (between right and wrong). So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spent it in fasting." Holy Qur’an 2:185 It is the responsibility of a Muslim to abstain from taking food and drink and also to abstain from sexual intercourse during day time for a period of one month. Ramadhan, the month in which the Qur’an was first revealed, is the stipulated month for fasting. The believer who observes fasting for a month is able to elevate his self above all temptations of a physical nature.

What is Hajj ( Pilgrimage )? "Whoever performs Hajj solely for the sake of Allah and, in the course of it, abstains from sensuality and disobedience, he returns from there as immaculate as a child just born." Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) Every healthy and affluent Muslim should undertake a pilgrimage to Mecca, once in his life time. This pilgrimage is known as Hajj. People of different nationalities, languages and colours, gather in millions at Mecca during the month of Hajj. The concept of one humanity upheld by Islam is explicit during Hajj pilgrimage when the pilgrims have the same thought, carry the same prayer on their lips, and are uniformly dressed (the man using just two pieces of cloth – one to wear and the other to cover and the women covering all the parts of their bodies except their face and hands). A single humanity, where there is no discrimination between master or labourer, black or white, elite or lowly, native or foreigner, is symolized by the multitude of humanity that assemble for this holy pilgrimage.

What is Ka'aba? The Ka’aba is a place of worship situated in Mecca. It is the first shrine built to worship the Almighty. It was in the premises of the Ka’aba that Ibrahim (PBUH), the prophet, abandoned his child and wife, obeying God’s command. Ka’aba was rebuilt by Ibrahim and his son Ismail following God’s command. Muslims around the world offer Salaat, facing Ka’aba. The Hajj rituals are performed in the premises of Ka’aba.

Do Muslims worship Ka’aba? Muslims worship only the Omnipotent Creator of the universe. The Ka’aba is a creation, and being the first monument built for the worship of the One True God, Muslims revere it. The Hajj is performed around the Ka’aba, but it does not contain any prayer to the Ka’aba. This applies also to the Salaat being performed facing the Ka’aba. He who worships the Ka’aba and offers prayers to it, does not belong to the Islam.

What is the view of Islam with regard to Virtue and Vice? Man is incapable of accurately distinguishing and understanding virtue and vice. Prophets were sent by the Almighty to enlighten man on the nature of virtue and vice. Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) is the last prophet and therefore for any man after Muhammed (PBUH), the yardstick to measure virtue and vice is simply the life of Muhammed (PBUH) and the Qur’an, the sacred scripture presented through him. It is sufficient to look up the Qur’an and the ideal life of Muhammed (PBUH) to comprehend the good and bad related to any subject.

What are the specialities of the character of a Muslim? The Qur’an and the sayings of Muhammed (PBUH) enjoins each Muslim to have the following characteristics in each of his actions. They are-honesty, justice, honouring of contracts, patience, perseverance, tolerance, mercy, humility, affection, decency, love, respect etc.