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<p align="center"></p> <table style="width: 98%; mso-cellspacing: .7pt" cellspacing="1" cellpadding= "0" width="98%" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"></p> +<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="left"></p> +<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="left"></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="left"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial"><font color="#3366FF" size= "5"><u><strong>INTRODUCTION TO ISLAM</strong></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="left"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial"><font color="#3366FF" size= "5"><font face="Courier New" color="#FF0000">DALILI ZA SIKU YA QAYAMA</font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial"><font color="#3366FF" size= "5"><u><strong>INTRODUCTION TO ISLAM</strong></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">The literal meaning of Islam is peace; surrender of ones will i.e. losing oneself for the sake of God and surrendering ones own pleasure for the pleasure of God. The message of Islam was revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) 1, 400 years ago. It was revealed through angel Gabriel (on whom be peace) and was thus preserved in the Holy Quran. The Holy Quran carries a Divine guarantee of safeguard from interpolation and it claims that it combines the best features of the earlier scriptures.</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">The prime message of Islam is the Unity of God, that the Creator of the world is One and He alone is worthy of worship and that Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) is His Messenger and Servant. The follower of this belief is thus a Muslim - a Muslims other beliefs are: Gods angels, previously revealed Books of God, all the prophets, from Adam to Jesus (peace be on them both), the Day of Judgement and indeed the Decree of God. A Muslim has five main duties to perform, namely; bearing witness to the Unity of God and Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) as His Messenger, observing the prescribed prayer, payment of Zakat, keeping the fasts of Ramadhan and performing the pilgrimage to Mecca.</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">Islam believes that each person is born pure. The Holy Quran tells us that God has given human beings a choice between good and evil and to seek Gods pleasure through faith, prayer and charity. Islam believes that God created mankind in His image and by imbuing the attributes of God on a human level mankind can attain His nearness. Islams main message is to worship God and to treat all Gods creation with kindness and compassion. Rights of parents in old age, orphans and the needy are clearly stated. Womens rights were safeguarded 1,400 years ago when the rest of the world was in total darkness about emancipation. Islamic teachings encompass every imaginable situation and its rules and principles are truly universal and have stood the test of time.</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">In Islam virtue does not connote forsaking the bounties of nature that are lawful. On the contrary one is encouraged to lead a healthy, active life with the qualities of kindness, chastity, honesty, mercy, courage patience and politeness. In short, Islam has a perfect and complete code for the guidance of individuals and communities alike. As the entire message of Islam is derived from the Holy Quran and indeed the Sunnah and Hadith (the traditions and practices of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings on him) it is immutable in the face of change in time and place. It may appear rigid to the casual eye, in actual fact it is most certainly an adaptable way of life regardless of human changes.</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">Islam teaches that the path to spiritual development is open to all. Any individual who searches the One Creator can seek nearness to God through sincere and earnest worship; it is central to establishing a relationship with the Almighty. This positive message for humanity fills hearts with hope and courage.</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">At present there are 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide and they form the majority in more than 50 countries of the world. Today Islam is the fastest growing faith in the world - its beautiful message is reaching millions in the far corner of the earth.</span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <div align="center"> <table style="width: 98%; mso-cellspacing: .7pt" cellspacing="1" cellpadding= "0" width="98%" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial"><font color="#0000FF" size= "5"><u><strong>PILLARS OF ISLAM</strong></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, relates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: "Islam is based on five articles:</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">1.</span></strong> <span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">To bear witness that there is none worthy of worship save Allah and that Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is the Messenger of Allah.</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">2.</span></strong> <span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">To observe Prayer (Salat).</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">3.</span></strong> <span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">To Pay Zakat (Alms giving)</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">4.</span></strong> <span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">To perform the Pilgrimage to the House of Allah (Hajj).</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">5.</span></strong> <span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">To Observe fasting during Ramadhan." (Bukhari)</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">Abdullah ibn Amr bin Aas, may Allah be pleased with them, relates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">"A Muslim is one against whose tongue and hands other Muslims are secure, and an Emigrant is one who departs from what Allah has forbidden." (Bukhari)</span></strong></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <br> <div align="center"> <table style="width: 98%; mso-cellspacing: .7pt" cellspacing="1" cellpadding= "0" width="98%" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial"><font color="#0000FF" size= "5"><u><strong>SHAHADAH (DECLARATION OF FAITH)</strong></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">A Muslim expresses his/her faith (Iman) in the following words:</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">Ash-hadu anla ilaha illal-Lahu Wahdahu la Sharika Lahu wa-ash-hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasuluhu</span></strong></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">The English translation of the Shahadah is as follows:</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, the One, without any partner. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger.</span></strong></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">The declaration of faith consists of two distinct parts, i.e., the absolute belief in the Unity of Allah (God) and the belief in the Holy Prophet Muhammad as a mortal human being and the Messenger of Allah.</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">Islam's fundamental belief is the Unity of God. All other beliefs hang on this belief. Therefore the acknowledgement and 'bearing witness' of this is the key to the Muslim faith. Unless this is observed one cannot be a Muslim. A Muslim accepts Allah as the only God, and only Master, Lord and Ruler with no partner sharing in any way His Being, Powers and Attributes. He is One; He is Unique; He is not the father of any one, nor He has or had any father. He is Almighty and Self-Sustaining. He is there forever, and will be there forever.</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">A Muslim believes in Allah as the Ruler and must not disobey Him. In fact everything that exists in the universe obeys Him. He is the Fashioner of all the Universes that may exist.</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">The belief in the Prophet Muhammad (on whom be peace) as the servant and Messenger of Allah completes ones faith. The Holy Prophet was the greatest of all the Prophets of Allah, yet he was only a human being with no share in Divinity. This is a very important belief that keeps Muslims from associating partners with Allah. This part of the Declaration of Faith where reinforces the first part of Allah being the only Supreme Being with no partners also establishes the absolute authority of the Holy Prophet as the Messenger of Allah, who must be obeyed as well in all the matters of faith. The Holy Prophet is the last prophet who brought us the last Book (the Holy Quran) to be followed. He lived among his people for a long time and his life is documented in utmost detail. He lead his followers by example. The way he lived his life and admonished his followers to live their lives is called Sunnah of the Holy Prophet. The second part of the Declaration of Faith makes obeying and following the advice of the Prophet Muhammad equally important to the belief in absolute Unity of Allah. This declaration make one to completely submit to the Will of Allah and that is why one who declares this belief is called a Muslim - one who completely submits to the will of Allah.</span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <br> <div align="center"> <table style="width: 98%; mso-cellspacing: .7pt" cellspacing="1" cellpadding= "0" width="98%" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial"><font color="#0000FF" size= "5"><u><strong>SALAT</strong></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">Salat is one of the five pillars of Islam, it is a most important constituent of the faith. It is prayer of a very high level. The Holy Quran repeatedly enjoins the offering of salat and indeed declares it to be a fundamental trait of a believer. The benefits of salat are countless. The Holy Quran says:</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">"And enjoin Prayer on thy people, and be constant therein. We ask thee not for provision; it is We that provide for thee. And the end is for the righteous".</span></strong></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">Salat strengthens man's spiritual faculties. It is the best way to form a relationship with one's Creator. It purifies one's spirit, and through it, constant remembrance of Allah delivers one of the self that incites to evil.</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">God created man to worship Him and salat is the most excellent kind of worship.</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">The Holy Quran also says:</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">"Recite that which has been revealed to thee of the Book, and observe Prayer. Surely, Prayer restrains one from indecency and manifest evil, and remembrance of Allah indeed is the greatest virtue. And Allah knows what you do." (29:46)</span></strong></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><font size="3"><font face= "Times New Roman"> </font></font></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, relates that he heard the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings be on him, say:</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">"Tell me if one of you had a stream running at his door and he should take a bath in it five times every day would any dirt be left upon him? He was answered: No dirt would be left on him. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) observed: This is the case of the five prayers. Allah wipes out all faults in consequence of them." (Bukhari)</span></strong></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">As for the punishment of not observing the salat, all matters of reward and punishment rest solely with Allah.</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him, relates that he heard the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, say:</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">"Giving up prayer is tantamount to disbelief and associating partners with Allah." (Muslim)</span></strong></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">Five Daily Prayers</span></strong></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">Salat, the obligatory Muslim prayer, is said at appointed time fixed in relation to the sun's position. The time of Fajr, the morning prayer begins at dawn and ends just before sunrise. The time of Zuhr, the midday prayer, begins after the sun has crossed the zenith point and has begun to decline. The Asr prayer is said when the sun has further advanced in decline, in the late afternoon. The time of the Maghrib prayer begins immediately after sunset. It lasts till dusk. The Isha prayer can be said after dusk has finally disappeared, giving way to darkness of the night.</span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">Fajr Zuhr Asr Maghrib Isha'</span></strong></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <br> <div align="center"> <table style="width: 98%; mso-cellspacing: .7pt" cellspacing="1" cellpadding= "0" width="98%" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 99.7%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="99%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial"><font color="#0000FF" size= "5"><u><strong>SAUM</strong></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">The literal meaning of Islam is peace; surrender of ones will i.e. losing oneself for the sake of God and surrendering ones own pleasure for the pleasure of God. The message of Islam was revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) 1, 400 years ago. It was revealed through angel Gabriel (on whom be peace) and was thus preserved in the Holy Quran. The Holy Quran carries a Divine guarantee of safeguard from interpolation and it claims that it combines the best features of the earlier scriptures.</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 99.7%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="99%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 99.7%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="99%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">The prime message of Islam is the Unity of God, that the Creator of the world is One and He alone is worthy of worship and that Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) is His Messenger and Servant. The follower of this belief is thus a Muslim - a Muslims other beliefs are: Gods angels, previously revealed Books of God, all the prophets, from Adam to Jesus (peace be on them both), the Day of Judgement and indeed the Decree of God. A Muslim has five main duties to perform, namely; bearing witness to the Unity of God and Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) as His Messenger, observing the prescribed prayer, payment of Zakat, keeping the fasts of Ramadhan and performing the pilgrimage to Mecca.</span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <br> <div align="center"> <table style="width: 98%; mso-cellspacing: .7pt" cellspacing="1" cellpadding= "0" width="98%" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial"><font color="#0000FF" size= "5"><u><strong>ZAKAT</strong></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">Zakat (Alms giving) is a part of devotion enjoined upon Muslims by the Holy Quran. It is a means where the well-off pay a set amount of their wealth. Zakat means to purify oneself. It is obligatory on Muslims to pay a little percentage of their accumulated wealth towards Zakat, which is used for the benefit of the needy and the poor. Zakat is not levied on one's property that is in personal use, rather on the assets which have a means of increasing and which are surplus to one's needs. It is a means of social justice and order. It teaches sympathy of the highest order.</span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <br> <div align="center"> <table style="width: 98%; mso-cellspacing: .7pt" cellspacing="1" cellpadding= "0" width="98%" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial"><font color="#0000FF" size= "5"><u><strong>HAJJ</strong></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">Hajj is the fifth Pillar of Islam and another form of worship. It is an annual pilgrimage to the holy sites in Mecca which each adult Muslim, who can afford it, has to perform once in life time. Apart from the financial aspect, the ability to afford the pilgrimage also means that one is able to travel and perform the Hajj in peace.</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">Muslims perform Hajj in order to visit for themselves the holy sites where their faith started. More importantly it is a pilgrimage to the Ka'aba, which we believe is the first place of worship ever built on this earth, Muslims thus refer to it as House of God. The ceremony of Hajj is also symbolic of the Unity of God; all Muslims gather from four corners of the earth in one spot at an appointed time and worship God. There are no difficulties to perform Hajj apart from the obvious financial commitment in order to travel to Mecca. That is the reason why, strictly spe?g, Hajj is only obligatory to ?e who have fulfilled all their worldly needs and have no pressing commitments left and indeed can afford the passage to Mecca.</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">It is a Muslim belief that God is everywhere and He answers those who truly seek Him. In this respect indeed going to a particular place to seek the pleasure and nearness to God is not the issue. However, it is the physical presence of being in the holiest of the holy places for the Muslim faith and indeed the congregational worship with millions of other fellow Muslims that leaves an indelible mark on the spiritual life of a person. It is a most supreme form of worship and is most desirable to God.</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">During Hajj, the person who intends to perform it is required to travel to Mecca during the prescribed days and observe all the rites and ceremonies. During Hajj Muslims from all corners of the world gather in Mecca and perform the rites of Hajj and thus strengthen the bond of Muslim unity.</span></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style= "border-right: #d4d0c8; padding-right: 0.75pt; border-top: #d4d0c8; padding-left: 0.75pt; padding-bottom: 0.75pt; border-left: #d4d0c8; width: 100%; padding-top: 0.75pt; border-bottom: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent" width="100%"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style= "font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial">During Hajj each place brings to mind some event of the blessed life of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings on him). It refreshes the memory of the supreme sacrifices made by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings on him) for the sake of Islam.</span></p> <table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="200" border="1"> <caption>11/04/2007</caption> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table style="width: 489px; height: 3463px" width="489" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="34"></td> <td valign="top" width="371"> <center> <h1><font face="Courier New" color="#FF0000">DALILI ZA SIKU YA QAYAMA</font></h1> <hr></center> <p align="justify">Abdullah ibn Abbas (r.a.) amesema kuwa baada ya kumaliza Hajj ya mwisho (mwaka wa 10 Hijriyyah), Mtume Mtukufu s.a.w.w. alisimama mbele ya mlango wa Ka'aba Tukufu, akiwa ameshikilia komeo ya mlango, huku akiwauliza ma-Sahaba wake: "<strong><em>Je, nikuambieni dalili za siku ya Qayama?</em></strong>" Salman Farsi (r.a.) ambaye alikuwa karibu naye, alisema:"Ndiyo, Ewe Mtume wa Allah swt."</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">Mtume Mtukufu s.a.w.w. akasema, "Hakika,miongoni mwa dalili za saa, ni kuwa</p> <p align="justify">(1) watu watapuuza sala,</p> <p align="justify">(2) watafuata matamanio yao wenyewe</p> <p align="justify">(3) wataelekeza kujipendelea wao wenyewe, watawaheshimu matajiri,</p> <p align="justify">(4) na watauza Dini yao kwa manufaa ya kidunia (</p> <p align="justify">5) wakati huo roho na moyo wa Muumin itayayuka (kwa huzuni) kama chumvi inavyoyayuka katika maji, kwa sababu ataona mambo yaliyoharamishwa na hataweza kuyabadili."</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">Salman akasema: "Haya yatatokea, ewe Mtume wa Allah swt?"</p> <p align="justify">Mtume Mtukufu s.a.w.w. akasema: "Ndiyo, naapa kwa Aliyonayo roho yangu mkononi mwake."</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">"Ewe Salman,</p> <p align="justify">(6) wakati huo watawala watakuwa wadhalimu</p> <p align="justify">(7) Mawaziri watakuwa waasi, (</p> <p align="justify">8) na wadhamini (wale waliopewa amana kwa kuaminiwa) watafanya hiana,</p> <p align="justify">(9) hakika wakati huo maovu yatakuwa mema na mema yatakuwa maovu,</p> <p align="justify">(10) wale wafanyao hiana wataaminiwa na waaminifu watafikiriwa kuwa si waaminifu;na mwongo atasadikiwa,na msema kweli atahesabiwa mwongo.</p> <p align="justify">(11) Wakati huo kutakuwapo na utawala wa wanawake,</p> <p align="justify">(12) Masuria watashauriwa,</p> <p align="justify">(13) na watoto watakaa juu ya mimbar,</p> <p align="justify">(14) udanganyifu utahesabiwa kuwa ni uerevu</p> <p align="justify">(15) na Zaka itakuwa ni kama kutozwa faini;na mateka ya vita (yaani mali ya ummah) yatakuwa kama ni mali ya mtu binafsi; na mtu atakuwa mjeuri kwa wazazi wake na atakuwa mwema kwa marafiki zake,</p> <p align="justify">(16) na wakati huo kutatokea na nyota zenye mikia (comets)."</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">Salman akasema: "Haya yatatokea, ewe Mtume wa Allah swt?"</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">Mtume Mtukufu s.a.w.w. akasema: "Ndiyo, naapa kwa Aliyonayo roho yangu mkononi mwake."</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">"Ewe Salman!</p> <p align="justify">(17) wakati huo mwanamke atakuwa mshiriki wa mumewe katika biashara,</p> <p align="justify">(18) na mvua itakuwa moto sana</p> <p align="justify">(19) na watu wema watabaki katika huzuni; na masikini hawata heshimiwa; na wakati huo masoko yatakaribiana,</p> <p align="justify">(20) Tena huyu atasema,"Mimi sikuuza chochote, na yule atasema, "Mimi sikupata faida yoyote." Kwa hivyo hutamkuta mtu yeyote asiyemlalamikia Allah swt.</p> <p align="justify">"Ewe Salman!</p> <p align="justify">(21) tena itatokea iwapo watu watawazungumzia watawala wao, watawaua, na ikiwa watanyamaza kimya, watanyang'anywa mali yao, watanyimwa heshima zao, watamwaga damu yao na mioyo ya watu itajaa woga;kisha hutamwona mtu yeyote ila atakuwa mwoga,mwenye khofu, ametishika na ameshstushwa"</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">"Ewe Salman!</p> <p align="justify">(22) Bila shaka wakati huo mambo fulani yataletwa kutoka Mashariki</p> <p align="justify">(23) na mambo fulani yataletwa kutoka Magharibi,</p> <p align="justify">(24) Basi ole kwa watu walio dhaifu (wa imani) katika Ummah wangu kutokana na hayo; Ole ya Allah swt iwe kwa hayo. Wao hawatakuwa na huruma juu ya wadogo wao, wala hawatamsamehe yeyote aliyefanya kosa. Miili yao itakuwa ya wanadamu, lakini mioyo yao itakuwa ya mashetani."</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">"Ewe Salman!</p> <p align="justify">(25) Wakati huo wanaume watawaashiki wanaume,</p> <p align="justify">(26) na wanawake watawaashiki wanawake;</p> <p align="justify">(27) na watoto wa kiume watapambwa kama wanawake;</p> <p align="justify">(28) na wanaume watajifanya kama wanawake</p> <p align="justify">(29) na wanawake wataonekana kama wanaume;</p> <p align="justify">(30) na wanawake watapanda mipando</p> <p align="justify">(31) Hapo tena patakuwepo laana ya Allah swt juu ya wanawake wa Ummah wangu."</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">"Ewe Salman! (</p> <p align="justify">32) Bila shaka wakati huo Misikiti itapambwa (kwa dhahabu n.k.) kama inavyofanywa katika masinagogi na makanissa,</p> <p align="justify">(33) na Quran zitapambwa (kwa nakshi na rangi za kupendeza n.k.)(34) na minara (ya misikiti) itakuwa mirefu; na safu za watu wanaosimama katika sala zitazidi, lakini nyoyo zao zitachukiana na maneno yao yatatofautiana."</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">"Ewe Salman!</p> <p align="justify">(35) Wakati huo wanaume watatumia mapambo ya dhahabu; kisha watavaa hariri,na watatumia ngozi za chui."</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">"Ewe Salman!</p> <p align="justify">(36) Wakati huo riba itakuwako,</p> <p align="justify">(37) na watu wata-fanyia biashara kwa kusemana na rushwa</p> <p align="justify">(38) na dini itawekwa chini, na dunia itanyanyuliwa juu."</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">"Ewe Salman!</p> <p align="justify">(39) Wakati huo talaqa zitazidi</p> <p align="justify">(40) na mipaka ya Allah swt hayatasimamishwa</p> <p align="justify">(41) Lakini hayo hayatamdhuru Allah swt."</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">"Ewe Salman!</p> <p align="justify">(42) Wakati huo watatokea wanawake waimbaji,</p> <p align="justify">(43) na ala za muziki</p> <p align="justify">(44) na wabaya kabisa watawatawala Ummah wangu."</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">"Ewe Salman!</p> <p align="justify">(45) Wakati huo matajiri katika Ummah wangu watakwenda Kuhiji kwa matembezi, na walio wastani kwa biashara, na masikini kwa kujionyesha.</p> <p align="justify">(46) Hivyo basi wakati huo watakuwapo watu ambao watajifundisha Quran si kwa ajili ya Allah swt na wataifanya Quran kama ala ya muziki.</p> <p align="justify">(47) Na watakuwapo watu ambao watasoma dini si kwa ajili ya Allah swt</p> <p align="justify">(48) na idadi ya wanaharamu itazidi</p> <p align="justify">(49) watu wataiimba Quran,</p> <p align="justify">(50) na watu watavamiana kwa uroho wa kidunia."</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">"Ewe Salman!</p> <p align="justify">(51) Haya yatatokea wakati heshima zitakapo- ondoka,na madhambi yatatendwa</p> <p align="justify">(52) na watu waovu watakuwa na uwezo juu ya watu wema,</p> <p align="justify">(53) na uongo utaenea na mabishano (matusi) yatatokea</p> <p align="justify">(54) na umasikini utaenea,</p> <p align="justify">(55) na watu watajiona kwa mavazi yao</p> <p align="justify">(56) na itakuwepo mvua wakati si wake</p> <p align="justify">(57) na watu watacheza dama, kamari na Ala za muziki,</p> <p align="justify">(58) na hawatapenda kuhimizana mema wala kukatazana maovu (59) na kwa ajili hali itakavyokuwa hata itafikia wakati huo kuwa Muumin atakuwa na heshima ndogo kuliko hata mjakazi</p> <p align="justify">(60) na wanaosoma na wanaotumia wakati wao katika kumwabudu Allah swt watalaumiana.</p> <p align="justify">(61) Hao ndio watu watakaoitwa wachafu na wanajisi katika Ufalme wa mbinguni."</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">"Ewe Salman!</p> <p align="justify">(62) Wakati huo matajiri hawataogopa chochote isipokuwa mtu masikini; hadi kwamba masikini wataendelea kuomba kati ya ijumaa mbili, na hawatamwona mtu yeyote wa kutia chochote mikononi mwao."</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">"Ewe Salman!</p> <p align="justify">(63) Wakati huo itazungumzwa Ruwaibidhah."</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">Salman akauliza: "Ni nini Ruwaibidhah ? Ewe Mtume wa Allah swt, baba na mama yangu wawe fidia kwako."</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">Mtukufu Mtume s.a.w.w. akajibu:</p> <p align="justify">(64) "Watu fulani watazungumza kuhusu mambo ya watu ambayo hayakuwahi kuzungumzwa namna hii zamani.</p> <p align="justify">(65) Tena baada ya muda mchache machafuko yatatokea duniani, na kila nchi itafikiri kuwa machafuko yapo katika nchi yao tu."</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">(66) "Watabaki katika hali hiyo kwa muda ambao Allah swt atapenda wabaki;</p> <p align="justify">(67) kisha ardhi itatapika vipande vya moyo wake dhahabu, fedha na madini mengineyo; (Hapo Mtume s.a.w.w.) alinyosha kidole chake penye nguzo, na akasema:"Kama hizi (kwa ukubwa), lakini siku hiyo dhahabu wala fedha hazitamsaidia mtu yeyote. Na hii ndiyo maana ya maneno ya Allah swt '<strong><em>Hakika dalili Zake zimekuja</em></strong>.'</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">Zipo habari zingine zilizoelezwa katika vitabu vinginevyo kwa kupitia Jabir Ibn Abdullah Ansari, ambavyo ninazitaja:</p> <p align="justify">"Ewe Salman! Wakati huo</p> <p align="justify">(1) Wazee watajitumbukiza katika mambo ya ushirikina na uchawi, (2) ghiba ndiyo itakuwa mazungumzo yenye kupendeza,</p> <p align="justify">(3) mali iliyopatikana kwa njia za haramu, itachukuliwa kama ndiyo neema,</p> <p align="justify">(4) wazee hawatakuwa na mapenzi ya wadogo na vile vile wadogo hawatawajali wazee na kuwaheshimu</p> <p align="justify">(5) Islam itabakia kwa jina tu kwani wafuasi wake hawatakuwa wakifuata maadili na maamrisho yake,</p> <p align="justify">(6) Kimbunga kikubwa cha rangi nyekundu kitatokezea mbinguni na kutaanguka mawe kutoka mbinguni</p> <p align="justify">(7) nyuso zitakuwa za kuchukiza</p> <p align="justify">(8) kutakuwa na mitetemeko na kuporomoka kwa ardhi kila mara.</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">Hapo Sahaba walimwuliza Mtume s.a.w.w., "Ewe Mtume wa Allah swt, je lini yatakapotokea hayo yote?" (pamoja na nishani na dalili za hapo juu, baadhi zimeongezeka hapa chini)</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">Mtume s.a.w.w. aliwajibu:</p> <p align="justify">(1) "Watu watakuwa watumwa wa shahwa au matamanio yao,</p> <p align="justify">(2) watu watakuwa walevi wa kupindukia kwani matumizi ya ulevi utakithiri na utakuwa ukipatikana kwa udhahiri bila ya watu kuona aibu ya aina yoyote,</p> <p align="justify">(3) Wanaume watakuwa wakiwatii wake zao,</p> <p align="justify">(4) jirani atakuwa wakiwaudhi na kuwatesa majirani wenzake,</p> <p align="justify">(5) Wakubwa hawatakuwa watu wenye huruma, mioyo yao itakuwa imejaa kwa maonevu,</p> <p align="justify">(6) vijana hawatakuwa na heshima</p> <p align="justify">(7) watu watajenga majumba imara na marefu mno,</p> <p align="justify">(8) wafanyakazi watadhulumiwa haki zao,</p> <p align="justify">(9) ushahidi wa kiuongo utachukuliwa kuwa wa kawaida,</p> <p align="justify">(10) ndugu atakuwa akimwonea wivu ndugu yake halisi</p> <p align="justify">(11)watu watakaokuwa wakifanya biashara kwa ushirika, basi watakuwa daima wakifikiriana mbinu za kumdhulumu mwenzake, (12) mambo ya zinaa yatakuwa kama kawaida kwani yatatendeka na kusikika pia.</p> <p align="justify">(13) ile mioyo ya kutaka kusaidia watu wengine itakuwa imetoweka, (14) Maasi na dhuluma itaongezeka kupita kiasi,</p> <p align="justify">(15) matumbo ya watu itachukuliwa kuwa ndiyo miungu yao,kwani hawatajali kiwevyo, ilimradi wapate chochote kile,</p> <p align="justify">(16) wanawake watakuwa wakitawala akili za wanaume na watakuwa wakiwaendesha wanaume vile watakavyo wao,</p> <p align="justify">(17) kutatokea Maulamaa au wanazuoni waovu kabisa kwani watajionyesha kuwa ni wacha Mungu na wenye ilimu, ambapo kwa hakika watakuwa waroho wa mali ya dunia tu."</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">Hapo Mtume Mtukufu s.a.w.w.liwaonya: "Kumbukeni,wakati kama huo utakapokuja, basi Allah swt atatumbukiza watu katika balaa za aina nne,</p> <p align="justify">(1) kutawaliwa na watawala dhalimu</p> <p align="justify">(2) ukame na vitu vya matumizi ya kila siku kuwa bei ghali yaani kupanda kwa maisha,</p> <p align="justify">(3) dhuluma za watawala</p> <p align="justify">(4) kuabudu miungu."</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">Sahaba waliposikia hayo walishtushwa na kuuliza: "Ewe Mtume wa Allah swt! <em><strong>Je kweli kuwa Mwislamu atakuwa akiabudu miungu na masanamu</strong></em>?"</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">Mtume s.a.w.w. aliwajibu: "Naam! Kwao mapesa yatakuwa kama miungu kwani watakuwa wakiziabudu kupindukia kiasi."</p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">Kwa hakika sisi tunayashuhudia haya yote yakitokea ambayo Mtume s.a.w.w. amekwisha bashiri karibu karne kumi na nne zilizokwishapita. Imam Ali a.s. katika khutba yake ijulikanayo kama Al-Bayan anaelezea ubashiri kwa undani zaidi. Wasomaji wenye kutaka kupata habari zaidi wanaweza kutazama (1) <em>Yanabi-ul-Muwaddah</em> (2) <em>Basharat-ul-Islam</em>, Sayyid Mustafa Ali-Sayyid Haider al-Kazami, chapa ya Baghdad.</p> <p align="justify">.</p> <font face="Courier New">SALEHE ABDALLAH</font> <hr width="50%"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="contentpaneopen"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="100%"> <h1><font face="Times New Roman" color="#FF00FF"><u>The Family in Islam (part 1 of 3): The Appeal of Islamic Family Life</u></font></h1> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="contentpaneopen"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <br> <hr class="titlesep"></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt"><font face="Times New Roman" size="3"><img height="183" alt="" hspace="10" width="280" align="right" src= "http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/images/The_Family_in_Islam_(part_1_of_3)_-_The_Appeal_of_Islamic_Family_Life_001.jpg"></font>In Islam, considering the well-being of the other instead of just the self is a virtue so rooted in the religion that it is evident even to those outside it. The British humanitarian and civil rights lawyer, Clive Stafford-Smith, a non-Muslim, stated: What I like about Islam is its focus on the group, which is opposite to the Wests focus on individuality.<a title= " Emel Magazine, Issue 6 - June/July 2004." href= "http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/387/#_ftn3185" name= "_ftnref3185"><span class="w-footnote-number"><span class= "w-footnote-number"><font size="3">[1]</font></span></span></a></p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">Individuals comprising any society are tied together by related group bonds. The strongest of all societal bonds is that of the family. And while it can be justifiably argued that the basic family unit is the foundation of any given human society, this holds particularly true for Muslims. As a matter of fact, the great status that Islam affords to the family system is the very thing that so often attracts many new converts to Islam, particularly women.</p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">With laws for almost every aspect of life, Islam represents a faith-based order that women may see as crucial to creating healthy families and communities, and correcting the damage done by the popular secular humanism of the past thirty or so years, several experts said. In addition, women from broken homes may be especially attracted to the religion because of the value it places on family, said Marcia Hermansen, a professor of Islamic studies at Loyola University in Chicago and an American who also converted to Islam.<a title= " Islams Female Converts; Priya Malhotra, February 16, 2002. (see http://thetruereligion.org/modules/xfsection/article.php?articleid=167)." href="http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/387/#_ftn3186" name= "_ftnref3186"><span class="w-footnote-number"><span class= "w-footnote-number"><font size="3">[2]</font></span></span></a></p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">Nowhere is this trend of a people who value traditional family values as they embrace Islam more prevalent than in North Americas Latino or Hispanic community. As one of Floridas Muslims observed: I have seen an increasing rate in Hispanics converting to Islam. I think the Hispanic culture itself is very rich in terms of family values, and that is something that is very prominent in the religion of Islam.</p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">So, what are the particular values or traits of Islamic family life that so many are finding so appealing?</p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">At a Columbia University Islamic event, Hernan Guadalupe, an Ecuadorian-American: spoke of the cultural similarities and family values inherent to Hispanics and Muslims. Typically, Hispanic households are tight knit and devout, and children are reared in a strict environment - traits that mirror Muslim households.<a title= " Some Latinos convert to Islam; Marcela Rojas, The Journal News (http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051030/NEWS02/510300319/1028/NEWS12)" href="http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/387/#_ftn3187" name= "_ftnref3187"><span class="w-footnote-number"><span class= "w-footnote-number"><font size="3">[3]</font></span></span></a></p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">And in another recent newspaper report, it was also observed how: Family values play an integral role in the formation of a Muslim community. Because of those family values, there are a lot of other norms that are consistent within the Hispanic community and Islam; for instance, respect for elders, married life and rearing children, these are some of the traditions Hispanics have in common with Islam.<a title= " Islam Gains Hispanic Converts; Lisa Bolivar, Special Correspondent, September 30, 2005 (http://thetruereligion.org/modules/xfsection/article.php?articleid=405)" href="http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/387/#_ftn3188" name= "_ftnref3188"><span class="w-footnote-number"><span class= "w-footnote-number"><font size="3">[4]</font></span></span></a></p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">Some ordinary American converts also have had a say about real life experience, and some of these are collected in a book by the mother of such a convert; <em>Daughters of Another Path</em> by Carol L. Anway. One woman, quoted in the book<a title= " Daughters of Another Path, 4th printing, Al-Attique Publishers, p.81." href= "http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/387/#_ftn3189" name= "_ftnref3189"><span class="w-footnote-number"><span class= "w-footnote-number"><font size="3">[5]</font></span></span></a>, spoke about her change in attitude towards marriage and family life after converting to Islam. I became cleaner and quieter the further I went into the religion. I became highly disciplined. I had not intended to marry before I was a Muslim, yet I quickly became a wife and then a mother. Islam has provided a framework that has allowed me to express belief, such as modesty, kindness and love, that I already had. It has also led me to happiness through marriage and the birth of two children. Before Islam I had had no desire to have my own family since I hated (the thought of having) kids.</p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">Another woman speaks of her acceptance into the extended family in the same book. We were met at the airport by a lot of his family, and it was a very touching moment, one I will never forget. Mama (her mother-in-law) is like an angel& I have spent a lot of time in with tears, because of what I see here. The family system is quite unique with closeness that is beyond words.<a title= " Daughters of Another Path, p.126." href= "http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/387/#_ftn3190" name= "_ftnref3190"><span class="w-footnote-number"><span class= "w-footnote-number"><font size="3">[6]</font></span></span></a></p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">In Appendix <strong>C</strong> of the book, a 35 year old American convert, at that time 14 years a Muslim, wrote about the family of her husband and their values relative to her own American values. I have met all the members of my husbands immediate family and some members of his immense extended family& I have learned a great deal from my in-laws. They have a wonderful way of relating to their children, a way that engenders respect for others and great amounts of self esteem. It is interesting to see how a child-orientated and religious orientated culture operates. My in-laws, by virtue of being a contrast to American culture, have given me a great appreciation for certain elements of my American cultural identity& I have seen that Islam is truly correct in saying that moderation is the right path.<a title=" Daughters of Another Path, p.191." href= "http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/387/#_ftn3191" name= "_ftnref3191"><span class="w-footnote-number"><span class= "w-footnote-number"><font size="3">[7]</font></span></span></a></p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">From these quotations, one from a non-Muslim intellectual, others from converts and reporters, and some from quite ordinary American women who embraced Islam, we can see that family values in Islam are one of its major attractions. These values stem from God and His guidance, through the Quran and the example and teaching of His Messenger, Muhammad, may God praise him, who indicates the family unit as being one of the mainstays of religion and Islamic the way of life. The importance of forming a family is underscored by a saying of the holy Prophet himself, who said:</p> <p class="w-hadeeth-or-bible" style="font-size: 13pt">When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion, so let him fear God regarding the remaining half.<a title= " A narration from the Prophet, by Anas b. Malik, his personal servant; collected in and commented on by Imam al-Baihaqi in Shuab al-Iman (Branches of Faith)." href="http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/387/#_ftn3192" name= "_ftnref3192"><span class="w-footnote-number"><span class= "w-footnote-number"><strong><font size= "3">[8]</font></strong></span></span></a> (<em>al-Baihaqi</em>)</p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">The two articles that follow will discuss the family in Islam in the light of the Quran and Prophetic teachings. Through briefly exploring Islams take on the themes of married life, respect for parents and elders, and the rearing of children, we can begin to appreciate the benefits of the family in Islam.</p> <div><br clear="all"> <hr class="footnotesep"> <span class="w-footnote-title" style="font-size: 13pt"><strong><font face= "Times New Roman">Footnotes:</font></strong></span> <div id="ftn1"> <p class="w-footnote-text" style="font-size: 11pt"><a title= "Back to the refrence of this footnote" href= "http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/387/#_ftnref3185" name= "_ftn3185"><span class="w-footnote-number"><span class= "w-footnote-number"><font size="2">[1]</font></span></span></a> <em>Emel Magazine</em>, Issue 6 - June/July 2004.</p> </div> <div id="ftn2"> <p class="w-footnote-text" style="font-size: 11pt"><a title= "Back to the refrence of this footnote" href= "http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/387/#_ftnref3186" name= "_ftn3186"><span class="w-footnote-number"><span class= "w-footnote-number"><font size="2">[2]</font></span></span></a> Islams Female Converts; Priya Malhotra, February 16, 2002. (see http://thetruereligion.org/modules/xfsection/article.php?articleid=167).</p> </div> <div id="ftn3"> <p class="w-footnote-text" style="font-size: 11pt"><a title= "Back to the refrence of this footnote" href= "http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/387/#_ftnref3187" name= "_ftn3187"><span class="w-footnote-number"><span class= "w-footnote-number"><font size="2">[3]</font></span></span></a> Some Latinos convert to Islam; Marcela Rojas, The Journal News (http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051030/NEWS02/510300319/1028/NEWS12)</p> </div> <div id="ftn4"> <p class="w-footnote-text" style="font-size: 11pt"><a title= "Back to the refrence of this footnote" href= "http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/387/#_ftnref3188" name= "_ftn3188"><span class="w-footnote-number"><span class= "w-footnote-number"><font size="2">[4]</font></span></span></a> Islam Gains Hispanic Converts; Lisa Bolivar, Special Correspondent, September 30, 2005 (http://thetruereligion.org/modules/xfsection/article.php?articleid=405)</p> </div> <div id="ftn5"> <p class="w-footnote-text" style="font-size: 11pt"><a title= "Back to the refrence of this footnote" href= "http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/387/#_ftnref3189" name= "_ftn3189"><span class="w-footnote-number"><span class= "w-footnote-number"><font size="2">[5]</font></span></span></a> <em>Daughters of Another Path</em>, 4th printing, Al-Attique Publishers, p.81.</p> </div> <div id="ftn6"> <p class="w-footnote-text" style="font-size: 11pt"><a title= "Back to the refrence of this footnote" href= "http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/387/#_ftnref3190" name= "_ftn3190"><span class="w-footnote-number"><span class= "w-footnote-number"><font size="2">[6]</font></span></span></a> <em>Daughters of Another Path</em><strong>,</strong> p.126.</p> </div> <div id="ftn7"> <p class="w-footnote-text" style="font-size: 11pt"><a title= "Back to the refrence of this footnote" href= "http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/387/#_ftnref3191" name= "_ftn3191"><span class="w-footnote-number"><span class= "w-footnote-number"><font size="2">[7]</font></span></span></a> <em>Daughters of Another Path</em>, p.191.</p> </div> <div id="ftn8"> <p class="w-footnote-text" style="font-size: 11pt"><a title= "Back to the refrence of this footnote" href= "http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/387/#_ftnref3192" name= "_ftn3192"><span class="w-footnote-number"><span class= "w-footnote-number"><font size="2">[8]</font></span></span></a> A narration from the Prophet, by Anas b. Malik, his personal servant; collected in and commented on by Imam al-Baihaqi in <em>Shuab al-Iman (Branches of Faith)</em><strong>.</strong></p> <p class="w-footnote-text" style="font-size: 11pt"></p> </div> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="contentpaneopen"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="100%"> <h1><font face="Times New Roman" color="#FF00FF">The Family in Islam (part 2 of 3): Marriage</font></h1> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="contentpaneopen"> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> <h2 style="font-size: 15pt"><font face="Times New Roman" color= "#FF99CC">Marriage</font></h2> <p class="w-quran" style="font-size: 13pt">And among His signs is that He created for you mates from among yourselves that you may dwell with them in serenity and tranquility. And He has put love and compassion between your hearts. Truly in that are signs for those who reflect. (Quran 30:21)</p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">Marriage is the most ancient of human social institutions. Marriage came into existence with the creation of the first man and woman: Adam and Eve. All the Prophets since then were sent as examples for their communities, and every Prophet, from the first to the last, upheld the institution of marriage as the divinely-sanctioned expression of heterosexual companionship.<a title= " Whether or not those Prophets were themselves married: Jesus, for example, ascended to heaven as an unmarried man. However, Muslims believe that he will return to earth before the End of Time in a second coming wherein he will reign supreme, a husband and father like any other family man. Thus, the recent controversy regarding the De Vinci Code fictional claims that Jesus married and had children is not blasphemous in the fact that it suggests that a Messiah could be a family man, merely premature." href="http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/390/#_ftn4290" name= "_ftnref4290"><span class="w-footnote-number"><span class= "w-footnote-number"><font size="3">[1]</font></span></span></a> Even today, it is still considered more right and proper that couples introduce each other as: my wife or my husband rather than: my lover or my partner. For it is through marriage that men and woman legally fulfill their carnal desires, their instincts for love, neediness, companionship, intimacy, and so on.</p> <p class="w-quran" style="font-size: 13pt"><span style= "color: black">&</span>They (your wives, O men) are a garment for you and you (men) are a garment for them... (Quran 2:187)</p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">Over the course of time, some groups have come to hold extreme beliefs about the opposite sex and sexuality. Women, in particular, were considered evil by many religious men, and so contact with them had to be kept to a minimum. Thus, monasticism, with its lifetime of abstention and celibacy, was invented by those who wanted what they reckoned to be a pious alternative to marriage and a life more godly.</p> <p class="w-quran" style="font-size: 13pt">Then, We sent after them, Our Messengers, and We sent Jesus son of Mary, and gave him the Gospel. And We ordained in the hearts of those who followed him, compassion and mercy. But the Monasticism which they invented for themselves; We did not prescribe for them, but (they sought it) only to please Allah therewith, but that they did not observe it with the right observance. So We gave those among them who believed, their (due) reward, but many of them are rebellious sinners. (Quran 57:27)</p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">The only family that monks would know (Christian, Buddhist, or otherwise) would be their fellow monks at the monastery or temple. In the case of Christianity, not only men, but also women, could attain the pious ranks by becoming nuns, or brides of Christ. This unnatural situation has often led to a great number of social vices, such as child abuse, homosexuality and illegitimate sexual relations actually occurring among the cloistered all of which are considered actual criminal sins. Those Muslim heretics who have followed the non-Islamic practice of abstention and hermitage, or who have at least claimed to have taken an even more pious path to God than the Prophets themselves, have similarly succumbed to these same vices and to an equally scandalous degree.</p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">The Prophet Muhammad in his own lifetime made clear his feelings at the suggestion that marriage could be an obstacle to drawing closer to God. Once, a man came looking for the Prophet to vow before him that he would have nothing to do with women, that is, to never marry. The Prophet responded by sternly declaring:</p> <p class="w-hadeeth-or-bible" style="font-size: 13pt">By Allah! I am the most God-fearing amongst you! Yet& I marry! Whoever turns away from my sunnah (inspired way) is not from me (i.e. not a true believer).</p> <p class="w-quran" style="font-size: 13pt">Say (to the people O Muhammad): If you love Allah then follow me, Allah will (then) love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. <span style= "color: black">(Quran 3:31)</span></p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">In reality, far from viewing marriage as bad for ones faith, Muslims hold marriage to be an integral part of their religious devotion. As mentioned before, the Prophet Muhammad explicitly stated that marriage is half of the Religion (of Islam)<em>.</em> In other words, perhaps half of all Islamic virtues, such as fidelity, chastity, charity, generosity, tolerance, gentleness, striving, patience, love, empathy, compassion, caring, learning, teaching, reliability, courage, mercy, forbearance, forgiveness, etc., find their natural expression through married life. Hence, in Islam, God-consciousness and good character are supposed to be the principle criteria that a spouse looks for in his or her prospective marriage partner. The Prophet Muhammad said:</p> <p class="w-hadeeth-or-bible" style="font-size: 13pt">A woman is married for (one of) four reasons: her wealth, her status, her beauty and her religious devotion. So marry the religious woman, else you be a loser. (<em>Saheeh Al-Bukhari</em>)</p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">Undoubtedly, the social malaise and decay that is prevalent in many parts of the non-Islamic world also finds expression in some parts of the Muslim world as well. Nevertheless, promiscuity, fornication and adultery are still roundly condemned throughout Islamic societies and have yet to be decriminalized to the level of merely fooling around, playing the field or other such trivial pursuits. Indeed, Muslims still recognize and acknowledge the great destructiveness that pre-marital and extra-marital relationships have on communities. In fact the Quran makes clear that the mere accusation of impropriety carries very severe consequences in this life and the next.</p> <p class="w-quran" style="font-size: 13pt">And those who accuse chaste women, and do not produce four witnesses (to unequivocally prove their accusation), flog them with eighty stripes, and reject their testimony forever; for they are truly wicked sinners. (Quran 24:2)</p> <p class="w-quran" style="font-size: 13pt">Verily, those who slander chaste women, innocent, unsuspecting, believing women: they are cursed in this world and the next. And for them will be a great torment. (Quran 24:23)</p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">Ironically, while it is unmarried women who perhaps suffer most from the consequences of promiscuous relationships, some of the more radical voices of the feminist movement have called for the abolition of the institution of marriage. Sheila Cronin of the movement, NOW, speaking from the blinkered perspective of a fringe feminist whose society is reeling from the failure of the traditional western marriage to grant women security, protection from sexually transmitted diseases, and many other problems and abuses, opined: Since marriage constitutes slavery for women, it is clear that the womens movement must concentrate on attacking this institution. Freedom for women cannot be won without the abolition of marriage.</p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">Marriage in Islam, however, or rather, marriage according to Islam, is in and of itself a vehicle for securing freedom for women. No greater example of the perfect Islamic marriage exists than that of the Prophet Muhammad, who told his followers: <strong>The best of you are those who best treat their women. And I am the best of people to my women.</strong><a title=" Narrated in Al-Tirmidhi." href= "http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/390/#_ftn4291" name= "_ftnref4291"><span class="w-footnote-number"><span class= "w-footnote-number"><font size="3">[2]</font></span></span></a> The Prophets beloved wife, Aisha, attested to the freedom her husbands treatment afforded her when she said:</p> <p class="w-hadeeth-or-bible" style="font-size: 13pt">He always joined in the housework and would at times mend his clothes, repair his shoes and sweep the floor. He would milk, tether and feed his animals and do household chores. (<em>Saheeh Al-Bukhari</em>)</p> <p class="w-quran" style="font-size: 13pt">Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example to follow for whoever hopes in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much. (Quran 33:21)</p> <div><br clear="all"> <hr class="footnotesep"> <span class="w-footnote-title" style="font-size: 13pt"><strong><font face= "Times New Roman">Footnotes:</font></strong></span> <div id="ftn1"> <p class="w-footnote-text" style="font-size: 11pt"><a title= "Back to the refrence of this footnote" href= "http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/390/#_ftnref4290" name= "_ftn4290"><span class="w-footnote-number"><span class= "w-footnote-number"><font size="2">[1]</font></span></span></a> Whether or not those Prophets were themselves married: Jesus, for example, ascended to heaven as an unmarried man. However, Muslims believe that he will return to earth before the End of Time in a second coming wherein he will reign supreme, a husband and father like any other family man. Thus, the recent controversy regarding the De Vinci Code fictional claims that Jesus married and had children is not blasphemous in the fact that it suggests that a Messiah could be a family man, merely premature.</p> </div> <div id="ftn2"> <p class="w-footnote-text" style="font-size: 11pt"><a title= "Back to the refrence of this footnote" href= "http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/390/#_ftnref4291" name= "_ftn4291"><span class="w-footnote-number"><span class= "w-footnote-number"><font size="2">[2]</font></span></span></a> Narrated in <em>Al-<span style="color: black">Tirmidhi.</span></em></p> </div> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="contentpaneopen"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="100%"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="contentpaneopen"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <h1><font size="3"><font face="Times New Roman"><font color="#FF00FF">The Family in Islam (part 3 of 3): Parenting</font></font></font></h1> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> <h2 style="font-size: 15pt"><font face="Times New Roman" color= "#FF99CC">Parenting</font></h2> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt"><img height="187" alt="" hspace="10" width="280" align="right" src= "http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/images/The_Family_in_Islam_(part_3_of_3)_-_Parenting_001.jpg">One of the reasons that the Islamic family works is because of its clearly defined structure, where each member of the household knows his or her role. The Prophet Muhammad, may God praise him, said:</p> <p class="w-hadeeth-or-bible" style="font-size: 13pt">Each of you is a shepherd, and all of you are responsible for your flocks. (<em>Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim</em>)</p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">The father is the shepherd over his family, protecting them, providing for them, and striving to be their role model and guide in his capacity as head of the household. The mother is the shepherd over the house, guarding it and engendering in it the wholesome, loving environment that is necessary for a happy and healthy family life. She is also the one who is primarily responsible for the childrens guidance and education. Were it not for the fact that one of the parents assumed the leadership role, then inevitably there would be perpetual disputation and fighting, leading to family breakdown just as there would be in any organization which lacked any single hierarchical authority.</p> <p class="w-quran" style="font-size: 13pt">God puts forth a similitude: a (servant) man belonging to many partners, disputing with one another, and a man belonging entirely to one master. Are those two equal in comparison? All the praises and thanks be to God! But most of them know not. (Quran 39:29)</p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">It is only logical that the one who is naturally the physically and emotionally stronger of the two parents is made head of the household: the male.</p> <p class="w-quran" style="font-size: 13pt"><span style= "color: black">&</span>And they (women) have rights (over their men) similar (to the rights of their men) over them - according to what is equitable. But men have a degree (of responsibility, etc.) over them& (Quran 2:228)</p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">As for the children, the fruits of their parents love, Islam lays down comprehensive morals enjoining parental responsibility and the childs reciprocal dutifulness to its parents.</p> <p class="w-quran" style="font-size: 13pt">And treat your parents with kindness. If one or both of them attain old age in your care, never say to them a word (suggesting) disgust, nor reproach them, but address them with reverent speech. And humble yourself out of mercy before them, and pray: My Lord! Be merciful to them for having cared for me in my childhood. (Quran 17:23-4)</p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">Obviously, if the parents fail to inculcate the fear of God within their children from an early age because they are themselves heedless, then they cannot expect to see righteous gratitude returned to them. Hence, Gods severe warning in His Book:</p> <p class="w-quran" style="font-size: 13pt">O you who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones. (Quran 66:6)</p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt"><span lang="EN">If the parents do indeed strive to raise their children upon righteousness, then, as the Prophet said:</span></p> <p class="w-hadeeth-or-bible" style="font-size: 13pt"><a id="OLE_LINK2" name= "OLE_LINK2"></a><a id="OLE_LINK1" name="OLE_LINK1">If the son of Adam dies, all his actions have ceased except [three</a>, a continuing charity, beneficial knowledge and] a righteous child who prays for its parent. (<em>Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim</em>)</p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">Regardless of how the parents raise their children, and irrespective of their own religion (or lack, thereof), the obedience and reverence that a Muslim son or daughter is required to show them is second only to the obedience due to the Creator Himself. Thus His reminder:</p> <p class="w-quran" style="font-size: 13pt">And (remember) when We took a covenant from the Children of Israel, (saying): Worship none but God and be dutiful and good to parents, and to kindred, and to orphans and to the poor, and speak good to people, and perform the prayer, and give the alms. (Quran 2:83)</p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">In fact, it is quite common to hear of elderly non-Muslims converting to Islam as a result of the increased care and dutifulness their children gave them following their (i.e. the childrens) becoming Muslims.</p> <p class="w-quran" style="font-size: 13pt">Say (O Muhammad): Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and dutiful to your parents; kill not your children because of poverty - We provide sustenance for you and for them& (Quran 6:151)</p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">While the child is obliged to show obedience to both parents, Islam singles out the mother as being the one deserving the lions share of loving gratitude and kindness. When <span lang= "EN">the Prophet Muhammad was asked, O Messenger of God! Who from amongst mankind warrants the best companionship from me? he replied: <strong>Your mother.</strong> The man asked: Then who? The Prophet said: <strong>Your mother.</strong> The man asked: Then who? The Prophet repeated: <strong>Your mother.</strong> Again, the man asked: Then who? The Prophet finally said: <strong>(Then) your father.</strong></span><a title= " Narrated in Saheeh al-Bukhari and Saheeh Muslim." href= "http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/393/#_ftn4292" name= "_ftnref4292"><span class="w-footnote-number"><span class= "w-footnote-number"><font size="3">[1]</font></span></span></a></p> <p class="w-quran" style="font-size: 13pt">And We have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his parents. His mother bears him with hardship and she brings him forth with hardship, and the bearing of him, and the weaning of him is thirty (30) months, till when he attains full strength and reaches forty years, he says: My Lord! Grant me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds, such as please You, and make my off-spring good. Truly, I have turned to You in repentance, and truly, I am one of the Muslims (submitting to Your Will). (Quran 46:15)</p> <h2 style="font-size: 15pt"><span lang="EN">Conclusion</span></h2> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt"><span lang="EN">There exists in Islam a general principle that states that what is good for one is good for another. Or, in the words of the Prophet:</span></p> <p class="w-hadeeth-or-bible" style="font-size: 13pt">None of you truly believes until he loves for his (believing) brother what he loves for himself. (<em>Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim</em>)</p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">As could be expected, this principle finds its greatest expression in a Muslim family, the nucleus of the Islamic society. Nevertheless, the dutifulness of the child to its parents is, in truth, extended to all the elders of the community. The mercy and concern that the parents have for their children is likewise extended to all the young ones. Actually, it is not as if the Muslim has a choice in such matters. After all, the Prophet did say:</p> <p class="w-hadeeth-or-bible" style="font-size: 13pt">He who does not show compassion to our young, nor honor our elders, is not from us. (<em>Abu Dawood, Al-Tirmidhi</em>)</p> <p class="w-body-text-1" style="font-size: 13pt">Is it any wonder, then, that so many people, raised as non-Muslims, find what they are looking for, what they have always believed to have been good and true, in the religion of Islam? A religion where they are immediately and warmly welcomed as members of one loving family.</p> <p class="w-quran" style="font-size: 13pt">Righteousness is not that you turn your faces to the east and the west. But righteous is the one who believes in God, the Last Day, the Angels, the Scripture and the Prophets; who gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, to kinsfolk, orphans, the poor, the wayfarer, to those who ask, and to set slaves free. And (righteous are) those who pray, pay alms, honor their agreements, and are patient in (times of) poverty, ailment and during conflict. Such are the people of truth. And they are the God-Fearing. (Quran 2:177)</p> <div><br clear="all"> <hr class="footnotesep"> <span class="w-footnote-title" style="font-size: 13pt"><strong><font face= "Times New Roman">Footnotes:</font></strong></span> <div id="ftn1"> <p class="w-footnote-text" style="font-size: 11pt"><a title= "Back to the refrence of this footnote" href= "http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/393/#_ftnref4292" name= "_ftn4292"><span class="w-footnote-number"><span class= "w-footnote-number"><font size="2">[1]</font></span></span></a> Narrated in <em>Saheeh al-Bukhari</em> and <em>Saheeh Muslim</em>.</p> </div> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div>