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Home , Islamic funeral, Rakat, Wudu, Zabur

New Muslim GUIDE BOOK The essential beliefs, practices and guide for new .

1 5 Introduction 6 9 Beliefs Table of 10 11 CONTENTS 11 12 18 19 20 Characters of a Muslim 21 Islam and Food 22 Islamic Terms

2 3 INTRODUCTION

“Assalamu `alaykum” – “May the peace and blessings of be upon you”. In the name of , the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. We ask Allah “The most glorified, the most high” to enable this script to be an enlighten- ing and welcoming resource for whoever is looking of peace and truth in Islam. Our goal is that you find comfort in its gesture, the Quran, the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad “Peace Be Upon Him”, his teachings; and in our community in that great country of Canada that we all call home. The purpose of this New Muslims script book is to explain the individually of Allah, his Prophets and Messengers; give guidance on the cornerstones and pillars of the Muslim faith. It also give answers to basic questions and shed lights on some deeper thoughts and meditation including providing detailed visuals to help in remembering the learnings, directs to resources; and the most essential target function, welcomes new Muslims. This book has been reviewed by our scholars before being published. Welcome to this a path of questioning and “Ijtihad”; a wholehearted and humble application of the self to a pursuit judged by the journeyer to be beloved, enlightening and necessary. The effort to have handy resources is a reminder that our new Muslim brothers and sisters are in our minds and hearts and we should utilize whatever in our efforts for them. The carefully crafted details sewn into this project are a work of care, love and peace. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions as we would be more than happy to answer them when you are going through this journey. You can easily find our centers office hours simply by visiting our centers website. We hope you find yourself in this splendid book and it would become a well-worn com- panion and thoughtfully reference whenever you need. And may you find knowledge, wisdom, enlightenment, comfort, and answers in seeking Allah subhanaho wa ta`allah’s satisfaction.

4 5 What is ISLAM? Islam is a religion which purifies the heart through the Prophet had spoken rightly. He then said, “Tell the remembrance of Allah. Hadith Jibril which me about .” remains one of the most foundational narrations The Prophet (SAW) replied, ‘It is to believe in Allah, in Islam illustrates the three core dimensions of our His , His Books, His Messengers and the Last Day, faith. It describes Islam, which means to submit to and to believe in divine decree, both the good and the evil Allah; Iman, which is faith, an internal state and thereof.’ essential characteristic of a believer; Ihsan, means He said, ‘What you said is truthful.’ He then said, awareness of Allah in one’s heart. All three, in ‘Tell me about Ihsan.’ tandem, instruct Muslims on rituals they must practice, religious knowledge they must believe The Prophet (SAW) said, ‘It is to worship Allah as ISLAM IMAAN IHSAN and how they should worship Allah. though you are seeing Him, for even if you cannot see Him, He indeed sees you.’ Narrated by Umar (RA), one of the closest sahaba Belief in: To worship Allah as Allah (companions) of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), He said, ‘Then tell me about the Hour (the Day The testimony of faith. though you see Him. Hadith Jibril presents the most concise understanding of Judgment)’ Angels of Islam: The Prophet (SAW) replied, ‘The one being The five daily . Divine Books “One day while we were sitting with the Messenger questioned is no more knowledgeable than the SAWM Prophets of Allah (SAW) a man appeared before us whose questioner.’ Day of Judgment clothes were exceedingly white and whose hair was He then said, ‘Then tell me about its signs.’ Fasting during the exceedingly black; no signs of travel were to be seen month of Ramadan. The Prophet (SAW) replied, ‘That the slave-girl will Divine Decree on him, and none of us knew him. He walked up and give birth to her mistress and that you will see the bare- ZAKAT sat down by the Prophet (SAW). Resting his knees footed, naked, destitute herdsman competing in construct- Alms giving. against the Prophet’s (SAW) and placing the palms ing lofty buildings.’ of his hands on the Prophet’s (SAW) thighs, he said: “O Muhammad, tell me about Islam.’ Then the man left and I stayed behind for a time. Pilgrimage to . The Messenger of Allah (SAW) asked, ‘Umar, do The Messenger of Allah said ‘Islam is: you know who the questioner was?’ 1. Shahada (The Testimony of Faith) - that you should I replied, ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’ testify there is nothing worthy of worshiping except of Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of He said, ‘That was the Jibril () who Allah. came to teach you your religion.’ 2. Salat (Prayer) - to perform the five daily prayers. (Sahih Bukhari) 3. Zakat (Charity) - to pay the purifying alms. 4. Sawm (Fasting) - to fast in the month of Ramadan. 5. Hajj (The Pilgrimage) - to make pilgrimage to the Sacred House if you are able to do so.” He said, “What you said is truthful.” And we were amazed at him asking the Prophet and affirming that

6 7 What do MUSLIMS BELIEVE? SHAHADA: DIVINE BOOKS: Our beliefs are based upon the Shahada, which is a The Divine Books of the Abrahamic faiths are verbal acceptance of Islam: important to Muslims. Allah sent down the Taurat () of Prophet Musa (), the Zabur دُ ْأنهله أشلهَ إال َّالال إ () of Prophet Dawud (), the Injil Ash-hadu an la ilaha ill-Allah () of Prophet Isa ( ) and the Quran which I testify that nothing is worthy of worship except was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Allah. However, scriptures revealed before the Quran have been altered throughout history and present versions وحم ًّدا رﺳﻮم دُ أنَّهأش ُللهلا of those books are imperfect. The Quran is the Word Wa ash-hadu anna Muhammad-an rasul Allah of God and has been protected from modification. And I testify that Muhammad is the messenger PROPHETS MESSENGERS: of Allah. & Allah chose the best of his creation as messengers. As narrated in Hadith Jibril, Iman means “to Many of the events and lessons pertaining to the blieve in the oneness Allah, His Angels, His Books, lives of messengers are described in the Qur’an. His Messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe in Muslim scholars consider “Nabi” (Prophet) to be divine decree, both the good and the evil thereof.” someone who received a revelation from Allah and : “Rasul” (Messenger) as someone who received the Tawhid or the oneness of Allah is the most important revelation and scripture. aspect of Islam. The first half of the Shahada attests JUDGMENT DAY: to the foundational nature of Tawhid to the Muslim Judgment Day is another core tenet of the Muslim faith. A Muslim’s most important relationship is faith. This dunya (life) serves as a test from Allah, to with his creator. Understanding and believing in the see whether we choose righteousness or stray from attributes of Allah is key to strengthening our His path. All souls will be resurrected for judgment relationship with Him. The Qur’an states in Chapter by Allah, upon which a person will be granted 112 ( al-Ikhlas): “Say, He is Allah the One, () or (). Allah is the complete. He neither begot nor was He begotten. No one is comparable to Him.” Allah exists QADR: outside of creation, and His mercy is limitless. Allah is the creator of all things. Therefore, Allah’s ANGELS: wisdom is perfect and nothing can change His command. All that He wills comes to pass and Muslims believe in the existence of angels. In fact, nothing exists outside of His decree. Muslims the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad believe in divine predestination because we believe (SAW) through Archangel Jibril. Angels are noble in Tawhid. beings created from light by Allah. They exist solely to worship Allah and carry out His command.

8 9 PROPHET MUHAMMAD ? Who is QURAN? Our beloved Prophet Muhammad is the final Day and who remembers Allah often” (33:21). What is messenger of Allah sent with the simple yet pro- The importance of our beloved Prophet as a The Qur’an is the divine word of Allah trans- “This Qur’an surely guides (in all matters) to found message: there is nothing worthy of worship guide in all aspects of our life cannot be overstat- mitted through the Archangel Jibril to our that which is most just and right, and gives except Allah and Muhammad is His messen- ed. Muslims are encouraged to foster love for our beloved Prophet Muhammad. The Qur’an is the believers who do good, righteous deeds ger. Born in Makkah in 570 AD, he grew up as an Prophet Muhammad by learning about his life only considered to be original in the the glad tidings that for them there is a great orphan. His father Abdullah died before he was through the sirah (biography), his personal char- language and has remained unchanged since it reward.”(Quran 17:9) born and his mother Amina died when he was six acteristics through hadith, and through practicing was revealed to the Prophet . It is said in the years old. At the age of forty, Muhammad re- his . Qur’an about this miraculous nature: HADITH? ceived revelation (the Qur’an) from Allah through The character above, which is used throughout this “And this Qur’an is not such that it could What is the Archangel Jibril. During this time Makkah book where the Prophet Muhammad is men- possibly be fabricated by one in attribution to The narrations provided by the sahaba (com- was a polytheistic society ruled by merchant tribes tioned, translates to “prayer of Allah be upon him Allah, but it is a (Divine Book) confirming panion) of our beloved Prophet regarding the whose power rested within the status quo. When and his family and peace”. This is done out of our (the Divine origin of and the truths that are Prophet ’s actions, words and tacit approvals are our beloved messenger began publicly preaching immense love and respect for the Prophet . still contained by) the Revelations prior to it, called hadith. These reports have been collect- to worship Allah alone, the ruling Makkan tribes Allah says in Chapter 33 (Surah al-Ahzab) of the and an explanation of the Essence of all Divine ed over time and their authenticity verified persecuted him and drove him out of the city. Is- Qur’an: “Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Books—wherein there is no doubt, from the by hadith scholars. Hadith illustrate Islamic lam threatened their wealth and their polytheistic Prophet, and His angels. O you who have believed, Lord of the worlds.” (Quran 10:37) tradition and how our Prophet modeled our way of life. The Muslims, along with our beloved ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask religion. The Qur’an and hadith both serve as Prophet Muhammad migrated to Madinah to “We send it down this Qur’an (discourse) in [Allah to grant him] peace.” the sources of Islamic law. establish the first Muslim community. Our Proph- Arabic so that you may reflect (on both its et Muhammad founded a state, laid down a meaning and wording and understand.” (Quran moral code and brought reform to the Arabian 12:2) peninsula. His spiritual leadership cannot be sepa- “And, indeed, (by revealing it through human What is rated from his role as a statesman or his exemplary language) We have made the Qur’an easy for SUNNAH? character as a man. The Qur’an, the literal word of remembrance (of Allah, and taking heed). Then Allah, provides the foundational text of Islam, but is there any that remembers and takes heed?” The teachings and lessons from the life of our Muslims learn how to practice our faith through (Quran 54:17) beloved Prophet Muhammad are called Sun- the guidance of the Prophet and his traditions. The revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Mu- nah. Our Prophet ’s Sunnah is known through Hadith (narrations) provided by the Prophet‘s hammad began in the month of Ramadan 609 hundreds of thousands of hadith that have sahaba (companion) along with Sunnah (The Pro- CE and continued over a period of 23 years. been narrated by his sahaba (companion). phetic Way) teach Muslims how to practice good The Qur’an consists of 114 (chapters) Muslims are encouraged to emulate the pro- character and the way a believer should conduct and each chapter is comprised of ayat (vers- phetic character of our beloved Muhammad himself or herself. These sources stress a love for es). The surahs are classified as Meccan and for he serves as the best guide to mankind, and humanity, responsibility towards one’s family, Medinan, depending on the time frame they the best way to do so is through our Prophet ’s community and a commitment to justice. The were revealed. Muslims should make a lifelong sunnah. Qur’an states, “There has certainly been for you in commitment to learn, recite and reflect upon the Messenger of Allah an excellent example the message of the Qur’an. for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last

10 11 PRAYER CONSISTS OF The PRAYER Prayer RAKAHS (CYCLES). EACH Actions that Nullify : RAKAH INCLUDES THE The term “salah” in this book refers to the ritual act INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING SEQUENTIAL of prayer in Islam and the term “” (supplication) These are the actions that necessitate wudu: • POSITIONS: means to address Allah with a certain need. Deep sleep 1. All prayers should start with the (inten- • Bleeding, vomiting, urinating, defecating tion) to make the specific prayer that you are Muslims practice gratitude and submission to • Allah by performing salah five times a day, based on Engaging in acts of intimacy with one’s spouse. about to pray the position of the sun throughout the day. Salah is Ghusul - Ritual Bath: 2. Raise your hands above your shoulders and saying obligatory for all believers who are of sound mind Major impurities can’t be removed by wudu and the opening : and maturity. It’s a blessed opportunity to speak require ghusul, in order to attain a state of ritual proclamation - Allahu Akbar (Allah is great) directly to our creator and ask for forgiveness for Standing facing the . purity. Following are considered major impurities: 3. Stand straight with right hand folded over the left our shortcomings and ease from our hardships. • hand above the navel. PREPARATIONS FOR SALAH: • Postpartum bleeding 4. Recite the first chapter of the Qur’an, Surah • Ejaculation Wudu - Ritual Wash: Al-Fatihah (“The Opening”). • (applies for both parties) Wudu is the process of washing the body with clean SURAH AL-FATIHA: How to Perform Ghusul: in preparation for prayer. اَلح ُمد ِل ّٰل ِه رب الع َل ِم َاني • :The following should be performed in sequential Begin with the intention to perform ghusul. ٰ ِّ َ َ • Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil-alamin order during wudu: Wash your hands from fingertips to wrist. Bow while the back is parallel • Wash your private parts, ensuring all impurities Praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. 1. Begin by making the intention to perform wudu to the floor. are washed off. َّاَالر ٰحم ِن ا َّلر ِح ِ يم .(and saying “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah • • Perform wudu as outlined above. 2. Arrahmani-Rahim Wash your right hand up to and including the • Pour water over your head three times. The Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy. wrist three times, do the same to left hand. • Divide the body into four parts and wash in the ٰم ِل ِك يَ ِوم ِّالد ِؕين ,Rinse your mouth ensuring no food is left. following order: top right, top left, bottom right .3 Repeat three times. bottom left. Yawmid-Din After , one is considered to be in the state of Master of the Day of Judgment. 4. With your right hand, bring water to the nose. ritual purity. Performing ghusl replaces wudu, : اِيَّ َاك نَعب ُد َواِيَّ َاك نَس َت ِع ُؕني Lightly sniff it in and blow it out right away as however, wudu does not replace ghusul. ُ Prostration; there are 5 points that must you wipe the nose downward with left hand. Iyyaka na`budu wa Iyyaka nasta`in touch the ground while prostrating; the Repeat three times. Rites Particular to Women: You alone do we worship, and You alone do we ask forehead, nose, palms, knees and toes. 5. Wash your face (chin to hairline and ear to ear) There are guidelines within Islam particular to wom- for help. en during their menstrual or postpartum bleeding. اِ ِهدنَا ِّ َالص َاط املُ َست ِق َيم .three times 6. Women during these states are required to abstain Wash the right arm from fingertips up to the Ihdinas--siratal-mustaqeem Julus: from acts of worship which require ghusul or wudu. elbow three times. Do the same to left arm. Guide us to the straight path. Sit with your left side on This includes the following: 7. the floor and your left foot ِص َاط َّال ِذ َين َاَنعمتَ َع َليهِم َغ ِري املَغضُ ِوب َع َليهِم َو َ لالضَّ ِّآل َني Salat With wet hands, wipe your hairline from the • under your left shin. The َ • front to the back, and then reverse one time. Fasting in Ramadan (must make up missed days) Siratlal-ladhina an`amta alayhim 8. • toes of the right foot should Wash your right foot from tip of toes up to the Touching the Arabic copy of the Qur’an Ghayril-maghdubi alayhim wa lad-daallin be facing the Qibla and your ankle including in between toes three times. After bleeding has ended, ghusul must be performed The path of those You have blessed, those who incur palms resting on your thighs. Repeat for the left foot. before any of those acts of worship may be observed. no and who have not gone astray.

12 13 5. Once you finished reciting Surah Al-Fatihah, 16. After two of any prayer, only Surah 18. In the last of any prayer, in the final sitting 19. After the recitation of the Abrahamic prayer, close it saying “Ameen” Al-Fatihah is recited; no additional verses are position you repeat the Testimonial while in the sitting position, you finish the 6. In the first two rakahs of any prayer, after Surah added once again along with the Abrahamic Prayer. prayer by turning your head to the right and Al-Fatiha, you must recite one more additional 17. After every two rakat, you raise from sujud to As-Salat al-Ibrahimiyyah: saying “as-salamu `alaykum wa rahmat Allah”. verse from the Qur’an of your choosing. julus. In this position you must recite Then you turn your head left and repeat “as-sal- Allahumma salli ala Muhammadin amu `alaykum wa rahmat Allah”. This signifies 7. Say Allahu Akbar (Allah is greater) while at- (the testimonial Invocation). O Allah: Send blessings upon Muhammad the conclusion of your prayer. transitioning into ruku. At-Tashahhud: Wa ala Muhammad 8. While in ruku, you silently say Subhana Prayer Times and Length At-tahiyyatu lil-lah And the family of Muhammad Rabbil-azim (Glorified is my Lord, the All salutations of authority belong to Allah There are five obligatory prayers performed daily and Magnificent) three times **check transliterations Kama sallayta ala Ibrahim each of those prayers has a designated time when it and translation. was-salawaatu wat-tayyibatu As you sent sent blessings upon begins and when it should end. The prayer times are 9. and prayers and good deeds Wa ala ali Ibrahim Move back to qiyam. calculated according to the position of sun and are As-salamu `alayka ayyuhan-nabiyyu And the family of Abraham 10. Say Allahu Akbar (Allah is greater) while available online at http://isbcc.org/ prayer-times/ or Peace be upon you, O Prophet, transitioning to sujud. Wa barik ala Muhammadin in any masjid. Each prayer has specific amount of Wa rahmatul-lahi wa barakatuh O Allah: Bless Muhammad rakats listed below: 11. While in sujud, say Subhana Rabbil-a`la with the mercy of Allah and His blessings FAJR - (Glorified is my Lord, the Exalted) three times Wa ala ali Muhammad Dawn Prayer As-salamu `alayna wa ala ibadil-lahis-sailihin *check transliteration and translation. And the family of Muhammad Fajr consists of two rakat, both of which Qur’an is Peace be upon us and upon all the righteous servants 12. Kama barakta ala Ibrahim recited aloud. The two rakats are followed by the last Say Allahu Akbar while transitioning to julus of Allah sitting position during which at-Tashahhud and the 13. As you blessed Abraham 13. Move back into sujud and repeat the same Ash-hadu al-la ilaha ill-Allah, wahdahu la sharika lah Wa ala ali Ibrahim Abrahamic prayer are recited. invocation: Subhana Rabbil-a`la (Glorified is I bear witness that there’s nothing worthy of worship, And the family of Abraham DHUHR - my Lord, the Exalted) three times except Allah, He has no partner Midday Prayer 14. Fil alamin innaka Hamidun Majid Dhuhr consists of four rakats in which Qur’an is This completes one rakat of prayer Wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan Abduhu wa rasuluhu In all the worlds, surely, You are the praised, the recited silently. In each of the first two rakat, Surah 15. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant Prayers vary from two to four rakats All-Glorious Al-Fatihah and any other verse from the Qur’an of and messenger.

14 15 your choosing is recited silently. The two rakats are followed by the middle sitting position, during which at-Tashahhud is recited. Surah Al-Fatihah is recited silently in the final two rakats. This is followed by the final sitting during which at-Tashahhud and the Abrahamic prayer are recited.

ASR - Afternoon Prayer Asr consists of four rakats in which Qur’an is recited silently. In each of the first two rakat, Surah Al-Fa- tihah and any other verse from the Qur’an of your choosing is recited silently. The two rakats are fol- lowed by the middle sitting position, during which at-Tashahhud is recited. Surah Al-Fatihah is recited silently in the final two rakats. This is followed by the final sitting during which at-Tashahhud and the Abrahamic prayer are recited.

MAGHREB - Sunset Prayer Maghreb consists of three rakats and is recited aloud. Each of the first two rakats consist of Surah Al-Fa- tihah and any verse from the Qur’an of your choos- ing. Those rakats are followed by the middle sitting position, during which at-Tashahhud is recited. In the third rakat, Surah Al-Fatihah is recited silently and concluded by the final sitting position during which atTashahhud and the Abrahamic prayer are recited.

ISHA - Night Prayer Isha consists of four rakats and is recited aloud. Each of the first two rakats consist of Surah Al-Fatihah and any verse from the Qur’an of your choosing. Those rakats are followed by the middle sitting posi- tion, during which at-Tashahhud is recited. In the last two rakats, Surah Al-Fatihah is recited silently and concluded by the final sitting position during which at-Tashahhud and the Abrahamic prayer are recited.

16 17 ZAKAT? RAMADAN? What is What is Zakat means “to purify” and refers to alms-giving as an obligation upon each believing adult. This is not Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri Calendar reflection. Both Suhur and provide an oppor- a voluntary charity but a religious responsibility to (Islamic lunar calendar) and the holiest month of tunity to share a communal meal. purify one’s wealth. Allah provides Muslims with the year. The first verses of Qur’an were revealed to Taraweeh: our beloved Prophet Muhammad during Rama- abundance and Muslims worship Him by taking care dan. Muslims are encouraged to increase in their Our beloved Prophet Muhammad routinely per- of the poor and the needy. Zakat is a central pillar of abstinence from sins and to increase their acts of formed Qiyam al-Layl (night prayers) to supple- Islam and both types must be fulfilled each year. worship through fasting, reading Qur’an, pray- ment the five obligatory prayers. During Ramadan, Zakat-ul-Fitr: ing supplementary salat, giving charity and being Muslims perform Qiyam al-Layl in congregation Zakat al-Fitr is a set amount paid during Rama- of service to their community. Good deeds and called Taraweeh. Taraweeh takes place after Isha dan and must be paid before Eid al-Fitr prayer. This supplications are especially multiplied in reward prayer and provides an additional opportunity to Zakat is usually paid in staple foods such as grains during Ramadan. It’s important to take advantage remember Allah. Praying Taraweeh in congrega- or dates and given directly to the poor. The head of a of every moment to worship Allah during this tion is a great way to become spiritually closer to household must pay Zakat al-Fitr for themselves and blessed month. Allah and to one’s community. each of their dependents. Since Zakat al-Fitr is a set Fasting: Eid-ul-Fitr: amount regardless of income level, it tends to be a much lower amount than Zakat al-Mal. It’s to make Muslims fast from sunrise to sundown during Eid al-Fitr is the holiday that marks the end of sure communities feed their needy and the poor have Ramadan. This means abstaining from food, drink, Ramadan. Muslims mark the end of their fast by resources to properly celebrate Eid-al-Fitr. smoking and intimacy with one’s significant other. celebrating with their community. It’s sunnah to Zakat-ul-Maal: It’s especially important to abstain from harmful or wear one’s best clothes, eat prior to attending the sinful behavior. While fasting is obligatory for all congregational Eid prayer in the morning and Zakat al-Mal is paid each lunar year and consists of able bodied adults there are exceptions for individ- spend time with family and friends. Eid al-Fitr 2.5% of one’s wealth excluding living expenses. This uals who are sick, pregnant, breastfeeding or travel- is also an occasion to continue the good deeds of includes any property, crops or livestock, gold, savings ing. Women who are menstruating or experiencing Ramadan specifically charity and strengthening and liquid assets that an individual possesses at the postpartum bleeding are also exempt from fasting. the ties of community. end of each lunar year. Zakat al-Maal can be paid Those who miss days of fasting during Ramadan Eid-ul-Adha: directly to the poor, to masajids or to institutions are obligated to make them up. employed to administer Zakat. Eid al-Adha, the 2nd major holiday on the Hijri Fasting during Ramadan is one of the key ways Calendar, takes place on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah Muslims show submission to Allah. It takes and lasts for 4 days. This Eid commemorates the physical and spiritual discipline. Each fast begins willingness of Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his by making the intention to fast. Muslims prepare son as an act of submission to Allah. It is sunnah to fast with a pre-dawn meal called Suhur which to fast the first nine days of the month and to in- should consist of enough nutrients to get through crease your acts of worship. Similar to Eid al-Fitr, the day. The fast is broken at sundown with dates Muslims attend congregational Eid prayer in the and a drink. After Maghreb prayer, Muslims morning and celebrate with their families, friends share a post-fast meal called Iftar with family and and larger community. friends. Ramadan is a month of community and

18 19 Characters of a MUSLIM? Islam and FOOD ETIQUETTE: MODESTY: Along with modesty in action and dress, Muslims are • Carrion or the decaying flesh of an animal Islam is expressed through the character of a Muslim. Modesty in speech, actions and dress is considered also required to maintain a (lawful) lifestyle in • Animals sacrificed to anything other than Allah The importance of is directly connected to the to be an outer reflection of faith and has a central food and drink. Similar to the Jewish tradition of Ko- • Animals that are killed inhumanely Sunnah and manners of the Prophet Muhammad. importance in Islam. Muslims are required to abstain sher, the halal designation clarifies what is permissible “Believers, eat the wholesome things which We have A Muslim should always strive towards excellence from harmful speech or actions such as backbiting or to consume and what is not. In fact, there is so much provided for you and give thanks to Allah, if it is to by following the guidance of our beloved Prophet. aggressive behavior. overlap that most Kosher designated items also fulfill Him you worship. He has forbidden you only carri- Proper adab is required in every act of worship. It is guidelines of what is halal. The following are the most The Qur’an instructs both men and women on mod- on, blood, and the flesh of swine; also any flesh that is also an obligation in how Muslims interact with one basic forbidden categories within halal dietary laws: esty: “Say to the believing men that they should lower consecrated other than the name of Allah.” another because proper adab strengthens the bonds of Intoxicants: their gaze and guard their modesty”(Quran 24:30) “And (Quran 2:172-173) community and brotherhood. Below are a few rights say to the believing women that they should lower their “O you who believed, do not approach prayer while of adab that a Muslim owe to their fellow Muslims: gaze and guard their modesty.” (Quran 24:31) you are intoxicated until you know what you are say- Salam: It is required for men to cover between the navel and ing…” (4:43). Muslims should greet one another by saying “As-Sal- the knee both in public and in private. It is required Islam forbids consumption of any amount of intoxi- amu Alaykum” - “May peace be upon you.” The for women to cover the body and the hair in public. A cant including alcohol and recreational drugs. This is response is required and should be “Wa Alaykum woman’s hair does not need to be covered from other intended reduce physical and spiritual harm to believ- as-Salam.” A person entering to a gathering of women or male relatives. ers and society. people should initiate the greeting first. Prohibited Meat: The following are prohibited: Responding to Invitations: • Tight or revealing clothing for men and women. Consumption of pork and pork related products (e.g. When one is invited to a gathering or celebration by a • Silk and gold are prohibited for men. pork based gelatin) is strictly prohibited in Islam. The fellow Muslim, it is proper adab to accept the invitation • Clothing or accessories belonging to a specific following meat are also prohibited: unless there is a valid reason one is unable to attend. religion that is different from Islam. Visiting the Sick: • Wearing clothes for the sake of pride and prestige. Muslims have a social responsibility to visit the sick, MODESTY BETWEEN MEN & WOMEN: both those they know and those who are strangers. Spending time with the sick helps to alleviate their Islam views both genders as having equal status in loneliness. It is proper adab to make supplication for front of Allah. However, there are guidelines for their return to good health. interactions between men and women set to protect Attending : both in this world and the hereafter. It is obligatory for Muslims to pray Janaza (funer- A Muslim must always guard his or her modesty and al prayer) for another Muslim if one hears of their the best way to ensure that is to lower one’s gaze and death. Muslims pray for the dead and ask Allah to to practice good character. Islam forbids two unre- forgive their sins. There is additional reward for fol- lated persons of the opposite gender from touching lowing the procession until the body is buried. each other or interacting in a heedless manner. This Responding to a Sneeze: includes flirting, hugs and handshakes. When a Muslim hears another Muslim sneeze, it is Islam also forbids two unmarried people of the oppo- obligatory to say “yarhamukAllah” (may Allah have site gender from being isolated together in a secluded mercy on you). space. However, they are allowed to interact in public around other people.

20 21 TERMS Imam is an Islamic religious leader. mosque to lead, and recite, the call to prayer for every Insha’Allah is an Arabic phrase meaning “God event of prayer and worship in the mosque. Islamic Mus’haf In this section you will find Islamic terms that you of Islamic jurisprudence) and the process of gaining willing”. is a physical copy of the Quran. will encounter in religious programming and through knowledge of Islam through jurisprudence. is the second call to Islamic Prayer, given Nikkah is the Islamic marriage ceremony Ghusul interacting with fellow Muslims. is a term referring to the full body washing immediately before the prayer begins. Qibla is the direction that should be faced when is the Islamic call to worship, recited by the ablution mandatory before the performance of various Jahannam is the Islamic word for hell a Muslim prays. It is fixed as the direction of the at prescribed times of the day. rituals and prayers, for any adult Muslim after having Janazah is the prayer; a part of Ka’aba in Mecca. Alhamdulilah is an Arabic phrase meaning “Praise sexual intercourse, orgasmic discharge (e.g. semen),- the Islamic funeral ritual. The prayer is performed in Quraish were a powerful merchant tribe that con- be to God.” completion of the menstrual cycle. congregation to seek pardon for the deceased and all trolled Mecca and its Ka’aba during the time of the Hadith is an Islamic term for the local inhabitants of is a report describing the words, actions, or dead Muslims. Prophet Muhammad. who took the Islamic Prophet Muhammad habits of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Jannah is the Islamic word for heaven. Rakat is the prescribed movements and words fol- Hajj and his followers (the ) into their homes is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, and a man- Jazak’Allah khair is a term used as an Islamic lowed by Muslims while offering prayers. when they escaped from Mecca (hijra). datory religious duty for Muslims that must be expression of gratitude meaning “May Allāh reward Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic cal- Aqeeda is a term that means creed or theology. carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult you [with] goodness.” endar, and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a Muslims who are physically and financially capable of Aqiqah is the Islamic tradition of the sacrifice of an Jummah is a congregational prayer that Muslims month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation undertaking the journey, and can support their family of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. animal on the occasion of a child’s birth. during their absence. hold every Friday immediately following the Aya (sermon). Ruku refers to the bowing down following the rec- (plural: ayat) means “evidence” or “sign”. In the Halal is any object or action which is permissible to context of Islam’s principal scripture, the Quran, ayah Ka’aba is the most sacred site in Islam, the first itation of the use or engage in, according to Islamic law. The term Qur’an is used to mean “verse”, i.e. each statement or para- covers and designates food and drink as well as mat- monotheistic house of worship and the site which in the standing position while praying Sadaqa graph marked by a number. ters of daily life. Muslims direct their prayers toward. encompasses any act of giving out of com- Dua Khateeb literally meaning “invocation”, is an act of sup- is any object or action which is forbidden to is a person who delivers the sermon passion, love, friendship (fraternity), religious duty or plication. use or engage in, according to Islamic law. The term (khutbah), during the Friday prayer and . generosity. Sahaba is the name of devotional acts in Islam in covers and designates food and drink as well as mat- is something which is a disliked or are the companions of the Prophet Mu- which short phrases or prayers are repeatedly recited ters of daily life. offensive acts hammad Masha’Allah Salat silently within the mind or aloud Hasanat is credit for good deeds, which Allah is an Arabic phrase that expresses ap- is the Arabic word for the five daily prayers. Eid is a Muslim festival, in particular. Eid al Fitr, the weighs up against one’s bad deeds at the final judge- preciation, joy, praise, or thankfulness for an event or Sawm is the Arabic word for fasting. feast marking the end of the fast of Ramadan. ment after death. person that was just mentioned. The literal English Shahada is the Islamic testimony of faith in which Eid ul Adha Hijra translation is “God has willed it”. , the festival marking the culmination is the migration or journey of the Islamic one declares their belief in one God and that Mu- Masjid of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and commemorat- prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to (plural masajid) is the arabic word for hammad is the messenger of God. ing the sacrifice of Abraham. Yathrib, later renamed by him to Medina, in 622 CE. mosque. Shaykh (alt. Sheikh) is an Islamic religious leader. Fi sabililllah Mecca is an Arabic expression meaning “in Iftar the meal eaten by Muslims after sunset during is the holiest city in Islam and the birthplace means to associate partners with Allah. the cause of Allah”, or more befittingly, “for the sake Ramadan. of the Prophet Muhammad. Seerah Medina is the biography of the Prophet Muhammad. of Allah”. Ihsan is the Muslim responsibility to obtain perfec- is the second holiest city in Islam and the lo- Subhan’Allah is an Islamic term meaning “deep understand- tion, or excellence, in worship, such that Muslims try cation of the Prophet’s mosque (Al-Masjid an-Naba- is an Arabic phrase, meaning “Glory ing” or “full comprehension”. Technically it refers to worship God as if they see him, and although they wi) and the of the Prophet Muhammad. be to God.” Suhoor to the body of Islamic law extracted from detailed cannot see him, they undoubtedly believe that he is Muazzin (alt. muadhin) is the person appointed at a is the meal consumed early in the morning Islamic sources (which are studied in the principles constantly watching over them. by Muslims before fasting, before dawn during or

22 23 outside the Islamic month of Ramadan. Sujud is an Arabic word meaning prostration to God in the direction of the at Mecca which is usually done during the daily prayers (salat). Sunnah is the verbally transmitted record of the teachings, deeds and sayings, silent permissions (or disapprovals) of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, as well as various reports about Muhammad’s compan- ions. Surah is what chapters are called in the Qur’an. Tafseer are commentary or explanations of the Qur’an. is the term for the Arabic phrase Allahu akbar, usually translated as “God is [the] greatest”. Taqwa is an Islamic term for being conscious & cognizant of Allah, of truth, of the rational reality, “piety, fear of God”. Taraweeh is extra prayers performed by at night, after isha, during Ramadan. Tasawuf is the inward manifestation of Islam. Tawba is the Islamic term of repentance. Tawhid is the belief in the oneness of God. Ummah is the entirety of the community of Mus- lims. Wudu is the ritual washing to be done before prayer if a person is in a state of impurity. Yathrib is the former name of the city of Medina. Zabihah is the ritual slaughter of animals. Zakat is a form of alms-giving.

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