Foundations of belief
Written by: SK.
Translated by Dr. Faheem Bukhatwa
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Thanks be to Allah, the
Lord of the worlds. Peace and prayers be upon the
most honorable of all messengers Mohammad; and all his folks, companions, and
followers to the day they are all summoned together.
This religion is like a
good tree with a firm root and with its branch is in the sky, producing its
fruit every while with the permission of its Lord. And just as the tree has a
root, branches and sub-branches, this religion too has a root or foundation,
branches and sub-branches.
The root or the
foundation of this religion is found in the heart of each believer. That is
the six corners of belief starting with the belief of the one and only god,
Allah may he be exalted. While the branches of this religion are the seen
Islamic actions and seen laws.
The tree does not die as
some of its branches and sub branches die. But, it will die if its root dies.
Also the tree will die if all of its branches and sub branches are completely
eliminated, or if its root is destroyed.
All matters related to
conviction were called by the messenger PPBU as "belief" or Iman. While all
matters related with the seen Islamic actions and seen laws He called them
"Islam". That is in the famous Gabrael hadeeth after the meaning of belief was
explained by the messenger PPBU. Gabrael said to him: Tell me about Islam. The
messenger PPBU said: {Islam is to testify that there is no other god but
Allah, and that Muhammed is a messenger, perform the prayers, pay the Zakah,
fast Ramadan and make pilgrimage to the house of Allah if one has the ability
and means.} Gabrael said: you spoke the truth. The messenger PPBU made it
clear that what is related with one's heartly convictions is known as belief
or Iman in its six corners of belief. Since this mosque has started every
Friday we have been explaining the first corners of belief, that is the belief
in Allah almighty. In this subject there are a number of facts which we must
be aware of. Such facts will clarify many of vague and problematic points in
this subject.
The first fact: is that
it is unimaginable for the entire tree including its trunk and branches to
continue to exist if its root or foundation is destroyed. That is exactly the
same with religion for the human being if his belief and conviction go bad
then his/her entire religion is lost. It becomes Islam with no belief or
religion with no conviction.
The second fact is that
it is also unimaginable for the roots to remain safe and healthy with the
liquid of life flowing through it, and yet its life does not flow through the
trunk, branches and sub-branches of the tree. For if the root or the
foundation remains healthy and strong and alive, it will eventually grow and
its effects will become seen within the branches, sub-branches, flowerings and
fruits.
This is the case with
this religion. If a responsible adult human being does not do any of the
Islamic seen obligations nor obeys any of the Islamic seen laws, then this is
a testimony that this individual is not a believer. For the failure to do the
entire Islamic obligations and requirements will negate the Islam for such an
individual. And if an individual is no longer a Muslim, that indicates that
he/she has no belief within the heart.
The third fact is that
if part of the body of the tree is lost it does not necessarily mean that
entire tree is lost. This can be different based on which part of the tree is
destroyed. If branches, sub-branches or the fruit parts of the tree are
destroyed, then that does not necessarily mean the entire tree will be
destroyed. The tree with its root and trunk can still remain to exist. It may
not be a full tree, with some minor or even major parts of it missing.
If the trunk of the tree
is destroyed, the trunk being the main support of the tree, then the entire
tree may be destroyed. The five prayers in our religion are like the trunk of
the tree or are like the main support in a tent. If a Muslim completely leaves
out the prayers and completely denies it when confronted then his Islam is
gone astray and his faith is corrupt. His religion becomes at ruined because
performing prayers is the trunk of this religion. So, depending on which part
of the tree is destroyed, whither the the entire tree will be destroyed or it
will continue to exist as an incomplete tree.
The forth fact concerns
the understanding of the wording of the Muslim law in such matters. Some of
the Quran text describing some Quranic matters, and describing some matters
relating to faith and conviction, and describing some matters of Islam and out
seen acts describing all by calling it belief.
The quran described that
belief increases and decreases. The scholars that related to the prayers, for
Allah called performing the prayer as belief. And that is one of the seen
actions of Islam.
Allah also referred to
some acts of faith within the heart (like fearing of Allah) and in other
occasions described faith and belief with some seen acts like performing
prayers, and giving charity or zaka.
The messenger PPBU was
reported saying: Are you aware of what belief (or faith) is? "Belief is to
testify that Allah is the only god, and to perform prayers, give charity, fast
Ramadan and give one-fifth of what you gain in a war". The messenger PPBU
described belief or faith with the seen acts of Islam.
In another hadeeth, the
messenger was reported describing Islam using some hearty and some seen
actions together. He said: "Islam is to submit your heart to Allah". This is a
conviction act describing Islam. The messenger PPBU was also reported saying:
{Islam is to submit your heart to Allah, and for other fellow Muslims to be
safe off your tong and hand}. Here, the messenger PPBU described Islam with
both a conviction and seen acts. And when he was asked which one is better, he
replied: "Belief (or faith)". He included faith or belief as being part of
Islam.
Amr asked the messenger
what is belief (or faith).the messenger PPBU said: {belief is to believe in
Allah, his books (scriptures), his messengers and in the resurrection after
death.}. In the messenger's hadeeths, the messenger described Islam by acts
convictions within the heart and by Islamic acts of seen nature, but he
definitely included the belief within Islam.
All this shows that
belief and Islam are two entwined matters with a very strong relation
connecting them. Sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably, and often
one is included into the other. When one mentions Islam it is taken to include
belief and when belief is mentioned, it is taken to include Islam. But when
the two are included in the same statement, they suddenly become different and
they resume different meanings. Belief them resumes the faith in the six
corners of belief, while Islam becomes to mean the seen acts and the laws of
Islam, whether obligatory or optional acts.
The mention of the "Good
tree" used as an example of this religion in the Koran was described by the
messenger PPBU as the dates tree with its foundation firmly into the depth of
the earth, and its trunk elevating into the sky for all to see. Just like this
religion, its foundation is the belief in the firmly fixed in the believer's
heart, and its trunk and branches are the visible acts and visible laws
elevating the believer to higher levels of status with Allah.
The messenger PPBU also
described this religion as having a head, a main supporting column, a peak of
a hump. He said: "The head of this matter is Islam, and the main supporting
column is the prayers, and the peak of its hump is striving in the way of
Allah or Jihad". This indicates that without a head nothing can survive, and
this religion will not survive without the believing in Allah as one. And
nothing can stand without its supporting column or spine, and neither will
this religion without prayers. But many may survive without the peak or the
Jihad.
May Allah bless us with
all the blessings in the Koran, and may Allah make us benefit from the holy
Koran. Ask for forgiveness he is the most merciful the most forgiving of all.
Notes:
-
Adhan
- The call to prayer.
-
Ansar (or Al-Ansar):
The inhabitants of the city of Al-Medina that received and supported the
messenger (PPBU) when he immigrated from Mekkah in the very early years of
Islam.
Assalam Alaikum -
The Islamic greeting, literately means: Peace
be with you. Used when approaching or leaving. When used during approaching
it will be like saying: I bring no harm to you . and when said during
leaving somebody it will mean: No harm will come to you after I leave.
Aya (or Ayah):
is a verse of the Koran.
It also means a miracle or a sign from God.
Arafa (or Arafah or Arafat):
is a mountain
outside the city of Mecca
that represents the climax of the Hajj worship. All doing
Hajj must stay at this location on the same
day.
Badr
- The place of the first significant battle between the Muslims and the
pagans of the Quraish. It is located in Saudi Arabia.
Caliph
- A Muslim ruler. See:
(Khalifa)
Dajjal
- Antichrist or the False Massiah.
Dawah
- The proliferation of Islamic teachings through word and deed.
Deen (Din)
- Religion or way of life.
Duaa:
a prayer in the form of
talking to Allah;
praising him and asking him for help.
Fatwa
- Legal verdict given based on the Qur'an (Koran) and the Sunnah which are
the recorded sayings and deeds of Muhammad.
Ferdose:
is the highest level of
the all the gardens of Eden or paradise.
Fiqh
- Religious law.
Hadeeth:
is something reported
that the messenger have said. It includes all the speeches and ceremonies he gave.
It is usually narrated or told by one
of his companions. There is a list of hadeeths approximately 14000 that are
reported and checked to be genuine. No
more hadeeths are acceptably added to this list.
Hajar -
The Black Stone set into the corner of the
Ka'aba in Mecca. It is said to be a stone from Heaven.
Hajj -
The pilgrimage to Mecca which takes place in
the last month of the Islamic calendar. One of the five pillars of Islam.
Hasana or hasanas:
is the reward for a good deed. a hasana is a point or a merit for a good deed.
Hadith
- The sayings and not deeds of the prophet Muhammad recorded by his
followers. Considered authoritative and perfect.
Hajj: is
the worship of pilgrimage.
Hijra (or
Hejrah):
the event of the immigration of the messenger from Mekkah to Madina. This
event marks the start of the Islamic calendar. the Islamic calendar has 12
months based on the lunar cycle, each is 29.5 days. Hijra is also used as a
name for the Islamic dating system.
Ibadah -
Worship. All the words and deeds with which
Allah is pleased. These deeds could be prayer and charity.
Iblis - (Ibleese):
On of Satan's names.
Ibn (Ebn): the son of. Used
by Arabs as part of an individual's name. Example: Ali whose father is Omar
or the son of Omar, would be called: Ali Ibn
Omar.
Imam
(or Emam)- The leader for a prayer. In the Shiaa sect, an Imam is the individual who has the religious authority.
Iman:
belief or faith
Injil (Enjeel) -
The Bible. The book inspired to Jesus for the
Christians.
Islam
- Submission, the religion of all the
prophets of Allah culminating in Muhammad.
Jannah -
The heavenly garden, Paradise. The place of
the faithful in the afterlife.
Jihad:
is striving in the
line
of Allah in many forms. Includes a very wide scope varying from improving
oneself to fighting a defensive war in protection
of Allah's word. The greatest Jihad is the
fight one's self against temptations.
It also means "holy war."
Jinn
-
Supernatural, invisible beings race of
beings, below angels. They were made from fire. Like humans, there amongst
them are the faithful and the non beleivers and Jinn shall be judged on
Judgment Day.
Ka'aba:
A cube shaped building in
Mecca containing a stone laid there by Abraham and Ishmael. Some say
Ka'aba was first built by Adam, and some say by
Abraham. It is the holiest place for Muslims. It is where all Muslims face in their daily prayers.
Ka'aba also makes a major part of the pilgrimage
in a ritual known as Tawaf.
Khalifa:
is the Muslim ruler. Head of the Islamic empire. Exact translation:
"Successor".
Khutbah -
A sermon given in a Mosque, usually on Friday.
Kufr -
Denial or Disbelief. A term Muslims use for
anyone who denies existence of Allah or the prophecy of Muhammed.
Koran
- Also spelled Qur'an. The holy book
of Islam revealed to Muhammad by Allah through the Archangel Gabriel. Koran
literally means "the recital." It is the final revelation of Allah given to
the prophet Muhammad. It consists of 114 surahs (or chapters.)
Madinah - (Medinah): A city in the
Arabian
peninsula
(in the country known now as Saudi Arabia). A city where the messenger had to
immigrate to.
Then it was called Yathrib.
Masjid -
A
center for Muslim activity. It is referred to as a mosque.
Masiah -
A
sin, or a sinful act
Mecca or Makkah:
is
the holiest city for Muslims. It contains the Ka'aba mosque with the famous
black cubical shape. Mecca is the birth place of the messenger (PPBU).
Mosque - A Muslim
house of worship.
Muhajir -
(Muhajireen)
Immigrant, one who leaves his home town due to lack of religious freedom. It
was first used to describe early Muslims immigrating from Mecca to Median
and Ethiopia.
Muhammad -
the final messenger and
prophet of God whose message abrogated all previous revelations. He
received the Koran through the angel Gabriel over a 23 year period. Born in
Mecca and died in Medina at the age of 63. His full name: Muhammad
ibn Abd-Allah
Muslim
- One who holds faith to the religion of
Islam.
Nafilah:
a voluntary prayer other
than the five obligatory prayers; performed at any time.
Nasara -
Christians. Nasrani:
A Christian individual. Nasraniah:
Christianity.
Ommah:
is the Arabic word for a
nation. It usually refers to
the Islamic nation unless otherwise specified.
Paradise -
Another word for heaven. A
garden of bliss, fruits, rivers and all forms of pleasures imaginable and
imaginable. No suffering, disease or death. Service is provided by angels.
All live in it an ever lasting youthful life. Promised by Almighty
Allah to all faithful, true Jews, true Christians and True Muslims. Paradise
is one of two places every person will go to, either Paradise or Hellfire.
PPBU
(P.B.U.H.) :
Peace and Prayers Be
Upon him. A statement Muslims use any time they mention the name of the
messenger or make a reference to him.
Qadar -
Fate. Preordainment is the teaching that all
things, good and bad, are preordained to occur.
Qadr - (night of Qadr):
The night when the first
revelation of the Koran took place. Most likely it happened during one of the
last ten nights of the month of Ramadan. Or when the Koran was brought down to
the nearest heaven in one go, and from there it was brought down in bits and
few verses at a time over a period of 23 years. This night is considered the
holiest night for Muslims with tremendous advantages.
Qibla -
The direction which Muslims turn for daily
prayers, towards Mecca.
Quraish -
An ancient Arab tribe to which the messenger
Muhammad belonged.
Ramadan -
The ninth month of the Islamic calendar which
is the month of the fast. The holiest month in the Muslim colander.
Salat -
Prayers. Generally it covers all forms of
worship, but more specifically refers to the Muslim rituals which is
performed to worship Allah five times daily.
Shiaa:
A sect of Islam that teaches that a religion
leader (Imam) should be the political ruler and must be direct descendants
of the messenger (PPBU). Therefore, disapproving of all Muslim leaders who
ruled After the messenger (PPBU) except Ali, the messenger's grandson.
Shirk -
Associating another god with Allah. Or associating anyone or anything with
Allah. Or using anyone or anything as a medium to Allah. The opposite of
Monotheism or Tawheed.
Siam or Soam-
Fasting
Sunni:
is a the title of those Muslims who are suppose to be following the life
style of the messenger. This differentiates them from the Shiaa of Iran.
Sunna (Sunnah):
Is how the Messenger PPBU lived, what he did or said. It includes the way he
dressed, ate, drank, prayed, interacted with other people and fought.
Basically, sunnah is the life style of the messenger PPBU. It is considered
the second source of legislation in Islamic laws and it is considered to be an
important reference to be used for concluding arguments and disputes.
It is also a title give to the main stream Muslims who make 90% if all
Muslims.
Surah -
A
chapter of the Koran.
Tawaf:
part of the pilgrimage (Hajj)
ritual. It involves walking round the Ka'aba Mosque in anti-clock wise
direction a number of seven circles.
Tauhid - Tawheed -
Monotheism, in Islam is the teaching that
there is only one God who alone is worthy of worship. The first requirement
of becoming a Muslim. It is included in the testimony of faith for new
Muslims when declaring that God is one: (No God but Allah)
Taqwah -
Proper fear and veneration of Allah. A divine spark that enables the person
to understand God.
Taurat: The old
Testaments and scriptures of Mosa.
Ummah -
the word means: a Nation. Usually refers to
the Islamic nation unless otherwise stated.
Umrah - (Amrah):
A mini hajj. A Minor form of pilgrimage to
Mecca. Unlike Hajj which can only be done on the 12th month of the Islamic
year, Umrah can be performed at any time.
Wathoo (wadoo): a washing up ritual
done by Muslims before each of the five daily prayers known as ablution.
Zaboor -
The
Psalms
Zakat -
The
third pillar of Islam. Alms giving, charity that is given to the poor.
