1. The Concept of God
2. God’s Angels
3. God’s Messengers and Prophets
4. God’s Divine Books
5. The Qur’an
6. The Concept of Accountability
7. Being Accountable Implies Freedom of Choice
8. The Concept of Fate
9. Belief must be confirmed by our behavior
10. Where do Muslims receive their teachings?
11. The Qur’an
12. The Sunnah (Tradition) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
13. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
14. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Noble Character
15. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a Messenger to all of Mankind
16. How do Muslims view Jesus (PBUH)
17. The Message of all God’s Prophets was the same
18. Ritual of Worship
19. Prayer in Islam
20. Prayer is ordained at certain times
21. Prayer in Islam is structured
22. Requirements before one can pray
23. Why do we pray?
24. There are no barriers between us and God
25. We are ordered to call on God seeking his guidance and blessings
26. Prayer protects us from sin and shameful deeds
27. Prayer must be done with devotion
28. Prayer is one of the deeds most beloved by Allah
29. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) loved to pray
30. Zakat or the obligatory giving of charity
31. The Wisdom of Zakat
32. Rewards of giving charity
33. We are promised four rewards if we give charity
34. Everything belongs to God
35. Fasting in Islam
36. The Wisdom of fasting
37. We learn piety and become God-conscious when we fast
38. Activities during the month of Ramadan
39. The best optional fast is that of Prophet Dawood
40. Proper manners when fasting
41. The reward for Fasting
42. Hajj (Pilgrimage)
43. The wisdom of Hajj
44. The rites of Hajj
45. Circling the Kab’aa (Towaf)
46. Walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa (Sa’i)
47. Standing in Arafat
48. The rites in Mena
49. God gave man the freedom to believe or to reject faith
50. Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance not a religion of war or violence
51. Why the West should not be afraid of Islam
52. The right of a woman to divorce
53. The relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims
54. Our understanding of how to apply Islamic principles and guidelines changes from society to society
55. Can women work outside the home
56. The right of woman to divorce

The Concept of God

• There is only one God.
• He created us and takes care of us.
• He provides for us.
• He forgives our mistakes.
• He guides us to His Way.
• He is Merciful.
• He is Just.
• He knows what we do.
• We have to account for all our deeds.

God’s Angels

• They deliver God’s message to His chosen prophets.
• They help those who believe in God.
• They pray for our forgiveness.
• They record what we say and do.
• Angels of Death.
• Angels of Heaven and Hell.

God’s Messengers and Prophets

• Human beings of high moral standards.
• Carefully chosen and prepared by God to deliver His Message.
• Explained the Message and applied it to themselves.
• Became examples to follow.
• All preached the same message – Worship God.
• Details of their messages varied but the core belief was similar.
• We learn from each prophet.
• Muslims believe in all of God’s Prophets.

God’s Divine Books

• The Torah which was inspired to Moses (PBUH).
• The Bible which was inspired to Jesus (PBUH).
• The Qur’an which was inspired to Muhammad (PBUH).

The Qur’an

• The literal word of God.
• The Qur’an was inspired to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
• It contains guidelines of belief and behavior.
• Its miracle is eternal.
• There are NO more divine books after the Qur’an.
• It cannot be reproduced by human beings.
• Its authenticity is the Qur’an itself.
• Its verses complete and compliment each other.
• None of its content has ever been proven to be wrong.

The Concept of Accountability

• We are accountable to God.
• There is a Day of Judgment.
• There is reward and punishment – Paradise and Hell.
• We enter Heaven by our good deeds and through the mercy of God.
• Our good deeds cancel out our bad ones.
• If we repent, seek forgiveness and correct our wrongful behavior, then God forgives us.
• God does not place a burden on a soul greater than it can bear.

Being Accountable Implies Freedom of Choice

The Concept of Fate

• We accept what God wills for us for He knows what is good for us and what is bad; we do not.
• We do not view difficulties as a punishment from God, rather we see them as tests and trials.
• We work hard to change our fate to another fate.
• We confirm our belief in God by being patient during difficult times and by being grateful during good ones.

Belief must be confirmed by our behavior

• Belief is not empty words that we utter. It must be confirmed by our behavior and reflected in our character.
• The Qur’an refers to the Believers as "Those who believe and do good deeds."
• Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "God does not look at your faces or possessions, but He looks at your hearts and deeds."

Where do Muslims receive their teachings?

• The Qur’an (God’s divine inspiration) to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
• The Sunnah (Tradition) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The Qur’an

• Revealed over a span of 23 years.
• Provides principles of belief and guidelines that govern our lives.
• We need to understand the Qur’an and then apply it.
• The Qur’an is an eternal miracle; its benefit increases with time.
• It "talks" to each person at his own level.
• It answers questions, gives parables and contrasts right from wrong.
• We learn from its stories about morals and patterns of behavior.
• It was revealed in Arabic and its meaning has been translated into many different languages.
• The Qur’an describes itself as a mercy, guidance and cure.

The Sunnah (Tradition) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

• The Sunnah relates to the Prophet’s (PBUH) sayings and actions.
• It has been well documented and authenticated in the Books of Hadeeth (Sayings of the Prophet (PBUH)).
• The Prophet’s (PBUH) sayings were divinely inspired; therefore, they are binding on all Muslims.
• The Prophet (PBUH) explained the Qur’an and gave details as to how its principles were to be applied.
• The Qur’an told us to pray; but the Prophet (PBUH) in his Sunnah showed us how to pray.
• We cannot understand the Qur’an or live our lives as Muslims with the Qur’an alone. We need the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

• Was 40 years old when the Qur’an was first inspired to him – "Read in the name of your Lord."
• He continued to receive divine inspiration over a period of twenty-three years until his death at age sixty-three.
• The Prophet (PBUH) was illiterate. He could neither read nor write.
• He was the last prophet and the Qur’an was the last divine revelation. "This day have I completed for you your religion and completed my favors upon you, and have chosen Islam for you as your religion." Chapter 5, verse 2.
• God praised his character and high morals. "You are indeed on an exalted standard of morals and character." Chapter 68, verse 4.
• We learn from his example and we follow his teachings. "You have indeed in the Messenger of God an excellent example of conduct." Chapter 33, verse 21.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Noble Character

• Was devoted to God, sincere and honest.
• Cared for the welfare of everyone and he wanted them to be guided.
• Kind, gentle and forgiving: "It is the mercy of God that you became kind and gentle with them." Chapter 3, verse 159.
• He was merciful. "There has come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. It grieves him that you should suffer, he cares about you and he is kind and merciful with the believers." Chapter 9, verse 128.
• He was just even with his enemies.
• We learn from him as a husband: "The best amongst you is the best to his wife and family."
• He was truthful: He said: "Truthfulness guides to righteousness and that guides to Paradise; lying guides to wickedness and that guides to Hellfire."

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a Messenger to all of Mankind

• He was God’s last Messenger and the Qur’an was God’s last divine book.
• The Qur’an states: "O Mankind! I am God’s Messenger to you all." Chapter 7, verse 158.
• Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Each messenger was sent to his own people, but I was sent to all of mankind."
• We learn from his sayings, character and behavior.

How do Muslims view Jesus (PBUH)

• Jesus is God’s prophet to the Children of Israel.
• Jesus is a human being not divine.
• The miraculous birth of Jesus is accepted in the Qur’an but it is not as miraculous as the creation of Adam from no father or mother and the creation of Eve from Adam. Chapter 3, verse 59 and Chapter 19, verses 20 & 21.
• God provided Jesus with the ability to perform miracles. This is documented in the Qur’an in chapter 3, verse 49 and chapter 5, verse 110.
• God gave Jesus a divine book – The Bible.

The Message of all God’s Prophets was the same

Ritual of Worship

• Prayer
• Charity (Zakat)
• Fasting (Siam)
• Pilgrimage (Hajj)

Prayer in Islam

• Muslims pray five times a day at specified times.
• FAJR (Dawn Prayer) comes before sunrise: It consists of 2 Rak’aa
• ZUHR (Noon Prayer): has 4 Rak’aa
• ASR (Afternoon Prayer: has 4 Rak’aa
• MAGHRIB (Sunset Prayer: has 3 Rak’aa
• EISHA’A (Late Night Prayer) has 4 Rak’aa
• THESE ARE THE OBLIGATORY PRAYERS; HOWEVER, THERE ARE OPTIONAL PRAYERS AS WELL.

Prayer is ordained at certain times

Prayer in Islam is structured

• Standing facing the Kab’aa-reciting the Qur’an.
• Bowing down glorifying God.
• Prostrating Glorifying God.
• Ending the Prayer by saying Greetings
• Muslims Pray as the Prophet (PBUH) (he received divine inspiration-Pray as you see me pray) taught them to pray.
• We do not use our own words when we pray. We recite the Qur’an (the literal word of God).

Requirements before one can pray

• Proper Wodoo (Ablution)
• A Clean space
• Spiritual peace
• Tranquility

Why do we pray?

• During prayer each person is talking to God
• We are seeking guidance
• We are seeking forgiveness and mercy
• We are seeking spiritual peace and contentment.
• Prayer protects us from committing shameful deeds and sins.
• Prayer brings us closer to God
• Prayer gives us order and structure
• We learn from the verses of the Qur’an that we recite and we receive its blessings.

There are no barriers between us and God

• We do not need a priest to forward our prayers to God.
• We are close to God during our prayers and He hears all that we say and He responds to our Du’aa.
• "When My servants ask you about Me, tell them I am near and I respond to the prayer of every supplicant when he calls on Me." Al-Baqara 2:186

We are ordered to call on God seeking his guidance and blessings

MAN WAS CREATED RESTLESS AND FALLS TO PIECES IF HE EXPERIENCES DIFFICULTY AND DESPAIRS EASILY AND IS UNWILLING TO SHARE, NO SO THOSE WHO BELIEVE.

Prayer protects us from sin and shameful deeds

Prayer must be done with devotion

• We should concentrate and focus on our prayers in order to receive the maximum benefit from them.

Prayer is one of the deeds most beloved by Allah

• The Messenger (PBUH) was asked: "What are the deeds most beloved by Allah?" He replied: "Prayer at the proper times and to be good and kind to your parents and to strive in the cause of Allah (Jihad)." Narrated by Bokhari and Muslim

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) loved to pray

• He said: "O Belal! Give us comfort and peace by declaring the Adhan (Call to prayer)."
• He said: "The best thing that I love is prayer."
• He said: "What separates us from the unbelievers is our prayers."
• He said: "The first thing that you are called upon to account for is your prayers. If it is good, the rest of your affairs will be easy."

Zakat

The obligatory giving of charity

• Both are obligatory acts of worship
• Both acts are essential and cannot be separated.
• Our prayers to God will not be accepted unless we demonstrate our commitment to help the poor and needy.
• Our individual act of praying to God must also involve our understanding of God’s Blessings and our collective effort to establish social justice and help our fellow human beings who are less fortunate.

• It is intended for the benefit of:
• The poor
• The needy
• To establish a system that ensures social justice.
• Those who have recently accepted Islam and need help.
• The captives.
• Those in debt.
• The traveler stranded from his home.
• The causes of God which may involve activities that improve the welfare of the community.

The Wisdom of Zakat

• The wealth of the community circulates and creates jobs and opportunities.

• The wealthy do not rule over the poor.
• Purification of our money and possessions.

• Whatever we give in charity is replaced:

Rewards of giving charity

• Forgiveness of sins
• God will be tolerant with us
• God will give us more time on earth to do good deeds
• God will double our money
• God will appreciate our efforts

IF WE DO NOT SPEND OUR MONEY IN THE CAUSE OF ALLAH, IT WILL ENCIRCLE OUR NECKS ON THE DAY OF JUDGMENT

• "Let those who refuse to spend their money in the cause of God, let them not think that it is good for them, on the contrary, it is bad for them. Whatever they hoarded will encircle their necks on the Day of Judgment for to Allah belongs the heritage of the Heavens and the Earth; and Allah is surely aware of all that you do."

We are promised four rewards if we give charity

Everything belongs to God

ON THE DAY OF JUDGMENT WE WILL BE ASKED TO ACCOUNT FOR HOW WE EARNED OUR MONEY AND HOW WE SPENT IT

• His whole life – what did he do with it?
• His youth – Did he use his energy and resources well or did he abuse them?
• His money – How did he earn it and how did he spend it?
• His knowledge – Did he keep it to himself or did he spread his useful knowledge?

Fasting in Islam

• OBLIGATORY FASTING:

• OPTIONAL FASTING:

• Fasting is the passive abstinence from food and drink; but more importantly, fasting means avoiding anything that is wrong and trying to do good and please God.

The Wisdom of fasting

• As one feels hunger and thirst, he understands the meaning of being poor and hungry.
• Obedience to God and learning discipline.
• Learning to restrain our desires.
• A sense of achievement and accomplishment.
• Becoming closer to God spiritually.
• Feeling the unity of Muslims as they fast together and break their fast at the same time.
• The family is united during Ramadan.
• Ramadan is the month of patience, sacrifice and reward.

We learn piety and become God-conscious when we fast

PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH) SAID:

Activities during the month of Ramadan

• Fasting
• Abstaining from sin
• Doing good and helping others
• Frequent prayers
• Giving charity
• Reciting the Qur’an
• Remembering Allah and seeking His forgiveness and guidance.

The best optional fast is that of Prophet Dawood

• This applies to optional fasts.
• We are not allowed to fast every day.
• We can fast on Mondays and Thursdays of every week.
• Or we may fast three days of each month.

Proper manners when fasting

• Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "Whoever lies or cheats or gives false witness, Allah has no need for him to leave his food and drink."
• When fasting, we should help those who need our help and feel the pain of those who are poor and hungry.
• We should be kind and forgiving.
• When fasting, we feel closer to God spiritually and we have peace and contentment in our hearts.

The reward for Fasting

Hajj (Pilgrimage)

• Muslims are obligated to perform Hajj once in their life.
• It is only obligatory on those who can afford the journey and are able to withstand the difficulty of the travel.
• They journey to Mecca in Saudi Arabia because that is the site of the Kab’aa.
• The journey implies purification and the seeking of God’s pleasure while we leave our preoccupations with this world behind.

The wisdom of Hajj

• Obedience to God.
• Journey of purification.
• Leaving behind our preoccupation with this world.
• It shows that all Muslims are equal and united as they stand side by side seeking God’s forgiveness.
• Hajj is an annual event where Muslims can meet to discuss their affairs, solve their problems and plan for the future.
• It implies the forgiveness of sins
• Hajj implies a new commitment and a new beginning of a new life.

The rites of Hajj

• Circling the Kab’aa
• Walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa
• Standing up in Arafat
• Rites in Mena

Circling the Kab’aa (Towaf)

• Towaf is a form of prayer
• Muslims remember Ibrahim and Ishma’il who built the Kab’aa
• The angels also circle the "Most frequented House" in Heaven similar to the Muslims circling the Kab’aa in this life on earth.
• The Kab’aa is the first House of Worship
• Muslims follow Ibrahim, a true and devoted servant and Messenger of God.
• Whoever enters the Sacred Mosque feels safe and develops a sense of peace in his heart.

Walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa (Sa’i)

• When Muslims walk between these two hills they are paying homage to Hajer, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim.
• She walked these hills in search of food and water for herself and her son Ishma’il.
• The Sa’i is one of the rites of Hajj. Chapter 2, verse 158: "Behold! Safa and Marwa are among the Symbols of Allah. So if those who visit the House in the Season or at other times, should compass them round, it is no sin in them.

Standing in Arafat

• The pilgrims stand in Arafat on the 9^th day of Zul-Hijja
• Standing is between noon and sunset.
• The pilgrims pray seeking God’s forgiveness, His mercy and guidance.
• The best Du’aa is the Du’aa (Prayer) of all the prophets: "There is no God except Allah, He is alone with no partners; to Him belongs all dominion and all praise. He gives life and He takes life away and He has power over all things."
• Standing in Arafat reminds us of the Day of Judgment when every person will await God’s judgment.

The rites in Mena

• Ramy Al-Jamarat (symbolic stoning of the Devil).
• Cutting the hair short or shaving the head.
• Sacrificing an animal in memory of Prophet Ishma’il who was ransomed by a ram.

God gave man the freedom to believe or to reject faith

Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance not a religion of war or violence

True Islam means peace:

Why the West should not be afraid of Islam

• Islam is a peaceful religion.
• Islam respects and safeguards the liberties of everyone.
• Everyone is free to believe or reject faith.
• Misconceptions about Jihad.

The right of a woman to divorce

• Marriage implies that both husband and wife are able to live with one another with kindness, respect and cooperation. It is their responsibility to raise a family and it is a covenant binding on both parties.
• There are times when marriages fail and no solution can be found except divorce.
• The Qur’an orders men to either live with their wives on good terms or divorce them, but they are not to hold them hostage: "When you divorce a woman and they are about to fulfill their Idda, either take them back on equitable terms or set them free, but do not take them back to injure them." Chapter 2, verse 231.
• A woman has the right to seek a divorce from her husband if she feels that their marriage is doomed. "If you indeed fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by God, there is no blame on either of them if she gives something for her freedom." Chapter 2, verse 229.

The relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims

• Muslims are ordered to treat everyone with kindness and justice. "God does not forbid you regarding those who do not fight you because of your religion, nor drive you out of your home to treat them with kindness and justice for God loves those who are just." Chapter 60, verse 8.
• Muslims should cooperate and work with others. "And help one another in virtue and piety, not in spreading evil or corruption." Chapter 5, verse 2.

• Muslims, Christians and Jews have a special bond. Each was given a Divine Book. The Christians and Jews are called the "Family of the Book" to illustrate that they all share their faith and convictions from one source, the One and Only God.
• Religion does not teach hatred.
• No one should feel morally superior to another.
• We should not judge the fate of others.

Our understanding of how to apply Islamic principles and guidelines changes from society to society

• The way that we dress changes according to custom, the guiding principle being modesty and that does not change.
• The way that we eat changes. Today we use forks and knives. The guiding principle: Be grateful to God for His blessings and eat what is lawful."
• The form of government changes but the guiding principle is "Consult one another to establish justice." Chapter 3, verse 159.
• The roles of men and women at home changes according to the custom and need, but the principle remains: "And live with one another on terms of equity and kindness." Chapter 4, verse 19.
• Sighting the moon varies. Formerly it was done with the naked eye, now we have telescopes and scientific calculations. The principle is the same: "Know when the moon is born."
• The charity of Ramadan was once a measure of dates or wheat; however, now it is measured by currency (money).
• The education of boys and girls: Formerly they were segregated today co-educational schools are permitted, but the guiding principle is "No meeting in complete isolation or in secret to avoid temptation."

Can women work outside the home

• A woman’s primary responsibility is to her family.
• If she has fulfilled her responsibility to her family then there is no harm in her pursuing an occupation or activity outside of the home.
• There are many Muslim physicians, engineers, teachers and etc.
• The Prophet’s (PBUH) first wife (Khadeja) (May Allah be pleased with her) was a merchant and his employer.
• The occupation or activity must be lawful and should not expose the woman to any hazards or risks.
• Sometimes if the husband dies or the wife is divorced, the widow or divorcee will need to work to support herself and her children.

The right of woman to divorce

• Marriage implies that both husband and wife are able to live with one another with kindness, respect and cooperation. It is their responsibility to raise a family and it is a covenant binding on both parties.
• There are times when marriages fail and no solution can be found except divorce.
• The Qur’an orders men to either live with their wives on good terms or divorce them, but they are not to hold them hostage: "When you divorce a woman and they are about to fulfill their Idda, either take them back on equitable terms or set them free, but do not take them back to injure them." Chapter 2, verse 231.
• A woman has the right to seek a divorce from her husband if she feels that their marriage is doomed. "If you indeed fear that they would be unable to keep the limits ordained by God, there is no blame on either of them if she gives something for her freedom." Chapter 2, verse 229.