Importance of Five Pillars of Islam with Benefits

Every religion has its foundation on which people live their lives. Just like religion, Islam has five pillars which are the foundation of Muslims life and they are required to follow them with utmost devotion, love, and obedience. If the believer wants to establish a strong and stable relationship with his/her Lord then must observe these five pillars and implement them in life for the sake of Almighty Allah. The five pillars are also considered the important acts of worship that develop the Muslim character and strengthen Islam. Muslims are commanded by Allah Almighty to carry out these duties and to follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in the manner He (SAW) performed His duties.

There are five pillars of Islam to which all Muslim Ummah should adhere. The first pillar is the Shahadah, which is the confession of faith; there is no God but Allah and Muhammad (SAW) is His last Prophet. Under this pillar, all other obligations are incorporated, for to believe in Allah and Muhammad (SAW) as His Prophet is to obey their teachings and the example of Muhammad’s life. The second pillar is the Prayer (Salah), as a Muslim, we have to pray five times a day which is the source of the direct link between Allah Almighty and His slave. These five prayers contain verses from the Quran and are said in Arabic, the language of the Revelation. Personal supplications, however, can be offered in one’s own language and at any time.

The third pillar is the Zakah (Charity), which reminds richer Muslims of their duty to the poor and strengthens the feelings of brotherhood among Muslims. The fourth pillar is the Fasting, which entails abstaining from food, drink, and sexual intercourse from dawn until sunset with the intention of attaining nearness to Allah Almighty. It is obligatory every day throughout the lunar month of Ramadan. The last and fifth pillar of Islam is Pilgrimage (Hajj), which is the obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to do so. Nevertheless, over two million people go to Makah each year from around the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another. It makes them focus on Allah and teaches the importance of sacrifice.

Benefits of Five Pillars of Islam

Below we will discuss the benefits of each one of the five pillars of Islam.

Shahadah: The first pillar of Islam has some benefits that are mentioned below:

• This pillar reminds the Muslims of the purpose of their life which is to worship Allah Almighty alone.
• It produces a high degree of self-respect and confidence while remaining humble and modest.
• It makes us complete surrender to the will of Allah and becoming His true servant
• A person will feel more liberated, freer when submitting to the will and command of his creator.

Prayer (Salah): Prayer is the second pillar of Islam its benefits are mentioned below:

• Prayer enriches the soul by giving peace and contentment.
• It purifies the heart from the effects of indolence and sin by providing a continuous opportunity for communication with Allah and for repentance.
• It lightens up our body and gives us positive energy.
• Praying five times a day at their particular time brings discipline and consistency in our lives which are essential qualities for a successful life.
• It raised brotherhood, equality, and humility between the Muslims.
• Through prayer, a believer acquires spiritual awareness.

Zakah (Charity): Zakah is the third pillar of Islam some of its benefits in Muslim’s life are mentioned below:

• Zakah teaches us to share what Allah Almighty has granted us to take care of those who are less fortunate.
• It also helps us avoid being selfish.
• It also develops the personality of the poor person by providing for him a sense of solidarity with others in society.
• It increases wealth and allows it to be blessed.
• Zakah maintained a balance in society.
• It reminds blessings of Allah and encourages being grateful to Almighty Allah.

Fasting: The fourth pillar of Islam is fasting which has so many benefits some of them are given below:

• Fasting develops willpower and teaches patience.
• It is a way of recognizing the blessings of Allah Almighty that surround us but we don’t give them importance.
• It purifies the soul and helps to acquire obeying Almighty Allah by restraining desires, and promotes steadfastness.
• Fasting is healthy which is proven scientifically.
• Fasting provides an opportunity for complete devotion to Allah.

Pilgrimage (Hajj): The fifth pillar of Islam is Hajj (Pilgrimage), benefits of Hajj are mentioned below:

• Hajj emphasizes the Islamic characteristics of unity and equality among Muslims while at the same time proclaiming the absolute unity of Allah.
• The Hajj is a weighty spiritual and emotional event that remains a part of the believer for the rest of his/ her life.
• Hajj is a cultural journey for Muslims during which racial, gender and economic differences are subdued as commonalty of Muslims from many nations together to worship Allah.
• Hajj is an ultimate challenge where Allah (SWT) takes the believer to the peak of his/her ability and sacrifice.
• The biggest part of sacrifice is controlling the temper in the days of Hajj.

The Integrals and Requisites of Hajj (Pilgrimage)

Hajj is the 5^th and most important pillar of Islam which is obligatory on every financially and physically stable Muslim once in a lifetime. In Holy Quran, Almighty Allah says: “And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way” (Quran, 3:97). Hajj has a special virtue in all acts of worships as it clears all kind of sins no matter how small or big they are but one need to perform this obligatory act of worship with obedience. The person who is performing Hajj should have sincere intentions for Allah Almighty, money used for Hajj must be lawful and one should stay away from committing different sins. While performing Hajj one should be aware of all integrals and requisites of Hajj.

Integrals of Hajj (Pilgrimage)

Below the integrals (Rukns) of Hajj are mentioned that one should know about in order to perform this act of worship in a proper manner with full of obedience.

• First of all, Intention to be in the state of pilgrimage while wearing Ihram and also says in the heart that I now enter into the actions of Hajj for the sake of Almighty Allah.
• One should be physically present in Arafat between the start of Dhuhr on the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah and the dawn of the following Eid day.
• Tawaf that is one needs to circumambulate the Kaaba seven times.
• One has to walk between the mount of Safa and Marwa seven times and also perform Sa’ey.
• Shaving or trimming the hair is the next integral. This is satisfied by cutting at least three hairs. The women should also trim their hair but they don’t shave.
• Observe the order in performing the integrals.

Requisites of Hajj (Pilgrimage)

Requisites are those things without which the Hajj is valid but these are obligatory acts that one needs to perform.

• The intention of Ihram before crossing the site prescribed for it that is Miqat.
• Staying at night in Muzdalifah and Mina.
• Throwing pebbles at Jamrahs during the days of Tashriq.
• To throw pebbles at the station of Jamrat-ul-Aqabah on the day of the Feast that is Eid-al-Adha.
• Performing farewell Tawaf before leaving the Makah.

Unlawful Things during Hajj (Pilgrimage)

Below mentioned are the unlawful things that one should avoid during Hajj.

• To wear perfumes.
• Rub the head and beard with oil or things like that.
• To remove or cut fingernails, toenails, and hair.
• To perform sexual intercourse.
• To conduct the marriage.
• To hunt any Islamically edible animal.
• To cover the head for men and to cover the face for women.

May Almighty Allah accept the Hajj of those who are performing this year! Ameen

Maintain Your Hajj High | A New Life after Hajj

Muslims all around the world once again completed the most virtuous form of worship the Hajj or Pilgrimage this year. Muslims were honored to become the Guests of Allah in His Holy House the Kaaba and through Divine Guidance have completed the rituals of Hajj with great love and enthusiasm for Almighty Allah. In hadith, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said that: “Whoever performs Hajj for the Pleasure of Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall return from it (free from sin) as the day on which his mother gave birth to him.” (Bukhari)

The one who performed Hajj with love and enthusiasm will get a reward of Jannah as stated in hadith: “Verily there shall be no reward for a Mabroor (accepted) Hajj except Jannah” (Muslim). As Hajj is over and pilgrims are coming back to their homes, back to the reality of family life, work, and other normal life responsibilities. Even though Hajj is over, pilgrims return home to their loved ones, not only with many precious memories but also with lots of lessons learned from the spiritual journey of Hajj and a sense of noble spirituality. These lessons and sense of noble spirituality should remain with pilgrims throughout their lifetime and they have to apply these lessons for the rest of their lives.

Maintain Your Hajj High

Pilgrims should maintain their Hajj High but it is difficult for most of the people due to their involvement in normal life routine as earlier before Hajj. One should remain on the straight path and on a higher level with the right intentions, sincere Duas, and dedicated efforts, even if that level isn’t quite as grand as what you’d hoped for. Below we will discuss some points by following which one can maintain his/her Hajj high for the rest of life.

• Pilgrims should remain realistic in worship even though they could not maintain the same levels of worship that they had on the Hajj journey. But if you need to keep a few small and manageable ones then do them sincerely and consistently for the sake of Almighty Allah.
• The most important thing that one should maintain after Hajj is the issue of steadfastness and guarding this great deed i.e. performance of Hajj against things that could nullify it. You should ask Allah Almighty ceaselessly to help you adhere firmly to His religion and guide you to obey Him, and make you avoid His disobedience.
• After being totally purified on Arafah, your clean soul recognizes your new sins and mistakes much more easily. But you won’t stay that pure forever and Allah doesn’t expect you to remain that way. All of the mankind sins, but the best of those who sin are those who repent and return to Allah. Even when you don’t recognize sins, make a habit of daily Istighfar so that you can seek forgiveness from Allah Almighty.
• Remember the spiritual significance of pelting the Jamaraat. After shaytan was humiliated on the day of Arafah, he’s even more determined to corrupt you. So, just as you stoned Shaytan in those days, whenever you notice his temptations coming to you back home, repeat that pelting in your mind just like you chased him away on Mina, and you can do it again now too.
• Protect your senses from spiritual filth by staying away from sights and sounds that would corrupt your heart, and if you do see or hear them, immediately try to erase their effects by replacing those experiences with something better. Recite or listen to the Quran immediately and let the wrong thoughts or sight be pushed out of your memory.
• Use gratitude to go back for Hajj. It’s very, very sad for pilgrims to leave Makah especially after they have made their final Tawwaf and left the Grand Mosque Masjid-al-Haram. Those who have returned from Hajj should encourage others upon whom Hajj is compulsory to start making preparations from now and to go and perform this great duty of Hajj next year.
• Keep doing good deeds even if they are little because regular small deeds are better than disrupted greater ones. You should know that deeds, which Allah Almighty Loves most, are the most regular and constant ones even though they were little.

May Allah Almighty accept the Hajj of all pilgrims who performed this year and before, help them to maintain it until they reach the end of their life, and also take them again in His house for performing Hajj. We also ask Allah (SWT) to accept our good deeds and provide us steadfastness and uprightness until death. Ameen!

Signs of a Mabroor (Accepted) Hajj

There are five pillars of Islam among which Hajj is the most important. Hajj is obligatory on every physically and financially stable Muslim once in a lifetime. Being able to perform Hajj is the blessing for all Muslims. Hajj is the form of worship that Muslim owes to Allah Almighty. In the Holy Quran Allah (SWT) says “…Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by all who can make their way to it…” (Quran, 3:97).  Muslim can erase all his previous sins by performing Hajj with love and enthusiasm for Almighty Allah.

When pilgrims came back home after performing Hajj they returned spiritually refreshed, forgiven of their previous sins and all set to start their new life free from sins. For those who performed Hajj with sincere intention our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said in one of His hadith:  “Whoever performs Hajj for the pleasure of Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall return from it (free from sin) as the day on which his mother gave birth to him.” (Muslim)

Mabroor (accepted) Hajj is the one which is not mixed with any misdeed. Holy Prophet (SAW) said that: “Verily there shall be no reward for an accepted Hajj except Jannah” (Al-Bukhari). Pilgrims should stick to the spiritual values rest of their lives that they learned during the holy journey of Hajj. If pilgrims want to know their Hajj is accepted then they need to focus on their actions before and after performing Hajj. Those whose Hajj is accepted by Allah Almighty are the lucky ones and they are ones whose sins have been forgiven.

Signs of an Accepted Hajj

Below we will discuss some signs that will help pilgrims to let them know whether their Hajj has been accepted or not by Almighty Allah.

• The accepted Hajj refers to the one performed truly and offered with full sincerity to Allah Almighty.
• Signs of an accepted Hajj also includes that the man returns from Hajj as a better person than the one he was before the Hajj and that he keeps away from sins.
• The sincerity of intention should remain even after the Hajj. The pilgrim should not show off about Hajj.
• The sign of an Accepted Hajj is that upon one’s return, his life changes from worst to good. The person who performed Hajj indulges in good deeds and always tries to fulfill the commands of Allah Almighty.
• If pilgrim Hajj is accepted the person will run away from all those things that Allah Almighty disliked.
•  Pilgrim should try his best to fulfill the obligations laid down by Allah and must be grateful that his Hajj has been accepted.

The above mentioned were some signs of an Accepted (Mabroor) Hajj. The pilgrim should continue performing good deeds and acts of worship regularly until he meets Allah Almighty. May Allah accept the Hajj of all pilgrims who performed this year! Ameen

Some Life Changing Lessons from Holy Quran

Holy Quran is the 4^th sacred book of Allah Almighty revealed on our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Quran is the book of guidance not just for Muslims but for all mankind. Holy Quran is the foundation of Islamic theology and a source of inspiration for everything for Muslims all around the world. This holy book of Allah Almighty has wisdom that can change a life of an individual for betterment because it has life-changing lessons through which Muslims can learn and implement in their life.

All of us want to live a life full of blessings, happiness, good times and easiness. It is not like that everyone is living a life full of easiness but with all hardships and challenges we all try to make live our life in the best way with all that given by Allah Almighty. Allah says in Holy Quran: “Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.” (Quran, 16:97)

Life Changing Lessons from Holy Quran

Quran is the book from which you can teach all kinds of lessons from good manners, how to treat others, to healthy eating and all that can benefit others. Let’s discuss some life-changing lessons from this Holy Book of Allah (SWT).

• Do righteous deeds with all mankind Allah loves those and grant great rewards for doing righteous deeds even in this world in the form of “good life.”
• You should be conscious to time and try to use this time to do good deeds, be truthful to one another, be patient, don’t get angry and be quick in forgiveness. In Holy Quran Allah Almighty says about time in these words: “By the time, surely man is in the loss, save those who believe and do good deeds, and enjoin on each other truth, and enjoin on each other patience.” (Quran, 103: 1-3)
• Be nice to all people as Allah Almighty says in Holy Quran: “Worship Allah and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents, kinsfolk orphans, Al-Masakin (the poor), the neighbor who is near of kin, the neighbor who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hands possess. Verily, Allah does not like such as are proud and boastful.” (Quran, 4:36)
• One should be kind in your character as kind words and covering of others faults are better than charity. Allah says in Noble Quran: “Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is free of need and Forbearing.” (Quran, 2:263)
• One should rely only on Allah Almighty in all matters of his/her life. “And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.” (Quran, 65:3)
• One should avoid backbiting and don’t waste your time in gossips. The Quran says don’t sow division instead, say what is good and true. That is the path to a good life. Allah Almighty says about gossipers in these words: “And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy” (Quran, 17:53). Allah doesn’t like those who backbite about other fellows in Holy Quran Allah said: “O you, who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is the sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it.” (Quran, 49:12)
• One should speak best when talking to someone or should choose best words when speaking. “And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy” (Quran, 17:53). This ayah of holy Quran also tells us that we should be responsible while speaking to others by choosing best words.
• One should be just to all even if it is against your close relatives. Allah says in Holy Quran: And whenever you give your word (i.e. judge between men or give evidence, etc.), say the truth even if a near relative is concerned, and fulfill the Covenant of A1laah, This He commands you that you may remember.”(Quran, 6:152)

The above mentioned were some life-changing lessons from Holy Quran that we all should implement in our lives for living a better life in this world and also in Hereafter. May Allah make us among those with whom Allah Almighty pleased! Ameen

Different Types of Nafl Salaahs have Greater Rewards for all Muslims

Muslims offer five daily prayers in different times specified for each prayer in a day that Allah Almighty made obligatory for all Muslims. In addition to the five daily prayers, there are Nafl (voluntary) prayers which can be offered by Muslims. Nafl or voluntary prayer includes every extra prayer prayed in the times when prayer is allowed. They have exceptional virtues and today in this article we commence discussion on the Nafl prayers.

Different Types of Nafl Salaahs with Greater Rewards

Nafl Salahs are very important and valuable as they have many great rewards for all Muslims who offer optional prayers. Those who offer optional prayers get rewarded in the world afterward. We often miss this Salah by just classifying them as “optional/voluntary” but these are something we should consider as a blessing from Allah (SWT). There are different types of Nafl Salaahs have greater rewards for all Muslims.

• Tahiyatul Wudu Salah: It is the Nafl prayer which could be offered after completion of wudu. Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said to Bilal (RA):  “Tell me about the most hopeful act (i.e. one which you deem the most rewarding with Allah) you have done since your acceptance of Islam because I heard the sound of the steps of your shoes in front of me in paradise.” Bilal said: “I do not consider any act more hopeful than that whenever I make ablution (wudu) at any time of night or day, I offer Salah (prayer) for as long as was destined for me to offer.” (Muslim)
• Ishraak Salah: Ishraak prayer should perform after Fajr prayer when the sun rises. It usually has 2 or 4 Rakaats. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said in one of His hadith: “He who performs Fajr Salat in the congregation and remains seated in the same place while engaging in Dhikr until after sunrise and thereafter performs 2 Rakaats Nafl Salah, (Ishraak), he will obtain the Thawaab of one Hajj and one Umrah.” (Tirmidhi)
• Salat ul Taubah: One should perform Salat ul Taubah after any sinful act. One should recite two Rakaats Nafl Salah ul Taubah after which he should sincerely repent, feel sorry for his sins, seek forgiveness and make a firm decision to not do it again. By the Grace of Allah Almighty, the sin would be forgiven. In Holy Quran, Allah Almighty says: “And those who have done something to be ashamed of or wronged their own souls. Earnestly bring Allah to mind and ask for forgiveness of their sins and who can forgive this, except Allah” (Quran, 3:135)
• Salat ul Istikhara: This Nafl prayer has 2 Rakaats with the intention to ask Allah Almighty for guidance in a matter. It should be performed in any permissible time.
• Salat ul Tasbih: Our beloved Prophet (SAW) has recommended to read this Nafl prayer daily on each Friday or once a month or once a year, in case of this not being possible, to read it even once in one’s life. This Nafl prayer provides limitless benefits both in the material and spiritual life. This Nafl prayer has 4 Rakaats. Our beloved Prophet (SAW) had taught this Nafl prayer to His Uncle, Hazrat Abbas (RA) and told him: “He who performs this prayer will have his past and future sins are forgiven.”(Tirmidhi)
• Salat ul Hajat: This Nafl prayer should perform at the time of need. It usually has 2 Rakaats. It needs a sincere supplication that states what one wishes to be accomplished and requesting Allah Almighty’s help in its accomplishment.
• Salat ul Tahajjud: Offering Tahajjud prayer at night is one of the most beautiful prayers because one is waking up when most people are sleeping, to talk to and ask of Allah Almighty. It usually has minimum 2 Rakaats and maximum 4 Rakaats. After Isha prayer, one should get some sleep and then wake up and offer Tahajjud prayer. It is reported in a hadith that: “Allah descends to the lowest heaven during the last third of the night, inquiring: ‘Who will call on Me so that I may respond to him? Who is asking something of Me so I may give it to him? Who is asking for My forgiveness so I may forgive him?’” (Bukhari)

These were some voluntary prayers that one should try to perform for getting greater rewards and blessings from Allah Almighty. May Allah gives us the strength to offer Nafl prayers with obligatory prayer, Ameen!

Rights of Relatives in Islam | According to Quran and Hadith

Islam is a complete code of life. Religion Islam emphasizes on keeping good relationships with family, relatives, and friends. Being a Muslim it is obligatory for you to keep good relation with relatives. According to saying of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), we should visit our relatives, inquire about their matters, spend on them and give them sadaqa if they are poor.

The relatives hold a special status in Islam. Islam gives great stress to the rights of relatives and encourages Muslims to maintain a good relationship with their relatives. In religion Islamic term, ‘Silah-Rahimi’ is used to express ‘good treatment towards the relatives’. In one of hadith Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said about the rights of relatives in these words: “The foremost claim to loving kindness and thoughtful attention on you is of your mother, and, then, of your father, and then, grade by grade, of the other relatives.” (Sahih Bukhari)

The essence of Islam is to serve Allah Almighty and do good to our fellow creatures in which individuals and animals also included. The worship of Allah is linked up with kindness to parents, kindred, and those in want. It is not a matter of verbal kindness; they have certain rights which must be fulfilled.

Allah Almighty says in Holy Quran about the rights of relatives in a way: “Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good- to parents, kinsfolk”(Quran4:36).  In Islam doing good to the relatives is next in importance to the obedience of parents. Following ayah clearly describes the importance of rights of relatives:“And remember We took a covenant from the Children of Israel that worship none but Allah, and do good to your parents and relatives.”(Quran, 2:83)

Helping relatives comes under both “Justice” and “Doing good”. Still, Allah mentioned it separately; it shows how important this act is in the eyes of Allah. Muslims should keep good relations with their relatives for the sake of Allah Almighty.

For those who do “Silah-Rahimi” will earn rewards in this life and hereafter are mentioned below:

• His sustenance is increased
• His life is elongated
• His family and home prosper
• His death discomfort is eased
• Silah-Rahimi is equivalent to the fear of Allah and piety
• All the doors of paradise will be opened for those who practice Silah-Rahimi

For those who do not keep a good relationship with relatives will suffer a lot in this life and hereafter too. Some of the Ayahs related to this are mentioned below:

Allah Almighty says in Noble Quran: “Who break the covenant of Allah after contracting it and sever that which Allah has ordered to be joined and cause corruption on earth. It is those who are the losers” (Quran, 2:27)

In another verse of Holy Quran Allah Almighty says about keeping ties of kinship in these words: “So would you perhaps, if you turned away, cause corruption on earth and sever your [ties of] relationship?” (Quran, 47:22)

There are many hadiths which show the rights of relatives in Islam some of them are mentioned in this article. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said in one of his hadith: “Whosoever believes in Allah and the last day let him keep the ties of relations.” (Bukhari)

In another narration, He (SAW) said: “Whoever violates the rights of relatives shall not go to Paradise.” This hadith, alone, should be enough to make us realize the importance of ‘Silah-Rahimi’.  It shows that the violation of the relative’s rights is disliked by Allah, that with its foulness, no one can enter Paradise.

In short, we find that the association of the family can only be maintained by feelings of appreciative and kindness. If we want to earn Allah’s pleasure and blessings we must accept the Quranic instructions, and broaden our full support to our relatives. May Allah give us the strength to live our lives according to the Quranic teachings and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)! Ameen

Significance of the Month of Muharram According to the Quran and Sunnah

Muharram is one of the fourth sacred holy months mentioned in the Holy Quran. The holy month of Muharram is the 1^st month of the Islamic calendar. Muharram is a great and blessed month. The month of Muharram is so blessed by Allah (SWT) that He declared the month of Muharram as His month and named it as the Month of Allah. In the Holy Quran Allah (SWT) says: “Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them.” (Quran 9:36)

Islamic calendar starts with the holy month Muharram, derived from the root word “Haram” which means “forbidden.” In the blessed month of Muharram, Allah Almighty lets His blessings go unbound and the worships of Muslims are given some extra credit by Him. In this Holy month war and bloodshed have been prohibited. Muharram is the holy month in which supplications are readily answered by Allah Almighty.

Though the reward of any good action is multiplied manifolds in the sacred months, it is particularly recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself to fast in the month of Muharram. It is stated in hadith: “The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram” (Muslim). The hadith signifies that the fasts in the month of Muharram are most rewardable ones among the Nafl fasts i.e. the fasts one observes out of his own choice without being obligatory on him. It is not necessary that one have to fast for the whole month of Muharram each fast during this month has its own merit. Therefore, one should avail of this opportunity as much as he/she can.

Spending on the family members or relatives in this month will increase the provision of a person along Barakah, which will be imparted from the mighty Exalted Lord upon the spender. It is stated in Hadith: “One who generously spends on his family on the Day of Ashura, Allah will increase (his provision) for the whole year.” (Baihaqi). One can also do charity, social service, offer optional prayers, and ask Dua from Allah Almighty to shower the blessings and mercy on him.

The month of Muharram has also significance due to the 10^th day of Muharram (Day of Ashura). On the 10^th day of Muharram Hazrat Imam Hussein ibn Ali (RA) who is the son of Hazrat Ali (RA) and Hazrat Fatima (RA) and grandson of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) with 72 of his followers martyred in the battle of Karbala by the forces of Yazid who is the Umayyad caliph of that time. Muslims remember Hazrat Imam Hussein (AS) and his followers in this holy month of Muharram. Hazrat Musa (AS) and his followers also attained victory over Egyptian pharaoh and his soldiers who drowned in the Red Sea on 10^th of Muharram and Hazrat Musa (AS) fasted on this day.

When the Prophet (PBUH) came to Medina, he found (the Jews) fasting on the day of ‘Ashura’ (i.e. 10th of Muharram). They used to say: “This is a great day on which Allah saved Moses and drowned the folk of Pharaoh. Moses observed the fast on this day, as a sign of gratitude to Allah.” The Prophet (PBUH) said, “I am closer to Moses than they.” So, he observed the fast (on that day) and ordered the Muslims to fast on it.” (Bukhari)

The sacred month of Muharram has great significance in Islam as this holy month is full of virtues and blessings and should be celebrated according to the spirit of this month.

Mann-O-Salwa the Food of Jannah for Bani Israel

Mann-o-Salwa is a type of food that was gifted to Bani Israel (people of Prophet Musa A.S). When Prophet Musa (AS) was living with six hundred thousand people of Bani Israel in the field of Teeh at that time Prophet Musa (AS) asked Allah Almighty for the meal to fulfill the hunger of people who were with Him. Allah Almighty descended the two heavenly feasts for them from the sky on request of Prophet Musa (AS). One was “Mann” and the other was “Salwa”. Allah Almighty mentioned in Holy Quran: “O Children of Israel, We delivered you from your enemy, and We made an appointment with you at the right side of the mount, and We sent down to you manna and quails.” (Quran, 20:80)

We all know that Mann-o-Salwa is the food of Jannah which was sent down by Allah Almighty for the people of Bani Israel. Have anyone ever wondered how this food look and taste like? Today we are going to describe this heavenly food or the food of Jannah. Allah Almighty commanded Prophet Musa (AS) not to store this food for the next day eats it on daily basis.

Mann was a kind of sweet; it was like dew drops that can be found on trees, plants, and rocks. After that, it is used into sweet honey which they picked up and savor them with. Mann used to descend on as snow descends it is sweeter than honey and whiter than snow.

Salwa was a kind of Bird, a quail, People used to catch it and turn it into the roasted meat. It was such a blessing to eat the roasted meat of Quail which was indeed a blessing for Bani Israel after Prophet Musa (AS) prayed to Allah Almighty.

Only Allah Almighty knows the best what actually Mann –o-Salwa looks alike and taste we cannot imagine the sweetness that is more than honey and whiteness more than milk. Allah Almighty blessed the people of Bani Israel with this food without demanding anything or hard work from them. Greed is human nature, people of Bani Israel disobeyed Allah’s and Prophet Musa (AS) command not to store or preserve the food. Due to this disobedience, the food they stored rotted and the blessings of Mann and Salwa stopped.

On disobedience of Bani Israel, the Holy Prophet (SAW) said:  “had the Bani Israel not existed, neither food would get spoiled nor would meat have rotten”. The decay of food and meat rotting started since then. Otherwise, prior to that event, neither food would spoil nor would meat rot. May Almighty Allah guide us to fulfill His commands and follow the right path! Ameen

Some Interesting Facts about the Religion Islam

Islam is the monotheistic Abrahamic religion. Islam is the religion of peace not just for Muslims but for all mankind. Religion Islam is the complete code of life in which a man can find the solution to every problem that he faces in his life. The religion Islam is the most discussed religion among people because most of the Non-Muslims misunderstood it. In addition to the non-Muslims who analyze Islam without any knowledge of its true preaching, there are Muslims as well who have little knowledge of the religion and put to practice the traditions that have nothing to do with Islam.

Facts about Islam

Islam is considered being the best religion among all other religions. The religion Islam covers a heavy presence globally.  Below we have discussed some interesting facts about Islam that will help to remove the misconceptions about Islam.

• Islam means “submission”. The root word of Islam is “Salam” which means “peace”. In religious terms, the word Islam means “surrender one’s will to the true will of Lord to achieve peace”.
• Those who accept Islam as their religion are known as Muslims. So, we can say that “Muslim” means “anyone or anything that surrenders itself to the true will of Lord”. In other words, Muslims are those who fulfill the purpose for which the Lord created them.
• Islam teaches us to live in peace and harmony. It is a universal way of life and civilization. In the Holy Quran, the principles of a peaceful society are described very briefly. It is instructed again and again to Muslims, to raise the foundation of their society on truth, honesty, greedless, peace and brotherhood.
• Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the last Prophet of Allah Almighty who completed the religion, Islam.
• Holy Quran is the last sacred book of Almighty Allah revealed on Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
• There are five pillars of Islam that must be undertaken with the best of effort in order to be considered a true Muslim. Five pillars of Islam are: The declaration of faith, Offering Prayer five times a day, Paying Zakat, Fasting during the daylight hours in the month of Ramadan, and Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if physically and financially able.
• Muslims have to act on basic six beliefs in order to be considered a true Muslim. They are the belief in: The One Lord, all of the prophets of Almighty Allah, the original scriptures revealed to the Prophets, the angels, the Day of Judgment and the Hereafter, and on destiny.
• Islam is totally against gender inequality it treats both man and woman equally. Islam says both men and women have equal rights.
• Women are not oppressed in Islam it gives special importance to women. Women are not oppressed in Islam. It is clearly mentioned in Islamic teachings that, if any Muslim involves in oppressing women, he is not following Islam.
• In Islam, the word “Jihad” doesn’t mean “War”. Jihad means “to do struggle”. The holiest Jihad is to fight against your own bad wills.
• Islam does not permit honor killing, forced marriages, imprisonment of women to their homes or any kind of torture to them is totally forbidden in Islam.
• It is not true that all Muslims are Arab. All Muslims are not Arab the fact is Islam has a strong presence in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
• While offering five daily prayers all Muslims around the globe face the Holy Kaaba. Kaaba is considered to be the center point of the earth.
• Marriage in Islam is an act of Sunnah that is highly recommended. Islam insists to get married as early as possible as this habit will save you from a lot of sins.
• There are about 1.6 billion Muslims living all over the world.
• Islam describes dress code for both man and woman. Man and woman have to dress modestly, simply and with dignity. In Quran Allah says.