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Islam
basic principles
72
A L B I R R F O U N DAT I O N U K
 ISLAM
Basic Principles


albir r foundation uk
NOT FOR SALE Contents
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ISLAM – BASIC PRINCIPLES
Third Edition published March 2015
Islam … 7
© Albirr Foundation UK Allah … 10
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Prophet Muhammad … 14
To receive your free copy, please send (Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)
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3
 Truly, the religion with Allah is Islam.
(Submission to His Will)
al-imran, 3:19

4 5
 Islam 

Islam in Arabic means ‘submission’, meaning submitting to

the Will of Allah in all our affairs, and following only His
Commands. Islam is an all-embracing way of life. It covers
the whole span of our life, thus showing us how to manage
all our activities in a valid and virtuous manner. Happiness


in this life and success in the life after death is obtained
only by totally submitting to the Will of Allah.

 “Say: ‘Truly, my Salat (prayer), my sacrifice, my living and
my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the worlds. No part-
ner has He: this am I commanded, and I am the first of
those who submit to His Will.” (al-anàam 6:162)

There are Five Pillars on which Islam stands.

1. To firmly believe in one’s heart and declare:

Laa ilaaha illallaah, Muhammadur-Rasulullaah

There is no God but Allah, and
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.

7
This is what is meant by Iman (Belief).

2. To pray five times a day (perform Salat).

3. To pay Zakat.
4. To fast during the month of Ramadan.
5. To go on Hajj (pilgrimage) to Makkah once in a
lifetime if one can afford it.

A person who accepts Islam is called a Muslim (one who

submits to the will of Allah). A Muslim is required to do
all that Allah and His Messenger (Allah’s peace and bless-
ings be upon him) have asked to do, and to keep away from
doing things which Allah and His Messenger (Allah’s peace
and blessings be upon him) have told not to do. For exam-
ple, Allah and His Messenger (Allah’s peace and blessings
be upon him) have told us to do good deeds like being
kind to our parents, to help others who are less fortunate
and to be kind to animals.

8 9
 • He has no partner.

Allah
 
• He has no mother or father, son, or daughter.
• He is Eternal.
• There is nothing similar to Him.
• He knows everything.
• He sees everything.
• He hears everything.
• Nothing is hidden from Him.
• He is Kind and Loving. He is Gracious and Merciful.
• He is Clement and Forgiving.
• Allah has beautiful Names which indicate His attributes.
• He is the One Who provides all His creation with the
Laa ilaaha illallaahu, wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul- means to survive. He is the One Who has created every-
mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in Qadeer.
thing for our survival, like the earth in which crops grow,
There is no God except Allah Alone. There is no partner the sun which provides warmth, water from which living
unto Him. To Him belongs Sovereignty, and to Him things drink from and the air which they breathe, and
belongs all praise, and He has Power over all things. the fire which is essential for so many things.
• Allah is One and Almighty. • Muslims should turn only to Him for help and guidance.
• He is our Lord. • He is the One Who is worthy of worship. Nothing else
should be worshipped but He. There is no greater sin a
• He has created everything that is in the heavens and on
man commits than Shirk, which means associating any
earth, including us all.

10 11
 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Say (O Muhammad): He is Allah (the) One.
Allah is Self-Sufficient.
He begets not, nor was He begotten. O Prophet (Muhammad),
And there is none comparable unto Him. Verily, We have sent you as a
(al-ikhlas, 112) witness and a bearer of glad tidings,
and a warner and
as one who calls to Allah.
(al-ahzab, 33:45-46)
partners with Allah and believing that they can give us
benefit or cause us any harm; or worshipping or seeking
help from others besides Him.

12 13
 thirteen years. He was finally forced to leave Makkah, so he

Prophet went to Al-Madinah where the people welcomed him whole

heartedly. He lived in Al-Madinah for ten years calling peo-

Muhammad
ple to Allah and spreading His Message, often struggling
hard against those who stopped him from doing this.

Before his death, at the age of sixty-three, the whole of


(Allah’s peace and blessings
 be upon him) Arabia had accepted Islam. This shows that Prophet
Muhammad (Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was
a human being just like us. He was not a Divine being, but
Muhammad (Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) only a slave of Allah. Muslims should obey him, respect
was the final Prophet whom Allah chose to reveal His Final him and love him, but must not worship him or attribute
Message, the Noble Quran, the complete guidance for to him qualities which are possessed only by Allah.
mankind, through the Angel Jibril.
Muslims must follow his excellent example and follow the
Prophet Muhammad (Allah’s peace and blessings be upon Right Path according to his teachings. He taught that all
him) was born in Makkah. He was orphaned at a young men, rich or poor, of whatever colour or race, are equal
age. He was cared for by his grandfather, and after him by before Allah. It is only their obedience to Allah, and their
his uncle. Muhammad (Allah’s peace and blessings be upon good deeds, which may make them better than others.
him) led an honest life, and was known as ‘As-Sadiq’ (the Prophet Muhammad (Allah’s peace and blessings be upon
truthful) and ‘Al-Amin’ (the trustworthy). him) taught us to love, respect and be kind to one another,
and to all of Allah’s creation.
Prophet Muhammad (Allah’s peace and blessings be upon
him) received the first Revelation at the age of forty. He He was the last and final Prophet. No Prophet shall come
called people to Islam. However, most of the people of after him. Those who obey Allah and follow the teachings
Makkah refused to follow him. They made fun of him and of His Messenger (Allah’s peace and blessings be upon
his followers, and even tortured them. He suffered a great him) shall be rewarded with Paradise in the Hereafter.
deal, but he still continued to preach the Word of Allah for

14 15
 Iman  

A Muslim must have Iman, which means to have firm

belief in six things:

To believe in Allah. To believe that He exists, He is

1 One, and He Alone is the Creator, Sustainer and Lord
over everything, and He Alone is worthy of worship.

To believe in the angels, and that the angels are the cre-
2 ation of Allah. Allah created them from light, and they
always obey Him. Angels have been assigned various tasks
which they carry out faithfully. Some of them were given
the task of carrying the Message to the Prophets, while
others are assigned to record every good and bad actions of
human beings. The number of angels is known only to
Allah, but there are four whose names are known to us.
They are Jibril, Mika’il, ‘Izra’il and Israfil.

To believe in all the Prophets of Allah, who were

3 Allah’s Messengers on this earth, and were responsible
for teaching the religion of Allah to their people. They lived
their lives according to what they preached. The first man
on earth was also the first Prophet, and he was Adam
(Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him).

16 17
The last Prophet is Muhammad (Allah’s peace and bless- thing good that they could possibly want, as a reward for
ings be upon him). Some other famous Prophets are Nuh their good deeds. People who disobeyed Allah’s Commands
(Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma’il (Ishmael), Ishaq and did bad things will go to Hell where they will be cast
(Isaac), Musa (Moses) and Isa (Jesus) – Allah’s peace and into a terrible Fire as punishment for their bad deeds.
blessings be upon them. A Muslim must believe in all the
Prophets and give them due respect, but they should not be To believe that everything comes from Allah. This
worshipped. 6 means that Allah knows everything that is going to
happen whether it is a good thing or a bad thing. Nothing
To believe in the Books of Allah. Allah revealed Books in this world takes place without His Permission or Knowl-
4 to His Prophets. These Books contain the guidance of
Allah for mankind. The Noble Quran is the Book revealed
edge. If something good happens to a Muslim, he should
thank Allah for it. He should be patient and ask Allah for
to our Prophet Muhammad (Allah’s peace and blessings relief if something bad happens to him.
be upon him). The three Books known to us which were
revealed before the Quran are the Torah which was revealed
to Musa (Moses), the Zabur which was sent down to
Dawud (David), and the Injil which was given to ‘Isa (Jesus)
(Allah’s peace and blessings be upon them). Some people And
who were disobedient to Allah distorted some of these hold fast,
Books to mislead the people. Allah has protected the all of you
Noble Quran from any kind of distortion. together,
to the
To believe in life after death. A Muslim has to believe rope of
5 that life in this world will come to an end one day.
Everything in this world will perish. Allah will then bring
Allah.
(al imran,
all human beings back to life and judge them according to 3:103)
their deeds which they performed while they lived on the
earth. People who obeyed Allah and spent their lives doing
good things will go to Paradise where they will have every-

18 19
 The Noble
 Quran  

The Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad

(Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), over a period of
twenty-three years, as a Guidance to Mankind.

The first revelation came whilst Prophet Muhammad

This is indeed an honourable recital. (Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) was contemplat-
In a Book well-guarded. ing in the cave of Hira near Makkah. The Angel Jibril
(al-waqi ’a h, 56:77-78) appeared to him and asked him to read. The Prophet
Muhammad (Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said,
“I cannot read!” The Angel embraced him tightly and then
released him saying, “Read!” Again the Prophet Muham-
mad (Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said, “I can-
Verily, not read!” Once again Angel Jibril embraced him tightly and
this Quran then released him saying:
guides to
that which is
most just
and right.
(al-isra,17:9)

20 21
 Iqra’ bismi Rabbikal-ladhi khalaq. Khalaqal insaana min have provided for them. And who believe in the Revela-
‘alaq. Iqra’ wa Rabbukal-Akram. Alladhi ‘allama bil-qalam. tion sent to you, and sent before your time, and (in their
‘Allamal insaana ma lam ya’lam hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter. They are on
Read in the Name of your Lord Who created! true guidance from their Lord, and it is these who will
He created man from a clot of blood. Read; and your prosper. (al-baqarah, 2: 1-5)
Lord is the Most Bountiful. He Who has taught by the
pen. Taught man what he knew not. (al- ‘a laq, 96:1-5) There are 114 chapters in the Quran and they touch upon
all aspects of human existence, including matters of Faith,
The Prophet Muhammad (Allah’s peace and blessings be social organization, code of conduct, and laws.
upon him) got terrified and rushed to his house. His wife
Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) consoled and When the Quran is read, listen to it with attention, and
comforted him. The revelation continued on the Prophet hold your peace: that you may receive Mercy. (al-araf
(Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) instructing him 7:204).
to command the people to the Right Path, that is Islam.
Being the Blessed Word of God, the Quran is held in high
Every time the verses were revealed to the Prophet Muham- esteem by Muslims. When it is recited aloud, Muslims
mad (Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), he would behave with great respect. They hold back from speaking,
later recite them to his followers and ask them to write eating or drinking.
them down. His followers also memorized the verses. The
whole of the Quran was thus preserved. Later, it was com- There have always been so many Muslims men and women,
piled into a Book exactly in the order that we have it today. young and old, in the world who have memorized the com-
plete Quran. They are called Huffaz (plural of Hafiz). Often
The Quran is Allah’s greatest blessing for those who believe Muslims read Quran with elocution called tajwid in Arabic.
in it and follow it sincerely.
In Ramadan, Muslims recite the Quran during the tarawih
This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, Salat every night, and thus complete it fully in the whole
to those who fear Allah; who believe in the Unseen, are month. Reciting and memorising it are considered excellent
steadfast in Salat (prayer), and spend out of what We deeds for which a person will be rewarded highly.

22 23
 The Five Pillars
of Islam  

Islam is based on Five Pillars as explained below.

1. Shahadah
This is to firmly believe in the heart and declare:

Ashhadu allaa ilaaha illallaahu, wa ashhadu anna

Muhammadar-Rasulullaah.
I bear witness that there is no God except Allah, and
I bear witness that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger.

This is the Shahadah. It is the very basis of Islam. On declar-

ing it a person becomes a Muslim.

The Shahadah has two parts. The first part is a declaration

24 25
that Allah is the only Lord and Ruler, and He Alone is 2. Prayer (Salat)
worthy of worship.
Performing Salat five times a day is the most distinguishing
He has no partner, and He cannot be compared with any feature of Islam. A person abandons Salat at the risk of
other thing. Everything which is in this universe is under going out of Islam.
His Control and works according to His Command.

Mankind is also required to live according to the Com-

mands of Allah. Allah loves those who follow His Com-
mand. Allah dislikes those who disobey Him.

The second part of the Shahadah is the declaration that Verily, Salat is enjoined on the believers
Muhammad (Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) is at fixed hours. (an-nisa, 4:103)
the Messenger of Allah.
Salat is the most essential and obligatory duty a Muslim
He is the one who brought the Quran to us. Muslims are must perform. It is the most obvious act a Muslim per-
required to obey the Prophet Muhammad (Allah’s peace forms to show his obedience to Allah. It is also a means of
and blessings be upon him) and follow his example with- remembering Allah.
out any hesitation.
In Salat, a person leaves everything and devotes himself to
Muslims are also required to honour and respect him, and the worship of Allah. He does exactly what he has been
ask Allah to send him blessings and salutations. Whenever instructed by Allah’s Messenger (Allah’s peace and bless-
his name is mentioned we must say: ings be upon him). He changes from one posture to
another in a composed manner, focusing his mind on
Sal-lal-laahu alayhi wa sallam
œ
Allah. He feels that he is standing before Allah the Almighty.
Allah’s peace and blessings Salat is indeed a means of bringing a person closer to Allah.
be upon him.
In Salat, one stands facing the direction of the Ka’bah, bows

26 27
and kneels before his Lord. He recites the Opening Chapter
of the Quran (Surat Al-Fatihah) praising and glorifying
Allah, and asking for His Support and Help. Iyyaka na’budu wa iyyaka nasta’een.
You (Alone) we worship, and
This is Al-Fatihah: You (Alone) we ask for help

Bismillaahir-Rahmaanir-Rahim. Ihdinas siraatal-mustaqeem.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, Guide us to the Straight Path
the Most Merciful

Siraatal-ladheena an’amta ‘alayhim

Alhamdu lillaahi Rabbil ‘aalamin. The Path of those on whom You have
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds bestowed Your Grace

Ar-Rahmaanir-Raheem. Ghayril maghdubi ‘alayhim waladdaallin.

The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Not (the path) of those who earned Your Anger,
nor of those who went astray

Because of its importance, every Muslim, male or female,

Maaliki yawmiddin. must learn how to perform Salat. Children should start per-
The Owner of the Day of Recompense forming it from the age of seven. When they reach the age
of ten, their parents should discipline them if they do not
perform Salat.

28 29
Salat must be done by all Muslims and in all conditions. On Friday, Salat in congregation is compulsory for men.
Those who cannot stand, can perform sitting down. Those Women may also attend if they like. This Friday Salat is
who cannot sit, can perform lying down. Travellers should performed in place of the normal noon Salat. Before the
shorten their Salat. Salat, the Khutbah (sermon) is given by the Imam. This con-
tains guidance for Muslims as to how to deal with the
There are five Salat each day: problems of daily life.
• Fajr, which is observed at dawn before the sun rises.
• Zuhr, which is observed at noon when the sun starts Before performing Salat, a person must make sure that his
to decline from the meridian. body, clothes and his place of worship are clean. A special
• ‘Asr, which is to be observed in the late afternoon. act of cleansing, called Wudu’ (ablution), must be done
• Maghrib, which is to be observed when the sun sets. before Salat.
• ‘Isha’, which is offered at night before going to sleep.
Wudu’ is performed by first washing the hands followed by
Hence, a Muslim’s day starts and ends with Salat. The first rinsing the mouth and nose. Then the face is washed, and
thing a Muslim does when he/she awakes in the morning then the forearms up to the elbows. After this, wet hands
is to think of Allah, praising Him and giving Him thanks. are passed over the head and inside and outside of the ears.
At the close of the day after doing all of his/her daily Finally, the feet are washed up to the ankles.
activities he/she remembers Allah in his/her Salat, praising
and thanking Him before he/she sleeps. Each time Wudu’ is made, all these parts should not be
washed more than three times except when passing wet
Salat may be offered individually, or in congregation where hands over the head and inside and outside of the ears
the people stand in straight rows. which is to be done only once.

The person who leads the Salat is called the Imam. He If a person has done Wudu’ and then puts on his socks, he
stands in front of the rest of the congregation. The con- does not need to take them off when he next makes Wudu’.
gregation follows him in each step of the Salat. It is best to He may just pass wet hands over them once.
perform all the five obligatory Salat in congregation.

30 31
3. Zakat Zakat becomes due on savings kept for one full year. Two
and a half percent of the total money is given to those who
Zakat is the third Pillar of Islam. It is a way of doing our are in need. For example, if a person has £1000 in savings
duty to other Muslims. which he has kept for a year, then he will pay £25.

Zakat is an act of worship. It is also a way of showing sym-

pathy to those who are less fortunate. It is meant to take
away from our hearts greed and the love of money. It is
also meant to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.

Zakat purifies one’s wealth. Wealth on which Zakat has not

been paid will be a source of punishment for its owner.

Truly, those who believe and do deeds of 4. Fasting

righteousness, and perform as-Salat,
and give as-Zakat, Fasting means to keep away from eating, drinking and hav-
they will have their reward with their Lord. ing sexual relations with one’s spouse from dawn to sunset.
On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. Fasting is compulsory for every sane and mature Muslim
(al-baqarah, 2:277) during the month of Ramadan.

Zakat is also a reminder for a person that his wealth is not Fasting is both a physical and a spiritual exercise. The per-
his own, but its real owner is Allah. This should make a per- son who is fasting is required to keep himself away from
son ready to spend it in accordance with Allah’s Command. any act which displeases Allah. He should not engage in
any evil behaviour. He should not say bad things nor quar-
Zakat is an annual payment made by people. It is not a tax rel with anyone. If he does not control himself and does
imposed by Islam, but a due fixed by Allah so that the not avoid evil deeds, his fast will not bring him any bene-
wealth of a person may be purified. fit nor reward from Allah.

32 33
 Fasting is the true manifestation of obedience to Allah.
The person who is fasting does so for the sake of Allah.
For this reason, Allah has prepared a great reward for those
who fast. They will enter into Paradise through a very spe-
cial gate.

During the month of Ramadan, a special Salat is offered

which is called Tarawih. Parts of the Noble Quran are
O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you
recited during Tarawih. Usually, the recitation of the whole
as it was prescribed for those before you,
Book is completed by the end of the month.
that you may attain piety.
(al-baqarah, 2:183) The month of Ramadan is also important for another rea-
son. In it is a very special night called Laylat-ul-Qadr. It was
Fasting throughout Ramadan trains one to control the on this night that the Noble Quran was revealed. It is a
desires. It also teaches one to discipline the behaviour. night full of blessings. Muslims are encouraged to spend
that night worshipping and remembering Allah.
Fasting helps one to strengthen his will-power. It also
develops a person’s endurance and steadfastness. Worship during Laylat-ul-Qadr carries the reward of wor-
shipping for more than one thousand months.
Fasting provides Muslims with the opportunity to experi-
ence the hunger and thirst suffered by many starving peo- We are not told when exactly in Ramadan that night is,
ple in this world. Only in this way can Muslims learn and but Allah’s Messenger (Allah’s peace and blessings be upon
understand what it really feels like not to have food or him) said that it was one of the odd-numbered nights in
drink. A Muslim will then be able to show sympathy, and the last ten days of Ramadan. He encouraged Muslims to
be prepared to help and support them. This is why the fast- spend most of their time in worshipping Allah in Ramadan,
ing month of Ramadan is called ‘the Month of Endurance especially during the time when they might find Laylat-ul-
and Sympathy’. Qadr.

34 35
 Bismillaahir Rahmaanir-Rahim Salaamun hiya hatta matla’il-fajr
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Peace! Until the appearance of dawn. (al-qadr, 97)

‘Eid-ul-Fitr – a day of celebration comes at the end of

Ramadan. It is a day to celebrate the success of completing
Innaa ‘anzalnahu fi Laylat-il-Qadri the month of fasting. It is a happy occasion, full of joy.
Verily, We have sent it (the Quran) down
in the Night of Decree The day of Eid starts with a special Salat and with reciting
the words of praise and glory for Allah. Before going to
the ‘Eid Salat, every Muslim is required to give Sadaqat-ul-
Fitr for himself and his dependants.
Wa maa adraka ma Laylat-ul-Qadri
And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? Sadaqat-ul-Fitr is the giving of either money or food to the
poor and needy so that they can satisfy their needs on the
day of Eid, and join in with the celebrations. It is also meant
to purify the fasts in Ramadan from any fault or defect.
Laylat-ul-Qadri khairum-min alfi shahrin
The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months
Verily, the most
honourable of you
with Allah is that
(believer) who is the
most righteous of you.
Tanazzalul-malaa‘ikatu war-ruhu fiha (al-hujurat, 49:13)
bi’izni Rabbihim min kulli amrin
Therein descend the angels and the Spirit (Jibril),
by Allah’s Permission, with all Decrees
36 37
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage) sented and stand equal before Allah. Only those who were
righteous and pious will be raised in rank. Hajj symbolises
The fifth Pillar of Islam is to perform Hajj or pilgrimage devotion to Allah and obedience of His Commands.
to the Holy Land of Makkah. It is compulsory on Mus-
lims who can afford the expenses and are physically able
to undertake the journey. It is obligatory only once in a
Muslim’s life.

Hajj was performed for the first time by the Prophet

Ibrahim and his son Isma’il (Allah’s peace and blessings be
upon them). Ibrahim was ordered by Allah to call people
for pilgrimage. It is in response to his call that Muslims
rush to Makkah every year. They carry out the acts of Hajj
with devotion and sincerity. They confirm their readiness
to forsake worldly enjoyment and comfort for the sake of
Allah.

Hajj is the largest annual gathering of Muslims. They come

from all over the world to assemble in the Holy Land. They
meet one another and exchange good wishes.
And Hajj to the House (Ka’bah) is
Hajj is a true demonstration of the fact that Islam is a uni- a duty that mankind owes to Allah –
versal religion and all Muslims are brothers and equal to those who can afford the journey…
one another. (al-imran, 3:97)

Pilgrims wear the same clothing and gather on the plain

of Arafat. This is a reminder that all mankind will one day
gather on the Day of Judgement when they will be pre-

38 39
 Masaajid
(The Mosques
 )
In Arabic, a mosque is called Masjid (Masaajid plural) mean-
ing a place of prostration. It is not only a place for per-
forming prayer (Salat) in congregation, but also a symbol
expressing brotherhood, equality, and compassion among
the believers in Allah.

The first masjid was built in Al-Madinah by Prophet

Muhammad (Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him). In
fact, this was the first thing he did upon his arrival in Al-
Madinah, thus highlighting the importance of masaajid in
the lives of Muslims.

There is generally a mihrab – a semicircular niche in the wall

of a mosque – indicating the direction of the Ka’bah
(Qiblah) in Makkah and hence the direction that Muslims
should face when praying. To the right of the mihrab stands
the minbar (pulpit) from which the Friday Khutbah (sermon)
is delivered by the Imam.

It is customary for the sacred space to be bright. Indirect

sunlight may well stream down from the openings sur-

40 41
rounding a covering dome. A striking feature of a purpose- Ashhadu anna Muhammad ar-Rasul-ullaah
built masjid is a minaret and a large dome. Usually, masaajid I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah
also provide facilities for Wudu’. Hayya ‘alas-salaah, Hayya ‘alas-salaah
Come to the Salat, Come to the Salat
Masaajid should be kept clean. Thus, eating and drinking
should be avoided inside. Shoes should be taken off before
Hayya ‘alal-falaah, Hayya ‘alal-falaah
Come to the success, Come to the success
entering the praying area in the masjid. While sitting in the
prayer hall, feet should not point towards the Qiblah. People Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar
should maintain complete silence in the masjid so that they Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest
do not disturb worshippers. For the same reason, children La ilaaha illallaah
should be guided and advised to behave in the masjid. There is no God but Allah.

People assemble in the masjid for Salah when they hear the
Adhan – a call made by a Mu’adhdhin who loudly proclaims
the words of the Adhan as follow:

Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar

Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest
Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar
Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest
Ashhadu alla ilaaha illallaah
I bear witness that there is no God but Allah
Ashhadu alla ilaaha illallaah
I bear witness that there is no God but Allah
Ashhadu anna Muhammad ar-Rasul-ullaah
I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah

42 43
 Muslim Manners  

You have already learned about the Five Pillars of Islam

and the essential duties a Muslim must perform. They are
part of the acts of worship (Ibadah). Islam also lays down
rules and regulations about the behaviour of Muslims.
Children must obey their parents, be kind and respectful to
them. Disobeying parents and showing them disrespect is
a very serious sin.

Although both parents must be respected, the mother is

the one who deserves extra respect. This is because she was
the one who cared for the child when he was a baby.

A Muslim should respect all those who are his elders

whether they belong to his family or not. A person should
treat those who are younger than him with kindness and
affection. One should also try to help others, and must
And verily, you are on an never behave badly towards them by doing them wrong.
exalted standard of character.
(al-qalam, 68:4) When a Muslim meets another Muslim, he should exchange
greetings by saying:

As-salaamu ‘alaikum
Peace be upon you

44 45
When one is greeted by a Muslim, he should then say:

Wa ‘alaikum us-salaam
And upon you be peace

A Muslim should use his right hand when he eats, and

should say before he starts eating:


Bismillaah
In the Name of Allah 
Allah loves those who are clean, so a Muslim should always 
remain clean and tidy. He should also keep his heart free from
grudge and hate, or any ill-feeling towards another person.

A Muslim should always think good of another Muslim.

He should not be jealous or hate others. Muslims should
be like brothers and sisters with other Muslims.

Verily, We created man

of the best stature.
(at-tin, 95:4)

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Islam
basic principles
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