Prophets

Muslims believe in all prophets and messengers from Adam to Muhammad peace be upon them. Believing that they all came with the same message of worshiping one god. Some were sent to different nations and people while others were sent to the. same nations to consistently remind the people such as the children of Israel, to whom prophets and messengers were sent from Jacob to Jesus/Yeshua/Isa.

Shahada/ Testification

Believing without a shred of doubt, bearing witness with full knowledge in the mind as well as testifying with the tongue and heart .That there is no Diety, God, Lord, worthy of worship, serving other than Allah. And Muhammad pbuh is his final prophet and messenger.This is the key and first pillar to becoming Muslim.

The first Condition: al-Ilm – Knowledge

The meaning of ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’ and its intent are affirmation and negation, so knowledge negates ignorance.

Allaah –Azza wa Jal- said:

So know that La ilaha ‘illa Allaah (none has the right to be worshipped in truth except Allaah) >> [Muhammad: 19]

Allaah –Ta’ala- said:

except those who bear witness to the truth [Zukhruf: 86]

Which means that they testify to ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’ << while they know>> [Zukhruf: 86] with their hearts and they pronounce its meaning with their tongues.

Allaah –Ta’ala- said:

Allaah bears witness that La ilaha ‘illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He is always) maintaining His creation in Justice. La ilaha ‘illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.>> [Aali-‘Imran: 18]

Allaah –Ta’ala- said:

Say: ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’ It is only men of understanding who will remember (i.e. get a lesson from Allaah’s Signs and Verses) [Zumar: 9]

Allaah –Ta’ala- said:

It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allaah>> [Faatir: 28]

Allaah –Ta’ala- said:

And these similitudes We put forward for mankind, but none will understand them except those who have knowledge (of Allaah and His Signs, etc.) [Ankaboot: 43]

In the Saheeh of Imaam Muslim on the authority of ‘Uthmaan –RadhiAllaahu anhu- who said that: the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – said: ‘Whoever dies knowing ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’ entersParadise.’

The Second Condition: Al-Yaqeen – Certainty

The second condition is certainty which negates doubt, such that the one who pronounces ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’ does it with certainty of what these words indicate, with a decisive certainty. This is sinceEemaan cannot do without certain knowledge (Ilm al-Yaqeen), as opposed to suspicious knowledge (Ilm al-Thann), and what would be the case if doubt entered Eemaan?

Allaah -Azza wa Jal- said:

Only those are the believers who have believed in Allaah and His Messenger and afterward doubt not but strive with their wealth and their lives for the Cause of Allaah. Those! They are the truthful. [Hujuraat: 15]

So certainty was a condition for them having truthfulness in theirEemaan in Allaah and His Messenger and also that they did not have uncertainty or doubt ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’.

As for uncertainty then that comes from the Munafiqeen (hypocrites) – and we seek refuge with Allaah. They were the ones about whom Allaah -Ta’ala- said:

It is only those who believe not in Allaah and the Last Day and whose hearts are in doubt that ask your leave (to be exempted fromJihaad). So in their doubts they waver >> [Tawbah: 45]

In the Saheeh of Imaam Muslim from the hadeeth of Abu Huraira –RadhiAllaahu anhu- who said that the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – said: ‘I testify that none is worthy of worship in truth except Allaah and that I am the Messenger of Allaah. There is no servant of Allaah who meets Allaah with these two testifications, not doubting in them, except that he enters Paradise.’

In another narration: ‘there is no servant of Allaah who meets Allaah with these two testifications, not doubting in them, who is prevented from entering Paradise.’

Also in the Saheeh of Muslim on the authority of Abu Huraira –RadhiAllaahu anhu- from the long hadeeth that the Prophet – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – sent him with his shoes and said: ‘Whoever you meet behind this garden that testifies ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’ with certainty in his heart then give him the glad tidings of Paradise.’

So the Messenger made the entrance into Paradise of the one who says ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’ conditional upon his having certainty of it in his heart, with no doubt in it. So, if the condition is removed then the reward is also then removed.

Third Condition: al-Qabool – Acceptance

Acceptance of what this statement necessitates is with the heart and the tongue.

Allaah -Azza wa Jal – narrates to us the news of what precededregarding those who were previously saved and regarding the punishment of those who rejected and refused to accept this statement. As Allaah –Ta’ala – said:

And similarly, We sent not a warner before you to any town (people) but the luxurious ones among them said: ‘We found our fathers following a certain way and religion and we will indeed follow their footsteps.’

(The warner) said: ‘Even if I bring you better guidance than that which you found your fathers following?’ They said: ‘Verily, We disbelieve in that with which you have been sent.’

So We took revenge of them, then see what was the end of those who denied (Islaamic Monotheism)>> [Zukhruf 23-25]

Allaah -Ta’ala- said:

Then (in the end) We save Our Messengers and those who believe! Thus it is incumbent upon Us to save the believers. [Yunus: 103]

Allaah -Ta’ala- said:

<And indeed We did send Messengers before you to their own peoples. They came to them with clear proofs, then We took vengeance on those who committed crimes (disbelief, setting partners in worship with Allaah, sins, etc.), and (as for) the believers it was incumbent upon Us to help (them). >[Room 47]

He -Subhanahu wa Ta’ala – informed us of what He promised to those who accept ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’ of reward and what He has prepared of punishment for the one who rejects ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’

As Allaah -Ta’ala- said:

(It will be said to the Angels): ‘Assemble those who did wrong, together with their companions (from the devils) and what they used to worship instead of Allaah. And lead them on to the way of flaming Fire (Hell);

‘But stop them, verily they are to be questioned.’

‘What is the matter with you? Why do you not help one another (as you used to do in the world)?’

Nay, but that Day they shall surrender,

And they will turn to one another and question one another.

They will say: ‘It was you who used to come to us from the right side [i.e. from the right side of one of us and beautify for us every evil, order polytheism for us, and prevent us from the truth i.e. Islaamic Monotheism and from every good deed].’

They will reply: ‘Nay, you yourselves were not believers.

‘And we had no authority over you. Nay! But you were transgressing people (disobedient, polytheists, and disbelievers).

‘So now the Word of our Lord has been justified against us, that we shall certainly (have to) taste (the torment).

‘So we led you astray because we were ourselves astray.’

Then verily, that Day, they will (all) share in the torment.

Certainly, that is how We deal with Al­-Mujrimoon (polytheists, sinners, criminals, the disobedient to Allaah, etc.).

Truly, when it was said to them: ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’ (none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah), they puffed themselves up with pride (i.e. denied it).

And (they) said: ‘Are we going to abandon our (gods) for the sake of a mad poet? >> [Saaffat: 22-36]

Allaah -Ta’ala- made the cause of and the reason for their punishment their arrogance towards ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’ and their belying of those who came with it. So, they did not negate what Allaah negated and they did not affirm what Allaah affirmed, rather they said rejecting and proudly:

‘Has he made the âliha (gods) (all) into One Ilâh (God – Allaah). Verily, this is a curious thing!’

And the leaders among them went about (saying): ‘Go on, and remain constant to your âliha (gods)! Verily, this is a thing designed (against you)!

‘We have not heard (the like) of this among the people of these later days. This is nothing but an invention! >> [Saad: 5-7]

And here they said : <<‘Are we going to abandon our (gods) for the sake of a mad poet? >>

Then Allaah -Azza wa Jal – refuted them and turned that back on them via His Messenger – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – and He said:

Nay! He has come with the truth (i.e. Allaah’s Religion – Islaamic Monotheism and this Qur’aan) and he confirms the Messengers (before him who brought Allaah’s religion – Islaamic Monotheism).>> [Saaffat: 37] to the end of the Aayaat.

Then He said about those before them:

Except the chosen slaves of Allaah (faithful, obedient, true believers of Islaamic Monotheism). For them there will be a known provision (in Paradise). Fruits; and they shall be honoured, in the Gardens of delight (Paradise) >> [Saaffat: 40-43] to the end of theAayaat.

And Allaah -Ta’ala- said:

Whoever brings a good deed (i.e. Belief in the Oneness of Allaah along with every deed of righteousness), will have better than its worth, and they will be safe from the terror on that Day. >>[Naml: 89]

And in the Saheeh on the authority of Abu Musa –RadhiAllaahu anhu- thatthe Prophet – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – said: ‘The like of what Allaah sent me with of guidance and knowledge is like heavy rainfall which poured onto the ground. There was some land which was fertile which absorbed the water and many plants and grass began to grow. There was some land which was arid but it held the water and Allaah made the people benefit by it, so they drank from it, used the water and used it for agriculture.

There was some other land which was affected by the water but was flat land where nothing would grow. It did not hold the water nor did it allow plants to grow. That is the example of the one who has understanding of the Deen and benefits from what Allaah sent me with, so he learns it and teaches it and the example of he whocannot raise his head due to it and does not accept the guidance of Allaah with which I have been sent.’

Fourth Condition

Al-Inqiyaad – Submission & Obedience

Submission and obedience to what ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’ requires and that it negates disobedience.

Allaah -Azza wa Jal – said:

And turn in repentance and in obedience with true Faith (Islaamic Monotheism) to your Lord and submit to Him (in Islaam) >> [Zumar: 54]

Allaah -Ta’ala- said:

And who can be better in religion than one who submits his face (himself) to Allaah and he is a Muhsin (a good-doer). >> [Nisaa’: 125]

Allaah -Ta’ala- said:

And whosoever submits his face (himself) to Allaah, while he is aMuhsin (good­-doer), then he has grasped the most trustworthy hand­hold [La ilaha ‘illa Allaah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah)]. >> [Luqman: 22]

Which means holding onto ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’

And to Allaah return all matters for decision. >> [Luqman: 22]

The meaning of which is, that he submits his face to Allaah i.e. he obeys Him, and he is a righteous person worshipping Allaah Alone.Whoever does not submit his face to Allaah and is not a righteous person then he has not held onto the most trustworthy handhold that will never break.

That is the meaning of the saying of Allaah -Azza wa Jal which follows:

And whoever disbelieved, let not his disbelief grieve you, to Us is their return and We shall inform them what they have done. Verily, Allaah is the All­-Knower of what is in the hearts (of men).

We let them enjoy for a little while, then in the end We shall oblige them to (enter) a great torment. >> [Luqman: 23-24]

Fifth Condition

Sidq – Truthfulness

Truthfulness to ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’ negates lying, falsehood and it is to say ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’ truthfully from one’s heart and to make one’s speech in accordance to what is in one’s heart.

Allaah -Azza wa Jal – said:

Alif ­Lâm­ Mîm. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: ‘We believe’ and will not be tested.

And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allaah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars, (although Allaah knows all of that before testing them). >> [Ankaboot: 1-3]

Allaah -Ta’ala- said regarding the Munafiqeen (hypocrites) who said‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’, speaking falsely:

And of mankind, there are some (hypocrites) who say: ‘We believe in Allaah and the Last Day’ while in fact they believe not.

They (think to) deceive Allaah and those who believe while they only deceive themselves and perceive (it) not!

In their hearts is a disease (of doubt and hypocrisy) and Allaah has increased their disease. A painful torment is theirs because they used to tell lies. >> [al-Baqarah: 8-11]

How many times has Allaah -Ta’ala- mentioned them and exposed them, repeatedly exposing their cover and revealing it. He makes their humiliation manifest in more than one place in His Book such as in Soorahs Baqarah, Aali-‘Imran, Nisaa’, Anfaal, Tawbah as well as a whole Soorah dedicated to them (i.e. Al-Munaafiqoon) along withother Soorahs.

In Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Mu’aadh bin Jabal –RadhiAllaahu anhu- from the Prophet – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam -:

‘There is none who testifies that ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger’ truthfully from his heart except that Allaah prohibits him from entering the Fire.’

So Allaah made being saved from the Fire, for the one who says this statement, conditional by saying it truthfully from his heart. Merely pronouncing ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’ does not benefit the one who says it unless there is agreement with the heart.

Also in Bukhari and Muslim from the hadeeth of Anas bin Malik and Talha bin Ubaydullaah –RadhiAllaahu anhumaa– in the story of the Bedouin – who was Damaam bin Tha’alabah, a delegate of Bani Sa’ad bin Bakr – when he asked the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – about the rulings of Islaam and was then informed by him.He then asked the Messenger – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – ‘Do I have to do anything else?’

The Messenger – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – answered: ‘No, except if you perform it optionally.’

Then the Bedouin said: ‘I swear by Allaah I will not increase uponthat nor decrease from it.’

So the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – said: ‘He will be successful if he is truthful.’

And in some narrations: ‘Indeed if he is truthful then he will enter into Paradise.’

So the Messenger made it a condition for his success and entrance into Paradise that he was truthful.

Sixth Condition:

Al-Ikhlaas – Sincerity

Sincerity is purifying actions from all the stains of Shirk with righteous intention.

Allaah -Tabaraka wa Ta’ala – said:

Surely, the religion (i.e. worship and obedience) is for Allaah only>> [Zumar: 3]

Allaah -Ta’ala- said:

And they were commanded not but that they should worship Allaah and worship none but Him Alone [al-Bayyinah: 5]

Allaah -Ta’ala- said:

So worship Allaah (Alone) by doing religious deeds sincerely for Allaah’s sake only, (not to show-off and not to set up rivals with Him in worship)>> [Zumar: 2]

Allaah -Ta’ala- said:

Say: ‘Verily, I am commanded to worship Allaah (Alone) by obeying Him and doing religious deeds sincerely for Allaah’s sake only >> [Zumar :11]

Allaah -Ta’ala- said:

Say ‘Allaah Alone I worship by doing religious deeds sincerely for His sake only, not to show off and not setting up rivals with Him in worship.’>> [Zumar: 14]

Allaah -Ta’ala- said:

Verily, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths (grade) of the Fire; no helper will you find for them. Except those who repent (from hypocrisy), do righteous good deeds, hold fast to Allaah, purify their religion for Allaah (by worshipping none but Allaah and do good for Allaah’s sake only, not to show-off), then they will be with the believers. >> [Nisaa: 145-146]

And there are other similar Aayaat.

In the Saheeh of Bukhari on the authority of the Prophet – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam : ‘Of those people happiest with my intercession is the one who said ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’ sincerely from his heart or from his self.’

Also, in the Saheeh of Bukhari on the authority of ‘Utbaan bin Malik–RadhiAllaahu anhu- from the Prophet – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – who said: ‘Indeed Allaah prohibited the Fire for the one who said: ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’ desiring by it the Face of Allaah – Azza wa Jal.’

In the Jaami’ of Tirmidhee on the authority of Abu Huraira –RadhiAllaahu anhu- that the Messenger of Allaah –sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam– said: ‘A slave of Allaah does not ever say ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’ sincerely except that the doors to the heavens are opened for him until it reaches the ‘Arsh, as long as he keeps away from the major sins.’

Tirmidhee said the hadeeth via this chain is Hasan Ghareeb.

Seventh Condition:

Al-Muhabbah – Love

Which is having love for this statement, what it necessitates and indicates, loving its people – those who act upon it, adhering to its conditions – and to hate what violates it.

Allaah -Azza wa Jal – said:

And of mankind are some who take (for worship) others besides Allaah as rivals (to Allaah). They love them as they love Allaah. But those who believe love Allaah more (than anything else). [al-Baqarah: 165]

Allaah – Ta’ala – said:

O you who believe! Whoever from among you turns back from his religion (Islaam), Allaah will bring a people whom He will love and they will love Him; humble towards the believers, stern towards the disbelievers, fighting in the Way of Allaah and never afraid of the blame of th0e blamers.  [Maa’idah: 54]

Allaah -Azza wa Jal – informed us that His worshippers, the believers, are more severe in their love for Him. That is because they do not associate anyone else with Him in their love for Him, unlike those from the Mushrikeen who claimed they loved Him but then also took partners with Allaah whom they loved just as they loved Him.

The sign that the slave of Allaah loves his Lord is that he submits to what Allaah loves, even if it opposes his desires and that he also hates what his Lord hates, even if his desires are inclined to it. The slave of Allaah is loyal to whomever Allaah and His Messenger are loyal to and he has enmity towards whomever has enmity towardsAllaah.

He follows His Messenger, – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – imitates his example and accepts his guidance. All of these are signs of the presence ofthe conditions of love. It is not conceivable to have love without its conditions being present.

Allaah -Tabaraka wa Ta’ala – said:

Have you seen him who has taken as his ilâh (god) his own desire? Would you then be a Wakeel (a disposer of his affairs or a watcher) over him? [Furqaan: 43]

Allaah -Ta’ala- said:

Have you seen him who takes his own lust (vain desires) as hisilâh (god), and Allaah knowing (him as such) left him astray and sealed his hearing and his heart and put a cover on his sight. Who then will guide him after Allaah? [Jaathiyah: 23]

So everyone who worships other than Allaah along with Him, then in reality he worships his own desire. Every sin by which Allaah is disobeyed, it is due to the slave of Allaah submitting to his desires rather than to the commands of Allaah – Azza wa Jal – and the avoidance of His prohibitions.

Allaah -Ta’ala- said regarding loyalty and enmity for the sake of Allaah:

Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibraheem and those with him, when they said to their people: ‘Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allaah. We have rejected you and there has begun between us and you hostility and hatred forever, until you believe in Allaah Alone’ [Mumtahana: 4]

Allaah -Ta’ala- said:

<< You will not find any people who believe in Allaah and the Last Day befriending those who oppose Allaah and His Messenger even though they were their fathers, their sons, their brothers or their kindred (people). For such He has written Faith in their hearts >>[Mujadilah:22]

Allaah -Ta’ala- said:

O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians asAuliyâ’ (friends, protectors, helpers, etc.), they are but Auliyâ’ to one another.  And if any amongst you takes them as Auliyâ’, then surely he is one of them [Maa’idah: 51]

Allaah -Ta’ala- said:

O you who believe! Take not for Auliyâ’ (supporters and helpers) your fathers and your brothers if they prefer disbelief to Belief. And whoever of you does so, then he is one of the Zâlimûn (wrong-doers, etc.).

Say: If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your kindred, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline and the dwellings in which you delight … are dearer to you than Allaah and His Messenger and striving hard and fighting in His Cause, then wait until Allaah brings about His Decision (torment). And Allaah guides not the people who are the rebellious, disobedient to Allaah. [Tawbah: 23-24]

Allaah -Ta’ala- said:

O you who believe! Take not My enemies and your enemies as friends >> [Mumtahana: 1]

to the end of the Soorah. And there are other Aayaat.

[Following the Messenger – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam]

Allaah -Ta’ala- said regarding the conditions for following His Messenger – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam :

Say: ‘If you (really) love Allaah then follow me, Allaah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ Say: ‘Obey Allaah and the Messenger.’ But if they turn away, then Allaah does not like the disbelievers. [Aali-‘Imran: 31]

The Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – said: ‘There are three characteristics, whoever has them finds the sweetness of Eemaan: that Allaah and His Messenger are more beloved to him than other than them; that when he loves a person he loves him only for Allaah’s sake and that he hates to return to disbelief after Allaah has saved him from it just as he hates to be thrown into the Hell-Fire’

Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim from the hadeeth of Anas –Radhi’allaahu anhu.

Also, Bukhari and Muslim narrate on the authority of Anas and of Abu Huraira –Radhi’Allaahu anhu– who said that: the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – said: ‘None of you truly believes until I am more beloved to him than his son, his father and all mankind.’

That is what the Messenger – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – brought, information about Allaah, the commands relating to what Allaah loves and is pleased with and prohibitions of what Allaah dislikes and rejects.

So if the slave of Allaah follows what Allaah commands and keeps away from what Allaah prohibits, even if that opposes his desire, then he is a true believer. So what is the case if he desires nothingother than this?

In a hadeeth: ‘The strongest part of al-Eemaan is loving and hating for the sake of Allaah.’

Ibn ‘Abbas –RadhiAllaahu anhu- said: ‘Whoever loves for the sake of Allaah, hates for the sake of Allaah, is loyal for the sake of Allaah and has enmity for the sake of Allaah then he obtains the alliance of Allaah due to that.

What has become common amongst the people today is a brotherhood based upon the affairs of the Dunya, which does not benefit its people in anything.

Hasan al-Basri and other than him from the Salaf mention that: ‘There were a people who claimed the love of Allaah -Azza wa Jal – so Allaah tried them with this Aayah:

Say (O Muhammad to mankind): ‘If you (really) love Allaah then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur’aan and the Sunnah), Allaah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ Say (O Muhammad): ‘Obey Allaah and the Messenger.’ But if they turn away, then Allaah does not like the disbelievers. [Aali-Imraan: 31-32]

Bukhari -Rahimahullaah- said: Muhammad bin Sinaan narrated to us that Faleeh said that Hilaal bin ‘Alee narrated to us on the authority of ‘Atta bin Yassar on the authority of Abu Huraira –RadhiAllaahu anhu- that the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – said: ‘Everyone from my Ummah will enter Paradise, except the one who refuses to enter.’

They asked: ‘O Messenger of Allaah, who would refuse?’

He said: ‘Whoever obeys me enters Paradise and whoever disobeys me has refused to enter.’

Bukhari said Muhammad bin Ubadah informed us that Yazeed narrated to us that Saleem – and he praised him – narrated to us that Sa’eed bin Meena narrated to us – or I heard – Jaabir bin Abdullaah say: ‘Some angels came to the Prophet while he was sleeping. Some of them said: ‘He is sleeping.’ Others said: ‘His eyes are sleeping but his heart is awake.’

Then they said: ‘There is an example for this companion of yours.’

One of them said: ‘Then set forth an example for him.’

Some of them said: ‘He is sleeping.’

The others said: ‘His eyes are sleeping but his heart is awake.’

Then they said: ‘His example is of a man who built a house then offered a banquet therein and sent an inviter (messenger) to invite the people. So whoever accepted the invitation of the inviter, entered the house and ate of the banquet and whoever did not accept the invitation of the inviter, did not enter the house nor did he eat of the banquet.’

Then the Angels said: ‘Interpret this example to him so that he may understand it.’

Some of them said: ‘He is sleeping.’

The others said; ‘His eyes are sleeping but his heart is awake.’

Then they said: ‘The house stands for Paradise and the caller is Muhammad; whoever obeys Muhammad, obeys Allah; and whoever disobeys Muhammad, disobeys Allah. Muhammad distinguished between the people (i.e. through his message the good is distinguished from the bad and the believers from the disbelievers).’

Here it should be known that the testification ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’ is not complete except with the testification that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam.

It should also be known that loving Allaah –Azza wa Jal – cannot be complete except by loving what He loves and disliking what He dislikes. There is no way to knowing what Allaah – Ta’ala- loves and is pleased with or what He dislikes and rejects except by following what the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam– ordered and keeping away from what he prohibited.

So loving Allaah necessitates loving the Messenger of Allaah, believing in him and following him. This is why loving Allaah is connected to loving the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – in many places in the Qur’aan, such as the saying of Allaah -Azza wa Jal:

Say: If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your kindred, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline and the dwellings in which you delight … are dearer to you than Allaah and His Messenger and striving hard and fighting in His Cause, then wait until Allaah brings about His Decision (torment). And Allaah guides not the people who are Al-Fâsiqûn (the rebellious, disobedient to Allaah). [Tawbah: 24]

There are many other Aayaat like this one.

All Praise belongs to Allaah, may His peace and blessings be upon our final Prophet Muhammad, his Family, his Companions and all those who  follow his guidance.

Link to another version of explanation of explanationhttps://d1.islamhouse.com/data/en/ih_books/single/en_Conditions_of_Laa_Ilaaha_ill-Allah.pdf

Idris Enoch

And [mention] Ishmael and Idrees and Dhul-Kifl; all were of the patient."
— (Qur'an 21:85)

Also mention in the Book the case of Idris: He was a man of truth (and sincerity), (and) a prophet: And We raised him to a lofty station."
— (Qur'an 19:56-57)

Mua’wiyyah ibn al-Hakam reported: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, among us are men who write by script.” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “There was a prophet among the prophets who wrote by script. Whoever writes according to his way is correct.”

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 537

Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Muslim

Al-Qurtubi said, “Idris, upon him be peace, was the first to write with the pen, the first to sew and stitch his clothing, and the first to study knowledge of the stars, their calculations, and their movements.”

Source: Tafsīr al-Qurṭubī 11/117

Marriage in pre Islam

Sahih al-Bukhari 5127

Narrated 'Urwa bin Az-Zubair:

'Aishah, the wife of the Prophet (ﷺ) told him that there were four types of marriage during Pre-Islamic period of Ignorance. One type was similar to that of the present day i.e. a man used to ask somebody else for the hand of a girl under his guardianship or for his daughter's hand, and give her Mahr and then marry her. The second type was that a man would say to his wife after she had become clean from her period. "Send for so-and-so and have sexual intercourse with him." Her husband would then keep away from her and would never sleep with her till she got pregnant from the other man with whom she was sleeping. When her pregnancy became evident, he husband would sleep with her if he wished. Her husband did so (i.e. let his wife sleep with some other man) so that he might have a child of noble breed. Such marriage was called as Al-Istibda'. Another type of marriage was that a group of less than ten men would assemble and enter upon a woman, and all of them would have sexual relation with her. If she became pregnant and delivered a child and some days had passed after delivery, she would sent for all of them and none of them would refuse to come, and when they all gathered before her, she would say to them, "You (all) know waht you have done, and now I have given birth to a child. So, it is your child so-and-so!" naming whoever she liked, and her child would follow him and he could not refuse to take him. The fourth type of marriage was that many people would enter upon a lady and she would never refuse anyone who came to her. Those were the prostitutes who used to fix flags at their doors as sign, and he who would wished, could have sexual intercourse with them. If anyone of them got pregnant and delivered a child, then all those men would be gathered for her and they would call the Qa'if (persons skilled in recognizing the likeness of a child to his father) to them and would let the child follow the man (whom they recognized as his father) and she would let him adhere to him and be called his son. The man would not refuse all that. But when Muhammad (ﷺ) was sent with the Truth, he abolished all the types of marriages observed in pre-Islamic period of Ignorance except the type of marriage the people recognize today.

Fated adultary

Sahih Muslim 2658 a

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying. Allah fixed the very portion of adultery which a man will indulge in. There would be no escape from it. The adultery of the eye is the lustful look and the adultery of the ears is listening to voluptuous (song or talk) and the adultery of the tongue is licentious speech and the adultery of the hand is the lustful grip (embrace) and the adultery of the feet is to walk (to the place) where he intends to commit adultery and the heart yearns and desires which he may or may not put into effect.

توحيد/Tawhid/unity of god in bible

Exodus 34

13 But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves:

14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:

17 Thou shalt make thee no molten gods.

Deuteronomy

4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:

5 And you will love the Lord thy God with all your  heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy will/might.

6 And these words, which I command you this day, shall be in thine/your heart:

7 And you shalt teach them diligently unto your children, and shalt talk of them when thou sit  in your  house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when you  lie down, and when you  rise up.

8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

10 And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which you built not,

11 And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;

12 Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

13 Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

14 You shall not go (worship) after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;

15 (For the Lord thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the Lord thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.

1 Timothy 2:5 - For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Isaiah 44:6 - Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

Isaiah 43:11 - I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.

1 Corinthians 8:6 - But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

Deuteronomy 6:4 - Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

James 2:19 - Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Isaiah 43:10 - Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.

Revelation 1:8 - I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Jude 1:25 - To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Isaiah 42:8 - I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

Mark 12:29 - And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

Revelation to the prophet

Narrated 'Aisha: (the mother of the faithful believers) Al-Harith bin Hisham asked Allah's Apostle "O Allah's Apostle! How is the Divine Inspiration revealed to you?" Allah's Apostle replied, "Sometimes it is (revealed) like the ringing of a bell, this form of Inspiration is the hardest of all and then this state passes ' off after I have grasped what is inspired. Sometimes the Angel comes in the form of a man and talks to me and I grasp whatever he says." 'Aisha added: Verily I saw the Prophet being inspired Divinely on a very cold day and noticed the Sweat dropping from his forehead (as the Inspiration was over). Sahih bukhari book of revelations hadith 2

Narrated 'Aisha: (the mother of the faithful believers) The commencement of the Divine Inspiration to Allah's Apostle was in the form of good dreams which came true like bright day light, and then the love of seclusion was bestowed upon him. He used to go in seclusion in the cave of Hira where he used to worship (Allah alone) continuously for many days before his desire to see his family. He used to take with him the journey food for the stay and then come back to (his wife) Khadija to take his food like-wise again till suddenly the Truth descended upon him while he was in the cave of Hira. The angel came to him and asked him to read. The Prophet replied, "I do not know how to read. The Prophet added, "The angel caught me (forcefully) and pressed me so hard that I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read and I replied, 'I do not know how to read.' Thereupon he caught me again and pressed me a second time till I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read but again I replied, 'I do not know how to read (or what shall I read)?' Thereupon he caught me for the third time and pressed me, and then released me and said, 'Read in the name of your Lord, who has created (all that exists) has created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous." (96.1, 96.2, 96.3) Then Allah's Apostle returned with the Inspiration and with his heart beating severely. Then he went to Khadija bint Khuwailid and said, "Cover me! Cover me!" They covered him till his fear was over and after that he told her everything that had happened and said, "I fear that something may happen to me." Khadija replied, "Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your Kith and kin, help the poor and the destitute, serve your guests generously and assist the deserving calamity-afflicted ones." Khadija then accompanied him to her cousin Waraqa bin Naufal bin Asad bin 'Abdul 'Uzza, who, during the PreIslamic Period became a Christian and used to write the writing with Hebrew letters. He would write from the Gospel in Hebrew as much as Allah wished him to write. He was an old man and had lost his eyesight. Khadija said to Waraqa, "Listen to the story of your nephew, O my cousin!" Waraqa asked, "O my nephew! What have you seen?" Allah's Apostle described whatever he had seen. Waraqa said, "This is the same one who keeps the secrets (angel Gabriel) whom Allah had sent to Moses. I wish I were young and could live up to the time when your people would turn you out." Allah's Apostle asked, "Will they drive me out?" Waraqa replied in the affirmative and said, "Anyone (man) who came with something similar to what you have brought was treated with hostility; and if I should remain alive till the day when you will be turned out then I would support you strongly." But after a few days Waraqa died and the Divine Inspiration was also paused for a while. Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah Al-Ansari while talking about the period of pause in revelation reporting the speech of the Prophet "While I was walking, all of a sudden I heard a voice from the sky. I looked up and saw the same angel who had visited me at the cave of Hira' sitting on a chair between the sky and the earth. I got afraid of him and came back home and said, 'Wrap me (in blankets).' And then Allah revealed the following Holy Verses (of Quran): 'O you (i.e. Muhammad)! wrapped up in garments!' Arise and warn (the people against Allah's Punishment),... up to 'and desert the idols.' (74.1-5) After this the revelation started coming strongly, frequently and regularly." Sahih bukhari book of revelations hadith 3

Message of mercy

Islam is submitting to god's will in all aspect not needing you to be sinless but trying.

Say if you love Allah then follow me, (sunnah) Allah will love you and forgive your sins. For Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”(Q Al Imran 3:31)

Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah often. (Q Al ahzab 33:21)

Say, “Obey Allah and obey the Messenger. But if you turn away, then he is only responsible for his duty1 and you are responsible for yours.2 And if you obey him, you will be ˹rightly˺ guided. The Messenger’s duty is only to deliver ˹the message˺ clearly.”(Q An Nur 24:54)

Let there be a group among you who call ˹others˺ to goodness, encourage what is good, and forbid what is evil—it is they who will be successful.. (QAL Imran 3:104)

Be a stranger of a wayfarer on earth AlBukhari 6416 Allah is more pleased with the repentance of His servant (muslim book 50 Hadith 2)

"Whoever obeys me, obeys Allah, and whoever disobeys me, disobeys Allah," (Al Bukhari book 93 Hadith 1)

Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allāh often and the women who do so - for them Allāh has prepared forgiveness and a great reward. (Q Al ahzab 33:35). 

Do not be hard on yourself as a new muslim

Judas and Christ

The Qur’aan states that ‘Eesa (peace be upon him) was not crucified or killed, and that he was lifted up to heaven. There is no text of the Revelation that tells us the details of what happened on the day when that was made to appear to the Jews, but there is a saheeh report from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messiah (peace be upon him) said to those of his companions who were with him in the house: “Which of you will be made to look like me and be killed in my stead, and he will be with me in the same level as me (in Paradise)?” A young man who was one of the youngest of them stood up, and he said to him: “Sit down.” Then he repeated it and that young man stood up again, and he said: “Sit down.” Then he repeated it again and that young man stood up and said, “I (will do it).” He said: “You are the one.” So he was caused to look like ‘Eesa and ‘Eesa was lifted up from a window in the house to heaven. Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in his Tafseer (4/337), commenting on this report: This is a saheeh isnaad going back to Ibn ‘Abbaas. Similarly it was narrated from more than one of the salaf that he said to them: “Which of you will be made to look like me and be killed in my stead, and he will be my companion in Paradise?” End quote. 

Then he (may Allaah have mercy on him) said (4/341): Ibn Jareer favoured the view that all of his companions were made to look like ‘Eesa. End quote. This was mentioned in a report narrated from Wahb ibn Munabbih which was narrated by Ibn Jareer (may Allaah have mercy on him) and quoted by Ibn Katheer (4/337), in which it states that when they surrounded ‘Eesa and his companions and entered upon them, “Allaah made them all appear in the form of ‘Eesa and they said to them, ‘You have bewitched us; send forth to us ‘Eesa or we will kill you all,’ until they sent forth one of their number after ‘Eesa promised Paradise to him, and they took him and crucified him.” 

He also (may Allaah have mercy on him) said (4/341): Some of the Christians claim that Judas Iscariot – who is the one who led the Jews to ‘Eesa – is the one who was made to look like ‘Eesa so they crucified him, and he said: I am not the one you want, I am the one who led you to him. Allaah knows best what really happened.

Allah knows best what really happened

Muhammad pbuh in the Bible

Deutronomy 15-19

“The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear, (16) According to all that thou desire of the Lord thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. (17) And the Lord said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. (18) I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. (19)I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name.

Deuteronomy, 18:19

“If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account.”

Mathew 21:43

“The kingdom of God shall be taken from you and given to a nation bringing forth fruits thereof.”

John 15:26

"But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me."

John 14:16-17

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever. 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in y

John 14:26

"But the Helper, the holy spirit , whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."

John 15:26

"But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me."

John 16:7

"Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you."

John 16:13

"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak

Acts 3:20-22

“He shall send Jesus Christ which before was preached unto you. 21 whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. 22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, a Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.”

Acts 7:37

This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.’

“And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, ‘Read this, I pray thee’ and he saith, ‘I am not learned.'” (Isaiah 29:12)

ISAIAH

42:1 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
    my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
    and he will bring justice to the nations.
2 He will not shout or cry out,
    or raise his voice in the streets.
3 A bruised reed he will not break,
    and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
4     he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
    In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”

5 This is what God the Lord says—
the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out,
    who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it,
    who gives breath to its people,
    and life to those who walk on it:
6 “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness;
    I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
    to be a covenant for the people
    and a light for the Gentiles,
7 to open eyes that are blind,
    to free captives from prison
    and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

8 “I am the Lord; that is my name!
    I will not yield my glory to another
    or my praise to idols.
9 See, the former things have taken place,
    and new things I declare;
before they spring into being
    I announce them to you.”

Song of Praise to the Lord

10 Sing to the Lord a new song,
    his praise from the ends of the earth,
you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it,
    you islands, and all who live in them.
11 Let the wilderness and its towns raise their voices;
    let the settlements where Kedar (2nd son of Ismail pbuh) lives rejoice.
Let the people of Sela sing for joy;
    let them shout from the mountaintops.
12 Let them give glory to the Lord
    and proclaim his praise in the islands.
13 The Lord will march out like a champion,
    like a warrior he will stir up his zeal;
with a shout he will raise the battle cry
    and will triumph over his enemies.

14 

“For a long time I have kept silent,
    I have been quiet and held myself back.
But now, like a woman in childbirth,
    I cry out, I gasp and pant.

15 

I will lay waste the mountains and hills
    and dry up all their vegetation;
I will turn rivers into islands
    and dry up the pools.

16 

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
    along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
    and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
    I will not forsake them.

17 

But those who trust in idols,
    who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’
    will be turned back in utter shame

Aisiah  29

12 And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned.

13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.

Imposter (New Muslim) syndrome

Some of you feel as if you are not good enough Muslims, especially when you embrace islam the first time and you are new in islam.
There is no perfect muslim who makes no mistake or is pitch perfect. Allah knows your heart and how genuine you are. Don't compare yourself to other Muslims. Take your time step by step. All muslims struggle and sometimes feel as if they have fallen short. That is just shaytan trying to bring you down. You just do your best at what you are able to do.

Sahih al-Bukhari 39
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength by worshipping in the mornings, the afternoons, and during the last hours of the nights." (See Fath-ul-Bari, Page 102, Vol 1).

Narrated Yusuf bin Mahk:

While I was with Aisha, the mother of the Believers, a person from Iraq came and asked, "What type of shroud is the best?" `Aisha said, "May Allah be merciful to you! What does it matter?" He said, "O mother of the Believers! Show me (the copy of) your Qur'an," She said, "Why?" He said, "In order to compile and arrange the Qur'an according to it, for people recite it with its Suras not in proper order." `Aisha said, "What does it matter which part of it you read first? (Be informed) that the first thing that was revealed thereof was a Sura from Al-Mufassal, and in it was mentioned Paradise and the Fire. When the people embraced Islam, the Verses regarding legal and illegal things were revealed. If the first thing to be revealed was: 'Do not drink alcoholic drinks.' people would have said, 'We will never leave alcoholic drinks,' and if there had been revealed, 'Do not commit illegal sexual intercourse, 'they would have said, 'We will never give up illegal sexual intercourse.' While I was a young girl of playing age, the following Verse was revealed in Mecca to Muhammad: 'Nay! But the Hour is their appointed time (for their full recompense), and the Hour will be more grievous and more bitter.' (54.46) Sura Al-Baqara (The Cow) and Surat An-Nisa (The Women) were revealed while I was with him." Then `Aisha took out the copy of the Qur'an for the man and dictated to him the Verses of the Suras (in their proper order)

Spread of islam

As Islam keeps spreading across America, more and more people are embracing Islam and applying it in their lives. But with that embrace comes a great deal of hardship and test for those who practice.

Some able to withstand the hardship and some not, for what ever reason. From being cut off from family and friends to being looked down upon by society or the environment they are in. Safe to say it is not a good feeling.

Add that with having to prove themselves as Muslims to the Muslim community as well as being thought ignorant by some so called traditional Muslims, who for the record don't have a full understanding of Islam themselves.

it is our obligation as Muslims to spread Islam and not just by word but also with kindness especially to new Muslims with consistency.

This page is here to connect any and all Muslims struggling to apply Islam in their lives. Or not having the support system of friends and family which they so rightfully need.

There are links to WhatsApp groups, discord and telegram in addition to side networking such as Instagram and Snapchat in the foreseeable future انشاللة. As the idea of this network is to connect Muslims across the country and form one big network. For reverts especially and traditional Muslims who lack knowledge of Islam and like to learn more.

Mind you this network is not for those extremely religious but those who follow the middle path. chill Muslims if you will who are open minded and understand. One thing to note is that this network will not only exist online but offline as well. Since some or most of those who join will be able to meet in real life god willing to strengthen bonds of friendship, sisterhood and brotherhood. As well as supporting each other with jobs and the like.

Sahih al-Bukhari 39

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength by worshiping in the mornings, the afternoons, and during the last hours of the nights.” (See Fath-ul-Bari, Page 102, Vol 1).

With that, it is the hope that this place becomes a center for posting questions and having interactive discussions.

Confussions of sects

And strive for Allāh with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty. [It is] the religion of your father, Abraham. He [i.e., Allāh] named you "Muslims" before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer and give zakāh and hold fast to Allāh. He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper.

Al Hajj (22:78)

And hold firmly to the rope1 of Allāh all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allāh upon you - when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allāh make clear to you His verses that you may be guided.

Al imran (3:103)

has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.

Al ahzab (33:21)

Hadith 28, 40 Hadith an-Nawawi

On the authority of Abu Najeeh al-’Irbaad ibn Saariyah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said:

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) gave us a sermon by which our hearts were filled with fear and tears came to our eyes. So we said, “O Messenger of Allah! It is as though this is a farewell sermon, so counsel us.” He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “I counsel you to have taqwa (fear) of Allah, and to listen and obey [your leader], even if a slave were to become your ameer. Verily he among you who lives long will see great controversy, so you must keep to my Sunnah and to the Sunnah of the Khulafa ar-Rashideen (the rightly guided caliphs), those who guide to the right way. Cling to it stubbornly. Beware of newly invented matters [in the religion], for verily every bidah (innovation) is misguidance.”

[Abu Dawud]

Indeed, those who have divided their religion and become sects - you, [O Muḥammad], are not [associated] with them in anything. Their affair is only [left] to Allāh; then He will inform them about what they used to do.

Al imran (6:159)

Islam is only one with no branches or sects

And if anyone says otherwise or claims to be part of a group then they are not with the prophet pbuh.

Types of prayers

There are many types of prayers apart from the five obligatory ones.

The Nawafil prayer which is optional to pray at any given time.

Istikhara/ decision prayer, which is specifically for making decision with the help of god.

Dhuha prayer prayed after sunrise but before dhuhur ( noon prayer).

Janaza/ funeral prayer

Journey/ safar prayer where you can mix two on one, where two prayer are cut in half to male four but are interconnected with the salaam. So you pray two and then two again.

Eid prayer

Repentance prayer

Rain prayer

Exlipse prayer

Witr prayer ( one rakat to conclude tahajjud or taraweh prayer)

Tahajud which is a long night prayer. A connection of two rakat prayer

Taraweh which is a long prayer after isha. A connect of two rakat prayer

Command to follow sunnah/obey the prophet

Say, “Obey Allah and obey the Messenger. But if you turn away, then he is only responsible for his duty1 and you are responsible for yours.2 And if you obey him, you will be ˹rightly˺ guided. The Messenger’s duty is only to deliver ˹the message˺ clearly.” ( An Nur 25:54)

O believers! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. Should you disagree on anything, then refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you ˹truly˺ believe in Allah and the Last Day. This is the best and fairest resolution. (An Nisa 4:59)

Whoever obeys the Messenger has truly obeyed Allah. But whoever turns away, then ˹know that˺ We have not sent you ˹O Prophet˺ as a keeper over them.( An Nisa 4:80)

There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and who remembers Allah often. (Al Ahzab 33:21)

On the Day their faces are ˹constantly˺ flipped in the Fire, they will cry, “Oh! If only we had obeyed Allah and obeyed the Messenger!”

( Al Ahzab 33:66)

Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “If you ˹sincerely˺ love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive your sins. For Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Ali Imran 3:31

Whatever the Messenger gives you, take it. And whatever he forbids you from, leave it. And fear Allah. Surely Allah is severe in punishment. ( Al Hashir 59:7)

˹Some of˺ the nomadic Arabs say, “We believe.” Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “You have not believed. But say, ‘We have submitted,’ for faith has not yet entered your hearts.1 But if you ‘‘‘obey Allah and His Messenger’’ ˹wholeheartedly˺, He will not discount anything from ˹the reward of˺ your deeds. Allah is truly All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” ( Al Hujurat 49:14)

O believers! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger, and do not let your deeds be in vain. (Muhammad 47:33)

Sunan an-Nasa'i 3217Narrated Anas:It was narrated from Anas that there was a group of the Companions of the Prophet, one of whom said: "I will not marry women." Another said: "I will not eat meat." Another said: "I will not sleep on a bed." Another said: "I will fast and not break my fast." News of that reached the Messenger of Allah and he praised Allah then said: "What is the matter with people who say such and such? But I pray and I sleep, I fast and I break my fast, and I marry women. Whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not of me."

Al Fatiha/ The opener

Which was revealed in MakkahThe Meaning of Al-Fatihah and its Various Names

This Surah is called

– Al-Fatihah, that is, the Opener of the Book, the Surah with which prayers are begun. – It is also called, Umm Al-Kitab (the Mother of the Book), according to the majority of the scholars.

In an authentic Hadith recorded by At-Tirmidhi, who graded it Sahih, Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah said,الْحَمْدُ للهِ رَبَ الْعَالَمِينَ أُمُّ الْقُرْآنِ وَأُمُّ الْكِتَابِ وَالسَّبْعُ الْمَثَانِي وَالْقُرْآنُ الْعَظِيمُ

Al-Hamdu lillahi Rabbil-`Alamin is the Mother of the Qur’an, the Mother of the Book, and the seven repeated Ayat of the Glorious Qur’an. It is also called Al-Hamd and As-Salah, because the Prophet said that his Lord said,قَسَمْتُ الصَّلَاةَ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ عَبْدِي نِصْفَيْنِ، فَإِذَا قَالَ الْعَبْدُ:الْحَمْدُ للهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِنَ، قَالَ اللهُ: حَمِدَنِي عَبْدِي

The prayer (i.e., Al-Fatihah) is divided into two halves between Me and My servants. When the servant says, `All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of existence,’ Allah says, ‘My servant has praised Me. Al-Fatihah was called the Salah, because reciting it is a condition for the correctness of Salah – the prayer. Al-Fatihah was also called Ash-Shifa’ (the Cure). It is also called Ar-Ruqyah (remedy), since in the Sahih, there is the narration of Abu Sa`id telling the story of the Companion who used Al-Fatihah as a remedy for the tribal chief who was poisoned. Later, the Messenger of Allah said to a Companion,وَمَا يُدْرِيكَ أَنَّهَا رُقْيَةٌ

How did you know that it is a Ruqyah? Al-Fatihah was revealed in Makkah as Ibn Abbas, Qatadah and Abu Al-Aliyah stated. Allah said,وَلَقَدْ ءاتَيْنَـكَ سَبْعًا مِّنَ الْمَثَانِي

And indeed, We have bestowed upon you the seven Mathani (seven repeatedly recited verses), (i.e. Surah Al-Fatihah) (15:87). Allah knows best.How many Ayat does Al-Fatihah contain

There is no disagreement over the view that Al-Fatihah contains seven Ayat. According to the majority of the reciters of Al-Kufah, a group of the Companions, the Tabi`in, and a number of scholars from the successive generations, the Bismillah is a separate Ayah in its beginning. We will mention this subject again soon, if Allah wills, and in Him we trust.The Number of Words and Letters in Al-Fatihah

The scholars say that Al-Fatihah consists of twenty-five words, and that it contains one hundred and thirteen letters.The Reason it is called Umm Al-Kitab

In the beginning of the Book of Tafsir, in his Sahih, Al-Bukhari said; “It is called Umm Al-Kitab, because the Qur’an starts with it and because the prayer is started by reciting it.” It was also said that it is called Umm Al-Kitab, because it contains the meanings of the entire Qur’an. Ibn Jarir said, “The Arabs call every comprehensive matter that contains several specific areas an Umm. For instance, they call the skin that surrounds the brain, Umm Ar-Ra’s. They also call the flag that gathers the ranks of the army an Umm.” He also said, “Makkah was called Umm Al-Qura, (the Mother of the Villages) because it is the grandest and the leader of all villages. It was also said that the earth was made starting from Makkah.”

Further, Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah narrated about Umm Al-Qur’an that the Prophet said,«هِيَ أُمُّ الْقُرْآنِ وَهِيَ السَّبْعُ الْمَثَانِي وَهِيَ الْقُرْآنُ الْعَظِيمُ»

(It is Umm Al-Qur’an, the seven repeated (verses) and the Glorious Qur’an.)

Also, Abu Ja`far, Muhammad bin Jarir At-Tabari recorded Abu Hurayrah saying that the Messenger of Allah said about Al-Fatihah,«هِيَ أُمُّ الْقُرْآنِ وَهِيَ فَاتِحَةُ الْكِتَابِ وَهِيَ السَّبْعُ الْمَثَانِي»

(It is Umm Al-Qur’an, Al-Fatihah of the Book (the Opener of the Qur’an) and the seven repeated (verses).)Virtues of Al-Fatihah

Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal recorded in the Musnad that Abu Sa`id bin Al-Mu`alla said, “I was praying when the Prophet called me, so I did not answer him until I finished the prayer. I then went to him and he said, (What prevented you from coming) I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah ! I was praying.’ He said, (`Didn’t Allah say),﴿يأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ اسْتَجِيبُواْ لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُمْ لِمَا يُحْيِيكُمْ﴾

(O you who believe! Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he () calls you to that which gives you life) He then said,«لَأُعَلِّمَنَّكَ أَعْظَمَ سُورَةٍ فِي الْقُرْآنِ قَبْلَ أَنْ تَخْرُجَ مِنَ الْمَسْجِدِ»

(I will teach you the greatest Surah in the Qur’an before you leave the Masjid.) He held my hand and when he was about to leave the Masjid, I said, `O Messenger of Allah! You said: I will teach you the greatest Surah in the Qur’an.’ He said, (Yes.)﴿الْحَمْدُ للَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَـلَمِينَ ﴾

(Al-Hamdu lillahi Rabbil-`Alamin)”«نَعَمْ هِيَ السَّبْعُ الْمَثَانِي وَالْقُرْآنُ الْعَظِيمُ الَّذِي أُوتِيتُهُ»

(It is the seven repeated (verses) and the Glorious Qur’an that I was given.)”

Al-Bukhari, Abu Dawud, An-Nasa’i and Ibn Majah also recorded this Hadith.

Also, Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah said, “The Messenger of Allah went out while Ubayy bin Ka`b was praying and said, (O Ubayy!) Ubayy did not answer him. The Prophet said, (O Ubayy!) Ubayy prayed faster then went to the Messenger of Allah saying, `Peace be unto you, O Messenger of Allah!’ He said, (Peace be unto you. O Ubayy, what prevented you from answering me when I called you) He said, `O Messenger of Allah! I was praying.’ He said, (Did you not read among what Allah has sent down to me,)﴿اسْتَجِيبُواْ لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُمْ لِمَا يُحْيِيكُمْ﴾

(Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he () calls you to that which gives you life) He said, `Yes, O Messenger of Allah! I will not do it again.’ the Prophet said,«أَتُحِبُّ أَنْ أُعَلِّمَكَ سُورَةً لَمْ تَنْزِلْ لَا فِي التَّورَاةِ وَلَا فِي الْإِنْجِيلِ وَلَا فِي الزَّبُورِ وَلَا فِي الْفُرْقَانِ مِثْلَهَا؟»

(Would you like me to teach you a Surah the likes of which nothing has been revealed in the Tawrah, the Injil, the Zabur (Psalms) or the Furqan (the Qur’an)) He said, `Yes, O Messenger of Allah!’ The Messenger of Allah said, (I hope that I will not leave through this door until you have learned it.) He (Ka`b) said, `The Messenger of Allah held my hand while speaking to me. Meanwhile I was slowing down fearing that he might reach the door before he finished his conversation. When we came close to the door, I said: O Messenger of Allah ! What is the Surah that you have promised to teach me’ He said, (What do you read in the prayer.) Ubayy said, `So I recited Umm Al-Qur’an to him.’ He said,«وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ مَا أَنْزَلَ اللهُ فِي التَّورَاةِ وَلَا فِي الْإِنْجِيلِ وَلَا فِي الزَّبُورِ وَلَا فِي الْفُرْقَانِ مِثْلَهَا إِنَّهَا السَّبْعُ الْمَثَانِي»

(By Him in Whose Hand is my soul! Allah has never revealed in the Tawrah, the Injil, the Zabur or the Furqan a Surah like it. It is the seven repeated verses that I was given.)”

Also, At-Tirmidhi recorded this Hadith and in his narration, the Prophet said,«إِنَّهَا مِنَ السَّبْعِ الْمَثَانِي وَالْقُرْآنِ الْعَظِيمِ الَّذِي أُعْطِيتُهُ»

(It is the seven repeated verses and the Glorious Qur’an that I was given.) At-Tirmidhi then commented that this Hadith is Hasan Sahih.

There is a similar Hadith on this subject narrated from Anas bin Malik Further, `Abdullah, the son of Imam Ahmad, recorded this Hadith from Abu Hurayrah from Ubayy bin Ka`b, and he mentioned a longer but similar wording for the above Hadith. In addition, At-Tirmidhi and An-Nasa’i recorded this Hadith from Abu Hurayrah from Ubayy bin Ka`b who said that the Messenger of Allah said,«مَا أَنْزَل اللهُ فِي التَّورَاةِ وَلَا فِي الْإِنْجِيلِ مِثْلَ أُمِّ الْقُرْآنِ وَهِيَ السَّبْعُ الْمَثَانِي وَهِيَ مَقْسُومَةٌ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ عَبْدِي نِصْفَيْنِ»

(Allah has never revealed in the Tawrah or the Injil anything similar to Umm Al-Qur’an.

It is the seven repeated verses and it is divided into two halves between Allah and His servant.)

This is the wording reported by An-Nasa’i. At-Tirmidhi said that this Hadith is Hasan Gharib.

Also, Imam Ahmad recorded that Ibn Jabir said, “I went to the Messenger of Allah after he had poured water (for purification) and said, `Peace be unto you, O Messenger of Allah!’ He did not answer me. So I said again, `Peace be unto you, O Messenger of Allah!’ Again, he did not answer me, so I said again, `Peace be unto you, O Messenger of Allah!’ Still he did not answer me. The Messenger of Allah went while I was following him, until he arrived at his residence. I went to the Masjid and sat there sad and depressed. The Messenger of Allah came out after he performed his purification and said, (Peace and Allah’s mercy be unto you, peace and Allah’s mercy be unto you, peace and Allah’s mercy be unto you.) He then said, (O `Abdullah bin Jabir! Should I inform you of the best Surah in the Qur’an) I said, `Yes, O Messenger of Allah!’ He said, (Read, `All praise be to Allah, the Lord of the existence,’ until you finish it.)” This Hadith has a good chain of narrators.

Some scholars relied on this Hadith as evidence that some Ayat and Surahs have more virtues than others.

Furthermore, in the chapter about the virtues of the Qur’an, Al-Bukhari recorded that Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri said, “Once, we were on a journey when a female servant came and said, `The leader of this area has been poisoned and our people are away. Is there a healer among you’ Then a man whose healing expertise did not interest us stood for her, he read a Ruqyah for him, and he was healed. The chief gave him thirty sheep as a gift and some milk. When he came back to us we said to him, `You know of a (new) Ruqyah, or did you do this before’ He said, `I only used Umm Al-Kitab as Ruqyah.’ We said, `Do not do anything further until we ask the Messenger of Allah.’ When we went back to Al-Madinah we mentioned what had happened to the Prophet . The Prophet said,«وَمَا كَانَ يُدْرِيهِ أَنَّهَا رُقْيَةٌ اقْسِمُوا وَاضْرِبُوا لِي بِسَهْمٍ»

(Who told him that it is a Ruqyah Divide (the sheep) and reserve a share for me.)”

Also, Muslim recorded in his Sahih, and An-Nasa’i in his Sunan that Ibn `Abbas said, “While Jibril (Gabriel) was with the Messenger of Allah , he heard a noise from above. Jibril lifted his sight to the sky and said, `This is a door in heaven being open, and it has never been opened before now.’ An angel descended from that door and came to the Prophet and said, `Receive the glad tidings of two lights that you have been given, which no other Prophet before you was given: the Opening of the Book and the last (three) Ayat of Surat Al-Baqarah. You will not read a letter of them, but will gain its benefit.”’ This is the wording collected by An-Nasa’i (Al-Kubra 5:12) and Muslim recorded similar wording (1:554).Al-Fatihah and the Prayer

Muslim recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Prophet said,«مَنْ صَلَى صَلَاةً لَمْ يَقْرَأْ فِيهَا أُمَّ الْقُرْآنِ فَهِيَ خِدَاجٌ ثَلَاثًا غَيْرُ تَمَامٍ»

(Whoever performs any prayer in which he did not read Umm Al-Qur’an, then his prayer is incomplete.) He said it thrice.

Abu Hurayrah was asked, “﴾When﴿ we stand behind the Imam” He said, “Read it to yourself, for I heard the Messenger of Allah say,« قَالَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ: قَسَمْتُ الصّلَاةَ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ عَبْدِي نِصْفَيْنِ وَلِعَبْدِي مَا سَأَلَ فَإِذَا قَالَ:﴿الْحَمْدُ للَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَـلَمِينَ ﴾، قَالَ اللهُ: حَمِدَنِي عَبْدِي وَإِذَا قَالَ:﴿الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ ﴾، قَالَ اللهُ: أَثْنى عَلَيَّ عَبْدِي، فَإذَا قَالَ:﴿مَـلِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ ﴾، قَالَ اللهُ: مَجَّدَنِي عَبْدِي وَقَالَ مَرَّةً: فَوَّضَ إِلَيَّ عَبْدِي فَإِذَا قَالَ:﴿إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ ﴾، قَالَ: هذَا بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ عَبْدِي وَلِعَبْدِي مَا سَأَلَ، فَإِذَا قَالَ:﴿اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ – صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلاَ الضَّآلِّينَ ﴾، قَالَ اللهُ: هذَا لِعَبْدِي وَلِعَبْدِي مَا سَأَلَ»

(Allah, the Exalted, said, `I have divided the prayer (Al-Fatihah) into two halves between Myself and My servant, and My servant shall have what he asks for.’ If he says,بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ

(1 In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.)﴿الْحَمْدُ للَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَـلَمِينَ﴾

(2 All praise and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of existence.)

Allah says, `My servant has praised Me.’ When the servant says,﴿الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ ﴾

(3 The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.)

Allah says, `My servant has glorified Me.’ When he says,﴿مَـلِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ ﴾

(4 The Owner of the Day of Recompense.) Allah says, `My servant has glorified Me,’ or `My servant has related all matters to Me.’ When he says,﴿إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ ﴾

(5 You (alone) we worship, and You (alone) we ask for help.) Allah says, `This is between Me and My servant, and My servant shall acquire what he sought.’ When he says,﴿اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ – صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلاَ الضَّآلِّينَ ﴾

(6 Guide us to the straight path.) (7 The way of those on whom You have granted Your grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your anger, nor of those who went astray), Allah says, `This is for My servant, and My servant shall acquire what he asked for.’).”

These are the words of An-Nasa’i, while both Muslim and An-Nasa’i collected the following wording, “A half of it is for Me and a half for My servant, and My servant shall acquire what he asked for.”Explaining this Hadith

The last Hadith used the word ﴿Salah﴾ `prayer’ in reference to reciting the Qur’an, (Al-Fatihah in this case) just as Allah said in another Ayah,﴿وَلاَ تَجْهَرْ بِصَلاتِكَ وَلاَ تُخَافِتْ بِهَا وَابْتَغِ بَيْنَ ذَلِكَ سَبِيلاً﴾

(And offer your Salah (prayer) neither aloud nor in a low voice, but follow a way between.) meaning, with your recitation of the Qur’an, as the Sahih related from Ibn `Abbas. Also, in the last Hadith, Allah said, “I have divided the prayer between Myself and My servant into two halves, a half for Me and a half for My servant. My servant shall have what he asked for.” Allah next explained the division that involves reciting Al-Fatihah, demonstrating the importance of reciting the Qur’an during the prayer, which is one of the prayer’s greatest pillars. Hence, the word `prayer’ was used here although only a part of it was actually being referred to, that is, reciting the Qur’an. Similarly, the word `recite’ was used where prayer is meant, as demonstrated by Allah’s statement,﴿وَقُرْءَانَ الْفَجْرِ إِنَّ قُرْءَانَ الْفَجْرِ كَانَ مَشْهُودًا﴾

(And recite the Qur’an in the early dawn.Verily, the recitation of the Qur’an in the early dawn is ever witnessed.) in reference to the Fajr prayer. The Two Sahihs recorded that the angels of the night and the day attend this prayer.Reciting Al-Fatihah is required in Every Rak`ah of the Prayer

All of these facts testify to the requirement that reciting the Qur’an (Al-Fatihah) in the prayer is required, and there is a consensus between the scholars on this ruling. The Hadith that we mentioned also testifies to this fact, for the Prophet said,«مَنْ صَلَّى صَلَاةً لَمْ يَقْرَأْ فِيهَا بِأُمِّ الْقُرْآنِ فَهِيَ خِدَاجٌ»

(Whoever performs any prayer in which he did not recite Umm Al-Qur’an, his prayer is incomplete.)

Also, the Two Sahihs recorded that `Ubadah bin As-Samit said that the Messenger of Allah said,«لَا صَلَاةَ لِمَنْ لَمْ يَقْرَأْ بِفَاتِحَةِ الْكِتَابِ»

(There is no prayer for whoever does not recite the Opening of the Book.)

Also, the Sahihs of Ibn Khuzaymah and Ibn Hibban recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah said,«لَا تُجْزِئُ صَلَاةٌ لَا يُقْرَأُ فِيهَا بِأُمِّ الْقُرآنِ»

(The prayer during which Umm Al-Qur’an is not recited is invalid.)

There are many other Hadiths on this subject. Therefore, reciting the Opening of the Book, during the prayer by the Imam and those praying behind him, is required in every prayer, and in every Rak`ah.

Culture

One of the most beautiful things in this world is the fact that there are many cultures like a colorful hue in the rainbow. Each represents our ethnic identités, nationalities or a people and who we are by ethnic virtue or people.

Through this we learn to live with each other’s difference, as well as sharing each others ethnic beauty.

One thing to realize is that in islam culture has a different standing from that of ethnic stance. Islamic culture takes away all that is negative from the ethnic culture and only leaves that which is positive.

There is ethnic, tribal, religious and national cultures and in that we should not conflate.

It is sad how ever that people base Islam from the ethnic culture of the majority instead of looking at it from a religions stand point. Islamic culture is perfect in every way.

For the cultural Muslims who grew up is Muslim families and follow what they saw in their environment. It’s better for them to look into Islam and distinguish what action or Belize is part of Islam and what is not. As there are some things which may be done as part of an ethnic culture but may not be be agreeable in the Islamic culture.

So it is very important for both non Muslims and Muslims alike to tell a difference between the two.

How ever win the other hand, Islam in and of itself has its own culture, which is different from ethnic culture.

Inshallah may Allah guide us all to that which is truth.

Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "I was sent to perfect good character."

Sahih al-Bukhari 3559

Narrated `Abdullah bin `Amr:

The Prophet (ﷺ) never used bad language neither a "Fahish nor a Mutafahish. He used to say "The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character." (See Hadith No. 56 (B) Vol. 8)

Revert/convert

Most people tend to ask which is which, and majority are used to convert. How ever the proper term is in fact revert, addressing to the fact that a person is going back to what or who they once were. We are all born with the natural disposition of submitting or serving Allah. Somewhere along the way we just get lost and need to find our way back.

By definition conversion is a change or shift from one state or matter to another such as water to ice.

The concept in islam is based on going back to ones natural state. Before we were anything else in the world, we came out of our mothers woumbs as Muslims ( those who submit). Going back to Mother Nature, going back to Allah. Having back to your natural form of state. And may Allah guide us all to the natural state of being.

Being a revert takes place in one particular moment, where upon you are muslim for ever after embrace.

Compatibility

Most often we tend to seek characteristics and similarities in our potential spouses in the hopes that the marriage will be prosperous. With out realizing deen is the foundation and the possibility of things working out, we end up turning the other way.

Hé/she is not the same race, does not like the same things you do. So what possible things could you share. Well you both share a culture in islam. And yes there are some things spouses must share, such as view points or outlook of life. How they plan to navigate on the journey they will set off on. One must not necessarily have to like jello to be a perfect match. So it’s importas t to lay out the cards before even moving a step ahead. Take time to reflect on those traits before making a decision, since you may end up discovering you appeal to some of this traits after reflection.

Always use the foundations of Islam apart from personality, to judge weather the individual is good for you in this world and if they will help you reach Jannah.

Remember that ethnicity should not be a factor in marriage unless it’s preference which is not a problem. Since it is alway good to mix blood.

Marriage

Getting married today seems to be very difficult in the Muslim community , but the most struggling part is finding the right partner.

From family acceptance ( racist problems) , right personality to good chemistry and proper ahlaq with good Adab ( manners). Completing half your deen is supposed to be soo simple and easy, especially when following the Sunnah. Not worrying about anything since Allah is the provider.

Marriage is worship / Ibadah, and is to be for the sake of Allah first and foremost where love and mercy and the foundation.

There are far too many sites and apps today that promis you a spouse, but after so many swipes and interests nothing seems to come through since you have to pay on top of that which can be frustrating.

Proper understanding of deen and good manners should come first , but don’t forget personality and good chemistry since that also matters how you carry yourself in the journey of marriage.

1 marriage in islam is the most simplistic of things to go through.
You meet someone you like and the first thing you do is ask your 21 questions of the most obvious important things in life. How one identifies themselves, carry themselves, what they are seeking, if they want kids, are they willing to change ( loose some habbits) how they plan to live life Ofcoarse measuring your chemistry. As long as it all ties to quran and sunnah. If she wants to work or not.
It can literally take 3 days, a week, month 3 months max to know and decide. 6 months to a year is just too much. If he she reminds you of allah and your satisfied then continue forward.

2 dating has no place in islam, we court meaning we ( both parties) always bring a member of the family when courting. If that is a possibility. If not then be responsible for yourselves and know allah is watching ( bring a friend). How ever dont drag the talking phase, when satisfied with each other hasten to the masjid to tie the knot.

3 you both need to put the effort, as a man you neeed to step up and be the head protector caregiver provider, your wife is a trust, dont abuse. As the wife you need to follow and be obedient, be not ungrateful. You can have your views about something talk it over and dont spite each other. Dont test the man. Spice up your intimacy.
Marriage is an ibadah so dont compare it to hollywood or bollywood. It is a duty And obligation on worshiping allah and expanding humanity. Do not manipulate each other using religion. Read more books on islam. To strengthen your marriage.

4 NEVER mix islamic culture with ethnic culture and never confuse the two. Ive seen many confuse "deen" ( islamic culture) with "culture"( ethnic culture).
Islam has its own way of things, wether your desi arab somali slavic italian, cut off from the ethnic/ racial culture and lean on islamic culture. Families screw up blessings just coz Of Qabil/kabil/ tribe.
Follow the sunnah

Welcome to our community where you don’t have to pay for anything and may Allah guide to Complete half your Deen Biidhnilah