it is an Arabic word نصاب meaning mark/limit and is about somethings like calculating Islamic tax and paying it to poor people.
He/she must be a Muslim who does not posses the minimum Nisaab.
1. Shahadah - Belief in One God 2. Salah - Praying 5 times a day 3. Zakah - Giving at least 2.5% of your wealth to charity if you can afford it, and if you earn over the Nisaab (approx £700) 4. Sawm - Fasting in the month of Ramadhan 5. Hajj - Performing pilgrimage at least once in your lifetime to Makkah if you are well and can afford it
Answer from website: http://www.khalidzaheer.com/qa/709Our understanding is that the law of Zakat given to us by the Prophet, has three categories: Zakat on livestock, production, and wealth. The details of each one of these categories is different. Zakat on wealth is applicable on all assets that are not in our daily use provided their combined value is more than the minimum threshold of nisaab . If there were exceptions to this rule during the times of the companions, there must have been reasons accompanying those exceptions. For example, in the case of land, it was either agricultural land that they had in their ownership, on which Zakat was paid in the form of Ushr or they had land which didn't carry value the way it does today. Even if land did carry value, it wasn't expressed in the form of price the way it is done now. Since plots of land in excess of one's need are very much a part of the total wealth people own today and they know their precise value, calculating Zakat to be paid on them is no problem today. There is no reason why Zakat shouldn't be paid on them today. It doesn't make religious sense that wealth owned in the form of gold and silver should be subject to Zakat but the same value stored in the form of plots should be exempt. God Almighty is neither against gold or silver nor is He in favour of land. He wants us to pay 2.5% Zakat every year on allwealth we own. And it is only He who knows the best.For example: http://www.islamicvoice.com/December.98/zakat.htmWhether Zakat is Obligatory on PlotsQ.2. I had purchased 3 plots of land five years back, one for constructing a house to live in, second one for constructing shops and the third one for selling it. Have I to pay Zakat on all these every year? If I have to pay, is it to be paid on the cost of their purchase or according to the value of land every year as it varies?Ans. Of the three plots, you have purchased, one is for the purpose of constructing a house to live in , on the price of that plot Zakat is exempted. You have to pay Zakat on the other two plots every year as per the market value each year. For example, if you have purchased the plot for Rs.50,000/= and now the market value of that plot is one lakh rupees, you have to pay Zakat on the amount equivalent to one lakh rupees only.Conclusion:If the intent is to own a plot for building a house for personal use in the future then Zakat is not obligatory on that plot. If plot is intended as an investment and for sale in the future when the market value is profitable, then zakat is obligatory on that plot for every year it remains under your ownership and to be calculated as 2.5% of the market value at the time of paying zakat.
The third pillar: zakaah (poor due, charity tax) Just asAllaah has created people with different colours, attitudes and levels of knowledge, so too their deeds and provision vary. He has made some of them rich and some poor, to test the rich as to whether they show gratitude, and to test the poor as to whether they are patient. Because the believers are a brotherhood, and brotherhood is based on compassion, kindness, love and mercy, Allaah has enjoined upon the Muslims zakaah which is taken from the rich and given to the poor. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "Take Sadaqah (alms) from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it, and invoke Allaah for them. Verily, your invocations are a source of security for them"[al-Tawbah 9:103] Zakaah purifies and cleanses wealth, and purifies the soul from stinginess and miserliness. It strengthens the love between the rich and poor, takes away hatred, makes security prevail and brings happiness to the ummah happy. Allaah has made the payment of zakaah obligatory upon everyone who owns the nisaab (minimum amount) for one year. The rate of zakaah on gold, silver, other metals and trade goods is one quarter of ten percent. On agricultural produce and fruits the amount is one-tenth if it is irrigated (by artificial means), and one-half of one-tenth if it is not irrigated (by artificial means, i.e., it is watered by rainfall or other natural means). Concerning an'aam animals (i.e., sheep, goats, cattle and camels) the details are explained in the books of fiqh… Whoever pays zakaah, Allaah expiates his sins thereby, and blesses his wealth, and stores up for him a great reward. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "And perform As-Salaah (Iqaamat-as-Salaah), and give Zakaah, and whatever of good (deeds that Allaah loves) you send forth for yourselves before you, you shall find it with Allaah. Certainly, Allaah is All-Seer of what you do"[al-Baqarah 2:110] Withholding zakaah brings disasters and evils upon the ummah. Allaah has threatened those who withhold it with a painful torment on the Day of Resurrection. He says (interpretation of the meaning): "O you who believe! Verily, there are many of the (Jewish) rabbis and the (Christian) monks who devour the wealth of mankind in falsehood, and hinder (them) from the way of Allaah (i.e. Allaah's religion of Islamic Monotheism). And those who hoard up gold and silver (Al‑Kanz: the money, the Zakaah of which has not been paid) and spend them not in the way of Allaah, announce unto them a painful torment. On the Day when that (Al‑Kanz: money, gold and silver, the Zakaah of which has not been paid) will be heated in the fire of Hell and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, (and it will be said unto them:) 'This is the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves. Now taste of what you used to hoard'" [al-Tawbah 9:34-35] Concealing one's zakaah is better than paying it openly in front of people, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "If you disclose your Sadaqaat (almsgiving), it is well; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, that is better for you. (Allaah) will expiate you some of your sins. And Allaah is Well-Acquainted with what you do [al-Baqarah 2:271] When a Muslim pays his zakaah, it is not permissible for him to give it to anyone except those whom Allaah mentions in the aayah (interpretation of the meaning): "As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakaah) are only for the Fuqaraa' (poor), and Al‑Masaakeen (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allaah's Cause (i.e. for Mujahidoon - those fighting in a holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allaah. And Allaah is All-Knower, All-Wise"[al-Tawbah 9:60] what a saddo
Islam teaches us if we make enough for our sustenance and have a lil more extra bugs, we can give this to the poor and the needy in order that they for whom the daily bread butter/dal roti is tough, they can benefit from it its simple to calculate zakat if you live in the US like me then as per RTT news price of gold in US as of may 2011 is 1530 USD for 1 ounce , now as per the sunni system if ur wealth is worth 7.5 grams of gold or more then zakid is compulsory on you so in order to know who qualifies for zakat and who deserves it is done via gold by most as : converting 1 ounce into grams , 1 ounce = 30 grams so the math would be something like : 1530usd ------ 30 gms x usd--------85 gms so x = 1530 *85/30 = 4335 so if u make more then 4335 dollars of saving an year in America , 2.5 percent of ur annual saving has to go to zakat , so say of the 40000 dollars u saved 1000 dollars at the end of the year then ur zakat is (edit: i didnt add the fixed asset here, so by adding fixed assets it should be even less an amount then 382.5 for u to qualify, however the formula below still stands true) : (ur fixed assets + annual earnings saved)*2.5/100 = 25 so u are obliged to give this money to make ur money pak of the evil spiritually inshallah this benefits the seeker if any remember 4335 shouldnt be in cash only, it can be any asset u buy or assets with cash too (if the price of gold is so else it would be as per Golds price) salam walaikum WA rehmatuallah he WA barakatuhu correction: i by mistake mention 7.5 before, nisab level is 85 grams of golden on checking sorry astakfiruallah for making a mistake, so anyone who has an annual saving of 4335 (if given price of gold applies, else u can use the formula and calculate) or above n one lunar calendar passes him, he is eligible to pay 2.5 of it as Zakat bi iznillah
The fourth pillar: zakaah (poor due, charity tax) Just asAllaah has created people with different colours, attitudes and levels of knowledge, so too their deeds and provision vary. He has made some of them rich and some poor, to test the rich as to whether they show gratitude, and to test the poor as to whether they are patient. Because the believers are a brotherhood, and brotherhood is based on compassion, kindness, love and mercy, Allaah has enjoined upon the Muslims zakaah which is taken from the rich and given to the poor. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "Take Sadaqah (alms) from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it, and invoke Allaah for them. Verily, your invocations are a source of security for them"[al-Tawbah 9:103] Zakaah purifies and cleanses wealth, and purifies the soul from stinginess and miserliness. It strengthens the love between the rich and poor, takes away hatred, makes security prevail and brings happiness to the ummah happy. Allaah has made the payment of zakaah obligatory upon everyone who owns the nisaab (minimum amount) for one year. The rate of zakaah on gold, silver, other metals and trade goods is one quarter of ten percent. On agricultural produce and fruits the amount is one-tenth if it is irrigated (by artificial means), and one-half of one-tenth if it is not irrigated (by artificial means, i.e., it is watered by rainfall or other natural means). Concerning an'aam animals (i.e., sheep, goats, cattle and camels) the details are explained in the books of fiqh… Whoever pays zakaah, Allaah expiates his sins thereby, and blesses his wealth, and stores up for him a great reward. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "And perform As-Salaah (Iqaamat-as-Salaah), and give Zakaah, and whatever of good (deeds that Allaah loves) you send forth for yourselves before you, you shall find it with Allaah. Certainly, Allaah is All-Seer of what you do"[al-Baqarah 2:110] Withholding zakaah brings disasters and evils upon the ummah. Allaah has threatened those who withhold it with a painful torment on the Day of Resurrection. He says (interpretation of the meaning): "O you who believe! Verily, there are many of the (Jewish) rabbis and the (Christian) monks who devour the wealth of mankind in falsehood, and hinder (them) from the way of Allaah (i.e. Allaah's religion of Islamic Monotheism). And those who hoard up gold and silver (Al‑Kanz: the money, the Zakaah of which has not been paid) and spend them not in the way of Allaah, announce unto them a painful torment. On the Day when that (Al‑Kanz: money, gold and silver, the Zakaah of which has not been paid) will be heated in the fire of Hell and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, (and it will be said unto them:) 'This is the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves. Now taste of what you used to hoard'" [al-Tawbah 9:34-35] Concealing one's zakaah is better than paying it openly in front of people, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "If you disclose your Sadaqaat (almsgiving), it is well; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, that is better for you. (Allaah) will expiate you some of your sins. And Allaah is Well-Acquainted with what you do [al-Baqarah 2:271] When a Muslim pays his zakaah, it is not permissible for him to give it to anyone except those whom Allaah mentions in the aayah (interpretation of the meaning): "As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakaah) are only for the Fuqaraa' (poor), and Al‑Masaakeen (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allaah's Cause (i.e. for Mujahidoon - those fighting in a holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allaah. And Allaah is All-Knower, All-Wise"[al-Tawbah 9:60]
AnswerMuslims pray 5 times a day because it is ordained by God Almighty. It is a means of showing the loyalty, gratitude, modesty and love towards God. No other religion in the world preaches to pray to God 5 times a day. It is only in Islam. This is to remind Muslims that there is an Almighty who created them and to bow their heads in total humbleness towards God. If it is done 5 times a day, one can imagine how close to God one is and that will help to help one abstain from all evil and vices. It makes a human being better. It makes him 5 times better.In addition, it is not difficult to pray for five times a day as each prayer could take less than five minutes.
Zakah is an annual tax, at the end of the year a Muslim gives a percentage of what she or he has left to a collecter, who then gives it to a needy causeZakah is when u have to give 2.5% of your income for the year to Allah this is called Zakah. If poor people havent got extra money then they don't have to pay, but people (rich) who have money left must may Zakah.
brother, In Islam we have 6 basic beliefs: 1- we believe in one God (Allah). 2- we believe in the angels. 3- we believe in all original scriptures. 4- we believe in all God's messengers, without any discrimination among them. 5- we believe in the day of judgment. 6- we believe in fate, wether good or bad. These basic beliefs are called the PILLARS OF FAITH. I hope I answered your question, My Allah guide us all to his right path. Answer: Praise be to Allaah. Islam is based on five pillars which the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) has explained for us, when he said: "Islam is built upon five [pillars]: the testimony that there is no god but Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah; establishing regular prayer (salaah); paying the zakaah; Hajj (pilgrimage) and fasting Ramadaan." (Agreed upon; narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 8) Islam is both belief and laws, in which Allaah and His Messenger have told us what is halaal and what is haraam, morals and good manners, acts of worship and how to interact with people, rights and duties, and scenes of the resurrection. When Allaah completed this religion, He chose it to be the way of life for all of mankind until the Hour begins: "This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion [al-Maa'idah 5:3 - interpretation of the meaning] These are the pillars of Islam and the principles upon which it is based: The first pillar: al-Shahaadatayn (the twin testimony of faith) This means that a person believes that Allaah alone is the Lord, Sovereign and Controller, the Creator and Provider. He affirms all His most beautiful names and the sublime attributes that Allaah has affirmed for Himself or that His Prophet affirmed for Him. He believes that Allaah alone, and no one else, is the Only One Who is deserving of worship, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. How can He have children when He has no wife? He created all things and He is the All-Knower of everything. Such is Allaah, your Lord! Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Creator of all things. So worship Him (Alone), and He is the Wakeel (Trustee, Disposer of affairs or Guardian) over all things"[al-An'aam 6:101-102] And he believes that Allaah sent His Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and revealed to him the Qur'aan, and commanded him to convey this religion to all of mankind. He believes that loving Allaah and His Messenger and obeying them are duties which are obligatory upon all of mankind, and that love of Allaah can only be realized by following His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): "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 your sins. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful" [Aal 'Imraan 3:31 - interpretation of the meaning] The second pillar: salaah (prayer) The Muslim believes that Allaah has enjoined upon every sane adult Muslim five prayers each day and night, which he does in a state of purity, standing before his Lord, every day in a state of purity and humility, thanking his Lord for His blessings, asking Him of His bounty, seeking His forgiveness for his sins, asking Him for Paradise and seeking refuge in Him from Hell. The five obligatory prayers which are required day and night are Fajr (early morning, before dawn), Zuhr (mid-day, just after noon), 'Asr (mid afternoon), Maghrib (just after sunset) and 'Ishaa' (at night, after dark has fallen). There are also Sunnah prayers such as Qiyaam al-Layl (prayer at night), Taraweeh prayers, two rak'ahs of Duha prayer, etc. Prayer, whether it is fard or naafil, represents a sincere turning towards Allaah alone in all one's affairs. Allaah has commanded all the believers to guard strictly the observance of the prayers, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): "Guard strictly (five obligatory) As‑Salawaat (the prayers) especially the middle Salaah (i.e. the best prayer ‑ 'Asr). And stand before Allaah with obedience [and do not speak to others during the Salaah (prayers)]"[al-Baqarah 2:238] The five daily prayers are obligatory upon every Muslim man and woman, night and day: "Verily, As‑Salaah (the prayer) is enjoined on the believers at fixed hours"[al-Nisaa' 4:103 - interpretation of the meaning] The one who abandons prayer has no share in Islam. Whoever neglects it deliberately is a kaafir, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "(And remain always) turning in repentance to Him (only), and be afraid and dutiful to Him; and perform As‑Salaah (Iqaamat‑as‑Salaah) and be not of Al‑Mushrikoon (the polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah)[al-Room 30:31] Islam is based on co-operation, brotherhood and love, and Allaah has prescribed coming together for these prayers and others, in order to attain these virtues. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Prayer in congregation is twenty-seven times better than prayer offered alone." (Narrated by Muslim, no. 650) Prayer helps the believer at times of hardship and calamity. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "And seek help in patience and As-Salaah (the prayer) and truly, it is extremely heavy and hard except for Al-Khaashi'oon [i.e. the true believers in Allaah - those who obey Allaah with full submission, fear much from His punishment, and believe in His Promise (Paradise) and in His Warnings (Hell)].[al-Baqarah 2:45] The five daily prayers wipe out sins, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Do you not think that if there was a river at the door of any one of you, and he were to bathe in it five times each day, would there by any dirt left on him?" They said, "No dirt would be left on him at all." He said, "That is the likeness of the five daily prayers, by means of which Allaah erases sin." Prayer in the mosque is a means of entering Paradise. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever comes and goes to the mosque, Allaah will prepare for him a house in Paradise for each time he comes and goes." (Narrated by Muslim, no. 669) Prayer brings the slave and his Creator together. It was the delight of the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Whenever any matter grieved him, he would turn to prayer and converse with his Lord and call upon Him, seeking His forgiveness and asking Him of His bounty. Prayer done with proper humility and fear of Allaah brings the Muslim closer to his Lord, and keeps him from doing evil, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "Recite (O Muhammad) what has been revealed to you of the Book (the Qur'aan), and perform As‑Salaah (Iqaamat‑as‑Salaah). Verily, As‑Salaah (the prayer) prevents from Al‑Fahsha' (i.e. great sins of every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse) and Al‑Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism, and every kind of evil wicked deed)"[al-'Ankaboot 29:45] The third pillar: zakaah (poor due, charity tax) Just asAllaah has created people with different colours, attitudes and levels of knowledge, so too their deeds and provision vary. He has made some of them rich and some poor, to test the rich as to whether they show gratitude, and to test the poor as to whether they are patient. Because the believers are a brotherhood, and brotherhood is based on compassion, kindness, love and mercy, Allaah has enjoined upon the Muslims zakaah which is taken from the rich and given to the poor. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "Take Sadaqah (alms) from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it, and invoke Allaah for them. Verily, your invocations are a source of security for them"[al-Tawbah 9:103] Zakaah purifies and cleanses wealth, and purifies the soul from stinginess and miserliness. It strengthens the love between the rich and poor, takes away hatred, makes security prevail and brings happiness to the ummah happy. Allaah has made the payment of zakaah obligatory upon everyone who owns the nisaab (minimum amount) for one year. The rate of zakaah on gold, silver, other metals and trade goods is one quarter of ten percent. On agricultural produce and fruits the amount is one-tenth if it is irrigated (by artificial means), and one-half of one-tenth if it is not irrigated (by artificial means, i.e., it is watered by rainfall or other natural means). Concerning an'aam animals (i.e., sheep, goats, cattle and camels) the details are explained in the books of fiqh… Whoever pays zakaah, Allaah expiates his sins thereby, and blesses his wealth, and stores up for him a great reward. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "And perform As-Salaah (Iqaamat-as-Salaah), and give Zakaah, and whatever of good (deeds that Allaah loves) you send forth for yourselves before you, you shall find it with Allaah. Certainly, Allaah is All-Seer of what you do"[al-Baqarah 2:110] Withholding zakaah brings disasters and evils upon the ummah. Allaah has threatened those who withhold it with a painful torment on the Day of Resurrection. He says (interpretation of the meaning): "O you who believe! Verily, there are many of the (Jewish) rabbis and the (Christian) monks who devour the wealth of mankind in falsehood, and hinder (them) from the way of Allaah (i.e. Allaah's religion of Islamic Monotheism). And those who hoard up gold and silver (Al‑Kanz: the money, the Zakaah of which has not been paid) and spend them not in the way of Allaah, announce unto them a painful torment. On the Day when that (Al‑Kanz: money, gold and silver, the Zakaah of which has not been paid) will be heated in the fire of Hell and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, (and it will be said unto them:) 'This is the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves. Now taste of what you used to hoard'" [al-Tawbah 9:34-35] Concealing one's zakaah is better than paying it openly in front of people, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "If you disclose your Sadaqaat (almsgiving), it is well; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, that is better for you. (Allaah) will expiate you some of your sins. And Allaah is Well-Acquainted with what you do [al-Baqarah 2:271] When a Muslim pays his zakaah, it is not permissible for him to give it to anyone except those whom Allaah mentions in the aayah (interpretation of the meaning): "As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakaah) are only for the Fuqaraa' (poor), and Al‑Masaakeen (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allaah's Cause (i.e. for Mujahidoon - those fighting in a holy battle), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allaah. And Allaah is All-Knower, All-Wise"[al-Tawbah 9:60] The fourth pillar: sawm (fasting) in Ramadaan Fasting means abstaining from things which break the fast, such as food, drink and intercourse, from sunrise until sunset, with the intention of fasting. The relationship of patience to faith is like that of the head to the body. Allaah has enjoined upon this ummah fasting for one month of the year, in order to draw closer to Allaah, to avoid that which Allaah has forbidden, to get used to being patient, to bring the nafs (self) under control, to compete in generosity and to demonstrate co-operation and mutual compassion. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)"[al-Baqarah 2:183] The month of Ramadaan is a great month, in which Allaah revealed the Qur'aan. The reward for good deeds, acts of charity and acts of worship are multiplied in this month. In it is Laylat al-Qadr, which is better than a thousand months. The gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are shut, and the shayaateen (devils) are tied up. Allaah has made fasting the month of Ramadaan obligatory upon every sane, adult Muslim, male and female alike, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): "The month of Ramadaan in which was revealed the Qur'aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadaan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allaah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allaah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allaah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him" [al-Baqarah 2:185] There is a great reward with Allaah for fasting. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Every action of the son of Adam is multiplied, each good deed receiving a tenfold to seven hundredfold reward. Allaah said, 'Except for fasting, for it is done for Me and I will give a reward for it, for he gives up his desire and food for My sake.'" (Narrated by Muslim, al-Siyaam) The fifth pillar: Hajj (pilgrimage) Allaah has given the Muslims a Qiblah (direction of prayer) which they face when they pray (salaah) and offer supplications (du'AA'), wherever they may be. This qiblah is the Ancient House (the Ka'bah) in Makkah al-Mukarramah: "so turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid Al-Haraam (at Makkah). And wheresoever you people are, turn your faces (in prayer) in that direction [al-Baqarah 2:144 - interpretation of the meaning] Because the Muslims scattered all over the world, and Islam calls people to be united and get to know one another, just as it calls them to co-operate in righteousness and piety, to recommend one another to the truth, to call people to Allaah and to venerate the rituals of Allaah - hence Allaah has made it obligatory for every sane, adult Muslim who has the means, to visit His Ancient House, to circumambulate it and to perform all the rituals of Hajj as explained by Allaah and His Messenger. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka'bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allaah, those who can afford the expenses (for one's conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allaah], then Allaah stands not in need of any of the 'Aalameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists)" [Aal Imraan 3:97] Hajj is an occasion on which the unity of the Muslims, their strength and pride, are made manifest. For the Lord is One, the Book is one, the Messenger is one, the ummah is one, their worship is one and their clothing is one. Hajj has its own etiquette and conditions which the Muslims must observe, such as restraining their tongues, hearing and sight from all that Allaah has forbidden, being sincere in their intentions, using money from good sources (for Hajj), fostering the best attitude, and avoiding everything that could invalidate the Hajj, such as sexual relations, sin or arguing unjustly, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months (i.e. the 10th month, the 11th month and the first ten days of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, i.e. two months and ten days). So whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein (by assuming Ihraam), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj. And whatever good you do, (be sure) Allaah knows it. And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness). So fear Me, O men of understanding!"[al-Baqarah 3:197] If the Muslim does Hajj correctly, in the manner prescribed and sincerely for the sake of Allaah, it will be an expiation for his sins. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever does Hajj for the sake of Allaah, and does not have sexual relations or commit sins, will come back like the day his mother bore him." (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 15210) From Usool al-Deen al-Islami, by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem al-Tuawyjri
"What are the Five Pillars of Islam and who invented them?"God invented the five pillars of Islam and revealed them through Quranic revelation and his Prophet's.There are as follows:1. The Shahada: Declaration before a Muslim audience that there is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God.2. Prayer: salat (5 times daily)3. Fasting: sawm (in Ramadhan)4. Charity: zakat5. The Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in your lifetime if your finances and health will permit doing so.As Salaam Alaikum: Peace Be upon youWhat are the purposes of 5 pillars of Islam?1: There is no God but Allah, and Mohammad (PBUH) is his messenger.How do you know Mohammad (PBUH) is the true prophet?Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is prophesized in 5 major religious scriptures, they describe Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is the last messenger, but the follower of the scriptures like Christians changed it to something else.Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is prophesized in ChristianityProphet Mohammad (PBUH) is prophesized in JudaismProphet Mohammad (PBUH) is prophesized in BuddahismProphet Mohammad (PBUH) is prophesized in HinduismProphet Mohammad (PBUH) is prophesized in ParsismWatch the lecture or read the text for the prophesies.The book which prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is a miraculous book which can change a human life and bring peace, tranquility and love, dispite being misunderstood by many due to political reasons.The book provides detail about the PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.It has perfect agreement with scientific facts such as creation of the universe and going out to space.The holy Quran explains how to stop corruption in the society such as robbery,rape,murder and personal problems.http:/www.miraclesofthequran.comhttp:/www.harunyahya.comhttp:/www.quranmiracles.com2:SalaahThe second pillar of Islam, is Salaah. Many people translate the word Salaah, as 'prayer'. To pray, is to ask for help... to beseech -how a person beseeches in the court of law, to ask for help. Prayer does not denote the complete meaning of the Arabic word, Salaah, because in Salaah... besides asking for help, we also praise Allah (SWT), we also get guidance in the Salaah, so therefore the English word prayer, does not denote the complete meaning of the Arabic word Salaah. The more appropriate meaning that I say, I verily prefer calling it as programming, because we Muslims... we are programmed in our Salaah. We are programmed in what is wrong, and what is right -do the good things, do not do the bad things, do not rob, do not cheat, do the good things, love your neighbour, etc. We are being programmed.We Muslims are supposed to pray 5 times a day -in the morning before sunrise, it is the Fajr Salaah -the Zohar Salaah, after the sun reaches highest, that is early in the afternoon -the Asr Salaah, late in the afternoon... that is before the sunsets -the Maghrib Salaah,after the sun sets immediately, and the Isha Salaah, that is late in the evening or the early in the night. We have to pray minimum 5 times a day. How... for a healthy body, the doctor will tell you -You should have three meals a day. Similarly for a spiritual soul, you should offer Salaah, 5 times a day, minimum. And whenever we offer Salaah, when we enter the Mosque, we remove our footwear -this was the commandment given to prophet Moses (Peace be upon him). It is mentioned in the Holy Qur'an in Surah Taha, Ch. 20, Verse 11 and 12, that...'' When he approached the fire he heard a voice... 'Oh! Moses verily I am your Lord ; take off thy shoes for thou art in the sacred valley of Dua'.This was the commandment given to Moses(Peace be upon him) which we Muslims follow -We take off our footwear when we offer Salaah. Besides that, we are hygienic people, who want to see our place of worship is clean. And since we do prostration, we do not want to prostate in mud, dirt and filth which comes along with the footwear. Before offering Salaah, the Holy Qur'an says in Surah Maidah, Ch. 5, Verse 5...(Arabic)... 'O ye believe, when you prepare yourself for Salaah, when you prepare yourself for prayers, wash your face, and your hands, and arms, up to the elbow -rub your head with water, wash your feet upto the ankle'. It is the ablution -In Arabic, it is called as wudhu. It is compulsory that before we offer Salaah,we should do ablution, we should wash ourselves. Because we are hygienic people, we want to be clean before we appear in front of the Lord. And besides that, it is also a mental preparation -that mentally we are being prepared, that now we are going to appear in front of Allah (SWT), in front of Almighty Lord. Our believed Prophet said -it is mentioned in Sahih Bukhari, Vol. No. 1, in the Book of Adhan, Ch. No. 75, Hadith No. 692. Our prophet said... 'When you stand for Salaah, stand shoulder to shoulder'. In another Hadith, it says that... 'When you stand for Salaah, stand shoulder to shoulder, so that the devil does not come in between you'.Our prophet was not talking about the devil which you see in the Onida T.V. add. You Know the Onida T.V. add it has the devil with two horn and a tail. Our Prophet was not talking about the devil which you see in the Onida T.V. add or in the comic strip with two horns and a tail. He was referring to the devil of rascism, devil of casteism, devil of colour, of wealth mean irrespective of whether you are rich or poor, whether you are black or white, whether you are from America or from China or from India or from Pakistan, whether you are from a noble family, or you are not from a noble family. When you offer Salaah, stand shoulder to shoulder, so that it shows the best Universal brotherhood, five times a day.when we offer Salaah, irrespective from which ever part he is coming, whether he is rich or poor, whether he is black or white, when they stand for Salaah, we Muslims, we stand shoulder to shoulder. Universal brotherhood... the best example, practical example ...so that the devil of racsism, the devil of colour, the devil of cast, the devil of wealth does not come in between the brothers.And the best part of the Salaah, is the sujud... is the prostration. The Arabic word sujud, is mentioned in the Qur'an, no less than 92 different times. And the Psychologists, they tell us, that the mind is not directly under our control. The body, it is directly under our control but our mind, keeps on wandering. It is not directly under our control... It keeps on wandering -the body is under our control. So to humble the mind, you have to humble your body -And which is the better way, than the way we Muslims do. We put the highest part of the body... that is the forehead, to the lowest part of the ground, and then say...' Glory be to Allah (SWT), Who is the most greatest, glory be to Allah, Who is the most highest.And if you analyse, that when we offer Salaah there various benefits of the Salaah (i.e. prayers). Normally, throughout the day, there are electrostatic charges given out from the brain. When we do sujud, these charges get grounded -there is grounding of the frontal lobe, there is grounding of these charges. How, we have a three pin plug and a two pin plug... Three pin plug grounds. That does not mean, that if you put your hand below the head you will find, you will get a shock. It is not that grounding as the electric grounding, but it is dominance of the frontal lobe. Normally when you live, you always stand erect -blood is being pumped by the heart to the brain, but it is not sufficient for a very healthy brain. So when you do sujud,extra blood flows from the heart to the brain, due to gravity. This extra flow of blood, is a requirement for a very healthy brain. So when we do sujud, extra blood flows in to the brain, which is very good for a healthy brain. When we do sujud, there is extra blood supply to the skin of the face, which prevents 'Chill bane'. When we do sujud, the secretion of the synuses... the 'Aismodal' synus, Magniotal synus, they get drained- there are less chances of a person suffering from Synusitis. Normally when you breath, only 2/3rd of your lungs capacity is utilised. The remaining 1/3rd is known as residual air. But when we do the sujud, and when your breath in the sujud, the abdominal vicra, it presses against the diaphragm. The diaphragm presses against the lower part of the lungs, and even the residual air... the 1/3rd air is exhaled out, so more fresh air enters in to the lungs, in which there are less chances of that person suffering from lung diseases. When we do sujud, there is drainage of secretion of the Brocheal tree, in which there are less chances of a person suffering from Bronchitis. When we so sujud, there is increased vynus return, to the Abdominal vicra... when we do sujud there is less chances of having Hamroid. There are several benefits. When you do kayaam, ruku, sujud...when you stand up, and when you get up from the sitting position, the calf muscles are being activated. The calf muscles are referred to as peripheral heart, because they supply blood to the lower part of the body. So when you do kayaam, ruku, sujud... when you stand up, sit up, prostate, get up... the calf muscles are activated, and it increases the blood supply to the lower part of the body when you stand up bow down and prostrate the vertebrae is being exercised you have less chances of having disease of vertebrae. There are several medical benefits only of salah -You can give a talk only on that. But we Muslims, we do not offer salah, for these medical benefits -these are only side dishes. We offer salah, to praise Allah (SWT) to thank...Allah (SWT). That is our main dish...that is a biryani. The medical benefits are side dishes -we do not pray for these medical benefits. It may attract a person, who does not believe in Islam -that okay, you get medical benefits... he may come closer to salah. But we Muslims offer salah, to thank Allah (SWT)... to praise Him -That is our main biryani. This is the additional benefit that Allah (SWT) gives us.3: ZakahThe third pillar is Zakah. The Arabic words Zakah,means purification... it means growth. In Islam every rich person who has a saving of more than the nesaab level, more than the minimum wealth, that is seven and a half tolaof gold. He should give 2.5% of that saving every lunar year, in charity -and the criteria to do the charity is given in Surah Tauba Ch. 9, Verse 60, which says... 'It can be given to the fukra, to the poor people, to the masakeen who are needy, whose heart is bent towards Islam, to those who are in debt, those in freeing of slave, a way farer who gets scanted in a foreign land, and those who spend in the way of Allah(SWT)'. These are 8 categories given in Surah Tauba, Ch.9,V 60, to whom this Zakat can be given. It is compulsory for every rich Muslim, who has saving of more than the nisaab level, he should give 2.5% of that saving, every lunar year, in charity. I ask a question, that if every human being in the world gives Zakat, gives 2.5 % of his excess wealth in charity... poverty will be eradicated form this world. There will not be a single human being who will die of hunger. That is why the Holy Qur'an says, in Surah Hashr, in Ch. 59, Verse 7, that... 'It prevents the wealth from circulating among the rich -is that, that the rich will not become more richer'. It prevents the wealth from circulating amongst the rich. The Holy Qur'an says in Surah Taubah, Ch. 9 Verse 34, that... 'Those who bury gold and silver, and spend it not in the way of Allah (SWT), do not give charity, announce to them a grievous penalty. That on the day of Judgement, heat will be produced from this wealth, from fire of hell, and they will be branded on their fore heads, on their flanks, and on their back. And it will be told to them, that you hoarded the wealth- now have a taste of your wealth'. Hoarding of wealth, is prohibited in the Holy Qur'an -You cannot hoard wealth.4: FastingThe fourth pillar in Ramadhan, is saum. That every adult Muslims should fast, should abstain from having food and drink, from sunrise to sunset, in the complete lunar month of Ramadhan. The Holy Qur'an says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ch. 2, Verse 183, that... 'Ramadhan has been prescribed to you, as it was prescribed earlier, to the people who came early before you, so that you may learn self restrain'. The reason for fasting has been described in the Holy Qur'an,for self restraint. And the Psychologists, they tell us today, that if you can control your hunger, you can control almost all your desires. That is what Qur'an says, that... 'Ramadanhas been prescribed to you, so that you may learn self restrain, you may control your desire. If you can control your hunger, you can control almost all your desires. And there are various benefits, that if a person can abstain from having alcohol, from sunrise to sunset, he can very well abstain from having alcohol, from the cradle to the grave. If he can abstain from smoking from sunrise to sunset, he can very well abstain from smoking, from the cradle to the grave. It gives an opportunity to improve yourself. I call it the over hauling -like how your machine requires servicing...like you service your car every three months, every four months... your motor cycle every five month, etc. If you allow me to call the human being a machine, I would say... It is the most complicated machine on the face of the earth. Ramadhan is a servicing of the human body -one lunar month, every lunar year... servicing. There are several medical benefits even of the Salaah. I would not like to go in to detail. But it also improve, increases the intestinal absorption when you fast, it increases your intestinal absorption.5: HajjThe fifth pillar is Hajj. Every Adult Muslim who has the means to perform Hajj, that is pilgrimage to the Holy city of Makkah, should at least do it once in his life time. And I say that the Hajj is the best practical example in the world, of Universal brotherhood -There is not a better example. In Hajj, there are 2.5 million Muslims who gather in Mecca. In Mina, in Arafat... the holy land, 2.5 million Muslims from various part of the world, from America, England, Japan, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Singapore and various part of the world. And the men, they dress up in two pieces of unsewen cloth preferably white -so that the person standing next to you, when he is performing the pilgrimage, you cannot make out whether the person standing in front of you is a king or a popper. You cannot come to know, whether he is rich or poor. All of the Muslims from various parts of the world ...they collect -It is the biggest annual gathering of the world. 2.5 million Muslims, 25 lakhs Muslims, they gather there and they perform their pilgrimage, and they are dressed in the same simple unsewen pieces of cloth -Best example of Universal brotherhood. I started my talk by quoting a Verse from the Holy Qur'an, Surah Hujurah, Ch.49, Verse 13, which says... (Arabic)... 'O human kind, We have created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye shall recognize one another, and not that you shall despise one another'. And the most honoured in the sight of Allah (SWT) is the one who has taqwaa, who has righteousness, who has God-consciousness, who has piety. The Holy Qur'an says that... 'The whole of the human kind, has been created from a single pair of a male and a female'. And God Almighty has divided them into nations and tribes, so that they shall recognise each other not that they shall despise each other -That I am superior to you... or you are superior to me. And the Prophet said that... 'No Arab is superior to a Non-Arab, neither a Non-Arab superior to an Arab, neither a White superior to a Black, nor a Black superior to a White'. The Qur'an says -the only criteria for judgment in Surah Hujrat, Ch. 49, Verse 13... 'The only criteria for judgment in the sight of Allah (SWT) is not sex, it is not caste, it is not colour, it is not wealth, it is not age, it is taqwaa, it is God-consciousness, it is peity, it is righteousness, it is by God-consciousness... not by wealth, colour or nobility'. These are the guidance given by the Holy Qur'an, for Universal brotherhood.These were in a nutshell the five pillars of Islam. If you remember the Prophet said these are the pillars of Islam, these are the principles of Islam. This does not constitute the complete Islam. Many people have a misunderstanding that if they do these 5 things they become very good Muslims. These are only the 5 pillars, and any engineer will tell you, that if the pillar is strong, then hopefully the structure will be strong. If the foundation is strong, then the structure will be strong, so if we follow these 5 pillars correctly, then InshaAllah the structure will be correct. And the other structure, the do's and don't's are mentioned in the Holy Qur'an. How a person should lead his life, is mentioned in the Holy Qur'an. The Holy Qur'an says in Surah Dhariyat, Ch. 51, Verse 56...(Arabic)...'That We have created the jinn and the men, not but to worship Me'.What is the purpose of life?http:/www.sultan.org/articles/purposeoflife.htm'We have created the jinn and the men, not but to worship Me'.Al-Quran 51:56The 5 pillars of Islam are:1. Shadat (testimony of faith)2. Prayer3. Zakah (Annual money that ones has to give to the poor)4. Saum (Fasting in the month of Ramadhan)5. Hajj (Pilgramage to Mecca)As a Muslim, one believes that these pillars weren't 'invented' by anyone. Rather they are part of God's law which was given to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) who taught mankind these laws.So in conclusion god made the five pillars of IslamAnswer BFive Pillars of Islam according to shia Muslims are:1. Monotheism: The Oneness of Allah (tawhid) 2. Divine Justice ('adl)3. Prophethood (nubuwwa)4. Succession to Muhammad (imamat)5. The Day of Judgement and the Resurrection (Qiyama)Practices of Islam according to shia Muslims:1. Prayers (salaat) - 5 times a day 2. Fasting (sawm) during Ramadan3-4. Alms giving (zakaat and khums) 5. Pilgrimage to the city of Makkah (hajj)6. Holey Defense (Jihad)7-8. Enjoining good (amr bil-ma'rouf) and forbidding evil (nahiy an al-munkar)9. Supporting those who walk in the path of Allah (tawalli li awliyaa' Allah)10. Turning away from the enemies of Allah (tabarri min a'daa Allah)Five Pillars of Islam according to Sunni Muslims are:1. professing (Shahadah) 2. Prayer (Salat)3. Alms-giving (Zakāt)4. Fasting (Sawm of Ramadan)5. Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)
He or she must believe in the Unity of Allah. That is that he should believe that there is no God except Allah and that Muhammad is His prophet. After that, he should also believe in the other pillars of Islam and follow them.