Islam

Witness that no god except the one and the only one God (Allah) and that prophet Muhammad is His messenger and prophet.

Refer to the related question below for more information on the five pillars that are:

1. Shahada - statement professing monotheism

2. Salat - the requirement to pray five times a day

3. Zakat - alms-giving is the practice of charitable giving

4. Sawm - Ritual fasting, fasting as compensation or repentance, and ascetic fasting

5. Hajj - pilgrimage

True. Added:

Basic Beliefs of the Muslims:

1. Belief in Almighty Allah (God) Sura Baqra -2. Aya 163: And your Allah is ONE Allah, There is no god but He.

2. Belief in Angels Created by Almighty Allah Karim from light. They are obedient to Allah Karim. Carry out His commands.

3. Belief in all heavenly books, including Tora, Zaboor, the Bible, the last one being the Qur'an.

4. Belief in all the Messengers of Almighty Allah- No distinction among them. Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) being the last Prophet of Islam. NO Prophet after him.

5. Belief in the Day of Judgment. Almighty Allah Karim is the Sole Ruler/Master of that Day. He enjoys the absolute authority to send people to Heaven or Hell.

6. Good and bad Destiny being in the Hands of Almighty Allah. No One can change his destiny.

7. Life hereafter: All the dead will be raised again and judged according to their good or bad deeds. There will be no death to them.

8. Hell and Heaven (Paradise)

These may be further elaborated in the light of the holy Qur'an and the Sahih Hadith.

Five Pillars of Islam:

1. Shahadat: [testimony that there is no god except Allah (God) the One and Only One, having No Partner whatsoever. And Muhammad is His servant and Messenger],

2. Salah: (praying five times a day)

3. Zakah: (specific compulsory charity-2,5% of annual savings),

4. Saum: (fasting during Ramadan)

Islam doesn't "support" polygamy it allows it. If a man decides to marry more than one woman, he can. But if your'e going to marry many you must treat them equally and they must agree to marry you on these terms. Alot of women are looking to marry but have no luck, so if a man thinks he can treat the women he marries with respect and equity he can marry many. But if he cannot treat them well, he must only marry one.

The main reason why Muslims are allowed to marry more than one woman is because there are a lot of women(poor or widows) (ever wondered why there are more women then men in the world?)in need of support. Especially in the time of the Prophet saws (peace be upon him)

A man needs to provide everything for his wife. There are many misconceptions, and people saying that the women in Islam are opressed. But if you take time to read and inform yourself about Islam, you realize that men must treat their wives like princesses.

In fact a woman isn't even obliged to work if she doesn't want to. The man must provide everything for her. When they get married he gives her money for herself that she dosent have to spend for the chores but the man must spend his money on his family. He must also treat her with kindness.

There are a lot of things like that and misconceptions about Islam and the status of women.

Briefly, men and women must live together peacefully and work as a team when they get married. If the man decides to marry more than one woman he must treat them and make them feel as if they're not neglected at all by the situation. If he can't do that then he should marry only one.

"Then (marry) only one." Al-Qur'an 4:3

But Muslims believe that Jesus was real. They think he was a man of god, as it says in the Qur'an: And in their [the earlier prophets] footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the law that had come before him. We sent him the Gospel, therein was guidance and light and confirmation of the law that had come before him, a guidance and an admonition to those who fear God. Look it up. Chapter 5, verse 46. i am christian and have been researching about Muslims for a school assignment, and the Muslims seem to believe in the same god as the Christians, just not vice-versa.

Some say Muslims seem to believe in the same God as Christians. But, the fact is they only 'seem' to believe in the Christian God. They actually think they believe in the same God as Christians. We are not talking about Jesus Christ or Muhammad, but God. The same God cannot say two different things! [...as in Jesus being his beloved Son(Christian), and Muhammad being the Messenger(Muslim)]. It's so simple...Why should people try to equate Christian God the that of the Muslims? Give unto Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give unto God what belongs to God!

The Quran clearly parallels the Old Testament, and Muslims regard Jesus as one of Islam's greatest prophets. There are differences in theology between Judaism and Christianity, but no one doubts that both religions worship the same God. That there are differences in theology between Christianity and Islam does not mean that the God of Islam is not the same as the God of Christianity.

Answer H

The answer is yes. Muslims, Christians, and Jew believe in the same god. The top answer to this question claims that Muslims and Christians do NOT believe in the same god because of how our religions differ ideologically. But this is a faulty pretense. You may know a man, lets call him Frank. Somebody else may know Frank. You may find Frank to be the best friend in the world, a great personality, you can tell him anything and he will never betray your trust, never let you down. Another person may think Frank is the biggest ***** on the planet. He may think Frank is a snitch and a imbecile who isn't worth anyone's time. Now, please don't think I am making an analogy to the ideologies of Christianity v. Islam. I am simply saying that just because a person or groups of people view God in different ways doesn't mean that God is a different God. Do you understand what I'm saying? Jews look at God more as a God to be feared and followed, and because of that a religious Jew will have extreme respect for God. Christians view God as more 'your friend', someone who is always there and all forgiving and all merciful. The Islamic faith views God somewhere in the middle of these two. We all worship and believe in the same God, but have different ideological views of him

Christians view God and Jesus as one. IE God came to earth in human form (Jesus) to cleanse us of our sins. Muslims and Jews reject this believe. Muslims in particular don't believe that God needs to come down as a human. We believe Jesus was a prophet and have immense respect for him the same as we do for Mohammad. This doesn't mean the God we believe in is different. Let's go back to the analogy of Frank. Maybe there's a group of people who think Frank is a regular, 30 year old software engineer. They think Frank goes to work, does his job and comes home at night. However, to the schizophrenic panhandler gang that smoke rock in library parking garage downtown, they might think Frank is president of the CIA. Maybe they think Frank is controlling their thoughts from a satellite. Maybe they think Frank is OJ Simpson, or the unibomber, or the reincarnation of Mother Teresa or Michael Jackson. Does it mean Frank is any of these? No. Does it mean this Frank is a different guy? Certainly not.

If you want to know what Christianity parallels look at Hinduism. Many Hindus believe God is one entity all encompassing who has come to earth at different times when it has been needed in human form (Krishna, Rama, Ganesha, etc). Sound familiar?

And BTW Muslims don't worship God 'through' Mohammad. This very statement is ridiculous proof of the fact that whoever posted it knows nothing about Islam or probably any religion other than his own. Probably not the best source for theology lessons.

Islam is not a violent religion, nor is it an intolerant religion, and we Muslims are told to be peaceful. Unfortunately, we have a few who have made a bad impression for many; but so does other groups, religious or not.

The Quran promotes freedom of religion

Quran 2:62 Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabians, whoever believes in Allah and the Last day and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord, and there is no fear for them, nor shall they grieve.

Quran 2:256 There shall be no compulsion in religion: the right way is now distinct from the wrong way. Anyone who denounces the devil and believes in GOD has grasped the strongest bond; one that never breaks. GOD is Hearer, Omniscient.

Quran 5:48 Then we revealed to you this scripture, truthfully, confirming previous scriptures, and superseding them. You shall rule among them in accordance with GOD's revelations, and do not follow their wishes if they differ from the truth that came to you. For each of you, we have decreed laws (shari'ah) and different rites. Had GOD willed, He could have made you one congregation. But He thus puts you to the test through the revelations He has given each of you. You shall compete in righteousness. To GOD is your final destiny - all of you - then He will inform you of everything you had disputed.

The Quran promotes friendship between people regardless of their religion; however, we Muslims are told to stay away from those who want to make trouble and fight just because we have a different religion.

Quran 60:8 GOD does not enjoin you from befriending those who do not fight you because of religion, and do not evict you from your homes. You may befriend them and be equitable towards them. GOD loves the equitable.

Quran 60:9 GOD enjoins you only from befriending those who fight you because of religion, evict you from your homes, and band together with others to banish you. You shall not befriend them. Those who befriend them are the transgressors.

The Quran encourages Muslims to stay polite and not argue about our beliefs and differences.

Quran 41:34 Not equal is the good response and the bad response. You shall resort to the nicest possible response. Thus, the one who used to be your enemy, may become your best friend.

Quran 9:15 He will also remove the rage from the believers' hearts. GOD redeems whomever He wills. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.

Quran 48:26 While those who disbelieved were enraged, and their hearts were filled with the pride of the days of ignorance, GOD blessed His messenger and the believers with peaceful contentment, and directed them to uphold the word of righteousness. This is what they well deserved. GOD is fully aware of all things.

Quran 16:126 So, if you have to respond to an attack in argument, respond only to the extent of the attack leveled against you. But to bear with patience is far better for the steadfast.

Quran 29:46 Do not argue with the people of the scripture (Jews, Christians, and Muslims) except in the nicest possible manner - unless they transgress - and say, "We believe in what was revealed to us and in what was revealed to you, and our god and your god is one and the same; to Him we are submitters."

Quran 49:11 O you who believe, no people shall ridicule other people, for they may be better than they. Nor shall any women ridicule other women, for they may be better than they. Nor shall you mock one another, or make fun of your names. Evil indeed is the reversion to wickedness after attaining faith. Anyone who does not repent after this, these are the transgressors.

The Quran promotes freedom of speech

Quran 4:140 He has instructed you in the scripture that: if you hear GOD's revelations being mocked and ridiculed, you shall not sit with them, unless they delve into another subject. Otherwise, you will be as guilty as they are. GOD will gather the hypocrites and the disbelievers together in Hell.

Quran 6:68 If you see those who mock our revelations, you shall avoid them until they delve into another subject. If the devil causes you to forget, then, as soon as you remember, do not sit with such evil people.

The Quran promotes racial equality

Quran 49:13 O people, we created you from the same male and female, and rendered you distinct peoples and tribes, that you may recognize one another. The best among you in the sight of GOD is the most righteous. GOD is Omniscient, Cognizant.

The Quran promotes gender equality

Quran 3:195 Their Lord responded to them: "I never fail to reward any worker among you for any work you do, be you male or female - you are equal to one another. Thus, those who immigrate, and get evicted from their homes, and are persecuted because of Me, and fight and get killed, I will surely remit their sins and admit them into gardens with flowing streams." Such is the reward from GOD. GOD possesses the ultimate reward.

The Quran promotes critical thinking

Quran 17:36 You shall not accept any information, unless you verify it for yourself. I have given you the hearing, the eyesight, and the brain, and you are responsible for using them.

49:6 O you who believe, if a wicked person brings any news to you, you shall first investigate, lest you commit injustice towards some people, out of ignorance, then become sorry and remorseful for what you have done.

The Quran discourages aggression and encourages self-defense

Quran 2:190 You may fight in the cause of GOD against those who attack you, but do not aggress. GOD does not love the aggressors.*

Quran 2:193 You may also fight them to eliminate oppression, and to worship GOD freely. If they refrain, you shall not aggress; aggression is permitted only against the aggressors.

Quran 49:9 If two groups of believers fought with each other, you shall reconcile them. If one group aggresses against the other, you shall fight the aggressing group until they submit to GOD's command. Once they submit, you shall reconcile the two groups equitably. You shall maintain justice; GOD loves those who are just.

Quran 9:6 If one of the idol worshipers sought safe passage with you, you shall grant him safe passage, so that he can hear the word of GOD, then send him back to his place of security. That is because they are people who do not know.

Quran 8:70 O you prophet, tell the prisoners of war in your hands, "If GOD knew of anything good in your hearts, He would have given you better than anything you have lost, and would have forgiven you. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful."

Another View:

There are many peaceful Muslims who are quick to quote the more positive and less aggressive parts of Islam - which is all well and good. However, very few admit that, because there are many verses in the Koran that contradict other verses, long ago Islamist leaders formulated the principle of naskh, or "abrogation," which teaches that Allah's later revelations override His earlier ones. So what is the impact upon the adherents of this faith and to others in the world?

This "abrogation or naskh' is made clear to all who study the Koran in Sura 2:106, which says, "If We [Allah] abrogate any verse or cause it to be forgotten, We will replace it by a better verse or one similar. Do you not know that [Allah] has power over all things?"

As Muslims believe Allah revealed the Koran to Muhammad over a span of 22 years, what is found to be most interesting is that almost all of the peaceful, tolerant verses appear in the earlier "Meccan" suras (chapters) of the Koran, but the verses promoting violence and holy war emerge in the later "Medinan" suras.

What is most discerning then is this principle called Naskh is that it is not some esoteric theory with no practical consequences. As an example, two years before killing 13 people at Fort Hood, Texas, the Muslim U.S. Army Major Nidal Malak Hasan cited this principle in relation to jihad in a presentation explaining Islam that he gave at Walter Reed Hospital. Jihad, of course is called 'holy war' by some in Islam.

Consider the following: Why does the Chinese government have far less fear of an attack on Beijing from Buddhist Tibetans than the Russian government fears an attack on Moscow from Muslim Chechens. Why are 2nd generation Muslims in Europe causing such a stir. Is it a geographical issue, poverty or education as most in the Social Sciences point to? No, studies abound showing these have little if any impact upon people's violent tendencies. But to the contrary, religious teachings have impacted adherents in the past and still do to this very day to perform many of these violent acts. Perhaps this is the way of mankind. If only we all would listen to the words of Jesus, Himself, who taught us to love all as He did so peace may abound for everyone:

New International Version (NIV)

52 "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.

PRE-REQUISITES FOR SALAAH (Shara'it)

The offering of salaah is obligatory upon every Muslim, male and female,

Eight pre-requisites that must be observed before one performs salaah.

1. To perform ghusl if necessary.

2. To make wudhu if necessary.

3. Taharah (cleanliness) of the entire body and all clothing.

4. Taharah (cleanliness) of the place where one intends performing salaah.

5. Facing towards the Qiblah.

7. Niyyah (intention) for salaah.

8. Performing salaah at the prescribed times.

If any one of these requirements are omitted, salaah will not be accepted.

Badr. A bit over 300 Muslims, versus a bit over 1,000 Meccans.

Answer 2

313 Muslims. and Imam Ali a.s. alone killed near half of killed enemies and many of other killed enemies were killed by help of him. also it is predicted in Islam that the number of commanders of Imam Mahdi a.s. will be at the same number of Muslims at Battle of Badr.

In Islam insulting others or making fun of them weather they are Muslim or not is NOT allowed.

Racism is not allowed in Islam, for the quran speaks of human quality in the following termms:

The Prophet (pbuh) once said: { O people! Your god is one and your forfather (Adam) is one. An Arab is not better than an non-Arab and a non-Arab is not better than an Arab, and a red (i.e white person) is not better than a black person and a black person is not better than a red person, except in piety.}

One of the major problems facing mankind today is racism. The developed world can't stope a man from hating and fighting his fellow man. Ever since the days of the prophet Muhammad(pbuh), Islam has provided a vivid example of how racism can be ended. The anuale pilgrimage (hajj) to Makkah shows the real Islamic brotherhood of all races and nations, when about two mullion Muslims from all over the world com to Makkah to perform pilgrimage.

Islam is a religion of justice. God has said:

{ Truly God commands you to give back trusts to those to whom they are due, and when you judge between people, to judge with justice...} ( Qur'an 4:58

And he said:

{...And act justly. Truly, god loves those who are just}(Qur'an, 49:9)

So in Islam no one is better than another because of his/her nationality an/or coler weather the person is black white red purple or green.

I hoped I've answered your question.salam.

In Islam, Halal is an Arabic term meaning "lawful or permissible" and not only encompasses food and drink, but all matters of daily life.

The following is a partial list of Halal non-meat products:

• Bread products
• Cereals - breakfast, natural and organic
• Cheese and cheese products and coatings
• Coffee mixes
• Dairy Products - whipped toppings and drink mixes
• Desserts - cakes and pastries
• Eggs - powdered, frozen, and processed
• Fish and Seafood
• French fries and Processed Potatoes
• Fruits - fresh and/or dried
• Grains
• Honey
• Ice Cream / Ice Cream Toppings
• Jams and Jellies

• Legumes and Nuts
• Milk (from species considered Halal)
• Pastry Items - frostings and coatings
• Pastas
• Peanut Butter
• Pizzas
• Plants (which are non-intoxicating)
• Sauces and dressings
• Seasonings
• Soup and Soup Base
• Syrups - table and flavored
• Tea Blends
• Vegetables - fresh and frozen

Non "Food" items which may also be Halal certified are:

• Capsules - Pharmaceutical and Vitamin
• Cosmetics
• Nutritional supplements
• Protein powders
• Vitamins and minerals

In the meat, poultry and food industry, animals such as cows, veal, lamb, sheep, goats, turkeys, chickens, ducks, game birds, bison, venison, etc., are considered Halal, but they must be slaughtered according to Islamic laws in order for their meat to be suitable for consumption.

The Social Context of Halal

Halal applies not only to food products but to all aspects of life and social context. One may hear mention of, "Halal money." What does this mean? For example, if a new religious center, school, hospital or any facility for social benefit is to be built, the funding must come from "clean" money or what is known as "Halal income." For example, money derived from gambling, the selling of alcohol, drug trafficking, illicit social vices, or any illegal activity is considered Haram or detrimental to society and therefore not acceptable or considered a Halal income.

This is but one brief example of Halal in a social context. Therefore, when one hears the word Halal outside the food industry, one must think of it as a way in conduct of all aspects of life and betterment of society. Halal certification of food also means a pure and more wholesome nourishment for mankind.

What is Haram?

The opposite of Halal is Haram, which means "unlawful, not permissible or prohibited."

They may also be summarized as: A. B. C. I. S.

A: Alcohol

B: Blood

C: Carniverous animals or carriers of disease

I: Idolartry (any animals or poultry sacrificed for voodoo, witchcraft or anything

denying the existence of the the Deity is the same as paganism or atheism.)

S: Swine and all pork by-products and/or derivatives

The following products are Haram and negate the Halal status:

• Swine/pork and all of its by-products
• Animals improperly slaughtered or dead before slaughtering
• Animals killed or falsely sacrificed in any name other than God, the Merciful such as slaughter of "false sacrifice" to witchcraft, paganism, voodoo or idolatry are forbidden.
• Alcohol, intoxicants and narcotic drugs
• Carniverous animals, birds of prey and scavenger animals or foul
• Blood and blood by-products (blood is the circulatory cleansing fluid of the body and is not to be consumed)
• Foods contaminated with any of the above products or contaminated with "impurities" (in Arabic, "najis")from processing, such as manure, urine, rodent droppings, infectous fluids, pus, etc are considered Haram.

The following list of ingredients is a partial list of examples of what should be avoided and are considered non-Halal as well:

• Alcohol
• Non-Halal Animal Fat
• Enzymes *Microbial Enzymes are permissible
• Gelatin * - from non-Halal source (fish gelatin is Halal)
• L-cysteine (if from human hair)
• Lard
• Lipase* only animal lipase need be avoided
• Non-Halal Animal Shortening
• Pork Bacon
• Pork Ham
• Unspecified Meat Broth
• Rennet* All forms should be avoided except for plant/microbial/synthetic.
• Rum
• Stock* - a blend of mix species broth or meat stock
• Tallow* - non-Halal species
• Wine

*May be consumed if derived from Halal animals

Halal Education

Many people assume that Halal and Kosher are the same thing. They are mistaken! If a product is Kosher certified, it does not mean the product is automatically Halal. The Kosher process differs from what is allowable by the Islamic Shari'a. For example, there are Kosher wines and alcohol but this is not permissible or acceptable for Halal foods. Another example of the difference between Halal and Kosher are slaughter procedures. For Halal meat and poultry processing, the Muslim slaughterman is required to acknowledge God's Creation and to thank God for providing sustenance by stating a prayer before each and every slaughter. Muslim slaughtermen invoke God's name before each and every slaughter with the statement, "In the name of God - God is the Greatest/Bismillahi Allahu Akbar." The Shochet, or Jewish slaughterman, does not and is not required to invoke God's name on each animal before each slaughter. With Halal slaughtering, the entire carcas is utilized. With Kosher slaughtering, only the front four-quarter of the beef carcass is utilized. The Kosher hind quarters cannot be considered Halal as the Shochet does not adhere to Islamic Law and Halal guidelines and does not pronounce the name of God before each slaughter. Within the meat industry, some companies and distributors attempt to claim or purport Kosher hind quarters to be sold as "Halal" beef. Within Islam, Kosher slaughtering and handling is respected and industry is responsible to understand the guidelines and differences between Halal slaughter, invoking God's name before each slaughter, and traditional Kosher slaughter rites and not mislead consumers.

Simply put, Halal and Kosher are similar but yet as different as "vegetarian" and "vegan." However, it is a fact in some situations and circumstances, Kosher consumers accept Halal and some Halal consumers may accept Kosher.

ISA offers educational seminars on topics such as:

• Halal requirements
• The difference between Halal and Kosher
• The Halal industry
• Ingredient Analysis

Islamic Slaughter and Supervision

ISA employs the largest well-trained group of highly qualified Islamic slaughtermen for the meat and poultry industry. Our slaughtermen travel throughout the United States to various U.S.D.A./F.D.A. plants to perform Islamic supervision, inspection, and Halal slaughtering.

Halal products are derived from animals and/or poultry that have been slaughtered according to Islamic law under the following statement, "In the name of God - God is the Greatest/Bismillahi Allahu Akbar." The animals and/or poultry are slaughtered by means of a sharp knife, cutting through the skin, jugular vein, and trachea to result in thorough bleeding of the carcass in preparation for dressing and evisceration in accordance with Islamic guidelines. Halal products and production are properly separated and properly identified.

Ingredient Analysis of Non-Meat Items

ISA has a team of food analysts that analyze ingredients to qualify what can be produced and sold to consumers as Halal. Just as with meat and poultry there are ingredients that are Haram and should be avoided. The most common types of ingredients that are most notably Haram are gelatin (excluding fish gelatin), lard and alcohol.

ISA staff has done extensive work and cooperation within the potato industry, cheese manufacturing, and the ice cream ingredient manufacturing sector.

islamicservices@isaiowa.org