Discover ISLAM
This is a section for people who
are interested in learning about the religion Islam. It is a compilation of information on the tenets of the Islamic faith,
its principles and practices. Exploring Islam explains the basic fundamental beliefs of the Islamic way of life and how Islam
is associated with the world's other leading religions. This section also explains the duties of abiding Muslims and what
the institution of Islam has to offer for each of them.
Muslims believe that mankind's salvation will result from
the worship of God as "One" without equals or partners. Islam teaches us that we can pray directly to God without an intermediary
and that no soul can bear the burden of another. The Qur'an teaches us that only God can forgive sins, punish or reward. The
Qur'an also teaches us that the nature of humanity is good, and we did not inherit sin from Adam. Each soul comes into being
free of sin and inclined toward goodness and is capable of doing good and unless taught against its nature, will incline toward
good deeds. The teachings of Islam guide mankind back to our pure nature through knowledge of God. Mankind was obviously no
accident and only could have been created by a Supreme Being, something which this section intends to prove.
Islam: A Message to Mankind
The Islamic message
to mankind is a very simple message. Through this message God calls mankind to His worship as our sole Creator. He cautions
mankind against becoming worshippers of false gods, and the pleasures of life. As our Creator, God knows each of us as though
we are the only one that He Created, He knows each of us intimately. Although humans are interdependent, and we care for each
other and love each another, we can only do this within a human and limited capacity. Even our parents and friends do not
and cannot know us as God knows us. No one can love us more than God when we are obedient to Him. God is the Creator of such
things as love, need, care, etc. and His capacity or ability for such things is infinite and perfect, while ours is limited
and imperfect.
The Islamic message is a message that was sent down to mankind from God as a demonstration of God's
mercy, something which He extends to all of His creation. God says in the Qur;'an that His rain is a mercy, and it falls on
the crops of the righteous and the wicked. God teach us that He never sleeps, that He never rebukes or reproaches us. He hears
all things, sees all things, and knows all things. He teach us that His mercy is greater than His wrath, and that He is always
listening to hear our confessions, our questions, our problems and our praise.. God says to us in the Qur'an, " Tell my servants,
the Believers, to call me and I will answer their supplications."
The prophet Muhammad also teaches us about God.
He taught us that God is so merciful that He (God) said, "Tell my servants to never lose hope of God's mercy. That so anxious
is He for their salvation that if one takes one step toward God, seeking His comfort and forgiveness, God will take ten times
that number of steps toward His servant, and if one of His servants comes walking toward God seeking God's mercy and forgiveness,
God will run to meet Him." The verses of the Qur'an and the teachings of the prophet Muhammad called the "Sunnah" or way of
the prophet teaches us about God, His Attributes and the purpose for which He created the universe and mankind. Sunnah teaches
us the way to live our lives in a manner which leads to inner peace and happiness, and gives us strength through faith in
God to face our many hardships.
These blessings all stem from belief in One True and Living God, who taught us His
name, " Allah (SWT)."
The Holy Qur'an Chapter 3, verses 31-34 says:
Say, (O' prophet Muhammad) if you love God,
Follow me: Allah (SWT) will love you and forgive you your sins; for Allah (SWT) is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful. Say (O' prophet
Muhammad) "Obey Allah (SWT), and His messenger, but if they turn back, Allah (SWT) loves not those who reject faith. Allah
(SWT) did choose Adam and Noah, the family of Abraham and the family of Imran above all people, offspring, one of the other:
And God hears and knows all things.
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Muharram
First month of the Islamic Calendar.
Meaning: The word "Muharram" means "Forbidden."
Even before Islam, this month was always known as a scared month in which all unlawful acts were forbidden, prominently the
shedding of blood.
Blessing: There are many bounties of this month, especially
on 10th of Muharram.
10th of Muharram: On this day he who spends
more lavishly for the sake of his family members, Allah Ta'aalaa will bestow blessing upon the sustenance of the following
year.
Abu Qataada (R.A.) has related that the Prophet 
has reported to have said, It is my thought that by fasting on the 10th of Muharram Allah Ta'aalaa will pardon the sins of
the past year. (Tirmizi)
Events:
Prior To Islam
1. Prophet Adam (pbuh) was born and entered the Paradise on 10th of Muharram.
2. Prophet Ayyub (pbuh) was cured
from his illness.
3. A way was made in the sea for Bani Israel.
4. Prophet Suleman (pbuh) was ordained King.
5.
The oceans and heavens were created. (Tanbihul-Gaafileen)
During Islam:
1. Hadhrat
Hussain (R.A.) was martyred in this month.
2. Shaykhain Tirmizi & Haakim has narrated from Anas
(R.A) that the following verse:
"Allah may forgive thee of thy sins that which is past
and that which is to come . . ."
(Qur'an Al-Fath 48:2)
was revealed on the 10th of Muharram.
3. The Prophet Muhammed went to defeat Bani Muhaarin and Bani Tha'laba (Tribes of Bani Gatfan) in the year 4 A.H. (Asahhus-siyar)
4. Qiyaamah will take place on the 10th of Muharram.
Safar
Second month of the Islamic calendar
Misconception:
This time of the year was considered to be cursed as
many catastrophes and calamities took place. However this belief has been proven to be false and totally without foundation
(absurd).
This can also be confirmed by the following hadeeth.
Hadhrat Jaabir (R.A.) has said that, "I have heard the Prophet saying, the descending of illness and evil superstition befalling in the month of Safar is untrue." (Muslim)
Events:
1. The Battle of Abwaa took place on 12th of Safar in
the year 2 A.H.
2. The Battle of Khaibar took place in the year 7 A.H.
3. Hadhrat Ali (R A ) married Prophet
daughter Hadhrat Fatima (R.A.) in the latter days of Safar 2 A.H.
4. Khubaib Ibn Adey (R.A.) was martyred in Safar
in the year 4 A.H. in Makkah.
5. Zaid Ibn Dathina (RA) was martyred in this month in the year 4 A.H. in Makkah.
Rabi-Al-Awwal
Third month of the Islamic calendar
Meaning: First month of spring.
Events:
1. The Holy Prophet was born in this month as mercy for all and departed from this world 63 years later.
2. The Holy Prophet migrated from Makkah to Madinah Munawwarah.
3. Battle of Buwaat took place in the year 2 A.H.
4. Battle of
Saf'vaan took place in the year 2 A.H.
5. Abu Bakr's(R. A) daughter, Asma (R.A.) was born 6 years before Prophecy.
6.
Ruqayyah (R. A.) the daughter of the beloved Prophet was born 7 years before Prophecy.
7. Abu Bakr (RA.) was appointed Caliph.
8. Hadhrat Umme Kuithum was married in this
month to the third Caliph; Uthman (R.A.) in 3 A.H.
9. Wife of the Holy Prophet Zainab (RA.) passed away in the year 4 A.H.
10. Ibrahim (RA.) the son of Maaria Qibtiya & of the Holy Prophet passed away in the year 10 A.H.
Rabi-Al-Thani
Fourth month of the Islamic Calendar.
Meaning: The second month of spring.
Events:
1. Battle of
Furu' from Buhraan took place in 3 A.H Sariyyah-Battle in which the Holy Prophet did not take part in, instead he consigned one of his Companions as the colonel. The consigned: Sariyyah Ali Ibn Abi
Talib in the 9th Hijri. Sariyyah-Ibn Alqamah Mujaazziz Mudlejee.
2. Hadrat Khwaja Nizamuddin- 18th Rabi-ul-Akhir: 725
Hijri. Hadrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilanee- 11th Rabi-ul-akhir: 561 Hijri passed away at the age of 90.
Jumada-Al-Awwal
Fifth month of the Islamic Calendar.
Events:
1. The Battle "Moota" took place in 8 A.H. A war against infidels
in which th Holy Prophet did not participate. Th battle is named after a famous city in Syria (Moota). Hadrat Zaid Ibn Haritha (R.A) was
the first appointed General by the Holy Prophet
2. In the same Battle Hadrat Khalid ibn Walid (fourth
general of the Battle of Moota) was proclaimed by the Holy Prophet as being "one of the swords of Allah".
3. The Holy Prophet married his first beloved wife; Hadrat Khadijah (R.A) 15 years prior to Prophecy.
4. Deaths:
Hadrat Zaid Ibn Haritha (R.A) met martyrdom in 8 A.H
Hadrat Ja'far Ibn Abi Talib (R.A.) met martyrdom in 8 A.H.
Hadrat Abdullah Ibn Rawaahah met martyrdom in 8 A.H.
Hadrat
Abdullah Ibn Uthman (R.A.) passed away.
The Holy Prophet grandfather Abdul Muttalib passed away 32 years prior to prophency.
Jumada-Al-Thani
Sixth month of the Islamic Calendar.
Events:
1. Battle of Salaasil took place in 8 A.H.
2. Abu
Salama (R.A) died in the year 4 A.H.
Rajab
Seventh month of the Islamic Calendar.
Meaning: From Rajaba "to respect"
Events:
1. The Holy Prophet ascended to Heaven on the 27th of Rajab on either Sunday or Monday (Mi'raaj).
2. Hadhrat Bilal Ibn Haritha (R.A) brought
a congregation of four hundred men named Banu Muzeena in the presence of the Holy Prophet . They all embraced Islam and became followers of the Holy Prophet in the year 5 A.H
3. The battle of Tabook took place in the year 9 A.H. This was the last battle in which the Holy Prophet participated.
4. The second Oath of Aqabah took place in Rajab, 12 A.H.
5. Deaths:
Imam Abu Hanifa (R.A) passed away on the 15th of Rajab 150
A.H.
Imam Shafi'ee (R.A) passed away on the 14th Rajab 204 A.H.
Imam Muslim (R.A) passed away on the 24th of Rajab
261 A.H.
Imam Nawawee (R.A) passed away on the 14th of Rajab 677 A.H.
Shaban
Eight month of the Islamic Calendar.
Meaning: Consecutively escalating.
(Undisturbed increase)
Blessings:
With the Arrival of the Shaban moon numerous blessings
are showered upon us. Just as the initiation of rainfall begins with "pitter patter" such blessings reach us in the
same accord and fashion.
With the Beginning of Shaban blessings are initiated
which progressively escalate so that by mid-Shaban the blessings have reached a considerable amount and finally such blessings
reached a considerable amount and finally such blessings reach their peak by the end of Ramadan.
For example just as a farmer prepares for a fruitful
harvest by harrowing his acreage so that the soil may readily retain water, in contrast our souls are geared by the presence
of such blessings in Shaban effectively preparing us for a fruitful and completely advantageous Ramadan.
Our Holy Prophet has said, "Shaban is my month and Ramadan the month of Allah Ta'aalaa." (Daylami)
Events:
1.
"Laila-tul Baraa'at (Night of forgiveness) the fifteenth night of Shaban.
2. "Qibla", the direction to be adopted
within salaah, was reverted back to the "Ka'aba" in Makkah (after being coverted to Baitul Muqaddas in Jerusalem for a short
period of time). This took place two years after Hijraah on the 15th of Shaban.
3. Fasting in the blessed month
of Ramadan was made compulsory in the year 2 A.H. on the 25th of Shaban.
4. Three years A.H. Hadhrat Hafsa (R.A) was joined
in matrimony with the Prophet .
5. In this very month forty two years later Hadhrat Hafsa (R.A) took leave from this world.
6. The birth of the
Prophet's grandson Hadhrat Hussain (R.A.) took place, four years on the fifth of Shaban.
7. The battle of Banu Mustaliq took place
in Shaban.
8. During the above mentioned battle, the "Aayah of Tayammum" (Purifying with sand before salaah) was revealed,
in the year 5 A.H.
9. The daughter of the beloved Prophet Umme Kulthum (R.A.) took leave from this world, in the 9 A.H.
Ramadan
Ninth month of the Islamic Calendar.
Meaning: Derived from "RAMADHA", literally means "intense
heat". The possible reasons for this meaning:
1. When the Islamic months were enforced the month of
fasting coincided with the summer months of intense heat.
2. The second reason which has been mentioned is that due
to fasting the temperature within the stomach increases, again the element of heat is a factor behind the actual naming of
RAMADAN.
3. It has also been said that "RAMADHAA" is one of the names of Allah Ta'aalaa. If that is the case
then the month has acquired the name due to the fact that Allah Ta'aalaa burns away accumulated sins and eliminates then from
the list of unlawful deeds. Once again the burning sins cannonades "HEAT". However. it should be acknowledged
that this reasoning is not wholly reliable.
Blessings:
Hadhrat Salmaan (R.A) reports that on the last day of
Sha'baan the Messenger of Allah Ta'aalaa addressed then and said, "Oh people, there comes before you now a great month, a
most blessed month in which lies a night more greater in virtue than 1,000 months; (LAYLATUL-QADR). It is a month in
which each day should be observed by fasting, this has been made obligatory by the Almighty Allah."
Events:
1.
Hadhrat Hasan (R.A.), Holy Prophet grandson was born on 15th of Ramadan, three years after Hijrah.
2. Qur'an was revealed on the 27th night of Ramadan
from the "Lauhe Mahfooz" (on 7th heaven) to 1st heaven.
3. The first Battle in the Islamic History, "BATTLE OF BADR"
took place on the 12th of Ramadan in year 2 A.H.
4. Victory of Makkah took place on 18th of Ramadan in the year 8 A.H.
5.
Hadhrat Sawdah (R.A) was married in year 10 A.H. to the Holy Prophet
6. Hadhrat Zainab Bint Khuzaima's (R.A.) marriage took place in the year 3 A.H. to the Holy Prophet .
7. Deaths:
i) Hadhrat Ruqayyah (R.A), Holy Prophet daughter, passed away at the young age of 23 in the year 2 A.H when the Prophet was at "Battle of Badr".
ii) Hadhrat Khadijah (R.A), wife of the Holy prophet departed from this world on the 11th of Ramadan in the year 10 A.H.
iii) Hadrat Fatimah (R.A) took leave
from the world on a Tuesday 3rd Ramadan in the year 11 A.H. (6 months after the death of Holy Prophet she was only 29 years old.)
iv) Hadrat Abbas (R.A.) the Holy Prophet uncle passed away on a Friday 12th Ramadan in the year 32 A.H at the age of 88
v) Hadrat Ali (R.A.) the Prophet son-in-law departed from this world on Friday 27th Ramadan, age 57 in the year 40 A.H.
vi) Hadhrat Saffiyah
(R.A.) took leave from this world in the year 50 A.H., aged 60 years.
vii) Hadhrat Aa'ishah (R.A.) was 65 years old
when she departed in the year 58 A.H.
Shawwal
Tenth month of the Islamic Calendar.
Meaning: Uplift/breakage, as before Islam, Arabs believed
that any marriage held in Shawwal would always turn out to be unsuccessful.
Blessings:
The first day of Shawwal is Eid-Ul-Fitr, the day of festival
and when all sins are forgiven as a reward for fasting and prayers in the month of Ramadan.
Its Sunnah ( Tradition of Holy Prophet ) to fast for six days in Shawwal, as narrated in the following Hadeeth by Abu Ayyub Ansaru (R.A) that the Holy Prophet has said, "If one throughout his life keeps the fasts of Ramadan and keeps six consecutive fasts in Shawwal it will be as
though he has kept a whole life time of fasts, and if one fast for six consecutive days in Shawwal it will be as though he
has fasted all year round."
(Muslim)
Events:
1. Hadhrat Aa'ishah Siddiqah (R.A) was born in Shawwal,
4 years after Prophethood and 9 years before Hijrah.
2. Hadhrat Aa'ishah Siddiqah (R.A.) was married to Holy Prophet in Shawwal, 10 years after Prophethood which is 3 years before Hijrah.
3. The fight between Banu Qaynaqaa
took place between the battle of Badr and Uhud, Shawwal 2 A.H. after Hijrah.
4. The battle of Uhud also took place
in Shawwaal, three years after Hijrah.
5. Hadhrat Hussain (R.A) Holy Prophet's grandson (son of Hadhrat Fatima R.A.) was born in the month of Shawwaal 4 years after Hijrah.
6. The Holy Prophet married Hadhrat Umme Salamah (R.A.) in Shawwal in the 4 year after Hijrah.
7. Hadhrat Aa'ishah Siddiqah's (R.A) mother
passed away in year 5 A.H.
8. The Holy Prophet's uncle Abu Talib departed from this world in the middle of Shawwal in the year 5 A.H.
9. Imam Bukhari (R.A.) was born
on a Friday of Shawwaal in the year 194 A.H.
Zul-Qa'dah
Eleventh month of the Islamic Calendar.
Events:
1. The battle of 'khandaq (trench) or Ahzab' took place
in the year 5 A.H.
2. In the year 6 A.H.-Truce of Hudaubiyah.
3. In the year 6 A.H 'Bay'at-e-Rizwaan' (The oath
of allegiance named Rizwaan).
4. The return to Makkah for Umrah by Holy Prophet and his Companions in the year 7 A.H.
Zul-Hijjah
Twelveth and last month of the Islamic Calendar.
Meaning: The month of "Hajj" (Pilgrimage)
Blessings:
The fifth pillar of Islam "Hajj" is performed in this
sacred month. The first ten days of Zul-Hijjah are the most virtuous days in this whole month, Hajj is performed amongst
these ten days.
Hadhrat Abu Haraira (R.A) reports from the Holy Prophet : "Amongst all days there are none better to engage in sole worship of Allah than in the ten days of Zul-Hijjah, To
observe a fast on any of these days is equivalent to fasting throughout the year, to actively engage in prayer and worship
throughout any of these nights holds such rewarding values leveling with "night of power" (Laylatul-Qadr) "Tirmizi"
It has been stated in the Holy Qur'an, "By the dawn;
By the ten nights (ie. the first ten days of the month of Zul-Hijjah), and by the even and the odd (of all the creations of
Allah) and by night when it departs. There is indeed in them (the above oaths) sufficient proofs for men of understanding.
(and that they should avoid all kinds of sins and disbelief)"
Hadhrat Abi Qataadah (R.A) reports in a part narration from
the Holy Prophet concerning the fast observed on the day of Arafaat: "I have full confidence in Allah for the one who observes a fast on the
day of Arafaat that his previous year's sins and the proceeding year's sins are forgiven."
(Muslim)
Events:
1. The Prophet performed the farewell Hajj and gave the historic sermon known as the "Farewell Sermon"
2. Egypt was conquered by the
army sent by Hadhart Umar (R.A.)
3. Uthmaan (R.A.) was appointed the third Caliph
4. "Bay'ate-Aqabah"
5. Hadhrat Fatimah (R.A.) was married in this holy month
to the fourth Caliph Hadhrat Ali (R.A.)
Deaths:
i) Hadhrat Umar (R.A.) met martydom- 27th of Zul-Hijjah in the year 26 A.H.
ii) Hadhrat Uthmaan (R.A) was martyred- 18th Zul-Hijjah in the year 35 A.H.
Source: Inter-Islam
