Ibadha
in Islam
Allah Ta'ala states in His Book:
"I did not create the Jinn, nor mankind, except to worship Me."
[Quran 51:56]
Imam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) said,
"Ibadah is a collective term for everything that Allaah loves and is pleased with from amongst sayings and inward and outward actions."
"Ibadah is obedience to Allaah by carrying out what He has commanded through tongues of His Messengers."
Allah Ta'ala states in His Book:
"I did not create the Jinn, nor mankind, except to worship Me."
[Quran 51:56]
Imam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) said,
"Ibadah is a collective term for everything that Allaah loves and is pleased with from amongst sayings and inward and outward actions."
"Ibadah is obedience to Allaah by carrying out what He has commanded through tongues of His Messengers."
`Ibadah (act of worship) is an Arabic word derived from `abd (a slave) and it means submission. It portrays that God is your Master and you are His slave and whatever a slave does in obedience to and for the pleasure of his Master is `ibadah. The Islamic concept of `ibadah is very wide.
If you free your speech from filth, falsehood, malice, and abuse and speak the truth and talk goodly things and do all these only because God has so ordained to do, they constitute `ibadah, however secular they may look in semblance. If you obey the law of God in letter and spirit in your commercial and economic affairs and abide by it in your dealings with your parents, relatives, friends, and all those who come in contact with you, verily all these activities of yours are `ibadah. If you help the poor and the destitute, give food to the hungry, and serve the ailing and the afflicted persons, and do all this not for any personal gain of yours but only to seek the pleasure of God, they are nothing short of `ibadah. Even your economic activities, the activities you undertake to earn your living and to feed your dependants, are `ibadah if you remain honest and truthful in them and observe the law of God.
In short, all your activities and your entire life are `ibadah if they are in accordance with the law of God, and your heart is filled with His fear, and your ultimate objective in undertaking all theses activities is to seek the pleasure of God.
Thus, whenever you do good or avoid evil for fear of God, in whatever sphere of life and field of activity, you are discharging your Islamic obligations. This is the true significance of `ibadah, namely total submission to the pleasure of Allah; the molding into the patterns of Islam your entire life, leaving out not even the most insignificant part thereof. To help achieve this aim, a set of formal `ibadat (acts of worship) has been constituted, which serves as a course of training. These `ibadat are thus the pillars (salat, fasting, zakat and hajj) on which the edifice of Islam rests.
The Importance of Prayer in Islam
The importance of the prayer in Islam cannot be understated.
It is the first pillar of Islam that the Prophet, may God praise him, mentioned
after mentioning the Testimony of Faith, by which one becomes a Muslim.
It was made obligatory upon all the prophets and for all peoples.
Once a man asked the Prophet about the most virtuous
deed. The Prophet stated that the most virtuous deed is the prayer.
The man asked again and again and for the first three times, the Prophet
answered, “The prayer,” then on the fourth occasion he stated, “Jihad
in the way of God.”[1]
The importance of prayer is demonstrated in many of the
Prophet’s statements. For example, the Prophet said,
“The first matter that the slave will be brought to
account for on the Day of Judgment is the prayer. If it is sound, then
the rest of his deeds will be sound. And if it is incomplete, then the
rest of his deeds will be incomplete.”[2]
The importance of the prayers lies in the fact that no
matter what actions one performs in his life, the most important aspect is
one’s relationship to God, that is, one’s faith (imaan),
God-consciousness (taqwa), sincerity (ikhlas) and worship of God
(ibaadah). This relationship with God is both demonstrated and put
into practice, as well as improved and increased, by the prayer.
Therefore, if the prayers are sound and proper, the rest of the deeds will be
sound and proper; and if the prayers are not sound and proper, then the rest of
the deeds will not be sound and proper, as the Prophet himself stated.
In reality, the prayer is performed properly – with true
remembrance of God and turning to Him for forgiveness – it will have a lasting
effect on the person. After he finishes the prayer, his heart will be
filled with the remembrance of God. He will be fearful as well as hopeful
of God. After that experience, he will not want to move from that lofty
position to one wherein he disobeys God. God has mentioned this aspect of
the prayer when He has said,
“Verily, the prayer keeps one from the great sins and evil
deeds” (Quran 29:45)
Nadwi has described this effect in the following
eloquent way,
Its aim is to generate within the subliminal self of man
such spiritual power, light of faith and awareness of God as can enable him to
strive successfully against all kinds of evils and temptations and remain
steadfast at times of trial and adversity and protect himself against the
weakness of the flesh and the mischief of immoderate appetites.[3]
As for the Hereafter, God’s forgiveness and pleasure is
closely related to the prayers. The Messenger of God said,
“God has obligated five prayers. Whoever
excellently performs their ablutions, prays them in their proper times,
completes their bows, prostrations and khushu[4].
The prayers are a type of purification for a human
being. He turns and meets with his Lord five times a day. As
alluded to above, this repeated standing in front of God should keep the person
from doing sinful acts during the day. Furthermore, it should also be a
time of remorse and repentance, such that he earnestly asks God for forgiveness
for those sins that he committed. In addition, the prayer in itself is a
good deed that wipes away some of the evil deeds that he performed. These
points can be noted in the following hadith of the Prophet, may God praise him:
“If a person had a stream outside his door and he
bathed in it five times a day, do you think he would have any filth left on
him?” The people said, “No filth would remain on him whatsoever.” The Prophet
then said, “That is like the five daily prayers: God wipes away the sins by
them.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim)
Importance and Benefits of Zakath
The word zakah is derived from its Arabic verbal
root, meaning to increase, to purify, and to bless. The origin of the Islamic
rule is in the Qur'an where Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’aala) commands:
خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِم بِهَا
"Take sadaqah (sadaqah) from their property in order to purify and sanctify (zakihim) them" [TMQ At-Taubah: 103]
That is why this kind of sadaqah is called zakah, for by paying it; one is aspiring to attain blessing, purification and the cultivation of good deeds.
Zakah is defined in the Shariah as a determined right due from certain types of wealth. It is one of the worships ('Ibadat) and a basic element (Rukn) of Islam, like prayer, fasting and Hajj. It is only obliged upon Muslims, and is not taken from the non-Muslims.
خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِم بِهَا
"Take sadaqah (sadaqah) from their property in order to purify and sanctify (zakihim) them" [TMQ At-Taubah: 103]
That is why this kind of sadaqah is called zakah, for by paying it; one is aspiring to attain blessing, purification and the cultivation of good deeds.
Zakah is defined in the Shariah as a determined right due from certain types of wealth. It is one of the worships ('Ibadat) and a basic element (Rukn) of Islam, like prayer, fasting and Hajj. It is only obliged upon Muslims, and is not taken from the non-Muslims.
Benefits
of ZAKAT
1 – Zakat (paying the poor due) is one of the 5 pillars of Islam.
2 – It indicates a person’s sincerity of faith, since it shows his commitment to sacrifice something which he covets (material wealth). Hence it is called sadaqah, because it is an indication of his sincerity (sidq) to please Allah, may He be exalted.
3 – It cleanses ones character of greed avarice selfishness and miserliness.
4 – It gladdens the heart. If a person gives something, especially wealth, he feels a sense of joy. This is something that is tried and tested, but it is subject to the condition that he gives gladly and willingly, not grudgingly.
6 – It is one of the means of entering Paradise, because Paradise is for the one who “speaks good words, spreads (the greeting of) salaam, feeds the hungry and prays at night when the people are asleep.” And all of us are striving to enter Paradise.
7 – It makes society like a single family, in which those who have the means, show compassion to those who do not and the rich show empathy to those who are in hardship. Thus a person feels that he has brothers to whom he must do good as Allah has been good to him. This is practised nowadays as “social security”, but zakat is better, because a person is paying it voluntarily as an obligatory duty and benefiting his brothers thereby.
8 – It prevents extreme financial disparity and associated social evils and crimes.
9 – It leads a man to learn about the laws of Allah, because he can never pay his zakat until he has learned the rulings on zakat, the kinds of wealth that are subject to zakat and those who are entitled to receive it, and other information that he needs.
10 – It purifies wealth, so that the wealth will grow literally and metaphorically. If a person gives charity from his wealth, that this will protect him from problems, and Allah may increase his provision because of his giving charity.
11 – It expiates for sins. The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Charity extinguishes sins as water extinguishes fire.”
1 – Zakat (paying the poor due) is one of the 5 pillars of Islam.
2 – It indicates a person’s sincerity of faith, since it shows his commitment to sacrifice something which he covets (material wealth). Hence it is called sadaqah, because it is an indication of his sincerity (sidq) to please Allah, may He be exalted.
3 – It cleanses ones character of greed avarice selfishness and miserliness.
4 – It gladdens the heart. If a person gives something, especially wealth, he feels a sense of joy. This is something that is tried and tested, but it is subject to the condition that he gives gladly and willingly, not grudgingly.
6 – It is one of the means of entering Paradise, because Paradise is for the one who “speaks good words, spreads (the greeting of) salaam, feeds the hungry and prays at night when the people are asleep.” And all of us are striving to enter Paradise.
7 – It makes society like a single family, in which those who have the means, show compassion to those who do not and the rich show empathy to those who are in hardship. Thus a person feels that he has brothers to whom he must do good as Allah has been good to him. This is practised nowadays as “social security”, but zakat is better, because a person is paying it voluntarily as an obligatory duty and benefiting his brothers thereby.
8 – It prevents extreme financial disparity and associated social evils and crimes.
9 – It leads a man to learn about the laws of Allah, because he can never pay his zakat until he has learned the rulings on zakat, the kinds of wealth that are subject to zakat and those who are entitled to receive it, and other information that he needs.
10 – It purifies wealth, so that the wealth will grow literally and metaphorically. If a person gives charity from his wealth, that this will protect him from problems, and Allah may increase his provision because of his giving charity.
11 – It expiates for sins. The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Charity extinguishes sins as water extinguishes fire.”
Importance and Benefits of Fasting
Ramadan is a
period of fasting, reflection, devotion, generosity and sacrifice observed by
Muslims around the world. While major holidays of other faiths have largely
become commercialized events, Ramadan retains its intense spiritual meaning.
The word
"Ramadan" comes from the Arabic root word for "parched
thirst" and "sun-baked ground." It is expressive of the hunger
and thirst felt by those who spend the month in fasting. As opposed to other
holidays, when people often indulge, Ramadan is by nature a time of sacrifice.
- Through fasting, a Muslim
experiences hunger and thirst, and sympathizes with those in the world who
have little to eat every day.
- Through increased devotion,
Muslims feel closer to their Creator, and recognize that everything we
have in this life is a blessing from Him.
- Through increased charity,
Muslims develop feelings of generosity and good-will toward others. The
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said, "A man's wealth is
never diminished by charity."
- Through self-control, a Muslim
practices good manners, good speech, and good habits.
- Through changing routines,
Muslims have a chance to establish more healthy lifestyle habits --
particularly with regards to diet and smoking.
- Through family and community
gatherings, Muslims strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, in
their own communities and throughout the world.
Ramadan is a
very special time for Muslims, but the feelings and lessons we experience
should stay with us throughout the year. In the Qur'an, Muslims are commanded
to fast so that they may "learn self-restraint" (Qur'an 2:183). This
restraint and devotion is especially felt during Ramadan, but we all must
strive to make the feelings and attitudes stay with us during our
"normal" lives. That is the true goal and test of Ramadan.
May Allah
accept our fasting, forgive our sins, and guide us all to the Straight Path.
May Allah bless us all during Ramadan, and throughout the year, with His
forgiveness, mercy, and peace, and bring us all closer to Him and to each
other.
In Short:
1.Saum or Fasting is a great Blessing given to us by
Almighty Allah.
2. Saum is the fourth pillar of Islam.
3. Saum helps us not only to keep away from food and drink but also helps us to develop the qualities of self-control. This is one of the main objectives of Fasting.
4. By being "hungry" throughout the entire day, we are able to understand the plight of the poor and hungry and be more sympathetic towards them.
5. Saum helps build in us "Taqwa" or piety, a quality that makes us have Fear for Almighty Allah.
6. When we Fast we avoid speaking lies, speaking bad about others, laughing at others, keeping bad intentions and thoughts in our hearts, avoid being miserly, and keeps us in check with all the bad elements of our character.
7. The Month of Ramadaan is a spiritual training ground for the Muslim community.
8. Fasting helps us to build up a good character so that Almighty Allah is pleased with us and will reward us.
9. Fasting also has numerous medical benefits.
10. During the Blessed Month of Ramadaan, a Muslim has the chance of seeking Almighty Allah's great Mercy in the special night of "Laylatul Qadr" or the Night of Power.
11. The Taraweeh Salaah, which is performed after the Isha Salaah, helps to increases Islamic Brotherhood and the sense of true Ibaadah
2. Saum is the fourth pillar of Islam.
3. Saum helps us not only to keep away from food and drink but also helps us to develop the qualities of self-control. This is one of the main objectives of Fasting.
4. By being "hungry" throughout the entire day, we are able to understand the plight of the poor and hungry and be more sympathetic towards them.
5. Saum helps build in us "Taqwa" or piety, a quality that makes us have Fear for Almighty Allah.
6. When we Fast we avoid speaking lies, speaking bad about others, laughing at others, keeping bad intentions and thoughts in our hearts, avoid being miserly, and keeps us in check with all the bad elements of our character.
7. The Month of Ramadaan is a spiritual training ground for the Muslim community.
8. Fasting helps us to build up a good character so that Almighty Allah is pleased with us and will reward us.
9. Fasting also has numerous medical benefits.
10. During the Blessed Month of Ramadaan, a Muslim has the chance of seeking Almighty Allah's great Mercy in the special night of "Laylatul Qadr" or the Night of Power.
11. The Taraweeh Salaah, which is performed after the Isha Salaah, helps to increases Islamic Brotherhood and the sense of true Ibaadah
