This page contains information that relates to Islamic matters. The information provided on this page is gathered from other sites who have reliable information on various aspects of life and living as a muslim. The content is not directly owned by Naijamaican and is not intended as a sole guide to Islam or for muslims but is provided for use as a resource for muslims who may visit this site looking for more information about islam.
Foreward by the Proprietor
Islam is a religion of peace and vibrancy, a religion that encourages discipline and forthright values, a religion that is at One, no matter where you are in the world, the religion is practiced the same way. Islam is a social and community orientated religion and one that encourages good family values, honest and good behaviour and peaceful conduct.
Islam is a religion that emphasises the equality of men and women, what is expected of men in marriage and emphasises on good conduct. Qu'ran 2:187 , Qu'ran2:226, Qu'ran 4:1, Qu'ran 4:19, Quran,and Qu'ran 33:35.
There is so much adversity in the world today, strife, war and pestilence attributed to Islam. It is a touchy and tough issue to debate upon, indeed, although many actions are sometimes attributed to Islam it is important to note that in looking at Islam the religion as we all should, it is not almost always possible to give credence to the blame placed on religion.
These are tough times we al live in, Islam has earned a very poor and negative stereotypical reputation which those of us in the younger generation cannot shift easily. As a muslim, I cannot change what others think, but I can do what I can to help brothers and sisters in Islam not to lose focus of their religion and faith.
This page focusses the five pillars of Islam also known as acts of Ibadah( an act/action perfomed with humility and devotion as a servant of Allah with the intention of purifying one's spirutual and physical life and to seek the pleasure of Allah). I was born and raised up in a muslim family, this was perhaps the most fundamental tool passed to us. I hope it helps others to come closer to their faith(Iman) and religion and to rediscover the joy of being a muslim.
Prayer (Sallah)
Five times daily at prescribed times. Prayer involves cleaning of the body either partly or in entirety, praise and supplication to Almighty Allah and presentation of personal prayer and thanksgiving with meditation and reflection by reading and recitation of verses from the Qu'ran.
Fasting (Saum)
Fasting during the month of Ramadaan . This involves abstinence from food, prayer, meditation, supplication and is also a time or deep reflection and personal time devoted to prayer and supplication to Allah
Giving of Alms (Zakaat)
Giving of alms to the poor and needy, doing charitable deeds, this is an act that is recommended to assist all who are needy and those less fortunate.
Holy Pilgrimage (Hajj)
Going on holy pilgrimage as many times as one has the means to the holy city of Mecca and joining in mass congregation with muslims of all races, creeds, backgrounds and countries, to proclaim faith, to visit historic sites and to experience the humility and blessings of the holy city. The rituals are such that the Muslims are forced to intermingle with all races and backgrounds thus promotes tolerance, acceptance and understanding and it is also based on principles of humility, brotherhood, sacrifice, patience, tolerance, community, togetherness and faith.
Shahada (Professing that there is no God but Allah and Mohammed is his messanger, 'ašhadu 'al-lā ilāha illā-llāhu wa 'ašhadu 'anna muħammadan rasūlu-llāh, struggling in the Way of Allah;)
Making all effort to ensure that we live a truthful life in attitude and remembrance of Allah in our minds, our hearts and daily life.
We should say
Bismillah (In the name of Allah) at all occassions of beginning or starting anything,
Subhanallah (Glory to Allah) at all times of Greatness and wonder,
Alhamdulilah (Praise be to Allah) at all times of favour and comfort,
Insha Allah ( By Allah's grace/by Allah's will) at all times of taking an action or undertaking to carry out an action, Astagafirulaah (I seek forgiveness from Allah) at all times of making mistakes and sinning,
Salaam Aleykum( Peace be upon You) at all occassions of meeting and greeting,
Innalillahi ( We belong to Allah) at all occasions where we encounter what we do not know or misfortune or grief, Allahu Akbar (Allah is Great) at all times when we wish to render raise to Allah and in all difficulty and crisis,
Alla humma salli alaa Muhamadin wa baarik wa sallim ( O Allah! bestow grace grace, blessingand peace on Muhammed) to cultivate love and reverence for the prophet.
We should also avoid oppression,dishonesty and mischief to maintain peace and order, be generous and forgiving, avoid exaggeration, hypocricy and impolite and inconsiderate ways and means when attempting to propagate Islam, and take reasonable action to guard and defend ourselves against attack and oppression whilst guarding against excess such as anhillation, genocide, suppression and keep idealism in line with realism.
THE LINKS, FEEDS, INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS PAGE GIVE MORE INFORMATION ON THESE BASICS WHERE POSSIBLE. THE INFORMATION IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE NOR IS IT MEANT TO BE USED AS A SOLE GUIDE TO ISLAM, BUT INSTEAD AS A RESOURCE WHICH IS MEANT TO ENCOURAGE UNDERSTANDING, PEACE, SOCIAL COHESION & INCLUSION AND ENCOURAGE US TO REINFORCE OUR FAITH TO INSTIL ORDER IN OUR LIVES.