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Islam Beliefs And Practices - A Look On Islamic Articles of Faith

Islam Beliefs by Editorial Staff (December 15, 06:35 AM)

Islam Beliefs And Practices - Iman is the basis of all actions in Islam. Islam beliefs and practices are based on the concept of Iman, or the believer’s faith.

Iman consists of belief in six things mentioned in the Quran:
"The Apostle believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, as do the men of faith. Each one (of them) believes in Allah, His angels, His books, and His Apostles" (2:285)

Umar (R.A) reported, "One day we were sitting in the company of Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) when there appeared before us a man dressed in pure white clothes, his hair extraordinarily black. There were no signs of travel on him. None amongst us recognized him. At last he sat with the Apostle (p.b.u.h). He knelt before him placed his palms on his thighs and said: Mohammad inform me about al-Islam. The Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h) said : Al-Islam implies that you testify that there is no god but Allah and that Mohammad (p.b.u.h)is the last Messenger of Allah, and you establish prayer, pay Zakat, Observe the fast of Ramadhan, and perform pilgrimage to the House if you are solvent enough (to bear the expenses of) the journey. He (the inquirer) said: Inform me about Iman (faith). He (the Holy prophet (p.b.u.h)) replied: That you affirm your faith in Allah, in His angels, His books, His messengers, in the Day of Judgment and you affirm your faith in the Divine Decree about good and evil. He (the inquirer) said: you told the truth. He then, said to me: Umar do you know who this inquirer was? I replied: Allah and His Apostle know best. He (the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h)) remarked: He was Gabriel (the angel). He came to you in order to instruct you in matters of religion." (Sahih Muslim)

The above mentioned branches of faith or beliefs and practices of Islam are important in a Muslim's life. These beliefs make a man virtuous, upright and obedient to Allah. He gains self respect and confidence in Allah. These beliefs encourage the idea of equality of mankind. It creates an attitude of peace and contentment in man, and frees them from jealousy, envy and greed. Based on these beliefs, a Muslim refrains from adopting unfair means to achieve success and they lead this life for a better life in the world after. Shun all vices and perform duties towards their Creator.

Similarly, the pillars and practices also have an important role to play in a Mommin's (Muslim's) life.

Salah

Increases punctuality, promotes cleanliness, develops self control and self discipline, nurtures piety or taqwa and fosters patience and perseverance.
 

Zakat

Paying Zakat or almsgiving purifies the heart and the wealth. It leads to equal distribution of wealth in the society. Stimulates investment and discourages hoarding. The rich give charity seeking Allah's pleasure.
 

Fasting

Fasting has Moral (believer renounces and abstains from all that is forbidden by Allah), Social (promotes a feeling of empathy among the Muslims as they abstain from food, water and other vices) Physical (abstaining from food gives rest to the stomach and benefits the body), Economical (rich spend generously on poor) and Spiritual (brings a Muslim closer to Allah) benefits.
 

Hajj

Journey to the house of Allah has Spiritual (Allah removes all sins of the believer), Economical (trading is allowed thus, it promotes exchange of goods and services among people coming from all corners of the world) and Political (Muslims assemble every year. This provides a platform to the Muslim leaders to come together to discuss and resolve the problems) benefits.
 

The beliefs and practices of Islam define how a Muslim spends their life to be a better human being and to attain Allah's mercy and love.

Last Updated: 21/7/2015



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Syed Noor Mustafa Shah Jeelani
Syed Noor Mustafa Shah Jeelani January 14, 02:12 AM

1. believes in Allah, 2. His angels, 3. His books, and 4. His Apostles what are other two..

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