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Pillars of Islam
1. Shahadah
2. Salah
 Conditions
 Ablution
 Method
 Tahajjud and Witr
 Qasr, Qada, and Combined
 Congregational
 Friday Prayer
 Eid Prayer
 Funeral Prayers
 Dua
 Mosques
 Azaan
 Importance
 3. Fasting

4. Zakat
5. Hajj

Shahadah:

 Shahadah is the foundation of Islam that differentiates a Muslim from a non-

Muslim
 It is affirmed whenever Muslims recite the declaration: “I believe/testify, verily
that, there is no god but Allah and I believe/testify, verily that, Muhammad
(PBUH) is (the) Prophet.”
 This belief is acted upon via the remaining four pillars
 It has two parts – one referring to Tawheed and the other to the Holy Prophet
(PBUH) 

Tawheed:

 You do not need to go into detail about it as much as you would in a question
about it as the Pillar of Islam
 It refers to the belief that:
 There is no God but Allah, who has no partners
 Allah alone is worthy of worship
 Allah has several unshared qualities, such as being the immortal, omniscient
sustainer and creator of mankind and all things in the universe

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Quotes:

 “Allah! There is no God but he – the Living, self-subsisting, eternal. No

slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all the things in the Heavens and
on Earth.” (Ayat ul Kursi)
 “In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful. All praise is
for Allah Lord of the worlds/The most gracious, the most merciful/Master
of the Day of Judgment./You (alone) we worship, and you (alone) we ask
for help” Surah Fatihah
 “Say he is Allah, the One and only, Allah the eternal and absolute. He
begets not and nor is he begotten. And there is none like unto him.” Surah
Ikhlas

Prophet Muhammad:

 He is the final Messenger of Allah. 

 This belief – that the Holy Prophet was chosen by Allah to deliver the last
message – is known as Khatam-e-Nabuwat
 “The chain of Messengers has come to an end. There shall be no messenger
nor Prophet after me.” Prophet Muhammad
 His message and preaching is for the entire universe, not just Arabia where he
was sent
 “Say O mankind! Verily I am sent to you as the Messenger of Allah…”
(7:158)
 His teachings are perfect and incorruptible. They include his:
 Character, which is an inspiration for all
 The Quran which he preached 
 “And verily, you are on an exalted standard of character” (68:4)

Prayer/Salah: 

 Salah means communication

 It is an expression of a Muslim’s belief in Allah
 It is compulsory on every sane and conscious mature man and woman 
Congregational Prayers 
Individual Prayers
These have 27x more reward than individual ones
5 daily namaaz
Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghreb, and The 5 daily namaaz can be given in congregation
Isha
Sunnah Friday Prayers

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Nafl Eid Namaaz

Witr Funeral Prayers
Qasr Taraweeh
Qaza
Tahajjud
 There are two types of prayer – Individual and Congregational.

Conditions for Prayer:

 Purity of Body:
 Mention, Hadas-e-Asghar, to combat which you have to perform Wudu,
 Hadas-e-Akbar, to combat which you have to perform Ghusl, and 
 Tayammum, which is performed when there is no water
 “And Allah loves those who keep themselves clean and pure” (9:108)
 Direction:
 One must face the Qiblah while praying
 “…Turn then your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque” (2:44)
 If one does not know the direction of the Qiblah, they have to guess
 Timing:
 Prayer must be prayed at the prescribed time and not at the forbidden times
mentioned below:
 “Prayers indeed have been enjoined on believers at fixed times” (4:103)
 Purity of clothes and surroundings:
 The clothes you wear and the area in which you pray must be clean
 “Cleanliness is half of Faith” Prophet Muhammad
 Intention:
 “Actions are judged by intentions” Prophet Muhammad
 Appropriate Clothings:
 Your satr must be covered
 For men, that extends from the navel to your knees
 Women have to cover everything but their face, hands, and feet
 “Take your adornment (by wearing proper clothing) for every Mosque”
(7:31)

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Forbidden Times of Prayer:

 It is sinful not to pray at the prescribed times:

 “Prayers indeed have been enjoined on believers at fixed times” (4:103)
 However, there are also a few times when it is sinful to pray:
 At high noon, for that is when hell is stoked up
 When the sun is rising at setting, for it sets between Shaitan’s horns

Ablution:

 Prayer is not accepted unless one has formed Taharah (purification of

themselves and the place around them)
 If one is in a state of Hadas-e-Asghar (minor impurity, conditions are mentioned
below), Wudu (or Tayammum in case of a lack of water) is necessary
 In a state of Hadas-e-Akbar (major impurity) Ghusl is necessary

Wudu:

 Method
 First the Niyat, an intention of Wudu, is done
 Next, both hands (starting from the right) are washed till the wrists
 Your mouth is then rinsed thrice without swallowing the water
 Water is put in the nostrils and blown out thrice
 Wash your face from the top of your forehead till your chin and one ear to the
other thrice
 Wash your arms till your elbows twice
 Masah: Wet your hair, ear, neck, and beard 
 Your feet should then be washed till your ankles thrice
 Acts that invalidate wudu:
 Vomiting
 Sleep
 Urination
 Defecation
 Passing gas
 Excretion of intestinal worms
 Flowing of blood
 Fits of insanity
 Unconscious
 Laughing during prayer

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Ghusl:

 This involves a bath during which no part of your body is left dry
 Approved method:
 The niyat 
 Wash both hands with pure water 
 Wash away any impurity
 Wudu is then performed
 Water is poured thrice, first on the right side and then on the left, and then again
all over

Tayammum:

 In case one does not have water or cannot use it, they can perform Tayammum
instead of wudu
 “… and you do not find water, then go to the clean soil and rub your face
and hands.” (4:43)
 Method:
 Niyat
 Strike your hands on the sand to blow dust away 
 Rub your face and arm (start from the right)

Importance of Wudu/Purity:

 Purity is given a lot of importance in Islam 

 “Allah loves those who repent and purify themselves” (2:222)
 “Purity is half of faith” Prophet Muhammad
 Physical:
 During prayer, one communicates with their lord, so their physical cleanliness
should be good to match the equation 
 It prevents others from discomfort if you are praying in congregation
 Mental:
 Wudu removes the sins of a person allowing a Muslim to focus on Allah

Method of Prayer:

 Niyat

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 Takbeer-e-Tahreema
 Qayam
 Sana
 Taooz
 Tasmiya
 Qirrat
 Surah Fatihah
 “The prayer would not be accepted from one who does not recite the
opening of the Book” Prophet Muhammad
 Another Surah
 Ruku
 Qoma
 Sajdah
 Jalsa
 Sajdah
 Qada & Tahasshud (At-Tahiyat, Durood, and supplication)
 Tasleem

Sajdah Sahv:

 It is any mistake during prayer, Sajdah Sahv is performed at the end. These
mistakes include:
 Talking forgetfully during Salah
 Forgetting to recite Tahashahud
 Saying Salam at the wrong place
 Adding or omitting something forgetfully
 Reciting Tahsud in 1st or 3rd Surah
 Doing an extra Sajdah
 Forgetting Zikr in Sajdah or Ruku
 Forgetting Surah in first or third rakat 
 To perform:
 Make two prostations at the end of the prayer
 It is controversial as to whether this is performed after both or only one Salam

Tahajjud and Witr:

Tahajjud:

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 It is an optional prayer performed after Isha and before Fajr

 One must wake up to perform it – they cannot stay awake till the time for it
 Duas made during this time are accepted more
 “…and pray during the night while the others are asleep and you will enter
Paradise in peace” Prophet Muhammad

Witr:

 It is only performed in the Isha prayer

 It is Wajib
 Performance:
 There are three Rakaat
 In the last Ruku, after saying Takbir, both hands are raised and then Dua-e-
Qunoot is recited

Qasr, Qaza and Combined Prayers:

Qasr:

 When it is performed:
 If a person is able to perform prayer and remembers that he forgot to do so
(under the circumstances listed below) Qaza must be performed
 A person sleeps through it
 A person forgets to do it
 If an accident is taking place
 During illness
 During unconsciousness
 How it is performed:
 It is performed in the same manner as regular prayer
 Only the Farz and witr rakat are performed – not the Sunnah or Nafl
 “And when you travel through the Earth, there is no blame on you if you
shorten your prayer” (4:101)

Qaza:

 When it is performed:
 You need to be travelling a distance of >=48 miles for <=19 days
 How it is performed:
 Zuhr, Asr, and Isha are shortened 

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 Fajr and Maghrib remain the same

 Sunnah and Nafl are unnecessary
 Witr is still compulsory during Ishaa
 “There is no expiation (for prayer) except the prayer itself” Prophet
Muhammad

Combined:

 When it is performed:
 If there is bad weather 
 If you are sick
 If there is danger
 In case of pressing need
 During Hajj
 If you cannot stay pure for long due to an illness such as bad bladder
 How it is performed:
 First, the earlier prayer must be prayed and then the later prayer
 Advanced:
 Asr must be prayed at Duhr
 Isha must be prayed at Maghrib
 Delayed:
 Duhr must be prayed at Asr
 Maghrib must be prayed at Ishaa

Congregational Prayer:

 Only fard are to be said in congregation. It is good to perform it in a mosque

 If males are forming a congregation: 
 If there are 2 men, then they stand side-by side, with the Imam on the left. If
there are three, one stands ahead and two behind
 Prayer is started after Iqama, which is for people inside the mosque
 Words are not repeated in Iqama
 “Indeed the Prayer has begun” is added
 It is uttered more quietly
 Face turned to right and left by the Muazzan,
 Best person to lead is one acquainted with the Quran 
 Women are supposed to pray in a line
 Everyone is supposed to stand shoulder to shoulder
 Spaces aren’t to be left unless in special conditions

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Friday Prayers:

 It is compulsory for every sane and free male adult to perform Friday prayers in
congregation
 It occurs on Friday and replaces Duhr
 Work, music, and business are forbidden during this time

Sunnahs of Friday Prayer:

 Using miswak
 Using etr
 Taking a bath
 Wearing nice clothes
 Using surma
 Reciting Surah al Kalf and Durood-e-Ibrahim
 Cutting your nails

How to Observe:

 First, the Azaan for Zuhr is given 

 After the Azaan, the Khutba is given 
 It is good to arrive early for Khutba since, before the Khutba starts, two angels
sit at the gate writing the names of new-comers 
 When the Khutba starts, the angels close the books and listen to the Khutba
themselves
 The Khutba consists of two parts
  The first gives an explanation of Quranic verses
 The second talks about the general affairs of Muslims
 Etiquettes:
 Do not eat, sleep, or get distracted
 Be respectful
  It is also disliked to walk between the rows of the people who are sitting during
the Friday gathering unless there is a spot to fill.
 Next, the Iqamah is given, followed by two Fard rakaat

Importance of Friday Prayers:

 It is the largest gathering of Muslims in the week, thus helping them enlarge
their social circles

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 The Khutbah helps Muslims gain knowledge about Islam

 This time can be used to arrange meetings to discuss communal problems
 “Whoever missed three jumu’ahs out of negligence, Allah will place a seal
on his heart” (Prophet Muhammad)

Importance of Friday:

 On this day:
 Special Friday prayers take place
 Special hour favourable for Dua 
 Hazrat Adam was sent to Paradise 
 Hazrat Adam was sent to Earth
 Day of Qiyamah will occur
 Prophet Muhammad has also praised it:
 “The best day on which the sun has risen is a Friday”

Eid Prayers:

 It is Wajib for every male, adult, sane Muslim to perform Eid prayers in
congregation on the two Eids
 They were made compulsory in 1AH
 They can be offered from sunrise to midday
 Since it is a special occasion, a bath should be taken, new clothes and perfume
should be worn 

Sunnah

 Eating dates:
 Before prayer on Eid ul Fitr
 After prayer on Eid ul Azha
 “Prophet (PBUH) did not go (to the place of prayer) in the morning on the
days of Eid-ul-Fitr till he ate some dates, and he used to eat an odd
number.” Hazrat Anas (RA)
 Wearing new clothes
 Going from one route and coming back from another so as to meet more people
 Reciting Takbeer while walking

Performance:

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 There is no Azaan or Iqama

 First Ruku:
 Takbir
 Sana
 3 Takbirs
 Surah Fatihah
 Any Surah
 Ruku
 Sajdah
 Jalsa
 Sajdah
 Second Ruku:
 Surah Fatihah
 Any Surah
 3 Takbir
 Ruku
 Sajdah 
 Jalsa
 Sajda
 Tashahud
 Tasleem

Khutba:

 On Eid, the Khutba is delivered after the prayer

 Content
 The first part analyses Quranic verses
 The second is about, depending on which Eid it is:
 The importance of Sadqatul Fitr
 The importance of giving to the poor

Sadqatul Fitr:

 Sadqatul fitr is charity given to the poor by the head of the family from every
member of the house 
 It is delivered before Eid prayer and after Ramadan fasting in order to make
sure that the poor have enough to celebrate Eid
 Minimum 1.76kg of wheat must be given to make up for mistakes during
Ramadan

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Funeral Prayers:

 It is a Farz-e-Kifaya prayer performed when someone passes away

Performance:

 As there is a body ahead of the prayers, no Juloos or Sujood is given

 Steps:
 Niyat
 Takbir
 Sana
 Takbir without raising hands
 Durood e Ibrahim
 Takbir
 Dua
 Takbir
 Tasleem

Dua:

 Dua is a special prayer that can be performed by Muslims at any time they
please
 It can help Muslims face adversities by turning to Allah for help
 Allah responds favourably to these requests:
 “Invoke Me, I will respond” (40:60)
 It is the only thing which can change one’s faith

Dua vs Salah:
Dua:
Can be said in any language
Can be said in any position
Can be said at any time
No fixed conditions
Mustahab (optional)
It is said for yourself and others
Can alter predestination
Can be said verbally or in your The words must be said verbally, but niyat can be said silently
heart
Salah:
Must be said in Arabic
Certain positions must be performed in sequence
Must be read at prescribed times
Fixed conditions such as wudhu, facing Qibla
Farz (necessary)
It is said to praise Allah
Is the first question asked on the Day of Judgment?
in our hearts.

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Preferable times for Acceptance of Dua

 On Fridays
 After every Farz Prayer
 At this time, they are in a state of purity and still facing the Qiblah
 In the later half of the night
 During Ramadan
 At the breaking of a Fast
 Between Azaan and Iqamah
 On Arafah
 During Sajdah
 While travelling
 During Rainfall

Quotes:

 “Dua is the core of worship” Prophet Muhammad

 “…Invoke me and I will respond to you…” (40:60) 

Mosques:

Historical Significance:

 After migrating to Madinah, the Holy Prophet placed importance on and himself
participated in the construction of Masjid-e-Nabvi
 It was not only a place of prostration but also a peaceful place for the Holy
Prophet to clear his mind
 The Suffah adjacent to it became the first Islamic educational institute
 The Holy Prophet was so fond of spending time in Masjids that, during his last
illness, he, with the help of two men, exited from his house only to join the
congregational prayer 
 The Prophet would also give Khutba and Dawah here
 The Grand mosque Masjid al Haram is a universal symbol of Islam and the
focus of each prayer (one must face towards it when praying, also known as the
‘Qiblah’)

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 It is also a place of Umrah and Hajj.

Role and Importance:

 The main objective of Mosques is to worship Allah there

 They also play an important educational role:
 The Suffah was the first Islam educational institute which’s students were
known as Ashab-e-Suffah
 In the modern world, children can gain knowledge of the Holy Quran in
Madrassa
 They learn how to pronounce it and use its teachings in everyday life
 They can guide Muslims in confused times
 They are an area to give Dawah for conversion
 They strengthen the bonds between Muslims:
 Islam is a collective religion, due to which congregational prayer has 27x more
reward and Muslims have always been referred to as “believers”, not “believer”
in the Quran
 Social events such as Nikkah ceremonies and Iftari take place, which help bring
the community together
 They instigate the interaction between Muslims five times a day 
 As everyone is following a leader unanimously during prayer, unity is promoted
 Equality is promoted as everyone from every social class stands shoulder to
shoulder to pray
 Social Welfare:
 Travellers can find shelter in mosques
 Food is given here during Ramadan
 Political:
 The Mosque was used by the Prophet for meetings like the meetings before
battles and other social issues
 Foreign delegations were met in mosques
 It was also used as a court 

Etiquette:

 When going there, one should e in a clean state

 Unnecessary beautification of mosques is not recommended
 Women should not be stopped from going to the mosque – it is a place without
vices 
 Do not talk loudly or about worldly things
 When entering, one should first place the right foot inside, then invoke Allah’s
blessings for the Holy Prophet and recite the following dua:

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 “O Allah! Open for me the doors of your mercy”

 One should not disturb worshipers by jumping over/passing in front of them 
 Do not sit or sleep with legs stretched in the direction of the Qiblah
 Avoid anything that makes you smell bad – garlic, onion, or smoking
 Buying or selling is prohibited inside Masajid

Quotes:

 “The mosques of Allah shall be visited and maintained by such as belief in

Allah, establish regular prayers and fear none (at all) except Allah. It is
they who are expected to be on guidance” (9:18) 
 “O ye people, praise Allah. Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah, The
Exalted, shall build a house for such a one in paradise.” Prophet
Muhammad
 “Of all the buildings the most beautiful and attractive in Allah’s sight is a
Mosque.” Prophet Muhammad

Azaan:

Importance:

 Only official call to prayer

 Distinguishes a Muslim nation from a non-Muslim nation
 Ensures everyone arrives at the mosque at the same time

History

 There was a dilemma as to how to inform Muslims that it was time for prayer 
 Originally, Abdullah-ibn-Zayed al-Ansari used to run across Medina, knocking
at every door and telling them that it was time for Namaz. 
 However, this was a tedious, difficult process, and the Companions soon
realized they needed a new one
 Suggestions:
 Some people suggested to the Prophet (PBUH) that they ring a bell

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 The Prophet rejected it because that was the method of calling Christians.
 Others suggested that they sound a bugle or a trumpet 
 It was also denied because it was the method of Jews. 
 Some people decided that perhaps they should light a fire and, seeing the
smoke, the Muslims would know it was time for Prayer.
  However, even that proposal was rejected as that was the method of
Zoroastrians
 As Islam is not like any other religion, and the Prophet (PBUH) wanted it to
remain unique
 In his dream, Hazrat Abdullah saw a man who asked him why they needed
material objects to call Muslims to prayer when they could just use their voice
 The man told Hazrat Abdullah a special dua which is the same as what is said
today in Adhan.
 When Hazrat Abdullah woke up, he narrated his dream to the Prophet (PBUH)
 He acknowledged this and replied that he too had a similar dream, and that this
idea was perfect for Islam
 Hazrat Bilal was chosen as the first Muazzin due to his loud, melodious voice
 Hazrat Abdullah willingly resigned from his title without any compunction,
even though he had been the one to see the dream, showing us how Muslims
should be compassionate and encouraging towards each other.
 Furthermore, the fact that a black, former slave was chosen as Muazzin depicts
the equality in Islam 

Importance and Benefits of Prayer:

Of Each Action:
Action Individual Benefits Social Benefits:
Cleanses our soul and eradicates germs from our Diseases will not be spread We
Wudu
bodyAs our mind is clean, we think not of bad things will not annoy anyone in Mosques
As we are more focused, our
Niyat Makes us more focused on Prayer
performance in jobs will improve
Takbee Makes us humble as we are acknowledging that Allah’s No-one is idolized so no-one gains
r power is supreme. too much power
We are respectful of Allah as servants stand in this erect
Qayam We develop respect for others, too
posture. This means we are Allah’s servants
Bowing down to Allah, recognizing His superiority and We develop humility so social
Ruku
saying that we are nothing as compared to Him. bonds are strengthened
Eradicates our ego as our nose, which is a sign of
Sajdah egoism, is pressed to the ground Physical: blood flows
to your head

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Other Importance:

 Removal of evil deeds

 According to one Hadith, if, after ablution, one stands for Salah, praises Allah,
and shows wholehearted devotion, their sins would depart, leaving him as
innocent as on the day he was born
 This continuous reminder of conscience helps believers refrain from sins:
 “Establish Prayer, for verily Prayer restrains from shameful and unjust
deeds” (29:45)
 This constant reminder also strengthens faith in Allah
 It is a form of direct communication with Allah
 “You should worship Allah, as if you see Him; if you do not see Him, He
surely sees you” Prophet Muhammad
 Source of inner peace
 The timeliness inspires responsibility in Muslims

Importance of Congregational Prayer:

 Requires more effort to reach the mosque in time for Salat

 It is the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet to pray in congregation
 Allows for social interaction
 Introduces Muslims to those who need their help
 Levels social differences promoting equality
 Everyone realizes that they are the same in the eyes of Allah

Fasting:

People who Must Fast:

 Sane, adult, healthy Muslims

Exemptions:

 The old
 The chronically ill
 Those overwhelmed by hunger/thirst so much that they fear they might contract
an illness or die if they continue fasting
 Travellers
 People with hard jobs that require constant attention (such as soldiers)

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 Menstruating, pregnant, or breastfeeding children

Fasting during the Month of Ramadan:

 During the ninth month of each Islamic year, Ramadan, fasting must be
performed
 As it moves up 11 days per year, it occurs in all seasons of the year
 While fasting, you must:
 Refrain from eating from sunrise to sunset 
 ‘Sawm’ literally means to abstain – you must abstain from eating and bad deeds
 Improve your behavior
 After Ramadan, Eid ul Fitr is celebrated with friends and family

Sehri:

 Sehri is a Sunnah meal which Muslims rise early – before Fajr – for a morning
meal 
 The Holy Prophet has emphasized its goodness multiple times:
 “Take Sehr as there is blessing in it”
 “Verily Allah and his Malaikah send mercy upon those who eat Sehri” 
 Next, the niyat for fasting is said 
 After the Azaan, Muslims must stop eating and perform Fajr

Behavior:

 During Ramadan, one must make special efforts to be good and abstain from
bad deeds 
 As the irritance due to hunger makes this much more difficult, good deeds are
70x more rewarded
 Patience, tolerance, sympathy, and charity are especially encouraged
 Mosques are to be visited regularly for congregational prayer
 One must refrain from sexual activities, smoking, social vices etc.
 Muslims must also continue their life as normal, performing all their duties, not
making any concessions for the lack of food

Iftari:

 After fasting till sunset, the fast is broken in Iftar

 It is preferred to break it with dates

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 After Ishaa, a special prayer known as Taraweeh can be performed

 There are 20 Rakaat

Lailatul Qadr:

 During on one of the odd days in the last 10 days of Ramadan, Muslims search
for the night of power
 On this day, Angel Gibrael and other angels descend to take your prayers and 
bless you
 Supplications are answered most in this night – it has high rewards
 “Night of Power is better than a thousand months” (97:3)
 As the actual date of Lailatul Qadr is not known, it is recommended to pray on
all of the possible odd dates
 It is so special since it was the night the Holy Prophet was first revealed the
Quran
 Some Muslims spend these days in Aitkaaf, in which believers isolate
themselves and stay in the Masjid in the last 10 days of Ramadan to get closer
to Allah

Qaza, Fidya, and Kuffara Fasts:

Qaza:

 To be performed by:
 Travellers
 Menstruating and breastfeeding women
 People overcome by hunger or thirst to such an extent that they fear they might
contract an illness or die if they continue fasting
 How to perform:
 The number of missed fasts are performed in any month other than Ramadan
 They are performed between the 2nd day of Eid ul Fitr and the next Ramadan

Fidya:

 To be performed by:
 The elderly
 The chronically ill
 People who have hard jobs which require constant attention
 Pregnant women

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 How to perform:
 Throughout Ramadan, you must feed the poor twice a day
 The donated food must be 2.25kg of that food which you eat 

Kuffara

 To be performed by:
 People who have intentionally broken their fast without any justified reason
 People who have vomited to break their fasts
 How to perform:
 As it is a punishment:
 You either perform 60 consecutive fasts in any month other than Ramadan
 You feed 60 people everyday
 You give money equivalent to Sadqatul Fitr for 60 days

Dates for Voluntary and Forbidden Days for Fasting:

Voluntary Fasts:

 Every Monday and Thursday

 11th, 12th, and 13th of the Islamic months
 9th and 10th of Muharram
 1st-10th of Zil Hajj
 6 fasts in Shawwal
 Day of Arafat 

Forbidden Days for Fasting:

 Days of Eid (Satan fasts then) 

 Days of Tashreeq as it is Sunnah to eat meat then
 To fast only on Fridays
 To fast every day of the year
 “There is no reward for one who perpetually fasts” Prophet Muhammad

Purpose, Benefit, and Importance of Fasting:

Purpose:

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 Attempt to seek nearness to Allah.

 Hellfire is moved 70 years further away
 Removes worldly desires.
 Develops patience and self-control.
 Way to earn Allah’s forgiveness.
 Fasting and the Quran will intercede our trial on the Day of Judgment.
 Empathy for the poor

Benefits:

 Medical:
 Weight loss
 Faster Metabolism
 Better Immune System
 Longer life
 Health of skin improves
 It is a good way to remove stress and clear one’s mind
 Spiritual:
 We become more grateful to Allah for food and water as, in its absence, we
realize how important they are
 The sheer amount of blessings Allah has bestowed on us are also realized for
this very reason
 Our connection to Allah is increased as:
 There are no material distractions, making us think only of Allah
 We are suffering hunger and thirst just to please Allah
 Fear of Allah is developed over the punishment for breaking fasts
 Muslims become more content when they realize how blessed they are and how
many people don’t have what they have
 Muslims become more punctual in their religious practices
 Moral:
 Muslims become generous as they realize what the poor are going through
 Muslims stop wasting resources as they realize their importance
 Self-control and discipline is developed, due to which Muslims can control their
anger more
 Social:
 As we are all suffering the same way we develop a sense of fraternity and
solidarity
 Brotherhood is developed when Muslims eat iftar and pray more together
 Richer people spend more generously on the poor, reducing jealousy
 Economical:
 Rotation of money from rich to poor due to increased charity
 The welfare of the poor improves

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 As there is more consumption, local businesses flourish

Importance in the Light of Quran and Hadith:

 Quran:
 “Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before
you so that you may learn self-restraint” (2:183)
 “So everyone of you who is present during that month should spend it in
fasting” (2:185)
 Hadith:
 “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and
the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained”
 “Fasting is a shield and protection from the fire and from committing
sins” 
 “Fasting is for me and I shall compensate it”
 “No servant fasts on a day in the path of Allah except that Allah removes
the Hellfire 70 years further away from his face.”
 “There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts
will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection…”

Zakat:

 Zakat means purification

 It purifies one’s heart and wealth

Givers and Recipients of Zakat:

 Zakat is necessary on you if the amount of savings you have is equals to or

greater than Nisab
 You must have had this for a year
 It is not due on the youth and those in debt

Nisab and Rate:

 Mineral Wealth:
 7 ½ tolas of gold
 2.5% are to be given
 52 ½ tolas of silver
 2.5% are to be given

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 Mines give 20% of their mineral wealth 

 Agricultural Produce:
 For naturally irrigated land, 10% of your yield must be given as Zakat
 For artificially irrigated land, 5% of your yield must be given as Zakat
 Cattle:
 If you have 5-9 camels,you must give a 1 year old female sheep
 For 30-39 bulls, a 1 year old calf must be given
 For 10-120 sheep or goats, 1 sheep must be given

Who can Receive Zakat?

The recipients of Zakat are mentioned in 9:60

“Verily, the Sadaqat are only for the poor and the needy and those
employed to collect; and to attract the heart of those who have been
inclined; and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allah’s
cause, and for the wayfarer; a duty imposed by Allah…”

 The poor (Al Fuqara)

 People who do not have sufficient money to fulfill their and their dependents’
needs
 The needy (Al Masakeen)
 Someone who is so needy that they are forced to beg for food
 Those involved in the collection and distribution of Zakat (Al Amiloon Alayhi)
 They are given a wage for their work even if they are wealthy
 New converts (Al Muallafati Quloob)
 Zakat can be given in the hope that disbelievers convert to Islam
 Slaves (Ar-Riqaab)
 As the freeing of slaves is recommended in Islam, Zakat can be used to help
them gain freedom
 Those in debt (Al Gharimoon)
 If someone is in debt by lawful means, this can help them pay it off
 Those acting in the way of Allah (Fi Sabiullah)
 This involves those involved in Jihad, the building of Masjids, schools, and
shelters for orphans
 Travellers (Ibnus Sabeel)
 If someone is cut off from their land and cannot take a loan to return, this can
help them return safely

Etiquettes of Giving Zakat:

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 Do not use Zakat as a means to flaunt your wealth

 Furthermore, do not show off that you gave Zakat to flaunt your spirituality
 “Charity that is concealed, dispels the wrath of Allah” Prophet
Muhammad
 Do not give Zakat out of money earned through unlawful means
 If one is giving a commodity, the quality of that commodity should be good
 Do not expect anything in return for giving Zakat
 You must give needy relatives more importance than strangers while giving
Zakat
 Do not give Zakat forcibly 
 Ascertain that the person receiving your Zakat actually needs it 

Importance of Giving Zakat:

Individual Importance:

 Generosity:
 One develops sympathy for the poor, realizing their rights
 They will not live indifferent, selfish lives and will instead aid whoever they
can 
 Purification:
 It purifies materialism, greediness, jealousy, and other similar qualities from
your heart
 Gratitude:
 One becomes grateful for the money they have and the fact that they have
enough to afford giving some of it away
 This also develops contentment for what one has
 Ethical:
 Muslims will do legal jobs since illegal money is not accepted as Zakat

Religious Importance:

 Muslim’s relationship with Allah:

 Fear of Allah develops as one knows they will be severely punished if they
don’t give Zakat
 Muslims realize that their entire possessions are the gift of Allah
 It, alongside Salah, has been given plenty of importance and mentions in the
Quran.
 Being a pillar of Islam, it is one of the ways true Muslims are distinguuished
from non-Muslims

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 Not paying it shows a certain disregard for the hereafter and the punishments
that shall be received then

Communal Importance:

 Economic:
 The difference between the poor and the rich is the balanced
 The income gap is decreased 
 The concentration of wealth in a few hands is prevented via circulation of
money. Thus, hoarding is discouraged
 Local businesses flourished as the needy now have wealth to spend on essential
items
 Welfare:
 The basic needs of all members of society are fulfilled
 It generates money for important causes
 Individuals in society as a whole become more content
 Comradery:
 Brotherhood is developed due to the helping of one another
 Kindness is spread and jealousy is reduced

Rewards:

 Allah will bless us with rewards:

 “Allah, the Exalted, says, ‘Spend, O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you.
” Prophet Muhammad
 Angels will pray for those who do give Zakat and curse those who don’t
 One’s wealth and heart will be purified
 “Take Sadaqa from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify
them” (9:103)
 One’s wealth does not increase – it in fact increases:
 “The parable of those who spend their substance in the way of Allah is that
of a grain of corn, it grows seven ears and each ear has a hundred grains”
(2:261)
 On the Day of Judgment:
 “There are seven whom Allah will shade on the Day of Judgment… A man
who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know
what his right hand gives in charity” Prophet Muhammad

Punishments:

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 “Those who give not the Zakat and they are disbelievers in the hereafter” (41:7)
 The heat of your selfish wealth will be burnt onto your back
 Angels will curse those who do not pay Zakaat

Hajj:

 Pilgrimage is obligatory on adult, sane, fit, free Muslims with enough money to
cover its expenses
 If they cannot perform it but have enough money to do so, they can delegate
another person to do so
 It celebrates Prophet Adam, Prophet Ibrahim, and Prophet Muhammad
 Hazrat Adam was forgiven at Arafat
 Hazrat Ibrahim refused to give in to Satan’s temptations not to sacrifice his son.
This is represented via Rami
 Prophet Muhammad lay down the rituals of Hajj

Types of Hajj:

Hajj Al Tammatua:

 Enter in Ihram during the days of Hajj

 Take off Ihram and be free from its conditions after performing Umrah
 Put it back on on 8th of Zil Hajj to perform Hajj
 Sacrifice is obligatory

Hajj Al Qiran:

 One enters in Ihram and performs Umrah

 They do not take Ihram off till the 10th of Hajj and has to fulfill its obligations
till then
 Sacrifice is obligatory

Hajj Al Ifrad:

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 One puts on Ihram at Miqat and does not take it off till the completion of Hajj
 They have to fulfill its obligations till then
 Umrah is not performed
 They take it off on the 10th of Hajj 
 Sacrifice is desirable but not obligatory

Performance:

Ihram:

 This is two pieces of unstitched cloth worn by males

 One is tied around the waist and the other is draped over the shoulder to cover
the chest
 It symbolizes purity, humility, and simpleness
 As it is not showy or expensive, it promotes equality and eradication of social
differences
 While wearing it, one is forbidden from:
 Shaving or cutting their hair
 Trimming their nails
 Applying perfume or perfumed hair oil
 For men:
 Wearing stitched clothes
 Wearing socks
 Covering your head
 Wearing shoes over your ankles
 Swearing, quarrelling, or using abusive language
 Carrying weapons
 Marrying or having marital relations
 Uprooting or damaging plants
 Harming, hunting, or killing wild animals
 Killing or displacing lice

Miqat: 

 Miqat is the place where a pilgrim intending to perform Hajj must don an Ihram
 There are different Mawaqeet for Ihram according to where you live

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Talbiyah:

 The Talbiyah is a special Dua said repeatedly during Hajj and before Umrah
 It affirms that they intend to perform Hajj only for the magnificence of Allah
 It also summarizes Islam’s message by affirming:
 Our thankfulness to and worth in front of Allah
 Declares Allah’s oneness

Umrah:

 One dons Ihram at home and purifies themselves by means of Ghusl

 One they pass Miqat, it is preferable to start reciting Talbiyah
 One when enters Makkah, they should go straight to Masjid al Haram and start
their Tawaf
 This involves seven anticlockwise rounds around the Qaabah
 They must start and end at the black stone 
 The black stone was either a meteor that fell from the sky or brought down by
Angels to Hazrat Ibrahim when he was building the Kaabah
 It has stood through the rebuilding and destruction of the Kaabah due to various
natural disaster
 Thus, it is a reminder of the Kaabah’s origin
 It identifies with Hazrat Ibrahim, the spiritual father of monotheism
 The first four are made at a jogging pace and the last four at a walking pace
while reciting any Dua, preferably Surah al Baqarah Verse 201:
 “Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter
that which is good, and save us from the torment of Fire.”
 When one approaches the black stone they must do Istilam (raise their hands
towards it and say “Allahu Akbar”
 If it is possible, they should touch or kiss it, too
 When they reach Hateem, one says a special dua to acknowledge their Lord and
offer their gratitude and sincere devotion to Him
 Afterwards, two Rakaat Nafil are said near Masjid-e-Ibrahimi
 Next, the sa’ee commences
 One proceeds to As-Safa and Marwa to honour Bibi Hajra and her son 
 One walks up and down both mountains seven times while reciting Talbiyah 
 When on top of the mountains, one invokes Allah by reciting Surah al Baqarah
Verse 158 while facing the Kaabah:
 “Verily! As-Safa and Al-Marwah are the symbols of Allah”
 Lastly, everyone drinks Zamzam water to mark the end of Umrah
 After Umrah, they can choose to take off Ihram or keep wearing it according to
the type of Hajj they perform. 

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 They can also travel to Medina, but this is not obligatory. 

 Merits of travelling to Medina:
 It is a sacred city
 It is significant in the history of Islam
 The Prophet chose to live there even after the conquest of Makah
 He sanctified it like Hazrat Ibrahim sanctified Makah
 The Holy Prophet is buried there:
 “Who makes pilgrimage and then visits my grave after my death is like one
who visits me in my life” Prophet Muhammad

8th of Zil Hajj:

 On the 8th of Zil Hajj, after Fajr, pilgrims don Ihram and perform wudu or
ghusl and the Niyat for Hajj
 They then proceed to Mina while chanting Talbiyah
 There, the remaining prayers of the day (Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha) are
observed, and the night is spent
 Supplies are stored here 
 As the main objective of the day is to socialize and get to know Muslims around
each other in order to spread the message of equality and brotherhood, Muslims
can do whatever they want till they return to their camps for rest
 Men and women sleep separately

9th of Zil Hajj:

 In the morning, after praying Fajr, one leaves for Arafat

 They should reach before noon
 There, Zuhr and Ast are combined and prayed at the time of Zuhr
 An important sermon is given which everyone must listen to attentively
 Then, everyone goes to the Mount of Mercy, where they supplicate, pray and
invoke their Lord. This is where people are forgiven and given many blessings
 “Hajj is Arafat” Prophet Muhammad
 One remains at Arafat until after sunset. When the Maghrib Azaan is called out,
one proceeds to Muzdalifah.
 There, combined Maghrib and Isha prayers are performed
 One stays here till Fajr and rest on the cold, hard ground realizing their worth
and existence in front of Allah
 Allah made all human beings from mud and at their death, they will go back to
the mud, so there is no point showing off, or taking pride in materialistic things
like money, cars and houses
 One also collects 71-74 pebbles for Rami

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10th of Zil Hajj:

 After performing Fajr prayers, one goes towards Mina again

 Then, Rami is performed
 There are three pillars there, representing the three places Shaitain tried to
misguide Prophet Ibrahim: Aqaba, Wusta, and Oola
 Pebbles are thrown at them, which represents the stoning of shaitan
 During this, the pilgrim keeps Masjid-e-Kheef on their left, faces the Qiblah,
and recites Bismillahhi Allah hu Akbar
 Next, a goat, cow, sheep, or camel is sacrificed
 After this, the Ihram can be taken off
 Male pilgrims shave or clip their hair while women cut a lock of their hair equal
to the length of a fingertip
 “Shaving is not a duty laid on women only clipping of the hair is incumbent
on them” Prophet Muhammad
 After sacrifice, Muslims go to Makkah and perform Tawaf-e-Ifadah
 They then offer two Nafil Rakaat at Maqam-e-Ibrahim and perform Saee
 Now, they are free to do everything lawful before Ihram

11th, 12th and 13th of Zil Hajj:

 Rammi is repeated on the 11th, 12th and 13th, though believers can leave after
the 12th.
 When one is leaving Makah entirely and going back to Madinah or any other
country, they perform one last tawaf, known as Tawaf e Alvida

Rituals:

 Ihram
 Tawaf: Going around the Kaaba seven times
 Tawaf-e-Umrah: Tawaf for Umrah
 Tawaf-e-Qudoom: upon entering Makah
 Tawaf-e-Ifadah: After sacrifice
 Tawaf-e-Wida: Departing Tawaf
 Tawaf-e-Nafila: Optional Tawaf that can be performed at any time
 Saee: Running between Safa and Marwa
 Wuquf: Stay at Arafat
 Udhiya: Sacrifice
 Halq: Shaving of head after taking off Ihram

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Hajj vs Umrah:

Similarities:

 Ihram, Niyat, and Talbiya

 Tawaf and 2 Rakaat Nafil at Maqam-e-Ibrahim
 Saee
 Shaving or clipping of hair to come out the condition of Ihram

Differences:
Hajj
Rammi, Muzdalifah, Arafat, Mina
Talbiyah stops on the Day of Sacrifice
Obligatory
Only performed in Zilhajj
Performed from the 8th to the 12th
Sacrifice is obligatory
Umrah
None
Talbiyah stops when one reaches the Kaaba
Not obligatory
Can be said at any time of the year
Can be performed in one day
Sacrifice is optional

Importance:

Quran and Hadith:

 “Pilgrimage there to is a duty men owe to Allah, those who can afford the
journey”
 “And remember we made the house a place of assembly for men and a
place of safety, take you to the station of Ibrahim as a place of prayer”
 “Pilgrims and those performing Umrah are Allah’s guests: Their prayers
will be answered and their supplication for forgiveness will be granted”

Benefits:

 Physical:
 As we walk a lot, it is good for our physical health
 Spiritual:
 The believers have been commanded to worship Allah and offer him their
sincere devotion, there is no better way to do this than Hajj

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 Allah has sworn by Makkah and said that whoever comes here and performs
Hajj does not only receive innumerable rewards, but also he becomes as sinless
as he was when his mother bore him in her womb.
 There are many important Hadith and Quranic verses that clearly set the
importance and significance of Hajj, implying to the believer that it is a special
and highly rewarding act with many benefits like Paradise
 Talbiyah is an expression of love and devotion to Allah
 We express our hatred to Satan via Saee
 Communal:
 Comradery is developed due to the meeting of Muslims around the world
 Not affected by sectarian divides
 Moral:
 Patience – one has to refrain from quarrelling
 Makes us punctual in our religious duties

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