In Islam, worship is much more than going through prescribed motions; it is the core belief and connection with Allah that lights the way for the faithful. Thus, prayer turns hearts back toward the heavens five times each day, while zakat creates bridges of hope within society. Fasting is meant to symbolize piety and self-restraint, observed during the holy month of Ramadan. Last but not least, the pilgrimage, Hajj, is the best illustration of human solidarity in practice.

The bestowal of these acts as rites on Muslims is not only a matter of accepting duty; it has great meaning and feelings for loyalty and surrender to Allah. They form the personality of a Muslim, making it strong and patient in matters of tolerant problems. Under the exercise of these worships, Muslims obtain a purpose in life. In this article, we shall discuss the basic principles of Islam for new students.

1. Monotheism:

The Foundation of Belief:

Monotheism is the foundation of belief in Islam and stands at the very core of the belief system of every Muslim. It is recognition and assertion of God's unity in worship, divinity, names, and attributes, forming the fundamentalist pillar upon which the religion is based.

Belief in the Oneness of Allah SwT:

• That is, belief that God is the creator of everything and the provider and manager of the universe—alone without partners. This also includes the belief that Allah SWT is the creator of life, has the power to give life, and cause death, and He alone deserves worship without any partners. Every kind of worship in the form of prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, or almsgiving is to be done to God alone.

Realization of the Most Beautiful Names of Allah swt and his Attributes:

• Belief in God is an admission of His unique names and attributes that qualify Him as different from His creation. A Muslim must not compare Allah to His creation or be critical of what really His existence entails. To believe in God is to realize that He has the most perfect attributes, which are free from any imperfection, and one cannot grasp the true reality of these attributes.

Monotheism is not a mere idea on which to philosophize but a practical faith that has to be demonstrated in one's daily life and behavior as submissive to the will of God. The belief will empower, support, and comfort the believer with the knowledge that everything happens under the will and wisdom of God.

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Prayer: The Pillar of Islam

In Islam, prayer is not just one of the five pillars; it is a spiritual connection between the worshiper and his Lord. It is one of the greatest pillars of Islam and the first thing a person will be asked about on the Day of Judgment. Here are some important features of prayer in Islam:

• The Importance of Prayer: A time for a Muslim to stand before Allah, glorifying Him through His contentment by thanking Him and calling Him. It is time for reflection and drawing closer to Allah. It reminds the Muslims of where they should be and what they should be doing in life.

• The five daily prayers: which are the most important obligations enjoined upon Muslims, are spread and divided over the day's stages: Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night). Each prayer has a fixed time starting with the entry of its time and ending upon its departure. One can pray in congregation or individually.

• How to Perform Prayer:The prayer takes place with an intention followed by the opening Takbir (saying "Allahu Akbar"), recitation of Al-Fatihah, and one chapter from the Quran in every two units, ruku, sujood, and repetitions. The prayer concludes with Tashahhud and Salam.

• Focus in Prayer:Khushu, focusing during prayer, is the spiritual aim in the life of a Muslim. The heart and mind should be together with every movement and word uttered. Without the spirit of focus, prayer loses much of its spiritual value.

• Benefits of Prayer: Besides being an act of worship and a pillar of Islam, prayer helps Muslims organize their day and provides spiritual breaks amidst the busyness of daily life. It also lowers stress and enhances good mental health.

In Islam, prayer represents the essence of worship and is the foundation of the religion. It is not a form of worship performed as a duty; rather, it is a spiritual bridge between the worshiper and his Lord, leading to attaining inner peace and tranquility. A Muslim who commits to and maintains prayer strengthens his relationship with Allah.

Zakat: Purifying the Soul and Wealth

Zakat is the purification of the soul and wealth, for it is one of the five pillars and obligatory to every able Muslim. It is not just a religious duty but a means to establish justice in society, purifying the soul and wealth. Some main features of Zakat are as follows:

• Definition of Zakat: Zakat literally means to purify. It is the responsibility of giving a defined percentage of one's possession to groups in society. Its aim is to purify wealth through the sharing of part of it with the poor and needy.

• Zakat Rates: It is stated that the rate for Zakat is 2.5% of the wealth that has met the Nisab (the minimum amount qualifying) and which has remained in possession for a lunar year (Hijri year).

• Recipients of Zakat: Zakat must be distributed among eight categories, as prescribed by the Quran: the poor, the needy, those who collect it, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, to free the captives, those in debt, in the cause of Allah, and the traveler in need.

• Benefit of Zakat: Among the immense benefit which will result from Zakat is bridging all the social classes, regulating the distribution of wealth, and providing a method of abolishing poverty. Apart from these, Zakat has a big role to purify the soul from being more greedy and selfish.

• Wisdom of Zakat: Zakat would not have its contribution to a healthful economy but also will further develop relationships among community members. It teaches Muslims to give, purify their souls, and sympathize with others.

Zakat is a way to appreciate the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon the path of Muslims. It is a gesture to thank Allah for the provisions and wealth given by Him.

Fasting: Purifying the Soul and Body 

Fasting, being one of the five pillars of Islam, purifies the soul and strengthens the will. Fasting is practiced for spiritual cleanliness and purification of the soul and body. Muslims fast in the month of Ramadan; if they can, they neither eat nor drink, nor do they satisfy any physical need, between dawn and sunset. Here are some key aspects of fasting:

• The Significance of Fasting: It is not just abstaining from food and drink but also a period for spiritual reflection and drawing closer to Allah. It gives Muslims a way to purify themselves from sins and an opportunity to get closer to their Creator.

• Conditions of Fasting: Fasting is obligatory for every adult, sane, and healthy Muslim. Exceptions are for children, the sick, travelers, women during their menstrual cycle or post-childbirth period, and pregnant or nursing women if fasting poses a risk to their health or that of their child.

• Fasting Times: Fasting begins at dawn each day in Ramadan and ends at sunset. The pre-dawn meal is called "Suhoor," and it is taken shortly before dawn. Muslims break their fast at the call to Maghrib prayer at sunset.

• Iftar and Suhoor: The Iftar meal is generally light, beginning with dates and water, following in the tradition of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and then a major meal after the Maghrib prayer. Also, quite important is the Suhoor meal, which helps the Muslim prepare his/her body for fasting during the day.

• Benefits of Fasting: Fasting is prescribed to inculcate patience, self-restraint, and feeling for the less fortunate, who have no food easily available. It also detoxifies the body and ensures a balanced blood sugar level.

• The Last Ten Days of Ramadan: During these nights, most importantly, Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree, which is better than a thousand months, is contained within one of these nights. Muslims work on increasing their worship during the period.

The holistic practice of fasting is constituted by spiritual, moral, and physical dimensions, allowing Muslims to renew their covenant annually in a rich experience.

Hajj: The Greatest Journey of a Lifetime

Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca. It is a duty for all able-bodied adult Muslims, who can afford at least once in a lifetime if they are in a position to undertake the journey. It encompasses a sequence of rituals performed at the mosque Haram in Mecca during an appointed Islamic lunar month. Here are some key aspects of Hajj:

• The Importance of Hajj: Hajj is important in that Muslims are given an opportunity to cleanse themselves from sins and get closer to Allah. It assembles Muslims from every corner of the world in one venue, which creates unity and solidarity among them.

• Ihram: A state of purity into which a pilgrim goes before starting his rites of Hajj. Men dress in simple white clothes consisting of two pieces of cloth, while women should dress modestly according to Islamic guidelines.

• Rituals of Hajj:Hajj rituals include Tawaf, which is the circumambulation of the Kaaba; Sa'i, or running between the hills of Safa and Marwah; Wuquf, the act of standing on the plain of Arafat; Ramy al-Jamarat, which is the stoning of the pillars; and Qurbani, in which an animal is offered in homage to Allah, and then the meat is distributed among the poor.

• Arafat Day: The ninth of Dhul-Hijjah stands to be the most essential part of Hajj. It is a common place for all pilgrims who stand and offer prayers and supplications on the plain of Arafat. It is counted among one of the best days in the sight of Allah, where sins are forgiven and people are freed from the Hellfire.

• Eid al-Adha: On the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, Eid al-Adha is celebrated worldwide in which all Muslims prepare to sacrifice some animals in remembrance of the faith and obedience shown by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to Allah, who commanded him to sacrifice his son, but later substituted a ram for his son.

• Benefits of Hajj: Other than being an act of worship, Hajj is an experience that basically increases humility, patience, and belonging among the pilgrims. It also affords Muslims from various nations and cultures the opportunity to meet and understand each other.

Hajj is one strong spiritual journey that transforms in the life of a Muslim, representing their submission to living by the teachings of Islam and surrendering oneself unto the will of Allah.

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