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““WWeellccoommee ttoo IIssllaamm”” And the

Importance of Shahada

“ Verily, the religion with Allah is Islam…And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.” ( 3:19,85)

Majority of the people today claim that they belong to one of these three religions; Judaism, Christianity, Islam., Buddhism and Hinduism and et citera. One is a Christian simply because his father or mother is a Christian, and another is a Pagan or a Hindu. They acquired this religion not because they admire nor accepted it, but rather imposed upon them by their guardian or parents until they follow it mechanically. In an age where human knowledge has achieved great progress, man should free himself of the bond of tradition, in out of understanding and awareness, should choose the religion whose truth he can trust and whose tenets he can verify through study and research. Belief is a natural disposition in man and such it deserves proper and close study based on conviction under the guidance of a progressive and investigative mind.

Names of ReligionsNames of ReligionsNames of ReligionsNames of Religions It is very significant to put identification to the people and things by means of names. Would it be in accordance or conformity with God to leave religion nameless? Hence, people, animals, angels and other things have names, how much more with the institution established by God. It is therefore, necessary to know the identity of God’s religion, for it will be a great benefit for a human being to know the foundation to which it belongs. The religion of the world today has been named after of its founder or after the community and nation in which that religion took it birth, i.e., CHRISTIANITY after the title of Jesus, that is Christ. Christianity claim to follow the teaching of Jesus the Nazarene, whom they claim as the promised Messiah or the Christ BUDDHISM after the named of Gautama Buddha, HINDUISM after the Hindu people or inhabitants of India. CONFUCIANISM after the named of Confucius, and JUDAISM after the named of the tribe of Judah (Israelites). Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people and claiming to be the followers of Moses In contrary, ISLAM is distinct from the other and having no such association with any particular person, tribe, race or country. Islam means submission, obedience to the will of God and it convey our relationship with God, it does not belong to any human made organization or after its founder. Islam is a religion of the Muslim and claim that this religion started since the time of Abraham until to the last Prophet Muhammad. It belongs to Allah the Almighty God. Islam is not a sect or an ethnic religion. The truth is ONE, and therefore the religion is ONE. It is the same religion preached by all the earlier messengers and Prophets of God.

The MeaThe MeaThe MeaThe Meaning of Islam and Muslimning of Islam and Muslimning of Islam and Muslimning of Islam and Muslim

ISLAM – an Arabic word which means obedience, submission to the will of God. Islam is to commit our self totally to God, and in complete harmony with the will of God. The religion of Islam is the complete acceptance of the teaching and guidance of God as revealed to His Last Prophet Muhammad ρ. A MUSLIM is one wwhhoo bbeell iieevveess iinn GGoodd and strives for total reorganization of his life according to God’s revealed guidance and the saying of the Prophet ρ. The Qur’an says: “" It is HE Who has named you Muslims, both before and in this

(revelation). "[22:78]. Any people anywhere in the worlds, who submits himself or herself to the will of the ONE TRUE GOD and follow the teaching of the Qur'an and the last Prophet of God is a Muslim, i.e., one who practices Islam.

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The Origin of Islamic ReligionThe Origin of Islamic ReligionThe Origin of Islamic ReligionThe Origin of Islamic Religion

TThhee rr eell iiggiioonn ooff II ssllaamm is not a new religion. It is, in essence, the same message and guidance, which God revealed to all Prophets. It says in the Qur’an (42:13): HHee,, AAllllaahh hhaass oorrddaaiinneedd ffoorr yyoouu tthhee ssaammee rreelliiggiioonn ooff IIssllaamm wwhhiicchh HHee oorrddaaiinneedd ffoorr NNooaahh,, aanndd tthhaatt wwhhiicchh WWee hhaavvee rreevveeaalleedd ttoo yyoouu MMuuhhaammmmaadd,, aanndd tthhaatt wwhhiicchh WWee oorrddaaiinneedd ffoorr AAbbrraahhaamm,, MMoosseess aanndd JJeessuuss ssaayyiinngg yyoouu sshhoouulldd eessttaabblliisshh

rreelliiggiioonn aanndd mmaakkee nnoo ddiivviissiioonnss iinn iitt bbyy eessttaabblliisshhiinngg ddiiffffeerreenntt sseeccttss aanndd ddeennoommiinnaattiioonnss.. A Filipino historian

commented about Islam and he says:: "" TToo uunnddeerrssttaanndd aanndd aapppprreecciiaattee tthhee MMuussll iimm FFii ll iippiinnooss,, ii tt iiss nneecceessssaarryy ttoo kknnooww tthheeiirr rreell iiggiioonn aanndd ccuussttoommss.. TThheeii rr rreell iiggiioonn iiss IIssllaamm,, wwhhiicchh mmeeaannss ""ssuubbmmiissssiioonn ttoo tthhee wwii ll ll ooff GGoodd.. TThheeii rr GGoodd iiss AAll llaahh,, aanndd MMuuhhaammmmaadd iiss HHiiss PPrroopphheett.. II tt iiss wwrroonngg ttoo ccaall ll tthhee IIssllaammiicc rreell iiggiioonn MMoohhaammmmeeddaanniissmm bbeeccaauussee MMuuhhaammmmaadd nneevveerr ccllaaiimmeedd ttoo hhaavvee ffoouunnddeedd aa nneeww rreell iiggiioonn.. "" [[PPpp.. 112244,,112255 HHiissttoorryy ooff tthhee RReeppuubbll iicc ooff tthhee PPhhii ll iippppiinneess..,, bbyy :: GG..FF.. ZZaaiiddee aanndd ZZoonniiaa PPrrii ttcchhaarrdd ]]

One God, One Religion of AbrahamOne God, One Religion of AbrahamOne God, One Religion of AbrahamOne God, One Religion of Abraham The Prophet says:" I was written with Allah as the Last and the Final of the Prophet, even when Adam was still clay. I will tell of the first good news announcing my advent, the (result of the) invocation to Allah made from my father Abraham, the good news Jesus conveyed, and the dream that my mother saw. The mothers of all Prophets see similar dreams." (Ahmad 4:127). Biblically, Abraham means father of multitude his name before is Abram. God bless him and made a covenant (Genesis 12:2; 13:14; 15:1,5) before Ismael and Isaac was born. In Genesis 17 after Ishmael was born, God renew his promised and covenant by changing his name to Abraham and circumcision. God fulfilled his promised to Isaac through Israel, the sons of Jacob and the Arabs

to Ishmael (Genesis 25:12-16; Deuteronomy 33:2; Habakkuk 3:3 Isaiah 42:11,12). From the Biblical and Qur’anic point of view, Abraham was the Father of the Semitic people i.e. subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic people that includes Hebrew, Aramaic, Arabic, and Amharic. Abraham was a Monotheist and chosen as the Father of many nations and from him all his descendants were circumcise as a covenant with the One True God (Genesis 17:1-27). Two of his sons Ishmael and Isaac inherited this pure belief from their Father Abraham acknowledged and accepted by their descendants (Genesis 25:12-18; I Chronicle 1:28-31) until Jesus Christ and to Muhammad, continue to preach this Monotheistic religion. Therefore, neither the Hebrew, Jews nor the Christians influence the one God concept in the henotheistic system of Makka. (Genesis 18:18-19). God said, about Ishmael “ As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will bless him and make him fruitful and multiply him exceedingly; he shall be the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.” (Genesis 17:21). God blessed Israel and many prophets came out from among them, and one of them is Jesus the Messiah, the sons of Mary (Acts 13:2627). However, the Jews and Israelites received him not and rejected him (John 1:11; Luke 19:41-44; John 19: 12-16;). Jesus said unto them: “ Have you never read in the scriptures: the very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore, I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it. “ (Matthew 21:42-44; compare Genesis 17:20 Ishmael isa s fruitful nation-

RSV). God blessed Ismael and fulfilled His promised. Have you heard about this prophecy? Richard Wolff says:: "" AAccccoorrddiinngg ttoo SSccrriippttuurree tthhee AArraabbss ddeesscceennddeedd ff rroomm AAbbrraahhaamm tthhrroouugghh IIsshhmmaaeell .. GGoodd ggrraanntteedd aa ssppeecciiaall bblleessssiinngg ttoo IIsshhmmaaeell bbeeccaauussee ooff AAbbrraahhaamm.."" 11

ISLAM is the Abrahamic Mystery of IshmaelISLAM is the Abrahamic Mystery of IshmaelISLAM is the Abrahamic Mystery of IshmaelISLAM is the Abrahamic Mystery of Ishmael Thousands of years, the Muslims have been known for steadfast adherence of the law of God (Matthew 5:17-20), in spite of black propaganda and or deliberate distortion, misrepresentation, invention of falsehood about Islam, still it is known as the fastest growing

1 Israel Act III , Richard Wolff p. 81

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religion in the world today. Its followers continually uphold the law of God and the bearers of the truth. Islam is the final and completion of the religion of God revealed to all His prophets The Qur’an confirms this undeniable truth about Abraham, who is the leader of all mankind. The Qur’an says: “ And who can be better in religion than one who submits himself to Allah; and he is a righteous man, and follows the religion of Abraham in worshipping none but Allah alone. And Allah did take Abraham as an intimate friend.” (4:125). In addition, in the Bible he was chosen by God as a father of many nations, the Qur’an clarify this covenant and promise. Allah says: “ Verily, I am going to make you ABRAHAM AN IMAM that is a leader for mankind. And Abraham said, ‘ and of my offspring. Allah said to Abraham, “ COVENANT OF PROPHETHOOD includes not the polytheists and wrong doers… And this religion of Islam was enjoined by Abraham upon his sons and by Jacob, saying” O my sons! Allah has chosen for you the religion, then die not except in the Faith of Islam…and indeed, We sent NOAH AND ABRAHAM , AND PLACED IN THEIR OFFSPRING PROPHETHOOD AND SCRIPTURE . Moreover, among them, there are some who guided; but many of them are rebellious or disobedient to Allah. ” (2:125, 132; 57:26). This revelation was confirmed by Giulio Basetti-Sani, a Roman Catholic priest says: "" IIssllaamm iiss aa mmyysstteerryy lliinnkkeedd wwiitthh tthhee

bblleessssiinngg oobbttaaiinneedd bbyy AAbbrraahhaamm ffrroomm GGoodd ffoorr hhiiss ssoonn IIsshhmmaaeell aanndd IIsshhmmaaeell''ss

pprrooggeennyy.. TThhiiss lliinnee ooff tthhoouugghh,, ddeerriivveedd ffrroomm tthhee BBiibbllee,, iiss tthhee oonnee ttoo ttaakkee iinn

oorrddeerr ttoo ggrraasspp tthhee ssiiggnniiffiiccaannccee ooff IIssllaamm…… IIssllaamm mmiigghhtt wweellll bbee tthhee AAbbrraahhaammiicc

mmyysstteerryy ooff IIsshhmmaaeell.. ""22

All Prophets are Muslims All Prophets are Muslims All Prophets are Muslims All Prophets are Muslims And their Religion is IslamAnd their Religion is IslamAnd their Religion is IslamAnd their Religion is Islam Prophet Noah says: " I have been commanded to be of those who submit to Allah. " [Qur’an 10:73], and to Abraham [Qur’an 2:130-131], and Joseph [Qur’an 12:101],and Moses [ Qur’an 10:84], and Jesus (Christ)[Qur’an 3:52] and to the last Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

" The SAME RELIGION HAS HE ESTABLISHED FOR YOU ( Muhammad) as that He enjoined upon Noah that which WE revealed to thee that WE enjoined upon Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, that ye should remain steadfast in religion and make no division therein." [2:136] “ Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a strict MUSLIM ” [3:67] “ Jews and Christians, why do you argue about Abraham when the Torah and the Gospel were not sent down until after him? Do you not use your reason? … ABRAHAM WAS NEITHER A JEW NOR A CHRISTIAN, BUT HE WAS A SEEKER ( after truth), A MUSLIM; he was no associator ( of others with God. TTHHEE CCLL OOSSEESSTT PPEEOOPPLL EE TTOO AABBRRAAHHAAMM AARREE TTHHOOSSEE WWHHOO FFOOLL LL OOWW HHII MM , as well as this Prophet and those who believe. Allah is the Protector of the believers.” (3:65,67,68)

The last Messenger ρ said, in an authentic Hadith: “ We, the Prophets are brothers with (the same father but) different mothers. Our religion is the same.” (Fath Al- Bari 6:550)

The Meaning or Phrases in the BibleThe Meaning or Phrases in the BibleThe Meaning or Phrases in the BibleThe Meaning or Phrases in the Bible In The Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 10:12-13) “ And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to WALK IN ALL HIS WAYS , to love him, TO SERVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND TO KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS AND STATUTES OF THE LORD, which I command you this day for your good.”

2 The Koran In The Light of Christ p. 25; Nihil Obstat by Mark Hegener OFM and Imprimatur of Msgr Richard

A. Rosemayer

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In Joshua, the successor of Moses (Joshua 24:24) “ And the people said to Joshua, “ THE LORD OUR GOD WE WILL SERVE, AND HIS VOICE WE WILL OBEY.” In Samuel 12:14, one of the King of Israel “ If you will fear the LORD AND SERVE HIM AND HEARKEN TO HIS VOICE AND NOT REBEL AGAINST THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD and if both of you and the king who reigns over you will follow the LORD your God, it will be well.” In the New Testament “ Not every one who says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, BUT HE WHO DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN. ” (Matthew 7:21) “ FOR WHOEVER DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER IN HEAVEN are my brother, and sister, and mother.” (Matthew 12:50) “ Jesus said to them, ‘ My food is to DO THE WILL OF HIM W HO SENT ME, and to accomplish his work…I can do nothing on my own authority; as I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I SEEK NOT MY OWN WILL BUT THE WILL OF HIM WHO SENT .” (John 4:34; 5:30) “ SUBMIT YOURSELVES THEREFORE TO GOD . Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:17)

The Basic Message of Islamic ReligionThe Basic Message of Islamic ReligionThe Basic Message of Islamic ReligionThe Basic Message of Islamic Religion (Islam, Faith, Perfection and the signs of the Hour)

Omar τ narrated, one day while we were sitting with Allah’s Messenger a ρ a man suddenly appeared before us, wearing a very white dress and having very black hair, without any signs of journey upon him, and none of us knew him. He approaches us and he sat before the Prophet ρ with his knees touching the Prophet’s knees and he placed his hands on his

thighs and said, “ O Muhammad ρ inform me about Islam.” Allah’s Messenger ρ said, “ ISLAM IS TO BEAR WITNESS THAT NONE HAS THE RIGHT TO BE WORSHIPPED BUT ALLAH, AND THAT MUHAMMAD IS THE MESS ENGER OF

ALLAH ρ , to offer the Salat, pay Zakat, fast during the month of Ramadan and to make Hajj ( pilgrimage to Makkah) if you are able and have the means to make the journey.” The man said, “ You spoke the truth.” We were surprised at his asking and confirming at the same

time. He said, “ Inform me about Iman” The Prophet ρ said, “IMAN IS TO BELIEVE IN ALLAH, HIS ANGELS, HIS BOOKS AND MESSENGERS, THE LA ST DAY AND TO BELIEVE IN THE DIVINE DESTINY OF ALL THAT IS GOOD A ND EVIL .” He again

said, you spoke the truth.” He said, “ Inform me about Ihsan.” He ρ said, “ IHSAN (perfection) IS TO WORSHIP ALLAH AS IF YOU SEE HIM ; IF YOU CAN ’T SEE HIM , SURELY HE SEES YOU.

“ He said, “ Inform me about the Hour (judgment Day).” He ρ said, “ The one asked has no more knowledge of it than the questioner.” He said, inform me about its signs.” He said, “ the slave –girl will give birth to her mistress and you will see the barefooted, naked, impoverished, sheepherders competing with each other in tall building.” Then the stranger left.

The Prophet ρ remained seated for quite a while, and then he asked me, “ O Omar, do you know who the questioner was?” I said, “ Allah and His Messenger know best.” He said, “ That was Jibrel, he came to teach you your religion.” (Sahih Muslim)

IISSLLAAMM IISS CCOONNVVEENNIIEENNTT AANNDD PPRRAACCTTIICCAALL

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In addition, The Prophet says: ““ In the hadith the Prophet ρ says, “ Verily, THIS (Islam)

RELIGION IS EASY” AND ITS LAW IS ALL EASY, LENIENT AND PERFECT. It is for those whom Allah the Exalted makes it easy. “ (Fath Al- Bari 1:116)

WHY DO WE NEED TO EMBRACE ISLAM?WHY DO WE NEED TO EMBRACE ISLAM?WHY DO WE NEED TO EMBRACE ISLAM?WHY DO WE NEED TO EMBRACE ISLAM? Because… 1. MAN IS LOSS: “ Verily man is in loss” (Holy Qur'an 103:2) 2. MEN ARE SINNERS: “ But never will prosper those who sin.” (Holy Qur'an 10:17) 3. FOLLOW THE FALSE RELIGION: “ That which you worship besides Him are only

names and your forefathers have invented .He has commanded that you only worship Him, that is the right religion, but most of mankind do not understand."(Holy Qur'an 12:40)

4. REJECTED THE TRUTH: “ Did We not destroy the men of old? (For their evil)? Ah, Woe, that day, to the rejecters of truth!” (Holy Qur'an 77:16,19) "They have hearts (minds) wherewith they understand not, they have eyes wherewith they see not, and they have ears wherewith they hear not (the truth). They are like cattle, nay even more astray; those they are the heedless ones." (Holy Qur'an 7:179)

5. DEPRAVED OF SALVATION: "But verily thou calls them to the straight Way; and Verily those who believe not in the Hereafter are deviating from the Way Until WE open on them a gate leading to a severe punishment: then Lo! They will be plunged in despair therein.” (Holy Qur'an 23:73,74,77)

6. RECKONING IS APPARENT Abu Musa τ said that the Messenger of Allah ρ said, “The people will be exhibited three times on the Day of Judgment. The first two-presentation will be (their) arguing and offering excuses. During the third presentation, the pages (records) will fly into their hands. Some of them will receive the records in their right hands and some will receive them in their left hands.” (Ahmad 4:414, Ibn Majah 2:1430 Tuhfat Al- Ahwadhi 7:111) The Qur’an says: “ Verily, Allah, with Him (alone) is the knowledge of the Hour, he sends down the rain, and knows that which is in the wombs. No person knows what he will earn tomorrow, and no person knows in what land he will die. Verily, Allah is All- Knower, Well- Acquainted (with things). “ (31:34)

7. ONLY ISLAM IS ACCEPTABLE TO ALLAH. " The religion (way of life) in the sight of Allah is Islam. If anyone desires a religion other than Islam, never it will be accepted of Him: and the hereafter he shall be among the losers” (3:19; 3:85)

Nature of Human BeinNature of Human BeinNature of Human BeinNature of Human Beingggg

Man is naturally good and pure state or free from sin (Fitrah). Narrated Abu Hurayrah τ, that

the Prophet ρρ said, “ Every child is born on AL-FITRAH, that is BEING A MUSLIM WHO

WORSHIP NONE BUT ALLAH ΙΙΙΙ ALONE, or MONOTHEISM, but his parents convert him to Judaism or (baptize him to become) a Christian, or Pagan, as an animal gives birth to a perfect baby animal. Do you find it mutilated? ” (Sahih Al-Bukhari 2:467)

Good and Evil The human being was created with an in-built moral sense which allows him recognize what is true and good from what is false and evil. GOOD IS DEFINED AS WHATEVER IS PLEASING

TO GOD AND THEREFORE BENEFICIAL TO MAN. EVIL IS DEFINED AS WHATEVER INCURS THE

ANGER OF GOD AND IS THEREFORE HARMFUL TO MAN. God created mankind in a naturally good state. He also created him with the capacity or power to do both good and evil. He gave him

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the freedom to choose between doing good and doing evil. The existence of good and evil therefore is closely connected with man's freedom of choice and responsibility for his actions. EVIL COME THE INTENTIONS AND ACTIONS OF MAN. EVIL DOES NOT COMES FROM GOD AND GOD IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR EVIL. (Qur’an 18:29). According to the Qur'anic or Islamic worldview, GOD CREATES THE HUMAN BEING- MAN AND

WOMAN IN NATURALLY GOOD AND PURE IN STATE, FREE FROM SIN. This is called the state of Fitrah. A Babe at birth is totally innocent. He does not bear the sin or guilt of his parents or his ancestors. There are Biblical references showing that the belief in original sin is not acceptable and attributing injustice to God’s characteristic.

No Original Sin Biblical Evidence

“ But every one shall die for his own iniquity” (Jeremiah 31:30)

“ The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bears the iniquity of the son." (Ezekiel 18:20) “ Jesus said: Go and learn what this means, I desire mercy and not sacrifice. In addition, when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your father also which is in heaven may forgive your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your father, which is in heaven forgiven your trespasses. " (Mark 11:25,26; Luke 6:36,38) “ The testimony of Paul: Do be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows that he will also reap.” (Gal. 6:7)

The Collapse and Wickedness of Man The true GodThe true GodThe true GodThe true God gave a special place in His Creation. He made man to be His heirs or vicegerent and to worship Him. Worship here does not mean the daily prayers. However, it means in the widest sense the striving for the pleasure of Allah i.e., serve. Worship means humility, self-debasement and submission, which is exhibited and proclaimed before the One and Only True God. Why people today cannot experience the prosperity of life? BECAUSE, MM AANN CCHHOOOOSSEE TTHHEE CCRROOOOKK EEDD WWAAYY ,, SSOORRRROOWW,, EEVVII LL ,, PPAAII NN,, SSEELL FFII SSHHNNEESSSS,, II GGNNOORRAANNCCEE,, HHAATTRREEDD,, DDEESSPPAAII RR AANNDD UUNNBBEELL II EEFF. The Qur’an says: " If only they had stood fast by the law (Torah), the Gospel (Injil ), and all the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have enjoyed happiness from every side. There is from among them follow a course that is evil… Whatever misfortune befalls you, it is of what your hands have earned. " (Holy Qur'an 5:66; 42:30) ALL EVIL , ALL SORROW , ALL PAIN AND AFFLICTIONS , ARE THINGS NOT NORMAL , THINGS TWISTED FROM THE PURE AND HOLY NATURE AS CREATED BY ALLAH 'S HANDS. AS FAR AS MAN IS CONCERNED, HIS MISFORTUNE IS BUT THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE THINGS HE HAS DONE . [Yosuf Ali Commentary No. 4570). In another hand, History shows that man's search for God had led to many ways. The result has been the great variety of religious exposition found all over the world.

Man-Made Religion The Qur’an says: “ And verily, this your religion is ONE RELIGION, and I am your Lord, so fear. But they have BROKEN THEIR RELIGION AMONG THEM INTO SECTS, each group rejoicing in what is with it. So, leave them in their error for a time. “ (23:52-54)

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Man Need the Man Need the Man Need the Man Need the True ReligionReligionReligionReligion The Bible, in James 1:27 talks about RELIGION that is pure and undefiled before God. The same writer concluded and admonishes the believers to; “ Submit yourselves therefore to God,” in order to attained the core of being religious. The word religion in the Dictionary is “ an awareness or conviction of the existence of a Supreme Being, arousing reverence, love gratitude, WILL TO OBEY AND SERVE .” The meaning given by the dictionary and James in essence is the identical. Etymologically, the word Religion is from the Latin word RELIGARE , which is from RE= again and LIGIO = to bind fast or to tie, hence it means TO BIND FAST OR TO TIE AGAIN . Therefore, man need religion, because he is totally ruined of sins, separated from God and need of salvation. Religion is binding us or tying us back to God. Some people say that religion cannot save us but relationship with God. However drawn from the meaning and definition of the compound word religion, we can conclude, that “True religion is a true relations with God.” We cannot have a true relationship with God if we are not in a True Religion.

Distinctiveness of Islam with other Religions Islam is more than a religion. Islam is a religion of monotheism. Belief in the existence of One Creator is the foundation of Islamic Monotheism. Islam unifies all the previous religions, and does not separate them. The teachings of Islam are simply explicit and easy to understand. It is against superstitious, disbeliefs and complex philosophies. Islam does not separate completely the materialistic and the spiritual aspects of life. Islam stresses the spirit of equity and brotherhood between Muslims. Islam is a complete way of life Islam organizes human life in all aspects: economic, political, cultural and social. Islam tries to organize our life by emphasizing the importance of time. Islam calls for learning and thinking and encourages scientific advance. Islam calls for earning Halal (lawful) money without exploitation, cheating or corruption. Islam is the Solutions of Man’s Depravity Islam is the greatest blessing Islam is a Straight Path Allah says: “ And this is the Path (Qur’an and Islam) of your Lord leading Straight. We have detailed Our Revelations for a people who take heed.” (Al Qur’an 6:126) Islam is a Healing for Mankind Allah says: “ O Mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord, and a healing for that which is in your breasts, - a guidance and a mercy for the believers.” (Al- Qur’an 10:57)

ISLAM IS SALVATION Belief in the Oneness of Allah The Qur’an says: “ Verily, Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him (in worship), but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He wills; and whoever sets up partners with Allah, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin. “ (4:48)

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The Messenger of Allah ρ said, “ Encourage your dying people to testify to La ilaha illallah, for whoever says it at the time of their death, they will definitely enter Paradise.” The people said, ‘ O

Messenger of Allah ρ, what about he who says it while in good health?” He replied, “ This will necessitate his entrance into Paradise even more.” Then he said, “ I swear by He Whom my soul is in His Hand, if the heavens and the earths, and all that is in them, between them and under them,

were brought and placed in a balance of a scale, and tthhee tteessttiimmoonnyy ooff LLAA IILLAAHHAA

IILLLLAALLLLAAHH ((tthheerree iiss nnoo ootthheerr ddeeiittyy wwoorrtthhyy ooff wwoorrsshhiipp eexxcceepptt AAllllaahh)) wwaass ppllaacceedd oonn tthhee ootthheerr ssiiddee ooff tthhee ssccaallee,, tthhee tteessttiimmoonnyy wwoouulldd oouuttwweeiigghh aallll ooff iitt..”” ( At-Tabari 18:258) “ Whoever says la ilaha illa –Allah, it will be his SALVATION someday, no matter what befalls him before that.” (Reported by Bayhaqi, see Ahadith Sahih # 1932)

The Prophet ρ said: “ Whose last words in this world are: ‘ There is no God (or god) except Allah.’ HE SHALL ENTER PARADISE.” (Al- Hakim)

Other religions, says that they believe in “ ONE GOD” and they worship Him alone. They too give the title of “Lord” to another being. In Islam, it is not enough that the faithful believe that “ GOD IS ONE,” but must actualize this belief by proper conduct. The Islamic concept of God based on Divine Revelation; there must be NO AMBIGUITY IN DIVINITY. THE GOD IS THE GOD AND MAN IS MAN, NOT MAN-GOD OR GOD-MAN. The Almighty God is the sole Creator and continually sustains the Universe. He created everything

from nothing (ex-nihilo) The Qur’an says: “ Indeed His command, when He desires a

thing, is only to say to it ‘Be’ and ‘It is’. (36:82). He is transcendent above His creation- the CREATOR AND THE CREATION NEVER MERGE. Islam teaches that God has a unique nature and that He is free from gender, human weaknesses and beyond anything that human beings can imagine. . Other religion tend to GIVE GOD HUMAN QUALITIES AND TEACH THAT HE IS

PRESENT IN HIS CREATION, BY BEING INCARNATE IN SOMEONE, SOMETHING OR EVEN

EVERYTHING, however the Qur’an emphasized strongly that “ Allah –there is nothing like unto Him. “ (See Qur’an 112: 1-4) The concept of God in Islam is summed up in the Qur'an 112:1-4 which teaches that there is no deity worthy of worshipped except Allah, that nothing else possesses the perfect attributes of the Eternal Absolute, Creator, that He does not beget nor was begotten, and there is nothing comparable to Him. He is unimaginable and we have NO MENTAL PICTURE OF HIM . He cannot do ungodly things, like dying, regretting and so on (Qur'an 2:225). That is the reason why the Muslim believes that God has power all things. (Qur'an 2:20; 30:50)

Embrace Islam

Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri τ, Allah’s Messenger ρρρρρρρρ said, “ If a person EMBRACE

ISLAM sincerely, then ALLAH ΙΙΙΙ SHALL FORGIVE ALL HIS PAST SINS, and after that starts the settlement of account: the reward of his good deeds will be ten times to seven hundred

times for each good deeds, and an evil deeds will be recorded as it is unless Allah Ι forgives it.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari 1:40a) By Accepting Islam, there is A DOUBLE REWARD

The Messenger of Allah ρ wrote a letter to Heracleius, the Emperor of Rome, beginning with, “

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, and Most Merciful. from Muhammad, the Messenger

of Allah ρ, to Heraclius the Emperor of Rome. Peace Be upon Him who follows the guidance. Thus, to proceed: Verily, I INVITE YOU WITH THE INVITATION OF ISLAM. So ACCEPT ISLAM and you will be safe, and ALLAH WILL GIVE YOU A DOUBLE REWARD.” (Fath al- Bari 1:42)

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How to Perform the ShahadaHow to Perform the ShahadaHow to Perform the ShahadaHow to Perform the Shahada Declaration of Faith

Belief or Faith in Oneness of God

Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet ρ said, “ FAITH (Iman) has seventy odd branches, THE BEST OF WHICH IS THE DECLARATION THAT THERE IS NO OTHER GOD

WORTHY OF WORSHIP BUT ALLAH ΙΙΙΙ, and the simplest of which is removing harmful objects from the road. And modesty is a branch of faith.” (Sahih Al- Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Ibn Majah and Sunan Abu Dawud) In Islamic faith, the declaration is called Ash-shahadatan (or Confession of Faith) in Arabic, the first principles in the belief in the Oneness of Allah (Tawheedullah). A Muslim declares his Faith

by reciting sincerely and conviction, " LA ILAHA ILLA ALLAH, MUHAMMADAR (ρ) RASULULLAH." This saying means, " There is no worthy of worship and other deity except

Allah (swt) and Muhammad (ρ) is the last Messenger of Allah.” To believe in Allah as the Only True God must worship Him alone; the believers must reject or negate all types of worship to anyone or anything. The phrase there is no deity; reject all false deity, while the phrase "except Allah" confirms that Only Allah is the true God. The Holy Qur'an says: " There is no ilah (god or deity) except Allah" There is no ilah (god or deity) except Allah" There is no ilah (god or deity) except Allah" There is no ilah (god or deity) except Allah. “ La ilha illa Allah” it denotes denying everyone and everything other than Allah. The ANGELS, the PROPHETS and the rest of MANKIND, IDOLS (39:44; 21:283), IDEOLOGY, INTERCESSION OF SAINTS, ANCESTORS, (44:8), PERSONAL PASSIONS (27:43), NATURE (7:54), are not god nor do they deserve neither to be worship nor to adore. Belief in Messengers

Narrated Ubadahτ, The Prophet ρ said, " If anyone TESTIFIES that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone (la ilaha illallah), Who has no partners, and that MUHAMMAD

IS HIS SLAVE AND HIS MESSENGER ρρρρ, AND THAT JESUS υυυυ IS ALLAH’S SLAVE AND HIS MESSENGER and His Word which He bestowed on Mary and a spirit (ruh) created by Him, and that Paradise is the truth, and Hell is the truth- Allah will admit him into Paradise with the deeds which he had done even if those deeds were few. " Ubadah added: " such a person can enter Paradise through any of its eight gates he likes " ( Sahih Al-Bukhari 4:644)

The second meaning Muhammad Rasulullah ρ is affirming faith in ALL THE MESSENGERS AND PROPHETS OF ALLAH INCLUDING JESUS CHRIST, THE LAST OF THEM IS MUHAMMAD ρ Accepting the true guidance in this world and salvation in the hereafter through obedience of what Allah revealed and inspired utterance of Prophet Muhammad ρ; Willingness to follow the way shown by the Prophet ρ The Prophet said: “Narrated by Abu Hurayrah τ, Allah’s Messenger ρ said: “ By Him in Whose Hand

Muhammad's ρ soul is, there is none from amongst the JEWS AND THE CHRISTIANS WHO

HEARS ABOUT ME and then dies without BELIEVING IN THE MESSAGE with which I have been sent, but he will be from the dwellers of the Fire” (Sahih Muslim, Book of Faith 1:240)

The Substance of Shahadah Shahadah is the important standard by which a man is judged as a Muslim or a Kafir (unbeliever). The Shahadah is the ground foundation upon which Islam is based. The Qur’an says: “ We did not send the Messenger before you without revealing to him: ‘ There is no other deity worthy of being worshipped except I, therefore worship Me.” The truth about Shahada is not a one-time event made before an Islamic court of law or declaring it with other reliable witnesses. Shahada is not a ritual utterance as an entrance to Islam. However, it is a statement of

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belief to be contemplated and remembered repeatedly through all the days of his life on this world. IT IS A COVENANT OF OUR PROMISE TO THE ALMIGHTY GOD. On the other hand, a commitment to a total self-surrender to God’s will. Anyone who declares this (Shahada) is a new person and expected to change his thoughts and deeds if contrary to the Islamic way of life or standards and principles.

Shahada is a means to Paradise

even if we are already condemn Narrated Anas τ, The Prophet ρ said, " When a human being is made to sit in his grave and his companions return and he even hears their footsteps, two angels come to him and make

him sit and ask him: 'What did you use to say about this man, Muhammad ρ? He will say: " I

testify that he is Allah's slave and His Messenger ρ." Then it will be said to him, '

Look at your place in the Hell-Fire. Allah ΙΙΙΙ has changed for you a place in Paradise instead of it." The Prophet ρ added, the dead person would see both his places.

However, a disbeliever or a hypocrite will say to the angels, ' I do not know, but I used to

say what the people used to say! It will be said to him, ' Neither did you know nor

did you take guidance (Qur’an).' Then he will be hit with an iron hammer between his two ears, and he will cry and that cry will be heard by whatsoever is near to him except human being and jinn. " (Sahih Al-Bukhari 2:422)

Shahada in the Previous ScripturesShahada in the Previous ScripturesShahada in the Previous ScripturesShahada in the Previous Scriptures Oneness of God “And Jesus Answered him, the first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD. “ (Mark 12:29) “ I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt HAVE NO OTHER GODS before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any GRAVEN IMAGE , or ANY LIKENESS OF ANYTHING THAT IS IN HEAVEN ABOVE , or that is in THE EARTH BENEATH , OR THAT IS IN THE WATER UNDER THE EARTH ; Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them; for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.” (Exodus 20:2-6) Moreover, it forbidden to call on other names taking into consideration as a God, representative or someone as proxy of the true God, in Joshua 23:7 and Exodus 23:13 says: “ You may not … MAKE MENTION OF THE NAMES OF THEIR GODS, or

swear by them… Take heed to all that I have said to you; and MAKE NO

MENTION OF THE NAMES OF OTHER GODS, NOR LET SUCH BE HEARD

OUT OF YOUR MOUTH.”

Acknowledgment and Acceptance of all the Prophets

“ Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his PROPHETS, so shall ye prosper.” ( 2 Chronicle 20:20) “ And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of ABRAHAM, ISAAC, and ISRAEL , let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.” ( 1 Kings 18: 36)

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“ And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the ONLY TRUE GOD, and JESUS CHRIST whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)

Shahada is announcing the FaithShahada is announcing the FaithShahada is announcing the FaithShahada is announcing the Faith Ibn Abbas τ said, " The Messenger of Allah ρ sent a military expedition under the authority of Al-Miqdad Bin Al-Aswad and when they reached the designated area, they found the people had dispersed. However, a man with a lot of wealth did not leave and said, " I BEAR WITNESS THAT THERE IS NO DEITY WORTHY OF WORSHIP EXCEPT ALLAH. " Yet, Al- Miqdad killed him, and a man said to him, ' you killed a man after HE PROCLAIMED: " There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. By Allah, I will mention

what you did to the Prophet. ' When they went back to the Messenger of Allah ρ, said, " O

Messenger of Allah ρ Al- Miqdad killed a man who testified that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah.. … He said to Al- Miqdad, " He was a believing man who hid his faith among disbelieving people, and he ANNOUNCED HIS FAITH to you, but you killed him, although you used to hide your faith before, in Makkah. " (Majma Az- Zawa'id 7:9)

Ubadah Bin As-Samit τ said that the Prophet ρρρρ said: “ If anyone TESTIFIES that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone, Who has no partners, and that Muhammad is His servant

and Messenger, ρ and that Jesus is Allah's servant and Messenger and His Word which He bestowed on Maryam and a spirit created by Him, and that Paradise is true and Hell is true, then Allah will admit him into Paradise with the deeds which he performed.” (Fath Al- Bari 6:547)

Principles curved in from the Ahadith 1. The Shahada is declaring the words of faith that is “ I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and that Jesus and Muhammad are the Messengers of Allah shall enter Paradise. Insha Allah. 2. That anyone from among the people, wish to declare or declaring the words of faith should announced it as soon as possible. 3. That nobody should doubt anyone who want to declare his faith, embrace or enter Islam, because only Allah knows the heart of a person. 4. We should accept and welcome anyone who embrace or enter Islam, whatever intentions in their heart are

The Promise of Allah: "Except those who REPENT And BELIEVE and WORK RIGHTEOUSNESS: for these Will enter Paradise

And will not be wronged in the least

Paradise of Eternity, those

Which (Allah) Most Gracious Has promised to His servants In the unseen: for His promise Must (necessarily) come to pass. Moreover, they will have therein Their sustenance, morning and evening Such is the inheritance which

Promised of Allah

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To those of our servants (It is) the promise of Allah Who guard against evil? " (Holy Qur'an 19:60-63]

After Shahada then … what next?After Shahada then … what next?After Shahada then … what next?After Shahada then … what next? What shall we do?What shall we do?What shall we do?What shall we do?

For this reason, Islam Forgive All Sins Repentance is to let off and forgets Sinning

The Messenger of Allah ρ said, “ Islam erases what occurred before it, and repentance erases what occurs before it.” (Sahih Muslim # 5121; Ahmad 4:205)

Join the Group of BelieversJoin the Group of BelieversJoin the Group of BelieversJoin the Group of Believers The Prophet ρρρρ has told the story of a murderer who wanted to repent for his crimes. He inquired of the address of the greatest learned man of the land. His name was given to him, whom he saw and said: “ I have committed hundred murders. Is there any CHANCE OF REPENTANCE for me?” He was told: “ What thing can come between you and repentance. Go to a PARTICULAR PLACE, where some good slaves of Allah reside and are ALWAYS FOUND WORSHIPPING HIM. You also JOIN THEM in worshipping, and do not return to your village, because it is A BAD PLACE.” (Sahih Al Bukhari)

Join the Islamic GatheringJoin the Islamic GatheringJoin the Islamic GatheringJoin the Islamic Gathering

The Prophet ρρρρ said: “ No people SIT TOGETHER remembering Allah, Ι but the angels

surround them, mercy envelops them, tranquility descends upon them, and Allah Ι mentions them to those who are in His presence.” (Sahih Muslim # 2700)

Sahl Ibn Al-Handhaliyyah τ said that the Messenger of Allah ρρρρ said: “ No people GATHER

TOGETHER TO REMEMBER ALLAH Ι and then disperse, but it will be said to them; Get up, you are forgiven.” (Sahih Al- Jami 5507)

Essences from these Ahadith 1. True repentance needs a person to seek the truth and it is necessary to search for it, even the

place is too far him, he should reach it.: Narrated Abu Musa τ: The Prophetρ said,: " The example

of guidance and knowledge with which Allah Ι has sent me, IS LIKE ABUNDANT RAIN FALLING ON THE EARTH, SOME OF WHICH WAS FERTILE SOIL THAT ABSORBED RAIN WATER AND BROUGHT FORTH VEGETATION AND GRASS

IN ABUNDANCE. (And) another portion of it was hard and held the rainwater and Allah Ι benefited the people with it and they utilized it for drinking, making their animals drink from it and irrigating the land for cultivation. (And) a portion of it was barren which could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation (then that land gave no benefits). THE FIRST EXAMPLE OF THE PERSON WHO COMPREHEND ALLAH'S RELIGION (ISLAM) AND

GETS BENEFIT (FROM THE KNOWLEDGE) WHICH ALLAH ΙΙΙΙ HAS REVEALED THROUGH ME AND LEARNS AND THEN TEACHES IT TO OTHERS. The last

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example is that of a person who does not care for it and does not take Allah's Guidance revealed through me: (He is like a barren land)." (Sahih Al-Bukhari 1:79 )

Safwan Ibn Assal al- Muradi τ came to the Prophet ρρρρ in the mosque and said,” O Messenger of

Allah, I have come seeking knowledge.” The Prophet ρρρρ told him: “ WELCOME, O SEEKER OF KNOWLEDGE! TRULY THE ANGELS SURROUND THE SEEKER OF KNOWLEDGE WITH THEIR WINGS, GATHERING AROUND HIM IN RANKS ONE ABOVE THE OTHER, until they reach the first heaven, out of love for that which he seeks.” (Ahmad, At-Tirmidhi and Al- Hakim)

Qays Bin Kathir τ said … I (Abu Ad-Darda) heard the Messenger of Allah ρ say: "

WHOEVER FOLLOWS A PATH TO SEEK KNOWLEDGE, ALLAH WILL SHOW HIM THE WAY TO PARADISE. The angels lower their wings being pleased with the one who seeks knowledge. Whoever is in the heavens and on earth, even the fish in the sea, ask for forgiveness for the scholar.” (Ahmad; Abu Dawud 4:157, Ibn Majah 1:81) 2. THE SEEKER OF TRUTH should look for a group that are rightfully worshipping Allah and should stick to them and not coming back from the previous place that indulge in sins and

misguidance. The Messenger of Allah ρ said, " Whoever commits an act that does not conform with our matter (religion) , then it will be rejected of him. " (Fath Al- Bari 5:355) 3. THOSE WHO GATHER, SIT TOGETHER and remembering Allah, worshipping together. Allah shall forgive their sins, receive mercy and tranquility.

Continue and Grow in FaithContinue and Grow in FaithContinue and Grow in FaithContinue and Grow in Faith There are people that God has given a chance to find the right path, forgiveness, faith and truth, however the opportunity had just passed by and return back to the old ways of ignorance.

Ibn Abbas τ said that the Messenger of Allah ρ said, " The most hated person to Allah Ι is the Muslim WHO SEEKS THE WAYS OF THE DAYS OF IGNORANCE and he who seeks to shed

the blood of a person without justification. " (At- Tabari 10:374). In another Hadith Abu Sa’id τ says

that the Messenger of Allah ρ said, " The hearts are four (types): POLISHED AS SHINY AS THE RADIATING LAMP, a sealed heart with a knot tied around its seal, a heart that is turned upside down and a wrapped heart. As for the polished heart, it is the heart of the believer and the lamp is the light of faith. The sealed heart is the heart of the disbeliever. The heart that is turned upside down is the heart of the pure hypocrite, because he had knowledge but denied it. As for the wrapped heart, a heart contains belief and hypocrisy. THE EXAMPLE OF FAITH IN THIS HEART IS THE EXAMPLE OF THE HERB THAT IS SUSTAINED BY PURE WATER. The example of hypocrisy in it, is the example of an ulcer that thrives on puss and blood. Whichever of the two substances has the upper hand, it will have the upper hand on that heart." (Ahmad 3:17)

Narrated Abu Hurayrah τ, Allah’s Messenger ρρρρρρρρ said," If anyone of you IMPROVES HIS

ISLAMIC RELIGION, then his good deeds will be rewarded ten times to seven hundred times for each good deeds and a bad deeds will be recorded as it is." (Al Bukhari 1:40b)

Empathy Instituted in these Hadith 1. In order to continue and grow in faith, seeking or joining the ways of unbelievers is one of

the most hated to Allah. 2. We must purify our heart, that it may become shiny as the radiating lamp. Clear our

intentions, and be not liked to a sealed heart (heart of the disbelievers), turned and upside down heart (hypocrite’s heart) and wrapped heart (a heart that contain belief and hypocrisy).

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3. Continuing and growing faith is like an herb that is sustained by pure water. In addition, the

Prophet said: The Prophet ρ said: “ The most in faith of the believers are those who are best in their attitude towards others.” (At-Tirmidhi)

4. There is a huge reward, if a believer improves his religion, that ten to seven hundred times.

JOIN THE BROTHERHOOD

BECAUSE IT IS LIKE ONE BODY

The Prophet ρ said, “ The example of THE BELIEVERS in the compassion and mercy

they have for each other, IS THE EXAMPLE OF ONE BODY: if a part of it falls ill, the rest of the body suffers with fever and sleeplessness.” (Fath Al- Bari 10; 452) Islam teaches that a person who embraced Islam should depart from the old ways of ignorance and joins the Islamic gathering in order for them to grow in faith. With weak faith, a person shall fall down into sins, and punishments. The Prophet said: " THE MUSLIM IS THE BROTHER OF A MUSLIM, he is not unjust with him nor does he forsake him." (Fath Al-Bari 5:116)

" Allah Ι helps the servant as long as the servant HELPS HIS BROTHER." (Sahih Muslim 4:2074)

" If the Muslim invokes Allah Ι for the BENEFIT OF HIS ABSENT BROTHER, the angel says afterwards, ' Amin, and for you the same." (Sahih Muslim 4:2094)

HOW TO CONTINUE AND GROW IN FAITH?

The Intentions that All Deeds Only For Allah

The Messenger of Allah ρ said: “ Whoever loves for the sake of Allah, hates for the sake of Allah, gives for the sake of Allah and withholds for the SAKE OF ALLAH HAS COMPLETED HIS FAITH.” (Abu Dawud)

Always Asked Allah to Renew the Faith

The Prophet ρ said: “ Faith wear out in the heart of any one of you just as clothes wear out, so ask Allah TO RENEW THE FAITH IN YOUR HEARTS.” (Al Hakim in Al- Mustadrak; At Tabarani in Al- Mu’jam Al- Kaber)

Giving Up the Meaningless Deeds The Hadith says: “ It is the excellence of a man’s faith that he GIVES UP MEANINGLESS WORK. “ (At-Tirmidhi)

Friday Worship Services " Whoever performs Ghusl on FRIDAY and applies perfume, if he has any, wears his best clothes, then goes to the Masjid and performs voluntarily prayer, if he wishes, does not bother anyone, listen when the Imam appears until he start the prayer. Then all of this will get rid of for whatever occurs between that FRIDAY AND THE NEXT FRIDAY." (Ahmad)

Salah is a Covenant The Prophet said, “ Between a person and al-kufr and shirk is his LEAVING THE SALAH ” and not “ leaving a salah.” ( Ash-Sharh al-Mumti ala Zaad al-Mustaqni,’ p. 26 op. cit. page 30, A Commentary on General Issues of Faith compiled by Abu Amenah Bilal Philips)

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The Prophet says: “ The covenant which is between us and them is the Salah, so hoever leaves it has disbelieved ( kafar).” Ibn Majah, Vol. 2 p. 144 # 1079)

Remorse of our Sins

Ibn Ma’qal τ said: “ I came with my father to ‘Abdullah and heard him say: m’ I heard Allah’s

Messenger ρ say: ‘REMORSE IS REPENTANCE.’ My father asked him,’ did you actually hear

the Prophet ρ say: ‘ Remorse is repentance?’ He replied, ‘Yes!’ (Ibn Majah)

TRUE REPENTANCE

Hadith, the Prophetρ said, “ The one who repents from sin is like he who has no sin.” (Ibn Majah 2:1420)

The Prophet has told the story of a murderer who wanted to repent for his crimes. He inquired of the address of the greatest learned man of the land. His name was given to him, whom he saw and said: “ I have committed hundred murders. Is there any chance of repentance for me?” He was told: “ What thing can come between you and repentance. Go to a particular place, where some

good slaves of Allah Ι reside and are always found worshipping Him. You also join them in worshipping, and do not return to your village, because it is a bad place. “ (Bukhari)

In another version, narrated that he went to a learned man and related his whole story and placed his difficulty before him. The learned man told him: “ You have committed a big mistake. How am I concerned with this? However, THERE ARE TWO VILLAGES. One of them is named

NASRAH that is supporter of Allah Ι and the other one is KUFRAH that is rejecters of God.

The people of Nasrah perform the deeds of the people of Paradise. Any

person who follows other methods cannot stay there. The citizens of Kufrah

perform the deeds of the people of the hell. There is no room for the people

following other policies to stay there. Therefore, YOU GO TO THE PEOPLE OF NASRAH. If you stayed there and worked like those people, then there would be no doubt about the acceptance of your repentance. “ (Tabarani )

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You can have an assurance of Peace and Salvation right now by Faith through Prayer and Personal testimony (Shahada). Remember … that prayer is talking to God. He knows what is in your heart and He is not interested with your words