1. Chiming of Bells
Sayyidah Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) says that Sayyidna Harith ibn Hisham (Radhi Allahu Anhu) once asked the Holy Prophet (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) how Wahy came to him. The Holy Prophet (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said “There are times when I hear something like the chiming of bells and this mode of Wahy is the hardest on me. After the chiming ends, the revelation is committed to my memory. And there are times when the angel appears before me in the shape of a man and talks to me.”
Sayyidah Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) adds, ”I saw the Prophet (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) being inspired with Wahy on a very cold day and when the Wahy ceased, sweat would be dripping from his forehead in spite of the cold weather.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2/1)
In another narration, Sayyidah Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) relates, “When Wahy came to the Prophet (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam), his breath would seem to stop, the radiant face would turn pale like the branch of a date palm, the front teeth would shiver from cold and he would perspire so much that its drops would roll like pearls.” (Al-Itqan, 1/46)
On one occasion the camel that the Prophet (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) was riding at the time of revelation knelt down unable to bear the weight.
Once, when the Prophet (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) was resting his head on the lap of Sayyidna Zayd ibn Thabit (Radhi Allahu Anhu), the descent of Wahy started and this put so much weight on Sayyidna Zayd’s thigh that Sayyidna Zayd felt it would break. (Zad al-Ma’ad, 1/18, 19)
There were times when a low-volumed sound of this Wahy was sensed by others as well. Sayyidna Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhu) says, “When Wahy came to the Prophet (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam), a sound similar to the buzzing of honey-bees could be heard close to the Prophet’s (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) most bright face.” (Tabwib Musnad Ahmad, Kitab al-Sirah al-Nabaviyah, 20/212)
2. Jibrail (Alayhis Salam) in Human Form
In this mode of Wahy, Sayyidna Jibrail (Alayhis Salam) would come to Prophet Muhammad (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) in human form and deliver Allah’s message. Sayyidna Jibrail (Alayhis Salam) usually came in the form of Sayyidna Dihyah al-Kalbi (Radhi Allahu Anhu), a companion of Prophet Muhammad (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam). Sayyidna Jibrail (Alayhis Salam) also came in other human forms. This mode of Wahy was the easiest on the Holy Prophet (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam). (Al-Itqan, 1/46)
3. Jibrail (Alayhis Salam) in Angelic Form
In this mode of Wahy, Sayyidna Jibrail (Alayhis Salam) would appear in his angelic form. This occured only thrice. First, when the Holy Prophet (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) wished to see Jibrail (Alayhis Salam) in his real form. Second, during Miraj (the Ascent to Heaven) and third at Ajyad in Makkah al-Mukarramah during the very early days of prophethood. The first two happenings are authentic, however, the last one suffers from weak chains of authority and is, therefore, doubtful. (Fath al-Bari, 1/18,19)
4. Conversation with Allah Almighty
Another mode of Wahy was direct conversation with Allah Almighty. This honour was bestowed upon the Holy Prophet (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) only once while awake, during Miraj (Ascent to Heaven). Prophet Muhammad (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) also conversed with Allah Almighty in a dream once.
5. Blowing into the Heart
In this mode of Wahy, Sayyidna Jibrail (Alayhis Salam) without appearing physically, would let some words of the message fall into Prophet Muhammad (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam)’s heart. This is known as Nafth Fi al-Rau (blowing into the heart). (Ibid)
Reference: Ma’ariful Quran (The Wisdom of the Holy Qur’an) - Volume 1 by Maulana Mufti Muhammad Shafi’
]]>Allah Almighty sent man to this world and has placed the whole universe under his service. Life in this world is a test and man must…
- Make the best use of this world and of things created in it.
- Keep the laws of Allah Almighty in mind and do nothing that goes against His will and pleasure.
To perform these two functions man needs knowledge. Unless he knows the properties of different things and the manner in which they can be put to use, he cannot use anything in this world to his advantage. And unless he knows the will of Allah Almighty, what pleases or displeases Him, it will be impossible for man to lead a life in accordance to the will of Allah Almighty.
- Man’s senses
- Man’s reason
- Wahy
Man learns many things through his senses, many others through reason, and the knowledge of things he cannot get through these two sources are bestowed upon him through Wahy.
The knowledge gained through the senses cannot be deduced through reason. For instance, you know by seeing a wall with your eyes that its colour is white. But, it will be impossible to close your eyes and try to find out the colour of the wall on the sole strength of your reason.
Similarly, the knowledge gained through reason cannot be discovered by the senses. For instance, you cannot find out who made that wall by simply seeing it with your eyes or touching it with your hands. But you could use your reason to arrive at this knowledge.
Then there are things the knowledge of which can neither be acquired through the senses nor through reason. For instance, to find out what manner of use of that wall will please Allah Almighty and what manner of its use will displease Him, is possible neither through the senses nor through reason.
In order to give man the answer to such questions, the source that Allah Almighty has prescribed is Wahy. This makes it clear that Wahy is the highest source of knowledge for man which offers to him the answers to questions about his life and provides guidance that cannot be attained by means of the senses and reason.
If you have faith in the fact that this universe has been created by Allah Almighty and He has sent man to this world for a purpose, how then is it possible to imagine that He, after creating man, would leave him in total darkness, without telling him why he was sent to this world, what his duties are, where he is destined to go and how he can realize the purpose of his life?
When a man of ordinary reason would not send someone on a mission without telling him the objective of the mission, how can Allah Almighty, under Whose ultimate wisdom this whole universe is functioning, leave man without guidance?
If there is faith in the ultimate wisdom of Allah Almighty, then it is mandatory to believe that He did not leave His servants in the dark. On the contrary, He has instituted a system for their guidance, which is Wahy (Divine Revelation) and Risalah (Prophethood).
Reference: Ma’ariful Quran (The Wisdom of the Holy Qur’an) - Volume 1 by Maulana Mufti Muhammad Shafi’
Allah says in the Quran…
Nay! This is a Glorious Quran, (inscribed) in al-Lauh al-Mahfuz (The Preserved Tablet)!
- Quran (Al-Buruj, 85:21-22)
From the Preserved Tablet, its descent took place twice. The first time, the entire Quran descended to The House of Honor (al-Bayt al-Izza). The House of Honor is a house in the first (lowest) heaven, facing Ka’bah. It serves as the place of worship for angels. This descent took place in the month of Ramadan during the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr).
Allah says in the Quran…
The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran as a guidance for mankind and with clear proofs of (earlier) guidance and the Criterion (between right and wrong)…
- Quran (Al-Baqarah, 2:185)
By the manifest Book that makes things clear. We sent it down on a blessed night; for we (ever) wish to warn (against evil).
- Quran (Ad-Dukaan, 44:2-3)
The second time, the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam). This revelation was made gradually, as needed, and took twenty three years to complete. The verses of the Quran were brought down by the Angel Jibr’il (Gabriel) and inspired directly into the heart and mind of Prophet Muhammad (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam). The beginning of this descent also took place in the month of Ramadan during the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr).
Allah refers to this revelation in many verses of the Quran. In one such verse Allah says…
And this (Quran) is the revelation of the Lord of the worlds. It is brought by the Trusted Spirit down to your heart, so that you become one of the warners. In plain Arabic language.
- Quran (Ash-Shuara, 26:192-195)
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Kalimah-e-Tayyabah (Word of Purity)
Laaa Ilaaha Illa-llaahu Muhammadur-Rasoolu-llaah
There is none worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.
Kalimah-e-Shahadah (Word of Testimony)
Ash-hadu Al-laaa Ilaaha Illa-llaahu Wahdahoo Laa Shareeka Lahoo Wa-Ash-hadu Anna Muhammadan ‘Abduhoo Wa Rasooluhu.
I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, the One alone, without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.
Kalimah-e-Tamjeed (Word of Glorification)
Subhaana-llaahi Walhamdu Lillaahi Walaaa Ilaaha Illa-llaahu Wallaahu Akbar. Walaa Hawla Walaa Quwwata Illaa Billaahi-l ‘Aliyyil ‘Azeem.
Glory be to Allah and all praise be to Allah, there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and Allah is the Greatest. There is no might or power except from Allah, the Exalted, the Great One.
Kalimah-e-Tauhid (Word of Unification)
Laaa Ilaaha Illa-llaahu Wahdahoo Laa Shareeka-lahoo Lahu-l Mulku Walahu-l Hamdu Yuhyee Wayumeetu Wahuwa Hayyu-l Laa Yamootu Abadan Abada. Dhu-l Jalaali Wal Ikraam. Biyadihil Khair. Wahuwa Alaa Kulli Shai-’in Qadeer.
There is none worthy of worship except Allah. He is alone and has no partner. To Him belongs the Kingdom and for Him is all praise. He gives life and causes death. In His hand is all good and He has power over everything.
Kalimah-e-Astaghfar (Word of Penitence)
Astaghfiru-llaaha Rabbi Min Kulli Dhambin Adhnabtuhoo ‘Amadan Aw Khata-an Sirran Aw ‘Alaaniyata-wn Wa-atoobu Ilaihi Min-adh Dhambi-l Ladhee A’lamu Wamina-dh Dhambi-l Ladhi Laaa A’lamu Innaka Anta ‘Allaamu-l Ghuyoobi Wasattaaru-l ‘Uyoobi Wa Ghaffaaru-dh Dhunubi Walaa Hawla Walaa Quwwata Illaa Billaahi-l ‘Aliyyil ‘Azeem.
I seek forgiveness from Allah, who is my Creator and Cheriser, from every sin I committed knowingly or unknowingly, secretly or openly. I also seek His forgiveness for all sins which I am aware of or am not aware of. Certainly You (O Allah!), are the Knower of the hidden and the Concealer of mistakes and the Forgiver of sins. And there is no power and no strength except from Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.
Kalimah-e-Rud-e-Kuffr (Word of Rejection of Disbelief)
Allaa-humma Inneee A’udhu-bika Min An Ushrika Bika Shay-awn Wa-ana A’lamu Bihee Wa-astaghfiruka Limaa Laaa A’lamu Bihee Tubtu ‘Anhu Wata-barraatu Mina-l Kufri Wash-shirki Wal-kidhbi Wal-gheebati Wal-bid’ati Wan-nameemati Wal-fawahishi Wal-buhtaani Wal-m’aasi Kulli-haa Wa-Aslamtu Wa-aqoolu Laaa Ilaaha Illa-llaahu Muhammadu-r Rasoolu-llah.
O Allah! I seek refuge in You from that I should ascribe any partner with You knowingly. I seek Your forgiveness for the sin of which I have no knowledge. I repent from it. And becoming disgusted of disbelief and idolatry, lying and backbiting, innovation and slander, lewdness and abomination and all other acts of disobedience, I submit to Your will. I believe and I declare that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.
]]>The Five Pillars of Islam are
- Declaration of Faith (Shahadah)
- Prayer (Salah)
- Charity (Zakah)
- Fasting (Sawm)
- Pilgrimage (Hajj)
Declaration of Faith (Shahadah)
The most basic requirement of being a Muslim is to publicly state the words “There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger”, in arabic, with sincerity and without any reservations. This testament is the foundation for all other beliefs and practices in Islam. To become a Muslim, a non-Muslim must repeat the Shahadah three times in the presence of witnesses.
The statement of Shahada in arabic is:
Ashhadu Alla Ilaha Illa Allah Wa Ashhadu Anna Muhammad Rasulu Allah
The statement of faith must be a genuine belief that includes the following articles of faith.
- Belief in One God (Allah) - Allah is one and has no partners or equals.
- Belief in the Prophets - Allah sent prophets to every nation (Qur’an, An-Nahl, 16:36) to provide mankind with guidance, so that they could walk the straight path of Allah, live happily in this world and be prepared for life after death. Their fundamental message was identical, reminding mankind of Allah’s oneness, the reward of a good life, the day of judgment and the terrible punishment for disbelievers.
- Belief in the Holy Books - Allah sent messages to humanity through His prophets. These messages are contained in the Holy Books of Allah:
- The Suhuf (Scrolls), revealed to the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), and now lost
- The Taurut (Torah), revealed to the prophet Musa (Moses)
- The Zabur (Psalms), revealed to the prophet Daud (David)
- The Injil (Gospels), revealed to the prophet Isa (Jesus)
- The Qur’an, revealed to the prophet Muhammad (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam)
- Belief in Angels - In addition to the physical world we know, Allah created a world invisible to us in which angels exist. The angels are sinless. They require no food, drink or sleep. They have neither physical desires or material needs.
The chief responsibility of the angels is to praise Allah and to do his will. The most important of the angels is Jibr’il (Gabriel). On behalf of Allah, Jibr’il (Gabriel) revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) his mission and the perfect verses of the Holy Qur’an. Each human being is assigned two angels who serve as guardians and recorders of the individual’s deeds, both good and bad.
- Belief in the Day of Judgement - The belief of life after death and in the resurrection of the dead on the Day of Judgement is an essential part of Islamic faith. It gives meaning to life and sets the joys and troubles of this life into a much wider context.
Any person who believes in life after death will be afraid of acting against the will of Allah. He will be conscious of the fact that Allah is watching all his actions and the angels are recording them.
- Belief in Fate - Everything that happens is the will of Allah and is preordained. Acceptance of fate is an essential element in submitting to the will of Allah.
Prayer (Salah)
Every Muslim is required to pray five times a day. The five prayers are:
- Salat al-Fajr
- Salat al-Zuhr
- Salat al-Asr
- Salat al-Maghrib
- Salat al-Isha
These five prayers are said at dawn, mid day, late afternoon, sunset and nightfall. The Prophet Muhammad (Sal Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said, “The first act that the slave (of Allah) will be accountable for on the day of judgement will be the prayer. If it is good, then the rest of his acts will be good. And if it is evil, then the rest of his acts will be evil.”
Charity (Zakah)
Every Muslim is obligated to pay a portion of his or her wealth for the benefit of the poor and needy. Zakat means “purification” and “growth”. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a portion for those in need. This also increases social welfare and encourages economic growth.
A Muslim may also donate more as an act of Sadaqah (voluntary charity), in order to achieve additional reward from Allah.
Fasting (Sawm)
Every year in the month of Ramadan Muslims are required to abstain from food, drink and sexual intercourse from dawn to dusk. In addition, Muslims are expected to refrain from anger, envy, greed, lust, gossip, violence, bad language and other inappropriate thoughts and actions. Fasting is meant to encourage Muslims to seek nearness to Allah, be patient, and learn the hardships faced by the less fortunate.
Pilgrimage (Hajj)
Hajj is a pilgrimage to the Holy City of Makkah (Mecca). Hajj occurs every year during the month of Dhu’l-Hijjah. Every Muslim who is physically and financially able, is obligated to perform Hajj at least once in his or her lifetime.
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