One Ummah Network
Sun, 20 Aug 2000 18:43:59 -0700
Submission by: Islamic Unification Movement <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Topic: Five Reasons to Unite
************
Text:
----------------------------
Five Reasons to Unite
----------------------------
A Reminder...not from us, but from Allah, Most High.
"It is narrated on the authority of ('Abdullah) son of Umar (may Allah be
pleased with them) that the Holy Prophet (may peace of Allah be upon him)
said: Al-Islam is raised on five: The oneness of Allah, the establishment
of prayer, payment of Zakat, the fast of Ramadan, and Pilgrimage (to
Mecca)." (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Iman: 18)
1. Shahadatain (bearing witness): To believer, say, and confirm that
there is no god and nothing worthy of worshipping besides Allah, and there
is none like unto Him. Further, one must believe, state, and confirm that
Prophet Muhammad (saaws) is the slave and Messenger of Allah.
"Say: He, Allah, is One. Allah, the Eternal, Absolute. He begets not, nor
is He begotten, and there is none like unto Him." (Qur'an 112)
"Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the Messenger
of Allah, and the Seal of the Prophets: and Allah has full knowledge of all
things." (Qur'an 33:40)
2. Salat (ritual prayer): To pray at five times daily at fixed hours to
Allah, facing the Holy Kaba, which is housed inside Masjid-al-Haram in the
city of Makkah.
"...prayers are enjoined on believers at stated times." (4:103)
"Recite what is sent of the Book by inspiration to thee, and establish
regular Prayer: for Prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds; and
remembrance of Allah is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt. And
Allah knows the (deeds) that ye do." (29:45)
"Therefore be patient with what they say, and celebrate (constantly) the
praises of thy Lord, before the rising of the sun, and before its setting;
yea, celebrate them for part of the hours of the night, and at the sides of
the day: that thou mayest have (spiritual) joy." (20:130)
3. Zakat (charity): To give an estimated percentage of one's wealth
annually for distribution to the poor.
"And be steadfast in prayer; practise regular charity; and bow down your
heads with those who bow down (in worship)." (2:43)
4. Sawm (fasting): To abstain from food, drink, sexual relations, and all
indecencies during the daylight hours of the month of Ramadhan on the lunar
Islamic calendar.
"O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to
those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,- (Fasting) for a
fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the
prescribed number (Should be made up) from days later. For those who can do
it (With hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But
he that will give more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it
is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.
Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to
mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and
wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month
should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the
prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every
facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you)
to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided
you; and perchance ye shall be grateful." (2:183-185)
5. Hajj (pilgrimage): To travel to the holy city of Makkah at least once in
one's lifetime if one is physically and financially able in order to
perform the pilgrimage rites established when Prophets Ibrahim (a.s.) and
Ismail (a.s.) raised the house (kaba).
"Behold! We gave the site, to Abraham, of the (Sacred) House, "Associate
not anything (in worship) with Me; and sanctify My House for those who
compass it round, or stand up, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in
prayer). "And proclaim the Pilgrimage among men: they will come to thee on
foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys
through deep and distant mountain highways; "That they may witness the
benefits (provided) for them, and celebrate the name of Allah, through the
Days appointed, over the cattle which He has provided for them (for
sacrifice): then eat ye thereof and feed the distressed ones in want.
"Then let them complete the rites prescribed for them, perform their vows,
and (again) circumambulate the Ancient House." Such (is the Pilgrimage):
whoever honours the sacred rites of Allah, for him it is good in the Sight
of his Lord. Lawful to you (for food in Pilgrimage) are cattle, except
those mentioned to you (as exception): but shun the abomination of idols,
and shun the word that is false,- Being true in faith to Allah, and never
assigning partners to Him: if anyone assigns partners to Allah, is as if he
had fallen from heaven and been snatched up by birds, or the wind had
swooped (like a bird on its prey) and thrown him into a far-distant place.
Such (is his state): and whoever holds in honour the symbols of Allah, (in
the sacrifice of animals), such (honour) should come truly from piety of
heart. In them ye have benefits for a term appointed: in the end their
place of sacrifice is near the Ancient House." (22:26-33)
ALL Muslims recognize these five.
"And verily this Ummah of yours is a One Ummah, and I am your Lord and
Cherisher: therefore fear Me (and no other). But people have cut off their
affair (of unity), between them, into sects: each party rejoices in that
which is with itself. But leave them in their confused ignorance for a
time. Do they think that because We have granted them abundance of wealth
and sons, We would hasten them on in every good? Nay, they do not
understand. Verily those who live in awe for fear of their Lord; Those
who believe in the Signs of their Lord; Those who join not (in worship)
partners with their Lord; And those who dispense their charity with their
hearts full of fear, because they will return to their Lord;- It is these
who hasten in every good work, and these who are foremost in them."
(23:52-61)
--------
Join the movement today. Voice your support for unity of the Ummah:
Simply fill out the form here: http://www.oneummah.net/unity/bnbform.html
_________________________________________
OneUmmah Network
e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Homepage: http://www.OneUmmah.Net
Free E-mail Service: http://mail.1ummah.net
Subscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Unsubscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
e-mail entire list: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
The views expressed on One Ummah Information do
not necessarily coincide with the views of One Ummah
Network, with the Islamic Unification Movement, or its
supporters. All the works presented by this service are
properties of their authors unless otherwise stated.
__________________________________________