The term Islam is derived from the root Silm which signifies peace - peace with
Allah as well as with all the creatures.
Technically speaking, Islam means "full submission to the Will of Almighty God
in all walks of Life". Every Muslim must confess and affirm the fact that there
is none worthy of worship and obedience except Allah, and that Muhammad (peace
be upon him) is his slave and Messenger.
Along with the confession of this basic kalimah, a Muslim has to declare his
faith in the angles, in all the prophets, in the revealed scriptures, in the day
of judgement, and in taqdir (predestination). In the following pages, some
details have been provided for the common readers, Muslims as well as
non-Muslims, about the basic principles of Islamic faith.

Article Contributed by:
Dr. Hafiz A.Ghaffar Khan
Georgia Islamic Institute of Religious and Social Sciences
P.O.Box 93157
Atlanta, GA 30377-3157
USA

TO BE/BECOME A MUSLIM YOU MUST:

BELIEF IN ALLAH
Belief in Allah is the core of all Islamic teachings. It means that Allah is and
He is the most exalted one having no partner at all. He alone and none else is
worthy of worship and devotion. He is eternal. He is not subordinate to or
dependent on any one else. He has neither given birth to anyone nor has been
born of someone. He has no consort nor anyone is equal to Him. He is unique and
there is nothing like Him. He is all powerful having command over everything. He
has full knowledge of all things and nothing is hidden from His knowledge.

He is the sole Creator of the whole universal system and takes care of each and
every entity in the universe. He is the only Lord, Giver of life, Nourisher and
Sustainer of all the things. He neither sleeps nor dozes and is never tired of
controlling the affairs of the world. All of His qualities are eternal and none
of them shall never diminish. Whatever good or bad happens in this world has
ever been in His knowledge long before its happening and He lets it happen
according to His knowledge. This is called taqdir (destiny or predestination)
and there are mysteries in the creation of evils which every one cannot
comprehend.

BELIEF IN ANGELS
Allah has created some of His creatures from Noor (light) which are called
Mala'ikah (Angels). Angels are invisible to us. They are neither male nor
female. They do not disobey Allah and do not commit acts of sin. They have been
entrusted with certain duties and they are always busy in doing their task
assigned to them by Allah. The angels are numerous out of which the following
four are very famous:

Jibra'il: The Angel Jibra'il used to bring revelation from Allah's side to the
Prophets in various times for the guidance of their people. He is the one who
brought the Torah to Moses, Psalms (Zabur) to David, Gospel to Jesus, and Quran
to Muhammad, peace be upon all of them.

Mika'il: The Angel Mika'il is incharge of the rain and the daily livelihood of
the creatures.

Izra'il: The Angel Izra'il takes the souls of the creatures back and bring life
to an end.

Israfil: The Angel Israfil is responsible to blow the trumpet on the Day of
Judgement.

BELIEF IN ALL PROPHETS:
Another basic article of Islamic faith is to believe in all the Prophets of
Allah who were sent by Allah for the guidance of various nations and people in
various times and periods of the human history. Allah's guidance is the basic
need of humanity which was provided to the human race through the chosen
Messengers in various times. Even the first man Adam (peace be upon him) was a
prophet of Allah who came down with certain message and code of life.

The actual number of the Prophets is known only to Allah. The first among them
was Adam and the last among them was Muhammad (peace be upon all of them).
Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the last prophet in the sense that no prophet is
to come after him. Anyone who claims to be a prophet after Muhammad is not even
considered a Muslim. Any one who believes in the prophethood of such a person is
out of the fold of Islam. A Muslim must believe in the prophethood of all the
Prophets, in their truthfulness, miracles and in their messages.

BELIEF IN ALL REVEALED BOOKS
In addition, a Muslim must believe in all the revealed scriptures. The earlier
revealed books were tempted by their adherents or destroyed by their enemies.
The exact number of the revealed scriptures is not known to us. The Qur'an has
mentioned the Torah along with some other ,

Small Books (revealed to Moses),

Psalms (revealed to David),

Injil (Bible revealed to Jesus),

Small Books (revealed to Ibraham),

and The Qur'an itself (revealed to Muhammad, peace be upon all of them).


The Qur'an (revealed to Muhammad, PBUH) is the last, final, and comprehensive
guidance of Allah for all the people of all times to come. No other revelation
is to come down after the Qur'an from Allah's side for the guidance of the
people. It confirms the prophethood of all the true prophets of Allah and
demands full faith in them from all the believers. It also confirms the
scriptures that came before it. The Qur'an contains all the basic principles of
all the revealed scriptures and safeguards them.



OTHER SALAT'S
-------------
There are other Salat's which are praying only for a specific date in a year.

1) Teravih salat
This salat are praying only at RAMADAN month(every night, NON_OBLIGATORY) 
and bettween Isha salat and Virt salat.
It is the same like FAJR salat but 10 times like that.
Prophet Muhammad(Peace and blessing be uppon him) said:
Who pray Ramadan salat(at night) all previous since was forgiven for him.

2) Mubarak salat's
In the year there are two Mubarak salat's
and this salat's are praying only in Mosque,
beetween, 45 minutes after sun was rised and until
afternoon(12.00 oclock).
It is praying like a FAJR salat.


SHORT CHAPTERS OF THE HOLY QURAN
As it has been mentioned earlier, the performance of five-time prayers is
obligatory. Reciting Al-Fatihah (the opening chapter of the Holy Quran) and some
verses or a short surah (chapter) in Arabic is obligatory too. Learning the
proper Arabic pronunciation of these verses and understanding their meanings is
also essential.
However, there is no true substitute for a teacher. Therefore, it is advisable
to have your recitation checked by a teacher of the Holy Quran at the first
available chance.


PREPARING FOR PRAYER
Before starting the prayer, a person is required to achieve cleanliness (Taharah) by,
a)Performing Wudu (ablution).
b)Taking Bath (ghusul).
c)Wearing clean clothes with Islamic requirements.
d)Selecting a place of prayer facing Kabah

Types of Ablution:

Partial Ablution or Wudu - Consists of cleaning parts of body that are
exposed to dirt, dust or elements of nature.


Complete Ablution - Consists of performing complete Bath followed by Wudu .
During Bath, every part of the body is cleansed. It is required after
intimate intercourse, after wet dreams or discharge or after the expiration
of mensturation period for women.

Tayammum (Dry Ablution) - Tayammum, in certain circumstances can be a
substitute for a complete Bath & Wudu. It is done by touching on clean
earth, sand or stone and then wiping the face and then both hands to the
wrists, when water is not available or is not practical to make use of water.

Steps in performing Partial Ablution (Wudu).
Declare the intention that the act is for the purpose of worship & purity.

Start by saying:

1) "Bismillah" which mean "In the Name of Allah"

2) Wash the hands up to the wrists, three times.

3) Rinse out the mouth with water, three times.

4) Cleanse the nostrils by sniffing water into them by the right
	hands & then eject the water with left hand, three times.

5) Wash the whole face three times with both hands, from the top of the
	forehead to the bottom of the chin and from ear to ear.

6) Wash the right arm three times up to the forend of the elbow,
	and then do the same with the left arm

7) Wipe the whole head with a wet hand, once.

8) Wipe the inner sides of the ears with the forefingers and
	their outer sides with the thumb. This should be done with
	wet fingers.

9) Wash the two feet up to the ankles, three times, beginning
	with the right foot and then the left foot.

10) The process ends with the recitation of the "Kalima-Shahadah"
ASH-HADU ALLA ILAHA ILLALLAHU WA-ASH-HADU AN-NA MUHAMMADAN ABDUHU-WA-RASULUH.
(I declare there is no god except Allah and I declare Mohammed is the messenger of Allah)

At this stage the partial ablution is completed and a person who has
performed it in the prescribed manner is ready to start his prayer.
Note: Nullification of partial ablution

Partial ablution has to be repeated before performing prayers in cases of
going to the bathroom. passing gas, vomiting or falling asleep.

DRESS
Before offering your salat make sure you are properly dressed. For men and
boys, the dress should be such that it covers their body from the navel to
the knees at least.

Women are required to cover themselves from head to foot, leaving only the
face and hands uncovered. The dress for salat must be clean and free from
all filth.

PLACE
Wherever a person might be, one can turn towards Allah in salat and in
devotion.
The Prophet has said, "The (whole of the) earth has been rendered for me a
mosque: pure and clean". Preferably salat is to be offered in jamaat -
congregation.
Whenever possible, one should pray facing the Kabah, Makkah.

@PRAYER TIMES & RAKATS
There are five obligatory prayers in a day. Each Salat must be offered at or
during its proper time.The Muslim should make a serious effort to pray each
prayer at the beginning of its period.

1) The Morning Prayer (SALAT-UL-FAJR)
It can be performed at any time between the breaking of the dawn till just
before sunrise.

2) The Noon Prayer (SALAT-UL-ZUHR)
Its time begins after the sun declines from its zenith until it is about
mid-afternoon.

3) The Afternoon Prayer (SALAT-UL-ASR)
Its time begins soon after the time for Zuhr prayer ends and extends to just
before sunset.

4) The Evening Prayer (SALAT-UL-MAGHRIB)
Its time begins just after sunset and extends to a period of an hour and a half.

5) The Night Prayer (SALAT-UL-ISHA)
Its time begins about an hour and a half after sunset and extends to dawn.


RAKATS OF PRAYER

A RAKAT is a unit or section of the prayer.

The OBLIGATORY prayer (Fard):

Name of Salat			Number of Rakats		 Method of reading

Fajr								 2					  Said loud
Zuhr								 4					  Said silent
Asr								  4					  Said silent
Maghrib							 3					  First 2 loud, last rakat silent
Isha								 4					  First 2 loud, last 2 silent

The NON-OBLIGATORY prayer (Sunnah):
This Sunnah rakats you can pray if you want but it is not obligatory.
It is recommanded that you pray at least Fajr salat(morning).
More rakats you pray more help from Merciful Allah you get and in future
world you will have more what Merciful Allah will gave to you.

Name of Salat			Number of Rakats			 Number of Rakats
								  before Fard				 after Fard
Fajr								 2								-
Zuhr								 4								2
Asr								 (4)*							 -
Maghrib							 -								2
Isha								 -								2


The Prophet (pbuh) used to pray a certain number of rakats, before and/or
after every obligatory prayer. These prayers are highly recommended by the
Prophet, yet they are not obligatory, they are termed (as-soonan ar-rawatib)
which means "regular Sunnah prayers".

* Most ahadith confirm atotal of 10-12 rakats, while these four before Asr,
are not as strongly confirmed.

WITR prayer
It is the last prayer of the night and can be performed any time after the
Isha prayer.It was strongly recommended by the Prophet (pbuh).
Witr literally means an odd number and is commonly prayed as three rakats,
but can also be done in one, five, seven or nine rakats.


CALL TO PRAYER

To assemble the Muslims for congregational prayer, "Adhan" , or the call to
prayer is given. The caller (Muadh-dhin) stands facing Kabah (Qiblah), and
raising his hands to his ears calls in a loud voice:

ALLAHU AKBAR (Allah is the greatest)
ALLAHU AKBAR (Allah is the greatest)

ALLAHU AKBAR (Allah is the greatest)
ALLAHU AKBAR (Allah is the greatest)

ASH-HADU AL-LA ILAHA ILLALLAH (I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah)
ASH-HADU AL-LA ILAHA ILLALLAH (I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah)

ASH-HADU AN-NA MUHAMMADAR RASULULAH (I bear witness that muhammad (S.A.W.) is the Messenger of Allah)
ASH-HADU AN-NA MUHAMMADAR RASULULAH (I bear witness that muhammad (S.A.W.) is the Messenger of Allah)

HAYYA ALAS SALAH (Come to prayer)
HAYYA ALAS SALAH (Come to prayer)

HAYYA ALAL FALAH (Come to your Good)
HAYYA ALAL FALAH (Come to your Good)

ALLAHU AKBAR (Allah is the greatest)
ALLAHU AKBAR (Allah is the greatest)

LA ILAHA ILLALLAH (There is no deity but Allah)

In Adhan for Fajr Salah, the following sentence is added after: HAYYA ALAL FALAH

ASSALATU KHAYRUM MINAN NAUM (Salah is better than sleep)
ASSALATU KHAYRUM MINAN NAUM (Salah is better than sleep)

Dua After Adhan

On completion of the Adhan, muslims are recommended to recite:
ALLAHUMMA RABBA HADHI-HID DAWA-TIT-TAM MATI-WA-SALATIL QAE-MATI
(O Allah! Lord of this complete call and prayers of ours, by the blessing of it.)

ATI MUHAMMADANIL WASILATA WAL FADI LATA
(give to Muhammad his eternal rights of intercession,)

WAD-DARAJATAR-RAFI ATA
(distinction and highest class [in paradise].)

WAB ATH-HU MAQAMAM-MAHMUDA-NIL LADHI WA AT-TAHU
(And raise him to the promised rank you have promised him.)

IN-NAKA LA-TUKH LIFUL MIAD
(Surely you never go back on your word)


IQAMAH
After Adhan when the muslims are assembled at the place of worship, a second
call (Iqamah) is recited by one of the group. This signals the start of the
congregational salah. It is similar to adhan except that it is recited faster
but in a lower tone and these sentences are recited after HAYYA ALAL FALAH:

QAD QAMATIS SALAH (The prayer has begun.)
QAD QAMATIS SALAH (The prayer has begun.)


INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREFORMING PRAYERS

NOTES FOR NON_MUSLIM: 
This is just a short text which explain how to preform the praying.
Look at the praying animatons to learn more.

All the prayers have been translated from Arabic to understand the meaning.
Learners must memorize the Arabic version.

How to Pray Two rakats (Fajr)

STEP 1
Maka a sincere intention to perform the prayers purely for the sake of Allah.
Say to yourself (in any language) that you intend to offer this Salat (Fajr,
Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib or Isha), Fard, Sunnat or Witr, and the number of rakats
(example- "I intend to offer two Rikat of Fard, Fajr prayer for Allah").

This posture is called qiyam and it is assumed after having made the intention
to pray. Raising both hands up to the ears (palms facing the Qiblah) "Allah u
Akbar" ("Allah is the greatest") is said.

STEP 2
Next this position is assumed by holding the left hand with the right hand on
top and following prayers are recited:

SHAN'A
Subhanaka Allah humma wa bihamdika, wa tabaraka ismuka,
wa ta'ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghairuk"
Praise and glory be to you O Allah. Blessed be Your Name, exalted be Your Majesty and Glory.
There is no God but You

Ta'awadh
Audu bi Allah i mina ashaitan i errajeem
I seek Allah's shelter from Satan, the condemned

Tasmiah
Bismillah i rrahman i erraheem

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
Al-Fatihah, and any short surah or a few verses from the Holy Quran.

Al humdo lil-lahi rab-bil al ala-meen. Arrahman i rraheem. Maliki yaum i
eddeen. Iyyaka nabudu wa iyyaka nasta een. Ihdinas sirata almustaqeem.
Siratal lazhina anamta alaihim, ghairil maghdubi alaihim, wa la adhdhaal leen.
(Aameen)
Praise be to Allah, The Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds; Most
Gracious, Most Merciful; Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee do we worship,
and Thine aid we seek. Show us the straight way, the way of those on whom
Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, Those whose (portion) is not wrath, And who go
not astray.

A short Sura or a few verses from the Holy Quran - examples are given in the
last chapter of this guide.

STEP 3
Saying "Allah u Akba"(the back & leg should be perpendicular to each other)
this position is assumed as shown in the figure. This position is called ruku
and the prayers as given are recited (three times).
"Subhana rabbiya al azeem"
"Glorified is my Lord, the Great"

STEP 4
While going back to qiyam position the first prayer, as given below, is said.
Then having taken this position the second prayer is said:
"Samia Allah u liman hamidah"

"Allah listens to him who praises Him"
"Rabbana wa laka al hamd"

"Our Lord, praise be for you only"

STEP 5
This position is called sujood. Saying "Allah u Akbar" ("Allah is the greatest")
one prostrates as shown and then the prayer below is said (three times).
"Subhana rubbiyal a'ala"
"Glory to Allah, the Exalted".





Step 6
Saying "Allah u Akbar" ("Allah is the greatest") and rising from the Sujood
position, this posture called Juloos is assumed and the prayer below is said:
"'Rabbi eghfir lee wa rhamnee"

"O my Lord, forgive me and have Mercy on me"

STEP 7
 Saying "Allah u Akbar" ("Allah is the greatest") the sujood position is
re-assumed and the prayer below is recited (three times).

"Subhana rubbiyal a'ala"
"Glory to Allah, the Exalted"


This completes one rakat.

STEP 8
 Saying "Allah u Akbar" ("Allah is the greatest") this position of qiyam is
assumed once again to begin the second rakah, and the following prayers are
recited:
	 Al-Fatihah, and
	 Any short surah or some verses of the Holy Quran.

STEP 9
 Saying "Allah u Akbar", this position is assumed as shown in the figure. This
position is called ruku and the prayers as given are recited (three times).
"Subhana rabbiya al azeem"
"Glorified is my Lord, the Great"

STEP 10
 While going back to qiyam position the first prayer, as given below, is said.
Then having taken this position prayer the second is said:
"Samia Allah u liman hamidah"

"Allah listens to him who praises Him"

"Rabbana wa laka al hamd"

"Our Lord, praise be for you only"

STEP 11
 This position is called sujood. Saying "Allah u Akbar" ("Allah is the
greatest") one prostrates as shown and then the prayer below is said (three
times).

"Subhana rubbiyal a'ala"

"Glorified is my Lord, the Exalted"

STEP 12
 Saying "Allah u Akbar" ("Allah is the greatest") and rising from the sujood
position, this posture is assumed and the prayer below is said:
"Rabbi eghfir lee wa rhamnee"
"O my Lord, forgive me and have Mercy on me"

STEP 13
 Saying "Allah u Akbar" ("Allah is the greatest") the sujood position is
re-assumed and the prayer below is said (three times).

"Subhana rubbiyal a'ala"

"Glory to Allah, the Exalted"

STEP 14
In this posture these prayers are to be recited:
"Tashahud
"Attahiyat u lil Allah i wa assalawat u wa attaiyibat. Assalam u a'laika
aiyoha annabiyyu wa rahmat u Allah i wa barakatuh. Assalam u a'laina wa a'la
ebadi e llahi essaliheen.

(move your first finger up and down as shown while reciting the last part of Tashahud)

Ashehadu alla ilaha illa Allah u wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasooluh.
"All our oral, physical and monetary ways of worship are only for Allah.
Peace, mercy and blessing of Allah be on you, O Prophet. May peace be upon
us and on the devout slaves of Allah. I testify that there is no God but
Allah and I testify that Muhammad is His slave and messenger".

"Salat Ala An-nabi"
"Allah umma salli a'la Muhammadin wa ala aali Muhummadin, kama sallaita ala
Ibraheema, wa ala aali Ibraheem, innaka hameedun majeed. Allah u mma barik
a'la Muhammadin wa ala aali Muhummadin, kama barakta ala Ibraheema, wa ala
aali Ibraheem, innaka h ameedun majeed".
"O God send your Mercy on Muhammad and his posterity as you sent Your mercy
on Abraham and his posterity. You are the Most Praised, The Most Glorious. O
God, send your Blessings on Muhammad and his posterity as you have blessed
Abraham and his posterity. You are the Most praised, The Most Glorious".

A short prayer
"Rubbana aatina fi uddunya hasanatun wa fi l aakherati hasah, waqina a'zabannar".
"Our Lord, grant us the good of this world and that of the Hereafter and
save us from the torture of Hell.".

STEP 15
Having said the above mentioned prayers, turning the face to the right. This
following prayer is read:
"Assalam u a'laikum wa rahmatu Allah".

"Peace and mercy of Allah be on you".

Note: This Salam (Prayer for Peace) is directed to the angels and the muslims to
our right and to the left

STEP 16
Then turning the face to the left, the prayer above is said again:
"Assalam u a'laikum wa rahmatu Allah".

"Peace and mercy of Allah be on you".

This completes two rakat.

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Salaam and kind regards
Samir Alicehajic, Padovceva 9, Zagreb, Croatia
