جو لوگ ایک اللہ پر یقین رکھتے ہیں اور اس بات پر یقین رکھتے ہیں کہ محمد صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم اللہ کے رسول ہیں اور یقین رکھتے ہیں کہ قرآن پاک اللہ کی کتاب ہے

Those who believe in one Allah and believes that Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam is the messenger of Allah and believes that the Holy Quran is the book of Allah

لا الہ الا اللہ محمد رسول اللہ۔ (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم)

اللہ کے سواکوئی بھی عبادت کے لائق نہیں (اور) (حضرت) محمد اللہ کے (صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم)(سچے) رسول ہیں۔

Laa Ilaaha Illal Laahu Muhammadur-Rasoolul Laah. (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam).

No one is worthy of worship but Allah alone (and) (Hadrat) Muhammad is the (true) Messenger of Allah.

اَشْهَدُ اَنْ لَّآ اِلٰه اِلَّا اﷲُ وَاَشْهَدُ اَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُه وَ رَسُوْلُهُ.

میں گواہی دیتا ہوں کہ اللہ کے سوا کوئی معبود نہیں؛ وہ ایک ہے؛ اس کا کوئی شریک نہیں ہے اور میں گواہی دیتا ہوں کہ (محمد) اس کے (برگزیدہ) بندے اور (سچے) رسول ہیں۔

Ash-hadu Allaa-Ilaaha Illal-Laahu Wahdahoo Laa Shareeka Lahoo wa Ash-hadu Anna Muhammadan 'Abduhoo wa Rasooluh.

I bear witness that there is no deity save Allah alone; He is One; He has no partner and I bear witness that (Hadrat) Muhammad is His (chosen) servant and (true) Messenger.

سُبْحٰنَ اللّٰہِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلّٰہِ وَلَاۤ اِلٰـہَ اِلَّا اللّٰہُ وَاللّٰہُ اَکْبَرُ^ط وَلَاحَوْلَ وَلَاقُوَّۃَ اِلَّا بِاللّٰہِ الْعَلِیِّ الْعَظِیْمِ ^ط

ترجمہ: اللہ پاک ہے اورسب تعریفیں اللہ کے لئے ہیں اور اللہ کے سوا کوئی معبود نہیں اور اللہ سب سے بڑا ہے۔ گناہوں سے بچنے کی طاقت اورنیکی کرنے کی توفیق اللہ ہی کی طرف سے ہے جو سب سے بلند، عظمت والا ہے۔

Subhaa-nal Laahi wal-Hamdu Lillaahi wa-Laaa Ilaaha Illal-Laahu wal-Laahu Akbar. Wa-Laa Haula wa-Laa Quwwata Illaa Billaa-hil 'Alee-yil 'Azeem.

Glory be to Allah and Allah alone deserves all praise; there is no deity but Allah alone and Allah is the Most Great; there is no power, no might but in Allah to save(us)from sins and enable (us) to do good, Who is the Most High, the Most Great.

Laa Ilaaha Illal Laahu Wahdahu Laa Shareeka Lahu Lahul Mulku Walahul Hamd. Yuhyee wa yomeetu wa Huwa Haie-yul Laa Yamootu Abadan Abadaa. Zul-Jalaale wal-Ikraam Bi-yade-hil Khaier. Wa Huwa ' Alaa Kulli Shaie-in Qadeer.

There is no deity but Allah alone; He is the One indeed; He has no partner; His is the Kingdom (of all the worlds) and all praise is due to Him; He gives life and causes death; And He is ever-living and death will never come to Him; He is the Most Great and highly Glorified; in His hand is all good and He has absolute power over everything.

Astaghfi-rul Laaha Rabbi Min Kulli Zanmbin Aznabtohu 'Amadan Ao-khata-an Sirran Ao 'Alaa-ni-yatan wa Atoobu Ilaiehi Minaz-zanmbillazee 'Alamu wa Minaz-zanmbillazee Laaa 'Alamu Innaka Anta 'Allaa-mul Ghu-yubi wa Sattaa-rul 'Oyubi wa Ghaffaa-rul Zunoob. Walaa Haula walaa Quwwata Illaa Bil-Laa-hil-'Ali-yil Azeem.

I beg forgiveness of Allah, Who is my Creator and Cherisher, for each and every sin which I committed consciously or unconsciously, secretly or openly; I also seek His forgiveness for sins which I know or do not know; O' Allah! Undoubtedly, You are the best Knower of all the unseen, the best Coverer of (our) failings and the best Forgiver of (our) sins and it is only the blessing of Allah, which helps (us) to avoid sins and do good; He is indeed the Most High, the Most Great.

Allaa-humma Innee A'oozu-bika Min An Ushrika Bika Shaie-an wa Anaa 'Alamu Bihee wa Astaghfiroka Limaa Laaa 'Alamu Bihee Tubtu 'Anhu wa-Tabarra'-tu Minal Kufri wash-Shirki wal-Kizbi wal-Gheebati wal-Bid'ati wan-Nameemati wal-Fawaahishi heresy wal-Bohtaani wal-Ma'aasee Kullihaa wa Aslamtu wa Aqoolu Laaa Ilaaha Illal Laahu Muhammadur Rasoolul Laah. (Sallal Laahu 'Alaiehi wa-Sallam).

O' Allah! I seek refuge with You to save myself from associating any partner with You, which I know; and I beg Your forgiveness for sins which I do not know; I solemnly repent and disdainfully cast off infidelity, polytheism, lie, back-biting, (bad innovations), sneaking (tale-bearing), all shameful deeds and slanders and every sort of disobedience and I sincerely embraced Islaam and declare from the core of my heart that there is none worthy of worship but Allah alone; (Hadrat) Muhammad is the (choicest) Messenger of Allah.

مَنْتُ بِاللّٰہِ کَمَا ھُوَ بِاَسْمَآئِـہٖ وَصِفَاتِہٖ وَقَبِلْتُ جَمِیْعَ اَحْکَامِہٖ اِقْرَارٌ بِۢاللِّسَانِ وَتَصْدِیْقٌ بِۢالْقَلْبِ ط

ترجمہ: میں ایمان لایا اللہ پر جیسا کہ وہ اپنے ناموں اور صفتوں کے ساتھ ہے اور میں نے اس کے تمام احکام قبول کئے زبان سے اقرار کرتے ہوئے اور دل سے تصدیق کرتے ہوئے۔

"Aamantu Bil-Laahi Kamaa Huwa bi-Asmaaa-ehee wa Sifaatehee wa Qabiltu Jamee'a Ahkaamehee Iqraa-rum bil-Lisaani wa Tasdeequm bil-Qalb".

(I firmly believed in Allah as He is with all His names and attributes and I sincerely accepted all His commands confirming them with my tongue and from the bottom of my heart).

About Allah?

1. It should be the firm belief of Muslims that Allah is One; He has no partner whatsoever; He alone is worthy of worship; neither He begot nor He is begotten and none is comparable or equal to Him in any way.

2. Allah possesses every kind of superiority and every attribute of perfection and no defect and deficient attribute whatsoever exists in Him.

3. He is all free and independent and all the worlds are subservient to Him.

4. He is "Eternal in the beginning and Eternal in the end" when there was nothing He was and when there will be nothing He will be. His attributes are also eternal like His "Eternal Person".

5. He is "Haie-yu Qaie-yoom". He is eternally immortal and keeps His creatures alive. He gives life and causes death as and when He wills.

6. He is "Qadeer" i.e. All Powerful (Omnipotent) and has absolute dominion over everything. He does what He wills. There is none to dominate Him.

7. 7. He is Samee' (All Hearing). He hears voice of His every creature even the sound of creeping of an ant and of the movement of wings of a mosquito.

8. He is "Baseer" (All Seeing). He sees everything regardless of big or small, near or distant and in light or in dark. Nothing is hidden from Him.

9. He is 'Aleem (All Knowing, Omniscient). He knows each and everything irrespective of what is happening, what has happened and what will happen. He knows our words, deeds, intentions and what is hidden in our breast. Even the tiniest particle of dust is not beyond His Omniscience.

10. All men and matter are subservient to His will. Each and everything happens according to His will and nothing takes place against His will. Even no bird can fly and particle of sand move without His will.

11. He alone is the Creator of everything. What we do is all the creation of Allah. He is the Sole Creator of all the worlds and of whatever they contain irrespective of big or small. If He wills to create anything He simply says "Kun" (be) and that immediately comes into being.

12. He is "Razzaaq"(Provider of Subsistence). He provides subsistence, livelihood and all necessary things to His creatures regardless of mankind and animals and big or small to sustain them. He alone is the Sovereign Lord of all the universes. He also speaks. All the revealed books including the Glorious Qur-aan are His "Kalaam" (speech, words).

13. The attributes of Allah are as much unique and subtle as He is Himself. Undoubtedly, He sees, hears and speaks but unlike humanbeings since He is free of the organs of sight, hearing and speech and so is His "Kalaam" which does not need letters and sounds.

PERSON & ATTRIBUTES OF ALLAH

Who is the Creator, Controller, Maintainer and Owner of the whole world?

He is One Allah. He alone is the Supreme Creator of everything irrespective of mankind (all creatures) and their actions. He alone controls the whole universe and causes the evolution and transformation of His creatures from one condition into other thereby to develop them to the perfection. He creates actions (to be done till the end of time) with His Wisdom and Command. He is the Owner of the earth and the sky. We are His mere servants. Our entity and everything belongs to Him. All these wonders and phenomena of the earth and the sky which defy human attainment and science are self-proofs of the fact that all these things have neither come into being by themselves nor can sustain unless created and sustained by the All-powerful Creator and Sustainer Who can be none but Allah alone, the Unique, the Subduer, the Lord of Majesty and Bounty.

What does Allah mean?

Allah is the proper and personal name of God Who is Eternal, Self-existent and embodies all attributes of goodness, glory and perfection and is free from all blemishes.

What does "Sifaat-e-Kamaaliah" mean?

Allah Almighty is Self-existent. His Person possesses all excellences, best attributes and perfection and is beyond all blames, shortcomings and weakness. Such great attributes, Allah Almighty is possessed of, are called "Sifaat-e-Kamaaliah".

How many "Sifaat-e- Kamaaliah" are there?

Allah Almighty is the perfect embodiment of innumerable attributes and excellences. Of which nine are the most prominent. However, the remaining attributes belong to these nine ones directly or indirectly: (1). "Hayaat" (Self-Existence, Eternity), (2). "Qudrat" (Omnipotence, All-powerfulness), (3). "Iraadah-o-Mashi-yat"(the will to do what He wills), (4). 'Ilm (Omniscience, All-knowledge), (5). "Samta"(All-hearing), (6). "Basar"(All-seeing), (7). "Kalaam" (Speech,Word), (8). "Takveen-o-Takhleeq" (Creativeness) and (9). "Razzaaqi-yat" (Provision of subsistence, food).

What does "Hayaat" mean?

"Hayaat" means "Haiee" (Eternally living). He is not only Himself living but also infuses life into all things (creatures) and makes them survive and then annihilate them when He wills.

What does the attribute "Qudrat" mean?

"Qudrat" means "Qadeer" (Omnipotent, All powerful). Allah Almighty is Omnipotent and is All-able to do what He wills. Nothing is out of His control and beyond His Power. He can create a (living) thing out of nothing and destroy a living into nothing. He may crown a beggar and dethrone a king throwing him in ignominy. He may evolve or create a particular effect in a thing when He wills and may strip a thing of its effect or replace with any other efficacy or potency.

Does Allah also have the command of lie?

Allah Almighty is free from every sort of defect and imperfection like lie, fraud, dishonesty, tyranny, ignorance, shameful acts etc. He is beyond and high above all blemishes. To say or consider that Allah Almighty has also the command of lie is the worst sin and denial of Allah's perfection in every respect. Lie is such an abhorring act that nobody wants it to be attributed to him even a sweeper and "Chamaar" (the lowest caste Hindu).

No Muslim can think so about his Creator (Allah) even a Jew and Christian can not brook such nonsense about their God. He who attributes such an abomination to Allah is worse than a Jew and Christian.

What does "Iraadah-o-Mashi-yat" mean?

Allah Almighty is possessed of the attribute of "will and intention". Nothing can happen unless He wills and intends. He creates and develops each and every thing with His intention and will. His no action or creation is unintentional. What has happened or is happening or will happen is all with His eternal will. Nothing is binding on Him nor anyone can question His authority. He is All-independent and Supreme Sovereign to do or to command what He wills.

What does the attribute of 'Ilm mean?

'Ilm means 'Aleem (Omniscience, All-knowing). Allah Almighty embodies the attributes of "Omniscience". His knowledge is eternal and infinite which encompasses each and every thing. He has the eternal knowledge of what has come to pass or is comming to pass or will come to pass. Things change but there is no change in His eternal knowledge. Nothing is concealed from His vision even the tiniest particle of dust. He sees all hidden and open and visible and invisible things alike. Self-Omniscience is His trait.

What is meant by the attribute of "Sam'a-o-Basar"?

Allah Almighty is Samee' (the All-hearing) and "Baseer" (the All-seeing) which means that "Sam'a" and "Basar" are His attributes. He hears sound even at the lowest pitch and sees the most thin and tiniest thing which can not be seen even by the microscope.

What does the attribute "Kalaam" mean?

The attribute "Kalaam" means Allah Almighty has the command of speech. He speaks to His Prophets when He wills without the aid of tongue as He hears and sees sans the ears and eyes since these things are limbs and parts of the body and Allah Almighty is Pure and free from such things. His "Kalaam" does not need sound or voice and is eternal like His other attributes. All the Divine books and the Holy Qur-aan which we read and write are also eternal. Our reading (recitation), writing, hearing and committing the Holy Qur-aan to memory is "Haadis"(created act) and what we have read (recited), written, heard and committed to memory is "Qadeem"(eternal).

What are these afore-mentioned seven attributes called?

"Hayaat" (Life, Self-existence), "Qudrat" (Omnipotence), "Sam'a" (the All-hearing), "Basar" (the All-seeing),' Ilm ( Omniscience), "Iraadah"(the Will) and "Kalaam" (Speech, Word) are the Self-attributes of Allah.

What does "Takveen-o-Takhleeq" mean?

"Takveen-o-Takhleeq" means creation of all the worlds. Allah Almighty is the Supreme Creator Who has created all the universes and will create what He wills. Each and every thing is His creature like "Arb'a ' Anaasir" (the four elements - fire, water, air and the earth of which the world and men are composed) and even the tiniest particle of dust. He is neither incapable of nor He needs anyone's help for creation. If He wills to create anything He simply says "Kun" (be) and that immediately comes into being. All men and their words and actions are His creation. The attributes of causing death, life, health, sickness, richness, poverty etc. which concern the mankind and other creatures are called extra,additional attributes or attributes of actions. These sub-attributes are subject to "Sifaat-e-Takveen"(the attributes of creativeness).

What is meant by "Sifat-e-Razzaaqi-yat"?

"Sifat-e-Razzaqi-yat" means Allah Almighty is "Razzaaq" (Provider of Subsistence,food). He provides subsistence to all His creatures irrespective of the smallest and the biggest one. He alone brings up His creatures, sustains the whole world and develops and evolves each and every thing to the full bloom.

He is the Sovereign Lord and Cherisher of all the worlds and the Real Provider of Subsistence. The angels are a mere means of the Divine system to this effect.

What are "Sifaat-e-Sulbi-yah"?

"Sifaat-e-Sulbi-yah" are those from which Allah Almighty is Pure and free like: He is not ignorant, powerless, incapable, blind, deaf, dumb, tyrant, He has no figure, He is free from time and space, direction, movement, changes, eating, drinking and all human needs and activities. He is also Pure and high above any sort of assimilation, affiliation and alliance like ice which on being put into the water becomes water. He has no father, no son, no wife nor His ilk(s).

Is "Deedar" (sight) of Allah possible or not?

Allah's "Deedar" (sight) in the mortal world is an exclusive privilege for His Beloved Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) and in the next world every "Sunni Muslim" (true believer) will be graced with Allah's Sight which is the greatest blessing in paradise.

As for Allah's Deedar (Sight) in dream and through the eyes of heart, the Prophets even saints have been honoured with.

Hadrat Imam-e-A'zam Abu Haneefah (may Allah be pleased with him) was blessed with Allah's Sight a hundred times.

May Allah Almighty also grace us with the greatest blessing - Aameen.

Does Allah Almighty need any cause or interest for His doings?

Each and every action of Allah Almighty carries numerous "Hikmah" (hidden causes,uses,blessings and favours) which are known only to Him. His doings need no cause or interest i.e. are not intended to be useful to Him. His created things are causes for one another.

The eye sees, the ear hears, the fire burns and the water quenches thirst, but He can change function and effect of these things if He wills like the eye may begin to hear, the ear to see, the water to burn and fire to quench thirst and if He does not will no one even millions of people can not see mountain in the broad day-light and a raging fire can not burn a straw. How dreadful fire was that in which Prophet Abraham(peace be upon him) was thrown by infidels but it was turned into a heavenly garden for him. Allah Almighty said (addressing to the fire): O' fire! be you cool and safety for Abraham.

مَنْتُ بِاللّٰہِ وَمَلٰٓئِکَتِہٖ وَکُتُبِہٖ وَرُسُلِہٖ وَالْیَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِ وَالْقَدْرِ خَیْرِہٖ وَشَرِّہٖ مِنَ اللّٰہِ تَعَالٰی وَالْبَعْثِ بَعْدَ الْمَوْتِط

ترجمہ: میں ایمان لایا اللہ پر اور اس کے فرشتوں پر اوراس کی کتابوں پر اور اس کے رسولوں پر اور قیامت کے دن پر اوراس پر کہ اچھی اور برُی تقدیر اللہ کی طرف سے ہے اور موت کے بعد اٹھائے جانے پر۔

"Aamantu Bil-Laahi wa Malaaa-ikatehee wa Kutubehee wa Rusulihee wal-Yaumil Aakheri wal-Qadri Khaierehee wa Sharrehee Minal Laahi Ta'aalaa wal-Ba'si Ba'dal Maut".

(I believed (with all my heart) in Allah, His Angels, His (revealed) Books, His Messengers and the Day of Judgement (and) that every good and evil has been predestined by Allah and that the dead ones will be resurrected).

What are Angels?

Angels are the obedient, worshipping and chosen servants of Allah. They have "Noori" (ethereal, luminous) existence. They are innocent and commit no sin. They do what they are commanded. They neither eat nor drink but subsist on worship and remembrance of Allah.

Why are the angels called "innocent"?

Because Allah has created them free of the instinct of committing sins thus they can not disobey Allah. The Prophets of Allah are also innocent like the angels.

What is the exact number of angels?

Of all creatures of Allah, the angels are the most plentiful. Their exact number is known to Allah Almighty or to His Beloved Prophet (whom Allah has endowed with such knowledge). Their creation is a continuous process. Innumerable angels are created daily. Saints and sages say that the good words and good works of the believers are transformed into angels which take off to the skies, heavens.

How many "prominent angels" are there?

Four angels of Allah are very prominent and choicest ones:

a. (Hadrat) Gibrail who conveyed Allah's messages to His Apostles, Messengers and Prophets.

b. (Hadrat) Michael who is detailed to provide subsistence and rain to His creatures.

c. (Hadrat) Israfeil, he will make "Soor" i.e. blow trumpet on Doomsday.

d. (Hadrat) Izraeel, his duty is to take soul of humanbeings. A countless number of angels work under his supervision to this effect.

What are the duties of other angels?

All angels have their (respective) assigned jobs. Some angels are posted in paradise and some in Hell. Some record good and bad actions of humanbeings. Some angels develop and shape foetus in mothers' wombs. Some question the dead ones in graves and some torment unbelievers and sinners. Some angels are stationed on the hallowed grave of Allah's choicest Prophet Hadrat Muhammad (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) and some convey or carry "Salaat-o-Salaam" (invocation of Allah's blessings on the Holy Prophet) of the believers and present to the Holy Prophet. Some angels are detailed to attend Islaamic meetings and gatherings where remembrance of Allah is made or "Meelaad Shareef" is held i.e. where the greatness and excellences of the Holy Prophet are explained.

What is the name of those angels who record good and bad deeds?

They are called "Kiraaman Kaatibeen". The angels of goodness are separate from those who record evil deeds and the angels for night and day are also separate.

Which are those angels who question the dead in grave?

Questioning angels are called "Munkar" and "Nakeer". They have dreaded appearance.

Can human beings see angels?

We can not see angels but those ones can see whom Allah wills like His Prophets who also speak to them. However, at the time of death the believers may see the angels of goodness and unbelievers see the angels of torment.

What is about he who does not believe in angels?

He who denies the existence of angels or says that "will power of doing good deeds" is angel otherwise there exists no angel, is a disbeliever.

"Wa Kutubehee" (And I believed in His[Allah's] books).

What does the revealed book mean?

Revealed book means that book which Allah Almighty has sent down for the guidance of mankind so that they may know Allah and His Messengers and carry out their commands.

How many books has Allah Almighty sent down?

Allah has sent down books and Sahifa pi: Suhuf (little books) to many Prophets, the exact number of which is only known to Allah and His Beloved Prophet. Of all these heavenly books four are very prominent i.e. Torah which was revealed to Prophet Moses, Zabur (the original Psalms) to Prophet David, Bible (new Testament) to Prophet Jesus and the last one which is the highest and best is the Glorious Qur-aan which Allah Almighty has gifted to His Darling Elect Hadrat Muhammad (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him).

Are the revealed books, besides Holy Qur-aan, still available with original texts?

No other heavenly books than the Qur-aan are available with the original texts because the mischievous elements in the nations of the past Prophets distorted and interpolated the original Torah, Zabur and Bible at their sweet will to gain their nefarious ends.

How should we believe in the present Bibles (old and new testaments)?

We should testify only that text or portion of the bibles which conform to the teachings of the Glorious Qur-aan and disapprove of that which is (are) inimical to the Holy Qur-aan believing that this "interpolation" is the work of the mischievous elements who claim to be the followers of the said books.

What about that if nothing conforming or unconforming to the Holy Qur-aan is found therein?

In such situation we shall neither approve nor disapprove but shall say "Aamantu Bil-Laahi wa Malaaa-ikatehee wa Kutubehee wa Rusulehee" (I believed in Allah, His angels, His books and His Messengers).

Can the Holy Qur-aan be interpolated?

No, absolutely not. Since Islaam is ever-living and ever-lasting religion, Allah Almighty has taken up the responsibility of its protection Himself. It is free from being interpolated even if all its enemies strive jointly to do mischief to it.

What about that man who believes that addition or omission can be made in the Qur-aan?

He who says that even a single letter, has been added to or omitted from or replaced in the Holy Qur-aan, remains no more in Islaamic fold and is, ipso facto, disbeliever.

What is Sahifa?

Sahifa pl:Suhuf are little books or leaves which Allah Almighty sent down, before the Holy Qur-aan, for the guidance of humanity at large. These Suhuf contained good tidings, admonitions and guidelines to regulate life.

How many Suhuf were sent down and to which Prophets given?

The exact number of Suhuf is known to Allah and His Choicest Prophet only, but what we know is that some Suhuf were revealed to Prophet Adam, some to his son Prophet Shish, some to Prophet Abraham, some to Prophet Idris and some Suhuf were also revealed to Prophet Moses.

Is there any book like that of the Holy Qur-aan?

No, absolutely not. The Glorious Qur-aan is an unparalleled book which was endowed to the unparalleled Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) whose title was "Ummi" (unlettered). This "truthful" (the Holy Prophet) challenged the Arab nation that was stubbornly proud of their eloquence, magniloquence and rhetorics in poetry and oratory to bring or produce ten chapters and even a single chapter like it, but all proud and arrogant ones were stupefied. If they were capable of producing a thing like it they would have definitely done that and not faced abject disgrace of the proclamation that they and their false gods would be consigned to hell. The Holy Qur-aan is the ever-living and ever-challenging miracle of the Last Prophet of Allah.

"Wa Rusulehee" (And I believed in His [Allah's] Prophets)

What is "Rasul"(Messenger)?

The Messengers (Rasul pl.Rusul) are those servants of Allah whom He chose to transmit His messages to His creatures for their guidance. The Messengers are a link between Allah and His creatures and invite them to the straight path.

What is the difference between Nabee and Rasul?

Both the words Nabee (Prophet) and Rasul (Messenger) are usually spoken and understood in the same sense. However, "Nabee" is that chosen servant of Allah who received divine revelations to guide humanbeings. Rusul(Messengers) are also among the angels. Some Islaamic sages and scholars maintain that Rasul is that chosen servant of Allah who brought new Shariat (divine law).

What is the difference between the Prophets and other humanbeings?

There is tremendous difference between Allah's Prophets and other humanbeings. The Prophets and Messengers are chosen and impeccable servants of Allah. They are taught, brought up and looked after by Allah Himself. They are free of every major and minor sins. They are descendants of the noblest and religious families and are so perfect in physique,

character, nature, intellect and wisdom that no scientists, scholar, physician and philosopher of the highest calibre can even think to compete with them. Allah bestowed on them all necessary perfect and scrupulous qualities and created them free from every sort of imperfection and diseases like leucoderma and leprosy which are repugnant to human nature.

Do the Prophets have knowledge of the unseen?

The Prophets are sent by Allah Almighty to communicate the news of unseen. They tell people about reckoning, paradise, hell, reward of good actions and nemesis of evil deeds, Doomsday, angels and etc. All these things are unseen and other humanbeings can not comprehend them. This knowledge of the unseen has been granted to the Prophets by Allah Almighty.

What is the status of the Prophets in the sight of Allah?

The Prophets are the exalted and chosen servants of Allah. They are the greatest and highest of all creatures. Even no angel can attain to their status. The greatest saint is also no match of that Prophet who possesses the lowest rank in the sight of Allah.

What about that who does not respect the Prophets?

It is incumbent upon every believer to respect and revere the Prophets. This religious binding on the believers is higher than other obligations. To speak low of any Prophet what to talk of derogatory words, is tantamount to disbelief. Thus he who says anything which directly or indirectly insults any Prophet or subjects him to innuendoes, is a disbeliever.

Can anyone become Prophet by worship and prayer?

No, absolutely not. The Prophethood is a highly exalted rank. Nobody can become Prophet by worship and prayer even if he fasts and prays (worships Allah) throughout his life and spends all his wealth in Allah's way. The Prophethood is an exclusive divine gift which Allah Almighty confers on the servant whom He chooses.

What is the total number of the Prophets?

It is not fair to fix any particular number for the Prophets. We should maintain this belief that "we believe in all Prophets of Allah".

Are the angels and genies Prophets?

No, the Prophets are only in humanbeings and that too the males only. No angel, genie or female is Prophet.

Is someone else also "Ma'soom"(impeccable) besides the Prophets and angels?

No one is impeccable besides the Prophets and angels. To consider anyone impeccable like that of the Prophets is a grave error.

Are Allah's saints (Wali pl.Auliya) also not impeccable?

Allah's saints and "Ahle Bait" (posterity of the Holy Prophet) are also not impeccable, but Allah Almighty protects them against sins. It is also not impossible for them to err.

Did any Prophet hide any command of Allah?

No, all Prophets sincerely and scrupulously communicated Allah's commands to mankind. If any one says that any Prophet did not communicate or hid any command of Allah for fear of anybody or expediency, he is a disbeliever.

Can we call those Prophets who have passed-away "dead"?

All Prophets are as much alive in their graves as they were in the mortal world. They eat, drink and go where they want to. The death had touched them only for a moment. But all these facts are beyond the comprehension of a common man.

Which Prophet came first to the world?

Hadrat Adam(peace be upon him) was the first Prophet who was sent into the world. Before him there was no humanbeing, that's why he is called "the father of mankind". All humanbeings are his progeny.

Who was the first Rasul (Messenger)?

The first Rasul who was sent down for the guidance of unbelievers and disbelievers was Hadrat Nuh [Noah] (peace be upon him). He preached for 950 years but disbelievers who were stone-hearted and obstinately insolent remained clung to thier disbelief. At last, Prophet Noah prayed to Allah Almighty and a dreaded deluge overtook them. All disbelievers on the earth were eliminated. A few believers and a pair of every animal which boarded Noah's boat were safe.

Which Prophet came in the last?

The Prophet who was sent in the last for the guidance of whole world is our Holy Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him). In him the institution of Prophethood attained its highest glory. He is the Last Prophet and no prophet will succeed him in whatsoever way.

Are all Prophets equal in rank or superior to one another?

All Prophets have their respective ranks in the eyes of Allah. The highest of all is our kind master Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa(may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him). Therefore, he is called "Saie-yidul Anmbiyaa" (the leader, chief of all Prophets).

Who is next to our Prophet in rank?

Hadrat Ibraaheem Khaleel-ul Laah [Abraham] (peace be upon him) is next to Hadrat Muhammad (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) in superiority. After him Hadrat Musa(Moses), Hadrat Isa(Jesus) and Hadrat Nuh(Noah) are superior to other Prophets. All these chosen servants of Allah are best of all humanbeings even of angels.

BELIEFS CONCERNING THE PROPHETHOOD

What wisdom is there in the descent of the Prophets?

There is a great wisdom and blessing in the descent of the Prophets. Through the Prophets and Messengers, Allah Almighty has informed His creatures (mankind) about the works which please or displease Him. It is a fact that nobody can know the correct ideas of the other until he is informed by the latter so how the mankind could have known the pleasure and displeasure of Allah Almighty without being told by His Prophets and Messengers. Nobody could have known about the torment and reward, the world hereafter, the correct mode of worship and the fundamentals, pre-requisites and manners of worship etc. what to talk of an access to Him or understanding His Self and Attributes.

The Prophets and Messengers who are chosen servants of Allah Almighty are intermediary between Him and His servants (mankind). They were created and sent down by Him to guide and invite the mankind towards Him, so that no humanbeing could make any excuse on the Doomsday that he was not given His message.

Those who follow and obey Allah's Prophets are the blessed ones and those who oppose them are the accursed.

Can the mind alone guide humanbeing or not?

Had Allah Almighty left us at the mercy of our mind then we would not have fully attained to the path of blessing and salvation. We have examples of intellectuals and thinkers before us who have no concurrence and consensus on even a simple point despite possessing expertise in their respective field of activity.

It is, therefore, established that the mind alone could not have helped man to correctly know about the spirituAlity, invisible world and the next world and it were only the Prophets who led him to the path of blessing and salvation.

All the Prophets were humanbeing. What was the divine wisdom therein?

It is also a great wisdom and blessing of Allah Almighty that He chose all the Apostles, Messengers and Prophets from amongst the humanbeings. If He had sent the Prophets from amongst the angels or other creature they would not have understood human nature, psyche, failings and nor they had any affection for us as a man has for his fellow-beings. We also had no inclination towards him and could not follow him too.

What is "Wahee"?

The literal meaning of "Wahee" is "instillment of a point in the heart" and according to Shari'ahh "Wahee" means Divine revelation to the Prophets for the guidance of mankind. It is a Divine practice that Allah Almighty does not directly speak to His servants (humanbeings) and for this purpose He has created His chosen servants (Prophets) to whom He reveals His commands and then these Prophets teach and inform His servants about the good and bad.

How many ways of the revelation of "Wahee" are there?

There are four ways of the revelation of "Wahee" to the Prophets:

1. To hear any Divine voice.

2. To have any point spontaneously instilled in the heart.

3. To have the true dreams. Whatever is shown or told to the Prophet in dream is undoubtedly true.

4. Communication of the Divine message through angel in the guise of humanbeing.

What does "Ilhaam" mean?

Sometime Allah's saint (Walee) is divinely inspired either in the waking or in dream which is called "Ilhaam" (divine inspiration).

What is "Wahee Shaitaani"?

Inculcation of some evil things in the hearts of his accomplices like sorcerers, wizards, unbelievers and "Faasiq" (wicked,transgressors) by devil, the outcast, are literally called "Wahee Shaitaani" (devilish prompting).

These wicked souls teach one another how to inveigle and drag people into the mire of disbelief, sins and in their devilish activities. However, the pious servants of Allah are not prone to their inveiglings who immediately recite "Laa-haul" i.e. "Laa haula walaa Quwwata Illaa Billaa-hil 'Alee-yil 'Azeem" (there is no power in me to save myself from sin and I have no power to do good but with the help of Allah, the Most High, the Most Great) on facing any devilish onslaught and busy themselves in good deeds.

How many Prophets did Allah Almighty send?

A particular number about the descent of the Prophets should not be fixed or determined as there are varied traditions to this effect. Besides, there is a great apprehension of denial of the Prophethood of any Prophet or inclusion of any non-prophet into the fold of Prophethood due to fixation or determination of a specific total number of the Prophets, which is infidelity. That's why we must believe in all the Prophets of Allah sans any fixation of total number.

Were the Prophets sent for every state and every nation?

It is proved by the Holy Qur-aan that Allah Almighty has sent His Prophets to every state and every nation who invited them to the true faith and commanded them to worship Allah alone so that infidels and deniers could not claim that no Prophet had communicated them the true faith. The Communicator of Allah's commands (faith) to His servants may either be Prophet or his vice regents i.e. 'Ulama (religious scholars).

Can we call "Raam" and "Kirshan" whom Hindus believe Prophet or not?

We believed (in detail) in those Prophets about whom Allah Almighty and His Prophet have informed us or about whose names and lives the Holy Qur-aan and the Prophet's traditions (Ahaadees) have told us in detail and in the remaining other Prophets of Allah we believed in brief. It is not essential for us to unnecessarily search out whether such and such was the prophet or not.

There is no mention of Raam and Kirshan in the Holy Qur-aan and Ahaadees and also we have no proof whether they were really some persons or are only the figment of Hindus' imagination. If it is, for the sake of argument, accepted that there is some mention of them in Hindus' books then we will also have to accept that the said books also speak of their sinfulness, impiety, bad character and debauchery. Hence, they can not be prophets because the Prophets are innocent and impeccable and they are free from sins on being looked after and taught by Allah Almighty Himself.

Briefly, we can not determine about anybody's prophethood unless and until proved by the Holy Qur-aan and Ahaadees.

Do Allah's Prophets have 'Ilm-e-Ghaib (the knowledge of the unseen)?

A. Undoubtedly, Allah Almighty has endowed His Prophets with the knowledge of unseen. Each and everything in the heavens and on the earth is in their knowledge. This knowledge of unseen is not their own but a divine gift to them. "Nabi" (Prophet) means the communicator of "Ghaib" (the news and knowledge of unseen). The communication of the news of unseen like Paradise, Hell, Doomsday, torment and reward etc. which are beyond human agency and reason, is the demand of the exalted status of Prophet. Some saints had/have also Ilm-e-Ghaib which Allah Almighty grant(ed) to them through the Prophet whose Ummah (community) they belong(ed) to.

"Wal Yaumil Aakheri" (And I believed in the Day of Judgement).

What is Doomsday?

The Doomsday will be a dreadfully grievous day. Everybody will get panicked and terrorised. The hearts will get rent apart. The earth, the sky, all humanbeings, genies and angels will be annihilated. The sky will be cleft and the earth destroyed. Mountains will float in the air like carded wool and the stars will fall like rain and smash hitting one another. Briefly, each and everything will perish excepting Allah Almighty.

How will the Doomsday be established?

By the command of Allah Almighty, Hadrat Israfeil will blow the trumpet throwing the earth and the sky into tumult. The sound of the trumpet will be low at the outset which will gradually intensify to the fearful dimension. As a result, all living creatures will faint down and die. The earth, sky, mountains and even Israfeil and 'Izraeel will perish. There will be nothing but Allah alone Who is Eternal in the beginning and Eternal in the end.

Who will take the soul of (Hadrat)' Izraeel?

After annihilation of all things (the earth & the sky) Allah Almighty will command (Hadrat) 'Izraeel to take soul of (Hadrat) Gibrail. He will take Gibrail's soul who will fall like a big mountain praising Allah in prostration and die. Likewise he will take souls of (Hadrat) Michael, (Hadrat) Israfeil and "Hamalaatal-Arsh"(four angels holding the empyrean) respectively who will die. Then Allah Almighty will say "Mut" (Be you dead), (Hadrat) Azraeel will fall like a big mountain praising Allah in prostration and die.

When will the Doomsday come about?

Only Allah and His Beloved Prophet know the exact time of the Doomsday. The faster the time passes the nearer the Doomsday gets. Some indications have been told by Allah Almighty and His Messenger to this effect. After completion of these indications the Doomsday will come about.

What are the indications of the Doomsday?

The foremost indication of the Doomsday is the advent of Allah's Last Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) and his passing away from the mortal world. Some other indications are:

• Religious knowledge will disappear (i.e. there will be dearth of true religious scholars) and ignorance prevail.

• People will get education/knowledge for worldly gains not to serve the religion.

• Remaining adhered to Islaam will be as difficult and painful as to hold burning embers in a fist.

• Payment of "Zakaat" (poor due) will be avoided and considered "ransom" rather than an Islaamic duty.

• Songs and obscenity and vulgarity will be all around and people will have no regard for elders (others).

• Mean and sordid people will take pride in their big mansions and palaces. There will be galore of wealth.

• Inefficient and corrupt people will occupy high positions.

• Time will carry no blessing i.e. run out rapidly.

• People will be disobedient and insolent to their parents and obsequious to their wives. They will distance themselves from relatives and get close to friends.

• Forefathers and elders will be disgraced and even cursed.

• People will raise hue and cry in mosques and indulge in worldly talks therein.

Besides these portents of Doomsday there are several others which will be delineated in subsequent chapters.

"Wal-Qadre Khaierehee wa Sharrehee Minil Laahe Ta'aalaa" (And I believed in that all good and bad destiny proceeds from Allah).

What is "Taqdeer"(predestination)?

What Allah Almighty has written with His eternal knowledge about what will happen in the world and what His servants will do, is Taqdeer.

Is humanbeing compelled to do what has been predestined for him?

No, it is not so. Allah Almighty has given us the power of action and endowed us with common sense and intellect to differentiate between the good and evil and between gain and loss. The man is not an inanimate object like stone. What the man had to do in the world Allah Almighty wrote all that with His eternal knowledge.

What about those who refute "Qadar" (predestination)?

Those who refute "Qadar" have been termed as Zoroastrian (fire worshippers) of the Ummah of the Holy Prophet.

"Walba'se Ba'dal Maut" (And I believed in that the dead ones will be resurrected).

How will the dead ones be resurrected?

When all the worlds will be annihilated and there will remain nothing in existence but Allah alone, He will resurrect (Hadrat)Israfeel and recreate trumpet after forty years and command him to blow the trumpet. Hadrat Israfeel will sound it and every thing will immediately come to life. The dead ones will be resurrected from their graves.

The field of resurrection will be thronged with them. Everybody will be holding his sheet of actions in his hand.

What is the field of resurrection?

The field of resurrection will be established in Syria. The earth will be turned into copper and made so even that the smallest thing like mustard seed if fell on the one end of it will be visible from the other end.

What will be the plight of people in the field of resurrection?

It is frightening even to think of the dreads and horrors of the Doomsday. The earth will be of copper and the sun (obverse side) will be emitting its heat and fire furiously from the distance of only one mile (1.6 km). The brains will boil and people will perspire because of excessive heat so much so that they will drown in their own sweat. They will have their hearts in the mouths and throats and tongues will dry up.

In this pathetic condition nobody will help the other. Parents will not heed to their children and even mother will abandon her suckling baby. Briefly, everybody will be in an inexplicable distress and pain. Their all doings will be before them and it will be Allah, the Wrathful, Who will judge their good and evil deeds.

Q 4: How will people obviate these horrors?

The Doomsday will be of 50,000 years as per our unit of time. After passing of about half day people will discuss as to which Prophet should be approached for intercession so that they may get rid of the horrors of the Doomsday. All will go to the Prophet Adam and then to the other Prophets but everyone will express helplessness and advise them to approach the other Prophet for relief.

To whom will all people approach for relief?

Hadrat 'Isaa (Prophet Jesus) will advise all people to go to Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa(may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) for intercession. All will rush to him and pray for his intercession. Our kind master Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) will say "yes it is only me who can help you today". He will observe "Sajdah" (prostration) and praise Allah Almighty in the best panegyric which will pacify Allah's wrath. Allah will say: raise your head O' Muhammad! speak, you will be listened to. Ask for, you will be granted and intercede your intercession will be accepted. Then the Holy Prophet will intercede and innumerable sinful believers will be absolved.

Will someone else also intercede besides the Holy Prophet?

By the means of Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa(may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) all Prophets will intercede for their followers and then the scope of intercession will enlarge to the extent that Allah's saints, spiritual guides, sages, scholars and other pious Muslims will intercede for the sinful believers and thus countless Muslims will be admitted into heavens.

Will anyone be safe from the dreads & horrors of the Doomsday or not?

No doubt, the Doomsday will continue for 50,000 years and will be the most horrendous day full of unheard of distress and pain but even then Allah's Prophets and His other loved ones will be safe from the horrors. For some of them this gigantic duration will be made as short as the time spent in offering an obligatory prayer and for some even less like twinkling of an eye.

What will be the fate of other creatures besides humanbeings?

All dangerous and dreaded animals will be sent into Hell to punish and torment the infernal people, but they will themselves be safe from the hell's torment. All other animals and beasts will be annihilated. As regards genies it is reported that they will live in the habitations near/around the paradise and will visit the paradise off and on.

Islaam is based on five things:

1. To testify that there is no true deity except Allah and that Hadrat Muhammad

(may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) is His chosen servant and true Messenger.

2. To establish/offer prayer five times a day.

3. To pay poor due.

4. To perform Hajj.

5. To observe fasts in the holy month of Ramadan.

the testifying words of Islaam

"Ashhadu Allaaa Ilaaha Illal Laahu wa Ashhadu Anna Muhammadan 'Abduhoo wa Rasooluh. (I bear witness that there is no true god save Allah and I bear witness that (Hadrat)Muhammad[peace be upon him] is the chosen servant and (true) Messenger of Allah).

Is it enough to say Kalimah-e-Shahaadat by the tongue only to be a Muslim?

Mere expression of Kalimah-e-Shahaadat is not enough to become Muslim but to testify and confirm it and all other essentials of Islaam with all heart is the prerequisite to be a Muslim. He must also believe in the fact that Hadrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) is true in all his words and deeds. His no action and word should smack of any insolence or blasphemy against Allah Almighty and the Holy Prophet.

How a dumb man should express

Since a dumb can not speak, he should communicate by gesture that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and Hadrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His chosen servant and true Messenger and that Islaam, through and through, is the truth.

The prerequisites of Islaam

The prerequisites of Islaam are well-known like belief in "Tauheed"(Oneness of Allah),Prophethood of all (true) Prophets, Paradise, hell, Doomsday, resurrection of dead etc. and to firmly believe in Hadrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the Last Prophet and that there will be no Prophet after him.

One who denies any of the essentials of Islaam

Such a person who claims to be a Muslim but denies any of the essentials of Islaam or has beliefs unlike the beliefs of Islaam is neither Muslim nor he belongs to Muslim community.

What is "Nifaaq" (hypocrisy)?

To claim to be a Muslim by the tongue but to deny Islaam at heart is "Nifaaq". It is stark infidelity. Such people will be consigned to the worst torment in hell. We can not identity or say anybody "Munaafiq" with certainty. However, a sort of "Nifaaq" is found in the present age that some disbelieving and misguided people claim to be Muslim but deny the essential (s) of Islaam

He will be considered a Muslim who believes that Islaam is the true religion and expresses his intention of embracing Islaam with his tongue reciting Kalimah if there is none to make him understand the meaning of Kalimah or he does not understand due to any handicap.

What about those who do not believe in Islaam?

Such people are called "infidels". or "kafirs"

What is "Eimaan"(Islamic faith)?

Believing in all fundamentals of Islaam from the core of heart is called "Eimaan" or to believe in what the Messenger of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) brought us from Allah Almighty whether those are commands or news with all heart and consider them all true, is called Eimaan. He who embraces Islaam (believes in all fundamentals of Islaam) is called "Muslim" or Mu'min".

How many kinds of "Mu'min" are there?

There are two kinds of "Mu'min" i.e. "Mu'min Saaleh" and "Mu'min Faasiq". Mu'min Saaleh or Mu'min Mutee1 is the believer who not only believes in Islaamic faith from the botton of his heart and with the tongue but also follows "Shari'ah" practically and does not transgress "Amr-o-Nahee" (the commands and prohibitions of Allah and His Prophet) and "Mu'min Faasiq" is that believer who firmly believes in all "commands of Shariah" but does not practise them like he believes that "Saum-o-Salaat"(fast and prayer) are obligatory on him but he does not observe them.

Who is called "Faasiq-ul-'Aqidah"?

"Faasiq-ul-Aqidah" is he who claims to be a Muslim but his beliefs are inimical to "Ahle-Sunnat-wa-Jama'at" creed. Such person is called misguided, transgressor and disbeliever.

Are physical acts included in "Eimaan" or not?

The real Eimaan is only to believe in "Islaamic faith" with one's all heart and physical acts are not a part and parcel of Eimaan. However, these are necessary to perfect one's Eimaan.

Some physical acts which totally conflict with the teachings of Islaam like worshipping or prostrating before idols, the moon, the sun or to blaspheme against any Prophet, the Holy Qur-aan, the Holy Ka'bah or to trifle with any Sunnah (practice,saying) of the Holy Prophet, are indeed, "Kufr" (infidelity, disbelief). Similarly some symbols are indicative of infidelity and disbelief like "Zannar" (a sacred thread worn by Hindus round the body cross-wise), "Qashqa" (painting a particular mark on the forehead by Hindus) and a "plait of hair" kept by male Hindus on the head. If a Muslim practises such diabolical things, he will have to reaffirm his Eimaan and also renew his "Nikah" (wed-lock), if married.

Does Eimaan increase and decrease or not?

Eimaan (Islaamic faith) neither increases nor decreases since it has no quantity, measurement or number. Eimaan is a 'testification of particular beliefs with one's all heart". However, it is subject to weakening and strengthening i.e. the perfection of Eimaan may one time become weak and the other time become further consolidated. A Prophetic saying to this effect reads: "Eimaan of Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him) alone overshadows Eimaan of whole Muslim Ummah i.e. collective Eimaan of all believers".

What is the difference between Islaam and Eimaan?

The literal meaning of Islaam is "obedience" and "submission" whereas according to Shari'ahh there is no difference between Islaam and Eimaan but both are the same things. He who is Mu'min is also Muslim and likewise a Muslim is also Mu'min. However, testification of Islamic faith only by the tongue is not reliable and one does not become Mu'min unless coupled with the testification of the heart.

What is the prerequisite to become Muslim?

The prerequisite to become Muslim is that one must declare his embracing of Islaam with the tongue so that Muslims consider him Muslim and treat him accordingly. It is also obligatory upon him not to deny any fundamental of Islaam even by the tongue though he is firm at heart.

No believer can dare blaspheme except the wretched one who does not value Eimaan. In brief, Eimaan is an irrevocable testification of Islaamic faith.

What are called "Kufr" and "Shirk"?

Denying any of what the Holy Prophet brought us from Allah Almighty is "Kufr" (infidelity ,disbelief) and considering anyone or anything "Waajib-ul-Wujood" (Eternal,Self-existant) or worthy of worship save Allah is "Shirk" (polytheism). Associating partners with Allah in His Divinity is the worst kind of "Shirk" otherwise no "Kufr" how bad it may be, is "Shirk".

Sometimes "Shirk" is taken for "total infidelity, disbelief.

A stern warning which the Holy Qur-aan has sounded that "Shirk"(polytheism) will not be absolved means: no sort of infidelity,disbelief will indeed be forgiven. He who practises "Kufr" is called "Kaafir"(infidel, disbeliever) and he who practises "Shirk" is called "Mushrik"(polytheist).

How many kinds of infidels,disbelievers are there?

Infidels are of two kinds i.e. the original and the renegade.

The original infidel is he who is inborn infidel and denies Islaam. No matter whether he openly practises infidelity or he apparently recites "Kalimah"(the Holy Code of Islaam) but is infidel at heart. Renegade is the one who claims to be a Muslim but blasphemes, or he was Muslim but later abandoned Islaam or he still recites "Kalimah" and claims to be a Muslim but blasphemes against Allah Almighty and His Messenger or denies any fundamental of Islaam.

How many kinds of infidels are there who openly disbelieve?

There are four kinds of infidels who openly deny Islaam:

1. Atheist who denies the existance of Allah Almighty, considers the world and creatures self-existant and also denies the Doomsday. "Zindeeq" and "Mulhid" (unbeliever and apostate) are also included among atheists who make mockery of Islaam. No matter whether they believe in the existance of Allah or not.

2. "Mushrik" (polytheist) who considers that some person(s) or object(s) other than Allah are also worthy of worship and are eternal like Hindus who worship idols and Aryans who consider "spirit" and "matter" self-existant and eternal. Hindus and Aryans both are "Mushrik". It is un-Islaamic to take Aryans for "Mohid" (unitarian).

3. "Majoosi" (Zoroastrian) who worship fire.

4. "Ahle Kitaab" (people of the Divine book) like Jews and Christians who believe in the Divine Books but deny and do not believe in the Holy Qur-aan.

Who is "Munaafiq"?

"Munaafiq" is that disbeliever who claims to be a Muslim by the tongue but denies Islaam at heart. Such accursed ones will be consigned to the lowest cadre(the worst torment) of hell. Some people had gained notoriety of being hypocrites during the life time of the Holy Prophet as Allah Almighty and His Messenger had debunked their hypocrisy (disbelief,infidelity at heart) and declared them "Munaafiq"(hypocrites). In the present age, it is difficult to say with certainty about anyone that such and such person is "Munaafiq". However, a branch of it is found which leads to those wretched ones who simultaneously claim to be Muslim and deny one or the other fundamentals of Islaam.

"Munaafiqeen" (pi.of Munaafiq) are the worst of infidels,disbelievers. Keeping company with them is worse than the company of thousands of disbelievers, for, they undermine Islaam disguising themselves as Muslim.

Is it lawful or not to make "Du'aa" for the forgiveness of an infidel,disbeliever?

The one who prays for the forgiveness of any (dead) infidel,disbeliever or considers any (dead) renegade "absolved" or (dead) Hindu "Jannati" (the one who has been entered into paradise), is himself an infidel and disbeliever.

Can we describe a "Kaafir" as "Kaafir" or not?

Describing a Muslim as Muslim and a Kaafir (infidel, disbeliever) as Kaafir is one of the fundamentals of Islaam. However, it can not be claimed whether a certain person died in the state of Eimaan(Islaamic faith) or in disbelief unless his end is proved by Shari'ah, but it does not mean that one should doubt about disbelief,infidelity of an open infidel, disbeliever. Such thing renders doubter "infidel" himself.

The commands of Allah Almighty and His Prophet to this effect are that a disbeliever who died without renouncing his disbelief and embracing Islaam would be considered disbeliever and meted out such treatment that is allowed for infidels and disbelievers by the Shari'ah leaving the matter of his end to Allah Almighty. Similarly, a believer who died without committing any blasphemy would be considered believer though it is not known whether his end was good or not.

The Shari'ahh is applicable to the outward state of a man (not to the inward). Reward and chastisement on the Doomsday will be given on the basis of good and bad end.

How many misguided sects are there in Muslim Ummah?

An "Hadees" in this respect says that Muslim Ummah will be divided into seventy three sects. Of which only one sect will be "Naaji"(deserving paradise) and the remaining all sects will be cast into hell. The companions asked the Holy Prophet about the "Naaji" sect. He said: that sect which follows me and my companions(i.e.the followers of Sunnah). Another Hadees says: that sect is "Sawaad-e-A'zam"(vast majority of Muslims following Sunnah) and the believer who parted from this sect has actually strayed for hell.

The "Naaji" sect which has been pointed out by the Holy Prophet is, indeed, "Ahle Sunnat wa Jama'at".

Which things are the basics of Islaamic faith?

The basic knowledge of Islaam are those things which all and sundry must know that the Holy Prophet received them from Allah Almighty and taught us like Monotheism (Oneness of Allah), Prophethood, Paradise, Hell, Doomsday and belief in the finAlity of (Hadrat) Muhammad's Prophethood and that no other prophet will follow (succeed) him, all Divine books are true and "Kalaam Allah"(Speech,Word of Allah) and the Holy Qur-aan is protected from being interpolated even if all men in the world help one another to do the evil.

Paradise is an abode of endless bliss which Allah Almighty has created for the believers. It is comprised of one hundred classes and the distance between two classes is like that of the distance between the earth and heavens. Each heaven is so vast and spacious that there will remain enough room if the whole world with all its contents is placed therein.

Allah Almighty has created such paraphernalia of physical and spiritual bliss and felicity in it that is unseen, unheard, un-imagined and undreamed of. Even an emperor and king can not enjoy such pleasures and facilities which will be available to the inmates of the lowest class of the paradise.

The greatest favor with which the believers will be graced in heavens is the "vision(sight) of Allah". All divine boons, bounties and favors will be eclipsed by Allah's vision. Once believers had it they would get absorbed in its exquisite ecstasy for ever.

The Holy Prophet said that of my bond slaves, seventy thousands would be admitted into heavens without any "reckoning". Everyone of them would take a group of seventy thousand believers with him into paradise. Allah Almighty would yet grace them and three more multitudes of believers would accompany them. The exact number of believers who will be entered into heavens is known to Allah or His Choicest Prophet whom Allah Almighty has endowed with such knowledge.

Allah Almighty has created a dreadful place for the chastisement and punishment of infidels, disbelievers and sinners which is called "Jahannam" (hell). It has seventy thousand dangerous and horrendous valleys with each valley having seventy thousand similar horrid dells and pits. These valleys, dells and pits are infested with innumerable frightful scorpions, serpents and dragons.

There are varied torments in hell. It is dreadful even to think of the torments therein. In sum, it has the torments of fire, chilling cold, snakes, scorpions, poisonous animals etc. The flames of its fire rage high unabatedly and overtake the infidels with violent force. The fuel of hell is humanbeings and stones.

A believer will ultimately be absolved irrespective of his myriad sins and admitted into paradise either by the blessing of Allah Almighty or the intercession of His Darling Elect Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings and peace be upon him) or having served his term of punishment in hell. Paradise is the last and ultimate abode of believers wherein they will live eternally.

The major sins of infidelity and polytheism will never be absolved. Infidels and polytheists will live eternally in hell and face different sorts of torments. They will also be locked in boxes of fire which will be encased in other fire boxes. Every infidel and polytheist will think that it is the last chastisement but they will get no relief and keep suffering torments upon torments.

The Glorious Qur-aan is "Kalaam Allah"(Speech of Allah) which Allah has gifted to His Beloved Prophet Hadrat Muhammad (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) who is the best and highest of all creatures. To believe in what it contains is a part and parcel of our faith.

The Holy Qur-aan is itself a cogent proof of its being "Kalaam Allah". It declares and challenges infidels and disbelievers that "if you are in some doubt about what we have sent to Our chosen servant then bring one chapter like it". All the enemies of Islaam (particularly the eloquent and rhetoric literati and poets of Arabia) put their heads together and strove hard to bring or produce a like of it but miserably failed to produce even a verse like it what to talk of any chapter. Thus the Holy Qur-aan is an "ever-challenging" phenomenon to infidels and disbelievers till the end of time.

The ever-living miracle of the Glorious Qur-aan is that the believers even their children commit it to their memory in whole. Contrary to this fact the other revealed books could not be memorised by the followers of the books excepting the Prophets to whom the said books were revealed.

The descent period of the Holy Qur-aan is 23 years. Its verses were sent down either singly or in batches as the need arose.

Our kind master Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) said that he who recites a letter of the Qur-aan gets one goodness which is equal to ten good deeds and stressed "I do not say that "Alif-Laaam-Meeem" is one letter but Alif is a letter, Laaam is a letter and Meeem is a letter.

The Holy Prophet has said "the breast(of believer) which has nothing of the Qur-aan therein is like a deserted house".

Believer should in the state of ablution (Wudu) sit at a clean place preferably in mosque facing the Qibla (Holy Ka'bah) placing the Holy Qur-aan before himself on any raised thing (small slanted desk or pillow) and begin reciting the Glorious Quraan preceded by "A'oozu bil-Laahi Minash Shaietaa-nir Rajeem" (I seek refuge with Allah from Devil, the accursed) and "Bismil-Laahir Rahmaa-nir Raheem" (Allah, in whose name I begin, the Most Affectionate, the Most Merciful) with all heart and humility. Show no haste but recite carefully and with serenity. Mind it! The mouth should be free from every kind of smell like onion, garlic etc.

It is sinful to touch the Holy Qur-aan without ablution. Listeners should be attentive and respectful to the recitation.

The Holy Qur-aan which is worn out and is no more legible, should be buried, wrapping up in a piece of clean cloth, at such a place that is not trodden by humanbeings and animals. It is better to bury it in a grave-like ditch so as to save it from the earth.

The copies of the Holy Qur-aan with correct text (without the slightest difference) are available everywhere. It is safe from being interpolated as Allah Almighty is Himself its protector.

Allah Almighty has descended the Holy Qur-aan for the guidance of His servants to the right path so that they may know Allah and His Messenger, follow their commands and abstain from evils.

Which Prophet's community (Ummah) do you belong to?

We belong to the Ummah (community) of Allah's Beloved Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him).

Briefly explain about the Holy Prophet?

Our kind lord and master Hadrat Muhammad (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) was born in Makkah city of Arabia. His father Hadrat Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) had passed away before his birth. His mother Hadrat Beebee Aminah (may Allah be pleased with her) also died when the Prophet was yet of six years. Thus the responsibility of his upbringing automatically devolved upon his paternal grand father Hadrat Abdul Muttalib (may Allah be pleased with him). But he also expired when the Prophet attained to the age of 8 years, 2 months and 10 days. Hadrat Haleema nursed and breast fed the Holy Prophet during his early infancy.

At what age did Allah Almighty make him Prophet?

Though the Holy Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) formally received Prophet hood and first

revelation at the age of forty but, in fact, he was the "first" in all Apostles, Messengers and Prophets as he himself said that "first of all Allah Almighty created my Noor (light)".

How did the Holy Prophet preach and promote Islaam?

At the outset the Holy Prophet preached Islaam to his close relatives and acquaintances as the ignorance and barbarism reigned supreme in Arabia and the concept of One God, as the Creator, Sustainer and Nourisher was alien to their nature and to their soil. The Muslims worshipped Allah secretly. Even father was afraid of his son and vice versa due to having embraced Islaam. Gradually, the number of male and female converts to Islamic faith swelled and then Allah Almighty commanded the Holy Prophet to preach Islaam openly. He did so and Islaam rapidly spread in whole of Makkah city and even in the adjoining areas.

Who was the first to embrace Islaam?

Hadrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) was the first in men to embrace Islaam, Hadrat Khudaija-tul-Kubra (may Allah be pleased with her) was first in women, Hadrat 'Alee (may Allah be pleased with him) was in teenagers and in slaves Hadrat Zaid bin Harisah (may Allah be pleased with him),was first who embraced Islaam.

Where did the Holy Prophet live throughout his life?

The Holy Prophet preached Islaam for ten years in the holy Makkah (his birth place). Since Allah Almighty wanted to make the holy Madinah, the "bastion" of Islaam so some people of Madinah during their visit to Makkah embraced Islaam and started preaching Islamic faith. Thus the first seminary of Islaam was founded in Madinah. Gradually the Muslims of Makkah migrated to Madinah and at last the Darling Elect of Allah, Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) also shifted to Madinah and spent his entire remaining life there. His Roda-e-Aqdas (holy shrine) is in holy Madinah which is visited by millions of his lovers and votaries. He (apparently) passed away at the age of sixty three, but actually he is alive in his hallowed grave.

With which especial favour the Holy Prophet was endowed in Makkah?

The Holy Prophet was blessed with "Me'raaj" (ascension to the heavens) a night in the waking during the fifth year after the proclamation of his Prophethood. He was taken on "Buraaq" (a white, very fast, sexless heavenly animal which stepped beyond eyeshot) by the Chief Angel Hadrat Gibreil from his sacred house to Aqsa mosque (Jerusalem) and then to the skies,heavens. He visited all the seven skies, empyrean, heavens and Haud-e-Kauser (an exclusive heavenly body of water reserved for the Holy Prophet). Hell was presented before him to see for himself the torments to be meted out to infidels and sinners. He saw each and everything. Nothing remained unseen. Even he saw Allah's Jamaal (splendidly sublime sight) and spoke with Him sans any intermediary. On this occasion, Salaat (prayer) five times a day was made obligatory on the believers. Before the night was over he came back home.

Is there any successor to the Prophethood of Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him)?

No, absolutely not. The Holy Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) is "Khaataman Nabi-yeen" (the Last Prophet). He who believes or considers that there was or is or will be any Prophet after Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) is infidel and disbeliever.

What rank does the Holy Prophet hold among the Prophets?

Our kind lord and master Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) is the highest and leader of all Apostles, Messengers and Prophets. He is a perfect agglomeration of all those blessed traits, impeccabilities and miracles that were individually found in the other Prophets. He is the "Darling Elect" (Beloved) of Allah which aptly vindicates that no other Apostle, Messenger, Prophet or Angel is so close to Allah as he is.

What about the belief of those people who describe the Holy Prophet mere a human being or like their elder brother?

He who considers the Holy Prophet mere a human being like himself or says he is like my elder brother or tries to denigrate him in one way or the other is apostate and disbeliever. It has been explained at places in the Holy Qur-aan that nations in the past slided into misguidance and disbelief because they considered and treated their Prophets as mere humanbeings like themselves.

What does it mean to believe in the Holy Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa

(may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him)?

Belief in Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) means that we should have unwavering faith in his being the "Last Prophet" of Allah and no Prophet to succeed or follow him, he is the best of all mankind and the most truthful and that our salvation in this world and the world hereafter lies in obeying him. We ought to love him more than our parents, children, all mankind even our own self. In fact, our unbounded love and reverence for the Holy Prophet is "real faith" (Eimaan).

Which deeds reflect "love" for the Holy Prophet?

Following deeds of believers are reflective of "love" for the Holy Prophet:

• Speak high of him with due reverence.

• Invoke Allah's blessings on him profusely (recite Durood Shareef in as many numbers as possible).

• Be attentive and respectful when his sublime life is explained before you and recite Durood Shareef hearing his blessed name. Do not forget to add "Sallal Laahu 'Alaiehi wa Sallam" to his name if you write anywhere.

• Have love for his posterity, companions and those who love the Holy Prophet.

• Harbour enmity towards his enemies.

• Say such words while talking about him that befit his dignity and greatness.

• Do not call him "Yaa Muhammad" (O' Muhammad) but as "Yaa Nabi-yal Laah (O' Prophet of Allah) and "Yaa Rasoolal Laah" (O' the Messenger of Allah).

• Follow his Sunnah heart and soul.

• Organise and attend "Eid Meelaad-un-Nabee" programs (celebrations of the Holy Prophet's birth day i.e. 12th Rabi ul Awwal) and recite Salaat-o-Salaam (invocation of Allah's blessings on him) aloud enthusiastically.

1. Allah Almighty, first of all, created "Noor" (light) of Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa(may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) and then created all the worlds from his Noor. Had he not been created nothing would have been created. He is the soul of all universes.

2. Allah Almighty took covenant from all Prophets that if Hadrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) came in their time they would certainly believe in him and help him.

3. The Holy Prophet is the best and highest of all and so is his family. No one like him has been born and even will not be born.

4. At the time of his birth all idols placed in holy Ka'abah fell flat and there was a surge of luminous light that his (revered) mother saw the palaces of the king of Syria.

5. The Holy Prophet was shadowless being "Noor" (light) through and through because Noor has no shadow.

6. A piece of cloud often hung over his head and trees rushed towards him to provide cool shelter under the burning sun though he was not yet declared Prophet formally.

7. Fragrance emanated from his blessed body and sweat which surpassed the sweet odour of musk and saffron and whichever way he passed would become fragrant.

8. Allah Almighty has endowed him with all treasures of all the worlds and authorised him to distribute from them at his own sweet will. Allah's will lies in his will.

9. Each and every bounty and favour which all creatures of Allah receive in this worlds and

he world hereafter are owing to him.

10. If Allah is praised His Beloved Prophet's renown is also exalted as he is Allah's Darling Elect. In short, the greatness and dignity of the Holy Prophet is beyond human attainment. He is a unique agglomeration of all bodily qualities, merits and spiritual perfection.

Meelaad Shareef' (Prophet's birth)

In the blessed gatherings of Meelaad Shareef, the traits, miracles, noble countenance, sublime character, impeccable nature, magnanimity, grace, compassion, in brief, life of the Holy Prophet are explained which are vindicated by the Glorious Qur-aan and sayings of the Prophet. Such virtuous things are neither unfair nor inventions. At the end of Meelaad Shareef gathering "Salaat-o-Salaam" (invocation of Allah's blessings on the Holy Prophet) is recited aloud respectfully in standing posture which is also lawful.

THE CHIEF OF ALL THE WORLDS

Q 1. Who is the best of all creatures of Allah?

Our Holy Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) is the best, highest and most prominent of all creatures of Allah since Allah Almighty has concentrated all excellences and miracles in the Holy Prophet which he had granted individually to His other Prophets. Allah Almighty has also gifted him some exclusive excellences in which no Prophet has any share. What excellences and miracles all the Prophets got were, in fact, given to them through the agency of Allah's Beloved Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon

him). Nobody is similar to the Holy Prophet in any way and if anyone likens anyone to him in any attribute is surely a misguided and may be an infidel.

Q 2. Please summarise the excellences and greatness of the Holy Prophet?

1. Allah Almighty has conferred upon him the exclusive title of "His Beloved(Darling)". All creatures seek Allah's pleasure but Allah Almighty seeks the pleasure of His Darling Elect.

2. All creatures (the past, present & future) even Prophet Abraham, Khaleelul Laah (Allah's friend) are indebted to him.

3. "Shafa'at-e-Kubraa" (a particular authority of intercession) on the Doomsday is one of his excellences.

4. Love for the Holy Prophet is the pivot of Islaamic faith, nay, the Prophet's love is the real Eimaan (Islaamic faith).

5. Obedience to the Holy Prophet is, indeed, obedience to Allah Almighty. No one can obey Allah unless and until he follows the Holy Prophet.

6. To respect, revere and hold the Holy Prophet in the highest esteem is one of the fundamentals of Islaam and is obligatory upon every believer.

7. The respect and reverence of the Holy Prophet is as much obligatory today as it was in his (apparent) lifetime.

8. Looking down on any word, deed or action or condition of the Holy Prophet and disregarding any Sunnah intentionally is infidelity.

9. The Holy Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) is the "absolute viceregent" of Allah Almighty. All the worlds and universes are under his administrative control where his orders are executed without anybody's interference.

10. Allah Almighty has provided him with all things even the keys of heavens and hell have been given to him. Bounties, favours, subsistence etc. are distributed among Allah's creatures through his agency.

11. 11. He has the executing authority of the commands of Shari'ah with the power of declaring anything "Haraam"(unlawful) or "Halaal"(lawful) and he can grant concession even in obligatory acts.

12. He was the first to be honoured with the Prophethood. Allah Almighty took covenant from all Apostles, Messengers and Prophets (to be sent to the world) that they would believe in him and help him and that on this condition they were installed in the exalted offices of the Prophethood.

13. The Holy Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) is also the Prophet of all the Prophets. They were all his Ummati (followers) and acted as his (Holy Prophet's) viceregent during their respective tenure of Prophethood.

14. Allah Almighty has made him "manifestation" of His Ownself and then illumined all the worlds with his "Noor" (light). Thus the Holy Prophet is present everywhere.

What were the manners and habits of the Holy Prophet?

The impeccable life of the Holy Prophet is the best model for every individual and folk. His manners and habits are glittering pearls.

The brief description of his exalted person is that he had pleasing countenance, he was affable, taciturn, he extensively remembered Allah, he was sick of shameful acts and frivolities, never abused or cursed anybody, loved and helped indigent and poor people, did not look down on any beggar and did not consider any king bad on account of his kingship, did not differentiate between slave and master and Negro and Turkish, was hospitable even to the prisoners of war, he welcomed even his arch enemies, never stretched out his feet while sitting in gathering, always anticipated in greeting (Salaam) and extended his (blessed) hands for handshake, did not interject anyone's talk, cut short his Nafl(voluntary prayer) if any needy approached him and would resume the prayer after meeting his need, took the trouble to do his own work but did not ask anybody for it because of shyness, sat on the ground sans any bedding or carpet, did not hesitate to do domestic chores, stitched his cloths, dust the house, milked goats, helped the servant in his work and also ate food with him, bought things from market himself and savoured whatever (lawful) food was put before him. The Holy Prophet was very kind to his family members and servants and merciful to everyone. He did not expect anything from others. He held his head low in humility. One would get awed if came across him but would be enamoured of him if enjoyed his company even for a while. He was the most brave, fearless and generous. He would immediately meet the need made by any needy. He was the most tender hearted, sober and so modest that he did not gaze at anybody. He neither lost his temper nor avenged personal matters but would anger if any command of Allah was defied and in such state nobody could have faced him. The Holy Prophet kept remembering Allah profusely and shunned frivolities. He liked fragrance and disliked stench. He respected the scholars. Sometimes he talked light heartedly but in a dignified way. Hadrat' Aishaah Siddiqa (may Allah be pleased with her) has said that "Khulq" (manners,disposition) of the Holy Prophet was the Glorious Qur-aan i.e. the Holy Prophet liked and disliked what the Holy Qur-aan liked and disliked.

How many miracles did the Holy Prophet perform?

The miracles which took place at the hands of the Holy Prophet are numerous and superior to those of all other Prophets like his excellences and greatness over them. The Holy Prophet is a splendid agglomeration of the qualities, excellences and miracles that were individually found in other Prophets.

The descended Sun rose again on his command, the moon split into two when he made a sign with his (blessed) finger, the water gushed forth from his fingers, he fed a large party from a little food to their fill, a little quantity of milk satisfied a large number of people, pebbles and stones recited "Tasbih" (remembrance of Allah) on his command, a dry log cried and wept in his love, trees and stones greeted and saluted him, trees rushed to his presence removing roots from beneath the ground on his call, beasts and other dreaded animals submitted and surrendered on the mention of his name, thousands of his prophesies came true which are not only proved by the Holy Qur-aan and Ahaadees but have also been acknowledged by the non-Muslims in their books. Another great miracle of the Holy Prophet is that he purified the squalid souls of the barbaric people of the Arabia infusing in them an entirely new outlook based on monotheism (Tauheed) and righteousness (Taqva) and thus his sworn enemies became his staunch supporters and votaries.

Besides, the miracles of the other Prophets were material and perceptional ones and that too were confined to their persons and times. As against this, the Holy Qur-aan (the great miracle of the Holy Prophet) is still in the hands of believers all over the world with its original text. The Holy Qur-aan is an ever-living and ever-challenging miracle of the Holy Prophet before which all enemies and powers of the world i.e. mankind and Jinns(genies) are helpless.

What does it mean that the Holy Prophet is "Rahmatal-lil-' Aalameen"?

"Rahmat" means to love, pity, sympathise, comfort, share anybody's trouble and inquire ater somebody's welfare and "Aalam" means the world i.e. all creatures of Allah Almighty. "Aaalameen" is plural of "Aalam". Thus Allah Almighty has, by declaring the Holy Prophet "Rahmatal-lil-Aalameen" (mercy for all the worlds), made it clear that the mercy of His Beloved Prophet is as much general for all as is His Divinity. The Muslim scholars say that every bounty and favour irrespective of small or big, physical or spiritual, celestial or terrestrial, visible or invisible, from the very creation of the world todate, from now to the Doomsday and from the Doomsday to eternal time was given, is given and will be given to believer or disbeliever, obedient or disobedient, angel or humanbeing, Jinn(geni) or animal but to all excepting Allah Almighty through the agency of the Holy Prophet. He is the chief viceregent of Allah and owner of all boons and bounties of the worlds as the Holy Prophet himself said: "Innamaa Anaa Qaasimoon wal Laahu M'otee" (Allah Almighty is the Provider and I am distributor). In short, the "Rahmatal-lil 'Aalameen" means that all bounties, favours and grants of Allah Almighty to His creatures are distributed through His Darling Elect Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him).

What is the belief of Sunni Muslims about the "knowledge of the Holy Prophet"?

It is the consensus of all Sunni Muslims (Ahle Sunnat wal-Jama'at) that the knowledge of the Holy Prophet is as perfect as he is the most prominent and highest of all the Prophets in every respect. Allah Almighty has endowed him with the knowledge of all the worlds and opened up the vistas of "Ilm-e-Ghaib" (the knowledge of the unseen) for him which is borne out by a number of Qur-aanic verses and numerous traditions (of the Holy Prophet).

All the universes, the earth, the heavens,skies and all creatures (mankind) from the time of Prophet Adam onwards (till the Doomsday) i.e. all the past and future peoples were presented to the Holy Prophet. He beheld them all and recognises each and every man so much so that we can not recognise our own friend so well. He is Alive to the state, intention, plans and fear and apprehension of his Ummah, as he himself said that Allah Almighty has removed all veils for me so I see the world and what has to happen till the end of time as I behold my palm(of the hand). This knowledge of all the worlds and of the unseen is a bit of the knowledge which Allah Almighty has gifted to him. The profundity and extent of his knowledge is known only to the Bestower of knowledge i.e. Allah Almighty or to the Prophet himself. It must be kept in mind that "Ilm-e-Ghaib" (the knowledge of the unseen) is Allah's Own Attribute whereas the "Ilm-e-Ghaib" of the Prophets and saints is "granted gifted" one. No creature (humanbeing) can know about "the unseen" unless Allah Almighty favours him with this honour. It is absurd and against the Qur-aanic verses and traditions to say that nobody can know about "the unseen" even on being endowed with "Ilm-e-Ghaib" by Allah Almighty. "Surah Jinn" is indicative of the fact that Allah Almighty has graced His chosen Prophets with "Ilm-e-Ghaib". The Islaamic history is replete with the "prophecies" of the Prophets and fore-tellings of Allah's saints that it will rain on such and such day or time; is foetus in mother's womb baby boy or baby girl, what will he/she do in his/her life and when and where will die etc. and all the prophecies and fore-tellings came true.

Who are called "Khulfaa-e-Raashideen"?

Those great and pious companions who were elected Caliphs in succession after the Holy Prophet are called "Khulfaa-e-Raashideen" (the true Caliphs of the faithfuls) and their Caliphate is called "Khilaafat-e-Raashidah" (the true Caliphate). Hadrat Saiey-yidinaa Abu Bakr Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him) was the first Caliph, Hadrat Saiey-yidinaa 'Umar-e-Farooque (may Allah be pleased with him) was the second and Hadrat Saiey-yidinaa 'Usman-e-Ghani (may Allah be pleased with him) and Hadrat Moula 'Ali Murtaza (may Allah be pleased with him) were the third and fourth Caliph respectively. After Hadrat Ali, his eldest son Hadrat Imaam Hasan Mujtaba (may Allah be pleased with him) became Caliph of the faithfuls and remained in the office for about six months. His Caliphate is also included in "Khilaafat-e-Raashidah".

How long did the "Khilaafat-e-Raashidah" last?

The total span of "Khilaafat-e-Raashidah" which was modelled on "Shari'ahh" i.e. in consonence with the teachings of the Holy Qur-aan and the Holy Prophet, was thirty years. It culiminated at the end of six months' Caliphate of Hadrat Saiey-yidinaa Imaam Hasan (may Allah be pleased with him). Later on, Hadrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz's Caliphate was called "Khilaafat-e-Raashidah".

During the time of proximity to the Doomsday there will be the Khilaafat-e-Raashidah of Hadrat Saiey-yidinaa Imaam Mehdi (may Allah be pleased with him).

Who is the most prominent of "Khulfaa-e-Raashideen"?

Hadrat Siddique Akbar (may Allah be pleased with him) is the most prominent and highest of all creatures barring Apostles, Messengers and Prophets and next to him are Hadrat Farooque A'zam, Hadrat Usman-e-Ghani and Hadrat Moula Ali (may Allah be pleased with them) in rank respectively.

What about that person who considers Hadrat Moula Ali superior to all "Khulfaa-e-Raashideen"?

He who considers Hadrat Moula Ali superior to Hadrat Saiey-yidinaa Siddique Akbar or Hadrat Saiey-yidinaa Farooque Azam (may Allah be pleased with them) is a misguided, infidel and is out from the fold of "Ahle Sunnat wal Jama'at". Hadrat Ali(may Allah be pleased with him) has said himself that any person who considers him superior to Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique or Hadrat Umar Farooque, is denier of all companions of the Holy Prophet and warned that he would severely lash such a misguided man. Undoubtedly, Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him) is the highest of all men after the Holy Prophet and Hadrat Umar and Hadrat Usman (may Allah be pleased with them) are next to him in superiority.

What about that one who does not acknowledge the Caliphate of Hadrat Siddique Akbar, Hadrat Faarooque Azam and Hadrat Usman-e-Ghani (may Allah be pleased with them)?

All companions of the Holy Prophet had complete concurrence and consensus on "Khulafaa-e-Salaasah" i.e. the Caliphates of Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique, Hadrat Umar Farooque and Hadrat Usman-e-Ghani (may Allah be pleased with them) in succession. The whole Muslim community has been acknowledging these three great companions of the Holy Prophet as "Khaalifah" (successor,Caliph of the Holy Prophet) since the very day(s) the said companions were installed in the office(s) successively. Even Hadrat Moula Ali, Imaam Hasan and Imaam Husain (may Allah be pleased with them) had acceded to their Caliphats and sworn allegiance to them during their respective tenure of office. They also held them in high esteem and spoke of their greatness and excellences. Any one who does not accept their Caliphats or says them usurper is, indeed, misguided and disbeliever.

The Caliphate of Hadrat Siddique Akbar (may Allah be pleased with him) is undeniably established by cogent and potent proofs. Hence, he who denies his Caliphate is, of course, out from Islaamic fold.

Which companions of the Holy Prophet are called "Shaikhain" and "Khatanain"?

The first Caliph Hadrat Siddique Akbar and the second Caliph Hadrat Umar Farooque Azam (may Allah be pleased with them) are called "Shaikhain" and the third Caliph Hadrat Usman-e-Ghani and the fourth Caliph Hadrat Moula Ali (may Allah be pleased with them) are called "Khatanain". The Holy Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Alllah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) married Hadrat A'Ishaa Siddiqa (may Allah be pleased with her) daughter of Hadrat Siddique Akbar and Hadrat Hafsa (may Allah be pleased with her) daughter of Hadrat Umar Farooque Azam. This exclusive honour which the Holy Prophet conferred upon these great companions made them "Shaikh" pi." Shaikhain" (venerable). The Holy Prophet graced Hadrat Usman-e-Ghani by giving his daughter Hadrat Ruqaieyah (may Allah be pleased with her) in marriage to him and after her death his second daughter Umm-e-Kulsoom(may Allah be pleased with her) was married to him and graced Hadrat Moula Ali by giving his "beloved daughter" Hadrat Beebee Faatemah Zohra(may Allah be pleased with her) in marriage to him. These great companions are thus called "Khatanain". "Khatan" pi."Khatanain" means son-in-law and "Shaikh" means father-in-law. However, it must be kept in mind that to call "Shaiekhain" as fathers-in-law and "Khatanain" as sons-in-law is derogatory and strictly forbidden. Some Muslim scholars have gone to the extent of describing such words as disbelief, infidelity.

Please explain in brief about Khulfaa-e-Raashideen?

1. The first Caliph Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him).

His name is Abdullah and titles are "Siddique" (the truthful) and "Ateeque" (free from hell-fire). He was born in the Holy Makkah about two years after the birth of the Holy Prophet. He was very rich and greatly respected in his clan. He was the first in men to embrace Islaam and was also the first believer to offer prayer with the Holy Prophet. He devoted himself to the Holy Prophet and lost in his love since the very day he embraced Islaam so much so that he never separated himself from the Holy Prophet except with permission and migrated with him alone to the holy Madinah leaving his family in holy Makkah. He sacrified all his wealth and belongings to the cause of Islaam.

His greatness is proved by various Qur-aanic verses and numerous Prophetic sayings.

The Holy Prophet has said that "it is incumbent upon my Ummah to love Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him) and be thanful to him. He was unanimously elected the first Caliph of the faithfuls after the Holy Prophet (apparently) passed away and his Caliphate proved to be a divine blessing for all believers.

On 7th Jamaadi-II, 13 A.H.(Monday) he took bath which caused him high temperature because it was a very cold day. He remained sick for fifteen days and at last passed away on 22nd Jamaadi-II (Tuesday) at the age of 63.

He remained Caliph for about two years and seven months.

2. The second Caliph Hadrat Farooque Azam (may Allah be pleased with him).

His name is Umar, Kuniya(surname) is Abu Hafs and title is Faarooque (the one who distinguishes between right and wrong).

He was born after thirteen years of the "Year of Elephant" (i.e.when Abrahah, the Christian chief of Yemen and his army had invaded Makkah riding on elephants). He belonged to a prominent family of Quresh. He embraced Islaam in the sixth year of Call (of Prophethood) at the age of 27. After having embraced Islaam he took believers to the holy Ka'bah with dignity and openly with the permission of the Holy Prophet. His conversion to Islaam proved to be of immense value to the promotion and glory of Islaam. The Muslims were delighted and disbelievers and infidels were shocked.

His greatness and excellences are proved by a number of Qur-aanic verses and Prophetic sayings. Once the Holy Prophet said that "every angel in the heavens respects (Hadrat) Umar and every Satan on the earth trembles with fear of him".

Hadrat Imaam Jaafar Saadique (may Allah be pleased with him) has expressed his sickness of those who speak ill of Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique and Hadrat Umar Farooque (may Allah be pleased with them). Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him) during his illness had nominated Hadrat Umar Farooque(may Allah be pleased with him) Caliph of the faithfuls after consultation with Hadrat Moula Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) and other companions. He assumed the reins of Caliphate in the month of Jamaadi-II and remained in the office for over ten years. During his Caliphate Islaam was glorified and spread far and wide. Innumerable states inclusive of Persian and Roman empires were conquered and the banner of Islaam was held aloft everywhere.

He was martyred by a fire-worshipper (Zoroasterian) Abu Lulu in Zilhij, 23 A.H. and buried in the hallowed tomb of the Holy Prophet adjacent to Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique(may Allah be pleased with him). He was 63.

3. The third Caliph Hadrat Usman-e-Ghani (may Allah be pleased with him):

Usman bin Affaan is his name. He was born after six years of the "Year of Elephant". He embraced Islaam on the invitation of Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique. The Holy Prophet gave his two daughters i.e. Hadrat Ruqaieya and Hadrat Umm-e-Kulsoom in marriage to him. He is, therefore, called "Zulnoorain" (the possessor of two lights, a reference to the daughters of the Holy Prophet who were married to him). This is an exclusive honour as there is no like of it in human history that any Prophet had given his two daughters in marriage to any person but Usman-e-Ghani. He was very handsome and smart. His greatness and excellences are vindicated by numerous Prophetic sayings which also speak of the esteem in which the Holy Prophet held him. After embracing Islaam he had adopted a practice of freeing a slave on every Friday which he kept up till his death. During the last days of his Caliphate Hadrat Umar Farooque (may Allah be pleased with him) had constituted "Shoora" (consultative body) to elect his successor. Hadrat Usman-e-Ghani(may Allah be pleased with him) was unanimously elected third Caliph by the faithfuls who swore their allegiance to him after three days of the burial of Hadrat Umar Farooque. He remained Caliph for twelve years and attained martyrdom in 25 A.H. He was 82.

4. The fourth Caliph Hadrat 'Alee Murtaza (may Allah be pleased with him):

'Alee is his name and "Kuniya" (surname) is Abul Hasan and Abu Turaab. He was the first in teenagers to embrace Islaam. He never worshipped idols like Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him). The Holy Prophet gave his daughter "Khaatoon-e-Jannat" (the lady of paradise) Hadrat Fatimah(may Allah be pleased with her) in marriage to him. He was invincibly brave and undaunted. "Saadaat Kiraam" and "Aulaad-e-Rasool" (family, posterity of the Holy Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa [may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him]) spread out from the wedlock of Hadrat Faatemah and Hadrat' Ali (may Allah be pleased with them). The sainthood originated from his family and millions of saints are guiding others to the path of righteousness all over the world receiving benefits and favours from the fountain-head of his spiritual knowledge and intellect.

His greatness and excellences are borne out by Qur-aanic verses and Prophetic sayings. The Holy Prophet once said: Seeing (Hadrat) 'Ali is a sort of worship. After the death of Hadrat Usman-e-Ghani (may Allah be pleased with him), the third Caliph, Hadrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) was elected the fourth Caliph by all the companions who were then present in holy Madinah and they swore allegiance to him. The battle of "Jamal" (camel) between him and Hadrat A'Ishaa Siddiqa (may Allah be pleased with her) took place in 36 A.H. and in Safar, 37 A.H. the battle of Siffin between him and Hadrat Mu'awiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) was fought which ended on a treaty reached between them. Hadrat Moula Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) crushed insurgency of a mischief-makers' sect "Kharijites". A Kharijite Ibne Muljim martyred him on 17th of Ramadaan, 40 A.H. He was about 65. He remained in the office for four years and nine months.

What does "Taqleed" mean?

"Taqleed", according to Shari'ah, means to take somebody's words and deeds for oneself as "argument" or "reason" considering him one of those who are "authority" on code of Islaam and Islaamic jurisprudence without referring to Shari'ah as we follow the suit of Hadrat Imaam Azam Abu Hanifa (may Allah be pleased with him) in "Masaa-il-e-Shari'ah" (religious affairs and issues) without any consideration whether he has explained or resolved such and such issue according to the Holy Qur-aan or Sunnah or "Ijma-e-Ummah"(consensus of Muslim scholars) or by his own judgement. "Taqleed" (conformation) is "Waajib" (essential). The believer who follows any Imaam's suit is called "Muqallid" (conformist,follower) as we are "Muqallid" of Imam Azam Abu Hanifa(may Allah be pleased with him).

In which matters is "Taqleed" to be done?

There are three kinds of religious matters of Islaam: (1).Beliefs:These must be understood well and firmly committed to the heart. Beliefs are the principles of Islaamic faith. Therefore, these are immune from amendment and revocation and even omission or addition. (2).The clear-cut "commands" of the Holy Qur-aan and Sunnah like obligatory prayers five times a day, fasts (of the holy month) of Ramadaan, Hajj, Zakaat (poor-due) etc. "Ijtehaad" (independent interpretation of Islaamic matters) or "Qiyaas" (opinion, judgement) of any "Mujtahid"(the jurist who exercises his independent opinion) has nothing to do with the "commands". (3).Those commands which have been derived from "Qur-aan-o-Hadees" through "Ijtehaad" (consensus). In such fundamental beliefs "Taqleed" is not to be done. Likewise the express "commands" of the Holy Qur-aan and Holy Prophet are exempt from "Taqleed". Our conformation to (following the suit of) Imaam Azam Abu Hanifa (may Allah be pleased with him) in religious affairs and issues is not on the ground that he has enjoined to do so but because "Qur-aan-o-Hadees" have expressly commanded in these respects. The third kind of religious matters is those which have been derived from "Qur-aan-o-Hadees" and "Ijma-e-Ummah" (consensus of Muslim scholars). "Taqleed" in such affairs is binding upon a "Ghair-Mujtahid" (non-jurist). As against this, it is forbidden for a "Mujtahid".

Who is "Mujtahid"?

"Mujtahid" is the mature and sane (male) Muslim who possesses extra-ordinary intellect and wisdom to fathom and grasp the niceties, subtelities and essence of the Qur-aanic chapters and verses in the true sense of their divine meaning. He ought to have mastery of Arabic grammer and syntax and eloquence in the language; be knowledgeable about the annulling and annulled injunctions (of the Holy Qur-aan); have the minutest knowledge of all Qur-aanic verses and sayings of the Holy Prophet concerning "commands" and well-versed in infering solution of all religious affairs and issues from "Qur-aan-o-Hadees" knowing well their "source" and "argument" that such-and-such matter or issue has been resolved in the light of so and so Qur-aanic verse or Hadees. Besides, he must be a man of cultivated and pleasant genious and sagacity.

What is "Fiqah" and who is "Faqih"?

"Aa-imah Mujtahideen"(Muslim scholars,theologians) collected "Massa-il-e-Shari'ah" (assorted Islaamic matters, issues) and "Commands of Shari'ah" which were scattered here and there throughout the Holy Qur-aan and "Ahaadees" (Prophetic sayings) and those affairs,issues which were arrived at through "Ijma-e-Ummah" (consensus of Muslim scholars) and "Qiyaas" (opinionjudgement) and compiled them topic-and-chapter-wise for the facilitation of believers. This voluminous collection is called "Fiqah" (Islaamic jurisprudence). To follow these "Masaa-il-e-Shari'ah" is, in fact, to follow "Qur-aan-o-Hadees" and "Ijmaa-e-Ummah". Those learned ones who have expertise in the knowledge of "Fiqah" are called "Faqih" pi. "Fuqaha" (Islamic jurists).

What is "Mazhab"?

A constitution of Islamic laws and principles or articles of faith of any "Imaam Mujtahid" (the Muslim leader who is authority on "code of Islaam") which he has inferred from "Qur-aan-o-Hadees" and "Ijmaa-e-Ummah" in respect of "Furoo'ee Masaa-il" (non-essentials, subsidiary affairs,issues) is called "Mazhab" (creed). "Deen-e-Islaam" (Islamic religion) is the basis and "Mazhab" is its branch.

How many "Mazhabs" are found at present in the Muslim world?

According to a saying of the Holy Prophet "Sawaad-e-Azam" (vast majority of Muslims following Sunnah) is the only sect which would find good (salvation) in this world and the next world. This biggest sect of the believers is "Naaji"(blessed one,deserving paradise) i.e. "Ahle-Sunnat-wa-Jama'at" comprising all four "Mazhabs" (Hanfi, Maaliki, Shaafa'i and Hanbli). It has been a practice of the whole Muslim Ummah (community of the Holy Prophet) since the time of Taba' Taaba'een (successors to companions' successors) until now that he who is not himself a "Mujtahid" conforms to (follow the suit of) any "Mujtahid". That's why, the prominent "Ulama", "Fuzala", "Mohaddiseen" and "Mufassireen" (Muslim scholars, the doctors well-versed in traditions and experts in Qur-aanic exegises) conformed to any of the four Imaams putting aside their valuable reseaches and became, ipso facto, "Muqallid" (conformists, followers).

Hadrat Imaam Bukhari, Imaam Muslim (may Allah shower His mercy on them) and other scholars, doctors of traditions,narratives whose "Ahaadees" books are considered to be the most authentic in the Muslim world did "Taqleed" (conformed to) throughout their lives and so did the great saints like Hadrat Ghous-e-Azam and Hadrat Khowaja Gharib Nawaz (may Allah have mercy on them). In brief, none but only the said four Imaams have to be conformed to, even though his "beliefs" be in line with any Qur-aanic verse, saying of the Holy Prophet or sayings and actions of the Prophet's companions. The one who is out of the fold of any of the four "Mazhab" is a misguided, misguider, disbelieving and heretic one because he makes his own way in the religion unlike all other Muslims. An "Hadees" in this context says: the believer who separated himself from the major sect of Muslims has, indeed, strayed for hell.

What about he who claims to follow all the four "Mazhabs"?

The one who does not follow the suit of (conform to) any of the four Imaams but claims to be a follower of all the four, actually tries to hoodwink and inveigle people into unruliness. Acting upon the directives of all four "Mazhabs" means that these "Mazhabs" of the great leaders of Ahle Sunnat have some un-Islamic things and thus one Mazhab can not be followed but instead the lawful things of all "Mazhabs" be chosen and followed discarding the unlawful ones. Such an absurd notion which brings disgrace and disrepute to all Muslim leaders and scholars who not only did "Taqleed" themselves of only one of the four Imaams throughout their lives but also enjoined their followers to do the same makes the claiment of this nonsense himself a misguided and disbeliever and he is one of those who are out of the Islaamic-fold. Following all the four "Mazhabs" simultaneously is like: there are four straight ways leading to a set goal and people adopt any of them to reach the destination but a man shouts and advises them not to adopt only one way but take all the four to attain to the goal. Nobody heeds to him and continue their journey to the destination having chosen only one from them. Being frustrated, he himself goes ahead with his silly plan. He takes one way and abandones it half-way adopting the other. He leaves it too incomplete and rushes to the third one and then to the last one but finishes up with futility. (An English maxim to this effect: "a rolling stone gathers no moss"). Is this man a sensible or a lunatic? Judge yourself. In short, it is obligatory on every Muslim to remain adhered to the "Mazhab" of his Imaam. In case of dessertion from his "Mazhab" no excuse will be accepted in the Divine Court and he will be damned. Believers must hold all the four "Imaams" in high esteem and consider them "Ahle Sunnat". Their followers and conformists are also on the righteous path.

No "Mazhab" of any "Imaam Mujtahid" can be termed as "Bid'at"(heresy). The one who says it "Bid'at" is, according to Muslim scholars, himself a heretic, disbeliever and renders himself culpable for hell.

Who are "Ashaa'irah" and "Maaturidiyah" in Ahle Sunnat?

We have already told you that nobody's "Taqleed" in fundamental beliefs is lawful except in subsidiary affairs,issues. Ahle Sunnat are divided in two groups on some subsidiary affairs,issues i.e. "Maaturidiyah" who conform to Hadrat Imaam Abu Mansoor Maaturidi (may Allah shower His mercy on him) and "Ashaa'irah" who follow Hadrat Imaam Shaikh Abul Hasan Ash'ari (may Allah shower His mercy on him). Both these Imaams are Ahle Sunnat and on the righteous path. Their difference on subsidiary affairs, issues is like that of "Hanafi" and "Shaafa'i". They do not term each other as misguided or disbelieving one even "Faasiq-o-Faajir" (disobedient, transgressor).

Which type of "Taqleed" has been described 'bad' in Qur-aan-o-Hadees?

Some people follow such rites of their forefathers concerning marriage and death matters which are repugnant to "Shari'ah and insist on observing them even though those are un-Islaamic. Such "Taqleed" has been denounced by "Qur-aan-o-Hadees". Describing "Taqleed-e-Aa-imah" (conformation to the great Imaams) unlawful in the light of these Qur-aanic verses and Prophetic sayings is nothing but disbelief. No believer can dare to give up Qur-aan-o-Hadees and follow Imaam's words and deeds over-riding Allah and His Prophet's commands considering that his salvation lies in it.

All believers act upon the commands and directives of Qur-aan-o-Hadees as researched and interpreted by these great Imaams and that's why they are called "Muqallid".

What are the names and titles of the Imaams of four Mazhabs?

The four Imaams are:

1. Hadrat Imaam-e-A'zam Nu'maan bin Saabit (may Allah be pleased with him):

His title is Abu Hanifah. He was born in Kufa (city) in 80 A.H. He is the founder of "Fiqah" viz: Hanafi. His "Ijtehaadi Masaa-il" (those affairs, issues which he derived from Qur-aan-o-Hadees through his independent judgement, opinion) are spread and being followed in the Muslim world particularly in great Islaamic states for about 1200 years as his "Mazhab" abounds with the basics and dynamics of efficient governance. A majority of believers in the Muslim world is his follower. No Aa-imah (the four great Imaams) but he has the distinction of seeing and enjoying the company of the Holy Prophet's companions.

He died in Baghdad Sharif in 150 A.H. His popularity and the esteem in which he was held can be gauged from the fact that his first funeral prayer was attended by about fifty thousands people and since people kept coming in, therefore his funeral prayer was held six times consecutively to facilitate his disciples and votaries to attend it.

His shrine is in Baghdad and is one of the sacred and prominent places situated there.

Hadrat Imaam Bukhari(may Allah have mercy on him) is one of those great Islamic scholars, jurists and traditionists who were his (Abu Hanifa's) students' students.

His "Muqallids" (followers, conformists) are called "Hanafi".

2. Hadrat Imaam Muhammad bin Idrees Shaafa'I (may Allah be pleased with him):

His title is Shaafa'i. The year of the death of Hadrat Imaam Abu Hanifa and the year of the birth of Imaam Shaafa'i is the same i.e. 150 A.H. He was born in Asqalaan. His title is also Abu Abdullah and he is Haashmi-Qureshi-Muttalabi by lineage. He was matchless in Islaamic jurisprudence and the knowledge of Qur-aan-o-Hadees besides other sectors of learning. He was also peerless in "Zuhd-o-Taqva" (piety and continence), generosity and magnanimity.

He died at the age of 54 in 204 A.H. His shrine is in Qaraana (Egypt). His "Muqallids" are called "Shaafa'i".

3. Hadrat Imaam Maalik bin Anas (may Allah be pleased with him):

He was born in holy Madinah in 95 A.H. His "Kuniyah" (surname) is Abu Abdullah. All Muslim scholars of his time acknowledged him as their "Imaam". Hadrat Imaam Shaafa'i is one of his prominent students. Numerous great Muslim scholars and jurists gained a lot from his fountain of knowledge.

He had unbounded love for the Holy Prophet and due to this attachment he spent his whole life in sacred Madinah.

He died at the age of 84 in holy Madinah in 179 A.H. and his shrine is also there. His "Muqallids" are called "Maaliki".

4. Hadrat Imaam Ahmed bin Hanbal (may Allah be pleased with him):

He was born in Baghdad Sharif in 164 A.H. and was also brought up there.

His greatness, Islaamic knowledge and audacity in braving trials and torture for Islaam are no secret. During the time of Caliph Maamoonur Rasheed a mischievous issue of whether the Holy Qur-aan is creation of Allah or His Kalaam (speech, word) was stirred. Imaam Hanbal stood like a rock against the mischief facing horrendous troubles and torture and did not allow any harm to come to Islaam. He died at the age of 77 in Baghdad in 241 A.H. His "Muqallids" are called "Hanbli".

What is Salaat(prayer)?

Worship of Allah by the Muslims in a specified way (five times a day) is called "Salaat"(prayer). This method of prayer has been taught to the Muslims by Allah Almighty, His Messenger, Holy Qur-aan and Sunnah.

On whom is prayer obligatory?

It is "Fard"(obligatory) upon every sane and mature Muslim male and female. The denier of its obligatory nature is infidel.

Is prayer obligatory on children?

It is not obligatory upon minors. However, at the age of seven they should be taught how to offer prayer and when they are grown-up of 10, influence even force them if they do not offer.

Please explain some excellences of prayer?

The Beloved Prophet of Allah (Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa, may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) has said: when a Muslim stands up to offer prayer his sins fall down as leaves of a tree wither down during autumn. In another tradition it is reported that when a Muslim stands up to offer prayer, the gates of Paradise are opened up for him. Prayer is key to heavens. Prayer is the pillar of Islaam, whoever offers/establishes it, strengthens Islaam if abandons it he demolishes the fortress of Islaam.

The Holy Qur-aan says: surely prayer keeps one away from shameful and forbidden acts. In sum, the believer who is steadfast in offering/establishing prayer is dear to Allah and His Messenger and his livelihood, life and "Eimaan" are blessed by the grace of prayer.

What about that believer who does not offer prayer?

The Holy Prophet said that the name of Muslim who deliberately abandons prayer is written on the gate of Hell. Allah and His Prophet are fed up with him. The believer who is not steadfast in prayer will be raised with Pharaoh on the Doomsday.

Which punishment should be meted out to the believer who does not offer prayer?

Excommunicate him. He may improve himself by the fear of excommunication and become steadfast in offering prayer.

What is the maturity age?

The boys and girls who have attained the age of 15 are considered mature in Islaam. Prayer and fasts become obligatory upon them and all Islamic rules and regulations apply to them.

How many prayers are offered in a day (during 24 hours)?

Prayer is obligatory five times a day (day night:24 hours).

What are the names of prayers?

1. Salaat-ul-Fajr (early morning prayer)

2. Salaat-ul-Zuhr (afternoon prayer)

3. Salaat-ul-Asr (late afternoon prayer)

4. Salaat-ul-Maghrib (evening prayer)

5. Salaat-ul-'Ishaa (night prayer).

What is the appointed time of each prayer?

The appointed time of Fajr begins at dawn and ends at the sun-rise, Zuhr time begins when the sun has passed meridian and lasts till the shadow of everything doubles excepting the real shadow, Asr time begins at where the Zuhr time ends and lasts till (before) sun-set, Maghrib time begins after the sun has set and lasts till the disappearance of evening twilight (Maghrib time lasts for at most 11/2 hours after Maghrib's Azaan) and 'Ishaa time begins after the evening twilight has vanished and lasts till (before) the dawn of Fajr.

How many Rak'ahs(parts) are Fard(obligatory) in prayers five times a day?

17 Rak'ahs are obligatory i.e.

• Fajr=2,

• Zuhr=4,

• Asr=4,

• Maghrib=3 and

• Ishaa=4.

How many Rak'ahs are Sunnat-e-Muakkadah (emphasised Sunnah) in all the five time prayers?

12 Rak'ahs are Sunnat-e-Muakkadah i.e.

• Fajr=2 (pre-Fard),

• Zuhr=6 (4 pre-Fard & 2 post-Fard),

• Maghrib=2 (post Fard) and

• Isha=2 (post Fard).

How many Rak'ahs are Sunnat-e-Ghair Muakkada (non-emphasised Sunnah) or Nafil (optional, voluntary prayer) in all the five time prayers?

Following are Sunnat-e-Ghair-Muakkadah and Nafil in all the five time prayers:

2 Nafil after Zuhr,

4 or 2 Rakahs Sunnat-e-Ghair Muakkadah before Asr,

2 Nafil after Maghrib and 2 or 4 Rakahs Sunnat-e-Ghair Muakkadah

before Isha's Fard,

2 Sunnat-e-Ghair Muakkadah

after Isha's Fard followed by 2 Nafil, 3 Witr (essential prayer) and 2 Nafil.

No particular number of Nafil prayers has been reported.

How many Rak'ahs are offered in all the five time prayers?

Total 48 Rak'ahs are offered in all the five time prayers i.e.

• Fajr:4 Rak'ahs (2 Sunnat & 2 Fard),

• Zuhr: 12 Rak'ahs (4 Sunnat, 4 Fard, 2 Sunnat & 2 Nafil),

• Asr:8 Rak'ahs (4 Sunnat-e-Ghair-Muakkadah & 4 Fard),

• Maghrib:7 Rak'ahs (3 Fard, 2 Sunnat & 2 Nafil) and

• Isha:17 Rak'ahs (4 Sunnat Ghair Muakkada, 4 Fard, 2 Sunnat, 2 Nafil, 3 Witr & 2 Nafil).

Is Witr prayer Fard or Sunnat?

Three Rak'ahs of Witr are neither Fard nor Sunnah but are Waajib (essential) which are offered with Isha prayer.

What is Azaan?

A particular proclamation to call Muslims to mosque for offering prayer is called Azaan.

Are there some specified words of Azzan?

Yes, there are specified words of Azaan i.e.

Al-Laahu Akbar. Al-Laahu Akbar.

Al-Laahu Akbar. Al-Laahu Akbar.

Ash-hadu Allaaa Ilaaha Illal Laah.

Ash-hadu Allaaa Ilaaha Illal Laah.

Ash-hadu Anna Muhammadar Rasoolul Laah.

Ash-hadu Anna Muhammadar Rasoolul Laah.

Haiey-ya 'Alas-Salaah.

Haiey-ya 'Alas-Salaah.

Haiey-ya 'Alal Falaah.

Haiey-ya 'Alal Falaah.

Al-Laahu Akbar.

Al-Laahu Akbar.

Laa Ilaaha Illal Laah.

Allah is the Most Great. Allah is the Most Great. Allah is the Most Great. Allah is the Most Great. I bear witness that there is no god save Allah. I bear witness that there is no god save Allah. I bear witness that (Hadrat) Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. I bear witness that (Hadrat) Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. Come to offer prayer. Come to offer prayer. Come to gain salvation. Come to gain salvation. Allah is the Most Great. Allah is the Most Great. There is none worthy of worship excepting Allah.

Are the same words repeated in every Azaan?

Yes, in every Azaan the same words are proclaimed except for Fajr Azaan in which these words "Assalaatu Khaierum Minan Naum" (prayer is better than sleep) are uttered twice after "Haie-ya 'Alal Falaah".

How should one make Azaan?

Believer who intends to make Azaan (call to prayer) should stand, in the state of ablution, on a high or elevated place outside the precinct of mosque facing the Qibla with his index fingers in his ears and loudly utter the words of Azaan at ease. While saying "Haie-ya ' Alas-Salaah" turn his face towards the right side and while saying "Haie-ya 'Alal-Falaa" turn the face towards the left.

What is he called who proclaims Azaan?

He who makes Azaan is called Mu'azzin.

What should one do on hearing Azaan?

Hearing Azaan, one should abandon every work even recitation of the Holy Qur-aan, if reciting at the moment. He should listen to it attentively and respond to. Remaining busy in talks ignoring Azaan may cause one to meet bad end (death).

What should one say in response to Azaan?

Believer should repeat the words of Mu'azzin but in response to "Haie-ya 'Alas-Salaah" and "Haie-ya 'Alal-Falaa" he should say "Laa Haula wa-Laa Quwwata Illaa Billaah" (there is no might and power but in Allah who helps (us) avoid sins and do good).

What should a believer do on hearing the blessed name of Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) in Azaan?

A. Believer must invoke Allah's blessings (recite Durood Sharif) on him when Mu'azzin utters "Ash-hadu Anna Muhammadar Rasoolul Laah" and better to say "Qurratu 'Aienee Beka Yaa Rasoolal Laah. Alla-humma Matte'nee Bissam'i wal-Basar"(O' the Messenger of Allah! you are the delight of my eyes. 0' Allah! bless my hearing and sight faculties) while kissing his thumbs and then touching them with his eyes.

Q 9: What should be recited on hearing "As-Salaatu Khaierum Minan Naum" (prayer is better than sleep)?

Say "Sadaqta wa-Bararta wa-Bil-haqi Nataqt" (You have spoken the truth and done a good deed).

Which Du'aa (supplication) is made after Azaan?

Recite Durood Sharif(invoke Allah's blessings on the Holy Prophet) followed by this Du'aa:

Allaa-humma Rabba Haazihid-Da'watit-Taaammati was-Salaatil Qaa-imati Aati Saiey-yidinaa Muhammada nil-Waseelata wal-Fadeelata wad-Darajatar Rafee'ata wab-As-hu Maqaamam Mahmooda nil-Lazee wa'Attahu waj'alnaa Shafaa'atehee Yaumal Qi-yaamah. Innaka Laa Tukhliful-Mee'aad.

O' Allah! The Sovereign Lord of the ever-establishing prayer and of this perfect call, grant our leader Hadrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) "Al-Waseelah" (the loftiest position of

intercession) and "Al-Fadeela" (the singular Fee excellence), and the highest rank and elevate him to "Maqaam-e-Mahmood" (an exclusively praise-worthy primacy reserved only for the Holy Prophet) and bless us with his intercession on the Doomsday. Undoubtedly, You do not do anything against Your promise.

What is Iqaamah?

A. Making call for the commencement of prayer in which the words of Azaan are repeated causing the believers to stand in rows behind the Imaam, is called Iqaamah or Takbeer.

What is the difference between Azaan and Iqaamah?

The difference between Azaan and Iqaamah is that while making Azaan one stands on a high or a elevated place outside the precinct of mosque and puts his index fingers into the ears while Iqaamah is made in mosque in the first row behind (right-side or left-side of) the Imaam without putting forefingers into the ears. Besides, in Iqaamah "Qad Qaamatis Salaah, Qad Qaamatis Salaah" (prayer is ready to stand/establish, prayer is ready to stand/ establish) is recited after "Haie-ya 'Alal Falaah".

How to respond to Iqaamah?

Iqaamah should be responded like that of Azaan. However in response to "Qad Qaamatis Salaah" these words should be uttered: "Aqaamahal Laahu Ta'aalaa wa Adaamahaa Maadaamatis-Samaawaatu wal-Ard" (O' Allah keep it intact for ever till the sky and earth are in existence).

Should Iqaamah (Takbeer) be listened-to in sitting posture or standing position?

Imaam and Muqtadi should stand hearing "Haie-ya 'Alal Falaah". It is an undesirable act to listen to Iqaamah standing.

What is he called who makes Iqaamah?

He who utters Iqaamah is called "Mukabbir".

Who should call Iqaamah?

The first right of uttering Iqaamah is of Mu'azzin who has made Azaan. However, any other person can also make Iqaamah with his permission or in his absence.

What is Istinjaa?

Wiping the private parts of the body clean with clods or washing them with the water after natural evacuation is called "Istinjaa" (abstersion).

What is the method of doing Istinjaa after passing urine?

After having passed urine dry the penis with a clean clod and then wash it with the water.

How to do Istinjaa after defecation?

After having passed faeces from the bowels one should remove filth from the orifice with three or five clods and then wash it with the water rubbing the inner surface of fingers (not palm) of the left hand gently thereon until all the filth (impurity) is removed and no oiliness left there.

Is it necessary to use water after having applied clods to the orifice?

To wash the orifice with water, though no filth stuck to it after relieving oneself, is desirable. If the filth was sticking to it (less than a Dirham or equal to it) then the use of water is Sunnah and in case the filth stuck to the orifice was more than a Dirham then its washing with the water is Fard(obligatory).

The use of clods for the purpose is Sunnah in every case.

With which things can Istinjaa be done?

Istinjaa can be done with clods, grits, stones and worn-out cloth provided they are all clean.

With which things Istinjaa is "Makrooh" (odious)?

Doing Istinjaa with these things is Makrooh:

Bone, any eatable item, dry dung, baked brick, potsherd, coal, fodder, paper and the thing which carries even a nominal price.

In which state is Istinjaa "Makrooh"?

Doing Istinjaa with the face or back towards the Qiblah is Makrooh. Istinjaa should be done at a place where the private parts of the body are not open to people's views.

With which hand should Istinjaa be done?

Istinjaa should be done with the left hand and use of the right hand for the purpose is Makrooh.

At which place is relieving oneself Makrooh (odious)?

Relieving oneself beside a well, pond, stream, mosque, graveyard, pathway, flowing water, shady tree under which people sit and animals are tied, in agricultural field, rat's hole or any other hole in the ground is Makrooh. Similarly, relieving oneself in bath room or at a place where bath is taken or Wudu is performed and on hard soil or at such place where the urine may get sprinkled, is odious and forbidden.

Which things (acts) are Makrooh while passing faeces and urine?

Relieving oneself in standing position or lying posture or without dress or to go to the privy bareheaded or to talk or to sit with the face or back towards the Qiblah, the sun and the moon or in the opposite direction of wind is Makrooh.

What are the etiquettes of relieving oneself?

Following are the etiquettes of passing stool or urine:

1. Do not raise cloths until get close to the ground and uncover the body more than needed.

2. Sit on the feet keeping thighs (legs) wide apart with the stress on the left foot.

3. Do not look to the private parts of the body nor the waste matter passed from the body.

4. Do not sit more than needed.

5. Do not spit, blow nose, look hither and thither, touch the body unnecessarily and nor look towards the sky but relieve oneself with the eyes downcast in modesty.

6. After having relieved oneself wipe the orifice clean with clods and then change the place to wash it with the water.

GHUSL" (BATH)

How many "Faraa-id" (obligatory acts) are there in Ghusl (bath)?

There are three obligatory acts in Ghusl. The Ghusl will not be valid if any Fard is left out.

1. To gargle and wash the mouth in such a way that the water reaches each and every part of the mouth.

2. To sniff up water into the nostrils. The water should reach the soft portion of the nostrils and no hair remains dry.

3. To wash the whole body from head to toe(sole) ensuring that the water flows on each and every part and limb of the body including the hairs.

What is the Sunnat method of Ghusl?

The Sunnat method of Ghusl is (1) to wash both hands upto the wrists thrice (2) to wash the private parts whether any filth is there or not (3) to remove and wash if there is any filth on any part of the body (4) to perform Wudu like that of prayer omitting the washing of feet. Wash the feet if taking bath on a low-wooden-seat or on cemented floor (5) to anoint the water on the whole body with the hands like oil particularly in winter (6) to pour water on the right shoulder and then on the left three times (7) to pour water on the head and over the whole body thrice (8) after completing the Ghusl course get aside from the place where Ghusl was done (9) wash the feet if not washed earlier (10) not to face the Qiblah (11) to rub the hands on the whole body to wipe the water (12) to take bath at such place where the private parts of the body are not open to other's views if not possible then cover the body from the navel down to the knees (13) neither talk to anybody nor recite any supplication (14) to put on cloths soon after the Ghusl is over and (15) it is better for women to take bath sitting.

Is any quantity of water fixed for Ghusl and Wudu?

How can a particular quantity of water be fixed for everybody. One is tall and the other is short. One has long hair on the head and even on the whole body and the other is bald and has no hair on the body. Everybody should use water according to his need. Extravagance in use of water is unlawful.

What is he called who needs Ghusl?

He who needs bath (for whom bath becomes obligatory [Fard]) is called "Junbi" (polluted) and the "cause" due to which the Ghusl becomes obligatory is called "Janaabat"(pollution). [It may be caused by emission of semen during sleep or with lust or sexual intercourse between husband and wife with or without emission of sperm and (for women) caused by "Haiz" (menstruation) and "Nifaas" (post-delivery bleeding)].

What is "Masnoon" method of taking bath in river or pond?

The "Masnoon"(as practised by the Holy Prophet) method of taking bath in flowing water is that one should stay in river or canal for some time all Sunnats of Ghusl will be fulfilled. Standing in rain will also serve the purpose as the raining water falls within the parameter of flowing water. If one takes bath in pond, he should move oneself thrice or change the place in pond three times. So is the case with Wudu. One should keep his parts of the body in flowing water for some time and in case of stagnant (clean) water move them or change the place.

What is "Junbi" and "Janaabat"?

He, upon whom "Ghusl" (bath) has become obligatory is called "Junbi" (polluted) and causes due to which Ghusl becomes essential are called "Janaabat" (pollution).

Is it sinful for "Junbi" to delay bath?

Junbi (polluted person) should take bath without delay. A tradition in this context says: the angels of mercy do not enter the house in which there is a "Junbi". It is sinful to delay Ghusl so much so that the prayer time runs out.

What injunction is there for one who owes different sorts of bath?

If one owes different sorts of bath, he should take bath making intention of all. He will be relieved of all baths and will also earn reward.

How many kinds of Ghusl are there?

Ghusl are of three kinds i.e. Fard (obligatory), Sunnat and Mustahab (commendable).

Which things make Ghusl compulsory?

There are several things which make Ghusl compulsory. Other books may be consulted in this respect.

Is it Fard or Sunnat to bathe a corpse of Muslim?

Bathing a dead Muslim is "Fard-e-Kifaayah" i.e. if a few Muslims do the job all will be relieved of the obligation otherwise all will be sinful.

Which Ghusls are Sunnat?

Sunnat Ghusls are five i.e. for Jumu'ah prayer, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, Hajj and Umrah.

How many Mustahab Ghusls are there?

There are several Mustahab Ghusls (commendable baths). Some of them are:

1. On the 15th night of Sha'baan i.e. Shab-e-Bara-at (night of salvation and fulfillment of fair wishes).

2. 'Arafah night which follows the 8th day of Hajj.

3. For the prayer of solar and lunar eclipses.

4. For Mehfil-e-Milaad (the celebrations of the Holy Prophet's birth day) and similar blessed gatherings.

5. To seek forgiveness of Allah.

6. To wear a new dress.

7. To enter the Holy Ka'bah and Holy Madinah.

8. To beg forgiveness of Allah against any calamity or storm or pitch darkness.

9. On reaching the destination after journey.

10. To purify the body from any impurity when it is not sure to which part it is stuck.

Which things are forbidden for a Junbi (polluted person)?

To enter a mosque, touch the Holy Qur-aan or read it (seeing the text), write an amulet or touch an amulet which carries the Qur-aanic verses is Haraam (unlawful) for a polluted person who owes Ghusl.

However, he can touch an encased Qur-aan or touch it with some clean cloth like handkerchief if extremely needed.

Can one touch the Holy Qur-aan without Wudu?

To touch the Holy Qur-aan without ablution is Haraam (unlawful). However, he can read without touching it. Coins, pots, glasses or other objects on which the Qur-aanic verses are engraved or printed should not be touched without ablution and also by a Junbi (polluted person).

Can a Junbi or a person without ablution recite Durood Shareef (invocation of Allah's blessings on the Holy Prophet) or Du'aa (supplication)?

A Junbi (polluted person) and a person who has no ablution can recite Durood Shareef and make Du'aa. However, it is better to do Wudu or at least to rinse the mouth.

What is "Wudu" (ablution)?

To wash the face from the forelock down to the lower portion of the chin and from the lobe of one ear to the other, to wash hands up to the elbows and the feet up to ankles and passing wet fingers of both the hands over the head is called "Wudu" (ablution). It is forbidden to offer prayer without ablution.

What is the method of performing Wudu?

A. Sit at a clean elevated place facing the Qibla to perform ablution and then recite "Bismil Laa-hir Rahmaa-nir Raheem" (Allah, in the name of, the Most Affectionate, the Most Merciful) with the intention of gaining reward and carrying out the command of Allah Almighty; wash both hands up to the wrists and then apply "Miswaak" (soft tooth stick) to the teeth, if available, otherwise rub the teeth with the forefinger; rinse the mouth thoroughly thrice and also gargle if not observing fast; sniff up water into the nostrils with the right hand three times ensuring that the water reaches the soft spot of the nose and wash the nose with the left hand; wash the face well thrice in such a way that no spot from the forelock down to the lower portion of the chin and from the lobe of one ear to the other remains dry (the water should flow on each spot of the face); wash both the hands (first right hand and then the left) up to, inclusive of, the elbows three times (no spot even nails should remain dry); do "Masah" of the head, ears and neck with wet hands only once and then wash the feet (first the right foot and then the left) inclusive of the ankles thrice.

How to do Masah?

Having the hands wet with fresh water join three fingers (excluding the forefingers and thumbs) of both the hands and pass them over the head from the forelock up to the nape of the neck and then bring them back similarly to the forehead; (the palms should not touch the head); wipe the inner sides of the ears with the tips of forefingers and wipe the outsides of the ears with the insides of the thumbs and the neck be wiped with the back of the fingers. It is undesirable to do Masah of the throat.

What should be recited after Wudu?

Having performed Wudu recite: "Allaa-hummaj 'Alnee Minat-tawwaabeena waj'alnee Minal Mutatah-hareen"(O' Allah! make me of those who have repented and make me of those who have been purified by You).

Drink a little of the rest of ablution's water (standing upright). Recite Kalimah-e-Shahaadat raising index finger towards and looking to the sky and also recite Surah Al-Qadr which will earn the believer a great reward.

How many obligatory acts are there in Wudu?

There are four obligatory acts in Wudu i.e. (1) washing the face from the forelock down to the lower portion of the chin and from the lobe of one ear to the other. Water should flow on every part of the face (2) washing the hands upto, inclusive of, elbows leaving no spot dry (3)doing "Masah" i.e. passing wet fingers of both the hands over the head and (4) washing the feet upto, inclusive of, ankles.

How many Sunnat acts are there in Wudu?

There are sixteen Sunnats in Wudu i.e. (1) to express intention (2) to recite Bismil Laa-hir-Rahmaa-nir-Raheem (3) to wash hands upto the wrists thrice (4) to apply "Miswaak"(tooth stick) to the teeth (5) to rinse the mouth three times (6) to sniff up water into nostrils thrice (7) to wash the mouth and sniff up water into nostrils with the right hand (8) to clean the nose with the left hand (9) to do "Khilaal" i.e. pass wet fingers through the beard (10) to pass wet fingers of the right hand through the left and the left's through the right hand and pass the small finger of the left hand between the toes at the point of the feet (11) to wash all parts of the body thrice (12) to do "Masah" of the head once (13) to wipe inner sides of the ears with the forefingers and upper sides with the thumbs (14) to keep up sequence of the Wudu method i.e. to wash first the face then the hands, to do "Masah" of the head, wash the feet and on (15) to do "Masah" of the beard (hair under the chin) i.e. to pass wet fingers upwards beginning from under the chin and (16) to wash all parts (limbs) in so succession that the first one do(es) not go dry on washing the next.

How many "Mustahab" (desirable acts)are there in Wudu?

There are fifteen desirable acts in ablution i.e. (1) to perform Wudu at a elevated place facing the Qiblah (2) Water should fall on pure place during ablution (3) to rub the hands on every part of the body while letting the water flow thereon (4) to take water by oneself (5) not to take other's help in performing Wudu otherwise necessary (6) to do Wudu before time (7) to move ring, if tight then it is essential to move it (8) to do Wudu with quite peace ensuring that no spot remains dry (9) to use earthen pot for ablution (10) to wash the face with both hands (11) to keep reciting Bismil Laah, Kalimah Shareef, Durood Shareef & other supplications during the whole process of Wudu besides keeping "Niyat" (intention) of the Wudu in mind (12) to do "Masah" of nape of the neck(13) to recite Kalimah-e-Shahaadat after completion of Wudu pointing the forefinger towards the sky and also recite Surah "Inna Anzalnaa" (14) to drink a little water from the rest of Wudu water and (15) not to completely dry up the washed parts otherwise necessary. There are also other desirable acts of ablution besides the afore-mentioned ones which may be referred to in voluminous books.

How many "Makroohaat" (undesirable acts) are there in Wudu?

There are seventeen undesirable acts in Wudu i.e. (1) to sit at impure place for Wudu (2) to do Wudu in the precincts of mosque (3) to let the drops fall into the water-pot while making Wudu (4) to spit or blow the nose into the water whether it is pond or river (5) to spit or throw out the water from the mouth towards the Qiblah (6) to indulge in wordly talks unnecessarily (7) to use more water than needed (8) to use water in so less quantity that the Holy Prophet's Sunnah is not acted upon (9) to splash water on the face (10) to wash the face with one hand which is a Hindu style (11) to do "Masah" of the throat (12) to reserve a particular pot of water for oneself (13) to use the left hand for washing mouth and sniffing up water into nostrils (14) to clean the nose with the right hand (15) to do "Masah" of the head thrice with the fresh water (16) to use the sun-heated water and (17) to close the lips and eyes tightly. Wudu will not be in order if any spot of the necessary parts of the body remains dry.

What are those things(acts) which render ablution void?

These things (acts) render Wudu void:(1)To pass stool or urine or emission of any thing from the private parts of man and woman. (2) To break wind (3) Emission (that also flows) of blood or pus from any part of the body (4) Mouthful vomit. However, emission of phlegm does not affect Wudu (5) to sleep lying prone or on back, side-ways, leaning against pillow or any thing or in sitting position provided that the buttock are not firmly placed on the ground. However, drowse does not affect Wudu (6) To faint or fall unconscious due to sickness or any other cause (7) to go mad or lose senses (8) to laugh aloud (laughter).

Does seeing the private parts of one's own or of other render ablution void or not?

No, seeing the private parts of one's own or of other does not render ablution void. However, it is strictly forbidden to see the private parts of others even one's own unnecessarily.

What injunction is there for the tears which come from infected eye(s)?

Tears which come from infected eye(s) are impure and nullify Wudu. Such tears should not be wiped with sleeves as this action renders the dress impure.

What about offering prayer without Wudu (ablution)?

Offering prayer without Wudu (ablution) is "Haraam" (unlawful) and an extremely sinful act. Some Muslim scholars term the offering of prayer without - "Tahaarah" (purification) as "Kufr" (infidelity,disbelief) and it is so, because to offer prayer without ablution or bath is disrespect and ' insult to the most important worship. This is, ofcourse, disbelief. The Holy Prophet has said that "prayer is key to Paradise and Tahaarah (purification) is the key to prayer.

How many times are the requisite parts of the body washed during Wudu?

A tradition of the Holy Prophet says: To wash all the requisite parts of the body once during Wudu is Fard (obligatory), to wash twice earns double reward and to wash thrice is the way of mine (his Sunnah) and of the past Prophets.

What is the excellence of "Miswaak"(tooth-stick) and how to use it?

Use of Miswaak (soft-stick) during Wudu is "Sunnat-e-Muakkadah" (emphasised,regular Sunnah). The Holy Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) has said that the ablution done with Miswaak carries seventy-fold reward compared to Miswak-less ablution. Islaamic savants maintain that regular use of Miswak causes remembrance of "Kalima-e-Taie-yib" (the Holy Code) at the time of death. Miswak should be of "Peeloo" or "Neem" (medicinal trees mostly found in Indian subcontinent) or any other bitter tree. It should be rubbed on the teeth holding in the right hand (from right to left and back) thrice and washed every time. It should not be thicker than the little finger and longer than a span. After use it should be washed and placed vertical with brush-side up.

The use of Miswaak not only washes the mouth but also earns believer the pleasure of Allah.

Will ablution remain valid if blood is frequently wiped from a wound?

If the blood was frequently wiped from a wound then it should be judged would the blood have flowed if was not wiped. If so the ablution nullifies otherwise not. The same formula applies to the case in which dust or ash is put on the wound to stop bleeding.

What injunction is there about piece-meal vomit?

If one vomits piece-meal and total quantity of the vomit comes to the mouthful, the Wudu will be nullified and in case one vomits a little and get relief and after a while feels nausea and vomits a little again in the same sitting, the Wudu will not go void. However, it is desirable to perform ablution afresh.

Will ablution remain valid if gums(mouth) bleed?

If the spit is overwhelmed (turns crimson) by the blood oozing from the gums(mouth), the ablution will be nullified otherwise not.

What about the blood which oozes from any part of the body but does not flow?

Ablution will not be nullified by the blood or pus which oozes so little that it can not flow. So is the case with the blood which tinges tooth-stick or finger during teeth-rubbing or anything is tinged with the blood when it was bitten with the teeth or finger gets tinged when inserted into nostrils for wash or blood clot comes out on blowing the nose.

Which sleep does not nullify Wudu?

Sleep in the following states does not nullify ablution:

(1).Sitting position provided the buttocks are not well placed on the ground.

(2). Standing position.

(3). Bowing and

(4). Prostration(of male style)during prayer, but in all these conditions sleep should not be sound but drowsy.

Does sleep of the Prophets nullify their Wudu or not?

Sleep of the Prophets does not nullify their ablution, since their eyes sleep but their hearts are awake. However, their Wudu is nullified by those things excepting sleep which render ablution ineffective and this is on account of their high position not because of impurity of the thing in question.

What injunction is there for laugh in prayer?

If one laughs involuntarily so aloud like laughter (in regular prayer and that too not in drowsy state) that others hear the sound, both his ablution and prayer will be vitiated and in case, he does so in prayer (while drowsy) or in funeral prayer or "Sajdah-e-Tilaawat" (to prostrate on reading the verse of prostration) his prayer or prostration as the case may be, will be vitiated but ablution will not be affected. A laugh, whose sound was not audible to others but to the laugher only, will also not affect ablution. However, prayer will be vitiated. A soundless smile in which the teeth were exposed, would neither affect the prayer nor ablution.

Does the stain of pimple (pustule) on cloth render it impure?

If there is no blood and puss but only sticking matter comes out from pimples or scabies, it will not render cloth impure. However, it is desirable to wash it.

Will doubt nullify ablution or not?

If one is in the state of ablution but he doubts whether his Wudu is still in order or not, in such situation he needs no fresh ablution. However, it is better to perform Wudu afresh. In case, he faces "Waswasa" (evil whispering, tempting) to this effect, it is only devilish subterfuge which should be cast off.

SANAA

Subhaana Kal-Laahumma wa Bi-Hamdika wa Tabaarakasmuka wa Ta'aalaa Jadduka Walaaa Ilaaha Ghaie-ruk.

O'Allah! All glory is due to You, I praise You, Your name is the Most Blessed, Your Majesty is highly exalted and there is none worthy of worship You.

TA'AWUZ

A'oozu Billaahi Minash Shaietaa-nir Rajeem.

I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed devil.

TASMIYAH

Bismil Laahir Rahmaa-nir Raheem.

Allah, in whose name I begin, the Most Affectionate, the Most Merciful.

SURAH FAATEHA

Al-Hamdu Lillaahi Rabbil 'Alaameen. Ar-Rahmaanir Raheem. Maaleke Yaumid-deen. Ei-yaaka Na'budu wa Ei-yaaka Nasta'een. Ihdenas Siraatal Mustaqeema Siraatal Lazeena An'amta 'Alaie-him Ghaieril Maghdoobi 'Alaie-him Walad Daaaleeen.

All praise is due to Allah, the Sovereign Lord of all the universes. The Most Affectionate, the Most Merciful. The Owner of the Day of Retribution. O' Allah! You alone do we worship and You alone do we beseech for help. Guide us to the straight path. The path of those whom You have Favoured. Not of those who earned Your wrath and nor of those who went astray.

SURAH IKHLAAS

Qul Huwal-Laahu Ahad. Allaa-hus Samad Lam Yalid Walam Yoolad Walam Yakul Lahoo Kufuwan Ahad.

Say, He is Allah, the One. Allah is All Independent. Neither He begot anyone nor He was begotten. And none is equal to Him in any way.

TASMEE

Sami 'Allaahu Liman Hamidah.

Allah listens to him who praises Him.

TAHMEED

Rabbanaa Lakal-Hamd.

O' our Sustainer! All praise is due to You alone.

TASHAH-HUD

Atta-hee-yaatu Lillaahi was-Salawaatu wat-Taie-yi-baat. As-Salaamu 'Alaieka Aie-yu-han Nabeeyu wa Rahmatul Laahi wa Barakaatu. As-Salaamu 'Alaie-naa wa 'Alaa 'Ibaadil Laahis-Saaleheen. Ash-hadu Allaa Ilaaha Illal Laahu wa Ash-hadu Anna Muhammadan 'Abduhu wa Rasoolu.

O' Allah! You alone deserve all veneration, worship and glory. O'Prophet! Peace be on you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and on virtuous servants of Allah. I bear witness that none is worthy of worship save Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His chosen servant and His Messenger.

DUROOD-E-IBRAAHEEMI

Allaa-humma Salle 'Alaa Saiey-yidinaa Muhammadin wa 'Alaaa Aale Saiey-yidinaa Muhammadin Kamaa Salaieta 'Alaa Saiey-yidinaa Ibraaheema wa 'Alaaa Aale Saiey-yidinaa Ibraaheema Innaka Hamee-dum Majeed. Allaa-humma Baarik 'Alaa Saiey-yidinaa Muhammadin wa 'Alaaa Aale Saiey-yidinaa Muhammadin Kamaa Baarakta 'Alaaa Saiey-yidinaa Ibraaheema wa 'Alaaa Aale Saiey-yidinaa Ibraaheema Innaka Hamee-dum Majeed.

O' Allah! Send blessings on our master (Hadrat) Muhammad (peace be upon him) as You did send on our master (Hadrat) Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) and the progeny of Ibraaheem(peace be upon him). You are, indeed, Praised, Glorified. O1 Allah! Bless our master (Hadrat) Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the progeny of Muhammad (peace be upon him) as You did bless our master (Hadrat) Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) and his progeny. Undoubtedly, You are Praised, Glorified.

DU'AA

Allaa-humma Innee Zalamtu Nafsee Zulman Kaseeran wa Innahu Laa Yaghfiruz-Zunooba Illaa Anta Faghfirlee Maghfiratam Min 'Indika Warhamnee Innaka Antal Ghafoorur Raheem.

O' Allah! I have oppressed my soul and undoubtedly there is no forgiver of sins but You alone. O' Allah! Forgive me and have mercy on me. Undoubtedly, You are the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

Or this one:

Allaa-humma Rabbanaa Aatinaa Fid-Dunyaa Hasanah, wa Fil-Aakhirate Hasanah, wa Qinaa 'Azaaban-Naar.

O' Allah! Our Sovereign Lord, grant us good in this world and the world hereafter and protect us. from the torment of hell.

DU'AA-E-QUNOOT

Allaa-humma Innaa Nasta'eenuka wa Nastaghfiruka wa Nu'minu Bika wa Natawakkalu 'Alaieka wa Nusnee 'Alaiekal Khaier. Wa Nashkuruka walaa Nakfuruka wa Nakhla'u wa Natruku Maien Yafjuruk. Allaa-humma Ei-yaaka Na'budu wa Laka Nusallee wa Nasjudu wa Ilaieka Nas'aa wa Nah-fidu wa Narjoo Rahmataka wa Nakhshaa 'Azaabaka Inna 'Azaabaka Bil-Kuffaare Mulhiq.

O' Allah! We implore You for help and beg forgiveness of You and believe in You and rely on You and extol You and we are thankful to You and are not ungrateful to You and we alienate and forsake him who disobeys You. O' Allah! You alone do we worship and for You do we pray and prostrate and we betake to please You and present ourselves for the service in Your cause and we hope for Your mercy and fear Your chastisement. Undoubtedly, Your torment is going to overtake infidels.

What should one recite in case he has not learnt Du'aa-e-Qunoot by heart?

He should recite "Allaa-humma Rabbanaa Aatinaa Fid-Dunyaa Hasanah, wa Fil-Aakherate Hasanah, wa Qinaa 'Azaaban-Naar" until he commits Du'aa-e-Qunoot to his memory.

What is "standing-upright posture after performance of Rukoo" called?

Standing erect after performing Rukoo is called"Qaumah".

What is "sitting posture between two prostrations" called?

A pause while sitting between two prostrations is called "Jalsah".

What is "offering prayer jointly" called?

Prayer offered in congregation is called "Jamaa'at". He who leads the prayer is called "Imaam" and those who follow Imaam in prayer are called "Muqtadi".

What is he called who offers prayer by himself?

He who does not say prayer in Jamaa'at but offers by himself is called "Munfarid".

How much reward does one get by saying prayer in Jamaa'at?

Prayer in Jamaa'at carries 27 times more reward than offering by oneself.

Which supplications (Du'aa) should be recited while entering and stepping out of mosque?

When one enters into mosque should put his right foot first and then the left and recite: "Allaa-hummaf-tah Lee Abwaaba Rahmatik" (O' Allah! Open the gates of Your mercy for me), and when he steps out he should take his left foot out first and then the right and recite: "Allaa-humma Innee As-aluka Min Fadlik" (O' Allah! I beseech You for Your grace).

What should we do in mosque?

Having entered into mosque say "Salaam" to those present there. Offer prayer with Jamaa'at. If there is no time of appointed prayer or you have offered prayer then busy yourself in recitation of the Holy Qur-aan, remembrance of Allah, recitation of Kalimah or Durood Shareef. Do not indulge in worldly talks as it is strictly forbidden in mosque. Do not walk,pass in front of those who are offering prayer. Do not snap fingers.

What is the correct mode of offering prayer?

Having performed Wudu and put on pure and clean dress, one should stand upright at a clean place orientating himself towards the Qiblah with his feet four toes apart. He should express intention (in the heart as well as by the tongue) for whichever prayer he has to offer. He should raise his hands upto the lobes of the ears in such a way that the palms face the Qiblah and that the fingers remain in their normal condition (neither separated nor close together) and then bring them down saying "Allaah-o-Akbar" and put them below his novel. The right hand should be placed on the wrist of the left hand with the thumb and the little finger encircling the wrist and the remaining three fingers resting on it. Now recite "Sanaa" (Subhaana Kal-Laahumma wa Bi-Hamdeka wa Tabaarakasmuka wa Ta'aalaa Jadduka Walaaa Ilaaha Ghaie-ruk) followed by "Ta'awuz"

(A'oozu Billaahi Minash Shaietaa-nir Rajeem) and "Tasmiyah"( Bismil Laahir Rahmaa-nir Raheem) and then recite "Surah Faateha" (say Ameen at the end of it in a low pitch) followed by any Surah or three small verses. After this he should go into "Rukoo" saying "Allaah-o-Akber" i.e. bow down placing hands on the knees with the fingers well-spread thereon and grasp the knees. The back and the head should be straight in level and the eyes pinned on to the toes.

In this posture say "Subhaana Rabbi-yal Azeem" (Glory be to my Nourisher, the Most Great) at least thrice and stand erect reciting "Tasmee'"(Sami 'Allaahu Liman Hamedah) and also say "Tahmeed" (Allaa-humma Rabbanaa wa Lakal-Hamd or Rabbanaa Lakal Hamd) and then go into "Sajdah" i.e. prostrate in such a manner that first the knees should be placed on the ground then the hands and thereafter the nose and the forehead be placed firmly between both the hands. The arms should be off the sides, the belly aloof from the thighs and the thighs apart from the calves. All the toes of both the feet should be set firmly on the ground facing the Qiblah. Palms should rest on the ground with the fingers pointing towards the Qiblah. In this position say "Subhaana Rabbi-yal 'Alaa" (Glory be to my Nourisher, the Most High) three or five times. Then he should rise reciting "Takbeer" and sit in "Jalsah" i.e. raise first his head then the hands and then sit upright with his left foot under him and the right foot standing (resting on the insides of the toes facing Qibla). He should put his palms on the thighs near the knees with fingers facing the Qibla. Now he should perform second "Sajdah" reciting "Takbeer" on the style of the first one. After having observed second Sajdah he should rise (stressing on his tiptoes and placing hands on the knees) and stand erect. Do not place hand(s) on the ground for support except for any disability. Now, he is in second Rak'ah. He should recite Tasmiyah, Surah Faateha followed by any other Surah and then perform Rukoo and Sujood like that of the first Rak ah and observe "Qa'adah" i.e. sit spreading the left foot under him and the right foot standing on the pattern of "Jalsah" and recite "Tashah'hud" and when he reaches the word "Laa" raise the index finger of the right hand (method:join the middle finger with the thumb to make a circle with the little and ring fingers bent towards the palm) and lower it on uttering "Illal Laahu" and then let all the fingers rest straight like that of the left hand, followed by Durood Shareef and Du'aa. And then say "Salaam" i.e."As-Salaamu 'Alaiekum wa Rahmatul Laah"(peace be on you and Allah's mercy) turning his face first towards the right side and then towards the left. Now two Rak'ahs' prayer is over.

How to offer three or four Rak'ahs prayer?

If one is to offer more than two Rak'ahs then he should stand up from Qa'adah after having recited Tashah'hud (Attahyaat) and offer the remaining Rak'ah(s) which he has to say. He should recite only Surah Faateha in the remaining Rak'ah(s) of Fard prayer, but in case of Sunnat, Nafil and Waajib, Surah Faateha has to be followed by any other Surah or three verses.

What is the difference between the prayer of Imaam and Muqtadi?

What mode of offering prayer has been delineated in this book is meant for Imaam as well as male individual, but in Jamaa'at, Muqtadi has not to recite Surah Faateha and any other Surah or verses and even not to recite Ta'awuz and Tasmiyah. He has only to recite Sanaa and then to be quiet. While rising from Rukoo he should say "Allaa-humma Rabbanaa wa Lakal-Hamd or Rabbanaa Lakal Hamd".

What about he who performs Sujood without firmly placing the insides of his toes on the ground?

Placing the inside of at least one toe of each foot firmly on the ground while performing Sajdah is Fard (obligatory) and placing the insides of three toes of each foot is Waajib(essential). Prayer is invalid if one only touches his toes with the ground or keeps them off the ground. Unfortunately most of us are not alive to such essentials of prayer.

Which Du'aa is made after Fard prayer?

After Fard prayer the following Du'aa is made:

"Allaa-humma Antas-Salaamu wa-Minkas-Salaamu wa Ilaieka Yarji'us-Salaam. Tabaarakta Rabbanaa wa Ta'aa-laieta Yaa Zal-Jalaale wal-Ikraam" (O' Allah! You are Peace and peace is from You and peace turns towards You. O' our Sovereign Lord! You are the Most Blessed and the Most Sublime. O' possessor of all honour and awe).