PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY
THE PRESIDENCY OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS

Edition No: 1761
Public Books: 431

Chief Editor: Assoc. Prof. Fatih KURT

Editorial Coordinator: Yunus YÜKSEL

Prepared by: Prof. Dr. Huriye MARTI

Translated by: Öznur KÜÇÜK

Proofreading : Ayşe Zuhal SARI / Yasemin KAYMAZ

Graphic-Design: Ali ÇINKI

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Sertifika No: 47725

2nd Edition, Ankara 2021

ISBN: 978-605-7751-53-9
2021-06-Y-0003-1761
Certificate No: 12930

High Board of Religious Affairs Decision No: 05.02.2020/28

© Presidency of Religious Affairs

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Foreword

Islam is defined as turning towards Allah (swt) 1 with devotion, and unconditionally accepting His commands and prohibitions with people’s own choice and will without any compulsion. The religion Islam, which has a perfect system of belief, worship and morality, is the final and complete version of the revelations which started to be conveyed to the humanity through the Prophet Adam, and will be valid until the Last Day.

All principles of Islam are about preserving the magnificent balance and the human. Islam aims to guide people to have a healthy communication with themselves, Allah, other people, and all living and non-living creatures in the nature. Thus, both individual and social peace will be established; and justice and mercy will rule all over the world.

Islam leads people to goodness in every field and moment of life with the principles of faith, worship and morality, which were presented to humanity by the last Prophet Muhammad (saw) in light of the Holy Qur’an. It teaches people the ways to build a livable world for both themselves and other creatures through its exemplary model of ideal life by putting their minds and hearts into it. Therefore, one should adopt the principles of faith, raise their awareness of worship in line with these principles, and equip themselves with good morals. Because the mu’min (believer) is the one who adopts and believes the principles of Islamic religion, verbally expresses their belief by tongue, and reflects them on their lives. Believers should continue worshiping to preserve and strengthen their faith, and live in line with the requirements of good morals. The main goal of Islam, one of the distinct features of which is the value attached to morality, is to build a strong society composed of faithful people with good morals, and a peaceful world.

The book in your hands, in which we tried to set forth the fundamental principles of faith, worship and morality of Islam in an apprehensive style and with rich content, aims to contribute to the comprehension of Islam through authentic knowledge and from a proper perspective. It was prepared based on main reference resources including Islam through the Hadiths, Essentials of Islam, the Islamic Encyclopedia by Turkiye Diyanet Foundation (TDV), and the Holy Qur’an Commentary published by the Presidency of Religious Affairs of Turkey. We wish that this book broadens the horizons of our readers who want to make their lives meaningful through the belief system of Islam, and build their life both in this world and the Hereafter upon the awareness of worship and principles of morality.

1 Abbreviation of the Arabic words “Subhanahu wa Ta’ala”, meaning “Glory to Him, the Exalted”.

Chapter I

Principles of Faith (Iman)

Human

.

“We have certainly created man in the best of stature;
Then We return him to the lowest of the low.”
Except for those who believe and do righteous deeds, for they will have a reward uninterrupted.”1

(The Holy Qur’an)

Humans is the most honorable creature in the world. Human is the treasure of the universe as an intelligent and a conscious being with free will and sense of responsibility. Allah the Almighty, the one and only Owner of the earth and the heavens, has created human in the perfect form. Allah (swt) has given human a physically balanced and moderate body, a soul to make them alive, a mind to differentiate between the right and the wrong, and a conscience that can make life meaningful. Therefore, human being is a whole with their body and soul.

Allah the Almighty, who has created human out of nothing, formed them in the best of stature, feeds them, protects them, and bestows upon them blessings and all kinds of beauty. What Allah the Almighty wants from human is to have faith and do good deeds. The reason for the existence of human is to render the world prosperous by taking responsibility as a servant.

The historical adventure of humanity started with the first human, the Prophet Adam and his wife, Hawwa (Eve). Afterwards, humans were divided into various nations to meet with each other and establish good relations.

Humans have quite superior qualities, privileged power and abilities compared to other creatures. Due to those faculties, they have the ability to ask for bad and spread it around the world as well as asking for goodness and practicing it in life. Sometimes they establish a happy life for themselves on earth through their patient, eager, devoted, peaceful and fair attitudes while sometimes putting themselves in danger through their ignorant, selfish, ambitious, hasty, and ungrateful attitudes.

Nevertheless, Allah the Almighty has never left human alone, deprived of blessings, and unaided in life. He (swt) has supported human in their test of life and guided them with His prophets and books. He has sent an order to teach what is good, nice and true, and what is bad, ugly and wrong to the human, whom He created and treated with mercy. This order, which guides human during their journey in the world and helps them to prosper in the Hereafter, is religion.

1 Tin, 95/4-6.

Religion

.

“Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam.”2

(The Holy Qur’an)

Religion is the set of divine rules sent to humans by Allah (swt) through prophets. These rules are the sole source of truth, and have been sent to humans in order to enable them to find happiness both in this world and in the Hereafter with their own choices.

Religion came into being with the creation of the first human, and will exist until the Day of Judgment. In fact, Adam is the first human and the first prophet while the last prophet is the Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw), and no other prophet will come to the world until the last day.

Humans certainly need a religion. Because humans want to know the Divine Creature who created them, and learn the purpose of their creation. Why and how the human is created? What is the purpose of creation of the world they live in? What should the purpose of life be? How can the right and wrong be distinguished? What awaits them after death? Humans want to know the answers to all these questions.

Allah (swt) determines the principles and rules of the religion and sends these rules through revelation to the prophets. Revelation is the undoubted information, divine message, and ageless and eternal truth delivered by Allah (swt) to the prophets. The duty of the prophets is to transmit this truth, which are the principles of the religion, to humans.

An order, a law and a system that are made up by humans cannot be regarded as a religion. Similarly, a religion sent by Allah (swt) is no longer a “true religion” when its judgments are changed by humans.

Religion presents a model of life in compliance with human nature. It teaches people the ways to build a livable world for both themselves and other creatures through its exemplary model of ideal life by putting their minds and hearts into it. Religion is the soundest source of knowledge in which people can find answers to their questions, and solutions to their problems. Islam is the only religion which has been delivered to all humanity to live until the Day of Judgment, and where people can find the answers to their questions as well as the solutions to their problems.

2 Al-i ‘Imran, 3/19.

Islam

.

“This day I have perfected for you your religion, and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.”3

(The Holy Qur’an)

The literal meaning of Islam is peace, serenity, and submission. Islam is defined as turning towards Allah with devotion, and unconditionally accepting His commands and prohibitions with people’s own choice and will without any compulsion. The one who adopts Islam as their religion and complies with its rules are called “Muslim”.

Islam is the last religion sent by Allah the Almighty through the last Prophet Muhammad (saw). It is a perfect system of belief, worship and morality, and will be valid until the Day of Judgment. As previous religions have been corrupted by humans, Allah (swt) has sent Islam to remind people of the divine rules.

The difference between Islam and other religions is that Islam addresses all humanity, and will be valid until the last day of the world. The prophet of Islam is the Prophet Muhammad (saw), and its divine book is the Holy Qur’an. The Qur’an is the final and complete version of the revelations delivered to humans starting with the Prophet Adam. No other religion, prophet or divine book will be sent after Islam, the Prophet Muhammad, and the Holy Qur’an.

All principles of Islam are about preserving the magnificent balance and the human. Islam aims to guide people to establish a healthy communication with their own selves, Allah, and other people. Thus, both individual and social peace will be established, and justice and mercy will rule all over the world. These principles are discussed under three main titles: principles of faith, worship, and morality.

3 Ma’idah, 5/3

Faith

.

“I swear by Allah in whose hand my life is, you shall not enter Heaven so long as you do not affirm belief. You will not believe as long as you do not love one another.”4

(The Prophet Muhammad (saw))

Accepting Islam comes true by believing and having faith. Iman (faith) means believing in the existence and oneness of Allah (swt), His angels, divine books, prophets, the Day of Judgment, and predestination. Mu’min (believer) is the one who believes all of these, verbally expresses their belief, and reflects them on their lives.

The lexical meaning of iman is living in safety and being free from fears. Those who have iman will be free from all fears by believing and trusting in Allah (swt). It brings meaning and serenity into people’s lives. It strengthens their confidence, and raises their will and persistence.

Iman keeps people away from bad and discredited words and behaviors. It protects people from going astray, and living an uneasy and meaningless life. Thus, human becomes trustworthy by spreading goodness in their family, neighborhood, city, nation and the world, and preventing evil deeds.

Faith has six main principles. These are faith in
Allah (swt), His angels, divine books, prophets, the Day of Judgment, and predestination (qadar).

4 Abu Dawud, Adab, 130.

Faith in Allah (swt)

.

“Whoever sincerely testifies that none has the right to be worshiped but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger, Allah will save him from the Hellfire.”5

(The Prophet Muhammad (saw))

Believing in Allah (swt) is the fundamental principle of Islam. Allah the Almighty is the Creator and Ruler who created the whole universe from atoms to galaxies out of nothing. It is Allah who creates all creatures including humankind, controls theirs lives and deaths, and then resurrects them.

There is no deity but Allah; Allah is the Only One.
He (swt) is neither born nor given birth to. Everything needs Allah but He does not need anything. He does not have any equal or a partner. He does not resemble any past or forthcoming creature. Allah has the absolute power, competence, authority, and judgment. Allah (swt) is alive. One day all creatures will die but Allah (swt) will never die and will remain to the eternity. The existence of Allah has neither a beginning nor an end.

Allah (swt) sees, hears and knows everything to the slightest detail. Nothing can be hidden from Him or is difficult for Him, and nothing has happened or will happen beyond His knowledge and wish. Allah (swt) has infinite will and power. He forgives people, guides them to the right path, and has mercy on them. He provides sustenance and helps and protects His servants. At the same time, it is Him (swt) who punishes those insisting on shirk (polytheism) and kufr (disbelief).

Islam is a “tawhid” (oneness and unity of Allah) faith. Tawhid means believing in Allah (swt) and not associating any partners with Him. Believers wholeheartedly confirm Allah’s existence, oneness, and uniqueness. They learn about Allah with His names, attributes and unique qualities, and adhere to Him (swt). They verbally express this confirmation and live accordingly. What the human should do is to believe in Allah who created them, allowed them to live and provided them with various blessings.

Believing in Allah (swt) is the common call of all prophets. Inviting people to Islam is the best deed for a human. At the same time, it is the right of Allah the Almighty on His servants.

Believing in Allah requires loving Him the most, respecting Him as required, trusting in and leaning on Him in any circumstance and condition, and asking for help only from Him. Those who believe in Allah (swt) live their lives knowing that He sees and hears them all the time, knows all of their acts and behaviors, and one day they will be brought to account by Him. They live in line with their faith, and pursue Allah’s consent upon all of their intents and wishes. They find peace through their belief and spread it to those around them.

5 Bukhari, ‘Ilm, 49.

Faith in Angels

.

“Whoever disbelieves in Allah, His angels, His books, His prophets, and the Last Day has certainly gone far astray.”6

(The Holy Qur’an)

The history of humanity is full of beliefs in powerful and invisible creatures. The battle between good and evil is mostly explained through these creatures. But how much of the things told is true? Only the last religion, Islam, sent by the Ruler and Owner of the visible and invisible worlds can provide solid and true information on this matter. In this respect, believing in the existence of angels who were created out of divine light is one of the principles of faith in Islam.

According to Islam, angels are absolutely good creatures who fulfill various duties given by Allah (swt) and obey His commands unquestioningly. Angels do not have gender nor the humane features like eating or drinking. The Holy Qur’an verses mention that they have wings; however, it is inappropriate to describe them similar to birds or depict them similar to women. In fact, the Qur’an objects the perception of angels as female, and describes them as the “servants of the Most Merciful.”7

Angels are divided into various groups based on the hierarchical system and duties. There are four archangels: Jibril (Gabriel), whose duty is to deliver revelations to the prophets; Mikail (Michael), who supervises natural events as the angel of sustenance and mercy; Azrael is the angel of death; and Israfil is responsible for blowing the Sur (Trumpet) to pronounce the Judgment Day. Also, there are other angels who carry the throne, who protect people and pray for them, who record people’s good and evil deeds, who meet and question them in the grave for the first time, and who serve in the heaven or hell.

Angels were created by Allah the Almighty just like all other creatures. They never disobey Allah (swt), and act only with His permission and command. They do not know more than what Allah notifies them. Therefore, they can never be regarded as a deity, god or ruling power.

One of the fundamental features of a Muslim with sincere belief in Allah (swt) is believing in the unseen, in other words, ghayb. Faith in angels is a part of it.

6 Nisa, 4/136.

7 Zukhruf, 43/19.

Faith in Divine Books

.

“Humankind was one ummah. Then Allah (swt) sent the prophets as bringers of good tidings and warners and sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between the people concerning that in which they differed.”8

(The Holy Qur’an)

Divine books are the words of Allah the Almighty and his appeal to people. They are the written versions of His ageless and eternal words, commands, and revelation. The superiority of Allah’s words over other words is similar to Allah’s superiority over His servants. Allah (swt) recognized the human, whom He created as the most valuable creature, as adressee by sending books to them, and guided them during their test of life. He allowed humans to find out the truth, and differentiate between the good and evil.

In the early periods of the history, small books called “sahifa” (page) were revealed to some prophets.
Allah (swt) revealed ten pages to Prophet Adam, fifty pages to Prophet Seth, thirty pages to Prophet Idris, and ten pages to Prophet Ibrahim.

Then, He revealed the four divine books; the Tawrat (Torah) to Prophet Musa (Moses), the Zabur (Psalm) to Prophet Dawud (David), the Injil (Bible/Gospel) to Prophet Isa (Jesus), and finally the Holy Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (saw). The final divine book which addresses the whole humanity, and will be valid until the Day of Judgment is the Holy Qur’an.

The Muslim believes the existence of all divine books, and that they were revealed by Allah (swt). However, this command applies to the original versions of divine books before they were falsified or changed. Therefore, a Muslim believes in the original versions of the divine pages and books revealed by Allah (swt). They believe that the divine books other than the Holy Qur’an, which are Tawrat, Zabur and Injil, were changed by humans and lost their authenticity.

This belief requires believers to always be sensitive and careful about revelation. When encountered with information from the Tawrat or Injil, one should firstly apply to the Holy Qur’an before deciding if it is true or not. If it does not contradict with the information in the Holy Qur’an and general principles of Islam, then this information might be true. However, it is not possible to assert that the information which contradicts with the principles of the Qur’an and its universal message, has been revealed by Allah (swt).

Humans interfered with the books revealed to them to achieve a little earthly interest. In the past, men of religion presented people their own writings as revelations from Allah, deceived innocent people, and damaged the purity of the divine texts. The Holy Qur’an is the only book of whose text and content have not had a slightest change and come until today, and which will preserve it’s original existence until the Day of Judgment.

Believing in divine books and accepting Qur’an as a divine guide in this context require wholeheartedly believing that it was revealed by Allah as well as living a life in compliance with its judgments. Because the divine books were revealed to be read, understood, and applied to the life.

8 Baqarah, 2/213.

Final Divine Book:
the Holy Qur’an

.

“I leave behind such a thing that if you follow it, you will never go astray. It is the Holy Qur’an.”9

(The Prophet Muhammad (saw))

The Holy Qur’an is the final revelation and divine book by which Allah the Almighty addressed humanity through the Prophet Muhammad. Allah (swt) explicitly states that He sent down the Qur’an and will protect it until the Day of Judgment.10 The most distinct thing separating the Qur’an from other divine books is that it was revealed to all humanity rather than a certain region or tribe, and it has never been changed.

To be a Muslim, one should have faith in the Holy Qur’an. The Holy Qur’an is the main source of Islam. Islam started to be conveyed to the humanity on the day the Holy Qur’an was revealed, and finalized and reached perfection as the revelation of the Qur’an was completed.

The Holy Qur’an is an advice from Allah (swt) and healing for the hearts. It is the finest of the words and the greatest miracle of the Prophet Muhammad. It is a means of mercy, a source of wisdom, and a solid rope to which believers should hold firmly all together.

The happiness for humans on earth and in the Hereafter is hidden in the Qur’an. The Qur’an encompasses the explanations of uncompromising matters for humanity, and information on various events from the past and future. The Qur’an designates the principles of belief, worship, and morality.

Reciting, learning, and teaching the Holy Qur’an are both a responsibility and a good deed to be rewarded for Muslims. Indeed, the Qur’an was not only revealed to be recited. It was sent down for people to contemplate on, exert efforts to understand, and live a life in compliance with its verses. The one who understands, teaches and reflects the messages of the Qur’an into his life in the best manner is the Prophet Muhammad (saw). Therefore, the best choice for a person who wishes to walk through the right path enlightened by the Holy Qur’an is to take as model the life of the Prophet Muhammad.

9 Muslim, Hajj, 147.

10 Hijr, 15/9.

Faith in Prophets

.

“Indeed, those who disbelieve in Allah and His messengers and wish to discriminate between Allah and His messengers and say, ‘We believe in some and disbelieve in others’ and wish to adopt a way in between - Those are the disbelievers, truly.”11

(The Holy Qur’an)

Prophets are chosen by Allah to deliver divine messages to humans. Faith in prophets means believing that they are the sacred messengers of Allah, and believing in everything they transmitted from Allah.

Faith in prophets is one of the principles of Islam. Although there are certain differences and distinctions among them according to Islam, when it comes to faith, prophets and their revelations cannot be discriminated. Therefore, Muslims accept, love and respect all prophets without any discrimination, and take them as role models and follows the last prophet, Muhammad (saw).

The fist human Adam is also the first prophet. The last prophet is the Prophet Muhammad. Allah the Almighty never left humanity without a guide, leader, prophet and a role model. There are various prophets between these two, the names of whom are either known or not known, and to whom a book was either sent or not send down. The call of all of them is the same: Be servants of Allah!

Prophets are responsible for conveying Allah’s message without adding or removing anything. But, transmitting information, or “inviting”, is not their only duty. They are also responsible for explaining the divine knowledge, living in line with this knowledge, and being a role model for the humans. The stories of prophets who experienced various suffering and oppression, and who sometimes displayed miracles with Allah’s permission are told in the Qur’an for people to draw lessons.

Even though human mind has the capacity to understand the existence of a divine creator, they were able to learn the commands of Allah only through His messengers. Therefore, the person who wishes to follow Allah’s commands and avoid from the forbidden needs to take the prophets as role model. To believe in divine books, one should primarily believe in the prophet to whom that book was sent down.

Prophets are straightforward, honest, trustworthy, smart, nice, and protected from sins. They recite the verses of Allah to people, teach them the book and the wisdom, call them to tawhid and goodness, and keep them away from denial and evil. Undoubtedly, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) is the last and greatest link in the chain of prophets.

11 Nisa, 4/150-151.

Last Prophet: Muhammad Mustafa (saw)

.

“O Prophet! Indeed, We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner. And one who invites to Allah, by His permission, and an illuminating lamp.”12

(The Holy Qur’an)

Muhammad Mustafa is the prophet of Islam, the servant and messenger of Allah, and the last of the prophets. Every human who embraces Islam is responsible for uttering the kalimah al-shahadah, in other words bearing witness that, “There is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.”

Prophet Muhammad, who was sent as mercy to the universe, brought mercy and justice to the violent and ignorant society he lived. During his duty as prophet for 23 years, he built an exemplary Islamic society with patience, devotion, belief, and compassion.

He is the role model who understood the Holy Qur’an in the best way and reflected it to every moment of his life. He is the finest example nor only for people around him but also for all Muslims regardless of time and place. Even before prophethood, he was known as Muhammad al-Amin (Muhammad the Trustworthy) in Makkah as the example of virtue and morality. He never compromised honesty and truthfulness, and taught people justice, respecting to the rights and privileges of humans, the value of knowledge and the importance of consultation.

We learn from the companions of Prophet Muhammad that he did not have any limit on generosity and helpfulness. He never behaved his wife or anybody serving him in a hurting or demeaning way. He lived in a simple and humble way. He would get angry when the boundaries set by Allah were violated. Other than that, he was understanding, merciful, tolerant, and graceful towards everyone. He was a unique person with his kind heart, smiling face, reassuring voice, and a noble stance.

The path to Allah passes from obeying and being loyal to the Prophet Muhammad. The formula leading to happiness in the world and salvation in the Hereafter for every Muslim is loving the Prophet Muhammad and maintaining a life in accordance with his sunnah.

12 Ahzab, 33/45-46.

Faith in the Hereafter (Akhirah)

.

“Who establish prayer and give zakat, and they, of the Hereafter, are certain in faith.”13

The Holy Qur’an

Akhirah is the name of the eternal life that will start after the life in this world ends. Believing in the Hereafter is one of the main articles of being a Muslim. There is a direct and strong connection between faith in Allah and faith in the Hereafter. Because denying akhirah means that denying Allah who created the world of trials and notified people about the existence of it by stating that this world is temporary.

When the worldly life ends and the Day of Judgment comes, people of all times will be brought to account before Allah. Divine justice will be manifested, and good and evil, oppressor and oppressed, right and wrong will be distinguished from one another, and everyone will completely pay for what they have done.

Faith in the Hereafter develops people’s sense of responsibility. The Owner of the earth and heavens,
Allah (swt) will call people to account for all the blessings and amanah (trust) He gave to them, thus, making people conscious about them. This consciousness affects all interactions of a Muslim from social relations to attitude and behaviors towards the nature.

Faith in the Hereafter also helps people to lead their lives in line with a divine purpose, and dedicate themselves to the good by focusing on a right goal. It prevents negative feelings such as grudge, enmity, jealousy and hatred, and develops positive feelings such as forgiveness, mercy, hope, and patience. It gives strength for fighting against the hardships in life and responds to the search for the long-waited justice.

Those who believe in the Hereafter frequently remember death, and get prepared for the afterlife in the best way as conscious believers. Because the most beneficial investment is made on the land of eternity which includes the heaven.

13 Luqman, 31/4.

Faith in the Predestination (Qadar)

.

“Indeed, all things We created with predestination.”14

(The Holy Qur’an)

Allah (swt), who created everything out of nothing, aimed to create everything of all times in the universe according to a cause-effect relation so that the human, equipped with outstanding qualities such as mind, will understand the wisdom and truth behind the creation more easily. In this respect, if a person carefully observes and contemplates on the universe, they will see that a perfect balance and order, in other words the predestination, rules the universe rather than chaos. This situation indicates the existence of an Almighty Creator.

Faith in predestination (qadar) is one of the six articles of faith in Islam. It means believing that whatever happens in the universe whether good or bad, right or wrong, alive or dead, beneficial or in vain happens within the knowledge, and by the wish, power, appreciation and creation of Allah.

There are situations in life that go beyond humans and cannot be interfered. For example, one does not have the chance to choose their family, ethnicity, color, or sex. These are determined in a divine way, and it is called “qadar.”

On the other hand, people have a role on the occurrence of some events whether good or bad. Allah gave people a place to live and right to choose a certain degree from His limitless property. Human has the will that enables them to make a good or evil deed. In such cases, what Allah grants with them changes according to the effort and decision of the human. Therefore, the precautions and choices that humans make are also a part of their qadar.

Whatever will happen in the universe is known and recorded by Allah from all eternity. Allah knows what we will live and what we will choose even before we were created with His eternal and everlasting wisdom. However, it does not mean that Allah forces humans, and wafts them just like a dried leaf caught up in the wind. The fact that Allah knows what is going to happen beforehand does not eliminate the responsibility of people. For instance, when a person steals something, they do it deliberately and willingly not because Allah knew that they would steal but because they chose the evil option. Therefore, people bear the consequences of their choices and bad deeds.

What makes humans happy or miserable in this world and the Hereafter is their personal acts and behaviors. The important thing for humans is to lead their will in the right path and not do evil deeds. Because everyone bears the consequences of their choices, and no one can be freed of responsibilities by attributing everything to qadar.

A human believing in qadar accepts that the true actor is Allah. The prophet Muhammad (saw) outlines it as follows: “And know that if the nation were to gather together to benefit you with anything, they would not benefit you except with what Allah had already prescribed for you. And if they were to gather together to harm you with anything, they would not harm you except with what Allah had already prescribed against you. In this matter, the pens were lifted (do not write new things), the pages dried (do not change).”15

A person with faith in qadar knows that rain falls only under certain physical conditions. However, raining is not limited to the occurrence of some natural causes. Going beyond the visible reasons, the Muslim believes that rain comes through the means created by Allah. The last decision, command, will and creation belongs to Allah without a shadow of a doubt.

Islam does not have such an understanding of qadar as being successful without making any efforts, waiting things to be realized by Allah only, and thus, appointing Allah as an agent for their works. The Muslim believing in qadar fulfills their responsibilities properly. They act in a decisive, compassionate and patient way. After referring to every material and non-material reason and taking every precaution required, they trust Allah (swt) for the rest.

14 Qamar, 54/49.

15 Tirmidhi, Sifat al-Qiyamah, 59.

Chapter II

Principles of Worship (Ibadah)

Awareness of Worship

.

“Ihsan is to worship Allah as though you see Him, and if you cannot see Him, then indeed He sees you”.1

(The Prophet Muhammad (saw))

Allah created humans in the perfect manner, and put everything in the universe into their service. He equipped them with outstanding capabilities such as reasoning, producing solutions, thinking, speaking, writing, living according to their will. He expects humans to serve only Himself.

Being a servant means submitting to Allah the Almighty with absolute obedience, being deeply connected to Him, and taking the responsibility of being a human. Being a servant means being aware that Allah knows everything you did for either good or evil, one day you will be accounted for all of your deeds. Being a servant requires faith and good morals as well as worshiping. Worship is the essence of servitude and the purpose of the creation of the human. Therefore, humans should not forget that He is Allah (swt) who grants countless blessings to them, and refresh their awareness as servants by worshiping.

Worshiping enables people who are always in the need of Allah to express themselves directly to Allah without any tool or vehicle. One who accepts the articles of faith should maintain worshiping to preserve and strengthen this belief.

There are fundamental acts of worships that Islam commands and every Muslim who are capable should perform. These are uttering the kalimah al-shahadah, in other words testifying that there is no deity but Allah and Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger; performing salah (prayer); paying zakat (almsgiving); performing Hajj (Pilgrimage); and fasting (sawm) during the month of Ramadan.

Other than these fardh (obligatory) acts of worship, everything conducted with good intentions and sincerity counts as good deeds and will be rewarded. Accordingly, behaviors such as enjoining thegood and forbidding the evil, looking out for the justice among people, providing sustenance for the family, saluting and smiling at people, and giving sadaqah (charity) are regarded as acts of worship.

Acts aiming goodness such as doing good to their spouses, parents and children, having good relations with their relatives and neighbors, making an upset person happy, showing love to an orphan, meeting the expenses of a student in need, respecting an elderly, and supporting a disabled person are also regarded as worship.

When a person shares their knowledge and experience, makes trade and carries out their business in an honest and trustworthy way, makes effort to keep young people from bad habits, protects nature and looks out for animal rights, these are also regarded as acts of worship.

If a person tries to be away from bad morals, makes effort to adopt good habits and control themselves, and tries to be an easy person rather than a troublesome person, then it means that they have the awareness of worship.

Worshiping purifies humans from humane weaknesses, disciplines them, and teaches them intent, will and patience. Humans learn time control by five time daily prayers, importance of food by fasting, equality and brotherhood by hajj, and sharing by zakat. Although these acts of worship look like just certain rules, moves and forms at first sight, the source of love, respect and obeyance to Allah lays beneath these moves.

Worshiping keeps people away from negative feelings and thoughts such as selfishness, arrogance, misgiving, jealousy, extravagance, ambition, greediness etc. Worshiping educates, nourishes and matures humans, and helps them to be beneficial for themselves and the society.

1 Bukhari, Tafsir, Luqman, 31.

Kalimah al-Shahadah

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“Islam is based on five pillars: To testify that there is no deity but Allah and Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger, to perform salah (prayer), to pay zakat (obligatory charity), to perform Hajj, and to observe fast during the month of Ramadan.”2

(The Prophet Muhammad (saw))

What lies in the essence of Islam is “tawhid” - the principle of believing in Allah (swt). The expression of this principle and the first requirement of being a Muslim is “kalimah al-shahadah”: “Ashhadu an la ilaha illallah wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa Rasuluh.” The meaning of kalimah al-shahadah is as follows: “I testify that there is no deity but Allah and Muhammad is Allah’s servant and messenger.”

By uttering this sentence, the first thing a person testifies is that “there is no deity but Allah.” If a person pronounces kalimah al-shahadah, they accept that there is no power or authority but Allah to pray and seek help from; that blessings only come from Allah and can only be asked from Him; that they can only trust in Him and cannot depend on any other creature; and that they can only worship Him and can only ask for protection from Him.

The second thing one testifies with the kalimah al-shahadah is that “the Prophet Muhammad is the servant and messenger of Allah.” Above all, the last Prophet Muhammad is a human and the servant of Allah. The Prophet Isa (Jesus) was later deified and seen as a god; however, this is definitely not the case for the Prophet Muhammad. On the other hand, the Prophet Muhammad was not a regular servant but he was also the Messenger of Allah. He received revelation, he was responsible for delivering and explaining them to the people, and living accordingly. He was always under the control and protection of Allah.

2 Bukhari, Iman, 2.

Cleanliness

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“Cleanliness is half of the faith.”3

(The Prophet Muhammad (saw))

One of the distinctive features of Islam is the importance attached to both physical and spiritual cleanliness. Physical cleanliness refers to keeping oneself, the clothes, possessions, the places they live, the environment and the earth clean as a whole. Spiritual cleanliness refers to purifying one’s soul, heart and mind, staying away from the evil deeds and sins.

Islam commands people to not spread their bodily wastes to the environment and pollute it. Therefore, bathroom manners and cleanliness have a special place in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (saw). According to sunnah, a person who meets their need to use toilet, should definitely clean using water, pay attention to privacy, wash their hands with water, and should not face the qiblah. Also, relieving oneself on roads where people pass by, under trees, on shadows, parks and nearby waters, rivers and seas are prohibited.

Islam pays great importance to bodily care as well. The Prophet Muhammad commands to take a shower at least once a week especially on Friday, wear clean clothes, and clean hair, beard, and nails. The Muslim cannot be a ragged person who stinks and disturbs other people.

It is remarkable that there is a precondition of cleanliness to perform some worships in Islam. A Muslim who wants to perform salah (prayer) should perform “ablution” first. One performs “ghusl” if needed, which means washing the whole body. In case of absence of water, one can perform “tayammum” with clean soil or earth, which is a part of this sensibility towards cleanliness.

A Muslim pays attention to spiritual cleanliness as much as physical cleanliness. They regret their sins and get purified by repenting. When a Muslim feels sorry for their mistakes, asks for Allah’s forgiveness, and never repeats that sin, they get to be clean and be freed of that sin.

Good morals lays in the essence of spiritual cleanliness. Using one’s hand, tongue, eyes, ears and whole body for goodness and keeping it away from the evil is the path to spiritual cleanliness in Islam.

3 Tirmidhi, Da’awat, 86.

Wudu (Ablution) and Ghusl

.

“The key to Heaven is salah,
and the key to salah is wudu.”4

(The Prophet Muhammad (saw))

According to Islam, a person should clean themselves both physically and spiritually and get purified before standing before Allah to worship. Wudu and ghusl are at the hearth of this purification.

A person who gets ready for worshiping gets purified both physically and spiritually by performing wudu if their wudu is nullified; or performing ghusl in case of being janabah. Because one cannot perform salah without wudu.

The fardhs of ablution are washing the face, the arms including hands, and the feet, and wiping the head with wet hands. The sunnahs of wudu taught by the Prophet Muhammad to his ummah to beautify the ablution are as follows: starting wudu by the name of Allah, taking water into mouth, blowing noise by taking water into it, wiping the front, back or all of the head with wet hands, cleaning the ears, washing and rubbing wudu parts of the body for three times, and wetting the spaces between the fingers.

Ghusl is one of the principles of cleanliness which enables the person to turn to Allah with a clean soul and boyd each moment. As the whole body is washed during ghusl, it cleans both physical and spiritual dirtiness of the person.

Ghusl becomes necessary when a person ejaculates, has a sexual intercourse whether they ejaculate or not, has a wet dream (both men and women); or after the end of a woman’s period of menses and lochia.

One should recite the Basmalah (Bismillah ir-rahman ar-rahim) and intend for ghusl before performing ghusl. Then, they should take water into their mouth and nose, and thoroughly clean them. Then they perform wudu and lastly, the whole body is washed without leaving any dry part.

Wasting water, and acting in hurry and carelessly are prohibited for wudu and ghusl. Numerous hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) gives glad tidings for those who perform wudu properly will be freed of their sins. Wudu allows the Muslims to be clean and decent, to freshen up, let loose of stress and tension, and have serenity as well as gaining reward, thus, it is a great blessing. The Muslim who performs wudu or ghusl based on the conditions becomes ready for performing salah.

4 Tirmidhi, Taharah, 1.

Prayer (Salah)

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“And establish prayer and give zakat. And bow with those who bow.”5

(The Holy Qur’an)

Prayer is the first act of worship commanded by Islam after kalimah al-shahadah. Prayer is a special act of worship with specified moves and recitations, which starts with the takbir and ends with the taslim. Prayer is defined as standing in the presence of Allah with deep respect, love and awe, and faithfully begging and showing gratitude to Him (swt).

Showing gratitude for the blessings of Allah is our responsibility both as a Muslim and a human. The gratitude for every blessing is shown in its specific type. In other words, the gratitude for every material or spiritual thing we have is shown by dedicating it to Allah. Our body, mind, ability to speak and health are the most valuable blessings granted to us. So prayer, as an act of worship performed with body, is the gratitude people show for all of these blessings.

The Holy Qur’an states that all prophets commanded their societies to perform prayer throughout history. Indeed, the prayer commanded to every society has different qualities. The prayer commanded to Muslims are performed five-times a day by facing the qiblah as taught and shown by the Prophet Muhammad. One who deeply focuses on the worship in harmony with their body, mind and heart feels that prayer surrounds them from every aspect. They stand in the presence of Allah during qiyam, bow only in front of Allah (swt) in ruku, and show their submission to Allah in sajdah, which is the closest moment to Allah the Almighty.

The prayer is the pillar of Islam, protection system against evil, expiation for sins, and the most important act of worship that a person will first be accounted for on the Day of Judgment. It is frequently stated in the Holy Qur’an that establishing prayer without any delay, in awe and correctly are the characteristics of the Muslims. Going to mosques for prayer in congregation is insistently recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (saw) as it contributes Muslims to meet and interact with each other as well as strengthening the bonds and solidarity among them.

The responsibility of Muslims is to be sensitive about the salah by paying attention to the encouragement and recommendation of the Prophet Muhammad. In this way, humans will remember Allah and show their respect and devotion towards Him (swt) by taking a break from the busy pace of life five-times a day. Those who solely focus on Allah during the salah will tranquilize, be purified, be filled with serenity and reach happiness in the eternal world as well.

Those who perform wudu or ghusl if necessary before establishing salah are cleaned from physical and spiritual impurities. They tidy up their clothes. Because one must wear clean clothes and cover the required parts of their body (satr al-awrat). Then, they turn toward the qiblah: when their faces are toward the qiblah, their hearts are turned toward Allah the Almighty. The qiblah is the Ka’bah. The Ka’bah is the house of Allah. Muslims all over the world meet at a divine and magnificent point by turning toward the same direction.

Five-times prayer is a fardh (obligation) for Muslims, which means it is an act of worship commanded by Allah and cannot be abandoned. Daily fardh prayers are performed in the morning, noon, afternoon, evening and night, and each of them consists of different numbers of rakats (cycle). Additionally, there are “sunnah prayers” which the prophet Muhammad performed regularly and set an example to the believers. There are also “nafl prayers” (superorgatory) which can be performed whenever wanted.

A person ready for prayer utters intention with the consciousness of which prayer to be performed, then they raise their hands up and recite the takbir. They start establishing the prayer by saying “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the greatest) with the awareness of existence and unity of Allah, and that Allah is the most glorious, and no other being can be worshiped. They do not talk after starting to establish the prayer.

After the takbir, they stand in the presence of Allah in qiyam with their hands put on top of each other for a while. At first, they recite ‘’Subhanaka’’ du’a (prayer). They continue with “Surah al-Fatiha” which includes words meaning praying and devotion to Allah the Almighty. After that, they say “amin” and recite the surahs and verses from the Holy Qur’an which they know by heart.

After the qiyam, they pronounce takbir and perform ruku. Ruku is the state of weakness in front of the greatness and glory of Allah by bowing down before Him (swt). They say “Subhana Rabbiya’l-Azim” (Allah the Almighty is free of all deficiencies) for at least three times during ruku.

As they rise up, they say “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears the one who praises Him), and express their gratitude by saying “Rabbana wa laka’l-hamd” (O Allah, our Lord, to You be praise). Then, they pronounce takbir and go down to sajdah (prostration). Sajdah is performed by placing the hands, forehead, nose and face, knees and feet on to the ground. For each sajdah in a rak’ah, they say “Subhana Rabbiya’l-a’la” (Allah the Almighty is free of all imperfections) for at least three times, and wait sitting for a little while between the two sajdahs.

Each part of prayer performed in this order is called a “rak’ah.” After completing all rak’ahs, one sits for a little while to recite some du’as. During this sitting which is called Qa’dah al-Akhira (Last Sitting), the person recites the du’as of “Tashahhud, Allahumma salli, Allahumma barik, and Rabbana.” Finally, they end the prayer by giving salam first to the right and then left by saying “assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah” (Allah’s peace and mercy be upon you). Salam symbolizes humans’ wish for peace and serenity for the angels on the right and left, for people and universe. It also symbolizes the return of the person to the world who leave worldly affairs for a while.

It is not suitable for Muslims to abandon or delay the prayer due to laziness, neglect, or apathy. Because the prayer is among the fundamental provisions of Islam and most clear indicators of servitude.

5 Baqarah, 2/43.

Fasting (Sawm)

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‘’O you who have believed! Decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.’’6

(The Holy Qur’an)

Fasting is refraining from eating, drinking and sexual intercourse from the emergence of dawn to sunset with the intention of gaining Allah’s consent. Fasting is among the essential acts of worship like prayer, zakat and hajj, which were commanded to humanity by Allah through prophets.

According to Islam, fasting during the month of Ramadan is fardh (an obligatory act of worship) upon all Muslims who are sane and reached puberty. Those who are sick or traveler, and pregnant or breastfeeding women may observe Ramadan fasting later, in other words, they can make up (perform qada) for unobserved days. Patients of any age without hope of recovery, and elderly people who are unable to fast give “fidyah” as they cannot make up the missed days in the future. Fidyah is making payment to the needy for each unobserved fasting day for an amount that can meet the daily provision of a person. Those who cannot afford it ask for forgiveness from Allah (swt). In the end, Allah is fair, and fidyah is a type of payment that supports the social solidarity, and the value of fasting is too high to be measured with material things.

To fast properly, Muslims should not only fast by their stomachs but also by all parts of their body. Their eyes should see the good and not seek the evil; their ears should hear the good and not listen to the evil; their tongues should speak good words or remain silent; and their hearts should intend for good and refrain from the evil. Unless one abstains from lying, gossiping and cheating, Allah does not need them to stay hungry in the name of fasting.

Fasting disciplines people by keeping them away from extreme desires, wishes and requests of the nafs (human self). It teaches them patience, gratitude, tawakkul (reliance on Allah) and the value of blessings and health. It provides the body with health, the mind with wellness, and the heart with relief. It enables humans to reach the awareness of time by waking up for sahoor, and the abundance of sadaqah (charity) by coming together with the needy ones in iftar tables.

6 Baqarah, 2/183.

Zakat (Almsgiving) and Sadaqah (Charity)

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“Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakat will have their reward with Allah, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.”7

(The Holy Qur’an)

Helping people, supporting people in need, and strengthening the poor and disadvantaged in the society are among the characteristics of the good morals of Muslims. These good deeds turn into an organizational structure through the system of zakat in Islam.

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. Therefore, a Muslim who is regarded as rich according to religious criteria should give a certain amount of their wealth to the ones in need determined by the Holy Qur’an only for the consent of Allah (swt). Revenue increasing property such as gold, silver, commodities, agricultural products, and animals are subject to certain amounts of zakat determined by the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah.

Zakat leads the cleaning and abundance of the assets and turn them into rewards for the Hereafter rather than making them lessen. Establishing the prayer correctly and giving zakat are frequently stated in succession in the Holy Qur’an as the characteristics of the believers. These verses depict the model of human who devotes their whole existence to Allah by worshiping both with their bodies and wealth.

According to Islam, besides the rich people’s obligation to give zakat, everyone regardless of being rich or poor can give “sadaqah,” in other words, can make others happy by meeting a need and making a donation with sincerity. There is not a limit, place or time for sadaqah. Every righteous deed whether material or spiritual is regarded as sadaqah.

While feeding a hungry person is a sadaqah, visiting a sick person is a sadaqah as well. It is also a sadaqah for a father to bring foodstuff to his home and for a mother to cook a meal and feed her family with them. A nice word, a sincere advice, a smiling face, enjoining good and forbidding evil, offering treat to the travelers and guests, carrying the bags of the elderly, protecting animals, conveying one’s knowledge and experience, and other numerous good deeds are regarded as sadaqah.

Allah the Almighty grants blessings to everyone without making any discrimination as believers and nonbelievers. However, the fact that a person has wealth does not necessarily mean that they are honorable. The honor of the property owners lies in the fact that they are aware of the value of what they have and show gratitude. Gratitude for wealth is shown firstly by believing that the real owner of all these possessions is Allah (swt), and then making payments to people in need knowing that those people also have a right on them.

Islam does not consider being wealthy or making savings as inappropriate and bad. Because when a wealthy believer spends their wealth for the good, they both make benefit from it themselves and contribute to the prosperity of the society. What is regarded as bad in Islam is the possessions which are greedily saved and stingily retained ignoring the rights of people in need.

Another important thing about zakat and sadaqah is that they should be given in a modest and secret way. Acts such as hurting the poor, taunting by reminding of their favor to poor people, and showing off with one’s charitable act can never be accepted.

For people to be successful at the worldly trials on their wealth, they should look out for other people and keep their love for possessions under control. People avoid from being the slave of the material world and interests and being stingy by giving zakat and sadaqah. They get used to being generous as they get the taste of sharing. They push aside the feeling of “I” and comprehend the value of feeling of “We.”

This world along with all its beauty and richness is temporary. What is permanent is only the faith and righteous deeds which are the investments made on goodness. Everything is entrusted to humans. Those who are regarded as rich in real sense are the ones who touch a person’s life by giving zakat sincerely, build schools, mosques and shelters with sadaqah, and raise people by sharing their knowledge.

7 Baqarah, 2/277.

Hajj (Pilgrimage)

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“And (due) to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way.”8

(The Holy Qur’an)

According to Islam, the first house of worship established for humanity is the Kab’ah in Makkah, which is a means of mercy and guide for all people. Hajj means standing (waqfah) at Arafat on the eve of eid al-adha, which is the ninth day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, after entering into ihram, and then circumambulating the Ka’bah. It is turning towards Allah before the Ka’bah. Hajj is performed once a year during certain days on the Haram District where the Ka’bah is located.

The divine journey to Makkah enables believers to closely see and feel the house of Allah to which they face from a far while performing prayers five times a day. Indeed, reaching the Ka’bah is not the main goal of hajj. The main goal is to get the consent of Allah, the real owner of the Ka’bah, and show Him devotion, obedience, submission, and endless gratitude.

Hajj has a certain importance as it is performed both by body and financial means. It strengthens the spiritual aspects of Muslims, raises their awareness of unity and solidarity, increases their dignity and responsibilities, and gives them the capability to act together as an ummah. In the blessed atmosphere of hajj, Muslims from different ethnicities, languages, colors, and traditions but of the same religion, get the chance to know one another and share love, knowledge, good manners, experience, and culture. A meeting full of divine blessings takes place in the most precious place and time. Therefore, hajj does not only have individualistic but also great social contributions.

Hajj is an act of worship moving around symbols. Every act performed during hajj has a symbolic meaning. Various events experienced within the family of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), and events that his son Ishmael and his wife Hagar went through are symbolically remembered and repeated. Practices such as circumambulating the Kab’ah (tawaf), sa’i between the hills of Safa and Marwa, ihram, talbiyah, shaving, Arafat waqfah, stoning the devil and sacrificing a qurbani are a part of performing hajj, and the legacy of the prophets from the Prophet Ibrahim to the Prophet Muhammad (saw).

The Prophet Muhammad heralded that those who complete hajj by abandoning the desires of nafs and lust, and avoiding sins and evil will be as much clean as the day they were born. He stated that “The reward of hajj accepted by Allah (swt) is nothing but heaven.”9

8 Al-i ‘Imran, 3/97.

9 Bukhari, Muhsar, 10; Umrah, 1.

Qurbani (Sacrifice)

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“Their (sacrifices’) meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you.”10

(The Holy Qur’an)

Qurbani in Islam means sacrificing an animal of certain qualifications at a certain time in accordance with certain procedures for worshipping Allah the Exalted. The main goal of qurbani, as in all worships, is to be close to Allah and attain His approval. Therefore, sacrifice is a demonstration of respect and submission by the servants who have taqwa (piety) and are aware of their responsibility towards Allah.

Sacrificing for Allah (swt) is a worship made obligatory for all nations since the Prophet Adam. Even today, while sacrificing an animal Muslims remember Abel and Cain, the Prophet Adam’s sons, who were put to a test of sincerity with their sacrifices for Allah. Abel, with his contentedness and obedience to the commandment of Allah (swt) in the best manner, passed the test while Cain failed with his stingy manners and jealousy.

Sacrificing an animal also reminds people the sincerity test of the Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ishmael. The Prophet Ibrahim, who swore an oath to sacrifice his dear son Ishmael, showed that he can sacrifice even his most valuable thing for Allah, and got rewarded with a ram.

The Prophet Muhammad sacrificed an animal every year until his death. The Prophet Muhammad and his family ate the meat of the sacrifice, they served it to their guests and also shared with the poor.

Although the animals sacrificed during the Eid al-Adha come to mind with the worship of sacrifice, there are various types of sacrifice made on some other times during year as a worship such as nazhr (oath), gratitude, kaffarah (expiation), and aqiqa (birth of a baby). Benefiting from the meats of these sacrifices is under different religious rulings.

The meaning of the worship of sacrifice is summarized by the Prophet Muhammad with the following words: “I have turned my face toward Allah, who created the heavens and the earth, and I am not of the idolaters. Truly, my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are (all) for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds. No partner hath He. And of this I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims. This sacrifice is for you, the Almighty Allah, and is presented for your consent by Muhammad and his ummah.”11

The Muslim who sacrifices an animal fulfills this worship in order to obey the command of Allah, to use the blessing given by Allah for Him, and to be purified. They experience the happiness of making a good deed for Allah by protecting themselves from craving of possessions and stinginess. They make happy the people primarily in their close circles, the people in need, the aggrieved, the miserable, and the lonely. Thus, sacrificing an animal keeps the spirit of friendship, cooperation and solidarity in Muslim societies alive, and contributes to the realization of social justice.

10 Hajj, 22/37.

11 Abu Dawud, Dahaya, 3-4.

Du’a (Invocation)

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“And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.”12

(The Holy Qur’an)

Du’a is defined as servants’ sincerely taking refuge in Allah, confessing their weakness before the might of Allah, expressing their deep love and respect for Allah, and asking for His help and forgiveness.

Du’a includes different emotions and intentions such as showing gratitude to Allah, praising Him, expressing that He does not have an equal or a partner, asking for protection from evil and asking for forgiveness, begging for the blessings needed.

Du’a is a holistic and lifetime-long worship that does not have a specific time, place or process to be performed. Indeed, there are certain times such as sacred nights, right after fardh prayers, time of Friday prayer, the day of Arafa when du’as are accepted. Similarly, there are places integrated with du’a such as Makkah, Ka’bah, Arafat, and Madinah. Yet, it is an unquestionable fact that humans can supplicate to Allah any time and in any condition.

Du’a is the communication between Allah and his servants. Throughout their lives, humans face various problems that they cannot overcome. They experience anger, grief, distress, fear, helplessness, loneliness, despair, illness, poverty, and hopelessness. They feel the need to pray to Allah especially in difficult times. Because the hope that the Almighty Allah will help them relieves their sadness and gives them strength. But Allah does not want people to pray to him only when they are in need. He (swt) wants them to remember Him not only when they are in need but also when they are wealthy and in peace. In fact, He expostulates on unfaithful and ungrateful servants who beg to Him when in need and forget Him after reaching a state of comfort.

The Muslim gives meaning and value to their lives with du’a. They always pray as they know that Allah always sees and hears them. They do not rush for their prayer to be realized, nor do they lose hope. They pray for not only themselves but also for other believers, thus, keeping themselves away from selfishness. They pay close attention to begging in a sincere way and asking for the good from Allah.

12 Baqarah, 2/186.

Chapter Three

Principles of Morality

Islam is the Religion of Good Morals

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“The most complete of the believers in faith are those with best morals.”1

(The Prophet Muhammad (saw))

Morality is a base for humans’ relations with other humans as well as with Allah, other creatures and environment. One of the distinct features of Islam, which is a faith of tawhid, is the value it puts on moral principles. The main goal of Islam is to build a healthy society composed of faithful people with good morals, and a peaceful world.

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) was known as Muhammad al-Amin (the Trustworthy) in Makkah due to his good morals even before prophethood, and in this regard he said “I was sent to complete the best of morals.”2 He notified people of the principles of belief along with the principles of morality from the first days of his prophethood, which shows the strong connection between belief and morality in Islam.

Islam requires people to live with good morals in every field and moment of life. Because the path to being close to Allah and gaining His consent passes through getting along well with people and making no compromises on morals. As stated in the many hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad: Allah shows mercy to those who show mercy to other people; Allah forgives and protects those who forgives people and do not expose their secrets; Allah bestows more blessings upon those who offer people food; and Allah helps those who help people in need. However, Allah also punishes those who maltreat people, violate the rights of others, expose their mistakes, and behave stingily toward the guests, travelers and relatives. Therefore, good morality in Islam concerns and shapes the individual relations as well as the relation between Allah and His servants.

The Muslim character possesses such virtues as justice, mercy, love and respect towards other creatures due to the creator, humbleness, generosity, trustworthiness, truthfulness, diligence, hospitality, solidarity, and cooperation. According to Islam, what makes people happy both in the world and in the Hereafter is belief, good morals, and sincere worships.

1 Abu Dawud, Sunnah, 15.

2 Ibn Hanbal, II, 381.

Islam is the Religion of Justice

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“Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.”3

(The Holy Qur’an)

Justice is rewarding those who make good deeds and punishing those who commit a crime. Justice is assigning the convenient duty to who is worthy of it, repaying to workers for their efforts, and protecting the justice, equality and balance between humans. Justice protects humans’ dignity, pride and rights as well as the peace and harmony of the society.

One of the names of the Almighty Allah is “al-Adl” which means “The owner of infinite and firm justice.” He (swt) built the universe with a magnificent balance, recompenses for the tiniest good deed or evil deed without any deficiency, and always rules among His servants justly. Although some blessings or difficulties look like they may not have been distributed equally among the people in the world, life in the world should be regarded as an eternal process together with the life in the Hereafter. Because Allah tests every person separately and recompenses them accordingly in the Hereafter, thus, securing the justice.

Allah commands His servants to behave in compliance with the standards of equity in administration, jurisdiction, and all humane relations. He strictly prohibits oppression, the opposite of justice. According to Islam, all humans are equal before the law regardless of their ethnicity, breed, social class, color, language, etc. The only way superiority in the presence of Allah is to have taqwa and behave with a deep awareness of responsibility towards Him.

Islam acknowledges that the lives, properties, dignity and faith of humans are inviolable. In fact, the Almighty Allah invites Muslims to behave justly toward their enemies as well with the following words: “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, And do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.”4

Justice is the most fundamental principle of morality that supports the society and reassures people. If justice is not secured, oppression, injustice, insecurity, chaos and sedition will rule the society. Therefore, Muslims should give beneficiaries their dues, and look out for the rights of those working under them. Islam commands parents to treat their children fairly, rulers to be fair, judges to decide fairly, employers to organize the workplace fairly and people to provide equality between men and women.

3 Nahl, 16/90.

4 Ma’idah, 5/8.

Islam is the Religion of Peace and
Serenity

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“O believers! Enter into Islam completely [and perfectly].”5

(The Holy Qur’an)

The word Islam originates from the word “salam” which means serenity, peace, and salvation. The word “al-Salam” is also one of the names of Allah and means “the giver of peace and serenity, and provider of salvation.” Muslim, then, means “one who has opted for serenity and peace.” Similarly, “iman” (belief) means feeling safe and at peace, and being free of fears. Therefore, disorder, conflict, terror and war are not related to the essence of Islam, its purpose and its principles.

Islam aims to provide an environment of serenity, peace, mutual respect and trust on earth. It wants humankind, who has a blessing named mind, to reconcile after ending fights and conflicts.

The Muslim gets their submissive personality which is inclined to peace and reconciliation, and is matured with good morals from Allah who blessed them with life. They hold on to the source of peace and serenity by submitting to Allah. They reach peace and serenity in their inner worlds and reflect this peace to the outer world. They go to heaven, which is named as “dar al-salam” meaning “the land of serenity” by following the Holy Qur’an which was sent to humanity as a guide to the true path, and the Prophet Muhammad (saw), the greatest representative of peace.

The history of humanity has witnessed numerous wars, violence and oppression since the first act of evil between the sons of Prophet Adam. Many people’s pride and honor were tarnished and their basic rights of life were taken away because of their belief, color, ethnicity or the wealth of the nations they live. The Almighty Allah has warned humans throughout the history, and sent them prophets and books to show them a life befitting humans. The last link of the chain of prophets was crowned with the Prophet of Islam, Prophet
Muhammad (saw).

The Prophet of Islam invited people to the right and truth, and took side by peace and reconciliation. He did not approach weapons unless the dignity of Islam, humane values, and the rights and privacy of Muslims were harassed. This situation is expressed in the Holy Qur’an as follows: “Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.”6

Many hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad mention the importance of commitment to promises, that it is Muslims’ duty to compose between religious fellows, and that efforts should be made to resolve conflicts diplomatically and peacefully. In this respect, when the Prophet Muhammad returned to Makkah, from which he was exiled years ago due to the tortures of polytheists, as a victorious commander, he did not shed blood on the day of conquest and forgave the people of Makkah.

Islam does not consider it as a necessity to share the same belief for living in peace and acting jointly for the good of all humanity. What matters is to be peaceful, and respect the rights, freedom, beliefs and values of other people. Thanks to the importance Islam put on the morality and law of living together, the Islamic civilization has unique examples of people from different ethnicities and belief systems living in peace and serenity on the same land.

It would be on point to give information about jihad, one of the key concepts of Islam. According to Islam, jihad is the name of the efforts made in the way of Allah, and struggle for Allah. Jihad is the efforts of the believers made to gain the consent of the Almighty Allah using their lives, properties, and all their existence.

Jihad is to show determination with the body, words, opinions and heart to protect the sacred values. It is the resolution of the Muslim to exist in their nation with their dignity, identity, and freedom, and preserve their belief, flag, liberty, and honor. Jihad is definitely not an unjust assault, destruction, exploitation, or oppression. On the contrary, jihad is the effort to protect the rights of Muslims from oppression and oppressors. The Muslim works and makes efforts for the sake of Allah with their hands, words, opinions, financial possibilities, and energy. They work continuously to tell the truth, invite to goodness, and cause nice things. The final level of jihad is for a person to join the armed struggle for their belief, existence, nation, future, and freedom.

The vicious games pulled by terrorist groups under the name of Islam and jihad are not related to jihad. Doings of murder networks that lost their sense of justice and mercy, suicide blasts which the Muslims were tried to be held responsible, and ferocity and violence cannot be associated with the concept of jihad in Islam. Because the concept of jihad in Islam is not killing innocent people. The concept of jihad in Islam is the name of keeping people alive rather than murdering, and the efforts for revival rather than destruction. Regardless of whom or what they were carried out against, the attacks against innocent people are in no way connected to the divine spirit and ideals Islam put on the concept of jihad. Terrorism, which can never be associated with religion, belief, virtue, humanism, reason and conscience, always deserves to be damned.

Erasing all kinds of evil from the world, stopping those who conspire and slaughter, and reasserting peace require the common efforts of humankind. Islam invites people to this common effort, and expects from all humans especially from Muslims to resist oppression and tyranny all together and work together for improvement. The definition of “Muslim” and “Mu’min” by the Prophet is as follows: “A Muslim is the one from whose hand and tongue the Muslims are safe. A Mu’min is the one of whom other people are sure that their lives and properties are safe.”7

5 Baqarah, 2/208.

6 Mumtahanah, 60/8.

7 Tirmidhi, Iman, 12.

Islam is the Religion of Knowledge and Wisdom

.

“Say, Are those who know equal to those who do not know?”8

(The Holy Qur’an)

Allah, the Creator of knowledge, who is “Alim” (the Wise) and knows everything, created people with the ability to learn and use knowledge. Islam wants people to use this ability for good, to learn and teach knowledge for the benefit of humans, and to construct the world in the nicest way with what they produce through their knowledge. In this respect, the first command to the Prophet Muhammad as a revelation of the Holy Qur’an was “Read!”

Beyond just being literate, this command of Islam refers to reading, understanding, and exploring the universe with a rather deep meaning, thus, reaching to the truth. At the same time, humans should read their own inner world, question their purpose of creation, and reach to their Creator after knowing their body and soul, which have been created with a magnificent design.

Engaging in knowledge is the most fruitful thing worth to get tired and spend time and effort for. Islam regards searching for and acquiring knowledge as a duty upon every man and woman. The last Prophet Muhammad stated: “Either be the one who teaches or the one who learns, or the one who listens, or the one who loves and supports wisdom. Do not be the fifth one or you will be destroyed!”9

In fact, every prophet was a teacher who invited people to be happy both in this world and in the Hereafter through true knowledge. Because true knowledge has a certain value in the sight of Allah. People adopt good morals with knowledge. Eventually, people gain value by knowing the truth and reflecting this knowledge on their lives.

According to Islam, false and untruthful information directing people to evil cannot be regarded as wisdom. The Prophet Muhammad asks for beneficial knowledge from Allah and takes refuge in Allah from useless knowledge. He insistently recommends people to learn and teach the Holy Qur’an which is the source of unchanging truth and truest knowledge. He heralds great things to those who pass down his words to the next generations in full. Thus, he wants to spread wisdom and reduce ignorance.

The Prophet Muhammad stated many times that those who make effort to get knowledge will go to heaven, those who share wisdom with others will be rewarded even after they die as long as people benefit from that knowledge, those who act selfishly by not sharing their knowledge and who do not act in line with the true knowledge will commit a major sin. Treasuring knowledge and being freed of ignorance are regarded as a worship that enables people to get close to Allah and that is rewarded. Therefore, the Prophet Muhammad stated the following: “The most fruitful sadaqah for a Muslim is to teach what they learn to their Muslim brothers.”10

8 Zumar, 39/9.

9 Darimi, Muqaddimah, 26.

10 Ibn Majah, Sunnah, 20.

Islam Commands Kindness in All Affairs

.

“The mu’min is not the one who talks against honor and dignity, curses, does improper things, and talks impudently.”11

(The Prophet Muhammad (saw))

Avoiding rudeness in their words and behaviors, being kind, being constructive, pacific and graceful show that the person is both a nice human being and a mature Muslim. Because Islam invites believers to be freed of any type of asperity, ugliness, disrespect and impertinence. The Prophet Muhammad forbade evil words and attitudes such as curse, damnation, and profanity.

According to Islam, the body, life, mind and dignity of every person must be protected from unfair intervention, threat and insult. Similarly, property, parents, family members, ethnicity, nationality and belief system of persons cannot be subjected to any oral or de facto attack. In Islam, difference of opinions is approached in a respectful way; difference of opinions are discussed without resorting to violence; and no unlawful or unethical steps are taken while resolving problems. Even the criminals serve their sentences but they are not insulted or tortured.

On the other hand, the Muslims must act in a mild-mannered, understanding and kind way toward people as well as animals and plants. Islam commands people to be environment-friendly and merciful towards other creatures, and to act fair and humane.

The last prophet (saw) recommends Muslims to act in the base of pure goodness (ihsan) for all things. The exemplary life of Prophet Muhammad is filled with good conduct and kindness toward his family members, relatives, friends, and even toward those who have different religious beliefs.

11 Tirmidhi, Birr wa Sila, 48.

Islam is the Religion of Mercy

.

“I was sent not as a damnation but as the mercy of Allah.”12

(The Prophet Muhammad (saw))

Allah is the Most Gracious (al-Rahman) and the Most Merciful (al-Rahim), Who preserves, protects and blesses all existence with His limitless mercy. He states that “My mercy has passed My rage.”13 and forgives people by force of this mercy. He (swt) wants people to be merciful and behave mercifully.

The Prophet Muhammad (saw), the most perfect human, is the messenger of mercy. He is the prophet of mercy and compassion. His Companions gathered around him because he was not cold-hearted or rude; and the society of ignorance who were prone to violence met with mercy under his leadership.

In the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, mercy is defined as an attentive attitude showing respect to being rather than a shallow feeling of pity. Because Islam attaches value to every creature created by Allah, thus, every creature deserves mercy. Humankind attains the mercy of Allah by showing mercy to the creatures on earth.

Of course, the best reflection of mercy is reciprocal communication, compassion, favor and cooperation among Muslims. However, mercy is not only shown to humans, believers, good or poor people. The morality of Islam requires to be merciful especially toward children, elderly, and ill people who are unable to protect their rights, and animals that are consigned to them.

Oppression and violence, which are the opposite of mercy, are strictly prohibited in Islam. The destructive behaviors people display by misusing either their mental or physical power are contrary to the fact that “humans were created to render the world prosperous.” Violence can never be accepted regardless of whom or what it is against. All types of physical, emotional or economic violence are regarded as a crime against humanity as it violates personal immunity.

In this respect, the lifestyle of the Prophet Muhammad, in other words the Sunnah, has the mindset that completely stops violence and adopts mercy as a principle. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) rejected all negative beliefs and behaviors consisting of violence that the mindset of the society of ignorance bears. He made efforts to wipe off violence which causes grudge, anger, jealousy, greed, revenge, pain and tears from all of the social layers. He protected the rights and dignity of women and little girls by never accepting violence and discrimination against them. Displaying a coarse, brutal, cruel and merciless attitude towards women in domestic and social life can never be based on the fundamental sources of Islam.

Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad commanded to abide by law and morality even in times of battle. It is noteworthy that he commanded people to act nicely towards prisoners; and forbade the killing of the elderly, women, children, and clerics. As the members of a religion forbidding violence and ferocity even in war, Muslims are the envoys of mercy. Because they have belief and love for humans in their hearts, rightful due and awareness of the Hereafter in their conscience, and the example of the Holy Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad before them.

The duty of the believers is to help those in need, protect and save those in a difficult situation, and introduce love and trust to their environment. Because the believers get close to Allah, the Most Merciful, through their merciful decisions, sentences, and acts. The Prophet Muhammad said, “Allah will not be merciful to those who are not merciful to people.”14

12 Muslim, Birr wa Sila, 87.

13 Bukhari, Tawhid, 22.

14 Bukhari, Tawhid, 2.

The Muslim is
Responsible

.

“Does human think that they will be left neglected?”15

(The Holy Qur’an)

Allah the Almighty made humans special by giving them “reason” and “will” unlike other creatures. He equipped them with various capabilities and gave them freedom to perform the decisions they make. He wanted that humans use their will in favor of the truth and goodness, and use their realm of freedom with the awareness of responsibility. In the end, the life on earth is a trial, and reckless behaviors or decisions are contrary to essence of the trial.

Responsibility shapes people’s lives and keeps them away from an aimless life. Responsible people know that life is filled with possibilities and blessings as well as duties. They care about responsibilities as much as they do about rights. They become happy and peaceful when they fulfill their responsibilities.

It is stated in the Holy Qur’an that Allah gives responsibilities to people who have reason and will not more than they can fulfill. Allah knows His servants best and always wants the best for them. He (swt) does not hold people responsible for the sins they committed accidentally or by forgetting. In fact, He (swt) will forgive people if they do not put the evil thoughts in their minds into action.

Living with a sense of responsibility toward Allah means knowing that they come from Allah, belong to Him and will return to Him in the end. It also means keeping in mind that Allah (swt), who sees, hears and knows everything, is always with them. Additionally, it means shaping their lives and taking every action with this awareness.

The main responsibility of humans towards Allah is believing in the existence and oneness of Him, associating no partners to Him, and fulfilling their duties as servants. Our relationship with Allah reflects to our relationship with people. Therefore, the rights of Allah over us include worships as well as social matters that concerns everyone. Because humans also have responsibilities towards themselves, their families, relatives, society, and nature.

Islam regards rights and responsibilities as two pans of a scale. Humans’ rights on each other naturally generate responsibilities for each other. Those who wish to get their rights are obliged to take responsibilities. When such balance is redressed, it is possible to build a powerful society with peaceful individuals.

15 Qiyamah, 75/36.

The Muslim is Kind to Their
Family

.

“The most benevolent among you is the one who is benevolent to his family. I am the most benevolent to my family among you.”16

(The Prophet Muhammad (saw))

Establishing a family and raising new generations is a model of life insistently recommended in Islam. The Holy Qur’an presents the ties of communication and mercy between a man and woman as the evidence of Allah’s existence, and the family as His blessing. It is stated that marriage is not pertain to a distinguished class, and recommended that people should be supported when they have financial impossibilities to start a family. Allah is the only being who is the one, has no partners, is not in need of others but is needed by all. Therefore, it is an innate need for humans to have a spouse and start a family.

Besides starting a family, Islam commands to take the responsibility of being a family as well. Being a family requires the unity of emotions and opinions, friendship, trust, mercy, justice, cooperation for goodness, and mutual struggle against evil.

Islam strictly forbids domestic violence. As in all matters, our best role model in the matter of family is also the Prophet Muhammad (saw). Accordingly, he never said a bad word to his wives, children and those who were serving him.17 His wife Aisha said that “He never put a slap on anyone’s face throughout his life.” Because any kind of offensive behavior of person toward their spouse, children, parents, siblings or close relatives is a crime under the law and a sin in the sight of Allah.

The Muslim knows that living with their spouse, children, and parents is a blessing. However, they also know that family is at the same time a trial just like other blessings. Therefore, strengthening family ties and protecting their families from all kinds of evil and danger are the responsibility of every Muslim man and woman. Being a Muslim requires to act justly to all family members without any discrimination, preserve everyone’s rights, and develop a type of communication based on love and respect.

16 Tirmidhi, Manaqib, 63.

17 Muslim, Fadhail, 79.

The Muslim is
an Environmentalist

.

“If the Resurrection were established upon one of you while he has in his hand a sapling, then let him plant it.”18

(The Prophet Muhammad (saw))

Allah (swt) has introduced people to the environment, told them the meaning codes of the universe, and taught them how to develop a relationship with nature since the day their life on earth has begun. There are numerous verses in the Holy Qur’an expressing the functioning of the universe, the balance and order between creatures, the purpose of creation of each and that they are the evidences of the existence, power and wisdom of Allah.

From the smallest to the biggest, every creature in the universe has a spiritual value beyond their physical value. Because everything on the skies and earth glorifies the Almighty Allah. There is no creature from birds to stones, plants to ants, sun to stars without a goal. The meaning Islam put on the environment is based on the principle that every creature has self-value due to the purpose of their creation.

According to the Islamic thought system, the environment is created by Allah; is being controlled and monitored by Him all the time; and entrusted to humans. Because among other creatures, human is the one who can perceive the environment at the highest level, shape and use it, and can link the environment to Allah. Therefore, Allah put nature and everything on the skies and earth into the service of humans. However, this does not mean that humans have the right of limitless use on nature. Human is not the master of universe but the trustee of it. They will answer to Allah in case of harming the environment by acting as they wish, or destroying it to acquire power and benefit.

Allah created the earth not only as the habitat of humans but also of animals and plants. Therefore, the Muslim preserves the animals’ and plants’ right to live, and acts justly, kindly and mercifully towards them. The Prophet Muhammad states that even a sparrow killed with no reason will demand justice by notifying Allah about its state.19 Therefore, environmental ethics in Islam refers to an attitude away from selfishness, materialism, greed, and insatiability.

The universe with all its beauty is the blessing of the Almighty Allah to humanity. The environment will stay clean due to its system if humanity does not interfere, poison, cut or burn it with their own hands. The Muslim takes responsibility regarding the environment, protects the natural pattern, and live in compliance with it. Because the environment is the most valuable treasure and future of humans.

18 Ibn Hanbal, III/184.

19 Nasa’i, Dahaya, 42.

The Muslim never Oppresses

.

“Almighty Allah ordered: “Verily I have made oppression unlawful for Me and for My servants too. So do not commit oppression against one another.”20

(The Prophet Muhammad (saw))

Oppression is not giving their due to the right-holder, and using a being where they do not deserve. Oppression is the common name for any type of torture, injustice, remorselessness, and inequality.

Islam regards as the biggest oppression giving the right of Allah to another by accepting the existence of another divinity other than Allah. To associate partners with Allah while He is the One who created humanity and equipped them with numerous blessings is regarded as shirk (polytheism). Polytheism is defined as leaving Allah and adopting other gods, developing polytheistic belief systems and then worshiping them. This is a complete oppression.

In addition to polytheism, refuting the verses of Allah, rejecting the Holy Qur’an and its provisions, disbelieving the prophethood and prophets are also types of oppression. Humans should not be among the oppressors against Allah by being in such situations. They should not oppress themselves by keeping themselves away from iman. They should experience the happiness, peace and trust of developing a close relationship with Allah, and should not make the life in the world and Hereafter miserable for themselves.

Similarly, humans should never oppress other humans and living or non-living creatures. Oppression on interpersonal relationship is violating the boundaries of others, extorting their rights, and behaving unjustly and mercilessly towards them.

Islam forbids oppression regardless of religion. Because if oppression is not prevented then injustice in society cannot be tackled, and powerful but cruel people will inevitably disturb the peace. Therefore, Muslims stand by the side of the oppressed against the oppressor regardless of the circumstances. They defend the right and the truth, and never compromise on law and virtue.

Islam forbids all types of oppression especially associating partners to Allah and states that oppressors are not loved by Allah, will never be supported by Him, and will never prosper.

20 Muslim, Birr wa Sila, 55.

The Muslim is Honest and
Truthful

.

“Say I affirm my faith in Allah and then remain steadfast to it.”21

(The Prophet Muhammad (saw))

Truthfulness is a universal principle of morality and refers to having one’s heart on one’s sleeve, and the compliance between peoples’ intentions, words, and actions. Indeed, being truthful, trustful and honest have a significant place in Islamic ethics.

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) establishes a strong connection between iman and truthfulness. He never allows lies, fraud and hypocrisy on the character of Muslims saying “Whoever deceives us is not one of us.”22 He also said, “Those who believe in Allah and in the Last Day should either speak good or keep silent.”23

The Muslim should firstly be faithful to Allah. They should affirm Allah and obey Him (swt) faithfully. They should be consistent in their intentions and behaviors, and be a trusted person. Because adopting honesty as a principle by keeping away from lies in the family, business life, education, friendships, and even when having fun and entertaining people, builds a society of trust starting with the closest circle.

21 Muslim, Iman, 62.

22 Muslim, Iman, 164.

23 Bukhari, Riqaq, 23.

The Muslim is Grateful

.

“We have certainly established you upon the earth and made for you therein ways of livelihood. Little are you grateful.”24

(The Holy Qur’an)

Appreciating blessings and being grateful to Allah due to His blessings is named as “shukr” (gratitude) in Islam. Gratitude is giving thanks to Allah sometimes with heart and with words at others, and confessing that they can maintain a life thanks to His blessings.

The gratitude of heart is to believe that the blessings come from Allah (swt). The gratitude of tongue is to give thanks to Him (swt) for these possibilities and blessings wholeheartedly. The gratitude of body is to use physical energy for the deeds in line with Allah’s consent, to perform worships such as prayer and fasting, and to stay away from the prohibitions of Allah. The gratitude for being a property owner is to help those in need by giving sadaqah and zakat while the gratitude for having a position and authority is to use their power for good and justice.

Gratitude is the awareness of servitude to Allah and a lifestyle. It also means to not forget Allah as His servants who become happy for numerous blessings from the things they eat and wear as well as physical and mental abilities, to material and spiritual opportunities.

The need for gratitude is innate for humans. If human owes a debt of gratitude to a person who does a simple favor for them, then they should not forget showing gratitude to Allah, who bestowed upon them many blessings. They should be aware of their inability, and understand that they cannot live without the help, support, and blessings of Allah (swt).

Moreover, a complementary part of being grateful to Allah is to give thanks to people of whom they see the goodness. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said, “Those who do not thank people do not show gratitude to Allah.”25 Appreciation and giving thanks ensure love, interaction and intimacy between people and eliminate bad habits such as ungratefulness and selfishness. Repaying to those who did them a favor, treated and helped in the same way, and praying for them if they cannot repay them materialistically are the requirements of the Muslim morality.

24 A’raf, 7/10.

25 Tirmidhi, Birr wa Sila, 35.

The Muslim
Asks for Forgiveness for Their Mistakes

.

“But whoever repents after his wrongdoing and reforms, indeed, Allah will turn to him in forgiveness. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”26

(The Holy Qur’an)

The Almighty Allah created humankind with a natural tendency to good and truth, and blessed them with potential powers such as reason, consciousness, will and emotion. Those who turn to good by using this potential correctly will do good deeds for themselves and humanity by gaining the content of Allah.

Humans may make mistakes. They are sometimes deceived or mistaken; they forget or cannot control themselves and fall into mistakes. An exit door and an opportunity to change and get purified are necessary for the Muslims who committed a sin. The door to forgiveness provided by the Almighty Allah for His servants is tawbah (repentance).

Islam defines “istighfar” as regretting the sins committed and asking for forgiveness from Allah (swt), and “tawbah” as the determination to not make the same mistake again. “Al-Tawwab” is one of the names of Allah and means the acceptor of repentance at any time. He (swt) is the most merciful, values the remorse of His servants, loves to forgive and forgives those who repent and make things better.

Repenting sincerely is regarded both as a worship and an opportunity to renewal and purification. Repenting is the path to growing mature, staying away from mistakes after bringing ourselves to account, and starting over with hope and belief. It is the path to repairing the wrongdoings that violate the borders of Allah, and gaining His love and care.

Repentance is a conscious and determined action. The Muslim reinforces their self-confidence and self-respect through repentance. They serve as a model to other people by avoiding from sins. The Prophet Muhammad says, “Whoever repents of their sins sincerely is like a person who has never committed sin.”27

When regretted and repented, there are no sins for Muslims Allah will not forgive other than rightful dues and public rights. The rightful due is recompensed by amending with the other person and recovering the loss while the public rights are recompensed by being accounted before the public.

26 Ma’idah, 5/39.

27 Ibn Majah, Zuhd, 30.

The Muslim Pursues the Paths to Heaven

.

“Whoever says ‘I accept Allah as my god, Islam as my religion and Muhammad as my prophet’ absolutely enters heaven.”28

(The Prophet Muhammad (saw))

The fist human the Prophet Adam and his wife were sent to the world from the heaven. The life in this world is a temporarily journey and absence from home for humankind. Therefore, every person yearns for the heaven, wants a life like heaven, and seeks for the beauty of heaven everywhere. Islam teaches humans the ways to realize the desire for heaven which is ingrained in their soul.

Iman is the primary thing that will enable Muslims to enter heaven. The blessings in the heaven can only be reached by believing in Allah, the Prophet Muhammad, and the final and complete religion Islam.

Good deeds including worships and good behaviors should accompany iman. Therefore, the Muslim never abandons establishing prayer. They fast. They give zakat for their properties. They go to hajj and visit the Kab’ah, the home of Allah. Other than these basic worships, they regard as worship every good word, effort and intention that will lead them to Allah’s consent. The Holy Qur’an states that believing Allah as well as staying away from evil deeds, helping others during ease and hardship, controlling anger, forgiving people’s deficiencies, and asking for forgiveness from Allah for the sins they committed will lead people to heaven.29

The inseparable and irreplaceable complement of belief and worships is good morals. The Muslim knows that they cannot enter heaven if they do not believe, and cannot be a mature believer if they do not embellish their faith with good behaviors and virtues. Because the Prophet Muhammad (saw) defined those who perform worships but do not have good morals and oppresses the other people as “bankrupt” for all of their good deeds go for nothing.30 The following statement by the Prophet Muhammad (saw), which guarantees heaven in return for good morals, is quite impressive: “Assure me of six things from yourself and I will guarantee the heaven to you: Speak truthfully. Keep your promises. When something is entrusted to you, return it to its owner. Preserve your honor. Avoid from looking at haram. Stay away from evil deeds.”31

The Muslim regards the life with love and mercy to enter heaven. They hold dear the creatures due to their Creator. They act in a forgiving, understanding and humble way. They do not break people’s hearts or hurt them. They never endanger a creature intentionally. They act in a respectful manner toward everyone regardless of them being woman, man, old, child, rich or poor, and do not offend people with their words and behaviors.

The Muslim feels the support of Allah as long as they help others, and believes that this devotion will enable them to enter heaven. The goodness in the life of a Muslim is not shaped according to the attitudes of people, on the contrary, good deeds are made for expecting to enter heaven in return from Allah. In this respect, the Holy Qur’an states that liberating a slave or a prisoner, feeding an orphan or a poor during a severe famine, being a believer and advising patience and mercy to one another are of the deeds that “ease the craggy paths to heaven.”32

The Prophet Muhammad said that heaven is for “those who have a pure heart like a bird.” It is for those who have taqwa and know their responsibilities to Allah. It is a place that truthful, honest and trustworthy people will go. In this regard, Prophet Muhammad states the following: “O people! Adhere to the truth. Indeed, truth leads to good deeds and good deeds lead to heaven. If a man continues to speak the truth and makes truth his object, he will be recorded as truthful before Allah. O people! Avoid falsehood. Because falsehood leads to wickedness and wickedness leads to hell. If a man continues to speak falsehood and makes falsehood his object he will be recorded as a liar before Allah.”33

Heaven is eternal. It is filled with beautiful and limitless blessings undreamed of. Those who wish to enter heaven live every moment of their limited life carefully to enter heaven which is indefinite. They never spend their times on useless, unnecessary and ineffectual things. They do not waste their life, youth energy, intelligence, abilities, health and money for nothing.

Indeed, the path to heaven is filled with hardships. Because this world is the world of trials. But the Muslim is the passenger to heaven. No hardship can be an obstacle on their sacred journey. Neither the suggestions of devil nor the endless desires of nafs and the ring of fire around them inviting to commit sins can discourage them. The Muslim acts with the power of faith, patience, and persistence. They trust Allah, abide by His rules, and avoid His prohibitions. They take the life of the Prophet Muhammad as an example. In the end, they enter heaven, the land of eternal goodness, with the permission and blessing of Allah (swt).

28 Abu Dawud, Witr, 26.

29 Al-i ‘Imran, 3/132-136.

30 Muslim, Birr wa Sila, 59.

31 Ibn Hanbal, V, 323.

32 Balad, 90/12-17.

33 Muslim, Birr wa Sila, 103.

The Muslim Avoids the Paths to Hell

.

“And whoever opposes the Messenger after guidance has become clear to him and follows other than the way of the believers - We will give him what he has taken and drive him into Hell, and evil it is as a destination.”34

(The Holy Qur’an)

Without any exception, the orders of Islam is for the good of people, and its prohibitions are about the matters that harm people. The most important opinion, word and action that Islam prohibited is polytheism. Polytheism (shirk) is associating partners to Allah, accepting the existence of deities other than Him, and developing a polytheistic belief system. Disbelief (kufr) is not believing or recognizing Allah. Polytheism and disbelief lead people to hell.

Islam prohibits disobeying the borders of Allah, paying no attention to sins, feeling free to openly commit or advertise a sin, not regretting for the sins they committed, and shortly disregarding the sins even though they have belief.

There are certain prohibitions in Islam named “haram”, which are determined based on the verses of the Holy Qur’an and hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad. Conducting these prohibitions will be punished with hell unless people regret doing it, repent for it and are forgiven by Allah (swt). Aforementioned prohibitions and major sins are as follows:

Disbelieving in Allah or having deities other than
Him (swt),

Taking the life that is regarded as untouchable by Allah,

Committing suicide and deciding on personal death by euthanasia,

Using alcohol and drugs,

Gambling,

Consuming of usury,

Committing theft,

Obtaining unjust and illegal profit,

Cheating on measurements and scales,

Fornicating, having extramarital intercourse or out of wedlock,

Casting aspersions of fornication on a chaste person,

Betraying to the property of an orphan,

Defrauding the rightful dues and public rights,

Causing disorder among people,

Oppressing any living creature,

Being unfair to parents and disrespecting them,

Torturing to neighbors and cutting the relations with relatives,

Wasting wealth, time, and health.

When the Muslims of Madinah believed in the Prophet Muhammad (saw) for the first time, they pledged devotion to the following principles: not associating partners to Allah, not stealing, not fornicating, not murdering their children, not taking a life regarded as haram by Allah, not slandering, and not revolting against the Prophet Muhammad about a good matter.35 It is possible state that these principles protect people from evil and hell.

In fact, most of the behaviors leading to a bad end such as hell occur as a result of disbelief and bad morals. In this regard, Islam states that attitudes such as hypocrisy, pomposity, greed, arrogance, grudge, jealousy, stinginess and preventing people from doing good deeds require punishment.

The Muslim is obliged to stay away from sins like violence, theft and extortion. They are responsible for preserving their words, and not making mistakes that are committed with tongue such as being a talebearer, casting aspersions, gossiping, lying and committing perjury. Similarly, they are responsible for controlling their desires and living a chaste life away from fornication.

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) states “The hell is filled with the desires of nafs, and the heaven is filled with things that are disliked by nafs.”36 Therefore, the path to a peaceful life in the Hereafter and eternal salvation away from hell passes through iman, patience, persistence, reason, foresight, virtue, and hope.

34 Nisa, 4/115.

35 Mumtahanah, 60/12, Bukhari, Diyat, 2.

36 Bukhari, Riqaq, 28.