What is Islam?
Islam is not a new religion. It is the same truth that God revealed to all His prophets throughout history. Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy and forgiveness that should not be associated with acts of violence against the innocent.
Who are Muslims and what do they believe?
There are an estimated 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide. No more than 20 percent of Muslims live in the Arabic-speaking world. The country with the largest Muslim population is Indonesia. Muslims believe in One, Unique, and Incomparable God. They believe in the Day of Judgement and individual accountability for actions. Muslims believe in a chain of prophets beginning with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, David, Solomon, and Jesus. God’s eternal message was reaffirmed and finalized by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be on them all). One becomes a Muslim by saying, “There is no deity but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God.” By this declaration, the person announces faith in all of God’s messengers.
What is the Quran?
The Quran is the record of the exact words revealed by God through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad. It was memorized by Muhammad and then dictated to his companions. The text of the Qur’an was cross-checked during the life of the Prophet. The 114 chapters of the Qur’an have remained unchanged through the centuries.
What are the “Five Pillars” of Islam?
1) The Declaration of Faith – This consists of the two sentence declaration described above.
2) Prayer – Muslims perform five obligatory prayers each day. Islamic prayers are a direct link between the worshiper and God. Islam has no hierarchical authority or priesthood. A learned Muslim chosen by each congregation leads the prayers.
3) Zakat – One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God and that wealth is held in trust by human beings. Zakat, or charitable giving, “purifies” wealth by setting aside a portion for those in need. This payment is usually two and a half percent of one’s capital.
4) Fasting – Every year in the Islamic lunar month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from first light until sunset. The fast is another method of self-purification.
5) Pilgrimage – A pilgrimage to Mecca, or Hajj, is an obligation for those who are physically or financially able.
What about the American Muslim community?
There are an estimated 7 million Muslims in America. The Muslim community in America is made up of people from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds and national origins. There are almost 2,000 mosques, Islamic schools and Islamic centers in America. Muslims are active in all walks of life. Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in this country and around the world.
What about Muslim women?
Under Islamic law, women have always had the right to own property, receive an education and otherwise take part in community life. Men and women are to be respected equally. The Islamic rules for modest dress apply to both women and men equally. (Men cannot expose certain parts of their bodies, wear gold or silk, etc.) If a particular society oppresses women, it does so in spite of Islam, not because of it.
What is Jihad?
“Jihad” does not mean “holy war.” Literally, jihad means to strive, struggle and exert effort. It is a central and broad Islamic concept that includes struggle against evil inclinations within oneself, struggle to improve the quality of life in society, struggle in the battlefield for self-defense (e.g., – having a standing army for national defense), or fighting against tyranny or oppression.Where can I find other resources on Islam?
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Abu Bakr (AS) – About & Quotes
Here are some facts about Abu Bakr Al-Siddeeq (May Allah be pleased with him) :
- The Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘Follow the example of those after me: Abu Bakr and Umar.’ [1]
- He was the first adult male and the first free man to accept Islam; [2]
- The Prophet (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wassallam) informed his Companions (radhiyAllahu ‘anhum) that, whenever he invited a person to Islam, that person would hesitate before making up his mind to embrace Islam – except for Abu Bakr (radhiyAllahu ‘anhu), who neither hesitated nor wavered. [3]
- Immediately upon embracing Islam, Abu Bakr (radhiyAllahu ‘anhu) made it his primary mission in life to spread the message of Islam to others. [4] Many embraced Islam at his hands; here are some examples: ‘Uthmaan ibn ‘Affaan, ‘Abdur-Rahman ibn ‘Auf, Sa’d ibn Abee Waqqaas, Az-Zubair ibn Al-‘Awaam and Talhah ibn ‘Ubaidullah (radhiyAllahu ‘anhum). These particular five were the fruits of Abu Bakr’s Dawah. Once these five brave men entered the fold of Islam, others began to follow. [5]
- The Prophet (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wassallam) said: “Abu-Bakr has favored me much with his property and company. If I were to take a Khalil (an intimate friend) from mankind I would certainly have taken Abu Bakr.” [6]
- He was the one and only companion whom RasulAllah (salAllahu’alayhi wasallam) chose to accompany him in the Hijrah to Madinah. [7]
- If the eman of Abu Bakr was put on one side of the scale and the eman of this entire Ummah on the other, Abu Bakr’s eman would have outweighed. [8]
- Throughout his life, the Prophet (salAllahu’alayhi wasallam) appointed only one man to lead Muslims in prayer in his place, and that man was, ofcourse, Abu Bakr (radhiyAllahu ‘anhu). [9]
- When the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) died, people fell into a state of shock and disbelief. It was Abu Bakr (radhiyAllahu ‘anhu) who then brought them back to their senses, saying to them his now-famous words: “Whoever used to worship Muhammed, Muhammed has indeed died. And whoever used to worship Allah, Allah is alive and never dies.” [10]
- He was the first khalifah after the death of Muhammed (sallAllahu’alayhi wasallam) [11]
- Abu Bakr (radhiyAllahu ‘anhu) was the first to begin the compilation of the Qur’an, under the advice of Umar (radhiyAllahu ‘anhu). [12]
- Abu Bakr (radhiyAllahu ‘anhu) said, “I do and apply (in terms of actions, policies, etc.) everything that the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wasallam) did and applied, for I fear that, if I abandon any part of his way (or system of rule), I will go astray.” [13]
- Abu Bakr (radhiyAllahu ‘anhu) lived in the moment, using every second of his time to better himself as a Muslim.
- Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wassallam) said to his companions, “Who has observed fast among you today?” Abu Bakr (radhiyAllahu ‘anhu) replied, “Me.” He (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wassallam) said, “Who among you followed a funeral procession today?” Abu Bakr (radhiyAllahu ‘anhu) replied, “Me”. He (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wassallam) said, “Who among you has fed a poor person (today)?” Abu Bakr (radhiyAllahu ‘anhu) replied, “Me”. He (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wassallam) said, “Who among you visited a sick person today?” Abu Bakr (radhiyAllahu ‘anhu) said, “Me.” Upon this the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wassallam) said, “Anyone in whom (these good deeds) are combined will certainly, enter paradise.” [14]
- Abu Bakr (radhiyAllahu ‘anhu) died at the age of 63, which was the exact age at which the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wassallam) died. As per his instructions, [15] Abu Bakr (radhiyAllahu ‘anhu) was washed by Asmaa bint ‘Umais (radhiyAllahu ‘anha) and was buried alongside the Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wassallam). [16]
References:
[1] Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Vol. 1, Book 46, Hadith 3662
[2] “The Noble life of The Prophet, Vol. 1” by Ali Muhammad al-Sallaabee, 2005, p. 158
[3] “The Biography of Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq” by Ali Muhammad al-Sallaabee, 2007, p. 51
[4] “The Biography of Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq” by Ali Muhammad al-Sallaabee, 2007, p. 742
[5] “The Noble life of The Prophet, Vol. 1” by Ali Muhammad al-Sallaabee, 2005, p. 159
[6] Sahih Bukhari, Book #8, Hadith #455
[7] “The Biography of Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq” by Ali Muhammad al-Sallaabee, 2007, p. 743
[8] AlBaihaqi, At-Tirmidhi and Ahmad
[9], [10] “The Biography of Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq” by Ali Muhammad al-Sallaabee, 2007, p. 745
[11] http://islamqa.info/en/13713
[12] Bukhari, Book #60, Hadith #201
[13] “The Biography of Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq” by Ali Muhammad al-Sallaabee, 2007, p. 750
[14] Sahih Muslim, Book #5, Hadith #2242
[15] At-Tabaqaat, Ibn Sa’ad (3/203, 204), and the chain of this narration is authentic.
[16] Taareekh Al-Islam, by Adh-Dhahabee; and ‘Ahd Al-Khulafaa Ar-Raashidoon (pg. 120)
Courtesy: Bint Mirza at the Islamic Online University Blog
Quotes By Abu Bakr as Saddiq (Radi Allah Unho)
On Greatness
Run away from greatness and greatness will follow you.
There is greatness in the fear of God, contentment in faith of God, and honour in humility.
On Good actions
Good actions are a guard against the blows of adversity.
Be good to others, that will protect you against evil.
If you expect the blessings of God, be good to His people.
Every day, nay every moment, try to do some good deed.
On Death
Have an earnestness for death and you will have life.
Death is the easiest of all things after it, and the hardest of all things before it.
On Knowledge
The more knowledge you have, the greater will be your fear of Allah.
Without knowledge action is useless and knowledge without action is futile.
Knowledge is the life of the mind.
When a noble man learns knowledge he becomes humble, [whereas] when an ignoble person gains knowledge, he [becomes] conceited.
When knowledge is limited – it leads to folly. [But] when knowledge exceeds a certain limit, it leads to exploitation.
On Advice
When you seek advice, do not withhold any facts from the person whose advice you seek.
When you advise any person you should be guided by the fear of God.
If anybody seeks your advice, offer right and sincere advice.
He who is not impressed by sound advice, lacks faith.
On Kindness
If you expect the blessings of God, [then] be kind to His people.
He who aspires to paradise should learn to deal with people with kindness.
He who fears to weep, should learn to be kind to those who weep.
On Self-Control
If you want to control other people, first control yourself.
On Patience and Confidence
Patience is half [the] faith, and confidence is full faith.
Society of evil persons
Solitude is better than the society of evil persons.
On Honesty
The greatest truth is honesty, and the greatest falsehood is dishonesty.
On Your Brother
Do not look down upon any Muslim, for even the most inferior believer is great in the eyes of God.
God blesses him who helps his brother.
Cooperate with one another, and do not bare grudges of jealousy.
Muslims should live like brothers.
God helps those who fear Him.
Allah will help him who moves in the way of Allah.
On Jihad
The people who abandon Jihad fall a victim to humility and degradation.
Jihad is obligatory for the Muslims.
To fight against the infidels is Jihad; but to fight against your evil self is greater Jihad.
On Intentions
Intentions count in your actions.
On Charity
When you offer any Sadaqah to a beggar, do it with humility and respect, for what you are offering is an offer to Allah.
On Mosques
He who builds a masjid in the way of Allah, God will build a house for him in the paradise.
On Life Philosophy
Follow the way of life, which the Holy Prophet has shown you, for verily that is the right path.
On Prayers
He who prays five times a day is in the protection of God, and he who is protected by God cannot be harmed by anyone.
On Neighbors
You should not quarrel with your neighbor, for he will remain where he is, but your high handedness will become the talk of the people.
On Appearances
Maybe a thing that you do not like is really in your interest. It is possible that a thing that you may desire may be against your interest.
On Love of God
He who [has a taste for the] love of God can have no taste for the love of the world.
On Becoming a Muslim
He who becomes a Muslim does so in his own interest.
On Falsehood
He who indulges in falsehood will find the paths of paradise shut to him.
On Boasting
He who boasts lowers himself.
On Pride
Pride in the case of a rich man is bad, but but pride in the case of a poor man is worse.
On Elation
Do not get elated at any victory, for all such victory is subject to the will of God.
On Avoidance of Complaints
He who avoids complaint invites happiness.
On Worldly Attractions
If an ignorant person is attracted by the things of the world, that is bad. But if a learned person is thus attracted, it is worse.
O’ man you are busy working for the world, and the world is busy trying to turn you out.
On Justice
In the matter of justice, all should be equal in your eyes.
On Deception and Faithlessness
Do not deceive or be faithless even with your enemy.
On Fair Trade
Use the same measure for selling that you use for purchasing.
On Sin
It is good to repent from sin; [but] it is better to avoid [it].
It is bad for a young man to sin; but it is worse for an old man to sin.
On Evil
Cursed is the man who dies, but the evil done by him survives.
On Dying the Hair
Youth is not restored by the dyeing of your hair.
On Early Rising
It is a matter of shame that in the morning the birds should be awake earlier than you.
On Piety
Piety is the most solid goodness, and the vilest of what is evil is vice.
On Truth and Falsehood
Truth is a trust, [whereas] falsehood [is] treason.
On Vain desires
Do not follow vain desires; for verily he who prospers is preserved from lust, greed and anger.
On the Best
Abu Bakr prayed, “O Lord, render the best of my life [at] its close, the best of my deeds as the last, and the best of my days the day of Your meeting.” “O God verily I ask of You that which may be the best for me in the end. O God vouchsafe that the last good that You bestow upon me, is Your approbation.”
On Deadly Things
The most deadly of things are the two that are red, gold and saffron.
On the Reward of a Believer
The true believer is rewarded in every thing, even in affliction.
Life of the world
Our abode in this world is transitory, our life therein is but a loan, our breaths are numbered and our indolence is manifest.
On Condolences
While condoling the death of a [fellow]companion, Abu Bakr said to the bereaved family: “There is no harm in patience, and no profit in lamentation. Death is easier to bear than [than] that which precedes it, and more severe than that which comes after it. Remember the death of the Apostle of God, and your sorrow will be lessened.”
On the Prayer for a Dead Man
When praying for a dead man, Abu Bakr said: “O God his people and his goods and his kindred have forsaken this servant of Yours. His sin was grievous, but You are Merciful and Compassionate.”