Table of Contents

ISLAM WHY? FOR WHOM? WHEN?

Islam... why?

1. Because Islam is the religion accepted by Allah for all humanity.

2. Because Islam is the religion of all prophets since Adam to Mohammad (Peace
be upon them all).

3. Because Islam is the seal of all heavenly religions, and

4. Because the messenger of Islam is the last of God's apostles, and

5. Because its Book (Al-Qur'an) is the last of Allah's scriptures.

6. Allah ta'ala (Glory be to Him) says: "Do they seek other than the Deen
(Religion) of Allah? - while all creatures in the heavens and on earth have,
willing or unwilling, bowed to His Will (accepted Islam), and to Him shall
they all be brought bad;." [Al-Qur'an 3:83] "If anyone desires a Deen (Religion)
other than Islam (submission to Allah) it never will be accepted of him; and
in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (everything)
[Al-Qur'an 3:85]

Islam... for whom?

7. For every person on whom Allah has bestowed life and intellect.

8. For those who can see the blessings of Allah.

9. For those who can hear the words of Allah.

10. For those who can comprehend the signs of Allah.

11. For those whose hearts are full of love and gratitude to Allah.

12. For you and for me and for those whose blessed hearts are open to faith.

Islam... When?

13. Now, not tomorrow,

14. Obey your heart's call to faith,

15. It is your life chance,

16. A golden chance that might not strike your heart again.

17. Answer Allah's call. He summons you.

18. "But your God is one God, submit then your wills to Him (in Islam), and
give the good news to those who humble themselves." [Al-Qur'an 22:34]

THE GREAT TRIP

1. If you become convinced that Islam is the true religion,

2. Seek a trustworthy Islamic authority such as an Islamic Center, a mosque,
or an Islamic organization.

3. Contact the person in charge and tell him about your wish to embrace Islam.

4. The person in charge will ask you some questions to know how far you are
convinced with Islam.

5. This pamphlet will provide you with answers for such questions.

6. Before you reach that honorable occasion, i.e., declaring conversion to
Islam, wash the whole of your body with the intention of converting to Islam.
It is also recommended for this very special occasion, to shave, dress up,
and apply a pleasant-smelling perfume to the body.

WHAT DO YOU SAY TO DECLARE YOUR CONVERSION TO ISLAM?

1. To achieve this, it is sufficient to say (in Arabic, if possible):

2. ('Ash-hadu'an la'ilaha 'illa-l-lah!)

3. (Wa'ash-hadu 'an-na Muhammadan rasulu l-lah)

4. (Wa'ash-hadu'an-na Isa 'abdul-lahi wa rasuluh)

5. (Bari'tu min kulli dinin yukhalifu dina l-Islam)

The meaning of this is as follows:

2. (I bear witness that there is no (true) god except Allah.)

3. (And I bear witness that Muhammad is Allah's Messenger.)

4. (And I bear witness that Jesus is the slave and messenger of Allah.)

(I deny and refuse any religion except Islam)

Also you can say:

I (firmly) believe in Allah, His angels, His scriptures, His Messengers,

the Last Day, and the predestination of good or bad.

I promise Allah not to associate with Him (in worship) any other thing

(whatsoever), and,

I will steadfastly perform Salat (the Five Prayers), and

I will give out Zakat (special Islamic system of charity), and

11. I will never steal, and

12. Never commit adultery (or fornication), and

13. Never illegally kill a person, and

14. Never disobey Allah.

15. Praise be to Allah Who has guided me to belief !

16. Note: The person in charge, in front of whom a new Muslim has announced
his conversion to Islam, prays Allah for him with such prayers: Allah may forgive
me and you! And Allah may accept (submission) from me and you! 0 Allah! Accept
him with those on whom You did bestow your Grace, of Prophets, the Sincere
(lovers of Truth), the Witnesses, and the Righteous! What a beautiful Fellowship!

* After being well convinced of Islam and satisfactorily knowledgeable of
the basic articles of Faith and of the Pillars and the basic characteristics
of Islam, you have to declare that in front of some Islamic authority which,
by turn, will provide you, after necessary investigations, with an authorized
certificate which will help you prove your new situation so as to be unsuspectedly
recognized by the Muslim community.

WHAT IS ISLAM?

1. Islam (is composed of) three (main) areas: Utterance, faith, and deeds.

2. The utterance was explained in chapter 4

3. Faith is to believe in Allah, the angels, the Heavenly Scriptures, Prophets
and the last Day.

4. Deeds are: Salat (prayers), Zakat (Alms-giving), Siyam (Fasting), and Hajj
(Pilgrimage).

* Islam is an Arabic word derived from the root (S, L, M) which has many noble
meanings

such as peace, purity, soundness, safety, submission and obedience. As an
Islamic term, it

has two principal meanings: a) Full submission to the Will of Allah and obedience
to his law.

b) Allah's divine guiding system revealed to mankind along the ages to the
Prophets and

Messengers and, finally, completed in the last revelation, Al-Qur'an. to the
last Messenger,

Muhammad. Salla'Lahu Alaihi wasallam (Peace Be Upon Him).

FAITH IN ALLAH

(1) We believe that Allah is One God, our Lord and the Lord of everything,

(2) Allah is the Creator of everything,

(3) All others than Him are created, mastered servants who share nothing with
Allah.

(4) Even angels and Prophets are merely created servants submitting to Allah.

(5) Among them are Jesus and Muhammad (Peace be upon them); both have no trace
of deity (godhood).

(6) Allah is the Living, self-Subsisting, Eternal, the First without a beginning
and the Last without an end.

(7) He hears everything and sees everything.

(8) He is Most Gracious, Most Merciful, All-dominating,

(9) He has the Most beautiful Names and the Noblest Attributes.

(10) He has created us out of nothing,

(11) And made us in the best form.

(12) He has given us all graces and bounties.

(13) Hence we are not permitted to worship or submit to any other than Him,
be a favorite angel or a chosen Prophet!

(14) Whoever directs his prayers, bows or prostrates (in worship), offers
sacrifice to any other than Allah, he is an infidel and not a Muslim even if
he declares that he is a Muslim:

(15) Allah says: "Say: 'Truly my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life
and my death. are (all) for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds. No partner
has He. This am I commanded and I am the first of those who submit to His Will." [Al-Qur'an
6: 162-163]

(16) Islam is the religion of Monotheism: it denies the Dualism of Magians
and the Trinity of Christians. (In Islam) Allah is One and only One. No one
shares Him His Dominion or His Command. He has the Most beautiful Names and
the Noblest Attributes:

(17) Allah says: "Say! He is Allah, the One. He is the Most Unique, the Eternal,
the Absolute. He neither gives birth, nor is He born. And there is none like
unto Him." [Al-Qur'an 112]

FAITH IN ANGELS

(1) Allah has created angels to worship Him, to carry out His commands and
to be His messengers to His human Prophets.

(2) One of the angels is Gabriel who used to bring down Revelation to our
Prophet Muhammad 'Alaihi s-Salatu wa s-Salamu (Peace Be Upon Him)

(3) Another angel is Michael who is in charge of rain-falling.

(4) A third one is the "Angel of Death" who is in charge of taking the souls
of people whose death is due.

(5) Angels are but servants honored by Allah.

(6) Hence we honor them and speak of them respectfully.

(7) But we worship none of them, nor do we take them as Allah's sons or daughters
(as infidels claim).

(8) We worship only Allah who created them in this wonderful kind of creation.

(9) Allah (Glory be to Him) says:

"And they say:'(Allah) Most Gracious has begotten offspring, Glory to Him!

They are but servants raised to honor.

They do not speak before he speaks,

and they act (in all things) by His command.

He knows what is before them and what is behind them,

and they offer no intercession except for those whom He accepted,

and they stand in awe and reverence of Him.

If any of them should say, 'I am a god besides Him', such one We

should reward with Hell".

Thus do We reward those who do wrong". [Al-Qur'an 21:26-29]

FAITH IN HOLY SCRIPTURES

(1) Allah has sent down to a number of messengers, Books in order to proclaim
them to mankind.

(2) These Books contain The words of Allah.

(3) Among them are The Sheets of Ibrahim (Abraham), Taurat revealed to Moosa
(Moses),

Az-Zabour (psalms) revealed to Dawood (David), Al-Injil (Gospel) revealed
to Isa (Jesus),

And Al-Qur'an sent down to Muhammad, (Peace be upon them all).

(4) jews and Christians distorted some parts of their Books (Taurat and

(5) Being the last Book assuredly guarded from corruption, Al-Qur'an confirms
the truth in the previous Books and guards them.

(6) Whatever, in those Books, differs from Al-Qur'an is corrupted or abrogated.

(7) Allah(Glory be to Him) says:

"To you We sent the Scripture in truth

Confirming the scripture that came before it,

And guarding it..."

[Al-Qur'an 5:48]

(8) Allah revealed Al-Qur'an in Arabic and has firmly promised to protect
from all corruption; He says about Al-Qur'an: "We have, without doubt, sent
down the Message, and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)"

[Al-Qur'an 15:9]

FAITH IN PROPHETS

(1) We believe that: Allah chose from among mankind some Prophets to reveal
to them.

(2) From among those Prophets He selected Some Messengers.

(3) He sent to the Messengers Laws and commanded them to proclaim and to clarify
them to their people.

(4) There were a number of Messengers known for their firm stand and endurance
in struggling for the Cause of Allah. They are five: Noah, Ibrahim, Moosa (Moses),
Isa (Jesus), and Muhammad ('Alayhimu s-Salatu wa s-Salamu) (P.B.U.T.)

(5) Embracing Islam does not mean to disbelieve in Moosa or Isa or any other
prophet.

(6) Islam teaches you how to believe correctly in all Prophets.

(7) Allah (Glory be to Him) says in Al-Qur'an:

"To you We sent the Scripture in Truth, confirming the Scripture that came
before it, and guarding it..." [Al-Qur'an 5:48] i.e. Clarifying the Truth they
distorted.

(8) Allah mentioned names of a number of Prophets. He says:

"Say you (Muslims): We believe in Allah and the revelation given to us, and
to Ibrahim, Isma'il, Issac, Ya'aqoob (Jacob) and the Tribes, and that
given to Moosa (Moses) and Isa (Jesus), and that given to all Prophets from
their Lord. We make no difference between one and another of them, And we
bow to Allah (in Islam)"

[Al-Qur'an 2: 136]

(9) The first Prophet was Adam, father of mankind, 'Alaihi s-Salam (P.B.U.H.)

(10) Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam 'Alaihi s-Salatu wa s-Salamu (P.B.U.H.),
is the Seal (the last) of the prophets. No prophet is to come after him up
to the end of this world.

(11) Hence the fact that his religion is the only true religion to remain
up to the Last Day.

(12) He is Muhammad son of 'Abdullah son of 'Abdul-Muttalib. He is an Arab
from (the famous tribe) of Quraysh, a descendant of Ibrahim (Abraham) and Isma'il
'Alayhimu s-Salatu wa s-Salamu (P.B.U.T.)

(13) He was born in Makkah (Mecca) in 571 A.D. (Known as the year of the Elephant).

(14) Allah sent Revelation to him when he was 40 years old.

(15) He stayed in Makkah 13 years calling people to (believe in) Allah.

(16) Only a limited number of people believed in him.

(17) After that he emigrated to 'Al-Madinah' and invited its people to believe
in Allah, and they accepted.

(18) He conquered Makkah in the year 8 A.H. He died at the age of 63 after
the whole of Al-Qur'an was revealed, and all Arabs embraced Islam.

FAITH IN THE LAST DAY

We believe that there will be another life after this life. When the determined
term of this life comes to an end, Allah will command an angel to sound the
Trumpet and all mankind and all

other creatures will die. Then he (the angel) will sound it again, when, behold,
all dead since

Adam will stand out of graves. Then, Allah will gather all people to account
them for what they did: Those who believed (in Allah), accepted the Messengers
(as truthful) and did good deeds (commanded by Allah), Allah will put them
in Paradise.

In Paradise, they will enjoy eternal Bliss. But those who rejected the Messengers
and disobeyed Allah's commands, will be put in Hell. In Fire Hell, they will
be in continuous eternal punishment.

O Allah! We ask You Paradise and seek refuge with you from Fire of Hell! Amen!

Allah (Glory be to Him) says:

"As for those who had transgressed all bounds, and had preferred the life
of this world, the Abode will be Hell-Fire. And for those who had feared of
standing in front of their Lord's (Tribunal) and had restrained (their) souls
from lower desires, their Abode will be paradise." [Al-Qur'an 79:37-41]

IBADAT (RELIGIOUS DEEDS)

1. Deeds in Islam are of two main categories:

a) 'Ibadat, these are the rituals, or devotional duties, of worship: Salat,
Zakat, Siyam and Hajj.

b) Mu'amalat, these include all life activities related to individual, family,
society or the whole 'Ummah (Muslim Community at large), political, economic,
cultural, legal, ethical, national or international.

2. Mu'amalat when carried out in fulfilment of Allah's Shari'a (Law) will
be a sort of"Worship" in the general sense.

3. In this pamphlet, Mu'amalat will not be dealt with. You have to consult
in each case either a book of Fiqh (Islamic Law) or any well informed Muslim
scholar or authority.

4. The practical Pillars (Foundations) of Islam are Five: 1. The Two Shahadats
(Confessions), 2. Salat , 3. Zakat, 4. Siyam, 5. Hajj.

THE TWO SHAHADATS (CONFESSIONS)

Ash-Shahadat means to say, with a firm belief in heart and mind, the following.

* a. 'Ash-hadu'an La'ilaha'illa-Allah,

* a. (I bear witness that there is no (true) god except Allah,)

** b. Wa'ash-hadu'anna Muharnmadan rasulu I-Lah.

** b. (and I bear witness that Muhammad is Allah's Messenger.)

* This Shahadat expresses Muslim's firm acknowledgment and belief in Allah's
existence, oneness and right to be solely worshiped and obeyed.

** This Shahadat express Muslims's firm belief that Muhammad is Allah's Messenger;
and that his Book, AI-Qur'an, the word of Allah, and his Sunnah (Tradition)
form an integrated and comprehensive system to guide man's life to the Right
Path.

SALAT (PRAYER)

1. We pray five times everyday.

2. AI-Fajr (dawn) Prayer: Two Rak'ats (Units). Its time starts just after
dawn and ends at sunrise.

3. 'Adh-dhuhr (noon) Prayer: Four Rak'ats. Time starts just after sun moves
down from its zenith and ends at the mid point between zenith and sunset.

4. Al-Asr (late afternoon) Prayer: Four Rak'ats. Time starts after the end
of Al-Dhuhr Prayer and ends at sunset.

5. Al-Maghrib (Sunset) prayer: Three Rak'ats. Time starts just after sunset.

6. Al-Isha (Evening) Prayer: Four Rak'ats. Preferable time starts when twilight
disappears and ends at midnight, but it is extendable until dawn .

AL-TAHARAT (ABLUTION)

1. A Muslim must be pure and clean when he performs his prayer, (otherwise
his prayers will not be valid.)

2. Al-Taharat is of two types: Al-Wudu, (partial Ablution) and Al-Ghusl (full
Ablution).

A) AL-WUDU' (Partial Ablution) which is performed as follows:

(3) Have Niyyah (Clear intention) that this Wudu is for praying.

(4) Say: "Bismi I-Lahi r-rahmani r-rahim" (in the name of Allah, Most Gracious,
Most Merciful)

(5) Wash the hands, rinse the mouth and clean with water the inside of the
nose.

(6) Wash the face.

(7) Wash the arms up to the elbows (Start with the right arm)

(8) Rub the head with wet hands, and the ears.

(9) Wash the feet up to the ankles (starting with the right foot)

(10) Say the two Shahadats.

(11) No need for reapplying Wudu' as long as it has not been invalidated.

(12) Wudu' is invalidated by: Passing of excrement, urine, wind or by sleeping.

B) AI-GHUSL(Full ablution).

(13) Muslim must apply Ghusl after:

1. Ejaculation of semen because of any normal reason.

2. Intimate intercourse.

3. For women: End of Menstruation period.

4. End of the child birth period.

(14) Ghusl is washing the whole body with clean water.

C) AL-TAYAMMUM (Dry Ablution):

(15) In cases of not having water for Wudu or Ghusl, or being unable to use
it for any reason, apply the Dry Ablution,

(16) Hit the palms once on any clean dust-containing material, then rub the
face once with the palms, then the hands starting with the right hand).

HOW TO PERFORM SALAT (PRAYERS)?

1. The best way is to perform Salat in congregation with Muslims in the mosque.
There you will be given more reward by Allah and you will learn easily how
to pray.

2. In case of praying alone, abide by the following steps:

3. Be sure that your body, clothes and place are clean.

4. Stand with face towards the direction of QIBLAH, that is the direction
of the Sacred mosque in Makkah, in Al-Hijaz (Saudi Arabia)

5. Raise the hands to the shoulder level and say: "Allahu' Akbar" (Allah is
the Greatest).

6. Fold the hand on the chest, the right hand over the left.

7. Recite Al-Fatihah (The Opening Chapter of Al-Qur'an) and another chapter
or some verses of Al-Qur'an (See App. 1)

8. Say: "Allahu' Akbar" while making Ruku' (bowing and bending the body at
a right angle placing the palms on the knees)

9 Say in Ruku': "Sub-hana rabbiya L-adhim" (Glory be to my Lord, the Great!)
three times. Go back to the standing position saying: "Sami'a L-Lahu liman
hami-dah! Rabbana wa laka L-hamdu." (Indeed, Allah listens to one who praises
Him! O! Our Lord! All praises be to You !) Then, you say 'Allahu Akbar' and
immediately fall down to make the first Sajdah (Prostration) with face, palms.
knees and toes resting on the ground, saying: "Subhana rabbiya L-'a'La" (Glory
be to my Lord, Most High!) Three times. Move from Sujud (Prostration) position
to sitting posture while saying; "Allahu Akbar!" While sitting, say "Rabbi
ghfir li wa' rhamni!" (0 My Lord! Forgive me! and have mercy on me!,

13. After this, another Sajdah is done in the same way with"Allahu Akbar" uttered
before it, and "Subhana rabbiya 'A'Ala" Three times during Sujud.

14. After completing the second sajdah, one "RAK'AT" is completed.

15. Stand up saying "Allah Akbar" in order to begin a new Rak'at, exactly
as the first Rak'ah.

16. After finishing the second "Rak'at" you sit down and recite Part One and
Part Two of "At-Tasha-hud"

17. Finally you turn the face to the right hand side and say: "As-Salamu 'alaykum
wa rahmatu L-lahi" (Peace be upon you and Allah's Mercy!)

18. Then you do the same to the left side.

19. Thus a two-Rak'ats prayer is completed, such as Al-Fajr Prayer.

20. As for 4 Rak'ats prayers such as Adh-Dhuhr, only the first part of At-Tashah-hud
is recited after completing the second Rak'at. Then you stand up to perform
two Rak'ats more in the same way, but without reciting any verses from Al-Qur'an
after Al-Fatihah.

22. Al-'Asr and Al-'Isha' prayers are performed exactly as Adh-Dhuhr.

23. In Al-Maghrib Prayer, the final Tashah-hud and "As-Salam..." come after
the third Rak'ah.

WHY WE PRAY

24. The Muslim observes his Prayers to show devotion and obedience to Allah,
because Prayer is one of the greatest forms of worship that Allah likes His
servants to offer.

25. To thank Him for creating us in the best from of creation.

26. Because He has guided us to the Deen (Religion) of Islam.

27. Prayer is a chance for Muslim to express to his Lord whatever he feels
and needs through Divine Words of Allah i.e. Al-Qur'an.

28. To remember his Lord and not forget His commands amid life preoccupations.

29. To ask Allah (Exalted) to give him aid and continuous guidance in the
darkness of life. (See App. 2)

30. To strengthen Love and Fear of Allah in the Muslim's heart so that he
might remain sticking to the Right Path of Islam, and its laws and manners.

31. Gaining good rewards from Allah and having our sins forgiven.

32. To rejoice when he finds himself on the Last Day pleased with the great
reward allotted to him in the Gardens of Bliss.

33. Prayer is a unique training and developmental program which, if well and
devotedly performed, can achieve for Muslims many valuable physical, ethical
and spiritual gains such as cleanliness, health, order, punctuality, brotherhood,
equality, social consolidation, ...etc.

ZAKAT (Poor Due, Alms)

1. The term "ZAKAT" originally means: growth, and purity.

2. In Islamic Law, it means paying every lunar year a certain percentage of
your savings to be used in certain charitable uses defined by Al-Qur'an.

3. If you have, for that period, an amount of money equal to the value of
85 grams of pure gold (now, 1985, is about $1000) or more, you must pay 2.5%.

4. Zakat is paid for the poor and the needy Muslims, for the wayfarers, for
propagating Islam or fighting for Islam, for helping new Muslims or encouraging
non-Muslims to embrace Islam, for those who are burdened with debts and are
unable to pay them.

5. If you have articles of trade, you calculate their Zakat in the same way.

6. You can ask some Muslim scholar or refer to any good reference book to
know more about Zakat.

WHY WE PAY ZAKAT

7. To show devotion to Allah who commanded us to do so and informed us that
He loves the charitable.

8. To be grateful to Allah Who provided us with wealth and helped us to earn.

9. To mitigate the suffering of the needy.

10. To help in the betterment of the Muslim Society.

11. To participate in propagating Islam in the whole world.

12. To cure ourselves of selfishness and greed.

13. To make ourselves masters of our property not slaves of it.

14. To purify our properties of any unclean behavior in earning them.

15. To have our properties blessed by Allah.

16. To deserve to be rewarded by Allah with what is better in Hereafter.

17. To keep our needy fellows away from envy and hatred.

18. To help in protecting our society from economic class conflict, and to
participate in solving the economic crisis.

19. You can pay your Zakat to "Zakat House", or to any trustworthy Islamic
organization that collects Zakat and spends it in the right Islamic uses.

SAWM(or SIYAM) , (Fasting)

1. In Ramadan, (the 9th month of the lunar Islamic year) Muslims fast in obedience
to Allah's command and' in gratitude for Allah's Grace for revealing His Glorious
Book, Al-Qur'an, in Ramadan.

2. As-Sawm is to abstain from eating, drinking and intimate intercourse from
dawn to sunset.

3. If sick or on a journey, a Muslim is permitted to break his fast.

4. If he breaks the fast, he has to make up by fasting a number of days equal
to the days in which he broke fasting in Ramadan.

5. After the end of Ramadan comes "Id 'al-Fitr" (the Holy day of Breaking
the Fast) which is the 1st day of Shawwal, the month following Ramadan.

6. On the 'Id morning, all Muslims congregate, in open grounds or in mosques,
to perform "Id Prayer" to express their happiness and gratitude to Allah for
enabling them to complete this duty of Fasting.

7. Concerning this important duty, Allah says:

"0 you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those
before you, that you may (observe) piety and self-restraint" [Al-Qur'an 2:183]

8. Also, He says:

"Ramadan is the month in which was sent down Al-Qur'an, as a guide to mankind,
also clear (signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong).
So, every one of you who is present (at his home, village, or town) during
that month should fast it, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the
prescribed period (should be made up) by other days."

[Al-Qur'an 2: 185].

WHY WE FAST

9. We fast in obedience to Allah's command, and because Allah loves those
who fast.

10. To show our gratitude to Allah's Grace of sending down His Guidance, Al-Qur'an,
to guide us and the whole humanity.

11. To thank Allah for making us of those who believe in Al-Qur'an.

12. And because He enabled us to memorize His Book, to recite it, to study
and understand it, and to benefit in its guidance.

13. To develop control on our material desires Allah planted in our nature.

14. To control ourselves in front of all things prohibited by Allah.

15. Fast makes us remember the needy who suffer from hunger and deprivation.
Hence, to become more sympathetic to them and help them with part of what Allah
has bestowed upon us.

16. To check our engrossment in our desires, and increase our care for our
spiritual entity through intensifying our deeds and acts of worship in this
month of al-Qur'an.

17. To increase our share of sincerity, concience, patience, discipline, as
well as many healthful benefits.

18. Above all these, the great reward that Allah has promised to give us in
the Last Day.

HAJJ (THE PILGRIMAGE)

1. Al-Hajj is a journey to 'Al-Ka'bah (the Sacred House of Allah) in Makkah
(Mecca) with the intention of obeying Allah's command and performing certain
prescribed rites there. (For the details of performing Al-Hajj, you may consult
any Islamic reference book on the subject).

2. Performing Al-Hajj is obligatory, once in a lifetime, upon every mature
Muslim provided he is able (physically and financially).

3. The whole journey of Al-Hajj and its rites confirm in a unique form, the
principles of Islam and commemorate Islamic milestones related to Prophets
Ibrahim (Abraham), Ismail and Muhammad 'Alayhimu s-Salam.

4. The rites of Al-Hajj are performed, in general, in the first ten days of
Dhu L-Hijjah (the last month of the Islamic Year).

5. On the 9th of Dhu I-Hijjah the culminating rite is performed at Mount 'Arafat'
where all pilgrims, sometimes about two millions, gather.

6. Pilgrims' standing at 'Arafat is to declare their supplications to Allah
and their repentance and need of His Mercy and Forgiveness.

7. This reminds us of the Grand Assembly on the Day of Judgment.

8. The next day (the tenth) is the great 'Idu l-'Adha (The Feast of Sacrifice)
when pilgrims offer their sacrifices. After slaughtering their sacrifices,
pilgrims go to Makkah and make Tawaf seven times around Al-Ka'bah.

9. Muslims every where slaughter their sacrifices (of camels, cows or sheep)
after performing 'Id Prayer.

10. These sacrifices were prescribed in commemoration of the great Sacrifice
of Prophet Abraham ('Alayhi s-Salam) when he was about to slaughter his only
son, Ismail, whom he loved much, when Allah ordered him to do so to test his
loyalty and obedience to Him.

11. After completing the acts of Al-Hajj, you can enjoy visiting the Mosque
of Prophet Muhammad -'Alayhi s-Salam- in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah (the enlighted
town) and attend some Prayers there. The reward for praying at that Mosque
is great.

12. When in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, pay a greeting visit to Prophet's tomb
and to his noble Companions tombs, in the Islamically accepted form.

13. Also visiting the Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem is recommendable in
Islam. May Allah help Muslims to rescue it from the sinful hands of he aggressive
Jews!

WHY WE PERFORM HAJJ

Purposes and lessons of performing Al-Hajj are too many. Among them are:

14. Responding in obedience to Allah's commands.

15. To be grateful to Allah for His Graces and Favors on us, such as health,
wealth and children.

16. To glorify Allah by visiting and making Tawaf (going around) His Sacred
House, Al-Ka'bah.

17. (Al-Ka'bah is the first House built on earth for worshiping Allah, which
,Ibrahim -The Friend- and his son Isma'il erected by the instruction of Allah.)

18. To pray at Al-Ka'bah, which is the Qiblah (direction) to which all Muslims
turn their faces in the five daily prayers

19. To visit and stand in devotion to Allah at the Sacred Mountains such as
'Arafat Mount. There, we celebrate the praises of Allah, purify our souls and
repent of all sins.

20. To see the places where Ibrahim, the noble Friend and Prophet of Allah,
and his first son Ismail -Aiayhi s-Salam- stayed and worshiped Allah.

21. To visit the places where Prophet Muhammad -Alayhi s-Salam- was born,
Brought up, received the Divine Message, suffered and struggled for spreading
the light of Allah.

22. To meet our Muslim brethren coming from all countries, and to see the
actualization of brotherhood, equality, cooperation and love among Muslims
regardless of their differences in nationality, color, standard of living and
other worldly matters. To see the universality of Islam.

23. To practice patience, sacrifice, endurance, simplicity and other spiritual
capacities we are in urgent need of.

24. To come back cleaned of our sins, so as to start a new page in our life,
hoping to keep it free from sins until the end of life, so that we may be accepted
and well rewarded by Allah in the Hereafter.

HOW TO DEVELOP YOUR ISLAM?

1. Becoming a Muslim after becoming convinced is opening a plain page in your
deed record.

2. Whatever bad deeds you have committed before, Allah will forgive because
of your embracing Islam.

3. Becoming a Muslim is like starting a new life.

4. You have to grow and develop in Islam. How can you do so? By the following:

Firstly: Increasing your knowledge of Islam, through:

5. Reading the Qur'anic text,

6. Reading some interpretations of the Qur'an,

7. Reading Traditions (Sayings) of Prophet Muhammad -'Alayhi s-Salatu wa s-Salamu),

8. Reading the biography of Prophet Muhammad -'Alayhi s-Salatu wa s-Salamu),

9. Reading the biographies of the great Muslim figures among our righteous
fore-Muslims who propagated Islam and proclaimed it to mankind,

10. Attending Jumu'ah (Friday) congregational Khutbah (sermon) and praying
with Muslims.

11. Attending the two 'Id (holiday) prayers, prayer, listening to its

12. Performing the five daily prayers in congregation at the mosque whenever
you are able to do so.

13. Attending Islamic religious teaching sessions.

14. Contacting scholars, sheikhs, mosque imams (leaders) and preachers, introducing
yourself to them and asking them about any Islamic matter you need to know.
Usually, they are happy to provide you with the required clarification.

15. Having one or more friends of good Muslims who are fairly knowledgeable
about Islam to be your permanent reliable reference.

16. Read as much as you can of the basic sources of Islam (Al-Qur'an and As-Sunnah)
and of the authentic and trustworthy writings about Islam to understand it
more.

17. You will learn a lot about the laws and systems of Islam related to worship,
family structure, life activities, manners, economic and public affairs.

18. You will know the ideology of Islam and its view in regard to creation,
universe, man and life.

19. Islam is not ritual or morals only, it is in fact a comprehensive system
for society, a constitution for the State and a way of life.

Secondly: Doing good deeds as much as you can:

20. Try to do good deeds more than the five basic duties mentioned before,
such as:

21. Performing voluntary prayers, in addition to the compulsory five prayers,

22. Helping the poor and the needy by extra charity in addition to Zakat,
or by assisting them in carrying out their necessary difficult duties.

23. Fasting a day or more other than in Ramadan.

24. Taking part in useful social projects aimed at reforming Muslim Society,

25. Inviting others to embrace Islam.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR ISLAM

1. Becoming a Muslim means that you have achieved a lot of good for yourself.

2. It is like owning a valuable treasure.

3. The owner of a treasure will have many enemies who strive to take his treasure
away from him.

4. And you have gained the treasure of Islam.

5. Some people will try to drive you away from your Deen (Religion).

6. Those people are the foes of Allah.

7. The foes of Allah are devils whether from among Jinn (Whom we do not see)
or from among human beings,

8. Human devils may try to mock at you.

9. Or, they may try to persuade you by money so that you may turn back from
your Religion.

10. They may accuse Islam of many things, or cloud your mind with some misconceptions.

11. You have to know that Allah has said in the Qur'an <<And no question
do they bring to you but We reveal to you the truth and the best explanation>> [Al-Qur'an
25:33]

12. So, consult Muslim scholars about what Allah has revealed in the Qur'an
to answer such misconceptions.

13. As for Jinn devils they whisper into your heart: Would you desert your
fathers' and forefathers' religion. and follow a different one?

14. Would you follow a religion that tasks you with prayers, fasting and giving
others your property? And that deprives you from wine.. etc.

15. In fact, many people grow and find themselves traditionally following
and venerating their parents' religions and beliefs.

16. All followers of true or false religion are like that,

17. But the problem is : which of these religions is the true one and which
is the false?

18. Surely, Islam is the only Deen (Religion) which is pure and free from
all types of superstitions, polytheism and paganism.

19. It is the Deen of pure Monotheism.

20. When you feel these whispers of Jinn devils, recite:

21. (Rabbi 'a'udhu bika min hamazat (sh-Shayatin) (Wa 'a'udhu bika rabbi 'an
yahdurun) [Al-Qur'an 23:97-98]

"O my Lord! I seek refuge with you from the suggestions of the Evil Ones"

"And I seek refuge with You, O my Lord!, lest they should come near me."

[Al-Qur'an 23:97-98]

22. And recite also Suratu-l-Falaq and Suratu-n-Nas. (See appendix-i)

HOW TO INVITE OTHERS TO ISLAM?

1. Our noble Prophet Muhammad - Salla 'Allahu Alaihi Wa Sallam, said:

"If Allah guides one person through you to Islam, it is better for you, than
having the greatest wealth."

2. He also said:

"Whoever calls (others) to guidance has the same reward as the rewards of
those who follow him, without decreasing anything from their rewards."

3. Therefore be keen to invite to Islam those non-Muslims whom you know.

4. Start with people who are closest to you, such as: your parents, wife,
son. daughter, brother, then relatives and friends.

5. Allah (Glory be to Him) said to His messenger Muhammad -Salla 'Allahu alaihi
wasallam- "And admonish your nearest Kinsmen"

[Al-Qur'an 26:214]

6. Make clear to them the right religion, and make them interested in it!
Tell them of the glad tidings of which Allah has promised, and the blessings
and favors that Allah shall endow upon them in this world and the next if they
follow Islam. Warn them of Allah's wrath upon them if they disbelieve in the
holy Qur'an which He has revealed to be a guidance to humanity. Or if they
disbelieve in Prophet Muhammad -Salla 'Allahu alaihi wasallam- whom He has
sent as a mercy to the worlds. Invite them with love and sincerity.

11. And you, yourself, should be an example of good character.

12. Be quick in doing good and in helping others.

13. If you do so, you will be a propagator of Islam by your actions as well
as your words.

14. Your friends will be quick to accept what you invite them to, and then
Allah will lead them to guidance.

15. They will come to know that what you say is the truth.

16. They will consequently accept Islam and love this religion and love you
too.

17. You must know well the wise approach of inviting others to Islam and teaching
them. Thus you should speak what is suitable for every occasion.

18. One of the wise sayings of Arabs is:

"There is suitable speech for each situation."

19. Allah (Glory be to Him) says in Al-Qur'an:

"Invite (all) to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching,
and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious, for your
Lord knows best who have strayed from His path and who receive guidance."

[Al-Qur'an 16: 12 5]

20. If you do not know Arabic, it is strongly advisable for you to learn that
language so as to be able to understand Islam through its original sources.

21. If you do so, you will be able to speak with confidence about Islam, because
you have direct knowledge of Allah's words, of the sayings of His messenger
Muhammad -Salla 'Allahu alaihi wasallam- and of the statements of the Muslim
scholars.

22. Presenting copies of this booklet to those whom you would like to invite
to Islam will help you a lot in propagating this religion of Allah.

MUHARRAMAT (THE FORBIDDEN THINGS)

1. Allah (Glory be to Him) has prescribed for us in the holy Qur'an and in
the Sunnah (Traditions of the Prophet many laws:

2. Some of these are obligations and others are Muharramat (forbidden things).

3. As for the obligations, I have already pointed them out previously.

4. As for the Muharramat, some of the most important of them are the following:

First: Forbidden Foods:

5. Dead Meat: These are the dead bodies of animals which died naturally, (i.e.
without being Islamically slaughtered) or by being strangled, or by falling
from a high place, or by being partly eaten by a wild animal, and were not
slaughtered before being dead.

6. Also, those animals slaughtered by other than Muslims, Jews or Christians.

7. But the meats of dead sea animals are not forbidden.

8. Blood poured forth.

9. Flesh of the Pig (pork meat).

10. Meat which has, when slaughtered, had the name of anything or anyone other
than Allah invoked upon it, or that was slaughtered to glorify any one other
than Allah.

11. The meat of beasts of prey, such as lions, dogs... etc. and those of preying
birds that attack their claws, such as eagles, vultures... etc.

12. The meat of domestic donkeys and assess.

13. The meat of animals that feed on filthy things, except if they are isolated
and fed clean food for sufficient time.

14. Any food spoilt by filth until it is cleaned by water if it is possible.

15. Wine and all kinds of intoxicants.

16. Foodstuffs containing toxic elements which are harmful to our bodies.

Second: Forbidden Deeds:

Allah Hates these deeds and their doers and punish them:

17. To associate (in worship) anything or anyone with Allah.

18. To be disobedient to our parents.

19. To give false testimony.

20. To kill a person whom Allah has forbidden to, except by Law (Legally).

21. Adultery and fornication.

22. To steal.

23. To take anything, unjustly, from the property of an orphan.

24. To desert the battle-field while fighting unbelievers.

25. To falsely accuse with adultery or fornication a chaste Muslim woman or
man.

26. To uncover "Awra"*** in front of any body.

27. To take others' Wealth illegally, by means of bribery, robbery, trickery,
or deceit.

28. To bribe in order to take others' properties illegally, or to get what
you have no right to.

29. To marry mother, daughter, sister, paternal aunt, maternal aunt, brother's
daughter, sister's daughter, were they of blood or foster relationship, your
father's wife, Your son's wife, your wife's mother or daughter.

30. A Muslim man is not permitted to marry a non-Muslim woman unless she becomes
Muslim; but he can marry a Christian or a Jewish woman.

31. A Muslim woman is not permitted to marry a non-Muslim man, even a Christian
or a Jew , unless he becomes a Muslim.

*** "Awra" is an Islamic term meaning the private parts of man's or woman's
body

that must be covered when In a public place. A man's 'Awra is the section
between his

naval and knees; a woman's 'Awra is the whole of her body except her face
and hands.

Allah's 'AWLIYA**** (Allah's Friends)

1. "Allah's friends" are those true Muslims whom He loves and who love Him,

2. They are all the righteous Muslims who truly believe in Allah and constantly
follow His commands.

3. Their reward is a good life in this world, and nearness to Allah in the
Hereafter, in His Paradise.

4. However, they cannot do anything to help anybody after their death, nor
in their life except through normal reasons.

5. Allah (Glory be to Him) says of them:

"Behold! Verily on "friends of Allah" there is no fear, Nor shall they grieve.
Those who believe and constantly guard against evil. For them are Glad Tidings
in this life and in the Hereafter; No change can there be in the words of Allah,
This is indeed the supreme felicity."

[Al-Qur'an 10:62-64]

6. Therefore, be a good Muslim and you will be one of them.

7. Allah (Glory be to Him) says:

"Those who obey Allah Messenger (of Him) and the are with those who are blessed
by Allah, Of the Prophets, the (Sincere) believers, the Martyrs and
the righteous (doers of good). And how excellent a company are they!"

[Al-Qur'an 4:69]

8. On top of"Allah's Friends" are His Noble Prophets.

9. And among them too are the true and sincere followers of Prophets.

10. And Prophet Muhammad's companions and wives (Mothers of the Faithful).

11. The best of his companions are the Ten who were mentioned by name by Prophet
Muhammad -Salla 'Allahu alaihi wasallam- as those who will be in Paradise.

12. These chosen companions are distinguished and known for their precedence,
firmness and sacrifice in Islam.

13. On top of these Ten are the four righteous Caliphs (Khalifas) who were
chosen by Muslims to rule the Muslim state after Prophet Muhammad -Salla 'Allahu
alaihi wasallam- They are (in their caliphate order);

(1) Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (The sincere believer)(d. 13 A.h.)

(2) 'Umaru bnu L-Khattab, (d. 23 A.H.)

(3) 'Uthmanu bnu Affan, (d. 35 A.H.)

(4) 'Aliy-yu bnu 'Abi Talib. (d. 40 A.H.)

14. The rest of the Ten are: Az-Zubayr bnu L-Aw-wam, Sa'du bnu 'Abi Waq-qas,
Talhatu bnu 'Ubaydi L-Lah,'Abdur Rahmani bnu 'Awf, 'Abu'Ubaidah 'Amiru bnu
L-Jarrah and Sa'idu bnu Zayd. (May Allah be pleased with them and with all
other companions).

(****) ('Awliya) plural of (Waliy) is an Islamic term with a specific meaning,
i.e. a Muslim who is

sincerely and wholly devoted to Allah's cause in the true and comprehensive
meaning. But this term was distorted and taken by some Muslims, influenced
by various foreign, non-Islamic conceptions , to denote a mystical person who
claims he can perform miraculous actions. Thus, Awliya' were taken by Western
Islamists to be equal to Saints of Christianity, which is not true.

ISLAMIC MORALS

A Muslim always speaks the truth, he never tells lies.

A Muslim is true to his word, not treacherous, honest, does not betray.

A Muslim does not speak badly of other Muslims behind their backs.

A Muslim is courageous, not cowardly.

A Muslim is very enduring in situations of defending the truth, bold in saying
the truth.

A Muslim is just with others, even against himself; does not transgress others'
rights; also, does not accept to be treated unjustly by anyone; he is strong
and does not accept to be humiliated by anybody.

A Muslim consults about all of his affairs, and (after that) puts himself
in Allah's hands.

A Muslim performs his work as perfectly as he can.

A Muslim is modest, merciful, does good and enjoins it, abstain from evil
and forbids it.

A Muslim strives and fights for the victory of Allah's cause, and for His
Deen (religion) to spread.

A Muslim woman wears, in front of any stranger person (whom she can marry)
her Islamic dress which must cover the whole of her body except her face and
hands.

AD'IYA (SPECIAL SUPPLICATIONS)

1. Before you start eating or drinking, say: (bismi l-lahi) meaning: "(I start)
in the name of Allah".

2. Eat with your right hand.

3. When you finish eating or drinking, say: (al-hamdu Lil-Lahi) meaning: "All
praise is due to Allah".

4. When you meet any brother in Islam, shake hands with him, smile at him,
and greet him, saying:(as-salamu alaykum wa rahmatul-lahi), meaning "Peace
be upon you and Allah's mercy

5. And when a Muslim brother greets you first, answer his greeting by saying:
(wa 'alaykumu s-salamu wa rahmatu l-lahi wa barakatuh) which means: "And upon
you (too) be peace and Allah's mercy and blessings".

6. When you see the dawn breaking or the fall of evening, say:

(Asbahna (or Amsayna) ala fitratil-lslam)

"We enter the morning (or evening) with our Islamic nature pure

(Wa kalimatul Ikhlas)

"And with the statement of sincere faith"

(Wa deeni nabiy-yina Muhammad)

"Adhering to the Path of our Prophet Muhammad",

(Wa millati abina Ibrahima hanifan musliman)

"And to the Path of our father Abraham, true in faith, a Muslim"

(Wa ma 'ana minal mushrikina)

"And, certainly, I am not a polytheist".

7. When you see the new moon, say:

(Hilala Khayrin wa rushdin)

"(You be) a moon of goodness and straight forwardness",

(Allahumma ahillahu 'alayna bilyumni wal Iman)

"O Allah! Make it dawn on us with blessing and belief'.

(Wa s-salamati wal-Islam)

"And with safety, and submission!"

8. When you visit a sick person, say:

(Bismillah) "In the name of Allah"

(Allahumma adh-hibi L-basa rab-ban-nasi) "0 Allah! Take harm

away, Lord of mankind!"

(Allahumma-shfi wa 'antash-shafi) "O Allah! Heal (him)! Your are

(really) the healer,"

(la shifa 'illa shit~a"uka) "tin fact) there is no healing but the healing
you give."

(Shifa'an la yughadiru saqaman) "Grant recovery that leaves no ailment behind!"

9. When you enter the mosque say:

(bismi-l-lahi) "in the name of Allah"

(Was-salatu was-salamu 'ala rasulil-lahi) "Blessings and peace be upon

Allah's Messenger."

(Allahumma'ghfir li dhunubi) "Allah! Forgive me my sins,"

(wa ftah ii abwaba rahmatika) "And open for me the gates of your

mercy

10. When you go out of the mosque, say the same, but, instead of the last
portion, say:

(wa ftah ii abwaba fadlika) "And open for me the gates of your grace!"

11. When you go to your home, say:

(Al-hamdu ii I-lahi-lladhi 'at 'amana wa saqana wa 'awana)

"Praise be to Allah Who provides us with food, drink and shelter!"

(Fakam miman la kafiya lahu wala mu'wiya)

"So many are there who have no-one to give them provision or shelter."

12. Repeat whenever you can these favorite phrases of glorification;

(Subhana l-Lah) "Glory be to Allah!"

(Wa I-hamdu li-l-lah) -'Praise be to Allah!"

(Wa La'ilaha 'illa-l-Lah) "No (true) god except Allah!"

(Wal-Lahu akbar) "Allah is the Greatest!"

(Wa la hawla wa la quwwata'illa bi l-lahi)

"There is no power nor strength save by Allah!"

13. Also, repeatedly send your prayers of blessings to Prophet Muhammad -Salla
'Allahu alaihi wasallam-, particularly when you hear his name uttered, or when
you utter it; you will say:

(Salla ALahu ialayhi wa sallama) "Allah may give him blessings and peace!"

MUSLIM WOMAN

1. Woman in Islam is man's sister.

2. She, exactly as man, is created by Allah.

3. Thus, she is invited to become Muslim.

4. She is commanded to have belief in Allah, obedience and love to Him.

5. Also, she must believe in the message of Prophet Muhammad -Salla 'Allahu
alaihi wasallam-.

6. Commanded to fulfil Salat, Siyam, Zakat and Hajj in worship to Allah.

7. Required to follow the Shari'a (Law) of Allah, exactly as man.

8. To bring up her children on the bases of Islam and its good morals, and
to protect them. She differs from man in some matters. among them are:

9. She puts on full dress which covers all of her body except face and hands
in the presence of strangers.

10. When in her Period (of menstruation or confinement) she abstains from
praying, fasting, reciting Al-Qur'an and remaining in mosques.

11. When her period expires, she must have Ghusl (full ablution), and make
up for fasting, not for prayers.

12. She is exempted from attending Salat al Jumu'ah (Friday congregation Prayer)

13. She is not permitted to marry a non-Muslim (Christian, Jew or atheist)
Unless he announces his faithful embrace of Islam).