Definition of Hikmah

1) Intellect, wisdom and knowledge

2) Denotes fear of god according to Rabi Bin Anas

3) The concept of comprehending the commands of Allah

4) A blend of knowledge and deed, according to Ibn Qutaiba

Hikmah in Islam

الحِكْمَةُ ضَالَّةُ المُؤْمِنِ  فَحَيْثُ وَجَدَهَا فَهُوَ أَحَقُّ بِهَا

Hikmah kebijaksanaan merupakan harta yang hilang milik orang mu’min; di mana saja dia dapatinya, maka dialah yang paling berhak ke atasnya.

Jami’ al-Tirmizi (2687)

NIYYAH

The intention or motive behind the act.

Setting the right niyyah is important because it helps distinguish between different acts of worship and helps one differentiate between the acts that are solely performed for the sake of Allah SWT and those that are performed for the sake of others.

It is believed that any deed performed without niyyah might not be accepted by Allah SWT.

AMAL

The practice of performing good deeds and acts of workship

1)To apply the right amal, one should strive to perform acts of worship and good deeds with sincerity and devotion.

2)It is important to remember that the intention behind the act is just as important as the act itself.

EHSAN

Positive virtues that are considered to be essential for leading a good life. For example,

• Compassion

• Honesty

• Humility

• Patience

The obligatory Fard (obligatory) prayers in Islam:

1. Being a Muslim: It is obligatory for a person to be a Muslim to perform the Fard prayers. Non-Muslims are not obligated to pray.

2. Sane Mind: The person must be of sound mind (not insane or mentally impaired). Those who are mentally incapacitated are exempt from obligatory prayers.

3. Baligh (Puberty): Obligatory prayers are not required for children who have not reached puberty (mumayyiz). Puberty is the stage at which a child can distinguish between right and wrong^.

4. Cleanliness: The person must be clean from minor and major impurities (hadas). This includes being free from physical impurities on the body, clothing, and prayer area.

5. Covering the Aurat: The individual must cover their aurat, which refers to the private parts of the body. Proper clothing that conceals the body is necessary for valid prayer.

6. Facing the Qibla: The person should face the direction of the Kaaba (Qibla) during prayer.

7. Praying within the Prescribed Time: Obligatory prayers must be performed within their designated time (waktu solat).

8. Knowledge of Obligation: The person must be aware of the obligatory nature of the prayer they are performing. Ignorance or doubt about the obligation does not invalidate the prayer.

The 14 Pillars of Prayer

Islamic Prayer - The Spiritual Ritual (Special Folder)

1. Intention (setting the right intention for praying each prayer)

2. The opening takbeer (saying ‘Allahu Akbar‘ at the beginning of prayer)

3. The qiyam (standing upright if one has the ability to do so)

4. Reciting Surat Al-Fatihah (Opening Chapter of the Quran) in each unit of prayer

5. Bowing

6. Rising from the bowing position

7. Prostrating

8. Sitting between the two prostrations

9. Sitting while reciting the last tashahhud

10. The final tashahhud (reciting the testimony of faith)

11. As-Salatu Ibrahimiya after tashahud (sending peace upon the Prophet)

12. The tasleem (saying ‘Asalamu Alaikum‘ at the end of the prayer)

13. Being calm and feeling at ease while fulfilling each movement is essential to give it its due right; making certain that each body part assumes the appropriate position before one moves from one position to another.

14. Following the right order for each pillar as mentioned above.

Disconnected to others and reconnected to Allah

Steps to achieve Khushu in Salah

Below mentioned are some tips which help us to achieve Khushu in our prayers:

• We need to be mindful of the words we are reciting from the Quran, incorporate the meanings of the words we’re uttering in prayer, and appreciate that Allah Almighty able us to recite words revealed from above seven heavens. Being conscious of this honor will bring us to a state of humility, humbleness, and focus.

• We need to be conscious, present, sincere, and serious when we recite Surah al-Fatiha, it will transform the prayer experience for us completely.

• Always make dua in sujud or after completing your prayer. Allah Almighty loves those who pray and make Dua to Him. Remembering to ask and seek Allah would help us to realize the significance of being in prayer. Dua should be made thanking Allah for all His bounties and giving us the blessings to be able to perform salah and pray to Him despite our many faults.

• We should recite different Surahs in our prayers. The more we know from the Holy Quran, the more we allow Allah Almighty to speak to us.

• We should think that salah we are about to perform like the one in which Allah (SWT) will question us about on the Day of Judgment. This should help us to perform the salah with the devotion, concentration, and care we are looking for.

• Reveal everything in front of Allah Almighty just like you confide in your best friend or mother. We should be rush to our prayers just like we rush to our friends to tell about our day or problems.

In the second year of Hijrah, Muslims were commanded to fast in the month of Ramadan every year. The Qur’an says what means (O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those who were before you, in order that you may learn taqwa (piety)) (Al-Baqarah 2:183) and (The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Qur’an, wherein is guidance for mankind and the clear signs of guidance and distinction. Thus whosoever among you witness the month must fast…) (Al-Baqarah 2:184).

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) explained this further in a number of his statements reported in the books of Hadith. It is reported by Imam Al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allah said, “Islam is built upon five pillars: testifying that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, performing Prayer, paying the zakah, making the pilgrimage to the Sacred House (Hajj), and fasting the month of Ramadan.” The Muslim Ummah is unanimous that fasting in the month of Ramadan is obligatory upon every person who is capable (mukallaf).

Hajj and Umrah are both significant spiritual journeys undertaken by Muslims to seek the blessings of Allah. Let’s explore the differences between them:

1. Hajj:

   • Significance: Hajj is considered one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for every physically and financially capable Muslim to undertake at least once in their lifetime.

   • Timing: Hajj can only be performed during the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, specifically between the 8th and 12th day of that month.

   • Acts: Hajj involves several obligatory acts, including wearing the ihram, standing in Arafah, staying in Muzdalifah, pelting the stone pillars, and performing the farewell Tawaf.

2. Umrah:

   • Significance: Umrah is a recommended but not mandatory pilgrimage. It is often called the “minor pilgrimage” and can be performed at any time of the year.

   • Timing: Unlike Hajj, Umrah has no specific time restrictions and can be undertaken whenever a pilgrim desires.

   • Acts: Umrah involves simpler acts, including wearing the ihram, performing the Tawaf (circumambulation around the Kaaba), and the Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah hills).

Both Hajj and Umrah offer spiritual merits and an opportunity for self-renewal. While Hajj is obligatory, Umrah is highly recommended but not compulsory. Regardless of which pilgrimage one undertakes, both journeys hold immense significance in Islam. 🕋🌙

Zakat and Sadaqah have many similarities. For one, both involve giving something that belongs to you, to someone who has a need for it. However, they are a few key differences which we will go over in detail in today’s post.

The first thing to know about Zakat and Sadaqah is that under no circumstances can both terms be used interchangeably. If a Muslim is paying Zakat, he or she is not paying Sadaqah. If a person is paying Sadaqah, he or she is not paying Zakat. Even though both tasks entail providing financial, material, economic help for those who cannot provide for themselves, they are two completely different Islamic concepts.

Sadaqah

Sadaqah, on the other hand, is purely voluntary. It can be given at any time, to anyone and it can be of any amount or anything including a material object. As such, there is an enormous amount of flexibility here. Anyone can receive it but the idea is to give Sadaqah to those who truly need it. This is an act done purely to earn blessings of Allah (swt) and to assist other people. Saqadah can be any monetary amount however it is not limited to that. Food rations, clothing garments, any type of household accessories, work perfectly fine as well. In fact when it comes to relief aid efforts, such items are often desired and eagerly sought. The idea is to donate something for a noble cause at your own free will; not because it was preordained by Allah (swt) like Zakat. Sadaqah is not a religious obligation. It is, however, greatly endorsed and favoured in Islam.

The Holy Quran and Islamic literature is full of information pertaining to both these concepts. However for the sake of simplicity, we wanted to break things down in easy to understand explanation to our readers. We hope that this post clarifies the two Islamic concepts adequately. For more information on Zakat, Saqadah or similar topics be sure to visit Muslim Aid’s Ramadan blog for a list of unique topics pertaining to Islam, Ramadan and Muslim Aid’s latest relief aid activities.

Lastly, I would like to suggest us to do more activities during or maybe even out of usrah sessions to further strengthen the bonds between us.