Important Questions and Answers

1. About Islam

Question: “O Muhammad, tell me about Islam.”

Answer: Islam is that you testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establish prayer, give zakat, fast in Ramadan, and perform Hajj if able.

The man affirmed the Prophet’s answer.

2. About Iman (Faith)

Question: “Tell me about Iman.”

Answer: Iman is that you believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and believe in destiny (the good and the bad).

The man affirmed the Prophet’s answer.

3. About Ihsan (Excellence in Worship)

Question: “Tell me about Ihsan.”

Answer: Ihsan is that you worship Allah as though you see Him, and if you do not see Him, then indeed He sees you.

4. About the Day of Judgment

Question: “Tell me about the Day of Judgment (when it will happen).”

Answer: “The one being asked knows no more than the one who is asking.” (Meaning, only Allah knows).

Follow-up Question: “Tell me about its signs.”

Answer: Among its signs are that a slave woman will give birth to her master, and you will see the barefoot, unclothed, and poor (shepherds of sheep) competing in constructing tall buildings.

The Three Foundations of the Religion of Islam

The Five Pillars of Islam

(Outward practices: Shahadah, Prayer, Zakat, Fasting, Hajj).

Iman – The Six Articles of Faith

(Inward beliefs: Allah, Angels, Scriptures, Messengers, the Last Day, Qadar).

Ihsan

Worship with full awareness; worship as if seeing Allah, because He sees you.

The Day of Judgment

Only Allah knows. Signs: A slave giving birth to her master, poor shepherds competing to build tall buildings.

1. Knowledge (ʿIlm): Allah SWT knows everything — what has happened, what is happening, what will happen, and if something does not happen, what would occur if it were to happen.

2. Writing (Kitabah): Allah SWT has written all His knowledge about the destiny of creation in the Lauh Mahfuz (Surah Al-Hajj, 22:70).

3. Will (Mashi’ah): Nothing happens in the heavens or on earth except by the Will of Allah SWT (Surah Al-Takwir, 81:29).

4. Creation (Khalq): Allah SWT is the Creator of all things, including life and death (Surah Al-Mulk, 67:2).

Introduction
All prophets brought the same core message of Islam: belief in Allah, His angels, His books, and His messengers. Believing in all prophets is essential in Islam; denying one means denying all.

Definition
Belief in Rasul means:

1. Firm faith that Allah sent messengers to every nation to call them to Tawhid (worship of Allah alone).

2. Believing all prophets were truthful, trustworthy, and conveyed Allah’s message fully.

3. Accepting authentic reports from prophets.

4. Following Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as the final messenger for all mankind.

Message of Tawhid
All prophets preached Tawhid: worship Allah alone and reject all else. Obedience to prophets equals obedience to Allah. All prophets shared one religion, though their laws differed.

Necessity of Prophets
Prophets were sent to:

1. Guide humanity to worship Allah alone.

2. Explain the purpose of life and the Hereafter.

3. Show the path to Paradise and warn against Hell.

4. Establish proof against mankind on Judgment Day.

5. Unveil the unseen (angels, the Day of Judgment).

6. Provide role models of righteous living.

Special Blessings for Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

• Sent to all mankind and jinn.

• Enemies feared him.

• Earth made a place of prayer and purification.

• War booty made permissible.

• Granted the highest intercession (Syafa’ah).

Daily Life Applications (Emulating Prophets)
Muslims should follow prophetic values:

1. Gratitude – thank Allah and people.

2. Tolerance – be gentle, not harsh.

3. Repentance – seek forgiveness regularly.

4. Simplicity – make religion easy.

5. Equality – no superiority by race or color.

6. Moderation – avoid extremism.

7. Patience – greatest gift in hardship.

8. Humility – reject arrogance.

9. Accountability – self-check before judging others.

10. Kindness – do good regardless of others’ actions.

Definition

Belief in the Hereafter (Day of Judgement / Al-Qiyamah) is the fifth pillar of Islamic Faith (Iman). It means believing in:

The end of this world and the annihilation of all creation.

The resurrection (Al−Hashr) of all people for final judgement.

The presentation of the complete record of all deeds.

Reward (Paradise) for those with good deeds outweighing bad, and severe punishment (Hell) for others.

Significance of the Belief

A Core Prophetic Message: It has always been an essential part of the teachings of all Prophets. Disbelief is considered Kufr (disbelief).

Man Measures Actions: It makes individuals accountable and aware of the eternal consequences of their actions, discouraging useless jobs and promoting productive ones.

Effect of Belief on a Muslim's Life

Increases Love for Allah: Believers anticipate the greatest reward in Paradise: the gift of seeing Allah (SWT).

Establishes Fear of Allah: It creates a profound awareness of the Day of Judgement when all sovereignty belongs to Allah.

Hasting Towards Good Deeds: It motivates Muslims to compete in performing good deeds, like providing food to the needy and orphans.

Aids in Patience: It is the greatest assistant in times of hardship, renewing hope and enabling a believer to face difficulties with enthusiasm and hope.

Signs of the Hour (As-Sa’ah)

When asked about the exact time of the Hour, the Prophet ﷺ replied:
“The one being asked knows no more than the one asking.”
However, he mentioned some minor signs:

1. A slave woman giving birth to her mistress/master – interpreted as disobedience of children towards parents or an increase in slavery.

2. Barefoot, naked, poor shepherds competing in building tall buildings – a sign of sudden, rapid increase in wealth.

List of Minor Signs

Minor Signs that Have Already Happened / Are Happening:

• Women will outnumber men (ratio 50:1).

• Earthquakes will increase.

• Good deeds will decrease.

• Female singers and musical instruments will become widespread.

• People will believe in astrology.

• Time will pass quickly without blessing.

Minor Signs that Have Not Yet Happened:

• The Arabian Peninsula will become green and lush.

• The Euphrates River will uncover a mountain of gold.

• The siege of Madinah.

• The coming of Al-Mahdi, who will fill the earth with justice for seven years.