With regards to the definition of the word Islam and what being a Muslim is, what do you think of defining oneself as a “non-practising Muslim”? (Review what you learned in this session regarding the definition of Islam and Muslim to form your answer).

Quiz Questions:

1. Are Muslims worshiping the Kaaba?

2. Who Allah entrusted to build the Kaaba?

3. Where was the Kaaba built?

5. What are the prerequisite of Hajj?

6. How often is it compulsory to go to Hajj?

7. Mention 3 rituals that we do during Hajj.

Quiz Questions:

1. Why does Allah test us?

2. How a test can make you remember Allah?

3. How can Allah’s blessings be a test?

5. Why is the belief in ‘qadar’ (destiny) so important?

• Activity: Compare the reaction of Shaytan to the reaction of Adam & Eve. 

“[Iblees] said, ‘My Lord, because You have put me in error, I will surely make [disobedience] attractive to them[i.e., mankind] on earth, and I will mislead them all.” versus...

“They said, ‘Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.’”

Quiz:

1. Where were Adam and Eve (peace be upon them both) living before falling into the trap of Shaytan?

2. How many conditions are there for our repentance to be

accepted by Allah?

3. What is the fourth condition?

5. What are his strategies?

6. How can we protect from him?

you:

―I only focus on obligatory actions, anything that is

Sunnah; I don‘t really need to do it‖

Quiz questions:

1. What does the second part of the Shahadah imply?

2. Why is it so important to know who the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon

him) was?

3. How can we increase our love for him?

2. What are the benefits of paying it?

3. How often do we have to pay it?

4. What should you do if the sum of your entire Zakatable wealth

in below the Nisab (threshold)?

5. How much Zakat would a woman who had $9,000 saved for a

year have to pay?

2. What are the benefits of fasting?

3. What are the conditions that make us accountable for fasting?

4. What are the 3 levels of the fasting?

From what I understood, Islam means submission to Allah, and a Muslim is someone who submits to Him.

So when someone says they are a “non-practicing Muslim,” I see it as someone who still believes and identifies as Muslim, but may be struggling to fully follow or practice certain aspects of Islam.

At the same time, I don’t think it takes away from their identity as a Muslim, because faith can go through different levels. Everyone’s journey is different, and some people may be trying in ways that aren’t always visible.

I’m still learning myself, so I try to focus more on improving my own relationship with Allah rather than judging others.

Alhamdulillah.

– Naja

One might say they're non-practicing because they haven't gotten into the prayers yet, or maybe they've just started learning, while another might say they believe in Allah but don't wish to submit to him.

Everyone's journey with Allah is different and may not always be seen. People also learn and understand concepts at different speeds. It's just a matter of learning for yourself and not for others.

Personally, I don't think the term makes much sense, but I understand why some may use it.

I believe that traditionally, a Muslim is someone who believes in God and follows the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, including practicing things like prayer and fasting. So from a strict religious view, “non-practicing Muslim” can sound a bit contradictory.

But in everyday life, I feel that people use it to mean: “I identify as Muslim—maybe culturally or in belief—but I’m not really practicing right now.” Identity and practice don’t always match perfectly.

If you are told that you are Muslim because that is what your family is, but do not know what it actually means and do not pray, fast, or read, then you might say that you are Muslim without actual submission.

They may believe in Allah swt and prophet Muhammad PBUH but still neglect their mandatory daily activities.

It is a struggle for me as a new revert because some days it feels hard for me to keep up with my prayers or find halal things to eat etc in my every day busy life. But I have faith it will get much better in the future.

We are not perfect, inshallah if a person is a “non practicing Muslim” their Iman strengthen and they will continue following Allah’s guidance.

The term "non-practising muslim" is completely contradictory to the acts of submission the term "muslim" suggests and that the din, Islam, commands. For example, if one abandons his fard salah, it is said he abandons his Islam. May Allah protect us all from this behavior and action. It is also incumbent upon every follower to regularly assess the status of their heart to receive and apply knowledge sincerely. In just these few contexts, we know that the term "non-practising muslim" could not exist.

Islam means submitting to Allah, so when it says all the Prophets were Muslims, it’s not all about being born into a religion, but about what they believed and followed.

They all submitted to Allah and called people to worship Him alone, even though they came at different times.

So their message was the same, and that’s why they’re all considered Muslims.

But even without that knowledge, I’d say Allah wouldn’t have also chosen them as “the best of humans” if they weren’t.

He, Allah, (mightly and exalted is He!) Sent all prophets and messengers to worship Him as one alone, without any partners. Musa was sent by the Torah, Isa and his disciples by the Gospel, and later Mohammed (Peace be upon them all) by the Qur'an.

Ibn Kathir tafsir elaborates on sura Al-Anam 6:163 that, "although their respective Laws differed from each other, some of them abrogated others. Later, the Law sent to Mohammed (PBUH) abrogated all previous laws."

Since he is Allah's last prophet and Seal of Prophets, nothing will abrogate Islam, ever. The religion of monotheism has been perfected.

Honestly, I would respond to Nathan by saying that being a “good person” in the way he described is not the same as believing in Allah. In Islam, good actions are important, but they are not enough on their own without faith. Tawheed (believing in Allah alone) is the foundation.

Nathan is doing good things like being generous, honest, and responsible, and those are all good qualities. But the issue is that he is rejecting belief in Allah, and that is something much more serious. In Islam, our purpose is not just to be good to people, but to worship Allah and recognize Him as our Creator.

So I would explain to him that Allah is Just and Merciful, and He does not wrong anyone. Good deeds matter, but without belief, they don’t have the same weight in the Hereafter. I would also remind him that guidance is always open, and it’s never too late for him to believe and turn to Allah.

In Surah Al-Fatiha, when it says “All praise is for Allah, Lord of all worlds,” that shows that Allah is the Creator and in control of everything. Then when it says “the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,” it’s describing who Allah is through His names and qualities.

In Surah An-Nas, it says “Lord of mankind, Master of mankind, God of mankind,” and that reminds me that Allah is the only One we should turn to and worship.

So to me, these verses are teaching that Allah created everything, He has perfect qualities, and He’s the only One we should worship. That’s how I understand the three pillars of Tawheed from these verses.

• Lordship (Rububiyyah): In Al-Fatiha, Allah is the "Lord of all worlds," showing He is the source of all existence, while in An-Nas, He is the "Lord of humankind," emphasizing that He is the personal Sustainer who nurtures every individual from birth to death.

• Names and Attributes (Asma was-Sifat): Al-Fatiha highlights His beauty through the names "Most Compassionate, Most Merciful," reassuring us of His infinite grace, whereas An-Nas describes Him as the "Master of humankind," establishing His absolute sovereignty and perfect authority over all creation.

• Worship (Uluhiyyah): By starting Al-Fatiha with the name "Allah," the text points to the only Being worthy of ultimate love and devotion, and concluding An-Nas with "God of humankind" reinforces that when we seek protection, we must turn exclusively to Him as our only true deity.

Basically, it’s a logical 1-2-3 punch: He’s the one who made and sustains us, He has the most perfect qualities, and because of those two things, He is the only one truly worthy of our worship.

Bismillah.

Sura Al-Fatiha encompasses all categories of tawheed. "In the name of Allah-the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful" indicates not only His Lordship (in the name of Allah) but also some of His beautiful attributes (Most Compassionate, Most Merciful). The word "most" suggests that this attribute is exclusive to Allah and cannot genuinely be possessed by any other being. (myislam.com). When used alongside references to His mercy, the word "most" highlights it's perpetual, all-encompassing and profoundly abundant nature specific to believers. (wikipedia.com.)

"All praise is for Allah-Lord of all worlds" designates oneness in his Lordship, as well as His Lordship. This describes and completes the categories of tawheed. "Lord of all worlds" reinforces that the Creator is absolute and covers both this dunya and the akhirah. (abuaminaelias.com)

In Sura An Nas ayah 1, "Say 'O Prophet,' I seek refuge in the Lord of Humankind." According to Ruqaia.com, it is a renunciation of arrogance and demonstrates humility and neediness before Allah. Recognizing Allah as divine comfort and reassurance is one of the highest forms of tawheed. (ruqaia.com)

Horoscopes and zodiac-based predictions are considered impermissible, because they suggest that created things have knowledge or influence that is reserved only for the Creator. Knowledge of the unseen and control over divine decree belong to Allah alone.

Relying on them risks attributing divine power to something other than Allah, which is considered shirk, a major sin. Even reading horoscopes out of curiosity can be harmful, as it may lead a person to subtly credit outcomes to creation instead of the Creator.

1. The Second Part of the Shahadah

It means accepting Prophet Muhammad SAW as the final messenger. This implies obeying his teachings, believing his message, and following his example (Sunnah) as the only valid way to worship Allah.

2. Why Knowing Him Matters

He is the "Living Quran." We cannot properly practice Islam—like knowing how to pray or fast—without his specific guidance. He serves as the perfect, practical role model for human behavior.

3. How to Increase Love for Him

• Study his life: Learning about his sacrifices and mercy builds a personal connection.

• Send Salawat: Regularly asking Allah to bless him keeps his memory alive.

• Follow his Sunnah: Implementing his small habits into your daily life out of love.

1. Shahada

Accepting Allah as the One true God and accepting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as His final messenger allows an individual to devote worship completely and sincerely to One Creator. Loving and following the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encourages a person to seek and implement his Sunnah in daily life. This helps shape taqwa and piety within the heart.

A person who was once inconsiderate may become more mindful of others, striving to avoid causing emotional harm through careless behavior. Their actions begin to reflect greater intentionality toward pleasing their Lord. In this way, salvation and righteous deeds become a testimony to a person’s sincerity in reforming themselves and strengthening their character.

2. Salah

Salah improves a person’s character and lifestyle through discipline and limitation. The more time one spends worshipping and remembering Allah, the less time remains for potentially engaging in haram actions. Salah also brings a believer closer to their Lord, especially during sajda, where humility and submission are strongest.

These repeated acts of worship help develop the healthy fear and consciousness of Allah needed to avoid sinful behavior. If a person invests the effort necessary to perfect their salah, they may become less willing to intentionally engage in actions that could pollute or invalidate it. Salah is a gift given by Allah through the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a means of comfort, purification, and guidance, but it must be maintained with sincerity and consistency by the individual.

3. Zakat

Giving charity to those in need helps reduce selfishness and greed while building stronger character through budgeting, time management, and awareness of how one earns their income. A person must carefully account for and organize their wealth in order to fulfill zakat correctly.

Zakat also encourages believers to reflect on whether their income is halal. For example, if someone works in an environment where revenue is generated through the sale of alcohol or lottery tickets, they may begin taking steps to reduce their personal involvement while seeking better provision, forgiveness, and mercy from Allah. These efforts may include avoiding certain shifts or even turning down promotions that would increase exposure to impermissible transactions. In this way, zakat encourages both financial responsibility and moral accountability.

4. Sawm

Fasting during Ramadan teaches self-control, discipline, and patience while drawing a person closer to their Lord. It allows believers to experience a temporary portion of the hardship faced by the poor and less fortunate, which can increase empathy and encourage acts of charity such as feeding others, donating, or volunteering.

Sawm also reminds Muslims of the suffering endured by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family during the boycott in Mecca. Reflecting on these hardships encourages believers to remain grateful, humble, and vigilant in their faith despite the comforts and ease present in modern society.

5. Hajj

Hajj teaches patience, sacrifice, humility, and preparation. A person must organize their affairs responsibly before making the journey, ensuring that debts are handled properly and that the wealth used for Hajj comes from halal sources.

Pilgrims are encouraged to leave behind extravagance, excessive attachment to worldly things, social media distractions, and material comforts in order to stand before Allah in a state of vulnerability and dependence. Hajj serves as a powerful reminder that this dunya is temporary and that every soul is ultimately journeying toward the Hereafter. Through this experience, a believer gains greater humility, gratitude, and awareness of their relationship with Allah.

Some tips to improve khushu are understanding the meanings of the words in prayer, praying slowly, avoiding distractions, making wudu carefully, remembering that she is standing before Allah, and making du’a for better focus. Consistency is also important because the more she prays sincerely, the stronger her connection with Allah can become.

1. Why does Allah test us?

   • Allah tests us to strengthen our faith, develop our character, and distinguish those who remain patient and obedient.

2. How can a test make you remember Allah?

   • Tests often make us turn to Allah in prayer, seek His help, and remember our dependence on Him.

3. How can Allah’s blessings be a test?

   • Wealth, health, success, and other blessings test whether we are grateful, humble, and obedient to Allah.

4. Why is the belief in Qadar (destiny) so important?

   • Belief in Qadar helps us trust Allah’s wisdom, remain patient during hardships, and be grateful during times of ease, knowing that everything happens according to Allah’s plan.