Religion

Praying or Ibadah in Islam

Ibadah is a broad concept in Islam that refers to acts of worship and devotion to God. It includes both physical and financial acts of worship. Some key points about ibadah:

• Ibadah literally means “to worship, serve and obey.” It refers to any act done solely to please and obey God. but in Islamic terminology, it refers to acts of worship that are done in accordance with the Shariah (Islamic law). So ibadah must comply with the guidelines and teachings of the Quran and Sunnah.

The purpose of ibadah is to attain the pleasure of Allah and come closer to Him. It is not meant as a means to show off or gain praise from others. Ibadah done with sincerity solely for Allah is most beloved to Him. all acts of ibadah, whether obligatory or voluntary, must be done with the correct intention, focusing the heart and mind on Allah. Without correct intention, ibadah is not valid.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said “Deeds are judged by intentions, and everyone will get what was intended.” This emphasizes the importance of intentions in all acts of ibadah.

• The five pillars of Islam – shahada, salah, zakat, sawm and hajj – are all forms of ibadah. They are the most basic acts of worship for Muslims.

• Other acts can also be considered ibadah, including reciting the Quran, making supplications, giving sadaqah and spreading knowledge.

• There are fard ibadah (obligatory worship), mustahabb ibadah (recommended worship) and nafil ibadah (voluntary worship) – referring to acts that are required, encouraged and optional respectively.

• The purpose of ibadah is to develop a closer connection with God and earn His rewards and pleasure.

• Ibadah should be done sincerely, purely for the sake of God, free from riya (ostentation) and other impure intentions.

• Ibadah encompasses both outward actions (like prayers and fasting) and inward states of mind and heart (like love, devotion and servitude to God).

The categories of Ibadah are as follows:

Fard/Farizah ibadah (obligatory acts of worship):
These are acts of worship that are made compulsory in Islam and are considered the minimum required of Muslims. Failure to perform fard acts is considered a sin in Islam. Examples of fard ibadah include the five pillars of Islam – Shahadah, Salah, Zakat, Sawm and Hajj – as well as financial payments like khums and some specific forms of sadaqah that are deemed obligatory. Fard ibadah are considered the foundation of Islam upon which all other acts of worship are built. They hold the greatest reward since they are the minimum requirement for being a true Muslim in practice. However, the reward comes from doing fard acts with sincerity, purely for the sake of Allah.

Mustahabb ibadah (recommended acts of worship):
These are acts of worship that are encouraged and recommended in Islam but are not compulsory. They bring extra reward when performed but hold no punishment for being neglected. Examples of mustahabb ibadah include voluntary prayers, reciting Quran frequently, giving more charity or sadaqah beyond what is obligatory, and donating to mosques and Islamic institutions. Mustahabb acts help strengthen one’s faith, draw one closer to Allah, and increase one’s spirituality. However, they are seen as supplementary to fard ibadah, not replacements. This includes nawafil financial payments like sadaqah and donations.

Wajib kaffarah (mandatory atonement):
These are acts of worship done to make amends for offenses or sins committed. They are obligatory in order to gain Allah’s forgiveness and remove the sin. Examples include paying kaffarah for missed fasts in Ramadan, breaking oaths, unjust killing, and having sexual relations during the day in Ramadan. Wajib acts of kaffarah remove the consequences of sins by “paying the due price” through specified acts of worship. While fard ibadah are intended to build one’s faith and spirituality, wajib kaffarah acts are meant to remedy transgressions after the fact. Both are necessary to balance in the spiritual life.

Ibadah helps a person achieve peace, fulfilment and spiritual growth. The more one performs ibadah with sincerity, the closer one feels to Allah and the more contented one becomes.
So ibadah is a comprehensive term referring to the various acts, both physical and financial, that humans do to worship and obey God. There are different levels or degrees of ibadah – from obligatory to recommended to voluntary – but the main purpose is to develop a closer relationship with the Divine and earn His rewards.

Ibadah / Acts of Worship Religion

Helping others in times of disaster

Disaster relief is the provision of assistance to meet the basic needs of people who are left helpless in the aftermath of a natural or man-made disaster. Disaster relief involves the provision of necessities like food, shelter, and medical care for people affected by disasters. The aim is to reduce immediate suffering while enabling affected populations to recover and rebuild their lives.

The Quran and hadiths emphasize helping those affected by disasters. Allah rewards those who help others in need.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever relieves a believer’s distress of the distressful aspects of this world,

Islam places great importance on providing disaster relief in a timely, coordinated and compassionate manner that truly meets the needs of victims and enables them to rebuild their lives. The reward from Allah comes not just from giving material aid, but from helping alleviate the suffering of our fellow human beings during their time of need.

In the aftermath of a disaster, people most urgently need assistance meeting their basic human needs:

Food and water – This is the most immediate need as many lose access to food, clean water and cooking facilities. Relief agencies must distribute relief supplies like packaged food, bottled water and cooking equipment.

Shelter – Many lose their homes in disasters, so temporary or transitional shelter becomes essential. This could include tents, blankets, tarpaulins and emergency housing units.

Medical care – Injured and ill victims need first aid, emergency medical care and medicine. Relief organizations set up field hospitals, mobile clinics and distribute medicine.

Sanitation – With damage to water and sewage systems, ensuring access to clean water and basic sanitation to prevent disease outbreaks is critical. This includes providing toilets, showers and disinfectants.

Clothing – Many victims lose all their possessions including clothing. Relief supplies include temporary clothing to protect people from weather as they begin rebuilding their lives.

Safety and security – Relief organizations work with authorities to provide safety and security for victims, especially for vulnerable groups like women and children.

Communication – Allowing people to reconnect with loved ones is critical for emotional and psychological wellbeing. Relief agencies provide communication tools and services.

Transportation – Temporary transportation may be needed to access relief services, evacuate dangerous areas or move people to temporary shelters.

Financial assistance – Cash grants can allow victims more choice in meeting their needs and stimulating the local economy in recovery.

Psychological support – Natural disasters often cause mental health issues requiring counseling, support groups and psychological first aid. However this area is often underprioritized.

Those are the primary categories of basic needs that relief organizations aim to meet immediately following disasters to prevent further suffering and save lives. Relief efforts then transition to longer-term recovery and rebuilding support.

Religion

What is Islamic jurisprudence?

Islamic jurisprudence, also known as fiqh, is the human understanding and interpretation of Islamic law (Sharia). It refers to the body of Islamic legal rulings derived from theological principles in the Quran and Sunnah. fiqh is developed through independent reasoning (ijtihad) by Islamic scholars, using prescribed methodologies and principles. It represents scholarly consensus (ijma) on how to implement broad Islamic principles in specific cases and contexts.

There are different schools of fiqh within Islam, based on the legal methodologies and reasoning of different scholars through history. The major schools are Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i and Hanbali. fiqh covers all aspects of human activity, from rituals and worship to family relations, politics, transactions, and criminal matters. It provides Islamic rulings to govern Muslims’ spiritual and worldly lives.

Islamic jurisprudence continues to develop and evolve as scholars interpret religious texts in light of new contexts, issues and knowledge. However, fiqh must always defer to the core principles and spirit of Islamic law.

Fiqh is not considered the primary sources of Islam – that role belongs to the Quran and Sunnah. Rather, fiqh represents human efforts to comprehend and articulate Islamic legal rulings based on the primary sources. differences in fiqh between scholars and schools of thought are considered natural and acceptable in Islam. But there remains an underlying unity grounded in adherence to the Quran and Sunnah.

Fiqh is necessary to apply broad Islamic principles to the concrete realities of life and varying human situations. But it remains subordinate to the Quran and Sunnah as its basis.

Fiqh represents a reasoned, scholarly effort to derive legal rulings to govern Muslims’ spiritual and mundane affairs. But these rulings must always comply with the overarching objectives and spirit of Sharia.

Major topics in fiqh include ‘ibadat (acts of worship), mu’amalat (transactions and contracts), ‘uqubat (punishments), and hudud (limits imposed by Allah). Fiqh aims to provide rulings for all aspects of Muslim life.

The different schools of fiqh mostly differ on more detailed legal rulings, while agreeing on broader principles and many specific rulings. Differences are largely due to interpreting religious proofs in different ways.

Scholars within the same school of fiqh also sometimes differ on specific issues of fiqh. This is considered acceptable as long as differences remain respectful and grounded in religious evidence. new issues and contexts continually emerge, requiring ongoing ijtihad and legal reasoning by qualified scholars. But solutions must always comply with Islamic principles and objectives.

Islamic jurisprudence continues to evolve and develop as scholars reinterpret classical teachings in light of present issues and knowledge. But its foundation remains the Quran and Sunnah.

Religion

Plants and Trees in Quran in Summary

There are several plants mentioned in the Quran, including fruits, trees, and herbs. Here are some examples of plants mentioned in the Quran and their corresponding verses:

Olive

“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, the lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. Allah guides to His light whom He wills. And Allah presents examples for the people, and Allah is Knowing of all things.” (Surah An-Nur 24:35) Donation of olive tree planting.

Date palm

“Then she brought him to her people, carrying him. They said, ‘O Mary, you have certainly done a thing unprecedented. O sister of Aaron, your father was not a man of evil, nor was your mother unchaste.’ So she pointed to him. They said, ‘How can we speak to one who is in the cradle a child?’ [Jesus] said, ‘Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet. And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me prayer and zakah as long as I remain alive. And [made me] dutiful to my mother, and He has not made me a wretched tyrant. And peace is on me the day I was born and the day I will die and the day I am raised alive.’ That is Jesus, the son of Mary – the word of truth about which they are in dispute. It is not [befitting] for Allah to take a son; exalted is He! When He decrees an affair, He only says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is. [Jesus said], ‘And indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is a straight path.’ Then the factions differed [concerning Jesus] from among them, so woe to those who disbelieved – from the scene of a tremendous Day.” (Surah Maryam 19:27-37) Donation of date palm tree planting.

Fig

“By the fig and the olive. And [by] Mount Sinai. And [by] this secure city [Makkah], We have certainly created man in the best of stature.” (Surah At-Tin 95:1-4) Donation of fig tree planting.

Pomegranate

“And it is He who sends down rain from the sky, and We produce thereby the growth of all things. We produce from it greenery from which We produce grains arranged in layers. And from the palm trees – of its emerging fruit are clusters hanging low. And [We produce] gardens of grapevines and olives and pomegranates, similar yet varied. Look at [each of] its fruit when it yields and [at] its ripening. Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.” (Surah Al-An’am 6:99)

Grapes

“And We have placed therein gardens of palm trees and grapevines and made therein springs of water.” (Surah Al-Hijr 15:45)

Banana

“And [We brought forth] a tree issuing from Mount Sinai which produces oil and food for those who eat.” (Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:20) Donation of banana tree planting.

Corn

“And it is He who sends down rain from the sky, and We produce thereby the growth of all things. We produce from it greenery from which We produce grains arranged in layers.” (Surah Al-An’am 6:99)

Lentils

“And [mention] the man of the fish, when he went off in anger and thought that We would not decree [anything] upon him. And he called out within the darknesses, ‘There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.’ So We responded to him and saved him from the distress. And thus do We save the believers.” (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:87-88) Some scholars interpret “man of the fish” as referring to the prophet Jonah, and the food he ate while in the belly of the fish is said to be lentils.

Garlic

“And [recall] when you said, ‘O Moses, we can never endure one [kind of] food. So call upon your Lord to bring forth for us from the earth its green herbs and its cucumbers and its garlic and its lentils and its onions.’ [Moses] said, ‘Would you exchange what is better for what is less? Go into [any] settlement and indeed, you will have what you have asked.’ And they were covered with humiliation and poverty and returned with anger from Allah [upon them]. That was because they [repeatedly] disbelieved in the signs of Allah and killed the prophets without right. That was because they disobeyed and were [habitually] transgressing.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:61)

Religion

Types of donation in Islam + Usage

In Shia Islam, donating to charitable causes is considered a highly virtuous act and an important part of one’s religious duties. The donations are used for a variety of purposes, including helping the poor and needy, supporting religious institutions such as mosques and seminaries, and funding various social and cultural programs.

One of the most important forms of donation in Shia Islam is Khums, which is a religious obligation and a form of Islamic tax that is paid on an annual basis. Khums literally means “one-fifth” and refers to the obligation to pay one-fifth of one’s surplus income (income after expenses) to the religious authorities, who distribute it according to Islamic principles.

Another important form of donation in Shia Islam is Zakat, which is also a religious obligation and a form of Islamic tax that is paid on an annual basis. Zakat is paid on one’s wealth and assets and is distributed to those in need, including the poor, orphans, widows, and other vulnerable groups.

In addition to Khums and Zakat, Shia Muslims also donate to various charitable causes throughout the year, including during the holy month of Ramadan, when giving to charity is considered particularly meritorious.

The donations in Shia Islam come from various sources, including individuals, businesses, and religious institutions. Shia Muslims are encouraged to give generously and to support charitable causes as much as possible, as it is seen as a way to earn rewards in this life and in the afterlife.

Khums: Khums is a religious obligation in Shia Islam, and it is one of the major forms of donation. Shia Muslims are required to pay one-fifth (20%) of their surplus income (income after expenses) to the religious authorities. The Khums is divided into two parts: one part is given to the Imam (the religious leader), and the other part is given to the representatives of the Imam, who distribute it according to Islamic principles.

Zakat: Zakat is another form of Islamic tax in Shia Islam, and it is paid on one’s wealth and assets. Shia Muslims are required to pay 2.5% of their wealth and assets to the needy, including the poor, orphans, widows, and other vulnerable groups.

Sadaqah: Sadaqah is a voluntary form of donation in Shia Islam, and it can be given at any time of the year. Sadaqah can be given in the form of money, food, clothing, or any other form of charity. Sadaqah is not a fixed amount, and it is up to the individual to decide how much they want to give.

Zakat al-Fitr: Zakat al-Fitr is a special form of donation that is given during the holy month of Ramadan. It is a small amount of money or food that is given to the poor and needy to help them celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.

Khums al-Ayn: Khums al-Ayn is a form of Khums that is paid on certain types of valuable items, such as precious metals, minerals, and treasures. The obligation to pay Khums al-Ayn is based on specific conditions, and it is not applicable to all types of valuable items.

Kaffarah: Kaffarah is a form of donation that is given as a penalty for certain types of sins or violations. For example, if someone breaks their fast during Ramadan without a valid reason, they may be required to pay Kaffarah as a penalty.

The uses of donations in Shia Islam can vary depending on the specific form of donation and the organization or institution receiving the donation. However, in general, donations in Shia Islam are used for a variety of purposes, including:

Helping the poor and needy: One of the main purposes of donations in Shia Islam is to help those who are in need, including the poor, orphans, widows, and other vulnerable groups. Donations are often used to provide food, shelter, clothing, and other basic necessities to those in need.

Supporting religious institutions: Donations are also used to support religious institutions such as mosques, Islamic centers, and seminaries. These institutions play a vital role in promoting Islamic education and providing a space for community worship and gatherings.

Funding social and cultural programs: Donations are sometimes used to fund various social and cultural programs, such as educational initiatives, healthcare programs, and community development projects.

Promoting Islamic values and principles: Donations are also used to promote Islamic values and principles, such as justice, compassion, and generosity. This can include supporting organizations that work to promote social justice and human rights, or funding programs that promote interfaith dialogue and understanding.

Supporting religious scholars and students: Donations are often used to support religious scholars and students, who play a vital role in preserving and transmitting Islamic knowledge. Donations can be used to fund scholarships, research programs, and other initiatives that support the education and training of religious scholars and students.

Providing humanitarian aid: Donations are also used to provide humanitarian aid in times of crisis, such as natural disasters, conflicts, and refugee crises. Shia Islamic organizations and charities often play a key role in providing relief and assistance to those affected by such crises.

Building and maintaining infrastructure: Donations can also be used to build and maintain infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and water systems, that benefit communities and promote economic development.

Supporting cultural and artistic endeavors: Donations can also be used to support cultural and artistic endeavors, such as museums, theaters, and cultural festivals, that help to promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Islamic world.

The intentions behind donations in Shia Islam are also important. Donations are not just about giving money or resources, but about the intention and motivation behind the giving. In Shia Islam, donations are encouraged as a way to purify one’s wealth and to earn rewards in both this life and the hereafter. The intention behind the donation should be to seek the pleasure of Allah (God) and to help those in need, rather than seeking recognition or personal gain.

Shia Muslims believe that giving to charity is a way to fulfill their religious duties and to earn blessings and rewards from Allah. The intention behind the donation should be pure and sincere, and the giving should be done with humility and gratitude for the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon them.

Khums Religion