History and Importance of Hadith

Q1.Describe the parts of Hadith and explain how it helped to check

genuineness of hadith.

ANSWER
The Hadith is the collected traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWW), based
on his sayings and actions.Each Hadith usually begins with the chain of the
narrators (Isnad) going back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad and his
companions, which is then followed by the text of tradition itself. Hadith is
mainly the saying of Prophet Mohammad, and it consists of two parts: first
is “Isnad”; which is the series of persons (narrators) who report (narrate)
Hadith, and the second is “Matn”; which is the text of narration itself.
Muhadithun (the collectors of hadith) checked the aunthencity of
Hadith.Muhadithun are the masters of hadith who closely study Ahadith to
check their authenticity.In order to check authenticity of hadith the closely
study two parts of hadith;Isnad and Matn.Isnad are the chain of
transmitters.They contain name of those who heard or noted,
memorized,implemented and transferred Ahadith. Matn is the actual text of
Hadith.It contains teachings of Prophet Muhammad which includes his
sayings, actions or silent approvals to his companions. ‘‘Actions are judged
by intentions’’ is the example of the matn of Hadith.
To check the authenticity of Hadith,Muhaddithun check Sanad of Hadith
first by different rules.They ensured the first person in the chain of
transmitters should be the companion of Holy Prophet (SAWW) because
Ahadith after Prophet (SAWW) could be brought forwarded only by his
companion who were present in the company of Prophet Muhammad
(SAWW).They also ensured that the chain of transmitters (Isnad) was
unbroken because the broken chain would leave certain doubts in their
mind about correct transformation of Hadith.Under the principle of Riwayat,
the collectors of Ahadith see the character and personality of the Asnad-
the narrator of Ahadith.All the narrators should be adult Muslims having
strong memory.They should be very pious.They should never told a lie and
never committed a major sin.They must be known for their knowledge,
trustfulness and trustworthiness.They should not have been charged for
any crime.They should be careful in narrating the Hadith.In addition their
name, parentage and occupation should be well known and if one narrator
referred his Hadith back to a person,they both should be of the same
period and must have met eachother.Furthermore, the chain of narrators
must stretch back to the Holy Prophet (SAWW).Ahadith from a child,insane
or non-muslim would not be acceptable.
Muhadithun also check the Matn of Hadith by different tests to check its
authenticity.Before checking the body of any hadith, Muhaddithun tried to
find out numbers of chains of narrators for a particular text.If any tradition
didn’t come with different chains, they rejected such hadtih for further
study.For Example of Hazrat Abu Bakr’s narration; Muslims kissed their
thumbs when heard Prophet (SAWW) name during Azaan.Under the
principle of Dirayat, the text (Matn) of Ahadtih is judged. The text of Ahadith
should not be against any verse of Holy Quran or the basic teachings of
Islam.It should not be contrary to authentic (Sahih) Ahadith.It should not
contain any grammatical mistake.It should not go against common sense or
normal experience of people.It should not contain expressions that the Holy
Prophet could not have expected to use.
The care Muslims have not taken to protect the Ahadith of their Prophet
has never been done by any other nation.Therefore, the Ahadith of the
Holy Prophet (SAWW) are so authentic (by narrator and by text) that no
one can create doubts in it.
Q2. Outline how the primary sources are linked together. Support
with examples.
ANSWER
The Quran is the major source of instruction and thinking.It is fundamental
from which all principles, ordinances and injunctions of Islam are drawn.We
believe that it is word of Allah hence is the first mean or source of guidance
consulted to gain knowledge of any law.It is also the primary source of legal
thinking which means it can also establish Islamic laws alone without being
dependent on any other source.It provides law for all aspects of life.The
Quranic teachings are eternal,un-alterable and everlasting for all times.The
Quran is the book of guidance.The Holy Quran itself gives Hadith the status
as an authority next to it. Surah Nisa states: “He who obeys the messenger
obeys Allah”.This means that Hadith can be used as a source of
guidance.Hadith also extends the Quranic laws therefore in the cases when
Quranic injunctions state matters in brief Muslim use Hadith for their
elaboration.
The Holy Quran is essentially related with Hadiths or Sunnah.The Holy
Quran lays down the rules while the Sunnah explains them.In addition,
Sunnah promulgates the rules in matters where the Holy Quran is
silent.Sunnah explicitly provides the details of the worships that are
commanded in the Holy Quran and Holy Prophet (SAWW) also elaborates
the complex issues of the Holy Quran.The Relation between Quran and
Hadith is such that the Hadith is a clarification of the Holy Quran.The
Hadith explains and interprets the Quran.It gives more details about what is
concisely mentioned in the Quran,especially when it comes to legal
rulings.Many laws, as well as acts of worships,are briefly ,mentioned in the
Quran.Then, the Hadith elaborates on such items and gives more details
and explanation.A good example for this is the prayers. The Quran orders
Muslims to pray, but it does not mention how many times Muslims should
pray or when or how to pray but it is explained by the Prophets Hadith as
Prophet (SAWW) said: “Pray as you have seen me Praying”.Likewise,
Zakat and Fasting in the month of Ramadan and monetary transactions are
touched on briefly by Quran but the Hadith elaborates on them.The Holy
Quran is inspired by Allah in meaning and wording.However, the Hadith is
inspired by Allah in meaning while the wording from Prophet Muhammad
(SAWW).
So,the Hadith, as the Prophetic text, comes right after the Quran as part of
the revelation, and both of them are the 2 main sources of Islam.The Quran
and the Hadith, together, are the sources of guidance and laws for
muslims.The Hadith is the explanation and interpretation of the
Quran.Therefore, Holy Quran cannot be thoroughly followed without
consulting Sunnah. This is why the Quran and Sunnah cannot be
separated, as they work harmoniously to convey the message of
Islam.They show people what Allah wants from them in order to lead the
best life on this earth and also to reap its fruit in the hereafter.
Quran contains all the important believe that are required in a Muslim
life.Quran is the complete universal and diverse for all times.Quran is never
changed.Sunnah is the sayings or hidden approvals and actions of Holy
Prophet (SAWW).They are complete codes of life and perfect examples of
how to live a Perfect life.

Caliphate of Abu Bakr

Q1. Outline the major problems faced by Abu Bakr after
being elected as Caliph.

ANSWER
After the death of the Holy Prophet (SAWW), the Arabs were rising in
rebellion from all sides.Apostasy and hostility raised their heads.Some
tribes refused to pay Zakat to the caliph for Baitul Mal (The public
treasury).Some disbelievers declared themselves to be Prophets.There
were many problems and much confusion.Hazrat abu Bakr (R.A) faced all
these with unparalleled courage and administrative skills.
Firstly, The major challenges he faced during his caliphate were that
muslims turned away from islam and they came up with islamic methods.
They made halal the forbidden and started to avoid zakah etc. Furthermore
men or even woman came up claiming prophethood and all were ready to
contest it. Muslim army was sent away on an expedition and until they
returned madinah was virtually defenseless. But however Allahs plans are
always the true ones. Madinah remained safe and muslim armies returned
safely. Muslim armies now had to fight and bring an end to all hypocritical
armies or the new kuffar armies that had sprung all around arabia. This
wasnt easy but in the end Muslims prevailed however lots of them were
martyred in the battles fought. Later the biggest challenges were the
Romans and Persians. They had mighty armies and powerful empires. They
may have fought each other and may have been exhausted but really in
terms of size muslims usually were inferior in size duting battles and
furthermore Arabs feared persian might. Morale definetly plays a major part
in wars and battles. Yet, with all those challenges Abu Bakrs caliphate bore
it all and came out on top.

Secondly, H e fa c e d t h e ch a l l e n g e o f fu l fi l l i n g t h e p r om i s e of t h e
P r o p h e t M u h a m m a d ( P .b .u .h ) i n s e n d i n g a M u s l i m a r m y a g a i n s t
t h e R om a n s or B y z a n t i n e . D e s p i t e s o m e op p os i t i o n fr om s o m e
S a h a b a s a g a i n s t s u ch a m ov e , K h a l i f a A b u B a k a r s e n t U s a m a h
b i n Z a y d , t h ou g h a y ou n g m a n , t o l e a d a n a r m y a n d t h e r e w e r e
e xp e r i e n ce d c om p a n i on s o f t h e Pr op h e t .

M or e ov e r , The need to compile the Quran into a single

volume created tension among the,Muslims in Madina. The
Khalifa after considerable delib eration, accepted the idea
and appointed a committee led b y Zaid b in Thabit to
compile the Quran as a w ay of preserv ing it. He helped to
restore the unity of the Ummah w hich had been divided on
the question of a successor to the Prophet. Both the Ansar
and the Muhajirun w anted the Khalifa to b e appointed
from among their group.
 Caliphate of Ali
Q1. Give an account of major battles during Ali’s
Caliphate.

ANSW ER

H a z r a t A l i (R .A ) w a s e l e ct e d a s t h e f or t h ca l i p h i n t h e m os t
c o n fu s e d s i t u a t i on w h e n a n a r c h y a n d t r a g i c c i r cu m s t a n ce s
p r e v a i l e d a l l ov e r t h e I s l a m i c St a t e .B a t t l e o f C a m e l i s t h e fi r s t
b a t t l e o f Ha z r a t A l i C a l i p h a t e e r a . I t w a s t h e f i r s t b a t t l e i n w h i ch
b ot h t h e a r m i e s w e r e b e l i e v e r s a n d m os t o f t h e m w e r e
C om p a n i on of t h e H ol y Pr op h e t (S A W W ) .
A ft e r b e i n g e l e ct e d a s t h e ca l i p h .Ha z r a t A l i (R .A ) d i d n ’t t oo k
i m m e d i a t e s t e p s t o p u n i s h t h e a s s a s i n s of H a z r a t Ut h m a n
( R . Z ).E v e n a ft e r t h e r e b e l s h a d l e ft for h o m e a n d Ha z r a t A l i h a d
b e c om e ca l i p h , p e a c e h a d n ot r e t u r n e d t o M a d i n a h . Um m a y a d s
h a d b e c om e p ow e r fu l i n Sy r i a a n d r a i s e d a cr y of r e v e n g e f or t h e
b l o od of Ut h m a n ( R .A ) .T h e cr y o f v e n g e a n ce w a s a l s o n ot i c e d i n
M a k k a h a n d M a d i n a h .R e s i d e n t s of t h e s e d e m a n d e d t h a t
m u r d e r e s of H a z r a t Ut h m a n ( R .A ) s h ou l d b e p u n i s h e d
i m m e d i a t e l y .K e e p i n g t h e p o l i t i ca l s i t u a t i o n i n v i e w a n d t h a t t he
a s s a s s i n a t i on w a s n ot t h e w or k o f j u s t a fe w p e op l e .Ha z r a t A li
d e c l i n e d t o d o a n y t h i n g u n t i l p e a ce a n d u n i t y h a d b e e n r e s t or e d
i n t h e e m p i r e .He a l s o co n s i d e r e d i t m or e i m p or t a n t t o r e u n i t e
t h e d i s p e r s i n g M u s l i m U m m a h b e f or e h e p u n i s h e d t h e
a s s a s s i n s .H a z r a t T a l h a a n d Ha z r a t Z u b a i r (R .A ) w e r e u n h a p p y
w i t h Ha z r a t A l i w or k i n g .T h e y c on t a ct e d Ha z r a t A i s h a (R .A ) ,w h o
h e r s e l f w a s d e e p l y g r i e v e d a t Ut h m a n (R A ) m u r d e r . Ha z r a t T a l h a
a n d Ha z r a t Z u b a i r r a i s e d a n a r m y a n d p e r s u a d e d Ha z r a t
A i s h a (R A )t o a cc om p a n y t h e m a s a s y m b o l i c l e a d i n g fi g u r e . 15 00 0
a r m y m e n m a r ch e d t ow a r d s b a s r a fr om M a d i n a h . T h e a r m y w a s
l e d b y Ha z r a t A i s h a (R A ). W h e n Ha z r a t A l i ca m e t o k n o w a b ou t t h e
c i t y of b a s r a w e n t i n t o t h e h a n d s o f Ha z r a t A i s h a ( R A ), h e r a i s e d
a n a r m y o f 90 00 p e op l e a n d m a r ch e d t ow a r d s b a s r a .W h e n 2
m u s l i m a r m i e s co n fr o n t e d e a ch o t h e r f or t h e fi r s t t i m e i n t h e
h i s t or y o f I s l a m , t h e l e a d e r s o f b ot h a r m i e s r e g r e t t e d i t a n d
a g r e e d t o n e g ot i a t e .

T h e n e w s o f n e g o t i a t i on w or r i e d t h e r i ot e r s , a s p e a c e a n d or d er
m e a n t t h e i r w o n r u i n . T h e r e f or e t h e y d e ci d e d t o m a r t h e p e a ce
e f for t s . T h e y p l a n n e d t o a t t a ck t h e a r m y o f Ha z r a t A i s h a (R A ) i n
t h e d a r k n e s s o f n i g h t , t h e y s u cce s s fu l l y c a r r i e d o u t t h e i r h e i n ou s
p l a n a n d r a i d e d t h e a r m y of H a z r a t A i s h a (R A ) . Sh e t h ou g h t i t w a s
a b e t r a y a l of Ha z r a t A l i (R A ) a n d or d e r e d h e r a r m y t o fi g h t
b a ck .T h u s t h e b l o o d y w a r b r o k e o u t .W h e n t h e b a t t l e w a s i n fu l l
s w i n g Ha z r a t A i s h a (R A ) c a m e i n th e b a t t l e fi e l d r i d i n g on a ca m e l
t o s t op t h e w a r .H o w e v e r t h e p e o p l e t h ou g h t t h a t s h e ca m e t o
l e a d t h e a r m y .T h e p e o p l e g a t h e r e d a r ou n d h e r ca m e l a n d fou g h t
d e s p e r a t e l y . Ha z r a t A l i (R A ) or d e r e d t o cu t t h e ca m e l s l e g .W h e n
t h e c a m e l w a s w o u n d e d i t s a t a n d t h e w a r e n d e d . 1 000 0 p e op l e
l os t t h e i r l i v e s i n t h i s b a t t l e fr om b ot h s i d e s . D u r i n g t h i s b a t t l e
H a z r a t T a l h a a n d Ha z r a t Z u b a i r w e r e r u t h l e s s l y m a r t y r e d b y t h e
r i ot e r s . Ha z r a t A l i (R A ) t r e a t e d Ha z r a t A i s h a (R A ) w i t h g r e at
r e s p e ct .Sh e w a s s e n t b a ck t o M a k k a h a l o n g w i t h h e r
b r ot h e r .H ow e v e r t h i s t r a g i c b a t t l e s a d d e n e d h e r t h r ou g h ou t h er
l i fe .
T h e a n ot h e r m a j o r b a t t l e w a s B a t t l e o f S i f fi n , w h i ch w a s f ou g ht
b e t w e e n Ha z r a t A l i a n d Ha z r a t A m e e r M u a w i y y a . H a z r a t A l i (R A )
a s k e d Ha z r a t A m e e r M u a w i y y a t o p a y a l l e g i a n ce t o h i m a n d s t ep
d ow n fr o m t h e g o v e r n s h i p of Sy ri a B u t H a z r a t A m e e r M u a w i y y a
r e fu s e d t o d o s o a s h e w a n t e d Ha z r a t A l i (R A ) t o p u n i s h t h e
m u r d e r e r s of Ha z r a t Ut h m a n (R A ) f i r s t . A s e r i e s o f n e g ot i a t i on s
b e g a n w h i ch e n d e d i n fa i l u r e .E v e n t u a l l y Ha z r a t A l i (R A ) h a d t o
t a k e m i l i t a r y a ct i on a g a i n s t Ha z r a t A m e e r M u a w i y y a . W i t h a n
a r m y of 9 00 00 m e n Ha z r a t A l i (R A ) m a r ch e d t ow a r d s Sy r i a . Ha z r a t
A m e e r M u a w i y y a a l s o c ol l e ct e d 8 00 00 s o l d e i r s .B o t h t h e a r m i e s
c o n fr on t e d e a ch o t h e r a t Si f fi n , a p l a ce on t h e Sy r i a n b or d e r a n d
e n c a m p e d t h e r e . A fr e s h s e r i e s o f n e g ot i a t i on s b e g a n t o r e s o l ve
t h e i s s u e p e a ce f u l l y .H ow e v e r a l l e f for t s w e n t i n v a i n a n d t h e
f i g h t i n g b r o k e ou t w h i ch c o n t i n u e d f or t h r e e d a y s .T h e a r m y of
H a z r a t A m e e r M u a w i y y a w a s on t h e v e r g e o f d e fe a t . Ha z r a t A m e er
M u a w i y y a o n t h e a d v i ce of Ha z r a t A m a r b i n A a s (R A ) or d e r e d h i s
s ol d i e r s i n t h e f r on t r a n k s t o f i x t h e H ol y Q u r a n t o t h e i r
l a n ce s .T h i s m a d e t h e a r m y of Ha z r a t A l i (R A ) t o s t op t h e
w a r .T h u s ,t h e b a t t l e r e m a i n e d i n d e c i s i v e . Ho w e v e r i t w a s a g r e e d
t h a t t h e m a t t e r s h ou l d b e s o l v e d t h r ou g h a r b i t r a t i on , w h i ch
w ou l d b e h e l d s i x m o n t h s l a t e r .

Articles of Faith (Tawhid, Angels, Books)

Q1. Outline what Muslims believe about angels and

b ooks.

ANSW ER

Belief in Angels in one of the cardinal articles of a Muslims

faith and it forms t he second ingredient thereof next only
to faith in Allah .The main qualities of Angels are
purity,righteousness, trustfulness and obedience to the
w ill and command of Allah. Angels are ob edient creature of
Allah and w ho alw ays glorifu Him.Are created from divine
light. Angels are the creatures of Allah, ever ob edient to
His will and Commands.They are created out of light.Some
of the angels have tw o w ings, some three,and some
four.The y pervade the w hole universe.They are neither
males nor females; they have neither parents, nor
w ives,nor sons,nor daughters.They have no material
b odies,b ut can assume any form they like.They donot have
human urges such as food,drink and sleep.They are no t
Allahs daughters nor they are ob ject of w orships.Angels
have no know ledge except w hat Allah has taught
them.They have no free will.They do not speak without the
permission of Allah.They are innocent and donot commit
any sin.Angels are the devine agencies through w hich
Allah ensures the perfect functioning of the
universe.Angels have various functions and duties.The
most significant w as to b ring Allah’s message
(revelations) to the Prophets.4 prominent Angels are
Haz rat Jibrail (A.S),Haz rat Mikaeel (A.S),H az rat Israfeel
(A.S),Haz rat Izrail (A.S).
1.Haz rat Jib rail (A.S):
H e w a s e m p l oy e d b y A l l a h t o c on v e y h i s m e s s a g e s t o h i s ch os e n
o n e s o n e a r t h ,t h e p r op h e t s a n d th e a p o s t l e s . I t w a s Ji b r a i l (A . S)
w h o com m u n i ca t e d t h e r e v e l a t i on s o f A l l a h t o Pr o p h e t ( SA W W ) .
2.Haz rat Mikaeel (A.S):
H e i s a s s i g n e d t h e d u t y of l oo k i n g a ft e r t h e a f fa i r s o f t h e u n i v e r s e
s u ch a s r a i n fa l l ,s u s t e n a n ce a n d a i r e t c .
3.Haz rat Iz rail (A.S):
H e i s ca l l e d t h e a n g e l o f d e a t h , fo r h e t a k e s a w a y t h e s ou l s o f t he
dying.
4.Haz rat Israfeel (A.S):
H e w i l l b l ow t h e t r u m p e t w h e n t h e t i m e c om e s fo r t h e w or l d t o
end.
Belief in the Holy Books is a b asis of Islamic faith.By b elief
in all Books of Allah, Muslims mean that Allah revealed his
c ommandments and the teachings of religious to various
Prophets at different stages of history for the guidance of
mankind.A Muslim believes in all the Revealed b ooks
w hich Almighty Allah sent down to the messengers from
Haz rat Adam (A.S) to the Holy Prophet (SAWW ). 4
Prominent books are Torah,Psalms(Zab ur),Bible(Injeel)
and the Holy Quran.None of the previous revealed Books
are in their original form.The Holy Quran is the last and
final divinely message of almighty Allah.

Articles of Faith (Prophets)

Q1. Write an account of Muslims belief in Prophets.

ANSWER

B e l i e f i n a l l t h e P r o p h e t s a n d M e s s e n g e r s i s t h e b a s i c a r t i cl e of
f a i t h .B y b e l i e f i n a l l t h e Pr op h e t s o f A l l a h , M u s l i m s m e a n t h a t at
d i f fe r e n t s t a g e s i n t h e h i s t or y o f m a n k i n d .A l l a h s e n t Pr op h e t s a s
h i s m e s s e n g e r s fo r t h e g u i d a n ce o f m a n k i n d .M u s l i m s b e l i e v e i n
a l l of t h e m i n g e n e r a l , a n d i n t h os e w h o s e n a m e s a r e m e n t i on e d
i n t h e Ho l y Q u r a n i n Pa r t i cu l a r .M u s l i m s ca n n ot p e r s o n i fy a n y on e
a s a Pr op h e t i f h i s n a m e i s n ot m e n t i o n e d i n t h e d e v i n e b o ok , n or
t h e y c a n d e n y t h e Pr op h e t h oo d o f a n y on e w h os e n a m e i s
m e n t i on e d i n t h e H ol y Q u r a n .I f s o m e on e b e l i e v e s i n A l l a h
w i t h ou t b e l i e v i n g i n Pr op h e t s , h i s fa i t h i s u n a cc e p t a b l e .

P r o p h e t s w e r e s e n t t o a cc om p l i s h fou r m a i n fu n ct i on s ;r e ci t a t i on
o f t h e v e r s e of Go d , p u r i fy i n g t h e i r p e op l e , a n d t h e t e a ch i n g t h em
d i v i n e g u i d a n c e (H o l y B o ok ) a n d t h e w i s d om . A l l ot h e r w or k s a r e
h i d d e n i n t h e s e f ou r fu n ct i on s s u ch a s p r om u l g a t i o n of d e v i n e
l a w s ,t h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t o f t h e p r a y e r s or d e v i n e w o r s h i p a n d t h e
m a i n t e n a n ce o f j u s t i c e e t c .

T h e w or d s N a b i a n d R a s u l a r e u s e d for t h e Pr op h e t s i n t h e H oly
Q u r a n .A R a s u l i s t h e Pr o p h e t w h o b r i n g s a n e w Sh a r i a h l a w
( d i v i n e co d e of l i fe ) a n d N a b i i s t h e Pr o p h e t w h o d oe s n ot b r i n g
a n e w S h a r i a h b u t fo l l ow s t h e p r e v i ou s l y r e v e a l e d d i v i n e l a w s . A ll
P r o p h e t s w e r e Hu m a n b e i n g s , s i n l e s s , a n d p e r fe c t ,l e d a ch a s t e
l i fe , fu l f i l l e d t h e r e s p on s i b i l i t y o f c on v e y i n g t h e d e v i n e g u i d a n ce
t o t h e i r d e v i n e g u i d a n c e t o t h e i r r e s p e ct i v e n a t i on ,b or e
h a r d s h i p s i n t h e w a y o f A l l a h a n d h a d n o m a t e r i a l d e s i r e fr o m
t h e i r n a t i o n .T h e i r m e s s a g e w a s a l w a y s t h e s a m e i n p u r p os e i .e t o
e s t a b l i s h t h e l a w o f O n e a n d O n l y G od .T h e i r w h ol e l i fe i s a n
e xa m p l e o f t r u t h, n ob i l i t y ,p u r i t y o f n a t u r e ,h i g h t h i n k i n g a n d t h e
m os t e xa l t e d for m of Hu m a n i t y .

A l m o s t 12 40 00 Pr op h e t s w e r e r a i s e d f or t h e g u i d a n c e o f p e op l e
i n d i ff e r e n t a g e s i n d i f fe r e n t n a t i o n s . Ha z r a t A d a m (A . S ) w a s t h e
f i r s t Pr op h e t .T h e Ho l y P r o p h e t M u h a m m a d ( SA W W ) m a r k s t he
e n d of t h e Pr o p h e t h o od .He i s t h e l a s t Pr op h e t . T h e r e w i l l b e n o
P r o p h e t a ft e r h i m .

Pillars of Islam (Shahada)

Q1. Describe the Muslim beliefs summarised by the declaration of faith (shahada).

ANSWER
The Shahadah is the Muslim declaration of faith and the first Pillar of Islam.
It expresses the belief that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is
the messenger of Allah. This belief in one God is known as monotheism.
In order to become a Muslim, a person simply has to declare the Shahadah
in front of witnesses. This highlights the key importance of the Shahadah in
Islam.

Allah has no partners, neither dose any share his divinity.Nobody can
amend or alter His will or interfere with his functions.Hence, Allah Almighty
alone is worthy of devotion and worship. He alone is the Supreme being,
the glorious one, to whom all our prayers and supplications should be
addressed.

Shahadah comprises of two fundamental beliefs in Islam (Oneness of Allah

and Prophethood of Hazrat Muhammad SAWW).
 Pillars of Islam (Fasting)
Q1. Outline the features of the Ramadan.
ANSWER

Fasting is the 4th Pillar of Islam.The literal meaning of fast is

absistence.In Islamic terminology,it means to abstain from
eating,drinking,smoking,not allowing anything to enter into the
stomach from the break of dawn till sunset.Fasting is done in the
month of Ramadan.Fasting was made obligatory for Muslims in
2nd A.H. Fasting does not merely mean to abstain from eating and
drinking.It is in fact an apparent sign of obedience, submission
and servitude to Almighty Allah.By Fasting, a Muslim expresses
his submission to Allah’s command, he responds to his well, and
exerts control over his own desire and wishers at God’s nest.The
month of Ramadan is a great blessing for Muslim as the Holy
Quran was revealed to the Holy Prophet (SAWW) in this month.
Fasting during the whole month of Ramadan is obligatory for all
Muslims adults,both male and female but its not obligatory for
insance and minor children.Before keeping a fast, it is a tradition
to get up at nighy for Sehri.Eating Sehri is highly desirable and
entitles person to spiritual recompense (rewards).Holy Prophet
(SAWW) said: “Allah and his angles send blessings on people
who eat Sehri”.After Sehri the Niyyat(intention) for the fast should
then be made.The Niyyat may be made in one’s own
language.After making and from the moment of the break or real
dawn till the setting of the sun, he or she is now subject to all
restrictions and prohibitions associated with a fast.Eating,drinking,
smoking taking of medicine or anything else by mouth and
matrimonial relations are forbidden in state of fasting.A fasting
person is also obliged to avoid all sinful activities from dawn till
dusk.It is traditional to break the fast(Iftar) with a date, or water
immediately after the setting of the sun.The Holy Prophet
(SAWW) said that Allah said: “Among My servants, I love the One
most who are quick in Iftar”.After the obligatory Isha Prayer,
during the month of Ramadan,Muslims after Special Ramadan
prayer called Taraweeh.