Category: Akidah

Praise be to Allah.One of the basic principles of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah is that they have nothing against the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and they do not say anything against them. Their hearts are free of any hatred, resentment and rancour (towards them) and they do not say anything (about them) that is not appropriate or befitting, because Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“And those who came after them say: ‘Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith, and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful’”[Al-Hashr :10]
And they obey the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) who said: “Do not revile my companions, for by the One in Whose hand is my soul, if one of you were to spend in charity gold equal to the size of Mount Uhud, he would not achieve the status of one of them, or even come halfway.” (narrated by al-Bukhari, 3637; Muslim, 2541).
One of the basic principles of Ahl al-Sunnah is that they accept that which has been narrated in the Qur’aan and Sunnah, and the consensus of the scholars, concerning the virtues and status (of the Sahaabah). They give precedence to those who spent and fought before the victory – the treaty of al-Hudaybiyah – over those who spent and fought afterwards, because Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“Not equal among you are those who spent and fought before the Victory. Such are higher in degree than those who spent and fought afterwards. But to all Allah has promised the best (reward). And Allah is All-Aware of what you do” [Al-Hadeed 57:10]
They give precedence to the Muhaajireen over the Ansaar, because Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And the foremost to embrace Islam of the Muhaajiroon and the Ansaar and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success”
[Al-Tawbah 9:100.] So the aayah gives precedence to the Muhaajireen over the Ansaar.
They believe that Allah said concerning the people of Badr – who numbered three hundred and umpteen – “Do whatever you like, for I have forgiven you,” because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Maybe Allah looked at the people of Badr and said, ‘Do whatever you like, for I have forgiven you.’” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 3007; Muslim, 2494 – from the hadith of ‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib) 
They believe that no-one who gave the oath of allegiance (bay’ah) under the tree will enter Hell, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said. Rather Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him, and they numbered more than one thousand and four hundred. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“Indeed, Allah was pleased with the believers when they gave the Bay‘ah (pledge) to you (O Muhammad) under the tree, He knew what was in their hearts, and He sent down As-Sakeenah (calmness and tranquillity) upon them, and He rewarded them with a near victory”[Al-Fath 48:18]
And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “In sha Allah, no one among the companions of the tree, those who gave their oath of allegiance beneath the tree, will enter Hell.” (Narrated by Muslim, 2496). Among those who pledged allegiance beneath the tree were Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthmaan and ‘Ali, may Allah be pleased with them all. 
And they (Ahl al-Sunnah) bear witness that those will enter Paradise who the Messenger of Allah bore witness that they would enter, such as the ten (who were given the glad tidings of Paradise), and Thaabit ibn Qays ibn Shammaas, and others among the Sahaabah (may Allah be pleased with them). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Abu Bakr will be in Paradise, ‘Umar will be in Paradise, ‘Uthmaan will be in Paradise, ‘Ali will be in Paradise, Talhah will be in Paradise, al-Zubayr will be in Paradise, ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn ‘Awf will be in Paradise, Sa’d will be in Paradise, Sa’eed will be in Paradise and Abu ‘Ubaydah ibn al-Jarraah will be in Paradise.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4649; al-Tirmidhi, 3747; classed as saheeh by al-Albani). 
They affirm that which has been narrated in mutawaatir reports from ‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib (may Allah be pleased with him) and others, that the best among this ummah after its Prophet is Abu Bakr, then ‘Umar. It was narrated that Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyyah said: “I said to my father (‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib), ‘Which of the people is the best after the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)?’ He said, ‘Abu Bakr.’ I asked, ‘Then who?’ He said, ‘ ‘Umar.’ I was worried that he would say ‘Uthmaan, so I said, ‘Then is it you?’ He said, ‘I am just a man among the Muslims.’” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 3671). So they (Ahl al-Sunnah) list ‘Uthmaan as the third and ‘Ali as the fourth, may Allah be pleased with them. 
See al-Waasitiyyah by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah, with commentary. 
Secondly: it is part of the belief of Ahl al-Sunnah that the most deserving of the people to succeed the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq (may Allah be pleased with him). The evidence for the leadership of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) is as follows: 
1 – It was narrated from Muhammad ibn Jubayr ibn Mut’im that his father said: “A woman came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and he told her to come back later. She said, ‘What if I come back and do not find you?’ as if she was referring to death. He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘If you do not find me, then go to Abu Bakr.’” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 3659). 
2 – It was narrated that Ibn Mas’ood said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘Take as your leaders those who come after me, Abu Bakr and ‘Umar.’” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 3805; classed as saheeh by al-Albani). 
3 – It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘Whilst I was standing by a well, drawing water from it, Abu Bakr and ‘Umar came. Abu Bakr took the bucket and drew one or two buckets, but there was some weakness in his drawing. May Allah forgive him. Then ‘Umar bin Al-Khattaab came and the bucket turned into a very large one in his hands. I had never seen such a mighty person as he in doing such hard work till all the people drank to their satisfaction and watered their camels that knelt down there.’” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 3676).  
Ibn Hajar said in his commentary on this hadith: 
“Whilst I was standing by a well” means, in a dream. “Drawing water from it” means, filling a bucket with water. “He drew one or two buckets (dhanooban aw dhanoobayn)”: dhanoob refers to a large bucket when it is full of water. It seems to me that this refers to the major conquests which took place during his reign (as khaleefah), which numbered three. Hence the hadith does not refer to the number of buckets in the case of ‘Umar, rather it describes his drawing of water as ‘mighty’, referring to the many conquests that would occur during his reign as khaleefah. And Allah knows best. 
Al-Shaafa’i mentioned the interpretation of this hadith in al-Umm, where after quoting it he said: The meaning of the phrase “but there was some weakness in his drawing” is that his time of leadership was short, because of his untimely death and the fact that the war against the apostates (ahl al-riddah) kept him from reaching the level of conquests attained by ‘Umar during his lengthy reign as khaleefah. 
With regard to the phrase “May Allah forgive him,” al-Nawawi said: This is a du’aa’ on the part of the one who is speaking, i.e., there can be no other interpretation. Others said that it was an indication that the death of Abu Bakr was close. A similar case is to be seen in the aayah in which Allah says to His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): 
“So glorify the Praises of your Lord, and ask His forgiveness. Verily, He is the One Who accepts the repentance and Who forgives”[Al-Nasr 110:3 – interpretation of the meaning]
This aayah was an indication that the death of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was close. I say: it may be that it was an indication that the small number of conquests during his time was not his fault, because the reason for that was the brevity of his rule, and the meaning of forgiveness is to remove any blame from him. 
“And the bucket turned into a very large one in his hands” means, it became a huge bucket. “I had never seen such a mighty person as he” means that he achieved the ultimate. 
4 – It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to me when he was sick, ‘Call Abu Bakr for me, your father and your brother, so that I may dictate a letter. For I am worried lest someone who is ambitious says that he is more entitled to the position of leadership, but Allah and the believers will not accept anyone other than Abu Bakr.’” (Narrated by Muslim, 2387). 
5 – During his final illness, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) appointed Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq to lead the Muslims in prayer and he did not accept anyone else to take his place. The fact that he was appointed to take his place in the case of minor leadership (leading the prayers) indicates that he would succeed him in the case of major leadership (as imam or khaleefah). 
And Allah knows best.

Praise be to Allah.
The Braylwiyyah are a Soofeesect which was born in India at the time
of the British rule there.

It’s followers concernthemselves in exceeding in their love and
honour for the Prophets and the
“saints” in general, and the
Prophet (sal-Allaahu
`alayhe wa sallam)
specifically.

It’s founder was a man bythe name of Ahmad Ridhaa Khaan ibn Taqee
‘Alee Khaan who was born in 1272 A.H.
(1851 C.E.) and called himself Abdul-Mustafaa
(slave/servant of Mustafaa, i.e.
Muhammad
(sal-Allaahu `alayhe wasallam)).

He was born in the city ofBraylee in the province of Uttar Pradesh
and was a student of al-Mirza GhulaamQaadir Begg who was the older (blood) brother
of Mirza Ghulaam Ahmad al-Qaadiyaanee
(founder of the Qaadiyaaniyyah sect).

He was of a slim build andknown to be shrewd and clever, whilst also
being ill-tempered and foul-mouthed.
He used to suffer from chronic illnesses,
and used to consistently complain ofheadaches and back pains.

He visitedMakkahand studied under some of thescholars there in 1295 A.H. (1874 C.E.).

Amongst his “notable” booksare: Anbaa. al-Mustafaa and Khaalis
al-I’tiqaad.

From the beliefs of thissect is that the Messenger of Allaah
(sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam)
hasthe ability/power to control the creation
and all that occurs, and that the
“saints” have the ability/power
to influence the creation and all that occurs.

And they have exceeded intheir belief with respect to the Prophet
(sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam)
suchthat they have ascended him to a rank close
to that of worshipping him. And theyhave exceeded in their belief with respect
to the Messenger of Allaah
(sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam)
such that they believe he has knowledge of
the unseen, and they deny that he was a human being, rather that he was the light
(noor) of Allaah. And they also permit calling for assistance from the “saints”
and the Prophets and other than them from the false beliefs.

Praise be to Allah.A: In Arabic, Islam means surrender . It has been taken to describe
the status of the one who embraces Allah’s Religion for he surrenders
his will to Allah and abide by the rules set by Him and conveyed via
His Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Allah says about Ibrahim,
peace be upon him, “When his Lord said to him, “Submit (be a Muslim
)!” He said, “I have submitted myself (as a Muslim ) to the Lord of 
all that exists. ” [al-Baqarah 2:131 – interpretation of the meaning]
. 
The Standing Committee

Praise be to Allah.Islamic rights are many, among the most important
of which are the following: 
The rights of Allaah 
The blessings of Allaah to His slaves are
innumerable. Every blessing deserves thanks. The rights of Allaah upon
His slaves are many, the most important of which include the following: 

1.Tawheed, which means believing that Allaah is One in His
Essence, His names, His attributes and His deeds. So we should believe
that Allaah alone is the Lord, the Sovereign, the Controller, the Creator,
the Provider, in Whose hand is Dominion and He is Able to do all things:

“Blessed be He in Whose Hand is the
dominion; and He is Able to do all things”[al-Mulk 67:1 – interpretation
of the meaning]
2.‘Ibaadah (worship), which means worshipping Allaah alone because
He is their Lord, Creator and Provider. So all kinds of worship should
be devoted to Him alone, such as du’aa’ (supplication), dhikr (remembering
Allaah), seeking help, humbling oneself, submitting, hope and fear,
vows, sacrifices, and so on. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Worship Allaah and join none with
Him (in worship)”
[al-Nisaa’ 4:36]
3.Shukr (gratitude, giving thanks), for Allaah is the One
Who bestows favours and blessings upon all of creation, so they have
to show their gratitude for these blessings on their lips and in their
hearts and in their physical actions, by praising Allaah and using these
blessings to obey Allaah and in ways that Allaah has permitted:
“Therefore remember Me (by praying,
glorifying). I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless
Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me
[al-Baqarah
2:152 – interpretation of the meaning] 
The rights of the Messenger 
The sending of the Messenger
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is a great blessing for
all of mankind. Allah sent him to bring mankind forth from darkness
into light, and to show them that which will bring them happiness in
this world and in the Hereafter. 
Among the rights that the Messenger has over
us are that we should love him, obey him and send blessings upon him.
Loving him (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) is achieved by obeying his commands and believing
what he told us, avoiding that which he forbade and not worshipping
Allaah except in the ways that he prescribed. 
Parent’s rights 
Islam pays special attention to the family
and encourages love and respect within it. The parents are the basis
and foundation of the family, hence honouring one’s parents is one of
the best deeds and one of the most beloved actions to Allaah. 

Honouring one’s parents is achieved by obeying
them, respecting them, being humble towards them, treating them kindly,
spending on them, praying for them, upholding ties of kinship with those
to whom one is related through them, and honouring their friends: 

“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but
Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents”[al-Israa’ 17:23] 

The rights of the mother in this regard
are greater, because she is the one who bears the child, gives birth
to him and breastfeeds him. A man came to the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and said, “O Messenger of
Allaah, who is most deserving of my good companionship?” He said, “Your
mother.” He said, “Then who?” He said, “Your mother.” He said, “Then
who?” He said, “Your mother.” He said, “Then who?” He said, “Your father.”
(Agreed upon. This version was narrated by al-Bukhaari,
al-Adab, 78) 
The rights of one Muslim over another 
The believers are brothers and are an integrated
nation, like a building parts of which support other parts. They treat
one another with mercy and compassion, and love one another. In order
to preserve this building and this brotherhood, Allaah has prescribed
rights which each Muslim has over his fellow Muslim. These include love,
sincerity (naseehah), relieving his distress, concealing his
mistakes, supporting him when he is in the right, respecting neighbours
and honouring guests. 
These rights also include returning greetings
of salaam, visiting the sick, accepting invitations, saying “yarhamuk
Allaah (may Allaah have mercy on you) to a Muslim when he sneezes,
and attending his funeral. The Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The rights of one
Muslim over another are five: returning the greeting of salaam, saying
‘yarhamuk Allaah (may Allaah have mercy on you)’ when he sneezes,
accepting invitations, visiting the sick and attending funerals.” (Narrated
by Muslim, 2625)
 Neighbour’s rights 
Islam pays attention to the issue of neighbours,
whether they are Muslim or not, because of the interests served by that
in making the nation like one body. The Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Jibreel kept on enjoining
the good treatment of neighbours to the extent that I thought that he
would include neighbours as heirs.” (Agreed upon. Narrated by Muslim,
2625) 
Among the rights of one neighbour over
another as affirmed by Islam are the initiation of greetings, visiting
him if he is sick, offering condolences if calamity befalls him, congratulating
him at times of joy, overlooking his mistakes, concealing his faults,
bearing his annoyance with patience, giving him gifts, lending him money
if he needs it, lowering one’s gaze from looking at his womenfolk, and
guiding him to that which will benefit him in his religious and worldly
affairs. The Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
“The best of companions with Allaah is the one who is
best to his companion, and the best of neighbours with Him is the one
who is best to his neighbour.”(Narrated by al-Bukhaari in al-Adab
al-Mufrad, 115) 
Concerning neighbours’ rights, Allaah says
(interpretation of the meaning): 
“Worship Allaah and join none with Him (in worship);
and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masaakeen (the poor),
the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the
companion by your side…”[al-Nisaa’ 4:36] 
Islam warns against annoying one’s neighbours
or treating them badly. The Messenger
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) explained that this would
lead to being deprived of Paradise: “He will not enter Paradise from
whose harm his neighbour is not safe.” (Agreed upon. Narrated by Muslim,
64). 
In order to achieve the common interest, Islam gives
rights to the ruler over his subjects and to the subjects over their
ruler, and its gives the husband rights over his wife and the wife rights
over her husband, and there are other just rights which Islam has enjoined.

Praise be to Allah.Each person is a pledge for that which he has earned
(cf. al-Toor 52:21, al-Muddaththir 74:38) Whoever believes and does
righteous deeds will enter Paradise and whoever disbelieves in Allaah
and His Messenger will enter Hell. Allaah says (interpretation of the
meaning): 
“Surely, those who disbelieved in
Our Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.),
We shall burn them in Fire. As often as their skins are roasted through,
We shall change them for other skins that they may taste the punishment.
Truly, Allaah is Ever Most Powerful, All-Wise.
But those who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah —
Islamic Monotheism) and do deeds of righteousness, We shall admit them
to Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), abiding therein forever.
Therein they shall have Azwaajun Mutahharatun (purified mates or wives),
and We shall admit them to shades wide and ever deepening (Paradise)”[al-Nisaa’
4:56-57] 
Righteous deeds benefit the one who does them,
for Allaah has no need of us. And evil deeds only harm the one who does
them, for they do not harm Allaah at all, Allaah says (interpretation
of the meaning): 
“Whosoever does righteous good deed,
it is for (the benefit of) his ownself; and whosoever does evil, it
is against his ownself. And your Lord is not at all unjust to (His)
slaves”[Fussilat 41:46]
 And He says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“And whosoever strives, he strives only for himself.
Verily, Allaah stands not in need of any of the ‘Aalameen (mankind,
jinn, and all that exists)”[al-‘Ankaboot 29:6] 
Allaah is Generous and multiplies hasanaat
(good deeds) as He says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“Whoever brings a good deed (Islamic Monotheism and
deeds of obedience to Allaah and His Messenger) shall have ten times
the like thereof to his credit, and whoever brings an evil deed (polytheism,
disbelief, hypocrisy, and deeds of disobedience to Allaah and His Messenger)
shall have only the recompense of the like thereof, and they will not
be wronged”[al-An’aam 6:160] 
Righteous deeds such as prayer, zakaah, fasting,
Hajj, enjoining what is good, forbidding what is evil, jihaad, reading
Qur’aan, etc., are the symbols of Islam, and the reward for all of them
is Paradise, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“And whoever does righteous good deeds, male or female,
and is a (true) believer [in the Oneness of Allaah (Muslim)], such will
enter Paradise and not the least injustice, even to the size of a Naqeera
(speck on the back of a date stone), will be done to them”[al-Nisaa’
4:124] 
The punishment for all evil deeds and sins
such as oppression, shirk (associating others with Allaah), murder,
corruption, arrogance, and other sins is Hell, unless one repents. Allaah
says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“And whosoever disobeys Allaah and His Messenger (Muhammad),
and transgresses His limits, He will cast him into the Fire, to abide
therein; and he shall have a disgraceful torment”[al-Nisaa’ 4:14] 

Words and deeds, whether they are good or
bad, are all recorded with the Lord of the Worlds. Allaah says (interpretation
of the meaning): 
“This Our Record speaks about you with truth. Verily,
We were recording what you used to do (i.e. Our angels used to record
your deeds)” [al-Jaathiyah 45:29] 
Allaah does not accept any deeds except those
which are done purely for Allaah in accordance with the guidance of
the Messenger of Allaah (peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him), as Allaah says (interpretation
of the meaning): 
“So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let
him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship
of his Lord”[al-Kahf 18:110] 
On the Day of Resurrection, each person will
see what he did, acts of obedience or disobedience, good or evil, as
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“That Day mankind will proceed in
scattered groups that they may be shown their deeds.
So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom
(or a small ant) shall see it.
And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an
atom (or a small ant) shall see it”[al-Zalzalah :6-8] 
On the Day of Resurrection, each person will
be given his book (record of deeds) and it will be said to him:
 “Read your book. You yourself are
sufficient as a reckoner against you this Day” [al-Israa’ 17:14
– interpretation of the meaning]
 Whoever believed and did righteous deeds
will take his book in his right hand in joy, and will enter Paradise,
and whoever disobeyed Allaah and His Messenger will take his book in
his left hand or from behind his back, and will enter Hell. Allaah says
(interpretation of the meaning): 
“Then as for him who will be given
his Record in his right hand,
He surely, will receive an easy reckoning,
And will return to his family in joy!
But whosoever is given his Record behind his back,

He will invoke (for his) destruction,
And he shall enter a blazing Fire, and made to taste
its burning”
[al-Inshiqaaq 84:7-12] 
And there is a great difference between faith
and disbelief, obedience and disobedience, the people of Paradise and
the people of Hell: 
“Is then he who is a believer like
him who is a Faasiq (disbeliever and disobedient to Allaah)? Not equal
are they.
As for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah
Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, for them are
Gardens (Paradise) as an entertainment for what they used to do.
And as for those who are Faasiqoon (disbelievers and
disobedient to Allaah), their abode will be the Fire, every time they
wish to get away therefrom, they will be put back thereto, and it will
be said to them: ‘Taste you the torment of the Fire which you used to
deny’” [al-Sajdah 32:18-20 – interpretation of the meaning] 

Allaah states that the believers are the ones who will
be the victors, and the disbelievers are the ones who will be the losers,
as He says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“By Al-‘Asr (the time).
Verily, man is in loss,
Except those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism) and
do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth [i.e.
order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al-Ma‘roof)
which Allaah has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil
deeds (Al-Munkar) which Allaah has forbidden], and recommend one
another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one
may encounter in Allaah’s Cause during preaching His religion of Islamic
Monotheism or Jihaad)”[al-‘Asr 103:1-3] 
O Allaah, grant us Paradise and save us from
Hell. Bestow Your mercy upon us, O Most Merciful of those who show mercy.

Praise be to Allah.Islam is about beliefs and laws
Islam is based on five pillars which the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has explained for us. The Prophet  said: “Islam is built upon five [pillars]: the testimony that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; establishing regular prayer (salah); paying the zakah; Hajj (pilgrimage) and fasting Ramadan.” (Agreed upon; narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 8) 
Islam is both belief and laws, in which Allah and His Messenger have told us what is halal and what is haram, morals and good manners, acts of worship and how to interact with people, rights and duties, and scenes of the resurrection. When Allah completed this religion, He chose it to be the way of life for all of mankind until the Hour begins: 
“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” [al-Maidah 5:3 – interpretation of the meaning] 
What are the 5 pillars of Islam?
These are the pillars of Islam and the principles upon which it is based: 
The first pillar of Islam: al-Shahadatayn (the twin testimony of faith) 
This means that a person believes that Allah alone is the Lord, Sovereign and Controller, the Creator and Provider. He affirms all His most beautiful names and the sublime attributes that Allah has affirmed for Himself or that His Prophet affirmed for Him. He believes that Allah alone, and no one else, is the Only One Who is deserving of worship, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“He is the Originator of the heavens and the earth. How can He have children when He has no wife? He created all things and He is the All-Knower of everything.
Such is Allah, your Lord! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Creator of all things. So worship Him (Alone), and He is the Wakeel (Trustee, Disposer of affairs or Guardian) over all things.” [al-An’am 6:101-102] 
And he believes that Allah sent His Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and revealed to him the Quran, and commanded him to convey this religion to all of mankind. He believes that loving Allah and His Messenger and obeying them are duties which are obligatory upon all of mankind, and that love of Allah can only be realized by following His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): 
“Say (O Muhammad to mankind): ‘If you (really) love Allah, then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Quran and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Al ‘Imran 3:31 – interpretation of the meaning] 
The second pillar of Islam: salah (prayer) 
The Muslim believes that Allah has enjoined upon every sane adult Muslim five (formal) prayers each day and night, which he does in a state of purity, standing before his Lord, every day in a state of purity and humility, thanking his Lord for His blessings, asking Him of His bounty, seeking His forgiveness for his sins, asking Him for Paradise and seeking refuge in Him from Hell. 
What are the five daily prayers in Islam?
The five obligatory prayers which are required day and night are Fajr (early morning, before dawn), Zuhr (mid-day, just after noon), ‘Asr (mid afternoon), Maghrib (just after sunset) and ‘Isha (at night, after dark has fallen). There are also Sunnah prayers such as Qiyam al-Layl (prayer at night), Tarawih prayers, two rak’ahs of Duha prayer, etc. 
What are the benefits of prayer in Islam?
Prayer, whether it is fard or nafl, represents a sincere turning towards Allah alone in all one’s affairs. Allah has commanded all the believers to guard strictly the observance of the prayers, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“Guard strictly (five obligatory) As-Salawat (the prayers) especially the middle Salah (i.e. the best prayer – ‘Asr). And stand before Allah with obedience [and do not speak to others during the Salah (prayers)].” [al-Baqarah 2:238] 
The five daily prayers are obligatory upon every Muslim man and woman, night and day: 
“Verily, As-Salah (the prayer) is enjoined on the believers at fixed hours.” [al-Nisa 4:103 – interpretation of the meaning] 
The one who abandons prayer has no share in Islam. Whoever neglects it deliberately is a kafir, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“(And remain always) turning in repentance to Him (only), and be afraid and dutiful to Him; and perform As-Salah (Iqamat-as-Salat) and be not of Al-Mushrikin (the polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah).” [al-Rum 30:31] 
Islam is based on co-operation, brotherhood and love, and Allah has prescribed coming together for these prayers and others, in order to attain these virtues. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Prayer in congregation is twenty-seven times better than prayer offered alone.” (Narrated by Muslim, no. 650) 
Prayer helps the believer at times of hardship and calamity. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“And seek help in patience and As-Salah (the prayer) and truly, it is extremely heavy and hard except for Al-Khashi‘un [i.e. the true believers in Allah — those who obey Allah with full submission, fear much from His punishment, and believe in His Promise (Paradise) and in His Warnings (Hell)].” [al-Baqarah 2:45] 
The five daily prayers wipe out sins, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Do you not think that if there was a river at the door of any one of you, and he were to bathe in it five times each day, would there by any dirt left on him?” They said, “No dirt would be left on him at all.” He said, “That is the likeness of the five daily prayers, by means of which Allah erases sin.” 
Prayer in the mosque is a means of entering Paradise. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever comes and goes to the mosque, Allah will prepare for him a house in Paradise for each time he comes and goes.” (Narrated by Muslim, no. 669) 
Prayer brings the slave and his Creator together. It was the delight of the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Whenever any matter grieved him, he would turn to prayer and converse with his Lord and call upon Him, seeking His forgiveness and asking Him of His bounty. 
Prayer done with proper humility and fear of Allah brings the Muslim closer to his Lord, and keeps him from doing evil, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“Recite (O Muhammad) what has been revealed to you of the Book (the Quran), and perform As-Salah (Iqamat-as-Salah). Verily, As-Salah (the prayer) prevents from Al-Fahsha (i.e. great sins of every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse) and Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism, and every kind of evil wicked deed).” [al-‘Ankabut 29:45] 
The third pillar of Islam: zakah (poor due, ‘compulsory’ charity) 
Just as Allah has created people with different colours, attitudes and levels of knowledge, so too their deeds and provision vary. He has made some of them rich and some poor, to test the rich as to whether they show gratitude, and to test the poor as to whether they are patient. Because the believers are a brotherhood, and brotherhood is based on compassion, kindness, love and mercy, Allah has enjoined upon the Muslims zakah which is taken from the rich and given to the poor. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“Take Sadaqah (alms) from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it, and invoke Allah for them. Verily, your invocations are a source of security for them.” [al-Taubah 9:103] 
What is the wisdom of zakah in Islam?
Zakah purifies and cleanses wealth, and purifies the soul from stinginess and miserliness. It strengthens the love between the rich and poor, takes away hatred, makes security prevail and brings happiness to the ummah.  
What is the rate of zakah?
Allah has made the payment of zakah obligatory upon everyone who owns the nisab (minimum amount) for one year. The rate of zakah on gold, silver, and trade goods is one quarter of ten percent. On agricultural produce and fruits the amount is one-tenth if it is irrigated (without artificial means), and one-half of one-tenth if it is irrigated by artificial means. Concerning an’am animals (i.e., sheep, goats, cattle and camels) the details are explained in the books of fiqh… Whoever pays zakat, Allah expiates his sins thereby, and blesses his wealth, and stores up for him a great reward. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“And perform As-Salah (Iqamat-as-Salah), and give Zakah, and whatever of good (deeds that Allah loves) you send forth for yourselves before you, you shall find it with Allah. Certainly, Allah is All-Seer of what you do.” [al-Baqarah 2:110] 
Withholding zakah brings disasters and evils upon the ummah. Allah has threatened those who withhold it with a painful torment on the Day of Resurrection. He says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“O you who believe! Verily, there are many of the (Jewish) rabbis and the (Christian) monks who devour the wealth of mankind in falsehood, and hinder (them) from the way of Allah (i.e. Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism). And those who hoard up gold and silver (Al-Kanz: the money, the Zakah of which has not been paid) and spend them not in the way of Allah, announce unto them a painful torment.
On the Day when that (Al-Kanz: money, gold and silver, the Zakah of which has not been paid) will be heated in the fire of Hell and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, (and it will be said unto them:) ‘This is the treasure which you hoarded for yourselves. Now taste of what you used to hoard’” [al-Taubah 9:34-35] 
Concealing one’s zakah is better than paying it openly in front of people, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“If you disclose your Sadaqat (almsgiving), it is good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, that is better for you. (Allah) will expiate you some of your sins. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do.” [al-Baqarah 2:271] 
Who is eligible to receive zakah in Islam?
When a Muslim pays his zakah, it is not permissible for him to give it to anyone except those whom Allah mentions in the ayah (interpretation of the meaning): 
“As-Sadaqat (here it means Zakah) are only for the Fuqara (poor), and Al-Masakin (the poor) and those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam); and to free the captives; and for those in debt; and for Allah’s Cause (i.e. for Mujahidun — those fighting in Allah’s cause), and for the wayfarer (a traveller who is cut off from everything); a duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise.” [al-Taubah 9:60] 
The fourth pillar of Islam: sawm (fasting) in Ramadaan 
Fasting means abstaining from things which break the fast, such as food, drink and intercourse, from the break of true dawn until sunset, with the intention of fasting. 
The relationship of patience to faith is like that of the head to the body. Allah has enjoined upon this ummah fasting for one month of the year, in order to draw closer to Allah, to avoid that which Allah has forbidden, to get used to being patient, to bring the nafs (self) under control, to compete in generosity and to demonstrate cooperation and mutual compassion. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious).” [al-Baqarah 2:183] 
What are the virtues of Ramadan?
The month of Ramadan is a great month, in which Allaah revealed the Quran. The reward for good deeds, acts of charity and acts of worship are multiplied in this month. In it is Laylat al-Qadr, which is better than a thousand months. The gates of Heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are shut, and the shayateen (devils) are tied up. 
Who must fast in Ramadan?
Allah has made fasting the month of Ramadan obligatory upon every sane, adult Muslim, male and female alike, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allahu Akbar: Allah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.” [al-Baqarah 2:185] 
There is a great reward with Allaah for fasting. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Every action of the son of Adam is multiplied, each good deed  receiving a tenfold to seven hundredfold reward. Allah said, ‘Except for fasting, for it is done for Me and I will give a reward for it, for he gives up his desire and food for My sake.’” (Narrated by Muslim, al-Siyam) 
The fifth pillar of Islam: Hajj (pilgrimage) 
Allah has given the Muslims a Qiblah (direction of prayer) which they face when they pray (salah) and offer supplications (du’a), wherever they may be. This qiblah is the Ancient House (the Ka’bah) in Makkah al-Mukarramah: 
“So turn your face in the direction of Al-Masjid Al-Haram (at Makkah). And wherever you people are, turn your faces (in prayer) in that direction.” [al-Baqarah 2:144 – interpretation of the meaning] 
Why do Muslims go for Hajj?
Because the Muslims are scattered all over the world, and Islam calls people to be united and get to know one another, just as it calls them to co-operate in righteousness and piety, to recommend one another to the truth, to call people to Allah and to venerate the rites of Allah – hence Allah has made it obligatory for every sane, adult Muslim who has the means, to visit His Ancient House, to circumambulate it and to perform all the rituals of Hajj as explained by Allah and His Messenger. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka‘bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allah], then Allah stands not in need of any of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).” [al ‘Imran 3:97]  
Hajj is an occasion on which the unity of the Muslims, their strength and pride, are made manifest. For the Lord is One, the Book is one, the Messenger is one, the ummah is one, their worship is one and their clothing is one. 
What are the conditions of Hajj?
Hajj has its own etiquette and conditions which the Muslims must observe, such as restraining their tongues, hearing and sight from all that Allah has forbidden, being sincere in their intentions, using money from good sources (for Hajj), fostering the best attitude, and avoiding everything that could invalidate the Hajj, such as sexual relations, sin or arguing unjustly, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months (i.e. the 10th month, the 11th month and the first ten days of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, i.e. two months and ten days). So whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein (by assuming Ihram), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj. And whatever good you do, (be sure) Allah knows it. And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness). So fear Me, O men of understanding!.” [al-Baqarah 3:197]
If the Muslim does Hajj correctly, in the manner prescribed and sincerely for the sake of Allah, it will be an expiation for his sins. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever does Hajj for the sake of Allah, and does not have sexual relations or commit sins, will come back like the day his mother bore him.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, no. 15210) 
End quote from Usool ad-Deen al-Islami by at-Tuwaijri
And Allah knows best

Praise be to Allah.No person will be punished for the sins of another. Each person will be brought to account for his own sins. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And no bearer of burdens shall bear another’s burden”[Faatir 35:18]
 But if the father or mother commits a sin, this may be a cause of making the family members follow their example. 
Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 2/610
 But the consequences of the sins committed by the sinner may go beyond him to affect his family, as a punishment for him and a test for his family. Allah tests man with disasters in order to expiate for his sins, and Allah may test people with blessings. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
 “We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good” [al-Anbiya’ 21:35]
 Whatever the case, the Muslim must avoid sin so that he will not be subject to the wrath and anger of Allah. And Allah knows best.

Praise be to Allah.Allaah
has decreed what He has decreed. One of the pillars of faith is to believe
in al-qadaa’ wa’l-qadar
(the Divine will and decree). Allaah has created people and He knows
what they are going to do, because of His vast knowledge. He has given
His slaves freedom of will, and has shown us the right path, so whoever
does good, it is for his own benefit, and whoever does evil, it will
count against him. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning);
“So
whoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant), shall
see it.
And
whoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant), shall
see it.”
[al-Zalzalah
99:7-8]
And
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“By
Nafs (Adam or a person or a soul), and Him Who perfected him in proportion;

Then
He showed him what is wrong for him and what is right for him.
Indeed
he succeeds who purifies his ownself (i.e. obeys and performs all that
Allâh ordered…).
And
indeed he fails who corrupts his ownself (i.e. disobeys what Allâh has
ordered …).”
[al-Shams
91:7-10]
So
it is not permissible for him to harm anyone unjustly, whether by killing
or in any other way. Whoever does that deserves punishment in this world,
and torment in the Hereafter, for going against the laws decreed by
Allaah.

Praise be to Allah.It is not permissible for a man to curse life if he feels fed up, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, in a hadeeth qudsi (holy narration) that Allah says, “The son of Adam offends Me by inveighing against [the vicissitudes of] time, and I am Time. In My Hand is the alternation of night and day.” It was also narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Do not inveigh against time, for Allah is Time”, i.e., He is the One Who is controlling time. So when man is afflicted with calamity, he must be patient and seek reward, for Allah has enjoined patience.
 And Allah said to His Prophet ` (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) (interpretation of the meaning):
“This is of the news of the Unseen which We reveal unto you (O Muhammad); neither you nor your people knew it before this. So be patient. Surely, the (good) end is for the Muttaqoon (the pious).” [11:49]
Let man know that no matter what happens there is something worse than it  somewhere else in the world. If he understands this, then his problems will become easier to bear.
 And Allah knows best.

Praise be to Allah.Will Disbelievers Enter Jannah? 
You should note that all the disbelievers who hear the message of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and do not enter Islam will go to Hell . Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“Verily, those who disbelieve (in the religion of Islam, the Quran and Prophet Muhammad) from among the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) and Al-Mushrikun will abide in the fire of Hell. They are the worst of creatures.” [Al-Bayyinah 98:6]
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “By the One in Whose hand is my soul, no one of this nation, Jew or Christian, hears of me then dies without having believed in that with which I was sent, but he will be one of the people of the Fire.” (Narrated by Muslim, 153)
Ill-Mannered conduct towards Allah
The point is not whether their morals are good , rather the point is whether they submit to Allah and obey his commands. Do you not see the Magians [Zoroastrians] or the Buddhists, for example, who worship fire or idols instead of Allah, and they do not worship Allah or submit to Him alone, and the Christians who say that God has a son, and other Mushriks (those who associate others with Allah). They are being ill-mannered towards Allah, and insulting and reviling Him. 
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah says, `The son of Adam denied Me and he had no right to do so. And he reviled Me and he had no right to do so. As for his denying Me, it is his saying: He will not remake me as He made me at first – and the initial creation [of him] is no easier for Me than remaking him. As for his reviling Me, it is his saying: Allah has taken to Himself a son, while I am the One, the Everlasting Refuge. I begot not nor was I begotten, and there is none comparable to Me.’” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari, 4974) 
So how can their morals be good when they are so ill-mannered towards Allah, even though Allah has given them hearing and sight, and has made everything easy for them, and has sent His Messengers to them and revealed His Books to them, and bestowed His blessings upon them, so it is His right that they should thank Him and not be ungrateful to Him or disbelieve in Him. If they do not do that then they deserve His punishment and wrath. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“and your Lord treats no one with injustice.” [Al-Kahf 18:49]
The fate of the children of disbelievers 
With regard to the situation of their children who die when still young , Shaykh `Abd Al-`Aziz ibn Baz was asked about that and he said: 
If one who is not yet accountable dies among non-Muslim parents , then he comes under the same rulings as them in this world, so he should not be washed and the funeral prayer should not be offered for him, and he should not be buried in the Muslim graveyard. 
But in the Hereafter his case is referred to Allah. It was narrated in an authentic report that when the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked about the children of the Mushrikin he said: “Allah knows best what they would have done.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari, 1384)  
Some of the scholars were of the view that Allah’s knowledge about them will be made manifest on the Day of Resurrection, and that they will be tested, as will the people who lived during the Fatrah (interval between two Prophets) and others . 
If they do what they are told to do then they will enter Paradise, and if they disobey then they will enter Hell. There are authentic Hadiths from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) which say that the people who lived during the Fatrah (interval between two Prophets) will be tested on the Day of Resurrection. These are the people whom the call of the Messengers did not reach and those who come under a similar ruling, such as the children of the Mushrikin, because Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 
“And We never punish until We have sent a Messenger (to give warning).” [Al-Isra’ 17:15]
This is the most correct view among the various opinions concerning the people who lived during the Fatrah and others whom the call did not reach, and it is the view favoured by Shaykh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah and his student Ibn Al-Qayyim, and a number of the earlier and later generations. (Majmu` Fatawa wa Maqalat Mutanawwi`ah, 3/163-164)
And Allah knows best.