Core of Islamic Law or Shariah

The core of Islamic Law is preservation of:

1)    Religion 

2)    Life

3)    Family

4)    Mind

5)    Wealth

6) Some contemporary scholars suggest either justice or liberty to be the sixth category.

In the vision of Islam, they are known as “essentials” because they are considered essential to human welfare.

In conclude, if someone were to ask, what is the core of Islam in the fewest possible words, the answer would be, “it is within the word Islam itself: to serve, worship, and lovingly submit to God.”

Core Teachings of Prophet Muhammad

Classical scholars of Islam have condensed the teachings of Prophet Muhammad into a few statements.  These comprehensive statements touch every aspect of our lives.  Some of them are:

 
1)    Actions are judged by the intention behind them. 

2)    God is Pure and does not accept anything unless it is pure and God has commanded the faithful with what He commanded the prophets. 

3)    Part of a person’s good observance of Islam is to leave aside what does not concern him. 

4)    A person cannot be a complete believer unless he loves for his brother what he loves for himself. 

5)    One should not harm himself or others. 

6)    Don’t let your focus in this life be to amass worldly gain and God will love you.  Don’t be concerned with what people have, and they will love you. 

Core of the Quran: Surah (Chapter) al-Fatihah

Scholars consider Surah al-Fatihah, the first chapter of the Quran, to be the core of the Quran.  It is recited in every formal prayer in the Arabic language.  The translation follows:

“I begin with the name of God, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.   All praise and thanks are for God, the Lord of the worlds.  The Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. Sovereign of the Day of Recompense.  You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help.  Guide us to the Straight Path (of Islam), the path of those You have blessed, not the path of those who have incurred Your wrath nor of those who have gone astray.”

Surah Al-Fatihah by Taha Al-Junayd....

READ THIS!!!!:)

Core Religious Practice of Islam: The Five “Pillars” of Islam

In Islam, worship is part of daily life and is not limited to mere rituals.  The formal acts of worship are known as the five “pillars” of Islam.  The five pillars of Islam are the declaration of faith, prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage.

 1.    Declaration of Faith:

The “Declaration of Faith” is the statement, “La ilaha illa Allah wa Muhammad Rasul-ullah”, meaning “There is no deity worthy of being worship except God (Allah), and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God”).  The Declaration of Faith is more than just a statement; it must be shown with one's actions.  To convert to the faith of Islam, a person has to say this statement.

2.    Daily Prayer:

Prayer is a method by which a Muslim connects to God and gathers spiritual strength and peace of mind.  Muslims perform five formal prayers a day. 

3.    Zakah:

A type of charity.  Muslims recognize that all wealth is a blessing from God, and certain responsibilities are required in return.  In Islam, it is the duty of the wealthy to help the poor and needy. 

4.    Fast of Ramadan:

Once each year, Muslims are commanded to fast for an entire month from dawn to sunset.  The period of intense spiritual devotion is known as the fast of Ramadan in which no food, drink and sex is allowed during the fast.  After sunset one can enjoy these things.  During this month Muslims practice self-control and focus on prayers and devotion.  During the fast, Muslims learn to sympathize with those in the world who have little to eat.

5.    The Hajj Pilgrimage to Mecca:

  

 Every Muslim strives to make once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to the sacred sites in Mecca, in present-day Saudi Arabia.  It is the most intense spiritual experience for a Muslim.  Typically, 2-3 million perform hajj every year.