Importance of worship & Four basic act of worship Recommend Islam.

Introduction:

Worship involves that one fulfills certain deeds which Almighty Allah has commanded in His religion Islam, whether they deal with the inner self or the outer body, and whether they be obligatory or voluntary. Worship is not only limited to following Allah’s commandments, but it is also inclusive of leaving those things which He has forbidden to do so. Now we can define worship as anything believed, felt, or done as an act of obedience to Allah Almighty. In Holy Quran Allah (SWT) said: “There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes unto the Most Beneficent (God) as an obedient slave.”

The four basic acts of worship recommended in Islam are mentioned below that every one of us should perform with proper attention for the sake of Almighty Allah.

• Prayer

• Zakat (Charity)

• Fasting

• Pilgrimage (Hajj)

What is Salah (salat)?

Salah (salat) is the Arabic term for the ritual prayer that is obligatory for Muslims to perform five times a day. It forms one of the five pillars of Islam. Aside from the five obligatory prayers, Muslims may offer Sunnah and Nafl Salah. The Sunnah Salah (prayers) are ones in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to habitually offer as voluntary worship at specified times and places. Nafl Salah are voluntary prayers that a Muslim may offer at any time as a form of extra Ibadah (worship).

Why is Salah important?

Salah is an integral part of the lifestyle of a Muslim. Through prayer, Muslims are required each day to ponder on the verses of the Qur’an, the Shahadah (the declaration of faith), and Allah’s attributes. Muslims across the world unite in prayer at five specified times each day in the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, as a means of connecting to Allah and their purpose in life – to remember and worship Him.

Zakat

the third pillar of Islam, is a donation that Muslims regard as a mandatory act within their faith. Followers of Islam who have at least a minimum amount of wealth are required to give 2.5% of their liquid assets away to charity each year. The aid should be given to the poor, travelers in need (such as refugees) and other specifically designated groups of people. Although it is difficult to find reliable figures on the size of zakat giving, there is no doubt that it is a major source of global charitable giving. Zakat contributions can be made at any time of year but are most typically given during the time of the Hajj pilgrimage and during the month of Ramadan, especially on Laylat Al Qadr (or ‘night of power’), which falls on an evening during the last ten days of Ramadan. In addition to zakat giving, there is also a category of voluntary giving within Islam known as sadaqa. Sadaqa aid is given at any time of the year to help those in need and, unlike zakat, can be given on behalf of another person.

Fasting.

Sawm is the Arabic term used to describe the act of fasting. Passed the age of puberty, Muslims are required to fast during the month of Ramadan, which entails abstaining from food, drink, sexual relations and displeasing speech and behavior from dawn until dusk.

Why is Sawm important?

The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and includes the night in which the holy Qur’an was first revealed to mankind, known as Laylat al-Qadr (the night of decree). The month of Ramadan therefore marks an important moment for mankind and requires special devotion from Muslims. It was in the month of Ramadan that the Quran was revealed as guidance for mankind, clear messages giving guidance and distinguishing between right and wrong. So, any one of you who is present that month should fast, and anyone who is ill or on a journey should make up for the lost days by fasting on other days later. God wants ease for you, not hardship. He wants you to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him for having guided you, so that you may be thankful.

Qur’an | 2:185

Hajj

is a sacred pilgrimage that is required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime – it is one of the fifth pillars of Islam. Each year, millions of Muslims from across the world travel to and perform Hajj in Makkah, modern day Saudi Arabia.

It takes place during the same time each year, in the sacred month of Dhul Hijjah – the twelfth month in the Islamic Calendar. Hajj begins on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah and lasts approximately five to six days depending on the sighting of the moon. When the new crescent moon is sighted, Muslims around the world welcome in the four-day festival of Eid al-Adha.

Muslims are commanded by Allah (SWT) to fulfil the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj as relayed in the Holy Qur’an: “You will enter the Sacred Masjid, God willing, perfectly secure, and you will cut your hair or shorten it (as you fulfil the pilgrimage rituals) there. You will not have any fear. Since He knew what you did not know, He has coupled this with an immediate victory.”

Qur’an | 48:27

Hajj is a spiritual duty and a pillar of Islam, and for many, it is a once in a lifetime event. Going more than once during your lifetime is permitted whilst sincerely seeking Allah’s (SWT) (which means ‘The Most Glorified, The Most High) pleasure. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah and does not utter any obscene speech or do any evil deed, will go back (free of sin) as his mother bore him.”