Curious Question

[mehitora]

Hello. A question has come to my mind and I hope that it can be answered.

Is it acceptablefor someone who is not yet Muslim to follow the practices of Islam if the person has serious convictions towards Islam and Allah? In other words, if a person has begun to believe that the Qur'an is the word of Allah, Muhammad is his last prophet, Allah is the only God with no partners, and Islam is his prefect religion, but has not become a Muslim (not sure how to say what I mwan here), is it acceptable for them to adhere to the rules, laws, and practices of Islam, such as not partaking in anything considered haraam, preforming the five obligatory prayers daily, or fasting for Ramadan?

I believe I have used the correct words. If I have not, please gently correct me. And please forgive me if my question offends anyone. I am just a very curious person trying to find the truth and believes I have finally found the right path to that truth. Thank you.

 

[Perseveranze]

From my understanding, there are three essential things here;

1. Believing that God is ONE, and has no partners.

2. Believing in the Prophethood of Muhammad(pbuh). You'd also believe that God sent messengers before the Prophet aswell, such as Jesus(pbuh), Moses(pbuh) etc.

3. Believe that the Quran is the word of God and the contents within.

If you believe those three, geniunly believe it in your heart - then your a Muslim. You might not say your Muslim, you might not call yourself a Muslim, but by definition you are a Muslim. In such a case one should say their Shahada (testimony of faith).

Now whether your a good Muslim or a bad one, pretty much depends on Salah, Zakat etc. If your forced or put in a situation where you can't fullfill your duties as a Muslim, then no blame is put on to you.

 

[Aapa]

Assalaam walaikum,

Hey there.

You know its hot out here. It is so hot. So I will be quick.

Once upon a long time ago I used to swim. I could swim and swim and swim. And then I would become brave. Now that I look back I think I was stupid. I would climb the rungs of the ladder and before you know it...there I was...I was on the high diving board. I could see forever. I looked down and realized there was no retreat. My stomach heaved and my knees shook. The crowd was beckoning me to do it. I stood for a long time and I was quivering.

I did it. I dove and landed in the pool.

Whenever you are ready..I'm here with the gang waiting for you to enjoy the swim and splashing.

Did that make sense?

 

[mehitora]

So believing with your heart that those three are true is what makes you Muslim? And for a person who has not said thier Shahada, they should still follow the rules, laws, and practices because in their hearts they are Muslim? Is this all correct? Is saying the Shahada necessary for following the practices?

Aapa, that was very funny and yes it made sense. Thank you. I have a question for you particularly. Do you mind if I PM you with a particular issue I would like advice on?

 

[Perseveranze]

So believing with your heart that those three are true is what makes you Muslim? And for a person who has not said thier Shahada, they should still follow the rules, laws, and practices because in their hearts they are Muslim? Is this all correct? Is saying the Shahada necessary for following the practices?

Aapa, that was very funny and yes it made sense. Thank you. I have a question for you particularly. Do you mind if I PM you with a particular issue I would like advice on?

Shahada is necassary, it's like a confirmation that your a Muslim and that you acknowledge this.

At the moment, you believe everything a Muslim does and you say you want to pray/fast then that means you also act like a Muslim.

So, why wouldn't you say the Shahada, unless you still doubt your a Muslim yet? And people always say, you never know what will happen tomorrow, it could be your last day, so even if you think your not ready to be a Muslim, saying the Shahada atleast means you acknowledge the most important belief in life, which is the Prophethood and the One true God. This is what makes you a true Muslim, a believer.

 

[mehitora]

I understand what you mean. I still need more information of the Shahada. I know the words (can't pronounce them in Arabic though), but is it just said by one who believes or does it have to be witnessed by other believers? What are the rules for the Shahada is what I am trying to ask?

 

[ditta]

Brother Preseveranze is right.

This question and answer should help to answer what you are saying.

Question

How To Become a Muslim?

Answer

Praise be to Allaah.

All praise be to Allah, the lord of the universe. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon Mohammad, His last messenger.

The purpose of this hand-out is to correct a false idea spread among those willing to adopt Islam as their faith. Some people have a wrong notion that entering into the Islamic fold requires an announcement from the concerned person in the presence of high ranking scholars or shaikhs or reporting this act to courts of justice or other authorities. It is also thought that the act accepting Islam, should, as a condition, have a certificate issued by the authorities, as evidence to that effect.

We wish to clarify that whole matter is very easy and that none of these conditions or obligations are required. For Allah, Almighty, is above all comprehension and knows well the secrets of all hearts. Nevertheless, those who are going to adopt Islam as their religion are advised to register themselves as Muslims with the concerned governmental agency, as this procedure may facilitate for them many matters including the possibility of performing Hajj (Pilgrimage) and Umrah.

If anyone has a real desire to be a muslim and has full conviction and strong belief that Islam is the true religion ordained by Allah for all human-being, then, one should pronounce the “shahada”, the testimony of faith, without further delay. The Holy Qur’an is explicit on this regard as Allah states:

“The Religion in the sight of Allah is Islam”

(Qur’an 3:19)

In another verse of the Holy Qur’an, Allah states:

“If anyone desires a religion other than Islam (Submission to Allah), Never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks of those who have lost (their selves in the hell fire).”

(Qur’an 3:85)

In addition, Islam is the only religion prevailing over all other religions. Allah states in the Holy Qur’an:

“To thee We sent the Scripture in the truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and guarding it in safety:….

(Qur’an 5:48)

Mohammad, the Prophet of Allah (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him), said :

“The superstructure of Islam is raised on five (pillars) : testifying that there is no God (none truly to be worshipped) but Allah, and that Mohammad is the messenger of Allah, performing the prayer, paying the Zakah (poor-due), fasting the month of Ramadan, and performing Hajj.”

The Shahada can be declared as follows:

“ASH-HADU AN LA ELAHA ILLA-ALLAH WA ASH-HADU ANNA MOHAMMADAN RASUL-ALLAH”.

The English translation is:

“I bear witness that there is no deity (none truly to be worshipped) but, Allah, and I bear witness that Mohammad is the messenger of Allah.”

However, it would not be sufficient for anyone to only utter this testimony orally either in private or in public; but rather, he should believe in it by heart with a firm conviction and unshakeable faith. If one is truly sincere and complies with the teachings of Islam in all his life, he will find himself a new born person.

This will move him to strive more and more to improve his character and draw nearer to perfection. The light of the living faith will fill his heart until he becomes the embodiment of that faith.

What would be next after declaring oneself a Muslim? One should then know the real concept underlying this testimony which means the oneness of Allah and meet its requiremants. One must behave accordingly, applying this true faith to every thing one speaks or does.

What do the words of the “Shahada” signify? The significant point which every Muslim must know very well is the truth that there is no God (deity) to be worshipped other than Allah. He-glory be to Him – is the only true God, Who alone deserves to be worshipped, since He is the Giver of life and Sustainer and Nourisher of mankind and all creation with His unlimited bounties. Man must worship Allah, Who alone is worthy of worship.

The second part of the Shahada “i.e., Wa Ash-hadu anna Mohammadan abduhu wa rasuluh” means that Prophet Mohammad (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) is the servant and chosen messenger of Allah. No one must have two opinions about this matter. In fact the Muslim has to obey the commands of the Prophet (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon him), to believe him in what he has said, to practise his teachings, to avoid what ha has forbidden, and to worship Allah alone according to the message revealed to him, for all the teachings of the Prophet were in fact revelation and inspirations conveyed to him by Allah.

What is the meaning of worship? It simply means rendering sincere service, showing reverence for Allah. In a deeper shade of meaning, it implies total submission and complete obedience to Allah’s commandments both in utterances and actions of man whether explicit or implicit.

Worship fall into two categories:

Visible (manifest or outward). Invisible (concealed or inward).

Visible worship includes acts such as uttering the two parts of the “Shahada”, performing prayers, giving Zakah (the poor-due), recitation of the Holy Qur’an, supplication, adoring Allah by praising Him, purifying our bodies before prayers, etc.

This type of worship is associated with movement of the parts of the human body.

Invisible worship is to believe in Allah, in the Day of Judgement (in the Hereafter), in the Angels, in the Books of Allah, in the Prophets of Allah, in the Divine Decree of destiny (that good and bad are determined by Allah alone).

This type worship does not involve movement of parts of the body but it surely has bearing on one’s heart which subsequently affects one’s way of life.

It should be borne in mind that any worship not dedicated to Allah alone will be rejected as one form of polytheism and this causes apostasy from the Islamic fold.

The next step for a newly revert to Islam is the purify himself by taking a cmplete bath. He should then resolve to comply with the principles and rules of Islam in their entirety. He should disown all forms of polytheism and false beliefs. He should reject evil and be righteous. Such rejection of evil and being righteous is one of the requisites of the motto of Islam – that is, Laa ilaha illallah.

Allah states in the Holy Qur’an :

“…whoever rejects evil and believes in the Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy Hand-hold, that never breaks…”

(Qur’an 2:256).

We have to consider that when declare from our heart that “ there is no god (deity) worthy to be worshipped but Allah”, it implies on our part love, devotion, faith and obedience to the rules of Islamic legislations which are legally binding on all Muslims. It is a requiremant of “there is no god worthy to be worshipped but Allah” to love for the sake of Allah and to reject for the sake of Allah.

This is the firmest anchor of belief which materialise the meaning of “AL WALA” and “AL BARA”. It means that a Muslim should love and be loyal to his Muslim brothers. He should, as a practise, dissociate himself completely from the unbelievers and refuse to be influenced by them, both in wordly and religious matters.

We conclude with a humble prayer to Allah that may He cleanse the hearts and souls of those who are genuine seekers of truth and may He bless the community of believers.

Aameen.

Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

(Link: http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/11819/)

Therefore if you firmly believe in your heart that Allah (God) is the only One worthy to be worshipped with no partners, that Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the Final Prophet, then simply declare the Shahadah as transliterated above. Then you will be our sister in Islam, Allah (God) willing.

(Also as brother Preservanze stated, affirming the Prophethood of the previous Prophets too).

If you firmly believe this then you are Muslim. In terms of the additional stuff (like prayer) then Allah willing you can learn how to do this. Right now, it is about saying the Shahadah with firm belief. I hope this helps.

 

[mehitora]

Thank you, ditta. It does help.

Can anyone link me to a place where I can learn the practices followed specifically by women? That would be very appriciated.

And one more thing. I am a white bread southern American (meaning I am from a southern state in the US) woman. Does that matter at all? If I were to become Muslim and say Shahada, I wouldn't be treated any differently than a woman of Arab descent would I?

 

[ditta]

Your welcome.

You should join the sisters only club, below is the link:

http://www.turntoislam.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=96

Simply click on 'Join Sisters Club' and then follow whatever is on there, a sister moderator should accept you. I haven't clicked on it so I don't know what happens.

There is no discrimination in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad said in his last sermon:

'All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor does a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor does black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action...'

Sadly though, Muslims can discriminate against others because of their nationality or race without realising that what matters in Islam is one's piety. May Allah give us all guidance. Ameen.

If your Muslim, Allah willing, then share it with us (in your own time).

 

[Aapa]

Assalaam walaikum,

I ain't Arab and I ain't white bread..however I like to make sun tea as dark as molasses; give me biscuits and gravy anytime; fried chicken and the fixin's..I am a Southern gal too..any excuse for a barbecue..

Islam supersedes all idiotic notions of race. It is the most inclusive of the inclusive.

I do not mind any PM's for anyone.

 

[mehitora]

Thank you, ditta. I will be sure to share the moment I firmly decide this is the choice i wish to make. I am not completely ready for that step yet. I believe I am close, but not all the way there yet. I still have some information I wish to find out before fully deciding. But I thank you for your time anyways. You have been such a big help. I will never forget your kindness.

Aapa, hi. I love sun tea and biscuits and gravy and chicken....I am getting hungry now. Interesting fact. I got rid of the pork products in my house last night. *whispers* I fed it the fiancee. He did not notice a thing when I didn't eat any of it. Some how it felt good to be rid of it.

 

[ditta]

My apologies if I came across as pushy as this is a big decision. I hope you can converse with more sisters now (in the sisters club) although do not hesitate in asking general questions in the main forum (someone will respond eventually).

Take care and I wish you well.

 

[mehitora]

You did not come across as pushy, and even if you had, I understand. While a choice about one's soul is not to be taken lightly, the promise of tomorrow is not a quarantee. It is understandable that you would want me to make the choice you know is right before Allah sees fit to remove my life from me. And your pushing does in fact help me to decide. My mom always told me that if I wasn't pushed I would never make a choice. I would sit there my whole life thinking over a thousand and one different whys and what ifs.

Wow, I just realized how I have started using Allah instead of God. Interesting....

I was reading and another question popped in my head from what I was reading. Is music haraam or halal? I was very confused by what I was reading.

 

[IbnAdam77]

May peace and blessings be upon you sister

MashaAllah (with the Will of Allah), this is really something happy to be seen. I remember just yesterday you said you never think you will follow Islam ever. But see what happens and how Allah helps the one who sincerly tries to find what Truth is.

Since your question is well answered by the brothers up there, I would just like to make a suggestion. Try to pm sister Isra and get her ideas also, before you make Shahada, because she is similar to you, and reverted to Islam just like you are on, here in TTI family.

Sister if you believe in you heart what you have mentioned above, then in belief you are indeed a Muslim now. Just Shahada is what missing. Move step by step and inshaAllah very soon you will be able to make it I am sure.

May Allah guide you and us to the eternal Happiness. Ameen!

As per Music, it has a lot of issues which are a lot contradictory to the human life, and their nature, and thus, it is Haram in Islam.

Please refer the link below for a detailed answer about ruling on Music in Islam.

http://islamqa.com/en/ref/5000/music

If you have any questions, your brothers and sisters are just a click away.

Peace be upon you.

 

[kashif_nazeer]

Hello. A question has come to my mind and I hope that it can be answered.

Is it acceptablefor someone who is not yet Muslim to follow the practices of Islam if the person has serious convictions towards Islam and Allah? In other words, if a person has begun to believe that the Qur'an is the word of Allah, Muhammad is his last prophet, Allah is the only God with no partners, and Islam is his prefect religion, but has not become a Muslim (not sure how to say what I mwan here), is it acceptable for them to adhere to the rules, laws, and practices of Islam, such as not partaking in anything considered haraam, preforming the five obligatory prayers daily, or fasting for Ramadan?

I believe I have used the correct words. If I have not, please gently correct me. And please forgive me if my question offends anyone. I am just a very curious person trying to find the truth and believes I have finally found the right path to that truth. Thank you.

Hi,
If you believe in Allah(Who has no partners),His messengers,His angels and His books and Islam is perfect religion,then you are already a muslim.It's just that you need to recite shahadah(bear witness to faith) in order to confirm it.
IWhat you believe it within yourself then I think it's what every muslim believes in his/her heart.Life is too short and unpredictable.One never knos what might happen next,so if you are truly convinced that this is the way to success,then I suggest that you say the shahadah .Islam means surrendering one's will to Allah and thus acquiring peace.
About music,there are many scholarly views majority of them say it's haram or forbidden.It's because music is a sort of diversion from rememberance of Allah.The very hearts which should soften on remembering Allah and should find peace have hardened because of these diversions and there is no absolute peace to be found.
"Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." (Qur'an 13:28)
There is not a better thing than Allah's remembrance,it is so very relaxing and peaceful.
The diversions like music and stuff lead us away from the path of success and away from The Lord.Thus slowly our hearts wander away from truth and the very words of Allah,The Qur'an does'nt have any effect on hearts and the hearts harden.It's acts as a sort of diversion,plus it has many psychological effects,like it causes mood swings and all.
May Allah guide you and May Allah guide us all.Ameen~
All the best.

 

[mehitora]

I do remember saying that I would never be able to follow Islam, but it was because I did not think it would be possible due to certain situations that I am in at the moment. It is with a lot of encouragement and much help that I am finding it could be possible. It is very amazing what Allah can do.

Sister Irsa? Ok, I will message her and see what she says. Thank you for that suggestion.

I believe Shahada will be missing for the moment until a couple things are fixed around me. I do not want to offend anyone with that, but it has to be this way for the moment. I am positive this will change in the near future, though which is very good.

I have a serious love for music. It is one of my passions that I turn to when I am depressed. I love my flute. Thirteen years it has been with me. I do not know if I could go my life without it, without music. Although I have noticed that while listening to online verbal versions of the Qur'an, it sounds a lot like music to me. It sounds as beautiful to me as any songs I have ever played on my flute, on my keyboard, or sang from my own mouth.

I will look at the link you sent me and if I have any more questions I will ask. I have lost all fear that I once had about communicating here. I feel so encouraged and so calm now. Thank you.

Thank you, Kashif. You have helped to bring peace to my heart. Thank you.

 

[a_stranger]

:maear Mehi
islam makes our life a little while between unseen and another eternal unseen ......This knoweldge of Islam and Shahada is important to secure our going on life and the coming one.

 

[mehitora]

I am beginning to find that Islam is very important.

 

[kashif_nazeer]

I do remember saying that I would never be able to follow Islam, but it was because I did not think it would be possible due to certain situations that I am in at the moment. It is with a lot of encouragement and much help that I am finding it could be possible. It is very amazing what Allah can do.

Sister Irsa? Ok, I will message her and see what she says. Thank you for that suggestion.

I believe Shahada will be missing for the moment until a couple things are fixed around me. I do not want to offend anyone with that, but it has to be this way for the moment. I am positive this will change in the near future, though which is very good.

I have a serious love for music. It is one of my passions that I turn to when I am depressed. I love my flute. Thirteen years it has been with me. I do not know if I could go my life without it, without music. Although I have noticed that while listening to online verbal versions of the Qur'an, it sounds a lot like music to me. It sounds as beautiful to me as any songs I have ever played on my flute, on my keyboard, or sang from my own mouth.

I will look at the link you sent me and if I have any more questions I will ask. I have lost all fear that I once had about communicating here. I feel so encouraged and so calm now. Thank you.

Thank you, Kashif. You have helped to bring peace to my heart. Thank you.

Peace be upon you.
You are very welcome.By leaving something for the sake of Allah we draw closer to Him. Sacrifices are one of those things that increase His love in our hearts and draw us closer to Him.You mentioned earlier that you got rid of pork,mashaAllah!
The feeling that one Has when he/she leaves something for the sake of Allah is just unfathomable.I mean it's something one can only experience.

 

[ditta]

I think what the Brothers and Sisters have posted regarding music is excellent.

The only thing I would say is that when your heart starts to connect with Allah (the Almighty) (the Qur'aan) then your need and longing for music will decrease. It might seem unrealistic now but slowly you will notice it. This is because as stated, the remembrance of Allah is what gives us rest and any alternatives that are sought provide a temporary/short-lasting fix while the Qur'aan is permanent (i.e., you could say people get bored with certain music eventually but with the Qur'aan it is impossible).

Its a process and the most important point has been stated. (Slowly as your faith and firmness in it increase then the things you depended might seem trivial/won't need them).