Steadfast in religion is crucial so we should remember before doing supererogatory acts to steadfast to the pillars of Islam and not following one’s heart.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “It [the heart] changes more than a pot of rapidly boiling water.” (Reported by Ahmad, 6/4; al-Haakim, 2/289; al-Silsilat al-Saheehah, 1772). “The heart (qalb) takes its name from its constant changes (taqallub – alteration, variation, ups and downs). The likeness of the heart is that of a feather at the root of a tree, being turned over and over by the wind.” (Reported by Ahmad, 4/408; Saheeh al-Jaami’, 2364).
Al-Haakim reported in al-Mustadrak, and al-Tabaraani reported in al-Mu’jam, that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Faith wears out in the heart of any one of you just as clothes wear out, so ask Allaah to renew the faith in your hearts.” (Reported by al-Haakim in al-Mustadrak, 1/4; see also al-Silsilat al-Saheehah, 1585. Al-Haythami said in Majma’ al-Zawaa’id, 1/52, It was reported by al-Tabaraani in al-Kabeer and its isnaad is saheeh.”)
“There is no heart that is not covered by a cloud like the cloud covering the moon when it is shining, and so it suddenly goes dark, but when it (the cloud) goes away, it shines again.” (Reported by Abu Na’eem in al-Hilyah, 2/196; al-Silsilat al-Saheehah, 2268).
The pillars of Islam are important to follow first and foremost before doing any other act of worship.Not only performing the pillars of Islam make us Muslims, but also performing well and as perfectly as possible, in accordance withthe Sunnah is imperative.
Whoever adheres to the Noble Qur’aan and the Sunnah, Allaah will protect him; whoever follows it, Allaah will save him; andwhoever calls to its way will be guided to the Straight Path. Learning Islam needs also to be done regularly and progresively.
Allaah has stated that the reason why the Qur’aan was revealed in stages was to help His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to stand firm in his faith. In the context of refuting the doubts of the kuffaar, He says (interpretation of the meaning): “And those who disbelieve say, ‘Why is not the Qur’aan revealed to him all at once?’ Thus (it is sent down in parts), that We may strengthen your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you gradually, in stages. And no example to similitude do they bring (to oppose or to find fault in you or in this Qur’aan), but We reveal to you the truth (against that similitude or example), and the better explanation thereof.” (Al-Furqaan 25:32-33)
“Whoever works righteousness — whether male or female — while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)” (Al-Nahl 16:97)
Each one of us is not only a Muslim but also a caller to Islam. The daa’iyahs (callers of Islam) are obliged to adhere to the fundamentals of sharee’ah and adhere to the middle course to which Allaah has guided them, for Allaah has made them an ummah justly balanced:
“Thus, have We made of you an Ummat justly balanced, that ye might be witnesses over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves; and We appointed the Qibla to which thou wast used, only to test those who followed the Messenger from those who would turn on their heels (From the Faith). Indeed it was (A change) momentous, except to those guided by Allah. And never would Allah Make your faith of no effect. For Allah is to all people Most surely full of kindness, Most Merciful.” (Al-Baqarah, 2:143)
So make sure you know how what tawheed implies (unicity of Allaah) because it is a science; make sure you study how to pray from books of Sharee’ah and not only from people; give zakat (obligatory charity) and study how to do it correctly, checking the daleel (opinions of scholars) on different issues pertaining to zakaat because there might be issues you do not know about like, for example, the fact that there is a zakaat to be paid on jewelry; study all the laws related to Ramadhan (fasting month); finally, make sure you read about how to do umrah and hajj from time time, and learn the du’aa’s necessary in prevision for that day.
Once you master these pillars, you will be ready to complete your religion by adding more rewards to your acts of worship; you will be ready to read and apply this book.
This book is basically a gathering of ayaat (verses) from the Noble Qur’aan and of ahaadith from the Sunnah (divinely inspiredteachings) of Prophet Muhammad (swas) with some explanations taken from reputed scholars when necessary.
I have carefully researched and checked the references.If there is any mistake in it, it is from the Shaytaan and I ask forgiveness from Allaah. Ameen.
This book is meant to be used with a chart enclosed/attached here. Use this chart on a daily basis to check your progress in faith or
your digressions or the check box (right column).
Most of all, this book is meant to be a reminder and a teacher.
Remember that this is my first time working on such a project so it probably needs a lot of improvement.
Keep filling up the chart and check from time to time your progress through time.Did you avoid a bad deed today? Did you pray the 12 Sunnah prayers? Did you make more du’aa’s today or did you remember to dodhikr? Are you becoming a better Muslim? If yes, congratulations! Allaah be praised.
Mark a red cross in each box to show what you do often or everyday or what you did on M (Monday) of a given date, on T (Tuesday), etc. You can also write down the date under each day. Example today is June 1st.. Write down under the sign S, 1/6/02
Mark a blue cross in each box to show what you do occasionally Mark a green cross in each box to show what needs to be improved See example below about The Noble Qur’aan:
Here is the spread chart as well as its compact version. You can simplify it as you wish and modify sections to your needs.
| NAFEELAH (voluntary / optional): | M | T | W | T | F | S | S | M | T | W | T | F | S | S | M | T | W | T | F | S | S | M | T | W | T | F | S | S | M | T | W | T | F | S | S | M | T | W | T | F | S | S |
| The Noble Qur’aan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reading Qur’aan | x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Memorizing Qur’aan | x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Teaching Qur’aan | x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Du’aa’ s (supplications): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Say a beneficial du'aa' for a Muslim | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in Qadeer x 100 times | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Du’aa’s last hour of Friday | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Du’aa’ of adhaan -iqaamah | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Du’aa’ in tashahhud / sujud | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Du’aa’ before waking up | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Du’aa’ before going to bed | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Du’aa’ looking at mirror | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Du’aa’ when (un)dressing | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Du’aa’ before leaving the house | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Du’aa’ entering the house | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Du’aa’ before eating | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Du’aa’ after eating | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Du’aa’ before restroom | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Du’aa’ exiting the restroom | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Du’aa’ taking the car / bus | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Du’aa’ before acting | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Du’aa’ for a strong heart | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Du’aa’ of repentance |
| Du’aa’ against the Shaytan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Say Ayaat al-Kursiy (2:255) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Entering home | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Before sleeping | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| To ward off Shaytan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dhikr (remembrance): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General dhikr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dhikr after salat | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dhikr at night | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dhikr in Jama'a (group) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sayings: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Say Bismillaah | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Say Insha Allaah | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learn the Names of Allaah | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bless Prophet ( swas) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sawm (fasting): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Voluntary fasting | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mondays & Thursdays | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 13th , 14th , 15th of the month | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occasional Nafeelah: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I’tikaah (for Ramadhan) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sacrifice (once a year) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occasional Fasting: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ‘Aashoora’ 10th Muharram | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ‘Arafaah, 9th Dhu’l-Hijjah | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6 days in Shawwaal | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| All possible in Muharraam | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| All possible in Sha’baan |