Holding on to Your Deen (Part 1)

By Asrar BenHoucine

PART 2

Bismillah

Would it not be great to enter the mosque and find it full of people of all ages? Finding activities for the youth, and programs to assist all age groups - whether it is fundraising for those who are in need, or after school programs for children who need help in math, reading, and tajweed. Unfortunately, we usually see mosques to be empty, and full only on occasions, especially if there is a potluck. Hey we all like food right! However, the mosque is a place of remembrance of Allah, instead it has become a social gathering gone wrong; rather people gossip or chat amongst each other rather than listening to the sermons/lectures.

I strongly believe we are approaching a major problem if we do not change our perspective about the mosque - how one should act there and why one should be there. The mosque needs more people of 15-27 age groups and I believe it is lacking due to high ignorance about the basic knowledge of Islam. Ideally, children and adolescents learn about Islam from their parents and if not from them, then mosque becomes the secondary source of knowledge; since this is the place for community gatherings and Islamic lectures etc. The adolescent age is the time when it becomes crucial and valuable to attend such learning lessons because let us be honest, if we do not teach our children and provide them understanding of morals and values they will be taught by those who are not Muslims. (Public Schools)!

Yes the public schools will be happy to take over your child’s education about Islam and even God’s existence. Schools teach our children the faith and culture of all nations and Islam is usually not taught in the most proper way. I personally have experienced it when discovering that my textbook stated that Muhammad (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) wrote the Quran. Another time we were taught that the Islamic holy day was on Saturday. Luckily being there I was able to correct my teacher. As you can see, learning about Islam in public schooling is a challenge for many youngsters nowadays. Many teachers even question children about the belief in God and ask for proof of His existence. Even if the child knows Allah (subhanahu wa ta'aala) exists, the teacher can create doubt in the child’s mind which can flourish later.

What is Basic Knowledge of Islam?

Basic knowledge is covering the Pillars of Islam. It includes belief in Allah, His names and attributes, as well as the belief in Muhammad sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam as the last and final messenger of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala, and that he was sent to all of mankind.

Belief in Allah (His names and His Attributes)

Ayat al Kursi (2:255) is a good description of who Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala is:

Let us look over ayat Al-Kursi and reflect over it, however do not take this in a literal sense for Allah cannot be limited with any space and does not need any “Al-Kursi (chair)" or Al-Arsh (throne).

Allah - there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is [presently] before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. (Quran, 2:255)

Now this explains the true monotheism of Islam. The one and only Allah above all, He is not within us, nor around us, nor in nature, etc. When we hear about Allah being so close to us that He is closer to us than our jugular vein, this means that He subhanahu wa ta’ala is aware of us; close to us and in other words He knows all.

We should really take the time to know Allah, learn His Names, meanings, and His Attributes. May Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala help us gain knowledge this way and may He send mercy on us and on our children.

Why must we pray 5 times a day?

This is our purpose in life. This is what separates the non-Muslim from the Muslim, without this we are no different! Besides the obvious “Allah says so”, and with every obligation there is a reason, and it is always good for us. Remember that Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala does not need us nor our prayers but this is to only help us. He is the owner of Paradise and this could be a ticket to get in along with His Mercy.

Why do we fast in the month of Ramadan?

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for all 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), he must observe Saum (fasts) that month…” (2:185)

Plain and simple, Allah (swt) says so again and after such saum comes Zakat.

I have mentioned a few basic points about the pillars of Islam and insha Allah, I hope to continue discussing this in the next part. Do not forget to post your comments below and tune in for the next part of this post.

Posted in: Asrar BenHoucine,basics,Islam,pillars,youth