(The “deen” (religion) before Allah (accepted by Allah) is Islam.) [Qur’an 3:19]

The word “deen” and the word Islam were mentioned many times in the Qur’an, they are considered the most important words in the life of all Muslims.

The guidance, success in this life and in the Hereafter depends on two things: Understanding the meaning of these two words (deen and Islam), and applying their meanings in our life.

Allah (swt) says;

(Today, I have completed your “deen”, and have completed my bliss upon you and accepted for you Islam as a “deen”.) [Qur’an 5:3]

And He (swt) also says:

Whosoever seeks, other than Islam, a deen, it will not be accepted from him and he, in the Hereafter, is among the losers.) [Qur’an 3:85]

Muslims must understand these two words; they should not repeat them with their tongues without apprehending their real meanings or implications.

It is worth mentioning that these two words acquired specific meanings after the introduction of the message which was conveyed by Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).

The real meanings

When the Qur’an was revealed, there were no problems in understanding the meaning of “deen” and “Islam” by the Arabs. The generation, which lived with Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) completely understood the meanings of these words and they translated them into action in their individual and collective lives.

This full apprehension of Islam and its meaning, led them to the guidance of Islam, this change was one of the greatest changes in the long history of mankind.

The concept of “deen”

The word “deen” is used in the Arabic language to give different meanings, most importantly are:

1-Subjugation, authority, and ruling

a. Allah (swt) subjugated people to obey him. Subjugated here is a literal translation of the word “deen”.

b. Allah (swt) has authority over people. “Authority” here is another literal translation of the word “deen.”

The saying (hadith) of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) asserts this meaning;

“The intelligent person is the one who has authority over himself and works for the Hereafter"

This means that the intelligent believer is the one who has subjugated himself and made himself obedient to Allah. In this context, also, the past participle would be subjugated, ruled and submitted.

Allah (swt) says;

(If you are not subjugated, then return it if you are truthful.) [Qur’an 56:87]

This means, if you are not forced by the will of Allah in the issues of death and life, then try to return your soul to your body- after it has left it- if you can.

2-Obedience and submission due to subjugation. 3-The method and the habit.

4-Punishment, reward and judgment.

These four linguistic meanings constitute the concept of the word “deen” in the Qur’an. Therefore, “deen” implies a comprehensive system of life that is composed of four parts:

1-The ruler ship and the authority belong to Allah (swt) only.

2-The obedience and submission are to Allah (swt).

3-The comprehensive system (intellectual and practical) is established by this authority (Allah).

4-The reward given by this authority (Allah) to those who followed the system and submitted to him and the punishment inflicted upon those who rebel against it and disobey it.

Based on this definition of “deen”, we can conclude that it is a submission, and worship by man for the creator, the ruler, the subjugator in a comprehensive system of life with all its belief, intellectual, moral and practical aspects.

After understanding this definition of the Arabic word “deen”, we realize that it is not correct to translate it into English using the word “religion".

Muslims must do their best to clarify to others the reality of the word “deen” in the Islamic perspective; also they should implant this reality in their youth’s minds so that they will not confuse the concept of “deen” with all other erroneous and distorting definitions.

The concept of Islam

Islam in the Arabic language and in the Holy Qur’an means total submission and obedience.

However, the original meaning of "Islam" in the Arabic language is the acceptance of a view or a condition which was not previously accepted.

In the language of the Holy Qur'an, Islam means the readiness of a person to take orders from God and to follow them. "Muslim" is a word taken from the word Islam. It applies to the person who is ready to take orders from God and follow him.

Allah (swt) says;

(Abraham was not a Jew nor a Christian, but he was an upright (man), a Muslim; and he was not one of the Polytheists.) [Qur’an 3:67]

The message which was revealed to Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) is called Islam, and to profess the belief in his message is also Islam. Muslim, also, has come to mean the person who follows the message of Mohammad (pbuh) and believes in its truthfulness.

Allah (swt) says;

(Do they seek a deen other than the deen of Allah and to him all what is in the skies and in the earth have submitted willingly or forcefully and to Him they shall return.) [Qur’an 3:83]

The word “Islam” was used in the Qur’an as a symbol for the word “deen” that was revealed by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) stated that his teachings contain the teachings of all the previous prophets and all the Divine commandments. When a person professes the belief in the truthfulness of Prophet Muhammad and pledges to follow his message, he, in fact, will be stating his readiness to obey the orders of God unconditionally.

“Deen al Tawheed” (The belief in the Oneness of God)

Islam, sometimes, is called the “deen al tawheed”: religion of One God, because its main theme is the unity of God. The doctrine of One God is the most emphasized and repeated principle in the Holy Qur'an.

“Deen al Fitrah” (The religion of the nature)

Also, Islam could be called “deen al fitrah" which means the religion of the nature or the religion which is in accordance with human nature, because its teachings are acceptable to the human mind when it is freed from illogical thinking and superstition.


Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:

“Every human being is born in a state of pure nature; but through the influence of his parents, he may become non-Muslim"

Conclusion

Islam is a divine system, with it Allah (swt) sealed all other “deens” and religions, and he made it a comprehensive system that deals with all aspects of human life (Belief, intellectual, moral and practical).

This system is based on total submission to Allah (swt) alone, purifying worship to him only, and following the traditions (sunnah) of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Zakah (almsgiving) is the required charity of a Muslim. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is given by Muslims who have a certain amount of wealth.

(And [in the daytime and at night] establish the prayer and pay Zakah and [for the cause of your religion and state] lend to Allah a befitting loan, and remember whatever good you send forth for yourselves you shall find it with Allah better than before and greater in reward.) [Qur’an 73:20]

In the verse quoted above, and at numerous other places in the Qur’an, Muslims are directed to pay Zakah from their wealth.

Zakat in Islam is a method of wealth re-distribution. It makes wealth circulate in the body of the nation.

The Qur'an demands that individuals take material responsibility for poverty and suffering in the Muslim community (ummah). That is why the Quranic revelation demands that each person give up a certain amount of material wealth to support the poor, the indigent, the sick, and the suffering.

Generally, charity in Islam is of two types: voluntary and obligatory. A Muslim should pay a certain percentage of his wealth every year; this is Zakat, which is obligatory charity. Other than Zakat, any other money Muslim spent for the sake of Allah is voluntary charity (Sadaqa). All Muslims, rich or poor are to pay charity proportionally.

Muslims should acquire wealth with the intention of spending it on their own needs, and the needs of others.

Allah says:

“And whatsoever you spend of anything (in the cause of Allaah), He will replace it. He is the Best of those who grants sustenance.” [Qur’an 34:39]

There are also many warnings against those who do not spend for the sake of Allah:

(And spend something (in charity) out of the substance which We have bestowed on you, before Death should come to any of you and he should say, “O my Lord! Why didst Thou not give me respite for a little while? I should then have given (largely) in charity, and I should have been one of the doers of good.” But to no soul will Allah grant respite when the time appointed (for it) has come; and Allah is well-acquainted with (all) that ye do.) [Qur’an 63:11]

The Muslim, who gives out Zakat, affirms the truth that nothing is dearer to him in life than the love of Allah and that he is fully prepared to sacrifice everything for Allah’s sake. There is no burden of obligation on one who receives Zakat, and there must be a sense of thankfulness and gratitude on the part of the giver, since he has been enabled by the recipient to discharge his obligation that he owes to Allah and society.

Also Allah (swt) stressed on the importance of Zakah many times in the Qur’an,

(Establish worship, pay the poor-due, and bow your heads with those who bow (in worship) [Qur’an 2:43]

Charity purifies the human personality by removing selfishness, greed and materialism. It creates compassion, care, love and kindness among Muslims and it makes a person more thankful to Allah. Zakat helps the needy and provides funds for good causes and for community projects.

Zakah is the wealth given in the way of Allah to obtain purity of heart and to obtain the blessings of Allah. The root of the word Zakah in Arabic has two meanings: ‘purity’ and ‘growth’.

(Take alms from their wealth [O Prophet!] in order to purify them with it.) [Qur’an 9:103]

(That which you give as loan on interest that it may increase on [other] people’s wealth, it has no increase with Allah; but that which you give as Zakah, seeking Allah’s countenance, it is these people who will increase their wealth [in the Hereafter). [Qur;an 30:39]

The word (zakah) was specifically used for the wealth a Muslim gives to those in authority to meet the collective requirements of a state. It is evident from the Qur’an that like prayer, Zakah has always remained an essential ingredient of the Shari’ah given to Prophets of Allah.

Zakah also pleases Allah and strengthens one’s soul;

(And the likeness of those who spend their wealth in search of Allah's pleasure, and for the strengthening of their souls, is as the likeness of a garden on a height. The rainstorm smiteth it and it bringeth forth its fruit twofold. And if the rainstorm smite it not, then the shower. Allah is Seer of what ye do.) [Qur’an 2:265]

Also Allah ordered Muslims to give out Zakat without showing,

(We feed you, for the sake of Allah only. We wish for no reward nor thanks from you;) [Qur’an 76:9]

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said that spending on family is a kind of almsgiving or Zakat;

Narrated Abu Mas'ud: The prophet (pbuh) said:

"If a man spends on his family (with the intention of having a reward from Allah) sincerely for Allah's sake then it is a (kind of) alms-giving in reward for him.”

Zakah was a pre-existing Sunnah which the Qur’an only revived and which Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) established as a directive of the Shariah among all Muslims.

Shariah stated clearly the rates for Zakat;

(a) Wealth: 2 ½% annually

(b) Produce: (i) 5 %: on all items which are produced by the interaction of both labor and capital, (ii) 10 % on items which are produced such that the basic factor in producing them is either labor or capital and (iii) 20% on items which are produced neither as a result of capital nor labor but actually are a gift of God.

A poor person does not have to give Zakat. Generally, it is 1/10th of fruits and produce of the soil, but 1/40th of money and merchandise. This is done before the beginning of the month of Muharram, the first of New Year.

Just as Zakah can be given as of personal possessions to an individual, it can also be spent on projects for his welfare.

Zakat should be given to the poor, needy and on the collective requirements of the Muslims. However, when the hypocrites in the time of the Prophet (pbuh) raised certain doubts about this, the Qur’an unequivocally stated that:

(Zakah is only for the poor and the needy, and for those who are ‘amils over it, and for those whose hearts are to be reconciled [to the truth], and for the emancipation of the slaves and for those who have been inflicted with losses and for the way of Allah and for the welfare of the wayfarers. This is an obligation decreed by the Almighty, the All-Knowing and the Wise.) [Qur’an 9:60]

In fact, no other economic system gives financial aids to individuals in debt or to wayfarers as Islam does.

Sawm is fasting. It's the fourth of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Muslims are required to fast during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

During the 29/30 days of Ramadan all adult Muslims must give up the following things during the hours of daylight:

Food or drink of any sort
Smoking, including passive smoking
Sexual activity
Muslims who are physically or mentally unwell may be excused some of these, as may those who are under twelve years old, the very old, those who are pregnant, breast-feeding, menstruating, or travelling.

If an adult does not fast for the reasons above they should try to make up the fast at a later date, or make a donation to the poor instead.

Muslims do not only abstain from physical things during Ramadan. They are also expected to do their best to avoid evil thoughts and deeds as well.

There are many good reasons for this fast, including:

Obeying God
Learning self-discipline
Becoming spiritually stronger
Appreciating God's gifts to us
Sharing the sufferings of the poor and developing sympathy for them
Realising the value of charity and generosity
Giving thanks for the Holy Qur'an, which was first revealed in the month of Ramadan
Sharing fellowship with other Muslims
Eating in Ramadan
During Ramadan many Muslims will try to eat a large meal called suhur just before dawn.

When daylight is over, most Muslims will break or open the fast with dates or water, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), before having a proper meal later.

The evening meals during Ramadan are occasions for family and community get togethers.

Eid ul-Fitr
The month of Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid ul-Fitr. This is marked by dressing up and visiting the mosque for prayer, and with visits to family and friends for celebratory meals.

Ramadan and the Western calendar
Because Islam uses a lunar calendar, the month of Ramadan comes around 11 days earlier each successive year, so there is no Western season associated with Ramadan.

Ramadan is a month where believers learn to exercise self-control. A major facet of this is the abstinence from food and drink that is prescribed to all healthy Muslims during the hours of sunrise to sunset. Although the sick are exempt, many continue to fast and therefore abstain not only from eating and drinking water but also from consuming oral medications and intravenous nutritional fluids. This article provides a personal reflection on what advice might be pertinent for fasting Muslims in good health and those on medication.

During years where Ramadan falls in the winter, and the long hot days of the summer a mere distant memory, most of the health problems are likely to arise from inappropriate diet, over-eating and insufficient sleep. Firstly, there is no need to consume excess food at Iftar (the food eaten immediately after sunset to break the fast), dinner or Sahur (the light meal generally eaten about half an hour to one hour before dawn).

The reasons for this are two-fold. Firstly and most importantly such a lifestyle contradicts the principal aims and spirit of Ramadan. A learned scholar once said that "There is no receptacle more odious to God, than a belly stuffed full of food after a fast" and therefore "of what use is the Fast as a means of conquering God's enemy and abating appetite, if at the time of breaking it one not only makes up for all one has missed during the daytime, but perhaps also indulges in a variety of extra foods?" Indeed, there is a concern that it is becoming customary for some to "stock up" for Ramadan, so that more is consumed during this time than in the course of several other months combined. It is therefore worth reflecting on the true objective of fasting which is to experience hunger and to check desire in an attempt to reinforce the soul in piety.

Secondly, the body has regulatory mechanisms that reduce the metabolic rate and ensure efficient utilization of the body's fat reserves in times of hunger. Add to this the fact that most people assume a more sedentary lifestyle whilst fasting and the implication is that a balanced diet that is even less in quantity that normal will be sufficient to keep a person healthy and active during the month of Ramadan.

To remain healthy during Ramadan, normal quantities of food from the major food groups: bread and cereal, milk and dairy product, fish, meat and poultry, bean, vegetable and fruit should be consumed. (Vegetarians and Vegans should amend this list as appropriate). Intake of fruits after a meal is strongly suggested. In actual fact, our diet in Ramadan should not differ very much from our normal diet and should be as simple as possible. The diet should be such that we maintain our normal weight, neither losing nor gaining. However, if one is over-weight, Ramadan is an ideal time to shed those extra pounds!
In view of the long hours of fasting, we should consume the so-called 'complex carbohydrates' or slow digesting foods at Sahur so that the food lasts longer (about 8 hours) making you less hungry during the day. These complex carbohydrates are found in foods that contain grains and seeds like barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, wholemeal flour, and unpolished rice.
In contrast, refined carbohydrates or fast-digesting foods last for only 3 to 4 hours and may be better taken at Iftar to rapidly restore blood glucose levels. Fast-burning foods include foods that contain sugar and white flour. Dates are an excellent source of sugar, fibre, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium and have been recommended since the days of the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) as a good way of breaking the fast.

Fried foods, very spicy foods and foods containing too much sugar such as sweets, the delight of many Muslims, can cause health problems and should be limited during Ramadan. They cause indigestion, heart-burn, and weight problems. Fasting can often increase gastric acidity levels in the stomach causing a burning feeling, a heaviness in the stomach and a sour mouth. This can be overcome by eating foods rich in fibre such as whole wheat bread, vegetables, humus, beans and fruits. These foods trigger muscular action, churning and mixing of food, breaking it into small particles, and thus help reduce the build up of acid in the stomach.

Drinking of sufficient water and juices between Iftar and sleep to avoid dehydration and for detoxification of the digestive system should be encouraged in fasting individuals. However, the intake of large amounts of caffeine-containing beverages should be avoided especially at Sahur. For example, drinking too much tea will make one pass more urine and inevitably cause the loss of valuable mineral salts that your body would otherwise need during the day. Fruits such as bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates. However, bananas can cause constipation and their intake has to be balanced with adequate fibre intake.

It is recommended that everyone engage in some kind of light exercise, such as stretching or walking. Exercise, together with a balanced diet, should help everyone watch their weight during Ramadan. Anyone overweight should increase the amount of exercise and reduce the amount of food intake to help reduce weight.

It is also important to follow good time management procedures for Ibada (prayer and other religious activities), sleep, studies, work, and physical activities or exercise. A good balance in the amount of time attributed for each activity will lead to a healthier body and mind in Ramadan.

Islam offers an exemption to the sick from observing their fast during the holy month of Ramadan. However, some patients may be able to fast if their health is not adversely affected during the period of fasting. In such cases, advice from pharmacists and doctors about changing prescriptions to equally effective drugs that have reduced dosing, such as sustained release formulations, may be beneficial to the fasting Muslim. In all cases of illness, it is recommended that Muslim patients, if they do fast, do so under medical supervision.

Confusion
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and as with all months in the Islamic calendar, its start is based on the sighting of the new moon.

There can be confusion and disagreement over the starting date of this month. Since the month is full of blessings and marks the beginning of fasting, or sawm, accuracy is very important.

Since Muslims live all over the world, but Islam started in what is now known as Saudi Arabia, they may not agree as to which country’s first moon sighting marks the start of the month.

But although Muslims do often start and end Ramadan on slightly different days, there is little real ill will, and it is forgotten once the fasting starts.

Sighting in each country
Some Muslims believe that a new moon sighting from their individual country marks the start of Ramadan.

One argument for accepting this is that Islam is regarded as a way of life for all people. Choosing a local sighting includes those who do not have access to technology or fast communication.

It's argued that unity within a known geographic location is more important than celebrating Ramadan with people who live in another country or continent

Ramadan is the most important month in Islam.
There are several reasons why it is regarded as holy:
1-The Qur’an was first revealed during this month
2-The gates of Heaven are open The gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained up in Hell.

The Qur'an revealed
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)”
[al-Baqarah 2:185]

The actual night that the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad is called Lailat ul Qadr, and to stand in prayer on this one night is said to be better than a thousand months of worship.

Ramadan is often called ‘month of the Qur’an’ because of this, and Muslims attempt to recite as much of the Qur’an as they can during the month. Most mosques will recite one thirtieth of the Qur’an each night during the Taraweeh prayers.
No one knows on which particular night the Qur'an was first revealed, but it is said to be one of the last ten nights of Ramadan.

The Gates of Heaven are open and the Gates of Hell are closed.

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are put in chains.”

Muslims believe that their good actions bring a greater reward during this month than at any other time of year, because this month has been blessed by Allah.

They also believe that it is easier to do good in this month because the devils have been chained in Hell, and so can't tempt believers. This doesn’t mean that Muslims will not behave badly, but that any evil that they do comes from within themselves, without additional encouragement from Satan.

Almost all Muslims try to give up bad habits during Ramadan, and some will try to become better Muslims by praying more or reading the Qur’an.

Muslims believe that this is one way that the chaining up of the devils is manifested, since there is no other reason for them to do so.
Special Practices
There are a number of special practices which are only done during Ramadan.

Fasting the whole month long
Although Muslims fast during other times of the year, Ramadan is the only time when fasting, or sawm, is obligatory during the entire month for every able Muslim.

Ramadan is intended to increase self-control in all areas, including food, sleeping, sex and the use of time.

Taraweeh Prayers
These are long night prayers, which are not obligatory, but highly recommended.

Mosques are filled with worshippers who go to attend these prayers, which usually last for one and a half to two hours.

These prayers also give Muslims a chance to meet at the mosque every day, and so they also help to improve relationships in the Muslim community.

I’tikaf
I’tikaf refers to going into seclusion during the last ten nights of Ramadan, in order to seek Lailat ul Qadr by praying and reading the Qur’an. Some people live in the mosque during this time for serious reflection and worship. Others spend a few hours at the mosque or home.