Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Elements of Islamic Studies

A greatly beneficial text book for students of all ages who wish to learn or review the basic fundamentals of Islamic studies. This booklet is based mostly on the lessons of Maulana Sayyid Sa’eed Akhtar Rizvi, though at the time of editing he has added some lessons from the 'Book of Salat' (Majlis-ul-Muslimeen, Karachi), and 'Diniyat' (Rah al-Najat Office, Karachi), with necessary adaptations.

This edition has been completely revised (according to the Fatwa of Agha Syed Abu’l Qasim al-Khu’i, Dama Dhilluhul-Aali, Najaf, Iraq). Also, many subjects have been added because of the popular demand. For example, details of Ghusls, prayers of Ayaat, Jumu’ah, ‘Eidain, Mayyit and Jama’at.

Simply a must read for those that are unable to attend Hawza (Islamic University) yet wish to learn at least the basics of religion by means of authentic texts as compiled in this booklet

Author(s): Allamah Sayyid Sa'eed Akhtar Rizvi

Publisher(s): Bilal Muslim Mission of Tanzania

Table of Contents

Extract from the Preface to the First Edition  7

Preface to the Second Edition. 8

Lesson 1: Kalima, Meaning of Kalima  9

1. Kalima 9

2. Meaning of Kalima 9

Lesson 2: The 14 Ma’sumeen. 10

Names of Ahl al-Kisa’ 10

Lesson 3: The 14 Masumeen. 11

Lesson 4: Salawat 12

Meanin of Salawat 12

Lesson 5: Names of Ulu’l-Azm Prophets 13

Lesson 6: Names of Revealed Books 14

Lesson 7: Names of Islamic Months 15

Lesson 8: The Teachings of Islam. 16

Lesson 9: The roots of Religion (I) 17

I. Tawheed (Oneness of God) 17

II. Adl (Justice of God) 17

Lesson 10: Al-Sifat al-Thubutiyah. 18

Lesson 11: Al-Sifat al-Salbiyah. 19

Lesson 12: The Roots of Religion (II) 20

III. Nubuwwat (Prophethood) 20

Lesson 13: The Roots of Religion (III) 22

IV. Imamat (Vicegerency of the Prophet) 22

V. Qiyamah (Resurrection) 22

Lesson 14: The Branches of Religion (I) 23

Furu’ al-Deen. 23

I. Salat (Prayer) 23

II. Sawm (Fasting) 23

Lesson 15: The Branches of Religion (II) 24

III. Hajj (Pilgrimage) 24

IV. Zakat (Wealth Tax) 24

V. Khums (One-Fifth Levy or Income Tax) 24

Lesson 16: The Branches of Religion (III) 25

VI. Jihad (The Holy War) 25

VII. Amr bi’l Ma’ruf 25

VIII. Nahy ‘an al-Munkar 25

IX. Tawalla 25

X. Tabarra 25

Ijtihad and Taqlid. 25

Lesson 17: Useful Explanations Part I & II 26

Part I 26

Part II 26

Lesson 18: Useful Explanations Part III 27

Lesson 19: Najasah. 28

Lesson 20: Mutahhirat (I) 29

1. Water 29

2. Earth. 29

3. Sun. 30

4. Istihala 30

5. Inqilab. 30

6. Intiqal 30

7. Islam. 30

Lesson 21: Mutahhirat (II) 31

8. Taba’iyat: 31

9. Zawal Najis al-‘ayn (removal of the original impurity) 31

10. Istibra’ 31

11. Ghaybat al-Muslim. 31

12. Flowing of Blood. 31

Lesson 22: Rules of the Toilet 33

Lesson 23: Wudhu (Ablution) 34

1. When is it required? 34

2. What is Wudhu? 34

3. Nawaqid al-Wudhu (things that invalidate Wudhu) 34

Lesson 24: Conditions of Wudhu. 35

Mustahab acts of wudhu. 36

Lesson 25: Prayers 37

Lesson 26: Times of Prayers 38

Some Details About Time 38

1. Time of fadhilah (the most excellent time for prayer) 38

2. Reserved and Joint times 38

Lesson 27: Qibla. 39

Lesson 28: Clothes of Prayer 40

Other Rules 40

Lesson 29: Place of Prayer 42

Masjid. 42

Places where praying is makruh. 42

Lesson 30: Adhan and Iqamah. 44

Adhan. 44

Iqamah. 44

Lesson 31: Wajibat (obligatory acts) of prayer 45

Rukn and Ghayr Rukn. 45

Lesson 32: Niyyah, Takbir and Qiyam   46

1. Niyyah. 46

2. Takbiratul-Ihram. 46

3. Qiyam (standing) 46

Substitutes of Qiyam. 46

Sunnat (mustahab) differences between the qiyam of a man and of a woman  47

Ruku’ 47

Sunnat (mustahab) differences between ruku’ of a man and of a woman: 47

Lesson 33: Sajdah (I) 48

Important Reminder 49

Lesson 34: Sajdah (II) 50

Mustahabbat (recommended acts) in sajdah. 50

Makruhat (disapproved acts) in Sajdah. 50

Sunnat (recommened) differences between sajdah of a man and a woman. 50

Lesson 35: Wajib (obligatory) Sajdahs of the Qur’an  51

Lesson 36: Qir'at 52

6. Qira'at 52

Lesson 37: Translation of 3 Surahs and Qunut 54

(1) Surah al-Fatihah. 54

(2) Surah al-Qadr 54

(3) Surah al-Ikhlas 54

Qunut 55

Lesson 38: Other wajib (obligatory) acts 56

7. Dhikr 56

8. Tashahhud. 56

Meaning of tashahhud. 56

9. Mustahabbat 56

Salaam. 56

Mustahabbat 56

10. Tartib. 56

11. Muwalaat 57

Lesson 39: Actions that Invalidate Prayer 58

Lesson 40: Shakk (Doubts in Prayer) 59

Doubts to be ignored. 59

Lesson 41: Valid (Sahih) Doubts 60

Lesson 42: Mubtil Doubts that Invalidate the Prayer 61

Lesson 43: Prayer of Ihtiyat and Sajdah al-Sahw  62

Salat al-ihtiyat 62

Sajdah al-Sahw. 62

How to do Sajdah al-Sahw. 62

Lesson 44: Ghusl 63

1. Seven kinds of ghusl are wajib. 63

2. How to do ghusl 63

Ghusl tartibi 63

Ghusl Irtimasi 63

3. Conditions of ghusl: 63

Lesson 45: Ghusl of Janabat 64

1. When is it required? 64

2. For which Purpose? 64

3. Things which are forbidden before performing Ghusl janabat: 64

4. Things which are makruh in the janabat : 64

Lesson 46: Ghusl of haidh and nifas 65

(1) Haidh. 65

(2) Nifas 65

(3) Things which are haram in haidh and nifas 65

Lesson 47: Istihadha. 66

1. Istihadha qalila 66

2. Istihadha mutawassita 66

3. Istihadha kathira 66

Lesson 48: Tayammum. 67

1. When to do tayammum. 67

2. Things upon which Tayammum is permissible 67

3. The conditions about the above-mentioned things: 67

4. How to do tayammum. 68

Lesson 49: Salat al-ayaat (Prayer of signs) 69

1. Its causes 69

2. Its time 69

3. Its method. 69

4. Short Method. 69

Lesson 50: Friday Prayer 70

Lesson 51: Salat al-‘Eidayn. 71

Du’a in the Qunut 71

Lesson 52: Salat al-Jama’ah (congregational prayer) 72

1. Islamic equality. 72

2. Unity. 72

3. Love and Co-operation. 72

5. Prestige of Islam. 72

6. Limitless Reward. 72

Lesson 53: The Prayer for the Deceased (Salat al-Mayyit) 74

Lesson 54: Sawm (fasting) 75

Obligatory fasts 75

Conditions of the Fast 75

Persons Exempted From fasting. 75

Lesson 55: Muftirat & Kaffarah. 77

Muftirat 77

Kaffarah. 77

Lesson 56: Nadhr 79

Types of Nadhr 79

Conditions of Nadhr 79

Questions 81

Lessons 2/3. 81

Lessons 4/7. 81

Lessons 8/13. 81

Lessons 14/16. 81

Lesson 17. 81

Lesson 18. 81

Lesson 19. 81

Lesson 20. 82

Lesson 21. 82

Lesson 22. 82

Lesson 23. 82

Lesson 24. 82

Lesson 25. 82

Lesson 26. 83

Lesson 27. 83

Lesson 28. 83

Lesson 29. 83

Lesson 30. 83

Lessons 31/38. 83

Lesson 39. 84

Lessons 40/41. 84

Lesson 42. 84

Lesson 43. 84

Lesson 44/45. 84

Lesson 46. 84

Lesson 47. 84

Lesson 48. 85

Lesson 49. 85

Lesson 50. 85

Lesson 51. 85

Lesson 52. 85

Lesson 53. 85

Lesson 54. 85

Lesson 55. 85

Extract from the Preface to the First Edition

With the radical changes in educational system, my community in East Africa is steadily becoming out of contact with the Gujarati Language.

This is specially the case with the new generation. This means that the new generation is unable to benefit from the religious literature written in Gujarati.

The Khoja Shia Ithna-asheri Supreme Council had been aware of this important change, and had decided to prepare text books in English for introduction into Madresas.

This booklet is based mostly on the lessons of Maulana Sayyid Sa’eed Akhtar Rizvi, though at the time of editing he has added some lessons from the 'Book of Salat' (Majlis-ul-Muslimeen, Karachi), and 'Diniyat' (Rah al-Najat Office, Karachi), with necessary adaptations.

Agha Syed Muhammad Mahdi has helped a great deal in its preparation. I pray to Allah for their reward here and in the life hereafter.

Mohamedali Meghji, President.

The Supreme Council of The Federation of the Khoja Shia

Ithna-asheri Jamats of Africa.

P.O. Box 1085,

Mombasa,

Kenya.

Preface to the Second Edition

The first edition of this book was published on 15th Sha'ban, 1388 A.H. (7/11/1968), by Haji Mohamed A. Khimji. The booklet was introduced in the classes of Religious Studies in Secondary Schools. Within a short period the book went out of stock; but the demand increased every day.

Therefore, the Mission has decided to reprint it. This edition has been completely revised (according to the Fatwa of Agha Syed Abu’l Qasim al-Khu’i, Dama Dhilluhul-Aali, Najaf, Iraq). Also, many subjects have been added because of the popular demand. For example, details ofGhusl s, prayers of Ayaat, Jumu’ah, ‘Eidain, Mayyit and Jama’at.

This has increased the pages from 52 to 85. Also, the size is enlarged and the type used is bigger and clearer.

I am very thankful to Haji Amirali Haji Karim, Nairobi, to prepare questions which have been given at the end of the book.

I hope this edition will be more useful than the previous one.

Sayyid Sa’eed Akhtar Rizvi,

Dar Es Salaam.

28th Safar, 1391 (25th April, 1971)

Lesson 1: Kalima, Meaning of Kalima

1. Kalima

La ilaaha illal-Laah; Muhammadur Rasulul-Laah; Aliyun waliyul-Laah wasi-yu-Rasulil-Laah; wa Khalifatuhu bila fasl.

2. Meaning of Kalima

La iIaaha illal-Laah : There is no god but Allah.

Muhammadur Rasulul-Laah: Our Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (S.A.W.) is the Messenger of Allah.

Aliyun waliyul-Lah: Imam Ali (A.S.) is the Wali (beloved) of Allah.

Wasi-yu-Rasulil-Laah : Imam Ali (A.S.) is the successor of the Prophet.Wa Khalifatuhu bila fasl : And he is the First Khalifa of the Prophet.

Lesson 2: The 14 Ma’sumeen

Names of Ahl al-Kisa’

(1) Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (S.A.W.);

(2) Imam Ali (A.S.);

(3) Sayyidah Fatimah al-Zahra’ (S.A.);

(4) Imam Hasan (A.S.);

(5) Imam Husain (A.S.)

Lesson 3: The 14 Masumeen

Our Holy Prophet Muhammad al-Mustafa (S.A.W.), his daughter Fatimah al-Zahra’ (S.A.) and. the 12 Imams form the group of 14 Ma’sumeen (Infallible and sinless ones.)

The IMAMS are twelve as follows:

1. Ali al-Murtada, son of Prophet's uncle, Abu Talib, and married to Our Lady of Light, Fatimah, the daughter of the Holy Prophet. 23 B.H. - 40 A.H.

2. Hasan al-Mujtaba (the chosen), elder son of Ali and Fatimah 3 A.H. - 50 A.H.

3. Husain Sayyid-us-Shuhada, (the Chief of the martyrs), second son of Ali and Fatimah. 4 A.H. - 61 A.H.

4. Ali Zain al-‘Abidin 38 - 95 A.H.

5. Muhammad al-Baqir 57 - 114 A.H.

6. Ja’far as-Sadiq (the True) 83 - 148 A.H.

7. Musa al-Kadhim (the Patient) 128 - 183 A.H.

8. Ali ar-Raza (the accepted) 153 - 203 A.H.

9. Muhammad at-Taqi (the Pious) 195 - 220 A.H.

10. Ali an-Naqi (the Pure) 214 - 254 A.H.

11. Hasan al-Askari 232 - 260 A.H.

12. Muhammad al Mahdi: 15 Sha'aban 255, the Imam of our time.

These are the only rightful Imams. There are no more than 12 Imams. The Twelfth Imam is alive till this day, but is hidden, and will reappear at a time appointed by Allah. He is the awaited one and the Mahdi who will revive and spread Islam throughout the world.

NOTE: Whenever we utter or hear the name of our Prophet, we should reciteSalawat . We should say, 'Alayhis-salaam' (Peace of Allah be on him) whenever we utter or hear names of Ma’sumeen. Similarly we should stand up, as a mark of reverence, whenever we utter or hear the name of the Imam of our time, (twelfth Imam).

Lesson 4: Salawat

Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa Aali Muhammad .

Meanin of Salawat

O Allah! Send Your Blessings to our Prophet Muhammad al-Mustafa (S.A.W.) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

Lesson 5: Names of Ulu’l-Azm Prophets

(There were 5Ulu’l-Azm Prophets):

1. Prophet Nuh (A.S.);

2. Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.);

3. Prophet Musa (A.S.);

4. Prophet ‘Isa (A.S.); and

5. Prophet Muhammad al-Mustafa (S.A.W.)

Lesson 6: Names of Revealed Books

Many books were revealed (sent) to the Prophets by Allah.

Four of them are important. They are 1. Tawrat; 2. Zabur; 3. Injil; and 4. Qur'an al-Majid.

You should know that:

1. Tawrat was revealed to Prophet Musa (A.S.)

2. Zabur was revealed to Prophet Dawood (A.S.)

3. Injil was revealed to Prophet ‘Isa (A.S.)

4. The Qur’an was revealed to our Holy Prophet Muhammad al-Mustafa (S.A.W.).

All previous books were cancelled by Allah when the Qur'an was sent. Now the Qur’an is the only authentic and true book which is to be followed by all men.

Lesson 7: Names of Islamic Months

1. Muharram

2. Safar

3. Rabi’ al-Awwal

4. Rabi’ al-Akhir

5. Jamadi al-Ula

6. Jamadi ath- thaniyya

7. Rajab

8. Sha’ban

9. Shahr al-Ramadan

10. Shawwal

11. Dhi’l Qa’da;

12. Dhi’l Hajj.

Lesson 8: The Teachings of Islam

A:Usul (Roots): The fundamental Principles, the belief in which is essential-for a Muslim. These are:

1.Tawheed (Oneness of God)

2. ‘Adl (Justice of God)

3.Nubuwwat (Prophethood)

4.Imamat (Vicegerency of the Prophet)

5.Qiyamat (Resurrection)

B:-Furu’ or branches, which call for certain practices. These are:

1.Salat (Prayer)

2.Sawm (Fasting)

3.Hajj (Pilgrimage)

4.Zakat (Wealth tax)

5.Khums (One fifth levies)

6.Jihad (Holy war)

7.Amr bi’l ma’ruf (Enjoining the good)

8.Nahy ‘an al-munkar (Forbidding the evil)

9.Tawalla (To love and follow 14 Ma’sumeen)

10.Tabarra (To remain aloof from the enemies of 14 Ma’sumeen).

Lesson 9: The roots of Religion (I)

I. Tawheed (Oneness of God)

Tawheed means that Allah is One. He has neither any colleague nor any partner. He is neither born of any parent nor has He any wife, children or relatives.

II. Adl (Justice of God)

It means that God is Just. He is not a tyrant. Everybody's awards will depend upon his deeds. He who obeys His commands will be awarded a place in Paradise and he who disobeys Him will be sent to Hell.

In this connection, the Qur’an says:

“ALLAH affirms that there is no god but He: and so do the angels, and these endowed with knowledge, He is standing firm in justice”. (3:18)

Lesson 10: Al-Sifat al-Thubutiyah

In order to understand Tawheed clearly, the attributes of Allah have been grouped as positive and negative.

The positive attributes which are befitting Allah are calledSifat al-Thubutiyah . They are many in number, but eight of them are usually listed. They are:

1.Qadeem . This means that Allah is Eternal, i.e. He has neither a beginning nor an end.

2.Qaadir . It means that Allah is Omnipotent, i.e. He has power over everything, and every affair.

3. ‘Aalim . It means that Allah is Omniscient i.e. He knows everything. Nothing ever remains a secret from Him.

4.Hayy . It means that Allah is alive and will remain alive for ever.

5.Mureed . This means that Allah has His own discretion in all affairs. He does not do anything under compulsion.

6.Mudrik . It means that He is All-Perceiving, as Sami’ (All-Hearing), Baseer (All-Seeing), Haazir (Omnipresent). Allah sees and hears everything though He has neither eyes nor ears.

7.Mutakallim . It means that Allah is the Master of the word, i.e. He can create speech in anything as He did in a tree for Prophet Musa (A.S.) and in the "Curtain of Light" for the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.)

8.Sadiq . This means that Allah is true in His words and promises.

It is impossible to fix any limits to His attributes. This list is not exhaustive but is essential to understand the Glory of Allah. The attributes are not acquired but inherent in the conception of Divinity.

Lesson 11: Al-Sifat al-Salbiyah

The Negative Attributes which cannot be found in Allah because they are below His dignity are calledSifat al-Salbiyah . They are many, but likeSifat al-Thubutiyah only eight are listed generally. They are:

1.Shareek . The word "Shareek'" means a colleague or a partner. Allah has neither a colleague nor a partner in His Divinity.

2.Murakkab . This word means "compound" or "mixed". Allah is neither made, nor composed, of any material. He cannot be divided even in the imagination.

3.Makaan . It means "place". Allah is not confined to a place for He has nojism (body).

4.Hulool . It means "entering". Nothing enters Allah nor does He enter anything or anybody. Therefore, the belief of Incarnation in any form is abhorrent to the conception of Divinity.

5.Mahall al-hawadith . This means "subject to changes". Allah cannot change.

6.Mar’i . It means "visible". Allah is not visible. He has not been seen, is not seen and will never be seen, because He is not a body.

7.Ihtiyaj . It means "dependence" or "need". Allah is not deficient in any virtue, so he does not need anything.

8.Al-sifat al-zaa’id . This means "added attributes". The attributes of Allah are not separate from His Being. For example, we say that Allah is ‘Alim, but it does not mean that His Knowledge is something separate from His Existence. In fact, there has never been a time when he is less ‘Alim and then acquired more knowledge. His Knowledge, His Mercy, His Justice and all His virtues and attributes are His Own Being.

It will thus be seen that according to Islam, Allah is the name of God as perceived in the light of the above Positive and Negative Attributes. In other words, Allah is the Creator of the universe, Self-Existent, the source of all perfection and free from all defects.

Lesson 12: The Roots of Religion (II)

III. Nubuwwat (Prophethood)

The conception of Prophethood follows from the premises that it is the will of Allah that every human being should pursue a defined code of life and follow certain principles of conduct. Allah therefore had to send Prophets to acquaint the humanity with these principles and the code of life. The Qur’an says:

“We never chastise until We send forth a Messenger (to give warning).” (17:15)

The thirdUsul "Nubuwwat " calls for belief in all the Prophets sent by Allah from time to time for the guidance of humanity. According to Islam, Allah sent 1,24,000 Prophets in all. Adam was the first of them. Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses) and ‘Isa (Jesus) were other prominent Prophets (peace be on them all). Our Prophet, Muhammad al-Mustafa (S.A.W.) was the last. Some Prophets came with a Shari'ah (code of life), while others merely propagated the Shari'ah of their fore-runners.

Since the words of a Prophet are to be obeyed and his actions are to serve as a guide, it follows that every Prophet should be Infallible in his thoughts, words and deeds.

According to Islam, the entire universe came into existence through the will of the Creator and was created with a definite purpose. The Holy Qur’an says:

“Indeed in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of night and day, are signs for the men of understanding heart, who standing and sitting and reclining bear Allah in mind and ponder on the creation of the heavens and Earth. “O our Lord!" say they, "Thou hast not created this in vain." (3:190-191)

And further the specific purpose of creation is:

“'I have not created the jinn and the human beings but for submission to me”. (51:56)

Now to explain this Divine will came the Divine Messengers known as the Prophets:

“Verily! Allah hath chosen Adam and Noah, the progeny of Abraham and the progeny of Imran above the worlds, the descendants one of the other. Allah is One Who hears and knows”. (2:33-34)

The Prophets never disagreed in fundamentals. Generally the Prophets were deputed for specified communities, regions or periods. Muhammad, the last of the Divine Messengers, was sent to express the will of Allah for the entire humanity, and for all times to come.

To quote, the Quran says:

“We have not sent thee but as a mercy unto all the worlds”. (21:107)

“And We did not send you except as a bearer of good news and warner to all mankind, but most people do not know”. (34:28)

“Say (unto them): ‘O mankind! I am Allah’s messenger to you all; Whose is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth! There is no God but He! He gives life and brings death! Therefore believe in Allah and His

Messenger - the Makkan Prophet - who has faith in Allah and His words; and follow him so that you may be guided”. (7:158)

Islam therefore, is a perfect code of life for the entire humanity without distinction of classes, climes and countries. It lays first emphasis on the purification of the 'self’ of an individual based on the fundamental principles - belief in Oneness of Allah and in the life hereafter. This ultimately would lead to international brotherhood and creation of a peaceful society.

Lesson 13: The Roots of Religion (III)

IV. Imamat (Vicegerency of the Prophet)

During his life time, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) had announced on several occasions that the responsibility of the guidance of the Muslim community would devolve after him on certain named persons as ordained by Allah. These persons are known as Imams (Vicegerents of the Prophet). The Imam deputizes the Prophet in every respect. Like the Prophets, therefore, the Imam should also be infallible in his thoughts, words and deeds.

You have already been taught the names of those Imams in Lesson 3.

There are clear references in the Holy Qur’an about belief in the Imams. As for example:

“O ye who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those amongst you invested with divine authority; and if in aught ye differ, bring it before Allah and the Messenger if ye believe in Allah and the latter day. This is the best and the fairest way of settlement”. (4:59)

“Verily it is We who bring the dead to life and keep record of what they have sent forward and left behind; everything (all authority) have We vested in the clarifying Imam”. (36:12)

“(And remember) the day (the Day of Judgment) We shall call together all human beings with their respective Imams”. (17:71)

Referring to Imams, the Prophet (S) has further emphasized:

“One who dies but does not recognize the Imam of his time dies the death of a pagan.

On the Day of Resurrection every nation will be called along with the Imam of its time, the Book of Allah and Sunnat (tradition of its Prophet).

V. Qiyamah (Resurrection)

There is a life hereafter. After death an individual gets the reward or punishment of the deeds performed before death. For this purpose on a certain day called the Day of Judgment, all the dead will be resurrected from their graves and awarded heaven or hell depending on the merits of their actions in this world.

The Quran says:

“Beware when the event (qiyamah) will occur, no soul would then falsify its occurrence.. (It will be) lowering (the faithless), exalting (the faithful). When the earth is shaken to its depths, and the mountains are completely crumbled, becoming scattered dust..”. (56:1-6)

The day of Qiyamah will be of 50,000 years duration as has been written in the Holy Quran. The sun on that day will come down very low and the earth will be red-hot like heated copper.