Islamic Practices
22 items across 5 content types
Debate Excerpts (1)
Individual points from debates discussing this topic
Questions (14)
How does Islam view sin, forgiveness, and salvation?
Islam teaches that every person is born sinless in a natural state of purity (fitrah). There is no concept of original sin. When a person sins, they can repent directly to God without any intermediary — no priest, no confession booth, no blood sacrifice is needed. God's mercy encompasses all things, and sincere repentance is always accepted.
How does Islam teach us to control anger?
Islam treats anger as a direct product of Shaytan and gives six specific, prophetically prescribed cures: seeking refuge with Allah, keeping silent, sitting or lying down, making wudu, recalling the Prophet's repeated advice ('Do not become angry'), and reflecting on the consequences. The Prophet ﷺ also defined true strength as controlling oneself when angry — not physical power.
How can I stop missing the Fajr prayer and wake up consistently?
Missing Fajr is one of the most common struggles Muslims face. The solution has two parts: first, truly understanding the immense reward and serious warning attached to this prayer; second, applying a set of practical steps — from sleeping early and forming a sincere intention, to using alarms, asking family for help, and making du'aa'. The Prophet ﷺ gave us every tool we need.
Is laughing too much haram in Islam?
Laughter itself is not haram — it is a gift from Allah. The Prophet ﷺ smiled, joked, and was pleasant with his family and companions. However, the Prophet ﷺ explicitly warned against excessive laughter, saying it 'kills the heart spiritually.' His own laughter was never more than a smile. The problem is not laughter itself but the modern culture of turning every gathering into a contest of who can make the others laugh hardest.
What do the Bible and the Qur'an agree on?
Far more than most people realise. The Bible and the Qur'an both declare that God is absolutely one (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29; Qur'an 112:1), both command sincere private prayer (Matthew 6:5-6; Qur'an 2:45), both record fasting as an act of worship (Matthew 4:2; Joel 2:12; Qur'an 2:183), both prohibit pork (Leviticus 11:7-8; Qur'an 2:173) and intoxicants (Proverbs 20:1; Qur'an 5:90), both call for modesty in dress (1 Timothy 2:9; Qur'an 24:31), and both foreground care for orphans and the poor as markers of authentic faith (James 1:27; Qur'an 2:177). Even Jesus' posture in prayer — falling on his face (Matthew 26:39) — is the same prostration performed by every Muslim five times daily.
What is dhikr in Islam and how does it help with stress and anxiety?
Dhikr (Arabic: ذِكْر — remembrance of Allah) refers to the verbal, mental, and physical acts of remembering Allah — phrases like *SubhanAllah* (Glory be to Allah), *Alhamdulillah* (Praise be to Allah), *Allahu Akbar* (Allah is Greatest), and *La ilaha illa Allah* (There is no god but Allah). The Quran states explicitly: *'Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.'* (Ar-Ra'd 13:28). Dhikr is Islam's prescription for the anxiety, restlessness, and emptiness that comes from disconnection from Allah.
What is Taraweeh prayer and why is it special in Ramadan?
Taraweeh (Arabic: تراويح — relaxation, rest between units) is the supererogatory night prayer performed exclusively in Ramadan, after Isha prayer. It is a recommended Sunnah — not obligatory but strongly recommended. Taraweeh is typically performed in congregations at mosques with the aim of completing the entire Quran over the 30 nights of Ramadan. It is among the most beloved and spiritually powerful practices of Islamic devotion — the long standing prayer, beautiful Quran recitation, and communal atmosphere of Ramadan nights make Taraweeh an experience unique in the Muslim calendar.
What is the purpose of fasting in Ramadan — why do Muslims fast?
Muslims fast in Ramadan in obedience to Allah's direct commandment in the Quran: *'O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you, that you may attain taqwa.'* (Al-Baqarah 2:183). The purpose is *taqwa* — God-consciousness, piety, and moral awareness. Fasting is not punitive; it is transformative — a monthly training programme that disciplines the body, purifies the soul, cultivates gratitude, builds empathy for the hungry, and reconnects the believer with worship and Quran.
What is Zakat in Islam — who must pay it, how much, and why?
Zakat (Arabic: زكاة — purification, growth) is the obligatory annual wealth tax that is the Third Pillar of Islam. Every Muslim who possesses wealth above the *nisab* (minimum threshold, approximately the value of 85 grams of gold) must give 2.5% of that wealth to the eight designated categories of recipients. Zakat is not charity — it is a precisely defined divine obligation. It purifies the wealth that remains, strengthens social solidarity, and reduces inequality. It is one of the most sophisticated built-in wealth redistribution systems in any religious tradition.
Why are non-Muslims not allowed in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah?
Every sovereign nation has restricted areas — military cantonment zones, government buildings, classified facilities. The holy cities of Makkah and Madinah serve as Islam's spiritual sanctuaries with specific entry requirements, just as every country sets its own visa and entry policies. The 'visa' requirement for Makkah is the declaration of faith.
Killing an animal is a ruthless act. Why then do Muslims consume non-vegetarian food?
A Muslim can be a pure vegetarian — non-vegetarian food is permitted, not compulsory. The Qur'an permits the consumption of meat because humans are biologically omnivorous, as evidenced by our dental structure and digestive system. Moreover, plants are also living creatures that feel pain, so the argument against killing animals applies equally to plants.
Why does Islam degrade women by keeping them behind the veil?
Far from degrading women, the hijab was prescribed to protect and honor them. Notably, the Qur'an addresses men first — commanding them to lower their gaze and guard their modesty before prescribing hijab for women. Islam uplifted women's status 1,400 years ago by granting them property rights, inheritance, education, and consent in marriage at a time when other civilizations treated women as subhuman property.
Why do Muslims slaughter animals in a seemingly ruthless manner by cutting the throat?
The Islamic method of slaughter (zabiha) is scientifically designed to be the least painful method. The swift cut to the throat vessels causes immediate loss of blood pressure to the brain, rendering the animal unconscious and unable to feel pain within seconds. The body convulsions that occur are involuntary muscle contractions, not signs of suffering. Additionally, draining all blood makes the meat more hygienic and longer-lasting.
Why should someone consider Islam?
Islam offers a direct, personal relationship with the Creator without any intermediaries; a clear, evidence-based faith supported by the preserved Qur'an; a practical and balanced way of life covering spiritual, social, and personal well-being; and a universal, timeless message — the same core monotheistic message brought by all Prophets throughout history.
Articles (3)
Common Ground: Bible Teachings That Align with the Qur'an and Islamic Practice
From monotheism to fasting, modesty to caring for orphans — the parallels between the Qur'an and the Bible are more extensive than most people realise.
TheOpenQuran Research
One of the most effective approaches in interfaith dialogue is to build on shared foundations. Muslims and Christians — and Muslims and Jews — share far more in common than their differences suggest. This article explores specific Bible verses that directly parallel Quranic teachings: the same insistence on one God, the same call to sincere private prayer, the same practice of fasting, the same prohibition of pork and alcohol, the same call to modesty, the same emphasis on caring for orphans and the poor. The Bible does not merely tolerate these Islamic practices — it commands them.
Dealing with Worries and Stress
Islamic Remedies for Anxiety, Grief, and Depression
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
A comprehensive guide to the Islamic approach for dealing with worries, stress, anxiety, and grief. Drawing upon the Qur'an, the Sunnah, and the writings of Imam Ibn al-Qayyim, this work presents over twenty practical and spiritual remedies — from strengthening one's faith and making du'aa, to relying upon Allah, remembering death, and focusing on the present. The book addresses the reality that this world is inherently a place of hardship, and provides believers with the tools to find inner peace through submission to Allah.
Problems and Solutions
Islamic guidance on five common spiritual and practical problems every Muslim faces
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid addresses five widespread spiritual and practical problems with both theoretical grounding and step-by-step practical solutions rooted in the Quran and authentic Hadith: missing the Fajr prayer, excessive laughter, Waswaas (insinuating thoughts from Shaytan), staying up late, and a short temper. Each problem is first diagnosed at its root, then treated with the prophetic remedy.
Qur'an Verses (1)
إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْمَيْتَةَ وَٱلدَّمَ وَلَحْمَ ٱلْخِنزِيرِ وَمَآ أُهِلَّ بِهِۦ لِغَيْرِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ فَمَنِ ٱضْطُرَّ غَيْرَ بَاغٍ وَلَا عَادٍ فَلَآ إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
Innama harrama 'alaykum al-maytata wad-dama wa lahma al-khinziri wa ma uhilla bihi lighairillah. Fa manidturra ghayra baghin wa la 'adin fa la ithma 'alayhi. Innallaha Ghafurun Rahim
“He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah. But whoever is forced by necessity, neither desiring it nor transgressing its limit, there is no sin upon him. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”
Hadith (3)
إِنَّمَا الأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ، وَإِنَّمَا لِكُلِّ امْرِئٍ مَا نَوَى
Innamal-a'malu bin-niyyat, wa innama likulli imri'in ma nawa
Narrated by Umar ibn al-Khattab
مَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلْيَقُلْ خَيْرًا أَوْ لِيَصْمُتْ وَمَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلْيُكْرِمْ جَارَهُ وَمَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلْيُكْرِمْ ضَيْفَهُ
Man kana yu'minu billahi wal-yawmil-akhiri falyaqul khayran aw liyasmut, wa man kana yu'minu billahi wal-yawmil-akhiri falyukrim jarahu, wa man kana yu'minu billahi wal-yawmil-akhiri falyukrim dayfahu
Narrated by Abu Hurairah
الإِيمَانُ بِضْعٌ وَسَبْعُونَ أَوْ بِضْعٌ وَسِتُّونَ شُعْبَةً فَأَفْضَلُهَا قَوْلُ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَأَدْنَاهَا إِمَاطَةُ الأَذَى عَنِ الطَّرِيقِ وَالْحَيَاءُ شُعْبَةٌ مِنَ الإِيمَانِ
Al-imanu bid'un wa sab'una aw bid'un wa sittuna shu'bah, fa afdaluha qawlu la ilaha illallah, wa adnaha imatat al-adha 'an at-tariq, wal-haya'u shu'batun min al-iman
Narrated by Abu Hurairah