A friend of mine wrote this and sent it to me !
by Shaheen Darr
The definition of a Muslim is to bow down to the will of Allah, to submit to Him and to Him alone. That is the building block on which the character of a true Muslim is based. Every action thereon is done with the thought of its outcome in the eyes of Allah and how it will affect others and ultimately how he is going to be judged by his maker.
The five pillars that a true Muslim attempts to adhere to are:
1. The acceptance that there is one God and Prophet Muhammad is the last Prophet (Shahadah)
2. Praying five times a day (Salat)
3. Giving charity out of his annual income to the needy and the poor (Zakat)
4. Fasting during the month of Ramadan
5. Going for the pilgrimage at least once in his lifetime
All these pillars will give a true Muslim person a meaning and purpose to his existence and help him to attain a degree of spirituality and purity while carrying on with his day to day existence. It also reminds him of his mortality and the acceptance of the fact that he will face his maker one day and be answerable to his deeds.
Moderation and modesty in his actions and his clothing is also an aspect that makes a Muslim stand out. Respecting your body and mind means ****** and revealing clothes are discouraged. Relations between your married partner are a gift from Allah whereas adultery and other forms of s*xual promiscuity are looked down upon.
Sharing your material wealth with those who are needy and helping family and friends is also a good character trait to develop as well as working hard for a living. Duty towards parents, especially your mother is very important to the true Muslim.
Muslims do not drink alcohol because of its intoxicating effects and the consequences that may result because of these effects. They also do not eat pork because of the unclean eating habits of pigs. There are no other restrictions to the Muslim's diet though moderation and common sense should always prevail.
The 'neeyah' or intention of an action is taken seriously in Islam and it is on this intention that a Muslim will be judged. Actions towards other human beings are important so no person should be intentionally harmed. Forgiveness is encouraged and good relations cultivated with all people unless you are being threatened. If this is the case than a Muslim is allowed to protect himself and his family.
In conclusion, cleanliness of mind and body, a good intention, charitable acts and total submission to his maker are some of the characteristics of a true Muslim character. Though most Muslims strive to attain these qualities, in reality, most fall short and their actions can harm themselves and others because they are based on ignorance rather than knowledge which every Muslim person is encouraged to strive towards.
In a nutshell the Quran states 'Serve God, and join not any partners with Him; and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: For God loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious;- (4:36)'
Posted By: DAVID JOHNSON
Monday, August 16th 2010 at 9:54PM
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