What is Quran

What is the Quran?
Ans:  The Quran is a record of the exact words revealed by God through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It was memorized by Muhammad (peace be upon him) and then dictated to his companions, and written down by scribes, who crosschecked it during his lifetime. Not one word of its 114 Surahs, has been changed over the centuries, so that the Quran is in every detail the unique and miraculous text which was revealed to Muhammad (peace be upon him) fourteen centuries ago.

What is the Quran about?
Ans: The Quran, the last revealed Word of God, is the prime source of every Muslim’s faith and practice. It deals with all the subjects which concern us as human beings: wisdom, doctrine, worship, and law, but its basic theme is the relationship between God and His creatures. At the same time, it provides guidelines for a just society, proper human conduct and an equitable economic system.

Are there any other sacred sources?
Ans: Yes, the Sunnah, the practice and example of the Prophet (peace be upon him), is the second authority for Muslims. A Hadith is a reliably transmitted report of what the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, did, or approved. Belief in the Sunnah is part of the Islamic faith.
Examples of the Prophet’s sayings
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
‘God has no mercy on one who has no mercy for others.’
‘None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.’
‘Powerful is not he who knocks the other down, indeed powerful is he who controls himself in a fit of anger.’
(From the Hadith collections of Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi and Baihaqi.)

Who is Jesus to us?
Ans: Jesus (peace be upon him) is a true prophet, sent by Allah like Moses, Abraham, Lot, Noah, Jonah, Joseph, etc (peace be upon them).

Who were the parents of Jesus (peace be upon him)?
Ans: Jesus is the son of Virgin Mary and he had no father. Allah created Jesus.

Can Jesus (peace be upon him), or Muhammad (peace be upon him) be worshipped?
Ans: No, Allah does not accept that a prophet, a person, an angel, a cow, a stone, or anything be worshipped in place of Him or even along with Him. Worship must be to Allah, the Creator of them.

Is there a trinity in Islam?
Ans: No. Allah is one and perfect.

Can anyone become a Muslim?
Ans: Yes anyone can. There are two declarations, which are necessary:
1- To bear witness that no one deserves to be worshiped except Allah.
2- To bear witness that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Messenger of Allah.
This makes a person Muslim. But it should be said in Arabic. Next a person takes a shower and s/he is a Muslim.
Then what?
After a person becomes Muslim s/he is taught about prayers, fasting, alms to the poor, and pilgrimage. These are the pillars of Islam.
Then what?
Muslims are brothers and sisters. A Muslim should love for his brother or sister what s/he loves for him/herself. Allah’s wealth does not run out and Allah can provide for us all. We pray for each other, and love each other, and love for our brothers and sisters what we love for ourselves.

When is the Day of Judgment?
Ans: Only Allah knows.

What is it that keeps us from entering Heaven?
Ans: Worship of anyone other than Allah is the greatest sin. It is called shirk, and this is not forgiven except through repentance.

Do we believe that Allah created the heavens and earth in 6 days?
Ans: Yes, we do.

Why is the family so important to Muslims?
Ans: The family is the foundation of Islamic society. The peace and security offered by a stable family unit is greatly valued, and seen as essential for the spiritual growth of its members. A harmonious social order is created by the existence of extended families; children are treasured, and rarely leave home until the time they marry.

What about food?
Ans:  Although much simpler than the dietary law followed by Jews and the early Christians, the code which Muslims observe forbids the consumption of pig meat or any kind of intoxicating drink. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that ‘your body has rights over you’, and the consumption of wholesome food and the leading of a healthy lifestyle are seen as religious obligations. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘Ask God for certainty [of faith] and well-being; for after certainty, no one is given any gift better than health!’

What is the Kabah?
Ans: The Kabah is the place of worship, which God commanded Abraham and Ishmael to build over four thousand years ago. The building was constructed of stone on what many believe was the original site of a sanctuary established by Adam. God commanded Abraham to summon all mankind to visit this place, and when pilgrims go there today they say ‘At Thy service, O Lord’, in response to Abraham’s summons.

Who are amongst the people that must fast in the blessed month of Ramadan and those that are not obliged to fast in this month?
Ans: Those who must fast: All mature and sane Muslims, male and female. Those who are exempted: The sick, the travelers, too old to fast, women in child birth, women with periods, pregnant women whose heath is endangered, breast feeding women whose health is endangered.

What facts about the month of Ramadan have been related by Hadith in regards to what takes place related to heaven and hell?
Ans: The gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are shut.

What is one of the Sunnahs when a Muslim, for a valid reason cannot keep fast?
Ans: Not to eat in the presence of a fasting person. Repay it by fasting the number of days missed after Ramadan or give kafaarah equal to the amount of one Sadaqa tul Fitr in charity to the poor for each day missed.

What connection does the Holy Quran and the blessed month of Ramadan have that makes the month very important and sacred?
Ans: The Holy Quran was revealed in Ramadan.

It is said that the odor of a fasting Muslim is more fragrant to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta`ala than what?
Ans: Musk.

Is there a Hajj Akbar?
Ans: If Arafat is on a Friday, then many describe it as Hajj Akbar (Big Hajj). There is no big or small Hajj. There is only one Hajj. Every year is Hajj Akbar. The 10th day of Dhul Hijja is described in The Holy Quran as Yaum-ul-Hajjil-Akbar.

Is it a requirement to enter Masjid Haram from the Baab as-Salaam entrance?
Ans: There is no such requirement. You can enter from any of the many gates.

Can I smoke when I’m in Ihram?
Ans: Try to give up this habit for the good of your health and the well-being of your family. Many chain smokers have returned from the Hajj as non-smokers for good. Alhamdulillah.

When I stone the Jamaraat, is it necessary to hit the target?
Ans: It is acceptable if the stone falls into the circle without hitting the target.

Can I perform Hajj every year?
Ans: Performing the Hajj ONCE is compulsory for Muslims who are financially and physically able to do so. There is no rule prohibiting anyone from performing the Hajj more than once. If you plan to perform it yearly, you are obviously financially well endowed. You should consider the following:

A: There are numerous things you can do to walk in the way of Allah. Consider contributing your Hajj trip funds to uplift downtrodden Muslims.

B: With nearly 3 million people converging in The Holy Land to perform the Hajj, the Saudi authorities have understandably imposed Hajj quotas. Have a heart for those waiting in line to perform the Hajj for the first time. Allow a reasonable time gap before going to perform the Hajj again.