Jama Masjid India

(part 1 of 2) Description:  The importance of the sacred cities and why they hold a special place in the hearts of all Muslims. Objective ·         To understand why the three sacred cities are important . Arabic Terms ·         Masjid  - the Arabic term for mosque. ·         Sahabah  - the plural form of “Sahabi,” which translates to Companions.   A  sahabi , as the word is commonly used today, is someone who saw Prophet Muhammad, believed in him and died as a Muslim. ·         Kabah  - The cube-shaped structure located in the city of Mecca.   It serves as a focal point towards which all Muslims face when praying. ·         Hajj  - A pilgrimage to Mecca where the pilgrim performs a set of rituals.   The  Hajj  is one of the five pillars of Islam, which every adult Muslim must undertake at least once in their life if they can afford it and are physically able. ·         Qiblah  - The direction one faces during the formal prayers. One of the  sahabah  once aske

(part 1 of 2) Description:  The lessons cover the basics of  Shariah  and  fiqh  that are necessary to understand the inner workings of Islamic rules and regulations. Objectives: ·         To learn the definition of  Shariah . ·         To appreciate the scope of Shariah. ·         To learn six unique features of  Shariah : ·         To learn about the sources of  Shariah . Arabic Terms: ·         Fiqh  – Islamic jurisprudence. ·         Istihsan  - juristic preference. ·         Jihad  - a struggle, to exert effort in a certain matter, and may refer to a legitimate war. ·         Maslahah mursalah  - public interest.  ·         Shirk  – a word that implies ascribing partners to Allah, or ascribing divine attributes to other than Allah, or believing that the source of power, harm and blessings comes from another besides Allah. ·         Qiyas  – analogy. ·         Shariah  – Islamic Law. ·         Sunnah  – The word  Sunnah  generally refers to whate

Description:  Taking time out from the daily routine of life to stop and pray is a commandment of God, but does it entitle us to spiritual benefits as well? Objectives ·         To understand that that the prayer is a means of remembering Allah and increasing God-consciousness. ·         To understand the relationship between prayer and repentance, prayer and discipline, and prayer and humility. Remembrance of Allah Almost every person in the modern world is involved in some basic worldly activity like earning a living, going to school, eating, sleeping, and socializing.  Naturally, we forget Allah and the obligations due to Him.  When we forget Allah, this life and its worries become the central occupation of the human mind.  Desires run wild.  A person begins to ‘chase his shadow’, something he can never catch.  For many, money becomes the sole goal of life.  The more you make, the more you spend, the more you want. Allah has set times to break regularly from the da