Furu Al-Deen (Branches Of Religion)
Furu al-deen means the branches of religion. The usul al-deen are the beliefs of a Muslim and the furu al-deen are the practices. These branches are the obligations that Allah has commanded us to follow. These are the actions that when applied to the beliefs make us a mu’min (believer). If you believe without following the laws and doing the actions you will just be considered a Muslim (one who submits) and not a mu’min.
قَالَتِ الْأَعْرَابُ آمَنَّا قُلْ لَمْ تُؤْمِنُوا وَلَٰكِنْ قُولُوا أَسْلَمْنَا وَلَمَّا يَدْخُلِ الْإِيمَانُ فِي قُلُوبِكُمْ وَإِنْ تُطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ لَا يَلِتْكُمْ مِنْ أَعْمَالِكُمْ شَيْئًا إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ
“The wandering Arabs say: ‘We believe.’ Say: ‘You believe not but rather say you submit for faith has not yet entered into your hearts. Yet if you obey Allah and his messenger, he will not withhold from you anything of your deeds. Verily Allah is the Oft-forgiving, the most Merciful.’ (Qur’an, 49:14).
إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَرْتَابُوا وَجَاهَدُوا بِأَمْوَالِهِمْ وَأَنْفُسِهِمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الصَّادِقُونَ
“The true believers are those who say believe in Allah and his messenger and afterward doubt not, but strive with their wealth and their lives for the cause of Allah. Such are the sincere ones.”” (Qur’an, 49:15).
Iman (faith) must be accompanied with actions. These branches of religion are ten, which are:
1) Salat - Prayer
2) Sawm - Fasting
3) Hajj- Pilgrimage
4) Zakat- consists of the payment of a portion of certain assets for the cause of Allah.
5) Khums- consists of 20% of one’s surplus savings that is given for the cause of Allah.
6) Jihad- Striving/Fighting in the cause of Allah with your wealth, property, and selves
7) Amr bil ma’ruf- Enjoining what is right
8) Nahi ‘an il-munkar- Forbidding what is wrong
9) Tawalla- Love for Allah, the Prophet (S), the Prophet’s Family (‘a), and their friends
10) Tabarra- Disassociation from the enemies of Allah, those who hate the Prophet (S), hate the Prophet’s Family (‘a) and hate their friends.
Salat
These are the five daily prayers that all Muslims are obligated to make. This is our direct line of communication to Allah. By staying in the remembrance of Allah we will refrain from shameful deeds.
اتْلُ مَا أُوحِيَ إِلَيْكَ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ تَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنْكَرِ وَلَذِكْرُ اللَّهِ أَكْبَرُ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تَصْنَعُونَ
“Recite that which has been revealed to you of the Book and keep up prayer; surely prayer keeps (one) away from indecency and evil, and certainly the remembrance of Allah is the greatest, and Allah knows what you do.” (Qur’an, 29:45).
These 5 prayers are as follows:
1) Fajr - the dawn prayer
2) Zuhr - the noon prayer
3) ‘Asr - the afternoon prayer
4) Maghrib - the after-sunset prayer
5) Isha’ - the evening prayer
The Prophet (S) said that on the Day of Judgment the first thing that we are going to be asked about by Allah is the salat. If the prayers are accepted then all other deeds will be accepted but if the prayers weren’t accepted then all the other deeds will be rejected.
So dear brothers and sisters lets please guard our salat and be punctual in performing them.
Sawm
This is the fasting in the month of Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. This is the month that the Qur’an was revealed to our beloved Prophet (S). Also, all the other books of Allah were revealed in this month as well to their respected prophets (‘a). Fasting is made for us to obtain piety (taqwa). It is reported that fasting is a shield against the hell-fire. We also give up the luxuries of life and thus see how it is for the people who do without. This will make us more compassionate towards mankind, especially those who are less fortunate. We abstain from eating, drinking, sexual intercourse, vain talk, etc. from dawn till after sunset. This is a good time to work on ourselves and give up our bad habits and start fresh, inshaAllah (God-willing). Blessings are also increased during this blessed month for the good deeds. Traditions state that if you complete the month of fasting successfully all of your sins will be forgiven. May Allah grant us all this great mercy!
Hajj
This is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah (Mecca) to visit and fulfill the rituals at the Holy Ka’bah. The Ka’bah is the house of worship that prophet Ibrahim (‘a) and his son Isma’il (‘a) built. This trip to Makkah (Mecca) is obligatory upon the Muslim only once in his life if you have the means to do so, otherwise it is not held against you. We should all have the niyyat (intention) in our heart to make Hajj, so that even if we die not being able to do so then may Allah reward us for our intentions, Insha Allah (God willing).
فِيهِ آيَاتٌ بَيِّنَاتٌ مَقَامُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَمَنْ دَخَلَهُ كَانَ آمِنًا وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا وَمَنْ كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ
“In it are clear signs, the standing place of Ibrahim, and whoever enters it shall be secure, and pilgrimage to the House is incumbent upon men for the sake of Allah, (upon) every one who is able to undertake the journey to it; and whoever disbelieves, then surely Allah is Self-sufficient, above any need of the worlds.” (Qur’an, 3:97).
Zakat
The Arabic word zakat means to purify. This charity is a way to purify our wealth. Zakat consists of the payment of a portion of certain assets for the cause of Allah.
From What Things Should Zakat Be Paid?
1. The three groups of grazing livestock: cows, sheep and goats and camels.
2. The four types of grains: dates, raisins, wheat and barley.
3. Two types of coinage: gold and silver.
Thus, zakat has to be paid obligatorily from nine things. It is recommended that zakat should also be paid from other things like properties and business assets.
To Whom Should Zakat Be Given?
Zakat should be expended in eight categories:
1. The poor.
2. The penurious: one whose condition is more severe than that of a poor person.
3. Officials who are appointed to collect the zakat.
4. Matters that may be considered to be for the cause of God, that is anything that is for the benefit of the Muslims, be it related to his religious or worldly affairs.
5. Debtors who are unable to pay their debts.
6. Wayfarers who cannot travel any further and cannot afford to return to their own homeland.
7. Those who receive from the zakat in order either to strengthen the faith already present in their hearts or to discourage them from harming the Muslims.
8. Slaves: bond persons who live under difficult conditions should be purchased with zakat money or freed.
Khums
This is the 20% of one’s surplus savings that is given for the cause of Allah.
وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا غَنِمْتُمْ مِنْ شَيْءٍ فَأَنَّ لِلَّهِ خُمُسَهُ وَلِلرَّسُولِ وَلِذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ آمَنْتُمْ بِاللَّهِ وَمَا أَنْزَلْنَا عَلَىٰ عَبْدِنَا يَوْمَ الْفُرْقَانِ يَوْمَ الْتَقَى الْجَمْعَانِ وَاللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
“And know that whatever thing you gain, a fifth of it is for Allah and for the Messenger and for the near of kin and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer, if you believe in Allah and in that which We revealed to Our servant, on the day of distinction, the day on which the two parties met; and Allah has power over all things.” (Qur’an, 8:41).
From What Income Should Khums Be Given?
From seven things:
1. Treasure from war.
2. Things that have been acquired by means of diving in the seas.
3. Mineral ore.
4. Profits and gains.
5. Land that a non-Muslim buys from a Muslim.
6. A halal (lawful or religiously permissible) gain that has been mixed with a haram (unlawful or religiously forbidden) gain.
7. Treasure.
To Whom Should Khums Be Paid?
A part of the khums should be paid to the Muslim jurist so that he may expend it according to Islamic activities as seems fit to him. The person concerned expends the remainder for helping orphans, poor people and needy travelers, from among the descendants of the Prophet (S).
Jihad
The Arabic word jihad means to strive. Jihad is generally divided into two forms: the greater jihad and the lesser jihad.
The greater jihad is an internal struggle to be pious and good. The Prophet (S) is reported to have said: “The greatest jihad is the jihad against your own evil desires.” It is incumbent upon us to strive in the cause of Allah to better our surroundings and ourselves.
The lesser jihad is an external struggle, or defense, in protection of Islam and Muslims. It is obligatory for us to defend our religion when it is in danger, but we should never be the aggressors.
Let us take a look at what the Qur’an says about the severity of killing a person unjustly.
أَنَّهُ مَنْ قَتَلَ نَفْسًا بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ أَوْ فَسَادٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَكَأَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا وَمَنْ أَحْيَاهَا فَكَأَنَّمَا أَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا
“Whosoever kills a human being for other than manslaughter or corruption in the earth, it shall be as if he had killed all mankind, and whoever saves the life of one, it shall be as if he had saved the life of all mankind.” (Qur’an, 5:32).
Let us also look at this hadith related by Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) about the rules and precautions of war: “The Messenger of Allah (S), when he wanted to send out troops, called them and bid them to sit before him. He then said to them: Go out in the name of Allah and by Allah and in the way of Allah and according to the religion of the Messenger of Allah. Do not handcuff or tie up (the prisoners of war), do not mutilate (even the dead), and do not betray people. Do not kill the old man, the child or the woman, and do not cut down a single tree except when you are forced to do so. And if any Muslim be he lofty or lowly gives a man of the Polytheists sanctuary, then his safety must be secured so that he hears the word of Allah. If he follows you then he is your brother in religion. If he refuses then give him his sanctuary and seek the help of Allah regarding him.”1
Allah says in the Noble Qur’an:
وَإِنْ أَحَدٌ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ اسْتَجَارَكَ فَأَجِرْهُ حَتَّىٰ يَسْمَعَ كَلَامَ اللَّهِ ثُمَّ أَبْلِغْهُ مَأْمَنَهُ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ قَوْمٌ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
“And if any one of the polytheists seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the words of Allah. Then deliver him to his place of safety. That is because they are a people who do not know.” (Qur’an, 9:6).
Ayatollah Sayed Muhammad Shirazi, the author of War, Peace and Non-Violence, writes of the Prophet’s peaceful methods:
The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (S), progressed, as we have said, through peace that he adopted as his formula. One example of this is Mecca, the capital of unbelief and idolatry and the capital of waging war against the Messenger of Allah (S). The people of Mecca confronted the Messenger of Allah by every possible means. They banished him, killed his (foster) daughter Zaynab, confiscated his wealth and killed many of his followers. Finally, they tried to assassinate him so he fled secretly to Madina but they continued their plots against his holy mission.
Despite this, after more than twenty years, when the Messenger (S) wanted to conquer Mecca, he made preparations then proceeded to conquer that city peacefully without one drop of blood being spilt. Among the preparations he made were when he took possession of Khaibar, he took as spoils a large hoard of golden vessels as many as twenty thousand in number and of differing sizes. The Messenger (S) sent a number of these vessels to be shared out amongst the poor of Mecca even though they were unbelievers, polytheists, and warring against the Messenger of Allah (S). When these golden vessels arrived for the people of Mecca, they were confused and amazed. They said: ‘We fight this man, we confiscate his property, we kill his followers and his relatives and he deals with us in such a kind manner.’
This was an overture from the Messenger of Allah (S) to bring Islam to Mecca and to destroy the idols and to establish peace between the people. When the Messenger of Allah (S) conquered Mecca, Abu Sufyan, his archenemy came and the Messenger of Allah (S) pardoned him. Not only this but he made his house a sanctuary saying: ‘Whoever enters the house of Abu Sufyan is safe.’ Then he turned to, the wife of Abu Sufyan, Hind the woman famous for her immoral acts and attacks on the Messenger of Allah (S). She who had torn open the abdomen of Master of the Martyrs Hamza, and amputated his ears and his nose and mutilated him in the vilest manner, taking out his liver and chewing it in her mouth. This woman, this ‘war criminal’ was sent by the Messenger of Allah a document of pardon. By this, the Messenger of Allah (S) recorded the most magnificent example in the history of creation of forgiveness even of his most ardent enemies.
The chroniclers report that Mecca at this time was the capital of unbelief and Polytheism, hypocrisy, selfishness and pride. When it surrendered to the Messenger of Allah (S), most of the people did not announce their entry into Islam but rather remained on the way of Polytheism. The Messenger of Allah (S) did not coerce them to accept Islam ever but instead left them to themselves so that they would live by themselves under the rule of Islam to enter Islam in the future.2
As the Qur’an states:
لَا إِكْرَاهَ فِي الدِّينِ
“There shall be no compulsion in [acceptance of] the religion.” (Qur’an, 2:256).
So, as we can see, our Holy Prophet (S) and his family were never the aggressors. They defended their religion by performing Jihad when they were attacked, but they would always strive to resolve matters peacefully. When forced to perform Jihad there were very strict rules and regulations to ensure that the Muslims did not over step the boundaries.
Amr Bil Ma’ruf
This means enjoining what is right; inviting others to piety and righteousness. This should be done upon yourself first, then your family, then upon the people in your surroundings. This is done with the intention to prevent a corrupt society. If we constantly remind one another to do good deeds then we will stay conscience of Allah, and thus will stay on the straight path.
كُنْتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَلَوْ آمَنَ أَهْلُ الْكِتَابِ لَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُمْ مِنْهُمُ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَأَكْثَرُهُمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ
“You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah. If only the People of the Scripture had believed, it would have been better for them. Among them are believers, but most of them are defiantly disobedient.” (Qur’an, 3:110).
Nahi ‘Anil Munkar
This means forbidding what is wrong; advising and admonishing against haraam and forbidden acts. This goes along with the above obligation. If we see someone doing wrong and going astray then we should admonish that person. This way, he will remember Allah and seek his forgiveness. And refrain from the act of disobedience.
Tawalla
This is the love that we must cultivate in our hearts for the Messenger of Allah (S) his family (‘a), and their followers. We must have love for these people, as they are the near and dear ones to Allah. They are our role models, and our guides for this life. Allah commands us to love them in the Qur’an.
قُلْ لَا أَسْأَلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا إِلَّا الْمَوَدَّةَ فِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَمَنْ يَقْتَرِفْ حَسَنَةً نَزِدْ لَهُ فِيهَا حُسْنًا إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ شَكُورٌ
“Say: I do not ask of you any reward for it but love for my near relatives (Ahl Al-Bayt); and whoever earns good, We give him more of good therein; surely Allah is Forgiving, Grateful.” (Qur’an, 42:23).
Allah loves these individuals so we should also show our love for them. The Prophet (S) is reported to have said: “None of you truly believes until he loves me more than he loves his own family.”
If it were not for them then we would still be in the realm of ignorance and misguidance. We should love them for showing us the truth, how to apply it to our daily lives and for all of the great sacrifices they made to preserve the religion! Praise be to Allah who made perfect His religion and completed His favor with the establishment of the commander of the faithful, ‘Ali Ibn Abi Talib’s (‘a) love and authority!
Praise be to Allah who blessed us to be among those who cling and hold to the love and authority of the commander of the faithful and all of the Imam’s, peace be upon them all!
Tabarra
This is the disassociation that we have from the enemies of Allah, enemies of His Prophet (S), enemies of the Prophet’s family (‘a) and their followers. Islam teaches us to love for the sake of Allah and also to disassociate for the sake of Allah. Allah says in the Qur’an
مَا جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لِرَجُلٍ مِنْ قَلْبَيْنِ فِي جَوْفِهِ
“Allah has not made for any man two hearts within him.” (Qur’an, 33:4).
So, love for Allah and for His enemy can never co-exist in the heart of a true believer. We must disassociate ourselves from these people and their corrupt ideologies. Just think of it rationally, who would want to associate and be around someone who was hostile to Islam and hated your way of life? “And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham said to his father (caretaker) and his people:
…إِنَّنِي بَرَاءٌ مِمَّا تَعْبُدُونَ
“‘…Indeed, I am disassociated (baree) from that which you worship’” (Qur’an, 43:26).
إِلَّا الَّذِي فَطَرَنِي فَإِنَّهُ سَيَهْدِينِ
“’Except for He who created me; and indeed, He will guide me’” (Qur’an, 43:27).
وَجَعَلَهَا كَلِمَةً بَاقِيَةً فِي عَقِبِهِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ
“’And he made it a word remaining among his descendants that they might return [to it]’” (Qur’an, 43:28).
Remember, that Allah also says in the Qur’an that if a person, irrespective of their faith, is not hostile to Islam then we should treat them justly.
لَا يَنْهَاكُمُ اللَّهُ عَنِ الَّذِينَ لَمْ يُقَاتِلُوكُمْ فِي الدِّينِ وَلَمْ يُخْرِجُوكُمْ مِنْ دِيَارِكُمْ أَنْ تَبَرُّوهُمْ وَتُقْسِطُوا إِلَيْهِمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُقْسِطِينَ
“Allah does not forbid you respecting those who have not made war against you on account of (your) religion, and have not driven you forth from your homes, that you show them kindness and deal with them justly; surely Allah loves the doers of justice” (Qur’an, 60:8).
إِنَّمَا يَنْهَاكُمُ اللَّهُ عَنِ الَّذِينَ قَاتَلُوكُمْ فِي الدِّينِ وَأَخْرَجُوكُمْ مِنْ دِيَارِكُمْ وَظَاهَرُوا عَلَىٰ إِخْرَاجِكُمْ أَنْ تَوَلَّوْهُمْ وَمَنْ يَتَوَلَّهُمْ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ
“Allah only forbids you respecting those who made war upon you on account of (your) religion, and drove you forth from your homes and backed up (others) in your expulsion, that you make friends with them, and whoever makes friends with them, these are the unjust.” (Qur’an, 60:9).
https://www.al-islam.org/mystery-shia-mateen-charbonneau/furu-al-deen-branches-religion