Islam_in_Focus_text

of enjoyment for the Muslim. He must utilize their elements
and ponder their marvels, read them as signs of God's Great-
ness and preserve their beauty, explore their wonders and
discover their secrets. But whether he uses them for utility or
for sheer enjoyment, he must avoid waste and excess. As a re-
sponsible agen t of God and a conscientious trustee, he must
always be mindful of others who share the world with him
and who will succeed him in the future.
The moral principles of Islam are sometimes stated as
positive commitments which must be fulfilled and some-
times as negative prescriptions which must be avoided.
Whether they are stated positively or negatively, they are de-
signed to build in the human being a sound mind, a peaceful
soul, a strong personality, and a healthy body. There is no
doubt that these are necessary requirements of the general
welfare and prosperity of mankind. And to help man to satis-
fy these requirements Islam has, among other things, laid
down the following regulations:
1
.
To bear witness to the Oneness of God and the Mes-
sengership of Muhammad in a meaningful committal way;
2. To observe the daily Prayers regularly;
3. To pay the religious tax which is known as alms or
the poor-due (Zakah);
4. To keep the Fast of the Holy Month of Ramadan;