ISLAM FOR BEGINNERS BRS 107.pdf - CUEA

suitable gift, the wealthy according to his means, and the poor according to his means; agift of a reasonable amount is due from those who wish to do the right thing.” (s. 2:236)“Divorced women should wait concerning themselves for three months periods. And it islawful for them to hide what Allah hath created in their wombs, if they have faith in Allahand the Last day. And their husbands have the better right to take them back in thatperiod, if they wish for reconciliation. And women shall have rights, similar to the rightagainst them, according to what it equitable; but men have a degree over them and Allahis exalted in power. A divorce is only permitted twice...” (s. 2:228-229)3. About JihadJihad literally means effort or striving -struggle in the path of Allah. It is both internalstruggle aimed at self-purification and external, for the purification of the society. It is alsounderstood as the holy war, permitted when there is aggression which threatens toannihilate the faithful and faith, and to suppress and control forces of evil that try todominate the society and lead into corruption and disorder. According to Yusuf Ali, jihadrequires fighting in Allah’s cause, as a form of self-sacrifice. Therefore, war is permissiblein self-defense. Whoever is killed in a holy war is a martyr (Shahid).“Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress limits; for Allah lovesnot transgressors. And slay them wherever you catch them, and turn them out from wherethey have turned you out; for persecution is worse than slaughter; but fight them not at thesacred mosque, unless they first fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such isthe reward of those who reject faith.” (s.2:190)“Those who believe and emigrate and strive with might and main, in Allah’s cause, withtheir goods and their persons, have the highest rank in the sight of Allah: they are thepeople who will achieve salvation.” (S.9:20)4. Major festivals in IslamThere are three major ones: 1. Id al-fitr, celebrated after the fasting month of Ramadan. 2.Id al-adha, celebrated in commemoration of the sacrifice of Isma’il by the Abraham. 3.Laylat ul-Qadr, the Night of power; it is the most significant night in Islam. It occurs duringthe month of Ramadan.5. Muslim CalendarWhile Christians follow the solar calendar, Muslims use a lunar calendar, especially inFrederic N. Mvumbi,OP Page 82 of 85