“The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, ‘Every child is born with a pledge (AQIQAH) on him, to be sacrificed for the sake of Allah, so slaughter for him and remove the hair (on his head) and name him.'” – Narrated by Abu Dawud and others.

This hadith highlights the importance of Aqiqah, which involves sacrificing an animal (usually a sheep or goat) on behalf of the child, shaving their head, and giving them a name.

Belief in the Last Day, also known as Yawm al-Qiyamah or Day of Reckoning, is a fundamental tenet of Islam. It refers to the belief in:

1. The end of the world as we know it.

2. The resurrection of all souls from their graves.

3. The reckoning and accounting of every individual’s actions, deeds, and intentions in this life.

4. The judgment by Allah, the Almighty, to determine one’s fate in the Hereafter.

5. The belief in Paradise (Jannah) and Hell (Jahannam) as eternal destinations.

6. The belief in the Bridge of Sirat, which separates Paradise and Hell, and the accountability for one’s actions.

7. The belief in the weighing of deeds on the scales of justice.

8. The belief in the questioning in the grave and the final reckoning.

This belief serves as a reminder to Muslims to:

– Lead a righteous life

– Be mindful of their actions

– Strive for moral excellence

– Seek forgiveness and mercy

– Prepare for the eternal life to come

Belief in the Last Day is a cornerstone of Islamic faith, motivating believers to live a virtuous life and strive for a blessed hereafter.

The word “Zakat” (زكاة) is an Arabic term that means “purification,” “growth,” and “blessing.” It is called so because it is believed to:

1. Purify one’s wealth and soul by removing excess and imperfections.

2. Promote growth and increase in one’s wealth and blessings.

3. Bring blessings and divine favor to the giver and the recipient.

In Islam, Zakat is the third pillar of the faith and is considered a compulsory act of charity, requiring Muslims to give a portion of their excess wealth (usually 2.5%) to the poor and needy. The term “Zakat” reflects the spiritual and social aspects of this act, emphasizing its role in fostering a sense of community, compassion, and gratitude.

In the two-unit (rakah) prayer in Islam, known as “Salat al-Fard” or “Salat al-Witr,” the Tashahhud is recited while sitting in the second unit (rakah) of the prayer. Here is what you should say during the Tashahhud:

1. Sit with your knees on the ground, your right foot upright with the toes pointing toward the Qiblah (the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca), and your left foot underneath your right leg.

2. Raise your right index finger, pointing it upward or slightly towards the Qiblah.

3. Recite the Tashahhud:

**أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ**

Transliteration: “Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluhu.”

Translation: “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.”

4. After reciting the Tashahhud, you can lower your index finger.

5. Then, offer greetings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which is known as the “Salat al-Ibrahimiyya” or “Durood.” You can say:

**اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَعَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ**

Transliteration: “Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa ‘ala ali Muhammadin kama sallaita ‘ala Ibrahim wa ‘ala ali Ibrahim innaka hamidun majid.”

Translation: “O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim. Surely, You are Praiseworthy, Glorious.”

After reciting the Tashahhud and offering greetings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), you can include a Quranic supplication (dua) of your choice.
You can ask for guidance, forgiveness, or make any other sincere supplication. Here’s an example:

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَارْحَمْنِي وَعَافِنِي وَارْزُقْنِي وَاهْدِنِي وَعَافِنِي

Transliteration: “Allahumma-ghfir li warhamni wa ‘afini wa arzuqni wahdini wa ‘afini.”

Translation: “O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, grant me well-being, provide for me, guide me, and grant me good health.”