islam is not only a ritualistic religion
A ritual in Islam is anything which is directed purely towards God and has a step by step protocol, an algorithm. Prayer, fasting hajj, manner of slaughter etc. are purely done towards God and have detailed protocols.
Quran 22:30
…So avoid the uncleanliness of idols (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 22:30
This prohibits all types of ritualistic actions which are done for idols, towards idols and in presence of idols. So, for example praying in church where there are idols is forbidden.
Quran 29:25
And [Abraham] said, "You have only taken, other than Allah, idols as [a bond of] affection among you in worldly life. Then on the Day of Resurrection you will deny one another and curse one another, and your refuge will be the Fire[2], and you will not have any helpers.”
Commentary of Quran 29:25
Even though this commentary is legal and political, but I should mention an important theological one. People often say how can God put His human creation in hell forever. How can God be so cruel? Know that two principles God created: Good and evil and two agents: reason and will power. God combined reason with will and separated good and evil. God chose good against evil and thus proved His justice and welfare of His creation. Secondly, the creation that will suffer in hell will be pure evil, prime evil that is they will have no good in them as whatever little good they might have in them will be taken from them and given to those whose weights need it on day of judgment. God will redistribute the good and evil from people by His justice as He sees fit until good remains purely on dweller of paradise and evil remains purely in dwellers of hell. This is based on hadiths.
Idolatry is a belief system and ideology centered around idols. Any foundational existential ideology of a people that abandons or marginalizes God is to be rejected. So, nationalism, racism, tribalism, corporatism etc. are ideologies centered around godlessness. These godless ideologies act as solidarity among its people but when Muslims adopt these the result is division of Ummah into various demography, politics, laws and military among other important aspects of Islamic brotherhood.
Quran 5:6
O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of janabah, then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and do not find water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and hands with it. Allah does not intend to make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you that you may be grateful. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 5:6
This verse details many issues related to purification for prayers. In Islam purification is either by water or by soil. Classical Islamic law books detail this verse and its related issues. The Shia and Sunni differ in one important aspect in purification and that is Sunnis wash their feet while Shias wipe their feet. This arises from the interpretation of Arabic grammar in this verse which is not understood in translations of Quran. This verse establishes a general legal rule of “hardship begets ease”. Islamic governance must make the lives of its subject easier because God has made His religion easier to follow. So Islamic government must be a research-based government always striving to make the lives of its citizens easier by Islam and research.
Quran 2:43
And establish prayer... (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 2:43
This is the ritualistic prayer that God commanded in Quran and Prophet explained and elaborated in his Sunnah. Like many verses of Quran this verse has multiple perspectives two of which are command to individual Muslims to establish prayer and command to Islamic government to facilitate establishment of prayer. So the laws of Islamic state must design employment and business laws for example in such a way that Muslims find it easy to pray the obligatory prayers.
Quran 17:78
Establish prayer at the decline of the sun [from its meridian] until the darkness of the night and [also] the Qur'an of dawn. Indeed, the recitation of dawn is ever witnessed. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 17:78
Here Quran establishes three times for the prayer. Shias base this verse as proof for three prayer times while Sunnis base text of Hadith as proof for five prayer times which clarifies this verse. Both agree however that prayers are five categories.
Quran 2:183- 185/2:187
O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous - [Fasting for] a limited number of days. So, whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew. The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful…..And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 2:183- 185/2:187
This verse obligates fasting. This verse also hints that the practice and ritual of fasting has been prescribed by God in previous versions of Islam from which other deviated religions have borrowed the practice.
Religious compensation for missed religious or wrongful acts in Islam begets even more charitable actions towards the poor and the unfortunate ones. For example, in Islam, the rituals are not only limited to God, but its effects even touch the needy people and relatives as part of God’s mercy. In other religions for example foods are given in front of idols and they rot, or animals sacrificed en-masse and they are wasted but in Islam every sacrifice is shared among people but for God remains your piety and sincerity from this sacrifice.
God’s laws are designed in a way that accommodates ease and flexibility so that believers can fulfill them by their capacity and ability. This has been further elaborated in following discussions.
This is one of the beauties of Quran, to express itself in a poetic and metaphorical tone. Here God uses the example of black and white thread to distinguish between the dawn and the darkness. This richness of Arabic is what won countless hearts of poetic Arabia for Islam.
Timing of fasting is determined in this verse. Islamic law books have detailed issues on the rules of fasting. This verse also establishes legal principles of travel and disease to be excusing factors. So, while on travel or in the state of a disease Muslims are relieved from many religious obligations and become eligible to attain privileged and prioritized benefits. So, it is fair to say the weak and the helpless are preferred and prioritized in Islam for benefits and relief. This can be implemented as welfare policy in Islamic state.
Quran 2:196
And complete the Hajj and 'umrah for Allah. But if you are prevented, then [offer] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animal has reached its place of slaughter. And whoever among you is ill or has an ailment of the head [making shaving necessary must offer] a ransom of fasting [three days] or charity or sacrifice. And when you are secure, then whoever performs 'umrah [during the Hajj months] followed by Hajj [offers] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And whoever cannot find [or afford such an animal] - then a fast of three days during Hajj and of seven when you have returned [home]. Those are ten complete [days]. This is for those whose family is not in the area of al-Masjid al-
Haram. And fear Allah and know that Allah is severe in penalty. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 2:196
This verse apparently obligates both Umra and Hajj. Many jurists have this view. Some other jurists however interpreted the meaning of “complete” to be “complete ONLY once you START Hajj and Umra”, that is do not leave Hajj and Umra halfway without completion once you started them.
The rest of the verse explains the protocols of Hajj and Umra and these have been extensively discussed and elaborated in the classical Islamic law books. Both Hajj and Umrah are rituals.
Quran 5:1
…hunting not being permitted while you are in the state of ihram (Hajj)…(FBL)
Commentary of Quran 5:1
Ihram is the state of angelic submission, a temporary moment which shows us the higher form of worship and servitude. In such a state all creation becomes protected and the servant man becomes totally submissive to God. This is a state of veneration where man submits his dominion, power and ability completely to God. It is like you are in an audience with Lord of the worlds and thus you must behave in the best manner which is of non-harm to God’s creation and non-focus on yourself.
Quran 9:113
It is not for the Prophet and those who have believed to ask forgiveness for the polytheists, even if they were relatives, after it has become clear to them that they are companions of Hellfire. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 9:113
This teaches how Muslim mindset should be and that it should have no inclination to disbelief and polytheism or it’s practitioners. We are followers of God and it is in His honor to have a mindset like this. A Muslim must thus treat non-Muslims on justice and equity. Praying for forgiveness of polytheism is unjust and irrational and exposes Muslim meekness, indecisiveness and indetermination.
Quran 5:2
O you who have believed, do not violate the rites of Allah or [the sanctity of] the sacred month or [neglect the marking of] the sacrificial animals and garlanding [them] or [violate the safety of] those coming to the Sacred House seeking bounty from their Lord and [His] approval. But when you come out of ihram, then [you may] hunt….(FBL)
Commentary of Quran 5:2
Anything which protects the commands of God, which empowers it, which makes it sustainable and continuous are rites of God. This can be termed as normative positive Islamic culture which are beliefs, practices and custom having features and characteristics established or supported by Shariah.
The pilgrims are guests of God. There is no distinction between the rich and poor pilgrim that is being done by Al-Saud dynasty. The pilgrimage has become profit making business like the pagan ancestors of Arabs. Everyone must be given same treatment of shelter, food, security and travel. The Islamic government must make Hajj and Umrah as easy and flexible as possible for every pilgrim.
Quran 5:97
Allah has made the Ka'bah, the Sacred House, standing for the people and [has sanctified] the sacred months and the sacrificial animals and the garlands [by which they are identified]. That is so you may know that Allah knows what is in the heavens and what is in the earth and that Allah is Knowing of all things. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 5:97
This verse establishes the reason why Kaba is chosen by God. Kaba is not an idol which has divine qualities but a symbol of Muslim unity and order in worship. Kaba and its associated rituals of Hajj and Umra are subservient to God and are not themselves divine or deified. These are totally powerless and only God gives blessings through what He chooses.
Quran 22:77
O you who have believed, bow and prostrate and worship your Lord and do good - that you may succeed. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 22:77
Worship is acts of obedience which is not valid without submission of your ego and self to God. That's why God has conjoined three words: worship with submission. This submission not only is ritualistic but from within our minds and hearts. The submission which Islam talks of is thus both of the inner and outer selves: both complimenting each other. The discrepancy is only seen among hypocrites.
Quran 17:79
And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 17:79
Nightly prayer on isolation is the greatest spiritual ascent that a human can perform in existence. It is freedom from all stress, tension and anxiety as your mind and body completely turn towards God and leaves the affairs of the world. The nightly prayer is an opportunity for you to see the worthlessness of this world and the futility of human rivalry in sin and iniquity, and ego. This is more of a reason why this nightly prayer was obligatory for prophet and recommended for us.
Quran 33:56
Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [ Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [ Allah to grant him] peace. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 33:56
Consistent prayer on prophet will remind us about our purpose and our leader, his sacrifices, struggle and achievements so that we never lose hope and continue in our struggle in his footsteps. It is an inspiration and reminder that we get, by our prayer on prophet. God and His Angel's also send peace and greetings to the prophet because of the greatness of his mission and of his character. This also shows that the Divine in Islam is not demonic, selfish and cruel like the deities and divinities of other religions.
Quran 62:9
O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 62:9
When we look at the Friday prayer, we see it has a very political dimension to it. It is the weekly gathering of Muslims in an urban locality to listen to the message of the Imam of the Muslims. I do not mean the Imam of ritual prayer but the political Imam. The Prophet (pbuh) was the speaker in Friday prayer in his capacity of being the head of state and a lawgiver. This acts as the connection between the Imam of the nation and the Muslim masses. However, the reality is most of the Muslims are divided by nationalism and racism hence congregational and Friday prayers have become useless. Muslims are nationalists more than they are Islamic. The mundane sermons of mosque imams do not touch any reality of Muslim suffering or the decadence of Muslim politicians. The boring sermons of mosque imams praise the decedent Kings who declare themselves to be protectors of Islam. The importance of Friday prayer is thus also due to it's political dimension and not merely due to the blessed day of Friday.
Further reading
www.researchgate.net/publication/348578984_The_Five_Pillars_of_Islam_Why_Named_Such
…So avoid the uncleanliness of idols (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 22:30
This prohibits all types of ritualistic actions which are done for idols, towards idols and in presence of idols. So, for example praying in church where there are idols is forbidden.
Quran 29:25
And [Abraham] said, "You have only taken, other than Allah, idols as [a bond of] affection among you in worldly life. Then on the Day of Resurrection you will deny one another and curse one another, and your refuge will be the Fire[2], and you will not have any helpers.”
Commentary of Quran 29:25
Even though this commentary is legal and political, but I should mention an important theological one. People often say how can God put His human creation in hell forever. How can God be so cruel? Know that two principles God created: Good and evil and two agents: reason and will power. God combined reason with will and separated good and evil. God chose good against evil and thus proved His justice and welfare of His creation. Secondly, the creation that will suffer in hell will be pure evil, prime evil that is they will have no good in them as whatever little good they might have in them will be taken from them and given to those whose weights need it on day of judgment. God will redistribute the good and evil from people by His justice as He sees fit until good remains purely on dweller of paradise and evil remains purely in dwellers of hell. This is based on hadiths.
Idolatry is a belief system and ideology centered around idols. Any foundational existential ideology of a people that abandons or marginalizes God is to be rejected. So, nationalism, racism, tribalism, corporatism etc. are ideologies centered around godlessness. These godless ideologies act as solidarity among its people but when Muslims adopt these the result is division of Ummah into various demography, politics, laws and military among other important aspects of Islamic brotherhood.
Quran 5:6
O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of janabah, then purify yourselves. But if you are ill or on a journey or one of you comes from the place of relieving himself or you have contacted women and do not find water, then seek clean earth and wipe over your faces and hands with it. Allah does not intend to make difficulty for you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you that you may be grateful. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 5:6
This verse details many issues related to purification for prayers. In Islam purification is either by water or by soil. Classical Islamic law books detail this verse and its related issues. The Shia and Sunni differ in one important aspect in purification and that is Sunnis wash their feet while Shias wipe their feet. This arises from the interpretation of Arabic grammar in this verse which is not understood in translations of Quran. This verse establishes a general legal rule of “hardship begets ease”. Islamic governance must make the lives of its subject easier because God has made His religion easier to follow. So Islamic government must be a research-based government always striving to make the lives of its citizens easier by Islam and research.
Quran 2:43
And establish prayer... (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 2:43
This is the ritualistic prayer that God commanded in Quran and Prophet explained and elaborated in his Sunnah. Like many verses of Quran this verse has multiple perspectives two of which are command to individual Muslims to establish prayer and command to Islamic government to facilitate establishment of prayer. So the laws of Islamic state must design employment and business laws for example in such a way that Muslims find it easy to pray the obligatory prayers.
Quran 17:78
Establish prayer at the decline of the sun [from its meridian] until the darkness of the night and [also] the Qur'an of dawn. Indeed, the recitation of dawn is ever witnessed. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 17:78
Here Quran establishes three times for the prayer. Shias base this verse as proof for three prayer times while Sunnis base text of Hadith as proof for five prayer times which clarifies this verse. Both agree however that prayers are five categories.
Quran 2:183- 185/2:187
O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous - [Fasting for] a limited number of days. So, whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew. The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful…..And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 2:183- 185/2:187
This verse obligates fasting. This verse also hints that the practice and ritual of fasting has been prescribed by God in previous versions of Islam from which other deviated religions have borrowed the practice.
Religious compensation for missed religious or wrongful acts in Islam begets even more charitable actions towards the poor and the unfortunate ones. For example, in Islam, the rituals are not only limited to God, but its effects even touch the needy people and relatives as part of God’s mercy. In other religions for example foods are given in front of idols and they rot, or animals sacrificed en-masse and they are wasted but in Islam every sacrifice is shared among people but for God remains your piety and sincerity from this sacrifice.
God’s laws are designed in a way that accommodates ease and flexibility so that believers can fulfill them by their capacity and ability. This has been further elaborated in following discussions.
This is one of the beauties of Quran, to express itself in a poetic and metaphorical tone. Here God uses the example of black and white thread to distinguish between the dawn and the darkness. This richness of Arabic is what won countless hearts of poetic Arabia for Islam.
Timing of fasting is determined in this verse. Islamic law books have detailed issues on the rules of fasting. This verse also establishes legal principles of travel and disease to be excusing factors. So, while on travel or in the state of a disease Muslims are relieved from many religious obligations and become eligible to attain privileged and prioritized benefits. So, it is fair to say the weak and the helpless are preferred and prioritized in Islam for benefits and relief. This can be implemented as welfare policy in Islamic state.
Quran 2:196
And complete the Hajj and 'umrah for Allah. But if you are prevented, then [offer] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animal has reached its place of slaughter. And whoever among you is ill or has an ailment of the head [making shaving necessary must offer] a ransom of fasting [three days] or charity or sacrifice. And when you are secure, then whoever performs 'umrah [during the Hajj months] followed by Hajj [offers] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And whoever cannot find [or afford such an animal] - then a fast of three days during Hajj and of seven when you have returned [home]. Those are ten complete [days]. This is for those whose family is not in the area of al-Masjid al-
Haram. And fear Allah and know that Allah is severe in penalty. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 2:196
This verse apparently obligates both Umra and Hajj. Many jurists have this view. Some other jurists however interpreted the meaning of “complete” to be “complete ONLY once you START Hajj and Umra”, that is do not leave Hajj and Umra halfway without completion once you started them.
The rest of the verse explains the protocols of Hajj and Umra and these have been extensively discussed and elaborated in the classical Islamic law books. Both Hajj and Umrah are rituals.
Quran 5:1
…hunting not being permitted while you are in the state of ihram (Hajj)…(FBL)
Commentary of Quran 5:1
Ihram is the state of angelic submission, a temporary moment which shows us the higher form of worship and servitude. In such a state all creation becomes protected and the servant man becomes totally submissive to God. This is a state of veneration where man submits his dominion, power and ability completely to God. It is like you are in an audience with Lord of the worlds and thus you must behave in the best manner which is of non-harm to God’s creation and non-focus on yourself.
Quran 9:113
It is not for the Prophet and those who have believed to ask forgiveness for the polytheists, even if they were relatives, after it has become clear to them that they are companions of Hellfire. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 9:113
This teaches how Muslim mindset should be and that it should have no inclination to disbelief and polytheism or it’s practitioners. We are followers of God and it is in His honor to have a mindset like this. A Muslim must thus treat non-Muslims on justice and equity. Praying for forgiveness of polytheism is unjust and irrational and exposes Muslim meekness, indecisiveness and indetermination.
Quran 5:2
O you who have believed, do not violate the rites of Allah or [the sanctity of] the sacred month or [neglect the marking of] the sacrificial animals and garlanding [them] or [violate the safety of] those coming to the Sacred House seeking bounty from their Lord and [His] approval. But when you come out of ihram, then [you may] hunt….(FBL)
Commentary of Quran 5:2
Anything which protects the commands of God, which empowers it, which makes it sustainable and continuous are rites of God. This can be termed as normative positive Islamic culture which are beliefs, practices and custom having features and characteristics established or supported by Shariah.
The pilgrims are guests of God. There is no distinction between the rich and poor pilgrim that is being done by Al-Saud dynasty. The pilgrimage has become profit making business like the pagan ancestors of Arabs. Everyone must be given same treatment of shelter, food, security and travel. The Islamic government must make Hajj and Umrah as easy and flexible as possible for every pilgrim.
Quran 5:97
Allah has made the Ka'bah, the Sacred House, standing for the people and [has sanctified] the sacred months and the sacrificial animals and the garlands [by which they are identified]. That is so you may know that Allah knows what is in the heavens and what is in the earth and that Allah is Knowing of all things. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 5:97
This verse establishes the reason why Kaba is chosen by God. Kaba is not an idol which has divine qualities but a symbol of Muslim unity and order in worship. Kaba and its associated rituals of Hajj and Umra are subservient to God and are not themselves divine or deified. These are totally powerless and only God gives blessings through what He chooses.
Quran 22:77
O you who have believed, bow and prostrate and worship your Lord and do good - that you may succeed. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 22:77
Worship is acts of obedience which is not valid without submission of your ego and self to God. That's why God has conjoined three words: worship with submission. This submission not only is ritualistic but from within our minds and hearts. The submission which Islam talks of is thus both of the inner and outer selves: both complimenting each other. The discrepancy is only seen among hypocrites.
Quran 17:79
And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 17:79
Nightly prayer on isolation is the greatest spiritual ascent that a human can perform in existence. It is freedom from all stress, tension and anxiety as your mind and body completely turn towards God and leaves the affairs of the world. The nightly prayer is an opportunity for you to see the worthlessness of this world and the futility of human rivalry in sin and iniquity, and ego. This is more of a reason why this nightly prayer was obligatory for prophet and recommended for us.
Quran 33:56
Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [ Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [ Allah to grant him] peace. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 33:56
Consistent prayer on prophet will remind us about our purpose and our leader, his sacrifices, struggle and achievements so that we never lose hope and continue in our struggle in his footsteps. It is an inspiration and reminder that we get, by our prayer on prophet. God and His Angel's also send peace and greetings to the prophet because of the greatness of his mission and of his character. This also shows that the Divine in Islam is not demonic, selfish and cruel like the deities and divinities of other religions.
Quran 62:9
O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew. (FBL)
Commentary of Quran 62:9
When we look at the Friday prayer, we see it has a very political dimension to it. It is the weekly gathering of Muslims in an urban locality to listen to the message of the Imam of the Muslims. I do not mean the Imam of ritual prayer but the political Imam. The Prophet (pbuh) was the speaker in Friday prayer in his capacity of being the head of state and a lawgiver. This acts as the connection between the Imam of the nation and the Muslim masses. However, the reality is most of the Muslims are divided by nationalism and racism hence congregational and Friday prayers have become useless. Muslims are nationalists more than they are Islamic. The mundane sermons of mosque imams do not touch any reality of Muslim suffering or the decadence of Muslim politicians. The boring sermons of mosque imams praise the decedent Kings who declare themselves to be protectors of Islam. The importance of Friday prayer is thus also due to it's political dimension and not merely due to the blessed day of Friday.
Further reading
www.researchgate.net/publication/348578984_The_Five_Pillars_of_Islam_Why_Named_Such
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