5 Pillars
What is the Kalimah Ṭayyibah and Shahādah in Arabic and English?
Lā ’ilāha ’illallāhu Muḥammadur-Rasūlullāh
There is no god except Allāh, and Muḥammad ﷺ is the Messenger of Allāh.
Ashhadu an lā ilāha illā Allāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, wa ashhadu anna Muḥammadan ʿabduhū wa rasūluh.
I bear witness that there is no God worthy of worship except Allāh. He is one. He has no partner. And I bear witness that Muḥammad ﷺ is His Servant and His Messenger.
Ta'awwuz & Tasmiyah +
Before Studying (BOTH)
A‘ūḏu bi-llāhi mina š-šayṭāni r-rajīm
I seek refuge in Allāh from Satan, the outcast.
Bismi-llāhi r-Raḥmāni r-Raḥīm
In the name of Allāh, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.
Rabbi Zidnī ‘Ilmā
My Lord, increase me in knowledge.
Rabbish Raḥlī Ṣadrī Wa Yassir Lī Amrī Wahlul ‘Uqdatam-Millisānī Yafqahū Qawlī
My Lord, expand for me my chest [with assurance], and ease for me my task, and untie the knot from my tongue, that they may understand my speech.
Manners of Elders and Teachers (list at least 5 things)
Initiate Greetings: Always be the first to offer peace and greetings (Salam) when encountering an elder.
Yield the Space: Stand up to offer them your seat in crowded spaces and allow them to walk ahead of you or enter a doorway first.
Speak Softly: Lower your voice, maintain a gentle tone, and never interrupt or shout over an elder when they are speaking.
Serve Them First: When presenting meals, tea, or water, always serve the eldest person in the gathering before anyone else.
Listen to Their Wisdom: Patiently absorb their life advice and stories without showing boredom or trying to correct minor memory lapses.
Arrive Prepared and Early: Show respect for their time by being seated, organized, and focused before the teacher begins the lesson.
Listen Intently: Maintain polite eye contact, avoid side conversations, and do not look at distractions (like a phone) while they speak.
Raise Hands for Questions: Always ask for permission before speaking or interrupting a lecture, phrased with humility and respect.
Accept Correction Gracefully: Take constructive criticism or academic corrections with a positive attitude, thanking them for the guidance.
Express Gratitude: Make an effort to thank them at the end of a lesson, and regularly make supplication (Du'a) for their health and success.
Title: Address them with a respectable title and never their name, or at least a respectable title with their name.
Name all 5 mandatory prayers in order, including the final night prayer and Friday prayer.
Fajr Ẓuhr ‘Aṣr Maghrib ‘Ishā' Witr Jumu‘ah
What are the steps of making wuḍū'?
Say the du‘ā' and intend to get clean. Wash hands to the wrists three times. Rinse mouth three times. Sniff water into the nose three times. Wash face three times. Wash right arm, then left arm, up to the elbow three times. Wipe wet hands over the head once. Wipe ears inside and out once. Wipe the nape/back sides of the neck once. Wash right foot, then left foot, up to the ankle three times.
What is Ṣiyām or Ṣaum? When is it?
Ṣiyām or Ṣaum is fasting in the month of Ramaḍān, the 9th month of the Islāmic (Hijrī) calendar.
Bathroom (Before & After)
Allāhumma Innī A‘ūẕubika Minal-Khubthi Wal-Khabā'ith
O Allāh, I seek refuge in You from the male and female devils.
Ghufrānak
I seek Your forgiveness. (Short version)
What is the entire Salām and its reply with meaning, and how many rewards are there?
As-Salāmu ʿAlaykum Wa Raḥmatullāhi Wa Barakātuh
Peace be upon you, and the Mercy of Allāh and His Blessings.
Wa 'Alaykumu-s-Salāmu Wa Raḥmatullāhi Wa Barakātuh
And peace be upon you, and the Mercy of Allāh and His Blessings.
There are 30 rewards total, 10 for each part, and the one who gives Salām first is closer to Allāh.
List at least 5 things that need to be done before starting to pray.
Area of prayer must be clean, clothes must be clean, body must be clean, wuḍū', niyyat (intentions), wear clothes that cover the ‘awrah/satr (private areas), face the qiblah, ghusl for those who are old enough and need one.
Recite Sūrah al-Fātiḥah with the correct pronunciations.
Bismi-llāhi r-Raḥmāni r-Raḥīm. Al-ḥamdu lillāhi Rabbi l-‘ālamīn. Ar-Raḥmāni r-Raḥīm. Māliki yawmi d-dīn. Iyyāka na‘budu wa-iyyāka nasta‘īn. Ihdinā ṣ-ṣirāṭa l-mustaqīm. Ṣirāṭa l-laḏīna an‘amta ‘alayhim, ġayri l-maġḍūbi ‘alayhim wa-lā ḍ-ḍāllīn.
English Meaning
In the name of Allāh, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. [All] praise is [due] to Allāh, Lord of the worlds. The Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. Sovereign of the Day of Recompense. It is You we worship and You we ask for help. Guide us to the straight path. The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have earned [Your] anger or of those who are astray.
What is Zakāt, how much is it, and who has to give it?
Zakāt is a mandatory charity of a Muslim's entire year of savings. It is 2.5% of one's savings. One who is bāligh (Islāmically considered an adult) and has the minimum savings requirement by the end of the year must pay Zakāt.
Du‘ā' before and after Wuḍū'
Before Wuḍū': Bismillāhi Walḥamdulillāh
In the name of Allāh, and all praises due to Allāh.
After wuḍū': Shahādah
Allāhumma-j‘alnī mina t-tawwābīna wa-j‘alnī mina l-mutaṭahhirīn.
O Allāh, make me among those who constantly repent, and make me among those who purify themselves."
Using the Bathroom
- Say the du‘ā' before entering and enter with the left foot
- Always sit or squat as much as possible but never stand
- Do not use urinals or relieve yourself in public unless you can be covered entirely
- Clean using your left hand with tissue and then water, but never just tissue or nothing at all
- Keep your body, clothes, and the bathroom clean
This is the minimum number of verses (āyāt) required to be read after Surah al-Fātiḥah for the prayer to be valid.
Three short verses (or one long verse).
What breaks one's Ṣalāh?
Bleeding that flows, the passing of wind/stool/urine from the private areas, vomiting full mouth, eating/drinking/talking, making excessive unnecessary movements or sounds, turning the chest away from the qiblah, clothes reveal the private areas, laughing (which also breaks the wuḍū').
Name the 4 famous books and the prophets they were revealed to.
Taurāh (Torah) to Mūsā (Moses) عليه السلام
Zaboor (Psalms) to Dāwūd (David) عليه السلام
Injīl (Gospel) to ‘Īsā (Jesus) عليه السلام
Qur'ān (Koran) to Muḥammad (Mohammed) صلى الله عليه وسلم
Eating & Drinking (Before & After)
Bismillāhi Wa ‘Alā Barakatillāh
In the name of Allāh, and upon the blessings of Allāh.
Al-ḥamdu lillāhi l-laḏī aṭ‘amanā wa-saqānā wa-ja‘alanā muslimīn.
All praise is due to Allāh, Who has fed us and given us drink, and made us Muslims.
In Islām, how are we supposed to conduct ourselves around the opposite gender, and what are the main reasons and benefits for keeping these boundaries?
We should interact with the opposite gender with deep Ḥayā’ (modesty) and respect, which means lowering our gaze, avoiding Khalwah (being alone together privately), and keeping our interactions purposeful. Islam teaches us that romantic love and intimacy are beautiful blessings, but they must be protected inside a sacred Nikāḥ (marriage contract). By avoiding secret or casual relationships outside of marriage, we protect our Imān (faith), guard our hearts from guilt and heartbreak, and keep the trust of our parents. Ultimately, respecting these boundaries builds self-esteem, protects our chastity, and ensures that when we do form a romantic relationship, it is built on a strong, blessed foundation of true commitment and family values.
Recite Tashahud and mention when we raise our finger and put it down.
At-taḥiyyātu lillāhi wa-ṣ-ṣalawātu wa-ṭ-ṭayyibāt. As-salāmu ‘alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa-raḥmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. As-salāmu ‘alaynā wa-‘alā ‘ibādillāhi ṣ-ṣāliḥīn. Ašhadu al-lā ’ilāha illallāhu wa-ašhadu anna Muḥammadandan ‘abduhū wa-rasūluh.
Index finger up after ash-hadu, and down at ill-Allāh.
All compliments, prayers, and pure words are due to Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no god except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger.
Du‘ā' after Aẕān
Allāhumma Rabba hāḏihi d-da‘wati t-tāmmati, wa-ṣ-ṣalāti l-qā’imati, āti Muḥammadani l-wasīlata wa-l-faḍīlata, wa-b‘aṯhu maqāmam maḥmūda l-laḏī wa‘adtah. Innaka laa tukhliful mī‘ād.
Name the 4 famous angels and the responsibilities they carry (carried).
Jibrīl عليه السلام brought down messages from Allāh to the Messengers, even if they were not an entire book.
Mikā'īl عليه السلام is in charge of rain and food.
Isrāfīl عليه السلام is in charge of blowing the trumpet (soor) twice.
‘Izrā'īl عليه السلام is in charge of death.
Du‘ā' between sajdahs (jalsah)
(Rabbigh)Allāhumma-ġfir lī, wa-rḥamnī, wa-jburnī, wa-hdinī, wa-rzuqnī.
O Allāh, forgive me, have mercy on me, mend my shortcomings, guide me, and provide for me.
How should a Muslim maintain good manners with people or when using social media and texting, and what are the spiritual and social dangers of being careless online?
We must maintain good online manners by verifying information before sharing it, avoiding gossip, backbiting, or arguing, and speaking kindly just as we would face-to-face. We must also respect others' privacy, avoid showing off, and use our time wisely instead of endlessly scrolling. The main dangers of being careless online are spreading harmful lies, hurting people's feelings, and wasting precious time. By practicing digital mindfulness, we protect our Imān (faith), guard our tongues (and thumbs) from earning sins, and ensure that our technology is a source of blessings (Barakah) and good deeds rather than regret.
Durūd Ibrāhīm, when do we recite it, and if it is necessary or can it be opted out.
Allāhumma ṣalli ‘alā Muḥammadin wa-‘alā āli Muḥammad, kamā ṣallayta ‘alā Ibrāhīma wa-‘alā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd.Allāhumma bārik ‘alā Muḥammadin wa-‘alā āli Muḥammad, kamā bārakta ‘alā Ibrāhīma wa-‘alā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd.
O Allāh, send Your grace and honor upon Muḥammad ﷺ and upon the family of Muḥammad ﷺ, just as You sent Your grace and honor upon Ibrāhīm عليه السلام and upon the family of Ibrāhīm عليه السلام. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Most Glorious.""O Allāh, send Your blessings upon Muḥammad ﷺ and upon the family of Muḥammad ﷺ, just as You sent Your blessings upon Ibrāhīm عليه السلام and upon the family of Ibrāhīm عليه السلام. Indeed, You are Praiseworthy, Most Glorious.
Steps of Ṣalāh (in detail)
1. Niyyah & Takbīr (Start)
Posture: Stand straight facing Qiblah.
Hands: Raise thumbs to earlobes (men) or shoulders (women).
Recite: Allāhu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) and lower hands.
2. Qiyām (Standing)
Hands: Place below navel (men) or on chest (women). Fix gaze on the floor.
Recite:
1. Thānā: Subḥānakallāhumma wa-bi-ḥamdika wa-tabārakasmuka wa-ta‘ālā jadduka wa-lā ’ilāha ġayruk.
2. Ta‘awwuḏ & Basmalah: A‘ūḏu bi-llāhi mina š-šayṭāni r-rajīm. Bismi-llāhi r-Raḥmāni r-Raḥīm.
3. Surah al-Fātiḥah (followed by a quiet Āmīn).
4. Any other short Surah (e.g., Surah al-Ikhlāṣ).
3. Rukū‘ (Bowing)
Posture: Say Allāhu Akbar and bow. Keep back straight and parallel to the ground.
Recite (3x): Subḥāna Rabbiyal-‘Aẓīm (Glory to my Lord the Supreme).
4. Qawmah (Standing Up)
Posture: Rise straight up without raising your hands.
Recite:
While rising: Sami‘allāhu liman ḥamidah (Allah hears who praises Him).
Once standing: Rabbanā laka l-ḥamd (Our Lord, all praise is Yours).
5. Sujūd (Prostration)
Posture: Say Allāhu Akbar. Lower knees, hands, nose, then forehead.
Recite (3x): Subḥāna Rabbiyal-A‘lā (Glory to my Lord the Most High).
6. Jalsah (Sitting Pause)
Posture: Say Allāhu Akbar and sit up straight for a brief moment.
Recite: Allāhumma-ġfirlī (O Allah, forgive me).
7. Second Sujūd
Posture: Say Allāhu Akbar and perform the second prostration just like the first.
Recite (3x): Subḥāna Rabbiyal-A‘lā.
(This completes Rak‘ah 1. Say "Allāhu Akbar", stand up, and repeat steps 2 to 7 without the Thānā).
8. Qa‘dah (Final Sitting)
Posture: After the second prostration of Rak‘ah 2, sit up straight.
Recite:
1. Tashahhud: At-taḥiyyātu lillāhi wa-ṣ-ṣalawātu wa-ṭ-ṭayyibāt. As-salāmu ‘alayka ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa-raḥmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. As-salāmu ‘alaynā wa-‘alā ‘ibādillāhi ṣ-ṣāliḥīn. Ašhadu al-lā ’ilāha illallāhu wa-ašhadu anna Muḥammadandan ‘abduhū wa-rasūluh.
2. Durood: Allāhumma ṣalli ‘alā Muḥammadin wa-‘alā āli Muḥammad, kamā ṣallayta ‘alā Ibrāhīma wa-‘alā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd. Allāhumma bārik ‘alā Muḥammadin wa-‘alā āli Muḥammad, kamā bārakta ‘alā Ibrāhīma wa-‘alā āli Ibrāhīm, innaka Ḥamīdun Majīd.
3. Dua: Rabbanā ātinā fi d-dunyā ḥasanatan wa-fi l-āḫirati ḥasanatan wa-qinā ‘aḏāba n-nār.
9. Taslīm (Ending)
Action: Turn head right, then left, saying each time: As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-raḥmatullāh (Peace and blessings of Allāh be upon you).