The Pilgrimage to Makkah

The annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah is an obligation once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able to perform it. About two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe. Although Makkah is always filled with visitors, the annual Hajj is performed in the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. Male pilgrims wear special simple clothes which strip away distinctions of class and culture so that all stand equal before God.



Pilgrims praying at the Haram mosque in Makkah. In this mosque is the Kaaba (the black building in the picture) which Muslims turn toward when praying. The Kaaba is the place of worship which God commanded the Prophets Abraham and his son, Ishmael, to build


The rites of the Hajj include circling the Kaaba seven times and going seven times between the hillocks of Safa and Marwa, as Hagar did during her search for water. Then the pilgrims stand together in Arafa5 and ask God for what they wish and for His forgiveness, in what is often thought of as a preview of the Day of Judgment.
The end of the Hajj is marked by a festival, Eid Al-Adha, which is celebrated with prayers. This, and Eid al-Fitr, a feast-day commemorating the end of Ramadan, are the two annual festivals of the Muslim calendar.
(http://www.islam-guide.com/frm-ch1-1.htm)

Fasting of Ramadan

Every year in the month of Ramadan,⁴ all Muslims fast from dawn until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations.

Although the fast is beneficial to health, it is regarded principally as a method of spiritual self-purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry, as well as growth in his or her spiritual life.

http://www.islam-guide.com/frm-ch1-1.htm

Giving Zakat (Support of the Needy)

All things belong to God, and wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The original meaning of the word zakat is both ‘purification’ and ‘growth.’ Giving zakat means ‘giving a specified percentage on certain properties to certain classes of needy people.’ The percentage which is due on gold, silver, and cash funds that have reached the amount of about 85 grams of gold and held in possession for one lunar year is two and a half percent. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a small portion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth.

A person may also give as much as he or she pleases as voluntary alms or charity.

http://www.islam-guide.com/frm-ch1-1.htm

The Testimony of Faith

The testimony of faith is saying with conviction, “La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadur rasoolu Allah.” This saying means “There is no true god (deity) but God (Allah),¹ and Muhammad is the Messenger (Prophet) of God.” The first part, “There is no true god but God,” means that none has the right to be worshipped but God alone, and that God has neither partner nor son. This testimony of faith is called the Shahada, a simple formula which should be said with conviction in order to convert to Islam. The testimony of faith is the most important pillar of Islam.





http://www.islam-guide.com/frm-ch1-1.htm

14-Salution of Peace (The Tasleem):

Next, The prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) would salute to his right saying:

As-Salamu 'alikum wa Rahmatul lah
This means: Peace be on you and the mercy of Allah.

Next, The prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) would salute to his left saying:

As-Salamu 'alikum wa Rahmatul lah
This means: Peace be on you and the mercy of Allah.

http://www.islamway.com/english/images/prayer/pray14.htm

13- The Second Tashahud

The prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) would sit for the second Tashhud after finishing the last rak'ah and would say the first Tashuhud which is in step 12 and then say :

Allah humma sal-li 'ala Muhammadin wa 'ala aali Muhammadin, Kama sal-layta 'ala Ibraheema wa 'ala aali ibraheema innaka hameedum majeed, wa barik 'ala Muhammadin wa 'ala aali Muhammadin, Kama barakta 'ala Ibraheema wa 'ala aali ibraheema innaka hameedum majeed
This means: O Allah, send Grace and Honour on Muhammad (peace be upon him) and on the family and true followers of Muhammad (peace be upon him) just as you sent Grace and Honour on Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and on the family and true followers of Ibrahim (peace be upon him). Surely, you are praiseworthy, The Great . O Allah, send blessings on Muhammad (peace be upon him) and on the family and true followers of Muhammad (peace be upon him) just as you sent blessings on Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and on the family and true followers of Ibrahim (peace be upon him). Surely, you are praiseworthy, The Great .

Note :

1- What is the right sitting position in The second Tashahud ? : In the prayers like Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib and 'eisha, in the last rak'a you should sit in a position called "Iftirash" click here to see how you can sit in this position ... but if you can't sit in this way you can sit as you feel comfortable ...
2-While reading : " Ash-hadu .......... to : Abduhu wa rasuluh" a person should raise the index finger of the right hand slightly and returt it previous position after he had finished saying it.

http://www.islamway.com/english/images/prayer/pray13.htm

12- The First Tashahud:

The prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) would sit for Tashhud after finishing the second rak'ah and say :

At-Tahiy-yatu lil-lahi was-salawatu wat-tay yibatu, As-Salamy 'alika ay-yuhan-nabiy-yu wa rahma tullahi wa barakatu, As salamu 'alayna wa 'ala 'ibadil-la his-saliheen , Ash hadu al la ilaha illal lahu, wa ash hadu an-na Muhammadan 'abduhu wa rasuluh
This means: All compliments, all physical prayer , and all monetary worship are for Allah. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and Allah's mercy and blessings. Peace be on us and on all righteous slaves of Allah . I bear witness that no one is worthy of worship except Allah. I bear witness that Muhammad (peace be upon him ) is his slave and Messenger.

Note :

1- What is the right sit position in The first Tashahud? : In the Fajr there is only one Tashahud so it there is no first or second Tashahud so in the first Tashahud on the other prayers and in Al-Fajr Tashahud you would sit as you are setting between the two sujud, but if you can't sit in this way you can sit in any way you can, but this is the way the prophet used to sit.
2-While reading : " Ash-hadu .......... to : Abduhu wa rasuluh" a person should raise the index finger of the right hand slightly and returt it previous position after he had finished saying it.

http://www.islamway.com/english/images/prayer/pray12.htm

11- The Second Rak'a:

The prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) used to say Faatihah which we teach you how to say it in step number 3

& then do all the steps which the prophet peace be upon him did in the first Rak'a

Note :

When you rise up from Sujud to the second Rak'a you can rise up supporting one self with hand . Take a look at this video

http://www.islamway.com/english/images/prayer/pray11.htm

10-The second Sajdah:

The prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) would say takbeer:
Allaahu Akbar
This means: Allah is the greatest

& go again to Sujud postition saying :
Subhana Rabbi yal a'la
This means: How Perfect is my Lord, the Most High

Note :

1- You should say Subhana Rabbi yal a'la three times on each Sujud .
2- The right postion of Sujud:
a)You would support yourself on your palms [and spread them]
b)put your fingers together
c)point them towards the qiblah
d)Make your nose touch the ground cause the prophet said : There is no prayer for the one whose nose does not feel as much of the ground as the forehead
e)Put your knees and toes down firmly and point with the front of the toes towards the qiblah and put your heels together and keep your feet upright.
f)These are the seven limbs on which he (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) would prostrate: the palms, the knees, the feet, and the forehead and nose.

http://www.islamway.com/english/images/prayer/pray10.htm

9-Rising from Sajdah:

The prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) would raise his head from prostration while saying :
Allaahu Akbar
This means: Allah is the greatest

Then you will sit in a specific postition and say:

Rabbighfirlee wa irhamnee
This means: O my Lord! Forgive me, and have mercy on me

Note :

1- The right position of sitting down:
The Prophet peace be upon him would lay his left foot along the ground and sit on it [relaxed].
2- You should stay a while in this sitting, cause the prophet peace be upon would sit straight on his left foot, upright, until every bone returned to its position.

http://www.islamway.com/english/images/prayer/pray9.htm

8-Prostration (The sujud):

The prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) would say takbeer:
Allaahu Akbar
This means: Allah is the greatest

& go down into sajdah saying :

Subhana Rabbi yal a'la
This means: How Perfect is my Lord, the Most High

Note :

1- You should say Subhana Rabbi yal a'la three times on each Sujud .
2- The right postion of Sujud:
a)You would support yourself on your palms [and spread them]
b)put his fingers together
c)point them towards the qiblah
d)Make your nose touch the ground cause the prophet said : There is no prayer for the one whose nose does not feel as much of the ground as the forehead
e)Put your knees and toes down firmly and point with the front of the toes towards the qiblah and put your heels together and keep your feet upright.
f)These are the seven limbs on which he (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) would prostrate: the palms, the knees, the feet, and the forehead and nose.

http://www.islamway.com/english/images/prayer/pray8.htm

7-Straightening up from Rukoo':

The prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) would straighten up his back out of rukoo', saying :

Sami' Allah hu liman hamidah
This means: Allaah listens to the one who praises Him

Then .. while he is still standing he would say :

Rab-bana wa lakal hamd
This means: Our Lord, to You be all Praise

Note :

When you Straightening up from Rukoo': you would raise your hands like what we discribed early in the Takbeer.

http://www.islamway.com/english/images/prayer/pray7.htm

6- Bowing (Rukoo')

After completing his recitation, the prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) would pause for a moment, then raise his hands in the way described earlier , say takbeer

Allaahu Akbar
This means: Allah is the greatest

Notes :

1- You should raise your hands with the takbeer. Look at the picture
2- Be careful: When you start to pray don't look at the sky because it is forbidden as the Prophet peace be upon him said :" People must refrain from looking up at the sky in prayer, or their sight will not return to them (and in one narration: or their sight will be plucked away)

Then .. you make Ruku' and say :

Subhana Rabbi yal azim

This means: How Perfect is my Lord, the Supreme!

Note :

Be careful:

The Prophet said : Verily, I have indeed been forbidden from reciting the Qur'aan in rukoo' or sujood. In the rukoo', therefore, glorify the Supremity of the Lord, Mighty and Sublime, in it; as for the sujood, exert yourselves in supplication in it, for it is most likely that you will be answered ...so it is forbidden to read Quran in Rukoo' or Sujood

http://www.islamway.com/english/images/prayer/pray6.htm

5- Recitation after Suratul Fatiha:

The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) would recite another soorah after al-Faatihah, making it long sometimes, and on other occasions making it short because of travel, cough, illness or the crying of infants

Let's take two examples of short Suras you can pray with the both every prayer till you learn another Sura's

Surat Al-Ikhlas (Number 112)
A'uzu bil-llahi minash shayta nir-rajeen
This means: I seek refuge with Allaah from the Evil One, the Rejected

Bisimllah hir-rahman nir-raheem
This means: In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy

Qul howa Allahu ahad
This means: Say : he is Allah, the only one.

Allah hus-samad
This means: Allah helps and does not need help

Lam yalid wa lam yulad
This means: He does not produce a child, and he was not born of anyone

Walam yakul-lahu kufuwan ahad
This means: There is no one equal to him


Surat An-Nas (Number 114)
A'uzu bil-llahi minash shayta nir-rajeem
This means: I seek refuge with Allaah from the Evil One, the Rejected

Bisimllah hir-rahman nir-raheem
This means: In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy

Qul a'uzubi rab-bin nas
This means: Say : I seek refuge in the Sustainer of Mankind

Malikin nas
This means: The Owner of Mankind

Ila hin-nas
This means: Lord of Mankind

Min shar-ril waswa sil khan-nas
This means: From the evil of the sneaking whisperer

Allazi yuwaswisu fee sudu rin-nas
This means: Who whispers in the hearts of Mankind

Minal jin-nati wan-nas
This means: (Whether he be) from among jinns or mankind

Notes :

1- You have to read Sura after the Fatiha only in the first two Rak'a in the Zuhr or Asr but in Fajr,Maghrib and E'sha you just hear the Imam and you should't say it with him.

2- If you tried to memorize this two Suras but you failed .. then there is a permission to read Al-Fatiha only .. and in-Shaa-Allah your prayer is right

http://www.islamway.com/english/images/prayer/pray5.htm

4- Recitation of Suratul Fatiha:

The prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) used to say:
A'uzu bil-llahi minash shayta nir-rajeem
This means: I seek refuge with Allaah from the Evil One, the Rejected

Bisimllah hir-rahman nir-raheem
This means: In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy

Alhamdu lil-lahi rab-bil 'alameen
This means: Praise is only for Allah, Lord

Ar-Rahma nir-raheem
This means: The Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy

Maliki yawmid-deen
This means: Master of the Day of Judgment

Iyyaka na'budu wa iyyaka nasta'een
This means: You alone we worship and u to you alone we pray for help

Ihdinas siratal mostaqeem
This means: Show us the straight way

Siratal lazeena an'amta 'alayhim ghayril maghdubi 'alayhim
walad dal-leen
This means: The way of those whom you have blessed .. Who have not desrved your anger, Nor gone astray

Ameeen
This means: Oooh Allah please accept

Note:

1- The Prophet peace be upon him said : " No prayer is acceptable without the recitation of Fathiha "

2- In Zuhr and Asr you have to recite it quitly as Jaabir said : We used to recite behind the imaam in Zuhr and 'Asr: soorah al-Faatihah and another soorah in the first two rak'ahs, and soorah al-Fatihah in the last two."

3- If you are praying in Jama'a then you should raise your voice when you are saying "Ameen "

4- Becarful :"The Prophet peace be upon him finished a prayer in which he was reciting loudly (in one narration: it was the dawn prayer) and said: Were any of you reciting with me just now?! A man said: "Yes, I was, O Messenger of Allaah". He said: I say, why am I contended with? "... This thing mean don't recite when the Imam is reciting.

http://www.islamway.com/english/images/prayer/pray4.htm

3- Opening Supplications

The prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) used to say one of this opening Supplications, You can choose the easiest one for you:

1. Subhana Kallah humma wabi hamdika watabara kasmuka wata 'ala jad-duka wala ilaha ghayruk. This means: You are Glorified, O Allaah, and Praised; Your Name is Blessed; Your Majesty is Exalted, and none has the right to worshipped but You.
2. Allah humma ba'id baynee wa bayna khatayana kama ba'adta baynal mashriqi wal maghribi, Allah humma naq-qinee min khatayaya kama yunaq-qath thuwabul abyadu minad danasi , Allah hum maghsilnee min khatayaya bil maee wath thalji wal bardi. This means: O Allaah! Separate me (far) from my sins as you have separated (far) the East and West. O Allaah! Cleanse me of my sins as white cloth is cleansed from dirt. O Allaah! Wash me of my sins with water, ice and snow.

http://www.islamway.com/english/images/prayer/pray3.htm

2- Takbeer

1- You should raise your hands with the takbeer. Look at the picture
2- Then you should place your right arm on you left arm and place it overy our chest.
3- You should place the right arm on the back of your left palm, wrist and forearm
4- Then you should incline your head during prayer and fix your sight towards the ground .... as the Prophet peace be upon him do....
5- Be careful: When you start to pray don't look at the sky because it is forbidden as the Prophet peace be upon him said :" People must refrain from looking up at the sky in prayer, or their sight will not return to them (and in one narration: or their sight will be plucked away)



http://www.islamway.com/english/images/prayer/pray2.htm

1 Pray

The prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) used to say:

All actions are by intention, and every man shall have what he intended.
Note: You shouldn't say the intention by mouth cause it is Innovation
Make it in your heart

Greatness of Allah subhaanahu wa ta`aalaa

Ibn Al-Qayyim described Allah's Greatness, saying,

He governs the affairs of the various kingdoms and He commands and forbids, creates, sustains, gives death, gives life, gives power, strips power (to and from whom He wills) and alternates the night and day. He gives varying fortunes to people and alternates governments (and states), destroying some and bringing some into existence. His Command and Power are dominant in the heavens and their zones, the earth and all that which is on and in it, in the seas and in the air. His Knowledge has encompassed everything and He counted everything. He hears all types of voices and they do not confuse Him. Rather, He hears each voice in its distinct language and need, and no voice will make Him busy from fulfilling the need of another, and no need will ever escape His Perfect Knowledge (and His Power to deliver). He does not become bored because of the many needs of those who need. His Sight encompasses all that which there is. He sees the movement of a black ant on a barren rock during a dark night. To Him, the Unseen is uncovered end the secret is secret no more, "Whosoever is in the heavens and on Earth begs of Him (its needs from Him). Every day He has a matter to bring Forth (such as giving honor to some, disgrace to some, life to (some, death to some, etc.)." [55:29] He forgives an evil deed, makes depression vanish and brings reprieve from disasters, relief for whoever needs it, wealth for the poor, guidance for the misguided, light for the lost, help for he who is desperate, fullness for the hungry, cover for the barely clothed, cure for the ill and ease for he who suffers. He accepts he who repents, gives reward for he who does good, gives aid for he who was dealt with injustice, destroys an arrogant person, covers mistakes, gives safety after fear end elevates some people and humiliates others. If those who inhabit His heavens and His earth and all those whom He created, whether mankind or the Jinns, had hearts similar to the most pious heart, His Kingdom will not increase. If all His creation, whether mankind or the Jinns, had hearts similar to the heart of the most wicked heart, this will not decrease from His Kingdom. Also, if all those who inhabit His heavens and His earth, all mankind and all the Jinns, the dead and the living, stand up on one strip of land and each asks Him for his need, and He then fulfils their needs, this will not decrease from what He has a bit. He is the First, nothing is before Him, the Last, nothing is after Him, the Most High, nothing is above Him, and the Most Near, nothing is nearer than Him. He, Exalted and Ever High as He is, is the Best Whom one can and should remember, the only One Who deserves to be worshiped and thanked, the Kindest of all those who own and the Most generous of all those who are asked to give. He is the King Who has no partner, the One Who has no competitor, the Samad (Self-Sufficient) Who has no offspring, and the Ever High, none like unto Him. Everything perishes save His Face and every kingship is bound to perish except His. He will only be obeyed by His Leave, and His Knowledge uncovers all disobedience to Him. When He is obeyed, He thanks for it, and when He is disobeyed, He grants forgiveness (for those who truly repent to Him). Every punishment from Him is just and every bounty is a grace. He is the Closest Witness and the Nearest One with His Perfect Care. He controls the forelocks of everything and has the full records of all deeds end the books of all ages. The hearts are unmasked to Him and the secret is unveiled. His giving and punishing is merely a Command, "Verily, His Command, when He intends a thing, is only that He says to it, ‘Be, and it is!’" [36:82].

http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=237

Creation is in Need of Allah

Creation is in Need of Allah

Imam Ibn ul Qayyim al Jawziyyah

Written by Dr. Saleh as-Saleh based on Ighathat ul Lahfan (1/6-42) of Ibn ul Qayyim
© Dar Al-Bukhari

"Man always looks for what benefits him and what protects him from harm. However, to accomplish this, man must be able to realize what is harmful. He must then know whom he should need, trust, and love so that he can attain what is beneficial as well as to feel good about his choice. He also must know the proper and good approach that would make him achieve this goal. This latter condition requires that man:

a) Know about harm

b) What ways can be used to drive harm away

Certainly, man can have no better guidance than that which comes from the One Who had perfected everything, and the One who Has no deficiency in Himself and in His Attributes. The One Who is Ever-Living and Who does not die. There can be no One better than the One Who Has no need for anything; the One Who is rich; the Giver; the One who, after all, controls man's soul. Man is so poor to Him. He is Allah, the True and only God. Man can bring harm to himself if he seeks other than Allah for help. Allah is the One Who can help man drive away any harm for it cannot occur without His Will and His Power.

Allah (SW) sent down His Books and chose His Messengers to guide man to:

a) Know His Lord as He (SW) had explained about Himself, and

b) Seek Him Alone while living in accordance with His plan

Knowing Allah's Names and Attributes liberates man from worshiping any form of creation because creation is weak and is in need of The Creator, Allah. The knowledge about Allah leads man to know that he is created to live according to Allah's way as revealed to the last Messenger Muhammad (sallaallaahu `alaihi wa sallam). This Revelation contains a complete code of life. Everything that is beneficial or harmful is established so that man can center his life around this Revelation. If man commits wrong and knows that Allah is Oft-Forgiving he would turn to Him and to Him alone seeking His forgiveness: "Know, therefore, that there is no God Who deserves to be worshiped except Allah; and ask forgiveness for your sins." (Qur'an, 47:19)

It is wrong to think or believe that Allah created other 'gods' besides Him so that man turns to them for help; loves them or fear them, etc. He is the same God of all nations. He does not order that people should make of stars, sun, fire, Jesus, Moses, etc. gods besides Him. He (Most Exalted) cannot be 'contradictory'. He has one way (religion) that calls man to surrender his will only to Him. He (SW) warned that if man (even Muhammad sallaallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) would take partners with Him, then his work will fail and will be among losers:

"And verily, it had been revealed to you (O Muhammad) as has been revealed to those before you. If you join others in worship with Allah (then) surely (all) your deeds will be in vain and you will certainly be among the losers. Nay! But worship Allah and be among grateful." (Qur'an, 39:65-66)

Let us know what Muhammad (sallaallaahu `alaihi wa sallam), the man-Prophet, who knew Allah best, used to say:

"O Allah, I seek refuge in You for Your Pleasure and against Your Wrath,and in Your Forgiveness and against Your Punishment and in You from You, I cannot Praise You as You can Praise Yourself." (Muslim, Abu Dawoud, at-Tirmidhi, ibn Majah)

"I have surrendered myself to You, I have directed my face to You, I have entrusted my affairs to You, I have compelled my back to refuge in You, in want and in fright of You, there is no resort nor survival from You except (in turning) to You. I have faith in Your book (i.e. the Qur'an) which You brought down and in the Prophet (Muhammad) you have sent." (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)

When we read in the Qur'an that:

"Whatever of Mercy (i.e. of good), Allah may grant to mankind, none can withhold it, and whatever He may withhold, none can grant it thereafter. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise." (Qur'an, 35:2)

And when we read that:

"If Allah touches you with hurt, there is none can remove it but He; and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His favor which He causes it to reach whomsoever of His slaves He will, and He is the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Qur'an, 10:117)

We should be motivated to return to Him Alone at times of ease and at times of hardship.

And when we read that:

"If Allah helps you none can overcome you, and if He forsakes you, who is there, after Him, that can help you. And in Allah (alone) let believers put their trust." (Qur'an, 3:160)

The Qur'an, therefore, leads man to a true liberation from any false attachment. It brings peace to the heart. It helps the believer against hypocrisy and all forms of dishonesty. Imagine, for example, a believer facing a problem at work. He sees wrong and faces unlawful practices. He does not fear rejecting what is wrong. He knows that the job is only a means to gain his sustenance. While he may be unable to correct what is wrong, he knows well that Allah is the One Who provides. If he leaves his job for the sake of Allah, Allah will give him a better one. Allah (SW) said:

"And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him. He will make a way for him to get out (from) every (difficulty), and He will provide him from (sources) he could never imagine." (Qur'an, 65:2-3)

The above texts, necessitates that man must depend upon Allah (SW) asking Him Alone for assistance. It also requires that man must love Allah and worship Him Alone to gain His pleasure and His help. Is it not true that the people who consider this life as the "Final Goal" end up worshiping many things in it? You see them so careful about "having it all". They torture themselves: pain, difficulty, constant worry, keeping their hands in the banks for loan after loan to keep up with the "demands of development". They are under the constant threat of fore-closure. They constantly see poverty in front of their eyes. The Prophet (sallaallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) said:

"Allah says: Son of Adam: Fill your time with My worship and I will fill your heart with richness, and end off your poverty. But if you donot, I would make your hands fully busy (i.e. in worldly affairs) and I would not end off your poverty." (At-Tirmidhi said that it is a good hadeeth)

Our purpose of existence on earth is more meaningful than being slaves to worldly gains. There can be no meaningful life better than that prescribed by our Creator Allah. Every act done according to Allah's way is an act of worship. Man is the beneficiary and Allah is in no need:

"O mankind! It is you who stand in need of Allah, but Allah is Rich (Free of all wants and needs), Worthy of All Praise." (Qur'an, 35:15)

http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=85