In Islam there are five basic duties which Muslims must perform. They are known as the five pillars of Islam (Arkanul Islam). These are: Shahadah, the establishment of prayer (Salah), the payment of Zakah (paying the poor due), the Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah and Sawm Ramadan (fasting the month of Ramadan).
Author: Humood Bin Muhammad Al-Lahem
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
Translators: Mahmoud Reda Morad Abu Romaisah
Publisher: Cooperative Office for Propagation, Guidance, and Warning of Expatriates in the city of Albatha - A website Islamic Library www.islamicbook.ws
Due to the pitiful state which the Ummah of Muhammad (may God praise him) is in, due to the lack of knowledge of Muslims about their religion, and due to the high regard which some Muslims hold for Western thought and culture, we see that a hideous practice which contradicts the very principles of chastity and honor in Islam has crept into many Muslim societies. Many people don't realize the origins and consequences of this shameful celebration, but rather blindly follow its rites and customs to be "closer" to the West, not thinking of the sin and displeasure they are earning from Allah.This Book study the ruling concerning this celebration and statements of scholars in this regard.
Author: Muhammad Salih Al-Munajjid
Publisher: Islamic Propagation Office in Rabwah
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/1353
Introduction to history of polytheism and monotheism: Allah (glory be to him) created all people as Muslims and monotheists but devils came to them and changed and distorted their religion. Allah said in a qudsi hadith, “I created all my slaves as haneefs (monotheists), but the devils came to them, made them deviate from their religion, forbade them that which I had permitted to them, and commanded them to join partners with me for which I has given no authority.” As soon as people commit a type of polytheism, Allah sends his prophets to call them to the suitable type of monotheism.
Author: Ameen Al-Ansaari
Publisher: A website Knowing Allah : http://knowingallah.com
The author said in the introduction, “I write this book to invite people to the religion of Allaah … I briefly explained herein the story of the creation of the Universe, the creation of man and how he was favoured by sending Messengers to him and situation of past religions. I afterwards made an introduction to Islaam as per its meaning and pillars. So, whoever is looking for guidance will find its evidences therein, whoever is looking for salvation may find that I have explained the way to it in this book, whoever desires to follow the track of the Prophets, Messengers and righteous people will find their path herein while those who turn away from their way only befools themselves and take to the straying path. It is a matter of fact that adherents of each religion call others to it and believe that truth only abide in their religion … Thousands of those who embraced Islaam have testified that they did not know real life until after they embraced Islaam and that they did never tasted happiness except under the shade of Islaam. Since it is a fact that every human being looks for happiness, peace of mind and truth, I prepare this work to help them achieve that. I pray that Allaah makes this work purely for His sake and let it be well-accepted and make it one of those righteous deeds that will benefit its doer in this world and the next.”
Author: Muhammad ibn Abdullah as-Saheem
Translators: AbdulRafe Adyoyl Emam
Publisher: A website Islamic Library www.islamicbook.ws
A brief but nice booklet discussing Zakaah, those items and amounts upon which it is due, and where it is to be spent. Includes a few important fataawa related to Zakaah
Author: Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz
Source: http://www.islamhouse.com/p/1269
" And indeed, you are of a great moral character." (Quran, 68:4)
Author: Ahmed Deedat