Services offered by Zayed House for Islamic Culture:
1- Presentation of Islam to those who are interested.
2- Educational courses for new Muslims, offered in several languages, across three levels, namely elementary, intermediate and advanced.
3- Coordinating with concerned authorities to issue certificates of conversion to Islam for new Muslims.
4- Providing transportation services for the students.
5- Lecture rooms equipped with the latest educational assistance tools.
6- Internet service for the students.
7- Recreational, gym and sports facilities.
8- Educational and entertainment trips for new Muslims.
9- Annual Hajj and Umrah trips for a specific number of new Muslims.
10- Providing Islamic books in several languages to those who are interested.
11- Public library of valuable books in several languages.
Educational Courses:
First: ZHIC offers educational courses for new Muslims in the following Languages:
1- English
2- Filipino
3- Chinese
4- Ethiopian
5- Indian
6- Russian
7- Urdu
8- Tamil
Second: ZHIC also offers a program of teaching Arabic language to non-Arabic speakers.
Educational Levels:
ZHIC offers its educational courses for new Muslims across three levels, namely elementary, intermediate and advanced:
Elementary Level:
The goal of the course is to introduce the New Muslim to the main principles of being a true Muslim through studying Aqeedah (Islamic Creed), the rules of Taharah (Purification), and the rules of Ibadat (acts of worship):
First, Aqeedah (Islamic Creed):
- What is Islam?
- Who is a Muslim?
- An explanation of the five pillars of Islam,
- What is Iman (faith)?
- An explanation of the six articles of faith:
Second, Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence):
- Taharah (Purification),
- Rules of Prayer,
- Rules of Fasting,
- Rules of Zakaat (Charity)
Intermediate Level:
This level aims at promoting the knowledge of the New Muslims about Islam through studying some small chapters of the Glorious Qur'an and some Hadiths of the Prophet (pbuh) that greatly contribute building his character as a Muslim. Moreover, the New Muslim can find answers to his insistent inquiries that grow with his Islam through studying more Fiqhi Rules (rules of Islamic jurisprudence). This course also includes a presentation of the early stages of the Prophet's life (pbuh) to introduce the New Muslim to the character of the Prophet (pbuh), his manners and his teachings; and to help him take the Prophet (pbuh) as the best example to be followed in his life.
First, the Glorious Quran:
- The course covers detailed explanation of number of small chapters (from chapter No. 99-114). (The Opining (Al-Fatiha) – People (Al-Nas) – Daybreak (Al-Falaq) – Purity of Faith (Al-Ikhlas) – Palm Fiber (Al-Masad) – Help (Al-Nasr) – The Disbelievers (Al-Kafirun) – Abundance (Al-Kawthar) – Common Kindness (Al-Ma'un) – Quraysh (Quraysh) – The Elephant (Al-Fil) – The Backbiter (Al-Humaza) – The Fading Day (Al-Asr) – Competing for More (Al-Takathur) – The Crashing Blow (Al-Qari'a) – The charging Steeds (Al-Adiyat) – The Earthquake (Al-Zalzala).
Second, Hadiths of the Prophet (pbuh):
- Hadith course covers detailed explanation for fifteen selected Hadiths, titled as follow:
- Virtues of the Five Daily Prayers: Jabir (R.A.A) narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “The similitude of five prayers is like an overflowing river passing by the gate of one of you in which he washes five times daily………"
- The Rights of Muslim on His Fellow Muslim: Abu Hurairah (R.A.A) narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “The rights of the Muslim upon the Muslim are six…….”
- Truth and lying: Abduallah Ibn Masoud (R.A.A) narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “Hold on to truth, for being truthful leads to righteousness………"
- Dutifulness to Parents: Abduallah Ibn Umar (R.A.A) narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “Allah’s pleasure is attained through pleasing the parents…….."
- Paying concern to one's shortcomings: Anas (R.A.A) narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “Glad tidings to the one more concerned about his own shortcoming rather than the faults of others……"
- Be thankful to Allah: Abu Hurairah (R.A.A) narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “Look upon one who is below you in status and do not look upon one who is above you in status. In this way you will not look down upon the grace that Allah has bestowed upon you.”
- Forbearance: Abu Hurayrah (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:“The strong man is not the one who can overpower others (in wrestling); rather, the strong man is the one who controls himself when he gets angry.”
- Iman and good manners: Abu Hurayrah (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him say what is righteous or keep silent……"
- Refining the Hearts : Abu Hurayrah (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: "Allah does not look at your appearance or your possessions……."
- Belief in destiny: Abduallah Ibn Abbas (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: One day I was behind the Prophet and he said to me: “O young man, I shall teach you some words [of advice] : Be mindful of Allah, and Allah will protect you….."
- Be Conscious of Allah : Abu Hurayrah (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “part of someone's being a good Muslim is his leaving alone that which does not concern him.”
- Brotherhood : Abi Hamzah, Anas Ibn Malik (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”
- Mercy Towards Animals : Abu Hurairah (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “A traveler who was thirsty saw a well in the way. He got inside the well and when he came out he saw a dog licking mud due to thirst……"
- Prohibition of hurting others: Abduallah Ibn Umar Ibn ‘Alas (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “A true Muslim is a person whom other Muslims are safe from the mischief of his tongue and the mischief of his hands.”
- Piety and good manners: Abu Dhar Jundub bin Junadah, and Muadh bin Jabal (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:“Fear Allah wherever you are………"
Third: Fiqhi Rules (Rules of Islamic Jurisprudence):
- Rules of wiping over Khuff (socks),
- Rules of Sujud Al-Sahw (Prostration of forgetfulness),
- Rules of traveler's prayer.
Fourth, Prophet's Biography:
- The early stages of the Prophet's life (pbuh) and his Hijra (migration from Makkah to Madinah):
- His lineage
- His birth
- His nursing
- The event of his heart's splitting
- Death of his mother and sponsorship of his grandfather and his uncle
- His journey to Al-sham
- His marriage to khadijah
- His contribution in building the K'abah
- His seclusion before the mission of Prophethood
- The commence of revelations
- Preaching Islam in secret
- The first to convert
- Preaching Islam openly
- His migration
Advanced Level:
The main objective behind this level is to integrate the New Muslim into the society through studying some selected verses of the Glorious Qur'an, some Hadiths of the Prophet (pbuh), Islamic manners and etiquettes. The course works as a guide to the New Muslim to orient his transactions with the society.
First, the Glorious Qur'an:
- The course covers detailed explanation to some selected verses of the Glorious Qur'an, titled as follow:
- Islam, the religion of Tolerance and easiness: “And know that, among you there is the Messenger of Allah (SAW). If he were to obey you (i.e. follow your opinions and desires) in much of the matter, you would surely be in trouble…." 49:7
- Islam, the Religion of Justice and Moderation: "Thus We have made you [true Muslims - real believers of Islamic Monotheism, true followers of Prophet Muhammad SAW and his Sunnah (legal ways)], a Wasat (just) (and the best) nation….. " 2:143
- Be Just: "O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah..……" 4:135
- Equality in Islam: “O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another……" 49:13
- Dialogue in Islam: “Say (O Muhammad SAW): "O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): Come to a word that is just between us and you….." 3:64
- Freedom in Islam: "There is no compulsion in religion…..." 2:256
- Brotherhood in Islam: “The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islamic religion)……" 49:10
- Protection of the Qura’n: “Verily We: It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Quran) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption)." 15:9
- Steadfastness: "Verily, those who say: "Our Lord is Allah (Alone)," and then they Istaqamu , on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): "Fear not……" 41:30-35
- Piety: “And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty)…." 65:2-3
- The way of preaching: “Invite (mankind, O Muhammad SAW) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom…" 16:125
- Advice: "O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better than the former ….." 49:11
- Avoid suspicions: "O you who believe! Avoid much suspicions, indeed some suspicions are sins. …" 49:12
- Patience: “And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirin (the patient ones………" 2:155-157
- The prohibition of oppression: "The way (of blame) is only against those who oppress men and wrongly rebel in the earth……" 42:42
- Obedience to Allah: "Verily, Allah enjoins Al-Adl (i.e. justice and worshipping none but Allah Alone - Islamic Monotheism) and Al-Ihsan [i.e. to be patient in performing your duties to Allah, totally for Allah's….." 16:9
- Unity of Muslims: “And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Quran), and be not divided among yourselves, and remember Allah's Favor on you….." 3:103-105
- Resurrection Day: " Then, when there comes As-Sakhkhah (the Day of Resurrection's second blowing of Trumpet), That Day shall a man flee from his brother….." 80: 33-42
- Hell: "Truly, Hell is a place of ambush, A dwelling place for the Taghun (those who transgress the boundary limits set by Allah like polytheists, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, hypocrites, sinners, criminals, etc.)….." 78: 21-30
- Paradise: "The description of Paradise which the Muttaqun have been promised is that in it are rivers of water the taste and smell of which are not changed……" 47:15
Second, Hadiths of the Prophet (pbuh):
- Hadith course covers detailed explanation for fifteen selected Hadiths, titled as follow:
- Virtues of meeting a fellow Muslim with a smiley face: Abi Dhar (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “Do not belittle any good deed, even your meeting with your brother (Muslim) with a cheerful face.”
- Mercy: Jarir Ibn Abdellah (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:“Whoever does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.”
- Occupying ourselves with people's needs: Ibn Umar (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:“Every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim. He does not oppress him nor surrender him……"
- Reconciling between people: Abi Hurairah (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “On every person's joints or small bones, there is sadaqah (charity) every day the sun rises…….."
- Sponsorship of orphans: Sahl Ibn Saad (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “I and the one who sponsors an orphan will be in Paradise like these two………”
- Self-contentment : Abi Hurairah (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “Richness does not mean having a great amount of property, but richness is self-contentment.”
- Keeping Promises: Abi Hurairah (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “Three are the signs of a hypocrite: When he speaks………."
- Manners of Eating : Umar Ibn Abi Salamah (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “Mention Allah's Name (i.e., say Bismillah before starting eating), eat with your right hand, and eat from what is near you.”
- Virtues of Shaking Hands: Al Bara’ (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “There are no two Muslims who meet and shake hands with one another, but they will be forgiven before they depart.”
- Virtues of Visiting the Sick: Ali (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: "When a Muslim visits a sick Muslim at dawn, seventy thousand angels keep on praying for him till dusk….."
- Virtues of charity and supplication: Abi Hurairah (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “When the son of Adam dies his actions are cut off except for three:…"
- Muslims’ Relationships: Anas (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “Don't hate one another, don't envy one another don't sell over the sale to one another……."
- Envy: Abi Hurairah (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: "Keep yourselves far from envy…"
- Islamic Manner of Conversation: Ibn Masoud(R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “If you were three, then two of you should not hold a secret counsel in the presence of the third person…."
- Arrogance: Ibn Masoud(R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: One who has the slightest bit of arrogance in his heart, will not be able to enter Paradise….."
- Attaining Paradise: Sahl Ibn Saad (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw-bones and……."
- Repentance: Abdullah Ibn Umar (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: "Allah accepts the repentance of his slave until al-gharghara (when ……."
- Patience: Abdullah Ibn Umar (R.A.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “For any trouble, illness, worry, grief, hurt, or sorrow……."
Third, Islamic Etiquettes and Manners:
- Virtues of being dutiful to parents
- Virtues of being generous to neighbors.
- Prohibited things in Islam:
- Believing soothsayer
- Sorcery
- Prohibited food and drinks
- Prohibitions of intoxicants
- Prohibition of adultery
- Prohibition of bribes
- Prohibition of Extravagance
- Prohibition of lying
- Prohibition of treachery
Fourth, Fiqhi Rules (Rules of Islamic Jurisprudence):
- Prayers Prescribed as Sunnah:
- Witr Prayer (an Islamic prayer that is performed at night after Isha' a (night-time prayer) up to before Fajr (dawn prayer).
- Tarawih Prayer (extra congregational prayers performed by Muslims at night in the Islamic month of Ramadan).
- Eid (feast) Prayer
- Prayer for rain
- Istikhara prayer (a prayer offered for asking guidance)
- Khusuf and Kusuf Prayer (eclipse prayer)
- funeral prayer
- Rules of Hajj and Umrah
Fifth, Prophet's Biography:
- Lessons to be learned from the Prophet's farewell sermon.
Cultural Sessions:
ZHIC offers cultural sessions in its available Languages for Presenting Islam to those who are interested among the Non-Muslims. The sessions present the essence and the true image of Islam to those interested as well as answering their questions and inquiries about Islam.