How Many Rules Do Muslims Have to Follow? A Simple Guide to Islamic Practices
Islam is a religion with comprehensive rules and guidelines that govern almost all aspects of daily life. For those who may not know Islam in depth, a common question arises, "How many rules do Muslims have to follow?" This question is quite natural, especially because Islam has various regulations, from spiritual obligations like salat (prayer) and fasting (sawm), to social principles like acting with kindness and honesty towards others.
In this article, we will discuss the primary rules that form the foundation of a Muslim’s life and why these rules are essential for creating a balanced and meaningful life. The Five Pillars of Islam are the basic foundation every Muslim must follow. Additionally, there are ethical and moral guidelines that serve as standards for interaction and everyday living.
Islam not only emphasizes rules of worship but also the importance of ethics in social interactions and community life. All these rules are interconnected and complement one another.
Islamic Rules: A Brief Overview
In the previous article, I explained some basic aspects of Islamic rules in simple words. There are several essential points you need to understand, which I won’t repeat here.
Please note! In Islam, the established rules aim to guide Muslims to live in accordance with the guidance of Allah and His Messenger. These rules include worship, relationships with others, and even treatment of other beings, such as animals. For example, the five daily prayers and fasting during Ramadan are obligations that foster discipline and obedience to Allah. By following these rules, a Muslim can draw closer to God while living a more meaningful life.
Another rule is keeping promises. In Islam, a promise is considered a trust that must be upheld, as mentioned in the Quran:
وَالَّذِيْنَ هُمْ لِاَمٰنٰتِهِمْ وَعَهْدِهِمْ رَاعُوْنَ
(And successful indeed) are those who honor their trusts and promises.[1]
Keeping promises not only fosters trust in social relationships but also demonstrates a Muslim’s integrity and noble character. Kindness toward all beings, including animals, is also a core principle in Islam. Prophet Muhammad once said:
الرَّاحِمُونَ يَرْحَمُهُمُ الرَّحْمَنُ ، ارْحَمُوا مَنْ فِي الأَرْضِ يَرْحَمْكُمْ مَنْ فِي السَّمَاءِ ، الرَّحِمُ شُجْنَةٌ مِنَ الرَّحْمَنِ ، فَمَنْ وَصَلَهَا وَصَلَهُ اللَّهُ ، وَمَنْ قَطَعَهَا قَطَعَهُ اللَّهُ
The merciful are shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth, and the One above the heavens will be merciful to you. Kinship is a part of (the attribute of) Ar-Rahman (the Most Compassionate). Whoever upholds it, Allah will uphold him (with His mercy), and whoever cuts it off, Allah will cut him off (from His mercy).[2]
Islam holds animals in high regard as creations of Allah and encourages its followers to treat them kindly, such as by feeding them or refraining from harming them without cause. The following hadith is a well-known narration about the consequences of mistreating animals, specifically a cat in this context:
دَخَلَتِ امْرَأَةٌ النَّارَ فِيْ هِرَّةٍ ربَطَتْهَا فَلَا هِيَ أَطْعَمَتْهَا وَلَا هِيَ أَرْسَلَتْها تَأكُلُ مِنْ خَشَاشِ الْأَرْضِ حَتَّى مَاتَتْ
A woman enters Hell because she binds a cat and does not feed it nor does she let it go so that it can eat small animals on the ground until it (the cat) dies.[3]
Obedience to the rules of prayer and fasting plays a vital role in strengthening faith. Prayer is the primary act of worship that connects a Muslim with Allah, while fasting teaches self-control. These acts of worship are not merely rituals but are ways to cultivate discipline and kindness.
You Might Also Like: What Happens If You Break Islamic Rules?
Maintaining good relationships with others is also obligatory in Islam. Islam teaches mutual respect, speaking kindly, and helping those in need. These principles foster peace and unity within society. Thus, Islamic rules are not just obligations but also a path to a better and more blessed life.
Islamic Rules That Muslims Must Follow
Islam governs the lives of its followers with rules encompassing various aspects, from worship to social ethics. Some main rules every Muslim must follow include prayer, fasting, keeping promises, and showing kindness to all creatures, including animals. The five daily prayers, for example, are mandatory as they serve as a direct connection between a servant and Allah. Additionally, fasting during Ramadan teaches self-control and gratitude for Allah’s blessings.
Another example is keeping promises, which reflects integrity and strengthens trust among people. Similarly, kindness toward all creatures, including animals, demonstrates that Islam teaches compassion for all of Allah’s creations. Further explanation will be provided in the following paragraphs.
Islamic Rules for Muslim Men and Muslim Women
In Islam, there are rules aimed at guiding Muslims toward a better life. These rules apply to every Muslim, both men and women, and cover various aspects of life, from worship to interactions with other creatures, including animals.
The main rules every Muslim must follow are those outlined in the pillars of faith and the pillars of Islam. The pillars of faith form the basic beliefs of a Muslim, which include belief in Allah, angels, Allah’s books, prophets, the Last Day, and destiny. The pillars of Islam encompass five main pillars: reciting the two declarations of faith (Shahada), performing the five daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, giving zakat, and performing Hajj if able.
You Might Also Like: Why Are the Rules Important in Islam?
The five daily prayers, for example, are obligatory for every Muslim as a form of obedience to Allah. Through prayer, one not only draws closer to Allah but also maintains life’s discipline. Additionally, fasting in Ramadan cultivates patience and self-control, while zakat serves as a means of purifying wealth and helping others. Allah says:
وَاَقِيْمُوا الصَّلٰوةَ وَاٰتُوا الزَّكٰوةَ ۗ وَمَا تُقَدِّمُوْا لِاَنْفُسِكُمْ مِّنْ خَيْرٍ تَجِدُوْهُ عِنْدَ اللّٰهِ ۗ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ بَصِيْرٌ
Establish prayer and give zakat. Whatever good you put forth for yourselves, you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah sees what you do.[4]
In addition to rules of worship, Islam teaches the importance of treating other beings with kindness. Muslims are encouraged to maintain good relationships with people and show compassion toward animals. The saying of Prophet Muhammad mentioned earlier (ارْحَمُوا مَنْ فِي الأَرْضِ يَرْحَمْكُمْ مَنْ فِي السَّمَاءِ) explains that mercy should be the foundation of our interactions.
By following these guidelines, both Muslim men and women can lead blessed lives. These rules complement each other to create a harmonious life.
Islamic Rules Specific to Muslim Men
In Islam, there are specific rules designated for Muslim men that aim to shape their character and reinforce their responsibilities as family leaders and members of society. These rules cover various aspects, from worship obligations to dress ethics.
You Might Also Like: What is the Number One Rule in Islam?
For example, men are required to lead prayer when with family and are encouraged to prioritize attending congregational prayers at the mosque. Additionally, in matters of dress, they are advised to wear clothing that covers the area from the navel to the knees.
Providing for the family is also an obligation placed upon men to meet the family's needs. An example of a Muslim man's responsibility to his family can be found in the words of the Sufi, Ali bin Abi Talib, below:
وَاشْتَرَى لَحْمًا بِدِرْهَمٍ وَحَمَلَهُ , فَقِيْلَ لَهُ : نَحْمِلُ عَنْكَ . قَالَ : أَبُو الْعِيَالِ أَحَقُّ بِحَمْلِهِ
He (Ali bin Abi Talib) bought meat for one dirham and carried it. Then someone said to him, "We should carry it for you instead." He replied, "The head of the family has righter to carry it."[5]
Pay attention to the sentence I've bolded! This is one of the Sufi quotes of Ali bin Abi Talib on the responsibility of being a man.
By adhering to some of the Islamic rules mentioned above (and other Islamic guidelines as well), Muslim men are expected to become strong, responsible, and well-mannered individuals. All of this contributes to maintaining family harmony and creating a better, blessed society.
Islamic Rules Specific to Muslim Women
Islam provides specific guidelines for women in various situations, including during menstruation, after childbirth, after menstruation has ended, and upon marriage. These guidelines cover not only aspects of worship but also ethics and social life, with the aim of preserving the dignity and well-being of women as servants of Allah.
During menstruation, women are not permitted to perform certain acts of worship, such as prayer and fasting. This is based on the following hadith:
إِذَا أقْبَلَتِ الحَيْضَةُ، فَدَعِي الصَّلَاةَ، وإذَا أدْبَرَتْ، فَاغْسِلِي عَنْكِ الدَّمَ وصَلِّي
If menstruation has come, then do not pray. If it (menstruation) has gone, then clean the menstrual blood and pray.[6]
كُنَّا نَحِيْضُ عَلَى عَهْدِ رَسُوْلِ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَنُؤْمَرُ بِقَضَاءِ الصَّوْمِ وَلَا نُؤْمَرُ بِقَضَاءِ الصَّلَاةِ
We experienced menstruation during the time of the Messenger of Allah Saw. We were then instructed to make up our missed fasts, but we were not instructed to make up the missed prayers.[7]
Although Muslim women who are menstruating are not allowed to fast or pray, they are required to make up for the missed fasts after menstruation ends, but they are not required to make up for the missed prayers.
After childbirth, a woman is also not allowed to pray or fast until her postpartum period (nifas) is over. Nifas is the period after childbirth, marked by bleeding. During this time, she is also obligated to make up for the missed fasts.
Once menstruation ends, women are required to purify themselves (by performing a ritual bath) before resuming acts of worship such as prayer and fasting. Allah says:
وَيَسْـَٔلُوْنَكَ عَنِ الْمَحِيْضِ ۗ قُلْ هُوَ اَذًىۙ فَاعْتَزِلُوا النِّسَاۤءَ فِى الْمَحِيْضِۙ وَلَا تَقْرَبُوْهُنَّ حَتّٰى يَطْهُرْنَ ۚ فَاِذَا تَطَهَّرْنَ فَأْتُوْهُنَّ مِنْ حَيْثُ اَمَرَكُمُ اللّٰهُ ۗ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِيْنَ وَيُحِبُّ الْمُتَطَهِّرِيْنَ
They ask you (Prophet Muhammad) about menstruation. Say, “It is a state of impurity.” So keep away from women during menstruation, and do not approach them (for intercourse) until they are pure. When they have purified themselves (after taking the ritual bath), approach them in the manner Allah has commanded you. Truly, Allah loves those who turn to Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves.[8]
After marriage, women also have rights and responsibilities within family life, such as maintaining family harmony and supporting their husbands in good deeds. This is explained in the words of Allah:
اَلرِّجَالُ قَوَّامُوْنَ عَلَى النِّسَاۤءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ اللّٰهُ بَعْضَهُمْ عَلٰى بَعْضٍ وَّبِمَآ اَنْفَقُوْا مِنْ اَمْوَالِهِمْ ۗ فَالصّٰلِحٰتُ قٰنِتٰتٌ حٰفِظٰتٌ لِّلْغَيْبِ بِمَا حَفِظَ اللّٰهُ ۗوَالّٰتِيْ تَخَافُوْنَ نُشُوْزَهُنَّ فَعِظُوْهُنَّ وَاهْجُرُوْهُنَّ فِى الْمَضَاجِعِ وَاضْرِبُوْهُنَّ ۚ فَاِنْ اَطَعْنَكُمْ فَلَا تَبْغُوْا عَلَيْهِنَّ سَبِيْلًا ۗاِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ عَلِيًّا كَبِيْرًا
Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has given one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in (the husband’s) absence what Allah would have them guard. As for those women on whose part you fear disobedience, advise them (first); (next), refuse to share their beds; (and last) strike them (lightly, if necessary). But if they return to obedience, seek not against them means (of annoyance): for Allah is Most High, Great (above you all).[9]
How Many Rules Do Muslims Have to Follow?
Now, how many rules do Muslims have to follow?
Honestly, I have not found a definitive explanation on how many Islamic rules a Muslim must follow. This is because every explanation about one Islamic rule leads to other branches of rules. For example, prayer (salat) is an obligation for Muslims. It is one of the Islamic rules. But the rule about prayer generates several other rules that must be followed before and during it, such as rules about purification from minor and major impurity, rules that must be followed during the prayer, and so on.
However, it is certain that all Muslims must follow the rules outlined in the pillars of faith and the pillars of Islam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions about the Islamic rules that must be followed by Muslims.
What are the pillars of Islam that a Muslim must fulfill?
The pillars of Islam consist of five fundamental teachings: the Shahada (declaration of faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (obligatory charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (annual pilgrimage) for those who are able.
What are the main duties a Muslim must follow?
A Muslim must believe in the One and Only God, perform daily acts of worship, maintain cleanliness, have good character, and follow Allah’s commands and avoid His prohibitions.
Are there differences in the rules between male and female Muslims?
Yes, although many rules apply to both, there are differences related to modesty (awrah) and dress. For example, women are required to wear the hijab to cover their awrah, while men are required to cover their awrah from the navel to the knees.
Can a Muslim have a pet?
Islam allows keeping pets as long as they are treated well, provided with sufficient food, and not abused. In fact, there are many recommendations to show kindness to living creatures.
How should fasting be observed in Islam?
Fasting is obligatory for adult Muslims (baligh) during the month of Ramadan, from dawn until sunset, except for those who have a legitimate reason according to Sharia. During fasting, a Muslim must refrain from eating, drinking, and marital relations.
Footnotes
[1] Al-Mu'minun (23): 8.
[2] Muhammad bin Isa at-Tirmidhi, Sunan at-Tirmidhi, Number 1924.
[3] Abu Abdillah Muhammad bin Yazid bin Abdullah bin Majah al-Quzwaini (Ibn Majah), Sunan Ibn Majah, Number 4256.
[4] Al-Baqarah (2): 110.
[5] Muhammad Abdurrauf al-Munawi, Al-Kawâkib ad-Durriyyah fî Tarâjumi as-Sâdah ash-Shufiyyah (الكَوَاكِبُ الدُّرِّيَّةُ فِى تَرَاجُمِ السَّادَةِ الصُّوْفِيَّةِ), vol. 1, page 160.
[6] Muhammad bin Ismail al-Bukhari (Imam al-Bukhari), Sahih al-Bukhari, Number 320.
[7] Sulaiman bin al-Asy'as bin Ishak bin Basyir bin Syidad bin Amar al-Azdi as-Sijidtani (Abu Dawood), Sunan Abi Dawood, Number 263.
[8] Al-Baqarah (2): 222.
[9] An-Nisa (4): 34.
Post a Comment