I AM KOOKY
Faith As A Muslim
As a Muslim, my life is governed by five basic principles (Pillars) of Islam.
1) Faith: There is only one true GOD and HE is the only One I am allowed to Worship.
2) Prayers: I am obligated to pray five times a day at designated times and Worship HIM.
3) Charity: I am required to give money and help the poor, needy and vulnerable people in our community.
4) Fasting: I am commanded to abstain from eating, drinking and all other negative activities during the month of Ramadan and Worship HIM as much as I can.
5) Pilgrimage: I am required to go to the sacred Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia once in my lifetime to go Worship HIM.
Faith (Shadadah): I live my life knowing that our entire existence was created by one true GOD. HE is the Almighty and HE created everything including our world and our existence. HE sent thousands of Prophets and Messengers with the message to Worship HIM alone. Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) was the last Messenger HE sent to be a guide for us and give us HIS message directly. GOD's exact words were relayed through the Angel Gabriel (Holy Spirit) to Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.). My Faith is that there is only one GOD and Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) was HIS Messenger.
Prayers (Salah): I am required to pray five times a day. The first one is in the morning before the sun rises, the second one is mid-afternoon, then late afternoon, fourth one is at sunset at the last one during night time. Each of the required prayers takes 10 minutes or less to complete. Prayers are recited in Arabic and it's the same prayer repeated four times. It is performed on a prayer mat in a specific manner facing in the direction of Mecca. We have to disconnect from the world to Worship our Lord and Creator.
Charity (Zakah): Our whole existence is due to HIS grace so I must give money to those from what HE gave me. It is to help people with their basic necessities of life. People around me are going hungry or they are sick or disabled. GOD commands us to give from what HE provides for us.
Fasting (Ramadan): Abstaining from eating and drinking for the entire day for a month is a form of spiritual healing, self-discipline and to be able to empathize with those that are less fortunate, but that is not why I fast during the month of Ramadan. I do it because GOD has prescribed it to me. From the first prayer of the day to the fourth prayer, I abstain from all the pleasures of this world during the blessed month to Pray and Worship HIM as much as I can day and night.
Pilgrimage (Hajj): I am required to complete Hajj once in my lifetime if I can do so physically and financially.
As a Muslim, my purpose in life is to follow these commandments as sent by God.
Deeper In Islam
SHAHADAH (Faith)
There is no god except Allah, and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was HIS final Messenger.
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“Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan rasul Allah.”
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“I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Messenger of Allah.”
Faith is more than belief. Across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, faith is knowing something to be true with conviction.
It is not enough to simply believe; true faith is reflected in our conduct, our words, our actions, and the way we treat others.
It is a way of life.
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Being raised in a Muslim household, I learned the Shahadah at an early age, I was taught the guidance of the Holy Quran and the Hadith (the recorded sayings, actions, and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) preserved by those who lived alongside him).
Through these teachings, I learned that God sent His Messenger to guide humanity toward Worship and a Guide to follow the right path.
As I grew older, my desire to better understand God's message led me to study not only the Holy Quran, but also the Torah and the Gospel.
Reading these sacred Scriptures was an eye-opening experience. I encountered many of the same Prophets I had learned about in Islam. Prophet Adam, Prophet Noah, Prophet Abraham, Prophet Moses, Prophet David, Prophet Solomon, Prophet Jesus, and many others (peace be upon them all).
All the same stories but with a lot more historical detail and perspective.
Studying all three Scriptures strengthened my faith rather than diminished it. I gained a deeper appreciation for the miraculous birth of Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him) and the miracles he performed.
The struggles of Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) in his struggle to free his people from tyranny.
The powers of King David and King Solomon (peace be upon them) had to spread God’s word and rule their kingdom.
I attained a much greater insight on the sacrifices Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) made in God’s name to achieve his status as the most devout servant and a friend of God.
Throughout history, God’s messengers have demonstrated unwavering faith and devotion to the Lord.
Many Prophets were granted with unique gifts and responsibilities to deliver HIS message to humanity: worship the One True God, live righteously, show compassion to others, and prepare for the life to come.
One of the most profound Truth is that the Holy Quran is the literal Word of God.
Allah revealed His words to the Angel Gabriel, who conveyed them exactly as they were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Word for Word.
Our choices, our character, and the way we treat one another all matter because we will one day stand before our Creator and answer for what we have done, and for what we chose not to do.
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Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) was sent as a Guide to the people on how to live our life, our purpose in life and what is to come after this life.
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This life is temporary and we will be requitted for our time on Earth.
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That is my Faith.
My faith is embedded with the teachings of all three Holy Books of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and I hear the message loudly and clearly.
There is only One True God and Him alone I Worship.
Islam is a Guidance and a way of life.
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SALAH (Prayers)
Five times each day, I step away from the world for a few minutes to stand before Allah.
Those moments have become the foundation of my day.
Prayer keeps me grounded. Knowing that I will soon stand before my Creator makes it easier to avoid behaviors that pull me away from Him. It encourages me to be mindful of my words, my actions, and the choices I make throughout the day. The things that once distracted or controlled me have gradually lost their hold because they interfere with something far more important, my building of relationship with Allah.
The five daily prayers each take only a few minutes to complete, yet they have transformed my life. During Salah, I recite verses from the Holy Quran in Arabic while moving through a series of physical positions of standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting. These words have been preserved exactly as they were revealed by Allah and taught by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
It’s more than an obligation. It is a privilege.
Every prayer is an opportunity to thank Allah, seek His mercy, ask for His guidance, and remind myself that this life is temporary. No matter how stressful life becomes, five times each day I am reminded that Allah is greater than every problem I face.
Prayer has brought me peace where there was anxiety, patience where there was anger, clarity where there was confusion, and hope where there was despair.
It has changed me from the inside out.
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Salah – Prayer in Islam
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A rakah is a single, complete unit of prescribed Islamic prayer (salah).
The total number of rakah performed varies depending on the specific prayer time:
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Fajr (Dawn): 2 obligatory rakahs.
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Dhuhr (Midday): 4 obligatory rakahs.
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Asr (Afternoon): 4 obligatory rakahs.
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Maghrib (Sunset): 3 obligatory rakahs.
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Isha (Night): 4 obligatory rakahs.
Full Islamic Prayer (4 Rakahs) in English translation:
Rakah 1
(Stand up-right on the Prayer Mat facing in the direction of Mecca).
“In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.”
(Begin by raising both hands up to the ears)
“Allah is the Greatest.”
(Fold arms across the body – Right arm on top of the left arm)
“Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.”
“The most Gracious, the most Merciful.”
“Master of the Day of Judgement.”
“Thee to we worship and Thee to we beseech for mercy.”
“Guide us on the right path.”
“The path of those upon whom Thou has bestowed favors.”
“Not the path of those upon whom wrath is brought down, nor those who go astray.”
QURAN CHAPTER 109
(Can be supplemented with any other chapter from the Quran)
“Say: O disbelievers.”
“I serve not what you serve.”
“Nor do you serve Him Whom I serve.”
"Nor shall I serve that which you serve.”
“Nor do you serve Him Whom I serve.”
“For you is your recompense and for my my recompence.”
“Allah is the Greatest.”
(Bow while standing)
“Glory is to my Lord, the Magnificent.”
“Glory is to my Lord, the Magnificent.”
“Glory is to my Lord, the Magnificent.”
(Stand up-right – Arms down to the sides)
“Allah hears those who praise Him.
Our Lord, and to You is all praise.”
“Allah is the Greatest.”
(Prostrate – Hands, Knees, and Forehead to the ground)
“Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.”
“Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.”
“Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.”
“Allah is the Greatest.”
(Sit up – Legs folded underneath the body)
“Allah is the Greatest.”
(Prostrate 2nd time – Hands, Knees, and Forehead to the ground)
“Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.”
“Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.”
“Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.”
Rakah 2
“Allah is the Greatest.”
(Stand up-right – Arms folded across the body – Right arm on top of the left arm)
“Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.”
“The most Gracious, the most Merciful.”
“Master of the Day of Judgement.”
“Thee to we worship and Thee to we beseech for mercy.”
“Guide us on the right path.”
“The path of those upon whom Thou has bestowed favors.”
“Not the path of those upon whom wrath is brought down, nor those who go astray.”
QURAN CHAPTER 112
(Can be supplemented with any other chapter from the Quran)
“Say: He is Allah, the One and Only.”
“Allah, the Eternal, Absolute.”
“He beget not, nor is He begotten.”
“And there is none like Him.”
“Allah is the Greatest.”
(Bow while standing)
“Glory is to my Lord, the Magnificent.”
“Glory is to my Lord, the Magnificent.”
“Glory is to my Lord, the Magnificent.”
(Stand up-right – Arms down to the sides)
“Allah hears those who praise Him.
Our Lord, and to You is all praise.”
“Allah is the Greatest.”
(Prostrate – Hands, Knees, and Forehead to the ground)
“Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.”
“Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.”
“Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.”
“Allah is the Greatest.”
(Sit up – Legs folded underneath the body)
“Allah is the Greatest.”
(Prostrate 2nd time – Hands, Knees, and Forehead to the ground)
“Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.”
“Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.”
“Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.”
“Allah is the Greatest.”
(Sit up – Legs folded underneath the body)
Greetings, prayers, and good things belong 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 but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and His messenger.
Rakah 3
“Allah is the Greatest.”
(Stand up-right. Fold arms across the body – Right arm on top of the left arm)
“Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.”
“The most Gracious, the most Merciful.”
“Master of the Day of Judgement.”
“Thee to we worship and Thee to we beseech for mercy.”
“Guide us on the right path.”
“The path of those upon whom Thou has bestowed favors.”
“Not the path of those upon whom wrath is brought down, nor those who go astray.”
QURAN CHAPTER 113
(Can be supplemented with any other chapter from the Quran)
“Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of the dawn.”
“From the evil of that which He has created.”
“And from the evil of intense darkness, when it comes.”
“And from the evil of those who cast evil suggestions in firm resolution.”
“And from the evil of the envier when he envies.”
“Allah is the Greatest.”
(Bow while standing)
“Glory is to my Lord, the Magnificent.”
“Glory is to my Lord, the Magnificent.”
“Glory is to my Lord, the Magnificent.”
(Stand up-right)
“Allah hears those who praise Him.
Our Lord, and to You is all praise.”
“Allah is the Greatest.”
(Prostrate – Hands, Knees, and Forehead to the ground)
“Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.”
“Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.”
“Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.”
“Allah is the Greatest.”
(Sit up – Legs folded underneath the body)
“Allah is the Greatest.”
(Prostrate 2nd time – Hands, Knees, and Forehead to the ground)
Rakah 4
“Allah is the Greatest.”
(Stand up-right – Arms folded across the body – Right arm on top of the left arm)
“Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.”
“The most Gracious, the most Merciful.”
“Master of the Day of Judgement.”
“Thee to we worship and Thee to we beseech for mercy.”
“Guide us on the right path.”
“The path of those upon whom Thou has bestowed favors.”
“Not the path of those upon whom wrath is brought down, nor those who go astray.”
QURAN CHAPTER 114
(Can be supplemented with any other chapter from the Quran)
“Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of men.”
“The King of men.”
“The God of men.”
“From the evil of the whisperings of the slinking devil.”
“Who whispers into the hearts of men.”
“From among the jinn and the men.”
“Allah is the Greatest.”
(Bow while standing)
“Glory is to my Lord, the Magnificent.”
“Glory is to my Lord, the Magnificent.”
“Glory is to my Lord, the Magnificent.”
(Stand up-right – Arms down)
“Allah hears those who praise Him.
Our Lord, and to You is all praise.”
“Allah is the Greatest.”
(Prostrate – Hands, Knees, and Forehead to the ground)
“Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.”
“Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.”
“Glory is to my Lord, the Most High.”
“Allah is the Greatest.”
(Sit up – Legs folded underneath the body)
“Allah is the Greatest.”
(Prostrate 2nd time – Hands, Knees, and Forehead to the ground)
“Allah is the Greatest.”
(Sit up – Legs folded underneath the body)
“Greetings, prayers, and good things belong 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 but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and His messenger.”
“O Allah, send Your grace upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your grace upon Abraham and the family of Abraham. You are the Most Praiseworthy, the Most Glorious.”
(Turn head to the right)
“Peace be upon you, and the mercy of Allah.”
(Turn head to the left)
“Peace be upon you, and the mercy of Allah.”
End of Prayer.
Allah declares in the Holy Quran that those who follow the Guidance will find success in this life and in the Hereafter. I pray because Allah has commanded me to pray, but I also pray because I have experienced its blessings firsthand.
Prayer has transformed every area of my life.
I have found peace where I once felt restless. My mind has become clearer. I make better decisions for my family, my work, and my future. I have become more disciplined, more patient, and more grateful. Even the daily choices I make, how I spend my time, what I eat, and how I treat others, have been shaped by the habit of standing before Allah five times each day.
One of the greatest blessings Allah has given me through prayer is freedom from addictions that controlled me for decades. Breaking those habits through my own strength seemed impossible. But when I sincerely asked Allah for His help, He gave me the strength I could not find on my own.
Allah got rid of the evil that was surrounding my life.
People often say that if you reach your hand out to God, He will reach back for you.
I have found that to be true.
Not only did Allah help me overcome addiction, He also replaced much of my anger, anxiety, loneliness, and fear with something far greater…Peace.
Today, Salah is no longer simply something I do. It is who I am. Five times each day, I leave behind the distractions of the world and return to the One who created me. Every prayer draws me closer to Allah and reminds me that true success is found not in this world, but in seeking His pleasure and preparing for the Hereafter.
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ZAKAH (Charity)
Charity is not measured by the amount we give, but by the sincerity with which we give it.
Islam teaches that every blessing we possess is a trust from Allah.
Our wealth, our health, our knowledge, our time, and our abilities ultimately belong to Him.
By caring for the poor, the orphan, the sick, the traveler, and those in need, we purify our hearts, strengthen our communities, and draw closer to our Creator.
Two Forms of Charity in Islam:
ZAKAH & SADAQAH
1. Zakah (Obligatory Charity):
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Zakah is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and an obligation upon Muslims who possess wealth above the required threshold (nisab).
Each lunar year, a Muslim must give 2.5% of qualifying savings and accumulated wealth to those who are eligible to receive it.
Allah has commanded us to care for those in need. Zakah reminds us that wealth is never truly ours, it is a trust from Allah, and those less fortunate must be helped.
Unlike many obligations in this world, Zakah is not enforced by a governing authority for Muslims.
It is an act of honesty, faith, and accountability before Allah alone.
Each believer is responsible for fulfilling this obligation sincerely, knowing that one day we will all stand before our Creator and answer for how we used the blessings He entrusted to us.
The purpose of Zakah is not simply to redistribute wealth. It is to relieve hardship, strengthen families, support local communities, and remind us that true success is measured not by what we accumulate, but by what we willingly give for the sake of Allah.
2. Sadaqah (Voluntary Charity):
Sadaqah is voluntary charity that may be given at any time. In its simplest form, it is any act of charity offered sincerely for the sake of Allah beyond the obligatory Zakah.
There are two broad forms of Sadaqah. The first meets an immediate need, such as feeding someone who is hungry, providing clothing or shelter, assisting a family in hardship, or comforting someone who is suffering. These acts bring relief to people in need and reflect the compassion that Islam encourages in every believer.
The second is known as Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity), whose benefits continue long after the giver has passed away. Examples include building a well that provides clean drinking water, contributing to the construction of a mosque, supporting a school, or paying for an orphans education continue to benefit others for generations. Every person who drinks from that well, worships in that mosque, or benefits from the education becomes part of a continuing reward that, by the mercy of Allah, continues to be recorded for the one who gave.
The Holy Quran repeatedly reminds believers that Allah rewards those who spend sincerely in His cause and that no act of kindness, no matter how small, goes unnoticed by Him.
Sadaqah includes far more than giving money. It may include:
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Money
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Food, water, clothing, and shelter
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Visiting the sick and those nearing the end of life
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Caring for orphans
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Hospitality and generosity toward guests
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Teaching beneficial knowledge
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Comforting someone who is grieving or distressed
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Offering your time, encouragement, or assistance to someone in need
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Helping your community
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Spreading goodness
In Islam, intention is everything.
Charity should never be given to seek praise, recognition, or personal gain. It should be given solely for the pleasure of Allah, expecting nothing in return from the person receiving it.
Every sincere act of kindness, no matter how small, is known by Allah. Sometimes the greatest charity is not measured by its monetary value, but by the compassion, love, and sincerity with which it is given.
I have come to believe that charity changes two lives at once. The life of the person receiving it and the life of the person giving it. It softens the heart, strengthens gratitude, and reminds us that every blessing we enjoy is a gift from Allah.
When we give for the sake of Allah, we are not becoming poorer. We are investing in something far greater than the temporary possessions of this world…we are investing in the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter.
Yet the blessings of charity are not reserved only for the life to come. We also reap its rewards in this world. Every act of generosity spreads goodness, strengthens our communities, softens our hearts, and brings us closer to our Creator.
May Allah grant us hearts that are generous, compassionate, and sincere.
May He give us the wisdom to do right by others, the willingness to give more than is expected, and the humility to seek nothing in return except His mercy, His grace, and His pleasure.
Ameen.
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RAMADAN (Fasting)​
​​(Coming Soon InshAllah)
HAJJ (Pilgrimage)​​
​​(Coming Soon InshAllah)
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