If this is the only condition of becoming a Muslim...

If this is the only condition of becoming a Muslim, can this be a standard of Muslim? For example how can we consider a person Muslims Who can neither prays nor fasts or gives Zakat. He doesn't even refrains from the things made haraam by Allah. Aren't such people Muslims only in name? Answer: There are many grades of being Muslim. The first is faith in the oneness of Allah and the Prophet hood of the Holy Prophet (S) which the two sentences of Kalima Shahadatain states.

The next stages are related to the Islamic rules and regulations and the things which are the cause of everlasting happiness are the good deeds related to the faith. Therefore if one has the faith in the above-mentioned two principles, that is Tawhid and Nubuwwat but his actions are not in conformity with Islam he will have the rights in the society that are fixed for a Muslim but he cannot be a true Muslim eligible for salvation and the goodness of hereafter.

Question 5 Is it necessary for a matured American man who converts to Islam to get him circumcised? Answer: It is obligatory for a Muslim to get circumcised. If a person embraces Islam after maturity, he is also obliged to get circumcised. Question 6 How much Zakat does an American has to pay? And to whom? And how can he calculate the Zakat from his monthly salary?

Answer: There is no Zakat on monthly salary but we should remember that there is another law of taxation in Islam by the name of Khums. Since America is basically an industrial and trading society mostly Zakat is not payable on the excess savings but Khums is payable by them. One who gets a monthly salary and Khums is applicable on his income, it is necessary for him to calculate his yearly income and deduct his yearly expenses. Whatever is the balance amount is taxable for Khums.

That is he has to pay 1/5 of this in Islamic treasury. We should remember that it is necessary that half of this 20% has to be given to poor sayyids who are deprived from Islamic Zakat and the remaining half has to be spent in Islamic benefits by the permission of the Just Mujtahid. One who gets a monthly salary can also divide the Khums amount and pay it every month.

Question 7 In western countries, especially in America the professional and social life has become such that people have to purchase the necessities of life like car and refrigerator etc. on installments. While we know the basis of this system is interest, which is not allowed in Islam.