Q 5: What are the articles of faith a Muslim needs to know to be a true Muslim?

A: As intellectual faculties, leisure times, life engagements, facilities and difficulties of learning vary from one person to another; some Muslims are obliged to do what others are not obliged to do. The least obligation required of a Muslim is to believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in Predestination; either good or bad. These articles of faith must be understood as a whole. A Muslim is also required to pronounce the Shahadah (Testimony of Faith: saying i.e. there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah"). They are also required to perform the prescribed Salah (Prayer), pay Zakah due on well-off Muslims, fast the month of Ramadan, and perform Hajj to the Sacred House in Makkah for whosoever can afford it. Then, they should be conscious of the trials that may befall them so that they may do good and shun evil. They should also avoid committing all the acts that Allah has declared to be forbidden for His servants. They should recite the Qur'an regularly and read some books by the Salaf (righteous predecessors) like Sharh Al-Tahawiyyah written by Ibn Abu Al-`Izz and Zad Al-Ma`ad by (Part No. 3; Page No. 247)  Ibn Al-Qayyim, and other similar books that may increase their knowledge.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet, his family, and companions!