In Module one we will, discuss concept of worship in Islam, Tawheed, explanation and how this first pillar of Islam is interconnected with other form of worship such as zakat.

If we look at human history from the existence of Adam and Eve to humanity at large people have this innate need to worship. Therefore they create their own object of worship f.eg "gods" and "goddess". This leads to "false worship" or Idol worshipping. Instead of getting to know the "the one creator". 

 1-There are various kind of object worship that are man made such as stones , statues, images, pictures etc

2- There is Worshipping of human beings whom we give reverence to (honor , respect , held in high esteem to a point we call them God) 

Man created the "concept" of God. This kind of concept is mental construct.

In this process of defining whom we worship we forget to search for one "true" living God who is creator of all mankind.

"Say (O Muhammad) my prayer, my sacrifice, my life and my death belong to Allah; He has no partner and I am ordered to be among those who submit, i.e.; Muslims." (6:162, 163)

Mohammed (pbuh) taught human beings to "worship on true God".

He directed attention of humanity from false Gods, self created concept Gods to one true living God like other prophets of the past including Moses, Jesus, Noah, Ibrahim and many others. So, Worship in Islam is seeking one God and denouncing all false mental construct or concepts.

EXTERNAL WORSHIP- TRANSLATED IN TO PHYSICAL FORM (RITUAL PRACTICES)

5 pillars of Islam on which the life of Muslim is based on are praying ,fasting , zakat (charity) and making a pilgrimage to Mecca is an external form of worship.

• Physical worship should be a manifestation of the inner state of the soul.
• Worship is very comprehensive and impacts all aspects of human life. Whether religious or non religious activities.
• It should not be limited to physical acts.
• Reducing worship to the act of prayer is a limited understanding of the word (ibadah- worship) if the internal motivation is excluded or if act is carried out mindlessly.
• Ibadah in true sense is combining both external actions and internal motivation.
• Being mindful of acts as well as motivation behind it.