About the MLSA
The MLSA is actively involved in the issues facing Muslim Law Students today.
It was founded in 2004 and serves to educate law students about Islam and Muslim students about the law.
Events/Announcements:
- UH/STCL MLSA Dinner
- "Women in Islam" Lecture
- In the beginning weeks of April, we will co-host a lecture on "Women in Islam" with the AWIL (American Women in Law). Further details regarding the speakers, date, and location will be posted as soon as they are available.
FYI:
- The MLSA cubicle is located in the basement of the UH Law center
- A prayer rug and an area to pray are available in the MLSA cubicle
- Other areas to pray include the Finnel rooms next to Subway. You can enter the rooms using your Cougar ID card
- Prayer Timings as of April 7, 2008:
- Fajr: 5:57 a.m.
- Duhr: 1:25 p.m.
- Asr: 4:58 p.m.
- Maghrib: 7:45 p.m.
- Isha: 8:53 p.m.
- Jummah is held on campus by the MSA (Muslim Students Association) every Friday
Islam is considered the third Abrahamic religion, following Judaism and Christianity, in which
adherents believe in one God and follow the teachings of the Quran as revealed
to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (pbuh).
There are currently approximately 1.5 billion Muslims, making Islam the second-largest religion in
the world. Approximately five million Muslims currently live in the United States.
While Muslims have lived all over the world and assimilated into local cultures by adopting food, dress, language,
and customs, their core beliefs have often remained the same. Fundamental beliefs include:
The Five Pillars of Islam
- Shahadah (Declaration of Faith) - belief that "There is not god but God and Muhammad is His messenger"
- Salah (Prayer) - establishment of five daily prayers
- Zakah (Alms) - giving charity to the poor
- Sawm (Fasting) - fasting during the holy month of Ramadan
- Hajj (Pilgrimage) - performing the Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia at least once in a lifetime if physically and financially possible.
and
The Six Articles of Faith
- Belief in God, the one and only one worthy of all worship
- Belief in all the Prophets and Messengers
- Belief in the Books sent by God
- Belief in the Angels
- Belief in the Day of Judgement and the Resurrection
- Belief in Destiny
Muslims also follow the Quran—the Islamic holy book—and the
Sunnah—the way of life of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
The Quran is the literal Word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) through the angel Gabriel and offers a guide and insight to all aspects of
life including:
- the history of the universe (creation of the worlds, the angels and jinn, and of man)
- the history of people and the prophets that were sent to them
- Shariah (religious law regarding politics, economics, banking, business law, contract law, human relations, and social issues)
- achieving spiritual success
- knowledge of the Hereafter
Muslims supplement the teachings of the Quran with the
Sunnah so they
may try and emulate the "model" way of life by learning about Prophet Muhammad's teachings as well as
his actions, observations, and general demeanor.
As with all other faiths, Islam provides for its believers guidance, a sense of community, hope for the future, and peace
and solace
for the present. It aims to uplift the soul and instill a love of life and mankind that is surpassed only by the love
for God.
