Islam
Islam began in Arabia and was revealed to humanity by the Prophet Muhammad. Those who follow Islam are called Muslims. The heart of faith for all Muslims is obedience to Allah's will. Allah is the name Muslims use for the supreme and unique God, who created and rules everything. Although there is general agreement amongst Muslims about the oneness of God (Allah), the authority of the Qu’ran and the Prophet Muhammad, there are different interpretations of some Islamic laws.
Basic articles of faith
Muslims have six main beliefs:
Allah is eternal, omniscient, and omnipotent...
Allah has always existed and will always exist.
Allah knows everything that can be known.
Allah can do anything that can be done.
Allah has no shape or form...
Allah can't be seen.
Allah can't be heard.
Allah is neither male nor female.
Allah is just...
Allah rewards and punishes fairly.
But Allah is also merciful.
A believer can approach Allah by praying, and by reciting the Qur'an.
From http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/beliefs/beliefs.shtml
Groups within Islam
The two main groups within Islam are Sunni and Shi’ite. Sunni is the most widespread form of Islam. Shi’ite Islam is the predominant religion in Iran and has major communities in Lebanon and Iraq. The division between the groups began after the death of Muhammad who did not make any provision for a successor. A dispute arose between who would succeed Muhammad; a close relative of the Prophet or an early convert to Islam who had worked closely with Muhammad.
The main community, the Sunni, chose to elect as leader a member of Muhammad’s tribe ,Abu Bakr, who then became Caliph. The smaller group, the Shi’ite, chose Ali, the cousin of Muhammad, as successor as they believed leadership should run through Muhammad’s family.
In Sunni Islam the ultimate source of authority is the Muslim community. For Shi’ite Muslims, authority resides in the divinely appointed leader, the Imam, rather than the community. Shi’ite Muslims also hold the view that the caliphs are empowered with the same spirit that empowered Muhammad and therefore can speak authoritatively in new situations. Sunni Muslims, on the other hand, believe the caliph has no power to innovate.
Sunni and Shi’ite Muslims agree on the broad range of Islamic principles, but Shi’ite Muslims have distinctive practices, such as the celebration of the tenth day of Muharram. This day commemorates the death of Ali’s son Husayn, who died in battle. Husayn’s suffering is seen as redemptive.
Principal practices of Islam
Muslims must accept and practice the Five Pillars, which are an expression of their faith and belief in Allah.
1. Shahadah - Creed
The first pillar of Islam is Shahadah, or Creed. Muslims recite the single sentence; “There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger”. This single sentence makes a person a Muslim.
The Shahadah is whispered into the ear of a newborn child and is also the last phrase that Muslims hear before death. The Shahadah is a simple creed that emphasises the unity of God and names Muhammad as a prophet and messenger.
2. Salat - Prayer
Muslims are required to pray five times a day: before dawn, at midday, mid-afternoon, sunset and night time. Traditionally the call to prayer was made by a Muezzin from the minaret on the mosque, but today it is broadcast through loudspeakers. The call to prayer begins with the Allahu akbar (God is great) and continues with “I witness that there is no God but Allah; I witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah; hasten to prayer”.
Basic articles of faith
Muslims have six main beliefs:
- Allah as the one and only God
- Belief in Angels
- Belief in the Qu’ran, and the holy books
- Belief in the Prophets, for example Adam, Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus). Muhammad though is the final prophet.
- Day of Judgement: the day when the life of every human being will be assessed to decide whether they go to heaven or hell.
- Predestination: Allah has the knowledge of all that will happen but this understanding doesn't stop human beings making free choices.
Allah is eternal, omniscient, and omnipotent...
Allah has always existed and will always exist.
Allah knows everything that can be known.
Allah can do anything that can be done.
Allah has no shape or form...
Allah can't be seen.
Allah can't be heard.
Allah is neither male nor female.
Allah is just...
Allah rewards and punishes fairly.
But Allah is also merciful.
A believer can approach Allah by praying, and by reciting the Qur'an.
From http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/beliefs/beliefs.shtml
Groups within Islam
The two main groups within Islam are Sunni and Shi’ite. Sunni is the most widespread form of Islam. Shi’ite Islam is the predominant religion in Iran and has major communities in Lebanon and Iraq. The division between the groups began after the death of Muhammad who did not make any provision for a successor. A dispute arose between who would succeed Muhammad; a close relative of the Prophet or an early convert to Islam who had worked closely with Muhammad.
The main community, the Sunni, chose to elect as leader a member of Muhammad’s tribe ,Abu Bakr, who then became Caliph. The smaller group, the Shi’ite, chose Ali, the cousin of Muhammad, as successor as they believed leadership should run through Muhammad’s family.
In Sunni Islam the ultimate source of authority is the Muslim community. For Shi’ite Muslims, authority resides in the divinely appointed leader, the Imam, rather than the community. Shi’ite Muslims also hold the view that the caliphs are empowered with the same spirit that empowered Muhammad and therefore can speak authoritatively in new situations. Sunni Muslims, on the other hand, believe the caliph has no power to innovate.
Sunni and Shi’ite Muslims agree on the broad range of Islamic principles, but Shi’ite Muslims have distinctive practices, such as the celebration of the tenth day of Muharram. This day commemorates the death of Ali’s son Husayn, who died in battle. Husayn’s suffering is seen as redemptive.
Principal practices of Islam
Muslims must accept and practice the Five Pillars, which are an expression of their faith and belief in Allah.
1. Shahadah - Creed
The first pillar of Islam is Shahadah, or Creed. Muslims recite the single sentence; “There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger”. This single sentence makes a person a Muslim.
The Shahadah is whispered into the ear of a newborn child and is also the last phrase that Muslims hear before death. The Shahadah is a simple creed that emphasises the unity of God and names Muhammad as a prophet and messenger.
2. Salat - Prayer
Muslims are required to pray five times a day: before dawn, at midday, mid-afternoon, sunset and night time. Traditionally the call to prayer was made by a Muezzin from the minaret on the mosque, but today it is broadcast through loudspeakers. The call to prayer begins with the Allahu akbar (God is great) and continues with “I witness that there is no God but Allah; I witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah; hasten to prayer”.
3. Zakat – charity to the poor
Islamic practice requires that believers donate a percentage of their total income and produce to the poor. The concept of Zakat is based on the understanding that God is the creator of all and what a Muslim owns is entrusted to them by God. The underlying principle of Zakat is Sadaqa which means “bearing one another’s burdens”. A Muslim is therefore expected to act generously when called on in everyday life. Hospitality is also a part of Islamic society, and Muslims should share their food and drink when someone visits. Zakat is calculated annually, and the purpose of Zakat is outlined in the Qu’ran.
4. Sawm – fasting during Ramadan
Muslims fast during Ramadan to commemorate the time when Muhammad received his revelation. The fast is commanded in the Qu’ran (2:183-187). During this time of fasting Muslims must avoid all food, liquid, tobacco and sex from dawn until dusk. Exceptions are made for travellers, pregnant women, and the sick, but the days are expected to be made up at a later time. The idea of fasting is to learn self-discipline for the rest of the year. It is meant to be an experience that Muslims look forward to as a time of spiritual renewal.
5. Hajj – pilgrimage to Mecca
Muslim men and women are expected to visit Mecca at least once in their lifetime, unless they are prevented by poverty or illness. Pilgrimage to Mecca was practised before Muhammad was born, but Muhammad continued the pilgrimage and included the veneration of the black meteorite (Ka’bah)found in the area. During the hajj Muslims circle in an anti-clockwise direction around the Ka’bah seven times (tawaf). Before the tawaf Muslims must bathe and put on special garments which is usually white. Purity and self-denial is also an important part of the pilgrimage.
Islamic practice requires that believers donate a percentage of their total income and produce to the poor. The concept of Zakat is based on the understanding that God is the creator of all and what a Muslim owns is entrusted to them by God. The underlying principle of Zakat is Sadaqa which means “bearing one another’s burdens”. A Muslim is therefore expected to act generously when called on in everyday life. Hospitality is also a part of Islamic society, and Muslims should share their food and drink when someone visits. Zakat is calculated annually, and the purpose of Zakat is outlined in the Qu’ran.
4. Sawm – fasting during Ramadan
Muslims fast during Ramadan to commemorate the time when Muhammad received his revelation. The fast is commanded in the Qu’ran (2:183-187). During this time of fasting Muslims must avoid all food, liquid, tobacco and sex from dawn until dusk. Exceptions are made for travellers, pregnant women, and the sick, but the days are expected to be made up at a later time. The idea of fasting is to learn self-discipline for the rest of the year. It is meant to be an experience that Muslims look forward to as a time of spiritual renewal.
5. Hajj – pilgrimage to Mecca
Muslim men and women are expected to visit Mecca at least once in their lifetime, unless they are prevented by poverty or illness. Pilgrimage to Mecca was practised before Muhammad was born, but Muhammad continued the pilgrimage and included the veneration of the black meteorite (Ka’bah)found in the area. During the hajj Muslims circle in an anti-clockwise direction around the Ka’bah seven times (tawaf). Before the tawaf Muslims must bathe and put on special garments which is usually white. Purity and self-denial is also an important part of the pilgrimage.
Sharia Law
The Qu’ran is the source of Islamic law and the text is believed to reveal the will of Allah to Muslims. Islamic law is called Sharia Law which includes all laws, religious and secular, personal and communal. Sharia Law also covers offences that range from the serious and immoral to matters of etiquette and personal hygiene. Muslims consider sharia law to be divine and therefore it cannot be questioned. Because the law concerns everyday life though, there is also an element of human interpretation.
The Qu’ran is the source of Islamic law and the text is believed to reveal the will of Allah to Muslims. Islamic law is called Sharia Law which includes all laws, religious and secular, personal and communal. Sharia Law also covers offences that range from the serious and immoral to matters of etiquette and personal hygiene. Muslims consider sharia law to be divine and therefore it cannot be questioned. Because the law concerns everyday life though, there is also an element of human interpretation.
Ritual
Birth
The Qu’ran does not provide specific instructions on how to celebrate the birth of a child, but the Hadith provides three clearly identifiable rituals linked to infancy.
•First: soon after the birth the father is required to say the Adhan in the baby’s right ear.
•Second: the aqiqah approximately seven days after birth. Several ritual actions are involved:
-Shaving the baby’s head as a sign of purification
-Weighing of the hair, and the weight in silver is given to charity
-Child is named
-Sacrifice is made: 2 sheep for a boy and 1 sheep for a girl. The meat is divided into three portions – one for the family, another for friends, and a third for the poor.
•Third: the third birth ritual is male circumcision. Some communities circumcise a boy soon after birth, whilst others wait until he is able to recite the Qu’ran, or has reached adolescence.
Birth
The Qu’ran does not provide specific instructions on how to celebrate the birth of a child, but the Hadith provides three clearly identifiable rituals linked to infancy.
•First: soon after the birth the father is required to say the Adhan in the baby’s right ear.
•Second: the aqiqah approximately seven days after birth. Several ritual actions are involved:
-Shaving the baby’s head as a sign of purification
-Weighing of the hair, and the weight in silver is given to charity
-Child is named
-Sacrifice is made: 2 sheep for a boy and 1 sheep for a girl. The meat is divided into three portions – one for the family, another for friends, and a third for the poor.
•Third: the third birth ritual is male circumcision. Some communities circumcise a boy soon after birth, whilst others wait until he is able to recite the Qu’ran, or has reached adolescence.
Marriage
There is extensive material in both the Qu’ran and Hadith about the essential role that marriage plays in the life of the Islamic faith. Many Muslim marriages are arranged or assisted. The parents are involved to ensure that a suitable partner is found because romantic love alone is not seen as a sufficient indication of a successful marriage. Free consent of both the woman and man is required before the wedding.
Islamic marriage contracts are binding and include financial responsibility for the wife and children. A mahr, or dowry, must be paid to a wife for the marriage to be valid. This can take the form of money, education or another asset. The mahr remains part of the woman’s property even if the couple divorces.
The wedding ceremony often has two stages:
•Signing of the nikah, or marriage contract, with witnesses and in the presence of an imam
•Banquet or walima where people celebrate and presents are given.
There is extensive material in both the Qu’ran and Hadith about the essential role that marriage plays in the life of the Islamic faith. Many Muslim marriages are arranged or assisted. The parents are involved to ensure that a suitable partner is found because romantic love alone is not seen as a sufficient indication of a successful marriage. Free consent of both the woman and man is required before the wedding.
Islamic marriage contracts are binding and include financial responsibility for the wife and children. A mahr, or dowry, must be paid to a wife for the marriage to be valid. This can take the form of money, education or another asset. The mahr remains part of the woman’s property even if the couple divorces.
The wedding ceremony often has two stages:
•Signing of the nikah, or marriage contract, with witnesses and in the presence of an imam
•Banquet or walima where people celebrate and presents are given.
Death
For Muslims, death leads to the final stage of existence – the bazakh, or life in the grave. As part of this stage the immortal soul separates from the body and the soul is interrogated by two angels. Muslims often prepare the dying person for their encounter with the angels by whispering the shahadah into the person’s ear. According to tradition the body is washed and clothed in a white burial shroud. The person who washes the body should be the same gender as the deceased person. The imam leads the service and everyone faces Mecca. Verses from Qu’ran are read as the body is laid in the grave.
Daily Ritual
Ritual prayer is one of the most visible expressions of Islam. The second pillar of Islam, Salat, requires Muslims to pray five times a day: before dawn, at midday, mid-afternoon, sunset and night time. Islamic prayer requires prostration, and each body movement is specified.
Ritual Cleansing
Wudhu is the ritual washing performed by Muslims before prayer. Muslims must be clean and wear good clothes before they present themselves before God.
Muslims start in the name of God, and begin by washing the right, and then the left hand three times.
•The mouth is then cleaned three times.
•Water is breathed in gently through the nose three times.
• The face includes everything from the top of the forehead to the chin, and up to both ears. The face is one of the essentials in wudhu, and must be washed at least once, or the wudhu is incomplete. However, it is usually washed three times.
•The arms up to the elbow, and including the hands, are one of the four essential areas that need to be washed. The right arm is washed three times first, then the left arm.
•Water from wet hands is passed from the beginning of the hairline and over the head. This is only done once. The wiping of the hair is the third of the four compulsory acts
•Using damp hands, the back and inside of the ears are wiped
The feet represent the last of the four compulsory areas of washing. The right foot is washed up to the ankles three times, and then the left foot up to the ankles three times.
Wudhu does not need to be performed before every prayer, although this is recommended. Each wudhu lasts for up to a day when not travelling, but must be performed again after going to the toilet, passing wind, bleeding heavily, having contact with excrement, vomiting, falling asleep, and taking intoxicating substances.
For Muslims, death leads to the final stage of existence – the bazakh, or life in the grave. As part of this stage the immortal soul separates from the body and the soul is interrogated by two angels. Muslims often prepare the dying person for their encounter with the angels by whispering the shahadah into the person’s ear. According to tradition the body is washed and clothed in a white burial shroud. The person who washes the body should be the same gender as the deceased person. The imam leads the service and everyone faces Mecca. Verses from Qu’ran are read as the body is laid in the grave.
Daily Ritual
Ritual prayer is one of the most visible expressions of Islam. The second pillar of Islam, Salat, requires Muslims to pray five times a day: before dawn, at midday, mid-afternoon, sunset and night time. Islamic prayer requires prostration, and each body movement is specified.
Ritual Cleansing
Wudhu is the ritual washing performed by Muslims before prayer. Muslims must be clean and wear good clothes before they present themselves before God.
Muslims start in the name of God, and begin by washing the right, and then the left hand three times.
•The mouth is then cleaned three times.
•Water is breathed in gently through the nose three times.
• The face includes everything from the top of the forehead to the chin, and up to both ears. The face is one of the essentials in wudhu, and must be washed at least once, or the wudhu is incomplete. However, it is usually washed three times.
•The arms up to the elbow, and including the hands, are one of the four essential areas that need to be washed. The right arm is washed three times first, then the left arm.
•Water from wet hands is passed from the beginning of the hairline and over the head. This is only done once. The wiping of the hair is the third of the four compulsory acts
•Using damp hands, the back and inside of the ears are wiped
The feet represent the last of the four compulsory areas of washing. The right foot is washed up to the ankles three times, and then the left foot up to the ankles three times.
Wudhu does not need to be performed before every prayer, although this is recommended. Each wudhu lasts for up to a day when not travelling, but must be performed again after going to the toilet, passing wind, bleeding heavily, having contact with excrement, vomiting, falling asleep, and taking intoxicating substances.
Sacred Text
Qur’an and Hadith
There are two main sacred texts in Islam: the Qur'an and the Hadith. These two texts form the basis for all Islamic theology, practice and Sharia (Islamic law). The Qur'an is the most sacred text, as it is believed to be the literal word of God as revealed to Muhammad. The Qur'an, whose name means "recitation" in Arabic, is the sacred text of Islam and the highest authority in both religious and legal matters.
Muslims believe the Qur'an to be a flawless record of the Angel Gabriel's revelations to Muhammad from 610 until his death in 632 AD. It is also believed to be a perfect copy of a heavenly Qur'an that has existed eternally. The Qur'an's name is derived from Gabriel's initial command to Muhammad to "Recite!" Recitation is a fundamental concept associated with the Qur'an. The first followers of the Prophet memorized his recitation in order to recite it to others, following an established Arabic method for preserving poetry. The revelation was put in writing shortly after Muhammad's death to preserve the content from corruption, but it is still regarded as most authentic when recited aloud.
The Qur'an is divided into 114 surahs (chapters) of widely varying length, which, with the exception of the opening surah (fatihah), are generally arranged from longest to shortest. Each surah has a heading, which usually incorporates the following elements:
•A title (e.g. "The Bee," "The Cow") taken from a prominent word in the Surah, but one that does not usually represent its overall contents.
•The basmalah, a formula prayer (e.g. "In the name of God the Merciful, the Compassionate")
•An indication as to whether it was received at Mecca or Medina
•The number of verses in the Surah
•In 29 of the Surahs, fawatih, or "detached letters" of unclear significance. They may be abbreviations, initials of owners of early manuscripts, or have some esoteric meaning.
Most of the Qur'an is written in the first person plural, with God as the speaker. When Muhammad himself speaks, his words are introduced by "Say," to clarify he is being commanded by Allah to speak. The Hadith is a secondary text that records sayings of Muhammad and his followers. Hadith (Arabic for "narrative" or "report") is Islamic tradition: it is a record of the words and deeds of the Prophet, his family, and his companions. Although not regarded as the spoken Word of God like the Qur'an, Hadith is an important source of doctrine, law, and practice. It is revered in Islam as a major source of religious law and moral guidance and has been studied in Muslim religious colleges since the Middle Ages by both male and female scholars.
Qur’an and Hadith
There are two main sacred texts in Islam: the Qur'an and the Hadith. These two texts form the basis for all Islamic theology, practice and Sharia (Islamic law). The Qur'an is the most sacred text, as it is believed to be the literal word of God as revealed to Muhammad. The Qur'an, whose name means "recitation" in Arabic, is the sacred text of Islam and the highest authority in both religious and legal matters.
Muslims believe the Qur'an to be a flawless record of the Angel Gabriel's revelations to Muhammad from 610 until his death in 632 AD. It is also believed to be a perfect copy of a heavenly Qur'an that has existed eternally. The Qur'an's name is derived from Gabriel's initial command to Muhammad to "Recite!" Recitation is a fundamental concept associated with the Qur'an. The first followers of the Prophet memorized his recitation in order to recite it to others, following an established Arabic method for preserving poetry. The revelation was put in writing shortly after Muhammad's death to preserve the content from corruption, but it is still regarded as most authentic when recited aloud.
The Qur'an is divided into 114 surahs (chapters) of widely varying length, which, with the exception of the opening surah (fatihah), are generally arranged from longest to shortest. Each surah has a heading, which usually incorporates the following elements:
•A title (e.g. "The Bee," "The Cow") taken from a prominent word in the Surah, but one that does not usually represent its overall contents.
•The basmalah, a formula prayer (e.g. "In the name of God the Merciful, the Compassionate")
•An indication as to whether it was received at Mecca or Medina
•The number of verses in the Surah
•In 29 of the Surahs, fawatih, or "detached letters" of unclear significance. They may be abbreviations, initials of owners of early manuscripts, or have some esoteric meaning.
Most of the Qur'an is written in the first person plural, with God as the speaker. When Muhammad himself speaks, his words are introduced by "Say," to clarify he is being commanded by Allah to speak. The Hadith is a secondary text that records sayings of Muhammad and his followers. Hadith (Arabic for "narrative" or "report") is Islamic tradition: it is a record of the words and deeds of the Prophet, his family, and his companions. Although not regarded as the spoken Word of God like the Qur'an, Hadith is an important source of doctrine, law, and practice. It is revered in Islam as a major source of religious law and moral guidance and has been studied in Muslim religious colleges since the Middle Ages by both male and female scholars.
Reference
Brisbane Catholic Education. 2011. Core Beliefs Islam PPT
Brisbane Catholic Education. 2011. Rituals Islam PPT
Goldburg, Peta. Investigating World Religions. Cambridge University Press, New York, 2009.
Gwynne, Paul. World Religions in Practice: A Comparative Introduction. Blackwell Publishing, MA, 2009
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/
http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/texts.htm
Brisbane Catholic Education. 2011. Core Beliefs Islam PPT
Brisbane Catholic Education. 2011. Rituals Islam PPT
Goldburg, Peta. Investigating World Religions. Cambridge University Press, New York, 2009.
Gwynne, Paul. World Religions in Practice: A Comparative Introduction. Blackwell Publishing, MA, 2009
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/
http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/texts.htm
Who is the founder of Islam?
The prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him*), who was born in A.D. 570 at Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, is often regarded as the founder of Islam. He was the last prophet to be sent by Allah. However the first prophet was Adam. There were many prophets before Muhammad including: Adam, Noah, Abraham (Ibrahim), Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses (Musa), Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the Baptist, and Jesus (Isa), peace be upon them.
*(peace be upon him - Muhammad is so revered that it is usual to make this statement every time his name is mentioned)
What does Islam mean?
The Arabic word 'Islam' means submission and obedience, and derives from a word meaning 'peace'.
What is Islam based on?
Islam is based on the ministry of a man named Muhammad (peace be upon him), and on the words that Allah gave to the world through Muhammad.
What or who is a Muslim?
A Muslim is a follower of the religion of Islam.
What do Muslims believe?
The basic belief of Islam is that there is only one God, whose name in the Arabic language is Allah, and who is the sole and sovereign ruler of the universe.
Muslims have 6 main beliefs
Allah is the name Muslims use for the supreme and unique God, who created and rules everything. The heart of faith for all Muslims is obedience to Allah's will.
Who is Muhammad?
Muhammad was born around 570 A.D. in the city of Mecca on the Arabian peninsula. Muslims believe that Muhammad is the last in a line of prophets that includes Moses, Abraham, and Isa (Jesus). Muhammad proclaimed that the Quran was the last Book of God, and that he himself was the last Prophet.
The Qur'an is a record of the exact words revealed by Allah through the Arch Angel Gabriel to Prophet Muhammad. Muhammad memorized and wrote down the words.
Muhammad interpreted the words in his daily life. Therefore many of the things which Muhammad did and said were remembered and carefully recorded. The stories and sayings help Muslims to understand the Quran and put what it teaches into practice in their daily lives.
What is the holy book of Islam called?
The Muslim scripture is the Holy Qur'an. Muslims believe it is 'the word of God'. Muslim beliefs and practices are rooted in the Qur'an.
Muslims treat the Qur'an with great respect because they believe that the Qur'an is from Allah, and every word and every letter is sacred. It is usually placed on a special wooden stand to be read.
Muslims regard the Qur'an as the unaltered word of God.
Where do Muslims worship?
The Muslim building for communal worship is called a mosque. Muslims often refer to the mosque by its Arabic name, masjid. The word comes from the Arabic for "place of prostration".
Very often Mosques have a domed roof and a tall tower called a minaret. Muslims are called to prayer from the minaret. The man who enters the minaret and calls them to prayer is called a muezzin.
In Britain, calling Muslims to pray this way is not allowed, so some Islamic communities broadcast the call to prayer on a radio frequency which Muslims can pick up in their homes and places of work using a small receiver.
There are no pictures or statues in a mosque. They are decorated with patterns and words from the Qur'an. There is also very little furniture inside because Muslims use prayer mats for prayer.
When people go into the mosque they take off their shoes. This is to keep it clean for prayer.
There is often a fountain or pool, or at least an area with water where people can wash (wudu). Muslim wash their hands, mouth, throat, nose, ears, arms up to the elbow and feet. This is a sacred wash that symbolises spiritual cleansing and purity in readiness for coming before God.
There is always a quibla wall in a Mosque which is the one facing Makkah (Mecca), it has an empty arch to signify the direction. It is important that Muslims always know the direction of Mecca.
Women do not pray in the same place as men, there is usually a screened off area for them.
When are services held?
Services are held every day at the Mosque.
When is the most important service at the Mosque held?
On Friday at noon. All Muslims go to the mosque on Friday. Is a special day for prayer.
What are the five Pillars of Islam?
These are five duties that every Muslim is obliged to perform. The five pillars of Islam help Muslims put their faith into action.
Muslims are required to :
Mecca or Makkah is the birthplace of prophet Muhammad, peace is on him. In the center of the mosque in Mecca, is the cube-shaped building called a Kaaba (Ka'bah) is found. All Muslims face the direction of the Kaaba during ritual prayer (Salat).
Muslims believe that the Kaaba is the holiest place on earth. It is generally thought to have been built by Prophet Abraham. It is used only as a focal point for prayer (not worshiped) and simply signifies a direction, imposed by God to maintain unity and uniformity among worshipers.
The Kaaba is draped with a black cloth, which is covered with Koranic verses that are embroidered in gold and silver thread. During performing the Hajj ceremony a Muslim walks seven times around the Kaaba and then he or she kisses and touch the Black Stone.
Every Muslim family, no matter where they live, knows what direction the Kaaba is from their house.
When do Muslims pray?
Each period for prayer has a special name and each time is separated by two hours.
These essential times are:
Almost 90% of Muslims are Sunnis. Shiites are the second-largest group. The Shiites split from the Sunnis in 632 when Muhammad died.
The prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him*), who was born in A.D. 570 at Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, is often regarded as the founder of Islam. He was the last prophet to be sent by Allah. However the first prophet was Adam. There were many prophets before Muhammad including: Adam, Noah, Abraham (Ibrahim), Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses (Musa), Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the Baptist, and Jesus (Isa), peace be upon them.
*(peace be upon him - Muhammad is so revered that it is usual to make this statement every time his name is mentioned)
What does Islam mean?
The Arabic word 'Islam' means submission and obedience, and derives from a word meaning 'peace'.
What is Islam based on?
Islam is based on the ministry of a man named Muhammad (peace be upon him), and on the words that Allah gave to the world through Muhammad.
What or who is a Muslim?
A Muslim is a follower of the religion of Islam.
What do Muslims believe?
The basic belief of Islam is that there is only one God, whose name in the Arabic language is Allah, and who is the sole and sovereign ruler of the universe.
Muslims have 6 main beliefs
- Belief in Allah as the one and only God.
- Belief in angels.
- Belief in the holy books.
- Belief in the Prophets (special messengers).
e.g. Adam, Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Dawud (David), Isa (Jesus).
Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final prophet. - Belief in the Day of Judgement.
The day when the life of every human being will be assessed to decide whether they go to heaven or hell. - Belief in Predestination.
That Allah has already decided what will happen.
Muslims believe that this doesn't stop human beings making free choices
Allah is the name Muslims use for the supreme and unique God, who created and rules everything. The heart of faith for all Muslims is obedience to Allah's will.
Who is Muhammad?
Muhammad was born around 570 A.D. in the city of Mecca on the Arabian peninsula. Muslims believe that Muhammad is the last in a line of prophets that includes Moses, Abraham, and Isa (Jesus). Muhammad proclaimed that the Quran was the last Book of God, and that he himself was the last Prophet.
The Qur'an is a record of the exact words revealed by Allah through the Arch Angel Gabriel to Prophet Muhammad. Muhammad memorized and wrote down the words.
Muhammad interpreted the words in his daily life. Therefore many of the things which Muhammad did and said were remembered and carefully recorded. The stories and sayings help Muslims to understand the Quran and put what it teaches into practice in their daily lives.
What is the holy book of Islam called?
The Muslim scripture is the Holy Qur'an. Muslims believe it is 'the word of God'. Muslim beliefs and practices are rooted in the Qur'an.
Muslims treat the Qur'an with great respect because they believe that the Qur'an is from Allah, and every word and every letter is sacred. It is usually placed on a special wooden stand to be read.
Muslims regard the Qur'an as the unaltered word of God.
Where do Muslims worship?
The Muslim building for communal worship is called a mosque. Muslims often refer to the mosque by its Arabic name, masjid. The word comes from the Arabic for "place of prostration".
Very often Mosques have a domed roof and a tall tower called a minaret. Muslims are called to prayer from the minaret. The man who enters the minaret and calls them to prayer is called a muezzin.
In Britain, calling Muslims to pray this way is not allowed, so some Islamic communities broadcast the call to prayer on a radio frequency which Muslims can pick up in their homes and places of work using a small receiver.
There are no pictures or statues in a mosque. They are decorated with patterns and words from the Qur'an. There is also very little furniture inside because Muslims use prayer mats for prayer.
When people go into the mosque they take off their shoes. This is to keep it clean for prayer.
There is often a fountain or pool, or at least an area with water where people can wash (wudu). Muslim wash their hands, mouth, throat, nose, ears, arms up to the elbow and feet. This is a sacred wash that symbolises spiritual cleansing and purity in readiness for coming before God.
There is always a quibla wall in a Mosque which is the one facing Makkah (Mecca), it has an empty arch to signify the direction. It is important that Muslims always know the direction of Mecca.
Women do not pray in the same place as men, there is usually a screened off area for them.
When are services held?
Services are held every day at the Mosque.
When is the most important service at the Mosque held?
On Friday at noon. All Muslims go to the mosque on Friday. Is a special day for prayer.
What are the five Pillars of Islam?
These are five duties that every Muslim is obliged to perform. The five pillars of Islam help Muslims put their faith into action.
- Shahadah: declaration of faith
"I bear witness that there is no god, but God; I bear witness that Muhammad is the prophet of God." By reciting this, one enters Islamic faith. - Salah: prayer
Muslims are required to pray five times a day, washing themselves before prayer and facing in the direction of Mecca while praying. - Zakat: giving a fixed proportion to charity
Muslims are required to give away a percentage of their earnings to those less fortunate, regardless of their religion. - Saum: fasting during the month of Ramadan
Muslims fast for one lunar month each year, a period called Ramadan. During this time, Muslims reflect on their behaviour and strive to purify their thoughts. - Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca
If it is financially possible, Muslims are required to travel to Mecca once in their lifetime.
Muslims are required to :
- pray five times a day (prayer times are fixed by the sun and change daily),
- wash themselves before prayer and
- face in the direction of Mecca (Mekkah) while praying.
Mecca or Makkah is the birthplace of prophet Muhammad, peace is on him. In the center of the mosque in Mecca, is the cube-shaped building called a Kaaba (Ka'bah) is found. All Muslims face the direction of the Kaaba during ritual prayer (Salat).
Muslims believe that the Kaaba is the holiest place on earth. It is generally thought to have been built by Prophet Abraham. It is used only as a focal point for prayer (not worshiped) and simply signifies a direction, imposed by God to maintain unity and uniformity among worshipers.
The Kaaba is draped with a black cloth, which is covered with Koranic verses that are embroidered in gold and silver thread. During performing the Hajj ceremony a Muslim walks seven times around the Kaaba and then he or she kisses and touch the Black Stone.
Every Muslim family, no matter where they live, knows what direction the Kaaba is from their house.
When do Muslims pray?
Each period for prayer has a special name and each time is separated by two hours.
These essential times are:
- After first light and before sunrise ( Fajr )
- Between the sun reaching its height and mid-afternoon ( Dhuhr )
- Between mid-afternoon and sunset ( Asr )
- After the sun has finished setting ( Maghrib )
- In the dark of the night ( Isha )
Almost 90% of Muslims are Sunnis. Shiites are the second-largest group. The Shiites split from the Sunnis in 632 when Muhammad died.