Islam
The Bare Essentials of Islam
Over 1400 years old.
Began in Arabia.
Muslims believe that there is only one God, called Allah.
Islam was revealed to humanity by the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (pbuh):-
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was a human being, not a god.
Muslims believe that Muhammad (pbuh) was the last Prophet of God.
The word "Islam" means "submission to God"
The Muslim scripture is the Holy Qur'an
The Muslim building for communal worship is called a Mosque or Masjid.
There are two main groups of Muslims:-
Sunni Muslims make up 90% of the world's Muslims.
The other main group are the Shi'ite Muslims.
Muslims in prayer
Who Are Muslims?
Someone who believes in Islam is a Muslim. Muslims believe that Islam teaches the true and successful way of life for all people. Islam is a way of life, governing religious practice and morality, but also social relationships, marriage, divorce, kinship, economic and political relations.
Islam is the second most popular faith in the world with over a thousand million adherents. Islam is now very strong in Asia, and is growing elsewhere in the world. There are between 1.5 and 3 million Muslims in Britain, making it the second most popular faith here, too.
Holy Book
The Qur'an is the sacred book of guidance. It is the word of Allah - Allah being the Arabic term for God, which was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) for a period of 23 years. It contains all the fundamental principles of the Islamic faith. It prescribes details of belief, duties and a code of conduct which Muslims believe are for the guidance of all humanity.
The Five Pillars of Islam
There are five key requirements for Muslims which are called the five pillars of Islam. These are:-
Iman: the declaration of faith that there is no deity but Allah (God) and Muhammad (pbuh) is his prophet
Salat: five daily prayers at appointed times i.e. before sunrise, noon, mid or late afternoon, evening and night and can be read in congregation at a Mosque or alone at home
Zakah: the giving of alms or money to the poor, 2.5% a year of a person's accumulated wealth
Ramadan: fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan, before sunrise to sunset
Hajj: making the pilgrimage to the 'Kaaba' in Mecca, which is the most sacred mosque in Islam at least once during a lifetime, by people who can afford it.
Greeting
"As-Salaamu alaykum" - peace be upon you.
Dress and appearance
Islam requires both men and women to dress modestly. Traditionally, women should cover their heads, by wearing a scarf or 'Hijaab' to cover their bodies and avoid direct contact with unrelated men. The traditional dress of Pakistani and Indian Muslim women includes a shalwar or trousers, a kameez or tunic and a dupatta. Most men at work wear western clothes, but may wear a shalwar and kameez out of work. Some Muslim women dress in western style clothing at work. To seek education is compulsory for every Muslim man and woman.
Food
Muslims will eat all meat, except pork, providing that it is halal meat i.e. killed according to the Islamic stipulation. Muslims also avoid food containing non-halal animal fat. Any substance which affects mental or physical capability even for a very short time is strictly forbidden (Haram) e.g. alcohol, narcotics, drugs, etc.
Names
Muslim names include one name, such as Muhammad, Farooq, Syed, Tariq, for a man, and Fatima, Amina, Shamim, for a woman. These religious names could be before or after other names, such as Muhammad Akhtar, or Salim Ahmad. For women, Bibi or Begum is sometimes used at the end of a woman's name. Most Muslim names have an Islamic meaning. The Muslim family is usually an extended one with different relations having different responsibilities. Islam affirms the equality of men and women as human beings, but roles for the sexes are different and free mixing between the two is discouraged. Economic necessity and the greater availability of education has meant many more women are in paid employment and are active in community life.
Birth
After the birth of a Muslim child, the father or an Imam (Muslim priest) will whisper in the child's ear the 'Azaan', the Muslim summons to prayer, which is in Arabic. Within seven days, the baby's head is shaved and a name will be given. Aqeeqa, a symbolic thanksgiving of livestock, is observed if the family can afford it. In Islam, every Muslim male child born must be circumcised. This may take place as early as seven days after birth. It is done for hygienic and religious purposes.
Marriage
Marriage is seen in a very positive light by Muslims both because of the teachings of the Qur'an and the example of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), whose life Muslims seek to emulate. Marriages should be arranged with the consent of both partners. The marriage ceremony, known as 'Nikah' may be held anywhere or in Mosque. The couple must give their consent to the marriage in front of independent witnesses. Muslim men are allowed to marry 'people of the book' i.e. practising Christian or Jewish women without them converting to Islam. Non-Muslim men must convert to Islam before marrying Muslim women.
Death
Death is seen as progression from one stage of life to another, passing into the after-life until the Day of Judgement, when individuals will either be given places in Heaven or in Hell. Everyone will be accountable for their intentions and actions; good intentions will be rewarded. When a Muslim dies, prayers are said for the deceased. Arrangements are made for washing the body and preparing it for burial. A shroud of white cloth is wrapped around the body before burial. The funeral prayer or \Janaza' is usually held at the graveyard, and it is customary for men to attend the burial. Muslims are always buried with the deceased's face preferably towards the direction of the 'Kaaba' in Mecca. Some people return their dead relatives to their country of origin for burial but this is nothing to do with religious requirements.
Religious Buildings
The Mosque or Masjid is where people attend for prayers. Usually men pray at the Mosque, with the women praying at home. Shoes are not worn and the head is covered by a topi, or hat within the Mosque.
Holy Days And Festivals
Muharram: First month of the Islamic New Year.
Ashura: 10th of Muharram.
12 Rabiul-awwal
Milad un Nabi: The birth of and passing away of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Ramadan: a month of fasting from Sunrise to Sunset and performing the Taraweeh Salat (prayer) in congregation at a Mosque in the evenings.
Eid ul Fitr: the day after the month of fasting, Muslims dress in their best clothes, go the Mosque to perform the Eid Salat (prayer) and listen to the Imam's (Muslim priest) sermon, visit relatives and friends to celebrate the successful completion of Ramadan, give presents and enjoy a memorable day.
Eid ul Adha: a three day festival which marks the end of Hajj. It reminds Muslims of the sacrifice Prophet Abraham made for the prophet Ishmael.