Islamic CultureIslamic Culture

Islamic ReligionIslamic Religion religion of allegiance to God and his prophet Mohammedreligion of allegiance to God and his prophet Mohammed who lived around 570-632 and came from a family of who lived around 570-632 and came from a family of

traders at Mecca. traders at Mecca. The religion's book of revelation, mediated by the The religion's book of revelation, mediated by the

prophet, is the Koran. prophet, is the Koran. Islam means "entering into a condition of peace and Islam means "entering into a condition of peace and

security with God, through allegiance or surrender to security with God, through allegiance or surrender to him".him".

Mohammed received his revelations over a period of 23 Mohammed received his revelations over a period of 23 years from the Angel Jibreel, or Gabriel, who was years from the Angel Jibreel, or Gabriel, who was relaying the word of God.relaying the word of God.

In Muslim eyes, Mohammed completes a succession of In Muslim eyes, Mohammed completes a succession of prophets, including Abraham, Moses and Jesus, each of prophets, including Abraham, Moses and Jesus, each of whom refined and restated the message of God.whom refined and restated the message of God.

Muhammad was born in 569 after Christ Muhammad was born in 569 after Christ Lost most family membersLost most family members he served as a shepherd boy to some he served as a shepherd boy to some

neighbors. neighbors. At the age of ten he accompanied his uncle to At the age of ten he accompanied his uncle to

Syria when he was leading a caravan there. Syria when he was leading a caravan there. set up a shop in Mecca. set up a shop in Mecca. There he worked for a wealthy widowThere he worked for a wealthy widow He called for a meeting of certain chieftains in He called for a meeting of certain chieftains in

the city, and organized an order of chivalry, the city, and organized an order of chivalry, called called Hilf al-fudulHilf al-fudul, with the aim and object of , with the aim and object of aiding the oppressed in Mecca, irrespective of aiding the oppressed in Mecca, irrespective of their being dwellers of the city or aliens. their being dwellers of the city or aliens.

It is from this moment that we find It is from this moment that we find Muhammad becoming more and more Muhammad becoming more and more absorbed in spiritual meditations. absorbed in spiritual meditations.

Like his grandfather, he used to retire Like his grandfather, he used to retire during the whole month of Ramadan to a during the whole month of Ramadan to a cave in Jabal-an-Nur (mountain of light). cave in Jabal-an-Nur (mountain of light).

The cave is called `Ghar-i-Hira' or the The cave is called `Ghar-i-Hira' or the cave of research. There he prayed, cave of research. There he prayed, meditated, and shared his provisions with meditated, and shared his provisions with the others who happened to pass by. the others who happened to pass by.

He was forty years old, He was forty years old, and it was the fifth and it was the fifth consecutive year since consecutive year since his annual retreats, when his annual retreats, when one night towards the end one night towards the end of the month of of the month of Ramadan, an angel came Ramadan, an angel came to visit him, and to visit him, and announced that God had announced that God had chosen him as His chosen him as His messenger to all messenger to all mankind. mankind.

The angel taught him the The angel taught him the mode of ablutions, the mode of ablutions, the way of worshipping God way of worshipping God and the conduct of and the conduct of prayer. prayer.

Then came a pause in revelation, extending over three Then came a pause in revelation, extending over three years.years.

The news of the first vision had spread and at the pause The news of the first vision had spread and at the pause the skeptics in the city had begun to mock at him and cut the skeptics in the city had begun to mock at him and cut bitter jokes. They went so far as to say that God had bitter jokes. They went so far as to say that God had forsaken him. forsaken him.

During the three years of waiting. the Prophet had given During the three years of waiting. the Prophet had given himself up more and more to prayers and to spiritual himself up more and more to prayers and to spiritual practices.practices.

revelations were then resumed and God guided him to revelations were then resumed and God guided him to the right path: therefore he should take care of the the right path: therefore he should take care of the orphans and the destitute, and proclaim the bounty of orphans and the destitute, and proclaim the bounty of God on him God on him

This was in reality an order to preach; revelation;This was in reality an order to preach; revelation; warn people against evil practices, to exhort them to warn people against evil practices, to exhort them to

worship none but the One God, and to abandon worship none but the One God, and to abandon everything that would displease God everything that would displease God

The MissionThe Mission The Prophet began by preaching his mission secretly The Prophet began by preaching his mission secretly

first among his intimate friends, then among the first among his intimate friends, then among the members of his own tribe and thereafter publicly in the members of his own tribe and thereafter publicly in the city and suburbs.city and suburbs.

He took necessary steps to preserve through writing the He took necessary steps to preserve through writing the revelations he was receiving, and ordered his adherents revelations he was receiving, and ordered his adherents also to learn them by heart. This continued all through also to learn them by heart. This continued all through his life, since the Quran was not revealed all at once, but his life, since the Quran was not revealed all at once, but in fragments as occasions arose. in fragments as occasions arose.

opposition degenerated in the course of time into opposition degenerated in the course of time into physical torture of the Prophet and of those who had physical torture of the Prophet and of those who had embraced his religion. These were stretched on burning embraced his religion. These were stretched on burning sands, cauterized with red hot iron and imprisoned with sands, cauterized with red hot iron and imprisoned with chains on their feet. Some of them died of the effects of chains on their feet. Some of them died of the effects of torture, but none would renounce his religion. torture, but none would renounce his religion.

Social BoycottSocial Boycott When a large number of the Meccan Muslims migrated When a large number of the Meccan Muslims migrated

to Abyssinia, religious opponents sent an ultimatum to to Abyssinia, religious opponents sent an ultimatum to the tribe of the Prophet, demanding that he should be the tribe of the Prophet, demanding that he should be excommunicated and outlawed and delivered to the excommunicated and outlawed and delivered to the pagans for being put to death. pagans for being put to death.

Every member of the tribe, Muslim and non-Muslim Every member of the tribe, Muslim and non-Muslim rejected the demand. rejected the demand.

Thereupon the city decided on a complete boycott of the Thereupon the city decided on a complete boycott of the tribe: Nobody was to talk to them or have commercial or tribe: Nobody was to talk to them or have commercial or matrimonial relations with them.matrimonial relations with them.

During the boycott, many children, men and women, the During the boycott, many children, men and women, the old and the sick and the feeble starved to deathold and the sick and the feeble starved to death

After three dire years, four or five non-Muslims, more After three dire years, four or five non-Muslims, more humane than the rest and belonging to different clans humane than the rest and belonging to different clans proclaimed publicly their denunciation of the unjust proclaimed publicly their denunciation of the unjust boycott which ended this boycottboycott which ended this boycott

The AscensionThe Ascension It was at this time that the Prophet Muhammad It was at this time that the Prophet Muhammad

was granted the was granted the mi'rajmi'raj (ascension): He saw in a (ascension): He saw in a vision that he was received on heaven by God, vision that he was received on heaven by God, and was witness of the marvels of the celestial and was witness of the marvels of the celestial regions. regions.

Returning, he brought for his community, as a Returning, he brought for his community, as a Divine gift, the [ritual prayer of Islam, the salaat], Divine gift, the [ritual prayer of Islam, the salaat], which constitutes a sort of communion between which constitutes a sort of communion between man and God.man and God.

The news of this celestial meeting led to an The news of this celestial meeting led to an increase in the hostility of non believers and the increase in the hostility of non believers and the Prophet was chased out of Mecca by pelting Prophet was chased out of Mecca by pelting stones which wounded him. stones which wounded him.

MadinahMadinah The annual pilgrimage of the Ka'bah brought to The annual pilgrimage of the Ka'bah brought to

Mecca people from all parts of Arabia. The Mecca people from all parts of Arabia. The Prophet Muhammad tried to persuade one tribe Prophet Muhammad tried to persuade one tribe after another to afford him shelter and allow him after another to afford him shelter and allow him to carry on his mission of reform. to carry on his mission of reform.

inhabitants of Madinah a neighbor of the Jews inhabitants of Madinah a neighbor of the Jews and the Christians, had some notion of prophets and the Christians, had some notion of prophets and Divine messages and were awaiting the and Divine messages and were awaiting the arrival of a prophet - a last comforter. arrival of a prophet - a last comforter.

Madinans embraced Islam, and led a contingent Madinans embraced Islam, and led a contingent of seventy-three new converts to Mecca, at the of seventy-three new converts to Mecca, at the time of the pilgrimage. time of the pilgrimage.

Many Muslims emigrated to Madinah. Many Muslims emigrated to Madinah. In 622, the Prophet relocated to Madinah In 622, the Prophet relocated to Madinah

whence starts the Hijrah calendar. whence starts the Hijrah calendar.

Reorganization of the Community Reorganization of the Community

co-ordinated religion and politics and he invited the representatives of the co-ordinated religion and politics and he invited the representatives of the Muslims , non-Muslim inhabitants of the region: Arabs, Jews, Christians and Muslims , non-Muslim inhabitants of the region: Arabs, Jews, Christians and others, and suggested the establishment of a City-State in Madinah. others, and suggested the establishment of a City-State in Madinah.

developed a written constitution - the first of its kind in the world - in which developed a written constitution - the first of its kind in the world - in which he defined the duties and rights both of the citizens and the head of the he defined the duties and rights both of the citizens and the head of the State - the Prophet Muhammad was unanimously hailed as such - and State - the Prophet Muhammad was unanimously hailed as such - and abolished the customary private justice. abolished the customary private justice.

The administration of justice became henceforward the concern of the The administration of justice became henceforward the concern of the central organization of the community of the citizens. central organization of the community of the citizens.

The document laid down principles of defense and foreign policy: it The document laid down principles of defense and foreign policy: it organized a system of social insurance, called ma'aqil, in cases of too heavy organized a system of social insurance, called ma'aqil, in cases of too heavy obligations. obligations.

It recognized also explicitly liberty of religion, particularly for the JewsIt recognized also explicitly liberty of religion, particularly for the Jews Muhammad journeyed to neighboring tribes to form treaties of alliance and Muhammad journeyed to neighboring tribes to form treaties of alliance and

mutual help. They joined against Mecca.mutual help. They joined against Mecca.

Struggle Against Intolerance and UnbeliefStruggle Against Intolerance and Unbelief the Meccans sent an ultimatum to the Madinans, the Meccans sent an ultimatum to the Madinans,

demanding the surrender or at least the expulsion of demanding the surrender or at least the expulsion of Muhammad and his companions they sent a powerful Muhammad and his companions they sent a powerful army against the Prophet but lostarmy against the Prophet but lost

After a year of preparation, the Meccans again invaded After a year of preparation, the Meccans again invaded Some Jews still remaining inside Madinah joined with Some Jews still remaining inside Madinah joined with

Mecca at a later stage upset all strategy, yet with a Mecca at a later stage upset all strategy, yet with a sagacious diplomacy, the Prophet succeeded in breaking sagacious diplomacy, the Prophet succeeded in breaking up the alliance, and the different enemy groups retired up the alliance, and the different enemy groups retired one after the other. one after the other.

Alcoholic drinks, gambling and games of chance were at Alcoholic drinks, gambling and games of chance were at this time declared forbidden for the Muslims. this time declared forbidden for the Muslims.

The ReconciliationThe Reconciliation The Prophet was then successful at Hudaibiyah in the suburbs of The Prophet was then successful at Hudaibiyah in the suburbs of

Mecca, not only the maintenance of peace, but also the observance Mecca, not only the maintenance of peace, but also the observance of neutrality in their conflicts with third parties. of neutrality in their conflicts with third parties.

The Prophets religion spread to the foreign rulers of Byzantium, The Prophets religion spread to the foreign rulers of Byzantium, Iran, Abyssinia and other lands. The Byzantine autocrat priest - Iran, Abyssinia and other lands. The Byzantine autocrat priest - Dughatur of the Arabs - embraced Islam, but for this, was lynched Dughatur of the Arabs - embraced Islam, but for this, was lynched by the Christian mob; the prefect of Ma'an (Palestine) suffered the by the Christian mob; the prefect of Ma'an (Palestine) suffered the same fate, and was decapitated and crucified by order of the same fate, and was decapitated and crucified by order of the emperor. A Muslim ambassador was assassinated in Syria-emperor. A Muslim ambassador was assassinated in Syria-Palestine; Palestine;

Mecca hoping to profit by the Muslim difficulties, violated the terms Mecca hoping to profit by the Muslim difficulties, violated the terms of their treaty. of their treaty.

Upon this, the Prophet himself led an army, ten thousand strong, Upon this, the Prophet himself led an army, ten thousand strong, and surprised Mecca which he occupied in a bloodless manner and surprised Mecca which he occupied in a bloodless manner where he granted a general amnesty. Without leaving a single where he granted a general amnesty. Without leaving a single soldier in the conquered city, the Prophet retired to Madinah. The soldier in the conquered city, the Prophet retired to Madinah. The Islamization of Mecca, which was accomplished in a few hours, was Islamization of Mecca, which was accomplished in a few hours, was complete. complete.

In all these "wars," extending over a period of ten years, all the In all these "wars," extending over a period of ten years, all the peoples of the Arabian Peninsula and the southern regions of Iraq peoples of the Arabian Peninsula and the southern regions of Iraq and Palestine had voluntarily embraced Islam. Some Christian, and Palestine had voluntarily embraced Islam. Some Christian, Jewish and Parsi groups remained attached to their creeds, and Jewish and Parsi groups remained attached to their creeds, and they were granted liberty of conscience as well as judicial and they were granted liberty of conscience as well as judicial and juridical autonomy. juridical autonomy.

In the year 10 H., when the Prophet went to Mecca for In the year 10 H., when the Prophet went to Mecca for HajjHajj (pilgrimage), he met 140,000 Muslims there, who had come from (pilgrimage), he met 140,000 Muslims there, who had come from different parts of Arabia to fulfill their religious obligation.different parts of Arabia to fulfill their religious obligation.

He addressed to them his celebrated sermon, in which he gave a He addressed to them his celebrated sermon, in which he gave a resume of his teachings: "Belief in One God without images or resume of his teachings: "Belief in One God without images or symbols, equality of all the Believers without distinction of race or symbols, equality of all the Believers without distinction of race or class, the superiority of individuals being based solely on piety; class, the superiority of individuals being based solely on piety; sanctity of life, property and honor; abolition of interest, and of sanctity of life, property and honor; abolition of interest, and of vendettas and private justice; better treatment of women; obligatory vendettas and private justice; better treatment of women; obligatory inheritance and distribution of the property of deceased persons inheritance and distribution of the property of deceased persons among near relatives of both sexes, and removal of the possibility of among near relatives of both sexes, and removal of the possibility of the cumulation of wealth in the hands of the few." the cumulation of wealth in the hands of the few."

The Quran and the conduct of the Prophet were to serve as the The Quran and the conduct of the Prophet were to serve as the bases of law and a healthy criterion in every aspect of human life. bases of law and a healthy criterion in every aspect of human life.

The Koran therefore corroborates, updates and The Koran therefore corroborates, updates and expands the Old and New Testaments.expands the Old and New Testaments.

It contains 114 chapters, written in vivid, rhyming It contains 114 chapters, written in vivid, rhyming prose, and was settled in its current form within prose, and was settled in its current form within 30 years of Mohammed's death.30 years of Mohammed's death.

Main tenets Central to Islam is the absolute Main tenets Central to Islam is the absolute sense that there can only be one God - Allah - sense that there can only be one God - Allah - and that he is the source of all creation and and that he is the source of all creation and disposer of all lives and events. Hence, there is disposer of all lives and events. Hence, there is no God but God and Mohammed is his no God but God and Mohammed is his messenger.messenger.

All people should become a single Umma - All people should become a single Umma - community - witnessing to that fact. On the day community - witnessing to that fact. On the day of judgment, all will rise from the dead and be of judgment, all will rise from the dead and be sent to heaven or hell.sent to heaven or hell.

The Koran contains many moral The Koran contains many moral exhortations, forming the basis of Islamic exhortations, forming the basis of Islamic (sharia) law. (sharia) law.

It lays down generosity and fairness and It lays down generosity and fairness and the requirements for daily prayer, alms the requirements for daily prayer, alms giving, abstinence during daylight hours in giving, abstinence during daylight hours in the month of Ramadan and pilgrimage to the month of Ramadan and pilgrimage to Mecca.Mecca.

After the prophet's death his community split into After the prophet's death his community split into followers of the caliph Abu Bakr and those who followers of the caliph Abu Bakr and those who supported Mohammed's closest relative, his supported Mohammed's closest relative, his son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib.son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib.

This division between Shia (followers of Ali) and This division between Shia (followers of Ali) and Sunni (followers of the custom of the caliphate) Sunni (followers of the custom of the caliphate) persists to this day. Although both share most of persists to this day. Although both share most of the customs of the religion, Shiites place more the customs of the religion, Shiites place more emphasis on the guiding role of the imam.emphasis on the guiding role of the imam.

About 90% of the world's Muslims are Sunni and About 90% of the world's Muslims are Sunni and about 10% Shia.about 10% Shia.

Contributions of Islamic Contributions of Islamic CultureCulture

architects designed buildings that defied gravity.architects designed buildings that defied gravity.

mathematicians created the algebra and mathematicians created the algebra and algorithms that would enable the building of algorithms that would enable the building of computers, and the creation of encryption.computers, and the creation of encryption.

doctors examined the human body, and found doctors examined the human body, and found new cures for disease. new cures for disease.

astronomers looked into the heavens, named the astronomers looked into the heavens, named the stars, and paved the way for space travel and stars, and paved the way for space travel and exploration.exploration.

The basis of the study of optics can be attributed The basis of the study of optics can be attributed directly to the Muslims. directly to the Muslims.

Al-Hassen bin Al-Haythem is considered the Al-Hassen bin Al-Haythem is considered the founder of this field. founder of this field.

He and Al-Beirouni also logically came to the He and Al-Beirouni also logically came to the conclusion, in disagreement with Aristotle, that conclusion, in disagreement with Aristotle, that the speed of light is constant and that light is the speed of light is constant and that light is composed of extremely small particles moving at composed of extremely small particles moving at extremely high speeds,extremely high speeds,

which is the basis of the quantum nature of light, which is the basis of the quantum nature of light, an endlessly celebrated tribute to 20th century an endlessly celebrated tribute to 20th century science science

. Muhammad bin Mousa Al-Khawarizmi is . Muhammad bin Mousa Al-Khawarizmi is considered the founder of modern algebraconsidered the founder of modern algebra

Ghiath Edden Al-Kashi, approximated pi to 16 Ghiath Edden Al-Kashi, approximated pi to 16 places past the decimal point. places past the decimal point.

The system know as Pascal’s triangle, which The system know as Pascal’s triangle, which assists in factoring equations in the form of (a + assists in factoring equations in the form of (a + b)n, was developed by Al-Karkhi, and not Louis b)n, was developed by Al-Karkhi, and not Louis Pascal.Pascal.

Later Muslim mathematicians were able to Later Muslim mathematicians were able to factor equations as complex as fourth degree factor equations as complex as fourth degree equations; fifth degree equations are impossible equations; fifth degree equations are impossible to factorto factor

The contribution of Muslim mathematicians to The contribution of Muslim mathematicians to algebra is integral to the development of all algebra is integral to the development of all sciences as mathematics is frequently referred sciences as mathematics is frequently referred to as the language of science. to as the language of science.

Ibn Sina’s text the Canon of Ibn Sina’s text the Canon of Medicine, was used as a text Medicine, was used as a text in Europe for centuries later, in Europe for centuries later, and its popularity dwarfed and its popularity dwarfed the books of Galen and the books of Galen and Hippocrates.Hippocrates.

Physicians like Abul Qasim Physicians like Abul Qasim al-Zahrawi, Ibn Sina, and Ali al-Zahrawi, Ibn Sina, and Ali Abbas, wrote texts on Abbas, wrote texts on surgery that would form the surgery that would form the foundations of Western foundations of Western SurgerySurgery

Ibn Battuta was the only medieval traveler who is known Ibn Battuta was the only medieval traveler who is known to have visited the lands of every Muslim ruler of his to have visited the lands of every Muslim ruler of his time. He also traveled in Ceylon (Sri Lanka), China, time. He also traveled in Ceylon (Sri Lanka), China, Byzantium and Russia. The mere extent of his travels is Byzantium and Russia. The mere extent of his travels is estimated at over 75,000 miles estimated at over 75,000 miles

The famous traveler Ibn Battuta lived by the motto - The famous traveler Ibn Battuta lived by the motto - 'never, if possible, cover any road a second time'. Fifty 'never, if possible, cover any road a second time'. Fifty years earlier than Marco Polo, he traveled, on horse, years earlier than Marco Polo, he traveled, on horse, camel, foot and boat, through all manner of lands, camel, foot and boat, through all manner of lands, including West Africa where he visited Timbuktu, Mali including West Africa where he visited Timbuktu, Mali and Niger. and Niger.

His interest was not only confined to geography. He His interest was not only confined to geography. He vividly described the prevailing political, economic and vividly described the prevailing political, economic and social conditions, the position of women and religious social conditions, the position of women and religious matters. He was appointed Qadi (Chief judge) of Delhi, matters. He was appointed Qadi (Chief judge) of Delhi, and spent the last twenty-three years of his life as Qadi and spent the last twenty-three years of his life as Qadi of Fez, Morocco, writing his comprehensive travel of Fez, Morocco, writing his comprehensive travel document. document.

Ibn Battuta started on his travels when he was 21 years Ibn Battuta started on his travels when he was 21 years old in 1325. His main reason to travel was to go on a old in 1325. His main reason to travel was to go on a Hajj, or the Pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca), as all Hajj, or the Pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca), as all Muslims are instructed to do. But his traveling went on Muslims are instructed to do. But his traveling went on for about 29 years and he covered about 75,000 miles for about 29 years and he covered about 75,000 miles visiting the equivalent of 44 modern countries. visiting the equivalent of 44 modern countries.

He met many dangers and had many adventures along He met many dangers and had many adventures along the way. He was attacked by bandits, almost drowned in the way. He was attacked by bandits, almost drowned in a sinking ship and was almost beheaded by a tyrant ruler a sinking ship and was almost beheaded by a tyrant ruler on his travels! on his travels!

Near the end of Ibn Battuta's own life, the Sultan of Near the end of Ibn Battuta's own life, the Sultan of Morocco insisted that Ibn Battuta dictate the story of his Morocco insisted that Ibn Battuta dictate the story of his travels to a scholar and today we can read translations travels to a scholar and today we can read translations of that story called "Rihla - My Travels". It is a valuable of that story called "Rihla - My Travels". It is a valuable and interesting record of places which add to our and interesting record of places which add to our understanding of the Middle Ages. understanding of the Middle Ages.

The Five Pillars of WisdomThe Five Pillars of Wisdom There are five duties that one must live by if one is a There are five duties that one must live by if one is a

Muslim, these are often called the Five Pillars of Muslim, these are often called the Five Pillars of Islam. Islam.

Shahada This is the main religious belief of all Shahada This is the main religious belief of all Muslim people and it is a declaration of their faith. Muslim people and it is a declaration of their faith. The English words are;The English words are;

There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the There is no god but Allah; Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. Or as some muslims prefer... messenger of Allah. Or as some muslims prefer... "There is no god but the One God" meaning there is "There is no god but the One God" meaning there is only one God for all mankind.only one God for all mankind.

Anyone who says these words and means it can Anyone who says these words and means it can become a Muslim.become a Muslim.

Salah This is prayer. Muslims pray five times a day and follow a Salah This is prayer. Muslims pray five times a day and follow a special ritual to do so. Firstly they wash (wudu). This is a special special ritual to do so. Firstly they wash (wudu). This is a special process... process...

Wash hands up to the wrist three timesWash hands up to the wrist three times Wash mouth three timesWash mouth three times Wash nostrils, breathing in and out through the nose three timesWash nostrils, breathing in and out through the nose three times Wash arms up to elbows three timesWash arms up to elbows three times Wipe head with wet hands, forehead to back, back to foreheadWipe head with wet hands, forehead to back, back to forehead Rub outside the ears with wet fingers, inside with wet thumbs at the Rub outside the ears with wet fingers, inside with wet thumbs at the

same timesame time Wash feet up to the ankles three timesWash feet up to the ankles three times Raise one's face to the sky, pointing up with the index finger. Raise one's face to the sky, pointing up with the index finger.

The water must be pure, if there is no clean water sand may be used. The water must be pure, if there is no clean water sand may be used. The prayers are all said at the same times each day:The prayers are all said at the same times each day:

Fajr- Morning, between dawn and sunriseFajr- Morning, between dawn and sunrise Zuhr - Mid-day or early afternoonZuhr - Mid-day or early afternoon Asr - Late afternoonAsr - Late afternoon Maghrib - Evening, around sunsetMaghrib - Evening, around sunset Isah - Night, before going to bedIsah - Night, before going to bed

ZAKATZAKATThis is about looking after other people. This is about looking after other people. Each Muslim gives up a share of his Each Muslim gives up a share of his wealth each year to provide for those less wealth each year to provide for those less fortunate. The word zakat means to purify fortunate. The word zakat means to purify or cleanse. As the person gives up a share or cleanse. As the person gives up a share of his or her wealth they become cleansed of his or her wealth they become cleansed from selfishness and greed. This money from selfishness and greed. This money might be to provide education, keep up or might be to provide education, keep up or build mosques or help the needy.build mosques or help the needy.

1.1. HAJJHAJJAll Muslims have a duty to try to make a All Muslims have a duty to try to make a pilgrimage to the Ka'aba in Makkah at least pilgrimage to the Ka'aba in Makkah at least once during their lifetime. Very often whole once during their lifetime. Very often whole families will save to send one person at a families will save to send one person at a time. The men who make the pilgrimage time. The men who make the pilgrimage wear an ihram which is made up of two wear an ihram which is made up of two sheets. They must not be sewn. Also they sheets. They must not be sewn. Also they wear special open shoes. This clothing is a wear special open shoes. This clothing is a symbol of peace and obedience to God. The symbol of peace and obedience to God. The pilgrimage follows a set pattern.pilgrimage follows a set pattern.

o There is a day of preparation. The person bathes, dresses There is a day of preparation. The person bathes, dresses in the ihram and tells everyone that he intends to perform in the ihram and tells everyone that he intends to perform hajj. He walks round the Ka'aba seven times and usually hajj. He walks round the Ka'aba seven times and usually kisses the black stone. The Ka'aba is a cube covered in a kisses the black stone. The Ka'aba is a cube covered in a black cloth (kiswa) and it has a special black stone in the black cloth (kiswa) and it has a special black stone in the corner where Abraham stood. corner where Abraham stood.

Day 1, the pilgrims move to Mina about three miles away Day 1, the pilgrims move to Mina about three miles away to get here for the prayers at noon. They stay there over to get here for the prayers at noon. They stay there over night.night.

Day 2 sees the journey from Mina to Arafat by Day 2 sees the journey from Mina to Arafat by noon. A sermon is preached and pilgrims stay noon. A sermon is preached and pilgrims stay there until sunset. This is the most important part there until sunset. This is the most important part of a pilgrimage. After sunset they travel to of a pilgrimage. After sunset they travel to Muzdalifa for the evening and night prayersMuzdalifa for the evening and night prayers

o Day three is the Day of Sacrifice. Pilgrims collect a bag of Day three is the Day of Sacrifice. Pilgrims collect a bag of tiny pebbles which they carry back to Mina. tiny pebbles which they carry back to Mina.

They throw seven stone on Jamara 'Agba in memory They throw seven stone on Jamara 'Agba in memory of the time that Abraham dismissed Satan in this of the time that Abraham dismissed Satan in this way. When that is complete a sacrifice of a goat or a way. When that is complete a sacrifice of a goat or a sheep is made, again that is in memory of when sheep is made, again that is in memory of when Abraham was going to sacrifice his son as God had Abraham was going to sacrifice his son as God had ordered. Once that is complete the pilgrim cuts off a ordered. Once that is complete the pilgrim cuts off a lock of his hair.lock of his hair. They walk once again round the They walk once again round the Ka'aba on the way back to Makkah and then dress in Ka'aba on the way back to Makkah and then dress in their normal clothes. their normal clothes. Days four, five and six are for relaxation.Days four, five and six are for relaxation.

    The effect of the pilgrimage is to bring together the The effect of the pilgrimage is to bring together the

community and strengthen it.community and strengthen it.

HAJJHAJJ

SAUMSAUMThis is all about Ramadam. The ninth month of the This is all about Ramadam. The ninth month of the Islam calendar. It is special because it is when Islam calendar. It is special because it is when Muhammad (Pbuh) began receiving the messages Muhammad (Pbuh) began receiving the messages from God. For thirty days Muslims fast, they do not from God. For thirty days Muslims fast, they do not eat or drink during daylight hours. It start when the eat or drink during daylight hours. It start when the new moon is seen at the start of the month and ends new moon is seen at the start of the month and ends when the new moon is seen again at the end of the when the new moon is seen again at the end of the month. The fast is to remind them how difficult it is to month. The fast is to remind them how difficult it is to be poor, hungry and thirsty in a hot place. It reminds be poor, hungry and thirsty in a hot place. It reminds them to thank God for his gift of the Qur'an. It also them to thank God for his gift of the Qur'an. It also serves to make them think about the essentials and serves to make them think about the essentials and luxuries of life and so not be greedyluxuries of life and so not be greedy

Festival of Eid ul-FitrFestival of Eid ul-Fitr At the end of Ramadam At the end of Ramadam

which is the thirty day fast which is the thirty day fast there are a huge there are a huge celebration. Everyone celebration. Everyone dresses in their best dresses in their best clothes. They go to the clothes. They go to the mosque to pray together. mosque to pray together. Special celebration meals Special celebration meals are served up. Everyone are served up. Everyone has a holiday and many has a holiday and many big family groups of big family groups of relations all get together. relations all get together. Children are given sweets, Children are given sweets, presents and often new presents and often new clothes. Muslims send clothes. Muslims send cards to each other to cards to each other to celebrate this special time. celebrate this special time. They often make offerings They often make offerings to the poor and sometimes to the poor and sometimes buy each other presents.buy each other presents.

Eid-ul-AdhaEid-ul-Adha This is the other big festival This is the other big festival

every year. It coincides with every year. It coincides with the Hajj. It is to remember the the Hajj. It is to remember the time when Abraham was going time when Abraham was going to sacrifice his own son to to sacrifice his own son to prove obedience to God. prove obedience to God. Muslims consider that Muslims consider that Abraham was a prophet or Abraham was a prophet or messenger from God. Again messenger from God. Again they go to the mosque together they go to the mosque together for prayers. Later in the day for prayers. Later in the day they sacrifice a sheep and give they sacrifice a sheep and give one third of the meat away to one third of the meat away to remember Abraham's sacrifice.remember Abraham's sacrifice.

Children learn about Islam from birth. As Children learn about Islam from birth. As soon as a baby is born the first words it will soon as a baby is born the first words it will hear are the Shahadah (the declaration of hear are the Shahadah (the declaration of faith). Muslim baby boys are circumcised faith). Muslim baby boys are circumcised whilst young. This is very often done at the whilst young. This is very often done at the same time as the head shaving ceremony. same time as the head shaving ceremony. On the seventh day of a baby's life his or her On the seventh day of a baby's life his or her hair will be shaved off and the equivalent hair will be shaved off and the equivalent weight of gold given to the poor. An offering weight of gold given to the poor. An offering follows. Two sheep if it is a boy and one if it follows. Two sheep if it is a boy and one if it is a girl. The meat is cooked and shared is a girl. The meat is cooked and shared between the whole family and visitors.between the whole family and visitors.