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.
What or who is a Muslim?
A Muslim is a follower of
the religion of Islam.
Muslims have 6 main beliefs
1) Belief in Allah as the one and only God.
2) Belief in angels.
3) Belief in the holy books.
4) 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.
5) 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.
6) Belief in Predestination...
That Allah has already decided what will
happen.
Muslims believe that this doesn't stop
human beings making free choices
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. - Fasting: 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.
What
is so special about how Muslims pray?
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.
Why
do Muslims face Mecca when 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.
(The Kaaba is also called Bakka )
When
do Muslims pray?
Each period for prayer has a special name.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 )
sources http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/religion/Islam.htm
