basic info on 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.

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