What is it?
Muslims believe that the most complete way of life is found in the religion of Islam. Islam means, submission to the will of God (Allah in Arabic). Muslims believe there is only one creator God.
God in his mercy had sent messengers to convey his message, to different peoples, in different times. Each prophet came with guidance and miracles that were relevant for his time and for his people. The message was the same: That there is only one God and worship is for Him alone. This Islam was the religion brought by all the prophets of God. Islam was the religion of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and the last prophet Muhammad (peace be upon them all). God has in His Grace, addressed this issue to humanity in his final revelation, the Holy Qur’an.
Islam is the second largest religion in the world with over 1 billion followers from all races, nationalities and cultures. From the rice farms of Indonesia to the deserts of Africa and from the skyscrapers of New York to Bedouin tents in Arabia. There are several different groups of Muslims but all of them, in every country and community, regard their faith as a bond between them and a major part of their identity.
5 pillars
The Five Pillars of Islam are the five obligations that every Muslim must satisfy in order to live a good and responsible life according to Islam.
- Shahadah
- Testimony that there is only one God and Muhammad (phuh) is his messenger)
- Salah
- Performing five daily ritual prayers with their set rites
- Zakah
- Giving 2.5% annually of one’s wealth to benefit the poor and the needy
- Sawn
- Fasting during the month of Ramadan
- Hajj
- At least once in a lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca, a city in Saudi Arabia
Why are they important?
Carrying out these obligations provides the framework of a Muslim’s life and weaves their everyday activities and their beliefs into a single cloth of religious devotion. No matter how sincerely a person may believe, Islam regards it as pointless to live life without putting that faith into action and practice.
Beliefs
The main beliefs/articles of faith for a Muslim are:-
- There is only one God/Allah
- His revealed holy books
- His angels
- His messengers or prophets,
- Day of Resurrection or Judgement; and
- The graceful acceptance of pre-destination from God.
- Allah is the name for God. Christians and Muslims who speak Arabic may refer to God as Allah.
- Islam regards to the original Torah of Moses, the Psalms of David and the teachings of Jesus, as being revealed. The Qur’an is believed to the God’s final, complete, unadulterated and authoritative revelation.
- Islam reveres the prophets found in the Old and New Testament like Adam, Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus etc as true messengers of God. Jesus is considered as a prophet of special pre-eminence and also agree to his many miracles performed through the agency of God. Muhammad is regarded by Muslims as the last of God’s messengers. The virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, is the only woman mentioned by name in the Qur’an.
Holy Days
There are two Muslim festivals set down in Islamic law celebrated by all: Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul-Adha. There are however, several other specific days which Muslims celebrate.
Eid ul-Adha
This celebration marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage and is the festival that remembers Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son when God ordered him to.
Celebrations
Ibrahim’s complete obedience to the will of God is celebrated by Muslims each year. Each Muslim, as they celebrate, reminds themselves of their own submission to God and their own willingness to sacrifice to God’s wishes.
During the festival Muslims who can afford to, usually sacrifice a sheep. This is a symbol of Ibraham’s sacrifice. Meat is distributed among family, friends and the poor, who each get a share. As with Eid ul-Fitr, the day begins with prayers followed by visits to the cemetery, family meals and festivities.
Eid ul-Fitr
This festival marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Muslims give money to the poor, wear their best clothes, visit family and friends. On the day of the celebration, a typical Muslim family awakes early, does the first daily prayer and is required to eat a little, symbolising the end of Ramadan. They then attend special congregational prayers usually at mosques or large open areas. The prayer is followed by a sermon. Worshippers greet and embrace each other in a spirit of peace and love. After prayers, visits are usually made to the cemetery to pray for deceased members of one’s family. After this a family communal meal takes place and visits to the homes of relatives and friends to celebrate and thank Allah for all blessings.
Eid ul-Fitr is a joyous occasion of important religious significance. It celebrates the achievement of enhances piety. It is a day for forgiving, moral victory, peace of congregation, fellowship and unity. Muslims celebrate not only the end of fasting but also thank Allah for the self-control and strength that Allah has given them. It is a time of giving and sharing.
