ISLAM

     A Symbol of Islam

                                  

 Islam is the world’s second largest religion with a following of over one billion people -- one-fifth of humanity.  “Islam”, which in Arabic means “submission to God”, was founded in 610 A.D. by Mohammed. The followers of Islam are known as Muslims and their sacred book is the Quran. They believe that the Quran was dictated to Mohammed by God through the angel Gabriel. 

         MUSLIMS

                                               

                                                                 SUNNI MUSLIMS                     SHI'AY MUSLIMS                                               

Sunni Muslims: The majority population of Muslims is Sunni Muslims (about 80% - 90%). They believe that anyone who is righteous and just could be a caliph but they have to act according to the Qur'an and the Hadith, the example of Muhammad and give the people their rights.

Shi’ay Muslims: They use to consider themselves as the integral part of Islamic community and represent themselves as the elites followers of Islam (about 10% - 20%).

There are 5 pillars of Islam that work as a framework for the Muslim’s life and discipline. They are:

1.      The Confession of Faith or Shahada: It is the declaration that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet. It must be held until death and repudiation of the Shahada nullifies hope for salvation.

2.       Prayer or Salat: Five times a day, preceded by ceremonial washing, the Muslim is required to pray facing Mecca. Specific formulas, recited from the Qur'an (in Arabic), along with prostrations are included. The five times of prayer are before sunrise, noon, midafternoon, sunset, and prior to sleep.

3.       Almsgiving or Zakat: The Qur'an teaches the giving of two and one-half percent of one's capital wealth to the poor and/or for the propagation of Islam. By doing so, the Muslims' remaining wealth is purified.

4.       The Fast or Sawm: During the month of Ramadan, a fast is to be observed by every Muslim from sunrise to sunset. Nothing is to pass over the lips during this time, and they should refrain from sexual relations. After sunset, feasting and other celebrations often occur.

5.      Pilgrimage or Hajj: All Muslims who are economically and physically able are required to journey as a pilgrim to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. Another element of the Hajj is the mandatory walk of each pilgrim seven times around the Kaabah-the shrine of the black rock, the holiest site of Islam.