Islam

What is Islam? Islam is a religion that began in the Middle East, 600 years after the birth of Jesus. People who follow the religion of Islam are known as Muslims. They believe in the same God as Jews and Christians. His name in Arabic is pronounced “Allah” They believe that all the other prophets existed like Abraham (Ibrahim), and that Jesus (Isa) was also a prophet. However, Muhammad was the last and most important prophet.

What Does a Muslim Believe? Like Buddhism, Muslims believe in living a certain way of life. They follow what is known as the “Five Pillars of Islam.” These five special things that Muslims do are like the pillars of a great building, which keep it firm and safe.

What Does a Muslim Believe? Every year during the month of Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours. To pray 5 times a day. To believe in one God, and that Muhammad his final prophet. To give Zakat (donation) part of personal wealth, which must be given each year to be used for charity. At least once in their lifetime, a Muslim makes a pilgrimage to the holy Ka’ba in Makkah.

How did Islam Begin? Muhammad was born in Makkah (Mecca), in the area known today as Saudi Arabia, around AD 570. When he wanted to feel close to God, he would go north to a hill called Mount Hira and especially to a cave, high up in the mountain. There he could be alone and there he could think. It is most likely that Muhammad was born into a Jewish or Christian family.

How did Islam Begin? One night when he was in a cave, he heard a voice. In front of him stood an angel who gave him a message. After this, the angel appeared often to Muhammad, giving him messages which he was to repeat to those people of Mecca who would listen to what he had to tell them. The words that were given to him were basically that the people should worship the one true God.

How did Islam Begin? At this time, people worshipped many different gods, and Muhammad’s message was not well received. Many people thought that he was either mad or even evil, but others listened and believed in his words and began to pray to God. As time went on, he began to receive more messages and he passed these on.

How did Islam Begin? The non-believers made life so difficult for Muhmmad and the other Muslims that they left Makkah and travelled to medina, where they founded the first Muslim community. After a few years, Muhammad and his supporters defeated the armies of Makkah and they were able to re-enter Makkah. In 632 AD Muhammad died, but his followers took his message to many other countries.

The Qur’an Throughout Muhammad’s life, he received messages from God. He learnt them by heart and then recited them to other Muslims, who also learnt them and recorded them on paper. Soon after Muhammad’s death, these written passages were gathered together in one book and carefully checked. This collection became known as the Qur’an. Muslims believe that it has everything that people need to know in order to live in Islam – in submission of God. Muslims also look for further guidance in the Sunnah and the Hadith, which contain the sayings and actions of Muhammad while he was alive.

The Qur’an The Qur’an provides directions for all aspects of Muslim life, including eating and drinking. The Qur’an forbids alcohol, because it encourages quarrelling and makes people forget about Allah. The Qur’an also forbids eating anything from a pig, which Muslims consider an unclean animal. The Qur’an also forbids eating any meat that has not been killed in the correct Muslim way, which involves Allah. Meat which Muslims can eat is called halal.

How did Islam Spread? A hundred years after Muhammad's death, the Muslims had defeated the great empires of Persia and Byzantium. This meant that they ruled from North Africa to the borders of China. In many countries people welcomed the Muslim rule because of its justice and religious freedom. Many countries converted to Islam.

How did Islam Spread? Soon after Muhammad’s death, the Muslims disagreed about who should be their new leader, and they split into different groups, who have developed different traditions over the years. The two main groups are know as the Sunnis (the largest group) and the Shi’as.

Places of Worship Muslims gather together to worship Allah in a Mosque. Many mosques have a tall tower called a ‘minaret’. Muslims are required to pray five times a day. They are to face Makka when doing so. Inside the Mosque there is a wall known as the quibla wall. In this wall there is a Mihrab. The Mihrab is a niche indicating the direction of Makka. Muslim men and women do not pray together and inside a Mosque there is usually a screened off area. Most Muslim adult men are expected to attend prayers at the mosque at midday on a Friday. This is the Muslim Holy day of the week. This is led by the imam – the religious leader.

Makka Makka is sacred and revered to the Islamic community. This is where Muhammad was born and first preached Allah’s message. It is also important because of the Ka’ba, the first house of God on earth (church). Muslims believe that it was built by Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ishmael, and it is the direction they face when they pray.

Prayer Muhammad taught Muslims to pray five times a day; at dawn, midday, late afternoon, evening and last thing at night. Before praying they wash themselves carefully: hands, arms, face, head, legs and feet. This is considered a sign of respect for Allah. They use the words and actions that Muhammad taught: they stand up, bow, kneel, and then kneel with their face towards the floor.

Clothing Muslims believe that modesty and correct behaviour between men and women are very important. Therefore both men and women avoid wearing clothes that are too revealing. Women cover their whole body apart from their faces and hands. Men must be covered from navel to knees. Neither gender wears very tight or see-through clothing.

The Crescent Moon and Star

The Crescent Moon and Star Muslims believe that Islam guides people through life like the stars and moon guide the travellers over the desert. As the desert is a hot place during the day, most Muslims travel by night when it is cooler. The stars and moon guide them on their journey. Countries that have this symbol on their flag and Islamic countries.