ISLAM BY JASMIN, AMY, AMY, ANNA AND ELLEN

BELIEFS AND INFORMATION The word Islam means ‘submission to the will of God’. Islam is the second largest religion in the world with over one billion followers. Muslims are the believers of Islam, and they believe in only one God who is called Allah. Muslims believe that Islam was revealed approximately 1400 years ago in Mecca, Arabia. The Qur’an is their holy book. They place it on a stand to keep it safe and when being read Muslims have to refrain from eating, drinking, making distracting noises and speaking.

5 PILLARS OF ISLAM Essential part of Muslim life 5 obligations every Muslim must satisfy in order to live a good and responsible life according to Islam The 5 pillars are: Shahadah: sincerely reciting the Muslim profession of faith Salat: performing ritual prayers in the proper way five times each day Zakat: paying an alms (or charity) tax to benefit the poor and the needy Sawm: fasting during the month of Ramadan Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca

FOOD Food that is considered "halal“, or prepared according to the Qur’an dictates, must meet a number of strict guidelines related to ingredients, preparation and cooking. The animal has to be killed by a Muslim adult, and it must have its throat cut after saying the name of God. The animal must have been treated well and must be alive and healthy. The forbidden foods are called “haram” and are stated in the Qur’an. They include pork, alcohol or blood.

DRESS The word for the covering of a woman is Hijab which is when they cover themselves in the way described to them by the Qur’an. Women are not permitted to show their hair to strangers, in particular men. Women are also required to cover up most of their body apart from their face and hands. They must also not wear tight clothes or anything that will attract the opposite sex. Men are required to cover up the area from the navel down, and must not wear anything made of silk or gold. “And tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be modest…And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be modest, and to display of their adornment only that which is apparent….”(Holy Qur'an: Chapter 24, Verses 30-31)

FESTIVALS Ramadan: Muslims fast during the daylight hours, and try to avoid all bad habits. Many Muslims will try to read the whole of the Qur’an during this time. Fasting is used to teach discipline and self restraint and is generally to remind them of the people in the world who are less fortunate. It is common during this time to have a meal just before sunrise and after sunset. Eid ul Fitr: This is held at the end of Ramadan and the translation is Breaking of the Fast. In this celebration they are thanking Allah for the help he has given them to get through the fasting time. Eid is also a time for forgiveness. Due to the self restraint they have had to practise during Ramadan to see how the less fortunate live it is obligatory for Muslims to send money to charity, clothes and food.

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