The Five Pillars Iman, or Faith – “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” Salah, or Prayer – Muslims pray five times a day, facing Mecca. Zakah, or Alms – Giving charity to the poor. Sawm, or Fasting – During the holy month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Hajj, or Pilgrimage – At some point in their lifetime, all able Muslims must make a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Fast Facts Muslims believe Muhammad was the last and greatest prophet. Muslims worship Allah, or God, the same God worshiped by Jews and Christians. Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the world, with over one billion followers. Islam is a complete way of life that governs all facets of life – moral, spiritual, social, political, economical, intellectual, etc. The Qur’an serves as the holy book for Muslims. During the month of Ramadan the Qur’an was sent down from heaven as guidance for men and also as a direction and a means to salvation.

Muhammad Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, was born in the Arabian town of Mecca in 570 A.D. Orphaned at a young age, Muhammad was raised by his Grandfather, and later by his uncle. While meditating in a cave outside of Mecca, Muhammad heard the word of God, spoken through the angel Gabriel. Gabriel told Muhammad to preach the existence of one God, and destroy all idols.

Muhammad then began to reveal Gabriel’s message to his family. While in Mecca, Muhammad and his followers suffered torment and their lives were threatened. Eventually, they took the hijrah, or journey, from Mecca to Yathrib, or Medina. While in Medina, Muhammad gained many followers; this was a turning point for Muhammad. In the year 622, Muhammad and his followers returned to Mecca and began to teach the belief in one God.

The crescent, star, and the color green are symbols often associated with Islam. The star represents knowledge and light, and the crescent represents progress. You will find these symbols on the flags of many Muslim nations.

The Dome of the Rock is located in Jerusalem. Muslims believe this is the site where Muhammad descended into Heaven.

The Ka’aba is located in present day Saudi Arabia, and is an important Islamic shrine. According to Islamic belief, it was built by Abraham and Ishmael, from whom Muslims trace their heritage.

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