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Islam

Islam started back in the early 600s CE. Islam is the second largest country in the world. This religion places a strong emphasis on treating everyone equally, and with respect. It is a monotheistic religion. Islam believes that there is no god but "Allah". Islam means "Surrender" meaning as to surrender for the will of Allah. Muslims are adherents of Islam. Their Holy book is called the Quran. The Quran is written in Arabic, but can also be translated to English. Muslims visit mosques to pray. Fridays are holy days in Islam, which is the reason why most people usually gather to the mosque on this day.

Beginning

The Islamic Empire lasted for about 1,000 years. Islam spread from West Africa to Central Asia. It quickly spread after the death of one of the last Prophets. The empire was characterized by its adherence to Islam as the dominant religion and its promotion of Islamic culture, law, and governance. The Arabic name for God is Allah. The word Islam means “surrender (to God).” The followers of Islam are called Muslims, which in Arabic means “one who surrenders to God.”

The prophet Muhammad, sometimes spelled Mohammed or Mohammad, was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in A.D. 570. Muslims believe he was the final prophet sent by God to reveal their faith to mankind. This prophet spread the message about Islam. He taught people the laws and the pillars of Islam.

5 Pillars of Islam

Arabic spelling of "god"

There are pillars of Islam where Muslims fulfill in their life. These are Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj.

Shahada

It is the prerequisite for membership in the Muslim community, and an affirmation of the faith. Muslims are required to declare this profession in public at least once in their lifetime, but most Muslims recite it daily as part of their prayers. In Arabic, the shahada is as follows: “Ashhadu al-la ilaha illa-llah was ashhadu anna Muhammadar rasulu-llah” translated as “ I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His Messenger” or more simply, “There is no god but God and Muhammad is His Messenger.” [1]

Praying

Muslims pray 5 times throughout their day. These are usually Fajr, observed at dawn, Zuhr, observed at noon, Asr, observed late in the afternoon, Maghrib, observed after sunset, and Isha, observed at dusk. All prayers are directed towards Mecca.

Prayer, known as Salah or Salat, is one of the five pillars of Islam and holds great significance in the lives of Muslims. It is a form of worship and a means of establishing a direct connection with Allah (God).

Alms (Zakat)

Zakat is a form of giving. It is a charitable donation towards the ones in need. Islam takes the needy seriously. Muslims help out the needy by giving food, money, water, and etc. Zakat is an obligatory act of worship in Islam and is one of the five pillars of the faith. It is a form of charitable giving and wealth purification that holds great significance for Muslims. Zakah regulates the wealth contribution in its minimum, making it a religious obligation from which the individual cannot free himself or take concessions, since it is the right of society to be devoted to the benefit of the needy and disabled individuals and classes.

Zakat is an excellent means to give back. This primarily benefits hospitals and Muslim schools in need. Zakah is out of purity. It creates peace and stability towards a person's life.

Fasting

Fasting happens during Ramadan. Ramadan is where Muslims fast for 30 days straight. They do not drink water from sunrise to sunset. This is so to think of the needy. During this time, Muslims often do good deeds and stop with their bad deeds. This month helps a lot of Muslims with becoming better people. Individuals with serious health conditions, pregnant women, women on their periods, or anybody who is unwell are permitted to fast.

Pilgrimage

Masjid al-Haram

Called “Hajj”. Hajj is done at least once in every Muslims life. “Hajj is the sacred pilgrimage performed by Muslims at the holy mosque of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.” for men they consist of two white seamless sheets that are wrapped around the body, while women may wear sewn clothes.

Modesty

Islam places a high value on modesty. This is viewed as a means of preserving one's dignity and protecting against objectification. Being modest also means acting modestly, promoting modesty, humility, and respect in social situations. Islamic women are expected to cover their bodies and wear a headscarf as a sign of modesty. Islam teaches men to be modest by covering their necks down to their ankles. It is necessary, but it is not entirely enforced.

Judgement

The day of resurrection. This is when all humankind will be brought back to life. This day for Muslims is called “Day of Judgement’. When everyone is judged and held accountable for their good and bad deeds. In Islam, the Day of Judgment, also known as the Day of Resurrection or the Last Day, is a significant belief that holds a central place in the faith. It refers to the day when Allah (God) will resurrect all human beings and hold them accountable for their actions in the worldly life.

Muslims believe they will return to God (Allah in Arabic) when they die. Therefore, instead of the end, death becomes part of a continuum which stretches into eternity.