Islam Practices

• what are the the five pillars?

  • The Sunnis believe in them
  • they are: Shahadah, Salah, Zakah, Sawm and Hajj
• what are the 10 obligatory acts?

  • The Shi'a Muslims believe in them.
  • they are: Salah, Zakah, Sawm, Hajj, Jihad, Khums, Amr-bil Maruf, Nahil Anil Munkar, Tawallah and Tabarra
• what is Salah?

  the daily 5 prayers which are:

  • Fajr (before sunrise), Zuhr (after midday), Asr (late afternoon), Maghrib (after sunset) and Isha (between sunset and midnight).
• what is Wudu?

  a washing ritual before prayer; if there is no water, sand or dust is a good alternative.
• how do Muslims prepare for prayer?

  • they face the city of Makkah; if not praying in a mosque, they use a compass.
  • prayer must begin with a declaration of Niyyah - this shows a conscious attempt to talk to God.
• what is Jummah?

  • communal prayers that are held every Friday @ noon in a mosque - this develops unity in Islam communities.
  • men must go unless they are ill or elderly; women don't have to attend.
• what is Sawm?

  where Muslims must fast during Ramadan - between sunrise and sunset unless under 12, pregnant or travelling = this period promotes self discipline.
• what is Night of Power?

  • the night Jibril revealed the Qur'an to Muhammad - its the holiest night of the year.
  • During this night, Muslims try to stay up the entire night and study the Qur'an.
• quote for Night of Power?

  'your lord... taught what he did not know' - Qur'an 96:4
• what is Zakah?

  where Muslims must give 2.5% of their annual wealth to charity = this promotes generosity; a positive quality of a Muslim.

  • Khums: where Shi'a Muslims must give 20% of their savings to charity.
• what is Hajj?

  the Muslim pilgrimage where they must complete once in their lifetime; which occurs during Dhu’l-Hijja (final month of Islamic calendar).
• what were the origins of Hajj?

  • God sent Ibrahim and his family on a trip to Arabia.
  • They ran out of water and Ibrahim's son was dehydrated so Hajira prayed to God for water and he said that they will be rewarded.
• what are the key events of Hajj?

  • Muslims must dress in pieces of white cloth and circle the Ka'ba 7x anticlockwise.
  • they then drink water from the Zamzam well - remembers Hajira's search for water.
  • the pilgrims then visit the hills of Safa and Marwah and run between the hills 7x; they then visit Mount Arafat and collect pebbles.
• what is the purpose of Hajj?

  it shows self-discipline and fulfils a religious duty - bringing Muslims closer to God.
• what is greater Jihad?

  attempting to be a better Muslim through battling personal issues e.g. Drugs in order to be spiritually healed.
• quote for greater jihad?

  'no bearer of burdens will bear burden of audience' - Qur'an 35:18
• what is lesser Jihad?

  defending Islam from a threat - sometimes called a Holy War.
• what is Id-ul Fitr?

  • a day of thanksgiving to Allah - marking the end of Ramadan.
  • this encouraging communities to get along, as often there are special celebrations put on to enable members of other faiths to get involved.
• what is Ashura?

  a special and solemn day for Shi'a Muslims where they remember the death of Hussein - Ali's son.

  • on this day, Muslims wear black and perform plays.