Islamic+Practices

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 * Islamic Practices **

Islam, what is it? - The Arabic word for //Islam// means "submission" - The religion focuses on submitting to the will of God - It originates from revelations received by Prophet Muhammad in the 7th Century - Later Islam was included into the Qu'ran: the sacred

Islamic practices are defined by the Five Pillars of Islam: The Five Pillars of Islam are five religious duties expected from every Muslim. - When asked to list them, Prophet Muhammad placed them in a book called the **Haddith (background at the bottom of page) **

**Shahada (First Pillar)**



- Muslim profession of faith; expresses the two fundamental beliefs that makes one a Muslim: “//La ilaha illa Allah wa-Muhammad rasul Allah.// There is no god but God and Muhammad is the prophet of God.”  - <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #548dd4; font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">When someone wants to join the Muslim community they recite this saying sincerely before the presence of two Muslims. Shahada has to be recited aloud with full understanding and agreed to internally once in a Muslim’s lifetime. <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #548dd4; font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #548dd4; font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">- <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: #548dd4; font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themetint: 153;">It is recited in the muzzein’s call to prayer, included in the salat (a daily ritual prayer) and incorporated in the Sufi contemplative prayer. Moments before death, shahada is also recited.



Salat (2nd Pillar)
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #f8a212; font-family: Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; msobidifontfamily: Shrutimso-themecolor;">

** <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc409; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"> -  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc409; font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">A ritual prayer conducted five times a day <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc409; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New';"> o  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc409; font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Morning, midday, afternoon, sunset, and evening <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc409; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New';"> o  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc409; font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">A muezzin announces when it is time for these prayers <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc409; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"> §  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc409; font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">A muezzin is a person chosen for good character, voice, and skills, but is not a cleric <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc409; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"> §  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc409; font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Now in modern times, call to prayer can be heard over the radio <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc409; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"> -  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc409; font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Prayer is always directed to the Ka’ba shrine in Mecca. <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc409; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New';"> o  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc409; font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">A prayer mat (sajjada) is used during salat. <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc409; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New';"> o  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc409; font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">It can be preformed alone, but better with other Muslims. <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc409; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New';"> o  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc409; font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Focal prayer of the week is the midday prayer at the mosque on Fridays. <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc000; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"> -  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc000; font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Salat is preceded by washing the face, hands and feet. <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc000; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New';"> o  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc000; font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">When water is unavailable, sand is used. <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc000; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"> -  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc000; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">The way salat prayer starts in a standing position, and then ends with the person kneeling. Here’s a video example: <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc000; font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ffc000; font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">media type="youtube" key="bnubMCSvYpg" height="344" width="425"

<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Zakat (3rd Pillar)



- Describes almsgiving which is required according to the Qur'an, it places it along with prayer as the duties of a Muslim <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New';"> o  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">It is a alms tax required from every adult Muslim <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"> §  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">For many years it has been a requirement, but few places practice it, except for Saudi Arabia where it is strictly adhered to due to shar’ia law <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New';"> o  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">The tax is 2.5% of the value of one’s possessions <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"> §  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Cattle <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"> §  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Grains <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"> §  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Fruit <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"> §  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Movable goods <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"> §  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Sheep and goats <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"> §  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Gold and silver <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New';"> o  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">People that receive the money are: <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"> §  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">The poor <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"> §  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Slaves (to buy their freedom) <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"> §  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Volunteers in the jihad <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"> §  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Pilgrims <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"> §  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Collectors of the tax <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #ff257d; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> In Shi'a Islam, an additional 1/5th tax (//<span style="font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">khums //) must be paid to the Hidden Imam and his representatives for the benefit of orphans, the poor, travelers, and the imams.


 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sawm (4th Pillar)

** <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"> -  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Fasting during the 9th month of the Islamic year, a.k.a. Ramadan <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"> -  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Restrictions <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New';"> o  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Food <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New';"> o  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Drinking <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New';"> o  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">smoking <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New';"> o  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Sexual intercourse during daylight hours <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"> -  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Exceptions <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New';"> o  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Travelers <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New';"> o  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Soldiers <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New';"> o  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Menstruating women <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New';"> o  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">The ill <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"> -  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Opportunity for increased prayer and devotion <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New';"> o  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">The last 10 nights of Ramadan, some Muslims go to the mosque to concentrate more and for intensive studying <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"> -  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">The holiest day of the year occurs on the 27th of Ramadan, called the “Night of Power” <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"> -  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Ramadan ends with //Eid al-Fitr// (Festival of the Breaking Fast) <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Courier New'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Courier New';"> o  <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #cc0099; font-family: 'Bookman Old Style','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">It is a major holiday <span style="font-size: 150%; color: #f25a21; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ramadan in Afghanistan:

<span style="font-size: 135%; color: #1800ff; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #993366; font-family: 'Serifa BT'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Estrangelo Edessa';">Pilgrimage to Mecca(T<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: purple; font-family: 'Serifa BT'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">he Hajj) (5th Pillar) All Muslims are expected to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lives. The holy journal is called the Hajj in Arabic. While a visit to Mecca is beneficial any time of the year, it must take place during the month of Dhu al-Hijja (the last month of the Islamic year) to fulfill the requirements of the hajj. •The // hajj // is commanded in the Qur'an - and its rites were established by Muhammad. •The hajj was one of the last public acts of worship performed by Muhammad before his death. •In part, the hajj commemorates the stories of Abraham, Hagar and Ishmael and it has been assigned various other meanings throughout the centuries. This trip is a once in a lifetime religious experience. More than 2 million Muslims visit Mecca each year. • For many Muslims, one of the most meaningful aspects of the pilgrimage is the unifying effect of bringing together believers from all over the world to meet and worship together. 1st Stage includes: <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #333399; font-family: 'Serifa BT'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;"> Runs 7 times between the small mountains of Safa and Marwa. 2nd Stage includes:
 * Muslim pilgrims in the holy city of Mecca. **
 * Walking around the Ka'ba seven times while reciting the // talbiya //, then kisses or touches the Black Stone in the Ka'ba.
 * Prays twice towards the Station of Abraham and the Ka’ba.
 * A sermon at the mosque on the 7th day.
 * On the eighth day and night, the pilgrim stays at Mina or Arafat.
 * On the ninth day, the ritual of // wuquf // ("standing") takes place at the small hill of Jabal al-Rahma in Arafat.
 * The pilgrim then returns to Muzdalifa, a small town within the Meccan boundaries, to stay the night.
 * The tenth day is Eid al-Adha (The Feast of Sacrifice), a major holiday observed by all Muslims.
 * For those participating in the hajj, the day is spent in Mina, where the pilgrim sacrifices an animal to commemorate Abraham's sacrifice.
 * They also throw seven small stones at each of three pillars on three consecutive days (the pillars represent sins and devils).
 * The pilgrims then returns to Mecca, where he or she once again performs the // tawaf // (circumambulation of the Ka'ba). The head is then shaved or the hair is trimmed, which marks the end of the state of // ihram //.

<span style="font-size: 120%; color: #ff002d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Background on the Hadith: - Hadith is Arabic for "narrative" or "report", and it can also be defined as Islamic Tradition - It's a book that reflects the good deeds of Muhammad - Contains two parts: Tradition itself "matn" and "isnad" which is the chain of authorities - Today it is still studied by Muslim college students.

If you would like any more information, refer to these websites:

[|www.spiritualworld.org/] [|**islam**] [|/pactices.htm] [|www.religionfacts.com/] [|**islam**] [|/] [|**practices**] [|.htm]