Pillar #1: Shahada- the declaration of faith.
- What is the meaning of the declaration of faith?
They believe that their there is no god but Allah and no other idol should be worshipped.
- Why do you think that this statement is a significant part of being a Muslim?
So that there is significance in their prayer and they believe in that their prayers are being listened to.
Video – Islam_vid_muslimpray.mov
Pillar #2:Shalot-n Prayer
- Describe the process that Muslims go through to prepare to pray.
They wash and make sure they are free of any impurities from their everyday life. A lot of people use a prayer mat
- Describe the process of praying in Islam. How many times each day, and when, do Muslims pray?
They pray 5 times a day, at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and at night.
- What do the prayers sound like? What do the movements look like?
The prayers and passages from the Qur’an are recited and some are sung. They kneel down and then hold their hands up next to their face and bend toward the ground toward mecca.
- In which direction do Muslims pray? Why do they face this way?
Muslims pray towards Mecca because it is considered the heart of Islam.
- What are some of the things Muslims say during prayer?
‘Allah Akbar, God is greater’
- Why do Muslims pray?
To show respect and submission to Allah.
Video – Islam_vid_zakat.mov
Pillar #3:Zakat- Giving to the poor
- What is Zakaat? What is emphasized in Zakaat?
It is giving to the less fortunate. Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, helping those who are in need are all emphasised
- Why do Muslims make donations? How much money is a person expected to give to charitable causes?
2.5 per cent of a Muslims income should go to charitable causes. Most follow the obligatory and traditional charity. It is seen as a gift.
- What is the relationship between prayer and money?
Zakat is mentioned in the Qur’an 82 times and the Qur’an is part of the everyday prayer. If they are giving to the poor they are acknowledging obeying Allah.
- How is zakaat different from ordinary charity that Muslims might give?
It is helping like Allah would have helped the poor and so they feel closer to their god.
Video - Islam_vid_islam_celeb.mov
Pillar #4:Fasting- Sawan/Raadan
- As part of the Muslim religion, what does it mean to fast?
To give up food. And other things like smoking
- Why do Muslims fast?
They have interpreted the Qur’an to mean that that is what Allah wanted them to do. It is an act of worship and is regarded as a test of the persons submission to Allah.
- What and when is Ramadan? What is Eid al-Fitr?
Ramadan is ‘the ninth month of the Muslim year, during which strict fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset.’
Eid ul-Fitr is a three-day Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.
Videos – Islam_vid_hajj (part 1 & 3)
Pillar #5:Hajj- Pilrimage
- How often must Muslims participate in Hajj?
They must participate once in their life though some people go more than once.
- Where do Muslims go during Hajj?
They go to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
- What and where is the Kaaba? Describe this place.
‘Kaaba is a square stone building in the center of the Great Mosque at Mecca, the site most holy to Muslims and toward which they must face when praying. It stands on the site of a pre-Islamic shrine said to have been built by Abraham’
- How many Muslims participate in Hajj?
2-3 million.
- What is the goal of Hajj?
To become closer to Allah by following in the footsteps of the prophet Muhammad.
- What does it mean to enter spiritual purity? What is the purpose of the special garments?
It means to remove any impurities from everyday life and to enter into a state of mind where your mind is focused on prayer.
- How does Mubarek describe his experiences as a pilgrim?
He could focus on his worship and was overwhelmed about how many pilgrims there were.
- What is the significance of Abraham to pilgrims?
Abraham is said to have been instrumental in the building of Mecca and he was the messenger of God who received the command to make that specific place the heart of Islam
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