Islam and its Pillars in Brief The Arabic word ‘Islam’ simply means ‘submission’, and derives from a word meaning ‘peace’. In a religious context it means complete submission to the will of God. ‘Mohammedanism’ is thus a misnomer because it…
Pilgrimage [Hajj] Pilgrimage [Hajj]: A pilgrimage to Makkah, or Hajj, is an obligation for those who are physically, mentally and financially able to do so once in a lifetime. Muslims gather as members of the diverse human family into a…
Fasting Ramadan [Sawm] Fasting [Ṣawm]: During the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims fast from Fajr [first light] until Maghrib [sunset]. Fasting teaches Muslims many lessons such as self-purification, piety, patience, discipline, sympathy and compassion.…
Giving Zakah Poor-due [Zakāh]: One of the important principles of Islam is that everythingall things belongs to God and that wealth is only held in trust by human beings. Zakāh purifies wealth by setting aside a portion for those in…
Prayer [Ṣalāh]: Muslims perform five obligatory prayers each day. Prayer is a direct link between the worshipper and God as there is no hierarchical authority or priesthood in Islam. A learned Muslim chosen by the congregation leads the prayers. Prayer…
Testimony or Declaration of Faith The Declaration of Faith [Shahādah]: This consists of the two statements: ‘La ilāha illa’Llah, Muhammadun rasūlu’llah’ [There is no deity worthy to be worshipped except One God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God.]…
