Introduction
The first meaning of “Islam” is the verb from the root “aslama”, meaning to “surrender, obey, sincerity and in peace.” The second meaning of “Islam” is the noun from the same root, and it describes the last and final form of the way of life as perscribed by the Creator for His Creation. “Islam” can be understood in a very general sense to be the true religion of God, as it is from Him and according to His commandments without adding to or taking away from the basic precepts. This is the name used in Quran for Muslims to call themselves as followers of “Islam”. This would make them “Islam-ers” in English, but of course in Arabic the prefix “mu” is added to denote the one preforming the action or verb and instead it becomes “mu”-“islam” or “Muslim.” The basic beliefs of Muslims fall into six main categories, which are known as the “Articles of Faith”. They are Faith in the unity of God, Faith in angels, Faith in prophets, Faith in books of revelation, Faith in an afterlife and Faith in destiny/divine decree. In Islam, faith and good works go hand-in-hand. A mere verbal declaration of faith is not enough, for belief in Allah makes obedience to Him a duty. There are also five formal acts of worship which help strengthen a Muslim’s faith and obedience. They are often called the “Five Pillars of Islam.” First by rank of importance is the Testimony of faith followed by daily Prayers, Almsgiving, Fasting, and Pilgrimage.
The Essay on Middle East Islam Muslim Ali
Leaps of faith The Clash of Fundamentalism: Crusades, Jihads and Modernity Tariq Ali 352 pp, Verso What Went Wrong Bernard Lewis 192 pp, Weidenfeld Unholy War: Terror in the Name of Islam John Esposito 192 pp, Oxford On September 11 last year, 19 young hijackers changed the world and its relations with their faith, Islam. Their terrible act created one of the greatest paradoxes of the 21 st ...
Kabah
The Ka`bah is the first and the most ancient house of worship ever made for all humankind and it was dedicated to the worship of one God. It was built by Abraham then rebuilt after being destroyed by the prophet (pbuh).
It is found in the city of Makkah in Arabia, and is surrounded by a mosque known as “Masjid Al-Haram” or The Sacred Mosque. Muslims all over the world face toward the Ka’bah in prayer at least five times every day. Also, every capable Muslim is required once in his lifetime to make a pilgrimage known as Hajj to Makkah, and to perform ancient rites of worship to God along with other Muslims from all over the world. Since the Ka`bah is the first house of worship ever built for all of humankind and dedicated to the worship of one God, by facing toward the Ka`bah in our prayers, we are stressing the unity of humankind under the Lordship of the One and only God. Moreover, by facing toward the Ka`bah, we are stressing the idea of centrality of God in our life.
Cave of Hira
On the way to Mina, two miles from the holy city of Makkah on Jabl al Nur is the Cave of Hira. This is a small cave about 3.5 meters long and a little over 1.5 meters wide. The Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) liked to go to the Cave of Hira to meditate. On the 17th of Ramadan he received his first divine revelation where the first five verses of the Holy Quran was revealed to him by the Archangel Gabriel.
According to history, Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) was in this cave when Gabriel first appeared before him ordering him to Read. The Prophet (pbuh), always a modest man, while fearful of the unknown apparition in front of him, responded truthfully and candidly, “I don’t know how to read.” However, Gabriel was not to be deterred and three times in a forceful voice instructed the Prophet (pbuh) to read. Finally after the third time when the Prophet (pbuh) exclaimed that he did not know how to read, Gabriel instructed him “Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists), has created man from a clot Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous.’” [Al-Qur’an 96:1-3]. The Cave of Hira is accessible to muslims only. It is amazing that that the entrance to the cave of Hira faces the Ka’abah and can be seen when looking out.
The Essay on General Muslim Religion
Islam is the world’s second great monotheistic religion (Armstrong, 2002). Islam, an Arabic word, comes from a root word meaning commitment or surrender: hence the foundation of Islam is submission to the will of the Only God, Allah. The word ‘Muslim’ also itself means ‘one who lives his life according to Allah’s will (Esposito, 2002). Allah also has laid down the five pillars of foundations of ...
Zam Zam Well
The story of the Zam Zam well begins when Abraham takes Hagar and her son, Ishmael by the command of Allah to a desolate place near the Kabah leaving them under a tree at the site of Zamzam. When she and her child became very thirsty, she searched desperately for water in the hills of Safa and Marwa to give to her newly born son Ishmael (pbuh).
She repeated this seven times. On her final time she saw an angel at the place of Zamzam tapping the earth with its wing till water gushed from that place. This happened as her child rubbed his feet against the sand. A pool of water surfaced, and by the grace of God, shaped itself into a well which came to be called Zamzam water.
This well has never dried up. On the contrary it has always fulfilled the demand for water. It has always maintained the same salt composition and taste ever since it came into existence. Its potability has always been universally recognised as pilgrims from all over the world visit Ka’aba every year for Hajj and Umrah, but have never complained about it. Instead, they have always enjoyed the water that refreshes them. Zamzam water’s appeal has always been universal. This water has never been chemically treated or chlorinated as is the case with water pumped into the cities. Biological growth and vegetation takes place in most wells. This makes the water unpalatable owing to the growth of algae causing taste and odour problems. But in the case of the Zamzam water well, there are no signs of any biological growth.
Masjid
The Masjid or Mosque is the base and the foundation stone for Muslim society. It is the place where believers congregate and dedicate themselves to the worship of Allah and where the remembrance of Allah takes place continuously. It is the center from where the light of knowledge and wisdom emanate and enlighten the surroundings. Muslims are enjoined to observe Salat in congregation. If one is unable to reach a Masjid conveniently, or the journey to the masjid is unsafe, the Salat may be observed wherever convenient. The Prophet, (pbuh) has said that the whole earth has been sanctified and made a Masjid for Muslims. The Masjid plays an extremely important role in a Muslim’s life. Islam emphasizes that congregational prayers should be said in the Masjid.
The Essay on Muslim versus Hindu Rituals
Islam has a number of rituals that are obligatory on Muslims. The five basic pillars of Islam are Faith (Iman), Prayer (Salat), payment of Alms (a tax called Zakat), Fasting in them month of Ramadan and Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj). A Muslim who does not follow any of the five pillars is a non-believer and a sinner. Fasting is compulsory in Ramadan on all adult Muslims of sane mind. The idea of ...
When the Prophet (pbuh) migrated to Madina, the first action he took was to build a Masjid there, which is now known as the Prophet’s Masjid or (Masjid-e-Nabwi).
This Masjid became the center of all Muslim activities. Deputations coming from other countries were received there and were generally put up in this Masjid such as the group of Christians from Naijran. This Masjid also served as the center for education, learning, and training. Muslim Masjids are therefore, not only for the purpose of worship alone but, also serve as the center for all social, cultural, political and various activities. There is no special design or structure for a Masjid. Any building erected or used for congregational prayers is a Mosque.
Masjids in Islam are not only centers for worship but are also the reflection of the characteristics of Muslim society and its civilization. Due to this fact, the Muslims have been asked to follow certain rules which can be considered to be the earliest state for the development of Muslim character and to form true Muslim social structure. When a Muslim goes to the Masjid, he/she should wear clean, modest, and dignified cloths. There is no special dress prescribed for the Muslims when the prayer is being offered, do not run to join, but come at a dignified pace. Masjids are centers for the worship of Allah, therefore, nobody is forbidden to access the Masjid. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an; “All Masjids belong to Allah, so call not on anyone besides Allah.” (72:19) This verse of the Holy Quran clearly dictates that Masjids are the property of Allah and Allah Alone. Therefore, no one is allowed to prevent anybody from entering the Masjid for the purpose of worship. The Prophet (phuh) himself set the best example in this regard.
Prayer Rug
Muslims are often seen kneeling and prostrating on small embroidered rugs, called “prayer rugs.” For those unfamiliar with the use of these rugs, they may look like small “oriental carpets,” or simply nice pieces of embroidery. During Islamic prayers, worshippers bow, kneel, and prostrate on the ground in humility before God. The only requirement in Islam is that prayers be performed in an area that is clean. Prayer rugs are not universally used by Muslims, nor specifically required in Islam. But they have become a traditional way for many Muslims to ensure the cleanliness of their place of prayer, and to create an isolated space to concentrate in prayer. Prayer rugs are usually about one meter long, just enough for an adult to fit comfortably when kneeling or prostrating. Modern, commercially-produced rugs are often made of silk or cotton. While some rugs are made in solid colors, they are usually adorned. The designs are often geometric, floral, arabesque, or depict Islamic landmarks such as the Ka’aba in Mecca or Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. They are usually designed so that the rug has a definite “top” and “bottom” — the bottom is where the worshipper stands, and the top points towards the direction of prayer.
The Essay on Muslim Mosque vs Christian Basilica
There are many differences between the muslim and christian Basilica as well as many similarities. They also have so many things that make them unique in their own way. Taking a further look at each belief helps us have a clearer understanding of the Mosque and the Basilica. The word Islam is Arabic and means "submission to the will of God. " Islam teaches that one must submit to God in Arabic in ...
When the time for prayer comes, the worshipper lays the rug on the ground, so that the top points towards the direction of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. After prayer, the rug is immediately folded or rolled, and put away for the next use. This ensures that the rug remains clean. The Arabic word for a prayer rug is “sajada,” which comes from the same root word as “masjed” (mosque) and “sujud” (prostration).
Islamic Calendar
The Islamic calendar is based on the year prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his fellow Muslims (known as Sahabah, the Companions) emigrated to Madinah in the year 622 C.E. The emigration took place after thirteen years of persecutions by the disbelievers of Makkah. By the command of God, the Prophet left the city with his companion Abu Bakr Siddique (R.A.) and escaped a death threat by the disbelievers. The event marks the beginning of a second phase of the Islamic movement. It is the phase when Madinah became the center of an Islamic state.
The Islamic calendar is lunar. Each month must begin with the evening when the new moon is sightable by the unaided naked eye. Muslims are obligated to sight the crescent in every country. Different countries may begin the year at different days based on their own sightings. The calendar is called Hijri calendar. The Arabic word Hijrah means emigration.
In North America, major Muslim organizations are working together to produce an Islamic calendar using the scientific data.
The Term Paper on Al Aqsa Mosque Muhammad Muslims Dome
The Noble Sanctuary is a significant site with a sacred mosque and a sacred shrine within its walls, held in Jerusalem, for the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic religions. The Noble Sanctuary, which includes the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque, represents the sacrifices and hardships many people have faced throughout the decades that formed our world in to what it is today. The Jews and the ...
The names of the twelve Islamic months are Muharram, Safar, Rabiul-Awwal, Rabi-uthani, Jumadi-ul-Awwal, Jumadi-uthani, Rajab, Sha’ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhil-Q’ada and Dhil-Hijja.
Mount Arafat
Hajj is the largest pilgrimage in the world, attracting Muslim pilgrims from all quarters of the globe. It is the annual pilgrimage made to Mecca and also considered as the fifth pillar of Islam. There are numerous rituals associated with Hajj, of which the significance of climbing Mount Arafat forms the highlight.
The significance of Mount Arafat is that it is the hill on which Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his last sermon. A pillar now stands there on the peak, in order to mark the spot, where Prophet Muhammad gave out his last sermon to his followers, whom he led in the Hajj pilgrimage, towards the close of his life.
As a part of the Hajj rituals, people gather in the plain of Arafat and spend the afternoon until a little after sunset. This Hajj ritual of gathering on the plain of Arafat (Mount Arafat), marks the climax or highlight of Hajj, failing of which the noble mission of undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage is considered futile. Hence the significance of ascending Mount Arafat for worship.
On the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims make their way atop the hill, Mount Arafat or otherwise known as ‘Jabal Al Rahmah’, the hill of forgiveness. People on the plain of Arafat, engage in contemplation and keep vigil. They offer prayers and read the Quran. This is known as Wuquf, the most significant of Hajj rituals.
There is another important significance that is associated with Mount Arafat. In accordance with the Islamic tradition, it is believed that Adam and Eve met and recognized each other after their expulsion from the Garden of Eden on Mount Arafat. It was on this hill, that they both were reunited. It is believed that they earned the mercy of Allah on this hill. Hence it has become a practice to offer prayers of repentance during Hajj pilgrimage on Mount Arafat. It is rather the renewal of the Prayer of Repentance undertaken during the pilgrimage, forming an important part of it. The pilgrims stay on the Arafat plains offering prayers to Allah seeking His forgiveness.
Masjid Al-Aqsa
Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa is an Arabic name which means the Farthest Mosque. To understand its name, and its importance, it must be remembered that the roots of Islam began in the Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia today).
The Report on The Hajj – Paper
HAJJ The Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. It is currently the largest annual pilgrimage in the world, and is the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so. The Hajj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people. The pilgrimage occurs from the 8th to 12th day of Dhu al- ...
Ten years after the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) received his first revelation, he made a miraculous night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and to the Seven Heavens on a white flying horse called Al-Buraq El-Sharif. During his interval in Jerusalem, the Prophet stopped to pray at the rock (now covered by the golden Dome), and was given the commandment to pray five times a day. Today, Muslims throughout the World use Mecca as the direction of prayers (Kabah).
However, for 16½ months following the Prophet Mohammad’s miraculous journey, Jerusalem was the Kabah. During Prophet Mohammad’s life (pbuh), he instructed Muslims to visit not only the mosque where they lived in Mecca, but also the ‘Farthest mosque’ from them which lay 2000 kilometers north, in Jerusalem. Hence the name Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa, or Al-Aqsa Mosque. Al-Aqsa Mosque is the second oldest mosque in Islam after the Kabah in Mecca, and is third in holiness and importance after the mosques in Mecca and Medina.
Shoes must to be removed to enter the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa’s enclosed area as a sign of cleanliness and respect. Visitors should ensure they are modestly dressed with arms and legs covered. Ladies should have a hijab to cover their hair. While on holy ground, intimate or personal contact must be avoided.
The rectangular Al-Aqsa Mosque is 144,000 square meters, 35 acres, or 1/6 of the entire area within the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem as it stands today. It is also called Al-Haram El-Sharif (the Nobel Sanctuary).
The Dome of the Chain marks the exact central point of this Mosque. Al-Aqsa Mosque holds up to 400,000 worshippers at one time, bearing in mind that the space required for each person is roughly 0.8m x 0.5m to enable the submissive kneeling in prayer. On Fridays at noon, during the fasting month of Ramadan, and particularly the 27th of Ramadan (Lailat El-Qadr), the area is filled to virtual capacity. There are 11 gates to Al-Aqsa Mosque: 7 of which are open. Of the 4 closed gates, one is the Golden Gate. Al-Aqsa is made up of 3 parts, narrow arcades run along one end, a huge atrium and a covered area at the south.
Unfortunately In 1969, after 2 years of Israeli occupation, a fanatic Jew set fire to the covered area for the first time in its history. Repairing the damage from the fire still continues
