Islam

Islam is an Arabic word meaning ‘peace and submission.’ Islam is over 1400 years old and the followers of Islam believe that there is one God, Allah, who is the supreme creator of the universe. Islam is a major world religion and Muslims (follower of Islam) live over the world. Muslims speak many different languages and have different cultural backgrounds. There are around one billion Muslims in the world. Muslims can be divided into two distinctive groups, Sunni Muslims, who make up approximately 90% of the total Muslim population and Shi’a’ Muslims.

Islam shares common historical roots with Judaism and Christianity. Muslims believe that God has sent many messengers or prophets; these include Abraham, Moses and Jesus. According to Muslim belief, the prophet Muhammad received a series of revelations from Allah through the recitations of Angel Gabriel.

The ethnic background of the Islamic population in the UK is diverse. A number of different languages are spoken including Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, Gujurati, Malay, Punjabi, Turkish and Urdu as well as English. Arabic is the language of the Qur’an.

Scriptures

The main religious text of Islam is the Qur’an. It contains the basic principles of the religion and includes the beliefs and duties that it is compulsory for Muslims to perform and a code of conduct, which Muslims must follow

Key Beliefs

Muslim beliefs incorporate concepts of Piety, Righteousness, Sin, Freedom, Equality, Brotherhood, Morality and Peace. Muslims are required to follow the five pillars of Islam:

  • Shahadah – this is a declaration of faith which states that there is no God except Allah and that Muhammad is his prophet;
  • Salat - ritual prayer carried out five times a day facing the direction of Mecca in devotion of Allah. The prayers must be conducted at dawn, noon, mid afternoon, just after sunset and at night;
  • Sawm – the duty to fast during Ramadam. Muslims must abstain from all nourishment from before dawn until sunset. Children and the sick can break the fast and make up for it later. Women who are in confinement or menstruating are not allowed to fast until a specific time has passed;
  • Zakah – The Qur’an commands the Zakah. Muslims are expected to give a minimum 2.5% of their income or savings to charity to help the poor or needy;
  • Hajj – This is the pilgrimage to Islam’s most Holy Shrine, Mecca. There is a duty on every Muslim who is fit and can afford it to undertake the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.

Worship

The mosque is the Islamic place of congregational worship. Purpose built mosques feature a large dome and a tall minaret. The dome represents the universe and the call to prayer is made from the minaret. There are no images, paintings or decorations representing living things inside a mosque. There are no seats but the floor is carpeted. Before a Muslim can perform prayers, they must carry out an ablution (ritual washing) which involves washing the hands, mouth, nose, face, feet and arms up to the elbows. The Imam is the leader of the prayers and act as a spokesperson for the community.

 

Diet and dress

Muslims are guided by their faith about food that is permissible, halal, and food that is not, haraam. Vegetarian food and dairy produce is allowed. Game, poultry and the meat from non-carnivorous animals is allowed if it is slaughtered in accordance with religious laws. Pork and the meat of carnivorous animals (land or water based) are forbidden. Alcohol is forbidden.

Islam requires both men and women to dress modestly; they should wear loose clothing that does not show their shape. Women are required to cover their hair with a scarf or head covering (Hijaab). Muslim men are required to grow a beard and some will wear a skullcap particularly during prayers. Not all Muslims follow the dress code. Covering the face with a veil is not a requirement, it is optional and has more cultural roots.

Points to remember

  • Islamic law forbids physical contact between a woman and a man who is not her husband;
  • Some families think it is unsuitable for women to have any contact with mend they do not know;
  • Some Muslims do not shake hands with members of the opposite sex, this is not intended to offend;
  • Some Muslims may not maintain eye contact, this does not indicate disrespect or contempt;
  • Some Muslims believe that only those who have performed ritual ablution may handle the Qur’an;
  • Women must cover their heads, arms and legs inside a mosque;
  • Shoes must be removed before entering the prayer hall;
  • Muslims are required to bury their deceased as soon as possible and preferably within 24 hours of death.

Festivals

    The main festivals are:
  • Eid ul Fitr;
  • Eid ul Adnha;
  • Lailat ul Qadar
  • Milad ul Nabi


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