The Muslim Faith
Islam is an Arabic word which means submission to God. At the heart of Islam is the belief in the unity and universality of God. The Arabic word Allah means the One God. Muslims also believe in the unity of all mankind and have a strong sense of community and are aware of their solidarity with Muslims worldwide. Muslims recognise the prophets such as Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses and Jesus and they see Mohammed (peace be upon him) as the last and final prophet. Mohammed was born in Mecca in 570 CE. He received the Holy revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel which was recorded in Islam's holy book, the Qur'an which is regarded as the literal word of God.
Islam has five pillars, the foundation stones of Islamic worship and action:
Shahadah: There is no God but the one true God and Mohammed is his messenger. Inciting this with intention three times makes someone a Muslim
Salat: Prayer takes place five times a day at given times. It is made facing Mecca and is preceded by ritual washing known as wudu.
Zakat: Two and a half percent of a Muslim's assets over a given specified amount is given in welfare tax to benefit the poor and needy each year.
Hajj: This is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca which takes place at a fixed time of the calendar, which Muslims try to participate in at least once in a lifetime.
Sawm: During the month of Ramadan Muslims are required to abstain from food, drink and sexual acts from dawn til sunset. The ill, eldery and travellers are exempt.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar and the month of the Islamic fast. The appearance of the new moon at the end of Ramadan marks the beginning of the festival of Eid ul Fitr. Eid ul Adha marks the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, celebrated by pilgrims and non-pilgrims alike.
Muslims differentiate between food that is allowed - halal, and food which is forbidden - haram. Pork, carnivorous animals and blood are haram. Meat must also be slaughtered according to biblical rites by a Muslim butcher. The consumption of intoxicants is also forbidden.