IslamWhat do Muslims believe?
This is the Arabic script for Allah.Source: www.webislam.com
Muslims believe in a Supreme God that is called Allah in Arabic. "Islam" means "submission" in Arabic and a Muslim is a person who submits his life to the way and authority of Allah. This means that everything in a Muslim's life is under God's control. A Muslim is also someone who can repeat the Shahada, which is a declaration of faith, and understands and believes it completely. The Shahada says:
"There is no God but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God."
Muslim's do five special things as part of their faith. These tasks are like the pillars that support a house and are called the "Five Pillars of Islam". The first pillar is to believe in one God. The second is that Muhammad is God's last prophet. Muslims' also have to pray five times a day.
Muslims normally pray facing towards Mecca. Source: news.bbc.co.uk
The third pillar is to give a part of personal wealth to charity every year. This is called Zakat. The fourth pillar of Islam is to fast during the month of Ramadan. This means that muslims do not eat or drink anything from sunrise to sunset. The last pillar is that every Muslim must try to make a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca at least once in his or her lifetime.
There are certain things in a Muslim's life that he/she is allowed to do and eat these things are Halaal. This includes eating the meat of an animal that is slaughtered in a certain way. There are also certain things that they are not allowed to do these are Haraam. Some of the things that are haraam are pork and alcohol. The word Halaal means "allowed" or "accepted" and Haraam means "forbidden"
Who was Muhammad?
The prophet Muhammad. Source: feistymama.com
Muslims believe that Muhammad is Allah's final messenger or prophet to humans. He was born in Mecca, in the Arab Emirates, around 570 AD. They also believe that Allah sent other prophets like Ibrahim, or Abraham, and Isa, or Jesus, but that his final message was sent through Muhammad. Muslims do not worship Muhammad they only worship Allah.
What is the Qur'an?
Muslims believe that the Qur'an is the last holy book that was handed to Muhammed by Allah to guide us in life.
Muhammad and his people spoke Arabic, and this is the language in which he received his messages from God. Muslims read the Qur'an in Arabic and also pray in Arabic. Muslim children go to classes where they learn to read the language.
The spread of Islam
A century, or 100 years, after Muhammad's death Muslims had become powerful and had defeated the Persian and Byzantine empires. They ruled the area from North Africa to the border of China.
Muslim rulers were just and allowed religious freedom and many of the people they conquered eventually converted to Islam. There are more than 50 independent Muslim countries in the world and about 1 300 million Muslims.
Muslim Festivals New Year/Day of Hijra
During Ramadaan Muslims light coloured lanterns in their homes and neighbourhoods. Source: www.geocities.com
This is the beginning of the Islamic year and celebrates the day the prophet Muhammad moved from Mecca to Medina to set up the first Islamic state. The Muslim calendar counts dates from the Hijra, which is why every Islamic year has the suffix A.H after it. There is no specific celebration on this day, maybe the family will say a special prayer but otherwise it is a quieter holiday unlike some of the others.
The Birth of the Prophet
The prophet Muhammad is believed to have been born on the 12 th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, which is the third month of the Islamic calendar. On the night before his birthday prayers may be said to bless his soul/spirit and the family prepares a special dinner.
Ramadaan
This festival lasts for a month and requires all Muslims who have reached the age of puberty to fast between sunrise and sunset. They are not allowed to eat or drink anything during the day, but are supposed to spend their days in meditation and prayer. At sunset the family gathers to break their fast and then pray together. In the evening the men of the family usually go to the mosque where the community meets for extended prayers. This is one of the holiest months on the Islamic calendar.
Every Muslim has to travel to Mecca at least once in his or her life. This pilgrimage is called the Hajj. The Ka'ba is the holiest structure in Islam and Muslims see at as the centre of the world. It is a large square building that is covered in black cloth embroidered with gold (seen above). Source: www.yementimes.com
The festival of Id Al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. This is a happy festival when the poor and children receive gifts, clothes and sweets and families gather for celebrations.
Dhil-Hijja/ The Month of Pilgrimage
This is the month of the Great Pilgrimage to Mecca. Every year millions of Muslims travel to Mecca, the holiest place to them. This is also called the Hajj and every Muslim has try and go there at least once in his or her lifetime.
The end of the pilgrimage is also celebrated as a festival called Id Al-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, and lasts for 4 days. During this time animals are and a portion of the meat is given to the poor while the rest is given to close family and extended family and friends.
Islam symbols
 | The crescent moon and star is the most prominent Islamic symbol and many Muslim countries also have this symbol on their flags. It has a connection to royalty and the lunar calendar that rules the lives of Muslims. |
 | Muslims believe in modesty and correct behaviour between men and women. They don't wear revealing clothes. According to Muslim tradition women have to cover their bodies from head to foot. The only parts of heir body that may be left uncovered are the face, the hands and their feet, but not their ankles. This is said to be done to preserve the woman's honour. The Burkha is worn by some women out of choice. |