Five Pillars of Islam

                                                            The Five Pillars of Islam

Watch each of the Videos and provide answers to the questions;

Use this website to answer question one; (Name each Pillar)

Pillar #1: Shahadah-Faith

• What is the meaning of the declaration of faith? They say the declaration to make the profession of faith an an entry to islam.

• Why do you think that this statement is a significant part of being a Muslim?Because you can’t be a Muslim without saying it.

Video – Islam_vid_muslimpray.mov

Pillar #2:Salah-prayer

• Describe the process that Muslims go through to prepare to pray. Everyone must wash their face, hands and feet then they lay a rug on the floor to be clean. If there is no available water you are allowed to use clean dirt.

• Describe the process of praying in Islam. How many times each day, and when, do Muslims pray? 5 times a day, at dawn, mid-afternoon, right after sunset and before they go to bed.

• What do the prayers sound like?  What do the movements look like?  Singing. The movements include, head to the floor, hands in surrendering pose and hands cuffing eachother.

• In which direction do Muslims pray? Why do they face this way? In the direction of Mecca because that it considered to be the place where Islam began.

• What are some of the things Muslims say during prayer?  ‘Allahu Akbar: God is greater.’

• Why do Muslims pray?To show respect to Allah.

Video – Islam_vid_zakat.mov

Pillar #3:Zakaat - donating

• What is Zakaat?  What is emphasized in Zakaat? Obligatory giving to charity. Emphasized on feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and helping those in need.

• Why do Muslims make donations?  How much money is a person expected to give to charitable causes?  They are expected to donate 2.5% of their income. They do this because of tradition and they believe it is a gift.

• What is the relationship between prayer and money?Muslim’s believe you will be rewarded by Allah if you help those in need.

• How is zakaat different from ordinary charity that Muslims might give?Because it supposed to free oneself from the love of possessions and greed and to benefit the giver as well as the receiver.

Video - Islam_vid_islam_celeb.mov

Pillar #4: Ramadan/sawm

• As part of the Muslim religion, what does it mean to fast? It means to go without food, sex or smoking. Muslims believe that it is a way of purifying your soul.

• Why do Muslims fast?  It is a mandatory pillar for Islam. It gives them a good feeling to be able to give to the people in need. To share the feelings with the poor.

• What and when is Ramadan?   What is Eid al-Fitr?  Ramadan is the 9^th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. This is when Muslims dress up and visit the mosque for prayer and visit and have meals with family and friends.

Videos – Islam_vid_hajj (part 1 & 3)

Pillar #5: Hajj - Pilgramage

• How often must Muslims participate in Hajj?
   At least once in their lifetime if health and finances permit.

• Where do Muslims go during Hajj?  They travel to Mecca.

• What and where is the Kaaba?  Describe this place.  It is a big square in the middle of Mecca. Thousands gather around Kaaba and pray together towards the square building.

• How many Muslims participate in Hajj? Over 2 million.

• What is the goal of Hajj?  To submit yourself to the attributes of God.

• What does it mean to enter spiritual purity? What is the purpose of the special garments? The special garments are white, which is a very pure colour. They must not engage in marital relations, shave or cut their nails, use cologne or scented oils, kill or hunt anything, fight or argue, women must not cover their faces, even if they would do so in their home country, men may not wear clothes with stitching and bathing is allowed by scented soaps are frowned upon.

• How does Mubarek describe his experiences as a pilgrim?He is very focused and not bothered by others.

• What is the significance of Abraham to pilgrims?One of the first things Abraham did was he went on the first pilgrimage from Ur to Canaan. Abraham is one of the first recorded leaders of the Hebrews in the bible.

The Quran (the Islam Holy Book)

Quran

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ic47gdwA5bM

Watch the Video “Holy Quran very briefly explained” and answer the questions on your Blog site

1.     What does the word Quran translate to in English? The recitation.

2.    What is the purpose of the message sent to Mohammad why was it sent again? Gods own message to the world to remind people of the message already received by the Jews and Christians – Gods guidance for human kind.

3.    How is the message sent to Mohammad different to the messages already sent to the Christians and the Jews? It is in Arabic.

4.    Is the message in the Quran the same message as in the Bible? Yes.

5.    Name two other prophets mentioned in the Quran. Jesus and Abraham.

6.    How was the message passed on to others in the beginning? It was passed on by talking about it.

7.    Why was the original message not written down by Mohammad? He was not literate in Arabic.

8.    What language is used for the Quran? Arabic

9.    Which city did Islam originate? Mecca

10. What dose ‘Muslim’ mean? Those who submit to God.

11.  How does the Quran differ from the Bible in the story of the death of Jesus?The Quran affirms Jesus was a profit and born from a virgin though it denies he is the son of God. They believe Jesus is divine but he is not God though Christians believe Jesus is part of God. Christians believe Jesus died for humanity though Islams believe all souls are responsible for their own actions. Muslims do not believe Jesus was crucified.

12. What does the Quran say about warfare? You have the right to fight and when the enemy ceases to fight remember God is merciful and warfare is not always the answer. Muslims may defend themselves only when there is a threat. They should be merciful to those they capture – as Muhammad was when he took over Mecca.

Suras are the chapters in the Quran, there are 14 chapters and each one is shorter than thehone beofre it; they all start with the same verse.
The Quran is thourhg to be the copleted passage tat began with judaism and Christianity.

Symbols of Islam

Star and Crescent

They are accepted symbols of Islam since the 18^th Century (Islam began in the 6^th Century); they appear on several flags of Islamic nations. Even before the time of Muhammad they were found on the Kaaba and it is said that Muhammad allowed these symbols to remain intact when he ordered the removal of idols from the Kaaba.

No Symbols of Allah

Islam has always insisted that there should be no idols and no images of Allah. An Islamic mosque is devoid of all statues and all paintings this is in contrast to Christian Churches. Islamic artists have compensated for this restriction by developing beautiful work and calligraphy.

Bismillah (in the name of Allah)

One of the most prominent symbolic designs is the motif with the words Bismallah (in te name of Allah). All the Suras (chapters of the Qu’ran) of the Qur’an except one being with the words ‘In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the compassionate…’ so the first word of these Suras has been taken and variously depicted in extremely ornate styles.

The Five Pillars of Islam

There are 5 major beliefs or obligations for each Muslim, they are:

      Shahadah (Belief)
For the believer to testify that ‘There is no god but god and that Muhumad is His messenger.’

      Salat (Worship)To worship god five times a day (dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall). Can be done anywhere and the believer must wash themselves before each time and prayer in the direction of Mecca.

      Zakat (almsgiving)to give to the poor. Muslims are supposed to give to charity every year.

      Sawm/Ramadon (fasting)to abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex for the month of Ramadan (the 9^th month in the Muslim calender). During this time Muslims become closer to God.

      Hajj (pilgrimage)pilgramige to Mecca, must be made once in a Muslim’s life.

The Mosque

Where was it, what did you see and what did you do at the mosque?

The mosque was in Auburn and when we arrived by bus we were amazed by the size of the building. It was very big with a round dome in the middle and painted a yellow/crème colour on the outside with green. The mosque was surrounded by a garden with roses and grass. As we walked in we put our bags away and then walked to the main prayer room. Before we were able to enter though we had to take of our shoes and walk in on a mat so that we did not contaminate the carpets. when we got inside we sat down and were told about the history of the mosque and the qualities of the Islam religion. Inside the mosque was beautifully hand painted in mosaic patterns.

What did you learn? Identify major items/facts.

We learnt that the women pray upstairs or behind the men so they feel more comfortable. we also learnt about the five pillars of the Islam religion and their God Allah. We learnt that it only took 6 months to hand paint the amazing patterned walls and ceiling of the mosque and that many of the objects such as the chandeliers and carpets were imported from around the world.

What you gained from the experience.

After the day at the mosque I was able to understand the Islam beliefs and their way of life.

Islam

What does Islam mean?Islam means ‘submission’ and in religious context it means complete submission to the will of God.

What were the origins of Islam?The origins can be traced back to the prophet Abraham, who established the city of Makkah and built the Ka’ba which all Muslim’s turn to today when they pray.

How does someone become a Muslim?Someone can become a Muslim by saying: 'there is no god apart from God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God.' By saying this the believer announces that their faith is with the Muslim God, Allah and that they believe in all God’s messengers and the scriptures which they brought.

How do Muslims practice their religion?Muslim’s pray 5 times a day towards Makkah and uphold the five pillars of Islam.

What is the Ka’ba? (image required)Ka’ba is a place of worship which was built by Abraham and Ishmael over four thousand years ago. The building is made of stone.

What were the highlights of Muhammad’s life?Muhammad was born in the city of Makkah in the year 570, this was a time when Christianity was not fully established in Europe. He was known for his generosity, sincerity and truthfulness. At the age of 40 he received his first revelation from God by the Angel Gabrielle. He was the founder of Islam and he asserted that he was the chosen messenger by God.

What is the Qu’ran?It is the last revealed word of God and is where Muslims go to practice their faith.

Thank you to: http://www.islamicity.com/mosque/uiatm/un_islam.htm

Islam

Quick Quiz 1

What’s the religion of Muslims called?Islam.

What does submission mean?To give in to authority.

What’s the Muslim name for God?Allah.

Quick Quiz 2

What does this symbol mean?The symbol is a star and a moon this is because many of Muslims travel through the dessert and they use the stars to guide them. Also the moon shines and shows the way at night.

Who is the greatest Muslim prophet?Muhammad.

Activities

Section A

The word Islam and Muslim both mean submission. Muslims believe that Allah made everything. The Muslim holy book is called the Qur’an. A star and crescent moon is the symbol of Islam.

Section B

1.     Why should a Muslim submit to Allah?They submit to Allah because they believe he is God and that he made everything.

2.    Explain what Muslims think about Muhammad?

He was the most important prophet and the last.

Section C

1.     Draw the symbol of Islam. Explain why it is used?Many Muslims have to travel through the desert at night and they use the stars and the moon to guide them, that is why the Islam symbol is a star and acrescent moon.

2.    Islam began in the Middle East. Find out the names o two Muslim countries.Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

Quick Quiz 1

What’s the religion of Muslims called?Islam.

What does submission mean?To give in to authority.

What’s the Muslim name for God?Allah.

Quick Quiz 2

What does this symbol mean?The symbol is a star and a moon this is because many of Muslims travel through the dessert and they use the stars to guide them. Also the moon shines and shows the way at night.

Who is the greatest Muslim prophet?Muhammad.

Activities

Section A

The word Islam and Muslim both mean submission. Muslims believe that Allah made everything. The Muslim holy book is called the Qur’an. A star and crescent moon is the symbol of Islam.

Section B

1.     Why should a Muslim submit to Allah?They submit to Allah because they believe he is God and that he made everything.

2.    Explain what Muslims think about Muhammad?

He was the most important prophet and the last.

Section C

1.     Draw the symbol of Islam. Explain why it is used?Many Muslims have to travel through the desert at night and they use the stars and the moon to guide them, that is why the Islam symbol is a star and acrescent moon.

2.    Islam began in the Middle East. Find out the names o two Muslim countries.Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.