Islam
Beliefs
Islam (which means "submission to God") was founded by the Prophet Muhammad in the early 7th century CE. When Muhammad was 40 years old he began to receive a series of revelations from the angel Gabriel the content of which completes and corrects the message brought by previous Prophets (including Abraham, Moses and Jesus). These revelations were recorded in Arabic and form the content of the Muslim scriptures, the Qur'an.
Muslims hold that the Qur'an is God's final and ultimate source of guidance to the world. Great importance is attached to learning these scriptures. The Sunna and Hadith (the example set by the Prophet and the records of Muhammad's & his colleagues' words and actions) are also considered important sources of guidance.
Mulsims believe in:
- the oneness of God
- the books revealed by God
- the Prophets
- the angels
- the day of judgment
- life after death
- the all powerful God
The 5 Pillars
These beliefs express themselves in daily life through the observance of the 5 Pillars:
- SHAHADAH every Muslim must affirm that there is no god except God and Muhammad his messenger
- SALAT ritual prayer must be carried out 5 times a day (at dawn, midday, late afternoon, after sunset and late evening). These prayers are recited whilst facing in the direction of Mecca (for Muslims in England - that is a south easterly diretion) and can only take place after hands, face, mouth, nose, arms and feet have been washed. Congregational prayers are held on Fridays
- ZAKAT 2.5% of annual income and savings are given to the poor and needy
- RAMADAN a month each year is spent in fasting (during daylight hours) as a sign of devotion to God
- HAJJ at least once in a lifetime all Muslims who can afford it should make a pilgrimage to Mecca and visit the Ka'bah (Abrahams house of God, built approximately 4000 years ago)
Islamic principles
Muslims seek to apply Islamic principles (set out in the Shari'ah law) in every aspect of daily life. Only Halal food may be eaten (meat must be slaughtered in a ritual way and pork avoided at all costs); alcohol, tobacco and drugs are forbidden; the lending or borrowing money with interest is to be avoided. Modesty of dress is always encouraged, women often covering their whole bodies, thus reducing the likelihood of immorality (sexual relations outside of marriage being strictly prohibited). The words "peace be upon him" are usually added after mentioning the Prophet Muhammad's name.
Muslims seek to promote and protect the message of the Qur'an through deeds and words - this is known as Jihad.
Why do Muslim women wear the veil?
A clear description of Islamic views on modesty of dress:
