Download Islam - Dialogue Australasia Network

ALL SAINTS’ COLLEGE
Ewing Avenue, Bull Creek, Western Australia
YR.9 CRAVE
ISLAM
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WHY STUDY ISLAM?
There are many reasons why it is important to study the religion of Islam. To begin with Islam
is the fastest growing religion in the world, and the largest after Christianity. It is estimated
that roughly one in five people on this planet are Muslim. The influence of Islam in maths,
science, medicine and many other areas has been immense over the centuries. The culture and
history of Islam has shaped much of the world in which we live today and is most definitely
worthy of study.
There is another reason why we in the Western world need to understand Islam. Since the
September 11th Twin Tower attacks Muslims (those who follow Islam) have received a bad
press.
Osama Bin-Laden and his Al-Qaeda network claim to be Muslim. The Bali bombers claim to
be Muslim. Palestinians suicide bombers who target innocent Israeli civilians claim to be
Muslim. After the Twin Towers attack some TV stations broadcast images of people in
Palestine and Islamabad (the capital of Pakistan) celebrating and burning the US flag. These
people also called themselves Muslim.
This led people in the Western world who perhaps do not understand the religion of Islam to
think that Muslim people are dangerous and evil. This is a mistake. After the Twin Tower
attacks Mosques (Muslim places of worship) were vandalised. Ordinary Muslim people,
including women, were spat at and verbally and physically abused in many Western cities.
The reason for this hatred was ignorance about the views and actions of ordinary Muslims.
The vast majority of Muslim people throughout the world were shocked by the Twin Towers
attack. Many Muslim people themselves were actually killed. The Quran (Muslim Holy
Scriptures) clearly teaches that suicide is wrong:

“Do not throw yourselves with your own hands into destruction. You shall be
charitable; GOD loves the charitable” (2:195)

“You shall not kill yourselves. GOD is Merciful towards you” (4:29)

“Anyone who commits these transgressions, maliciously and deliberately, we will
condemn him to Hell. This is easy for GOD to do” (4:30)
A real Muslim could not therefore support or be involved in terrorism. Unfortunately many
non-Muslim people throughout the Western world are not aware of this because they have not
been taught what Islam teaches about terrorism.
The essence of Christianity is love and forgiveness. However, this has not stopped some so
called Christians from acting in ways that are very cruel. During the middle-ages Christians
marched on Palestine in a series of Crusades. They raped, tortured and massacred people in
the name of God. Clearly such people were not real Christians. They may have worn crosses
and prayed to God, but their cruel actions showed they were in fact hypocrites. Despite these
historical events most people do not associate Christianity with cruel and brutal behaviour.
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It should be the same with Islam. Yes, there are people who call themselves Muslim who act
in a cruel fashion. However, these people are hypocrites. We should not jump to the
conclusion that all Muslims behave in this way.
The very meaning of the word ‘Islam’ is ‘submission’ or ‘surrendering’ to the will of Allah
(God). The will of Allah is laid out in the holy Quran.
A real Muslim would read God’s will in the
Quran and then act upon it. Their words and
actions will be based upon the teaching of
Allah as outlined in the Quranic scriptures!
A false Muslim may well call themselves
‘Muslim’, but then act in ways which go
against the teaching of God in the Quran.
Such people, like Bin-Laden, are hypocrites!
Perhaps the most important reason for us to study the religion of Islam is to reduce our
ignorance. If we can learn what real Muslims believe, and how most of them act, then we will
understand that the religion of Islam is not a threat to the Western world.
TASK 1) Why do some people in the Western world have a negative image of Muslims?
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TASK 2) Explain the real position of Islam on the issue of suicide bombing
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TASK 3) Why is it important that people in the Western world understand the real
teaching of Islam?
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JIHAD
The way we view things is often shaped by the way the Media
influences us. For example, if the newspapers and the TV suggest
the religion of Islam is a threat to us then we will probably come
to believe this for ourselves. Consider the following front page
headline taken from The Australian newspaper:
‘Islamic terror kills peace in Baghdad and Jerusalem’ 21st August 2003
This kind of media reporting links terrorism with the religion of Islam.
Most people read these headlines and others like them and assume that the religion of Islam is
a threat.
The media can sometimes get things wrong. The religion of Islam is a peace loving religion.
Unfortunately there are some individuals who call themselves Muslim, but who act in ways
that gives the religion a bad name. Perhaps the headline should have read: ‘Terrorists
claiming to be Muslim kill peace in Baghdad and Jerusalem’.
One word which is commonly associated with the acts of individuals claiming to be Muslim
is ‘Jihad’.
Many people think Jihad means ‘holy war’, and that it is something which people like Osama
bin-Laden and others are waging against the Western world. This is a mistake.
Like any language, Arabic has unique words which have a particular meaning that cannot be
translated precisely. Perhaps the best translation for ‘Jihad’ into English is ‘striving’, in
particular striving to do the will of God. This striving or effort can take many forms.
In the spiritual sense Jihad refers to the individuals struggle against sin, the effort
is in striving to be pure in spirit and resist evil. We all have evil thoughts and
desires like greed, envy, lust and laziness. It is an individuals Jihad to resist
such sin.
Another form of Jihad involves confronting the injustice we see all around
us. This might involve defending the weak, sending money to the starving
people of the Third World, standing up for freedom and equality, speaking
out about cruelty to animals or perhaps wastage of the world’s resources.
Jihad demands sacrifice; giving up your time, skills, money, even perhaps your life!
TASK 4) How is the media sometimes guilty of giving Islam a bad name?
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TASK 5) In your own words, explain the true meaning of the word ‘Jihad’
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Admittedly there are occasions when Muslims understand Jihad to mean war. However, the
Quran places limitations on how wars should be fought.

War should not be waged in order to try and convert people to Islam: “Let there be no
compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from error” (2:256)

Wars should only be fought in self-defence, or in defence of Islam

Wars should be stopped when the enemy wants peace: "If they resort to peace, so
shall you…" (8:61).

Civilian casualties should be avoided provided civilians do not attack, provoke or
share directly in the war
Terrorists claiming to be Muslim who deliberately target innocent civilians ignore the
teaching of God as revealed in the Quran.
Such people are not true Muslims.
True Islam is a religion of peace: "GOD advocates justice, charity, and regarding the
relatives. And He forbids evil, vice, and transgression…” (16:90) The very meaning of the
word Islam (normally translated as ‘Submission’) shares the same root of the Arabic word
Salaam meaning ‘peace’. The greeting used by all Muslim when they meet each other is
salaam aleikum meaning ‘May peace be with you’.
Of course there will always be individuals who misrepresent the religion of Islam. People like
Osama bin-Laden may claim that Islam supports a Jihad (understood as holy war) against the
Western world, but Osama bin-Laden is just a man. God has made His position quite clear
through the prophet Muhammad in the Quran.
In summary, the meaning the media gives to the word ‘Jihad’ is false. This word does not
mean a holy war, for there is nothing ‘holy’ about a war in Islam. There are times when war is
permitted, but it is never considered holy. True Islam as revealed in the Quran by God is a
religion of peace no matter what the media or some radical so called ‘Muslims’ might claim.
TASK 6) Why do you think the Quran places limitations on how wars should be fought?
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THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD
If we are to understand the religion of Islam, and in particular the real teaching of God as
outlined in the Quran, then it is crucial we learn how this book came into being. This is not
possible without exploring the events that took place during the life of the prophet
Muhammad.
Muslims do not believe that Muhammad was God in the same way that Christians
understand Jesus to be God in the form of a man. Muslims believe that the Prophet
Muhammad was an ordinary human being, yet he lived his life exactly as Allah told him to.
His way of life is therefore the perfect example for everyone to follow.
Muhammad was born around 570CE in the city of Mecca which lies within the country we
now call Saudi Arabia.
Muhammad was an orphan and grew up under the influence of his uncle who was a merchant.
When he was older Muhammad became a trader for a rich widow called Khadijah whom he
later married at the young age of 25 (for she was older than Muhammad). They lived happily
together until something rather strange happened when Muhammad was 40 years old.
Muhammad was a spiritual man who used to pray on his own in the caves and wilderness of
Mount Hira near Mecca. One day, whilst praying, the word of God was revealed to
Muhammad. He had a vision where an angel came to him carrying a piece of cloth with words
written on it. The angel instructed Muhammad to ‘Recite’ and told him he was to be Allah’s
messenger.
With the support of his wife and eventually a few more people, Muhammad began to preach
to the people of Mecca that there was only one God. Belief in one god is called monotheism.
‘Mono’ is the Greek word for ‘one’, think of a mono cycle which only has one wheel. Theism
is the technical word for belief in God, thus if you are a theist you would believe in a God.
Belief in more than one God is called polytheism. ‘Poly’ is the Greek word for ‘many’, hence
a polygon has many sides.
In Arabia at the time of Muhammad people were worshipping many different God’s. The
polytheistic people living in Mecca worshipped idol’s, some of which were housed in the
Ka’bah which was a huge black cube. The merchants and traders of Mecca became angry
with Muhammad because pilgrims (people making religious journeys) came to visit the pagan
shrines bringing business to the city.
In 622CE Muhammad left Mecca to escape from his enemies, he travelled to the town of
Medina where he started the first Muslim community. Muhammad departed in 622CE and his
journey is called the Hijrah. This is significant because it represented the start of the Islamic
calendar, and the beginning of the success of Islam.
Whilst in Medina Muhammad’s support and influence grew until he was able to defeat the
Meccan’s in 630CE. The people of Mecca accepted Islam as their religion and all the idols
and statues were taken out of the city. Muhammad returned to Medina where he spent the rest
of his life teaching the people there, he died in 632CE.
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TASK 7) Use the words in the box beneath to complete this summary of the Prophet
Muhammad’s life
THE YEAR OF THE HIJRAH, PAGAN SHRINES, UNCLE, TEACHING, MEDINA,
ISLAM, RECITE, MOUNT HIRA, 570CE, 25, KHADIJAH, ALLAH’S MESSENGER,
MUSLIM, 40, HIJRAH, 622CE, PILGRIMS, KA’BAH, IDOLS, ONE GOD, SAUDI
ARABIA, MECCA.
Around _______ Muhammad was born in the city of ________, which lies within the country
we now call ________ _________. He grew up under the influence of his ________ who was
a merchant. When he was older Muhammad became a trader for a rich widow called
______________ whom he later married at the age of ___. Muhammad was ___ years old
when the word of God was first revealed to him at ________ _______ near Mecca. He had a
vision where an angel came to him carrying a piece of cloth with words written on it, the
angel instructed him to _________ despite the fact that he was unable to read. Miraculously
Muhammad found that he could understand the words and he heard the angel saying he was to
be _________ ______________. With the support of his wife and eventually a few more
people, Muhammad began to preach to the Meccan’s that there was only _____ _____. The
polytheistic people living in Mecca worshipped ________; some of which were housed in the
________. The merchants of Mecca became angry with Muhammad because ___________
came to visit the _______ __________ bringing business to the city. In ______ Muhammad
left Mecca to escape from his enemies, he travelled to the town of __________ where he
started the first ________ community. Muhammad departed in 622CE and his journey is
called the _________. This is important because it represented the beginning of both the
success of Islam, and the Islamic calendar. In the Islamic tradition years are numbered AH
which means _____ _______ ___ _____ _________, 622CE is therefore equivalent to 1AH.
Whilst in Medina Muhammad’s support and influence grew until he was able to defeat the
Meccan’s in 630CE. They accepted _________ as their religion and all the idols and statues
were taken out of the city. Muhammad returned to Medina where he spent the rest of his life
____________ the people there, he died in 632CE.
THE QURAN
The prophet Muhammad received many revelations (messages) from Allah over a
period of 23 years. At the time most people were illiterate (unable to read or
write) and were therefore far better than we are today at learning information and
passing it on orally without making mistakes. Muhammad shared the revelations
with his followers. They realised that this was important information and soon
those who were literate began writing each revelation down.
After Muhammad’s death, many Muslims were killed in battle. Abu Bakr (the first Caliph or
successor to the prophet) was worried that the revelations might be lost. He ordered a standard
copy to be made. This was checked by those who had heard it direct from Muhammad
himself. It is thought that the second Caliph (Umar) was responsible for gathering the various
revelations and forming them into a book called the Quran. This copy was made less than two
years after Muhammad died. All modern copies are the same as this.
The Quran is written in Arabic because this is the language in which God’s teachings were
revealed through Muhammad. The Arabic word ‘Quran’ means ‘recitation’ and Muslims
believe the beauty of the Quran is only fully experienced when the holy book is read aloud or
recited. This is why you may see and hear Muslims chanting passages from the Quran.
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The Christian Bible is divided into chapters and verses to help people locate a specific
reference. It is the same with the Quran though the chapters are called ‘suras’ and the verses
‘ayahs’. There are 114 chapters in the Quran. They are not arranged in the order in which they
were revealed to Muhammad. Instead they are generally arranged in the order in which they
were collected by the caliph Umar. The longer suras are first and the shorter ones last. Each
sura is identified by a name that is taken from some word or subject in it. The second sura, for
instance, is called ‘The Cow’ since it contains a story about Moses asking his people to
sacrifice a cow.
Many Christians are surprised to learn that the Quran contains references to the great prophets
of the Old Testament such as Abraham, Jacob and Joseph. In fact the Quran even mentions
Jesus, and Mary, the mother of Jesus. Muhammad taught that the teaching in the revelations
stood in a long tradition stemming from the Jewish and Christian faiths. The difference
however, was the revelations which formed the Quran were the highest and final revelation
from God to mankind.
The Quran is the most important possession a Muslim could possibly own. It is the word of
God. It is therefore the best guide a Muslim could have to help them in life. For this reason
Muslims are careful in how they read and respect Gods words.
Within a Muslim household a copy of the Quran will be found high on a shelf so that nothing
is above it. This symbolises the fact that it has a divine author rather than a
worldly one. It will also be wrapped in cloth when not in use to keep it clean
from dust. The Quran is never placed on the floor; instead it rests upon a 'rehl'
(wooden stool) which is specially crafted to hold it. Muslims take care to ensure
that they are in the correct frame of mind before reading the Quran. They will
find a quiet place with no distractions; you are unlikely to find a true Muslim
reading it on the bus on his/her way home from work. Even producing a copy of the Quran is
a religious act in its own right, great care is taken with the calligraphy; verses from it are a
popular form of decoration.
Rather like the Christian Bible, the Quran offers advice on all matters in life. This might range
from earthly concerns such as marriage and work, to more spiritual matters relating to the
afterlife.
Muslims do not just read the Quran, they recite it. It is important that the words are spoken
with great care, recognizing that the language is poetry rather than prose. Before starting to
recite, Muslims need to be in a state of ritual cleanliness, or 'wudu'. This involves
symbolically washing certain parts of the body, and, if possible, wearing clean clothes and
standing or sitting in a clean place:
When you prepare for prayer (or for reading the Quran) wash your faces and your hands
(and arms) up to the elbow; rub your heads with water, and your feet to the ankles (16:98)
After washing themselves Muslims have to 'prepare the heart' before reciting by being aware
of Allahs presence through consciously thinking about him. The act of reciting the Quran with
soul, heart, mind, tongue and body is known as 'tilawah'. It is common for Muslims to move
their bodies very gently while they recite from the Quran.
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It is said that you can only get a 'feel' for the Quran by listening to it. Some Muslims who
might not fully understand some of the ideas within the Quran claim to experience its power
when they hear it being recited:
As he chanted it was like a man in the wilderness chanting his faith. The voice rose and
swelled, changed in tone, became tragic, soared and then floated down on our heads like a
seagull gliding gently and softly, little more than a whisper. Peace and everlasting truth were
in him and in his voice, while all was crumbling around him.
Somebody who knows all of the Quran by heart is called a 'hafiz', this is an ambition of many
Muslims because it is then present at all times in their minds. Although this shows a lot of
commitment, some Muslims argue that there is a difference between being able to recite the
Quran from memory, and being able to understand the Quran. They believe Muslims should
read the Quran carefully and take on board its message so that it changes their lives and the
way that they act. Being able to recite the whole Quran demonstrates devotion and
commitment; however it is not being given the chance to fulfil its purpose. Muslims should
consider each word of the Quran as if it has just been revealed to them personally. It is
advised that small portions of it are read slowly at one time, this enables the reader to gain a
deeper understanding which they would not have otherwise got if they glossed over a great
deal at one time.
TASK 8) Explain at least three ways in which Muslims demonstrate respect for the
Quran…
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TASK 9) Why do you think Muslims show such respect for the Quran?
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TASK 10) Consider the following example of how a Muslim places importance on
reciting from the Quran: I recite from the Quran each night before I go to bed. The act of
reciting brings a sense of completeness. I feel a unity of my physical and spiritual body and a
sense of being united with my Creator. The Quran has the power to transform me. I will often
recite the Quran from memory as I walk. It is remarkable how it creates peace and harmony
within you.
Do you think that being a 'hafiz' (someone who has learnt the Quran by heart), is
important? What is the difference between knowing the Quran, and actually
understanding it?
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TASK 11) Complete the crossword. You may need to re-read the information about the
Quran to help find all the answers…
Across
3. Verses from the Quran 5. This is always shown by Muslims when dealing with the Quran
6. State of ritual cleanliness 8. The sayings of Muhammad 11. Appeared to Muhammad whilst
he was praying on the mountain 12. Act of reciting the Quran with soul, heart, mind, tongue,
and body 14. This man was chosen by Allah to reveal His message to mankind
Down
1. Wooden stool on which the Quran is placed 2. Title given to the successors of Muhammad
4. Chapters from the Quran 5. Muhammad was instructed by the angel Gabriel to... 6. How
the Quran is stored when not in use 7. Muslim name for God 9. Someone who has learnt the
whole Quran off by heart 10. Name of the Islamic holy scripture 13. Language that the Quran
is written in
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THE HADITH & SUNNA
Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad was an ordinary human being who lived his life
exactly as Allah told him to. His way of life is therefore the perfect example for everyone to
follow. For this reason, examples of what Muhammad said and did were remembered by his
followers and written down. These are known as the Hadith (sayings).
If Muslims face a problem which is not mentioned in the Quran then they may well read the
sayings to see if Muhammad ever coped with a similar problem. They can then follow his
advice.
Muhammad himself did not write anything down. Instead a chain of narrators kept the hadith
in circulation both orally, and also by writing many of them down. A man called Al-Bukhari
organised many of the sayings and traditions that stretched back directly to Muhammad.
These were gathered together, written down, and have become known as Sunna (custom). In
the main, they lay down the way that orthodox (traditional) Muslims should behave.
Roughly 300 years after Muhammad’s death there were 600,000 of the prophet’s sayings in
circulation. Many of these were not genuine. Muslims decide whether or not a saying is
reliable by judging the reputations of each narrator in the chain of people who claim to have
heard it from Muhammad. This clearly opens the door for mistakes, or for people to
deliberately invent things that Muhammad did not say.
Muhammad himself was aware of this as God had already revealed it to him: "Among the
people, there are those who uphold baseless Hadith, and thus divert others from the path of
God without knowledge, and take it in vain. These have incurred a shameful retribution"
(31:6)
True Muslims are able to see how Allah made it clear in the Quran that His words are more
important than mere human sayings: "These are God's revelations that we recite to you
truthfully. In which hadith other than God and His revelations do they believe?" (45:6)
Sometimes the sayings actually contradict what God revealed through the prophet
Muhammad in the Quran. For example, according to Musnad Ahmed: "If a man orders a
woman to lift a mountain she should be ready to lift it". This hadith implies that women
should be prepared to do anything a man commands her to do. Clearly this suited men.
However, through the Quran Allah teaches that: “be you male or female, you are equal to one
another” (3:195). Islam is about submission to God alone, not to men: "...do not reverence
human beings; you shall reverence Me (God) instead...." (5:44)
It is crucial to draw a distinction between the Quran (which is the word of God), and the
hadith (which is the word of man). True Muslims will base their words and actions in
accordance to the will of God as outlined in the sacred Quran. As we will see, unfortunately
some Muslims prefer to base their beliefs on the sayings, many of which are dubious.
TASK 12) Why do you think Muslims would want to read about what Muhammad said
and did in the Hadith if he was simply a man, and not God?
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TASK 13) Why might some of the sayings be unreliable?
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TASK 14) Why is it important to understand the difference between the Quran, and the
Hadith?
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WOMEN IN ISLAM
We have seen how the religion of Islam is often misunderstood by
people living in the Western world. One area where people commonly
get confused is the treatment of women.
During the 20th Century many people worked extremely hard to
improve the rights of women in Western society until women were
viewed and treated as equals to men. Today in the 21st Century people
in the Western world look at the status of women in some Islamic
societies and criticise the way in which they are treated.
The religion of Islam is based on the words of God who revealed His
teaching through the angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad. These words were then
recorded and formed into the Quran. If you want to find out what the real teaching of Islam is,
you need to read the Quran.
Unfortunately some Muslim societies such as the Taliban practice man made traditions and
sayings which have no place in the Quran, and therefore no place in the teaching of Allah. It
is these traditions and sayings which have given the religion of Islam a bad name when it
comes to their treatment of women.
In these notes we are going to explore a number of issues relating to the treatment of women.
We will learn what the real God given teaching of Islam is, and also what some so called
‘Muslims’ have unfortunately practised according to their man made traditions over the
centuries.
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1) The status of men is higher than that of the women
The answer is different when it comes to God compared with traditional Islam. Every
Westerner thinks that Islam is very chauvinistic and oppressive towards women. In the Islam
of today as practiced by some traditional Muslims such as the Taliban in Afghanistan, this can
unfortunately be true. However, in true Islam, as revealed in the Quran, nothing could be
further from the truth as God treats men and women as equals: "…be you male or female, you
are equal to one another…” (3:195)
Many Muslim countries who claim to follow Islam are treating women as second class
citizens; some of these women accept this situation thinking it is what true Islam teaches. One
of the Hadith (sayings) even reads: "Women are naturally, morally and religiously defective".
(Bukhary) This however, is what Bukhary writes, not what God says. It is also not what
Muhammad who represented God could have said since this statement is totally against the
Quran which teaches men and women are equal
2) Muslim women have to wear the veil
Under Taliban rule in Afghanistan women were beaten for going outside their homes without
covering themselves. However, the Quran does not command the Hijab (veil). Wearing the
veil is a tradition and is only supported by sayings in the man made books of Hadiths and
Sunna. If you turn to the Quran you will learn that along with covering breasts and
lengthening clothing (in order to remain modest), God is more concerned with righteousness
rather than specific clothing details:
"O children of Adam, we have provided you with garments to cover your bodies, as well as
for luxury. But the best garment is the garment of righteousness. These are some of GOD's
signs, that they may take heed." [7:26]
3) Muslim woman cannot have jobs outside their homes
Eastern society (where Islam is most common) encourages women to make their house their
first priority. Nevertheless there are no rules in the Quran which deny women from working
and earning their living. Muslim woman can earn money, own property; enter into legal
contracts and to manage their assets however they wish to. Muslim women can work or run
their own business and no one has any claim on their earnings, including the husband.
Historically, Muhammad's first wife Khadijah was a merchant who actually hired Muhammad
to work for her.
4) Polygamy (having more than one wife) is strongly recommended
This is one of the most common misconceptions about Islam. Polygamy was a way of life
until the Quran was revealed 1400 years ago. Technically the Quran does permit polygamy,
but the words of Allah emphasize limitations:
"If you fear lest you may not be perfectly equitable in treating more than one wife, then you
shall be content with one." (4:3)
Of course treating two or more wives equally is practically impossible so the conclusion can
be drawn that true followers of Islam should avoid polygamous relationships.
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5) Muslim Women cannot have education
The Quran encourages the pursuit of knowledge by all Muslims regardless of their sex. It
repeatedly commands all believers to read, to recite, to think, to contemplate, as well as to
learn from the signs of God surrounding us in nature. In fact, the very first revelation to the
prophet Muhammad was "read" (sometimes translated ‘recite’) and the second revelation
talked about God who teaches the people by the "pen". In each case no gender is specified,
the order is for everyone.
6) Women are stoned to death for Adultery (being sexually unfaithful to their husband)
This is totally false as there is no death penalty for adultery in Islam. The penalty of adultery
is equal for both men and women, and involves symbolic lashing:
The adulteress and the adulterer you shall whip each of them a hundred lashes. Do not be
swayed by pity from carrying out GOD's law, if you truly believe in GOD and the Last Day…
(24:2)
7) "Honour killings" of women
Murders by husbands or male relatives of women suspected of disobedience (usually adultery
or a marriage that is against the family's wishes) are traditional man made tribal laws, not
Islamic laws. There is no such thing as honour killing in true Islam.
8) Muslim women do not have the right to divorce their husbands
This is not true. Divorce laws in the Quran apply to both men and women equally. Women
have the right to divorce their husbands as long as they follow the laws set in the Quran.
9) The legal age for girls to marry tends to be very young
This is not an Islamic law but a local tribal or cultural tradition. In reality Islam expects
marriage to be established on mutual understanding, acceptance and approval. Such
requirements obviously cannot be achieved in the very young who may have been forced into
a marriage.
10) Muslim women are not allowed to drive
Again this is not an Islamic law but rather a local tradition in some of the so called ‘Islamic’
countries. The Quran has no restriction on women moving freely in society, whether this
includes riding a horse, driving a car or flying an aeroplane. Local laws that require women to
be accompanied by a male relative whenever they travel are man made traditional laws, they
have no basis in the Quran.
NB These notes have been adapted from an editorial by: Dr. Fatimah Majidi, Nader Abbas Maudodi and Chris
Abdul-Rahman
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TASK 15) Explain the difference between ‘true’ Islam, and ‘traditional’ Islam?
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TASK 16) Explain 3 ways where men in traditional Islamic societies mistreat women
despite there being no basis for this in the Quran
i)
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
ii)
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
iii)
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
THE FIVE PILLARS
In order to help Muslims focus on what is called tawhid (the oneness of
God), the Quran outlines five things that they should do. These have
become known as the five pillars:
1. SHAHADAH - Muslim declaration of faith
2. SALAH - ritual prayer five times a day
3. ZAKAH - almsgiving / giving money to charity
4. SAUM - fasting during the month of Ramadan
5. HAJJ - pilgrimage to Mecca
The five-pointed star (top right) is the most common symbol for the Islamic religion. Each
point on the star helps to remind Muslims about their duty to obey the five pillars. The moon
and star symbolises the greatness of Allah the creator.
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The five pillars of Islam are commands in the Quran which came directly from Allah via the
prophet Muhammad who detailed them in depth during his last great public sermon. The
Quran makes it very clear that nobody can be forced to be religious: "Let there be no
compulsion in religion" (Surah 2:256). However, the five pillars (acts of discipline) are
generally regarded as standard practice for a sincere Muslim. Few Muslims choose not to
obey them:
THE SHAHADAH
The Shahadah is the first of the five pillars of Islam. It is a Muslim declaration of faith
divided into two parts: "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His prophet".
Every Muslim, before he or she can claim to be Muslim, has to acknowledge in the heart and
in public the belief that Allah really exists, and the acceptance that Muhammad was Allah's
genuine prophet. After this, it is the Muslim's duty to pass this knowledge on to others: "It is
Allah Who has named you Muslim's, both before and in this revelation; that the Messenger
[Muhammad] may be a witness for you, and you be witnesses for all humanity" (2:277)
TASK 17) Why do you think Muslim's have a duty to pass their knowledge of the
Shahadah on to other non Muslims?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
The Shahadah comes before all of the other pillars because it sums up the personal intent of
each individual Muslim. The Shahadah is pronounced both at the birth of a new baby
(whispered into its ear), and as the last words uttered before death (only of course if this is
possible). Muslims tend also to declare it on waking each day; and as the last thing before
going to sleep at night.
TASK 18) What do you think is the significance of saying the Shahadah at these specific
moments?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Effectively the Shahadah is a profession of the 'oneness' of God; according to a Muslim it will
also represent a declaration of the truth. When people make this declaration and truly believe
it in their hearts, then they have entered the Islamic faith. There is no ceremony like a
Christian baptism; what counts is the conscious awareness and firm belief that one genuinely
does hold these two beliefs i.e. "There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His prophet".
The Shahadah forbids Muslims to create other Gods, thus underlining tawhid the oneness of
God. Another way to express this is to say that Muslims are monotheists; that is they believe
in one God who created the universe. The first part of the Shahadah therefore underlines the
importance of monotheism in Islamic belief.
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The second part of the Shahadah: “…Muhammad is His [Allah’s] prophet" emphasises the
fact that the man Muhammad speaks to mankind on behalf of Allah. As the revelations given
to Muhammad from Allah were eventually written down in the Quran, it is easy to see why
Muslims treat their sacred scriptures with such respect.
The notion of tawhid (oneness) forbids other apparent 'goods' to distract Muslims from their
commitment to Allah. Money, material gain, and success may appear attractive, but they
cannot satisfy that basic human restlessness and dissatisfaction that forces many people
toward the comforts offered by religion.
The sin of 'shirk' (forgetting / creating a partner for God) warns Muslims not to allow mere
human ideals, however good in themselves, to act as idols which will detract from the
'oneness' of Allah. Sometimes a new Muslim will talk things over with an Imam (teacher), or
have a course of study sessions; once the new Muslim takes the decision to become Muslim
(or realises that he or she is Muslim), their first act is to declare the faith (Shahadah) publicly,
in front of two witnesses. From that moment of public witness, they are Muslim. However, it
is not just a matter of reciting words; it is something that has to be believed with all one's
heart, because following this declaration the Muslim should trust God with all his or her heart,
and hand over their life to His service. Making this decision can cause some pretty drastic
changes. Being a good witness involves far more than words; your whole life must back up
what has been declared or the initial declaration is meaningless.
TASK 19) What is tawhid and how is this linked to the Shahadah?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
TASK 20) Explain the significance to both parts of the Shahadah
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
TASK 21) The Shahadah is not simply a matter of reciting words, in fact your whole life
must back up what has been declared. Try to consider a list of things people might need
to change in their lives were they to convert to the Islamic faith
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
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TASK 22) Why is the Shahadah meaningless if it is not said sincerely (genuinely)?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
SALAH
The second pillar of Islam is salah or prayer. Muslims pray for about 10 minutes 5
times each day because they believe that Allah created human beings to worship
Him. Clearly this shows the extent to which they are prepared to submit to Allah in
peace.
Verily, I am God; there is no god but I; therefore serve Me, and perform the
prayer of My remembrance (20:14)
In communities containing a mosque (place of worship) a man known as the muezzin climbs
the tower (minaret) 5 times each day and calls aloud:
God is the Most Great!
I bear witness that there is no God but Allah.
I bear witness that Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah.
Come to prayer!
Come to success (or salvation)!
God is the Most Great!
There is no God but Allah!
It is men alone that are encouraged to worship in the mosque though some have areas set
aside for women. If there is no mosque then Muslims will stop their work and lie down on
their musalla (prayer mat), praying at work or in their own home. The home is where women
worship. The reason for this is not because women are viewed as inferior to men, rather that
both sexes may be a distraction to one another. Minds have to be free of desire for the
opposite sex as well as worries about family matters.
Muslim males are taught to pray from the age of 7, it becomes compulsory at the age of 10.
Wherever Muslims stop for prayer it is always at set times; in the morning, early afternoon,
late afternoon, sunset, and at night. Friday is the most important day because at mid-day
Muslims say special prayers.
Proclaim thy Lord’s praise before the rising of the sun, and before its setting, and proclaim
thy Lord’s praise in the watches of the night, and at the ends of the day (20:130)
Before prayer Muslims have to wash their bodies in a special way called wudu, this shows
their respect for Allah. They wash their hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, head, ears, neck, and
feet three times in running water. Of course wudu serves no real practical purpose. What it
does show symbolically is that Muslims are willing to be clean before they come to Allah in
prayer.
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All Muslims face toward the Kabah (a sacred black cube like building) situated in the holy
city of Mecca when praying, if they are not in a mosque then they will use a special compass
to help point them in the right direction.
Whilst praying Muslims will actually prostrate themselves (bow down so that their forehead
touches the ground) this is symbolic of their submission to Allah. The word Mosque actually
means ‘place of prostration’.
TASK 23) Explain how Muslims prepare for prayer, what are the things they must do?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
TASK 24) Describe 2 symbolic acts Muslims perform when praying, what do you think
these acts represent?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Most of the 5 daily prayers involve saying parts from the Quran and following the rules for
prayer. If Muslims are unable to say their prayers at the set times then they are expected to
catch up on the next occasion, prayers are not allowed to be said early though. Some prayers
can be personal ones from the individual to Allah, these do not follow any rules and can be
about anything; such prayers are called du'a which means ‘asking’. Like any religious
believer Muslims have special concerns that they need to meditate over.
When praying Muslims use their whole bodies rather than just their head or heart. The words
used, along with the rakahs (prayer movements), come from the way in which Muhammad
himself prayed. ‘Rakah’ literally means ‘bending’ and each movement has a special symbolic
meaning.
The reason that prayer plays such an important role in the daily life of Muslims is that they
believe it helps them to focus on Allah, who for them is the reason and purpose of their
existence. It also helps them avoid sinning. To many in the Western world being expected to
pray 5 times a day may appear a burden. For Muslims however it is seen as an opportunity to
clear ones mind from distraction and worldly concerns, in that sense it is both relaxing and
refreshing.
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There are many aims of salah:








To draw people away from worldly concerns focussing instead upon Allah
To combine body and soul in worship
To avoid sin
To calm dangerous passions
To bring a sense of peace and tranquillity
To show equality and unity
To demonstrate discipline and obedience to Allah
To train in cleanliness, purity and punctuality
TASK 25) What is the purpose of prayer for Muslims, why do they attach such
importance to it?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
TASK 26) Why do you think Muslims pray so regularly?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
TASK 27) Suggest some ways in which Muslims in this country might have difficulty in
finding the time and space to pray 5 times every day
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
ZAKAT
The third Pillar of Islam is called Zakat; it is paid by Muslims
throughout the world. Though there is no equivalent word in English,
Zakat effectively means to ‘purify’ or ‘cleanse’. It is a contribution paid
once a year by adults from their savings at the rate of 2.5% or 1/40. It is
paid so that money and possessions can be ‘cleansed’ from excessive desire and greed
for them, hence in many ways it is a spiritual act.
Righteous is he who believes in Allah…and giveth his wealth, for love of Him, to kinsfolk and
to orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and to those who ask, and to set slaves free; and
observeth proper worship and payeth poor-due (Quran 2:177)
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Zakat is different from voluntary charity which is called ‘sadaqah’. Zakat is often called
‘poor-due’ since people have a duty to pay it, and the poor have a right to receive it. Indeed
the poor should not refuse it when it is offered as it is their right. In that sense Zakat can be
likened to a tax. In some Islamic countries Zakat is collected like a tax by the government; in
others it is regarded as a private matter for each individual. It is paid on the festival of Eid-ulFitr which comes at the end of the month of ‘Ramadan’ when Muslims fast (go without food)
from sunrise to sunset.
TASK 28) In your words explain what Zakat actually is?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Muslims believe that everything people have has been given by Allah. More than that,
everything we have belongs to Allah. That includes our money and possessions. Strictly
speaking these things are not ours, they are God’s. So we should use them as He wishes them
to be used. We should spend our money in ways He will approve of. This means giving things
to those who need them, not keeping all our money for ourselves. Muslims believe it is a sin
to let people suffer from hunger or disease.
Muslims believe that hanging on to all your wealth is greedy. That, too, is a sin. There is
nothing wrong with working hard and making money, it is what you do with it that counts.
Zakat is one of the basic principles of the Muslim economy. It aims to
provide social welfare for those less fortunate; it also seeks to
distribute wealth more equally. It is interesting to note that within the
Muslim world making interest on money is completely forbidden.
Muslims in the Western world (which does not expect Zakat) often send
money to fellow Muslims in poorer countries, this shows the sense of
brother-hood between Muslims throughout the world. This is co-ordinated
through relief agencies such as Islamic Aid and Muslim Relief.
Zakat money may only be used for certain set purposes:






helping the poor
to release from debt
to help needy travellers
to free captives
to win people over to the cause of Allah
to pay those who collect it
Payment of Zakat is not limited to those who follow the Islamic faith alone. Poverty harms
people from all walks of life. Money will often be donated to those from other faiths, or
indeed those who are not religious at all. Islam teaches that as humans we are all equal,
regardless of our race or beliefs.
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TASK 29) Why do you think Muslims give money to non-Muslims? Give reasons for
your answer
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Zakat is usually paid in secret so that rich people receive no false praise or admiration, since
they are doing no more than their duty; and poor people are not made ashamed in receiving.
Giving openly is only encouraged when it is necessary to influence others to give. What is
given must not simply be things that are not wanted or needed, or are second rate. When you
give for God’s sake it must be nobly done as Muslims believe Allah is omniscient (allknowing). Given the sheer number of Muslims in the world there will always be some who
choose to cheat by not paying the tax. This is a matter for them to deal with in their own
consciences, and ultimately with Allah on the day of judgement.
Zakat and Salah (prayer) are often singled out from the 5 Pillars and described as the two
basic religious activities for Muslims. While Salah is about the individual’s relationship with
God, Zakat is about their relationship with the rest of humanity. Salah helps to create peace
and harmony within the individual. Zakat is a way of helping the Muslim community as a
whole to create this peace and harmony.
Zakat is all about giving money (unless you are on the receiving end) but what does Islam
teach about gaining money?



It can be inherited, but there are rules to make sure that this is distributed fairly
Money should be earned by honest work
Money should not simply make more money, for example, through investment where
the rich simply get richer and the poor poorer
TASK 30) Explain why Muslims must pay Zakat
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
TASK 31) “The person who gives money away is richer than the person who keeps it”
What do you think about this quote? Explain your answer
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
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TASK 32) “The most valuable possessions in life cannot be bought with money” What do
you think about this quote? Explain your answer
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
TASK 33) In what ways does the practice of Zakat help a person to become ‘detached’
from love of self and love of material possessions?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
TASK 34) What are the good points about everyone paying the same percentage of their
savings rather than everyone paying the same amount?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
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SAUM
The fourth of the five Pillars of Islam is the requirement on Muslims to fast (go
without food and drink) during the daylight hours of ‘Ramadan’, the ninth month
of the Islamic year. The name for the fast is ‘Saum’.
Muslims wait for the new moon to be sighted at the beginning of
Ramadan before they begin the fast. Muslim leaders take responsibility for
announcing the new moon. In Islamic societies the announcement is
broadcast on the radio and television.
The prophet Muhammad said that eating should stop as soon as it is light enough to tell a
black thread from a white one, in other words at sunrise. From this point onwards Muslims
begin their daily fast.
Muslims will usually have a meal just before dawn during Ramadan. Even so, going without
food all day is not easy, no matter how old a person is. It might seem tempting to hide
somewhere and have a quick snack. But Muslims know that this cheating will not fool God
who is omniscient (all-knowing).
In some places a siren or other loud noise signals the end of each day’s fast, this is also
announced on the radio. At this point Muslims will have a meal call ‘Iftar’ which means
‘breaking the fast’.
It is not simply food that Muslims are fasting from. Hunger, comfort and sex are the three
things which have to be brought under control. If the emotions of the heart or mind or the
behaviour of the individual is wrong, then the fast will lose its real significance.
There are certain groups who are not required to fast during Ramadan:






Anyone who is sick or might become ill if they fasted
Anyone who is travelling long distances and finds it impossible to fast properly
Any woman who is pregnant or has just given birth
Anyone who is too old to fast without suffering
Young children (generally those under the age of 12)
Soldiers involved in a war
Note that the first three groups ought to try and make up the days they missed at a later time.
Muslim children often fast for a couple of days so that they feel part of the celebration and
begin to learn self discipline for themselves. Sick Muslims are sometimes also expected to
feed a hungry person for each day they themselves did not fast.
Ramadan is an important month for Muslims because it was during this period each year that
Muhammad received the revelations from Allah over a period of 23 years. Indeed many
Muslims try and read the whole Quran during the course of the month.
One night is especially important during Ramadan. This is Lailat ul Qadr (the Night of
Power). The Quran was first revealed via the angel Gabriel from Allah to Muhammad on this
night, Muslims will often try to stay awake and offer special prayers.
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At the end of Ramadan Muslims celebrate the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr (Festival of fast
breaking). Being lunar, the celebrations begin when the new moon is sighted to show that the
month is over, thus Ramadan falls at different times as the years go by. In Islam a month
begins with a new moon and lasts 29 or 30 days. There are twelve months in total, making
354 days. This means that on the international calendar used in Western society, Ramadan
comes about eleven days earlier each year than the year before. It takes about 30 years for
Ramadan to ‘come round’ again to the same time on the international calendar.
WHY BOTHER TO FAST?
Muslims fast because, as believers in God, they wish to carry out His commands. They
understand that Allah wishes them to fast from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan
as this is stated in the Quran: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was
prescribed to those before you that you may learn self-restraint” (Quran 2:183)
Muslims believe that fasting benefits those who do it. Primarily it helps give them a specific
time to focus on their relationship with Allah. Ramadan is a time when Muslims will try to be
more devout in their prayers. They will often try to read the whole Quran during the course of
this month and spend more time reflecting on their religious life. It also brings Muslims
together because they all fast at the same time.
In the West we live in a world where dieting is a genuine concern, clearly we have too much.
Many fellow human beings are less fortunate, they are simply happy to eat any food, rather
than worry about which type and how much. Saum therefore helps Muslims to understand the
experience of being hungry and appreciate what it might be like to starve. The hope is that
this might lead them to become more compassionate toward those in need. Indeed, during the
Eid-ul-Fitr festival, Muslims make an offering of a sum of money which is offered to help the
needy.
Fasting helps Muslims develop self discipline; it also encourages people to recognise what is
really important in life: “O believers, you must fast so that you may learn self-restraint.
Fasting is prescribed for you during a fixed number of days, so that you may safeguard
yourselves against moral and spiritual ills” (Quran 2:183-4) There are physical benefits too,
fasting cleans out the body and slows you down, thus reducing stress.
TASK 35) Explain in detail the non-physical benefits of fasting
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Even when the fasting ends there are still some restrictions on what Muslims can and cannot
eat and drink. In particular alcohol is not allowed. It is ‘haraam’ which means forbidden. The
Quran teaches that: “The Devil wants only to make hatred between you, by means of alcohol
and gambling, and keep you back from Allah”
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TASK 36) “If you do not give up telling lies God will have no need of your giving up food
and drink” Explain what the prophet Muhammad meant when he said this
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
TASK 37) Pick 3 of the groups that are excluded from fasting, explain why this might be
so…
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
TASK 38) Explain what is so special about the month of Ramadan for Muslims?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
TASK 39) Take each of the following Arabic words and explain their meaning in a
sentence: Haraam / Ramada / Iftar / Lailat ul Qadr / Eid-ul-Fitr / Saum
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
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HAJJ
The word 'Hajj' means "to go somewhere with a definite purpose". It is the fifth pillar of
Islam and it involves a pilgrimage (going on a religious journey) to the holy city of 'Mecca',
which is in Saudi Arabia. Muslims believe this is the centre of the world and this belief is
shown when they pray as they always face toward Mecca.
The symbolic meaning of the Hajj goes right back to the beginnings of the human story.
Indeed aspects of it would be recognised by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike who share
much of the same Old Testament tradition. The story begins with a small mountain in the
Plain of Arafat which is known as Jabal ar-Rahman, or the Mount of Mercy. It was here that,
according to tradition, Adam and Eve were forgiven by God for their sins.
Adam and Eve were brought back to God’s love and protection after they had submitted to the
devil’s temptation by eating fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The result
of disobeying God and sinning led to them being banished from paradise, and losing each
other. They wandered the earth in confusion and terrible unhappiness. God watched over
them, waiting for them to turn back to Him and seek forgiveness. When at last they
understood what separation from God was, they prayed to be forgiven. God forgave them.
According to Muslims their dramatic reunion took place at the little mountain of Arafat. In
gratitude Adam built a simple shrine nearby, the first building on earth constructed for the
worship of God. Today this is known as the Kabah which means the house of Allah.
To be on the Mount of Mercy on the 9th day of the month Dhu’l Hijjah is the most important
part of the Hajj pilgrimage. Like Adam and Eve, for Muslims the ‘meeting’ between
themselves and God on the Mount of Mercy brings total forgiveness of all past sins and gains
the promise of paradise.
PREPARING FOR THE HAJJ
Every Muslim who is fit enough and can afford it is expected to make the journey to Mecca at
least once in their lives. The Hajj is generally about five days long although it may take many
days to reach the holy city of Mecca as Muslims arrive from all over the world.
'Ihram' is the word given to the special state in which pilgrims are expected to live whilst they
are on the Hajj. They are expected to live pure lives during the Hajj; swearing, arguing and
sexual relationships (even between husbands and wives) are forbidden. Essentially the Hajj
enables the individual believer to take the time to seriously focus on their relationship with
God.
'Wudu' (or ritual washing) is performed before the pilgrims change their clothes and enter
Mecca. All male pilgrims wear exactly the same clothes, two sheets of white cotton which do
not have any seams. One sheet covers the lower half of their body; the other is worn over the
left shoulder. These clothes are also called 'ihram'. They are worn so that everyone looks
alike. It does not matter whether they are old or young, rich or poor. It is a sign that everyone
is equal before Allah. Pilgrims should go barefoot, or wear only open sandals. To add to the
simplicity, no-one wears jewellery or perfume or uses scented soap. Hair and nails are not
trimmed during Hajj. The clothing stresses the unity of Muslims; however it also reminds
them that there will be a Great day of Judgement. On that day all Muslims will be gathered
and any differences between them which may have seemed important on earth will count for
nothing. On that day the only important difference between Muslims will be the differences in
the quality of their faith and religious life.
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For each pilgrim it is an individual experience between themselves and God, despite the fact
that there are about 2 million Muslims attending annually. Most pilgrims sail or fly to start the
pilgrimage at Jeddah; they then travel to Mecca by bus or car.
STAGES OF THE HAJJ
DAY 1
THE KABAH
Having reached Mecca pilgrims go first to the Great Mosque. Once inside pilgrims walk or
run in anti-clockwise fashion around the Kabah seven times. Those who are close enough
touch it or kiss it. Those further away raise their hands towards it. Pilgrims are not
worshipping the building itself, their actions symbolise their worship of Allah. The reason
they circle the Kabah is symbolic. It demonstrates the unity of the believers in their worship
of the One True God as they circle together in harmony.
The Kabah is 15 metres long, 10 metres wide; and 14 metres high. Inside it is a room which is
decorated with parts of the Quran. Muslims believe that the Kabah is the oldest place of
worship of Allah. It is covered by a black cloth which is beautifully embroidered with the
words of the Quran. This cloth is replaced every year because at the end of each Hajj it is cut
into pieces which are given to pilgrims to take home as a reminder of the pilgrimage.
Embedded in one corner of the Kabah lies an oval boulder; about 18cm in diameter. There are
a number of traditions which explain how it came to be. However, it is most probably a
meteorite and is understood by many Muslims to symbolise that which comes from heaven to
earth.
When Adam first built the Kabah, it contained no objects at all. This symbolised the fact that
God lies beyond everything that is created and that nothing can represent Him. Unfortunately
people started to worship idols. Many (360 in total) were stored inside it. This reflected the
polytheistic nature of religious belief at the time, polytheism means worshipping many Gods.
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The Prophet Muhammad removed the idols from the Kabah and restored it to a shrine for
Allah alone. This underlines the Muslim concept of tawhid (the oneness of God), more
generally known as monotheism or belief in one God.
MARWA AND SAFA
Having circled the Kabah pilgrims then make their way from the Great Mosque to a covered
stretch that links two small hills called Marwa and Safa. They hurry seven times between the
hills to symbolize the soul’s desperate search for that which gives true life. It also stands to
symbolically re-enact the actions of Abraham’s wife Hagar. She ran in what was barren desert
at the time between the two hills, frantically searching for water for her baby son Ishmael.
The story tells how they were saved from dying of thirst when Ishmael dug his heels into the
sand where Hagar had left him. Miraculously a spring of water gushed forth. Today the spring
can still be visited. It is called the Well off Zamzam, and can be found in the courtyard of the
Great Mosque. Pilgrims drink water from this well, and often collect some of the water to take
home for family and friends.
MINA
Pilgrims camp and rest here for the night. They have the most important day of their lives the
next day.
DAY 2
PLAIN OF ARAFAT
The ninth day of the month is usually the second day of the pilgrimage and the pilgrims travel
from Mina to the Plain of Arafat. This is located about 24km east from Mecca. Lying in the
centre of the plain is the Mount of Mercy where Muhammad delivered his last sermon
(message). Pilgrims are required to stand here from noon through to dusk. The time that this
takes varies as the Muslim calendar is lunar. The Dhu’l Hijjah (month of the Hajj) can
therefore fall at different times in the year when there might either be greater or fewer
daylight hours.
One in five people on earth follow the Islamic faith. The climax of a Muslims life is the
Hajj, the most important part of the Hajj takes place on the Mount of Mercy in the
Plain of Arafat. Pilgrims spend the afternoon in their millions praying and begging
forgiveness for their sins. This is called wuquf which means standing before Allah,
without it the Hajj is not complete.
At sunset the pilgrims make their way to Muzdalifah in time for the evening prayers. They
camp there overnight, collecting stones for a symbolic act which is performed the next day.
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DAYS 3-5
MINA
On the third morning pilgrims make their way to Mina. Three stone pillars can be found here
and pilgrims throw stones at these seven times at a time. This is symbolic. It represents
‘stoning the Devil’. There are guidelines as to how this should be done so that the pilgrims do
not hurt one another in the process. When Abraham was being tested by God who asked him
to sacrifice his son Isaac, the Devil tempted Abraham three times to run away and disobey
God. Tradition has it that Abraham drove the Devil away by throwing stones at him. Pilgrims
have a more personal reason for engaging in this practice. It expresses their own resolve to
withstand any temptation which may come their way in their own lives.
After the first pillar has been stoned, many pilgrims sacrifice an animal, usually a sheep or a
goat. This is part of the festival of Eid-ul-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) celebrated by Muslims
all over the world.
The festival celebrates Abraham's faith when God ordered him to sacrifice Isaac; you may
remember that God provided a ram for Abraham to sacrifice instead of his son. Eid-ul-Adha is
the second main festival in the Muslim calendar. It provides an opportunity for Muslims who
have remained at home to feel they are part of the pilgrimage. The meat from the animal is
eaten by the pilgrim; or by the Muslim family if it is being celebrated at home. The rest of the
meat is traditionally given to the poor. The festival reminds Muslims that they should be
ready to give up their worldly possessions and share with those less fortunate than
themselves.
Male pilgrims then either shave their heads or cut their hair, women cut off a lock of their
hair. They do this because it is what Muhammad did. After this the pilgrims take off the
special clothes.
Pilgrims camp at Mina for three days in total, then travel back to Mecca and walk around the
Kabah again. They drink as much water as they can from the Well of Zamzam. Then the Hajj
is ended and they can travel home if they wish. In fact, many choose to stay longer and visit
other important places in the area, for example the Mosque of the Prophet and Muhammad's
tomb at Medina. When the pilgrims have completed the Hajj, males become known as 'haji'
and females 'hajin'.
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HAJJ
ACROSS: 2. Holy city for Muslims 4. Three stone pillars can be found here 6. Water well 7.
Embedded in corner of shrine 8. Father of Isaac and Ishmael 9. "Standing before Allah" 10.
Female pilgrims who have completed the Hajj 11. God 13. Number of times pilgrims circle
the Kabah 15. Belief in one God 18. This is forbidden during the Hajj 23. Festival of sacrifice
24. Male pilgrims who have completed the Hajj
DOWN: 1. Belief in many Gods 3. Covers the Kabah 4. Pilgrims camp here for the night
after the second day 5. Religious journey 7. Place of worship 10. Marwa and Safa 12. Amount
of days it usually takes to complete the Hajj 14. Content of the Kabah 16. Symbolically
thrown at 3 pillars 17. Cube shaped shrine 19. Ritual washing performed before pilgrims put
on their special clothes 20. Plain where pilgrims ask for forgiveness 21. First man to build a
shrine to God 22. Fifth pillar 25. Special state Muslims enter into when on the hajj
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ASSESSMENT – PILGRIMAGE
Imagine you are a pilgrim who is going on the Hajj for the first time. Write a diary that
explains where you go, what you do, why you do it; and how you feel about the whole
experience. Ideally this should be word processed and may include photos, images, or
drawings.
It is up to you how you choose to design this. Be creative!
You may find the following websites helpful:
www.submission.org/hajj/ From the menu on the left select ‘Hajj, step by step’ and
other Hajj related subjects
www.islamicity.org/mosque/jlthajj/hajj.htm
www.re-xs.ucsm.ac.uk/re/pilgrimage/ Select ‘Islam’ from the menu on the left and then
find the Hajj
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ASSESSMENT - GROUP PRESENTATION
Organise yourselves into groups of no more than four.
Each group will be assigned a topic from the list below:
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Muhammad
The Quran
The Hadith
The meaning and relevance of the Shahadah (1st Pillar)
Practical application of Salah (2nd Pillar)
Symbolic and religious aspect of Salah (2nd Pillar)
The meaning and application of Saum (3rd Pillar)
The meaning and application of Zakat (4th Pillar)
Practical application of Hajj (5th Pillar)
Symbolic and religious aspects of Hajj (5th Pillar)
Worship in the Mosque
What is Jihad?
Muslim views on women
Does Islam support Terrorism?
You will need to research your allocated topic using the websites listed on the next page
Your task involves giving a 3-5 minute presentation on your allocated topic
You will face questions after your presentation
You can use display posters and / or props to supplement your presentation
ADVICE
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Make a note of the date when your presentation is due (this should be written
into your HRB)
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Plan a time (i.e. during lunch or after school) to get together in your groups and
prepare
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Ensure all members of the group are involved in the presentation
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Convert notes into your own words (it is no good simply reciting text from a
website if you have no understanding of its meaning)
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Do not rely on one individual to store notes as they may be absent when the
presentation is due. Make a copy of your work and ensure that each member of
the group has it just in case
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FURTHER INFORMATION
If you or a member of your group is absent for the lesson when the presentation is due
then your contribution will be marked NA (= not applicable). The rest of your group still
have to give the presentation though your teacher will take the situation into account
when allocating a grade.
If you or a member of your group misses a lesson that has been allocated for research /
preparation then the rest of the group must try and work on regardless, again your
teacher will take the situation into account when allocating a grade.
USEFUL WEBSITES
www.submission.org Excellent on all areas of Islam
www.islam-guide.com scroll down to Chapter 3 and find the section on “What are the
Five Pillars of Islam?” for a brief guide
www.ummah.org.uk/ select ‘Five Pillars’ from the menu on the left then choose the one
that you require further detailed information about
www.studorg.nwu.edu/mcsa/pillars.html General info on the Five Pillars
www.re-xs.ucsm.ac.uk/re/pilgrimage/ Select ‘Islam’ from the menu on the left (this site
is excellent for the Hajj)
www.islamicity.org/mosque/jlthajj/hajj.htm Excellent on Hajj
www.unn.ac.uk/societies/islamic/islam/declare.htm Shahadah (advanced)
www.orst.edu/groups/msa/books/zakat.html Zakat info (advanced)
http://wings.buffalo.edu/sa/muslim/library/salah/index.html Salah in depth
www.iad.org/ general Islamic site
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