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The second largest
world religion
and growing.
Important Texts:
There are two main texts consulted
by Muslims:
The Qur'an are the words of God. This was originally
in oral and written form; they were later assembled
together into a single book, the Qur'an. Its name is
often spelled "Koran" in English. This is
not recommended, as some Muslims find it offensive.
The Hadith, which are collections of the sayings of
Mohammed (pbuh). They are regarded as an excellent guide
for living. However, the writings are not regarded as
having the same status as the Holy Qur'an; the latter
is considered to be God's word.
Muslim Beliefs
and Practices:
Muslims follow a lunar calendar which started with the
hegira, a 300 mile trek
in 622 CE when Mohammed (pbuh) relocated from Mecca
to Medina.
A Muslim's duties as described in the Five
Pillars of Islam are:
- To recite at least once during their lifetime
the shahadah (the creed: "There is no God but
God and Mohammed is his Prophet"). Most Muslims
repeat it at least daily.
- To perform the salat (prayer) 5 times a day.
This is recited while orienting one's body towards
Mecca. It is done in the morning, at noon, mid-afternoon,
after sunset and just before sleeping.
- To donate regularly to charity through zakat,
a 2.5% charity tax, and through additional donations
to the needy as the individual believer feels moved.
- To fast during the month of Ramadan [began 1995-FEB-2,
1995 (Year 1415); begins 1996-JAN-22 (Year 1416)
and 1997-JAN-10 (Year 1417)]. This is believed to
be the month that Mohammed (pbuh) received the first
revelation of the Qur'an from God.
- If economically and physically able, to make
at least one hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca
Jihad (struggle) is probably the most
misunderstood religious word in existence. It often
mentioned on Western TV and radio during news about
the Middle East, where it is implied to be a synonym
of "holy war" - a call to fight against non-Muslims
in the defense of Islam.
The vast majority of Muslims have an
entirely different definition of Jihad. It is seen as
a personal, internal struggle with one's self. The goal
may be achievement in a profession, self-purification,
the conquering of primitive instincts or the attainment
of some other noble goal.
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