Islam
by Steven Lien
Islamic Beliefs and Traditions
Followers that believe in the religion Islam are called Muslims. Muslims believe Friday is a holy day to worship, but they usually worship everyday. Muslims have six major beliefs which are: believe in Allah (God), believe in Angels, believe in the sacred text, believe in the Prophets, believe in Judgement Day, and believe in divine decree. These six beliefs were told to Muhammad by an angel. Some traditions Muslims practice is following the 5 Pillars of Faith, and each one is a different action Muslims do. The first pillar is Shahadah, meaning "the declaration of faith to Allah." The second pillar is Salat, which means "to pray or worship." The third is Zakah, meaning "giving or caring", where Muslims give money to the poor and needy. The fourth is Sawm, which tells Muslims to fast during the day. The fifth is Hajj, meaning "pilgrimage", telling Muslims to visit Mecca at least once in their life. These guidelines to live by was in the Qur'an God gave Muhammad.
Five Pillars of Faith (Islam)
A diagram showing the 5 pillars of Islam.
Qur'an (Koran)
The Islamic book telling of the story of Muhammad.
Dome of the Rock Shrine
Pictured is the Dome of the Rock shrine, located in Jerusalem, where Muhammad ascended to heaven.
Islamic Holy Days and Celebrations
Muslims worship at a Mosque, with services leaded by an imam. The sacred text given to Muhammad by God is called the Koran (Qur'an). Muslims believe the Sabbath is Friday, and celebrate Ramadan; the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar, where they fast and study to celebrate Allah revealing his message to Muhammad. At the end of Ramadan, the festival called Eld al Fitr is celebrated, where Muslims socialize, worship and eat. An especially holy place for Muslims is the Dome of the Rock Shrine and the al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. It is the place where Muhammad ascended to heaven.
Mosque
A Islam worship central. Note a tall tower, the minaret to the left. This is where an Muezzin or Minbar calls Muslims to pray.
Imam
An Imam stands at the back of the Mosque, this one has a pond.
Crescent and Star
The Crescent and Star is the symbol of Islam.
The God of Islam (Allah)
Islam and other religions like Christianity and Judaism believe their God is the only one. This is called monotheism, practiced by some other religions too. Another religious figure common to these three religions is Abraham, who first believed in the God that all three religions claim to have interactions with.