Islam: Hajj, Jihad, and Festivals

The Ka'aba is the holiest place in Islam and symbolizes the unity of God. Pilgrims circumambulate the Ka'aba seven times, signifying their devotion to God and their commitment to the oneness of God. They also touch the Black Stone, which is said to be a meteorite gifted by God, seeking blessings and forgiveness.

'Greater jihad' refers to the internal struggle against one's own negative tendencies and desires, while 'lesser jihad' refers to the external struggle against oppression and injustice. 'Greater jihad' emphasizes self-discipline, patience, and moral uprightness, and guides Muslims to overcome their weaknesses and strive for moral perfection, even in the face of adversity.

Id-ul-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail, demonstrating the ultimate act of submission to God. It emphasizes the importance of community by sharing the sacrifice of an animal and distributing the meat amongst family, friends, and the less fortunate. This celebration fosters a sense of unity and strengthens bonds within the Muslim community.

<p>In Islam, family is considered a sacred institution. It encompasses biological kinship but also extends to the wider community of believers. Muslims are encouraged to treat each other as family, and to be supportive and caring towards one another. This reflects the universal brotherhood within Islam, where all Muslims are considered part of one global family.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>'Ashura' commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala. It serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for truth, justice, and righteousness, even in the face of adversity. Muslims reflect upon the lessons of sacrifice, remembrance, and repentance, seeking forgiveness and striving for a better life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tawhid is the core belief in Islam, meaning the oneness and absolute unity of God. It rejects any form of polytheism or idolatry. A key verse is Surah 112 (Al-Ikhlas), which states: &quot;Say: He is Allah, the One and Only. Allah, the Eternal, Absolute. He begets not, nor is He begotten. And there is none like unto Him.&quot;</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Islam believes in both divine predestination and human free will. While God has a plan, humans are also responsible for their actions. This complex interplay emphasizes accountability and the importance of striving to do good. On the Day of Judgement, individuals are judged not only on their actions but also on their intentions, knowledge, and the opportunities they had in life.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Both Sunni and Shia Islam agree on the fundamental concept of the six articles of faith, including belief in God, angels, divine books, prophets, the Day of Judgement, and divine decree. However, Shia Islam emphasizes the importance of Imams, divinely appointed successors to Prophet Muhammad, as the ultimate authority, which is not recognized in Sunni Islam. This difference in understanding of religious leadership and authority creates a distinct theological framework for Shi'a Muslims.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Qur'an is the central scripture of Islam, considered a divine revelation to Prophet Muhammad. Muslims believe it contains God's final message to humanity, superseding previous scriptures. While the Qur'an acknowledges the divine nature of the Torah, Psalms, and Gospel, it clarifies that these were revealed in specific historical contexts and that the Qur'an is the ultimate and final revelation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Angels are believed to be spiritual beings created by God to carry out His will. They perform various roles, such as recording deeds, delivering messages, and protecting humankind. Gabriel is revered as the angel who revealed the Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad, while Michael is seen as the angel responsible for rain and sustenance. They are both pivotal figures in Islamic tradition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The five pillars of Islam are the core principles that define the faith and the practice of Muslims. They are: <em>Shahadah</em> (declaration of faith), <em>Salah</em> (prayer), <em>Sawm</em> (fasting during Ramadan), <em>Zakah</em> (alms giving), and <em>Hajj</em> (pilgrimage to Mecca). These pillars provide a framework for Muslims to live a life dedicated to God and to strengthen their connection to their faith.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p><em>Salah</em>, or prayer, is an essential pillar of Islam. It signifies a direct connection with God, a time for seeking guidance and expressing gratitude. Muslims perform <em>Salah</em> five times a day, facing the direction of the Ka'aba in Mecca. While the basic structure of <em>Salah</em> is similar across Sunni and Shi'a traditions, there are some key differences. For instance, Shi'a Muslims perform additional prayers, and there are variations in the recitations and movements of <em>Salah</em> between the two branches of Islam.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fasting during the month of Ramadan is a pillar of Islam, and it holds significant religious meaning. The origin of <em>Sawm</em> can be traced to the Quran, specifically to the revelation of the first verses of the holy book. Fasting in Ramadan is regarded as a way to draw closer to God, cultivate self-discipline, empathize with the less fortunate, and purify the body and soul. Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn till dusk during Ramadan, focusing on spiritual growth and reflection.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p><em>Zakah</em>, an obligatory form of giving alms in Islam, is a social and religious duty. It involves donating a portion of one's wealth to those in need, helping to alleviate poverty and promote social justice within the community. <em>Khums</em>, unique to Shi'a Islam, is a similar concept but encompasses a broader range of charitable giving. While <em>Zakah</em> is based on a fixed percentage of wealth, <em>Khums</em> includes a wider range of income and assets, and it is often directed towards specific causes like promoting religious knowledge and supporting the Imams.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) is a pivotal night during Ramadan, believed to be more blessed than a thousand months. This night marks the descent of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad, and it is a time for intensified prayer, seeking God's forgiveness, and reflecting on the holy scriptures. The verses in Quran 96:1-5, which are believed to be the first revelation to Muhammad, highlight the importance of learning and knowledge, emphasizing the divine origins of the divine message. This aligns with the significance of Laylat al-Qadr as a night of revelation and spiritual enlightenment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The pilgrimage to Makkah, a significant act of worship in Islam.

The sacred structure in Makkah, focal point of Hajj.

Struggle or effort, with greater and lesser forms in Islam.

Festival commemorating the sacrifice of Ibrahim.

A day of mourning and reflection in Islam, especially for Shi'a Muslims.

The core beliefs in Sunni Islam that include belief in God, angels, prophets, scriptures, the Day of Judgement, and predestination.

The Islamic concept of the Oneness of God, a fundamental belief in Islam emphasizing that God is singular and unique.

Attributes of God in Islam such as omnipotence, beneficence, mercy, fairness, and justice, alongside concepts of immanence and transcendence.

The importance of prophets in Islam, particularly Adam, Ibrahim, and Muhammad, who convey God's messages to humanity.

Beliefs about human accountability, resurrection, and the concepts of heaven and hell in Islam.

The basic acts of worship and practice in Sunni Islam, including faith, prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and pilgrimage.

Key practices required for Shi'a Muslims, including the Five Pillars and additional religious duties like Khums.

The declaration of faith in Islam, affirming belief in one God and the prophethood of Muhammad.

The Islamic practice of prayer, performed five times a day, with specific movements and recitations.

Mandatory almsgiving in Islam, calculated as a portion of wealth to help the needy.