Lesson 5 - Islam Part 2 PDF

1. SHAHADA Affirms monotheism and Muhammad’s role as the final prophet. Spoken at key life stages, from birth to death KALIMA Tawheed (Unity) - Affirmation of Allah as the only divinity Risallah (Prophethood) -Acknowledgment of Muhammad as God’s messenger Both parts are required for full...

1. SHAHADA Affirms monotheism and Muhammad’s role as the final prophet. Spoken at key life stages, from birth to death KALIMA Tawheed (Unity) - Affirmation of Allah as the only divinity Risallah (Prophethood) -Acknowledgment of Muhammad as God’s messenger Both parts are required for full acceptance of faith For a Muslim to deny any part of the shahada is tantamount to the crime of reversion to Islam that is punishable under Quranic law. 2. SALAT Salat is essential for spiritual sustenance—nurturing character and conduct. Just as the body needs food, the spirit needs regular prayer for health and strength. SALAT To pray, a Muslim stands on clean ground without shoes or wearing clean ones. Face the direction of Mecca (Qiblah) DAILY PRAYER TIMES Before sunrise (As-subh) Noon (Az-zuhr) Mid-afternoon (Al-asr) Sunset (Al-maghreb) Before midnight (Al-isha) MASJID Means “place of prostration.” Ranges from simple desert prayer grounds (musalla) to large mosques. Men and women pray separately in congregation settings. Muslim men often pray in mosques while women pray at their homes. ADHAN “Call to Prayer” Muezzin - Traditionally calls people to prayer from a minaret. Minaret - Tall structure or thin tower used to broadcast the adhan. Today, amplified recordings sometimes replace live muezzins. WUDU “Ritual washing” Performed to remove impurities before prayer. Washing hands, feet, and face. Most mosques have washing areas with clean water for wudu. 3. ZAKAT Zakat is an annual wealth tax and a mandatory obligation in Islam. It is distinct from charity and aims to support underprivileged Muslims. Seen as a duty of obedience to Allah, fostering compassion and self-sacrifice. RECIPIENTS OF ZAKAT Originally meant for the poor, widows, and orphans. Now structured to assist all Muslims in need, promoting community solidarity. Encourages affluent Muslims to share wealth responsibly. RATE AND CALCULATION Zakat is calculated at 2.5% of a Muslim’s accumulated assets (e.g., savings, jewels, land). Becomes payable once a Muslim has sufficient resources. SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE Purifies wealth by giving a rightful portion to those in need. Promotes self-discipline and reduces greed. Zakat is seen as Allah’s approval to enjoy one's wealth ethically. The Quran states that all worldly wealth is unclean unless utilized in the service of Allah and Islam. 4. SAWM Sawm refers to fasting observed during the entire 30 days of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Believed to be the month when Muhammad received the first surah of the Quran. PURPOSE OF FASTING Sawm expresses obedience to Allah and willingness to relinquish worldly pleasures. Fasting promotes self-discipline and control over desires. Allows Muslims to experience the deprivations of the poor. RULES OF SAWM Eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual intimacy from dusk until dawn. Resisting bodily demands during fasting enhances willpower. CULMINATION OF RAMADAN Id al-Fitr - Sawm concludes with the Feast of Breaking the Fast. Includes congregational prayers, festivities, and exchanging gifts. REQUIREMENTS FOR FASTING All Muslims who have reached puberty and are healthy must observe Sawm. Excludes small children, travelers, sick persons, and nursing mothers. Individuals unable to fast can give charity to the poor instead REQUIREMENTS FOR FASTING All Muslims who have reached puberty and are healthy must observe Sawm. Excludes small children, travelers, sick persons, and nursing mothers. Individuals unable to fast can give charity to the poor instead 5. HAJJ “Visitation of Holy Places” Required pilgrimage for all Muslims once in a lifetime if able Done during twelfth month of the Islamic calendar Al-Masjid al-Haram The largest mosque in the world Houses Islam’s most sacred site, the Kaaba The Kaaba Cube-shaped ancient structure central to Islamic faith Believed to be built by Abraham and Ishmael. Represents the point of origin for creation in Islamic belief Tawaf The act of circumambulating the Kaaba. Tawaf involves walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. Each circuit around the Kaaba begins and ends at the Black Stone Requirements for Participation For Men: Sound health, financial ability, responsibility for dependents. For Women: Must be accompanied by a mahram (male chaperon they are legally unable to marry, e.g., father or brother). Preparation for Hajj Ihram is a sacred state of purity that Muslims enter before beginning the Hajj pilgrimage. Spiritual and physical preparations: Praying, extended washing rituals, and purification practices. Personal grooming: Shaving, cutting hair, and nails. Ihram Clothing Forbidden Acts During Ihram Head coverings (males) Clipping nails Hunting Arguing Engaging in sexual activities. Shaving, washing with soap, shampooing, scratching, harming any living thing (even insects). The Journey to Arafat Sacred site of Muhammad’s last sermon. Pilgrims spend a full day in prayer and reflection on the Arafat plain.