Describe what happens at the feast of Ramadan.
Describe what happens at the feast of Ramadan (a) (i) What is meant by fasting? According to Webster's Dictionary, a fast is defined as: "To abstain from all food." "To eat only sparingly or of certain kinds of food, especially as a religious observance." "An abstinence from food, or a limiting of one's food, especially as a religious observance." "A day of period of fasting." - Webster's Collegiate Dictionary From the dictionary, we can understand that fasting has something to do with abstaining from something during a certain period of time. Religious fasting is the deliberate control of the body by an act of will. (ii) Describe what happens at the Fast of Ramadan: Ramadan is the ninth month of the year in the Islamic calendar, which is decided according to the moon. The much-anticipated start of the month is based on a combination of physical sightings of the moon and astronomical calculations. The practice varies from place to place, some places relying heavily on sighting reports and others totally on calculations. The end of the month, marked by the celebration of 'Eid-ul-Fitr, is similarly determined. During Ramadan, for the entire month, Muslims do not let anything pass their lips from sunrise until sunset. They fast during daylight hours and eat small meals in the evening in order to break their fast. They spend as much time as possible, during Ramadan,
Malcolm X Timeline
Malcolm X Malcolm X Timeline May 19, 1925 - Born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska 940 - Drops out of school at age 15 946 - Convicted of burglary and sent to prison 949 - 1951 - Studies the Nation of Islam 952 - Leaves prison, dedicates himself to Nation of Islam, changes name to Malcolm X Jan. 14, 1958 - Marries Betty X Dec. 4, 1963 - Suspended from the Nation of Islam March 1964 - Leaves Nation of Islam starts the Muslim Mosque, Inc. Apr. 22, 1964 - Makes his Hajj and becomes El-Hajj Malik al-Shabazz Jun. 28, 1964 - Forms the Organization of Afro-American Unity Jul. 17, 1964 - Speaks at the Organization of African Unity in Cairo Aug. 13, 1964 - U.S. State and Justice Departments take notice of his influence on African leaders at the U.N. Feb 21, 1965 - Al Hajj Malik assassinated in New York El-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz, or Malcolm X as he is better known among countless non-Muslim Americans, was a man of great intelligence and charisma. His life story goes back to his days as a young man. Early Life On May 19, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska, Malcolm Little was born to Reverend Earl and Louise Little. Rev. Little, who believed in self-determination and worked for the unity of black people, Malcolm was raised in a background of ethnic awareness and dignity, but violence was sparked by white racists trying to stop black people such as Rev. Little from
What is involved in pilgrimage? Illustrate the differing approaches by referring to two or more places of pilgrimage.
Pilgrimage Marianne Connelly AO1 What is involved in pilgrimage? Illustrate the differing approaches by referring to two or more places of pilgrimage. (16 Marks) A pilgrimage is a journey to a holy land for religious reasons. The idea of pilgrimage is found in most religions of the world and reflects man's natural desire to seek God. There are many different ideas of what a pilgrimage is for example a journey in faith, this is where a person who has faith can go and strengthen their faith. Another idea is a journey of faith; this is a similar to a journey in faith but of faith may be for a person to find faith on the pilgrimage. People may go to seek God as they believe he is present. Many people go on pilgrimages of all ages and cultures. Some people may go to get a better understanding of God, to go for themselves or even for someone else. Pilgrims could go for healings physical, inner or spiritual. Pilgrims go to specific places because they believe these places have been touched by God in some way and wonderful things have happened and it strengthens their faith. The Catholic Church encourages its members to take part in pilgrimage because it teaches people that God is in and of the world. They believe it is one way that we can get closer to God. Protestant churches have rejected pilgrimage as they say it gives a false
A pilgrimage , or as it is called in Arabic ( Hajj ) is a special religious journey ,
pilgrimage , or as it is called in Arabic ( Hajj ) is a special religious journey , one that Muslims aim to make at least once in their lifetime . This includes visiting the Ka'bah and standing before God on Mount Arafat . Before entering Mecca the pilgrims must enter the state of ihram , which is the ' state of ritual purity '. During this period male pilgrims wear two sheets of plain white cloth - one wrapped round the waist , the other over the left shoulder .Women wear a plain white garment that covers them , leaving only their hands and faces bare . All pilgrims dress alike to symbolise that they are equal before God . The true Hajj is to be made on the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar , known as the Dhu-el-Hijja . To make this pilgrimage to Mecca ( the Hajj ) the pilgrims must be : * Muslim - non-Muslims are forbidden to enter the holy city ( Mecca ) * physically fit and able to undertake the strain of the journey * able to provide for the dependants they leave behind * able to pay for the Hajj without having to obtain the money dishonestly . Over two million Muslims make the pilgrimage each year . ( See Appendix A ) There are a number of reasons why a Muslim may go on a pilgrimage , some of the most important are as follows : * It creates a sense of unity and community . As Ibn Batutta who made the pilgrimage in 1325 supports this view : ' There were so
Living the Muslim life
Living the Muslim life? The UK is home to many different religions, cultures and backgrounds. But it's also becoming more and more secular. Religion no longer plays a role in people's lives its politics and politicians, they decide what's good for us not religion. Man has cast gods religion aside and is making his own religion. Shari'ah is the Islamic law , therefore all Muslims most abide by it. However for Muslims who live in European countries to follow the Shari'ah fully may prove difficult sometimes even impossible. Luckily in the UK the Shari'ah is practicable to a certain extent. This country has its own laws and we cannot force our laws on them this leaves us with two options either to make Hijra (migrate) or adapt. When I say adapt I don't mean giving the Shari'ah up but to find our ways around the Shari'ah without breaking it. For example in a Muslim country if someone steals he pays the penalty of his hand being severed but in this country that's not acceptable so what we have to do is let Allah punish him in the hereafter if he does not repent. Riba (taking interest)is a growing concern for Muslims in the UK. Some Muslims take Riba to get them self out of financial problems but what they don't realise is that it lands them in further trouble by making them go into dept and risking god's anger because Riba is prohibited in Islam. What intrigues me the most is
Hajj GCSE
Hajj GCSE coursework Alys Case Ai. Describe and explain why a Muslim might take part in Hajj. A Muslim may take part in Hajj for many reasons. The first reason for a Muslim doing Hajj is that it shows devotion to their religion. Completing each of the Five Pillars of Islam is considered an act of worship. Worship also is known as Ibadah. Muslims believe that going on Hajj is following the footsteps of Muhammad. If a Muslim is able to go on Hajj and they decide not to go, it is perceived as sinful and not fulfilling their duty to Allah. Once pilgrims have been on Hajj they are given special name; Hajji for men and Hajjah for women. The Islamic community is a very large worldwide community, called Umrah and Muslims from countries all around the world go on Hajj. Aii. Describe and explain what going on Hajj consists of and involves. There are several conditions to going on Hajj. Firstly, only pilgrims over 12 are considered to be fulfilling their Hajj duty as Muslims consider 12 to be the age of responsibility. Children can still go on Hajj but will have to do Hajj again because they were under the age of responsibility therefore would not have understood the true meaning of the pilgrimage or have properly fulfilled their duty to Allah. Secondly a Muslim must be debt free and must have earned or made their money
The History of Islam in the New World Before Columbus.
LECTURE PRESENTED AT WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY February 6, 2003 The History of Islam in the New World Before Columbus Introduction I will attempt to present information to you that is not only academic but backed up with clear evidence of the presence of Muslims in the Americas at large. It is possible that many of you may not even have heard of this information. My talk today will also deal with a topic that academic world has not given it its due attention unfortunately due to what I term "intellectual and academic prejudice" and therefore denying certain people their rightful place in history. I am certainly not the first person to suggest that there were Muslims in America before Columbus and more specifically African Muslims in America. Nor were van Sertima or Barry Fell and others the first ones. In fact when one looks at probably some the earliest documented suggestions, it is clear from European perspective that Columbus, himself, was the first person to suggest it. He says in his Journal of the Second Voyage, and this is quoted in many places, not just in his journal, that when he was in Haiti, which was then called Espanola, the native Americans came to him and told him that Black-skinned people had come from the south and southeast in boats, trading in gold-tipped metal spears. And that "Columbus wanted to find out what the Indians of Espanola told
Select describe and explain those rituals of Hajj, which will be of spiritual value to the pilgrim.
GCSE Coursework - Islam - Hajj Islam Coursework Select describe and explain those rituals of Hajj, which will be of spiritual value to the pilgrim. Hajj is an extremely important part of a Muslims life. All of the rituals completed on the Hajj will be and are of great spiritual value to the pilgrim. The spiritual degrees of Hajj, being the assets for eternal life which bring Muslims the closest they will ever be to God and the prayer to him, shows Hajj gives great devotion and value to a pilgrim. This devotion may not be obtained unless the rituals of Hajj are observed and performed properly. Some rituals of Hajj have extreme significant spiritual value to the pilgrim when completed. The rituals begin as soon as the pilgrim enters Mecca. When a Muslim makes his trip to Mecca to complete Hajj he devotes his whole time, mind, soul and living to God. At the time of Hajj pilgrims must wear Ihram. Ihram is two sheets of unsewn white cloth for men and for a woman her usual clothes. A very simple dress but it must be worn in place of the male's normal clothes. This is very significant as it shows a pilgrim of his relation to Allah. It shows all Muslims are equal whether wealthy or poor as they all wear the same. They are always equal in the eye of God. The first ritual is the circling of the Ka'bah seven times. This symbolises love for God. The black stone the pilgrims are
What is Islam?
MH 355 - The Middle East What is Islam? By Thomas G. Spearman On September 11, 2001, nineteen Muslim extremists embarked on a terrorist mission by hijacking four passenger jets, and then flying them into the World Trade Center in New York City and into the Pentagon in Washington D.C., killing more than three thousand people. The hijackers were disciples of Osama bin Laden, whose militant brand of Islam was deeply influenced by Sayyid Qutb. The vast majority of Muslims recoiled at this atrocity. They believed it contradicted the most basic tenets of Islam, which teaches that the only just war is one of self-defense. There was an immediate backlash against Muslims in Western countries. It was assumed there was something in the religion of Islam that impelled Muslims to cruelty and violence.1 In the days that followed, President George W. Bush recognized the danger of such misunderstandings and publicly proclaimed that Islam was a great and peaceful religion. At the ceremony of mourning for those lost in the 911 tragedy, held in Washington National Cathedral, a prominent Muslim priest began the proceedings while the rest of the world watched. These and other events began a heightened interest in Islam. People wanted to know more about it. The focus of this paper will center on answering the question of what is Islam. It will examine the central figure, the Prophet
True pilgrimage involves a journey of the heart, not a physical journey
"True pilgrimage involves a journey of the heart, not a physical journey." To what extent is this a valid comment on pilgrimage and how might someone who has completed a pilgrimage respond to this comment? (15 marks) This is in some ways a valid comment and in others not a valid comment. On the one hand it is valid as much of religion is spiritual and concerning the heart but on the other hand there are also many physical parts to religion, the actual act of pilgrimage being one. I think that it is not a valid comment as it should be up to the pilgrim to decide how they see the act of pilgrimage Some pilgrims believe that pilgrimage is a journey of the heart while others would believe that it is instead a physical journey. There are lots of reasons why a pilgrim might choose to take either of these sides. Pilgrims may feel that pilgrimage is a journey of the heart because after a pilgrimage many pilgrims feel spiritually fulfilled and more aware of their spiritualism. Pilgrims need to be in the right frame of mind and have to plan their trip, maybe saving money and doing a route plan. Faith and religion are generally believed to come from the soul and pilgrimage is meant to strengthen the religious faith and as the soul is not a physical element pilgrims may think it is a journey of the heart. Pilgrims may feel that they have become closer to God, if they are Christian,