Explain the importance of Ramadan for Muslims and the ways it might affect their lives
(A) DESCRIBE WHAT HAPPENS AT RAMADAN Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar (a calendar measured by the cycles of the moon). Ramadan is thought as the holiest months. The month begins as soon as the new moon is seen. Muslims have to go without from all food, drink, gum chewing, any kind of tobacco use, and any kind of sexual contact between dawn and sunset (Fasting during the month of Ramadan is to be carried out each day from when "the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct from its black thread . . . till the night appears." Quran 2:187). These are just the physical components of the fast. Other things Muslims should do are refraining from lying, gossiping, abuse, and all other bad deeds. All obscene sights and sounds should be avoided. This is done so that the mind can be clean of bad thoughts. The act of fasting redirects the heart and mind from the world, and directs it to God. When a Muslim has an "urge" he/she is told to think of Allah, this raises the level of God-consciousness. The month of Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds and spending time with family and friends. In the evening some Muslims go to the mosque to perform extra prayers in a congregation, called Tarawih prayers. Every night during these prayers, one thirtieth of Koran is recited, so that by the end of the month, the entire Koran has been
In some religions pilgrimage is not an important commitment for all believers, in Islam it is essential. The Hajj, the Pilgrimage to Makkah, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam on which the faith is tested
Religious Studies Coursework What is a Pilgrimage? Most religions have sacred places and when believers go to visit these places we call the believers 'pilgrims' and the journey 'a pilgrimage.' In some religions pilgrimage is not an important commitment for all believers, in Islam it is essential. The Hajj, the Pilgrimage to Makkah, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam on which the faith is tested. . Describe a visit to Makkah. The Holy City of Makkah is in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in the Middle East. Makkah lies inland 73 kilometres east of Jiddah, the place where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the founder of Islam, was born. This was the place where God's message was first revealed to him and the city to which he returned after the migration to Madinah in 622 AD. Muslims face Makkah during their daily prayers, as instructed to by their Lord. One of The Five Pillars of Islam, key tenets; is a pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in a Muslim's life. This is Pillar of Islam known as Hajj. Due to these reasons, approximately two million Muslims arrive in Makkah during the last month of the Islamic calendar for the Hajj. They seek to please their Lord and repent for forgiveness for their past life. Muslims can also go to Makkah throughout the year and perform Umrah, which is similar to Hajj, if they are unable to go when Hajj specifically takes place.
What is involved in a pilgrimage? Illustrate the differing approaches to pilgrimage by referring to two or more places of pilgrimage.
Question 1 What is involved in a pilgrimage? Illustrate the differing approaches to pilgrimage by referring to two or more places of pilgrimage. A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey on which people go to become closer to God. Some places became places of pilgrimage because supernatural manifestations may have taken place there. Other places of pilgrimage developed as a result of the growing sense of community within its people. Those who go on a pilgrimage are called pilgrims. Pilgrimages began when Saint Helena, the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, claimed to have discovered the cross of Jesus Christ. The word spread, and those who believed in what they heard, went on a journey to find the cross. Lourdes is a place of pilgrimage in the south of France, and many people travel there each year. Lourdes became a place of pilgrimage because a girl named Bernadette Soubirous had many visions of the Immaculate Conception. Bernadette was collecting wood on February 11th, 1858, when she heard a noise and looked up to see a woman dressed in white and praying the rosary. This was the first of seventeen apparitions. As Bernadette had followed the instructions of the lady, she was promised happiness, not in this life, but the next. On one occasion, the lady asked Bernadette to wash in the spring. There being no spring, Bernadette dug a small hole and washed in the muddy
As the days went by I educated my mates about my religion. For example they didn't know that we Muslims are not allowed to eat pork a
Draft Original writing My religion. For my original writing I have decided to write about a time in my life where I had to make a difficult decision which would have had completed consequences for me. Mid September 1996 first day of high school like every new student I was extremely nervous as this was my first time I been somewhere that I didn't know anyone. As I entered the main entrance there was havoc every as all new pupils where ask to go into the assembly hall to be allotted to they appropriate form groups. Once I was allocated to my form group I instantly realised that there were no Muslims in my class and that most if not all Christians. During the first few months at high school I found it very hard to interact with the other pupils as they already knew each other, but once I felt comfortable I opened up quite easily. It now somewhere after Christmas time if my memory is right and it coming towards the holy month of Ramadan where all Muslims who are capable to fast should participate in a month where we are not allowed to eat or drink during day time hours. The first couple of fast I kept I found really difficult as other pupils teased me as they were having they snacks on they break and diner. One time as I was sitting in the library during lunch hour a couple of my mates who were Christians came over just to see what I was doing. I explained to them
Human Rights in Islam
A man named Ali once said: "May God have mercy upon the person who services a right and removes a wrong, or refutes an injustice and establishes justice" In this quote, Ali speaks of the rights of fellow Muslims, proving to us the importance of justice in Islam. Islam has outlined some universal fundamental rights for humanity as a whole, irrespective of whether they belong to the Islamic community or not. So to begin with, let us first understand what exactly is meant by human rights in Islam. When we speak of these rights, we speak of the rights that have been granted by none other than Allah. They are a part of the Islamic faith, and every person who claims himself to be a Muslim will have to recognize them. As for those who fail to enforce them, Allah says in the Holy Quran in Chapter Maideh Verse 44, "Those who do not judge by what God has sent down are the disbelievers." Now that we have understood what is meant by human rights, let us go into more detail about these rights. Allah has created us all from clay, as equals, none more important than another...in fact; Allah mentions this in suratul Insan when he says, "there surely came over man a period of time when he was a thing not worth mentioning." Infact these rights are not only mentioned in Islam, but also in the Universal Declaration of Human rights which clearly states that "All human beings are born free and
The Festival of Ramadan
R.E Coursework 2306 a) Describe what happens at the fast of Ramadan For Muslims, Ramadan is a very special time of the year. Not only is it special, the ninth month is also drastically different to any other part of the Muslim calendar. The most obvious aspect of Ramadan, when viewed from outside, is the fasting undertaken by most Muslims. They are required to refrain from eating, drinking, sexual intercourse and smoking from just before dawn to after sunset every day. However, not all Muslims will abstain from eating and drinking during the daylight hours throughout the month of Ramadan, those who are young, (often below the age of 15,) old, ill or travelling are exempt. Extreme examples of fasting, rarely seen in non-Muslim countries even forbid the swallowing of saliva or phlegm. In strict Islamic countries such as Saudi Arabia, it is not uncommon to see Muslims carrying buckets with them in which to spit, preventing them from having to swallow their saliva, which would, in their eyes, invalidate their fast. Muslims will often eat one meal before dawn, "suhoor." This is often eaten very early, and some Muslims return to bed afterwards. The fast is ended with a small meal called "iftar," which is taken as soon as possible after the sun has set. Iftar often comprises of dates and a glass of water, following the example of Muhammad (pbuh). However, physical restraint is
Islamiyat Notes. Surah al Anaam (Ch. 6 : Vs. 101-103)These verses of Surah al Anaam discuss the fundamental Quranic theme of Allah in Himself.
Surah al Anaam (Ch. 6 : Vs. 101-103): Main Theme: These verses of Surah al Anaam discuss the fundamental Quranic theme of Allah in Himself. We come to know about the absolute authority and unity of Allah. He does not have partners and the entire universe is the creation of His will and design. It further describes that God is beyond human comprehension. This is because of the great difference between the creator and the creatures. It tells us that God is the most powerful and He can decide the outcome of events even before they occur. Distinctive Theme: These verses distinctively highlight God's attributes and His sovereignty. Ayat al Kursi (the Verse of Throne) (Ch 2: Vs 255) also presents the same theme but this passage refers to God as the originator and the fashioner of the whole Universe with its vast and flawless system. It rejects polytheism and makes us realize that God is free from all physical relations. The Quran refers to it in Surah al Ikhlas, "He begets not nor is He begotten." (Ch 112: Vs 3) 'Latif' means as fine and subtle as to be invisible and imperceptible to the senses. It also means that God understands the finest mysteries. Surah Shura: Main Theme: This Quranic passage discusses the Main Theme: of God's power, majesty and His ultimate authority over all that exists in this Universe. It informs us that everything in the Universe acknowledges
Muslims beliefs in the afterlife affect their behaviour during their lives. For example the belief in judgement day, because of this belief in being judged and sent to either hell or paradise they follow the teachings of Allah to reach paradise
B/ Muslims beliefs in the afterlife affect their behaviour during their lives. For example the belief in judgement day, because of this belief in being judged and sent to either hell or paradise they follow the teachings of Allah to reach paradise because they believe that hell is so awful. "Heaven with its beautiful gardens, flowing rivers, lovely maidens, heavenly food and couches to recline on. Yet the ultimate joy for those in Heaven is to experience the continual presence of Allah." This is the basic description of paradise, which describes the paradise as a desirable place which people would want to go. Whereas hell is described to put people off ending up there. "Garments of fire have been prepared for the unbelievers. Scolding water shall be poured upon their heads, melting the skins and that which is in their bellies. They shall be lashed with rods of iron." (Surah 22;19) This way Muslims go out of their way to follow the strict teachings of Allah to not go to hell and ascend to paradise, kind of like scaring people into following exact teachings. By following halal teachings to avoid hell and go to heaven, if they didn't believe in Islam they would not act in the same way and their daily routine would differ. This means that by believing and following Islam they behave differently to what a non-believer would. By believing in an afterlife and
Describe & explain why a Muslim might take part in the Hajj, And what does it involve.
Name: Ben Gibb Describe & explain why a Muslim might take part in the Hajj And what does it involve. Muslims might go on Hajj to be forgiven or to 'cleanse and purify themselves not just physically but mentally' When pilgrims arrive in Makkah they have to wear a set of clothing called Ihram. They wear a long white draped dress. Men wear two pieces of clothing, this is also used to burry them when they die. One piece is wrapped around the hip and the other is wrapped over the right shoulder, showing the right shoulder and this is called Ihram. A woman wears a long white dress. Women are allowed to uncover their faces on hajj because men won't look at them with lust. The Ihram is usually put on at a specific entry places into the vicinity of Makkah. When pilgrims go to the Ka'ba they chant and pray a prayer called 'Talbiyah The Ka'ba lies in the middle of a sacred mosque. Muslims walk and circle the Ka'ba in an anti-clockwise direction seven times; while chanting prayers. Circling the Ka'ba seven times is known as Tawaf. Muslims perform tawaf as a group because it shows respect to Allah that you're all working as a group. While at the Ka'ba they see Al-kiswah. The Al-kiswah is a black cloth hung over the Ka'ba all year round it is inscribed with gold writing which are verses from the Qur'an. After all the chanting and rituals Muslims move on to two hills of Al-Safa &
Five Pillars of Islam Essay
Five Pillars of Islam Essay 4. a) Describe the five pillars of Islam. (8 marks) The five pillars of Islam are five obligatory duties that a Muslim must perform. The pillars are acts of worship and show submission to Allah. The five pillars are Shahadah, Salah, Zakah, Sawm and Hajj. Shahadah is the declaration of faith and is the fundamental belief of Islam. 'There is no God but Allah and Muhammed is the messenger of Allah'. This belief shows awareness of God as one. Salah is the ritual prayer. Muslims practice two types of prayer and they are Dua'a and Salah. Dua'a is the prayer of petition (asking) and invocation (pleading). This prayer can be said anywhere and at anytime. Salah is the prayer performed five times a day - dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset and night. This prayer can be performed anywhere that is clean, but it must be facing the direction of Mecca. Before Salah, Muslims must ritually wash and stand on clean ground or a prayer mat. Salah must be performed for the right intention or in Arabic niyyah. Salah is performed in a set pattern and there are movements that are performed called rakahs. Salah is obligatory for men, women and children from the age of 12. Zakah is almsgiving or giving money to the poor and needy. Muslims do not like it to be called charity as the money that it belongs to is Allah. It is a gift made to God. Zakah is a proportion of a