islam practices Flashcards
What are the Five Pillars?
- Shahdah, the declaration of faith
- Salah, prayer
- Zakah, charitable giving
- Sawm, fasting
- Hajj, pilgrimage
What are the benefits of prayer/salah?
- It develops God consciousness (taqwa) and the desire to avoid sin and establish self-discipline as it ‘restrains outrageous and unacceptable behaviour’
- Believers can use it to ask for forgiveness, thank God for what they have done and gain good comments for their book on the Day of Judgement
- When all Muslims pray in the same way at the same time, a sense of belonging to the ummah (Muslims community) is developed
- Prayer is stated by the Quran as ‘obligatory for the believers at prescribed times’ and Muhammed and the prophets performed prayer so a believer can follow in their footsteps
What is Zakah?
The third pillar of Islam, a religious duty of charitable giving
explain two contrasting muslim beliefs about giving alms
- sunni muslims pay zakah annually, this is a charity donation of 2.5% of income paid to the poor
- shi’a muslims must also pay a 20% tax that contains alms, this is khums, half of which goes to shi’a religious leader and half to charity
What are some of the quotes for zakah?
“alms are meant only for the poor, the needy, those who administer them…for God’s cause”
“know that whatever of a thing you acquire, a fifth of it is for Allah, for the messenger…and the orphans, the needy”
“whatever you spend with a good heart, give it to..orphans, the helpless, and travellers in need”
explain the importance of zakah
- muslims believe that giving zakah helps them to purify their souls, by removing selfishness and greed, and helps bring them closer to god (moral development)
- money benefits both giver and receiver, muslims believe that the giver will receive a hundred-fold back in the afterlife and they should also feel the satisfaction of giving
- by giving zakah, muslims are fulfilling a duty and obligation to god, it is the third pillar
- it helps strengthen the muslim community by supporting the poorest and weakest
- it encourages muslims to have a good attitude towards money, and to use their wealth in a way that would please god
explain the importance of khums
- gives special recognition to Muhammed, his descendants and leaders within shi’a islam
- used to help build islamic schools or projects chosen by shi’a leader
- helps those in need
- promotes islam through eduction
- it is one of the 10 obligatory acts
What is sawm?
Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan
What happens during Sawm?
- During the whole month of Ramadan (the ninth Muslim month) no food or drink is allowed during the hours of daylight
- Because the hands and tongue should be fasting too, other activities are avoided including smoking, sex, telling lies, gossiping and sinful actions
Who has to fast during Ramadan?
Fasting should begin once a Muslim reaches puberty, unless to do so would cause a ‘hardship’
Who are exempted from fasting during Ramadan?
Exceptions are pregnant and breast-feeding women, the very sick or elderly, menstruating women, long distance travellers, the very poor and those undertaking a task that would make fasting dangerous
What are those who are exempted from fasting expected to do instead?
Those who are unable to fast due to health reasons should feed a poor person twice a day and try to make up for their fasts later
What are the benefits of Sawm?
- Develops self-control and discipline, as the spiritual strength develops and body’s demands are ignored
- develops devotion to god, brings muslims closer to him
- develops concern and sympathy for the hungry and those in need
- brings the islamic community together, unity with the ummah
Why is sawm important?
- it is one of the five pillars and ten obligatory acts, it is a foundational practice for muslims
- helps muslims remember the importance of the Qur’an, which was first revealed during ramadan
- develops devotion to god and brings muslims closer to him, increases muslims’ appreciation for his provision and therefore develops gratitude
- it shows obedience to god and his will and develops self-control and discipline
- helps develop concern for and sympathy with the poor and understanding of the importance of charity (link to zakah)
- brings the muslim community together and strengthens their unity
what are some of the quotes for sawm?
“fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may be mindful of God”
“fast for a specific number of days, but if one of you is ill, or on a journey, then on other days”
“it was in the month of ramadan that the Qur’an was revealed…so any of you who sees in that month should fast”
What is hajj?
Performing the pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia
why do muslims go to Mecca?
- it is the birthplace of prophet Muhammed
- it is the home to the ka’aba, the holiest place and the direction muslims face when they pray
- most sacred place on earth for Muslims, the ‘heart’ of islam
What are the benefits of Hajj for Muslims?
- Enables the development of taqwa (God-consciousness) and strengthens their faith and relationship with God
- It develops self-discipline and dedication to God, it reminds them to resist temptation
- produces inner peace, teaches them patience and provides time to reflect
- It reminds them of important beliefs about their prophets and the good examples set by the prophets
- Enables forgiveness and preparation for the Day of Judgement
- It fosters a sense of belonging to the ummah and equality
What are some of the quotes for hajj?
“pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to god by people who are able to undertake it”
What is Ihram?
- a state of purity that pilgrims must enter before hajj begins
- this involves performing ritual washing, praying, and putting on Ihram clothing which is white
- shows unity and equality that fact that everyone wears similar clothes
- strengthens feeling of commitment and community within ummah
