Islamic practices Flashcards
What does Jihad mean?
to strive or to struggle. both a struggle for faith and a struggle against evil
Greater Jihad
The personal inner struggle to be a good muslim and to improve spiritually.
Involves striving to follow the 5 pillars of islam
“no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another” forgiving others
Lesser Jihad
Is about defending islam from threat. While the majority of muslims see their religion as one of peace, sometimes muslims have fought enemies when needed if they have allahs permission
“ permission has been given to those who are being fought”
Name the 4 muslims festivals
ashura
night of power
id-ul-adha
id-ul-fitr
What is ashura?
shia muslims festival of remembrance/ a day of reflection on the massacre
A major commemoration of the martyrdom of husayn, ali’s son and a grandson of the prophet muhammad
When is ashura?
on the 10th day of muharram, the first month of the islamic lunar calander
What do muslims do on ashura?
shia muslims will try and focus on their actions being in the spirit of justice and thier dedication to the path of allah by remembering what happend to Husayn through reenactment and eulogies to remeber his life
What do muslims do in prep and on the day of ashura?
ten days before the festival are a period of mourning. On ashura itself fasting is discouraged
Many muslims wear black and there are parades through the street
What is Id-ul-Fitr?
the festival of the end of ramadan / fast breaking
It is a joyful festival and a day of thanksgiving to allah
celebrates that muslims have completed the 5th pillar of islam (sawm)
What do muslims do on Id-ul-fitr?
a special zakah is collected (donation). this is given to muslims who are not as well off so that they can celebrate the festival aswell
There is a service with prayers and a sermon.
How do muslims celebrate id-ul-fitr?
Family and friends meet up and exchange gifts
id-ul-fitr is important for community togetherness as often there are celebrations such as fun fairs put on which enables members of other faiths to get involved
What is id-ul-Adha?
The commemoration of sacrifice and marks the end of the hajj which is the annual pilgrimage to mecca
The festival is a reminder of Allahs blessings and shows how important he is.
What do muslims remember at id-ul-Adha?
When the prophet ibrahim was asked to make a sacrifice of his son ismail for the sake of God.
Ibrahim was going to sacrifice his son ismaill but at the last minute Allah stopped him and told him to sacrifice a ram instead.
This was to test ibrahims loyalty to Allah.
What do muslims do on id-ul-Adha?
on the first morning of id-ul-Adha muslims attend morning prayers at their local mosque. The service includes communal prayers and a sermon which teaches the importance of obeying allah
Muslims rember ibrahims sacrifice by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep. This is still practiced in some countries but in the uk meat is brought from halal butchers and then divided into 3. a third is kept, a third is given to relatives or neighbours, and a third is given to the poor
How do muslims celebrate id-ul-Adha?
everyone wears new clothes
people spend time with families and friends and presents and cards are exchanged.
Women and children decorate their hands with henna and delicious food is eaten and shared.
What is the night of power?
The name given to the night when angel jibril first appeared to muhammad and began revealing the quran which is the most important event in history for muslims
The night of power is the holiest night of the year
What do muslims do on the night of power?
Muslims try to stay awake for the whole night to pray and study the Quran and giving thanks to god
What will happen on the night of power?
Is a time when allah will forgive their sins
What is the night of power also known as ?
Laylat Al Qadr
