World Religions: Islam

Islamic Branches

Islam split into divisions due to disagreements over who should succeed Muhammad; Shiites support Ali, while Sunnis believe leadership should go to the most qualified.

Shahadah

Profession of faith; declares that 'There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.'

Salat

Ritual prayer of praise to God, performed five times a day by Muslims.

Zakat

Almsgiving to the poor and needy, constituting 2.5% of annual income for Muslims who have the means.

Sawm

Fasting during the month of Ramadan, observed by Muslims as a form of spiritual discipline.

Hajj

Pilgrimage to Mecca, which is a religious duty for Muslims to be fulfilled at least once in their lifetime.

The Qur’an

The holy book of Islam, believed to be the literal word of Allah as revealed to Muhammad.

Haram

That which is forbidden in Islam, such as pork, blood, alcohol, and birds of prey.

Halal

That which is permitted or lawful in Islam; emphasizes humane treatment of animals.

Eid-al-Fitr

Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, celebrated at the end of Ramadan.

Eid-al-Adha

Festival of sacrifice, marking Ibrahim’s (Abraham) submission to God and occurs at the end of Hajj.

Aqiqah

Naming ceremony held seven days after a child's birth, involving the cutting of hair and sacrifice of a goat/sheep.

Imam

Religious leader at a mosque or within the Islamic community.

Islam

An Arabic word meaning 'submitting to God' and 'peace.'

Death in Islam

The last words should be the Shahadah, and the body is buried facing Mecca.

Birth in Islam

Children are believed to be born free of sin, and males should be circumcised.

Kaaba

the cube-shaped shrine in the Centre of the Great Mosque

Minaret

high tower or dome from which a muezzin calls the faithful to prayer

Mihrab

small arch or hole in wall indicates the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca

Ummah

the Muslim community.

Wudu

cleansing process before prayer (water)