tep - Islamic practices*

What are the Five Pillars of Islam?

Shahadah, Salah, Zakah, Sawm, Hajj

What is the Shahadah?

The declaration of faith: 'There is no God but God (Allah) and Muhammad is the Prophet of God (Allah).'

How is the Shahadah recited to become a Muslim?

It must be sincerely recited three times out loud in front of Muslim witnesses.

What significance does the Shahadah hold in a Muslim's life?

It is recited at birth, during daily prayers, and ideally as the last words before death.

What do Muslims proclaim when they recite the Shahadah?

That Allah is the only God, Muhammad is his prophet, and they will obey the commitments of Islam.

What additional phrase do Shi'a Muslims add to the Shahadah?

'And Ali is the friend of God.'

What are the Ten Obligatory Acts in Shi'a Islam?

They include Salah, Sawm, Zakah, Khums, Hajj, Jihad, Amr-bil-Maruf, Nahi Anil Munkar, Tawallah, and Tabarra.

How many times a day are Sunni Muslims required to pray?

Five times a day.

How do Shi'a Muslims differ in their prayer schedule?

They combine midday and afternoon prayers, and sunset and night prayers, praying three times a day.

What is wudu?

Ritual washing performed by Muslims to achieve spiritual cleanliness before prayer.

What does the Qur'an say about washing before prayer?

Qur'an 5:6 instructs believers to wash their faces, hands, heads, and feet before praying.

What is a mihrab?

A semi-circular niche in a mosque that indicates the direction of Makkah.

What is the significance of facing Makkah during prayer?

It symbolizes unity among Muslims and focuses their worship towards one sacred place.

What is a rak'ah?

A set sequence of actions and recitations performed during Muslim prayers.

What is included in the morning prayer's rak'ah?

Two rak'ah, which include recitations and physical movements like bowing and prostration.

What is the Jummah prayer?

The special midday prayer on Fridays that all male Muslims are expected to attend at a mosque.

What does Qur'an 62:9 say about the Jummah prayer?

Believers are instructed to hurry towards the reminder of God and leave off trading.

Can Muslims pray at home?

Yes, Muslims can pray at home as long as the room is clean and suitable.

What is the role of the imam during prayers?

The imam leads the prayers and is positioned in front of the congregation.

What is the purpose of the special compass used during prayer?

To show the direction of Makkah when praying outside a mosque.

What is the significance of the number of rak'ah in prayers?

Different prayers have specific numbers of rak'ah, such as two for morning and four for night.

What is prostration in Muslim prayer?

A physical act of kneeling with the forehead, nose, hands, knees, and toes touching the floor, showing obedience to God.

What is the purpose of the sermon delivered after the Jummah prayer?

To remind Muslims of their obligations and duties to God.

What is Khums in Shi'a Islam?

A 20% tax on income after expenses, with half going to charity and half to Shi'a religious leaders.

What does Nahi Anil Munkar mean?

Discouraging people from doing what is wrong.

What does Amr-bil-Maruf mean?

Encouraging people to do what is good.

What is the significance of spiritual cleanliness in Islam?

It prepares Muslims to focus fully on God during prayers.

What is salah in Islam?

Salah is prayer, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, creating awareness of God and uniting Muslims worldwide.

What direction do Muslims face when praying?

Muslims face Makkah (Mecca) when praying.

Why is prayer particularly useful for Muslim women at home?

It allows them to pray while managing responsibilities like caring for children.

What is Zakah?

Zakah is the third pillar of Islam, meaning giving alms to the poor, typically 2.5% of savings.

What does giving Zakah signify for Muslims?

It acknowledges that everything they own comes from God and promotes self-discipline and honesty.

What is the nisab in relation to Zakah?

Nisab is the minimum amount of savings a Muslim must have before being required to give Zakah.

What are the two values used to calculate nisab?

The value of 87g gold or 612g silver.

What is Sadaqah?

Sadaqah is voluntary charity that Muslims are encouraged to give at any time of the year.

What does Khums mean?

Khums means 'fifth' and refers to the requirement for Shi'a Muslims to donate 20% of excess income.

What is the significance of Ramadan in Islam?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which the Qur'an was revealed to Muhammad.

What is the primary practice during Ramadan?

Fasting (sawm) from dawn until sunset.

What is the purpose of fasting during Ramadan?

To show submission to God and develop self-discipline.

What is the Night of Power?

An important night in Ramadan marking the beginning of God's revelation to Muhammad.

What should Muslims do if they cannot fast during Ramadan?

They are expected to make up the missed fasts later if possible.

How does fasting during Ramadan help Muslims empathize with the poor?

It serves as a reminder of hunger, inspiring them to help those in need.

What is the Qur'an's instruction regarding Zakah?

Zakah should be given to the poor, needy, and those in debt, among others.

How does Zakah strengthen communities?

It encourages the rich to support the poor.

What is the relationship between salah and Zakah?

Salah fosters concern for others, which Zakah puts into action.

What is the significance of reciting the Qur'an during prayers?

It reminds Muslims of the Qur'an's importance in their lives.

What is the command regarding fasting found in the Qur'an?

Muslims who are present during Ramadan must fast, while those who are ill or traveling can make up the days later.

What is the typical evening meal during Ramadan called?

Iftar, the meal to break the fast.

What is the significance of the Qur'an in Muslim prayers?

Reciting from the Qur'an during prayers emphasizes its importance and teachings.

What is the role of charity during Ramadan?

Many Muslims choose to pay Zakah during Ramadan to help the poor.

What are some exemptions from fasting during Ramadan?

Pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those who are ill are exempt.

How does fasting during Ramadan promote community spirit?

By sharing meals and inviting the poor to join in breaking the fast.

What does the act of bowing and prostrating in prayer signify?

It reminds Muslims that God is greater and more important than they are.

What is the purpose of the Qur'an's guidance on Zakah?

To ensure that wealth is shared and used to support those in need.

What is the significance of the Night of Glory in Islam?

It is better than a thousand months, and worshipping on this night gives Muslims the benefits of worshipping for that duration.

What is Hajj?

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, an annual pilgrimage to Makkah that Muslims must undertake at least once in their lifetime if they are able.

When does Hajj take place?

Hajj takes place from the 8th to the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar.

What is Ihram?

Ihram is a sacred state that pilgrims enter before Hajj, involving ritual washing, prayer, and specific clothing.

What do male pilgrims wear during Ihram?

Men wear two sheets of white cloth wrapped around their bodies, symbolizing equality and purity.

What do female pilgrims wear during Ihram?

Women wear clothes of a single color that cover their entire body except for their face.

What is the Ka'aba?

The Ka'aba is a shrine in Makkah, built by Ibrahim, which serves as the focal point for Muslim worship during Hajj.

What do pilgrims do at the Ka'aba?

Pilgrims circle the Ka'aba in an anti-clockwise direction seven times and may touch or acknowledge the black stone.

What is the significance of the black stone in Islam?

The black stone is revered as an ancient Islamic relic and is considered by some to be the only surviving stone from the original Ka'aba.

What is the significance of the hills of Safa and Marwah?

They are linked to the story of Hajira and Ishmael, where Hajira ran between them searching for water.

What is the standing at Arafat?

It is a key moment during Hajj where pilgrims spend the afternoon praying, believed to be a time when God forgives sins.

What do pilgrims collect at Muzdalifah?

Pilgrims collect 49 small pebbles to use at the Jamarat in Mina.

What do the Jamarat represent?

The Jamarat represent the devil and temptation, where pilgrims throw pebbles to reject evil.

What is Id-ul-Adha?

Id-ul-Adha, or the festival of sacrifice, is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah and lasts for four days.

What is the significance of animal sacrifice during Id-ul-Adha?

It commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God and is part of the celebration.

What do Muslims do during Id-ul-Fitr?

Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan with prayers, feasting, and giving thanks to God.

What is the purpose of the imam's sermon during Id-ul-Fitr?

The sermon reminds Muslims to forgive disputes and focus on helping the poor.

How do Muslims celebrate Id-ul-Fitr?

They gather for special prayers, wear new clothes, decorate homes, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive foods.

What is the significance of visiting Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah?

It is the mosque built on the site of Muhammad's original mosque and contains his tomb.

What is the importance of the month of Ramadan in Islam?

It is a month of fasting, reflection, and prayer, commemorating the first revelation of the Qur'an.

What does the Qur'an say about the importance of the pen?

The Qur'an emphasizes the significance of knowledge and learning, as stated in 96:1-5.

What does the Night of Power signify in Islam?

It is the night when the first revelation of the Qur'an was made, marking its spiritual significance.

What is the role of financial support for Hajj?

Communities may provide financial assistance to ensure that poor Muslims can fulfill their religious obligation of Hajj.

What historical event is reflected in Hajj?

Hajj reflects the journey of Muhammad and the return of the Ka'aba to the worship of God alone.

What do pilgrims do after completing Hajj?

Many pilgrims travel to Madinah to visit the Prophet's Mosque and reflect on their experiences.

What is the significance of the well of Zamzam?

It is the source of water that sustained Hajira and Ishmael and is collected by pilgrims during Hajj.

What is Id-ul-Adha and when is it celebrated?

Id-ul-Adha is a festival celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, lasting for four days.

What does Id-ul-Adha commemorate?

It commemorates the willingness of the prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ishmael on God's command.

What did Ibrahim do when he received the command to sacrifice his son?

Ibrahim informed his son, who agreed to obey God's command.

What happened when Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son?

God prevented the sacrifice and provided a ram to be sacrificed instead.

What is the significance of prayers in the mosque during Id-ul-Adha?

Prayers begin the festival, where the imam preaches about sacrifice and the festival's significance.

How do British Muslims typically handle the slaughter of animals during Id-ul-Adha?

Animal slaughter is not allowed in Britain, so many buy an animal from a local slaughterhouse.

What is the distribution of meat after the Id-ul-Adha sacrifice?

A third is kept by the family, a third is given to relatives and friends, and a third is given to the poor.

What is the concept of Jihad in Islam?

Jihad refers to struggling against evil, both individually and collectively within Islam.

What are the two elements of Jihad?

Greater jihad (personal inward struggle) and lesser jihad (outward struggle to defend Islam).

What is greater jihad?

Greater jihad is the personal inward struggle to live according to the teachings of Islam.

What are the Five Pillars of Islam related to greater jihad?

The Shahadah, Salah, Zakah, Sawm, and Hajj.

What does the Shahadah represent in the Five Pillars?

The Shahadah is the declaration of faith, putting God above everything else.

What is the purpose of Zakah in Islam?

Zakah requires Muslims to care for others as a duty.

What does Sawm entail for Muslims?

Sawm requires Muslims to show discipline by fasting for a whole month.

What is the significance of Hajj in the context of greater jihad?

Hajj involves dedicating ten days to God's will, leaving behind worldly concerns.

What is lesser jihad?

Lesser jihad is the outward struggle to defend Islam from threats.

How did Muhammad view lesser jihad compared to greater jihad?

Muhammad stated that lesser jihad is less important than greater jihad.

What is a holy war in the context of Islam?

A holy war must be declared by a religious leader, in response to a threat, not for territory or wealth, and must be a last resort.

What criteria must be met for a war to be considered a holy war?

It must be declared by a religious leader, respond to a threat, not seek territory or wealth, and be a last resort.

How is lesser jihad sometimes misinterpreted in modern times?

It is often misinterpreted by extremists as justification for terrorism.