Islam - Practices. Overview. What this section covers:

Transcription

1 Islam - Practices Overview What this section covers: The importance of Practices Public acts of worship Private acts of worship Zakah (Charity) Sawm (Fasting) Hajj (Pilgrimage) Festivals and Holy Days Jihad 1

2 The importance of practices The Five Pillars In Islam, there is what is known as the Five Pillars of Islam. These are not the beliefs of Islam, but rather ways in which those beliefs are practised and expressed. They are essential for a Muslim to live his/her life in accordance to Islamic law and worship. These five pillars are often depicted as a house, with each one supporting the house of Islam. If any one of these five pillars were removed, the house would fall down. In the same way, a Muslim would believe that by not living their life in accordance with each one of these five pillars, their Muslim life would not be complete. The five pillars are: Shahadah (declaration of faith) Salah (obligatory prayer) Zakah (compulsory giving) Sawm (fasting in the month of Ramadan) Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah) Shi a Muslims have an additional five acts as well as the five pillars. These are known as the furu al-din. The extra acts are: Khums (paying 20% of one s earnings to religious leaders and poor and needy people) Amr-bil-Maroof (promoting good actions to do the right thing) Nahi Anil Munkar (stopping wrongdoing whenever able) Tawalla (expressing love towards the righteous) Tabarra (disassociating from evildoers and those who oppose Islam) 2

3 Some Sunni Muslims believe that the belief of Tabarra can cause conflict with the wider world and within the Muslim community. Sunni Muslims would have no issues with following these extra acts as part of their life. 3

4 Public acts of worship Shahadah The first of the Five Pillars is the only one that is not an action. This pillar is a declaration of faith (compare the idea of saying the Shema in Judaism). This declaration of faith contains two statements. It declares 1) the idea of One G-d and 2) of Muhammad being G-d s messenger. The first part of the statement encapsulates the idea of Muslim belief of Tawhid (Unity of G-d/Monotheism), and that G-d is supreme over all things. To deny this belief would mean a person would be guilty of shirk. The second part of the statement reminds Muslims of their belief that Muhammad is the human through whom G-d has revealed His message. The Shahadah is whispered to a newborn baby so that it is the first words that they hear and, if possible, they are the last words a Muslim should say before they die. The Shahadah is also the way for someone to convert to Islam, although the words must be understood and not just recited. The Shahadah is expected to be professed until death. Anyone who does not do this is called an apostate. Salah Salah is the ritual Muslim prayer that is carried out five times every day (compare this with the Jewish idea of Tefillah three times a day). One of the 99 names of G-d in Islam is translated as The Hearer. This alludes to the idea that G-d is always ready to listen and respond to prayer, and Muslims believe that when performing Salah, they are in direct communication with G-d. The timings of prayer come from the Hadith (sayings of Muhammed). In these sayings, Muhammed explained that prayer should take place: A morning prayer A midday prayer (early afternoon) A late afternoon prayer A prayer just after sunset Night-time prayer 4

5 The exact times for each prayer will depend on the time of the year, because they are dependent on daylight and night hours. Prayer preferably takes place in the mosque as a community but Muslims are individually responsible for praying at these times. If a Muslim is not praying in a mosque, they must find a suitably clean place to pray. Call to prayer Before every Salah, a call to prayer known as the adhan is made by the mu adhdhin (caller to prayer). This will be made in Arabic facing Makkah. In some places, the mu adhdin will climb up the minaret (tower) to do this. Loudspeakers are also used to do this. There is a second call to prayer in the mosque. This signifies that prayers are about to begin. Rak ahs Salah involves reciting parts of the Qur an and some Arabic phrases whilst carrying out various sequences of movements. There are eight movements in each prayer sequence, and each has a religious significance. A complete sequence of prayer is called a rak ah, and there can be two to four rak ahs depending on which prayer it is. A typical sequence of movements will be: Raising the hands to the ears and saying the opening words of the prayer ( G-d is greatest ). This symbolises focusing only on G-d and putting every thought and concern aside. Standing to recite parts of the Qur an Bowing to demonstrate respect Standing to attention while praising G-d Bowing with the forehead touching the floor saying the words G-d is the greatest. Sitting on the heels and then bowing with the forehead touching the floor again. This signifies submission to G-d. Sitting with the hands on the knees Turning the head right and then left blessing fellow worshippers Jumu ah prayer Every Friday, the Jumu ah prayer is said at mosques. Male Muslims must make every effort to attend this prayer. Women may also attend but they will pray in a separate room. 5

6 By gathering together at least once a week, Muslims are reminded that they are part of a wider Muslim community. It also gives the community a sense of solidarity, and is a time when community issues and problems can be discussed. During the Jumu ah prayer, Muslims will line up in rows, shoulder to shoulder, to perform the rak ahs. It is important that Muslims face the correct direction towards Makkah. When praying in the mosque, worshippers will face a mihrab a semi-circular niche in the wall that indicates the direction of Makkah. When praying alone, or anywhere away from the mosque, prayer mats are used. During Jumu ah, the imam will deliver a sermon and will then lead everyone in two rak ahs of prayer. Variations for Shi a prayer Shi a Muslims will also pray five times a day, but they are allowed to join the midday and afternoon prayers together, as well as the evening and night time prayers. It may therefore appear that they are only praying three times a day. When Shi a Muslims pray, they will place their forehead when bowing down on things that are considered part of the earth they may use clay or a piece of wood. This is different to Sunni Muslims who touch the carpeted floor of the mosque. Shi a Muslims believe that the earth is considered pure in a way that man-made items cannot be, and this fulfils the need for the area of prayer to be clean. This comes from the idea that Muhammad used a mat made of natural fibres. 6

7 Private acts of worship Du a (Supplication) As opposed to the Salah, there is a private prayer called the Du a. the word du a simply means asking. It is a prayer when a Muslim will bring his/her own concerns to G-d. They may include thanksgiving or requests to G-d (compare this with the Jewish Amidah prayer). By carrying out du a, Muslims are showing that they believe in G-d s immanence. The Du a can be said in any language, and can be said immediately after the Salah. It can be said at any time of the day, and may include the use of prayer beads. Prayer beads These are passed between the thumb and forefinger of the believer. Each set of prayer beads has either 33 or 99 beads, which are used to recite the 99 names of G-d, or to repeat phrases. The reason for this practice comes from a Hadith, where Muhammad is recorded as telling his daughter, Fatimah, to remember G-d by using these phrases. Some Muslims disagree with the use of prayer beads as Muhammad did not use them. Instead they will use their fingers to count recitations. 7

8 Zakah The concern that a Muslim will have for poor and needy people comes from the idea that Muhammad himself was orphaned at an early age, so he knew what it was like to be at a disadvantage. The third of the five pillars of Islam is giving to the poor and needy for all those who can financially afford it. (compare this with the Jewish idea of Tzedakah). Zakah is explained in the Qur an as being used to support the poor and needy, redeem slaves (in ancient times), and relieve those in debt. The minimum amount of Zakah is called the Nisab. Zakah is not just money, but can also include livestock and produce. Sunni Muslims give 2.5% of their wealth above the Nisab. Shi a Muslims give 20%. In Muslim countries, the government will collect the Zakah much like a tax. In non- Muslim countries like the UK, Zakah is collected by local mosques and charities. The money collected is then distributed to those who need it. The word Zakah literally means purification, because giving zakah is supposed to purify a person s heart of greed. As Muslims believe that they will have to account for their lives on the Day of Judgement, they want to be honest in the way that they live. Muslims believe that their possessions are only theirs because G-d has given it to them, and therefore it is their duty to use them in accordance to G-d s will. Zakah is not considered charity since it is just a redistribution of G-d s wealth. In the same way, someone who received zakah should not feel a lessening of their own worth, but rather they should feel blessed by G-d. Sadaqah In addition, Muslims may choose to make further voluntary donations, called sadaqah. This comes from the word sidq, meaning sincerity because giving these extra donations is a sign of a Muslim s sincerity to their faith. Unlike with Zakah, there are no limits or guidelines for sadaqah any amount may be given at any tie and given to anyone. In the Hadith, Muhammad linked charitable giving to being saved from hell, and while these donations should be given in private to avoid pride, G-d is aware of these acts. Khums Khums is one of the ten Acts of Shi a Islam. It was originally given to Muhammad s successors, and later, the Imams. 8

9 It is calculated at 20% of a person s wealth and is obligatory. Anyone who keeps money that should go to Khums is guilty of having forbidden money. This is called haram. Anything that is bought with haram money is also considered to be haram. Khums is given once a year to the religious person that the Muslim follows. This ensures it is used correctly. The money is used to help the poor and to support religious schools called Madrasahs. 9

10 Sawm Sawm is fasting in Ramadan, and is the fourth pillar of Islam. It is also one of the ten acts of Shi a Islam. It is commanded in the Qur an. (Compare this with fasting in Judaism sometimes referred to as tzom). Ramadan takes place in the ninth month of the Islamic year. The significance of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar is that it is believed that this was the month when the Qur an was revealed. In this month, Muslims abstain from food, drink and marital relations during the daylight hours. Every able-bodied Muslim, from around the age of twelve, should fast during Ramadan but there are exceptions. Someone whose health will be endangered by fasting will not have to. Neither do people who are making long journeys, pregnant women, or women who are menstruating. What Muslims are supposed to appreciate through Sawm There are several benefits that Muslims are supposed to be aware of through Sawm. These are individual benefits, but also communal and national benefits (the Islamic community is called the Ummah). Becoming more obedient to G-d and therefore being a better Muslim (called being a Muttaqi) Increased awareness of G-d s presence in the world and therefore staying away from sin (called Taqwa) Increased self-discipline in obeying G-d. Focus on their spirituality as they are abstaining from physical needs Appreciation of, and empathy with, those who are in need by experiencing hunger and thirst Increased awareness of dependence on G-d for what He gives them In addition, many Muslims will spend more time learning the Qur an and praying during the month of Ramadan. Duties during Ramadan Muslims get up early during the month of Ramadan so that they can eat and drink before the fasting of that day begins. In Islamic countries, a canon or drum will be used to wake Muslims up in time to eat each day. The pre-dawn meal is known as Suhur. The idea of fasting from dawn to nightfall is mentioned in the Qur an. 10

11 During Ramadan, Muslims will be more careful than normal to not allow anything that is forbidden to enter their body through the nose or mouth. This includes smoking. Negative actions or thoughts that can lead to a negative action are also forbidden more than normal e.g. lying or breaking promises, avoiding sinful thoughts, and anger. After the day is over, the fast for the day is broken by a meal known as Iftar. A small amount of food is eaten along with water. The Maghrib (evening) prayer will be performed before the main meal is eaten. Poor people are often invited to share in a meal with a family. Some mosques will serve a communal meal every night of Ramadan so that the community can break their fast together. Every night during Ramadan there are special prayers called Taraweeh. These prayers are broadcast live from Makkah. These prayers include reciting large portions of the Qur an, so that over the month of Ramadan the whole of the Qur an will have been recited. The Taraweeh prayers can last for an hour or longer and includes many cycles of movement within the prayers. After every four cycles of movement, a worshipper will sit to rest briefly. The word Taraweeh means rest. Observing Ramadan will be easier in Islamic countries because everyday life changes to reflect the duties of Ramadan. Outside Islamic countries, it may be more challenging and might bring issues such as being excused from PE at school. Last ten days of Ramadan and the Night of Power The final ten days of Ramadan are especially important as the Hadith says that it was during this time that the Night of Power occurred. This was a night when Muhammad was said to have received the first pages of the Qur an. During these ten days, Muslims will make even more effort to worship G-d. in many cases, Muslims will try to take these ten days off work so that they can devote themselves to worshipping G-d fully. Since it was believed that Muhammad spent these ten days in the mosque learning and reciting the Qur an, many Muslims will try to do the same, at least for some of that time. Anyone who has not attended the Taraweeh prayers in Ramadan up until then, will try to do so in the last ten days. The end of Ramadan The new moon indicates the start of the tenth month and the end of Ramadan, and with it, the end of sawm. The end of Ramadan is marked by the feast of Id-Ul-Fitr, meaning the Festival of Fast Breaking. During this festival, children are given presents, sweets and new clothes. Homes are decorated, food is prepared, and cards wishing one another Id Mubarak are sent (meaning Happy festival. Note that Id is related to the Hebrew word 11

12 Mo ed meaning appointed time, and Mubarak is related to the Hebrew word Bracha meaning blessed). 12

13 Hajj What is Hajj? Hajj is one of the five pillars of Sunni tradition, and one of the ten obligatory acts for Shi a Muslims. The only exception to this is if a Muslim is physically or financially unable to go. Hajj literally means setting out on a journey for a definite purpose. For Muslims, it is most commonly used to refer to the pilgrimage made to Makkah in Saudi Arabia, and specifically to the Kabba there. Hajj can only be performed in the latter part of the Muslim year. A male Muslim who completes Hajj is given the title of hajji, and a female Muslim who completes Hajj is given the title of hajja. Only Muslims can perform Hajj. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the city of Makkah it is set apart for the holy purpose of Hajj. When someone approaches the city, they must have their passes checked to confirm they are Muslim, and that they are going to Makkah for Hajj. How Hajj began The reason for Hajj is traced back to when Ibrahim s wife, Hagar, and their son, Ishmael, were in the desert. Ishmael was close to death from thirst, and legend has it that Hagar ran between the hills of Safa and Marwa to look for water. As she did so, the angel Jibril appeared and created a spring of fresh water, known as the well of Zamzam. Ibrahim was then told by G-d to build a monument at the site of the spring. This monument is known as the Kaaba. At first, the Kaaba was a place where idol-worshippers went to worship. However, according to Muslim tradition, in the year 630 CE, Mohammad led a group of Muslims there, where they destroyed the idols and rededicated the Kabbah to monotheistic worship. The path that Mohammad took is retraced as part of the Hajj ritual every year. (Incidentally, the Torah records that Hagar and Ishmael were sent into the desert by Sarah, that Ishmael was close to death, and that an angel appeared to Hagar to save him. The Torah record differs in that the Torah portrays Hagar as sitting passively away from Ishmael, rather than looking for water for him. A Midrash does suggest that after Sarah s death, Abraham remarried Hagar and that Ishmael did teshuvah). Ihram Ihram is the name of the state of holiness that Muslims are required to be in for Hajj. To gain this state of holiness, Muslims must wash their bodies fully before they arrive at Makkah. During the pilgrimage, many men and women will stay in separate accommodation from their spouses as they are not allowed to have sex, since this will 13

14 take their focus away from G-d. Muslims will also be careful to show greater self-control including not getting angry, not cutting hair, not wearing perfume, not damage plants, not lie, and not marry. Special clothing, also known as Ihram, is worn. This is simple clothing, to remind Muslims of humility and equality before G-d. Men wear two pieces of unsewn white cloth, sandals, and leave their heads uncovered. Women have no set dress code, but will often choose to wear a simple white dress and headscarf. Women will, however, only show their face and hands everything else is covered. Some Muslims will save their Ihram clothing and hope to be buried in it when they die. The Kaaba The Kaaba, is a large, cube-shaped structure. It is part of Muslim belief that it was originally built by Adam and then rebuilt by Ibrahim. The Kaaba is covered by a black cloth made of silk and wool, known as the al-kiswah. As Ibrahim prayed to G-d there, so too are Muslims required to pray there (this is a place known as the Station of Ibrahim). In the south-east corner of the Kaaba is a black stone. Some Muslims believe it was given to Ibrahim by the angel Jibril; others think it is a meteorite sent by heaven. Muslims try to kiss the black stone as they circle the Kaaba. Tawaf On his final visit to Makkah, Mohammad visited the Kaaba. This is copied by pilgrims. They will circle the Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction, all the while saying quotations from the Qur an. This ritual is known as tawaf. Pilgrims will start from the corner of the black stone, and walk the first three circuits quickly, followed by a normal pace for the remaining four. On each circuit, pilgrims will try to touch the black stone as Mohammad did, although this may be impossible due to the number of pilgrims doing this. Sa y Muslims will also try to re-enact the story of Hagar running between two hills to find water for Ishmael. Nowadays, the path between these two hills, which are about 420 metres apart, is covered by a walkway. Muslims will move between these hills seven times. Where the well of Zamzam is supposed to be is a spring today. Muslims might take home water from this spring. 14

15 Arafat On a specific day in the Muslim calendar (ninth of Shul-Hijjah), from midday to dusk, Muslims will travel to the Plain of Arafat, about 24km from the Kaaba. They will face the Kaaba just like Mohammad did. As it is usually intensely hot, many Muslims will hold umbrellas to shields them from the sun. While they are there, they will plead for forgiveness from G-d for their sins. This is one of the most important rituals of the Hajj, and even Muslims who are not on Hajj may set aside this day for prayer and fasting. Mina The day after Arafat, pilgrims travel to Mina. It is believed that at this place, G-d told Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ishmael as a test of his faith. According to the story, Iblis (Satan) tried to tempt Ibrahim not to do it, and encouraged Ishmael to run away. Both resisted, and instead they drove Iblis away by throwing stones at him. G-d then provided a ram for Ibrahim to sacrifice instead of his son. To re-enact this story, pilgrims throw seven pebbles at a pillar known as jamrah, meaning great devil. It is an action that symbolises their desire to withstand any temptations and to remain faithful to G-d. At Mina, Muslims who can afford to are required to make an animal sacrifice. The meat is then eaten by pilgrims, with at least one third given away to pilgrims who cannot afford their own sacrifice. This sacrifice is a further symbol of Ibrahim s sacrifice of the ram. Even Muslims that are not on Hajj will participate in this sacrifice as they celebrate Id-Ul-Adha. The importance of Hajj Hajj is important for Muslims for the following reasons: It is a completion of one of the central elements of Muslim faith Muslims will have a greater sense of the worldwide Muslim community who have come together for Hajj They may feel a greater closeness to G-d They may feel a sense that their sins have been forgiven by G-d They may feel a greater spiritual certainty of their place in Paradise 15

16 Festivals and Special Days Like all religions, there are several festivals and special days in Islam. Here are some of them. Id-Ul-Adha Id-Ul-Adha means The Festival of Sacrifice. It is the major Muslim festival. As we have seen, it takes place during the Hajj season, and commemorates the event of when Muslims believe Ibrahim sacrificed a ram instead of his son Ishmael. Muslims will make a sacrifice of an animal at this time. Depending on the country it is being celebrated in, the festival may last up to three days. In Muslim countries, Id-Ul-adha is a national holiday, and no work takes place. How Id-Ul-Adha is celebrated There are several traditions that Muslims follow in celebrating this festival: The selection of the animal to be sacrificed The slaughter of the animal. In Islamic countries this will take place in the area of each household making a sacrifice. In non-islamic countries, such as the UK, Muslims families are likely to go to a Halal slaughterhouse to get the animal slaughtered in a ritually correct way. The meat is divided into three portions: One third for the family, one third to friends and relatives, one third to the needy and less fortunate. At the beginning of the festival, Muslims will dress up, often wearing new clothes. Prayers begin the festival at the mosque, followed by a sermon by the imam. Prayers may also take place away from the mosque at an open air gathering called am Musalla. Muslims will greet each other with the words Id Mubarak, which means Blessed Festival. Importance of the festival to Muslims There are several deeper importances for Muslims of Id-Ul-Adha: Opportunities to make sacrifices to G-d Opportunity to thank G-d for what He gives Developing the sense of Ummah (community) A sign of support for those who make the Hajj at this time 16

17 Id-Ul-Fitr Id-Ul-Fitr takes place at the conclusion of Ramadan. Mohammad called this festival The Day of Reward since it comes after the Ramadan fasting period. It is a three day festival, beginning on the first of the tenth month in the Islamic calendar, when the new moon is sighted. This will be marked in Islamic countries by firing a cannon, or through TV and radio broadcasts. In Islamic countries, this will be a day of national holiday, with no work or school for three days. How Id-Ul-Fitr is celebrated There are several traditions that Muslims follow in celebrating this festival: Special charity is given to atone for mistakes that may have been made in fasting throughout Ramadan Families will attend special prayers on the morning followed by a sermon from the imam which will usually contain encouragement to care for the needy Celebratory meals are held in people s homes Specially prepared food will be served, gifts will be exchanged, new clothes will be bought, and people will enjoy each other s company making an effort to forget past disagreements Some Muslims will visit cemetaries to remember those who have been separated from them by death Id-ul-Ghadeer Id-ul-Ghadeer is a Shi a festival. It celebrates the day that Mohammad is believed to have given his last sermon. Shi a Muslims believe that it was on this day that Mohammad appointed Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor. This is mentioned in the Qur an (5:67) and is known as The verse of announcement. After this proclamation, Mohammad stopped his journey at a place called Ghadir Khumm, where he made a speech and set up a tent for Ali to sit in while people came to pledge their allegiance to him as Mohammad s successor. In Shi a countries, such as Iran, there are often festivities in the streets as Muslims will greet each other. Sunni Muslims do not accept this interpretation of events. They believe instead that Mohammad was calling for Ali to be respected, but not appointing him to be his successor. For this reason, Sunni Muslims do not celebrate this event. How Id-ul-Ghadeer is celebrated 17

18 There are several traditions that Shi a Muslims follow in celebrating this festival: A full bath is taken early in the morning Specific prayers are completed, generally at the mosque An account of the story is read out loud at mosques to allow Shi a Muslims to reaffirm their belief in Ali as being the first Imam Presents are given to each other Celebratory meals are eaten Ashura Ashura is commemorated by both Shi a and Sunni Muslims for different reasons. It is a day dedicated to fasting and it takes place on the tenth day of the first month of the Muslim year. Both Sunni and Shi a Muslims commemorate two events that they believe took place in history on this day: Noah (Nuh) left the Ark Moses (Musah) was saved by G-d from the Egyptians Shi a Muslims also use this day to commemorate the martyrdom of Hussayn. He was the son of Ali and the grandson of Mohammad, and was the third Imam of the Shi a Muslims. Shi a Muslims participate in public acts of mourning and grief. Some Shi a Muslims whip and beat themselves even though this is against some prohibitions from Muslim leaders. In London, Shi a Muslims gather at Marble Arch for a mourning procession and speeches. 18

19 Jihad Jihad is possibly the most misinterpreted area of Islam. The misconception of Jihad stems from how people connect the term Jihad with holy war, and further, to acts of violence. However, the word itself literally means striving. Jihad is important to all Muslims. It takes two forms Greater Jihad and Lesser Jihad (explained below) but generally Greater Jihad is a striving to gain control of oneself, and Lesser Jihad is a striving for control over outside forces. Greater Jihad Greater Jihad is the internal struggle of a person against his/her own desires that would move a person off the straight path that please G-d. The Greater Jihad is therefore a lifelong struggle and the reward is a place in Paradise after death. As the name implies, this type of Jihad is more important than the Lesser Jihad, because it is important for a Muslim to perfect themselves before trying to deal with outside forces. To achieve a victory in the Greater Jihad, Muslims are required to overcome many negative qualities, such as greed and anger. The Qur an calls Muslims to Do great Jihad with the help of the Qur an (25:52) which means striving for holiness through a better understanding of the will of G-d. Muslims are meant to strive against doing wrong (Munkar) and to strive to do what is good (Maroof). Lesser Jihad Lesser Jihad is the struggle to create a good and fair Muslim community. To achieve this, some Muslims believe that it is necessary to wage war against those that would obstruct the creation of this community. Muslim belief is that if war is to be waged on behalf of the Muslim community, it must either be a defensive war, or a war against an unjust regime. In either case, the war should be targeted against the leaders in order to free the people they lead from tyranny. The Muslim guidelines for waging war for a Lesser Jihad are as follows: The enemy must always have started the fighting The war cannot be fought to gain land The war must be sanctioned by a religious leader The war must have an aim to bring about good (something that G-d would approve of) It must be a last resort measure, when everything else has failed Innocent people must not be killed or harmed Enemies on the battlefield, or captured, must be treated with justice Wounded enemy soldiers must be treated the same way as one s own soldiers 19

20 The war must stop when the enemy asks for peace Property must not be needlessly damaged Poisoning wells is forbidden Some extremist sects in Islam have interpreted these rules in a way that justifies killing or violence against anyone who is not a Muslim, or sometimes even against fellow Muslims who do not conform to their religious beliefs. They view that Christian and/or Jewish societies are a threat to Islam, and it is therefore justifiable to attack them. The Kharijite Muslim sect even added Jihad to the Five Pillars of Islam, making it six pillars. It is important to note that most Muslims disagree with this extremist position. 20