Islam
Islam is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion teaching that there is only one God (Allah) and Muhammad is a messenger of God. It is world’s second largest religion with over 1.8 billion followers. Followers of Islam are called Muslim. Islam teaches that God is merciful, all-powerful, and unique and the creator of the world and all life within it. The primary scriptures of Islam are the Quran and the Hadith. The Quran is viewed by Muslims as the verbatim word of God. The Hadith is an account of the teachings, actions and habits of Prophet Muhammad (570-632 CE).
Acts of Worship
There are five basic religious acts in Islam, collectively known as “The Pillars of Islam” which are obligatory for all believers. They are:
1-The creed (Shahada),
“I testify that there is no god but God. Muhammad is the messenger of God”. Muslims must repeat the shahada in prayer.
2-Prayer ( Salat)
When possible all Muslims should pray five times a day.
3-Charity (Zakat)-alms
It is considered religious obligation (as opposed to voluntary charity) that the well–off owe to the needy 2.5% of annual capital asset.
4-Fasting
Fasting from food and drink, among other things must be performed from dawn to dusk during the month of Ramadan. Fast is to encourage a feeling of nearness to God.
5- Pilgrimage
Every able-bodied Muslim who can do it must make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in her/ his lifetime.
