The essence of Islam
Followers of the Islamic faith are known as Muslims – those who submit to the will of God (Allah). Muslims believe that Islam is the final part of the Abrahamic religions that includes Judaism and Christianity.
God sent numerous prophets to guide humanity: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and finally Muhammad (peace be upon him – pbuh). As God sent revelations to the earlier prophets, he also revealed his final commandant, The Qur’an to his last prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
Practising the faith
The two major denominations of Islam are Sunni and Shi’a. All Muslims share belief in the teachings of the Qur’an which is considered to be the literal word of Allah. Muslims also follow traditions relating to the words and deeds of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh), known as Hadiths. Hadith collections are regarded as important tools for determining the Sunnah, or Muslim way of life.
The five pillars of Islam form the basis of the faith:
- Shahadah – The Testimony of Faith – the declaration that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is his last messenger.
- Salat – Ritual Prayer- five prayers at different times throughout the day.
- Zakat – Payment of Welfare – 2.5% of income is given to distribute to the poor.
- Ramadan – Fasting- During the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.
- Hajj – Pilgrimage to Mecca – able-bodied Muslims must make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.
Significant features of Islam
Muslims are encouraged to have a large and extended family and marriage is considered to be of the utmost importance. There are numerous hadiths expressing the importance of marriage and family.
The Qur’an also states that Muslims should dress in a “modest” fashion. Women traditionally wear hijab which covers the hair and when in the presence of someone of the opposite sex (other than a close family member – mahram), a woman should cover her body. Although certain general standards are widely accepted, modest dress for Muslim men is said to mean covering from the waist to the knees.
Food is also considered of significant importance in the Islamic faith. Islamic law prohibits a Muslim from consuming alcohol, and eating the meat of a carnivore or omnivore, such as pork. For the meat of a land animal to be halal (lawful) it must be properly slaughtered in the name of Allah.
Islam in Bury
1.4 billion people follow Islam worldwide and it is the second largest religion in the world. Muslims form one of the major religious groups in Bury and there are several mosques in the Bury area.
